Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters, they belong to JK Rowling . . . I only own a
few of the new characters, which will be named later.
"Om my gosh...GUESS who's the latest victim to fall into Pansy's bed?" Lavender asked
Parvati and Hermione on a cold end of January night.
"Who?" Parvati curiously asked, instantly interested in the latest gossip.
"Hufflepuff's Michael Crichton," Lavender answered.
"NO WAY!" Parvati squealed, "Michael?! As in ex-boyfriend of Ginny, Cho, Lisa AND
Hannah?"
"The one and only!"
Since Hogwarts had gotten rid of the school robes, nearly a year ago, students were
allowed to wear what they pleased, with a few restrictions. Since that day, Pansy Parkinson had
taken the liberty of making sure her dear daddy bought her the latest wardrobe style from each
and every witch fashion magazine. For the past few months, the "latest style" included butt tight
pants, micromini skirts, revealing halters and tiny tube tops. Pansy had become most popular with
wizards from every year and house, with her foxy style and curvaceous body. She had already
screwed all the Slytherin wizards, half the Ravenclaw wizards and was quickly moving along to
Hufflepuff, and surprisingly even a few Gryffindors.
Lavender and Parvati feverishly began chatting about the newest subject as Hermione lay
on her stomach on the floor, lost in her own little world. As the two girls' voices slowly faded into
the backround, Hermione's thoughts drifted toward the 7th year's graduation ball that she and Ron
had to organize, as they were this year's Head Boy and Girl. The ball was to be held in May and
the two hadn't even thought of a good theme.
"Hermione? HERMIONE?" Parvati broke Hermione's train of thought.
"Mmm?"
"Have you been listening to what any of us have said?"
"Sorry guys, I'm just sort of tired," Hermione stood up, smoothening out her grey dress
pants.
"I'm going to go back to my tower okay? I'll see you tomorrow." Hermione said her
goodnights and exited the Gryffindor tower, heading quietly to the Heads tower.
"Come off it already Goyle! Pansy's not your girlfriend. Whatever she's done with you,
she's done with half the school by now, believe me," the voice of the Draco Malfoy filled the
hallway.
"Oh please . . . not now," Hermione mumbled, rolling her eyes as Malfoy and the two oafs,
Crabbe and Goyle rounded the corner.
"Well, well, well . . . what do we have here? The mudblood all alone late at night in an
empty hallway?" Malfoy sneered.
"It's 9:15 Malfoy," Hermione answered back. Malfoy's eyes went wide with a forged
shocked look plastered on his face.
"The mudblood! It can tell time!" He gasped. Crabbe and Goyle sniggered from behind
where Malfoy stood. Although they didn't show it much, Crabbe and Goyle secretly feared
Hermione, as she was the only young witch in all of Hogwarts to know every spell, charm and hex
ever created.
"Shove it Malfoy . . . or-" Hermione started.
"Or what?" Malfoy interrupted, stepping right in front of her, nose to nose, looking down at
her petite frame, "Or what? You'll get Saint Pothead and Weasel to come and protect you?"
He snorted, laughing devilishly.
"Ooooo, I'm just so scared! Watch me shake in my boots! Oh for the love of Merlin's
beard! Save me!" Malfoy whined in a high voice. Crabbe and Goyle, who were ready to topple
over in laughter, stopped immediately as Hermione threw them as nasty glare.
"Oh, and did you notice the new boots my father got me?" Malfoy stuck his foot out to
show Hermione, "They're magical boots. They can only be worn by purebloods!"
Hermione shook her head in disgust and pushed her way past him, increasing her pace to
get away from his creepy laughter.
"Ron?" Hermione called out as she entered the Heads' tower.
"In the library!" She heard Ron's voice answer hers. The Heads tower was modeled very
similarly to the other four houses, with a comfortable common room, only in the Heads tower,
there was a bathroom, decorated with beautiful wall to wall scarlet tiles and gold accent shower
curtains and towels. On the left side of the bathroom was Ron's room, and to the right was
Hermione's. The common room was fit for royalty, with dark mahogany wood floor, black luscious
couches, a grand charcoal black stone fireplace and a glass wizards chess set. Attached to the
common room was a small room, what Hermione and Ron called the library. It was a small room
with sleek wood book cases and two round matching tables for seating. Hermione entered the
library and found Ron sitting at a table, hunched over a bunch of papers.
