Everything was blindingly white. She felt her body be compressed into the smallest molecule while also feeling that the bright light was slowly pulling her apart piece by piece. It wasn't exactly painful, more the most disturbing experience of her life. She didn't know how long she had been floating compressing and decompressing through space. She prayed she wouldn't be stuck like this for an eternity. And just when she was about to give up hope. Everything stopped.
Opening her eyes she saw she was standing in the same room as before. Yet everything was glistening with cleanliness. The fireplace in the corner was roaring with life and it seemed that someone's case of belongings was set against the dresser and a half emptied cup of tea set on a table next to the chair. Thank Merlin whoever was occupying the room was out at the moment of her arrival.
She slowly checked her person making sure everything was intact. Her belongings and her body. She shook at the thought of having lost any appendages during the voyage. Thankfully nothing was amiss. Slowly cracking the door to make sure no one was in the corridor she slipped out and went downstairs to a bustling and rowdy bar brimming full with witches and wizards. It made it quite easy to sneak down into the crowd without drawing attention to herself.
She was starving. The trip sucked all the energy out of her. She felt she had traveled for weeks without food and water. Finding a empty stool she set and ordered fish and chips with a butterbeer. She glanced left seeing an elder wizard reading the Daily Prophet. She let out a small gasp on finding the date on the front page. August 3, 1942. It worked. It actually worked. Trying to act more natural under the man's glances she tucked into the food in front of her basically inhaling it.
What to do first. Luckily she had almost a month to get everything situated before she was off to her sixth year of Hogwarts. Again. Kingsley thought it prudent to give her at least two years in Riddles presence to get close enough so when she graduated it wouldn't make any matter. She would already be known as loyal and unexpendable. She didn't know if knowing the entire years itinerary would be helpful in her cause. Or just make her even more of an outcast. It would be weird enough being older than Tom in this time.
Finished with her meal and getting her thoughts in line she head out to Diagon Alley to get this mess she called a life organized. Everything was breathtakingly beautiful. Everyone was smiling. The shops were full of life and prosperity. People were walking by laughing or with smiles on their faces. To say Hermione was having an out of body experience was putting it lightly. She held her cloak tightly around her realizing her stood out a bit in this era.
First stop of the day was to get at least a week's worth of formidable wear. Stepping into a pretty boutique shop, A pretty blonde woman smiled widely and offered Hermione assistance immediately. "What can we do you for today my dear?" The woman asked kindly. "Well I need a week's worth a everyday wear for now. I've just moved here and did not have the time or means to bring anything with me. Could you help me with whatever you believe would suit my needs?" She asked. Hermione knew even in her time she was no fashion extraordinaire, let alone now in a time she'd never been a part of before.
"Is there a particular budget we need to work with?" The woman questioned. "Not at all ma'am. Money is of no consequence." The brunette answered. The Order had given her a purse full of galleons to live off before she could access her vaults. "Of course dear." The clerkswoman waved her wand over her causing a measuring tape to fly around her in a frenzy then back into the woman's wand. "Right then. Follow me." Hermione spent the next hour trying on an assortment of dresses and cloaks of all different variety of fabrics, textures, and styles. She wasn't very partial to wearing dresses all day, everyday. But it seemed skirts and dresses were par to the era.
The woman helped her into a very cute black shirt tail tea dress, wearing stockings and a pair of pumps. "Much better. Those have a cushioning charm already made into them so it feels as if you are walking barefoot. Newest trend of the season. I'll get the rest of your things wrapped up dear!" The woman smiled widely leaving Hermione to stare at her reflection in the mirror. She giggled at her reflection walking back and forth in her new attire. To say she wasn't fond of heels was an understatement. But these were bloody fantastic. They were more comfortable then her trainers. It would still take time seeing all her feminine attributes on display. All of these vintage dresses (though not vintage to this time) hugged her curves making her hourglass figure even more accentuated. But at least now she wouldn't stand out with her usual jeans and jumper attire.
Shrinking her wrapped purchases she tossed them into her beaded bag and headed to the office of one Peter Gringsgold. Her estate manager. The building was a dark yet expensive looking building with the mans name on the top of the door in gold lettering. Hermione wouldn't doubt the lettering being made from real gold. She walked into the door to be met with a snobbish looking woman sitting at a receptionist desk. " Welcome to Peter Gringsgold's office. How may I assist you today?" She stated monotonely. Hermione pulled out her paperwork handing it to the woman." I'm sorry I haven't made an appointment. But I need to see Mr. Gringsgold as soon as possible. I'm sure he will clear time for me." Hermione said in her most important voice she could muster.
