"First Years this way. We're going to Hogwarts this way. Four to a boat max," Hagrid said to the eager group of new students.
Harry thought the idea of going to the castle via boat on the lake was really cool. He climbed in one boat and unsurprising Hermione followed him closely. She had been that way the whole trip from the train. Harry liked that he already made a good friend. The fact it was a cute girl was even better. They were soon joined by two other girls in their boat.
"Hello, I'm Harry Potter," he greeted them.
"H-H-Hi," one said shyly. She was a girl wearing her blonde hair in pig tails.
Harry smiled to her. "I recognize you. You were leaving Madam Malkin's just as I was entering. You even gave me cheerful wave."
"You remember?!" she asked in shock. Harry nodded to her. "My name's Hannah Abbot!" she then greeted more confidently. She next looked to the other girl sitting next to Harry.
"I'm Hermione Granger," Hermione greeted in return with her hide-her-teeth smile. Harry hoped Hannah didn't take it the wrong way. Someone could possibly take such a smile as an uneasy one and think Hermione didn't really want to be in their company.
"What is your name?" Harry asked the other girl. She had dark red hair she wore in a long braid and deep brown eyes.
She gave a slightly nervous smile as she said, "I'm Susan Bones."
"I've heard your last name before. Are you related to Amelia Bones? The head of the Departments of Magical Law Enforcement?" Hermione asked.
"She's my aunt. I also live with her, because…" she trailed off and looked down to the boat. Hannah gave the girl a hug.
Hermione frowned. Why did she seem to have such rotten luck when talking to people?! She didn't want to bring up unpleasant memories in other people like this.
Harry gave her a look of understanding as he said, "I also lost my parents. I'm sorry to hear that."
Susan blinked a couple of times. She then looked up and seemed to feel a little relieved oddly enough. She then smiled a little. "I love my aunt, so it isn't too bad. I just don't like bringing it up usually. Sorry if I made you feel bad, Hermione. I know you were just trying to make conversation."
"It's alright… I seem to have bad luck like that," Hermione sighed.
"It isn't really that unexpected and it isn't your fault," Hannah said to Hermione causing the girl to relax a little. "A lot of people have lost family. Everyone including muggleborns knows what you did Harry, but few seem to realize just how much of an impact the whole war thing had on not only you but everyone else," she added.
"The aftermath was a mess too. My parents were Aurors so that is how that happened. My aunt tells me they were really good, even if my mother was different as an Auror, but having that job gets you enemies. So… What house do you two want? Hannah and I have been friends for a while and we both aren't sure what house we'll be in but hope we are together," Susan said.
Hermione felt a little relieved it wasn't just her bad luck that was causing her to unintentionally bring up bad memories in others. She also felt sad so many people were affected by the war. She hadn't really known many people directly affected by war in the muggle world.
Before they could continue their new discussion, Hagrid spoke up to them all. "Watch yer heads up here." The boats soon entered a cave that was only lit by torches before they came to what was an underground harbor. Their early conversation was forgotten in exchange for curiosity at where they were.
"This really is an interesting way to enter the school," Harry commented with a grin as the boats came to a stop and everyone started to climb out.
[-] [-] [-]
Harry never thought he would see ghosts for real. He also never thought three girls would all grab on to him due to the unfamiliar sight. "New students! So good to see you all. So many as well. I hope to see some of you in Hufflepuff, that's my house!" the ghost of a fat friar said before disappearing through the wall as the others did.
Hannah was holding tight to Harry's arm as she closed her eyes tight. Susan did the same mostly because she was caught off guard by her friend's scream at the ghost parade's entrance.
Hermione was also grabbing on to Harry from the other side. She said in a shy voice, "Sorry about that… I didn't expect to see ghosts." She gave a cute blush in reply as she looked to the side.
Harry blushed at having three girls holding on to him at the same time. "Its alright. I was shocked too. I'm actually a bit surprised at you two," he said looking to the two other blushing girls.
"Sorry… Hannah ummm… startled me," Susan said.
Hannah's cheeks were pink in color. "I didn't expect ghosts…" she explained.
