Love found in malice

Chapter 5: Sorting Ceremony

The doors to the great hall open revealing 4 rows of tables that stretch the length of the hall, each filled with the older students wearing black dress robes. As the first years walk down the center aisle all eyes are on me as I stand out with my towering height over them. I hold my head high and continue staring in front of me ignoring the watchful eyes of the students. 

Above my head are thousands of floating candles and a vast night sky with twinkling stars. The ceiling is one of my favorite parts of the room and has been enchanted to resemble the night sky. Along the walls are gargoyle sconces lit up with bright orange flames. The stained glass windows are shuttered to keep out the cool night air. 

At the front of the room are two long trestle tables separated by an ornate podium. Next to the podium is a stool and a small table with an old raggedy brown hat sitting on it. This is the sorting hat that will be used to separate us into our houses. Once we are all clustered together at the front of the room Headmaster Dippet stands to address all the students.  

"Welcome back to all our returning students and teachers.  A warm welcome to the new students who are joining us this year. I hope you come to love Hogwarts as much as I do. I will be calling each of you up one by one to be sorted into your houses. First up will be Tessa Spindrift".

A small girl with curly blond hair slowly makes her way through the crowd. Headmaster Dippet ushers her to the stool, stands behind her and lowers the sorting hat onto her head. Their is a brief pause before the sorting hat begins speaking. 

"It'll be, Ravenclaw" he shouts. Everyone in the room begins clapping while the Ravenclaw students stand to welcome their new first year.  I glance behind me viewing the older students. I peer at the Gryffindor table longingly, wishing nothing more than to be sitting there with Harry and Ron right now. 

I continue looking at the other tables noting all the bright smiles from both the Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff students before I gaze at the Slytherin students who all have blank unimpressed expressions on their face. One Slytherin boy stands out above the rest with his bright blond hair that almost looks white. He is the only Slytherin student with a smile on his face which seems to be directed right at me. I quickly turn my attention back to Headmaster Dippet and the boy who has just been called to be sorted. 

"Yes, I sense patience and loyalty among you. There's only one house for you, Hufflepuff!" the hat says. After that I zone out a bit only coming back to reality once my name is called. 

"Lastly, Hermione Granger"proclaims Headmaster Dippet, as I realize I'm the last one standing. Headmaster Dippet stands before me smiling moving his arms to usher me to come forward. My palms begin to sweat again as I take my seat on the stool. Finally the sorting hat is placed upon my head. 

"Well Mrs. Granger this is a pleasant surprise"the hat states. "I hadn't thought I would be doing this again with you". I intake a unsteady breath as I realize the Hat remembers me from the future. It seems impossible but her I am and here the hat is clearly well aware of who I am. 

"Hmmmm" the hat continues. "This will be a tricky sorting. Your very loyal much like a Hufflepuff but have more traits displayed by Ravenclaw. You are undoubtedly clever and intellectual. You still possess loads of courage found in Gryffindors but are also ambitious, resourceful and have leadership qualities. I'm not quite sure where to put you". Under my breath I repeat the word Slytherin. 

"I don't doubt you will do great things making the only place for you, Slytherin!" the hat proclaims shouting the last word for all to hear. I quickly display a small smirk on my face remembering that is what many Slytherin students had done when they were placed in the house. The room erupts in applause as I look up at Headmaster Dippet. He winks at me as I hop off the stool heading to the Slytherin table. As I'm about to sit I feel the strong gaze of one above the rest. Looking in the direction of the heated stare I'm taken aback when I look at the emerald eyes that belong to Tom Riddle. He has a curious expression on his face that makes him look lost in thought and rather attractive. I sit and stare at my plate as Headmaster Dippet begins to speak.