DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN HARRY POTTER!! (Although I would like to.) This goes for the other chapters of the story as well.
"Could I sit here?" The voice sounded at Harry Potter's right.
He looked over to see a startlingly pretty girl of about fifteen standing next to an empty seat. A quick glance at his best friend Ron Weasley told him it was more than okay – Ron was practically drooling over his steak and kidney pie.
"Sure," said Harry, motioning to the seat.
The girl smiled gratefully and took the seat with ease. She had long brown hair and eyes in a pale shade of blue. She smiled a white-toothed smile at Harry and Ron, and even Harry felt his stomach flip.
"So," she began, twirling a piece of hair around her index finger. "Harry Potter and Ron Weasley. I'm quite honored."
"You've heard of us?" said Ron with surprise.
Harry didn't share Ron's amazement. The lightning bolt scar on his forehead was a reminder to everyone that he had defeated the Dark Lord Voldemort when he was only a baby. For that, he was quite famous within the magical world.
"Sure," the girl answered, "after all, everyone's heard of Harry Potter. And Professor McGonagall just told me about you, Ron."
Ron looked confused. "Professor McGonagall?" he repeated slowly.
The girl nodded. "Yes. I'm new to Hogwarts. My parents were home schooling me up until this year. Then they were called away to Russia, so they asked Dumbledore if I could come here. He agreed. By the way, my name is Candace. Candace Hart."
"Hello Candace. Nice to meet you," said the voice of Hermione Granger.
Harry looked up to see his other best friend, studious, bush-haired Hermione sitting down next to Ron. She smiled at Candace and said, "You must be new. I'm-"
"Hermione Granger. I've heard about you as well," said Candace, extending her hand to Hermione, who shook it, clearly baffled.
They kept up a light conversation all through the meal. When the plated and goblets had been magically cleaned, Albus Dumbledore stood up and welcomed everyone to a new year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He introduced Candace as well, and Harry noticed that when she stood up and waved, many of the guys look rather transfixed.
While Dumbledore talked about the Forbidden Forest, Candace leaned towards Harry to whisper in his ear. She smelled nice, like herbs and fruit.
"McGonagall was wondering if you wouldn't mind taking me on a tour of the school," she said softly, her breath tickling his ear. "After dinner, perhaps?"
"Of course. That sounds great," said Harry, looking at his new acquaintance.
Candace smiled again, and the odd feeling in Harry's stomach returned. He wondered what the night would bring.