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DANICA, DESPITE BEING WELL-LIKED, didn't have a lot of friends, not even in her house. Of course, everyone was friendly. But the only Hufflepuff she ever found herself sitting with during the opening feast was Cedric Diggory, and that was because he'd shyly sat in the empty seat next to her at his very first feast. It'd become a tradition of sorts now.
Waiting impatiently for the food to appear, Danica was lost to all, her thoughts only on mashed potatoes and pie, much to Cedric's amusement. But she did at least give the Quidditch Captain all her attention as he went over the new training techniques he wanted to try. Both were equally Quidditch mad — staying on the team was one of the only motivating factors Danica had for keeping her grades up.
Their discussion about what second years they thought might show up at try outs was cut off by Dumbledore, who addressed them all for his yearly welcome speech.
"Welcome! Welcome to another year at Hogwarts' I have a few things to say before we become befuddled by our excellent feast. I myself am particularly looking forward to the flaming kiwi cups, which, while somewhat treacherous for those of us with facial hair—"
It seemed McGonagall was just as hungry as Danica, as she cleared her throat, prompting Dumbledore to keep going. It made Danica snicker, so Cedric nudged her knee under the table to silence her.
"Mm, yes. First, I'm pleased to welcome Professor R. J. Lupin, who has kindly consented to fill the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts. Good luck to you, Professor."
Danica was amongst those to politely applaud, only to actually spare a glance at the High Table where the new teacher was standing and nodding awkwardly.
Her spit got caught in her throat and she nearly choked when she saw the very man she'd been sleeping with not twenty-four hours ago. Long gone was his Muggle sweater and jeans as he now stood in hand-me-down robes with a tired expression on his handsome face.
"Oh, fuck me," Danica whispered, shrinking into her seat. She also threw her arm up on the table and covered the side of her face with her hand to keep from being accidentally spotted.
As if that made a difference seeing as she'd have his class first thing in the morning.
"You alright?" Cedric whispered as Dumbledore kept talking. He was introducing Hagrid as the new Care of Magical Creatures professor.
She just squeaked in response, both noting how red her face had become suddenly. And given that the Hufflepuff table was right next to the Slytherins, Claudia's nosy ass noticed as well, and she was now curiously staring down her best friend. She'd been looking at Cedric, but now her eyes were on Danica and wouldn't leave.
"Finally, on a more disquieting note, Hogwarts — at the request of the Ministry of Magic — will, until further notice, play host to the Dementors of Azkaban.
