"Rose! Rose Weasley!" Hugo, my little brother nudged me in the ribs. "Earth to Rose! Hello?"
"Huh? Wha-what happened?" I looked up from my book with a start.
"McGonagall is going to say something."
"Oh!" I put down my book to find the whole Hall was staring at me. My eyes met grey ones from the Slytherin table, but he quickly looked away.
"Thank you, Miss Weasley." Professor McGonagall said. The Hall erupted with laughter and I sank down in my seat, embarrassed.
"Now. This year, as many of you know, the Triwizard Tournament is taking place at Hogwarts. After victories at Durmstrang and Beaxbatons, I expect the victor to be from within these walls. The candidates from each school will arrive in two weeks. The Goblet of Fire will be lit then. When the foreign students get here, I expect all of you to be on your very best behavior, to keep Hogwarts' reputation. Yes, Mr. Zabini, all of you. Your first class teachers will explain the details to you. Now, off you go! Have a great first day back at school!"
She sat back down to the sound of benches scraping across the stone floor. I felt a small tug on my sleeve. I looked down into the huge, frightened blue eyes of a first-year. "I'm lost." She whispered.
"That's okay. I got lost here a lot to. Where do you need to go?" I smiled, fingering my Gryffindor Prefect badge and crouching down to be eye level with her. I glanced back up to Albus, my cousin. "Go on, I'll see you free period."
"Mmmkay," he mumbled, staring at the Ravenclaw table. Then he walked out, still staring across the hall.
"Does he have a crush?" The first-year asked, giggling.
"Probably." I giggled too. "Where to?" I asked again.
"Trans- transfiguration," she read, looking at her schedule.
"Ah, yes. I love transfiguration. Through that hall there, turn left at the painting of the princesses, and keep walking until you reach the painting of the house elves playing Gobstones. Professor Wingard should be standing outside. Got it?"
"Yes, I think so. Thanks..." She trailed of.
"Rose. Rose Weasley. Tell me if you need anything else." I smiled, standing back up. "Oh, I didn't catch your name."
"I'm Ashley Finnigan. Thanks again for helping! Bye!" She walked down the hallway I pointed her towards.
"Merlin's pants!" I exclaimed, checking the little clock I wore on a chain around my neck. I grabbed my stuff and raced to Herbology.