The lady looked over her paper work raising both eyebrows than looking back up to Hermione, " Of course Miss Sewlyn. Give me one moment, he's in a floo meeting." The receptionist rose from her chair and walked down a hallway leaving the brunette to her own devices for a few minutes. Hearing the clacking of shoes she turned towards the hallway to see the woman returning accompanied by an older gruff looking gentleman.
He was short by Hermione's standards. Barely a few inches above herself. His day suit was immaculate but did nothing to hide the pudge of a belly he had. "Miss Sewlyn. I'm terribly sorry for your loss and am happy to meet you." He leaned down pressing a wet kiss to Hermione's hand. His comb over flopped forward then backwards again on his assent standing upwards. Hermione tried to keep her face blank of emotion but couldn't stop a smile from appearing. The man took the time to slowly look her over from head to toe. He was staring at her like he wanted to eat her. It was highly disturbing. "Thank you and likewise sir. As you can see of my papers, we have lots of work to attend to. The sooner everything is settled the better." She told the man cooly.
"But of course. You do know that we will have to prove your genealogy even with the correct papers Miss. All protocol of course. Can't have any riff raft coming in taking something that may not belong to them just because a few sheets of papers. Papers can lie, where as blood cannot." He told her in his nasally voice. Even though everything he was saying wasn't exactly offensive. It was the matter of which he looked at her and tone that made her want to throttle the man. Pureblood's always talking down to people like they're superior. Psh. Like this man ghastly man could be more than anyone else.
"But of course. Whenever you are ready sir." she reiterated. He hid his surprise and derision well but she could see a twitch in his jaw that gave him away. "Follow me then. I've already have everything set up." Hermione followed the man to his office watching as he sat down behind a giant desk. He waved to the chair in front of him and Hermione took her cue and sat gracefully watching the man sign a few papers here and there. "Miss Sewlyn if you would." There was a quill in front of her that had a pin sticking out of the top. Oh yes that's not barbaric at all. These people. Hermione clasped the quill letting her finger be pricked and signed the old parchment in front of her with her own blood.
Signing the last letter the parchment lit up bright blue and Mr. Gringsgold had the audacity to look surprised once again. 'Well looks like the blood magic Kingsley performed was solid.' she thought to herself. " Wonderful dear. Well with that all taken care of you are now able to access your manor here and your accounts. I will have a few more papers to send off for your offshore accounts and estates but that shouldn't take more than a few weeks." The man said handing back her papers along with her new documents showing everything that had been legally transferred. Hermione stood up not wanting to waste another minute in the man's presence.
"Thank you once again sir. I will be very busy from here on out if you would be kind enough to owl me any further correspondence that would be lovely." She offered her hand to the man who placed another kiss to her knuckles promising to do just that. Rushing out of the office Hermione took a few cleansing breaths and started her journey to Gringotts. It was going to be a long day. It took hours to fill out forms with the goblins and even longer to peruse the books that cataloged her vaults contents. Looking through everything she realized she rivaled the Malfoys wealth now. It would honestly take her a week to go through and update everything.
Hermione ate a cafe for dinner that night and used their floo to head to her final destination. The place she would now and forevermore call home. "Sewlyn Manor." she called throwing down the powder. She had to stabilize herself before falling out of the large hearth into one of the most opulent setting rooms she had ever seen. The floors were a beautiful black marble. A crystal chandelier sparkled from the ceiling throwing shadows along the tapestry covered walls. A sudden pop brought her attention to a house elf standing directly in front of her.
"Hello there I'm Hermione Sewlyn. I am the new master of this home. I was 's daughter." she told the creature gently. The creature bowed it's head so far it's floppy ears dusted the floor. "It is a pleasure to serve you Miss. Mr. Gringsgold has already came by letting is know of your arrival. My name is Swoony. Would you like me to give you the tour of the manor?" The elf asked politely. Hermione smiled and nodded to Swoony," That would be delightful. I only have a month to get everything in order before I will have to leave again." she told the elf. "You don't plan on staying Miss? Is there something we can do to make it more welcoming?" The elf asked worriedly.
