Harry Potter and What Should Have Been

What Should Have Been: Philosopher's Stone

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. J.K Rowling owns the world of Harry Potter.

Story Summary: The Hogwarts Express arrives at Hogsmeade Station. First years are taken for the annual boat ride and everyone is sorted into their respective houses. Following that the feast and they are led up to the house dormitories.

A/N: I would like to thank J P McMurphy and Polegara for taking the time to beta my work for me.

A/N 2: I am just letting you all know that I have arrived safely back from my week's holiday. Had a relaxing time and I am extremely anxious to get back to writing. With regards to the dialogue I shall be toning it down from chapter 11 so that I can make it more realistic and also I will broaden my horizon as well which will happen in chapter ten because that one is my first of many chapters that I am adding to the story line. If there are anymore questions than please leave a review and I'll get back to you with a response that should satisfy you. Enjoy the following chapter.

Chapter Seven: Sorting Ceremony.

The sun was beginning to set over the western horizon and the Hogwarts Express was nearing its destination of Hogsmeade station. With the onset of night time fast approaching, the lights in the compartments of the train magically came on to provide light for the remainder of the journey.

Noticing that the lights were now shining brightly, Harry knew that they must be near Hogwarts. His suspicions were soon confirmed when an amplified voice rang throughout the train.

“Fellow Hogwarts students, this is the Head Boy speaking. The train is just a couple of moments from reaching the train station. If you haven't changed into your robes yet, now would be a good time to do so. Further instructions shall be given out shortly. Thank you.”

Hermione said, “By the sounds of things, Harry, we had better place our books away so that as soon as reach the station, we can quickly follow any instructions given.”

“Of course, Hermione,” agreed Harry as he and his new friend set about tidying up after themselves.

Apart from having to return books to his trunk, Harry also had to pack away the left over lollies and snacks that he had purchased from the cart lady when she visited the compartment. Among the snacks that Harry bought were Chocolate Frogs, Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans, and some sugar free treats for Hermione. Seeing that Harry was offering sweets to her, Hermione didn't know what to say, but after Harry informed her that the sweets were sugar free, Hermione gratefully accepted the lollies.

No sooner had they tidied up their compartment than yet again Harry and Hermione heard the voice of the Head Boy.

“Students, we are now on the final stretch to Hogwarts. The moment that the train has come to a complete stop, I ask the Prefects to supervise that everyone gets off the train in an orderly manner. To make things easier for everyone, if the first year students could get of the train first, that would be greatly appreciated. First year students, once you exit from the train, just follow the instructions that are given from the person who shall be escorting you to the castle. Your luggage that shall be taken up to the school as soon as everyone has left the train.” At this the train slowed quite a bit. Noticing that the speed was diminishing the Head Boy continued.

“My fellow students, allow me to be the first to welcome you to Hogwarts. Just remember my instructions and I shall meet you all up at the school.”

Hermione said, “Come on, Harry, let's get to the front door so that we can be the first ones off.”

“I'm right behind you, Hermione,” said Harry, and the two friends made their way towards the front of the carriage.

It was a good idea that Harry and Hermione left to head towards the exit door of the train carriage because by the time that they had reached it, a few other fellow first year students were heading towards where Harry and Hermione were both standing. By the time the other students had reached them, the train had come to a complete stop at the station.

No sooner had they finally pulled up than the doors magically opened of their own accord. The prefect stationed at the door where Harry and Hermione were standing indicated for them to exit the train. Since they already knew exactly what they had to do, Harry and Hermione quickly left the train. As they stepped onto the platform Harry instantly heard a familiar voice.

“Firs' year students, this way!”

Harry immediately turned his head, and there standing on the platform with a lamp in his hand was Hagrid. Before Harry could say anything Hagrid continued to say, “Firs' years!”

Harry led Hermione over to where Hagrid was standing.

Meanwhile, Hagrid looked down at the students to see if he could spot Harry among the first years. It didn't take long for Hagrid to spot Harry because he was one of the first students who reached where he was standing.

The moment that Hagrid's eyes found Harry he happily said, “Yeh alrigh' there, Harry? Didn't have any problems at all?”

“I'm fine, Hagrid, and the ride was very smooth. I did make a new friend though. Would you like to meet her?”