"What are you up to?" She asked, pulling up a seat next to him.
"Potions," he groaned. He looked up at her smiling face. He had forgotten how much he
had loved her in the past, and even after their failed attempt at a relationship over a year ago, he
was still thankful that they remained closer friends then before.
"How about a break?" She asked. His smile was one of a relived grateful wizard. To
Hermione, Ron was like his whole family mixed together. Along with his famous fiery red hair and
freckles, Ron had Charlie's muscular build, Bill's wild side, Fred and George's humor and Ginny's
sweetness . . . the only thing he seemed to lack was Percy's intelligence.
"Oh thank you!" He exclaimed.
"Ok, so what have you thought of for the theme of the 7th year's ball this May?" She
asked him.
"Oh! I thought this was a break!" He moaned, smacking his head on the table.
"Come on Ron! It's already the end of January! We've still got to announce it to the 7th
years! And after that we have so much planning to do! There's food, and decorations . . . music . .
. whether we want it live or not . . . -"
"Oh alright! I get it already! Ok. Well it's a special event, so it should be classy, very
dressed up. Not casual," Ron said.
"Right," Hermione nodded, taking notes, "What if the theme was like royalty? Everyone
can dress up as Lords and Ladies. But no Queens or Kings."
"Sure," Ron agreed, "And as each witch arrives at the entrance to the ball, we could hand
her a tiara that we could make or buy, just to make her feel special."
"Oh Ron! That's a marvelous idea!"
They talked some more, and finally agreed on the Lords and Ladies idea, along with the
tiaras. Hermione got up to leave Ron alone, when another idea popped into her mind. She spun
around quickly, "A masquerade ball!"
He looked up slightly confused.
"I mean, the theme could be a 16-century masquerade ball, with the tiaras still! We'll ask
that everyone make or buy a masquerade mask that covers their face, save for their eyes and
noses! It'll be so much fun Ron!"
Ron agreed, and it was settled; a 16-century medieval masquerade ball. They would meet
with Dumbledore the next day and inform him of their decision.
Hermione woke up bright and early as the winter sun reflected off her gold painted walls.
Throwing off the scarlet silk comforters, she headed straight for the bathroom, taking her shower
and dressing into black dress pants and a neatly pressed white collared blouse. Even with the
school uniforms gone, Hermione stuck with wearing black, grey or white dress pants or long skirts
and collared blouses. She left her wild hair down, letting it hand down to her chest, the massive
uncontrollable curls frizzing here and there. She cared nothing for stylish clothes, hair products
and makeup, as all her mind went to her education.
After meeting Ron in the common room, the two set out for Dumbledore's office.
"Ah, Miss Granger, Mr. Weasley. Good morning to you two," the aging Dumbledore
greeted them.
"Good morning Professor," the two greeted back.
"Professor sire, Ron and I have decided a theme for the 7th year's ball," Hermione started.
Dumbledore sat quietly as the two took turns in explaining their vision.
"Very well," the Headmaster nodded, smiling, "You may proceed with your planning."
"Thank you sir," Ron said.
"Miss Granger, Mr Weasley, before you leave, I would like you to inform you that we will
be receiving a new student as of tonight. There will be a private sorting for her this evening at
precisely 8 pm in the Great Hall. Both of you are expected to attend, and if you would be so kind
as to inform Mr Potter, Mr Malfoy, Miss Padma Patil and Mr Fitch-Fletchy of this event as they too
are expected to attend as House representatives," Dumbledore spoke.
"Yes Professor Dumbledore," Hermione answered. Ron and Hermione left moments later
for breakfast in the Great Hall.
"Mornin' Harry," Ron sat next to his tosseled haired best friend.
"Hi Ron, Hermione," Harry acknowledged. Ron told Harry about the new student and the
three began to wonder aloud what she would be like.
"I'll go and inform Padma," Hermione told Ron.
"Then I'll tell Justin," Ron agreed.
"That leaves me to tell Malfoy," Hermione groaned.
"I'll tell him if you don't wanna do it," Ron offered.
"That's okay Ron, I think I can handle Malfoy," she smiled. After breakfast the trio set out
to their first class; History of Magic with Ravenclaw.
