𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐎𝐌𝐘 - 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫

four | school and sorting

-FOUR-

As the students got off the train, Khalida was overcome by a sense of wonder, as well as a tad bit of overwhelm. Sensing her mistress' slight distress, Lilith clambered up from atop Khalida's night-bag, to her shoulder. The students bustled about, eager to see where they were going. A shock of bushy brown hair made her call out, "Hermione!" and the addressed girl was immediately at her side. 

"It was Khalida, wasn't it?" Hermione asked, grinning. Khalida nodded and replied, "Indeed. Um, this might sound a bit odd, but I am quite new to this setting so if you could help me..." 

"Say no more. I read all about Hogwarts in a massive book called 'Hogwarts: A History' and it's got everything to know about Hogwarts." Replied Hermione. "Now, follow me. Don't let go of my hand and do be careful not to trip." 

She lead Khalida over to the boats and they sat together, the Granger girl chatting amiably to her new friend, in order to keep the country girl's mind off things. 

They arrived at the massive school, and the pair of them got off, Hermione holding Khalida's hand tightly as Hagrid the half-giant lead them through a large corridor. 

They stopped at the foot of a large staircase, at the top of which stood a prim-looking woman with a hooked nose and keen eyes which peered over a set of rimless glasses. Khalida recognised the woman from one of the photographs Remus had shown her. That was Professor McGonagall. 

"Welcome to Hogwarts," said the professor. "Now, in a few moments, you will pass through these doors and join your classmates. But before you can take your seats, you must be sorted into your houses. They are Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Now while you're here, your house will be like your family. Your triumphs will earn you house points. Any rule breaking, and you will lose points. At the end of the year, the house with the most points is awarded the house cup." 

A little exclamation of 'Trevor!' made everyone turn to Neville Longbottom, who dove at the professor's feet to catch a toad. Ignoring the sniggers of the onlookers, McGonagall said, " The sorting ceremony will begin momentarily."

Once the professor swept out of the room, her robes flowing around her regally, Draco spoke up, addressing Harry. "It's true then, what they're saying on the train. Harry Potter has come to Hogwarts."

"Cut it out, Draco," Khalida sighed. She had pulled Hermione through the crowd a little and was standing close enough to make herself seen as well as heard. 

She was promptly ignored as the boy said, "This is Crabbe and Goyle. And I'm Malfoy...Draco Malfoy." Ron sniggered, making the blonde glare at him, "Think my name's funny, do you? No need to ask yours. Red hair, and a hand-me-down robe? You must be a Weasley." Looking away from Ron, Draco continued, "Well, soon find that some wizarding families are better than others, Potter. Don't want to go making friends with the wrong sort. I can help you there." He extended his hand for Harry to shake. Sensing the blonde's arrogance, Harry replied, "I think I can tell who the wrong sort are for myself, thanks."

Khalida approached Draco and smacked him upside the head, saying, "You proud peacock of an idiot. What part of 'cut it out' do you not understand?" 

Draco, rubbing the back of his head in annoyance, said, "Shut up and stop humiliating me in front of the others!" He then added in a mumble, "You're lucky we're friends..."

"I'd say the same for you. If we weren't, things would have ended a little worse than a whack upside the head." Khalida shot back. 

McGonagall tapped Draco's shoulder with a piece of parchment, and the boy threw one last glare at Harry before turning away from him. 

"We're ready for you now. Follow me." Said McGonagall, leading them through the huge double doors. 

The Great Hall was massive, with a looming ceiling which had more than a hundred or so floating candles under it. Where wooden rafters should have been, an image of the navy blue night sky with twinkling stars was visible. 

"It's not real, the ceiling. It's just bewitched to look like the night sky. I read about it in Hogwarts: A History." Said Hermione, still next to Khalida.

On the podium was a six-legged stool, atop which sat a ragged and faded hat, who's hem had a rip in it to resemble a mouth. The first-years were crammed into the space between two of the long benches, as McGonagall said, "Will you wait along here, please? Now, before we begin, Professor Dumbledore would like to say a few words." 

A man wish a massive, pearly-white beard and red robes stood up. His blue eyes were visible under his half-moon spectacles as he said in an old man's raspy voice, "I have a few start of term notices I wish to announce. The first years please note that the dark forest is strictly forbidden to all students. Also, our caretaker, Mr. Filch has asked me to remind you that the 3rd floor corridor on the right hand side is out of bounds to everyone who does not wish to die a most painful death. Thank you."

McGonagall undid the parchment in her hand and said, "When I call your name, you will come forth, I shall place the sorting hat on your head, and you will be sorted into your houses. Hermione Granger."

"You've got this, Minnie." Khalida chuckled, making Hermione roll her eyes at the nickname. As the brunette sat on the stool, the hat was placed on her head. It thought for a moment and called out, "GRYFFINDOR!" In an abominably loud voice, making Khalida visibly flinch. Cheers erupted from the Gryffindor table as the brunette sat down amongst the students who donned red and gold ties. 

"Draco Malfoy." McGonagall called out. Khalida let a small smile pass over her face as the Sorting Hat called out, "SLYTHERIN!" Loudly. She was pleased to see how happy her friend was to be sorted into a house of his choice. 

"Khalida Lupin." McGonagall said. She felt her stomach flip as a knowing look spread over McGonagall's face, and nearly tripped on her way up to the stool. She sat down, and the sorting hat was placed on her head. 

"Another Lupin, hm?" Said a voice in her head. She tapped her fingers around nervously, as the hat continued speaking into her mind. "Hufflepuff? Or Gryffindor? You feel you are cowardly, it seems. But are fiercely loyal. Difficult...yes...very difficult...but you have hidden bravery within you...just as your father did...so it will be...GRYFFINDOR!" 

Loud cheers erupted from the Gryffindor table, hitting her sensitive ears sharply. She smiled through the pain and approached the table, sitting next to Hermione as Lilith hopped onto the bench with them, curling up next to Khalida. 

"I'm so excited! We're both in the same house!" Squealed Hermione. Khalida laughed weakly and said, "Minnie, I have sensitive ears. So if you could just tone it down a little bit..."

Hermione apologised profusely, and continued her chatter in a slightly lower voice. Feeling relieved, Khalida waited till Ron and Harry were sorted. Once the order was given, they all began to eat. As they talked and met with ghosts, (Nearly Headless Nick, or as he wanted to be called, Nicholas De-Mimsy Porpington) Khalida finally felt like she was home. 

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OOOOH WHAT HAPPENED OMG SHE'S IN GRYFFINDOR!!!!!

YAY!!!

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