Through Her Eyes

Chapter 35: The Final Battle

•Hermione was nervous. Her 11 year old heart was fluttering noisily, and the butterflies in her stomach felt more like razor blades. The Muggle bookworm stared up at the grand oak doors of the Great Hall, memorizing every detail as if she would never see them again. The pride of Gryffindor lions stalked the flock of Ravenclaw eagles in the top corners, while curling Slytherin serpents hissed angrily at the peaceful Hufflepuff badger family beneath. Unlike many things at Hogwarts, the doors had been made completely by hand. At least, according to Hogwarts: A History anyway,

"I've read all about the four houses," Hermione said to no one in particular, lifting her chin up and holding her book bag close to her chest, "I've heard that Gryffinfor's are courageous and that Ravenclaws are smart. I'd like either of those houses I think,"

"What about Slytherin?"

Hermione didn't see who asked the question, but shrugged anyway and pushed some uncontrollable hair behind one ear,

"From what I've read about them, Slytherin's are supposed to be driven and cunning. I don't find myself particularly cunning, nor do I like the color green,"

"My father said that Slytherin's are always evil-"

"That's not always true," Hermione insisted, still not looking at the kids throwing questions in her direction, "there have been plenty of great Slytherin's. Naturally, they are very ambitious, and ambition can easily be mistaken for evil, or lead to it."

There was a ruffle in the group of students as Hermione smiled and held her chin up a bit higher. Her elation fell though as the doors opened and Processor McGonagall appeared,

"We're ready for you now,"

Hermione had read all about the Great Hall in Hogwarts: A History. But it was nothing compared to actually seeing it for the first time. The ceiling was enchanted to reflect the night sky, meaning it was sparkling like the universe itself. Mouth agape and eyes wide, Hermione stopped with the rest of her class as the Sorting began. When her own name was called, Hermione thought she would faint. But, holding her head high and whispering words of encouragement to herself, she sat upon the stool with a deep sigh.

"My, my, what do we have here? Very intelligent, yes. A perfect fit for Ravenclaw. But you're loyal and brave too, unwavering? But even then...deep inside you I see the greatness of a Slytherin, and an interesting future ahead,"

"What do you mean?"

"Ah it's your future my dear, you'll know when it happens. But for now, I think you belong in...GRYFFINDOR!"•

"Hermione?"

"Huh?" the girl in question glanced up from her thoughts, pulling her eyes away from the high, empty Great Hall ceiling, "sorry. I was just, thinking about the first time I came into this room,"

"I think we can save the reminiscing for later, don't you think Ms. Black?" Headmistress McGonagall questioned, one of her fine eyebrows lifting as Hermione nodded and grabbed her dark auburn curls in one hand,

"Yeah. Remus, you have the Horcrux?"

The werewolf lifted up his brown satchel and shook it slightly as Hermione nodded firmly and reached into her purple beaded bag, removing the invisibility cloak from inside and throwing it around her shoulders,

"Ok. We have to expect anything," Hermione breathed, "keep watch over the doors and windows. Wands at the ready,"

Flicking her wrist, Hermione removed the Elder Wand from where it had been hidden,