Before sitting at her own seat, Hermione made her way to Padma, telling her of the new
student and the private sorting.
"Ok thanks for telling me Hermione!"
By lunch, Ron found Justin and told him about the private sorting. After lunch was
Transfiguration, Potions and Herbology, all with the Slyterins. As the afternoon progressed,
tensions grew as the two rival houses continued to compete with the other for points. The day
ended on a sour note as Malfoy and Hermione got into a heated argument during Herbology; their
last class. Hermione exited the class room fuming mad, as she stormed up to her tower, slamming
her books down on the table in the common room. She plumped her body down on the couch and
tried to blow off her steam. Ron entered a little bit later, and saw her sitting there, the blood in her
face glowing.
"Erm, Hermione?"
"What?" She was quite irritated.
"Erm. . . did you tell Malfoy about the sorting?"
"CRAP!" Hermione yelled, completely forgetting about that. She got up abruptly, pushing
her hair from her face.
"I could go for you instead," Ron offered again.
"I'm going Ron! I'm NOT a little girl anymore!"
She quickly walked down to the dungeons, stopping at the stone-wall entrance of the
Slytherin House. As the Head girl, she was given the passwords to each of the houses.
"Pure-blood," she spat out the Slytherin password. The stone wall creaked open,
revealing the near-empty bleak green and black common room.
"Where's Malfoy?" Hermione asked Goyle, her voice raising slightly.
"I-In his room," Goyle stuttered, trying to hide his fear.
"Get him," she glared at him. Minutes later he came back empty handed.
"Where is he?" She was losing his temper.
"He doesn't w-want to come d-down."
"Malfoy! Get your BLOODY self down here this INSTANT!!" She screamed, her temper
and patience long gone.
"Shut it Mudblood!" Came the reply from up in the dormitories. She stomped upstairs and
yelled, "Get out Malfoy!"
A door at the end of the hallway flung open, revealing an angry Malfoy.
"What is so DAMN important that you had to bring your FILTHY mudblood self into MY
house and CONTAMINATE it?!" His face was no longer pale, but was an eery crimson color.
"There is a new student, and she will be receiving a private Sorting tonight at eight in the
Great Hall. Dumbledore wants you there as a representative for Slytherin," she said through
gritted teeth.
"FINE!" He turned on his heels and headed back to his room, slamming it shut. Hermione
herself headed out of the dungeons and back to her tower, locking herself in her room. She took
out a piece of parchment and began to write furiously to her parents.
Dear Mum and Dad,
I can't STAND him anymore! He constantly irritates me! Today in Herbology his house (Slytherin)
lost points and we had gained, and his stupid arrogant self was a COMPLETE sour loser and
started to insult my house, saying we're all sucks and he was purposely targeting me! He's driving
me INSANE! There's no way you can control him! I thought it might be easier being Head Girl, but
it's not! He just makes my life a miserable hell! And he ENJOYS it! It's as if he plans whatever just
to make me miserable. It's RIDICULOUS! The one question I always find myself asking is 'Why
me?'. . . I mean there are so many muggle students here, and yet he takes so much pleasure in
TAUNTING me! He's 18 for Merlin's sake! You would think he would act his age!
Ok enough about that. I'll manage, I always do. So how are you two doing? How's the
office and work? I miss you both very much and although I can't bear to leave this school at the
end of June, I can't wait to see you guys again. Is there any news on Grandpa's health in
Australia? Or any new developments on our summer vacation there? If you talk to him or even
Grandmother, please send them my love, regards and prayers.
I'll be with you in the stars.
Love, Hermione
She sealed the letter, sending it with Ron's new owl. She then started her homework,
skipping dinner, then headed down tot he Great Hall at quarter to eight. Ron, Harry and Justin
were already there, as they had just had dinner. Padma showed up a few minutes before 8, and
Malfoy came in after 8 just to spite Hermione.
"Welcome. We have a new student, transferring from Durmstrang. Her name is Gitana
Malivado. Professor McGonagall, the hat if you please," Professor Dumbledore took the hat and
motioned for the young witch to step forward. Gitana sat quietly on the stool, surrounded by the
small circle of 7th years as Professor Dumbledore delicately placed the Sorting hat atop her head.
