As every year, the first-years arrived last. But this time Dumbledore stood up before the sorting began. And I was sure it was because of that tall guy in the back.
"Before we begin the Sorting of the first-years there is someone to be sorted first. He will be attending the fifth-year's classes. As for the professors, don't worry, I have personally tested him and he is more than qualified to be in fifth grade. Now, Professor McGonagall, if you would." Having said that, Dumbledore sat back down.
More than qualified huh?
"Ryuzaki. Just come forward and I will place the Sorting Hat onto your head."
Ryuzaki?
Looking forward I saw. It was really him. And I thought I escaped.
#
I didn't pay much attention afterwards as the Sorting droned on and on. I was still too shocked. The only thing I did remember clearly, was that Ryuzaki was sorted into the same house as I was five years ago.
Ravenclaw. Of course, because of his brains.
And now I can't escape. We would have to come face to face sooner or later. I was hoping for the latter but knowing Kristie...
"...uck in!"
Already? I must've zoned out pretty heavily. Loads of deliciousness appeared in front of us and everyone dug in. I, too decided to put unpleasant thoughts aside for now and concentrate on food as well as Kristie's ranting.
But I knew he was watching me. I could feel his eyes burning through my back. It was very uncomfortable but there was nothing I could do.
Yet. But I would have to change things soon, if I wanted my life to go on like it has since I was 8 years old.
"I mean have you seen that face? He might not look like much but I'm telling you, there is not just a genius hidden under that mask, there's also a wild biest. I'd bet on it!" Kristie seemed head over heels for Ryuzaki huh?
"Kristie, you shouldn't go around betting on things that easily. Besides I hardly think that there is much more to this guy. Sure he's smart. That's why he is in Ravenclaw AND in fifth year even though he's been missing the past four. But that's it, really."
"Woah, why are you so sure about that? Do you know him? If so, can you introduce me to him?" She showered me in questions like everytime I said something suspicious. I should really watch my mouth.
"I'm just saying, guys like him don't really have hidden personas. And no I don't know him and even if I did, he doesn't look like the kind of guy I'd trust you with"
"HEY!"
" Calm down, I was just kidding. But seriously, would you want to be with him?!"
That got her. " W- Well it would be a good distraction...?"
"Oh Kristie, if you think like that you will get your heart broken in no time! And I don't want a broken friend, I want a happy and lively one."
"Yeah okay. Got it. That's really sweet you know?"Kristie said.
"I just love you. You're my best friend!" I replied. That made her tear up. Seriously, that girl was so emotional sometimes. But maybe I was just thinking that because I don't know what is normal...
"Awwwww I love you, too Sil!" She exclaimed, making a good number of people turn their heads in our direction. I raised a brow at them and they immediately went back to what they were doing. I wasn't the most popular girl at Hogwarts you could say.
Just one pair of eyes remained trained on us. Or rather me. Kristie had no hard time figuring out that Ryuzaki was still staring in our direction and, of course, started to chatter away about how one day she would marry him and such. I didn't really listen. I was too busy trying to figure out why- no how he is here in the first place. Why - this I knew but as to how... I was at a loss this time. Normally, I could figure things out pretty easily but this situation is everything but normal.
#
Slowly, the food vanished and as the last of the pumpkin juice had been drained out of a goblet, the dishes disappeared. At this, Dumbledore stood up again.
"Well now that we are all digesting another magnificent feast, I beg a few moments of your attention for the usual start-of-term notices." He began. "First-years ought to know that the Forest in the grounds is out-of-bounds to students - and a few of the our older students ought to know by now, too.
Mr Filch, the caretaker, has asked me, for what he tells me is the four-hundred-and-sixty-second time, to remind you all that magic is not permitted in corridors between classes, nor are a number of other things, all of which can be checked on the extensive list now fastened to Mr Filch's office door.
We have had two changes in staffing this year. We are very pleased to welcome back Professor Grubbly-Plank, who will be taking Care of Magical Creatures lessons. We are also delighted to introduce Professor Umbridge, our new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher."
A new one again huh? They just couldn't seem to make it through a year without accidents... And what about Hagrid?
"Tryouts for the House Quidditch Teams will take place on the-" Dumbledore continued but suddenly, he broke off.
Professor Umbridge had stood up and was looking expectantly at Dumbledore. When she didn't get a reaction, she cleared her throat intending to start a speech. Dumbledore hesitated a bit, then quickly sat down as Umbridge started talking. I didn't really pay attention seeing as her speech was boring and besides, it was much easier to shut that sickly-sweet voice out rather than listening to it. But I did deduce the hidden meaning.
The Ministry of Magic was now interfering at Hogwarts.
That being said, Dumbledore finished his initial and much more interesting speech and dismissed us all.
"So can we go now?" I asked Kristie impatiently. It was later than usual and I still wanted to-
"Let me guess, you still want to swing by the library before curfew. Like every year." Well, she guessed correctly. I nodded. " Sure let's go." She rose from the bench and I followed her out of the Great Hall.
His eyes were still watching me.