Disclaimer: I do not own any of J.K. Rowling's characters except Brooke Stevens and her family. I also don't own many of the places that the characters visit.

Chapter 5: Introductions and Jealousies

"Welcome, Welcome! To another year at Hogwarts! Now before we begin our banquet I have only a few things to announce. First and foremost, please be wary of the dementors that will begin guarding the school starting tomorrow. They don't take to children too easily… so don't be wandering outside in the middle of the night. The ministry has positioned the dementors at all doors for your own safety. The dementors are not to be fooled by any kind of invisible cloaks or tricks. Secondly, I'd like to introduce two new teachers. Professor Lupin, who has kindly consented to fill the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher and Rubeus Hagrid, who has agreed to teach Care of Magical Creatures."

Both Hagrid and Lupin stand but are welcomed by little applause except that of Harry, Ron, and Hermione.

"And lastly, I would like everyone to welcome our new student that just transferred from Vadino's School of Witchcraft. Everyone please give a round of applause to Miss Brooke Stevens."

Brooke stands and smiles at the students. She is welcomed by several whistles and cheers from many of the boys.

"With all that being said… Let the feast begin!"

Dumbledore winks an eye and all the golden plates and goblets are instantly filled with all kinds of delicious foods.

All of the students begin digging in on the appetizing foods. During dinner Harry begins introducing Brooke to the other Gryffindors sitting around them.

"Brooke, I'd like you to meet Fred and George. They are Ron's older brothers."

Fred and George look up simultaneously at Brooke then exchange thoughtful glances.

They both reply, "We are pleased to meet you."

Fred exclaims, "It's jolly good that you are in Gryffindor. If you ever have some free time you should try out some of this new candy we are developing."

George adds, "You'll love it so much you won't be able to…"

"Quiet George! Don't give it away!", intercedes Fred.

"Oh don't listen to those two. They are full of it." says Harry.

"Anyways… over there with the toad is Neville… across from us is Seamus.. and Ginny is the red head talking to Percy… whom you met earlier…" continues Harry.

"I'm quite thrilled to meet all of you." says Brooke.

When dinner is over all the students begin filing out of the room and into the great hall. Harry, Hermione, and Ron begin leading Brooke up towards the Gryffindor common room when she is suddenly pulled aside by none other then Draco Malfoy.

"Pardon me Potter… but I'd like a word with Brooke." spits Draco with a smug look on his face.

"Sure thing…" Harry's eyes narrow on Draco's. "We'll be waiting for you over by that staircase Brooke."

Harry and his comrades walk away leaving Brooke alone with Draco.

"So Brooke… I was thinking tomorrow after lunch… maybe we could hang out? I won't be seeing you too much since you are in stupid Gryffindor."

Brooke raises an eyebrow at the word "stupid".

"I mean uhh… now that you are in super Gryffindor… not Slytherin..", covers Draco.

Brooke smiles, "Sure, Draco. I'll see you then."

"Yeah… see you," replies Draco while smoothing back his hair.

Brooke waves goodbye to Draco and catches up with Harry and the gang. Draco is still watching her as the four friends start up the staircase.

"So what did Malfoy want?" asks Harry.

Brooke thinks for a second. Uh oh… what should I tell him? He might be mad if he knows I agreed to hang out with Draco…

"Oh umm.. he just wanted to wish me good luck on my.. first day tomorrow," says Brooke.

"I see… how… nice," states Harry.

Ron replies,"That bloody Malfoy must be up to something… why I outta.."

"Chill out Ron…" laughs Harry.

With Ron blushing, the friends continue up the staircase and arrive at the common room door where a very flustered Neville stands scratching his head.

"It seems that I have forgotten the password again…" utters Neville.

"Fortuna Major,"declares Hermione.

The door with a picture of a fat woman in a silk dress opens to reveal a round hole in the wall leading to a room. Hermione leads the way in and addresses Brooke.

"Welcome to the Gryffindor common room… follow me to the girl's dormitories."

Harry and Ron sheepishly say goodnight to Brooke and head off in the opposite direction of the girls. Hermione takes Brooke up to the common room and shows Brooke where her four poster bed is located. The girls both get ready for bed and since Brooke's bed is adjacent to Hermione's they have a brief conversation before drifting off to sleep.

"So Brooke…. What do you think about Hogwarts? Is it anything like Vadino's?" yawns Hermione.

"It's quite different actually… there's a lot more classes.. and students.. and this school is so much bigger.. I'm sure I will get lost tomorrow," replies Brooke.

"Don't worry I'll help you out," laughs Hermione.

"So why did they transfer you here?"

"I have no idea… but I'm kind of glad they did. I've already met some really cool people."

Hermione pauses then says, "Like Harry, Ron, and Draco?"

"Yeah, they're nice."

"You know they all like you right? As does half of the guys here… even the ones you haven't spoke a word too," remarks Hermione a bit rudely.

"What are you talking about?" asks Brooke.

"You're the most stunning girl to have ever walked over this threshold that's what I'm talking about. No one ever pays attention to someone like me. Brains with no beauty… though it appears you may have both."

"I don't know what you want me to say…"

"Say nothing… goodnight Brooke."

"I just want us to be friends Hermione…"

Both girls fall asleep on a bad note and dream about what tomorrow's classes will contain...