Chapter 5
{Sunday 1/9/1991}{06:30}{Granger Household}
It was finally the first of September and Hermione could not be more excited. She had been awake most of the night, unable to sleep from a mix of excitement, nerves and worry.
When the sun finally started to peak through her curtains, she deemed it acceptable to get up and wake her parents, not particularly bothered if they wanted to sleep in or not. Much to Hermione’s surprise, Mr and Mrs Granger were already up and ready, drinking tea.
“Good morning dear.” Mr Granger greeted, a small smile on his face.
“Good morning, I was going to wake you up. I thought you would still be in bed.” Hermione told them both.
“Well, we thought that, if you go and quickly get ready now, we would drive up to London early and go and have breakfast before we take you to the train station.” Mrs Granger said, delighted at the smile that appeared on Hermione’s face.
“Okay, I’ll be fifteen minutes!” Hermione called as she was running back up the stairs.
As soon as Hermione was back upstairs, she grabbed her outfit for the day and rushed into the bathroom. She quickly ran through her shower routine – beyond thankful that she has washed and dried her hair the night before – and brushed her teeth before putting on a new dress that her parents had bought her, especially for today. From years of trying, Hermione had learnt not to bother trying to tame her hair, so she quickly ran her comb through it and put a headband on before rushing back down the stairs to put her shoes on.
“All ready.” She said, a big grin on her face.
“Good, we have a surprise for you.” Mrs Granger announced as Mr Granger left through the back door, coming back a few seconds later with a cat, in a cosy looking carry crate. “We thought that you would like a pet to take to Hogwarts with you and we noticed that you were looking at him when we were in Diagon Alley.”
“Oh, he’s perfect, thank you.” Hermione gasped, taking the crate and opening the little door so that she could meet her cat. “I’ll name you Crookshanks.” She decided.
Before they knew it, the three Granger’s were packing Hermione’s trunk and bags into the boot of the car and making their way to London.
~~~~~
{08:30}{London}
“I can’t believe I’m finally going back to school!” Hermione said, making her parents laugh.
“You know Hermione, most kids hate going back to school.” Mr Granger laughed, sipping on his tea as they waited for their breakfasts to be cooked.
“Well, I’m not like most children, I thought we all knew that.”
There was a natural lull in the conversation as the family of three waited for their food. Once they got their breakfast, Mrs Granger started up the conversation again.
“Hermione, your father and I were talking, and we think it’s best if you don’t mention that you know who the rest of your family are when you get to Hogwarts and eventually get to know people, possibly people related to you.”
“Why?”
“Well, there was a reason that we raised you away from everything. It was to keep you safe and out of harm’s way. That might not continue if people find out that you’re aware of your family tree. As far as anyone who knows you is aware, you’re still ignorant to who your family are.”
“Oh, okay.”
Hermione didn’t really have much to talk about after that.
~~~~~
{10:40}{Kings Cross Station}
“Gosh it’s crowded today.” Mrs Granger commented as they made their way through the station. Hermione chose to ignore her mother’s comment, as she had suggested that they get to the station early to avoid rushing, but her mother had insisted on some sigh seeing before they dropped her off.
“Right, I’ve been told it’s best to do this at a bit of a run dear.” Mr Granger said, in turn causing Hermione to speed up.
Now, Hermione wasn’t one to speak ill of her parents but, in this moment, as they were running towards a solid brick wall, she though that they were bonkers.
However, before she knew it, Hermione – once she had opened her eyes – was staring at a bright red steam engine, on a platform bustling with people.
“Did we just run through a wall?”
“Yes, now come on, let’s get you a compartment and sort out your bags.” Mrs Granger said, leading Hermione onto the train with Mr Granger following behind.
Soon enough, they had found an empty compartment for Hermione to sit in. Mr Granger had helped her get her trunk up onto the racks, her other bags soon following with Crookshanks and a book staying by her side. Things started to hit Hermione very suddenly. She was going to be away from her parents for over three months; she had never done that before. Her only method of communication would be letters, she wouldn’t be having conversations with them every day, they won’t be there to wish her goodnight.
“Stop panicking sweetheart, you’ll be fine. We’re only a letter away.” Mrs Granger told her, giving her a hug, Mr Granger soon joining in. “Alright, this is where we leave you. Do try and enjoy yourself sweetie, write to us when you know what house you’re in and just be yourself.”
“Alright, I will. I love you both.”
“We love you too.”
~~~~~
{15:22}
When Hermione got on the Hogwarts Express and followed her mother’s advice of being herself, she didn’t expect that the majority of her journey would be spent searching for a toad named Trevor.
