The Dark Lords Daughter *completed*

First Lessons

I woke early the next morning, the bright light of day piercing my window, looking around I notice none of the other Griffindor girls were awake. Deciding to go and see Grace and muck her out before breakfast, I quickly got dressed into some leggings and a sweatshirt. Not wanting my clean robes to smell of horse on my first day. I slipped on my riding boots, tiptoed out of the room and down the stairs into the common room, the fire was still lit and the paintings were snoring lightly. Creeping out of the passageway I approached the entrance. The portrait of the grand woman opened dutifully as I stepped out into the corridor.

"An early riser, I see." The woman commented, smiling kindly. I turned,

"I'm afraid so, a habit I have not yet relinquished unfortunately." She nodded silently, I went to turn but halted.

"I'm awfully sorry if I woke you." I bit my lip thoping I hadn't, she simply smiled politely and shook her head.

"No dear, I too am an early riser. Now run along." I waved back at her as I began to walk down the hall. I travelled quietly down the stairs and out of the building, taking the same route Hagrid had shown me, the night before. Upon reaching the barn I was greeted by a hungry whinny, Grace stood with her head facing into the barn expectantly. Slipping into the room next to the stable, I quickly added some feed to a bucket and placed it outside the stable in the tie-up area. Slipping on her headcollar I brought her out and tied her up. As she ate happily I began to clean out her stable, changing her water and refilling her haynets and feed bucket ready for the night time. Once done I removed her new Griffindor fleece rug and placed on a waterproof one. It was also decorated in the colours of my house, I opened the door at the back of her stable, which lead out into the paddock. Placing her back into her stable, I watched as she ventured out into the small field and contently began munching on grass.

I decided to leave her out and returned quickly to the Griffindor tower, as I re-entered my dorm, the first of my housemates had woken and were beginning to get to make their way to the showers. The level below our bedroom, the showers and bathroom lead directly off of the common room and were also split into male and female facilities. I too followed, deciding a shower would get rid of the horsey smell. After getting dry and dressed I notice many of the older Griffindor's heading out of the common room and towards the main hall.

"Are you coming for breakfast?" Hermione asked, her brisk nature seeming to have gone in the morning light, replaced by a happy smile and kind expression. I smiled glad to not have to go on my own, seeing as there hadn't been any movement from the boys room.

"Sure." I answered and we began to make our way with the crowd. We talked as we descended a flight of stairs, about the coming lessons of the day. I was talking animatedly about my excitement for our Transfiguration lesson. Not looking where I was going when I saw Hermione's face crease in shock, her hand came up to pull me back but not quite quick enough. I slammed into the back of someone an once again landed flat on my bum. A loud "Oof," passing my lips as I landed. I rubbed the side of my head, gingerly trying to numb the pain. I looked up, one eye closed and groaned. Once again in front of me stood Mr Oliver Wood.

"What is your fascination Mr Wood, with knocking me down?" I asked sarcastically, trying hard to stop a smile spreading across my face.

"On the contrary Miss, I believe it is you who cannot help but bump into me." He teased back, his lips pulled into a broad smile as he offered me his hand. I took it with fake reluctance and he hauled me back onto my feet.

"Are you heading down for breakfast?" He asked, his eyes shining.

"Yes we were," Hermione interjected, reminding me of her presence and of the fact that my hand still lay with the older boy's.