Hannah was alone, again.
Of course, she was being silly really. The common room was packed. Some were sprawled across armchairs as they did homework. Others were busy procrastinating in the form of hanging around chatting. Over in the corner, a group of first year boys were laughing and shouting as they fired gold sparks at each other. They had been like her, just a week ago. Awkward and anxious as they waited to be sorted. Then sitting timidly with the rest of the Hufflepuffs. Hannah had been excited about Hogwarts. She had been planning on fitting in for once.
But no; Hogwarts may be magic, but Hannah was awkward.
She pulled up her socks. She smoothed her hair, inspected her finger nails and counted the number of bricks on the wall opposite her; twice. The fire crackled and the rain hammered against the glass, and before long people began to leave. As two first year girls wandered past, deep in conversation, Hannah stood to follow them. She had not had Herbology yet, and wasn't quite sure where it was.
Perhaps her mother was right; she should listen more. Maybe then she would have realised they would be outside, and have thought to bring a cloak. As the only one who hadn't, Hannah felt ridiculous. And wet. The rain cascaded from the sky, mocking her.
The shelter of the greenhouses couldn't come soon enough. Madam Sprout sighed as her bedraggled pigtails dripped water onto the floor.
'Come along now, Hannah' She called. 'Find yourself a pair of gloves and partner up.'
Fabulous, this wouldn't be humiliating at all…
Hannah groaned inwardly and looked around. There were pairs, everywhere.
'Here, I got you some.' A tall boy tapped her on the shoulder, holding out a pair of gloves.
Hannah blinked
'Are you alright?' He inquired
She nodded hastily. 'Sure, um, thanks'
He nodded in acknowledgement
'Hey, um...' She began, realising her chance. 'Do you have a partner, or…?' She trailed off, blushing.
'Indeed I do. You are my partner.'
She blinked again. 'Oh… well, okay'
'You can get the compost.' He instructed
'Kay' she nodded, trying to disguise her relief.
They worked companionable quiet for a while, occasionally discussing the strange puffapods they were replanting. Hannah found herself relaxing, for the first time in a while.
'You're funny.' He commented
'I am?' She beamed at his praise
'Yes. You're stupid comments amuse me.'
'Oh.' Her face fell, and she turned to stare hard at her puffapod. Her hands shook slightly.
'That's okay, though. I don't mind that.'
'You... you don't?'
'No. I mean, you're a little annoying, but I'm quite patient.'
'Right' Hannah gritted her teeth together
'And you're doing that wrong' He noted
'Mhm' She mumbled dully.
