As if nothing had happened, Kate came to the Great Hall and sat down with leisurely grace, glanced at Malfoy across from her, then looked away.
Although some time had passed, she and Malfoy hadn't spoken a single word to each other since that day.
Even Pansy and Blaise seemed to have been warned in advance, for they never once asked her about it.
Before long, she saw Dumbledore, Snape, and McGonagall come in together.
"Everyone," Dumbledore said, a list in his hand, "registration for the Christmas study tour closes at eight o'clock tonight.
I'm delighted that so many of you are interested in this activity.
Next, Professor McGonagall will announce the list of students not taking part; those students, please find Professor McGonagall after dinner to hand in your going-home intention forms."
Professor McGonagall took the list from his hand and began reading out the names one by one.
In the midst of it, Kate noticed a gaze settle on her. Turning to look, she met Cho Chang's eyes from across the Ravenclaw table.
A dozen-odd students' names were soon read through—but Kate's was not among them.
Cho Chang's gaze suddenly turned odd, only to see Kate give her a playful wink.
So this person had changed her mind after all.
She silently curved her lips, quietly drew back her gaze, her fingers unconsciously fiddling with her robes.
Wonderful—now she could room with Kate at Christmas too.
Up on the platform, once Professor McGonagall had finished explaining the basics about going home, Dumbledore spoke up again: "The Christmas study tour will last twelve days in all. During that time, Professor Snape and Professor Flitwick will lead the way, taking you to tour four regions of England.
Since you'll be lodging away from home, please make sure to prepare enough everyday clothing and supplies for the full twelve days in good time.
Also, from now on each of you should find three classmates to share a room with—no restrictions on House or year.
You may register with Professor Flitwick up until the day before the tour; anyone who fails to register in time will be assigned by the professors themselves."
The moment these words were out, the entire Great Hall erupted.
No restriction on House or year—meaning anyone of the same gender could freely arrange to room together; this was something that had never happened since the school's founding!!
On the platform, Dumbledore watched the crowd of suddenly excited students, smiling as he let them discuss it for a while, then gave a light cough: "You can all go back tonight and think it over at your leisure—but for now, you can have something to eat first!"
With that, countless delicacies appeared on the dining tables all at once, exciting every student all over again.
"Hey," Pansy gave Kate a quiet tap, "I'm guessing you've probably already got plans, but I still wanted to ask—any interest in adding me for the Christmas study tour?"
Kate glanced at Malfoy, finding her still wearing that couldn't-care-less look, head down, eating. She promptly smiled: "Sorry, all four spots are taken."
"Just as I thought." Pansy gave a helpless shrug and turned to go ask someone else.
Although she had no idea how a little girl like Malfoy was supposed to find three boys to room with, she figured Lucius would surely have some way of singling her out on her own.
Kate was eating her bread thoughtfully when she was suddenly tapped from behind.
Turning around, a little puzzled, she met Cho Chang's meaningful eyes: "A certain someone said earlier she wasn't going on the tour."
"Changed my mind on the spur of the moment." Kate raised an eyebrow and smiled. "With the three of you to keep me company, why wouldn't I go?"
Cho Chang gave a soft hmph and patted her on the head: "Whatever you say, you've always got a point."
With that, she briskly left together with her companions.
Subconsciously touching the spot where she'd been "hit," Kate couldn't help laughing out loud.
The instant she turned her head, she saw Malfoy, food still stuffed in her mouth, glaring at her with a look that could devour people alive.
"Is there something on my face?" Kate touched the other parts of her face, a little oddly.
But Malfoy merely gave a soft hmph and, without even finishing her food, stood right up and walked off.
Could she be jealous that Kate got to room with girls?
No way—would the dignified Miss Malfoy actually care about something like that?
Then what on earth was it about?
Kate scratched her cheek, signaling that she utterly couldn't fathom the thoughts of a girl this age.
Coming out of the Great Hall, she was tugged aside by Hermione, who had long been waiting at the door.
"Kate, I've already settled it with my roommates—come stay with us!" Hermione said excitedly, with several Gryffindor girls standing behind her.
Oh no—she'd forgotten to tell Hermione that she'd already arranged things with Cho Chang.
A little awkward, Kate pulled her over to her own side and said in a low voice: "I asked Cho Chang earlier, and she said she and Luna would be happy to room together with the two of us."
"Them?" Hermione's expression shifted slightly. "Why didn't you tell me beforehand?"
Before this, she hadn't even been planning to take part in the activity at all!
Never mind—after all, this whole mess was the result of her own last-minute decision; Kate could only give in: "If you'd rather not, then go stay with your roommates, and I'll room with them…"
"No!" Hermione's whole little face was practically about to crumple; she clutched Kate's arm with both hands, holding on for dear life. "Then… then we'll room with you all!"
A girl's intuition told her she absolutely must not let Kate be alone with Cho Chang and Luna!
Kate blinked, taken aback, and asked feebly: "But won't your roommates mind?"
"I'll just go tell them!" Hermione tensed her little face, let go of her, and strode briskly over.
Kate had no idea what she said; she only saw Hermione's roommates all burst into delighted laughter, while Hermione came back red-faced and hooked her arm tightly.
"I've settled it—they don't mind!"
They really did look like they didn't mind…
Kate gazed hesitantly at the cluster of girls collapsed in laughter, feeling sure that Hermione had told them something outrageous.
"What did you tell them?" she asked, puzzled.
How had she never noticed before that Hermione had a knack for telling jokes?
Who would have guessed that Hermione's already-flushed little face now turned so red it was nearly transparent.
She gave Kate a hard shove. "Anyway… you don't need to know! It's settled just like that—we'll go register tomorrow!"
With that, she dragged off the roommates who'd been enjoying the show and bolted.
Leaving Kate utterly bewildered.
Not telling her was one thing, but why the shove on top of it?
She was a girl herself, so why did she understand other girls so poorly?
"I think it might go a little better if you asked her whether she'd be happy rooming together," came Luna's airy voice from behind her.
Startled, Kate spun around at once. "When… when did you come out here?"
Luna tilted her head. "About three minutes ago."
Great—she'd pretty much heard the whole thing.
Kate put her hands on her hips helplessly. "Cho Chang must have mentioned the rooming-together thing to you, right?"
"Of course," Luna said, her eyes curving. "Senior, do you want to room with me?"
"Of course!" she replied, her own eyes curving in a smile. "Why not?"
Luna studied her thoughtfully for a moment, then suddenly said: "You really do look better when you smile."
Feeling her face go hot, Kate hurriedly reined in her stiffened smile.
Tsss… since when had she started smiling so happily?
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