The train ride hadn't been as bad as Aldrea had thought it would be. It was
actually fun. But with Tobias for company, it wasn't the best trip. Tobias
was the most pessimistic person she knew. Unfortunately Tobias was her
brother.
Tobias hadn't enjoyed the ride. It had been boring, plus, though he wasn't thinking of telling anyone, he had a terrible fear of trains.
When they finally arrived, Tobias wasn't worried, like most first years were. He wasn't nervous or wishing he was back home. He DEFINITELY wasn't wishing he were home. Aunt Jane was last person he wanted to see. He felt saddened that he had finally given in and called Aunt Jane's house his home.
Aldrea and Tobias had both lost their parents and (as Aunt Jane always told them) she was told to stay with them because she was their mother's sister. She had one photo of their parents, which Tobias had stolen from her long ago. Their mother looked nothing like Aunt Jane. He wondered if Aunt Jane was lying. Well, he definitely wouldn't put it past her.
He ran his hand through his newly dyed neon blue hair. He had done it mostly to annoy Aunt Jane. He and his sister hated Aunt Jane quite passionately. They were always doing things to make her angry. And she usually got angry quickly, which made it almost a sport for the two of them.
And now Aldrea and him had made it away from Aunt Jane for about 10 months. This was like a dream come true. He was in heaven. Unless Hogwarts turned out to be worse than Aunt Jane's house was, which would be very, very pathetic.
Aldrea was ready to start. This could help Tobias and her. If she did well on her studies and got herself a proper job, they could move out and only see Jane for two and a half months every year. Which was bad enough.
Aldrea was talking to two other girls nearby. One had her light brown hair down her back in a long braid. Her bright green eyes were wide with excitement. Every time she smiled or laughed (which was quite often) her dark blue braces showed. Her face was on the round side, and she was slightly pudgy. When she talked, she motioned with her hands a lot.
The other girl looked like a stuck up, tight ass prick with no sense of fun. Definitely not Tobias's type, nor what he HAD thought was Aldrea's type. Her almost white blonde hair was loose and ran down her back and chest like a river, a cascade of tresses. Tobias thought her eyes were bright blue. That is, until her head turned and he saw the other eye are a dark green. You could tell she was uncomfortable in this place. Maybe since half the guys were staring at her and she didn't like attention. That didn't seem to be it, though.
Her only apparent imperfection was her right hand, in which her pinky and right finger were missing. Tobias wondered how she had lost those fingers. He longed to ask her but decided against the rash act.
Te Sorting began. The first years were brought into the Great Hall, and had their first looks at all the students. Tobias's eyebrows rose as he noticed the ceiling. "Whoa, cool." he muttered. They all stared at a hat, which was laid down on a three-legged stool. They all jumped in surprise and amazement when the hat began to sing.
"I may seem so very ragged, And not in best condition. But I will sort you into Your house of recommendation. There are three houses to choose from All are good and well. But only one will suit you So let me go on and tell You of Gyrffinder, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin. First I'll speak of Ravenclaw Minds as sharp as a pin Will you need to be of Ravenclaw? Hufflepuff is always fair, Choosing those of best benevolence. Those who cannot help but care. If of Slytherin you are You must be as clever and as sly As old Slytherin himself Gryffinders will stand until they die Bravery being their greatest virtue. I was made to put you into your place To tell you where you do belong. So come up and do not pace, For I, the Sorting Hat, has never failed As of yet."
A great applause followed the hat's song. Tobias couldn't help but wonder what house he would be placed in. They all were lined up, waiting for their names to be called. After a few names, Aldrea was called.
"Chant, Aldrea!"
The large pointed hat had yelled out other's houses, although he never said anything else out loud. As she came closer to it, her heart thumped harder than ever. What if the hat saw something in her head? Something that wasn't allowed? She knew Tobias would come with her if she was sent away, but she still dreaded the thought. When she got there, she sat down on the stool while the hat was placed on her head. She saw pretty little, the hat blocking much of her view of the room. That fact displeased her slightly, for she had wanted to look at the faces of the others, wondering about their thoughts.
"Hmm." said a voice inside her head. "Interesting. I see much cleverness. You struggle for freedom. You like freedom. Especially from your aunt.
"Quite a lot of pride. Oh my, anger and sadness is a great part of your too. An ache for friendship. Bravery. Oh, where to place you?
"Ravenclaw or Gryffinder. That much is obvious. But which one?"
