Chapter Two
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The Important Event
Ginny Weasley stood center stage, her hands cupped demurely at her plaid-ribboned waist, her eyes downcast, dimpling her dimples. Through the holes in the green window shades, light shone on her like spotlights.
For several seconds, everyone was absolutely still. Then, as if a dam had opened, letting water flood through, a murmur swept through the room. People squirmed in their seats trying to get a better view of the new girl. Some muttered comments. Others shot inquiring glances at Hermione.
Staring right at Hermione, Malfoy said, "So this is it? The important event?" loud enough for everyone to hear.
Hermione ignored him. Even if she'd wanted to answer, she wouldn't have know what to say. Ginny's arrival must have been what she had predicted. What else could it be? But was the addition of a new member to the class going to be so important? She wasn't certain. She sighed. Having feelings about future happenings and knowing exactly what they meant were not always one and the same.
Professor Snape clapped his hands together, smirking. "Attention, class," he said. "We wouldn't want a dear Weasley to get the wrong impression of us, would we?"
Lucky Ron isn't here, thought Hermione. Everyone snapped to attention. Ginny didn't notice. She was looking at her shoes.
The class looked at her shoes, too. Delicate black flats. Then, the girls looked down at their own shoes, bright, coloured sneakers with brand names written on them. There was a shuffling sound as they tucked their feet back under their chairs. Professor Snape stared at the girl as well, still at odds as to why she was there.
"Well, let's welcome her."
"Welcome, Ginny. We're glad you're here," the class mumbled.
Ginny glanced up. She smiled slightly at the class. Her dimples deepened.
The boys in Gryffindor hooted. Even a few Slytherins grinned back at her hungrily.
Pansy grimaced and mouthed, "Ginny," silently.
"Let's see… Ginny. Where shall we put you?" said Professor Snape as he cast his eyes over the room.
"Pansy," he directed, "please take your things and move to the empty seat next to Blaise."
Pansy sat in the first seat in the third row directly in front of Harry. Narrowing her eyes, she said, "Yes, Professor Snape," and started slamming her books together.
Hermione glanced at Harry. He grinned at her but gave no indication of his feelings about the new seating arrangement. She'd ask him about it before lunch.
While he waited for Pansy to make the switch, Professor Snape told the class, "We'll put Ginny up front until she catches on to our routine. Hermione Granger?"
Hermione stood up. "Yes, Professor Snape?"
"Why don't you be Ginny's… big sister for a while. Show her around. Answer any questions she might have."
Hermione hesitated. She glanced at Ginny. She looked nice enough, but how could Hermione be sure she'd like her? Of course, she had met Ginny before. Ginny had started in Hogwarts as a first year when Ron, Harry and Hermione were in second year. They had exchanged greetings when they met in the hall or common room, but they were barely even acquaintances. That would certainly change her life – at least for a while. If only she could talk it over with Harry before she accepted this new responsibility. She looked at him, but he was looking at Ginny.
"I don't think you'll have any trouble adjusting, Ginny," said Snape curtly, sitting down at his desk. "Miss Granger will help you over any… rough spots."
Hermione was miffed. She thought she had a choice here, but, apparently, she'd been wrong. It had already been decided.
"I'm sure you won't have any problems. The backgrounds of this class are certainly, shall we say, diverse," sneered Snape, giving Hermione a contemptuous look. Ginny smiled sympathetically.
On the way to her newly assigned place, Pansy poked Hermione with her elbow. "Dirty little mudblood," she muttered.
Ginny slipped into her chair just as Snape announced for the class to be dismissed. The students all began to file out of the classroom. She turned towards Hermione. "What now, Mione?"
Hermione was a little apprehensive about Ginny's sudden friendliness. Repeating "Mione!" Harry laughed.
Ginny looked confused. "Did I say something wrong?"
Hermione shook her head. "No one calls me Mione. Hermione will be fine."
Ginny nodded. "So, what do we do now?" she asked.
"Well, Ron is meeting Harry and I in the library for a spot of studying," said Hermione smugly. "Care to join us?"
Ginny hesitated. "Um…"
Parvati Patil walked up to greet Ginny, a kind smile on her face. "Actually, I was about to ask Ginny if she would like to have a bite to eat with me. If you wouldn't mind."
Ginny seemed torn between Hermione and Parvati. Harry gave her an encouraging smile. She turned away, blushing.
"Hermione, I don't mean to be rude, but I'd like to stay with Parvati for today." Ginny, regaining her composure, smiled sweetly.
"I'm supposed to be your big sister," Hermione objected. "You have to come with me."
"Girls!" Everybody else left in the room jumped a little. They turned to see Snape, who was packing up his things. "I suggest that if you wish to fight over Miss Weasley, you do so outside."
"Sorry, Professor Snape," said Hermione apologetically. "It doesn't matter anyway."
Hermione walked out of the classroom. Harry looked a little sheepish as he followed her out. He shot Ginny a small smile. She turned away. Her face had turned the same colour as her hair.
