Different

The Beginning

Wow. It feels like forever since we were back in school, yet it almost feels like yesterday that I boarded the Hogwarts Express and said goodbye to my friends.

Things had been different over summer break. They felt... forbidding? I do not know why, but I decided that I was going to have a good year at Hogwarts this time around.

As I stood in front of the castle, feeling ambitious and determined, I realized how lucky I was to go to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Seriously, not everybody is a witch or wizard. Only the select few. Right when I walked into the castle, that familiar scent of old books and magic wafted into my nostrils. Magic. It has sort of this fresh rain, cold stone, wooden type of scent. You would know it if you smelled it.

I walked down to Dumbledore's office, feeling unusual about coming back. I didn't know how I felt, I had a feeling that this year was going to be different. A good, or bad different? You might ask. That I did not know the answer to.

The buzz of students made me feel at home, and as I neared Dumbledore's office, I heard an interesting conversation inside. It sounded like Lucius Malfoy. How peculiar. I couldn't make out what they were saying, but the warm tones of Dumbledore's voice contradicted the harsh, frigid connotation of Lucius's.

The Malfoys had always been good family friends of ours, considering my family's long line of Slytherin background. But ever since I got sorted into Ravenclaw, they have seemed far more distant than usual. They have a son, Draco. He's tall, figured, handsome, and elegant. I assume that I have always fancied Draco, but he definitely never thought of me that way. At least, I don't think he did. Does? Never mind. Who would think that Mr. perfect Draco Malfoy would be with such a slum like Addy Bell? Right, nobody. Lucius's burst out of the large stone door interrupted my drifting thoughts.

"Ah, Addy." Dumbledore spoke. "How wonderful to have you back at Hogwarts this year." It took me a moment to realize that he was talking to me, and I think that he realized that, so he gave me a few seconds to answer. I cleared my voice. "Yes, professor, I just wanted to stop by and get my new schedule. Maybe have a cup of tea?" I responded. "Ah, of course. I have your schedule somewhere..." He dug in his pockets and pulled out a perfectly rolled piece of parchment. I took the parchment out of his hands. "Thank you, professor. I went on. "About that cup of tea?" Dumbledore hesitated, then responded after a long moment. "I would love to, but not today. I have some business to take care of." I assumed that he was referring to his previous conversation with Lucius. "Another time." I stated. "Most definitely." He answered with a smile, and walked back into his office just like any other day.

Dumbledore and I have always been close, but he seemed a bit... off recently. I thought nothing of it, and found myself slowly walking away.

"Addy!" I heard somebody call my name from across the hallway, and immediately knew that it was Bridget and Leonardo. Bridget had been my best friend for about 6 years now, starting when I met her in first year. I met Leo in second, but we all instantly clicked, the only trouble being that they are Slytherins, I am a Ravenclaw. Yet, oddly, we had many things in common. I certainly wouldn't mind being in Slytherin, but the sorting hat never lies. I walked up to them and we started towards the great hall for breakfast.

Leo, Bridget and I parted ways to our separate house tables. I went and sat with Luna Lovegood and Michael Corner. They were good friends, I just don't think that they understood me as well as Bridget and Leo. The hustle and bustle of students was intense, until Professor Dumbledore spoke. "Silence!" He boldly yelled, in long, drawn out syllables. The great hall was noiseless. I heard a few whispers, but all sound was ceased by a few glances from the professors.

SO WHAT DO YOU THINK?! i love it. i honestly surprised myself by how detailed i can write. another chapter probably won't come for a little while, but sit tight!! i have big plans :DD