"No one told either of you two about them?" Harry asked in surprise since the two lived in the wizarding world. Both girls shook their heads. He thought on it more and realized a number of new students had reacted in a similar fashion and he didn't think there were that many muggleborns in their year. "I wonder why they didn't mention it," Harry thought out loud.
"I think it might have to do with the fact they are a common sight here, so maybe they just don't think about needing to say anything?" Hermione supplied.
"That one ghost did say Hufflepuff was his house so maybe each house has a few ghosts?" Susan added.
"I guess we'll find out while we're here," Harry replied.
The doors then opened again and Professor McGonagall once more spoke to them. "Form a line and follow me."
The new students did as she said. Harry found himself right behind Susan with Hermione right behind him. They entered the hall and immediately the sight was impressive. There were four long tables filled with students all wearing black robes and hats. Up at the front, sat the staff of Hogwarts and they were all wearing robes of different colors and types.
There was one professor wearing robes that seemed even blacker than the school robes. The professor in black looked to them all and his eyes momentarily seemed to look over Harry with keener interest. He seemed to have some flash of recognition at Harry, but it was not pleasant. The professor's gaze in general didn't seem pleasant. Harry had a feeling there was something there that he didn't understand yet, but he hoped he would.
"Oooo! Look up, Harry!" Hermione said excitedly to him from behind.
Harry did as she suggested and his eyes immediately widened. He hadn't been paying attention to the high ceiling of the hall. It was filled with pretty much an exact replica of the outside night sky. It even had the same small clouds passing close to the moon. There were also several candles that didn't seem to melt floating around as well providing light for the hall.
"I read it was enchanted to look like the outside sky. Actually, seeing it is completely different!" Hermione said in awe of the magic.
"There are a lot of things you have to see for yourself to understand. This is clearly one of them. You're right. It is amazing!" Harry said to her.
The first years soon had their attention brought to the front of the hall and in particular a really ratty old hat. Harry was surprised it was still in any sort of recognizable hat condition with how old it seemed. He could tell it had to be filled with magic, and that was before it started singing a song. Harry just listened and could barely wrap his head around the fact the hat was singing. He did at least figure out the hat sorted them into their houses.
"When I call your name, come forward and place the sorting hat on your head," Professor McGonagall said to them all. She had a magical list in front of her. It turned out it was a pigtailed and blushing Hannah who started them off. She gave a cute squeak sound and made her way to the front. Everyone both wished and didn't wish they were going in her stead. They wanted this done with already, but no one wanted to go first.
As soon as the hat was placed on her head, it slipped down past her eyes. If one had a vivid enough of an imagination, they might say it looked like the hat was trying to eat her up or something. Soon afterwards the hat called out, "HUFFLEPUFF!" The table filled with people wearing yellow and black accents on their robes and matching neckties started to cheer and applaud. Hannah was blushing full force as she made her way over quickly and was warmly greeted by the others.
"Susan Bones," McGonagall called. The girl in front of Harry gulped and walked up to the stool with the hat. She placed it on and just like with Hannah it seemed to cover her whole head.
Soon enough, the hat spoke again. "HUFFLEPUFF!" it said and Susan went to join Hannah at the table as well. She received a very relieved hug from Hannah before the two smiled to each other and watched the sorting with everyone else.
[-] [-] [-]
"Hermione Granger," Professor McGonagall called. Hermione took in a deep breath. Harry turned to her and placed a hand comfortingly on her shoulder. Hermione relaxed and mouthed a thank you to him as she made her way forward.
Hermione's heart was beating and it wasn't just because of Harry comforting her. She felt nervous. She wondered where she would end up. She wanted Hufflepuff because of what Harry said and she really liked the idea of being with a house that was about loyalty. She was thinking maybe that meant it would be a great house to make friends. She didn't know if where she wanted to end up played a role or not in her final placement. If it did, would she be put into Gryffindor since that was the house she initially really wanted just because Dumbledore was in it? Would Harry even get to go to the house he wanted?
Hermione was slightly relieved when she sat down and the hat placed on her head. She just needed to focus on what was at hand. She however did not expect to hear the hat's voice seemingly coming from inside her own head. "Where to put you? " the hat started.
Hermione wasn't sure if she was supposed to say something or what.