Hermione felt bad for worrying the poor creature, " No I'm sure everything is lovely it's just that I will be attending Hogwarts for the upcoming semester so will not be here throughout the school year except for holidays." she explained. That seemed to brighten the elf right up. "Of course Miss well come along this way, Swoony will lead." The place was a mansion/ castle Hermione had come to conclude. There were so many guest, setting, and dining rooms she had lost count. The ballroom was one of the most gorgeous rooms she had ever been in. Even rivaling the Great Hall. Every room was decorated in dark colors and expensive decor giving it a cool, gothic feel with out the creepy factor.
After a few wings she was exhausted. Cushioning charm or not her legs and feet were killing her from all the stairs and halls she had been though. "Swoony? I would like to retire for the evening. We can pick this back up again tomorrow?" The elves ears bounced while nodding. "Yes Miss. Well let's get you to your wing. Your father always loved the East wing since the library was there. Would that be sufficient for the Miss?" Hermione perked up at the mention of a library."Yes Swoony that would be wonderful." she smiled.
Swoony opened a set of double doors to the biggest bedroom yet. "Here we are Miss. Just call if you need anything. Would you like some evening tea?" the elf bowed once more. "Much appreciated Swoony." Hermione said. With a pop the elf disappeared leaving Hermione alone to explore her new quarters. This room had definitely been remolded not long ago. The largest bed in the history of beds was dead center with floor to ceiling french doors that led to a wrap around balcony on either side of it. The walls were a soft grey. The floors here were white marble instead of black. It was by far the lightest colored room she'd seen as of yet.
To the right of the room was a giant fireplace with a silver chaise lounge in front of it. The left side of the fire place was covered in shelves filled with books. The right side had a archway opened into a a huge closet with a delicately carved armoire. Opening her beaded bag she hung up her clothing and put her unmentionables into the drawers. Finding space on the shelf she placed all her books there along with a picture of Ron and Harry. She went to the left side of the room opening the only door left.
Squeeling like a school girl she twirled around it the most luxurious bathroom she could ever imagine being in. It was official. This was going to be her oasis from everything. She slid her shoes, stalkings and dress off, hanging them on the shelf and rod provided. The huge rock walk in shower looked heavenly. But the huge four person jetted bath was calling her name. Playing with the nozzles for a bit she set it to perfection and slid down into the bath sighing as she felt all her tension and worries away. She hadn't had a bath like this since she bathed in the prefects bathroom. But this was all hers. She didn't have to share with anyone.
She was worried about feeling lonely being in this enormous place by herself. But honestly she just felt...relieved. She didn't have to hide her emotions or worry over anyone else. Here all she had to worry about was herself and her mission. She had no one but herself. No looking over her shoulder every two seconds. No wondering when her friends and family were going die. Just living in the right now, at the moment.
Feeling her body begin pruning she toweled off and wrapped herself in a robe that had been hung in place of her earlier clothes. Sneaky house elves. Walking out over to the chaise she saw a tray sitting on the side table with a steaming cup of tea with milk and sugar cubes. Grabbing a book she sat sipping the liquid warmth while loosing herself into her chosen novel.
She had trouble keeping her eyes opened and focused. After rereading the sentence she was on for the fourth time she marked her place then set it onto the table. Stretching her arms popping her back in the process, she walked over to the giant bed plopping down sinking in to the feather soft mattress. Best. Bed. Ever. Was her last thought before she drifted into a deep sleep.
Three weeks had passed since her arrival. Everything had been handled in efficient time so far. All her assets and vaults were in order. And she had sent her transcript to Hogwarts what seemed ages ago. She was currently sitting in the green house eating the giant breakfast her wonderful elves had made her while reading the prophet. Swoony had introduced her to the other two occupants of the house Minny and Zoldy. Minny was shy but seemed to like being wherever she was just incase she was needed. Zoldy was by far the oldest of the set. He had to of been with the family for generations. He never really spoke or made and effort to know of her. But Swoony had said it was just his character and to not take it too personally.
An owl came swooping in dropping a letter with green ink addressed to her. A giant smile lit her face up ripping the letter open . Her acceptance letter to Hogwarts congratulated her on attending the upcoming year and gave her a list of the things she would need. Hopping up she rushed to get dressed properly so she could go into Diagon Alley to get everything she needed for the upcoming year.
After hours of shopping to get everything on her list and everything else she could think of that would be needed for classes she called for Swoony to take her things back to the manner so she could get fitted for robes and her uniforms. Plus she had avoided going shopping for more clothing since she arrived. She knew she needed more than a measely seven outfits. But Hermione had always hated clothes shopping. Who care what one wore when there was so much knowledge to learn or things to do.
