Chapter Seven; What doesn't kill you makes you stronger

I dumped my bag on my bed, looking around me at the dorm. It hadn't changed much in the three years I had been gone, just new perfumes on the side, different shoes on the floor, and a new bed for Dom had been added. Scenes of the past played before my eyes, years of pain and suffering repeating endlessly.

Second Year

I entered the common room carefully, trying to be invisible. I kept my head down and my shoulders hunched, staring at my shoes on the red carpet. As I walked past the sofa I heard a voice call my name, "Arianna." I turned sharply, preparing for the taunts and jeers; but they didn't come. But a girl sat on the sofa, her features in a soft smile. Her name was Roxy. Roxanne Weasley. She was in my year, in my dorm, but didn't participate much in the torture I endured. She was nice, I guess, but she followed her friends and her brother, Fred's example.

"Do you, er, want to sit with me for a bit?" She asked timidly. I somehow didn't think this was a trap, so I replied 'yes' and perched on the sofa next to her, fiddling with my fingers. "I love the way you dress" She stated, "It's so pretty, like a fairytale princess or something." I laughed, and shrugged my shoulders gently, "I guess it's just part of who I am." She smiled at me, and then a strange expression came over her face, "Listen, Arianna," She began,

"-...

"Roxy!" Came a cry. I turned and stiffened, Fred and James. She jumped and looked guilty, "Fred! James!" She exclaimed, "I was just-"

"-Leaving." Declared Fred,

"Amy's waiting for you outside the portrait hole," Continued James. Roxy stood up, and at first looked like she was going to say something, but after meeting Fred's gaze, stopped, and turned to leave. She turned back once more and opened her mouth, but thought better of it and left.

I sat nervously on the sofa, James and Fred towering over me. Fred's glare, sharp, James's quizzical. I bit my lip and get up, but Fred pushed my shoulders back down angrily.

"Listen," He began, "I don't want you to go anywhere near Roxy, do you get me."

I was going to point out that this would be impossible as we shared a dorm, but thought better of it, and nodded my head.

"Good." He replied sharply, "I don't want you to infect her with your freakiness."

They turned and went up to the boy's dorms. Leaving me on the sofa, alone. Again.

The dorm door burst open, bringing me back to reality. Dom waltzed in, looking perfect, as usual. I smiled, remembering. I 'm not alone any more.

"Why are you smiling like that?" Asked Dom, "I'm not that strange!" She stomped her foot.

"No," I laughed, "I was just...remembering something."

"Well, okay then." She replied. She plopped herself down on her bed, and I sat on mine, facing her.

"Did you see the looks we got?" She laughed; "My family's faces, now that the traitor Dom has invaded there castle" She posed, pouting her lips. I laughed at her and she smiled gently. We both knew this wouldn't be easy, but we could get through it. Together.

I woke, blinking in the slight light. It was morning, and the daily rush to get ready for school had begun. I slid out of bed and stretched, ignoring the stares for my old dorm mates. I nudged Dom awake and headed for the bathroom.

I showered quickly, washing my long hair carefully. I stepped out and slid on the Hogwarts uniform, grimacing at the sight. I dried my hair with a flick of my wand, evening out the curls with another. I quickly flicked on a layer of mascara and a dab of Vaseline. I turned to leave, but stopped, catching myself in the full-length mirror. A very different sight greeted me to what I had seen in the same mirror in past years. I saw a girl, happier and healthier. Her pale skin aglow and green eyes sparkling. I smiled at the image, noting how the Hogwarts uniform, regrettably, suited me. The black contrasted with my pale skin and made my hair shine in its curls.

I was different, confident, and happy.

And, they were going to regret everything they did to me.


Another chapter complete! Bam! I was previously planning some confrontations with some old fellows this chapter, but I really wanted everyone to get feel of both her past, and what she's like now. So, yeah, I hoped you liked it! Thank you as always to all my Amazing, Fabalicious Reviewers. You rock guys!

Enjoy, and review!

Chloe. XXXXX