Born From Madness (Harry Potter Fanfic)

10

Hermione proceeded back down the compartments defeated in not able to find Trevor. She felt like if she backtracked maybe she would find him in case she overlooked the toad. She had made it halfway when she was stopped b three boys. Hermione recognized one as the boy she met at Madam Malkin's robe shop. He was looking at her with a sly smirk. 

"There she is! She's the one I told you two about Crabbe and Goyle! The one, who knows someone working with Betty White herself!" the guy stated. The other two stared intensely at her like she was made completely out of ice cream. 

"I never introduced myself. I'm Malfoy. Draco Malfoy!" Draco stated to her. Before Hermione could say something, a low snicker caught their ears. They all peered around to find Harry and Ron leaning out of their compartment. 

"Think my name's funny, do you? No need to ask who you are. Red hair... and a handed down robe... you must be a Weasley." Draco shot at Ron then turned his attention to Hermione, "You'll soon find out there are some wizarding families are much better than others. You don't want to go making friends with the wrong sort. I can help you there." 

Draco held out his hand to Hermione, who shot him a glare. 

"I think I can tell who the wrong sort are for myself, thanks." Hermione told Draco. He didn't go red but there was light pink that began to form on his cheeks. She could see Ron's face was twisted in a look of pure shock as Harry look like he couldn't understand what's going on. Draco then motioned for the other two to follow behind him as they hurried away. Soon it was just the three of them staring at each other. 

"You've met Malfoy before?" Ron asked her. She nodded before explaining their meeting at Diagon Alley. 

"They were some of the first to come back to our side after You-Know-Who vanished. Said they'd been bewitched. My dad doesn't believe it. He says Malfoy's father didn't need an excuse to go over to the Dark Side," he suddenly surprised Hermione when he blurted out, "Can we help you with something?" 

Hermione felt anger rushing in her as she tighten her hands into tight fists. 

"You better hurry up and put your robes on! We're about to arrive soon." She growled before pushing between Harry and Ron, "Oh! And by the way, you've got dirt on your nose, Ron." 

She could see from the corner of her eye, Ron wiping his nose, then proceeded back to her compartment. 

Hermione was happy to find the train stopping. Neville hadn't found his toad yet but she assured him they'll get it. Hermione took hold of her cat's carrier and bag as they cleaned up their treats then headed out. They were walking around till Hermione heard someone calling for first years. They followed behind a group of other first years, who followed behind a man Hermione read about called Hagrid. He walked them down till they were on the edge of a lake. Hermione gasped as her eyes landed on the sight of Hogwarts. It was even more beautiful than in those photos she saw. 

"No more than four to a boat!" Hagrid told them. Hermione went with Neville after Ron and Harry. Hermione and Ron shared a look of rage between the two of them before entering the boat. They crossed the lake and proceed onto the land. 

"Hey! You there! Is this your toad?" Hagrid called out to Neville holding a toad. 

"Trevor!" Neville cried blissfully as he went off to get his toad. Soon they headed up towards the castle. Soon they walked through the front doors and up the stairs where a woman stood, seeming to wait for them. 

"First years, Professor McGonagall." Hagrid introduced them. 

"Thank you, Hagrid. I will take them from here." She told him before leading everyone to another pair of doors before pausing as they crowded around in a small area in front of it. 

"Welcome to Hogwarts," She said, "The start of term benquet will begin shortly, but before you take your seats in the Great Hall you will be sorted into your houses. They are Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin. Your house will be like your family. Your triumphs will earn you points. Any rule breaking will lose you points. t he end of the year the House with the most points is awarded the House Cup. The Sorting Ceremony will take place in a few minutes in front of the rest of the school. I suggest you all smarten yourselves up as much as you can while you are waiting." 

Her eyes scanned over the crowd before landing right on Hermione. Her eyes widened a bit but she collected her composure. Hermione couldn't help but feel like McGonagall had seen something in her that she didn't like. 

"I shall return when we are ready for you. Please wait quietly." McGonagall told them before she left the chamber. 

"How exactly do they sort us into house?" Hermione whispered. 

"Some sort of test, I think. I'm not entirely sure though." Neville explained to her. Hermione mumbled to herself about different facts, charms and other spells, she may need to know for this test. Hermione jumped when she heard Neville screamed. She gazed up to find there were ghosts floating overhead of them. Hermione overheard a conversation between a little monk and another ghost. 

"Forgive and forget, I say, we ought to give him a second chance--" 

"My dear Friar, haven't we given Peeves all the chances he deserves? He gives us all a bad name and you know, he's not really even a ghost-- I say, what are you all doing here?" The ghost, who was talking to the monk, suddenly noticed them. Hermione didn't answer them. No one did. 

"New students," Said the Friar, "About to be sorted I supposed?" 

A couple nodded. 

"Hope to see you in Hufflepuff! My old house, you know." The Friar said to them. 

"Move along now," the sharp voice of McGonagall spoke, "The Sorting Ceremony's about to start." 

Soon the ghost flew off through another wall. McGonagall turned towards them. 

"Now form a line," McGonagall ordered, "and follow me." 

The doors behind her opened and McGonagall lead them through it.