The next morning, I woke up to discover that for once in a long time, I didn't dream, I got out of bed slowly, so as not to wake my classmates and walked up to the top deck of the ship. I was alone, everyone else was still asleep, and I decide to make my way up to the castle for an early breakfast. When I enter the Great Hall I find it to be practically empty but the tables are filled with food. I go over and sit at the Slytherin table and think to myself 'I wonder where everyone is' I must have said this out loud, because a girl sitting next to me answered my question.
"There are no lessons on Saturday so most everybody likes to sleep in." she said.
"Oh" I replied before casting a glance over at the Gryffindor table, looking for that now familiar bushy brown hair.
"Hermione's come and gone, probably to the library." Said the girl.
"How'd you know?" I asked her.
"I happened to overhear your conversation last night with Malfoy, I think that it's sweet how you like her. She really gets passed over and made fun for her brain, only because she's the smartest in our year and everyone's jealous. She deserves someone who appreciates her and doesn't use her." Said the girl.
"You said she's in the library?" I asked her, the girl nods. I start shoving food in my mouth.
"There's no need to rush, she's usually there all day, especially with the amount of homework we get assigned. There's plenty of time to eat." Said the girl, I'm surprised by how nice she is. She continues talking as if she can read my thoughts.
"We're not all like Malfoy, you know, he thinks that he's superior to everyone because he's rich and has a pure bloodline dating back centuries. His family has a history of despising muggles and muggle-borns alike. I'm half-blood and some of my best friends back home are muggles." Said the girl.
"Vell thank you very much for the help, Vhat is your name?" I said.
"Taylor, no need to tell me who you are, and anytime." Said Taylor. By now I had finished my breakfast.
"I'll see you later, Taylor" I said as I got up and grabbed some toast to go.
"Bye" she said as I left. When I leave the great hall I turn right when I hear a shout behind me
"YOU'RE GOING THE WRONG WAY!" it was Taylor, shouting at me from across the hall, I wave my hand in acknowledgement and turn the other way.
"YOU'RE WELCOME" she shouted at my back, I laughed as I continued on my way. Now I just have to figure out the rest of the way. I think to myself as I walk down several staircases. After a long time of getting lost and confused I decide to ask for directions, I see one of the ghosts ahead of me and I run to catch up.
"Excuse me! Excuse me could you point me in the direction of the library?" I asked him.
"I will do one better, I will show you the way." Said the ghost.
"Thank you" I said.
"My name is Sir Nicholas de Mimsy Porpington, but most of the students call me Nearly Headless Nick." Said the ghost.
"Nearly headless? How can you be nearly headless?" I asked.
"Young Miss Granger asked me that on her first day as well, I will give you the same answer I gave her." Said the ghost before grabbing the top of his head and pulling to one side.
"Ah, so vhich name do you prefer?" I asked him.
"Sir Nicholas, if you don't mind" said the ghost.
"Vell then thank you for all of your help, Sir Nicholas" I said as we reached the library.
"You are quite welcome" said Sir Nicholas, and then he disappeared. I walked into the library, it did not take me long to locate Hermione, as she was the only person in there. She's sitting at one of the tables, surrounded by books and writing what appears to be an essay. I walk along the shelves and pretend to look for a book while I study her. I can't tell if she knows I'm here or not, she seems focused on her homework and oblivious to all that surrounds her. She's not wearing her Hogwarts robes but is dressed in plain clothing, a pair of jeans and a pink sweater. I think about approaching her when someone walks up behind me.
"Can I help you find something?" I jump and turn around, still clutching the toast in my hand.
"No ma'am, I'm only looking for something to read." I said.
"I hope that's not a piece of-" she starts to ask but then Hermione comes up behind her.
"Excuse me Madam Pince, I was wondering if you could help me find this book I've been looking for." The librarian, Madam Pince, turns around and I swiftly made the toast and all the crumbs disappear with a banishing spell, I'll have to remember the no food rule later.
"We only have one copy of that book and it's in the restricted section, you know what that means." Said Madam Pince.
"Yes ma'am, thank you." Madam pince took one more look at me and stalked away.
"Thank you, you have impeccable timing." I said to her.
"Yeah she's kind of a stickler about the no food rule, it's one of her pet peeves." Said Hermione.
"What was she talking about, the restricted section?" I asked her, wanting to say anything that will keep her talking to me.
"Books that are placed in the restricted section are either seen as dangerous or books of the dark arts, you need a signed note from a teacher allowing you to check one out, stating what book and why you want it. Most students don't bother asking because they know it won't get approved." Explained Hermione.
"Vhat did you need the book for" I asked her.
"I actually didn't, I just don't think it's fair that she was about to yell at you for a rule you were not aware of." Said Hermione.
"Vell thank you, again." I said to her.
"It's no problem." Said Hermione before turning back and sitting down. I was about to ask if I could sit with her but I saw a group of five or six girls glancing at me and chatting animatedly.
"I see your fan club has arrived, I wish they wouldn't be so loud." Said Hermione, I could see that they were bothering her and so rather than sit down, I left the library. I could hear them following about ten paces behind me.