She went back into the shop that she had went the first time, Bernices Boutique. The door bell rang as she entered and she saw the same blonde woman at the front which greeted her with a smile once again. "Long time no see my dear. How can I help you today?" Hermione handed her the list of uniform and robes she would need made for class. "I know it's a bit last minute to have these tailored but I only just received my acceptance letter. Also I require more everyday wear to add to my wardrobe. I haven't actually been shopping since my last visit."
The blonde raised her eyebrow in disbelief. Offering her hand to Hermione, "Bernice." Hermione shook her hand gently, " Hermione Sewlyn." She smiled. "Sewlyn? Well that's a name I hadn't heard for awhile. Well dear most of this I can have made and sent to you before the week's end. Unfortunately I haven't had a new shipment in since you were in last but my cousin owns a boutique on the north edge. Her shop is a little more seclusive but as you said on your last trip here if money isn't a issue she will have more than enough of a selection for you. Especially for you Miss Sewlyn. Do you know what house you will be placed in?" Bernice told her.
"I will not be sorted till my arrival so not yet. And thank you so much." Hermione paid her bill up front and asked to send everything to the manor once finished. "Very well dear I'll message her and let her know to expect you. Also send an owl once you know and I'll send the proper accessories for your uniforms." She handed Hermione her receipt for everything. "Thank you again Bernice. I'll be sure to stop by once break is out." Hermione waved her goodbyes and headed to the opposite of the Alley looking for the little shop.
Little shop was definitely an understatement. It was a very big, posh boutique if she ever saw one. Opening the door a women with similar blonde hair like Bernice's greeted her. "Welcome. How may I assist you today." The woman said in calm tones. Hermione held in her giggle at the difference between the women. Bernice was all warm and smiles while this woman was cool and collective. "Bernice sent me. I'm Hermione Sewlyn."
A smirk settled on the woman's features, "Ah yes. Hermione Sewlyn. I'm Priscilla. Bernice's cousin. She told me you were a lost lamb that was in need of nurturing. Come. I've already picked out quite a collection. Bernice was kind enough to send your measurements in advance." The woman turned and walked away with an air of confidence. 'Lost lamb' Hermione thought. Shaking her head she decided to accept the help regardless. She couldn't be too mad over the statement. She really was lost when it came to this.
The curly headed witch was to the end of her limit with the ordeal. She had never tried on so many clothes in her life. She wasn't sure why she needed to try on formal and informal wear of all kinds. The most embarrassing though was when they got to the undergarments if that was what these bits of lace and satin could be called. She had no idea why she needed lingerie. But Priscilla was persistent. Every witch of her status needed to have an array of items to choose from she was told.
After buying practically half the stores, Hermione called her elves to take back everything she couldn't carry herself. "Miss you do not need to burden yourself with those we can manage." Swoony insisted. Hermione hushed her and sent the creatures on there way backing out of the door barely staying steady with the amount of garment bags she was carrying. Walking back to the apparation point she decided to step into Flourish and Blotts. She deserved a few volumes as a reward for making it through today.
Stepping around the few patrons in the front she made her way to the back where the older tomes were kept. Seeing as she was taking Arithmancy and Advanced Charms this year. She figured it couldn't hurt to get a few books on the subject she hadn't read before. Glancing over the titles and touching the spines reverently she saw a very rare edition on the upper top shelf that had her drooling. Setting her bags down she stepped up on her very tip toes. She could barely reach the bottom of the book. Instead of finding a step stool or help she decided to jump for it. She squeeled in victory of grasping the spine. But that quickly turned to a yelp as the entire group of books around it came tumbling with it. "Immobulus!" A deep voice called behind her. Stopping the books just inches from her face.
A pale hand grasped the books from mid air and set them back onto the shelf to their rightful place. Hermione let out the breath of air she didn't realize she was holding. Pulling the book tightly to her chest she tried to slow her fast beating heart. Harry and Ron had always said she would die surrounded by books. She just never thought that they would be the cause. If it wasn't for the fast acting young man in front of her she would of been squashed book meat by now.
Focusing on the boy she saw him dressed in dark slacks and a buttoned down white shirt. He was still setting the books back into place so all she could see was the back of his dark hair and pale slender hands work quickly to organize her mess. "Are you alright?" The boy asked without turning around. "Yes, thank you. I'm sorry for causing such a fuss. Though I do appreciate your impeccable timing." She teased. The boy let out a small chuckle then turned to look at her properly. Hermione froze on the spot.