“Sorry, Harry, but I haven't got time at the mo'. Tell yeh what, soon as classes finish on Friday afternoon, why don't yeh and yer friend come down to my hut and we'll have a spot o' tea together.”

“That sounds nice, Hagrid, we'll be there.”

With Harry's promise to visit, Hagrid became delighted. Before Hagrid could even think about Friday, he suddenly noticed that all of the first year students had gathered and were standing in front of him.

Hagrid said, “If yeh'll jus' follow me, I'll be more than happy to escort yeh up to the castle,” and led the group of new students over to a small dock so that they could take the customary boat ride over the Lake to the castle.

As they followed behind Hagrid, Hermione said nervously, “Harry, you wouldn't mind if I came with you on Friday to meet Hagrid? It's just that I am anxious and curious about the wizarding world.”

“I don't mind at all, Hermione. Actually, I was hoping that you would come with me. If you have any questions, then I'm sure that Hagrid will be willing to answer them.”

Before Hermione could say something else, Hagrid and the students came to where the dock was located. Hagrid explained, “From here we'll be takin' a quick boat ride over the Lake to Hogwarts. No more than four people to a boat; they're rather small.”

Everyone anxiously scrambled towards the boats, anticipating their arrival to Hogwarts.

Once all of the students and Hagrid were seated, Hagrid tapped his boat with his umbrella and said, “Righ', here we go then. Forward.”

At the sound of that command, the small fleet of boats departed for a small journey across the mass of water.

As they made their way across the lake, the first year students travelled in utter silence: they were amazed by the impressive sight of Hogwarts castle, more and more visible as they approached. Harry and Hermione didn't know what to say or do; both were just as surprised as their fellow classmates.

From where Harry was sitting in the boat, he could see that the castle was as brightly lit as a Christmas tree. Harry could also see that there seemed to be several tall towers, a hall of some kind, a greenhouse, and he could just vaguely see a couple of goal posts at one end of a pitch. Seeing those posts, Harry had no doubt that there was indeed a Quidditch pitch. However, before he could really think about the prospect of Quidditch, Harry heard Hagrid bellow an instruction.

“Everyone, heads down.”

Immediately everyone ducked their heads as they passed under a low entranceway.

Once they were all safely through Hagrid continued with, “Yeh can raise yer heads again, we're through.”

Harry and his fellow classmates returned to sitting in an upright position. Before they could get comfortable again in the boats, Harry could see that they were approaching yet another harbour which was located quite close to the castle. Taking the chance to look around, Harry noticed that this harbour seemed to be underground and was made out of stone.

Upon reaching the jetty, Hagrid was the first person on shore and promptly assisted the students, using his umbrella to move the empty boats aside so that all of the first year students could get ashore.

After everyone was standing on the harbour he quickly said, “If yeh'll follow me, I'll take yeh up to the castle,” and began the short trek to Hogwarts.

Only a short flight of stairs separated the new students from their destination, and in no time they were there. Reaching the very top of the stairs, they came to a door that could only be opened from the inside. Hagrid raised his hand and knocked three times. After waiting a couple of moments, the doors swung open to reveal a lady in emerald green robes with a stern look on her face.

At the sight of the lady, Hagrid said, “Here're the firs' year students, Professor McGonagall.”

“Thank you, Hagrid. I shall take over from here.”

Professor McGonagall stepped aside to allow Hagrid and all of the new students entrance to the castle. After the last student had entered, she quickly closed and locked the door.

McGonagall quickly said, “Follow me.”

By the tone of voice that the professor had just spoken in, the students quickly did as they were told; the last thing that they wanted was to get into trouble on the first day. After walking up yet a few more flights of stairs, Professor McGonagall led the group of first years to a small room that was located outside the Great Hall.

Once everyone was inside McGonagall addressed the anxious first years.

“Welcome to Hogwarts, and I trust that you shall have a wonderful experience while you attend here. Now, in a couple of moments you shall join your fellow classmates that are already seated in the Great Hall. Before you do join them, you must first be Sorted into one of the four houses of Hogwarts. The names of the four houses are Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Each house shall be like your family in a way and as part of a family you shall all work together. At the end of each year, the house with the most house points is awarded the house cup. If you have any triumphs throughout the year, points shall be awarded to your house, but any rule breaking will result in the reduction of points.

