Fragile

Dinner seemed to end quite quickly and Lissy felt somewhat grateful. The looks she had been receiving from the older students were starting to send her nerves in a frenzy. It was the same look Dudley gave her when she accidentally burned a few of the bacon pieces, right before she'd get walloped with the iron pan by Uncle Vernon. The prefects that led them to their common room were not very talkative, nor overly friendly but still kind all the same. As soon as they had gotten up to go, Lissy noted that the blonde girl from the train had gone on ahead, eyes dark and lips pursed. She strode lightly but there was a determination in her walk that Lissy couldn't figure out what was for. This girl was certainly the opposite of herself. With very light feathery hair, unblemished skin, and confidence that filled the room, Lissy couldn't stop that smalll aching feeling of helplessness begin to grow. All the children around her didn't seem the slightest bit as uneasy as her and Lissy wished so hardly that she could go through one day without feeling that nervous turn in her stomach.

"Potter, huh?" She heard a voice behind her speak quite closely into her ear. Whirling her head around, the young slytherin found a short, millenium haired boy with very light arctic blue eyes giving her a look she couldn't quite place. "Seems even that grubby hat knows which house is best. Malfoy. Draco Malfoy," He raised his upper chin in an oddly high way so that she could almost see up his nostrils and Lissy paused awkwardly. Usually people just shook hands but... was this boy trying to signal something? He stayed like that for moments longer and she couldnt help the feeling of confusion build. Was his neck stuck? Did he...want her to look up his nose?

"Don't break your neck, Malfoy," a feminine voice said and Lissy turned around, blinking owlishly at the tall fifth year girl who stood next to her. Her lips were pursed into a smirk and a hand was on her slightly curving hip. Had the two been so loud as to have drawn the prefects attention? Lissy hadn't even said anything to the weird boy with neck problems. The prefect turned to look down at her with half lidded eyes, smiling devilishly. "Don't mind him, love. He's just a bit loose up in that noggin' of his. I'm Farley. Gemma Farley." Lissy blinked again, feeling a small amount of heat build into her cheeks of how much attention she was getting before she realized they were waiting on her. It was a very weird feeling, having people wanting to talk to you. Lissy wasn't sure she could get used to it.

"I-I'm A-Amaryllis Potter," She introduced herself blushing hotly. Their gazes didn't waver and she wanted nothing more then to disappear. Surely she wasn't so unsightly that they had to study her exact movement? Her gaze moved to the stone floor, avoiding the looks she knew she was more than likely receiving. From the very moment she had arrived, many eyes had stayed on her and it seemed that even within her new house it’d be the same. A small choking noise drew her gaze back up and she saw Malfoy giving Gemma an indignant look, his pointed face narrowed in irritation. Yes, Lissy was certain that there may indeed have been something wrong with the young boy.

"Gemma, at least contain yourself until we've reached the Common Room," A deeper male voice tuned in and Lissy looked over to him, flinching slightly. He was tall, handsome, and very put together but his eyes were a cold that Lissy didn't like looking into. It wasn't the same one that Uncle Vernon but it certainly wasn't the same as Hagrid either. His gaze was unsettling. The serious look on his face brought Gemma back to her past stupor and she was back at the very front in no time at all, leading them all through the cold and damp dungeons. Malfoy had fallen back in ranks with two quite chubby boys, his expression sullen and annoyed so Lissy was left to herself once more, something she felt incredibly grateful for.

The Slytherin common room was hidden on a stone wall, allocated next to a suit of armor. It opened at the sound of the password and revealed a emerald lit room. Gemma, with help of the other boy, stepped up into the room first, and thus began guiding the first years in. Though the step up didn't seem overly high, Lissy thought, she supposed that they were just being cautious. Soon, it came to her turn and she found herself feeling silly as the difference between the opening and the ground was certainly higher than she had thought. It reached the mid of her calf and as she raised her knee relatively high, she found the fifth year male placing his hands in the most nonabrasive way possible onto her waist as he guided her in. A bit of shame and nausea filled her, knowing that she had needed more help then the others. Many of the other girls had only needed a hand to hold and Lissy was sure that for some it was just an extra. If being incredibly thing wasn’t enough, she also had to lack in stature. Before her self loathing could begin once more, she found herself captivated by the inside of the room.

