Dinner was uneventful except for the continuous stares that unnerved Hermione after a while. It was like they were trying to see through her. They were judging her on flaws they didn't know she had. They were trying to get the worst out of her. And why not, she was the new student after all. Just that alone gave them the 'right' to drill her about random facts. Coming all the way from Mongolia. And what did they know about Mongolia? Nothing. And what did Hermione know about Mongolia? Nothing, as well. But she was learning. Covering books with charms was easy enough. And soon she would know everything, every little detail about the country and it's Wizarding School without anyone knowing that she spent her nights reading an endless supply of literature.

Hermione tried to be brief. Pulling on every resource of creativity, and the memories of what Dumbledore had told her, she managed through the questions. Only, of course, to be asked more questions. It was the longest diner ever, for Hermione.

By the time she was ale to crawl into bed, Hermione regretted everything she had done. She regretted ever looking at the book.

"It was a stupid decision!" she muttered, pulling her blanket up over her head. She was thoroughly angry with herself. "Why did I ever think this would work?"

Tossing and turning all night, Hermione fell into a fitful sleep, waking long before the breakfast hour.

Quietly as to not disturb the others, Hermione dressed and washed then went downstairs. She could read in the common room until breakfast. This ritual wasn't new to Hermione. Most mornings Harry and Ron found her curled up in an armchair, the remnants of the previous night's fire burning to final ashes. A book would be on her lap and sometimes a blanket wrapped around her shoulders. Smiling as she thought of them, she headed towards her usual chair. Only to find that it was someone else's usual as well.

Valloriey Allsprand.

Noticing the other girl had a book, Hermione walked to another chair without saying a word. If what Albus had said were true, there would be point in saying good morning. Bringing her knees up to her chin, Hermione made herself comfortable on the chair. Leaning her book along the armrest, she opened it and began to read.

She had just gotten into her rhythm of reading when a loud bang took her attention. Then there was a patter of feet and when Hermione finally looked up she came face to face with bright green eyes.

"Good morning." Valloriey smiled brightly. "It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

Taken back, Hermione nodded slowly. "Pleasure..." she murmured.

"I'm sorry I didn't get the chance to introduce myself last night. I was rather busy." She lifted the book to emphasize the fact.

"Oh it's alright." Hermione found her voice. "I met your sister and she told me who you were." The other girl's smile faltered.

"Oh, yeah Nicola," Valloriey turned away. Afraid she had said something wrong Hermione started to say something when Valloriey held out her wand. With a flick of her wrist the chair that had been near the fireplace was behind where Valloriey stood. Quickly she sat and turned back to Hermione. "I hope my sister didn't upset you. She isn't very nice when she meets new people. But once you get used to her, she's really quite lovely."

Hermione held up her hands defensively. "Oh no. Your sister was very... polite... really." The other girl nodded knowingly.

"Don't try and stand up for her. But anyway... I hear you're from Mongolia." Hermione nodded. "That must be wonderful. I myself have never even managed far from England." She paused thoughtfully. "See everyone thinks that I don't pay any attention when I'm reading but really I can hear very well. Even if I am entranced with my latest novel." She chuckled lightly.

"What were you reading?" Hermione asked after a moment of silence.

"Oh a muggle novel. I took muggle studies in my third and fourth years and discovered that they have some very talented authors."

Hermione nodded again. "So am I to assume that you're a pure blood?"

"Oh no! Please don't give me such a term. I'm so against those words. Mudblood, pureblood. It just isn't right! My lineage may be different from one of muggle parents but that doesn't mean that we should be separated or that I am better then that person. It's not like my powers are any less special. Just don't say that to Nicola. She'd be furious. She really is in the wrong house..."

Hermione looked at Valloriey in shock. Had she just said something so serious about her sister? And was Nicola really that bad?

"Please don't get me wrong. I love my sister to pieces... but I have a feeling she only wanted to be in this house to make sure I was ok. To me, Nicola is always very kind... but to everyone else... well she just isn't. I'm nothing like Nicola and I think she was afraid that no matter what house I entered I get butchered. I have a hard time standing up for myself. But really it's just not worth fighting. All the house rivalries, they're just plain stupid. But if Nicola were in Slytherin, like she's supposed to bd then we would gradually be forced to be enemies. Though enemies or not, I'm sure if anyone tried to hurt me Nicola would hex them into the next century. She doesn't believe I can take care of myself." Valloriey stooped, her face turning bright red. "Oh, I'm sorry! You probably don't want to hear any of this. Here you are the new student and I'm dawdling on my sister. Oh please forgive me. I didn't mean to tell you such private details." Her blush worsened and she brought her hand up to cover her mouth. Though Hermione saw the hesitant smile behind it.

"Oh please don't worry. It's nice to know that I can be trusted so easily... at my school, there were never secrets or hidden feeling between friends." Hermione held her hand out to the other girl. "I hope we can be friends."

Quickly Valloriey took Hermione's hand in her own, shaking it happily. "Of course, we'll be friends!"