"An exchange student?"

"From America, Dumbledore said. Who transfers schools their sixth year? And to here, of all places… I mean really?"

"Americans, apparently. Not too sharp, are they?"

The sorting was over with and all the students at Hogwarts were sitting at their tables in the Great Hall, eating and catching up. With the events unfolding, there was much to discuss.

"It's still hard to believe… He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named is back. My parents told me about how things used to be when he was in power. And then what happened with Harry Potter and how he stopped him..."

"Have you heard about the prophecy? Do you really think he's 'The Chosen One'?"

"Well, You-Know-Who has been after him for all these years. There's got to be a reason, right?"

"Yeah, but no one ever thought he'd actually come back."

Draco Malfoy interrupted the gabbing first years, "Well, he's back, alright. And believe me; he's got a lot more in store this time 'round." The first years stared at Draco, frightened. They scurried off to some seats far away from him.

Bloody first years, Draco thought. All this rambling on about stupid Potter. If anyone is getting murdered, it's these cretins. Draco heaved a sigh.

"Draco, wassa mat'?" Goyle said through a mouthful of chicken and what looked like potatoes. "You're acting weird."

"Yeah, what could possibly be the matter?" Draco snapped back.

"Well that's a stupid question," Crabbe chimed in. "All that funny bussiness for the Dark Lord you gotta plan out—"

"Crabbe, you idiot. That was sarcasm," Draco interrupted. "And I don't need you shouting my business to the Great Hall, thanks."

"We're just trying to help…" Goyle said in a defeated tone.

"Well the first thing you can do to help me is shut your bloody mouth!"

"Excuse me," said a sickeningly sweet voice behind them. Draco turned around quickly, hoping the voice had not been listening. "Is this seat taken?"

Looking down at Draco was a girl he had never seen before. She had fair skin and her curly, strawberry-blonde hair streamed down her face past her shoulders, delicately resting at one side. She had very fine, detailed facial features, and her eyes were a brilliant shade of green. Her soft smile made her seem like she could do no wrong.

"Who wants to know?" Draco said in his rudest tone.

"My my, awfully rude, aren't we? I'm Tara Hayes." Tara sat down beside Draco and smiled brightly at him.

Miss gorgeous thinks she can just sit down and charm me.

Draco looked offended. "What do you want? I'm busy imagining ways to make you leave."

Tara looked at Crabbe and Goyle. "Is he always like this?"

Crabbe and Goyle took turns stuttering. Tara just smiled and turned back to Draco.

I can't believe she expects me to drool all over her like those idiots?

"Well?" Draco insisted.

"I just thought I would sit with my fellow sixth years. I just got sorted into Slytherin, you see." Tara's smile widened at their shocked expressions. "Draco, you obviously weren't paying attention to Dumbledore's speech. Or perhaps you weren't here? I don't remember seeing you earlier…"

Draco seemed suspicious, but couldn't help his chest swelling with pride as he proclaimed, "So I see you've heard of me."

"There was a group of students whispering intently about how mean Draco Malfoy scared them away from the table. I wanted to give you the benefit of the doubt. Oh well. I suppose I'll have to find someone else." Tara grinned sweetly. "It was very nice meeting you, Draco." Tara got up but Draco continued as if she had not spoken.

"How on Earth did you manage to get sorted into Slytherin, with that sweet little game you're playing at?"

"Game?" Tara asked innocently.

"Strutting around like you can just come into my school and take everyone over. Not me, sweetheart."

"Well, I guess you'll have to explain how things work around here, won't you? I am new, after all."

"Yeah, I guess I will."

My God, what the hell's wrong with me? What am I saying?

Tara grinned triumphantly and sat back down beside him, helping herself to desert. "Draco really is such a lovely name."

And for the first time in awhile, Draco smiled.