Chapter Two- Finally, Sixth Year
Platform nine and three-quarters was packed with older witches and wizards seeing their children off. Draco caught up with two of his goon friends: Gregory Goyle and Vincent Crabbe. The three of them pushed their way in front of three of their worst enemies. Harry Potter, the boy who survived the death curse with just a scar from Lord Voldemort and wizarding world celebrity; Ron Weasley, a red hair, freckle faced boy who lives with hand-me-downs; and Hermione Granger, a particularly gifted witch who is muggle-born- frequently called Mudblood by Draco.
"Watch it Potter! And Weasle-Bee!" Draco said slickly.
"Cut it out, Malfoy," Hermione sneered back at Draco.
Draco drew his attention to Hermione. His top lip beginning to curl with anger.
"Look boys," Draco said to Crabbe and Goyle, "the Mudblood is trying to make peace!"
Ron tried running after Draco but was held back by Harry. Draco and his friends laughed as they sat in compartment 13.
"I swear Weasle-Bee is going to get it one of these days," Draco said leaning up against the window.
The train ride lasted a few more hours. Ten minutes before stopping at the Hogsmeade train station, students began changing into their Hogwarts robes. Many horseless carriages waited to take the older students up to Hogwarts castle. The first years would stay with Rubeus Hagrid, a loyal friend of Harry, Ron, and Hermione's, and Hogwarts game keeper, and take boats across the lake to the castle.
"The sorting had better go by fast. I'm starving!" Ron bickered, rubbing his stomach.
"Oh, honestly, Ronald! We just had pumpkin pasties not long ago!" Hermione snapped.
"Harry?" Ron asked, looking for help from his friend.
Harry laughed and shook his head. "Sorry, Ron. She's got a point."
"Yeah, I guess you're right," Ron said lowering his head.
Just then, the carriage seemed to stop. One by one, students were hauling out of their carriages. Inside the entrance hall, and up the marble staircase, students were greeted by Professor McGonagall, Head of Gryffindor House.
"Welcome back everyone!" she began. "Professor Dumbledore is awaiting your arrival. We have extraordinary news this term. Now, please enjoy the sorting and feast!"
With that, the whole lot began crowding into the Great Hall. Many students were dispercing toward their specific house tables: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin.
Twenty minutes later, Hagrid had brought in the first years to be sorted. Professor McGonagall had brought in the wooden stool and old sorting hat. Harry had loathed that hat ever since first year when it had told him he would do well in Slytherin. Professor McGonagall had the first years stand in front of the staff table as she called off names in alphabetical order. Once the last name, "Zikel, Stewart" was called, Professor McGonagall cleared away the front just as Albus Dumbledore, finest headmaster Hogwarts has ever seen, rose from his seat.
"Welcome, everyone to a new school year!" Dumbledore said. "I have much to inform you, but first, let us feast!"
There were many "ooo's" and "ahh's" coming from every direction of the Great Hall. The once empty golden platters on the tables were now filled with delicious foods and drinks. Malfoy sat quietly eating his food. A smirk appeared on his face, giving away that he knew Dumbledore's information.