"Hmm," the hat hummed, "Hmm. . . I must say, you have an assortment of qualities from
each house. . . Hmm . . . I see. . . you're family's past. . . , " the Hat could feel her cringe at the
mention of her family, "How. . .interesting. . ."
The hat took a few more minutes, arguing about which house would suit her best.
"Two houses stick out. . . both come in very strong and you would do exceptionally well in
both. . . HUFFLEPUFF!" The hat yelled, leaving the other house a mystery. Justin smiled slightly
as this was called out.
"She's a sixth year and has been placed into Hufflepuff," Dumbledore told the group as
they individually welcomed her. As she got to Harry, she just looked up at him.
"You're Harry Potter," she spoke quietly in a soft accented voice.
"You're Harry Potter," Malfoy mocked under his breath, already disliking this girl. Harry
just nodded as he gazed into her serene blue eyes.
"I've heard all about you," she told him.
"Haven't we all?" Malfoy spoke up. Before anything could happen, Dumbledore
intervened, "Thank you all for coming. Justin if you could please escort Miss Malivado to her
house, that would be most appreciated. Everyone else, have a good night."
With that, he and Professor McGonagall exited the Great Hall. Gitana said her goodnights
to everyone and left by Justin's side. Back in the Gryffindor tower, Harry sat on the edge of his
bed, his thoughts drifting to Gitana. All he could think of was her beautiful, gentle blue eyes, her
rich curly black hair and her radiant figure. He had never met anyone like her, and wanted so
badly to get to know her. Picturing her face one last time that night, he fell asleep.
"So what do you think of the new girl?" Ron asked Hermione as the two entered their
tower.
"I don't know," she answered truthfully, "She seems to take a liking to Harry though."
"I know!" Ron flashed a toothy grin, "I saw it too!"
They talked some more about Gitana, then switched the subject to the upcoming ball.
"We should tell the 7th years tomorrow at lunch," Ron suggested.
"Mmm," Hermione agreed, "Well, I'm going to go to bed now."
"Okay," Ron said, "Good night. Sleep well."
She walked over to where she sat and kissed him softly on the cheek.
"Good night."
few of the new characters, which will be named later.
"Om my gosh...GUESS who's the latest victim to fall into Pansy's bed?" Lavender asked
Parvati and Hermione on a cold end of January night.
"Who?" Parvati curiously asked, instantly interested in the latest gossip.
"Hufflepuff's Michael Crichton," Lavender answered.
"NO WAY!" Parvati squealed, "Michael?! As in ex-boyfriend of Ginny, Cho, Lisa AND
Hannah?"
"The one and only!"
Since Hogwarts had gotten rid of the school robes, nearly a year ago, students were
allowed to wear what they pleased, with a few restrictions. Since that day, Pansy Parkinson had
taken the liberty of making sure her dear daddy bought her the latest wardrobe style from each
and every witch fashion magazine. For the past few months, the "latest style" included butt tight
pants, micromini skirts, revealing halters and tiny tube tops. Pansy had become most popular with
wizards from every year and house, with her foxy style and curvaceous body. She had already
screwed all the Slytherin wizards, half the Ravenclaw wizards and was quickly moving along to
Hufflepuff, and surprisingly even a few Gryffindors.
Lavender and Parvati feverishly began chatting about the newest subject as Hermione lay
on her stomach on the floor, lost in her own little world. As the two girls' voices slowly faded into
the backround, Hermione's thoughts drifted toward the 7th year's graduation ball that she and Ron
had to organize, as they were this year's Head Boy and Girl. The ball was to be held in May and
the two hadn't even thought of a good theme.
"Hermione? HERMIONE?" Parvati broke Hermione's train of thought.
"Mmm?"
"Have you been listening to what any of us have said?"
"Sorry guys, I'm just sort of tired," Hermione stood up, smoothening out her grey dress
pants.
"I'm going to go back to my tower okay? I'll see you tomorrow." Hermione said her
goodnights and exited the Gryffindor tower, heading quietly to the Heads tower.
"Come off it already Goyle! Pansy's not your girlfriend. Whatever she's done with you,
she's done with half the school by now, believe me," the voice of the Draco Malfoy filled the
hallway.
