The New Girl

CHAPTER 3

"The production of mustard gas is not like marmalade."

-UN Weapons Inspector, Hans Blix

After everyone had gotten to Hogwarts and began making their way into the Great Hall, Professor McGonagall made her way to the front doors just as Ron, Corey, Harry and Hermione were coming in.

"Corey Witberg," she called out.

"Y-yes?" asked Corey. She was surprised that she was being addressed so sternly so soon after arriving at school.

"Come with me," said Professor McGonagall.

"Okay," replied Corey. She turned to Ron, Harry and Hermione. "I'll meet you guys in there, ok?"

"Okay," they said, and Corey turned back and followed McGonagall.

"I wonder what that's about," said Ron. As they sat down at the Gryffindor table.

"Professor McGonagall probably just wanted to sort Corey into a house alone, so she doesn't have to stand with all the first years," answered Hermione.

"I hope she's in Gryffindor," said Ron enthusiastically.

"I know you do," laughed Harry.

Hermione raised an eyebrow. "Oh, really, Ron?"

Ron shrugged. "Well, you know," he said. "She's really nice and all..."

Harry and Hermione laughed, and then, as Professor Dumbledore had stood up, started listening to him and watched the sorting. After the sorting was over, Harry noticed Corey walking into the Hall, looking around.

"Hey Ron," he said, "you better start primping, 'cause here she comes!" Ron blushed a deep scarlet.

"Oh, my god, guess what!" shouted Corey when she got to their table, "I'm in Gryffindor! Professor McGonagall just sorted me!"

"That's great, Corey!" said Hermione.

"Yeah," agreed Harry. "Awesome. Ron couldn't say anything; he just smiled and nodded. But suddenly his face darkened.

"What do you want, Malfoy?" he asked of the person behind Corey, Hermione and Harry.

"Oh, I just wanted to congratulate Corey on her becoming a member of the mudblood and mudblood lover house," answered Malfoy.

"Okay, dude, why, exactly, do you use that word?" asked Corey, jumping up.

"Don't tell me you're one too," said Malfoy. Then he grinned slyly. "You're far too beautiful."

Corey faltered, not expecting what Malfoy had to say about her. Hermione was sitting on the edge of her seat, not sure whether to get a teacher or not. Harry looked both angry and amused, he was angry that Malfoy had used the m-word again, but was eager to see what actions Ron would take after hearing Malfoy's "compliment" to Corey. And Ron, poor Ron, was sitting in his seat unable to get up, seething, his head bright red, and his hands gripped tightly underneath his chair.

"Will you just go away?" asked Corey. At first she wasn't sure what to say to Malfoy, but after seeing Ron's face she knew what she had to do. "And never talk to me like that again, you bastard."

"We'll see," said Malfoy, and turned and left. There was a silence. Harry was the first to break it. "Nice, Corey," he said. "You learn well."

"I'm glad there's someone who can sympathize with me now with the whole you-know-what remarks," said Hermione with a small smile.

Oh, Hermione, we've always felt just as bad when Malfoy said that about you," Harry said quickly.

"Thanks," Hermione answered, looking up at him. They kept looking at each other, until Hermione realized that Corey was grinning, looking at the two of them. She turned towards Ron, to see that he was still seething. "Are you alright, Ron?" she asked.

"Last...straw...kill...him...when...hands..." Ron was speaking through gritted teeth, and when he said the part about his hands the other three looked at them, and saw the his knuckles were white, because he was still holding on tightly to the chair.

"Um, you know what? I think it's time to go to bed," said Harry loudly.

"So do I," seconded Hermione. Harry managed to get Ron up, and the four of them made their way to Gryffindor Tower. When they got to the common room the girls and the guys said good night, and made their way to their dorms.