FACADE

DISCLAIMER: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended. Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

SUMMERY: "I put on a mask just so they will think it is me. I am not who I used to be, or that is what they say."

"No flaws when you're pretending

But now I know she

Never was and never will be

You don't know how you've betrayed me

And somehow you've got everybody fooled

Without the mask where will you be"

-Evanescence

I put on a mask just so they will think it is me. I am not who I used to be, or that is what my closest friends say. They tell me that I have changed, subtly, but changed nonetheless. I guess that is true. I am no longer a child but now a young woman, but do not we all go through such a change? Perhaps they mean in personality and my idiosyncrasies. Perhaps I have changed. Then again, I am no longer a little girl.

Some wonder how I made it at all through my third year at Hogwarts, School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I survived. Still, they wonder. They do not understand. And then they scoff because they are afraid. And people wonder why I act the way I do. I am not shy; I am just anti-social.

Then he grabbed my arm.

"What happened to your arm," he questioned me, pulling up my sleeve further to look at my crimson stripes. He appeared concerned but I knew he was not.

I tugged my sleeve down and continued walking towards the school's entrance so we could resume in our trip to the village, Hogsmeade. "You know how Crookshanks is," I lied, cradling my arm.

He looked skeptical but thankfully did not pursue the subject.

The trip was uneventful like it has become these past years. Yet is was always an enjoyable break from the routine of schooling that is rendered upon us.

I could not wait to get away from the boys. I love them to death but I needed to be by myself after such a trip.

I loved being Head Girl. My own room; just for me to hide in.

I glanced at Crookshanks who was asleep on my bed. He was more than a pet. He was my companion through the journey of this school. He was my friend (in an odd sort of way), my comforter, my scapegoat.

I opened my window and let the cool breeze flutter in. I watched the curtains wave their wind-guided hands at me for a moment.

I silently crossed my room and unlocked my First Aid kit that was certainly equivocal. The cool needle felt wonderful against my burning flesh. This was my sweet release.