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The thestral drawn carriage pulled to a sudden stop, jerking me awake. Evidently I had fallen asleep during Granger's rambling. Blinking rapidly to clear my vision, Hermione was unveiled from my cloudy stupor. She was standing by the door peering suspiciously at me, her sleek eyebrows furrowed. Plainly, she was still concerned in regards to my unusual behavior.
Maybe I had been groaning in my sleep? I certainly hoped not.
Fortunately, she heeded my earlier advice and did not inquire further.
"Well, I'll see you in the common room tonight, Malfoy." She said, swiftly departing the carriage, robes swishing behind her.
I got painfully to my feet, retrieved my luggage, and departed the coach, dragging my trunk behind me as I meandered towards the looming castle. Looking around me, I carefully surveyed the familiar grounds. As a youth I had always scorned at Hogwarts, believing the school to be beneath me. Now, as I reached the grand stone steps leading toward the oaken doors, I felt safe for the first time in months. I released an audible sigh of contentment, standing still for a moment and gazing at the sanctuary I'd never taken the time to appreciate.
A rather impatient student shouldered me out of their way as they climbed the steep steps and I was shaken out of my inattentive state. Thankfully the painful climb was a short one, and I exhaled in relief as I limped through the entrance hall. I left my heavy trunk outside – I was unsure where my dormitory was this year – and approached the Slytherin table, taking my place in a vacant, secluded seat. Many stares blatantly followed my movements, drawn to my lonesome figure. I turned my bruised, stitched face to the hard wood before me, gripping my empty chalice in anxiety, my knuckles white.
Professor McGonagall's voice interrupted the buzzing chatter of the hall.
"Good evening, students. I hope you have all had a relaxing time away." She paused, waiting expectantly for silence, and I rolled my eyes thinking how her words described the polar opposite of my own holidays.
"As many of you are aware, I have recently been granted the honorable title of Headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry." A spatter of applause broke out as she continued. "It is my sincere pleasure to run this noble school and lead your educational future. Now, let us begin the school year with the tradition of the Sorting Ceremony. First years please proceed to the stool at the front of the hall."
A neat line of timid first years shuffled towards the hat as its rip opened to commence its new song. The ancient voice reverberated around the hall, its tones filled with hope and wonder. Not interested whatsoever in the sorting nor the hat's song, I gloomily stared at the wooden table I was hunched over, picking at the flaking wood.
Approximately half an hour later after the last sorting of Zutro, Prudence into Ravenclaw, Professor McGonagall stood, the crowd of students before her instantly hushing.
"I know your travels were long and you have been very patient. So to quote the greatest wizard to ever grace these grounds, tuck in."
Magnificent meals of all descriptions appeared instantly on the shining, golden plates before us. Wonderful sights and smells filled my senses: roast potatoes with rosemary; black pudding; tender lamb falling apart on the plate; and honey carrots, amongst countless others. Shortly after I had satisfied my hunger with dinner, puddings replaced the now empty plates. Deciding to decline the tempting smell of the sweets – I was much too full – I looked around the buzzing hall.
My wandering eyes instantly found Granger. She too was sitting alone on the outskirts of the Gryffindor table. I hurriedly averted my eyes as she glanced in my direction. That was close I decided.
Too close.
Not long after this, Professor McGonagall closed the feast and the consequential scraping of chairs filled the room. I staggered to my feet sorely and hobbled out with the crowd. Collecting my trunk as I departed, I waited for Hermione to emerge from the sea of people.
"Granger!" I called, spotting her amongst some first years and making my way over.
She whirled in surprise, losing her balance and toppling over comically, her feet flying into the air. Instinctively, I lunged for her, catching her just in time. My hand pressed firmly into the small of her back as I held her for a moment, looking down at her soft, rose lips. Our eyes met, and I quickly righted her to face me with a grimace.
"Oh, thank you!" She exclaimed squeakily, stepping away awkwardly. She cleared her throat and lowered her voice to its normal tone. "I suppose you need directions to our common room?" Her cheeks and the tips of her ears and nose were stained red, and she refused all eye contact.
I nodded embarrassedly in return, feeling a slight blush creep onto my own face.
Blushing? Because of Hermione Granger?
No, it must have been the fact that I needed her help to find the dormitory.
Yes, how demeaning.
That was it. That had to be it. My inner conscience raised a skeptical eyebrow, but I ignored it, and followed Granger up the stairs.