That doesn't really sound right...

Bravery isn't the absence of fear, it's the finding of strength or determination within yourself to overcome that fear.  Often it feels less like being brave than like being backed into doing something you're scared of doing by, for example, your own conscience.

...Huh.

That sounds familiar. Or... An unwillingness to lay down and die.

Indeed, the hat says.

And... You think I'm that kind of brave?

The kind of brave people think of when they think of Gryffindor, you mean?  I think you're a kind of brave that Godric would have recognized and respected, and I think you're a kind of brave that Gryffindor house knows how to respect and nurture.  I think you're a kind of brave that can do more than its bearers often think.  And I think you could become almost any kind of brave you decided to try to.

Wow. That's a lot.

Being a Gryffindor sounds really terrifying. They'll know, probably, because people always know, how constantly, thoroughly scared she always is, of basic silly things.

But...

The Hat's talking like it's - like it's something important, noble.

A terrifying path - and one she kind of wants to walk, even if she's shaking the entire time.

I think... I'm okay trying it.

I hesitate to promise anyone a particular House before I've spoken to everyone, but I like you for Gryffindor very much.

She thinks. I'd be fine in Hufflepuff, too, if sorting ends up weird. I was assuming I'd end up there probably anyways...

Hufflepuff House has a great deal to commend it, the hat says, and I have no doubt you'd grow into a fine wizard there as well.

Okay.

I think we're all set, Miss Evans.

Thank you.

She takes the Hat off her head and hands it back to the professor before sliding off the stool.

The alphabet progresses inevitably toward Granger.

She runs for the hat's seat, full up of nerves and excitement both, and jams the hat on her head.

Hello. Now what do we have here? 

I'm Hermione Granger, she says.  Pleased to meet you, Mr. Sorting Hat.

He chuckles. Thank you, Miss Granger. The pleasure is mine. 

Grin.  Thank you!  So... how does the Sorting work?

Well, I look into your mind - like I'm doing now - and I think about what sort of person you are, how that sort of pertain learns, what sort of person you could become, and I ask what sort of person you'd like to be. I generally try to put people in Houses they'll get along well with. For class size reasons, I also try to sort the Houses evenly, so often I decide how to sort people who are very balanced or unsure between multiple Houses last, depending on where there's openings.

Well... she says pensively.  I think I could see myself fitting in any of the Houses... but I would quite like to go to Gryffindor.  I've read a lot about Albus Dumbledore, and I think I'd like to grow up to be like him.

The Hat chuckles. I could see you in any of the Houses as well, Miss Granger. I can certainly try to get you into Gryffindor.

Thanks.  I do think there's a lot to admire in all of the houses, I'd like to grow up to be curious and hardworking and ambitious too... but that doesn't always come to much if you're not willing to stand up and say, this is wrong, and that takes bravery above all, I think.

Very much so. 

I do believe you'll go quite far, Miss Granger. 

She grins and bounces.  Thanks, Mr. Sorting Hat!