You're All I Ever Wanted
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters from the amazing series of Harry Potter, though I really wish I did. I only own the plot of this fanfic and my OC, Adrianna Summers. Enjoy!
Chapter One: Back to Hogwarts I Go
Beep. Beep. I honked my car horn twice at the maniac in front of me who honestly thought that going 30 in a 60 km zone was practical. Please. Tell it to the judge. I have way more important matters to attend to at the moment. Well, I guess I shouldn't use the term "important", as I only intend to race home to read the new book I bought earlier that day. It's full of wondrous poetry written by all the favourites, and my sure favourite Robert Frost. How I love his poem "The Road Not Taken"! Speaking of road, this road seems to last forever just because of this slowpoke in front of me. Come on, I thought, I can hear the poetry already calling me! I guess you could say reading is my best friend.
After what felt like hours behind the steering wheel, I finally arrived home. What a great feeling it was to be home again for the summer break. I may be seventeen, but I still get home-sick, especially when all you hear for a straight 10 months is the casting of spells. Expelliarmus. Stupefy. It gets aggravating after a while. It's also quite odd for a Ravenclaw to not miss the Hogwarts homework…but I guess I'm not just any normal Ravenclaw girl.
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim
Because it was grassy and wanted wear,
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I marked the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
Such wonderful literature. I read it over about 20 times. Not that I needed the practice or anything, as I already memorized it in its entirety. Ever since I was a little girl, nothing got between me and my books, especially my precious poems. I always wanted to become a writer, but after receiving the letter from Hogwarts, my dreams became different. Instead of spending hours on end trying to conjure up the perfect stanza for a new piece, I would have to reread "Hogwarts: A History" yet again to complete a Charms essay.
Perhaps it's a good thing that I had to leave Hogwarts when I was 14. Year 4 was one I'll never forget. It was the year that my brother passed away. His name was Garrett, and he was only two years older than me. We were inseparable. He always looked out for me and did the usual "big brother" stuff—beat up bullies, tell off Stacy Martin (my arch nemesis), and warn my past boyfriends of what would happen if they "crossed the line". My parents went berserk, and they had every right to be. I mean, losing a son? That's at the top of the list. But for me, it was losing my best friend. Sure I had lots of great friends at Hogwarts, but none of them came close to Garrett. Well, maybe, ALMOST, one friend…
Page after page, I turned the book, feeling the sun beat down on my skin. I loved the outdoors, especially my backyard. I chose to sit on the swinging bench under the big oak tree. It was my favourite spot to read. The best part was that the lake was right next to me. I could hear its peaceful rush of water, and I wished right there and then that time would freeze. I knew I had to return to Hogwarts sooner or later. It was my last year anyway. But… did I really want to?
"Make sure you bundle up during the winter. Wear your scarf always!"
"Yes, yes, I know Mom. You've told me over and over again. Remember, we've been through this before. Plus, I'm seventeen now. I can take care of myself."
Leaving to board the Hogwarts Express was always, always the hardest thing to do. Indeed, I craved freedom, to be away from the Muggle world for some time, but parting from the two people I love the most was also a challenge. They've definitely gotten more protective ever since Garrett died.
"Stay away from the boys, Adrianna Summers, especially that one…what was his name again?"
"Let's just avoid the topic, Dad. It's really not the way I want to see you off."
My dad and I were close, too. He taught me how to play all kinds of sports. No, I don't mean Quidditch. I mean basketball, volleyball, tennis, baseball, you name it. Talking about boys with him was never easy, and I don't think it's a comfortable conversation for any father and daughter, for that matter. The fact that he used my full name made me clearly see that he was being dead serious, since everyone usually just calls me Anna. I decided not to give him the ultimate satisfaction of knowing the crush I had back in fourth year, a.k.a the boy he would eventually beat to a pulp. Anyway, that's the past, right?
"I promise I'll write to you every month. Actually, make that every week." I corrected myself after seeing the death look my mom gave me.
"Love you both very much!" And with one final wave, I boarded the Hogwarts Express.
I made my way to an empty compartment I saw. I had a nervous feeling in the pit of my stomach. It didn't hit me till then. I realized why I doubted my return to the school. I haven't seen anybody here since three years ago. Will they remember me? Will they recognize me? Will they care? I have to admit myself, I have changed a lot. Not just my looks, but my entire personality. I guess that's what happens when you enter the modern civilization of the Muggle world.
I slid the compartment door closed, and reached into my bag to grab my favourite poetry book. It's what got me through the summer. It deserved to be opened one last time before I got to Hogwarts. Before I read the book, I took out my compact mirror that I always carry in my bag. I held it right up to my face, as if seeing myself for the first time. Long, wavy, dark brown hair. Olive skin. Green, hazel eyes. Long lashes that bore the trace of mascara. Some dark freckles on my cheeks. Shiny, glossed lips. Yeah, this will do.
"Merlin, Anna, is that you?!"
I instantly turned my head after the mini heart attack this person just gave me. But after seeing who my guest was, I wasn't at all upset.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't Miss Cho Chang. How art thou this fine morn?" Cho and I were best friends ever since first year. It was as if the sorting hat deliberately placed me in Ravenclaw just so I could meet her. Wow, she still looked the same, even after all this time. Oh, and about the poetic talk, it's a thing we have. I guess it's an old habit.
"Pleasant, my dear friend, Adrianna. I can't talk like this anymore without holding in my excitement! What are you doing here? I haven't seen you in forever. How are your parents? Are you here for seventh year? You look so different!"
"Slow down there Cho. I'm only one person! But, yes, I'm here for seventh year. My parents, well, they're alright. And, about my looks, I guess you can say I finally grew out of my awkward stage."
She laughed hysterically. I thought she would never stop. Huh, maybe Cho's changed, too.
"You're surely going to turn heads this year, Anna, more so than you did before!"
Now, it was my turn to laugh. The rest of the train ride was filled with laughter, jokes, and pure catching up with my good friend, Cho Chang. It was a great way to start off my new year.
Back to the same old same old, I thought as Dumbledore was saying his usual welcome speech to the students. Of course, before dinner, it was time for the annual sorting of the first years.
I nudged Cho's elbow, who was sitting beside me at the Ravenclaw table. "Remember when that was us?" She chuckled and shook her head. Typical Cho, always level-headed and so appropriate. My thoughts wandered for a while, until I heard Dumbledore's voice booming around me, immediately bringing me back to reality.
"Let the feast begin!" I internally readied myself for the golden platters that were about to appear. I could almost picture the succulent lamb chops, the roasted garlic potatoes… I looked up for a split second, only to find that my eyes found a pair of blue-grey ones. The exact pair of eyes I wasn't ready to face.
There's the first chapter! Please read and review!