Pale gray blue eyes starred at her with an intensity that she wasn't yet prepared to deal with in real life. With a smirk on his face he eyed her from her head to her toes showing no emotion. His face gave away nothing. "Tom Riddle." He introduced himself. Hermione realized a second too late that that was her social cue to introduce herself. He smirked even wider. "Hermione Sewlyn." She said less confident then she meant. If he was surprised by her name he didn't show it.
"Well Miss Sewlyn. You should be a bit more careful. I won't always be around to save you." He joke scolded her. Hermione was at a loss. After everything she had learned about this man she didn't even know he could possess a sense of humor. Why did he help her? Since when did Tom Riddle ever help anyone or do anything for that matter that didn't benefit him. Cocking his head to the side he studied her as a million thoughts raced through her mind. Once again she waited too long to reply.
She mustered all her courage and forced her face into a small smile, " Well thank you again, sorry for the inconvenience. I think I should be on my way. It was a pleasure to meet you." Hermione politely said while grabbing her numerous bags up again. She bowed her head to him in farewell, then went to purchase her book. Upon heading out the door she tripped over a loose cobblestone. Being unevenly weighed down from her bags she couldn't prevent the inevitable fall.
A arm grasped around her waist pulling her upright, keeping her from face planting onto the cobblestones. Turning around to look up into the arm that was still holding her steady. " Thank you I..." Hermione's sentenced ended looking up into Tom Riddle's mesmerizing eyes. "It seems Miss Sewlyn that you cannot be trusted to be left to your own devices." Hermione was rendered speechless once again. So much for making him see her as a warrior and valuable assett.
He smirked at her which caused her to blush heavily. 'Hermione what the fuck are you blushing at Tom Riddle for' she thought to herself. " Umm...Sorry?" She said unsure of . herself. "Will you be okay to stand on your own now?" He asked her with mirth. The brunette witch realized her hands were clutching his shirt and leaning into him. Pushing back away from him like he burned her, she looked down at her shoes trying to gather her wits once again. Once her blush subsided she straightened her posture and looked him directly in his eyes.
"Thank you again for your assistance Mr. Riddle." She said with a level tone. "Swoony!" she called out. With a pop her elf stood before and bowed deeply. "Please take the rest of my things to the manor." She asked politely. Damn bags were causing her to be more clumsy than Neville. "Yes Miss!" She said with another bow than grasped the bags and popped out of existence once again. Riddle had stood to the side watching the interaction with a blank face.
Noticing his stare she looked at him with one brow raised. "Have you eaten?" He asked her.'Why the hell does he care if I've eaten or not' she thought before answering, "I was just heading to do so. I've just finished shopping for the school year and haven't had time." He stepped closer to her again curiosity gleaming in his eyes,"School year?" He asked. "Yes I'm attending Hogwarts for my sixth year." she said with a genuine smile. He looked even more curious then before. 'How am I able to read him so well all of a sudden. Every memory I've ever seen he's always been completely shut down. Is he being real or is this all a show for my benefit?' she thought while looking at him
"A transfer student? We don't get many of those. Here," He offered his arm to her. "How about we have lunch then I can tell you more about what you can expect at Hogwarts." Looking at him skeptically for a few seconds she looped her arm though his, letting him lead her down the path. Hermione kept sneaking peeks at him from under her lashes. It was weird to her that he was younger than her yet looked more like an adult than she did. How tall was he? She was wearing her pumps again and she still only came to the top of his chest. He pulled her into a cafe that was pretty busy for being after the lunch rush. The waitress led them to a booth in a back corner, "We'll both have the special." He told the waitress before giving them any time to look over the menus. The woman just nodded and left hastily.
Hermione tried really hard not to let her anger get the best of her. She knew in the pureblood society woman were treated as delicate flowers that needed men to make choices for them. Hell even in the forties, women had to fight tooth and nail for any equality at all. But he didn't even know her, hee had no right to dictate her choices, "Thank you so much for ordering for me. I have no idea how I would ever of managed without you." She sneered sarcastically at him. He grinned widely around his cup of tea," Well after your display earlier I wasn't sure."
He was laughing at her the git. She determined not to let him rile her up anymore. He was already having too much fun at her expense. "Ha ha. Did you bring me here to poke fun at me or do you intend to talk about school?" She huffed. His face went back to a collective mask once again except for the small upturn of his lips, "Do you know what house you are in? What classes you'll be taking yet?" He questioned. "My acceptance letter said I will be sorted with the first years upon arrival. And yes I'll be studying Advanced charms, Advanced potions, Transfiguration, Arithmancy, Herbology, Defense against the Dark Arts, and History of Magic." She said nonchalantly.
