Denying Draco

3 - You've Got Yourself A Howler

Poppy stood with the last few nervous first years, feeling rather anxious herself, as she waited for the first year sorting process to finish. Finally, the last young witch stepped up and was sorted into the Ravenclaw house, to which then Poppy's turn arrived.

'Okay, that completes the first year house sorting for this year,' Professor. McGonogall stated, to the Great Hall full of all Hogwarts students. The first years had all hurried to be seated with their new houses, leaving Poppy standing alone before the Professor. She glanced around as people mumbled and whispered to each other in confusion as they wondered who she was. They could tell she was too old to be a first year. Poppy spotted Ron and Hermione who both waved at her encouragingly and she immediately felt slightly more at ease.

'We have a new seventh year student at Hogwarts this year who will also be sorted into her house now and then dinner can begin,' Professor. McGonogall announced. 'Poppy Dumbledore.'

The Great Hall filled with shocked and curious voices as the students reacted to her name. She glanced up at where her great, great uncle sat at his seat and he winked at her reassuringly to which she nodded and took a deep breath, moving forward to take a seat.

As she sat down, she watched Professor. McGonogall bring the Sorting Hat forward and she placed it on her head. All Poppy could do was stare onwards as every student was silent, staring at her in astonishment. Her eyes moved over to the flourish of green where the Slytherin house sat and most of those students were scowling or glaring. The boy from the train was there too...Malfoy, and he looked as stunned as anyone upon discovering she was a Dumbledore, as he stared at her across the room. She gulped in discomfort and turned her attention back to the Gryffindor table, returning Hermione's sympathetic smile.

The Sorting Hat began, making her jump at the unexpected deep voice above her. 'Well, well, well, what do we have here? Another Dumbledore, eh? Let's see what jumps out at me here... I see great knowledge and wisdom within you right away...you could certainly be a strong Ravenclaw. Or maybe a Hufflepuff, with your loyalty and patience trying to outshine your wit and intellect...no? Maybe a little too ambitious...a little too determined for a Hufflepuff...maybe Slytherin could be just the place for your resourcefulness and pride. No? Your chivalry certainly overrules your self-preservation. Courage...bravery. I know just the house for you to help you on the way to greatness. I think it better be...Gryffindor!'

Poppy's whole body relaxed in relief as the Gryffindors cheered and clapped and the hat was removed from her head. She was a Gryffindor, just like her father, and she could not have been more ecstatic.

'Come and sit with us, Poppy!' Hermione called, as Poppy made her way down the aisle to sit. The Gryffindors welcomed her warmly and she already felt right at home.

'Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts everyone!' Albus Dumbledore stated, as he took to his feet to address the hall of students. 'Before we begin dinner, I would like to say one thing. There are some dark and dangerous things happening in the Wizarding World right now, as I'm sure you are all aware of, but I am thankful that you are all still in school attendance and have not allowed fear to stand in your way. Hogwarts is your home; a place of security. Remember all, we are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided. Now, without further ado, let the feast begin!'

Before her eyes, the tables filled with platters of food as all of the students began conversing cheerfully. Roast turkeys, potatoes, bowls of thick, rich gravy appeared aswell as many other delicious things. Poppy did not hesitate to dig in.

'So, are you actually related to Professor. Dumbledore then?' another seventh year boy asked, resulting in everyone turning to him with a frown.

'You don't waste any time do you, Seamus,' Ron said, shaking his head.