RedX43
patreon
[HP] 26: Go to Ravenclaw, Hermione
🕑 Added 2025-07-10 03:47:59 +0000 UTC“But I don’t really know the difference between the houses, I don’t know how to choose,” said Hermione. “I only know that Hogwarts has four houses: Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin, but I’m not very familiar with the specifics.”
“Neville, do you know anything about the houses?” Louis asked cautiously, choosing not to reveal his own familiarity with Hogwarts. Instead, he turned to Neville Longbottom, who came from a pure-blood wizarding family.
“M-Me? I guess I do know a little…” Neville froze for a moment, clearly nervous and shy.
“Don’t be nervous, we’re just chatting. We’ll be together for a few more hours after all,” Louis said, glancing at the sun still hanging in the sky outside the train window. “It’s no good to be too tense.”
“That’s right, Neville. You need to toughen up a bit. Don’t be afraid—we’re not going to eat you,” Hermione chimed in with encouragement.
“Alright.” Neville took a deep breath and began slowly, “I actually don’t know that much either, and I’m not sure what exactly happens during the Hogwarts Sorting Ceremony. But I do know that the four houses represent different qualities: Gryffindor stands for bravery, Ravenclaw for intelligence, Slytherin for cunning, and Hufflepuff for loyalty.”
“All of the houses are supposed to be good—except Slytherin. They say every Death Eater came from Slytherin, and they’re known to be arrogant, sly, and hate wizards from Muggle families.”
It was obvious Neville had a strong dislike for Slytherin—he couldn’t stop badmouthing it.
“Death Eaters? The minions of You-Know-Who? Oh my, how could they be like that?” Hermione asked in shock.
“Because Slytherin is mostly made up of pure-blood wizards, and they agree with what the Dark Lord believes,” Neville said uneasily. “We probably shouldn’t talk about him…”
“Alright, you’re right. I heard saying his name out loud might get his attention,” Hermione said, clearly aware of various rumors about the Dark Lord. “Let’s just keep talking about the houses. Neville, which one do you want to be in?”
“Gryffindor,” Neville answered without hesitation. “Both my parents were in Gryffindor. I feel like I should go there too. But… I’m worried I won’t get in.”
“Don’t worry. I think you’ve got real potential for Gryffindor. That’s a magician’s instinct.” Louis patted Neville on the shoulder.
“Thanks for the encouragement,” Neville said gratefully.
“What about you, Hermione?” Louis asked. “Which house do you want to be in?”
Hermione Granger, at her core, was undoubtedly a headstrong girl—otherwise, she wouldn’t have ended up in Gryffindor. But there was no denying her talent far outshone her courage.
“I think… as long as it’s not Slytherin, I’m fine,” Hermione said hesitantly. “Slytherin sounds kind of scary. And it seems like they look down on wizards from families like mine.”
“That’s true. But I think you’d be a great fit for Ravenclaw, Hermione,” Louis said with a wink. “Your learning ability proves you have exceptional intelligence.”
“But I’m not as good as you. I haven’t learned those upper-year spells like you have,” Hermione muttered. “So where are you planning to go?”
“Me? Well, magicians love a challenge. If I can choose, I’d actually love to go to Slytherin and see what those Death Eater offspring are really like.” Louis tapped his tall hat. “That’d be quite the challenge, wouldn’t it?”
“That’s insane,” Neville blurted. “They’ll drive you out—or worse, insult and bully you!”
“Let’s hope they have the guts to try.” Louis smiled and shook his head. “Besides, I’m just talking. It still depends on how the Sorting is done. But Hermione, I really think Ravenclaw suits you. Your intellect leaves a lasting impression.”
“If I get the chance, I’ll choose Ravenclaw,” Hermione said, clearly delighted by Louis’s compliment.
The group continued chatting casually. Hermione and Louis would describe life in the Muggle world to Neville, and Neville in turn shared what it was like to live in the wizarding world. Both ways of life seemed strange and magical to the other side—illogical but irresistibly fascinating.
Eventually, the conversation drifted back to the unknown nature of the Hogwarts entrance exam. Louis, who knew the truth, couldn’t help but feel a bit speechless. He didn’t understand why both Hermione, a Muggle-born, and Neville, a pure-blood, were so convinced there was some kind of terrifying test—each treating it like they were marching into battle.
At the mere mention of an entrance exam, Hermione tensed up and kept repeating that she’d be fine—because she had already memorized all the spells from The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 1.
Amid this “cheerful” conversation, night gradually fell.
As the dusk light faded and night swallowed the last glow of the sunset, the train began to slow as it pulled into an old, weathered station.
The whistle blew again, marking the journey’s end. The young witches and wizards began stepping off the train one by one.
Older students grouped up and left the station, leaving the wide-eyed first-years standing around in confusion.
“First years for Hogwarts, over here!”
At that moment, Hagrid appeared, holding a lantern high. His booming voice caught everyone’s attention—those closest to him even had to cover their ears.
Having a half-giant lead the first-years was a very smart decision. He was big enough to be seen by everyone—and intimidating enough to keep things in order.
Who would’ve guessed that this burly man who looked like he could wrestle a tiger was, in fact, a gentle and lovable giant?
***