Personally, Hermione didn’t understand why anyone would want a toad as a pet, you can’t do anything with them. Regardless, she helped the panicked boy – Neville – search for his toad.
She had worked her way through most of the train, meeting some interesting people along the way. She didn’t like that boy though, Ron he said his name was – she did get to meet Harry Potter though and Hermione had read all about him.
She was getting to the end of the train now, so entered one of the last compartments. She regretted it almost instantly.
Inside were six people, probably only a couple of years older than Hermione. Three girls and three boys.
Two of the girls were practically on top of each other, trying to get away from one of the boys who was trying to show them something in a box. Hermione thought that it was quite an amusing picture.
“Hello.” One of the older boys said, interrupting her thoughts.
“Have you seen a toad?” Hermione asked, getting straight to the point.
“A toad?”
“Yes, a boy named Neville has lost one.”
“No, we haven’t seen a toad. Nice to meet you though, I’m Fred Weasley.” A boy with bright ginger hair and limbs too long for the rest of his body, introduced himself.
“Hermione.”
“George Weasley. That’s Lee Jordan, Alecia Spinnet, Angelina Johnson and Katie Bell. You got a last name Hermione?” the other, identical ginger boy asked her.
“I suppose that depends really.”
“On what?”
“Whether I’ll be getting to know you.” Hermione said, a little bit worried after speaking with her mother and finding out about most people’s opinions on her family.
“I’m sure we will be.”
“Well, you’ll find out what my name is in a few hours then won’t you?” Hermione said, turning and leaving the six people in the compartment.
~~~~~
{16:50}{Hogsmeade Station to Hogwarts}
Hermione was amazed when she stepped foot off of the train. She assumed that all the first years would just follow the crowd but now, on the platform, stood a literal giant of a man, calling for all the first years to gather around him.
Soon enough, once the giant was sure that he had everybody, they started to make their way through a small wood. Thankfully there was still some light, or nobody would have made it through there without falling at least once. It wasn’t long before they reached a clearing that led to a lake, containing two dozen small boats.
“Six to a boat you lot, that’s it.” The giant called, helping them into the small boats.
Hermione ended up in a boat with the two boys she had met earlier – Harry and Ron – Neville, who she had been helping on the train and two girls called Luna and Ginny. She noticed immediately that Ron and Ginny were twins, it would be hard not to notice; she also noticed that Luna look distinctly like Draco Malfoy, however, it could have just been the hair.
“Ginny Weasley.” The small ginger haired girl introduced herself.
“Hermione.”
“You got a last name Hermione?” Ginny asked, making Hermione laugh “What?”
“Your brothers asked me the same thing.”
“You met Fred and George? And they didn’t immediately try to humiliate you?” Ron asked, a disbelieving look on his face.
“Yes, I did meet the. They’re actually quite pleasant, more than I can say for others.”
“Well, I’m Luna Lovegood. It’s lovely to meet you Hermione no last name.” Luna introduced, making Hermione smile.
~~~~~
After about ten minutes, the first years had made it to a dock, in a cave with steps that lead up to the castle. Waiting at the top of the steps was a stern looking lady, dressed head to toe in emerald with a pointy hat and small wired glasses sitting on her nose.
“Got ‘em all ‘ere for you Professor McGonnagal.”
“Thank you, Hagrid.” The stern lady said, giving the giant a small smile, as he left them all “Follow me.” The professor said, leading the young students through the large double doors, straight into the entrance hall. There were flaming torches along the stone walls, just like the ones Hermione had noticed at Gringotts, there was also a grand marble staircase in front of them, leading to the upper floors.
The students all followed Professor McGonnagal across the cold, stone floor. Hundreds of voices could be heard from a door to their right – Hermione thought that the rest of the school must be in there. Instead of leading them into the noisy room, Professor McGonnagal lead them into a small quiet chamber off from the hall. They all crowded together, nervous looks on their faces.
“Welcome to Hogwarts.” Professor McGonnagal said. “The start of term banquet will begin shortly, but before you take your seats in The Great Hall, you will be sorted into your houses. The sorting is a very important ceremony because, whilst you are here, your house will be something like your family within Hogwarts. You will have classes with your house, sleep in your house dormitories and spend free time in your house common room.
“The four houses are called Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin. Each house has its own noble history, and each has produced outstanding witches and wizards. While you are at Hogwarts, your triumphs will earn your house points, while any rule breaking will lose your house points. At the end of the year, the house with the most points is awarded the house cup, a great honour. I hope each of you will be a credit to whichever house becomes yours.
“The sorting ceremony will take place in a few minutes in front of the rest of the school. I suggest that you smarten yourselves up as much as you can while you are waiting.”
“I shall return when we are ready for you. Please wait quietly.” Professor McGonnagal said, leaving the chamber.
