The story you're about to read involves broken friendships, romance, suspense, and Oliver Wood!

The time period it is set in is Harry's third year at Hogwarts (PoA). Just to make it clearer.

*Note* This story was also posted on another fan fiction website.

The cool, autumn breeze swept my black hair back as I jumped off the carriage to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. How good it felt to be back at school! My family was too preoccupied with the death of my brother that had I received little attention. The long, summer months had crawled past and I had been counting down the days to when they would come to an end.

“Great to be back, isn’t it, Grace?” Leanne, my best friend, said to me as if she were reading my thoughts. A grin spread across her face.

“Definitely,” I agreed. “Hopefully this time won’t be as traumatic as last year. I want to end my seventh year well.” Shuddering, my mind recalled how one of our students, Ginny, was almost killed. As usual, the famous Harry Potter had come to the rescue, but that year must have been the scariest of all.

Leanne nodded thoughtfully. We made our way through the throngs of students towards our old school, which stood, towering above us in the daylight. My eyes scanned the beautiful blue sky and green foliage. I could feel the magic surround me in the air.

Little did we know how much change this year would make in our personal lives.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“The feast was especially good this year!” I remarked to Leanne as we stepped into the crowded Gryffindor common room. Everything was exactly the same as I had remembered. The worn but comfortable chairs faced the fire, which was now crackling with flames dancing about.

I glanced at Leanne. Her green eyes were focused intently on something among the mass of students. “What are you staring at?” I inquired, craning my neck to spot what was capturing her interest.

“Shh!” Leanne hissed, putting a finger to her lips. “I don’t want him to know that I’m looking at him!” She giggled and continued staring in the same direction.

My eyes widened. “Oh…who’s the lucky guy?” I teased, my hazel eyes twinkling mischievously. Leanne always had someone of interest on her mind. My job as her best friend was to be her support. Of course, I had to find out who her crush was first.

Leanne moved closer to me and whispered in my ear, “He’s over there; Fred Weasley. Isn’t he fantastic?” Her eyes gleamed.

I had to stifle laughter. Leanne had an interest in, of all people, Fred Weasley? Sure, he was charming and funny, but perhaps was too immature for someone like Leanne. Turning to my friend once more, I had found that she was no longer at my side. I noticed her inching ever so slightly towards Fred.

Chuckling to myself, I stole up the winding staircase leading to the girls’ dormitories. No one was in the room. My bags were already set neatly on my bed. I quickly washed my face in the washroom. How refreshing the water was against my skin!

Outside in the common room, I could hear the bustle of people chatting away. Laughter floated into my room. A feeling of rejection crept over me. I had never been part of the “popular” crowd. It’s not that I really longed to be popular, but I didn’t want to be an outcast either. Sighing, I closed my eyes and lay down on my bed.

The door creaked open, letting the loud noises from downstairs meet my ears. I quickly sat up to see who it was.

Please post your comments! I know this is a slower start, but the next chapter will be more interesting. Thanks!