Despite her, less than favourable, start to Hogwarts, the rest of Hayley's first week was rather enjoyable.

Although there were a few stares and mutterings about the "long last Black" that she had to endure, she found it easy to ignore them because she always had her group of friends, and in particular, Ginny around her.

She also loved most of her classes, and excelled in Transfiguration most of all. She found herself grinning broadly everytime she thought of Professor McGonagall's praise when she tranfromed her hedgehog into a pincushion on her first try.

"You know, I've only ever seen one other 4th year student complete that spell first time. Troublesome boy, gave me nothing but trouble during his time here, but he was without a doubt gifted in transfiguration, as it appears you are. In fact, now that I recall this, I think that you may be distantly related" she smiled warmly at Hayley then, who knew precisely about whom she was speaking, and said "A fine job Miss Black, 5 points to Gryffindor."

She loved Charms too, and found herself writing at least a foot and a half more than was required for her essay on shrinking charms.

She couldn't honestly say that she loved every class though. History of Magic was frightfully dull, but luckily Hayley had managed to get a seat at the back of the classroom with Ginny, Summer and Quin, so the 4 of them mainly spent those lessons chatting at the back of the room. For all his faults as a ghost and a professor, Bins didn't seem to give a hoot as to whether his students listened or even learnt anything at all during his lessons, which suited Hayley and her friends just fine.

In addition to History of Magic, there were a couple of other classes that severely disappointed Hayley.

Potions had always been one of her favourite subjects. Hayley had been assisting her mum with brewing since she was 6 or 7 and making her own potions without supervision since she was 10, so it was of great surprise to her when Professor Snape wasted no time in pointing out her numerous faults, taunting her about how her year's of missed schooling had obviously placed her miles behind the rest of the class and that he ought to make her attend classes with the first year's.

Ginny lost them 10 house points when she finally retaliated; "If Hayley's skills are so subpar, Sir, then how is it she's just brewed a perfectly fine Babbling Beverage? I bet you can't find one single thing wrong with it, can you?"

Though the Professor wasted no time in berating Ginny and taking house points for her "childish outburst and blatent lack of respect", Hayley did not miss that fact the he did not point out any faults with her potion. Though, following on from her meeting with him a few days prior, she stopped herself from pointing this out, determined as she was not to give this Professor any reasons to hate her more than he already did. She didn't think she could bare their weekly "mind magic" meetings to be as horrid as the first.

The other class which Hayley had been looking forward to, but now practically dreaded, was Defence Against the Dark Arts. Everyone despised the new "Professor." If you could even call her that.

For Umbridge was, in Hayley's opinion, the least and worst likely candidate to teach defence in the entire magical word. Though for the most part, as long as Hayley kept her head down and read the chapters of that stupid book as ordered, the class passed without incidence for her.

The same couldn't be said for Harry. Hayley had heard (from Ginny, who was of course completely outraged on his behalf) about how Harry shouted at Unbridge during his first lesson and received detention for telling the tale about Voldemort coming back from the dead (or whatever it was that he had returned form, the exact details still confused Hayley slightly) and how Cedric Diggory was killed.

Despite her misgivings about Harry, Hayley couldn't help being a little gleeful when she heard about someone standing up to that horrid toad. She also felt a little bad for her treatment of him in the summer after learning about what he had been through not too long before.

She didn't quite have it in her to apologise though, and since Harry had been rather cold to her since her little outburst on the train, she settled for just avoiding him and whenever her feelings of guilt felt particularly overwhelming, she remembered how she felt seeing him and her dad together in the summer when she herself had needed her dad desperately.

The memory still made her angry and resentful, and helped forget the fact that Harry, might not actually be that rotton of a person.

All in all, Hayley was in a brilliant mood as she enjoyed a walk around the school grounds after her Friday classes were finished. She was joined by Ginny, Summer and Quin who were trying to teach Hayley the best routes and shortcuts to various places, a task that was only serving to confuse Hayley so much that she resolved to - as much as possible - avoid wondering around this ginormous castle by herself.

