Chapter 4: A giant at an elf convention
Natalie was still scratching her head after her encounter with blondie. What had gotten into him? She was walking once again through the corridor, looking for her compartment, and it seems lunch time was long past. Now some student´s heads turned to watch her pass and whispered to others.
She was intently trying to ignore them, but they were getting into her. She hadn´t even reached school and she was already tired of being the new girl.
She finally reached the compartment and found all the occupants rolling on their seats with laughter.
- What's so funny? – Natalie asked, already smiling because of their contagious laughter.
-He... and run... his face – tried to answer Ron.
Although it wasn´t much of an answer, she just sat beside Ginny and watched them, chuckling a little, as she watched them catch their breaths.
But when they were about to stop, a white fluffy thing jumped to Neville´s head, who screamed loudly, and they were so surprised that they all burst into laughter once again. Natalie was caught up in the mood and started to laugh first slowly then completely overjoyed. She just couldn´t stop. It seemed so bizarre. It has been such a long time since she laughed like that.
When she managed to talked she said – Come on, Nix. Leave Neville alone. – The little cat was still over his head trying to reach the toad hidden in his shirt's pocket. He then sort of buffed and crawled up in its owner's lap.
Outside it was already getting dark.
-We will be in Hogwarts in no time now. We should change into our uniforms now – noticed Hermione.
Girls changed first, so when they were done, they went outside and let in Ron, Neville and Harry who have been waiting outside.
Natalie looked down at her pleated grey skirt and caressed the fabric. They were all in silence so when she spoke she sounded even shyer – So, how is Hogwarts like?
Ginny didn´t like the girl at first but she felt a little pity seeing her that concerned. - It´s the most amazing school you have ever seen – she reassured her.
And just about when Hermione was about to start retelling Hogwarts, A History, the train stopped abruptly making them loose their balance.
- Hey! Are you ready guys? – Hermione asked while knocking the door.
All the students were already getting out if their compartments with their belongings, so she just opened the door. Ron was still shirtless, while Neville was tying his shoes and Harry putting on his sweater. He blushed furiously and turned.
-Hey! Knock first!
- We did! – said Hermione who was equally red.
- Oh come on! Quit it Ron, no one want to see your huuuge pecs, 'key? They will be no carriages left if we are late. – said Ginny and passed him by to get her trunk while Harry started laughing and the others bit their lips not to.
They all hurried out of the train. Harry was eager to talk to Hagrid, he have not seen him for so long. But, disappointed he saw Professor Grubby-Plank calling out for first year students.
-Where's Hagrid? – he approached her.
-Not now, I'm busy, boy. I´ve to find… Oh! There you are! Come with me Mrs. Hopkins – she said while grabbing Natalie's wrist and leading her into the sea of small students. She looked at him confused, but then followed the professor.
She was told to seat in a boat surrounded by eleven-year-old boys and girls who were staring at her, and whispering in each other's ears.
Great, even the small ones are staring – she thought, well she couldn't blame them. Next to them she looked like a giant at an elf convention. She looked right to the lake, and decided it was best to hear to Professor Grubby-Plank's explanation and get over this, but when the imposing castle rose she became speechless.