The great double doors opened and I was thrust directly into the place where so many of my nightmares were set. The Great Hall. Only now instead of the battlefield it had been during the last time I was here— it now looked the same as it did during happier times.

Steadying myself, I walked towards the Gryffindor table and took a seat. I was instantly engulfed in chatter as my fellow housemates wanted to know how I was and why Harry and Ron were not present. Suffice to say many were not happy that both boys declined to return. After everyone had settled done, the sorting ceremony began.

When it was over and all the first years had been sorted accordingly and joined their house tables, Headmistress Mcgonagall cleared her throat for attention and began her speech.

" A very warm welcome to Hogwarts, to all of you present here tonight. It is a pleasure to have everyone in attendance—both the old and new students. As I am sure all of you no doubt know, the wizarding world was recently involved in a war against the Dark wizard know as Lord Voldemort and his band of followers called Death Eaters and other supporters of his cause. Thanks to the brave efforts of Harry Potter and his friends as well as other students,teachers, the Order of the Phoenix and may others the light side was victorious. As with any war, Victory come with a price, and for us it was a bitter one as we lost many brave family,friends and students. Hogwarts too was not spared as the castle and grounds received extensive damage and even though some of the restoration and repairs have been done, there is still much left to to in order to restore Hogwarts to it's former grandeur. Rest assured though that no matter how long it takes, Hogwarts will be as it once was. Now in closing, Mr Filch, our caretaker has asked me to remind you that the Forbidden Forest is strictly out of bounds to all students. There will be no late night wanderings or improper use of magic either. Any wrongdoers will be adequately punished. Finally I would like to introduce you all to our new Transfiguration professor, Mildred Edwards and the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, Harold Davis. Let the feast begin!"

After a loud round of applause, the usual brilliant feast appeared out of thin air and on to the four house tables, courtesy of the Hogwarts house filling my plate, I began to eat slowly, not really having much of an appetite due to my earlier worries and Professor Mcgonagall's speech having also brought out all kinds of emotions in me.

"That was certainly nothing like one of Dumbledore's speeches, very sad and serious compared to what we usually get." Said Neville.

"You're right but the situation called for it plus you know how Professor Mcgonagall is, she's all business." I replied. "That's true." Agreed Seamus.

The conversation and food were both flowing and it almost seemed like old times but for the absence of my two best friends as well as the aching pain in my heart. I took a minute to look around the house tables properly, observing everyone. While everything seemed fine on the surface, you could still see a lingering sadness exuded by many of the students. While looking at the Slytherin table, I spotted Malfoy sitting all by himself at the far end of his house table. He looked terribly alone. I wondered why none of his friends were with him. Was it his choice or theirs? Before I could continue to look at him unobserved, his head suddenly snapped up and he looked straight at me and glared. Blushing furiously at being caught staring, I quickly turned my head away.

A little while later, after everyone had eaten their fill, the school song was sung and then Professor Mcgonagall announced that it was time for bed. I got up and quickly made my way to Gryffindor Tower, desiring nothing more than to get away from everyone else. While the first yeas marveled a the Gryffindor common room, I bid goodnight to Neville and went upstairs to my dorm with the other Gryffindor 7th year girls. As soon as I arrived upstairs, I changed into my pajamas and said a hasty goodnight to the other girls. I pulled my bed hangings shut and put a silencing charm on them lest I stared crying or screaming from a nightmare and the others heard me. That was one thing I didn't need to deal with tonight.

Closing my eyes I tried to will myself to sleep but neither my mind or body was having none of it. Having lain there for what seemed like hours,lost in a jumble of thoughts, I finally sank down into a troubled sleep.

So that's the end of chapter 2. I not much has happened yet but I'm trying to take it slow and build things up so bear with me.

Reviews will be appreciated. :)