Across any Divide

Chapter 12

Draco had never seen the Dining Hall so slammed packed. There wasn't any room at the original four tables, and the additional three tables that had been added were filled to the brim. Draco was uncomfortably seated between Theo and Matteo, packed in so tightly he could barely maneuver his arm to bring a bite of food up to his mouth.

"This is fucking ridiculous," Matteo snarled, shoving Draco's arm roughly as he leaned forward to lock an arm around his plate. He hunched over, condensing himself over his plate as much as he could while shoveling eggs into his mouth. "You're telling me that there's a shortage of witches and wizards? Looks like the numbers of the wizarding world are thriving to me."

"If you consider that this is approximately 90% of the eligible, non married witches and wizards spanning greater Europe, it's really not a good sign," Theo said flippantly as he caked a slice of toast in butter.

"Yes, well, when all fifteen hundred of these people start to reproduce, I'm sure the numbers will be more than fine," Matteo grumbled.

Draco was inclined to agree with him. "What I don't understand is why the fuck we all had to report for breakfast this morning at the same time. Wouldn't it have been easier to house all these people if we'd had the drop in breakfast like always?"

"Wouldn't have had to get up so early if that was the case," Theo agreed. The chatter in the Dining Hall was so loud it sounded like a concert was being performed. Draco could barely hear himself think over the throngs, much less his house mates on either side of him. Thankfully he was saved from having to yell to be heard by the Head Mistress.

"Thank you all for making the effort to be here for breakfast so early in the morning," McGonagall's voice echoed through the hall, overpowering the ongoing conversations easily. The tables quieted almost immediately at the sound of the Headmistress's voice, all attention turning to her.

Draco watched McGonagall closely, waiting to see what the reason for them all being summoned was. Maybe they were throwing the Reflection Program out - perhaps they'd realized what a shit idea it was.

"Due to some matches being made last night, we have some students who are transferring to Hogwarts from other schools. When I call your name, please rise and come to the front of the room. We will hold a quick sorting ceremony and then everyone will be free to enjoy their day off as they see fit. Classes will resume tomorrow morning promptly at nine in the morning, and all new students will receive their schedules this afternoon."

"New students?" Theo leaned in so Draco could hear him. "People are transferring here mid year?"

"Must be the people who found their matches in the Reflection Program," Matteo agreed sullenly, head spinning as he tried to figure out who had found their mirror match. "Wonder who found their match here at Hogwarts?"

"Why would they have their match transfer here?" Draco asked sourly, glancing around the Dining Hall. "Why wouldn't they want to go to the other school? Escape this blasted country?"

"Not everyone is in your hurry to escape, mate," Theo reminded him.

Draco ignored him as McGonagall began calling out names. "Constance Pickering, Matilda Metaxas, Rudolph Spielman, Royal Idlewind, Hillary Podemore, Henrich Eberstadt, Arnold Guzman, Casey Bonaccord, and Katlin Coid."

One by one, as the names were called, individuals stood and made their way towards the front podium. Most were already standing around the walls like they had expected this. The rest of the Dining Hall simply watched, all heads on a swivel as the audience waited for the selected persons to stand.

"How many you reckon are going straight to Gryffindor?" Theo smirked, watching the small group congregate at the foot of the podium. From their place in the far back of the Dining Hall, it was nearly impossible to recognize any of the new students. Especially since all that Draco could make out was the very back of their cloaks.