AN: Hello world, sorry I've taken so long to update this. Life is crazy, and all that jazz. Please review, constructive criticism very appreciated. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, and I am (unfortunately) not J.K. Rowling. Just in case you were wondering…

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It was the next day, and also the day before I went back to Hogwarts. I tossed and turned in my bed until 7:00am, and then threw my covers off. I was so excited to go back and see all of my friends that I had difficulty sleeping the night before. After flipping through my closet for some clothes to wear, I went downstairs for breakfast. Breakfast at my house was always a quiet affair; my father was usually at work by the time I got up, and my mother was usually getting ready to leave. Today, however, was different. My mother and father both saw me off to Diagon Alley, school list in hand.

"See you later!" I called, lacing up my shoes.

"When will you be back?"

"Probably around tea time, mom."

"Alright darling, see you then."

I hated when my mom called me darling. It made me feel like a child.

I donned my hat and left the house. The train ride into London took an hour, and soon I was wandering the bustling stores of Diagon Alley. As I walked, I looked around for people that I knew from school. There were none so far, but it was early.

My first stop was Gringott's bank, to withdraw my allowance for the next school term. I usually visited again during the Christmas break, so I didn't need to take out all of my money. As I entered the bank, I saw a couple of Slytherins in the crowd outside, and once I could have sworn I saw the disgusting blonde head of Draco Malfoy disappearing around the corner.

I just hope they stay clear of me.

The Slytherins, being what they were, harassed me and my entire house, as well as the Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs. I blame it mostly on their parents, namely the ones who are Death Eaters. Sometimes, when I don't want to rip their heads off, I feel sorry for them. It would be horrible to have my parents force me into a certain career… I've always been an independent person, probably because I was an only child.

Well, enough of those morbid thoughts…

I made my way quickly through Gringott's and soon arrived at my parents' vault, number 429. The goblin in the cart with me opened the door, and I stepped into the dark, dusty vault. After coughing from the amount of dust in the air, I filled my bag up with Galleons, Sickles and Newts and left, feeling even more excited to be going back to Hogwarts.

My next stop after Gringott's was Flourish and Blotts. I walked into the store and quickly purchased some new ink, which I desperately needed after so many letters to Cho that I'd written over the summer. Just as I was about to leave the store, I saw the tell-tale signs of a Weasley; red, bushy hair in the midst of a large crowd of witches and wizards.

"Mrs. Weasley!" I called and walked over to where she was standing, drowning in a pile of books, supplies and other things, including, oddly enough, a new broomstick.

"Hello Holly! How was your summer dear?" she asked me while I helped her carry her things.

"It was pretty good. I spent most of my time reading and sending letters to Cho Chang. How was your summer?" I asked while looking around for other members of the family.

"Oh, it was typical. Fred and George are up to even more mischief then they normally are."

"Is that possible?" I asked sceptically. Mrs. Weasley laughed.

"Who's the broom for?" I asked.

"Oh, it's for Ron. He's a prefect!" I could see her practically glowing with pride for her youngest son. I stared at her, fairly confident that my mouth was hanging open.

"Ron? A prefect?" I asked, trying to hide the shock in my voice.

"Oh yes, and Hermione as well." She said happily.

"Wow! Tell them congratulations from me will you?" I asked, still trying to pretend I wasn't completely flabbergasted by the news. Surely Dumbledore would have made Harry a prefect instead of Ron?

"I'd be glad to tell them! I suppose they'll see you at Hogwarts tomorrow?"

"They certainly will Mrs. Weasley." I said, and left her to try and decide which quill she should get for Ginny.

As I lef the shop, I shook my head in confusion. I couldn't believe Ron had been made a prefect. He was the least mature, responsible person that I knew in Gryffindor house! There were many other people who I considered better choices for the position.

On the subject of prefects, I wondered who was chosen in my house, Ravenclaw. It would probably be Anthony Goldstein because of his grades. I was secretly glad that Dumbledore hadn't chosen me for the position of Ravenclaw prefect. Responsibility like that was not something that I wanted, especially this year with my O.W.L.s to study for.

Just then, as I was walking towards Eyelop's Owl Emporium, I collided with someone and stumbled, barely managing not to fall over. I looked at the person who had run into me. It was Draco Malfoy.

Oh wonderful. Just the person I want to see right now. And there's his girlfriend Parkinson, simpering all over him... as usual.

Malfoy had managed to fall over, and was now wiping the dirt from his robes with a cold sneer.

"Watch where you're going, Exbridge." He said, in his I'm-the-Slytherin-god-so-worship-me voice.

I gave him my best glare, and then shoved him out of my way. After he was long gone, I shivered. I wished I would never have to see him again in my life. That wish was unlikely to ever come true.

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Thanks for reading, please review! Hopefully I'll have the next chapter up before too long.

Ciao~