ONE
"Have you seen her?"
"Did you hear about the new girl?"
"Oh my gosh, guess what I just heard!"
It was 9.17 on the morning of the 6th October, 1974; and already this incessant chatter had begun to annoy Sirius. Apparently, although already a month into school, a new student was starting today. Many rumours were circulating as to why she was beginning school well into term, ranging from the more ridiculous "I heard she killed someone at her old school, and got sent here", to the very benign "apparently she just wanted a change of scene".
"I swear if I hear one more person ramble on about this new girl, I might hit them!" grumbled Sirius.
"Come on Padfoot, it's not often anything interesting happens at Hogwarts-" Sirius was about to interrupt when his friend continued "-except involving the Marauders of course," finished the boy.
"Yeah but Moony, that's just what's annoying about it, we're always the centre of attention" Chipped in a third boy, Sirius nodded in agreement.
"Look Prongs, Padfoot," he said looking between them, "will you please just accept that for once everyone is not talking about you."
"Fine" both boys mumbled together. They trudged on in silence for awhile before someone piped up; it was a small, pudgy boy, he'd been with the others the whole time, but was one of those people who sort of faded into the background.
"I wonder what she's like." The others grimaced causing the boys face to redden. A minute passed until suddenly Sirius' face lit up.
"I have an idea." And with that statement he sped off down the corridor leaving his friends to stare at the spot where he'd just been. They looked at each other and then took after him, catching up seconds later.
"Emma" was all Sirius said, but looks of comprehension dawned on the two better looking boys, the third just continued to look confused.
Sirius had apparently seen what he was looking for, and grabbed a tall blonde girl from behind dragging her to the side of the corridor. She had pale blue eyes and long blonde hair; a sweeping fringe framed her face.
"For fucks sake Sirius, you could have just asked you know!" Screeched Emma.
"I could of," Sirius looked thoughtful for a second, before continuing, "but my way was a lot more fun," he finished grinning.
She sighed in acceptance; confrontation was never her strong point, "what do you want anyway?"
"Well, I-" he glanced around, "we want info on the new girl."
"That's all?" He nodded, "Well I don't know much, very secretive this girl, but here goes. She's our year, transferred from Beauxbatons after getting kicked out, no idea why" Emma finished her little tirade looking worn out; it was too early in the morning to be accosted by the Marauders.