Chapter 6 - I was in love

Professor Snape gave me a look. I gulped. Please don't give me detention for not turning up yesterday, I pleaded in my mind.

"Why weren't you in class yesterday, Chang?" he asked sharply.

I jumped, for I was still lost in my thoughts. I didn't know how to reply to his question. "I... I..."

"We cut your class to go to Hogsmeade yesterday," someone called.

MARCUS FLINT.

Professor Snape turned his head slowly and gave his student a raise of his eyebrow. "Is that so, Miss Chang?" I started to open my mouth to reply, but he cut me off. "Detention, Chang and Flint, tomorrow." He gave me and Marcus a last look before continuing the class.

"There will be no practical today," he announced, much to the relief of the class. Everyone was glad that he wouldn't be able to deduct points from their own house. "However-" Our smiles wilted. "-A surprise test."

I groaned along with the class. Snape targeted me right away. "Do you have anything to add, Miss Chang?"

"No," I muttered.

He continued as if I had not said a thing. "I will allow you to do in pairs for this test - but - only with the other house. And since Flint and Chang went off for a 'date' yesterday, I shall be generous and let the both of you be pairs."

My jaw dropped. I shook my head violently. "No way!" I exclaimed. "Please, Snape, you can't do this-"

"Professor Snape," he corrected flatly. "Five points from Ravenclaw for your impoliteness. Please move over to your partner, Miss Chang."

I stood up so fast and so furiously that my chair fell over.

"Another five points for that noise."

Marcus glanced at me once I reached his table before looking back to the paper Snape had given us.

I sat as far as I could without my paper actually off his table.

"I'm sorry."

The sentence came so quietly and so unexpected, I blinked confusedly. "Did you say something?" I questioned with mild irritation. He repeated his apology again and this time I raised my eyebrow and felt his forehead. "Are you running a fever?"

"Just because I'm a Slytherin doesn't mean I don't do apologies," he retorted dryly. I even managed a smile at him. I must be going nuts.

McGonagall called for attention. Every student, including me (reluctantly that is), looked up from our dinner and at our Headmaster.

"As you all know," he began. "That we have some exchange students joining us in two days. The professors and I have decided to hold a performance to... welcome them." Professor Dumbledore paused and nodded at our Muggle Studies professor to continue.

"This performance," he said nervously, looking from his notes. "Will be musical themed. There will be auditions held tomorrow for students who wishes to play a musical instrument at the performance..."

The professor droned on but I didn't hear the rest. "Hmm..." I mused. "Musical performance huh..."

That night, when all the prefects have fallen asleep, I searched my whole dormitory for an instrument. I came across a guitar and raised my eyebrow. What a perfect coincidence that this Chang Ling plays the same instrument that I do in the real world.

I got the guitar out of my closet and walked down the stairs from the dormitory to the common room, examining the guitar. It was in a better shape than the one I own at home. Suddenly my eyes were filled with tears. Home... I wonder when I can go back. I hadn't realised I missed everyone so much that my heart aches. I sighed deeply and started off my strumming after I placed a silencing charm so as not to disturb the other prefects.

Little did I know one of them weren't sleeping at all, and was in fact, watching me.

[A][N]

In the next chapter... Detention with Marcus. Sigh. Quidditch match: Slytherin VS Gryffindor. Double sigh.

Big shock! Everyone missed me? =) Sorry for not updating for centuries. I can't believe I spent so much time on this fic. Gah... Remember to review at the end of the chappie!