She was pulled out of her musing by the sudden arrival of 3 boys. A stocky dark haired boy, a strikingly good looking boy with shoulder length black hair and a very tall boy with blonde hair and dark blue eyes. All three boys were clad in Ravenclaw robes with the blonde one also sporting a shiny prefect badge. 5th years then, Hayley summised.

Hayley instinctively felt her nerves grow at the new arrival. Whereas, in complete contrast, Ginny and Summer seemed to almost grow taller at the arrival of the boys, both of them sporting big smiles and with Summer saying confidently "About time you boys came to say hello".

Even Quin, whom Hayley could usually count on to not be quite so boy obsessed as her other friends, was smiling widly at the new arrival, giving Hayley the distinct impression that she too, welcomed the new company.

"Sorry girls, it's been a busy week" answered the tall stocky one, flashing them a wink. All three girls burst into simultaneous giggles at the gesture, causing Hayley to jump and then promptly blush as the boys switched their attention onto her.

"Ahh, yes" said the handsome one, "Hayley Black I presume?"

Hayley let out a week little nod. Willing her face to resume to its natural colour. It did not oblige.

"Thought so" continued the boy, "overheard Padma telling a few girls about the lost pureblood announcement. Caused a bit of a stir over the summer apparently".

"Oh, really? " Hayley replied, with what she hoped was a notchulent tone "People must have had pretty boring summers, if that's all they had to talk about"

"I dunno" said the stocky boy cheekily, tilting his head to the side and giving Hayley a quick glance up and down - which she did not miss - "You seem pretty interesting to me."

"Leave her be Terry!" said Ginny giving him a shove which he returned playfully, causing the girl to squel in apparent delight. Hayley watched in disbelief - was this how you're supposed to act around boys - overcome with delight and giggling perfously at any attention that they gave you?

"I agree" spoke up the blonde boy finally in a soft tone, though he too had a small smirk on his face. "Wouldn't the polite thing be to introduce ourselves, properly, to the newest member of the Gryffindor group?"

He turned to Hayley and said with a smile "Anthony Goldstien, prefect of Ravenclaw. Pleasure to meet you, Hayley"

Hayley smiled polity back. "Hi Ant-"

"Terry Boot. Master of all things magical and marvellous, and your humble servant!" Exclaimed the stocky boy suddenly, bowing his head in a very dramatic fashion.

Hayley's eyebrows raised, and she looked around at the girls, who were wearing very impassive expressions.

"And I, am the one, the only, Michael Corner" said the handsome boy, dropping to his knees and placing his hand and head on the floor as if in prayer. "Please accept my deepest apologies if I have offended my lady and allow me to aquit myself in any way possible". He looked back up at that and sent Hayley a very disarming crooked smile.

"Errrr..." Hayley trailed off awkwardly.

The group all bust out laughing and Hayley herself couldnt help join in when she realised the boys were just being silly. "Prats" Hayley said, good naturdly. Feeling her tension ease, if only slightly.

The boys plonked themselves down on the grass and Hayley's three friends promptly followed, though slightly more gracefully. After a beat, in which she tripped on a rock and cursed herself for being so awkward, Hayley followed.

The 7 of them began exchanging stories about their summers, with Hayley become increasingly nervous as she realised that she too would be called upon to share her story. Somehow she didn't think that "dead mother and mass murderer father" tales would make her seem like a nice normal girl to to group.

Miraculously, Hayley was spared her story, as when Terry did turn to her and opened his mouth to speak, Ginny spoke up suddenly.

"So, Terry, how was your Herbology exam last year? I remember you freaking out about it at the end of term."

Hayley felt another rush of affection for her friend. Instantly forgiving her for her strange behaviour at the arrival of the opposite sex. Ginny sent her a quick and understanding smile, before turning back to the dark haired boy.

"Urgh, it was gastly!" moaned Terry. "Scraped an A by some miracle, but I've got to turn it around around this year. You've got to get at least an E in your OWLs if you want to be a Healer..."

"Well" said Ginny with a misterious wiggle of her eyebrows "Quin here got the highest mark in our year in Herbology, and I'm sure she would be willing to, help you study".

"Really?" said Terry "That would be awesome?"