"Wow...," Lissy muttered to herself. The ceilings were exceptionally tall and held glittering chandeliers full of small emeralds and viridescent lightbulbs that put the room in a constant green tone. Large black pleather chairs were strategically placed around the room, as were espresso oak tables. On the far right wall were hundreds of books, all decorated lavishly on the spine, placed into a great big brown mahogany bookshelf. The left of the wall was made of glass that allowed an almost turquoise glow into the room. Lissy stepped towards the transparent wall, eyes shining as she watched the fish and much more swim near by. For a moment, she had even caught sight of a tentacle.

"Wow," Lissy breathed out once more. Her whole body felt light and for once, she wasn't so frightened of anything. The room seemed to bring a sense of calm to her and she felt a smile play upon her lips. The waters were calm, besides the occasional fish swimming up to look at her, but suddenly a cosmic rasin tentacle planted itself against the glass. Jumping back, the ebony haired girl heard a few alarmed shouts from the other first years. Gemma was immediately at her side, fingers gripping tightly onto the girls shoulders as she pulled her back a little more.

"H-Haha! How'd you do that, Potter?" She laughed and Lissy glanced up at her confusedly. Gemma's powderey green eyes seemed to search hers. "It's never touched the glass like that. Swim by, sure, but ..." Gemma shook her head, dismissing whatever she was about to say, and lead the girl back to where the others were gathering. Having left her at the front, Lissy noted the blonde girl had taken to staying there as well, surveying the room with the same calculating look she always had before her eyes centered on the two different staircases that were placed against the middle of the wall.

"A-Are you tired?" Lissy asked her unconsciously, a small bit concerned. Her eyes widened slightly as a frail hand went to her mouth in astonishment. She hadn't meant to speak aloud. The blonde turned towards her quietly before shaking her head slightly.

"I am not," she muttered, before turning once more back to her weary stance. Lissy blinked, a bit confused, before turning her attention solely to the two prefects that towered over them all. She tried to forget of the girls odd demeanor, knowing she might have her own reasons.

A short time later, Lissy could be found sitting on the edge of bed which was closest to the corner of the room. The girls around her were all hustle and bustle on putting their clothes away as neatly as possible, putting a touch of their own into the spot that was their's. Pansy, the name of the blonde girl she found out, was doing so as well if not a bit more quietly and somehow still distantly. She had rushed right into the room, found her trunk by her bed a bit after Lissy had found her own, and almost immediately lost any and all tension that had been carried. Lissy assumed that maybe the girl didn't want something stolen - though she wasnt sure how considering the other years were all down in the great hall eating. Pansy dug in her chest silently next to her bed which just so happened to be next to her own and Lissy wondered if she should even bother putting away her uniforms since that's really all she had clothing wise. Most of shopping was books and the such.

"Are you not going to put anything away, Potter?" One of the other girls asked from across the room, as if reading her mind. Her eyes were a very nice hazel and her dirty blonde hair was brushed so finely that it fell around her face as if it were silk. She was holding a cashmere pink sweater in her hands that was no doubt very expensive, giving Lissy an offput expression. Lissy looked at her for a moment, trying to remember her name from the sorting, before shaking her head.

"Haven't got much to put away," Lissy told her honestly, shifting uncomfortably on the emerald duvet that sat on her bed as the other girl's eyes widened.

"Huh? You're an heir," The girl began frowning, "Youve got to have more than just school uniforms and a set of pajamas...unless the Potters are going broke," she said slyly and Lissy furrowed her brows in confusion. The intentions of this other girl were unclear. At least when Piers and Douglas came over, they made their dislike of the girl known almost as soon as possible. This girl however Lissy could not figure out. Was she making a harmless joke or was she trying to hurt Lissy? The emerald eyed slytherin shook her head lightly.

"I just don't feel comfortable shopping for clothes," Lissy admitted blushing lightly at the confession. The constant of having to take off and put on was tedious and nothing ever truly looked nice on the girl. Aunt Petunia was also very iffy if she took too much time in the thrift stores they went to, scared someone might see her.