“Now that I have said that, I'll just go and see if everything is ready for your Sorting Ceremony. While I am gone for a couple of moments, why don't you straighten yourselves up,” she advised and headed towards the Great Hall.

The moment that she departed the room, Hermione was about to talk to Harry, but before she could even get the chance to, the blonde haired wizard that Harry met in Madam Malkin's store spoke out so that everyone could hear what he had to say.

“It's true then, what they said on the train. Harry Potter has come to Hogwarts.”

At the sound of Harry's name all of the students whispered amongst themselves.

Harry turned around and said, “Yes, it is true that I have come to attend Hogwarts. Who is asking, by the way?”

The blonde haired boy came forward with two other goons. At the same time a red haired boy came up and stood near Harry so that he could see for himself that Fred and George weren't joking.

Upon reaching Harry the blonde haired boy continued to say, “This is Crabbe and Goyle, and I am Malfoy. Draco Malfoy.”

At the mention of Draco Malfoy's name, the red-haired boy who was standing nearby started to snort with laughter.

Draco swiftly turned his attention to the red-haired boy. After taking a quick look at the person who was making fun of him, Draco retorted, “By the looks of things, you don't need to tell me who you are. A person who has red hair, freckles all over his face, and wears hand me down robes must be a member of the Weasley family. Are you a Weasley, Weasley?”

“The name is Ron and yes, I am a Weasley.”

Draco returned his attention to Harry and said, “If you'd like, Harry, I can show you the proper people you can associate with instead of the riffraff of the wizarding world,” and held out his hand for Harry to shake, staring at Ron at the same time.

Seeing the hand that was being offered to him to shake, Harry first turned to the red haired boy that Draco was making fun of. From what Harry could make out, Ron was red in the face from embarrassment. Harry then turned to face Hermione, his friend. It only took an instant for Harry to see the look on her face: she was scared to lose the new friend that she had just made. Knowing Hermione was scared and that people had made fun of her as she grew up, Harry wasn't going to jeopardise or risk that friendship with Hermione.

Harry replied, “Draco, since you have a high and mighty opinion of whom the riffraffs are of the wizarding world, then I can gladly say that I can decide for myself who they are. Now, if you don't want to be jinxed or hexed by me, then I strongly recommend that you don't call my friends names. Do I make myself clear, Malfoy?”

During Harry's response to Draco's question, statement or demand, however you want to take it, neither Ron nor Draco could believe what Harry was saying. Hermione, however, was relieved to hear that her friend had steadfastly refused this arrogant boy's offer of friendship and that Harry had chosen to remain friends with her. While Hermione didn't fully know why she was so relieved at the moment, she knew she'd eventually find the answer. For now, she chose to ignore that feeling and returned her attention to Draco Malfoy.

“You know, it's not every day that a Malfoy extends his hands in friendship to people, Potter. Since you have chosen to be friends with them,” said Draco, pointing at both Hermione and Ron, “don't come running to me and say that you have made a dreadful mistake with making and choosing your friends. I can guarantee you that you shall never have my friendship.”

“Malfoy, whatever you just said is fine with me. I have a feeling that I have made the right decision. Now, if you shall excuse me, I believe I haven't formally introduced myself to Ron yet,” finished Harry as he turned his attention towards Ron.

“As you already know, I'm Harry Potter, but please call me Harry,” he said, extending a hand to Ron.

Ron grasped Harry's hand and said, “Ronald Weasley, but everyone mostly calls me Ron.”

“Glad to meet you, Ron, and this is my friend, Hermione Granger.”

Hermione came and stood beside Harry. She said, “Pleasure to meet you, Ron, and by the way, you have dirt on your nose just here.”

Hermione indicated on her nose where the dirt mark was so that Ron knew where it was. Discovering that he indeed did have a dirty nose, Ron quickly rubbed the spot in an attempt to remove the dirt.

As Ron was attending to the dirt, Malfoy started to crack up in laughter at Ron's expense.

Hearing that his friend was about to be a joke for Malfoy's humour Harry quickly said, “If you think that it's funny to laugh at another person's expense, Malfoy, then I can easily place a dirt mark on your own nose for everyone to see and laugh at. So if I were you I'd stop making fun of Ron, or would you like me to embarrass you, Malfoy?”

