Harry, Ginny, Ron and Hermione watched the first years walk in to the Great Hall. They looked at them in interest, wondering who would be joining them in Gryffindor House. Professor Dumbledore raised his hands for silence, and the whole student body quieted immediately.
"I would like to welcome you all to Hogwarts," he said, beaming around the room. "There are some rules that need to be made clear. The forest outside the castle is out of bounds for all students. There will be no wandering the halls between classes, and there is a list of other rules and regulations posted outside Mr. Filch's office. Please make a point to go and read them. Now, we will begin the Sorting."
Professor McGonnagall sat the hat on the stool, and it erupted into song.
"My life began when Gryffindor, in robes of gold and red, Brought forth a spell he knew so well and placed me on his head. I'm just an old and ragged hat, but now I will decide, By looking deep within your mind in which house you'll reside.
Great Gryffindor was brave of heart, a wizard strong and true, For those of loyal character, his house was meant for you. Sweet Hufflepuff accepted all with kindness and good will, For those who are hard workers, it's her house you best may fill.
Fair Ravenclaw was quick of wit and smarter than the rest, So if you prize intelligence, her house may fit you best. And Slytherin, through thick and thin, would always have his way, If you have craft and cunning, then his house is yours today.
And now the task of warning you again must fall to me, A foe with ill intent was sent among you to roam free. Be always watchful through the year, your life you must protect, The one who soon will turn on you is one you'd least suspect."
Everyone in the Great Hall was silent. It seemed like the staff and students were thinking about the last line that the Sorting Hat had sung.
"The one who soon will turn on you is one you'd least suspect?" Ron asked, looking around at the other Gryffindors. They were staring at the hat in amazement. This was the second year that the hat had given a warning before the Sorting had begun. Professor McGonagall, who was momentarily rooted to the spot, smiled at the students and pulled a piece of parchment out of her pocket and began calling the names of the students to be sorted. Each time someone was sorted into Gryffindor, the Gryffindors would clap, but you could tell that their "hearts" weren't in it.
Harry watched the line of first years dwindling and sighed. If only he knew what he could do to protect everyone. This was his battle, not everyone else's. He was the one who would have to defeat Voldemort. Harry sighed and looked around the table. He saw Ginny sitting with her hands folded in her lap, staring blankly up at the ceiling. He was restless and needed to think. Harry got up from the table and walked over to Ginny. He didn't want to be alone, and he figured that she could use the company. He touched her shoulder lightly, and she turned, slightly startled.
"What?" she asked, looking up at the person who had pulled her from her thoughts. She didn't realize at first that it was Harry. Harry smiled slightly and looked into her chocolate-brown eyes. They'requite beautiful, he thought. Ginny stared at him, waiting for him to respond. Harry dragged his mind away from his thoughts and spoke.
"I was wondering if you wanted to go for a walk," he asked. Ginny blushed; she couldn't believe that Harry was asking her to go on a walk.
"Sure," she said, smiling brightly, her face still flushed. Harry smiled, taking her hand, and they walked out of the Great Hall together. They didn't notice the pairs of eyes watching them as they left.