[Author's Note]: This is my first ever DM fic. I hope to improve as the story progresses and can only do so with your reviews. I hope you enjoy and you should know I do not own anything except Samantha.

The darkening sky over Diagon Alley signaled another day that has passed and the throngs of wizards and witches alike were dissipating.

For Samantha, it meant another day closer to another school year in Hogwarts. It was something she looked forward to, as any Ravenclaw should, but also a day she would like to be delayed, as any regular student would want their vacation extended.

With a heavy sigh, the brunette slowly made her way to the Leaky Cauldron, a warm cup of coffee in hand and the other wrapped around a camera. Her dark blue robes swished around with the wind and for the most part, she kept to herself. Pushing the pub door open, she trudged past the swirly smokes and alcoholic smell of drinks and walked into her rented room.

It wasn't much, just a solitary bed in a corner, a vanity mirror, and a personal bathroom. It wasn't luxurious but it was comfortable. The pale, bare walls had a few paint chips and itty bitty cracks, still leaving the room hospitable. Gently placing her camera on the vanity, Samantha lay down exhaustedly on the messy bed and shoved a hand under her pillow to retrieve a letter.

Dearest Samantha,

We're so sorry to have not been able to see go off to Hogwarts this year but you know how tight money has been lately for us. It's a miracle how we had enough to send you over there. But we know how much you love that school and we want nothing but the best for you. Take lots of pictures for us and try your hardest in class. Don't let any of those British snots trample over you!

Your father sends his love and reminds you that boys still have cooties.

Love you!

Mom

Samantha laughed softly at her parent's antics and her pale olive eyes danced with mirth. She had hoped her parents could come to England with her but plane flights from America cost so much and they weren't rich.

A soft knock on the door brought her to reality.

"Come in," she said as she safely hid her letter. In came a small, old elf that bowed and smiled affably.

"If the young mistress would like to eat, dinner is prepared in the hall," he announced and Samantha nodded, taking off her robe and followed the elf down to the dining area.

The dining area was just as poorly lit as the pub area and there were secluded groups of people littered all over. Samantha walked over to a darkened corner and sat in a table with a small candle at the center.

"I'd like a cup of coffee and bagel with marmalade," she spoke softly to the elf who recognized the order and apparated away to the kitchens. Samantha's eyes roamed around the room to see if she could pick apart any recognizable faces but found none.

Her food appeared on the table shortly after and Samantha ate slowly, evenly spreading the marmalade on the bagel and thoroughly enjoying her cup of Joe.

While she ate, she wished she had some familiar company to at least fill in the silence around her. She thought how anyone would do really, but then remembered all her wanted company she would have yet another two days to wait for her to see them.

Sighing wistfully, Samantha pulled out The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 5 by Miranda Goshawk, quickly going to an ear-marked page and continued on her reading. As a Ravenclaw, she couldn't afford to slack and it wasn't for showing off that she was reading. It was more that she just liked to know these things, especially if it was an interesting subject.

Whilst she read, Samantha felt the waves of sleep tug at her eyes powerfully and thought it better to excuse herself to her room so she could sleep there. She hoped that time could speed up while she slept so that school could begin already and cure her of this feeling of loneliness already.