~ "And our scars remind us that the past is real. I tear my heart open just to feel." ~Scars(Papa Roach)

Chapter 2: First Night

~September 1~

"-Gryffindor!"

Applause erupted from Ron, Harry, and Hermione's table, but I wasn't very excited. I had secretly wanted to be in Slytherin. I didn't argue, though. I simply got up and made my way to the table with a gold and red banner above it. Ron and Harry separated, giving me a seat right between them. Ron wrapped an arm around me in an awkward hug, congratulating me for Gryffindor. Hermione gave a slight frown when she saw Ron hug me, and I could instantly tell she was madly in love with Ginger Boy. You could tell just by the way she looked at him.

"Thanks, Ron," I forced a smile for him and began to serve myself some food. I looked up and met the blue-grey eyes of Draco Malfoy. His eyes had a touch of softness in them, but instead of returning a smile, I sent him a mean glare and stuck my tongue out at him, as if I were an angry five year old, making him scowl. I heard a loud laugh from the person next to Draco. I looked over to find Blaise, laughing at us. I stuck my tongue out at him too, this time playfully. He smirked and winked at me.

"Is it true," Ron said. "Did you really run in to a Dementor on the way here?" I looked at him questioningly, wondering how he found out. He noticed my expression and quickly added "Luna told us on the carriage ride to the castle."

"Oh, well yes, I did. It attacked mine and Draco's compartment," I said taking a sip of pumpkin juice. They all scowled at the mention of the tall blond. "What were the Dementors looking for anyway?" they all exchanged a quick look.

"They're looking for Death Eaters," Hermione said after a moment. I leaned in closer, urging her to continue. "After the War, many of the Death Eaters went into hiding. Most of them have been found, but a few of them are still on the loose."

"Don't worry, though," Ron said, giving me a light nudge in the side with his elbow. "They won't get in here, not with Dumbledore and Harry around." I looked at Harry in confusing, but then I saw it. Right above his glasses, just below his hairline, was the world-famous lightning bolt shaped scar. I hadn't noticed it before.

"You're Harry Potter?" I asked. He nodded and gave a small smile.

"I am," he said shyly. I returned my attention to the food on my plate and picked at my food, only taking a few real bites, and listened to Hermione scold Ron for stuffing his face like a fat kid.

Oh, lighten up, I thought, he's a guy for Pete's sake! They all eat like pigs.

I began to tune out their banter, not really caring about Ron's eating habits, until the woman who placed the hat on my head stood up and walked over to the podium.

"Attention," she said in what I thought was a sort of Scottish accent. Hermione leaned forward.

"That's Professor McGonagall. She's our Head of House," She whispered.

"Attention, everyone," she said a bit louder. Everyone one went silent and turned to listen to what the professor had to say. "I trust you all had a pleasant train ride, and a lovely meal." A few people nodded, some grumbled happily. "Before the first years and newcomers receive their tour of the castle, I will announce this year's Head Boy and Girl." Hermione smiled wide and began to fidget in her seat. "This year, you Head Girl will be Hermione Granger." The curly haired girl let out a loud squeal and jumped out of her seat, nearly running to the front of the Hall.

Wow, I thought, rubbing my ear, no worries, it's not like I needed me hearing anyways…

"And your Head Boy will be Draco Malfoy." Slytherins began to cheer and whistle for him. Draco, however, merely rolled his eyes, stood up, shoved his hands in his pockets, and strutted forward. They way he carried himself, I must admit, was totally hot, but that smirk he liked to wear so much was utterly repulsive. "They will lead all prefect meetings and organize the rounds schedules. Now, will all newcomers please stay behind? Second through Seventh Years may go to their common rooms and enjoy their first evening back. There is no curfew tonight. I will see you all in classes tomorrow."

People in the dining hall began to stand up and leave. Only a few kids stayed behind, apart from the abundance of First Years cowering at the front of the room. We were all separated into groups, and each group was given a prefect, or Head, to guide us through the school. I had assumed we would be put in with a prefect from our own house, but boy was I wrong. They grouped me with, the one and only, Draco Malfoy. I reluctantly walked over to him and crossover my arms over my chest.

"I guess I'm stuck with you," I said in an irritate tone. Then, I punched him in the chest. I could tell by how hard his chest was that my fist caused him no pain whatsoever. However, I could tell the hit had slightly bruised his ego.

"What was that for?" he exclaimed.

"Never try anything like that again!" I ordered angrily. I don't take teases very well. He smirked, causing me to make a sound of disgust.

"You know you wanted it," he said confidently. I looked away, blushing. I couldn't deny it, and I knew I was an awful liar. "See? You can't even try to deny the thought." He closed the gap between us and looked into my eyes. My heart began to beat rapidly and I stopped breathing. After composing myself, I placed both of my hands on his chest and brought my face close to his.

