Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of the wonderful characters created by the lovely J.K Rowling.

Woo, chapter 2. Yah, no spiffy opening credits for you guys. Nothing of interest for me to say. That is all!

And so the day had finally arrived! The first day of the new school year! I'm not completely sure why, but I was filled to the brim with anticipation. I finally learned how to Apparate successfully over the summer, Papá was finally coming home to soon, and I was in my last year of Hogwarts. The latter; however, held a bit of sadness with it. The thought that this would possibly be the last time I'd see any of my school friends made my chest tighten slightly, but I knew that somehow, we'd all meet up again (unless they somehow found a way to get themselves locked in Azkaban).

Even now, as I sat at my computer, the one piece of Muggle technology I had, gently scratching at Varius' feathers and awaiting the call from my mother announcing our departure, I couldn't help the tingle of excitement I felt under my skin. I didn't know why, but I felt poised and ready for my mother's call, ready to shoot up from out of my chair and shoo Varius into his cage for the trolley. The only thing I dreaded was the drive to King's Cross Station. We weren't allowed to Apparate there seeing that the place was crawling with Muggles, and driving was ultimately too slow.

Just as my mind began to form all kinds of other cons to my situation, my mother's call came up the stairs.

"Chela! Let's go!"

As I predicted, I was out of my chair in a flash, hurriedly cooing Varius into his cage and rushing down the stairs. I was greeted by the sight of my mother impatiently tapping her foot, as if I had taken too long to rush down the stairs, with my trunk which she had conveniently packed herself for me. It seemed that to this day and until I find my own way, she would continue to baby me.

"Mummá," I had a habit of combining my Italian and British terms together. "You know I could have done this myself…"

My mother waved away my concern, tugging my trunk along behind her as she headed for our vehicle. "Darling. You know you are completely incapable of organizing your things. It would have been hell in there if I had left the task to you. It's alright though; I have everything you could possibly need in here."

I snorted mutedly, swinging a small backpack onto my back and following her. She believed she had everything I needed, but truthfully, what I needed was in my bag. My mother loved to be right, so I simply went along with it, fixing her small mistakes along the way. Sliding into the front seat, I secured myself in a seatbelt with Varius' cage in my grasp, clucking softly to calm him. He never did like the Muggle machines. Too noisy. Nevertheless, he endured though with a fuss. Just a ruffled feather or two. My mother climbed in next to me in the driver's seat, starting the roaring engine of the car and immediately speeding off with a rather loud squeal of anguish from the wheels.

"Mother!"

"Ah…mi dispiace, bella…"

I shook my head and calmed down my owl, who had screeched loudly along with the car. My mother had quite the lead foot, and it annoyed me to no end. My poor Varius would meet an early end because of that damned vehicle, probably a heart attack. It didn't take long to calm him down, and soon it was silent in the car. I stared out of the window, watching the houses and trees zoom by, wondering why the Muggle police never stopped my mother. She sped like there was a Dementor on her heels, completely over the speed limit. Perhaps she had spelled the car in order to make it invisible to the authority. I doubted she had a driver's license. Magical folk had no use for them. Even so, I couldn't help but worry for her. With me gone away to school, who would keep her in line? Papá perhaps? Probably not.

As expected, the ride to King's Cross Station was a long one, my mother having to shake me awake when we arrived. Groggily, I stepped out of the car, stretching my weary muscles with a yawn. I smiled when I saw the familiar faces of my friends from Hogwarts, hurrying to put my trunk on a trolley and secure Varius.

Belongings in one hand and my mother in the other, I tugged both down the platforms, keeping an eye out for the one that would lead me to the Scarlet Train.

Platform 8….Platform 9….There! In between Platforms 9 and 10; Platform 9¾. Glancing around me, I watched as the last of the stares I had received while walking through the station faded away, and then made my move. Walking quickly, I burst into a run and sped through the barrier, smiling widely as I saw the Scarlet Train. I felt my mother appear beside me after another moment and walked towards the train, stopping short as I pushed it to the side with the other trunks and belongings of the other students. Taking a moment to let Varius nip at my finger, I turned to my mother who stood with her arms open, awaiting an embrace. I was only glad to grant her that wish, entering her arms and returning the hug.

"Now, Mummá, don't get into any trouble, alright? I don't want to have to come back during the holiday to find out that a Muggle got you arrested."

