Chapter 2: Lasting first impressions

I was standing with the rest of the students in front of the classroom, waiting for the potions lesson to begin. I was stared at constantly, not because I was a new student. My trousers were the center of attention. It seemed like the british didn't get the memo that they were comfortable and useful, even for women. It was part of the girl's uniform at Durmstrang and I wasn't willing to give this up. I already checked, it was strictly speaking not against the rules at Hogwarts. And I wore those trousers with proud, the black fabric showing off my figure very well.

Before anyone could bring up the courage to talk to me, our Professor, arrived, together with the black haired boy from yesterday. Both their gazes stopped at me for a moment. The old man irritated and the boy with raised eyebrows.

We walked into the classroom without a word. I settled into a seat next to Belvina, who I found more bearable than most others.

The teacher cleared his throat and began to speak in a cheerful voice.

„I welcome you all to our first potions lesson of the year and hope that you all had a fantastic summer." He shifted his attention to me alone and seemed to be unsure about something.

„Well, I see we have a new student. You should know that I am not only teaching you potions, I am also your head of house, since you were sorted into Slytherin. Therefore I am responsible for you. My name is Horace Slughorn. But now I am quiet curious to hear who you are." He smiled at me warmly and I used my best "good-girl-voice" smiling back just as warmly.

„My name is Medea Crane, Sir."

„Crane? …….Are you possibly related to Cadmus Crane?" I saw a gleam in his eyes , as if he was seeing something very valuable. Which he of course did, if I am completely honest.

„Yes, sir. He is my father."

„Interesting…………..Well, i hope you settle in quickly." For a minute or two the Professor was deep in thought.With a last smile he turned around and started to write on the board. To brew a felix felicis potion was the first task of the year.

Which I had no difficulties with. Belvina and I were quick and efficient, due to the fact that she was fine with following my orders without a single comment. When Professor Slughorn came to our table his eyes grew wide.

„I am impressed, my dear. It looks excellent, you and Miss Black did excellent work." I smiled sweetly back and let the expression slide off my face as soon as he turned his back. Now ,with a more neutral expression, I had a look around the classroom.

My eyes met the dark haired boy's, he had obviously been staring at my table. His face was just as neutral as mine, but there was curiousity shining in his eyes. So I raised my eyebrows, looking at him challenging. His face grew darker and our little 'exchange' was disturbed by Slughorn, reaching his table on the other side of the room.

The lesson ended shortly thereafter. I was packing my things when the Professor said : „Miss Crane and Mr Riddle would you please stay a moment."

I earned curious glances again from most of my classmates.

With my bag across my shoulder, I went to the teacher's desk. The strange boy next to me.

Slughorn started to talk as every student, except for us, had left the room.

„Tom, I would like to ask you to help Miss Crane to find her way around Hogwarts.

And you Miss Crane can approach Tom with every one of your questions. I'm sure you two will get along perfectly. I am disappointed in your father for not sending you to Hogwarts straight away, though." A frown came over his face.

I laughed softly.

„I assure you if the circumstances would have been any different, Hogwarts would have been the only choice." I beamed at him and he beamed back.

„Oh, before I forget it, there will be a little gathering this weekend. With selected students and myself of course. I would be glad if you could find the time to join us. Naturally Tom is attending, as well."

„It would be a pleasure, Sir." He seemed satisfied.

Tom Riddle next to me started to say his first words during this conversation.

„I will gladly show Miss Crane the way if she wishes to." He smiled politely at me, but there was something just slightly….off about him. Slugorn didn't seem to notice though. Now I took in his appearance for the first time conciously.

He had a handsome face, black eyes,black hair and fair skin. He was tall, but not too tall. There was something about him that I could not put into words. An air surrounding him that made him different, despite his perfect façade.

„Well, that is settled then." Slughorn smiled again at us, obviously our signal to go.

Riddle and I both turned to leave, he stopped at the door and let me walk out first.

We made our way to the next class in silence , ancient runes. He was seemingly not interested to have a conversation and neither did I. The bloody Baron crossed our way and I acknowledged him with a nod. I've heard stories about him from my father, I got a strange look from him back.

Again, I held my head high and did not care to put on a mask, since my only company was an odd boy. We were the last to enter the classroom, so all seats were taken except for two in the middle. Brilliant, I had to sit next to him. Besides what Slughorn thought, I did not need a babysitter. We sat down quietly getting our text books out and focusing our attention on the teacher.

Professor Babbling was a short and plump witch. She seemed quite maternal and in general a warm person. Well, that won't be hard, I thought to myself.

„So, as a little excercise you will translate the runes on page 45 of your books. That gives us the opportunity to see where you stand."

I turned to the page and began to write down the translation on a piece of parchment. It was a short text, which meant that I was done quickly. The little witch approached my table and her glance fell on my translation.

„Mhm….briliant. And you too,Mr Riddle. You can continue to translate the next page."

So we did.

„You seem quiet confident about your abilities," he suddenly said in a sweet voice as soon as the Professor went to the next table.

„Why wouldn't I ? I have no reason to believe otherwise."

„That might have been during your time in that little scandinavian hut, that is Durmstrang. Hogwarts on the other hand is different." He seemed very convinced of this and his arrogance was in the air like an annoying perfume.

„I believe that Hogwarts is different, too. And yet I don't think I'll lose faith in myself any time soon," I said with a radiant smile.

He tensed slightly while I spoke and took it obviously as a challenge. I could feel the temperature drop, but he replied with a warm voice.

„We will see." There was definetly a sharp edge to his words.