"You have a very bright mind. One of the brightest with the most potential I've seen in a good while. You also want to really prove yourself as a muggleborn. Then there is your courage. You are very much more courageous than many would think of a girl they called a bookworm, " the hat said.
Hermione recoiled a little at that name. She hated being called that. Too many students in her last school teased her with that name. She didn't want to always be called that again. It made her feel so alone because they always ganged up on her with calling her that name. That's why she wanted to be in the same House Harry wanted, Hufflepuff. She knew Harry wouldn't always call her that and she felt Hufflepuffs wouldn't be always gaining up on her either, even if they did... she would hopefully be there with Harry by her side at least.
"There is even more to you though. Yes. It is all in here, my dear. You are also very hard working even with your natural intelligence. You also seem to hold on tight to those that you consider friends or more. Perhaps that is more where your courage would come from and not just because you want to prove yourself no matter what, " the hat said.
"Does that mean?! " Hermione asked in thought with hope seemingly lighting up her magic.
"You would do well in both Ravenclaw and Gryffindor, but with your drive and your eagerness for finding friends and holding on tight… It better be… HUFFLEPUFF! There seems to be a lot going for that house this year, " the hat said just before it was pulled off her head.
Hermione grinned brightly as the table with the badger insignias cheered again. Hermione gave Harry a look before dashing off to the table and receiving a warm welcome as well. Both Hannah and Susan gave her a hug too which surprised her, but she returned it eagerly. Hermione was surprised how she already felt more at home than she thought she would be here. She hoped it would stay that way.
[-] [-] [-]
Harry really hoped he ended up in Hufflepuff after Hermione got placed there. It would also be nice to be there and get to talk to both Susan and Hannah more as well. The only boy in the house so far seemed a little worried there weren't any other guys which kind of got Harry to chuckle.
The names continued and it seemed there were plenty of students going to all of the different houses. Harry found it interesting when Draco Malfoy's turn came. The boy walked up there acting extra arrogant to cover up his own worries about the sorting. No doubt the boy for all of his belief he would end up in Slytherin, from what Harry overheard on the trip from the boats, had some of his own doubts where he would be placed.
However, he need not worry. The hat didn't even have time to slide down before it called out, "SLYTHERIN!". Draco then joined his two bodyguards at the table and was smirking so much it was obvious to Harry how very relieved he was to be placed there. Harry shook his head slightly at the scene in amusement.
Soon it was his turn. "Finally…" Harry sighed as he made his way up to the front. Everyone was whispering to each other and pointing. Harry found it really annoying, but didn't show anything apart from indifference to it all.
Harry sat down on the stool and the hat was placed on his head before doing with him as it did most others and sliding down over his eyes. Harry was surprised when he heard the hat's voice speaking to him, but then again maybe it shouldn't have been a surprise. The hat probably didn't get to speak much and voicing his thoughts might help with the sorting.
"This is interesting. You are very different from what most pictured. Many figured you would be in Slytherin, because you are actually a worse Dark Lord than Voldemort. Just as many figured you would be in Gryffindor, because most have the notion that Slytherin is Evil and Gryffindor is Good. But you are different. You could be in either of those houses and the others. Out of curiosity, why is it you seem so set upon Hufflepuff? " the hat asked Harry.
"Apart from Boss and the Street Knights? " Harry clarified.
"Yes. If you don't mind humoring me, " the hat replied.
"Hufflepuff is the house with the most potential. They are not so set in the ways of ambition, proving how brave they are, or only spending time studying books. They can have any and all of those aspects. However, they work hard and look out for each other foremost. Those are who you want to be around. Those are who you want to be with. Those are actually the ones who would get the most done when needed. I guess it isn't too different from Boss and the Street Knights in the end. Those were the lessons I learned after I was kicked out by the Dursleys. I will do what I can for the Street Knights. I will do what I can for my friends. Hufflepuffs could more or less end up being the Street Knights of the magical world. They are most likely, those who deserve Loyalty, " Harry thought in return.
"An interesting take indeed, Mr. Potter. I look forward to seeing how you remind the magical world that Hufflepuffs aren't just a bunch of duffers. I also think it will be amusing to see how certain people react to this. You will be bringing change to the Magical world I get the feeling. Change very much needed. And it will all begin in the house everyone tosses aside or ignores… HUFFLEPUFF!" the hat shouted out at the end.