She laughed, brushing a lock of hair from my face. I would have to tell her not to do that in public when I got back. "Bella, do not worry. Your father will keep me in line, and I'll do the same for him. Come back safe, and don't get yourself hurt, alright? I expect you to return home with the Quidditch Cup!"

I smiled with a nod, turning to board the train. Before I could turn around, there was a loud crack, announcing my mother's departure. She wasn't one for long goodbyes. I knew to expect a letter about a week into school. Upon entering the train, I sighed softly. This was the part I found slightly tiresome about going to school. Finding a compartment. I poked my head into each compartment as I walked down the train, greeting those I knew, sneering at the Gryffindors, all the while looking for an empty place to sit. I reached the middle of the train when I finally found one, this time, only occupied by one person.

"Hello, Severus. Have a good summer?"

I plopped down into the seat across from him with a grin, tossing my bag next to me. It seemed like today was my lucky day. After almost dying with my mother's driving, this certainly was a plus.

"Oh…hey, Michela…"

I raised my brow slightly, finally noticing Severus' far off expression, his eyes glued to the compartment next to us. Following his line of sight, I sighed in irritation as I saw exactly whom his eyes found themselves occupied with. Lily Evans. That blasted Gryffindor he was so stricken with. I still couldn't believe he continued to have a crush on her, especially after the enumerable times that she turned him down. No one knew about his secret Gryffindor-love except for me, and that was only because I forced him to tell me. Ever since that day, I kept back the feelings I had for him, hoping that some day he would finally get tired of Evans and come to his true love and snog all day. Or something like that.

"Still obsessing over Evans I see," I muttered, though loud enough for him to hear.

That got his attention. "Michela! Button it, she might hear you!" He slid back into the seat so that he was invisible from the outside of the compartment, his face panicked. I couldn't help the laugh that escaped my lips, clutching my sides gently.

"S-Sorry," I apologized in mid-laugh. "Don't worry though. I doubt she's paying attention to us. I'm sure Potter is keeping her occupied."

I had seen them sitting together before I sat with Severus, not bothering to say hello. Whenever Evans was around, I couldn't keep my pleasant attitude like I had with Remus, Sirius and James. Just being near her put a foul taste in my mouth. I couldn't see how Severus liked that filthy Mudblood. I guess it's the same as how he couldn't stand James and his friends.

"So…" I began after a moment. "Have you spoken to it yet?"

Severus shot me a sharp glare. "No, I haven't talked to her yet," he glanced towards their compartment, their door now closed. "Potter and Pals have been hanging around in her compartment since she arrived. I still don't see how she can be around them. They—"

"Yes, yes, I know. They tease her all the time," I interrupted with a wave of my hand. She deserved all of their remarks. "I really don't see why you don't like them. They're not that b—"

I was silenced by another glare, my grin only widening as I lowered my head. Off at the front of the train, there was a rather loud whistle. We were finally ready to go. There was a slight lurch as the train pulled forward, chugging along the tracks towards Hogwarts.

"You know what they've done. You only hang out with them because of Black, and he's just as bad. I swear, you're too nice. If Narcissa and Bellatrix have already disowned him for his betrayal, you should too."

I shrugged, knowing that I could never truly hate Sirius. He was like a brother to me (well, a brother who was in hiding from his own family and never bothered to write). But even if he was a troublemaker, teased and taunted one of my closest friends, irked my nerves to no end, was a Gryffindor and followed Potter around like a lovesick puppy, I still wouldn't be able to stop being his friend.

"I suppose."

At that moment, the door to Evans' compartment slid open, revealing the bright faces of James, Sirius, and Peter. Behind their faces was Remus, his eyes glued to a book like usual. I was surprised to see Pettigrew actually. I was never completely sure if he was a part of Potter's crew, he just seemed like a scapegoat.

"Hey! Lily was right! Miche and Snivellus are next to us!" James exclaimed, rising from his seat and walking towards our compartment.

As expected, his entire gang followed, Remus with his book still in hand. They all crowded around the door, eyes eagerly looking around our compartment. Without an invitation, James entered, plopping down right next to Severus, his arm resting on the ledge behind him. The others sat down as well, Remus taking my left, Sirius on Severus' opposite side, and Peter on my right. It was turning into quite the party. However, good times were not what James had in mind, at least not for Severus.

"How was your summer, Snivellus?" James asked, nudging Severus roughly.

