3: ''Give her 5 seconds...''

                                    

                                          
Following the long line of students into the hall felt like some kind of fever dream. The ceiling glistened with stars, mister over gently with clouds, so that Thea couldn't tell if it was enchanted, or if there was really no ceiling at all. Candles suspended high above their heads, flames flickering calmly in the small breeze filtering through the grand doorway. Every inch of the architecture was cut deeply with intricate details, yet was work away, from the constant light in the room. 
Thea felt half intrigued, stunned, even overwhelmed by the sight of it all, yet half sickened, wishing she was just back at home. 
"Thea. Thea." Hermione rushes at her front behind, pushing over a number of you her students in her wake. "Sorry. Oh i'm so sorry." She calls after herself, still not hesitating to run directly into her sister. "Thea. Oh good you're here. Good." Hermione rambles, brushing at Thea's robes as she steadies herself. "Follow the first years to the front of the hall, there another new boy in 3rd year, and a girl in 5th year, so you won't be on your own up there. They'll sort you, then you can come and sit down."
Thea takes notice of the word 'come', as if Hermione is certain that she will end up in Gryffindor. Neither sisters have spoken about this topic previously, as if Hermione has just assumed that she's going to end up with her sister and live happily ever after. 
What happens if Thea gets put in yellow? Unlikely, Thea isn't known for her nice and likeable qualities. Plus, Dean mentioned that the head of their house is Professor Sprout, a herbology teacher, and after the carriage ride and Neville's long drawl of plant based bullshit, Thea decides would not be very well suited to her. She might get put in blue, the smart house. Thea doesn't recall much more about them, apart from their name had something to do with a raven, yet their emblem is an eagle, which Thea thinks is not very smart at all. Plus, her grades have never been much more than just consistently average. 
Then there's Slytherin. Yes, many dark wizards have been products of the green house, yet Thea can't say she's opposed to ending up there. Part of her just assumes it would upset Hermione, which is slightly appealing. In addition, the current concept of ending up in Gryffinor makes her want to crucio herself. 
Turning away from Hermione, to where her sister is gesturing to the front of the hall, Thea spots the teachers table, stretching along the front length of the room. Whoever is sat in the direct centre, is obscured by a stool, a crusty hat, and an old, yet wise looking witch in a deep green robe. Nearly everyone is seated, Thea begins to panic as the aisle clears and she's one of the only few left standing.
"That's Millie" Hermione gestures forwards once more at a short girl standing in the aisle ahead, her head flicking around the room scattily.  "She's a new 5th year, take her to the front and you can get sorted."
Thea is barely given a moment to process anything, as Hermione gives her a small shove in the direction of the girl. They immediately lock eyes and she watches intently as Thea makes her way over. Once Thea flashes an uneasy smile, the small girl instantly relaxes, unclasping her hands. Students begin to murmur lowly, as the two walk together down the centre of the room. Thea trains her eyes straight ahead, not daring to catch anyone's gaze. 
Thea can't help but feel confused, all her and Hermione have ever done is argue. The two almost hate each other, and Thea is eternally thankful for the long terms she spent out of her sister's company each year. Hermione is disproving, ultimately controlling and has this annoying habit of trying to make Thea feel guilty about every little slip up. The key word being 'trying'. Thea likes to think she's grown immune to Hermione's bullshit by now. 
As the two reach the end, they slow to a halt, Thea clasps at her robe again, desperately trying to find something to occupy her hands. 
"Settle down students. Sett... Settle down!" The witches voice sounds over the hall, and the low murmurs and whispers come to an end. "Now, before we sort the first year students, we need to sort, a few, new students into their older years." She clears her throat, unrolling a short piece of parchment and bowing her head to read over her horn-rimmed spectacles.