"Well, I certainly don't understand why not," the brunette was placing glass bottles of perfume along the nightstand next to her bed and Lissy wondered if she collected them or just liked to vary in scent. She glanced black at Lissy. "I would adore being able to buy what I want. Daddy has me and mummy put on an allowance of 3000 galleons a week each." She sniffed. Pansy rolled her eyes lightly from her own spot and the other girl looked at the brunette one a bit shocked. She was glad to know that that wasn't a regular occurrence.

"Oh, well," Lissy trailed off, unsure of what to say. Instead, she gathered up the mint green polka dotted pajama's she had bought in Diagon Alley into her arms and headed towards the small bathroom in their room.

"Where are yo-" Lissy turned a bit around to see the frustrated look on the snobby girls face and wondered what she had done to cause such an expression.

"Daphne." Pansy had a cold look on her face again, lips pursed as she stared at Daphne who suddenly looked a bit embarrassed. Huffing, she shut her mouth, turned around and ruffled through bag loudly. Lissy raised a brow before continuing and shutting the door. The bathroom itself was quite luxurious with a large vanity space, a rather sizable mirror about it made so that once slid left or right, you could stack things on the shelf behind it, and two sinks. There was a shower doubling as a bathtub in one corner of the tiled room that had doors made of frosted glass and a towel rack sitting next to it. She was changed and ready to go within less than a minute, her eyes only being stopped by the reflection in the mirror. Her messy black curls were everywhere, eyes too bright, and face too pale. The dark shadows under her eyes weren't as prominent as they had been before when she was still with the Dursleys but they certainly still made claim underneath. Her lips looked swollen, cheeks too thin, and scar too big. It wasn't a new revelation but as she stared in the mirror, she realized just how small everything made her look. Could she really be the one that defeated this big dark lord? Her? Someone who could barely fill out a sweater?

"Hey, Potter, are you done!" A small bang upon the wooden door made Lissy jump, her arms raised automatically. She sighed, gathering up the clothes that had been discarded and carrying them out. As she tucked herself into the four poster bed, Lissy let herself finally relax.

Almost as soon as she had entered the Great Hall, every one that was there was staring at her. Daphne, who had asked a second year to guide them, loved it which was quite the opposite feeling Millicent Bulstrode (the name of the other roomate she found out) had. The chubbier girl had sent a scathing glare at anybody who even so much as laid an eye on her and Lissy was quite sure that the girl had no qualms against sending a right hook to someone's eye. Pansy seemed to be the only one unaffected. Her walk was uncaring and she still had that cold look in her eye that kept so many other children at an arms length away. It was admirable, if not a bit terrifying Lissy had thought as she took a stance behind the taller blonde. Somehow, she had expected her morning to maybe turn out a bit better but her day had been started rather early so a change could certainly happen in no time.

Lissy had been the first to wake up out of the four and had quietly gathered her clothes before taking a hot bath. It had never been a pleasure she'd been allowed to partake in (the Dursleys were very adamant about her not infecting their water with her freakiness) but considering the girls wouldn't even be cracking an eye open for the next hour, she allowed herself to relish in the soothing feeling. The muscles in her back that were usually so tensed up had loosened considerably and the pounding in her head that she had woken up with had lessened. It was a good start to the morning, and after getting dressed she was just about to leave for breakfast when the others had woken up leading to this very moment now. Her stomach was rather angry at her from last night, being able to eat so much and not even doing so a little so it was almost immediately when they sat down that it gave a small grumble. The spread had been just as various as last night, hot biscuits, honey butter, strawberry jam, scrambled eggs, omelets, pancakes and more peppered across the long table but as Lissy raised her hand to pick up a pancake with the tongs, she found herself in the same predicament as last night. Certainly there were no Dursleys around (not with all this magic) and she definitely wasn't being told she couldn't eat but that same small part of her was still being overly cautious. She pondered for a moment, trying to shake that guilty feeling away before picking up a simple piece of toast instead with a small spread of honey butter. Her hand strayed away from the pumkin juice, something she was still unaccustomed to, and instead poured herself a rasberry tea. Daphne sat across from her with Millicient and Pansy had naturally taken a spot next Lissy. Each of the other girls filled their plate with no problem and soon the air was full of Daphne's babbling which only instensified when the blonde boy from the day before joined them with two other boys.