"James!" I warned, my eyes lowering into a frown.

He waved off my threat, smiling at me genuinely. "Don't worry, Miche. We're not here for fun today."

Somehow, I highly doubted it. Sirius smirked puckishly, avoiding my gaze when I turned to him. He knew how much I disapproved of his teasing, especially towards Severus. He's the only one who knew of my feelings. I swore him to secrecy with a threat, and so far, he remained silent about it.

"Why are you guys in here? Why don't you go talk to the Mu –" I felt Remus' elbow nudge into my ribs hard, stopping me from saying 'Mudblood'. I had momentarily forgotten that the only people I really say that around are my fellow Slytherins. Remus had heard me use it during one of our summers together, and from then on had the tendency to stop me from saying it around those sympathetic to the half-Muggle, half-Magical folk. "– to Evans. I'm sure she misses you all."

I was sure that everyone could hear the malicious tone I had, though they said nothing. James seemed oblivious to the entire thing. "Ah, who wants to talk to her?" James replied, making a smile tickle the edge of my lips. "Besides, I haven't seen you since our little encounter in Diagon Alley. I missed my little sister! I even missed ol' Snivvy here."

Severus grimaced at the name, edging away from his two oppressors and glancing at me. I knew they were waiting for him to do something, to react to their taunts. That would be their justification for doing something. Surreptitiously, I looked over at Remus, his eyes downcast on his book. I knew he wasn't reading this time, simply trying to ignore the situation. He was never one for pranks. As I looked at him, I saw his head shake ever so slightly. That was my cue.

"Aw, well, I'm glad you cared that much about us. Severus," I snapped. "And I are glad that decided to drop by, but, I sure that we're going to be at Hogwarts sooner or later. Perhaps you all should get out so I can change? I'm sure you all need to get into your uniforms as well?"

I glanced out the window for emphasis, proving that the empty plains signified our near arrival to school. I smiled inwardly as I saw James' face fall at the loss of a brawl.

"Fine, fine. C'mon guys, let's go get ready." He rose to leave the compartment, the others in tow. "See ya at school, Michela…Snivellus."

"Goodbye, James." I said through gritted teeth.

He smirked and left with a wave, the other three murmuring their farewells as well. As soon as they slid the compartment door shut, I relaxed considerably, hearing Severus sigh as well. I let out my own breath, standing up and turning to reach for my robes that I had put above me earlier. Severus did so as well, getting the idea that we might as well get dressed. With our backs to each other, we both stripped and redressed in our uniforms, silence falling between us.

I kept my eyes in front of me as I slid on my skirt, buttoning it at the hip and moving to secure my green and silver tie. I slipped on my blazer, the Slytherin crest proudly resting on my chest, and slipped my cloak on. Glancing slightly over my shoulder (though I still couldn't see him), I called for Severus softly.

"Done yet?"

There was a slight shuffle of robes and the slip of a tie, then a grunt in reply. I took that as a yes. Returning to my seat, I crossed my legs and tugged at my socks; securing them at the top of my calf. I took this time to gaze out the window, watching as the familiar buildings passed by, bringing us closer and closer to our destination. As I stared, I slowly gather my things in my bag, tossing my watch and other Muggle items inside. In a few minutes, we would be at Hogwarts, meaning that every Muggle item I owned, though there were few, would cease to work.

"Ready?" I asked, grinning at my companion as he stared at the door.

"Course. The sooner we go in, the sooner we can get out."

I snickered, rising from my seat as I felt the gentle decrease in speed from the train. After another moment, there was a slight rocking as the locomotive came to a halt, the rhythmic chugging becoming silent as the screeching doors in the front swung open. Severus and I made our way to the front of the train, crowded in between the loads of other students, finally making it out of the train and escaping to a carriage. Along with us, to my pure displeasure, were Evans and Pettigrew. It seemed like James and his posse had somehow lost track of him; or had at least purposefully lost him. I already knew what Severus was doing, making me roll my eyes in exasperation. He was, of course, trying to ease a glance at the object of his affection. That's how our entire ride went, silent and awkward. It was irritating.

Luckily, our ride wasn't long and upon arrival, Severus and I immediately made our way inside the castle and towards the long table of the Great Hall that belonged to the Slytherins. It was good to be back at Hogwarts; the familiar sights and smells, the familiar people. You come to miss that after a summer of being away. Taking a seat near the middle of the table, I turned to face the large door that contained a room full of new First Years, eager to see the pick this year. It was always the best part of the day when you get to see the scared faces of new children.

