On a roll with the typing...so here's another chapter.

Ch. 3: First Day Of School

Michelle awoke to find herself alone in the dorm room. She looked around and could see no one. She put on her robe and went down the stairs. There was no one in the common room either. Looking at the clock, she realized why...she had overslept.
At breakfast, Harry noticed Michelle had yet to join the rest of the students in the dining hall. He caught Hermione's eye.
"Hermione, have you seen Michelle?"
"The new girl? No, doesn't look like she's here."
"Did you see her in the house at all?"
"No...but I wasn't looking for her either. What is up with you? Why are you so anxious to find her?" Hermione looked him hard in the eye and began to smile. "You like her?! Harry, you haven't even met her yet."
"Neville says she's nice."

"Neville says everyone is nice."
"So, you're saying she's not nice."
"No, I'm saying she's cute and right now nice isn't as important to you."
Ron finally interrupted, "Okay, enough already. Bloody hell, there she is. Why don't you go introduce yourself, figure out if she's nice and end this already." He pointed his fork to the door Michelle had just entered. Unfortunately, his fork had a bit of sausage on it that went flying across the table to hit Seamus on the head. "Oh...sorry mate..."
Harry hesitated. Ron was right, but he didn't want to seem too forward. Of course, if he didn't do anything, he wasn't any closer to getting to know her. But then again, maybe Hermione was right...
Hermione sighed watching Harry debate internally. She got up from her seat and went directly to Michelle.
"Hi, I'm Hermione Granger. I'm a 6th year Gryffindor. It's nice to meet you."
Michelle was a bit stunned, but shook her hand warmly. "Hi, I"m Michelle. I'm late I think."
"Breakfast is still on the table if you'd like some. You can sit by me and my friends." She turned and pointed toward the boys. "The redhead is Ron Weasley and the git with the goofy look on his face is Harry Potter."
Oh great, Michelle thought to herself. So far the two people who have been really nice to me are both friends of Harry's. She collected herself.
"Thanks, but I'm supposed to be meeting Dumbledore soon so I better just grab some toast and be off." She reached down and grabbed a couple of pieces and took a few gulps of milk from the glass that had filled in front of her. "See you around..."
Hermione wasn't sure what to think of her. She'd smiled and seemed nice, but once Hermione had pointed out the guys, Michelle had become obviously nervous. Hermione went back to her seat. She paused thoughtfully then finally spoke.
"She must think you're cute too, Harry. She almost ran when I suggested she come sit with us."
Harry was surprised, "Are you sure? Did she say anything?"
"No, but I know people..."
Ron just rolled his eyes. "You both are complete nutters..."

Entering Dumbledore's office was even more awe inspiring than the moment she entered the Great Hall the evening before. Michelle sat down carefully in one of the chairs. She almost jumped when Dumbledore came up from behind her.
"Oh...good morning, good morning." He shook her hand and went to his side of the desk. He sat looking her over for a few minutes, which Michelle found a little unnerving. "How are you doing today? Did you get settled?"
"Yes, people have been very helpful so far. I was late for breakfast though..."
He waved his hand as though swatting away a fly, "Nonsense, I gave strict instructions that you were to be allowed to sleep in. I imagine you haven't been sleeping a great deal as of late."
"No, I suppose I haven't." She looked down at her hands folded in her lap. She bit her lip, "It was a hard decision to make."
"But a brave one." He smiled and she relaxed a bit more. "I promise that we will do everything we can to keep you safe and well while you are here."
"I just hope I don't put any of the other students in danger."
"Only the staff knows why you are here. The students just think you transferred to come to the best school of witchcraft and wizardry in the world...which of course is true. Keeping your secret safe will help keep you safe."
"So, I can tell no one..."
"I would strongly advise against it. But, I do realize that you will be making friends here at Hogwarts and will want to tell them the truth. I hope you will think carefully before you do. Make sure they can be trusted."

The first day of class had been tough. Bad enough she was the new kid, Michell couldn't seem to find any of her classes and felt completely idiotic. Her last class period was open to give her time for any tutoring she may need. She'd alredy discovered she was behind. Hogwarts students were often given assignments (mostly reading) to be completed before returning to school. Her decision to transfer had been made only weeks ago; she'd had no time to prepare for her lessons. Michelle decided to go outside and read one of the many chapters in one of the many books she'd missed out on. The day was surpisingly sunny and a bit warm. She took off her robe and set it on the grass to use as a blanket. Placing the book before her on the ground, she lay down on her stomach and began to read.

Harry's final class this year was Quidditch...or rather, practice. As a 6th year, he had the option of having a study period or using it for extracirricular activities. He was more than happy to go outside and practice his favorite sport. The whole team was not available for this particular hour so Harry and a couple of his teammates decided to do drills on their own before the others were out of class and could join them. Harry thought he would fly off the pitch and swoop around the school. He picked out small objects on the ground and dived toward them, pulling up at the last second to grab them as he would the golden snitch. He'd just headed towards Hagrid's hut when he noticed someone on the grass. He flew a little lower and could tell it was a girl laying on her robe, reading. Coming a little lower, he saw it was Michelle. He almost fell off his broomstick. Now was his chance. He began to lower himself slowly, not wanting to startle her. He called out as he came closer.
"Hello there..." he landed pretty well considering he was staring at her and not the ground. He walked over as she raised up to a sitting position. He smiled, but became concerned thanks to the look she was giving him. "Hi, I'm Harry...Harry Potter. You're Michelle, right?"
For a second, she couldn't speak. No way to avoid him, not now anyway. Her voice shook slightly, "Hi. Do you always swoop down on people like that?"
Harry felt bad instantly and apologized. "No, not usually. I'm sorry if I surprised you. I don't normally see many people out here. And, we hadn't met yet so I figured I'd drop down and say hello."
Now, Michelle felt horrible. She could see he genuinely felt bad. She hadn't meant to be harsh, but she did need to keep her distance. "It's okay. I'm fine...and stuff..." Okay, now she sounded like an idiot. Well, maybe that would do the trick, she thought to herself.
Harry, on the other hand, thought she was acting like a dolt because she was trying too hard to not act like a dolt. He cut her plenty of slack. "Do you miss America?"
She answered quietly, "A little yes..." she looked away from him. "It is beautiful here though."
"So, you like Hogwarts?"

"Yes...except for the fact that I can't find any of my classes and I am horribly behind, it's great." she answered sarcastically. He laughed and she realized she'd let her guard down and been herself. No more of that. "I don't mean to be rude, but I have a lot of reading to do."
Harry almost tripped over his own feet as he backed up. "Oh, sure...I understand. It was nice meeting you. I'll see you at supper." He looked at her one more time before mounting his broom and taking off. Michelle watched as he flew away. She put her head in her hands. She realized staying away from him was going to be difficult if he kept looking at her the way he had been just then. And, if she kept looking into his brilliant eyes, it would be impossible.