Mina filled up an empty seat next to Parvati at the Gryffindor table in the Great Hall. She was still a bit flustered from the news she just heard about her parents being in Slytherin. "What took you so long? Where did you go," Parvati was asking Mina.
"Oh, nothing. Just, uh, talking to someone," Mina answered nervously.
"Who were you talking to," Lavender asked. But before Mina could answer, the very person who Mina had talked to was standing up at the front of the Great Hall addressing the students.
"Welcome!" began Dumbledore, "Welcome to another term at Hogwarts. I have a few things to tell you all, and one of them is quite serious, so I think it best if I tell it first. As you all may be aware, there were dementors on the train, and I am sorry to inform you that these guards of Azkaban will be stationed at every entrance and will not hesitate to harm you and can not be fooled by tricks or disguises and nor do they understand pleading or excuses. And the good news, of course, we have two new teachers. First, please welcome Professor Lupin, who will take the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts."
No one particularly clapped hard except those with Lupin on the train. "Look at how jealous Snape is," snickered Ron.
"Our other new teacher is our very own gamekeeper, Rubeus Hagrid who will take the place of Professor Kettleburn who retired last year," Dumbledore said with triumph.
"We should've known!" exclaimed Ron, "Who else would have assigned biting books?"
Everyone, with exception of the Slytherins clapped for Hagrid as he stood up at the staff table. Mina looked up at the staff table to see Hagrid standing and waving to everyone. Mina smiled at the sight of him; she felt a warm feeling from him.
"Well, I believe that's all the news for now. Let the feast begin!" exclaimed Dumbledore. With that said, the golden plates magically filled with delicious food and drink.
Mina was surprised and amused at the magically appearing food and was also relieved to see that Parvati and Lavender were deep in conversation-not to say their conversation was deep; they were snickering about boys. Mina filled her stomach with whatever she could grab; it was all so delicious. After dinner, Mina saw the trio happily talking to Hagrid, and Mina smiled at the sight of Hagrid crying with joy. Mina followed as all the students began to stand up and make their way out of the Great Hall. As she followed she saw up ahead that a blonde boy had just shoved Harry and Mina paused to watch.
"Watch where you're-" Draco Malfoy stopped short at the site of Harry and smirked. "Oh well look who it is. You'd better be careful, Potter, wouldn't want to fall now would we? Oh, but I'm sure it probably wouldn't hurt as much as it did when you hit the ground on train. What happened again? Oh that's right, you fainted didn't you?"
But before Harry could answer, Mina was at his side, smiling. "Yeah, I remember!" she exclaimed enthusiastically, "He did faint! I was there! Yes, Yes- and why don't you shove-off before I make you faint, too," Mina's phony smile vanished instantly and her voice was acid.
Malfoy's smile had been wiped off too, then redrawn to a smirk. "Ooooo. A little feisty aren't we. Who are you anyway, another one of Potter's worthless friends?" Malfoy asked, looking at Ron and Hermione at Harry's side.
"Oh, I don't know about that, but I do know that I'm definitely one of your enemies," replied Mina with a cold stare.
Malfoy took one step closer to Mina and replied with raised eyebrows, "Well that's too bad. Because I kind of liked you." Mina's expression changed to one mixed with confusion, shyness, embarrassment, and then one that said "Yeah right. You wish!"
Harry looked at the now rosy-cheeked girl in front of him. "Er, thanks," Harry mumbled to Mina, jolting her out of her trance. Mina nodded and quickly scrambled away before Harry got the chance to ask her name. Harry shrugged and began walking with his friends.
"That's too bad. Because I kinda liked you," Ron said, mocking Malfoy, "What was that all about?"
"I don't know. But that's something the whole school will be talking about," said Hermione. "I just feel bad for that girl though. She was just trying to stick up for you, Harry, and Draco just goes and embarrasses the poor thing."
By the time their conversation was over, they had reached Gryffindor tower and Percy was making his way through the crowd yelling, "Excuse me, I'm Head Boy!"
The Fat Lady asked for the password and Percy announced to everyone, "The password is Fortuna Major," and the Portrait hole appeared.
Mina was cautiously following Lavender and Parvati because Professor McGonagall had told her she would be sharing a dormitory with them. The boys and girls made their separate ways up the stairs and Mina followed the two girls ahead of her in to her room.
"Oh, Mina you're in the same room as us," asked Parvati, her dark eyes shining.
"Yes," Mina replied with a smile. She was half happy because she knew Lavender and Parvati, and half scared of being bombarded with questions; that's why, Mina figured; Parvati's eyes were shining.
Parvati and Lavender took the fist two beds and Mina skipped the third one and went the one by the window, away from everyone else. I wonder who my other roommate will be, thought Mina, glancing at the vacant bed next to hers. As Mina began unpacking her things, she did a double take when she saw a girl with bushy, brown hair enter the room. Oh no! She's one of Harry's friends! Mina thought with panic.
Hermione greeted Parvati and Lavender and went to her bed next to Mina's. Hermione looked up and smiled at Mina and walked towards her. "Hi, I'm Hermione," she said extending a hand, "What's your name?"
Mina took Hermione's hand and said, "Mina, nice to meet you."
"You're the one who stood up for Harry earlier, aren't you?" Hermione asked, Mina nodded looking down, "Thanks for that. Do you know Harry?"
Mina turned paler and quickly mumbled, "No. I j-just don't like to see people being made fun of." Great, Mina, You're really getting good at this lying thing.
She sure answered quickly, too quickly, Hermione though suspiciously. "Are you new around here," Hermione asked nicely.
"Yes. I'm in third year. I went to another school before," Mina replied resuming her unpacking.
"Yes, you don't look like a first year. Well, welcome to Hogwarts and feel free to ask if you need help. Do you have your schedule?"
Mina pulled out a piece of paper from her pocket and handed it to Hermione. "Hey, you have some of the same classes Harry, Ron, and I!" Hermione replied.
Mina smiled, although she was screaming with terror on the inside. "Well, I'll see you tomorrow then," Mina said, hoping Hermione would get the message that this conversation was over.
"Yeah, see you, too," Hermione said, a little taken back by Mina's closure.
Everyone was unpacked and was talking. Mina lay down in bed and pretended to be asleep so she couldn't be a part of it. Mina thought about her schedule, Potions with Professor Snape first. Yes indeed. Potions with Harry and the Slytherin; which means with Draco Malfoy. Hip, Hip Hurray, Mina thought sarcastically and drifted off into an uncomfortable sleep.
Well, that's the end of this ch. Sorry if it seemed boring or if I was pulling it, but the beginning is going to be a little boring. Starting next ch., things are gonna get a little interesting. Next ch. you will find out who Mina is and there will be some action with Malfoy. Please Review.