"Of all I've heard, Gryffinder has won my favor over Ravenclaw, thought they are both quite nice," Aldrea answered politely.
"Hmmm.Then I suppose its GRYFFINDER!" The hat was then ripped from her head and, among the clapping there were several boos.
"Chant, Tobias!"
As Tobias walked up to the stool, he heard people whispering about him. Mostly his hair. It was probably supposed to faze him. But it didn't. He enjoyed the fact that they wasted their time trying to insult him. He smiled to himself.
The hat was placed on his head, but Tobias felt cheated of quite a sight. "Anger is great in you, just like your sister. But more from you. She's much calmer, I must note. Not as much cleverness, but possibly more determination than pride. And bravery. It must run in the family. But you do work best with your sister. Then GRYFFINDER! it is."
The clapping and the booing began again. Tobias ignored it completely and got up got up to sit across from Aldrea. After some more people came another pair of siblings.
"Jordan, Lee!"
After a while it said Gryffinder for him. Aldrea whispered to a girl next to her (a girl named Hannah Freeman or something of the sort) that he was pretty cute. He was blonde with nice blue eyes. Hannah nodded and giggled slightly, as if not used to talking like that. Neither was Aldrea, but the girl didn't need to know that.
Then came his sister. She caught Tobias's attention. Her eyes were bright blue as she sat down. She was also called to sit with the Gryffinders. As she walked over he looked at her eyes again, hoping to catch a glimpse of those amazingly blue eyes.
But strangely, now they were green. He did notice her staring at him as she sat down. She slid into the seat next to Hannah and looked down at the table.
The girl with the braid that Aldrea had talked to was called up.
"Nolipo, Bonnie." After what seemed like a long time, the hat called out RAVENCLAW. Aldrea was disappointed but didn't let it spoil her mood.
"Wesley, Fred." A boy from the line went up, his face as red as his fiery red hair. He was sorted into Gryffinder, as was his twin brother, George. They stared at Tobias for a while as they passed him. Fred grinned and George gave him a wink. Tobias couldn't help but laugh and shake his head.
"Vananse, Isobella"
Aldrea's blonde friend was sorted into Slytherin but Aldrea was determined not to lose her first friends. As Isobella was one of the last ones, Prof. Dumbledore stood and made his announcements. Both Aldrea and Tobias felt strange. Tobias was probably feeling as airhead-y has he had ever felt in his life, including when he had met Jamey.
Jamey was Tobias's best friend. Back home, there was no one like him. He liked to do what HE felt like doing, not what the world asked of him. When Jamey had come to Hadren (Tobias and Aldrea's town), no one had even thought Tobias would ever be anything but an angel. Tobias had been six and was what most grown ups thought were the models of the kids they always wanted. He wasn't very loud, not very pushy or bossy. He on the quiet side and liked the time he spent alone or with his sister better than anything else.
But then Jamey came.
Jamey was all Tobias wasn't. That was why the teacher sent Jamey to sit with Tobias and a few other boys that mostly talked to themselves, that first day of second grade. That was why the teachers told Tobias to show Jamey what he needed to be showed. Jamey was a bad egg. No one said it out loud, of coarse, but everyone knew it. That was why Tobias liked and admired him. So, because of that Jamey showed TOBIAS everything.
Soon Tobias was much louder and much, well, Jamey-er. They were inseparable. The teachers soon regretted their thoughts of Tobias getting Jamey to change. Soon, that quiet and soft-spoken Tobias disappeared almost completely. Tobias and Jamey were not to be crossed with. That was all the kids said. Jamey and Tobias weren't bullies but they wouldn't let anybody boss them around. And hardly ever picked up a book.
Tobias and Aldrea were still close, and maybe became closer. Jamey and Aldrea were okay friends, but nothing much more than that. Or so Aldrea and Tobias had thought.
Tobias smiled slightly, remembering the day before, when Jamey had come over to say good-bye to them both. Jamey was a Muggle, but Tobias hadn't even THOUGHT about not telling him about Aldrea and his letter. Jamey took it pretty well, for someone who had scientists for parents. But Jamey came to see them off, and Aldrea got the surprise of her life.
Tobias was glad to be away from Aunt Jane but he missed Jamey's comments about everything and his lists. Jamey had lists about everything, from 'Things I hate (but shouldn't)' to 'Things that are orange but should another color'.