"Oh please . . . not now," Hermione mumbled, rolling her eyes as Malfoy and the two oafs,
Crabbe and Goyle rounded the corner.
"Well, well, well . . . what do we have here? The mudblood all alone late at night in an
empty hallway?" Malfoy sneered.
"It's 9:15 Malfoy," Hermione answered back. Malfoy's eyes went wide with a forged
shocked look plastered on his face.
"The mudblood! It can tell time!" He gasped. Crabbe and Goyle sniggered from behind
where Malfoy stood. Although they didn't show it much, Crabbe and Goyle secretly feared
Hermione, as she was the only young witch in all of Hogwarts to know every spell, charm and hex
ever created.
"Shove it Malfoy . . . or-" Hermione started.
"Or what?" Malfoy interrupted, stepping right in front of her, nose to nose, looking down at
her petite frame, "Or what? You'll get Saint Pothead and Weasel to come and protect you?"
He snorted, laughing devilishly.
"Ooooo, I'm just so scared! Watch me shake in my boots! Oh for the love of Merlin's
beard! Save me!" Malfoy whined in a high voice. Crabbe and Goyle, who were ready to topple
over in laughter, stopped immediately as Hermione threw them as nasty glare.
"Oh, and did you notice the new boots my father got me?" Malfoy stuck his foot out to
show Hermione, "They're magical boots. They can only be worn by purebloods!"
Hermione shook her head in disgust and pushed her way past him, increasing her pace to
get away from his creepy laughter.
"Ron?" Hermione called out as she entered the Heads' tower.
"In the library!" She heard Ron's voice answer hers. The Heads tower was modeled very
similarly to the other four houses, with a comfortable common room, only in the Heads tower,
there was a bathroom, decorated with beautiful wall to wall scarlet tiles and gold accent shower
curtains and towels. On the left side of the bathroom was Ron's room, and to the right was
Hermione's. The common room was fit for royalty, with dark mahogany wood floor, black luscious
couches, a grand charcoal black stone fireplace and a glass wizards chess set. Attached to the
common room was a small room, what Hermione and Ron called the library. It was a small room
with sleek wood book cases and two round matching tables for seating. Hermione entered the
library and found Ron sitting at a table, hunched over a bunch of papers.
"What are you up to?" She asked, pulling up a seat next to him.
"Potions," he groaned. He looked up at her smiling face. He had forgotten how much he
had loved her in the past, and even after their failed attempt at a relationship over a year ago, he
was still thankful that they remained closer friends then before.
"How about a break?" She asked. His smile was one of a relived grateful wizard. To
Hermione, Ron was like his whole family mixed together. Along with his famous fiery red hair and
freckles, Ron had Charlie's muscular build, Bill's wild side, Fred and George's humor and Ginny's
sweetness . . . the only thing he seemed to lack was Percy's intelligence.
"Oh thank you!" He exclaimed.
"Ok, so what have you thought of for the theme of the 7th year's ball this May?" She
asked him.
"Oh! I thought this was a break!" He moaned, smacking his head on the table.
"Come on Ron! It's already the end of January! We've still got to announce it to the 7th
years! And after that we have so much planning to do! There's food, and decorations . . . music . .
. whether we want it live or not . . . -"
"Oh alright! I get it already! Ok. Well it's a special event, so it should be classy, very
dressed up. Not casual," Ron said.
"Right," Hermione nodded, taking notes, "What if the theme was like royalty? Everyone
can dress up as Lords and Ladies. But no Queens or Kings."
"Sure," Ron agreed, "And as each witch arrives at the entrance to the ball, we could hand
her a tiara that we could make or buy, just to make her feel special."
"Oh Ron! That's a marvelous idea!"
They talked some more, and finally agreed on the Lords and Ladies idea, along with the
tiaras. Hermione got up to leave Ron alone, when another idea popped into her mind. She spun
around quickly, "A masquerade ball!"
He looked up slightly confused.
"I mean, the theme could be a 16-century masquerade ball, with the tiaras still! We'll ask
that everyone make or buy a masquerade mask that covers their face, save for their eyes and
noses! It'll be so much fun Ron!"
Ron agreed, and it was settled; a 16-century medieval masquerade ball. They would meet
with Dumbledore the next day and inform him of their decision.