Their meal arrived and they tucked in. She had to stop a moan from coming out of her mouth. It was delicious. Probably the best fettucini she had ever had. Glancing up she saw him smirking at her again. "Does the Miss approve?" He asked. Hermione just rolled her eyes and continued eating. 'Don't encourage him Hermione. He obviously is trying to get a reaction out of you.' she said to herself. "Seven subjects and even advanced placements classes as well. Impressive. Are you sure you will be able to keep up with the work load?" He asked around a bite.
He's a pretentious bastard isn't he? How the hell could he know anything about me within a few hours to come to that assessment. "I was privately tutored for all of my education. So yes it will be a bit different being in a classroom setting but I hardly think that would make it more difficult than what I am used to. I believe I will be more than able to maintain my given courses easily. There really hasn't been anything I haven't excelled at that I've given my full attention to." She said squinting her eyes dangerously at him. Daring him to oppose her statement.
The waitress came by taking their empty plates away, leaving the two alone again. Tom clasped his hands together in front of him. Running the tip of his fingers against his bottom lip staring at her like she was a puzzle. Hermione couldn't help watching his hands. Not realizing she stopped mid raise of her cup to her lips to do so. He cleared his throat loudly causing her to snap her attention to his eyes which were crinkled with mirth. The left corner of his mouth curled with amusement as she finally took a drink.
"Well then if you insist. I will just have to believe you until shown otherwise. If you are placed in Slytherin I would be more than happy to help you get adjusted and show you around the castle." He told her smoothily. Hermione blinked at him a few times. "Thank you Mr. Riddle that would be lovely." She said politely falling back into character easily. Nursing their drinks Tom told her all about the professors, houses, classes and what to expect once arriving at the castle. All in all he was being very accommodating and only poked fun at her a few times throughout the conversation. But honestly even then it wasn't malicious. More in a way old friends would poke at one another. It was very off putting to say the least. Hermione could almost forget who she was talking to. Almost.
"Well I think I better be going. It is getting quite late and I have a few things I still need to attend to." Hermione said setting her now empty cup to the side. Tom simply nodded his head while standing, offering his arm to her once again. Barely hesitating this time she grabbed onto the proffered arm as he walked them away from the booth. "Thank you for accompanying me today Miss Sewlyn. Hopefully we will see more of each other soon." He said stopping outside of the establishments floo access. He unhooked their arms only to grab her hand, setting a gentle kiss to her knuckles. Her hand felt like it was on fire. "I would like that. Thank you again for everything today." She breathed out quietly. Not breaking eye contact Hermione nodded in farewell. Throwing down a pinch of powder she headed home, thankful that the odd afternoon was finished.
Stepping back into familiar territory she was able to breath easily again. ' What the hell was that?' she rubbed her hand that she swore she could still feel his soft lips against. "I need a drink." she mumbled to herself. Walking up a flight of stairs she walked through the open doors of the library heading behind her desk to the cupboard against the wall fixing herself a glass of firewhisky. She wasn't usually a drinker. But honestly she just had lunch with The Dark Lord for shites sake. Tossing back the entire glass she thought, ' And he wasn't terrible.'
He was incredibly intelligent, witty, he had a darker sense of humor seeing as Hermione did as well she couldn't hold that against him. She had spent hours talking to the young man without any awkward breaks in conversation. He was probably the first person she had ever been able to sit and just talk academically with equal interest. And she begrudgingly admitted he wasn't hard on the eyes either. But that just made her even more confused. How did he become what he was in the future. Rubbing the back of her hand once more she poured herself another cup and tossed it back just as quickly as the first.
Her mind was racing with the new information and experience today. Looking at it now she was honestly glad she had met him before school had started, even if it was from a mishap. The groundwork was done, introductions were made. Hopefully he would feel responsible for her seeing as he would be the only one she knew there. He had all but said he would assist her in any needs if they were housemates. She couldn't tell him that she would indeed be in his house. She couldn't act as if she knew too much about sorting and how the hat takes in the persons personal considerations. Yes it was good that the first meeting was done and over. She had already gotten close to boy without having to lift a finger or produce flimsy excuses to do so. It was all by chance.
She smiled at how smoothly everything had been going so far. Everything was going exactly as planned to the t. She could only hope her luck would hold up during the school year as well. Finally feeling the calming effects of the alcohol she tucked her legs under her in her favorite chair and started to read her newly acquired addition.