Hope was still in a bit of a daze after her first week of classes. Although she'd always studied hard at home, she felt inadequately prepared for the rigors of Hogwarts, and especially Ravenclaw. But she couldn't turn down the opportunity to participate in an outdoor activity like this, so here she was, in an old-fashioned flannel nightgown and warm knitted boots, holding a rather shabby homemade stuffed opossum under one arm.
She saw Professor Paton and a few other students when she got there, including fellow first year Ravenclaw Aurora (whom she already felt outclassed by in school--oh why had the Hat placed her with all these brilliant children?!?) Well, at least she wasn't too early--not the first, at least. "Good evening," she said quietly as she came closer and looked around. |