Hermione woke up bright and early as the winter sun reflected off her gold painted walls.
Throwing off the scarlet silk comforters, she headed straight for the bathroom, taking her shower
and dressing into black dress pants and a neatly pressed white collared blouse. Even with the
school uniforms gone, Hermione stuck with wearing black, grey or white dress pants or long skirts
and collared blouses. She left her wild hair down, letting it hand down to her chest, the massive
uncontrollable curls frizzing here and there. She cared nothing for stylish clothes, hair products
and makeup, as all her mind went to her education.
After meeting Ron in the common room, the two set out for Dumbledore's office.
"Ah, Miss Granger, Mr. Weasley. Good morning to you two," the aging Dumbledore
greeted them.
"Good morning Professor," the two greeted back.
"Professor sire, Ron and I have decided a theme for the 7th year's ball," Hermione started.
Dumbledore sat quietly as the two took turns in explaining their vision.
"Very well," the Headmaster nodded, smiling, "You may proceed with your planning."
"Thank you sir," Ron said.
"Miss Granger, Mr Weasley, before you leave, I would like you to inform you that we will
be receiving a new student as of tonight. There will be a private sorting for her this evening at
precisely 8 pm in the Great Hall. Both of you are expected to attend, and if you would be so kind
as to inform Mr Potter, Mr Malfoy, Miss Padma Patil and Mr Fitch-Fletchy of this event as they too
are expected to attend as House representatives," Dumbledore spoke.
"Yes Professor Dumbledore," Hermione answered. Ron and Hermione left moments later
for breakfast in the Great Hall.
"Mornin' Harry," Ron sat next to his tosseled haired best friend.
"Hi Ron, Hermione," Harry acknowledged. Ron told Harry about the new student and the
three began to wonder aloud what she would be like.
"I'll go and inform Padma," Hermione told Ron.
"Then I'll tell Justin," Ron agreed.
"That leaves me to tell Malfoy," Hermione groaned.
"I'll tell him if you don't wanna do it," Ron offered.
"That's okay Ron, I think I can handle Malfoy," she smiled. After breakfast the trio set out
to their first class; History of Magic with Ravenclaw.
Before sitting at her own seat, Hermione made her way to Padma, telling her of the new
student and the private sorting.
"Ok thanks for telling me Hermione!"
By lunch, Ron found Justin and told him about the private sorting. After lunch was
Transfiguration, Potions and Herbology, all with the Slyterins. As the afternoon progressed,
tensions grew as the two rival houses continued to compete with the other for points. The day
ended on a sour note as Malfoy and Hermione got into a heated argument during Herbology; their
last class. Hermione exited the class room fuming mad, as she stormed up to her tower, slamming
her books down on the table in the common room. She plumped her body down on the couch and
tried to blow off her steam. Ron entered a little bit later, and saw her sitting there, the blood in her
face glowing.
"Erm, Hermione?"
"What?" She was quite irritated.
"Erm. . . did you tell Malfoy about the sorting?"
"CRAP!" Hermione yelled, completely forgetting about that. She got up abruptly, pushing
her hair from her face.
"I could go for you instead," Ron offered again.
"I'm going Ron! I'm NOT a little girl anymore!"
She quickly walked down to the dungeons, stopping at the stone-wall entrance of the
Slytherin House. As the Head girl, she was given the passwords to each of the houses.
"Pure-blood," she spat out the Slytherin password. The stone wall creaked open,
revealing the near-empty bleak green and black common room.
"Where's Malfoy?" Hermione asked Goyle, her voice raising slightly.
"I-In his room," Goyle stuttered, trying to hide his fear.
"Get him," she glared at him. Minutes later he came back empty handed.
"Where is he?" She was losing his temper.
"He doesn't w-want to come d-down."
"Malfoy! Get your BLOODY self down here this INSTANT!!" She screamed, her temper
and patience long gone.
"Shut it Mudblood!" Came the reply from up in the dormitories. She stomped upstairs and
yelled, "Get out Malfoy!"
A door at the end of the hallway flung open, revealing an angry Malfoy.
"What is so DAMN important that you had to bring your FILTHY mudblood self into MY
house and CONTAMINATE it?!" His face was no longer pale, but was an eery crimson color.