Aldrea was a bit nervous, now that she a chance to look around. Everyone seemed much like the people in her Muggle school. And she hated the people in her Muggle school. She had had no close friends and at most, her closest friend was Tobias and possibly his proud (and at times quite annoying) BFF, Jamey Margon.
At remembering Jamey, Aldrea though back to the day before, just as Tobias had. Jamey had dropped the bomb about his feelings when he was about to leave. She replayed the conversation.
Jamey had nodded about something. "Yeah, I guess, Tobs." He had seemed really quiet for his usual self. Aldrea had barely noticed, fluttering about like she was. But after a while Aldrea DID notice.
"Ok, Jamey. Something's wrong. Tell me. Please?" Aldrea asked. She added the please teasingly. When she had first met Jamey he had told her 'I don't answer what I don't want to, even if you say pretty please with a cherry on top.' Her seven-year-old had laughed and Jamey as a second grader had looked pleased with himself. But that was then, this was now.
Jamey had looked down that the floor. Had someone taken over Jamey's body? He had been starting to scare Aldrea. "Nothing," he replied. "I just have to leave. I better leave now. Uh.bye?"
Tobias frowned, suspicious. Something was up. Way, way up.
But Aldrea just smiled, finding another chance to tease Jamey. "So, you're going to miss me so much that you can't even give us a nice good- bye?" She gave an evil cackle. "Hmm?"
Possessed by some weird hyena spirit, or maybe an alien from some far away planet, Jamey v.2 took her chin in his hand and pulled her toward him. He quickly gave her a full-length kiss on the mouth. It lasted a few seconds before Jamey broke away and ran out of the house like there was wolf after him. That probably supported the possession theory.
Aldrea had just stared after him, her mouth open slightly and her eyes wide and surprise. She touched her lips softly. For a first kiss, that hadn't been bad. Then she turned to Tobias. "Did you KNOW he liked me?"
Tobias had just shaken his head. "I had no idea."
Aldrea's thoughts faced back to reality, realizing that though she wanted to believe he ihad/i been possessed, she knew that that wasn't the answer. There was only one real answer. He must like her. A lot. She didn't even want to THINK about the L-word. It was too much for the moment. Anyway, who the heck loved at 11?
He was cute. His hair, the color of a crow's feathers, went well with his fair skin. Very well. He usually had some hair that had fallen into his eyes. His nice, jet black eyes with those lashes-
No, she thought suddenly, II won't start daydreaming about guys. Especially a guy that I've known since second grade! Especially since I shouldn't be liking guys yet! I'm not supposed to hit puberty for a year or so!/I
By that time the food had come, and Aldrea and Tobias preoccupied themselves with eating and watching the people around them. Tobias found very little of them any importance, except perhaps that Jordan girl. Rilee. And maybe those twins. But not really. Rilee was a touch more intriguing. She was quiet but he had a feeling that when provoked she would jump all over you. Her brother, on the other hand, was flirting with at least three girls, using his looks to keep them coming.
Aldrea saw that most people there knew at least one person, even the first years. Only a few of them (including Aldrea and Tobias) were talking to no one much. Aldrea had found Hannah a little too.smart. Aldrea had always gotten good grades (and was quite used to not getting praise) but she had never used it in such a way. She was pretty much just plain showing off.
At least Tobias and Aldrea agreed on one question. When was going to be over?
Soon the prefects led them to their Common Rooms and dorms. Aldrea found she was sharing a room with Rilee, Hannah, and two other girls. As Aldrea unpacked she found an envelope on the bottom on her trunk. On it was written:
To Aldrea (I don't think I need to write who I am. Do I?)
At first she dared herself to think that it was from Jamey. But then she inwardly cursed herself. How could he? He wouldn't have been able to touch her trunk. He could have gotten Tobias to do it, but she doubted it.
She slowly opened it, wondering how it was from. Inside the note read:
'Dear Aldrea,
Can you come down with me to the place where you can send letters? You
know, the owl place? Thanks.
-Tobias
She sighed. What had she expected? Jamey was never much of a person for expressing feelings. Except anger. He always liked to tell people the newest thing that pissed him off. Aldrea almost laughed out loud at the memory.
Any other feelings? Forget it. Aldrea had tried to comfort him when his dog had died. That had maybe been the hardest thing she had ever done in her life. He would only look at the floor, never at her at all, much less at her face. All the time she had been talking, saying almost anything, just trying to get him to respond. After a while he left, of coarse and she felt like she had failed him. IBut obviously not since he likes you enough to kiss you in front of his best friend/I, she thought suddenly.