The reaction to the hat's call was very different from what people would have expected. Hufflepuff of course, were cheering louder than they had yet. Gryffindor oddly enough seemed to be a mix of confusion and polite clapping. Ravenclaw was clapping just as much as they had any member of a house apart from their own. Slytherin was either whispering among themselves, or laughing at how Potter must just be a duffer after all if he went to Hufflepuff.
Draco Malfoy on the other hand was neither. Crabbe and Goyle were laughing and feeling superior to Potter the Badger, but he had a speculative look on his face. His father had told him a number of ideas on how to approach and treat Potter based on if he was in Gryffindor, Slytherin, or most unlikely Ravenclaw. Lord Malfoy did not have ideas for his son on how to handle a Hufflepuff Harry Potter.
Draco was wondering if maybe there was something more going on that no one else knew apart from Harry Potter. There was no way Harry could be just a duffer or just a Hufflepuff. Draco was sure that couldn't be the case after meeting him on the train. Harry had to know something no one else did. Even the professors seemed surprised apart from Professor Sprout, she was obviously excited about having Harry in her house.
Professor Snape wasn't sure what to think about Harry Potter. Harry looked just like his father apart from his eyes. He couldn't be a mini-version of his father though. There was no way such a person could be in Hufflepuff. He would see what happens in his first Potions Class with Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw this year. After that, Professor Snape would re-evaluate his strategy on how to handle Harry Potter.
Professor Dumbledore was shocked. Shocked! Harry Potter wasn't in Gryffindor or god forbid, Slytherin. The headmaster was sure Harry Potter would be in Gryffindor. However, this was even more perfect for his plans for the boy.
A Harry from Hufflepuff would be much easier to convince to fight hard against Voldemort and do whatever is necessary to ensure the Dark Lord is defeated permanently. It wouldn't matter if that necessity meant dying for what Dumbledore thought the prophecy meant was true, and if it couldn't be avoided. Dumbledore could just pull a little on that loyalty Hufflepuffs have and earn Harry's. It shouldn't be too hard.
There was one member of the staff who wasn't surprised by the turnout of Harry's sorting. Hagrid knew after meeting the boy and the Street Knights there was only one place he was going to end up. Hagrid was happy for Harry, honestly. Sure, he would have preferred Harry end up in Gryffindor, since it was his house, but Harry would like it in Hufflepuff he was sure. It also fit Harry well. There was no way a Street Knight would end up in any other house.
[-] [-] [-]
Harry happily made his way over to Hufflepuff and was promptly greeted warmly by the other members of the house. He smiled and shook hands and thanked the others for their greetings. He was then hugged tight by a girl with bushy hair. "I knew you'd be here too, but I was so worried!" Hermione said as she held the hug longer beaming up at him.
"I'm glad you ended up here as well, Hermione," Harry said with a smile of his own as he hugged her in return. She was really cute beaming at him like that.
The hall settled down as the sorting continued. There weren't any other seemingly shocking sortings, but perhaps that was how it usually went. The sorting ceremony ended with Ron Weasley becoming a Gryffindor and Blaise Zabini going to Slytherin.
The feast was soon underway after the sorting finished. The students quickly started talking to each other as well. "Hello, I'm Justin Finch-Fletchley," the boy introduced himself. He was of medium height and build with slightly curly black hair and brown eyes with pale skin.
"Hello, Justin. I'm Harry Potter," Harry greeted in return. He then gave a chuckle and added, "I bet you're relieved you didn't end up being the only first year boy in Hufflepuff."
Justin chuckled in reply. "Caught that did you?" he asked in a friendly manner. Harry nodded. "I was bit worried I'd be completely outnumbered. I don't have anything against girls, but it would be tough being outnumbered 3 to 1. I'm muggleborn by the way. What are you?" he asked, since he heard a few people asking such questions.
"I believe I'm a half-blood, but I was raised in the muggle world," Harry said.
"Oh yeah? Because of… that?" Justin asked carefully. Harry nodded. Justin decided to move the conversation on. "I was actually down for Eton before getting the letter," he said.
"Wow!" Harry said.
"That's really impressive!" Hermione added.
