I'd set my alarm clock to six a.m. so I could be sure I'd make breakfast on time. I creaked open my door and peeked out. The hallway was empty. I tiptoed out, the carpet sinking deeply with every step. I knocked on the bathroom door, finding that there was no answer.

I went in to find it empty. I locked it, then turned on the shower, undressing as it grew warm. The water was still a bit chilly, so I washed my hair as quickly as possible. The shampoo was already provided; it smelled of strawberries and the conditioner of oranges.

The soap was a rosy pink and had a fragrance like cherries; I had a feeling that by the time I'd get out, I'd smell like a fruit bowl. After I finished rinsing, I turned off the water and wrapped up in a towel. I walked over to the mirror then brushed out my hair. It'd gotten longer; down past my shoulders. Even I was glad I'd taken out the color; the amber was nice but it didn't bring out my eye color like red did.

I slipped back into my room and found a pair of blue jeans and a plain black T-shirt to wear. I put on a pair of flip-flops that were just visible under my bellbottoms.

"Oclins Dyferno," I whispered, pointing my wand at my head. My hair automatically dried, leaving the locks curly and full. They poured beautifully over my shoulders, making my frame look even smaller than it was.

I sat in front of my dresser that they provided and put on some eyeliner and mascara. I layered on some lip gloss and went out into the living room, only to find Frederic there.

"Morning," he said. "Sleep well?"

"Like an angel," I laughed. "You're lucky I even got up this morning."

He smiled. "Well, come on, let's go to breakfast. I suppose you don't know many people here, and you might get lost so…"

"Well, I did meet Jessica Abercrombie."

He stopped. "You're friends with her?"

"Yes," I replied shortly. "Why? Is there something wrong with that?"

"No!" he automatically uttered, stopping. "She's… amazing. She's the most popular girl in school. Every guy wants to be with her but she only dates a select lucky few."

I shrugged my shoulders. "If you say so. She is a sweetheart though."

"Yeah, right." He snorted.

I raised my eyebrows but didn't say anything else until we reached the Dining Hall.

Jessica was already there. "Sit with me, Ginny."

A few people turned around and looked on, almost enviously.

While we were eating I realized that Jessica's personality was infectious. She always said things like 'I know, right?' and 'oh my gosh.'

"Oh my gosh, I got your schedule for you." Jessica grinned. Tossing her long blonde hair over her shoulder. "We have all the same classes. Convenient, huh?"

"I know, right?" I asked, tilting my head slightly. "Come on, we better get going before we're late."