She shook her head. "Stop thinking about him all the time. Just stop."
She looked over at the other girls, wishing she could feel like one of them. Feel like the witch she was supposed to be. That is, until she saw Rilee. Rilee didn't look much better than she did herself. She looked angry and preoccupied. She didn't look like she belonged much either. At least not now. Aldrea sighed, thinking, Ijust watch her turn into a talking machine when she gets around people/I.
Suddenly all she wanted was someone to wrap someone's arms around her. To make her feel safe. And it didn't take her much thought to figure out whom she wanted to hold her. But she knew that wasn't possible. But that didn't make her want it any less.
Tobias wasn't much better. He was sharing a room with Lee, and three other guys. Mostly good-looking guys. Or at least guys that Ithought/i they were good-looking.
Lee was acting totally, well, nice. Unlike his way of being in front of the female audience.
The other three guys seemed to be good friends with each other and left Tobias and Lee alone. So, was it very surprising to find Lee sitting on Tobias bed, talking to him? Maybe a bit.
The dyeing of his hair wasn't only to piss off Aunt Jane. He didn't understand people. He just wanted them to leave him alone. They definitely pissed him off.
"That girl, Aldrea. She your sister?" Lee asked, smiling casually. "She's pretty good lookin', you gotta hand her that." Did he want to go out with her sister? Because that wouldn't be nice for Jamey, if he liked Aldrea as much as he suspected he did.
Tobias raised an eyebrow. "I really wouldn't know. And yes, she's my sister."
"Hmmm.Rilee's not my real sister. She's my stepsister. But she's pretty hot too."
Tobias didn't seem very comfortable with Lee. When would Lee get the hint and leave? Tobias decided this would be a long year, and a longer summer.
At their first Potion's class, Aldrea was quite unnerved by the Professor's stares. He faltered on both Tobias and her name. His eyes seemed to go wide as he read the name over and over. You could tell by his eyeballs.
As the class wore on, Aldrea felt his eyes on her almost the whole class. She was sure he was some sort of perverted teacher and decided not to pay him any mind.
This was just one small evidence that Tobias's statement was quite and unfortunately correct.
Tobias hadn't enjoyed the ride. It had been boring, plus, though he wasn't thinking of telling anyone, he had a terrible fear of trains.
When they finally arrived, Tobias wasn't worried, like most first years were. He wasn't nervous or wishing he was back home. He DEFINITELY wasn't wishing he were home. Aunt Jane was last person he wanted to see. He felt saddened that he had finally given in and called Aunt Jane's house his home.
Aldrea and Tobias had both lost their parents and (as Aunt Jane always told them) she was told to stay with them because she was their mother's sister. She had one photo of their parents, which Tobias had stolen from her long ago. Their mother looked nothing like Aunt Jane. He wondered if Aunt Jane was lying. Well, he definitely wouldn't put it past her.
He ran his hand through his newly dyed neon blue hair. He had done it mostly to annoy Aunt Jane. He and his sister hated Aunt Jane quite passionately. They were always doing things to make her angry. And she usually got angry quickly, which made it almost a sport for the two of them.
And now Aldrea and him had made it away from Aunt Jane for about 10 months. This was like a dream come true. He was in heaven. Unless Hogwarts turned out to be worse than Aunt Jane's house was, which would be very, very pathetic.
Aldrea was ready to start. This could help Tobias and her. If she did well on her studies and got herself a proper job, they could move out and only see Jane for two and a half months every year. Which was bad enough.
Aldrea was talking to two other girls nearby. One had her light brown hair down her back in a long braid. Her bright green eyes were wide with excitement. Every time she smiled or laughed (which was quite often) her dark blue braces showed. Her face was on the round side, and she was slightly pudgy. When she talked, she motioned with her hands a lot.
The other girl looked like a stuck up, tight ass prick with no sense of fun. Definitely not Tobias's type, nor what he HAD thought was Aldrea's type. Her almost white blonde hair was loose and ran down her back and chest like a river, a cascade of tresses. Tobias thought her eyes were bright blue. That is, until her head turned and he saw the other eye are a dark green. You could tell she was uncomfortable in this place. Maybe since half the guys were staring at her and she didn't like attention. That didn't seem to be it, though.
