Hermione Granger and the Displaced Sorting

Chapter 6

Hermione Granger and the Displaced Sorting

Harry Potter Fanfiction

Chapter 6

A/N: This is going to be a running author's note, but if you read on fanfiction.net and enjoy this story, make sure to have my username saved in case my account is deleted. I post on AO3 and Wattpad as well under the same name.

Officially, we are at the Sorting Ceremony. But what an intro to the twins last chapter, am I right? Hopefully, that was enough to hold you over for a while.

This chapter is a little shorter than normal, but chapter 5 was a bit longer than normal, so they evened out!

September 1st, 1992

McGonagall explained the tradition of having the new incoming class cross the lake in boats to better appreciate the view of seeing Hogwarts for the first time.

"Of course," she continued. "It wouldn't truly have been your first look at the castle, but it was still an experience that I apologize for your missing."

"It's okay, professor," Hermione reassured, bouncing up and down on the balls of her feet. She'd deduced that beyond the doors was the final destination where the other students had gone based on the constant murmur of conversation. "Professor?"

"Yes, Miss Granger?"

"Do we really have to fight dragons in the Sorting Ceremony?"

McGonagall's lips pursed. "Let me guess. The Weasley Twins?"

Hermione's eyebrows jumped, but the excited chatter of the students echoed close. She spun and spotted the first years, they had to be, led by the same giant man that'd been gathering them around at the station.

"Ah, just in time," McGonagall welcomed, gently ushering her along to join them.

Hermione had to remind herself that the professor had already said that she'd be a second-year student to the twins and Lee. Otherwise, she might've worried about blending in so well with the crowd.

Now that she thought about it, maybe it would help prevent some big announcement that would alienate her if she hid. She hunched her shoulders, making herself small, and glad for her tiny, short frame for once in her life.

A hand gripped hers and yanked her back. "There you are," Ginny Weasley stated. "We were so worried you wouldn't make it. Are you really a—"

Hermione hissed at her to be quiet. "Not here. Please."

Ginny's jaw squared, aggravation coloring her movements, and Hermione pleaded with her to understand and hold on a little longer for an explanation.

"Attention," McGonagall called as she returned. "Attention, please. They are ready for us. Follow me."

Since she'd already seen the splendor of the Great Hall before, Hermione focused the full brunt of her attention on the upcoming task, scouring the room for any clue, and ignoring the crowded tables groaning beneath a spectacular feast of countless dishes.

Ignis' tail curled beneath her ear, and Hermione's heartrate tripled. "Be still," she hissed in warning, gaining an odd look from Ginny. Luna either hadn't been fazed or hadn't heard.

The headmaster stood on the dais up front behind a winged owl lectern of brass, welcoming the newcomers. The only thing that truly stood out in the grand opulence of the feast, the hundreds of floating candles, and the population of Hogwarts dressed in their finest, was an old, tattered hat upon a simple stool at the front.