"Thanks!" Justin replied grinning. "My parents were proud. I'm still glad I came here though. As great as Eton may be… It isn't a magic school." He then gave a grin and chuckled. "My mom was a bit disappointed though, but still… Magic School!" Harry and Hermione laughed to his reply.
"What is Eton? I'm Ernie Macmillan. I'm a pure blood and raised in the magic world," a different boy replied. Ernie was a stout boy with blonde hair, blue eyes, and light-colored skin.
"Eton is a prestigious all boys school," Justin said in short explanation. Ernie nodded in understanding.
"That's putting it lightly," Hermione said. "It's known for having a lot of British Prime Ministers and even members of the Royal Family go there."
"Really?!" Ernie asked in surprise. Justin gave a nod. "So, its like the Hogwarts of muggle schools?" he asked.
Harry was in thought on that. "I guess you could say that…" he started.
"Are there other magic schools for Britain though? I know it is talked about being a very great school, but I also kind of felt it was the only one too," Hermione said.
Ernie was in thought for a moment. "Yes and No," he answered.
"There seems to be a lot more magicals than could possibly go here though. Judging from the number of students," Justin said looking around at the tables. It seemed like a lot of people, but this was seven years worth of students. There was no way that would be enough to have a viable population of witches and wizards.
Ernie continued, "Hogwarts is the only British magic school, but not everyone comes here to learn magic. There's Beauxbatons in France and Durmstrang in Scandinavia. Some go to those schools instead."
He then frowned as he looked around as well. "You also have to keep in mind. We had that war. It was ten years ago, but we're the first class of students from close to the end of it. Before then there were a lot more students here my dad told me," he added.
"Meaning we'll see the actual start of a bounce back in the next year or two," Hermione supplied.
"Exactly! There's also the fact some are home schooled. Though that is rather rare, it was popular during the war and shortly after it. People wanted to keep their families close and be able to leave quickly in case something bad happened. Can't do that easily if your children are at Hogwarts and don't come home until the breaks or summer," he said before everyone focused on eating for a bit.
"What classes are everyone looking forward to?" Harry asked after a moment. The conversation was once again started. This time all of the students nearby got into it.
[-] [-] [-]
Once the plates were cleared away, Dumbledore stood up and spoke again. "Now that we have full stomachs and aren't yet sleepy…" The headmaster trailed off as a few laughed at his little joke. One boy over at the Gryffindor table yawned though. "At least most of us, aren't sleepy yet," Dumbledore added as more people laughed that time and the boy with flaming red hair blushed just as red.
"I have some more announcements to make. Filch, our caretaker, requested I mention to all students magic isn't allowed in the hallways between classes. He also added a number of items to the banned items list. Your dorms' each have the full list posted on the noticeboards," Dumbledore said. Many students rolled their eyes and a very grouchy looking man nodded to the headmaster's words and looked over the gathered students trying to intimidate them.
"For you first years, I will tell you the Forbidden Forest is exactly that. Forbidden. You are not allowed to go near it unattended by a member of the staff. Some of our older students would also do well to remember this," the headmaster said as he looked to a set of twin boys with flaming red hair who were identical down to the last freckle. They gave rather flamboyant bows with large grins as the other students chuckled.
"Finally. The third-floor corridor on the right-hand side is out of bounds to all who do not wish to experience a most painful death," the wizened headmaster said in all seriousness.
Harry shook his head to that. "He's just asking for trouble saying that," he muttered.
"I know," Hermione agreed. She then looked to Harry seriously. "You aren't going to try anything are you?" she asked imploringly. She really didn't want to lose her first friend and the first guy who seemed to like her company. It was not at all because her maybe huge crush on him. Nope, that wasn't at all part of the reason she wanted him not getting in trouble...
"Not intentionally. But I am betting there will be some curious students who do try something," Harry said.
"I don't care about them…" Hermione muttered under her breath. She didn't realize it was barely loud enough that Harry overheard her. He placed a comforting hand on her shoulder to reassure her he wouldn't intentionally got to out of bounds corridors. The girl blushed but smiled to him in thanks.
"Now then. That should be all of the announcements! Goodnight everyone! First years be sure to follow a Prefect to your new homes," Dumbledore said with a grandfatherly smile as people started to stand up to leave. All of the first years looked for someone in their house wearing a badge with the large letter P on it.
