A New Beginning

Chapter 6: Sorting

Sisters by choice. Twins by blood.

Aquaria Sawyer.

xXx

Right when they stepped off the train, Hermione could hear Hagrid's booming voice. It brought her a sense of nostalgia, a sense of familiarity.

"First-year! This way to the boat! Come on, don't be shy! Hurry up!" A younger Hagrid shouted. While every other first-year opened their mouths in surprise, Hermione smiled fondly at her half-giant friend. He was not aware of who she was currently, but Hermione promised herself to visit Hagrid soon. Perhaps she could convince Elisabeth to join her. Noticed her sister was also smiling at Hagrid, Hermione doubted that the task would be impossible.

Hermione was pleased that Remus joined them on the boat as well. Hopefully, they would have a closer relationship here than theirs in the future. They have been good acquaintances, often talked about books and the Orders, but that was it to their association.

A short, gawky boy already occupied on the boat they headed. His skin was tanned, and his hair reached his chin, almost long as Sirius' but lack the curls. Hermione squinted her eyes, quite sure that she has seen that face somewhere before. She was to introduced herself when the boy beat her to it.

"Benjy Fenwick. Nice to meet you all!" He said, waving his hand at them.

Oh! Benjy Fenwick. Order of Phoenix. Viciously murdered in the War. Blown up to pieces by Death Eaters. Pieces of information came to her mind, filled her in on what his future was supposed to be like, and dammed Hermione if she let it happened this time around. Not on her watch! She slammed her Occlumency shield up to try and hide away her shock. She gave him a genuine smile instead.

The introduction went around comfortably for the four, especially for Remus. Hermione could hear chatters coming from other boats as well. Everything went silent suddenly when the sight of the magnificent Hogwarts castle appeared in front of them all. Hermione's face broke into a wide smile then, mixed with relief or happiness; she was not sure. The last time she saw the castle, it was full of crumbles and bodies. But now, Hogwarts was full of life, and Hermione couldn't help and admire it fully.

xXx

Exactly like her first year, Professor McGonagall lined up all the new students in front of the Great Hall, preparing for their sorting. It was strange, seeing the younger version of their Professors again. The last time Elisabeth saw them, they were each dueling multiple Death Eaters by themselves, protecting the students and Hogwarts. She vowed to help make the future a better place for them. Before she could wander in her thought, Professor McGonagall began her speech, almost identical to the one she said in her time.

As Professor McGonagall left them to wait outside the Hall, chatters rose around everywhere, mostly about the sorting they were about to go through. Somewhere in the back, she could hear James Potter prattled on about fighting a dragon for the sorting. Elisabeth could also overhear the 'ooh' and 'ahh' and even the nervous clatter, accompanied after his statement as well. Just as she heard Sirius boisterous laugh, Professor McGonagall came back.

"Settle down, please. Now, get in two lines and follow me. We shall get you all sorted in a minute."

Nervousness began to fill Elisabeth when almost every person in the Hall turned to look at them. Took a few deep breaths, she forced herself to relax and move her focus elsewhere, namely, the enchanted ceiling. She remembered clear as day how impressive she has been, looking at it for the first time. Even now, it still filled her with a sense of awe.