Internal Conflict

Before The Feast

Hermione anticipated arriving at the Great Hall. The wind was blowing hard and the rain had soaked through the canvas of the carriages, so she was cold and wet. Plus, she was in a carriage with three 5th year boys who wanted nothing to do with her. Of course, she didn't want anything to do with them, so she wasn't hurt or anything, but she was miserable. "I wish I was with Verra right now." She thought, but Hermione hadn't seen her since Verra left on the train. "Oh well, we're almost there anyway." Hermione scooted closer to the edge of the carriage and waited to arrive at Hogwarts.
~~~~~
Finally, after ages of waiting, Hermione arrived at the Castle, and was taken aback by the suddenly beautiful appearance. Hogwarts had aways been beautiful, but when Hermione had seen it last after the Battle, it had been in a state of serious disrepair. The stones of the walls had all been cracked or torn off, the roof had several gaping holes, and the huge windows had been completely shattered. Now, the walls were beautiful as ever, the roof seemed to be sharper against the evening sky, and the stained glass windows were polished and threw beautiful color everywhere. Hermione didn't even realize that she was standing in front of the building in awe until she was pushed to the ground, straight into a mud puddle. She looked up, wiping mud from her eyes, and was greeted by a familiar voice. "Covered in mud, Granger? Now your outside looks like your inside, Mudblood." Then, he dug his heel into her hand and walked away. "Ouch!" Hermione winced, grasping her hand. Hermione's feelings suddenly turned to anger, and she stood up with a ferocious scowl on her face. "Not funny, Malfoy!" She called after him. He replied, in a horrifically cheery tone, "Oh, but it is, Granger."
~~~~~
Just as Hermione was preparing herself to go after him, Verra ran up. "Hermione! I've been looking everywhere for you!" Verra exclaimed. "Where were you?" "I got stuck on a carriage with three 5th year boys." Hermione explained. "I tried looking for you, but I couldn't find you anywhere." "Oh, I was right behind you, but you didn't hear me when I called your name." Said Verra. Hermione apologized. "Oh, I'm sorry, Verra. Who did you get stuck with?" "Oh, my car was terrible. I was with Draco and his friend Goyle, and some girl named... Oh what was her name. Paisley? Pamela?" "Pansy." "Oh, yes, that's it. Anyway, I was with Draco and Goyle and Pansy, and it was terrible. They basically ignored me the entire ride there. Plus, Draco and Pansy were snogging for over half the way, and I was afraid Goyle would get some bad ideas." "Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry!" Hermione exclaimed. "I wish I had heard you. It would have saved us both a very unpleasant experience." "That's okay. Come on, we're going to be late for the feast, and I'm being sorted!" And with that, Hermione and Verra ran into the castle.