Have you ever woken up and just felt happy to be alive? I did, this morning. I didn't wake up to 'sun streaming through the open windows' or birds chirping in the trees, but to the snores of my fellow dormitory companions. Nobody else was awake- my friends are known for their heavy sleeping. But I- I felt…exalted. Like today was to be the first day of the rest of my life. Like I had just opened my eyes for the first time and for once could see the world clearly. My senses were heightened. I breathed in deeply the dank air of the room and literally jumped out of bed with a light heart.
I showered and did all the other usual morning hygiene duties, humming my own personalised version of the school song under my breath.
I changed into my school robes and sat in the Common Room, watching flames dance merrily in the fireplace, casting moving shadows on the wall opposite. But I couldn't sit still! I had to get out, see how much the world had changed in one night.
- - -
In my eyes, the paintings hanging in the corridors seemed brighter, happier, more pleasing. I smiled and waved at them. Some of them even waved back, though most were asleep. It was early, and I knew where I was headed. I wanted to see the sunrise.
In the Astronomy Tower, I stared out the window and marvelled at the way the sun cast its virgin rays over the lake, creating a shimmering vision of blue, green and yellow. The fields were still in the shadows, waiting for the Sun god to touch them with his presence. The sky was divided, light blue blended into black, as if undecided of what colour to be. Clouds stretched across the sky, stroking the fading stars, reaching out to the sun, a flock yearning for its leader. It was one of those moments where you wished you had a camera with you. I reluctantly backed out of the tower and headed down to the Great Hall for breakfast, leaping lightly from step to step.
I felt so happy! I wanted to sing loudly at the top of my voice. I wanted to shake hands with anyone who ever hated me, grinning into their bewildered faces. But I didn't meet anyone on the way to the hall, and if I made any loud noise whatsoever, Filch and his cat would be on me like a ton of Hippogriffs. So I kept my bubbling happiness inside, smiling widely, hardly containing my newfound enthusiasm for life. I felt like I was walking on air- nothing could touch me.
"Hello Potter!" I said cheerfully as I passed him on the way to the Slytherin table.
"Shut up Malfoy," he snapped as he pushed past, not even looking up at me.
I scowled. You know, people like that can really put you in a bad mood.