“I expect Snape will come to like me,” Daphne smiled slyly into her pancakes as she wrapped a strawberry in it. “He and Daddy knew each other rather well from their school days and I’m sure one small parchment delivered by Hromwell will only reinforce it. Daddy is quite busy in the ministry but he’ll always set aside time for me.” She stuffed the fork into her mouth proudly, looking rather content and Lissy shifted uncomfortably as she herself nibbled on her own toast. The small Potter girl had yet to form a firm opinion on the girl in front of her, only taking caution with whatever interaction they had, but from what she’d seen Daphne was not a terrible girl. She was just spoiled much like Dudley, only without the encouragement of violence.

“I’d expect the same. My father has a close relationship with him as well not to mention he is my godfather after all. It’d be a crime not to like a Malfoy, much less your godson,” Malfoy said in agreement. The dark skinned boy next to him smiled in amusement.

“You should inform Farley then. I’m sure once she hears that she’ll throw every ounce of annoyance she has towards you away and start her very own Draco Malfoy fan club,” he snorted before sipping from the goblet of pumpkin juice in front of him. Malfoy’s face reddened as he gave the boy an annoyed glance.

“Farley wouldn’t know quality if it was dangled in front of her in the form of a Hungarian Horntail,” Malfoy shot back snottily. He roughly cut into his food, ignoring the rolling of the eyes from the other boy.

“If you’re done,” the dark-skinned boy began, not waiting for Malfoy’s confirmation (or denial from the look he had), “I’m curious as to when we get our timetables. I’ve been dreading the thought of being subjected to the infamous History of Magic lectures. The olders take the mickey out of school so fast.” He shook his head, sighing.

“I’m more worried about potions,” Millicent muttered darkly, poking a sausage roll around her green and silver plated plate. “I know for a fact I’m complete rubbish.” She sighed. Pansy hummed in turn and Lissy nodded her head in the slightest to show she was still listening. Daphne looked at her and her eyes somehow sparkled.

“I already am quite knowledgable in potions so one of you might as well pair up with me. It’s like an easy O.” The brunette seemed to puff up with pride, and Lissy tried not to cringe at the other girls boasting.

“We’ll see, Greengrass,” A deep rumbling voice came over them. From their left was a tall, silky ravenette haired man approaching holding a stack of parchment paper in his hands. His whole demeanor was foreboding and his skin color was slightly like Lissy’s in that it was very sickly white. His dark eyes trailed over the four girls calculatingly, eyes turning menacing as they landed on her, and Lissy felt a sick feeling wash over her. Her hands immediately found themselves at the hem of her skirt, knuckles already showing the slightly peek of white. “Do not count your dragon eggs before they hatch.” He dropped the stack on the table right near Pansy and continued his way down. Daphne -who had blushed a dusty pink from being overheard- quickly lost any and all mortification, pale pink nails almost scratchig the blonde girl as she snatched one of the yellowing parchment papers off the table. Lissy grabbed one herself, reading it over silently with the others and trying to stop herself from raising her brows in confusion. All of the subjects listed she had never even thought of, save for potions which she had just heard of. Did this school not teach maths, or english literature? Was science even valid here? She blinked owlishly, eyebrows drawn together in thought. She studied the other first years in front of her who were no doubt purebloods and suddenly realized just how ahead of her they might be.

“H-Have you all had previous experience with much of this?” Lissy came into the conversation quite quietly, feeling uneasy as they turned to look at her in surprise. Daphne jumped in first, beginning a brief ramble of how she had a lot of experience only for Pansy to cut through with a simple “Yes.” Malfoy nodded carelessly as well, much more focused on defending his plate from the wandering hand of his friend. The rest followed in suit and Lissy tried to stomach the thought of being a disadvantage once more. Primary in itself had been quite terrible with all the bullying and isolation but at least she knew what she was doing. Here? She was a mouse in a sea of cats. She could just imagine how annoyed the professors would become once they realized how much of a dunce she was and it only made her more nauseous. Had the hat realized she’d be surrounded by nothing but purebloods who were already so much more experienced? She thought he’d place her where she belonged. Where she would thrive. Did he make a mistake? Lissy clutched the paper a little tighter.