Luckily for Malfoy he didn't have to respond to that question because it was at that moment that Professor McGonagall returned to where the students were waiting.

Upon her return McGonagall said, “Everything is all set and everyone is anxious to see you all. So if you can quickly form two lines, I shall lead you into the Great Hall.”

The first years obediently formed the requested lines and as soon as they were ready, McGonagall led them in.

Walking into the Great Hall was an amazing experience that Harry and the other first year students would not be forgetting. Entering through the double doors, the first things that the new students noticed were hundreds of lit candles floating above their heads. Beyond the floating candles, they could see that the ceiling seemed to be showing something that resembled the sky. Although Harry knew exactly what the ceiling could do, Hermione explained what it was to the girl walking down the aisle beside her.

“The ceiling is bewitched to take on the appearance of what the sky is like at either day or night time. I read about it in Hogwarts: A History.”

Hearing his friend say those words, Harry just smiled to himself as he continued to make his way down the aisle that was between the tables.

Harry guessed that the four tables represented the houses of Hogwarts that Professor McGonagall had just talked about. Harry noticed as he walked past that the older students sat at the back, while the younger ones were towards the front. This was soon confirmed because by the time they had reached the very front of the Great Hall, Harry could clearly see that there were empty places at each table for the new students.

Upon reaching the front of the great hall, Harry was met with the sight of the staff table. Seeing this, Harry's eyes were immediately drawn to the centre of the table where he saw a golden chair. There, sitting in that seat, was the very person Harry considered to be his grandfather: Albus Dumbledore.

Sensing that a very familiar person was looking in his direction, Albus turned his attention towards his adopted grandson, Harry. Discovering that his sense was indeed true, Albus blinked at Harry to tell Harry that he had noticed him. The happy moment that Albus and Harry just shared was soon interrupted by the voice of Professor McGonagall.

“Before the Sorting Ceremony commences, Professor Dumbledore would like to say a few words.”

At the mention of his name, Albus stood up and addressed the student population of Hogwarts.

“I just have a couple start of term announcements that I would like to bring to your attention. First, the forbidden forest that is located on the boundary of the school is, as always, forbidden to all students. Second, our caretaker Mr Filch,” Dumbledore indicated to everyone who Filch was, “has asked me to remind you that magic is forbidden in the school corridors and that all joke things that are sold from Zonko's shop are forbidden. For those students who are wanting to try out for the interhouse Quidditch team, please give your names to either Madam Hooch or your head of house. Last of all, the third floor corridor on the right hand of the school is out of bounds to all students. For those who wish to avoid a most painful death, I strongly suggest that you steer clear of that corridor. Thank you, that's all, on with the Sorting Ceremony.”

Dumbledore resumed his seat and Professor McGonagall came forward and said, “Now, when I call your name, come and take a seat on the stool and I'll place the hat on top of your head. The hat shall Sort you into your houses. Hannah Abbott.”

At the sound of her name, Hannah, who had a pink face and blonde hair, came forward to be Sorted.

After a couple of moments of thinking the hat cried out, “HUFFLEPUFF!” and instantly the table that belonged to said house erupted into applause.

After McGonagall removed the hat from her head, Hannah made her way over to her house. Once she was seated McGonagall called out the next student on her list.

“Susan Bones.”

Susan approached the stool. From what Harry could see she had red hair and she wore it in a long plait. Doing exactly as Hannah just did, Susan was soon being Sorted.

Taking a good look into her mind the hat yelled out, “HUFFLEPUFF!”

For the second time for that evening, that table applauded for the newest member to join their house.

The next person to be Sorted was Terry Boot. Terry became the first Ravenclaw to be Sorted and just like Hufflepuff table, the Ravenclaw table welcomed Terry with much applause. Next was Mandy Brocklehurst and she too joined the Ravenclaw table. Lavender Brown soon followed, and as the first new Gryffindor, she received a very warm welcome.

Next up was Millicent Bulstrode, who went to Slytherin; Vincent Crabbe also joined Slytherin; Justin Finch-Fletchley became the third Hufflepuff; Seamus Finnigan joined Gryffindor; Gregory Goyle joined Slytherin, and up next was Hermione Granger.

