Still, even after my attack, Victoire didn't conversate with me. Madame Pomfrey forced me to stay for the remainder of the two weeks, only allowing Owls swooped in often—from my parents, including Howlers, and my Aunt Hermione fussed over me, demanding why I didn't tell them—her hand writing was always rushed, but still managed to be neat.

When I was let out, it was around January Eighth. The Daily Prophet was near my bedside:

HOGWARTS NOT SAFE?

A teacher—under Polyjuice Potion—was able to be hired as a Potions Professor, under the alias, "Chelsea Chase."

Revealed to be Cho Chang, a Ravenclaw student during Harry Potter's days—famous Auror and defeater of the Dark Lord—and former girlfriend.

She's been apparently working for someone. We're not sure if it is the Dark Lord. She's been caught by a second year student, surprising, really. The second year student was battered, bruised, and cut. Is Hogwarts safe at all? I'll be getting the scoop soon. Meanwhile, tune in on my sister's channel, WWN to find out more.

Written by: Faith Skeeter

Such lies were told! I was only tied up and Stupefied. That's all.

I rubbed at my scar. It was red, and noticeable against my pale skin. Biting my lip, I walked out the Wing, with Madame Pomfrey calling out, "do not forget to take your Blood Circulation potion every Monday!" and I sauntered out.

I stored the Potion away at my robes, and walked off.

A figure loomed to me, and I winced.

"Dom? Are you OK? I was away at the summer—I'm so sorry!"

Mary looked quite pretty. Her hazel eyes were large with concern; her dirty blonde hair was into two large, Dorothy-like braids. She was pursing her lips, and grabbed my shoulder.

"I'm fine," I said softly. "How was your vacation?"

"Fine. I went to New York," She said impatiently. "Tell me what happened!"

So, I launched into a large explanation of what happened; she gasped in a few, listened intently in others, and fell in shock.

"I cannot believe it," She whispered excitedly, tucking a strand of stray hair behind her ear. "So, Cho Chang—I'm sure I've heard of her. She married Theodore Nott, where he was violently murdered? Wasn't a Muggle framed for it?"

I shivered.

"I don't even know," I mumbled. "I'm just great to have you back. Where's Alex?"

"Not sure. Probably snogging Victoire," She said, snorting. The thought made me feel oddly uncomfortable.

The image made me uncomfortable.

"So, are you going back to Hogwarts next year?"

I rubbed my arms together.

"My parents are so bloody protective, I'm not even sure," I said, ignoring the gawks at my chopped off hair, "But I hope I'm home."

Despite my punishment and resentment from my family, I still wanted to smell my mother's vanilla scent, see her chop carrots furiously and slip her silver hair in a bun; I want to see my Dad run his fingers through her long red hair, or fiddle with his earring.

I miss my family.

Mary slapped her head suddenly, and took out a wrapped present.

"Here's a birthday and Christmas present," She chirped.

I slapped my head, too.

"What? I totally forgot about my birthday." I bit my lip, a bit hurt my family didn't send me a gift, but what could I expect? I did something not only stupid, but wrong.

"Thank you, so much," I said softly, glancing out at the windows. It looked like it was a blizzard, the first blizzard of winter.

I didn't expect to find Alex hugging Victoire goodbye. I haven't seen him for months. He's been secluded, only going out to eat and talk to Vic; I wasn't sure if they were a thing or not.

I wasn't disappointed, or sad. I was simply fascinated.

I also couldn't believe I was thirteen and chopped off my hair.

I hugged Minerva goodbye.

"See you next year," I said brightly.

"Goodbye, Miss Weasley—I suspect I'll be calling many others 'Miss Weasley'?" She asked.

"You will," I said, giving her a soft smile.

I boarded the train with Mary, and we managed to find an empty compartment.

I was a bit disappointed I hadn't spoken to Alex for a while. A few months now. But he hasn't been speaking to anyone, really, so it didn't quite affect me as much.

"Owl me every day!" Mary simpered.

"I can't! I'm grounded!" I whimpered, hugging her tightly as I stepped off the train.

"What? You suck," She said, pouting. "I'll see you in two months, then? Perhaps at Diagon Alley?"

"I hope!" I said, sighing. She spotted her parents, waved me goodbye, and walked off.

I sighed, and craned my neck, looking for my parents. Where the heck were they, anyways?

I spotted silver blonde hair, and I grabbed my trunk and my owl cage, sprinting towards my mother.

"Mum," I said shyly, "Hi."

My mother turned around, and saw me. She gave me a stern look.

"Are—are 'ou OK?" she asked me tenderly.

"Yes," I nodded.

"Quelle folie de vous? Tu aurais pu mourir! Ma ans babt douze!"

"Mum—Mum!" I said as she continued to yell, "I'm fine, alright. No bruises. Nothing. I'm fine."

She grabbed me and hugged me tightly. I felt at home—in my mum's arms.

author's note: chapter nine might sound a bit confusing, but it's not. I rewrote it, so reread chapter nine so you'll catch up on chapter ten if anyone of you are confused.

by the way, 1,649 VIEWERS? may not seem a lot, but to me, it is! OMG! Thanks, so much!

REVIEWERS COMMENTS: REPLY:

WhatsTheTimeMrWolf: I know it was unexpected, and I rushed it in a bit. :p But if it's confusing, PLEASEEE reread chapter 9, because I rewrote it because the first draft was so crappy... so I had to reveal CC anyhow, because many of the readers were asking me who she was. :p NOTICE THE INITIALS MATCH: Cho Chang * Chelsea Chase.

EM - Congrats! The comment is quite old, but yep! Tenebris Caede means 'dark murder'!

NicoleTheSmith Awesome! I'm your first story! Well, I fell honoured! Please, if you haven't already, subscribe/follow this story to keep up-to-date on my chapters. Dom is entering third year, which means the dreaded puberty! She'll also be entering the state of crushes, and her Teddy crush will continue! :)