"There is a new student, and she will be receiving a private Sorting tonight at eight in the
Great Hall. Dumbledore wants you there as a representative for Slytherin," she said through
gritted teeth.
"FINE!" He turned on his heels and headed back to his room, slamming it shut. Hermione
herself headed out of the dungeons and back to her tower, locking herself in her room. She took
out a piece of parchment and began to write furiously to her parents.
Dear Mum and Dad,
I can't STAND him anymore! He constantly irritates me! Today in Herbology his house (Slytherin)
lost points and we had gained, and his stupid arrogant self was a COMPLETE sour loser and
started to insult my house, saying we're all sucks and he was purposely targeting me! He's driving
me INSANE! There's no way you can control him! I thought it might be easier being Head Girl, but
it's not! He just makes my life a miserable hell! And he ENJOYS it! It's as if he plans whatever just
to make me miserable. It's RIDICULOUS! The one question I always find myself asking is 'Why
me?'. . . I mean there are so many muggle students here, and yet he takes so much pleasure in
TAUNTING me! He's 18 for Merlin's sake! You would think he would act his age!
Ok enough about that. I'll manage, I always do. So how are you two doing? How's the
office and work? I miss you both very much and although I can't bear to leave this school at the
end of June, I can't wait to see you guys again. Is there any news on Grandpa's health in
Australia? Or any new developments on our summer vacation there? If you talk to him or even
Grandmother, please send them my love, regards and prayers.
I'll be with you in the stars.
Love, Hermione
She sealed the letter, sending it with Ron's new owl. She then started her homework,
skipping dinner, then headed down tot he Great Hall at quarter to eight. Ron, Harry and Justin
were already there, as they had just had dinner. Padma showed up a few minutes before 8, and
Malfoy came in after 8 just to spite Hermione.
"Welcome. We have a new student, transferring from Durmstrang. Her name is Gitana
Malivado. Professor McGonagall, the hat if you please," Professor Dumbledore took the hat and
motioned for the young witch to step forward. Gitana sat quietly on the stool, surrounded by the
small circle of 7th years as Professor Dumbledore delicately placed the Sorting hat atop her head.
"Hmm," the hat hummed, "Hmm. . . I must say, you have an assortment of qualities from
each house. . . Hmm . . . I see. . . you're family's past. . . , " the Hat could feel her cringe at the
mention of her family, "How. . .interesting. . ."
The hat took a few more minutes, arguing about which house would suit her best.
"Two houses stick out. . . both come in very strong and you would do exceptionally well in
both. . . HUFFLEPUFF!" The hat yelled, leaving the other house a mystery. Justin smiled slightly
as this was called out.
"She's a sixth year and has been placed into Hufflepuff," Dumbledore told the group as
they individually welcomed her. As she got to Harry, she just looked up at him.
"You're Harry Potter," she spoke quietly in a soft accented voice.
"You're Harry Potter," Malfoy mocked under his breath, already disliking this girl. Harry
just nodded as he gazed into her serene blue eyes.
"I've heard all about you," she told him.
"Haven't we all?" Malfoy spoke up. Before anything could happen, Dumbledore
intervened, "Thank you all for coming. Justin if you could please escort Miss Malivado to her
house, that would be most appreciated. Everyone else, have a good night."
With that, he and Professor McGonagall exited the Great Hall. Gitana said her goodnights
to everyone and left by Justin's side. Back in the Gryffindor tower, Harry sat on the edge of his
bed, his thoughts drifting to Gitana. All he could think of was her beautiful, gentle blue eyes, her
rich curly black hair and her radiant figure. He had never met anyone like her, and wanted so
badly to get to know her. Picturing her face one last time that night, he fell asleep.
"So what do you think of the new girl?" Ron asked Hermione as the two entered their
tower.
"I don't know," she answered truthfully, "She seems to take a liking to Harry though."
"I know!" Ron flashed a toothy grin, "I saw it too!"
They talked some more about Gitana, then switched the subject to the upcoming ball.
"We should tell the 7th years tomorrow at lunch," Ron suggested.
"Mmm," Hermione agreed, "Well, I'm going to go to bed now."
"Okay," Ron said, "Good night. Sleep well."
She walked over to where she sat and kissed him softly on the cheek.
"Good night."