Chapter Seven

Val felt distinctly uncomfortable as she took her seat next to Snape. They had toured the castle at breakneck speed. She had hurried to keep up as Snape took long strides down the various halls. He had hardly looked at her and had only made the necessary comments about where things were located. There was no friendly conversation of any type, or for that matter, resting, until they reached the Great Hall where the returning students had already started to gather.

However, Oliver had turned to her and smiled. So how did your tour go? he asked her softly once Snape had turned to answer a question that Professor Sprout had about a potion for her plants.

Honestly, it wasn't much of a tour Val confessed.

Oliver laughed and said, With Snape, you can hardly expect much. I promise I'll show you around properly after the Feast is over.

Val sighed with relief and smiled at him. Thanks Oliver! I had no idea how I was going to find my way around without getting lost.

Suddenly the doors at the end of the Hall opened and Professor McGonagall entered with the first years. Val leaned closer to Oliver and said, I've never been to a Sorting, but my cousin Ron explained it to me. This should be interesting.

All the talking ceased as Professor McGonagall called the first student to sit on the stool and placed the Sorting Hat on her head. Each of the new students were assigned a house and were cheered as they took seats at their respective tables with the rest of their house members.

Once the last student had taken his seat at the Ravenclaw table Dumbledore rose to his feet and addressed the students. A few start of term announcements. The Forbidden Forest is off limits to all students. Disobeying this rule will have dire consequences. Also, we have a couple of new professors this year. Many of you will remember Professor Wood from his days here as a student, but I expect you to show him respect at all times. He will be teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts. Our other new professor is replacing Professor Flitwick as he retires from teaching Charms here at Hogwart's. Professor Shorelake is a highly skilled witch that comes to us from America. The entire faculty welcomes you back to school. Now let the feast begin!

He waved his hands and enormous platters of food appeared on every table. Val looked down at her own plate to find it full of every type of food being served. She laughed and commented to Oliver, Well, I can see that I'm in no danger of starving here!

As they ate they each shared some of their own personal experiences at school. Oliver seemed delighted to learn that Val was a Quidditch player and she was surprised to learn that he was also a registered Animagus.

Val smiled and confessed, I probably wouldn't be one myself if my ex-boyfriend hadn't pushed me to do it. Transfiguration wasn't always my best subject.

Oliver grinned. What, if I may ask, was your best subject then? Actually, my best subjects were Charms and Potions she replied.

Oliver's grin widened, and a moment later he abruptly changed the subject. So, did you say ex-boyfriend? Does that mean that you aren't involved with anyone at the moment?

Val's smile faded and she looked at him. Why do you ask? she said hesitantly.

Oliver pointed discreetly to the seventh year boys who were blatantly staring at her from all of the house tables. Because otherwise there would be a bunch of broken hearts when your new admirers found out you were taken he teased her gently.

To her horror, Val's face turned pink as she started to blush. She was trying to form a reply when Dumbledore signaled that the feast was over, and the students began to file out of the Great Hall to their common rooms. Oliver offered her a hand and helped her out of her chair.

Ready for your tour now? he asked her once they had exited the room. They walked down the nearest corridor for a few moments in silence, then Val stopped suddenly and put her hand on Oliver's arm. She looked him in the eye and said, Why did you point that out in there?

He shrugged and said, Because I thought you needed to know. After all, the boys are going to be in your classes everyday and you will need to handle the situation.

She seemed satisfied with this answer and dropped her hands, turning as if to continue. This time it was Oliver who put his hand on her arm and turned her back to face him. he added, Snape was hanging on our every word back at supper. I think he likes you. He seemed especially surprised when you mentioned that one of your best subjects was Potions. Now that I've properly shocked you, he continued pleasantly as he observed the expression on her face, Shall we continue? Wordlessly she nodded and they continued on down the hall.