"You're right I can't," I said. He grinned triumphantly. Then, without warning, I shoved him away. "You wish…" I quoted him as I turned and walked away. I went straight to McGonagall and requested a new guide. Once she realized I had been in Draco's group, she quickly told me to pick whomever I liked. I walked over to Blaise and hooked my arm through his.

"Guess I'm in your group now," I said to him, sending a glare Draco's way.

"Are you sure?" he said with a smirk. "I believe there are some… others that desire your attention." He gestured behind me. I turned to see Hermione, Ron, and Harry all staring at me with questioning eyes. Ron even mouthed the words 'What are you doing?' to me. I just shrugged and turned back to Blaise.

"I'm sure they'll survive without me," I said nonchalantly, my arm still locked around Blaise's. He didn't seem to mind. I turned my gaze to Draco to find he was staring back at me. I watched the expression on his face. As hard as I tried, I couldn't read it. Blaise tugged lightly on my arm and led me out of the Great Hall, a bunch of 11-year olds scrambled to keep up. He walked us through the entire castle, aside from the Astronomy Tower which was atop a seemingly endless staircase. At the end of our not-so-little tour he stopped and asked if there were any questions. A short blond kid raised his hand.

"I thought Dumbledore was dead," he said.

"Many people did," Blaise answered with a shrug. "Two years ago, Dumbledore, with the help of one Severus Snape, faked his death and went into hiding. After the war was over, he returned and rebuilt Hogwarts." He went on further, but I had tuned him out, thinking about why on Earth the Sorting Hat could've possibly thought I belonged in Gryffindor. I was anything but fearless.

"Alright then, Ravenclaws," Blaise said as we reached a long hall with a staircase at the very end. "Your common room is just up those stairs. If you are as smart as the Hat claims, you should be able to get in easily." He gestured to the stairs and half of the kids left, leaving the cocky ones that were so obviously Slytherins. He then took the rest of us downstairs, and into the dungeons. "If you are a true Slytherin, then you know exactly where to go." He smirked. The rest of the youngsters left with confident looks still plastered on their faces. Finally, he turned to me. "Unfortunately, I have not a single idea where the Gryffindor dormitories are located. However, I know who does."

"By all means, lead the way," I said, gesturing to take the lead. He ascended the stairs and brought me out of the dungeons. He went down a long hallway, to a painting of a green snake with silver eyes and a golden lion with a dark red mane.

"Butterbeer," he told the animals. The bowed their heads and the picture opened into a large sitting area which I assumed to be a common room. Hermione was seated on a red couch, reading the biggest book I had ever seen in my entire life. She wore a Gryffindor t-shirt and gold and red striped pajamas. "Evening, Granger." Blaise greeted as he led me in, taking my hand and helping me into the room. I blushed at the gesture.

And here I thought British boys were only charming in movies…

"Hello Zabini," Hermione said in an uninterested tone, never looking away from her book.

"Hey Hermione," I said. She finally looked up, and smiled when she saw me.

"Hi Imogen," she stood up and gave me a small hug. Why did everybody hug around here? "What brings you here?"

"She needs someone to escort her to the Gryffindor Common Room," Blaise answered for me. Hermione ignored him, still watching me.

"What he said," I told her with a small smile.

"What is she doing here?" someone asked. Malfoy descended the stairs that I assumed led to the bedrooms. He was shirtless, exposing his chest, and wore Slytherin pajama pants.

"Cant a girl come by just to gawk at your body, Draco?" I asked sarcastically, crossing my arms over my chest. Hermione rolled her eyes while Blaise watched in amusement.

"Not when said girl ditches me for my best mate," Draco replied, but he didn't sound sarcastic. He seemed very serious. He walked over to the small kitchenette and began to start the coffee maker.

"Yeah, well I don't appreciate being messed with," I said. Draco snorted.

"Bit hypocritical, don't you think?" he asked, turning around to look at me.

"I only mess with you because you start it," I defended. "If you didn't have to act like such a-"

"Imogen," Hermione called, interrupting my impending tirade. I looked over at her, my anger beginning to fade. "If you're ready, I'll gladly show you to the common room now. Unless you wish to argue with Malfoy like you're a married couple a little longer?"

"Fine, I'm ready," I said with a huff. "Goodnight Blaise." I smiled at the boy, and then scowled as I turned to the blond. "Malfoy…"

"Goodnight to you, too," Draco muttered sarcastically.

"Come on, Hermione," I said, turning and exiting through the portrait hole. Hermione followed me through the door. The picture closed slowly behind her. She led me silently up a set of stairs until she finally broke the silence.

"I told you. That ferret is nothing but a pest," she said annoyed. "You'd think the war would've changed him."

"What do you mean?" I looked at her curiously.

