TMD: Sophie's Hogwarts Years

Chapter 2: Breakfast Plans

The group of seven walked to the Great Hall, following the route the prefects had taken to the Ravenclaw Tower the previous night. They arrive without issue, taking their seat at the far end of the Ravenclaw table, near the staff table, but no food or drinks are set out yet. Assuming they're too early since the hall is empty, they continue their conversation. As promised, Elizabeth sits beside Sophie and makes sure to involve her if she thinks Sophie has something to say.

"My brother told me Hogwarts' pumpkin juice is the best," Elizabeth states as the topic of conversation turns to food.

"No way," Sophie replies. "Sorry, but Tom's juice at The Leaky Cauldron is the best."

"I love their pumpkin juice," Harrison agrees. "My mother can never make it as good."

Sophie smirks, "I have his secret recipe. I can make you some if Hogwarts' juice doesn't live up to Tom's standard," she offers, wanting to cement their friendship.

As most of the group turns to stare in surprised shock at Sophie, Lucile looks confused.

"What's so great about pumpkin juice? It sounds disgusting," she asks.

"Take that back," Gaius orders her.

"Sophie, how did you get Tom's recipe? Did you torture it out of him?" Harrison asks, slightly serious.

"What, no! It was his birthday present to me. My dad's a muggle, and I was raised in that world, so I couldn't go to The Leaky Cauldron very often, but I loved pumpkin juice, so Tom told me how to make it at home." Sophie explains.

"Couldn't your mother take you?" Lucile asks. "You said you were half-blood last night."

Elizabeth quickly interrupts, "I wonder what time breakfast is served." She checks her watch. "It's twenty to eight; you'd think it would be out by now."

Sophie squeezes Elizabeth's hand in thanks.

Before anyone can comment on the change of topic, the staff entrance opens, and Professor Malfoy climbs up towards the staff table. However, upon seeing the seven students sitting patiently waiting for breakfast, he pauses, taking them in. When he spots Sophie seated at the end of the bench, he rolls his eyes; of course, Sophie and her friends are the only ones eager to arrive early for breakfast.

"Did the prefects not tell you breakfast begins at eight on the weekend?"

"No, they didn't," Gaius huffs, crossing his arms in annoyance.

"When will we get out timetables, Professor?" Sophie asks, smiling as calm washes over her. Everything about Hogwarts has been strange and new, yet exciting. However, having Draco there brought some familiarity, and her confidence returned.

"I'm afraid you'll be waiting until nine o'clock."

"Well, we're as patient as we are punctual," Elizabeth comments.

Professor Malfoy chuckles, "I'm glad to hear it." He sits at the staff table, removing a book from his cloak pocket.

Leonard leans over the table to whisper, "My older cousin told me Professor Malfoy was awful and to be wary of him, but he seems nice."

Sophie and Elizabeth laugh knowingly.

"What, do you know better?" Leonard asks.

"Yeah, I've met him once before," Elizabeth admits. "Two years ago, I was shopping in Diagon Alley with my brother, who had just graduated, and we passed Professors Malfoy and Granger. My brother stopped to speak to them and introduced me. Professor Malfoy told me they'd look forward to seeing me at Hogwarts, although I doubt he remembers me." She sends Sophie a wink.