Lions, Magic, and Snakes

Chapter 7:

I wake up early the next day and quietly get dressed before slipping out of the dormitory. I let out a puff of air when I make it to the common room without waking anyone. I yawn and stretch before looking around. I see someone sitting in a chair, their back to me. I freeze my arms still over my head, wondering who else would be up at this hour.

Not wanting to disturb them I try to walk quickly and quietly towards the common room exit. I'm just about to step through the wall when a girl's voice rings out, "Hey, umm, you're Kaitlyn Moon right?" I close my eyes for a second to hide my exasperation before I turn around a ghost of a smile on my face. A girl my age with dark hair and light complexion is walking my way a friendly smile lifting her lips. I nod and she says, "I'm Daphne Greengrass, it's nice to meet you."

I blink shocked that someone was actually being nice to me here. "Oh umm, it's nice to meet you too Daphne." I can't help but be a little suspicious, 'Did someone tell her to be nice to me?'

"I'm an early riser and I like to sit and watch the lake before anyone else wakes up." She explains cheerfully. "Would you like to go get breakfast with me?" She stops in front of me looking at me curiously.

"Sure. Ya that'd be nice." I smile deciding to give it a shot, 'Even if someone did talk to her, it can't hurt to be nice anyway, right? This might be my best shot at making a friend here.' As we walk up to the great hall she asks me questions about myself and I answer honestly.

"Are you really friends with Harry Potter and his gang?" I focus more on her tone and facial expressions than her words wondering if she's about to shit on my choice in friends.

"Yes, I am. They're very nice people." I say shortly looking at her out of the corner of my eye.

"Oh no, I'm sorry I didn't mean anything by that!" She holds up her hands her cheeks pink with embarrassment. "I don't really care if you are or aren't. Friends don't have to like everyone the other person hangs out with." She says her voice firm.

I scrutinize her carefully eventually deciding she isn't lying. "I'm glad you feel that way. It's nice to have some freedom in a friendship." She nods excitedly.

"Exactly! I hate when friends always have to do EVERYTHING together and one always gets mad if the other doesn't want too!"

"Yes! It's ridiculous! That's not to say I don't like spending a lot of time with my friends, but we don't have to like everything or everyone the other person does!" I feel the knot in my chest ease, and I relax letting myself answer more freely and laugh. She beams when she sees the change in me, glad she could help.

When we make it to the great hall I glance over at the Gryffindor table, but I don't see any of my old friends, so I follow Daphne to our table. We sit down and eat still laughing and joking. When I'm done, I look back over at the scarlet and gold clad table and spot Hermione. "Can I catch up with you later?" I ask her hopefully.

She smiles and nods brightly, "Sure! I'll see you around." I give her a grateful smile before standing up and walking over to the Gryffindors. Their table is still fairly empty, so I sneak up behind Harry and Ron, holding my finger to my lips when Hermione looks up and spots me. She smiles and looks back down at her food. I can't help but smile wickedly as I stop behind Harry and Ron. I focus for a second before doing my best impression of Umbridge clearing her throat, "Hem! Hem!" They both jump and spin around disgusted looks on their faces.

I crack up laughing when they both look up at me surprise washing over their faces. Hermione joins me in laughing at the two boys. "Surprise! Move it you two!" I say still laughing gleefully. They grin and chuckle as they make room for me to sit between them. "Miss me yet?" I ask half teasing trying to hide the bitterness in my voice.