THE RISE OF THE PHOENIX

It was my first day at Hogwarts.

Actually, my arrival was quite odd. I was, after all, a second year, being sorted with the first years.

Dumbledore really had to announce this to everyone, didn't he? It would not be for the greater good for people to not know every aspect of my life, now would it?

I entered the great hall separate from the first years, just as Dumbledore was making the announcement.

Everyone looked at me. I glared at anyone who dared to look amused.

I liked the way my school robes billowed when I walked. I had a rather quick stride, after all.

So I strode down the center of the great hall, keeping my head held high. Usual Isabel behavior: the quick stride, the glares, the head in the air, etc.

"Miss Isabel will be in Gryffindor house. She is in her second year," Wow I already hated the man.

I sat at the end of the table, as far from the other students as possible.

I was the first one finished. And the first one out.

I wasn't the only one to leave early. I was quite fine walking alone. I kept to myself. And had good reason to, for that matter.

"Hello, I'm Hermione," the girl asked, almost running to keep up with me. I recalled she was one of them who tried to shush the others. I would try to be nice.

"Hello, Hermione. I'm Isabel."

"You looked alone, so I thought you could use a friend,"

Then, two boys nearly ran me over. Ow, and ow.

"Harry! Ron! You nearly ran us over!" Hermione exclaimed.

"Who's the Snape girl?" Ron asked.

Snape girl?

I guess I sort of resembled him… but not much. That made two people I hated. And on my FIRST DAY. That's got to be a world record or something.

"Her name's Isabel and she is not a Snape girl, as you so kindly phrased." Hermione explained.

By now we were at the Gryffindor common room.

I simply walked up to the fat lady. No password required. The others gaped in shock.

As they should.

I climbed the stairs leading to the girls dorms. When I got to my bed, I grabbed my book, bulled the bed curtains shut, and began to read.

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