"Yes, of course" replied Quin "We can arrange to meet later in the week, privately"

Hayley's eyes widened slightly at that. It appeared Quin was not as shy as Hayley had originally thought.

"Speaking of private meetings" said Michael, turning his attention to Ginny, who imeediatly look up at him expectantly, "I think its time I let you make up to me the fact that you let me down for the Yule Ball last year"

"Oh, and how do you suppose I do that?" said Ginny with a decisive challenging tone in her voice.

"By going out with me this year, of course" said Michael without missing a beat.

Ginny simply laughed and replied "We'll see".

"ohhh rejected again Mike!" laughed Anthony, grabbing the hood of his friends robes and yanking it over his head playfully.

"You're one to talk Ant" said Terry "didn't you spend the entire summer pining after Mandy dumped you?"

"Whatever" said Anthony, though Hayley noticed that he did look put out by the change in topic. "I'm over it"

"You know, what really helps you get over a break up" spoke up Summer helpfully, looking up at him through her thick eyelashes, "Moving on..."

"Yeah, maybe" said Anthony and to Hayley's surprise he glanced her way. Her heart quickened and she quickly looked out towards the great lake under the pretence that she hadn't noticed.

"Maybe, if you're free at the weekend..." Summer continued relentlessly

"Mmm" said Anthony "Yeah I guess the group of us could do something"

Hayley continued to pretend that the lake was the most fascinating thing to stare at, only turning back to the group she was sure the boy had looked away. She glanced toward Summer, who was visibly deflated because the boy clearly had missed, or ignored, her advances.

After an awkward few more moments, Terry faked a stretch and stood. "Well, it's bloody freezing out here, would you ladies like us to walk you back inside?"

A short while later the girls bid the boys goodbye in the Entrance Hall, and Hayley felt herself relax, barely listening, as the other 3 girls went into total gossip mode analysing the evening's events as they headed back to their common room.

"I probably will get with Michael eventually" Ginny was musing "But I can't make it too easy now can I?"

"Just what is Anthony's problem?" Summer was complaining. "I've been making my interest clear for since last year"

"You know, he's always had a thing for Mandy. Their families are close and he was devastated when she told him she just wanted to be friends..." Quin was saying consolingly. "I'm sure he'll realise how great you are soon enough"

"Well he better, and soon, I don't want to be a sad looser with no love life!"

Hayley focused in on the conversation, when she realised that all 3 girls were looking at her. Oh, she realised after a moment, since she clearly had no love life, Summer's remark should have offended her.

"Hayley, I'm sorry - " Summer began,

"She didn't mean you-" Quin was chipping in helpfully,

"We'll definitely find someone for you too" Ginny was saying,

"Please, don't worry about it" Hayley spoke over them all. "I have zero interest in boys right now" At the girls dubious faces she stressed, "honestly!"

But as she lay in bed later that night, she started to doubt her own words. What would it be like to have a boyfriend? In her life so far she had been denied so many normal things. Wouldn't it be nice to be just like the other girls her age, in this respect at least?

She recalled her reaction when Michael had smiled up at her, and when Anthony had glanced her way and knew she couldn't truthfully tell herself that she wasn't interested in boys. The problem was, she realised, that she had absolutely no idea how to act around them.

The next morning Hayley got dressed and left the dormitory whilst the other girls were still asleep. She knew her friends were planning to hang around with the Ravenclaw boys again and, while she worked out how she felt about the situation and about boys in general she figured she would just avoid the group all together.

She left a little note for Ginny, telling her she was going to spend her morning sending some letters and catching up on her homework.

Fast forward an hour and a half and Hayley finally found her way to the Owlrey. Honestly, did they have to make this place so confusing to navigate?!

After finding herself a comfy spot, she composed her letter.

Dear Dad,

Where to begin?

I still can't believe I'm finally here, Hogwarts is everything I ever dreamed of, and more.

I'm enjoying most of my classes, completely overtaking your reputation as the best student in Transfiguration. Sorry. I do hope you're not attached it. :)

Some classes are rotton. Defence is a nightmare, this Umbridge women is clearly insane. And obviously any classes that involve Snape are just amazing. Not. But you'll be pleased to know that the - other stuff - he's helping me with has all been fine so far. Honestly, I don't think I need to meet with him weekly. Do you think you could convince Dumbledore to change them to monthly? Or 6 montly? Or never? Preferably never.