I didn't have long to wait. Not a moment too late, the doors swung open, Professor McGonagall swiftly entering the room, the First Years shuffling along behind. They moved like sheep, close and compact, as if they were scared to even put a toe out of the imaginary boundary that was around them. They stopped when McGonagall stopped, and I turned my attention to her as she pulled out the list to announce their names.

"When I call your name, please step up to the stool and place the Sorting Hat on your head. It will tell you your House, and you are to are to join the table corresponding to the name." She paused, pulling down her glasses in order to see the names and cleared her throat.

"Alan, Theodore!"

A rather small boy was pushed out of the crowd towards the stool, his eyes wide as he stared at the Sorting Hat. Quickly, as if pulled by our stares, he approached it and sat on the stool, placing it on his head and waited. We were all waiting.

"Hmm, another year, is it? Well, let's see what we have here…Not all that special, a smart kid…" the hat mumbled, furrowing its brow in concentration.

Even now, at my age, I still found the hat a bit oddly frightening. Even though I know that I shouldn't expect any less from a wizarding school, I still couldn't help but be a little 'creeped out' (a Muggle term) that it was looking into my head just by sitting on me.

"Well now, Mr. Alan," the boy stiffened as he heard his name. "I think you'll fit well in HUFFLEPUFF!"

There was a roar of cheering from those Badgers in Hufflepuff and polite clapping from the others. The only table that was silent was Slytherin. As was tradition, we would only cheer when we got a student.

"Arnalz, Siempra!" called Professor McGonagall, followed by a rather haughty-looking girl walking out to the stool and proudly placing the Sorting Hat on her head.

It seemed like it wasn't even on her head for more than a second before the call of, "SLYTHERIN!" was yelled out. Immediately, the Slytherin table erupted with cheers and clapping, everyone excitedly awaiting the new addition that seemed equally excited as well. She nearly skipped over to the table, sitting to my left as I made space for her.

The rest of the Sorting went pretty quickly, seeing that I soon lost interest in the entire spectacle. It was this part that was slightly tiring every year. Ever since my own Sorting, it never was as fun anymore, and I would usually find something else to capture my attention. Without really thinking, my eyes fell on to Severus, glad that he was paying more attention to the Sorting than those around him.

His long, onyx hair, framing his face nicely, that odd, crooked nose that I found so interesting. There were so many things I liked about him, so many little things I took notice in. Like the way he smiles crookedly when he is happy, the way his lips pucker when he pouts (which isn't all the time), the way his eyes look in different lights, the subtle ways he tries to make himself look more impressive to Evans (as if she's ever noticed it). I take it all in, I know just about everything about this boy, and yet, he hardly knows me. The real me; the part of me that idolizes him and everything he does. I probably sound like a bloody stalker, but that's how he makes me feel. And I'll do anything in my power to make him realize that. Sighing softly, I move my eyes away from him, surprised to see that the group of First Years has dwindled down.

After a final call of, "Zalus, Peter!" and "Zromini, Ezra," Professor McGonagall rolled up her scroll and walked to the teachers table, taking her rightful place next to the Headmaster. On queue, he rose and raised his hand, silencing the entire Great Hall and gaining the attention of every student.

"Welcome students! For some of you, I welcome you to Hogwarts, for the rest of you, I welcome you back to Hogwarts. I truly hope that you will have a wonderful year, and make the best of every moment here. Now for a few rules,"

There was a low grumble throughout the Hall. Of course there were going to be rules, they were always the same each year.

"Ahem. Remember: never leave the Grounds, and as always, the Forbidden Forest is just as its name dictates; forbidden. I trust we will have no injuries and deaths this year, will we? Excellent. Now enjoy your meal and remember, Fripplehoot, Comquaz, and Zot! Have an excellent year and tuck in!"

There was a mass of cheering from the Hall as we laughed over his words. Dumbledore was always a strange one. Our cheering didn't last long, however, ending just as the plates in front of us magically became piled high with food. With a smile all around, we did just as ordered.

We tucked in.

So, after almost a year of not posting at all, here Chapter 2 finally is! Yes, I finally got some inspiration. Sadly, I had been working on this chapter the whole time. Anywayzzzz, hope you liked. R & R! Love you guys!