The first class that they were to attend was History of Magic which was taught by a ghost named Professor Bins. He didn’t seem to pay very much attention to his classes (shown by how Malfoy and his friends could goof off with throwing parchment balls) and Lissy was sure that he didnt particularly care for their names either with how he ignored the roster so casually. Instead, the silver ghost rather talked about Urie the Oddball or Emeric the evil. His pace was rather fast and the way he spoke was dreary but Lissy tried to be diligent in note taking (something Daphne had seemed to almost take great offense to). Much of the class had already fallen asleep, drooling over their own half written notes. Transfiguration with Mcgonagall, the aging woman who had placed that wrinkly old talking hat upon each of their heads, was a bit better. It was still a lot of writing, but the older woman was fairly nice even while she was strict. It was at this point Lissy found that maybe it would only be notes for the first day. She wasn’t particularly complaining as the ravenette was certain her magic needed work but with how jitterey the others were becoming, she felt a bit anxious.

“What a bust,” sighed Daphne as she strolled out of Mcgonagalls class with a scowl put firmly onto her face. Millicent nodded in agreement, massaging her hand with the same disagreeable look. It was obvious that the two girls had certainly not enjoyed using up so many pieces of parchment, much less manually having to write the notes out. “At least we have lunch to distract us. Herbology comes after this and I’m most definitely not excited for playing around in dirt like some muggle.” Daphne huffed. Lissy turned to look at the girl, feeling slightly unnerved at the prejudice Ron had talked about being displayed so casually. Her eyes shifted to the faces of the other two. Pansy was merely walking along, almost ignoring Daphne like usual and Millicent had a look of indifference on. The sight of them being so apathetic made her feel ill. So ill, in fact that she almost missed the calling of her names.

“Potter,” Lissy turned to see the head gryffindor witch staring at her expectantly. Her mouth was in a thin line and her eyes very piercing. She stood in the doorway of her clsssroom, silken dark robes falling around her gracefully as she beckoned the petite girl to come hither. Lissy glanced at the trio behind her, each one giving a look to her, before answering the older womans calls.

“Yes, Professor?”

“I’d like to speak with you a moment,” She said tautly and a spiral of cynicism flurried throughout Lissy’s mind. She was adamant about taking notes in class, paying attention, and refraining from speaking over the Professor but still some part of her wondered what she did wrong. Lissy nodded, meekly making her way up to the woman who gestured to come back into the room.

“Oh, go on girls. She’ll be just along in a few minutes,” Mcgonagall said, shooing them away. Lissy looked back, catching the eyes of Pansy accidentally before the empty classroom became all of what she could see. Her stomach was a bit anxious and Lissy pulled the black robe closer around her, wishing she had worn an extra sweater vest. The long sleeved shirt she had underneath did nothing with how thin the fabric was. She stood near a desk, unsure whether to sit or not before decidedly just standing.

“D-Did I do something wrong, Proffesor?”

“Oh, no dear. Nothing of the sort,” Mcgonagall blinked in surprise. She waved her hand over at her desk, a small white envelope floating into her hands. “I’ve just got a small message to deliver. Hagrid was being foolish and believed he’d embarrass you if her were to send it by owl or even give it to you in person. Along with that, I just wanted to make sure you’re gettin along well.” She held out the slip to her and Lissy grasped it lightly, feeling quite astonished. Though she enjoyed Hagrids company, she hadn’t expected the man to do the same. Hogwarts must’ve been busy and she was sure that with all of his running errands he’d had forgotten her or even just not had time. Even while taking her to her vault at Gringots, he had had to run Hogwarts business. The ravenette marvelled over the letter in her hand. Looking up, she realized Mcgonagall was still waiting on a reply and hastily tried to form together a sentence.

