74 The Great Hall II
The morning at our dorm had been spent in complete silence once more. That was until Theodore exclaimed at the window and we all spent a couple seconds having a stare off with Hogwarts resident giant squid.
I almost despise evolution. Cephalopods evolved their eyes independently from vertebrates and yet, they managed to produce 'camera eyes' identical to our's. It is most bizarre and unpleasant.
Honestly, how would you feel if a gigantic human-like eye was staring at you early in the morning whilst you prepare for the day?
If only I could remember the spell for transfiguration of some curtains. And why on earth do we not have any window curtains?
"Elf." I called out.
With a faint pop, some knocks were heard at the door.
"Enter." I commanded. From the side of my eyes I could see both Theodore and Zabini giving me confused disapproving glances.
With trembling kneed, a house elf entered our dorm room. The poor ugly creature swept its eyes around the room before locking onto me, then it opened its mouth.
"W-what does little masters wish Tookey does?"
"I'd almost forgotten the horrendous grammar of you lot. Set up some window curtains. Now."
"Y-y-yes little masters. A-a-at once."
With a snap, dark green curtains appeared over the window, blocking our sight from that dreadful set of humongous eyes.
Two other pairs of eyes returned to minding their own business, approving of my actions that I had done without their consent. That's right. Slowly but surely, I will have them grow accustomed to hearing my orders - with or without their consents.
"I-is there a-anything else to be needed?"
"None. You may return."
Closing the door as it retreated, a pop was soon heard and we all continued with our morning preparations.
At precisely 7:20 am, we were all finished getting ready and there was an unspoken tacit agreement to wait in the common-room until a higher year arrived before we would follow them to the Great Hall.
Not before long, Adrian Pucey arrived at the common room. Thankfully I remembered who he was (at that he was reasonably patient with lower-year Slytherins) for he was the Slytherin Chaser back when I was on the team.
"Pardon, Mr. Pucey. I was wondering if you were headed straight to the Great Halls and whether we may follow you?"
I spoke as I approached Adrian. He sneered at me for a fleeting second before turning his gaze on Theodore and Zabini.
"Firsties? Alright. Follow me."
??? Have I possibly done something rude? I don't recall him being this rude before? And I don't believe I have done anything out of courtesy??? His sneer confused me a quarter of the way to the Great Hall, before Theodore nudged me on the arm and I remembered.
Ah… Not only do I NOT have a known pure-blood last name, but I also called his name before he gave his introductions…
Ahh for Merlin's sake... I should not have attempted communicating when I am still half-asleep.
But it would be even worse if I were to attempt conversation again even if it's to apologise. Once the atmosphere has soured, it would be exceedingly impolite for a person of lower position to initiate conversation with someone higher.
There is no choice, I must wait for him to speak again once we reach the dining table.
I glanced at Zabini to see that he was yawning with sleepy eyes. Well… It's nice to know Zabini wasn't strict on etiquette before his higher years. At least I still have 'some' good rep with him.
The walk was dreadful, and the minutes seemed to stretch longer than 60 seconds. But we eventually did arrive at the Great Hall.
To my surprise, Pucey turned around to face us in the empty corridor without pushing open the doors. Oh my. I never realised he was this soft-hearted to firsties!
"We're here. You lot can take it from here I presume?"
""Yes, thank you very much."" We all replied in tandem before I took half-a-step closer.
"I deeply apologise for my rudeness earlier. If I may, please consider me to be in your debt."
Pucey smirked and patted me on my shoulder.
"You are forgiven. That's why we are all here. To learn. Adrian Pucey." he said. Holding out his hand for me to take.
"Tom Stark." I replied grasping his hand with my right, and supporting it with my left.
After a quick shake, we quickly released hands and he shared introductions with Theodore and Zabini.
Giving all of us a quick head-nod, he turned on his heel and entered the Great Hall.
Zabini gave a light whistle as he patted me on my shoulder and gave me a thumbs up. "Nice save."
I returned the thumbs up as well as a pleased smile which, in response, made him grin.
At the side, Theodore raised his eyebrow then stared at his hand and made a thumbs up by his lonesome.
We didn't give it any mind as we headed into the sparsely populated Hall and sat down at the 1st year end of the Slytherin Table.
Looking at the few higher years in our house who were participating with light chatter over breakfast, I recalled that Hogwarts (Slytherin) breakfast dining etiquette was actually quite similar to tea etiquette - in other words, light chatter was the norm (and was actually expected).
A bountiful breakfast buffet appeared before us and we casually chatted as we took our portions. Not long after, our schedules appeared next to our dessert spoons.
Glancing around at the sparse students scattered around the other house's tables, I hoped to catch the sight of some of their schedules. Yet, instead, I noticed something else that was rather curious. Only us Slytherins had complete table setups. The other houses lacked quite a few tableware with Griffindors having the least. Particularly, the lions' lower-years had only one set of eating utensils (one spoon, one fork, etc.).
How peculiar, I've never noticed that before.
"*tch*"
?
I turned towards Theodore who was already reading his class schedule. He sent me a side-glance to which I replied with a raised eyebrow.
"Potions. First Period." Theodore muttered under his breath as he gestured with a subtle shake of his head towards my own list of classes that was lying innocently on the table.
Picking it up, I skimmed through the schedule.
MONDAY
9:00 am till 9:45 am: Potions
12:55 pm till 1:40 pm: Free Period
1:50 pm till 2:35 pm: History of Magic
If I recall correctly, we had Potions with the Griffindors, but I couldn't for the life of me remember who we had History with…
Oh Merlin. I felt the small seed of dread sprout from the deep crevices of my heart. I would have to repeat 7 years of assignments. 7 years of History… Wait no… 6. I barely studied in my 7th year. Heh~
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[1] Governor/governess - another term for home tutor.
