Chapter 2
After quite a struggle to get off the train, Tori finally made it out. Then, out of nowhere someone bumped into her knocking off the owl cage on her hand – it fell open to the ground and the owl was set loose.
"Maia!" Tori called after the owl but it was already far. "Well I'd say that's a great welcome!"
"Oh my god! I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to. I promise I'll replace it. I swear don't worry. I will replace it." Said the girl who bumped into Tori practically hyperventilating.
"It's okay really. It's no trouble at all. She knows her way back." Tori explained to the hysterically nervous girl in front of her.
"By the way, I'm Alessandra, you can call me Alex." The girl replied as she managed to calm down.
"I'm Tori Aurelius." She stretched out her hand forward.
"Nice to meet you" Alex replied.
Another student passed right behind her knocking her forward making her drop her books at Tori's foot. "Sorry. Are you okay?" Alex asked her as she and Alex tried to fix her belongings. "Yeah I'm fine. How about you?"
"I'm fine."
"Is this your first day here?" she asked Alex noticing how nervous she is.
"Yeah. I just moved here from Australia. How did you know?"
"Lucky guess." Tori said as she handed Alex her things. "Don't worry about the sorting. You'll be fine. Ravenclaw looks promising."
"Thanks." Tori looked at her watch and noticed that it's already quarter passed six. She was already late for her meeting with the Headmaster.
"I'm sorry. I have to go. I have to meet the Headmaster." "Oh okay. Guess I'll see you around."
"Okay."
Tori hurried off to where the carriages to the castle were. She had a little trouble finding them and by the time she found it, most of the students were already gone. The last carriage was parked as if waiting especially for her. She was in such a hurry to get in, she slipped down.
"Are you all right?" said someone from behind her.
"Here let me help you" Tori was able to get with the help of a kind stranger and she was surprised to see the person before her.
"I'm fine thanks."
"You're welcome" Harry replied. There was an awkward pause after that.
"This is the last carriage. Do you mind if I join you?"
"I guess not" she replied with a shrug. The ride was filled with awkward pauses, For some reason, Tori was anxious to get into the castle.
"So...how was your summer?" Harry asked attempting to break the cold barrier between them. "It was fine" Tori replied avoiding Harry's eyes.
"I apologized a thousand times before." Tori didn't reply.
Harry sighed and resumed watching the view.
The carriage stopped in front of the small staircase leading to the great oak doors. Harry stepped out of the carriage first shortly followed by Tori. The doors open revealing a marble staircase on the right and the Great Hall on the left.
"You're late. Sorting's over." A cold drawling voice came from the staircase.
"Shove off Malfoy."
"I was instructed to bring Ms. Aurelius to the Headmaster as soon as she arrives." Draco said turning to Tori.
"Thanks for bringing her here Potter. I'll take it from here."
Harry glanced at her once more before turning to the Great Hall. Tori followed Draco up the marble staircase. Draco strides quickly up the stairs.
Tori was trying to catch up with him. He turned to her, "Have you been crying?"
"What are you talking about?" she replied snidely.
"Your eyes...they're red"
"I'm just tired. Let's hurry." She said as she walked passed Draco.
Now he was the one who had to try to keep up with her. She walked fast as if she knew exactly were she was going.
A few minutes later she reached the door to the Headmaster's office with Draco panting next to her.
"Ready?" he asked
"Always"