At the mention of her name, Hermione took a couple of deep breaths and whispered to herself, “Ok relax, you can do this.” Taking a seat on the stool with the hat on her head, the Sorting of Hermione began.

Hermione heard the hat say, “My, my, you are indeed a bright one, aren't you. Haven't seen the likes of you for quite a while, but that's another story. Now, I have two options. You have the brains for Ravenclaw, and yet you have the bravery and courage for Gryffindor. Allow me to take a couple of moments to think about you.”

While the hat was thinking very about where to place Hermione, Hermione looked straight at Harry to see if he was watching. Indeed, Harry was looking at her and hoping that the hat would place Hermione into Gryffindor. During their gaze at each other the hat spoke softly to Hermione so that only she could hear.

“It seems to me that you have already made a special friend and if I am not mistaken, your friendship will develop into something that shall last for a very long. Since this is the case, the only house that I can place you into is GRYFFINDOR!”

Hearing that Hermione was sorted into Gryffindor, Harry happily applauded for his friend, as did the Gryffindor table. Removing the hat from her head, Hermione headed over to the table that was applauding and took a seat. Once she was seated, Hermione took the liberty of saving the seat beside her for Harry to have once he was placed into Gryffindor.

Rolling on with the Sorting, Neville Longbottom became the next Gryffindor, then Morag MacDougal was placed into Ravenclaw. She was quickly followed by Draco Malfoy. It didn't take Draco long to be Sorted: even before the hat touched his head, it yelled out Slytherin.

Draco just smirked and headed over to the table where his house sat. After Malfoy was taken care of, Theodore Nott and Pansy Parkinson were quickly placed into Slytherin as well. Padma Patil became the next Ravenclaw student and her twin sister, Parvati Patil, joined Gryffindor. With the Patil twins sorted, McGonagall took a look at the list to see who was next. The name that she saw was one that she was anxiously looking forward to. So with a loud clear voice professor McGonagall called out, “Harry Potter.”

At the sound of Harry Potter's name being mentioned, everyone in the Great Hall instantly became quiet and the student population turned to face the front so that they all could see what house the most famous person would be Sorted into.

Hearing his name being mentioned, Harry just casually made his up to the stool so that he could be Sorted. At the same time, Harry knew that he had everyone's attention, so he just ignored them and concentrated on the task at hand.

Once he had taken a seat on the stool and the hat was on top of his head, Harry heard the hat say, “I have heard many things about you, Mr. Potter, and I am delighted that you have finally arrived at Hogwarts. Now, let's have a look inside of your head.”

The hat spent the next couple of moments having a really thorough look into Harry's mind. Once the hat was satisfied with what he could tell, he spoke again to Harry.

“Mr. Potter, it seems to me that you are indeed a very difficult person to Sort. From what I could see, you have plenty of courage, a nice thirst for knowledge, have a thing for pulling pranks (which your father was very known for doing) and the last thing is that you have made a special friend as well. The only thing that I have to decide on is what house I place you in.”

“Um Mr. Sorting Hat, if it's alright with you, please don't Sort me into Slytherin because I don't want to go there.”

“Not Slytherin, you say. Is there a reason as to why I should not place you into Slytherin?”

“Actually, there are a couple of reasons. One is that both of my parents were in Gryffindor. Two, I don't want to be in the exact same house as that Malfoy boy, and three, my friend is in Gryffindor and I don't want her to be alone in that house without any friends.”

“Mr. Potter, for one so young I must say that your reasons have astounded me. I can see that you have made a wonderful friend with Miss Granger and from what I can gather, that friendship shall develop into a true and strong friendship. Therefore, the only house that I can place you into is GRYFFINDOR!”

Instantly the table of Gryffindor burst with loud applauding, cheers, and the stomping of feet. Among the noise Harry could hear that someone was yelling out to the other houses, “We've got Potter, we've got Potter,” over and over. Seeing that he was receiving the biggest welcome for the night, Harry quickly removed the hat from his head and placed it into the hands of Professor McGonagall, who had a huge smile on her face. After taking the hat from Harry, McGonagall gestured for Harry to head over to the table so that everyone could settle down and the Sorting could resume.