Her only apparent imperfection was her right hand, in which her pinky and right finger were missing. Tobias wondered how she had lost those fingers. He longed to ask her but decided against the rash act.
Te Sorting began. The first years were brought into the Great Hall, and had their first looks at all the students. Tobias's eyebrows rose as he noticed the ceiling. "Whoa, cool." he muttered. They all stared at a hat, which was laid down on a three-legged stool. They all jumped in surprise and amazement when the hat began to sing.
"I may seem so very ragged, And not in best condition. But I will sort you into Your house of recommendation. There are three houses to choose from All are good and well. But only one will suit you So let me go on and tell You of Gyrffinder, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin. First I'll speak of Ravenclaw Minds as sharp as a pin Will you need to be of Ravenclaw? Hufflepuff is always fair, Choosing those of best benevolence. Those who cannot help but care. If of Slytherin you are You must be as clever and as sly As old Slytherin himself Gryffinders will stand until they die Bravery being their greatest virtue. I was made to put you into your place To tell you where you do belong. So come up and do not pace, For I, the Sorting Hat, has never failed As of yet."
A great applause followed the hat's song. Tobias couldn't help but wonder what house he would be placed in. They all were lined up, waiting for their names to be called. After a few names, Aldrea was called.
"Chant, Aldrea!"
The large pointed hat had yelled out other's houses, although he never said anything else out loud. As she came closer to it, her heart thumped harder than ever. What if the hat saw something in her head? Something that wasn't allowed? She knew Tobias would come with her if she was sent away, but she still dreaded the thought. When she got there, she sat down on the stool while the hat was placed on her head. She saw pretty little, the hat blocking much of her view of the room. That fact displeased her slightly, for she had wanted to look at the faces of the others, wondering about their thoughts.
"Hmm." said a voice inside her head. "Interesting. I see much cleverness. You struggle for freedom. You like freedom. Especially from your aunt.
"Quite a lot of pride. Oh my, anger and sadness is a great part of your too. An ache for friendship. Bravery. Oh, where to place you?
"Ravenclaw or Gryffinder. That much is obvious. But which one?"
"Of all I've heard, Gryffinder has won my favor over Ravenclaw, thought they are both quite nice," Aldrea answered politely.
"Hmmm.Then I suppose its GRYFFINDER!" The hat was then ripped from her head and, among the clapping there were several boos.
"Chant, Tobias!"
As Tobias walked up to the stool, he heard people whispering about him. Mostly his hair. It was probably supposed to faze him. But it didn't. He enjoyed the fact that they wasted their time trying to insult him. He smiled to himself.
The hat was placed on his head, but Tobias felt cheated of quite a sight. "Anger is great in you, just like your sister. But more from you. She's much calmer, I must note. Not as much cleverness, but possibly more determination than pride. And bravery. It must run in the family. But you do work best with your sister. Then GRYFFINDER! it is."
The clapping and the booing began again. Tobias ignored it completely and got up got up to sit across from Aldrea. After some more people came another pair of siblings.
"Jordan, Lee!"
After a while it said Gryffinder for him. Aldrea whispered to a girl next to her (a girl named Hannah Freeman or something of the sort) that he was pretty cute. He was blonde with nice blue eyes. Hannah nodded and giggled slightly, as if not used to talking like that. Neither was Aldrea, but the girl didn't need to know that.
Then came his sister. She caught Tobias's attention. Her eyes were bright blue as she sat down. She was also called to sit with the Gryffinders. As she walked over he looked at her eyes again, hoping to catch a glimpse of those amazingly blue eyes.
But strangely, now they were green. He did notice her staring at him as she sat down. She slid into the seat next to Hannah and looked down at the table.
The girl with the braid that Aldrea had talked to was called up.
"Nolipo, Bonnie." After what seemed like a long time, the hat called out RAVENCLAW. Aldrea was disappointed but didn't let it spoil her mood.
"Wesley, Fred." A boy from the line went up, his face as red as his fiery red hair. He was sorted into Gryffinder, as was his twin brother, George. They stared at Tobias for a while as they passed him. Fred grinned and George gave him a wink. Tobias couldn't help but laugh and shake his head.
"Vananse, Isobella"
Aldrea's blonde friend was sorted into Slytherin but Aldrea was determined not to lose her first friends. As Isobella was one of the last ones, Prof. Dumbledore stood and made his announcements. Both Aldrea and Tobias felt strange. Tobias was probably feeling as airhead-y has he had ever felt in his life, including when he had met Jamey.
