Padma nodded with a small grin. Ravenclaws did like libraries after all.
A boy across the table raised an eyebrow. "Those are the two Hufflepuffs, right?" He noticed Harry's confused look and reached out. "Name is Terry Boot, Harry. How did you convince two puffs to head to the library? Sounds like a claw thing if I ever heard of one."
Harry shrugged. "We met on the train, and they are nice girls. I am actually hoping to make a study group, or even a research group if they are into it."
Terry wiped his hands on a napkin. "Well, would you have room for another person? I don't mind studying alone, but it always was more fun to study with my friends back home." Hermione grinned and gave Harry a quick glance. He seemed better, eyes bright again. That had scared her a little, how dim his eyes had turned. Suddenly she realized those eyes were staring in her direction. "Uh.. Sorry, what Harry?"
"I was asking what you needed my attention for? I assume it was more than just 'I wanna pinch Harry', right?"
She blushed as she swatted his shoulder. "You were out of it and I think the teachers are about to give announcements soon."
Almost on cue, they heard a dinging from the teacher's table. It seemed someone had disarmed Professor Dumbledore, thankfully, and Professor McGonagall was trying to gather attention. "Everyone, please listen."
As the noise lowered to a dull roar, she continued. "A few things before we head off to bed. First years should note that the forest is off limits. There are some very lethal animals in there that only students with advanced training in 'Care of Magical Creatures' should handle."
She seemed to REALLY glare at two red haired children at her table. "Mr. Filch, our caretaker, would also like to remind you all again that no magic should be used in the corridors. It can cause people to trip or otherwise get hurt, especially near the magical staircases."
Her eyes gained a bit of a glow. "Quidditch trials will also be held in the second week of the term. Please contact Madam Hooch if you wish to try out for your house team."
Albus Dumbledore suddenly stood, and everyone paused. "On a side note, everyone should go checkout the third-floor corridor on the right-hand side of the staircase." The staff seemed shocked. VERY shocked. Thankfully Albus seemed to notice Professor McGonagall holding her face in her hand and reviewed his words. "Oh. Hang on, let me try that again." He took a deep breath. "Everyone should NOT go check that corridor out." He nodded.
Some heckler in Slythern called out, "Which is it? What is in there?"
Dumbledore shrugged. "Not really sure anymore. The last person didn't stop screaming long enough for me to find out."
Everyone sort of paused before Professor McGonagall gently pushed the wizard back into his seat. Turning to the students again, Harry could almost FEEL her ignoring everything that had just happened. "Now I know it is pretty late so all First Years follow your house's Prefect and they will lead you to your rooms." She was half pulled down so Dumbledore could whisper to her. "NO we are not singing that bloody song again. Not until you pick a single tune. I am still not convinced it IS the school song." Thankfully that argument got harder to hear as everyone gathered around various Prefects. Robert gathered the other first years together and they began walking out of the hall.
Harry laid in his new bed, exhausted. As soon as the group had left the hall, he had been glad he had left threads at major doorways as they walked. How the heck were students supposed to find the Great Hall again if they couldn't mark places like Harry? They didn't have a map or anything!
He would have to make exploration a major priority this first year, if he wanted to last 7 years in this crazy place.
There had also been SEVERAL hidden passages they had traveled, which Harry had carefully marked with threads and tagged in his memory. The stair cases moved, the paintings were asleep but seemed ALIVE, he swore he saw some armor wave at him... this place NEEDED to be explored. It was like seeing a puppy, it just HAD to be petted or else the world felt wrong.
He wasn't happy with door security though. Apparently you had to answer riddles that an eagle asked to get in. That was... very insecure. And kind of insulting to the other houses... "You can't answer riddles a first year Ravenclaw can" seemed mean.
Yes, security would be one of his first priorities to learn about.
He had barely looked around the common room, OR the dorms. He knew there were other children in here, also falling apart from too much food and being up too late. Right now, he just wanted some sleep.
The boy fell into slumber almost as soon as his body relaxed. He was so grateful that class didn't start till Monday. Since tomorrow was Saturday, he felt like he NEEDED the time to settle in. In a world of green mist existed millions of bubbles.
In one of those bubbles existed a golden lake surrounded by grass under a blue sky.
Under that grass was a frustrated young boy and a laughing duck.
"SHUT UP JIM! It was... I mean, it was my first try, ok?"
The duck just kept pointing at a vaguely humanoid pile on the floor as he quacked with laughter.
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