[-] [-] [-]
All of the new Hufflepuffs were excited to see what their dorm was like. The Prefect leading the way just grinned to them when any of them asked what it was like. "You'll see soon enough! I don't want to spoil the surprise for you all," he said with a friendly wink.
They were soon outside the entrance to it. "We do things differently than Slytherin and Gryffindor. They both use a password and have a portrait guarding the entrance. Ours is a bit better hidden," the Prefect said.
He then led them around to a nook tucked away behind the kitchens. He then pointed to a specific barrel and tapped a rhythm on it. The rhythm was fairly easy to remember. "Make sure you get this right," the Prefect said. He demonstrated it three more times until all of the first years nodded they had it.
"If you get the rhythm wrong, or tap the wrong barrel and this happens twice in a row... You will be barred from the entrance and doused in vinegar. We are the only house to have an actual counter measure for potential intruders. If you accidentally mess up and get locked out, you can be reinstated access by speaking to a Prefect or our Head of House, Professor Sprout," the Prefect said.
He looked to make sure all of the first years got it. After getting nods of the affirmative from them, he smiled and said, "Follow me then."
He led them through an earthy tunnel lit with bronze lamps. When they got to the end, they all gasped. "Welcome to Hufflepuff," the Prefect said and gave them a minute to look around.
The common room was round, warm, and welcoming. The ceiling was similar to the one in the Great Hall, but here it was always sunny and bright with gentle clouds. It was the perfect sky for a day out in the sun. There were wooden tables that gave it a bit of a friendly tavern feel with comfy overstuffed sofas and chairs in black and yellow. There were even a number of pillows and cushions around the room. The common room also had an earthy look to walls with large leafy vines and large circular windows with scenery of trees and grass and dandelions blowing in the wind.
Additionally, there were several plants decorating the room as well. It was clear Professor Sprout was inspired by the class she taught in decorating the place. There was finally a large wooden and honey colored mantelpiece decorated with carvings of badgers just below a portrait of their founder.
"Greetings! My new Badgers!" Helga Hufflepuff's portrait said while lifting a tea cup and giving them a smile.
"Hello, Helga Hufflepuff," the Prefect said encouraging the new first years to reply as well.
Once they did, she spoke again. "Welcome to your new home! I hope Hogwarts will treat you all fairly and you will make many new friends! What do you think of our common room?" she asked.
The students were still a little stunned being addressed by a founder of the school, even if it was just a portrait. Harry was the first to answer. "It reminds me of a lovely home garden out in the country on the range. I like it," he said with a smile.
Helga Hufflepuff smiled to that. "Glad to hear it," she said. Suddenly the others started talking as well and asking questions. "Yes, the real plants are Professor Sprout's addition. She changes them out to liven the place up and make it homey. Sometimes she brings in plants that sing and dance!"
She answered a couple more questions before giving a yawn and saying, "It was nice to meet you all. Have a great year and enjoy your time at Hogwarts." The portrait then went still.
"Her portrait is old. She only activates for meeting new students and holidays. Sometimes she will wake up for a couple of extra days during the year," their guide said.
"Awww… I had so many more questions I wanted to ask her. She's a founder!" Hermione said excitedly but with a pout at losing such a wonderful opportunity.
The Prefect chuckled. "Maybe you will get another chance, but don't count on it too much." Hermione gave a nod in understanding. She would make a list of questions and look up what she could in advance to narrow them down.
"Is the common room always this brightly lit?" Ernie asked.
"Once curfew hits, it turns into evening lighting. You can still see well enough, but it is obviously late. It also gives us a sunrise once morning comes around breakfast time and before classes start for the day. Now then, look for your dorms. You will find your names on the doors. Goodnight, my fellow Puffs!" The Prefect then left with a wave.
The first years looked around until they found a round door labelled "First Year Dorms". The group looked it over and it was Hannah who first opened it.
"Guess this is where we go," a dark-skinned boy with a medium build said. The others nodded and entered. They were eager to see their actual rooms and were more than tired and ready to call it a night. All they had to do was walk down another earthy tunnel and find their rooms.