Jamey was Tobias's best friend. Back home, there was no one like him. He liked to do what HE felt like doing, not what the world asked of him. When Jamey had come to Hadren (Tobias and Aldrea's town), no one had even thought Tobias would ever be anything but an angel. Tobias had been six and was what most grown ups thought were the models of the kids they always wanted. He wasn't very loud, not very pushy or bossy. He on the quiet side and liked the time he spent alone or with his sister better than anything else.
But then Jamey came.
Jamey was all Tobias wasn't. That was why the teacher sent Jamey to sit with Tobias and a few other boys that mostly talked to themselves, that first day of second grade. That was why the teachers told Tobias to show Jamey what he needed to be showed. Jamey was a bad egg. No one said it out loud, of coarse, but everyone knew it. That was why Tobias liked and admired him. So, because of that Jamey showed TOBIAS everything.
Soon Tobias was much louder and much, well, Jamey-er. They were inseparable. The teachers soon regretted their thoughts of Tobias getting Jamey to change. Soon, that quiet and soft-spoken Tobias disappeared almost completely. Tobias and Jamey were not to be crossed with. That was all the kids said. Jamey and Tobias weren't bullies but they wouldn't let anybody boss them around. And hardly ever picked up a book.
Tobias and Aldrea were still close, and maybe became closer. Jamey and Aldrea were okay friends, but nothing much more than that. Or so Aldrea and Tobias had thought.
Tobias smiled slightly, remembering the day before, when Jamey had come over to say good-bye to them both. Jamey was a Muggle, but Tobias hadn't even THOUGHT about not telling him about Aldrea and his letter. Jamey took it pretty well, for someone who had scientists for parents. But Jamey came to see them off, and Aldrea got the surprise of her life.
Tobias was glad to be away from Aunt Jane but he missed Jamey's comments about everything and his lists. Jamey had lists about everything, from 'Things I hate (but shouldn't)' to 'Things that are orange but should another color'.
Aldrea was a bit nervous, now that she a chance to look around. Everyone seemed much like the people in her Muggle school. And she hated the people in her Muggle school. She had had no close friends and at most, her closest friend was Tobias and possibly his proud (and at times quite annoying) BFF, Jamey Margon.
At remembering Jamey, Aldrea though back to the day before, just as Tobias had. Jamey had dropped the bomb about his feelings when he was about to leave. She replayed the conversation.
Jamey had nodded about something. "Yeah, I guess, Tobs." He had seemed really quiet for his usual self. Aldrea had barely noticed, fluttering about like she was. But after a while Aldrea DID notice.
"Ok, Jamey. Something's wrong. Tell me. Please?" Aldrea asked. She added the please teasingly. When she had first met Jamey he had told her 'I don't answer what I don't want to, even if you say pretty please with a cherry on top.' Her seven-year-old had laughed and Jamey as a second grader had looked pleased with himself. But that was then, this was now.
Jamey had looked down that the floor. Had someone taken over Jamey's body? He had been starting to scare Aldrea. "Nothing," he replied. "I just have to leave. I better leave now. Uh.bye?"
Tobias frowned, suspicious. Something was up. Way, way up.
But Aldrea just smiled, finding another chance to tease Jamey. "So, you're going to miss me so much that you can't even give us a nice good- bye?" She gave an evil cackle. "Hmm?"
Possessed by some weird hyena spirit, or maybe an alien from some far away planet, Jamey v.2 took her chin in his hand and pulled her toward him. He quickly gave her a full-length kiss on the mouth. It lasted a few seconds before Jamey broke away and ran out of the house like there was wolf after him. That probably supported the possession theory.
Aldrea had just stared after him, her mouth open slightly and her eyes wide and surprise. She touched her lips softly. For a first kiss, that hadn't been bad. Then she turned to Tobias. "Did you KNOW he liked me?"
Tobias had just shaken his head. "I had no idea."
Aldrea's thoughts faced back to reality, realizing that though she wanted to believe he ihad/i been possessed, she knew that that wasn't the answer. There was only one real answer. He must like her. A lot. She didn't even want to THINK about the L-word. It was too much for the moment. Anyway, who the heck loved at 11?