"Well, the Death Eaters that survived the War were all arrested and put on trial at the Ministry. Most of them were found guilty and sent to Azkaban for life, aside from two people. Draco and his mother, Narcissa, were believed to have become Death Eaters against their own will. So they were only put on a sort of probation," She explained.

Draco's a Death Eater? I thought, becoming slightly fearful.

"We had hoped that upon returning to Hogwarts, he would have been… kinder, seeing as his father is no longer around. He was sent to Azkaban with the rest of the Death Eaters. But he's still a git," she growled.

"How so?" I asked, urging her to continue.

"Well, for one, he still tortures Harry," she said still a bit angry. "And he calls me Mudblood…"

I stopped right in my tracks. The term 'Mudblood' was highly offensive in America. If you used it against someone back home, you were asking for a beating, a beating no one would bother to stop. You deserved it.

"He called you that?" I asked, clenching my fists. For the first time in a long time, I was seeing red. She turned to me and nodded. I could see the sadness in her eyes, and I softened my face and unclenched my fists. I put a hand on her shoulder. "If he ever calls you that again, you tell me. I'll be more than happy to damage that pretty little face of his." She giggled.

"I would kill to see that happen!" she cried cheerfully.

She turned and continued down another hallway until we came to a giant room with an uncountable amount of staircases. We stepped onto one and, to my utter surprise, it began to move. Now, being to total klutz I am, I once again, fell flat on my butt. Hermione, being the respectful witch she is, stifled her giggle and helped me up.

"Thanks," I said. We reached to top of the steps and faced a picture of a fat woman, attempting to sing.

"Buckbeak," Hermione told the painting. The woman ignored her, still trying to sing as high as she could. Hermione cleared her throat. "I said 'Buckbeak'." The lady still didn't respond.

"Hey!" I cried at the fat woman, making both her and Hermione jump. "Buckbeak." I told her, assuming this was our password.

"Oh, very well," The fat lady huffed, and the painting opened. We stepped through the portrait hole, and it shut behind us. Laughter and voices boomed from the direction of the common room. Thankfully, no one seemed to notice our sudden appearance except Ron and Harry, who came to greet us. Harry and Ron both pulled Hermione into a hug.

"There's our Head Girl!" A random boy shouted, making everyone cheer while Hermione blushed fiercely. I laughed with Harry and Ron.

"We're about to bring out the Fire Whiskey," Ron said cheerfully, turning to me. "Care to join us?" my smile faded. I had never been good around alcohol.

"No, I don't drink," I said. Ron frowned, but Harry gave me and understanding smile.

"Neither do I; it's against the rules," Hermione interjected. "So if you insist on drinking, wait for me to leave." She ordered. "I don't want to deduct points from my own House." I raised any eyebrow as everybody booed playfully at their Head Girl.

"What are points?" I asked, tilting my head.

"At the end of each year there is something called the House Cup," Harry explained. "We gain points for good behavior, and lose point for bad behavior. The House with the most points by the end of the year wins the House Cup."

"Sounds competitive," I smirked. Harry laughed and nodded.

"It is, especially between the Slytherins and us."

"Do you have something against the Slytherin House?" I asked as my eyebrows furrowed.

"Yes!" about ten boys shouted, their eyes locked on me.

"Why?" I tilted my head.

"Their scum, those snakes," one of them hissed.

"They think they're better wizards than everyone else, just because they're pure-blooded, another said irritated.

"Well, they're not! They cowards; it's pathetic," I dark-skinned boy spat. "I'm Dean by the way." He grinned at me in a creepy way. I don't know why, but it bothered me the way he looked at me.

"Imogen," I introduced myself.

"I know," he said, trying to wink at me. Feeling slightly awkward, I turned to Hermione.

"Do you mind showing me where I sleep?" I asked her.

"Of course not," she smiled and we crossed the room, walking up a staircase. As we topped the stairs, we came to a hallway. We went to the door at the very end of the hall, and entered a bedroom with two full sized beds on the far wall, two nightstands between them, and a dresser in each corner. A third bed stood beside the door; it had a nightstand as well. A third dresser stood on the left wall, beside another door that was closed. I assumed it was a bathroom. Windows lined the wall on our right; in the center was a vanity with a big mirror to do make-up and hair. There were windows seats under each window.

The room itself was lovely, but the colors… I absolutely hated the colors. The stone walls were covered in Gryffindor banners, all of them red and gold. Even the beds were decorated in these colors. I wondered what kind of colors the other Houses had, and if I would've liked them better. I had never liked red, and gold only looked right on jewelry, in my opinion.

"Well, what do you think?" she asked with hopeful eyes.

"It's," I paused think of the right words to say. I settled on "nice." She seemed convinced.

