The next few days fly by as though Hermione is going through her days with the fast-forward button jammed. Between getting sorted (Gryffindor!), figuring out the maze that is Hogwarts Castle, and getting to know her two new friends Harry and Ron Hermione barely has time to think of the blonde boy from the train.
Barely… but think of him she does. She can't help it. There is just something about him that is so alluring. Several times she thinks she can feel him looking at her in the Great Hall during mealtime, but when she looks up she can never quite seem to catch his eye. Not that she would know what to do if she was able to.
When she is not with Harry and Ron, Hermione spends all her remaining free time deep in the library, reading all she can in preparation for the classes that will begin next week. The library is as much of a maze as the castle is, and she has found a favorite nook, tucked away from the rest of the students and the ever-watchful eye of Madame Pince, the librarian. Hermione passes many happy hours tucked away in the tiny alcove with her head buried in a schoolbook.
Finally it is the day before classes are to start and schedules are handed out. Hermione eagerly looks hers over. Transfiguration… Potions… Divination… History of Magic… Astronomy… it seems like a solid schedule, but she feels a little disappointed to see Divination listed. It wasn't her first choice and she hasn't heard great things about the subject or the professor, although she supposes they have to fill the class with someone.
As she goes to put the parchment in her robes, she overhears a familiar voice from behind her. From the corner of her eye she sees Draco walking past with a fellow Slytherin.
"…can't believe I was drafted for this awful Divination class. Trelawney is a joke…"
Hermione's heart catches in her throat. All of a sudden she can't wait until tomorrow.