January 2nd, 1994. Sunday.

Selena waved goodbye to her parents as the Hogwarts Express edged its way out of King's Cross Station. The whistle squealed shrilly, piercing the chatter of students cramped by the windows. As soon as the crowd on Platform Nine and Three-Quarters was out of sight, Selena broke apart and headed to an empty compartment she'd already seen.

Smoothing her hair behind an ear, she sat down on a cushioned seat. The bulge in her blue jumper's pocket was none other than the crumpled letter from Annabeth Black that Selena had read and reread over and over again. She'd even stayed up until four in the morning, soaking up the words.

Her eyes drooped a bit as she took the letter out again. Annabeth had said not to tell anyone, and that if she did, her life could be... well, gone. Selena had only told Kellie, Hazel, and Renee... A shot of guilt went through the young girl's stomach. They wouldn't tell, right?

She uncrumpled the worn letter and began to read it again for the sixty-seventh time. Yes. She had been counting. Selena found herself getting more tired and a bit more worried with every inky word. Finally, the letter slipped from her hand and floated to the carpeted floor as she laid down on the seat cushion, and then the world was gone.

2 Hours Later

"Is she awake?" a voice whispered.

"Does she look like she's awake?" said another.

There was a long pause. "She looks dead."

"She's not dead. Hey, could we wake her up?" asked a third voice.

"Maybe we shouldn't. What if she's still mad?"

"Well, we should settle this."

"Why not leave a note?"

"Fine."

"I'll write it."

"Wait, where's the parchment?"

"In the compartment. Ugh. Let's go back and get it."

There were footsteps followed the click of the door shutting. Selena groggily cracked an eye open and found no one else in the cabin anymore. The voices had sounded familiar. It didn't take long for sleep to wear off and a trio of faces to come to mind.

15 Minutes Later

Selena started, hearing the handle on the compartment door shift. She tossed her book to the ground without a second thought, lying down on the seat. Her eyes shut just as she heard the door open, three pairs of feet shuffling in.

"Good. She's still asleep."

"I'm tired. Let's leave the note, and then let's leave!"

There was a light rustle of parchment.

"There. Let's go."

The door clicked again and Selena peeked an eye open. No one was there. Gingerly, she retrieved her book, sitting up. On the opposite bench, sitting on the soft cushion, was a small slip of blue paper with gold lining. Selena slowly picked it up, looking at the words scrawled in flowery pencil:

You may be mad at us, or you might not, but we just wanted to protect you. Sorry if we acted poorly, but... there are just some things about Damon Griffin you don't know. All of us just wanted to tell you like it is. Not trying to say, 'Oh... He's not nice." or 'You just can't be sure...' Nope. We're sorry that you are cross with us. Truly, we are... Just know that we're not... I don't know... evil! But, some things shouldn't be said out loud. One thing that we're sorry for is acting like control freaks. We know that you think he's your friend, we know that you are a great friend to everyone, and we know that you're a supporter of honesty between friends. Also, that you love thinking of people in every way positively... So when we get back to Hogwarts, we'll talk to you. So, also, you do realize this, and we all hope that you completely have our apologies. And that you know. Remember who you are. Don't let Damon change that. Or be angry with us for saying that. Remember. Remember who! Who you are. And remember to always read between the lines.
Your true friends,
Wendy, Alisson & Tess.

Selena reread the note. She couldn't feel much besides sadness, but another stab of guilt persisted. Her friends probably thought she hated them. But, the note was strange, with lots of underlines under certain words. Selena sighed, too absorbed in thinking about Annabeth's letter, and tucked the note into her book. Refusing to look at either message again, she grabbed her burlap bag and walked out of the compartment to change.

1 Hour Later

Selena had gotten off the train quickly, and left up to the castle. She could hear Wendy calling to her from behind, but she ran and continued through the falling white snow, accidentally knocking into a blonde Third Year boy.

"Watch it!" he growled, picking up his bag.

Selena called an apology, but kept running, and only then did she realize that she had just slammed into Draco Malfoy, her shoulder burning where she'd hit him. Still, not caring enough to stop, she hurried up into Hogwarts Castle until most of the other students were so small they looked like black-robed ants.

Tearing up the changing staircases, past the Fat Lady, and into the Gryffindor Common Room, Selena finally stopped to catch her breath.

Then the single worst thing that could happen... happened.

"Selena!"

The First Year whipped around, still panting, clutching a hand to her heart in surprise.

Sitting on the dormitory steps with a glum face was Annabeth Black.

Selena turned and tried to run, but couldn't. Annabeth had already grabbed her arm like a vice and wouldn't let go.

Annabeth turned Selena towards her, blue eyes blazing. "We need to talk."

Okay, sorry for taking so long to update. I promise, too, that the next chapter will be the best on next!

Also, I have a new story! It's called Roses & Stars

I think you all would like it! So, you can check that out.

Also, take the poll.

Thanks for reading and please review! Also, I will make the next chapter 5th chapter.

Well, homework calls! Bye!

~Meghan