Child's play

Chapter 5

"I-I-I," The hat stutters out, "In all my years I truly have no clue as to where to place this witch."

Gasps ring out across the great hall, Hermione looks around as heavy whispers break out across the great hall. "Well this is quite troublesome." Hermione says still grinning "Quite troublesome indeed," she schools her face into a look of pure innocence turning towards McGonagall, the shocked expression still Contorting her face.

"Well I don't know." McGonagall says looking towards Headmaster Dumbledore for assistance.

"Set her up in a chair up here for now, next to Professor Snape will do." Dumbledore says standing, his eyes trained on Hermione. "We will solve this at a later time, there are still first years to sort, continue the sorting as per usual"

Hermione rises from the stool and gently passes the hat to Professor McGonagall. She calmly moves towards the end of the table where she presumes Professor Snape is, who stands when she gets close and conjures another chair for her to sit on. Curiousness prominent on his features before he schools it back to passive disdain. Once she sits down Dumbledore commands attention "if you'll be so kind to proceed, Professor McGonagall."

McGonagall looks around confused for a second as if in a daze.

"Minerva."

At that she snaps out of it, looking to Dumbledore once again.

"The sorting ceremony." He says. Motioning to the kids lined up in front of her.

"Oh, yes, right where was I? Greengrass, Daphne!" McGonagall says turning her attention back towards the small group of children. She sits for a moment before the hat calls out "SLYTHERIN" 

The slytherin table cheers as the girl, Daphne, walks towards it. Hermione decides to ignore the rest of the sorting in favor of closing her eyes, and taking a power nap. Only waking up once she hears Dumbledore clear his throat and stand and curious eyes studying the side of her face. She looks to see Snape gently watching her. She smirks as Dumbledore begins speaking.

"Welcome to Hogwarts, to those new and welcome back to those returning. May this year be filled with new discoveries. Let the feast Begin."

All the tables are suddenly filled with plates of food, Hermione from her spot at the head table sees the firsts years and even some second years look at the sudden spread in astonishment and amazement. The plate in front of her is filled with fish 'n chips, Hermione just reaches for the food and munches on it as to not arouse suspicion, for she is still being watched by not only Professor Snape, but also some of the more curious students.

Once the majority of children are finished eating and chatting amicably about this and that, some of the older students have their head resting on the table with their eyes closed or have already gotten up and left. Dumbledore stands again and easily commands the attention of all students.

"Prefects if you would lead the first years to your house dormitories that would be much appreciated. This is a reminder that curfew is at 10, and all students must not be seen outside of their dormitories after said hour. With that being said I bid you all a very good night." He says backing away from the table and moving towards Hermione. 

She waits expectantly picking up the last chip and shoves it into her mouth.

"Miss Granger?" Dumbledore says from behind her she turns and looks at him. "If you would please come with me so we can see what exactly to do with the curious case that is your situation."

Hermione stands, as does Professors Snape, McGonagall, Flitwick and Sprout. She then silently follows The Headmaster, the other professors following behind.

Headmaster Dumbledore leads her through the halls until he comes across a gargoyle. "Toffee Eclairs" Hermione hears Dumbledore mutter and the gargoyle begins to move.

"Huh, that's something, guess I should always know the password just in case." Hermione thinks as she concentrates on an undetectable listening spell. As she walks past the Gargoyle she drags her hand across it placing the spell there. So any password said or password changed becomes common knowledge to her.

Hermione follows Dumbledore into his office and he moves to sit at his desk. McGonagall is third to come in Already asking questions.

"What are we going to do about this Albus, this has never happened before" Minerva says, her voice going to a slightly shrill worried tone as she enters the office.

"Calm down Minnie," Prof. Sprout says "I'm sure He has thought of something "right?"

"The best thing I can think of at the moment is allow her to be not necessarily a part of any house, only placing her in a house as a formality, but give her free reign of all the houses the hat said she could be in."  Prof. Flitwick suggested

"And nobody asked for your opinion," Snape says and Hermione chuckles at that bringing 5 sets of eyes down on her.

"I would appreciate it if you all would stop speaking of me in the third person. I am after all standing right next to you." Hermione snarks "And if you must know that hat said all four houses, and I doubt some of you would like that very much. Blasted creature called me an enigma. He said and I quote, 

'You have all the make-up to be placed in Slytherin, Yet you are wise beyond anyone's years meaning Ravenclaw could be a good bet. You are definitely loyal to a fault, Hufflepuff might be the place for you, but dare I say you are the most daring of all Gryffindor past.' 

But be that as it may I have no true desire to be in any house. I came here to learn control and I do not wish to be held back by those around me." Hermione says cutting herself off feeling a miniscule pressure in her head, looking straight towards Dumbledore. "I would appreciate it if you didn't do that again, my magic tends to lash out, for I lack control, and I don't know what could happen. We wouldn't want you getting unnecessarily hurt now would we." Hermione passively threatens. Clenching her fists at her sides.

The room is deathly quiet as Hermione glares at Dumbledore, who is the first to break eye contact. 

"Most daring indeed," Dumbledore says, placing his hands on his desk. "She can be placed in Gryffindor, that is if you think you can handle her Minerva."

Words 1097

Sorry I'm so late, I completely forgot to upload.... Don't hate me I'm fragile.