Harry Potter the First Nemea Leonthrope)byKairomaru

Chapter 7: Thanking the King, Tonks' Search for Answers

Chapter 7 – Thanking the King, Tonks’ Search for Answers

“Good morning, Padma.” Harry greeted as he walked up to the Ravenclaw Patil sister in the Entrance Hall; Hermione, Ron, Lavender, and Parvati walking with him.

“Good morning, Harry.” Padma replied with a smile as she joined the group.

“How have you been since our last letter?” Harry asked as the group made their way to the Great Hall.

“I’ve been well, my lessons in Enchanting are progressing and depending on how well I do in Arithmancy and Ancient Runes this year, Dad says he’ll allow me to enchant my first object next summer.” Padma replied with a bright grin.

“That’s brilliant, Padma, I hope we cover a bit of Enchanting sometime this year too.” Harry grinned always liking how excited Padma got about Enchanting.

“Well I still have to do well in classes first.” Padma replied thoughtfully as the group entered the Great Hall.

Harry chuckled at that and stopped before they could make it to the tables. “When have you ever had a problem with that, Padma?” Padma blushed slightly at Harry’s praise before thanking him. This led to Parvati and Lavender giggling and pulling Padma towards them to whisper amongst each other.

“Hmm, where should we sit?” Hermione asked the group as she looked between the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw tables. “We have members of two houses in our group, so should we welcome Padma at Gryffindor or sit with her at Ravenclaw?”

“If it isn’t too much trouble would you all mind sitting with me at Ravenclaw? There’s someone I’d like you all to meet and she could definitely use some friends.” Padma spoke up looking between everyone in the group.

“What? We have more Gryffs than Claws; we should sit at our table.” Ron spoke up as he was edging his way towards the Gryffindor table eager to get to his breakfast.

“It doesn’t really matter what table we sit at Ron, the food is still the same; besides Padma wants to introduce us to someone so we should take her up on the offer.” Lavender replied while nodding at Padma.

“She has a point, plus Padma says this girl could use some friends and I’m always up for making a new friend.” Parvati stated with a nod as he stood next to her sister.

“But I’d rather sit at our table.” Ron said with a grimace before looking at Harry.

“I don’t mind changing tables, it could be fun. Besides, Ron, we get to meet someone new; we could always afford to branch out a bit.” Harry replied though it only made Ron pout and walk towards the Gryffindor table himself and sit down immediately beginning to load his plate with food.

“Must he be such a prat?” Hermione sighed as Harry shrugged and followed Padma towards the Ravenclaw table with Parvati and Lavender. The group sat down at the Ravenclaw table next to a small blonde girl with a dreamy expression on her face as she moved her food around on her plate.

“Good morning, Padma. You seem to have your friends with you today.” The blonde stated with a smile as the group sat around her.

“Everyone this is Luna Lovegood, she’s a second year. She and I struck up a friendship near the end of last school year.” Padma introduced the girl with a smile before turning to Luna. “Luna these are my friends Hermione, Harry, and Lavender. Parvati is my sister of course and you’ve met her before.” Luna wished the other girls good morning before she spoke to Harry.

“Good morning, Harry Potter.” Luna greeted airily.

“You can just call me Harry, if you want.” Harry replied with a chuckle.