“How do you think they sort us into houses?” Hermione overheard Harry asking Ron.
“Fred and George said it was a test, hurts a lot they said, but I think they were joking.” Ron answered, making Hermione roll her eyes.
“Oh, don’t be so ridiculous. We probably just answer a few simple questions. They wouldn’t do anything to hurt us.” Hermione told them, Ginny nodding along beside her, obviously used to her twins’ dramatics.
“She’s right, they can’t do anything that’ll hurt us. My mother said that all we have to do is put on a hat.”
“Draco!”
“Hello Hermione.” Draco said, awkwardly accepting the hug that she gave him “You’ve met Luna?”
“Yes, we met in the boat on the way here.”
Before Hermione could say anymore, Ron interrupted “You’re friends with Malfoy? Do you even know who his family are? What they’ve done?!”
“As a matter of fact, yes, I do.”
“Ron, calm down, he hasn’t done anything to us.” Harry tried to reason, not knowing who Draco was.
The group stood tense for a few seconds before Draco decided to talk. “Ronald, I-I’m aware that our families have had a blood feud for quite some time now, although I’m not sure why, but if it’s okay with you, I’d like to end that. I’d very much like for us all to be friends, no more fighting about something we know nothing about.”
Ron refused to answer Draco, a look of anger on his face.
“I think that’s a wonderful idea.” Ginny answered instead “Shall we?” she asked, offering her hand.
“Of course. I, Draconis Lucius Abraxas Malfoy, Heir to House Malfoy, hereby call an end to our blood feus with House Weasley.”
“I, Ginerva Molly Weasley, Heiress to House Weasley, hereby call an end to out blood feud with House Malfoy.”
As soon as the last words were uttered, a feeling of fire and ice spread through them both.
“Well, I assume that was it then?” Ginny asked, not getting an answer as Professor McGonnagal appeared, ready to take them through to The Great Hall.
The hall was lit by thousands of floating candles, hovering above four long tables, one for each of the houses, where the other students were sitting. There were hundreds of glittering golden plates and goblets lining the tables. At the very top of the hall, was another long table, this is where the teachers were sitting. Professor McGonnagal lead the first years to the top of the hall, all of them coming to a stop facing the other students with the teachers behind them.
Hermione noticed Harry looking up at the ceiling which was dotted with stars. “It’s bewitched to look like the sky outside. I read about it in Hogwarts: A History.” She whispered to him. Many of the students were finding it hard to believe that there was a ceiling there at all.
Professor McGonnagal soon captured everyone’s attention again when she silently placed a stool in front of them. On top of the stool, was a pointed wizard’s hat. The hat was patched and frayed and horribly dirty. The appearance of the hat had Hermione thinking about all possible things they could be made to do.
For the longest time, everybody just sat looking at the hat. The first years looked confused, whereas everyone else looked like they were waiting for something to happen. Out of nowhere the hat twitched. A rip near the brim opened wide like a mouth and the hat began to sing:
‘Oh, you may not think I’m pretty,
But don’t judge on what you see,
I’ll eat myself if you can find
A smarter hat than me.
You can keep your bowlers black,
Your top hats sleek and tall,
For I’m the Hogwarts Sorting Hat
And I can cap them all.
There’s nothing hidden in your head
The Sorting Hat can’t see,
So, try me on and I will tell you,
Where you ought to be.
You might belong in Gryffindor,
Where dwell the brave at heart,
Their daring, nerve and chivalry
Set Gryffindor’s apart,
You might belong in Hufflepuff,
Where they are just and loyal,
Those patient Hufflepuff are true
And unafraid of toil,
Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,
If you’ve a ready mind,
Where those of wit and learning,
Will always find their kind,
Or perhaps in Slytherin
You’ll make your real friends,
Those cunning folk use any means
To achieve their ends.
So put me on! Don’t be afraid!
And don’t get in a flap!
You’re in safe hands (though I have none)
For I am a thinking cap!’
The whole hall burst into applause as the hat finished its song. It appeared to bow to all four tables before becoming silent again.
“So, we’ve just got to try on the hat?” Ron asked “I’ll kill the twins, they had me thinking I had to wrestle a troll!”
Hermione was glad that they didn’t have to do any tricks or dangerous tasks to be sorted into their houses, but she did wish that they could try on the hat in private. She didn’t know how she felt about her name being called out to the entire school.
Professor McGonnagal stepped forward, holding a long piece of parchment.
“When I call your name, you will put the hat on and take a seat on the stool to be sorted.” She said, before she began “Abbott, Hannah!”
A young girl with pigtails nervously made her way up to the stool, put on the hat and sat down. After just a moments pause, the hat gave an answer.
