Hermione Granger sat between Harry and Ron on the bench and grinned. She was extremely pleased to be back at Hogwarts, for there was lots of learning to be done and no doubt plenty more adventures to be had. She glanced at the food wistfully, willing the rest of the students to sit down so the Sorting could take place, and then she could tuck in.
A line of terrified First Years were led in by Professor McGonagall, and Hermione smiled, remembering how she had felt when she first walked in. Although she was in awe, she had been scared herself, worrying that perhaps she wasn't really a witch, seeing as her parents were Muggles. She clapped for every new Gryffindor, and also the other Houses too, except Slytherin. Then Dumbledore stood up at the end of the Sorting, just as everyone was about to grab food. Ron groaned in hunger, and Hermione gave him a stern look, before returning her full attention to the headmaster.
"We also have a new Fifth Year student joining us this year, and I hope that our current Fifth Years will welcome her to Hogwarts. Please give Jasmine Lloyd a warm greeting."
The huge doors opened and a tall girl walked in awkwardly, smiling nervously. A few of the boys were craning their necks to have a look at her. She was pretty, very pretty. Her wavy dirty blonde hair reached her shoulders and she had a fair complexion, with rosy cheeks and dimples when she smiled. She was led down between the tables to the stool, and the hat was placed upon her head. The poor thing looked extremely nervous, Hermione noted. For a few moments, nothing happened. Then, the Sorting Hat shouted, "GRYFFINDOR!"
Hermione clapped loudly along with all of the other Gryffindors. The Weasley twins were catcalling, and Hermione frowned disapprovingly. Jasmine, now beaming, skipped to the table, eyeing up the students. She ignored the small First and Second Years, and sat down right beside Hermione.
"Everyone tuck in," Dumbledore announced, smiling.
"Hello. I'm Hermione Granger." Hermione decided to take charge and also become the girl's friend. She was always alone in her dormitory, not being terribly good friends with the other girls. Jasmine smiled again.
"I'm Jasmine Lloyd." She had a Yorkshire accent. Looking around her in wonder, she gestured up to the ceiling. "It's fantastic, isn't it? I never knew how picturesque Hogwarts would be."
Hermione was impressed by Jasmine's vocabulary. "Oh yes! I mean, I had already read Hogwarts, A History-"
"Me too!" Jasmine looked amazed. "It was a brilliant read, wasn't it?"
Hermione was slightly taken aback. She was well known for being the only person who had read the whole book. Still, she tried not to look crestfallen. It didn't really matter after all.
"It was great," Hermione said passionately. "I think we're the only two who've read it!" she added with a laugh.
There wasn't much talking after that, for Hermione was ravenous and ate lots of delicious food; roast beef, pork chops, casserole, roast and mashed potatoes… She rivalled Ron in her eating habits that evening, though of course he ate far more.
"Honestly Ronald, it's like you've never been fed before!" Hermione said jokingly, an eyebrow raised. She turned to check that Jasmine was alright and found her picking at roast potatoes and peas. Upon catching her eye, Jasmine smiled weakly.
"Not hungry?" Hermione asked gently, wondering how on earth the new girl could resist the feast.
"No," Jasmine mumbled, pushing the plate away. She stared at Hermione intently with her hazel eyes. "I'm a bit homesick actually," she admitted. "Plus I'm the only new Fifth Year…"
"How come you didn't join in First Year?" Hermione asked without thinking.
Jasmine shrugged. "Oh, you know… family issues." Hermione didn't push it.
Up in the dormitory, Parvarti and Lavender were making a fuss over Jasmine.
"You have such perfect skin!" Lavender said in awe. It was true that Jasmine's complexion was near perfect. Hermione immediately touched her own skin; it was fine, but nowhere near as clear as hers.
Jasmine looked a bit embarrassed but pleased too. "Thanks." She broke away gently and began to get ready for bed.
"We go to bed fairly early so we wake up in time tomorrow for breakfast, it begins at 8: 15," Hermione told Jasmine, who was now brushing her soft blonde hair. She nodded, and changed into a purple nightdress before settling down beneath the covers. Hermione changed into her usual blue shirt and leggings combination, not too stylish but comfortable. She rolled into her warm bed and fell asleep the second her head hit the pillow.