Approaching the table that was now going to be his home, Harry could see that Hermione was indicating for Harry to sit beside her. Seeing that his friend had saved him a seat just for him, Harry was only too happy to take the seat. No sooner had he taken the seat than Hermione hugged Harry and said, “Oh Harry, I'm so relieved and happy that you have been placed into Gryffindor.”

“I am happy as well, Hermione, and I am sure that the two of us are going to be great friends.”

“I hope so too, Harry. I truly hope so. For now, let's watch the rest of the Sorting.”

Harry, who thought that Hermione's idea was an excellent one, was more than happy to oblige.

While Harry was being Sorted by the hat, all of the staff turned their attention towards this particular Sorting because they were most anxious to see what house Mr. Potter would be placed in. Out of all the staff who sat there, only Albus Dumbledore and Hagrid remained calm: Both were pretty confident that Harry would join Gryffindor house. They were soon proven to be right and at the sound of Gryffindor being yelled out, both Albus and Hagrid were amongst the first of the professors to applaud for Harry.

As Albus applauded for his adoptive grandson he could see the interaction that went on between Miss Hermione Granger and Mr. Harry Potter. Albus had a hunch that Harry and Hermione just might be destined for each other. While his guesses usually turned out to be right in the end, Albus had no idea as to when this one will come true.

Since he had no idea as to how things would turn out, Albus decided that he would just sit back and allow nature to take its course.

Seeing that there were a few other students who needed to be Sorted, Albus, with the help of his wand, made a loud noise and instantly everyone became silent.

Since he yet again had everyone's attention Albus quickly spoke. “While we are all excited to give Mr. Potter a rather loud applause, the ceremony must continue. Professor McGonagall, if you please.”

The rest of the Sorting didn't take very long to complete once order had been restored among the student population. Dean Thomas, who was next Sorted, was placed into Gryffindor. He was quickly followed by Lisa Turpin, who was placed into Ravenclaw. After that, McGonagall finally reached the name of one Ronald Weasley. Just like the hat did with Malfoy, the hat decided the moment that it was on top of Ron's head

“Ah another Weasley, I just know what to do with you. GRYFFINDOR.”

After a sigh of relief, Ron removed the hat and joined his fellow mates at the table. The last person to be Sorted was a boy named Blaise Zabini, who ended up being placed into Slytherin.

At the completion of the Sorting Ceremony Albus stood and exclaimed, “Let the feast begin!”

Food suddenly appeared on top of the tables. The staff and students helped themselves to whatever they wanted to eat.

At some stage during the wondrous and scrumptious feast, Harry looked up at the staff table so that he could get a good look at the professors who taught at Hogwarts. During his scan of the table, Harry noticed that a professor who had dark long black hair and seemed to be greasy was looking straight back at Harry.

Noticing that this particular professor was looking at him straight in the eye, Harry turned to face a Percy, a prefect sitting quite close to him and said, “Um, I don't mean to be rude, but I was wondering if you could tell me the name of the professor who has the black greasy hair and what subject he teaches?”

The prefect replied, “The name of the professor that you just pointed out, Harry, is Professor Snape. He teaches Potions, although it is widely known that he wants the Defence Against the Dark Arts job.”

“Which professor teaches that subject?”

“That would be Professor Quirrell. He is the one with the purple turban on the back on his head. Are there anymore questions that you have regarding the staff, Harry?”

“I don't have anymore at the moment, Percy, but thanks for asking.”

“That's alright, Harry, and I am glad to be of help.” Both Percy and Harry returned their attention towards the feast.

Harry looked toward where Professor Quirrell was sitting up at the staff table. The moment that Harry had taken one look at the professor, a sudden sharp pain erupted in Harry's lightening-shaped scar. The pain was only there for a brief moment, but it was long enough for Harry to let a soft moan out, and as a result both Hermione and Ron could hear that Harry was in pain.

They turned to face Harry and it was Hermione who said, “Harry, what is it?”

“I just had a rather sharp pain in my scar. While it was only very brief, the pain hurt very much.”

“Are you still in pain? Should I take you to the medical wing?”

“There is no more pain and I don't need to go to the medical wing. Just give me a couple of moments and I should be alright.”

