Summary: Ginny is a loner with a past she hides from the world. Draco is on the run from becoming a Death Eater. They quickly become friends. Now, between a confusing Draco, a gang of harassing boys at school, and a stalker from her past, Ginny finds love in the unlikeliest of places.

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September 1

This year, I am going to try to keep a journal. Yes, I know it seems silly, or just downright stupid, after what happened with my last diary, but my mother bought it for me in the hopes that it would help me "express my feelings," as she put it. She doesn't like how shy I am—finds it unnatural. Although I cringe at the thought of a girly diary (hence I am calling it a journal), I want to please her and record my mundane thoughts, should they ever be of use in the future. I doubt that. But anyway, here is my account of today's exciting trip to Hogwarts (note the sarcasm):

I sat down in an empty compartment by myself. I didn't feel like sitting with the Golden Trio today. Ron and Hermione were in that awkward stage where they were starting to realize their feelings for each other, but were both too shy and stubborn to admit it. Harry, since Sirius's death, was just always awkward. He was silent and sullen, grieving over his loss. Harry was also taken to having sudden mood swings, taking his anger out on anyone in the near vicinity. I didn't want to be around him for that. But, the main reason I was sitting alone was of my own accord. I, Ginevra (yes, my full name is Ginevra) Weasley am a quiet girl. I do not like to converse with others, and, well, simply put, I'm quite a loner. I have no friends really, none at all, and I spend the majority of my free time thinking. In fact, I spend all of my time thinking. I'm the curious sort. It shows in my large, brown eyes, my curiosity. My eyes that take up the majority of my face. My hair is long and frizzy, almost like Hermione's, with waves all the way down through it. I heard someone describe it once as crimped, whatever that means. It reaches my mid back, and, unfortunately, draws a lot of attention. Especially from Professor Snape, who finds it his goal in life to catch me daydreaming during class and punish me with detentions. I'm also fairly short, only 4'9", and plump. I, unlike my tall, gangly brothers, take after my mother. My cheeks are large and full with "cute little baby fat," as ladies often put it. My hand-me-down robes from my brothers, no matter how plump I may be (especially in the chest area, much to my dismay and my mother's pride) are still extremely large and baggy on me, so I often find myself tripping over them (it doesn't help that I'm completely ungraceful). Thankfully, they keep any curves that might catch the attention of boys from showing.

My mother loves me and I know it, but I'm not always her pride and joy. She wishes I were more of a girly girl, that I would date, that I would have more friends (well, that I would have at least a friend), etc. etc. etc. Unfortunately, I'm just a loner. It's the way I am. And as far as boys are concerned, I do not date. I just don't see any point in it. As a matter of fact, I find it unnerving and uncomfortable when a boy looks at me or hits on me or tries to flirt with me.

I felt the train slow to a stop. I put on my uniform, which is still the same one I've had since second year (even though I'm fifteen now and the shirt is getting a bit tight and the skirt a bit short). I threw on George's old robe, the better one of the twins' school uniforms, and might I add that the twins were, and are, quite tall. Finally, I donned my old, tattered hat for the ceremony we are going to have, and then left with the rest of the train.

When we arrived in the Great Hall, I sat, per usual, on the end of the Gryffindor table, by myself, and away from the teachers. I, per usual, kept my head focused on my plate throughout dinner and the ceremonies, eating my food and then leaving what was most likely the first of everyone else. Though, I didn't go directly to my common room. No matter how shy I may be, I do not like to sit idly in my room doing nothing when I could be exploring the castle, flying my broom, or visiting the animals. I chose the latter of the three, and walk around the lake and then to Hagrid's cabin. I do not have any student friends, but I do have one friend at Hogwarts. Hagrid. The gamekeeper of Hogwarts and I developed and odd sort of friendship through our love for strange and exciting animals and our hate for and betrayal by Tom Riddle. Though, we don't speak much of the latter. But it is something we have shared since my first year, and Hagrid is someone I can entrust with my feelings. I visited the Blast-Ended Screwts and the other strange animals he had penned up. I told Hagrid last year of Buckbeak's new home with Black, but, of course, he already knew, being in the Order, and I learned just how naive I was about the world around me and to what was really happening in the war.

It was beginning to get dark, so I went into the castle, and up to my room. I lay down on the bed and stared at the ceiling, excitement keeping me from sleeping, so I decided to write in this journal. I am finally back at Hogwarts. Something exciting always happens at Hogwarts. Not usually to me, but it does happen.