Mine Forever ( a Harmione fanfic )

Chapter 22

The chatter in the Great Hall hushed to whispers as the large double doors swung open, revealing Harry, Hermione, Ginny, Neville, and Luna walking in together. Heads turned, eyes widened, and a wave of murmurs spread through the hall like wildfire. First-years at the front of the room gazed nervously at the older students who had returned to repeat their seventh year. A few even pointed as Harry passed by.

Hermione, sensing the first-years' unease, offered them a soft, encouraging smile. "It's alright," she whispered gently as they passed.

"Are we ever going to get used to this?" Neville muttered under his breath, nodding toward the many eyes fixed on them.

Ginny smirked, trying to lighten the tension. "Oh, come on, Neville. You're practically a hero now. If you want, I can sign autographs for you."

Harry chuckled but rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "It's weird. I don't think I'll ever be comfortable with this."

Ginny quipped, "Then you'd better learn to be, Potter. You might be 'The Chosen One,' but right now, you're also 'The Observed One.'"

That drew a laugh from everyone, even Luna, who added dreamily, "If you think about it, attention is just misplaced curiosity. They'll find something shinier soon."

Harry grinned. "Let's hope so."

They reached the long Gryffindor table, and Luna veered off toward the Ravenclaw table with a serene wave. The others took their seats, Ginny nudging Hermione so she could sit beside Harry. As they settled in, Hermione leaned close and whispered, "You'll be fine, Harry. Besides," she added with a cheeky grin, "I'll be here to keep you grounded."

Harry smiled warmly at her. "You always are, love."

Ginny rolled her eyes but smirked. "Get a room, you two."

Before they could respond, Professor McGonagall stood at the head table, tapping her goblet with her wand for silence. The Sorting Hat was placed ceremoniously on a stool, and the room fell quiet.

The hat twitched once, then opened its brim to sing:

Sorting Hat's Song

"Oh, I've seen much in my many years,
Of laughter, triumphs, even tears.
Four founders built this school with pride,
Each their virtues did divide.

Gryffindors, so brave and bold,
With hearts of fire and wills of gold.
Hufflepuffs, so just and true,
With steady hands and loyalty too.

Ravenclaws, with minds so keen,
Seek wisdom in what's heard and seen.
And Slytherins, with cunning grace,
Ambition driving every chase.

But heed my words, for times have shown,
Division leaves us all alone.
The war has passed, yet scars remain,
Unity must heal the pain.

So as you sit beneath my brim,
And hear your fate, though it seems grim,
Remember strength lies not in one,
But in the joining of everyone.

To the heroes, let us raise a cheer,
For their courage brought us here.
Now let us sort, and you shall see,
Where you'll begin your journey with me!"

The hall erupted into applause as the hat finished its song. Hermione leaned toward Harry, her hand brushing his under the table. "That was beautiful. It's strange, though, hearing it reflect on the war."

Harry nodded, squeezing her hand gently. "Strange, but fitting."

The Sorting began, with McGonagall calling the names of the first-years. The nervous students stumbled forward one by one, and the hat declared their houses. Names like Aiden Bell – Ravenclaw, Samantha Turner – Hufflepuff, and Theo Gray – Slytherin echoed through the hall as each student was cheered by their new housemates.