"I'm glad," she beamed. "You will be taking my bed as I now live in the Head Dorms. You'll be sharing this room with my best friend Ginny and Lavender Brown." She made a face when she mentioned the latter girl. We heard voices in the hall and turned towards the door as a red headed girl and a wavy haired blond stepped in.

"Hermione!" the red head squealed. She jumped into Hermione's arms, still squealing. The blond just stood there, staring at me. When the girls pulled away Hermione gave the blond a forced smile, which was reluctantly returned.

"Imogen, this is Ginny," she gestured to the redhead. Ginny smiled brightly and pulled me in to yet another hug. "Ronald's sister."

That explains her hugging me, I thought to myself.

"Pleasure to meet you," she said excitedly.

"Nice to meet you, too," I replied. The blond girl cleared her throat behind Ginny, obviously attempting to get our attention. I raised an eyebrow at her. Hermione made no move to introduce her to me. Instead, she dismissed herself, saying she needed to get to bed.

"That's Lavender," Ginny said, not hiding her displeasure.

"Hello, Lavender," I said politely, wanting nothing more than to be civil.

"Hello," she said, emotionless. She walked over and sat on the bed next to the door. Pink bandanas and cheap-looking jewelry hung all around it. Very girly… Ginny moved to one of the beds across the room. A red quidditch jersey and a broomstick hung above the headboard. I preferred Ginny's sporty style over Lavender's girly style. Ginny and began jumping up and down on her bed like a little girl. "She does that a lot." I heard Lavender grumble. I just smiled at the redhead as she giggled as if she was having the time of her life. The final bed in the room lacked any décor. My luggage sat atop it, my beautiful owl perched on the foot board.

"Hex!" I squealed, holding my arms open wide. It flew into my arms with a screech, and I pulled it in for a gentle hug. Once I let it go, it perched itself on my right shoulder and pecked lightly on my cheek, giving me owl kisses. Hex had been my mother's personal owl. Though father disapproved, she treated the owl as if he were human, and spoiled him. He even ate at the dinner table with us.

"That filthy thing better not poop on my stuff," Lavender grumbled. I turned to her with an intimidating look on my face.

"I'm sorry," I said. "I don't think I heard you right. Want to repeat that?" I glared at her.

"Nothing," she said quickly.

"That's what I thought." Ginny giggled and fell on her knees on the bed.

"Ignore her," Ginny told me. "She's just bitter because Ron chose Hermione over her."

"Ron chose well," I said with a smirk. I pulled out my wand and pointed it at my suitcases, order them to unpack themselves. After my things were unpacked, the empty cases slipped under my bed. "I take it I can decorate my corner however I want?" I asked Ginny.

"Of course you can," She replied with a smiled. I pointed my wand at my corner and closed my eyes, picturing my bedroom back home, and cast the spell. I reopened my eyes to find the bed decorated my bed back home. It was now a dark green comforter with silk, silver sheets. Silver beads hung like a canopy over the bed, and pictures of my family covered the wall above the headboard like a collage. I smiled, put at ease by the familiarity of how it all looked. Hex flew over and settled back onto the footboard.

"I'm amazed that you're not in Slytherin," Lavender said. I turned and furrowed my eyebrows.

"Meaning…?"

"Those are Slytherin colors, Imogen," Ginny replied before Lavender could. "What on earth made you chose them?" I shrugged.

"This is what my bedroom looks like back home," I informed her. "I love these colors together. They complement each other perfectly." She gave me an unsure look, but said nothing more.

"I'm going to bed," Lavender announced, turning off the lights. We were left standing in the dark. Ginny turned on the lamp on her bedside table.

"She does that a lot," Ginny said with an exasperated sigh.

"That's alright, I'm tired too," I admitted. I went over to my dresser and pulled out a black long sleeved T-shirt and a pair of neon green shorts. I took my boots, tights, and skirt off and pulled on the shorts. I set the discarded clothes on my dresser, ready for tomorrow, and sighed, taking off my shirt. I stared shamefully at the scars on my forearm, tracing them absentmindedly.

"Is something the matter?" Ginny asked form behind me.

"No," I said quickly. "I'm fine." I unhooked my bra and slid the t-shirt on, being sure to cover my arms. "Good night." I said to Ginny.

"Good night, Imogen."

I slid into my bed and closed my eyes as Hex came and settled in beside me. I feel asleep petting my dear owl and dreaming of my new home and friends at Hogwarts. Unfortunately, my dreams were focused on a certain, repulsive blond boy.

(A/N) Not as long as my first chapter but it's still a decent size (:

~I plan to have at least one chapter out each week but that might change.Also, my spring break is next week and i will not have internet where i am going. Do not fret, i will still post ASAP.

~I hope you guyz are actually reading my story, and and if you are i hope you review. if i dont feel like my writing is bein read, i stop posting. so let me know (:

Love you guys,

~ICanHearThemToo~