Also...

Hayley paused there. She wanted to convide in her dad, and if there was her mum she was writing to she knew she would be asking for her advice about the boy situation. But the thought of telling her dad made her cringe, she couldn't talk to him about boys...so with a shake of her head, she changed the direction of her letter.

Also, I am really missing you. I hope you're okay and I'm looking forward to spending Christmas with you. Do you think Kreacher would be willing to decorate the house?

Please write back soon,

Your daughter,

Hayley.

The rest of the day passed by pretty uneventfully. Hayley spent most of it in the library where she was joined by Luna. Though the company of the other girl hindered more than helped the progress of Hayley's work as she couldn't help but get drawn into the other girls fascinating beliefs and eccentric ways. At one point they must have spent over an hour talking about the apparent existence of Dabberblimps.

Hours later Hayley joined her friends back in the common room, and listened with delight as the 3 girls told Hayley all about their day. Ginny had kissed Michael although "not properly" (Hayley had pretended to know what that meant) . Quin and Terry had went on a walk together and "spoke for an hour about his ambitions to become a Healer". Even Summer said that she had made good progress with Anthony, getting "at least one genuine laugh from him".

"He did ask where you were today though" said Summer, eyeing Hayley carefully.

"Oh?" said Hayley, feeling her face starting to blush again. For the love of merlin - what was wrong with her?

"Mmm" said Summer, seeming less than pleased by her reaction.

"All the boys were curious about where she and about her in general. She is the new girl Summer" piped up Ginny. Coming to Hayley's rescue once again.

"Yes" said Summer. "It really is a pity that there isn't another friend there. You know, someone for you"

Hayley caught her meaning perfectly clear. Summer had dibs on Anthony.

Taking a deep breath, Hayley answered. "Well, like I said yesterday, I'm not interest in boys right now".

The lie sounded less convincing today. Even Hayley heard it in her own voice.

Thankfully, she was saved form Summer's reponse by an Owl tapping the common room window. The same Owl Hayley had sent to her dad that morning!

Jumping up, Hayley ran to the window allowing the Owl to fly into the room and give her the letter. Upon seeing her dad's writing on the envelope, Hayley quickly bid her friends a goodnight and ran up to her dormitory bed.

Her dad's response read:

Hayley,

It is so wonderful to hear from you.

I'm glad you're enjoying school. Hogwarts were among the best years of my life and I hope they bring you many great, but safe, adventures too.

Good luck trying to surpass me in Transfiguration. You may be good, but no one is that good. Except yours truly.

I will put in a word with Dumbledoore about your lessons with Snape, but I think you should prepare yourself for the fact that you will be seeing him regularly for the time being. A fact which bestows me with the greatest sympathy for you - just remember to tell me if you gives you a hard time and I'll give that ginormous nose a smack next time I see it.

On a related note, I've heard reports that you've already had a run in with Malfoy's son. You'll be wise to steer clear of him Hayley. That boy is bound for trouble and with his families "associations" I don't want you mixed up with his lot at all.

Though I must confess I am proud that you don't appear the least bit interested in consorting with him, given old Snape's report on the language you were using.

Next time, I find that a classic Flipendo jinx works just as well to make one's position of disinterest clear.

(Remus is here with me, and he's insisting that I must add that the above is a joke and that you are not to jinx any fellow students, no matter how rotton they are) .

I am missing you too my dear daughter, and I look forward to more letters from you - when you can find a moment between all your classes and, hopefully, all of your fun.

Love,

Dad

P. S - just in case our letter are intercepted, you're supposed to call me Snuffles, not dad, but just this once, we'll break the rules!

P. S. S - Remus has also asked me to point out that there is never "just this once" when it comes to me breaking the rules and that you're not to follow in my footsteps.

Do be sure it ignore him though - That's my girl!

Hayley was chuckling heartedly as she re-read the letter for the third time. Relishing the thought that, at this exact moment, she was a perfectly normal witch at Hogwarts, receiving a loving letter from family back at home.