“Alright, Harry, you just sit there and rest for a while.”

At this Ron spoke. “Harry, is there anything that I can do to help?”

“Not at the moment, Ron, but if I think of anything I'll let you know.”

“Ok, Harry.” Ron returned to eating his meal.

The only other main event that occurred during the opening feast was the arrival of the Hogwarts ghosts that freely roamed through out the castle. As they made their arrival known to the students, some of the first years were quite surprised to see them.

After floating through the food that was on the table, the ghost that belonged to Gryffindor, who went by the name of Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington, introduced himself to the first years.

Ron instantly said, “I know you. You're Nearly Headless Nick, aren't you?”

“I prefer Sir Nicholas if you don't mind.”

At this Hermione asked, “Nearly headless. How can you be nearly headless?”

“Just like this, miss.”

Nick raised his right hand, grasped his head, and pulled his head aside to reveal that his head was still attached to his neck by a very little piece of skin. Discovering the sight that was before them, Hermione turned her head while Harry just gulped. Seeing that the students were satisfied, Nick replaced his head and floated off to talk to some other ghosts while everyone at the table he had just left helped themselves to dessert.

After allowing the students a couple of moments to finish up their dinner, Albus Dumbledore stood up once more and addressed the Hogwarts population

“Now that we have fed and watered ourselves, it is time for bed. If the fifth year prefects could lead the first years up to their respective house common rooms, that would be greatly appreciated. Just remember, classes start tomorrow, so with that I bid everyone a good night.”

Percy rose from where he was seated and said, “Gryffindor first year students. If you would please follow me I'll escort you safely up to our common room. Please quickly form in because I haven't got all night.”

Harry, Hermione, and the rest of their classmates quickly filed into formation. Seeing that they were all in position, Percy led the way.

As they made their way up towards Gryffindor Tower, Percy informed everyone that the stairs liked to change at will, so they should pay close attention whenever they travelled on them. He also explained all about the trick stair and he cautioned that they should avoid that stair at all costs.

Apart from telling them this and that about Hogwarts, Harry and his friends saw several portraits move as they passed by. Some of them waved, curtseyed, and a few of them welcomed the new students to Hogwarts. At last Percy had brought the group of students to the seventh floor corridor. Upon reaching the seventh floor, Percy quickly led everyone to a portrait that had a Fat Lady in it.

Once everyone had gathered around him, Percy said, “The portrait of the Fat Lady is the entrance to Gryffindor Tower and common room. The only way that she'll allow you to pass her is to give her the correct password.”

“That is indeed correct, young man. Password?”

“Caput draconis,” he answered. As she nodded her affirmation, the Fat Lady swung open to allow Percy and his entourage to enter Gryffindor Tower.

Walking through the portrait, Harry could see that they had entered a room that had several squashy armchairs, tables, a huge fireplace and windows with an excellent view.

After everyone had entered and were gathered around the chairs, Percy quickly said,

“The room that we are currently in is the common room of Gryffindor Tower. This room is a place where you can do homework, play games, or it can be used to socialise with your fellow housemates.

“Now, the stairs that are on the left hand side are for the girls while the boys are on the right. You shall find that your trunks have already have been placed inside of your dormitories. If you don't have any questions, then I bid you all a good night.” Percy left Harry and his fellow classmates to look after themselves.

Seeing that they were now free Hermione turned to face Harry and said, “I don't know about you, Harry, but I am heading up to bed to get a good night's sleep; it has been a very long and tiring day.”

“You're right when you say that, Hermione. I might as well turn in myself because tomorrow is going to be another busy day, considering that classes start tomorrow.”

“In that case, good night, Harry, and I'll see you in the morning.”

“'Night, Hermione.”

After the two friends said their good nights to each other, Hermione headed up her stairs while Harry walk up his own.

Discovering the location of the first year boys' dormitories, Harry entered the room that he was allocated. Upon entering the room, Harry discovered that there were five separate beds and at the end of each bed were the trunks that Percy said were already in place. After locating the trunk that belonged to him, Harry quickly opened it so that he could get access to the boxers that he usually slept in. After getting changed, Harry hopped into bed and closed the curtains that were hung around the bed. Once Harry had made himself comfortable for the night, he slept soundly like a baby.

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