“HUFFLEPUFF!”
The table full of students sporting yellow ties burst into cheers and clapped when Hannah sat down with them. Next was –
“Bones, Susan!”
“HUFFLEPUFF!”
“Boot, Terry!”
“RAVENCLAW!”
“Brown, Lavender!”
“GRYFFINDOR!”
She was the first new Gryffindor, much to the houses delight.
“Bulstrode, Millicent!”
She was the first new Slytherin, cheered on by the elder Weasley twins and even their friends in other houses.
Hermione was starting to get more nervous. All she could remember was being in school and being picked last for group activities because nobody wanted to be her friend.
“Black, Hermione!”
Now, this could have been her imagination but, Hermione thought that the hall became just a bit quieter when her name was called. She walked up to the stool, put the hat on her head and sat down.
“Hmm, now this could be a difficult one. You have plenty of courage and determination. A very intelligent mind. The talent, my, yes. A thirst to prove yourself to your family. But which family would that be, young one? Where oh where shall I put you?”
Hermione tried her best to not think anything, but she just couldn’t help but think ‘not Gryffindor’.
“Not Gryffindor eh? Interesting. Are you sure?”
‘Yes.’
“Well then, I suppose in keeping with tradition young Miss Black, it will have to be … SLYTHERIN!”
Hermione took the hat off to roars of applause coming from the Slytherin table, particularly two red headed twins.
~~~~~
When Neville Longbottom, the boy who Hermione had been helping look for his toad on the train, was called, he tripped on his way to the stool. The hat took an extraordinary amount of time deciding where to put Neville. Finally, the hat shouted “GRYFFINDOR!”. Neville then ran off, still wearing the hat and had to walk back amidst laughter to give it back to Professor McGonnagal.
Luna Lovegood, who Hermione had met in the boats, was sorted into Ravenclaw – very happily it seemed.
“Malfoy, Draco!” professor McGonnagal called. Reluctantly, a small, nervous Draco made his way up to the stool, taking the hat and sitting down. It didn’t even take the hat thirty seconds to decide that Draco would be sorted into Slytherin. Breathing a sigh of relief, Draco joined Hermione and his other two friends he had known his whole life, Crabbe and Goyle.
“Nott, Theodore!” at this name, Draco’s attention snapped to the top of the hall.
“Who’s that?” Hermione asked.
“My best friend, Theo. He’ll definitely be in Slytherin.” Draco answered.
Soon enough the hat called “SLYTHERIN!”
It soon did the same for “Parkinson, Pansy!”
After that, a few more people were sorted evenly into the other houses before “Potter, Harry!” was called. Whispers soon broke out about who he was and how he would definitely be sorted into Gryffindor, just like his parents.
Once Harry was sat on the stool, it seemed to take a while to decide – almost like the two were having a conversation. Eventually the hat made its decision.
“SLYTHERIN!”
Apparently that was a shock. Hermione ignored everyone else and clapped and cheered from someone that she had hopefully found a friend in. She clapped and cheered alongside the other first years who couldn’t care less what house people were in as long as they made some friends.
“Well,’ Draco started when Harry joined them ‘I have to admit that I am slightly shocked. I think the whole wizarding world just assumed that you were going to be in Gryffindor, Potter.”
“Well, the hat obviously thinks I should be in Slytherin.” Harry shrugged, making Hermione laugh as they turned to watch the rest of the sorting.
“Weasley, Ronald!”
“GRYFFINDOR!”
“Weasley, Ginerva!”
“SLYTHERIN!”
“Zabini, Blaise!”
“SLYTHERIN!”
~~~~~
Once the sorting was over, Albus Dumbledore got to his feet. He was grinning at his students, although, Hermione couldn’t help but find it slightly uncomfortable.
“Welcome!” he practically shouted. “Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts! Before we begin our scrumptious looking feast, I would like to say a few words. Here they are, Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak! Thank you!”
“He’s absoloutely mad.” Hermione decided before she tucked into her food.
~~~~~
{19:30}{The Great Hall}
The welcoming banquet was finally over. As much as Hermione had enjoyed the food and getting to know the people in her year, she was more than ready to call it a day. Following their prefect, the first years started to file out of the hall, down to the dungeons where the Slytherin common room and dormitories are.
Their prefects made them aware of the password – Grindylow – and made sure to tell them to check the notice board as the password changed weekly. They were very quickly shown the two common rooms where they could do homework and relax in their free time, before they were shown to their dormitories.
Hermione was so thankful for magic. Her bags were already waiting for her at the end of her bed, so she quickly opened her trunk to retrieve a pair of pyjamas to change into.
It wasn’t long before she was fast asleep.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~