Chapter 1:
Changes
Walking past the Muggles I continued navigating my cart through the crowd. Looking ahead I started jogging and I closed my eyes. Even though this would be my fifth year at Hogwarts I had never gotten used to running through a brick wall.
I opened my eyes as I heard the sound of a train. Looking up I saw the Hogwarts Express and the red train gleamed brightly. All around me, families were kissing and hugging each other goodbye as their children prepared for a long school year.
My dad was too emotional to get near Hogwarts so he had dropped you off at the train station. Quickly I hurried toward the train feeling stares boring into my back. Finally reaching my compartment I sat down next to Jenna.
"Hey Dylan!" she said brightly giving me a hug which I returned.
"Hi, Jen." I said a little less enthusiastic. As I settled in, she starting catching me up on the latest gossip, something I really didn't care about. Reaching down I rummaged through my bag and pulled out a book I was reading earlier.
"Okay so far I've seen five hot seventh years in Ravenclaw. Obvios-" she started but then stopped abruptly and stared at me in concern.
"What?" I asked worriedly.
"Did you just take a book out your bag!?" she asked.
"Oh yeah, I started reading over the summer." I shrugged.
"Wow, you've really…never mind. Anyway look at him! He had long curly hair last year but he looks cuter with it cut." she continued talking.
I opened my book continuing on page five hundred. Cedric had always told me that Hogwarts A History was a good book, and he was right. I can't believe that I haven't gotten into readin-
"Are you listening to me?!" Jenna exclaimed interrupting my thoughts.
"Yeah he's cute." I said guessing she was talking about a boy.
"Cute!? You think that having a new DADA teacher is cute?" she said knowing I had no idea what she was talking about.
"Anyway I heard she was from the Ministry, you know she'll be super strict." she continued and I nodded like I actually cared.
"I'm going to go change." I mumbled putting the book down.
"Hogwarts A History? Really Dylan? What are you, turning into the next Granger? As if we need another one of those walking-" I cut her off by slamming the door.
For some reason Jenna was really annoying me. She hasn't changed though, she's acting like she has for the past four years that I've known her. Obviously it was me. Was I losing my fun side?
Trudging through the train I passed at least five of my other friends, none who wanted to say hi. Was I unapproachable know because my brother died?
Suddenly I felt myself trip over some luggage in the middle of the small train hallway. Falling forward you fell on Hermione Granger.
"Damn luggage!" I said getting up.
"Sorry about that." I said awkwardly, I had never been friends with her. Hell, I never talk to her unless I need to borrow a quill or some parchment.
"Um, it's fine." she said and for a few seconds the two of you stood awkwardly in the hall.
"Well I better get changed." I said breaking the silence.
"Okay, see you around." she replied.
Finally I made it to the changing place. It was a small room with a few dressing rooms and a few vanities's lined across the wall.
I was almost done putting on my Hufflepuff tie I heard some girls say my name.
"I know! She looks so dead, I mean seriously she was wearing some ratty Quidditch jersey. What happened to the skirts and tank tops she wore last year?" the girl giggled with her friend.
"Have you seen her face! She looks as pale as a ghost." one of them said.
Glaring coldly you walked out the room and looked at the two Ravenclaws, they looked like third years.
"I-I-I, um hi Dylan. Your new h-h-aircut looks nice." a blonde girl stuttered scared. I continued glaring and they scampered away.
Sighing you looked into a mirror on the wall pushing your bangs out your face. I did look paler than before. Usually I spent summers tanning at a beach, but this year I was indoors reading.
I guess my wardrobe had a change. Last year I wore girly and fashionable clothes. Now, the only things packed in my suitcase were sweatshirts, jeans, and tracksuits.
Shaking my head I walked out and headed back toward Jenna. She had changed in the compartment and was now brushing her already straight hair.
She looked up and smiled. Getting up she twirled around and posed like a model.
"What do you think?" she asked and I figured she was implying her outfit.
She had on stockings and a sexy pair of heels. Her shirt had a few buttons undone at the bottom and top so you could see some of her stomach and her cleavage.
"Mine grew over the summer. I look hot right?!" she shrieked jumping up and down.
"You look like a slut." I said point blank.
"Really, that's what I was going for. It's totally what all the guys like." she smiled and my eyes widened. Okay, maybe it wasn't just me who had changed.
The rest of the ride was silent and when the train stopped we helped each other pull our bags down.
The night air hit my face as I walked toward the carriages.
"Wow, how come I didn't see Harry earlier?" Jenna stopped and starting staring at Harry.
"Because we hate them?" I said reminding her of last year. Every Hufflepuff had been mad at Harry for stealing our house's moment to shine.
"Oh come on, give him a break." Jenna said and started pulling me toward them.
"No! I'm not sitting with them."
"Hey guys, is this one full?"she asked completely ignoring me.
"Are you serious?" I mumbled so only she could hear.
"Um, no. Not at all." Ron responded and I noticed he was as red as his hair. Following his stare I rolled my eyes. He was practically drooling looking at Jenna's chest. Taking off my cardigan I threw it over her and she glared.
Sitting down I saw the regular trio and Neville. In the corner Hermione and Harry were whispering frantically about something.
"I'm telling you something's pulling the cart." I heard him say.
I almost snorted in laughter but chose a sly smile. Glancing at Jenna you saw she overheard them too.
"Still love the psycho." I mouthed silently to her.
She rolled her eyes and tried to start a conversation.
"So how was everybody's summer?"
I rolled my eyes and leaned by her ear.
"You know he was in the paper all summer being called the Boy Who Lied." I whispered silently and she sucked her cheeks in. That was a habit she had whenever she got nervous.
"Fine." Harry relied bitterly.
"Good." Hermione and Ron said at the same time.
"Mine was good too! This new plant..." he started but I had stopped listening after hearing plant.
Looking out the window the castle glowed in the night. You had always been captivated by the beauty of the old building.
The ride was uneventful and I was the first one to hop out. Happily I walked inside and the candles hung in the air. Sitting down I saw familiar classmates enter the hall. A few said hi but most of them stared. Or tried their hardest not to stare.
The dinner went like it always does. Starting with the sorting, Dumbledore's speech, great food, and everybody going to bed with full stomachs.
Laying down on the soft pillow sleep instantly greeted me.