It was at dinner that night that a girl Harry's age approarched him. She had bushy brown hair, bright brown eyes, and an armful of books.
"Hi, I'm Hermione."
"Harry," on instinct, he scooted down the bench so she could sit down.
She took the offer, smiling, "Um, why didn't you come back to Potions earlier?"
"I was tired. The teachers set it up so I could go to class as much as I could in a day. One of these days, I'd like to do a full day."
She nodded as if this made perfect sense to her, "What is your condition?"
"It's called Cerebral Palsy-" her eyes lit up, and he stopped talking, confused.
"I've heard of that! That's the one where an injury to the brain before birth has effects on the limbs, speech, or any multitude of things, right? Although I though only muggles could get it. Huh..." she thought about this for a minute, "Anyway, I just wanted to make sure you were all right. I have to go to the library," she stood up from the bench, "Bye!" with that, she ran off.
Harry smiled as he watched her leave. He liked her. She talked too fast, but her eyes sparkled as she did talk, full of excitement. Soon his food was forgotten, and he just continued to stare at the place where she had disappeared. All too soon, Draco was cleaning up his plate and taking him up to Gryffindor Tower for the night.
It wasn't long before Harry learned he and Hermione were in the same House. One night, at bathtime in the Prefects' bathroom with Draco, he couldn't stop talking about her.
"I saw her talking to you," Draco reassured when asked, "And I think somebody has a crush, Mr. Harry Potter," he teased with a grin.
Harry blushed and giggled before Draco helped him out of the tub and gave him his pajamas, "I just really like her. I've never had a friend."
"I know, Sweetie. It feels good, doesn't it?" Harry nodded quietly, then yawned, "I think all this excitement has tuckered you out."
Harry protested sleepily, but was asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow, dreaming of his new friend.