Harry and Ron made their way down to the Great Hall, where Hermione was waiting. Just then, Candi came down as well, and Harry stopped to wait.

"Hey Harry, sleep well?" She asked and walked with him.

"Pretty well, how about you?"

"Oh, just fine, I usually sleep well at night." They sat down next to each other in the Great Hall. Ron and Hermione were a few places away, but moved over when they saw Harry's new friend.

"Who's your friend Harry?" Hermione asked.

"I'm Candi Summers. I met Harry yesterday, while you two were snogging." Candi said bluntly, but not unkindly.

"Yea well, people do that. How come I've never seen you before?" Ron asked, his ears slightly red.

"I've been away. I know who you are though, Ronald Weasley." Candi took a bite out of the bacon on her plate.

"How?" Ron asked incredulously. Hermione took some toast out of the basket and handed one to Harry.

"I correspond with your sister, Ginny." Candi said nonchalantly, and drank some orange juice.

"So that's what was with all those owls..." Ron mused as the students got their schedules.

"Oh Ron! Double Potions, Double Transfiguration, Divination, Charms, History of Magic, and...oh good, a free period at the end, we're gonna need that." Harry exclaimed, then sighed with relief.

"Well, we might as well get started. Candi, do you want to walk with us?" Hermione offered, taking Ron's hand. Candi looked at her. Harry suddenly realized that she looked strangely like Luna Lovegood. But the feeling soon passed.

"Love to."

*****

Harry and Candi spent most of the time talking. Ron and Hermione tried to get words in here and there, but everyone could tell they had something going on. However, it was all a bluff.

"Muffalio" Harry muttered in Charms, so the two of them could really talk.

"So, how do you think I can win back Hermione?"

"Back? Harry, you never had her." Candi had a rather straightfoward way of saying things.

"Whatever. The point is, they're pretty comfortable with each other."

"Damn." Harry said, watching them. "But....Ron'd understand if I told him, right?"

"WRONG! Don't EVER tell him! It could break your friendship." Candi warned him.

OK, that's enough, I have to leave you!

Katie