Chapter Fifty-two

AN: I know! I know! I'm SO sorry I abandoned (I can't argue with that word, it's been so long) this story. I didn't mean to, honest. First I moved, then life proceeded to Thoroughly Kick My Ass. (Yes that needed a capital) I won't bore you with details, let's just say between that and the worst case of writer's block I have EVER experienced…. yeah you get the picture. Enough bellyaching from me, on with the story.

Everyone's eyes went wide with wonder as they saw the Great Hall for the first time. The ceiling twinkled with a thousand stars as small clouds scattered across the sky.

"Whoa," breathed Harry.

"Wow!" agreed Neville.

"It's charmed," said Hermione, "I read about it in Hogwarts: A History."

"So did I," agreed Harry, "a long time ago."

When Hermione gave him an odd look he signed, I found it in a trunk when I was five. I'll explain more later.

Hermione nodded her head and they all faced forward.

As the first years made their way to the front of the Great Hall Harry noticed that there were many whispers and many students stared and pointed at him openly. He looked over at his friends and they nodded. Hermione tapped him and pointed behind her. There was Ron, taking it in turns to glare at them hatefully and trying to edge closer.

Harry sighed and made a face. Why was the idiot determined to be his friend?

I bet it's Dumbledore, he thought, just wait till he sees what we have planned. An absolutely evil grin crossed his face. Some people stopped to wonder exactly what Harry Potter was thinking to cause that look. The rest were just glad they weren't on the receiving end of it.

Neville noticed and grinned back at his friend. Hermione just looked between the two boys and sighed. She had a feeling school was going to be more interesting than she thought. And since she was attending a school for magic, that was really saying something. Then again, the girl thought to herself with a smile, this just might be fun.

….

Minerva finished giving her normal start of term speech when she noticed Harry and Neville grinning at each other and had to suppress a smile. She just hoped the boys waited at least one night before the show started. Then again, maybe not. She led the first years to the front of the Hall and the Sorting began.

…

The friends watched the Sorting with awe, although they did manage to wave at Susan and Hannah at the Hufflepuff table.

"Granger, Hermione."

Hermione's breath caught.

"Relax and breathe Hermione," said Harry, patting her shoulder.

"Yeah," said Neville, "We're all friends no matter what."

Hermione grinned back at them, straightened her shoulders and marched up to the stool and sat as Minerva placed the Hat on her head. The Hat was barely on her head for a minute before it shouted "Gryffindor!"

Hermione grinned widely and waved at her friends before marching toward the cheering Gryffindors.

Harry and Neville waved back smiling as the Sorting continued. One by one other students were Sorted into their Houses. When Neville's turn came, he marched confidently to the stool and the Hat was barely on his head before it shouted, "Gryffindor!" and he joined Hermione at the red and gold table.

Harry grinned and waved at his friends, who grinned and pointed at the empty seat between them.

I hope you can be with us, signed Hermione with a smile, but like you said, we'll be friends no matter what.

Yeah no matter what you're still my brother, Neville signed his own message with a smile.

Harry smiled again and nodded then he continued to watch the rest of the first-years get called up one by one.

Harry looked around the hall as he waited his turn. He could see some students eyeing the first years speculatively, while others seemed bored. Some, he noticed with a sour look, still stared avidly at him. He started making horrible faces at th unwanted starers, until he noticed Nana looking at him rather sternly.

He was still looking around when he heard Nana- No he told himself firmly, it's Professor McGonagall now. I have to remember that.

Professor McGonagall called. "Potter, Harry!"

Harry snapped out of his reverie and headed for the front. Minerva gave him a small quick smile as she placed the Hat on his head. The last thing he saw was the smiling faces of his friends. Then the hat slipped over his eyes and he heard the voice muttering in his head.

Difficult, very difficult, said the Hat, you would be fit for any House, young man.

Is that bad? asked Harry nervously.

No, the Hat said with what Harry interpreted as a chuckle, but it is very rare. I have not had a student so difficult in many a year. You have a love of learning fit for any Ravenclaw, your loyalty would make Helga Hufflepuff proud. You have plans cunning enough for any Slytherin, and courage enough to see them through.

Wow, said Harry with a blush.

Well, young one, where would you like to go? asked the Hat, as you are suited for any House, the choice is yours. I see your plans and the wish to be with your friends and wish you well. Good luck! Better be… "Gryffindor!"

The Hat's declaration was met with thunderous applause from the red and gold table, and polite clapping from the other students and staff. A pair of red headed twins were dancing and chanting "we got Potter! We got Potter!"

The ones he noticed most were his friends. Both were beaming and pointing at the empty seat between them again. Neville signed I knew you would! He went to it with a grateful smile, ignoring the stares of the others. He watched the rest of the Sorting with his friends. Looking at the Head Table, he saw Dumbledore tip his cup to him but looked away quickly. As Dumbledore called for the feast, Harry could see the slight smile on his face. Harry and Neville grinned at each other again, they didn't think he'd have it for long.

…..

Albus had to contain his grin. Outside he wore his polite 'grandfather' smile but inside he was dancing. Finally, he thought as he tipped his cup to the boy, finally my plans are coming to fruition! All I need is for Weasley to do his part and get the boy to go for the Stone.

He absently called for the feast when the Sorting ended without saying a word, still deep in very pleasant thoughts of his brilliant plans.

…..

Harry, Hermione, and Neville ate and talked with their year mates about random things.

Hermione got into a discussion with Percy the fifth year prefect about different classes. After a quick "we'll talk later" sign, Harry and Neville started talking to Dean Thomas and Seamus Finnegan, who, along with Ron Weasley, (unfortunately)would be sharing their dorm, about random subjects until the feast was over.