He was cute. His hair, the color of a crow's feathers, went well with his fair skin. Very well. He usually had some hair that had fallen into his eyes. His nice, jet black eyes with those lashes-
No, she thought suddenly, II won't start daydreaming about guys. Especially a guy that I've known since second grade! Especially since I shouldn't be liking guys yet! I'm not supposed to hit puberty for a year or so!/I
By that time the food had come, and Aldrea and Tobias preoccupied themselves with eating and watching the people around them. Tobias found very little of them any importance, except perhaps that Jordan girl. Rilee. And maybe those twins. But not really. Rilee was a touch more intriguing. She was quiet but he had a feeling that when provoked she would jump all over you. Her brother, on the other hand, was flirting with at least three girls, using his looks to keep them coming.
Aldrea saw that most people there knew at least one person, even the first years. Only a few of them (including Aldrea and Tobias) were talking to no one much. Aldrea had found Hannah a little too.smart. Aldrea had always gotten good grades (and was quite used to not getting praise) but she had never used it in such a way. She was pretty much just plain showing off.
At least Tobias and Aldrea agreed on one question. When was going to be over?
Soon the prefects led them to their Common Rooms and dorms. Aldrea found she was sharing a room with Rilee, Hannah, and two other girls. As Aldrea unpacked she found an envelope on the bottom on her trunk. On it was written:
To Aldrea (I don't think I need to write who I am. Do I?)
At first she dared herself to think that it was from Jamey. But then she inwardly cursed herself. How could he? He wouldn't have been able to touch her trunk. He could have gotten Tobias to do it, but she doubted it.
She slowly opened it, wondering how it was from. Inside the note read:
'Dear Aldrea,
Can you come down with me to the place where you can send letters? You
know, the owl place? Thanks.
-Tobias
She sighed. What had she expected? Jamey was never much of a person for expressing feelings. Except anger. He always liked to tell people the newest thing that pissed him off. Aldrea almost laughed out loud at the memory.
Any other feelings? Forget it. Aldrea had tried to comfort him when his dog had died. That had maybe been the hardest thing she had ever done in her life. He would only look at the floor, never at her at all, much less at her face. All the time she had been talking, saying almost anything, just trying to get him to respond. After a while he left, of coarse and she felt like she had failed him. IBut obviously not since he likes you enough to kiss you in front of his best friend/I, she thought suddenly.
She shook her head. "Stop thinking about him all the time. Just stop."
She looked over at the other girls, wishing she could feel like one of them. Feel like the witch she was supposed to be. That is, until she saw Rilee. Rilee didn't look much better than she did herself. She looked angry and preoccupied. She didn't look like she belonged much either. At least not now. Aldrea sighed, thinking, Ijust watch her turn into a talking machine when she gets around people/I.
Suddenly all she wanted was someone to wrap someone's arms around her. To make her feel safe. And it didn't take her much thought to figure out whom she wanted to hold her. But she knew that wasn't possible. But that didn't make her want it any less.
Tobias wasn't much better. He was sharing a room with Lee, and three other guys. Mostly good-looking guys. Or at least guys that Ithought/i they were good-looking.
Lee was acting totally, well, nice. Unlike his way of being in front of the female audience.
The other three guys seemed to be good friends with each other and left Tobias and Lee alone. So, was it very surprising to find Lee sitting on Tobias bed, talking to him? Maybe a bit.
The dyeing of his hair wasn't only to piss off Aunt Jane. He didn't understand people. He just wanted them to leave him alone. They definitely pissed him off.
"That girl, Aldrea. She your sister?" Lee asked, smiling casually. "She's pretty good lookin', you gotta hand her that." Did he want to go out with her sister? Because that wouldn't be nice for Jamey, if he liked Aldrea as much as he suspected he did.
Tobias raised an eyebrow. "I really wouldn't know. And yes, she's my sister."
"Hmmm.Rilee's not my real sister. She's my stepsister. But she's pretty hot too."
Tobias didn't seem very comfortable with Lee. When would Lee get the hint and leave? Tobias decided this would be a long year, and a longer summer.
At their first Potion's class, Aldrea was quite unnerved by the Professor's stares. He faltered on both Tobias and her name. His eyes seemed to go wide as he read the name over and over. You could tell by his eyeballs.
As the class wore on, Aldrea felt his eyes on her almost the whole class. She was sure he was some sort of perverted teacher and decided not to pay him any mind.
This was just one small evidence that Tobias's statement was quite and unfortunately correct.