Before I knew it, the train had arrived at Hogwarts and students were pouring from every exit. I looked up at the castle that stood before me and sighed.
As lovely as ever.
I rushed to an empty carriage and shut the door before anyone else could enter. I had decided not to make an effort to see Sirius anytime soon. I would play it cool and casual. I knew all too well the types of girls that he pursued, and the challenge would only make him want me more.This year, my stay will be much more enjoyable. No longer am I Delaney, the painfully shy, awkward nerd. This year, a new me is born.
I fished a mirror out of my trunk and peered into it. I wanted to look my best. I wanted to look sultry and sexy and a little bored; I wanted to set his heart aflame with longing. I preened for a while, smoothing my long dark hair and retouching my makeup. I practiced tossing my hair over my shoulder with my slender, manicured hands, smiling as it caught the moonlight. I practiced an intense gaze, staring into my own dazzlingly blue eyes, then raised one eyebrow tauntingly. In any other girl, this would have been considered vanity; in me, it was disbelief and amazement. I was amazed that this girl in the mirror was really me; I had never looked so good in my life.I hopped out of the carriage and bounced up the castle steps. I caught a glimpse of Sirius heading towards me, so I quickly disappeared into the crowd. Curious stares followed me to the Gryffindor table. I heard catcalls. I had always wondered why I had been chosen for Gryffindor; I was not brave or confident or daring. Today, however, I felt all of these things as I glided to my seat and tossed my curtain of hair over my shoulder. The seats around me quickly filled up with males. I was grateful for this; it could be used to my advantage. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Sirius taking his place a few seats to my left. I felt his gaze upon me and smiled to myself.
Time to have a little fun.
Silence quickly fell over the hall as the sorting began. I clapped with the others, looking bored and almost icy. Truly, the sorting always excited me, but I concealed it as best I could. My new personality was taking over. The chatter all around me began. A very handsome boy sitting on my left turned and introduced himself. He had high cheekbones and pale blonde hair. "Hello," he said, "my name's Victor Princeton. Whats yours?"I stole a glance at Sirius; he was trying not to look at me. "Mine's Laney, Laney Hutcher." He didn't recognize my name; I wasnt surprised.
"A pleasure to meet you, Laney," he said, holding out his hand to me.
I took it gently in both hands and shook it. "No, Victor," I said, emphasizing the words carefully, "the pleasure's all mine. I gazed into his steely gray eyes and my hands lingered on his for a moment. He blushed and dropped his hand. I smiled slightly, tilting my head flirtatiously. The power I had was intoxicating.
The Great Hall hushed once again. Victor looked disappointed. My smile widened. I turned to the head table and Dumbledore began to speak.
"To all new students, I wish you a warm welcome. I hope your first year will be a pleasant one. To all returning students, welcome back to another year at Hogwarts. And now, a quick announcement before the feast. Mr. Filch has asked me to remind you that any students caught dueling in the halls will be sent to him for punishment. He also wishes to add that, although the old punishments are not in use..." he paused here to wait for the cheering to subside, eyes twinkling, "he has had an entire summer to think of new ones, all of which, he assures you, are extremely unpleasant. I would also like to remind all students that the Forbidden Forest is out of bounds to all who value their health and sanity. And, on a lighter note, a welcoming dance will be held for all students from eight to twelve o'clock next Friday. The wearing of dress robes is encouraged. And, with that out of the way, tuck in!"
There was excited chatter as a feast magically appeared on the table. Everyone was thrilled, as dances didn't happen often at Hogwarts. This fit in perfectly with my plan, as I was an excellent dancer. No one knew this, as I hadn't gone to any of the previous dances. No one had ever asked me. I was sure that, if all else failed, I would win his heart at the dance. I smiled and turned to Victor.
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