Different sides
As the Hogwarts Express pulled into Hogsmeade Station, the excitement and anticipation in the air were palpable. Hermione Granger stepped off the train, feeling a mixture of nerves and exhilaration. She joined the throng of first-year students being guided by a giant man with a kind face and a bushy beard.
"Firs' years! Firs' years over here!" called Hagrid, the Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts. Hermione followed his booming voice, her eyes wide with wonder as she took in the sight of the imposing castle in the distance, its turrets and towers silhouetted against the darkening sky.
The first-years were herded into small boats, four to a boat. Hermione found herself sharing a boat with Neville Longbottom, who was still nervously clutching his toad, Trevor, along with Harry Potter and Ron Weasley.
"It's beautiful," Hermione whispered, her breath catching at the sight. The others nodded in agreement, equally awestruck.
Once they reached the castle, they were led inside by Professor McGonagall, who explained the Sorting Ceremony and the importance of the four Hogwarts houses: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Hermione felt a flutter of nerves as she realized she would soon find out which house she would call home for the next seven years.
As they waited outside the Great Hall for the ceremony to begin, the tension grew thicker. Harry and Ron were whispering to each other when Draco Malfoy approached, flanked by his usual cronies, Crabbe and Goyle.
"So, it's true then," Draco drawled, eyeing Harry. "Harry Potter has come to Hogwarts. This is Crabbe and Goyle," he said, gesturing to his companions. "And I'm Malfoy. Draco Malfoy."
Ron let out a snort of laughter, which earned him a sharp look from Draco. "Think my name's funny, do you? No need to ask yours. Red hair and a hand-me-down robe? You must be a Weasley."
Before things could escalate further, Professor McGonagall called for the students to line up, and the confrontation was cut short. Hermione felt confused seeing Draco’s behaviour towards Harry and Ron. She had glimpsed a different side of him in their brief encounters, but his arrogance and prejudice were hard to ignore.
The first-years were lined up outside the Great Hall, and Hermione's heart pounded as she heard the murmur of voices from inside. The doors swung open, revealing the vast hall filled with students seated at four long tables, all watching the newcomers with interest.
At the front of the hall stood a stool with an old, tattered hat perched atop it. Professor McGonagall called the first name, and one by one, students were sorted into their houses by the Sorting Hat. Hermione watched anxiously as her new friends were called up.
"Longbottom, Neville," Professor McGonagall announced.
Neville stumbled nervously to the front, the hat slipping over his eyes. There was a pause before the hat declared, "GRYFFINDOR!" The Gryffindor table erupted in cheers as Neville scurried over to join them.
"Malfoy, Draco," came next. Hermione held her breath, watching as Draco confidently strode to the stool. The hat barely touched his head before it shouted, "SLYTHERIN!" The Slytherin table cheered, and Draco smirked as he joined his housemates.
"Potter, Harry," Professor McGonagall called. The Great Hall fell silent, every eye on Harry as he approached the stool. The hat deliberated for a few moments before finally announcing, "GRYFFINDOR!" The Gryffindor table erupted with even louder cheers, and Harry looked relieved as he joined Neville.
Finally, it was Hermione’s turn. "Granger, Hermione," McGonagall announced.
Hermione stepped forward, her heart in her throat. She sat on the stool, and the hat fell over her eyes. She heard a small voice in her ear. "Hmm, a sharp mind, a thirst for knowledge… you could do well in Ravenclaw. But I see bravery too. Better be… GRYFFINDOR!"
The Gryffindor table cheered once more, and Hermione felt a surge of pride as she joined Harry, Ron, and Neville. She glanced across the hall and saw Draco watching her with a thoughtful expression before turning back to his new housemates.
As the Sorting Ceremony continued, Hermione felt a growing sense of belonging. She listened to the Sorting Hat’s decisions and watched as each new student found their place. She couldn’t help but wonder about the journey ahead and how her friendship with Draco would unfold within the walls of Hogwarts.
Once all the students were sorted, Professor Dumbledore stood and welcomed everyone with a warm smile. "Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts! Before we begin our feast, I would like to say a few words: Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak! Thank you!"
The hall filled with laughter, and with a wave of his hand, the tables were suddenly laden with a magnificent feast. Hermione's eyes widened at the array of delicious food before her. She eagerly filled her plate and joined in the lively conversation with her new housemates.
"Thank Merlin we're not in Slytherin," Ron said, digging into his meal. "My brothers told me it's the worst house to be in."
Harry nodded, his expression serious. "Yeah, I’ve heard a lot of bad things about Slytherin too. Full of dark wizards and all that."
Neville, looking relieved, added, "I was so worried I might end up there. My gran would have been furious."
Hermione listened to their conversation, feeling a knot of conflict tighten in her stomach. She couldn’t help but think of Draco. He had been kind to her, but his behaviour towards others and the reputation of Slytherin made her uneasy. She realized with a sinking feeling that if she wants to belong it would be best if people didn’t know she was friends with Draco. It would only lead to more complications and questions she wasn't ready to answer.
As the feast went on, Hermione glanced over at the Slytherin table, where Draco was engaged in conversation with his fellow housemates. Their eyes met briefly, and Draco gave her a small, almost imperceptible nod. Hermione returned the gesture with a slight smile, feeling a sense of reassurance in their unspoken understanding.
The evening continued with animated discussions and introductions. Hermione learned more about her new friends, sharing stories and laughter. She felt a growing sense of camaraderie, though she couldn’t ignore the subtle tensions that still lingered between the houses.
Eventually, the feast came to an end, and the students were led to their respective common rooms. The Gryffindor first-years followed a prefect through a maze of corridors and staircases until they reached the entrance to their common room, guarded by a portrait of a fat lady in a pink silk dress.
"Password?" the portrait asked.
"Caput Draconis," the prefect replied, and the portrait swung open to reveal a cozy room filled with squashy armchairs, a crackling fire, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Hermione felt an overwhelming sense of relief and happiness as she settled into the Gryffindor common room. She found a comfortable spot by the fire and pulled out a book, eager to immerse herself in the magical world she had dreamed of for so long.
As she read, she couldn’t help but glance at Harry, Ron, and Neville, who were discussing the events of the evening. She smiled, feeling grateful for the friendships she was already forming. And as she thought of Draco, she wondered what the future held for their secret connection and the challenges they would face together.
With a heart full of hope and determination, Hermione knew she was ready to embrace whatever adventures lay ahead at Hogwarts