Chapter 3

Too Damn Perfect

Flashback Continues

One by one, the first years were all sorted into their houses. Harry clapped enthusiastically along with the other Gryffindors as the new additions to his house were made, all the while ignoring Ron's incessant mumbling for food.

"And now, joining us from Beauxbatons, we have Tina McGonagall, who is a seventh year student. She will also be sorted into her house for this year." As Professor McGonagall said this, a hush fell over the Great Hall. Many students were wearing confused expressions and most seventh years were craning their necks to get a look at Tina.

"Hey, did either of you know McGonagall had a daughter?" Harry whispered to Ron and Hermione. Hermione rolled her eyes and started to say something, but Lavender gestured at them to be quiet.

Harry shrugged and looked up as he heard Ron's soft whistle. Making her way towards the Sorting Hat was one of the most attractive witches Harry had ever seen. At first glance, she just seemed remarkably pretty, but when you got a good look at her face, you couldn't glance away. Her whole body gave an aura of delicate yet intelligent beauty. Dark, exquisitely curled, chocolate brown hair framed a perfectly chiseled face, out of which sapphire blue eyes gazed confidently at the students in front of her.

Tina McGonagall smiled softly at her aunt and took a seat on the stool. The hat had barely touched her head before it shouted Gryffindor. For a moment, silence reigned in the Great Hall.

The next second, applause and cheers shattered the calm. Tina looked relieved as she made her way to the Gryffindor table and sat on the opposite side of Hermione.

"So Tina, have you found out your classes yet for this year?" asked Hermione.

Professor McGonagall seemed to be right; Hermione and Tina were very much alike. After being introduced to all of the seventh year Gryffindors and many other seventh year boys from other houses who kept walking up; Tina had started to talk freely with Hermione, Ron, and Harry. Mostly Hermione though, as she seemed to be in awe of Harry, and Ron was still stuffing his face.

"Yeah, Aunt Minerva gave my schedule to me before I was even sorted. We should compare them later, I'm pretty sure we'll be in all the same classes. I'm particularly looking forward to Arithmancy this year; it was my favorite class last year." At her comment, Hermione squealed happily and started to talk about all her favorite classes.

As they talked, Tina kept glancing at the ceiling. "It's just bewitched to look like that, isn't it? I remember reading about that in Hogwarts: A History."

Ron snorted and spit out his Yorkshire pudding, and Harry laughed. Hermione gave them a dirty look as Tina glanced at them quizzically. Ron finally spoke up.

"I don't think Harry and I will be very surprised if you tell us about a plan you have to liberate all house-elves." Tina looked confused and just chose to ignore Ron's comment.

"Hermione, do you know that Aunt Minerva mentioned to you last summer I saw her? According to her, you seem to be one of the brightest pupils she's ever had. Would you mind terribly if we studied together for Transfiguration? It's my weakest subject, and it's going to be horrible having my own aunt for a teacher."

"Of course not! It'll be great having someone to quiz me during study sessions." Thank God Tina's so easy to get along with.


"What, are Ron and I worthless now? We better watch out Ron, or else Hermione's going to ditch us and leave us to fail History of Magic." Harry joined into their conversation.

"Oh, don't worry, I always take notes in that class. It's the only thing that keeps me from falling asleep. You two are welcome to read them if you want," Tina reassured them. This time Ron nearly jumped with joy as he told her she was a lifesaver. Even he was laying it on thick. Doesn't he already have a girlfriend?

For some reason, the way Harry was glancing at Tina made Hermione uncomfortable. She quickly grabbed Tina's arm and made for the exit. "Why don't I show you where our dorms are?"

As the two girls left chatting, Harry stared intensely at Tina's back. It seemed that seventh year had taken quite an interesting turn. The next morning, Tina was waiting for Hermione in the common room. Together, the new friends started to make their way to breakfast.

"I'm so glad we have the same classes, Hermione, it'll make everything go by so much faster. Does Parvati take Divination? I was wondering because she seemed highly offended when I told her that Divination always seemed like a bogus subject." Tina unconsciously flipped her hair and held on to her huge stack of books that were identical to Hermione's.

"Oh, she and Lavender are completely obsessed with-" Hermione stopped her sentence abruptly, as she saw Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle blocking their path into the Great Hall.

"Get out of my way, Malfoy." Hermione stood up straight so that he could see the Head Girl badge shining clearly on her chest. He just arched an eyebrow at her and glanced at Tina.

"Careful Granger, that's no way to speak to your betters. I came here to introduce myself to someone who is on a much higher level than you. Do you think you could give us a moment?" He tossed the last part contemptuously at Hermione, who felt her blood boil with every single one of his words.

Tina coolly took out her wand and stared at Draco. "I strongly hope that if you are intelligent, you will get out of our way. Of course, you have just proved to be an egotistical jerk, but that's not very surprising, considering your father was that stupid scumbag, Lucius Malfoy. Anyway-"

Malfoy's face got an ugly look. "Don't you dare talk about my father that way, you muggle lover. I'm going to make you pay for what you said."

As Malfoy took a threatening step towards them, a sarcastically amused voice from behind rang out. "I'd like to see you try."

Hermione turned around and saw a very angry Harry standing there with his wand clenched in his fist. As Malfoy sent a livid glare in Hermione's direction and stalked off with Crabbe and Goyle in tow, Harry strode toward them and pocketed his wand.

"I see you've met the world's foulest git. If he ever bothers you again just let me know." Tina was still looking a little shocked as she followed Hermione and accidentally bumped into Harry and dropped half her books.

"I'm sorry, I didn't watch where I was going-" Tina mumbled as she bent to pick them up.

"That's all right, here, I'll carry these for you." Harry smiled softly at Tina, and she smiled back. Hermione felt her stomach clench painfully and shook her head. How come he never picked my books up all those times I dropped them?


Hermione dejectedly looked at the perfect picture before her. "C'mon you two, we better eat fast or we'll be late to Potions."

And with that Hermione strode off towards the Great Hall, trying to forget the look in Harry's gorgeous green eyes as he smiled at Tina.