Chapter Two

When Harry, Ron, and Hermione entered the Great Hall for breakfast the next day, the first thing that

came to their attention was Draco Malfoy, who seemed to be entertaining his obnoxious Slytherin pals with

a mocking impression of Harry's dementor encounter.

"Ignore him," advised Hermione. "Just ignore him - it's not worth it..."

When they reached the table, George began passing out the new schedules. "What's up with you, Harry?

That ruddy new girl ruin your social life too?"

"No, it's Malfoy," Ron answered, sitting beside his brother and glaring at the serpent table. George

followed his gaze and saw the blonde-haired boy fake another gasp of terror.

"That little git," he said. "He wasn't so cocky yesterday when the dementors were down at our end

of the train. Came running into our compartment, didn't he, Fred?"

"Nearly wet himself," the other twin murmured with a contemptuous glance at the young Malfoy.

"Anyway, we'll see how happy he looks after our first Quidditch match - Gryffindor versus Slytherin,

first game of the season, remember?" Feeling more cheerful at this thought, Harry helped himself to

sausages and fried tomatoes.

"Hey guys, sorry I'm late," Deidre said as she slid onto the bench next to Ron and picked up her

list of classes.

"Honestly, I'm sorry you weren't later," George teased as he continued with his morning meal.

"Come on, George, admit it - you missed me." Deidre said with a grin.

"I don't know about George, but I'm pretty sure Ronnie-kins here did," said Fred as he squeezed his

little brother's cheeks. "Right?"

Ron smacked his brother's arm away from his face. "Bugger off," he grumbled.

Ignoring the current discussion, Hermione reviewed her new schedule. "Ooh, we're starting some new

classes today! What have you guys got?"

"Never mind us," said Ron, frowning as he looked over her shoulder. "Hermione, they've messed up

your schedule. Look - they've got you down for about ten subjects a day. There isn't enough time."

Leaving Ron and Hermione to their debate, Deidre leaned over the table towards Harry. "Speaking of

time and classes, what's your first course?"

"I've got Divination in the north tower," replied Harry. "Ron and Hermione too."

Deidre grinned. "Looks like you can add one more to that list."

Shethen turned and faced the little red-haired girlsitting beside him. "And what might your name be?"

The little girl blushed. "I'm Ginny. Ginny Weasley."

"Geez, your family's all over this school, aren't they?" Deidre joked as she introducedherself. "So, you're

pretty cute. You Harry's girlfriend or something?"

"NOT ONE BLOODY CHANCE IN HELL!" cried Fred, George and Ron unanimously while

Harry attempted to prevent his marmalde from spraying all over the table.

"Ouch. Touchy subject, I take it?" Deidre said, sliding back into her seat. Suddenly, something from

the corner of her eye caught her attention. "Oh. My. Goodness. By the dragon, WHO is that fox?

Please tell me he's our age."

"What, you mean Longbottom?" asked George, glancing over to see poor Neville trip over Goyle's

carefully planted foot as Malfoy and his lackeys made their way near the Gryffindor table.

"No, not the klutz."

"Who, then?" piped Ginny.

"Hold on a minute, he's coming this way," Deidre whispered excitedly.

"Well, well well. What have we here?" spoke a familiarly loathsome voice. "Another Gryffinwhore? Hmph.

This place's gone to the dogs."

As Deidre gestured to the boy in front of her, the rest of the table's mouths dropped in utter shock.

"MALFOY!"