“I-I, well,” She began, incredibly flustered. She wondered what to say. Nothing in particular had happened that was worthy of news. A small inkling told her maybe to talk of the uncomfortable feeling she got when the others spoke of muggles in bad light but she stopped herself, remembering that it had only happened one time with one single girl. Ron’s family was Gryffindor through and through, so it’s obvious that his opinions of the house itself was biased. Him being accurate about a few things was only a coincidence. “N-no, I’m o-okay. The rooms are big and the bathroom is nice... I-it is cold down in the dungeons b-but I think that’s n-normal,” She trailed off. Mcgonagall pressed on.

“The food is competent as well, dear? We can have the house elves prepare something else if you need,” She tried again, leaning against her desk with a concerned look. Lissy felt her face pale.

“O-Oh n-n-no!! I’m a-absolutely o-okay! Th-The food is re-really good! Ple-please don’t tr-trouble anyone!” She sputtered, waving her hands rapidly. Mcgonagall’s pinched face stared at her, observing her for the smallest of moments before relaxing. The older witch sighed.

“You really are a mix of your parents,” She said, her gaze unwavering. Lissy shifted her eyes to the floor in a blush, knowing the guilty feeling she felt was wrong.

“I-I know,” Lissy winced. Aunt Petunia absolutely hated it and made sure that Lissy knew it. The expression Lissy wore must have given Mcgonagall the impression of shame because she was quick to reply.

“Oh, no dear. It’s most certainly not a bad thing. Your hair is just as unruly as James and he was quite brilliant when he wasn’t being a menace to the other castlegoers.” Mcgonagall admitted begrudgingly. “Your face shape, your nose, they’re definitely from him. Your eyes, however, Lilly did you well. She was utterly brilliant all the time, top of her class even. Back then, that was incredibly impressive for a muggleborn. Both of your parents were prodigies in the making and I expect your potential to be just as great.” Lissy peered up at her, stunned. It was only the second time she had heard good things about her parents, even more so being able to learn something about them and Lissy wanted nothing more than to devour even more information.

“You knew them?” The question stumbled out of her mouth, a bit rapidly and she hoped that she didn’t come off as too desperate. Mcgonagall snorted, picking up the cup of lemon tea that sat on her desk.

“Why, yes, of course. I knew James particularly well with all his office visits and detentions,” Mcgonagall let her mouth slide into a nostalgic half smile and Lissy listened intently. “He took such joy in terrorizing the school with his friends. Even more joy in pestering your mother.” Mcgonagall sipped at her tea and Lissy wished that she would stop pausing. She watched earnestly as the older woman began to speak again before a knock on the door sounded.

“Yes, come in.” The door opened, revealing the same cold eyed prefect from yesterday. In his hands he held a stack of papers and the expression he wore was the very same as yesterday. Uninterested and indifferent.

“Oh, Atkins,” Mcgonagall began, looking a bit surprised as well, “How may I help you?” He stared at her for a long moment before glancing down at the papers in his hand.

“This is the transfiguration homework due from summer,” Atkins said blatantly. “I do not want it any longer in my possession.” The handsome fifth year strode forwared and handed her it smoothly, all whilst looking bored. Mcgonagall didn’t seem slightly surprised. She took it with no hesitation before glancing at the clock.

“Ah, well, I’ve kept you long enough Ms. Potter,” Mcgonagall gave her a gesture towards the door. “Best not keep your friends waiting or else I’m sure all the pumpkin juice will be gone.” Lissy glanced again at her professor, reluctantly making her way to the door. Atkins followed behind her, done with his deed and she watched as the boy stared at the girl for a second. He blinked, glancing towards the halls before turning around briskly.

“You will follow me,” He told her, leading them down the zig zagging stone hallways. Lissy glanced at Mcgonagalls door before glancing back at the boy. Meekly, she followed. They were quick in their trip but Lissy still felt the relief flood her all the same when she found the Great Hall in view. She found her classmates almost as fast as they found her, Daphne and Malfoy sticking their hand in the air and both trying to outwave the other. The rest of the other first years looked faintly embarrassed and Lissy scurried along at a quicker pace, hoping to save herself and the rest from any more humiliation. Atkins took his time and Lissy paused for a moment. She turned to boy hesistantly.

