chapter 61

"This is not to be considered a slight on their current Houses. These three students wanted to make sure you're aware of that. This is just something that all three, after much consideration of the implications, felt needed to happen. I believe the current relationship between the Houses of Gryffindor and Slytherin went a long way towards this decision. I have also been made aware that, when sitting at Gryffindor table, Miss Greengrass was the victim of abuse of at least one member of that House. And, when they sat together at the Slytherin table, Mister Potter and Miss Granger were the victims of similar abuse.

"This is appalling behaviour from those who should know better. If it had come from those who are muggle-raised, and therefore have a lesser understanding of wizarding life, it may have been somewhat understandable; though, still not acceptable. That it came from those who have been raised in the magical world, and therefore have a greater understanding of the issues involved, is shocking in the least. I am quite disappointed with you."

While he'd been talking, Professor McGonagall had brought around the Sorting Hat and its stool, and placed them where it usually went for the beginning of year sort of First Years. She enlarged the surface of the stool, then stood back and waited.

Seeing that Professor McGonagall was ready, the Headmaster looked at Harry and his two bondmates and called, "Mister Potter, Miss Granger and Miss Greengrass; please come forward to be re-sorted."

Harry and the two girls rose from where they were sitting at the Slytherin table and he led the two girls over to the stool.

The Professor quietly picked the Hat up and said directly to Harry, "Sit on the front of the stool, Mister Potter. Then I want both ladies to sit either side of you."

Once they were organised, with both girls sitting almost back-to-back and Harry sitting back-to-shoulder with them, Professor McGonagall lowered the Hat. As she did so, the brim stretched right out and encompassed all three of their heads.

Watching it happen, the students were surprised and talked excitedly amongst themselves about what they were watching. Even the Ravenclaws were talking somewhat animatedly about it.

Knowing what to expect, Harry waited as the Hat was placed on his head; and listened intently for the Hat's 'voice' to enter his thoughts.

'Ah, the three-way soul-bond re-sort the Headmaster warned me about,' said the Hat.

Harry 'heard' Hermione politely think, 'Put us together in Ravenclaw, please.'

'Hermione?' Harry thought, shocked.

Daphne's mental voice mused with a chuckle, 'Well, this is a surprise.'

'Harry?' thought a just as surprised Hermione. 'Daphne?'

'Stop that, you three,' the Hat scolded. However, Harry could also sense that their surprise amused the Hat, no end.

'Sorry,' all three thought back.

'It's still incredible,' thought Hermione. 'I'd love the opportunity to investigate this further.'

'As would I,' thought Daphne. 'I can even sense your emotions.'

Harry was happy for the two of them and amused at the Hat's grumblings in the background of teens with too much curiosity. Harry was mentally chuckling at the Hat's annoyance. 'Well, this is a school. We're supposed to be curious. There's no need to be miffed about it.'

'You'd be miffed, too, Mister Potter, if you had to put up with what I have to put up with,' grouched the Hat.

'Harry?' thought Daphne. 'You really do care for me... for us... don't you? I can feel it.'

'Of course,' thought Harry. 'Why wouldn't I?'

'Enough!' the Hat mentally raised its voice. 'Let's get this out of the way. You can talk about it between yourselves later. Angsty teenagers annoy me.'

Suddenly, a fourth presence appeared within the collective mental landscape of their minds.

Almost instantly, the three teens felt the presence of pure love wash over their very beings.

'Hello, Gryff,' said the presence.

The three felt the hint of amusement wash through them from the presence.

'Mi-Milady?' stuttered the Hat, seemingly shocked.

'You know who I am, do you not?' asked the presence.

'Ye-yes... of course,' replied the Hat.

'I know that Albus Wulfric wants you to sort these three into Gryffindor,' said the presence, Harry had come to understand was an angel. 'However, you will be sorting them into Ravenclaw. Am I clear?'

'Y-yes, milady; of course,' said the Hat.

Harry thought he'd figured out who it was who had 'intruded' into the sorting. 'Della?' he asked.

'Yes, baby,' replied the presence, Della, quite amused. 'I would have thought it would have been one of your bondmates... Ah! I see both had already also figured out who I was, but were hesitant to ask.

'Never fear, my babies. You need not fear asking a question of me. However, I may not be able to answer; but, will tell you, if that's the case.'

'Thank you,' thought Daphne. Hermione immediately followed with her own as Della softly withdrew.

'Th-that was...' stuttered Gryff.

'An angel; yes," said Hermione, almost chuckling with amusement.

Still amused himself, Harry thought back, 'Now that Della's gone again, just shout out "Ravenclaw!" and we'll be done.'

'Yes. Ravenclaw, please, Gryff,' thought Daphne as Harry felt Hermione mentally nod.

With a sigh, the Hat thought, 'Fine! I've got one job to do, and you blasted kids enjoy denying me the privilege. And now I also have to put up with one of the Heavenly Host putting their two knuts in. I already know Albus is going to be giving me a serve of his anger, ranting at me after the meal. I'd best figure out what to tell him.'

"As little as possible," thought Harry. 'He's not in the know.'

'I know,' replied Gryff. "RAVENCLAW!"

With that, Professor McGonagall whipped the Hat off their heads as the Ravenclaw table half-heartedly applauded.

A quick look around and Harry could see the Hufflepuff table seemed quite disappointed but were curious and still pleased for them; the Slytherins were a mix between pleased and disappointed. Some were visibly angry. And, Gryffindor table were all very disappointed. Oliver Wood, however, looked like he was sobbing into his hands while Angelina Johnson was trying to soothe and comfort him.

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