The Adventures of the Half-Blood Princess

Part 2

"So it's true then? What they've been saying on the train; Harry Potter has come to Hogwarts," a pale faced boy with blond hair announced. At once several people began to whisper to each other as soon as they heard his name.

"This is Crabbe and Goyle," he said gesturing to two mean looking boys who were standing on either side of him like bodyguards. "I'm Malfoy. Draco Malfoy."

Ron let a small snigger, which made Draco glare at him.

"Think my name's funny, do you? I've no need to ask yours. Red hair and hand-me-down robes. You must be a Weasley." He sneered at Ron.

Anne already began to have an intense dislike for this Draco Malfoy. I hope I don't wind up in the same house as him, she thought.

Draco turned back to Harry. "You'll soon find out 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." He held out his had for Harry to shake, but Harry didn't take it.

"I think I can tell from the wrong sort for myself, thanks," said Harry coolly, prompting a smile from Anne.

"We're ready for you now. Follow me," announced McGonagall who had just returned.

The first years followed her through the huge wooden doors that opened to reveal the Great Hall where the rest of the students were already seated at four long tables. At the top of the hall was another long table where the teachers were sitting. Anne spotted her father sitting among them. The entire place was lit by thousands of floating candles with a bewitched ceiling that looked like the night sky.

McGonagall had them stand in front of a stool with an ancient looking hat.

"Now before we begin, Professor Dumbledore would like to say a few words."

In the center of the High Table sat a distinguished old wizard with a long white beard and half-moon spectacles. Anne recognized him as Albus Dumbledore from the stories she heard and books she read on him. He was one of the great wizards of all time.

"I have a few start-of-term notices that I wish to announce. The first years please be aware that the Dark Forest is forbidden to all students. Also, our caretaker Mr. Filch has asked me to remind you that the third-floor corridor is out of bounds to everyone who does not wish to die a most painful death. Thank you."

Anne frowned. "Is he serious? I always assumed Hogwarts was the safest place to be," she whispered to Hermione.

"He must be," replied Hermione. "A wizard wise as him wouldn't joke about something like this. I would take his word for it without question if I were you. If he says it's dangerous, then we best stay away from there and not get ourselves in trouble."

McGonagall unrolled a scroll of parchment. "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."

Anxiously, Hermione steeped forward and sat down on the stool. The hat was lowered onto her head. Then a few seconds later, to Anne's startlement, the hat shouted, "GRYFFINDOR!"

Hermione smiled and hopped off the stool to join one of the cheering tables of Gryffindors eager to welcome her.

"Draco Malfoy." Draco swaggered forward and got his wish at once; the hat barely touched his head when it cried out, "SLYTHERIN!"

Ron's name was then called after a few names. A second later, the hat shouted, "GRYFFINDOR!"

"Harry Potter." the cheering quickly dies down and was replaced by whispers and murmurs. Anne felt sympathetic for him as he looked nervous sitting on the stool as the hat was lowered on to his head.