“T-Thank you,” She ducked her head at him, “I’m very sorry you had to lead me.” With that, her pace was quickened so that she reached the table in only a matter of seconds. Boys were scary, Lissy thought, holding the envelope in her hands. She sat down between Daphne and Malfoy, both scooting even farther away from eachother so she could take a seat. Lissy took a roll from the table, along with more honey butter and began to nibble. The earlier events still had her feeling a little jitterey but somehow she felt quite exhausted at the same time. So much interaction and walking really took the life out of her, she thought. How did people socialize so easily every day?

“Ouch!”

The slytherin first year glanced over at her classmates, looking a bit confused. Daphne was hunched over, holding her side whilst Millicent remained with an innocent look. Her gaze was focused solely on the sandwich that rested on her plate, not paying Daphne any kind of attention at all.

“A-Are you okay?” Lissy questioned softly, a bit concerned with the random outburst. Millicent bristled slightly.

“Don’t worry about her, Potter,” Millicent chided. She offered Daphne a look, one Lissy couldn’t quite figure out. “She’s just being her usual self.”

“All I wanted to know was why she stayed after with Mcgonagall,” Daphne complained irritably. “Do you have to be so brutish. We are both ladies here.” Millicent’s demeanor changed quite suddenly and Lissy flinched at the glower she delivered to the brunette.

“Ladies do not pester,” Millicent hissed and Daphne hurrumphed, going back to her yogurt. A guilty feeling arose within the girl. Were they truly fighting over something Lissy had done?

“U-Uh, it’s okay! M-mcgonagall was just giving me a letter,” Lissy told them, face flushing as she realized that now pretty much all of the group was listening in. Daphne’s face puckered.

“A letter? From who,” She tilted her head, waiting in earnest for more information. Lissy leaned back a bit to avoid the girls close proximity. In doing so, she found herself slightly pushing Malfoy even more so down the bench and silently apologized in her head to the millenium haired boy. Though a bit loud and odd, displacing him from his spot was the last thing she wanted to do.

“U-U-Uh, f-f-from H-Hagrid,” Lissy stuttered. She felt completely flustered and slightly interrogated. The sullen look that Daphne had adorned only a few seconds ago was completely wiped out and in its place was a squinted suspicious face.

“Who’s Hagrid,” She questioned and Lissy blanched. Part of her wished she hadn’t said anything at all.

“Th-T-The gro-groundskeeper,” She uttered. Her palms felt clammy and Daphnes incessant need for such close eye contact was quickly cut off when Millicient pulled her back. Lissy straightened up, feeling herself less tense as she reclaimed her spot. Malfoy followed in suite.

“Really, Daphne,” Millicent gave her an annoyed look. “She could probably smell your breath with how close you were. Leave her alone.” Daphnes face swiveled to meet Millicents gaze. She looked a bit out of her element from being scolded, eyes widened slightly and mouth agape.

“I was only asking her,” She protested. “She didn’t say no,” Daphne snarked, moving her attention back to the ravenette. Her mouth opened once more and Lissy felt her heart sink but she found herself cut off.

“Daphne.” Pansy uttered tonelessly. Her stare didnt waver from where it sat on her bowl of tomato soup. The blonde swirled the cracker in it gently, and they all quieted a bit only for her to remain quiet. It seemed to be a pattern that the blonde girl set in place for herself. Daphne’s face was flushed a deeper red now and she looked cross as her focus now settled back onto her lunch. It was a relief for her to finally be quiet but Lissy felt a bit bad. Not bad enough to answer any more of her questions, but still slightly sympathetic. From the way she was acting, Daphne probably didnt understand just how obnoxious she was being. It didn’t take long to bring her back up though, Lissy watched curiously. All Millicent had to do was bring up the doubles potions lesson that was on Wednesday and Daphnes mouth was off like a rocket. Herbology went about as well as expected (and that was to say not very well) and dinner came and left. Maybe she was just so unused to being involved in so many things at once, but the exhaustion that set in when she passed the threshold of the doorway was brutal. When Lissy tucked herself in that night, she almost immediately fell asleep, barely even taking her shoes off.