Not Quite - {A Harry Potter Fan Fiction}

2 - Every Which Way

>>Hey guys this chapter is still mostly framework so you can get to know certain characters. You also get to meet Seamus's competition! But I'm trying to make him nice while still being a Slytherin douche.

I'm going to fly through a lot of time so we can get to the part that matters in the next couple chapters. Please comment and vote! Thanks so much. Enjoy<<

CHAPTER TWO

My mind buzzed back to the last time I had heard that voice. Memories of a freckled boy helping me put my trunk into an overhead compartment swirled into focus. We hadn't been sorted then and both of us were sure we would be in Gryffindor. He was my first friend and he lasted less than a day.

The sorting had eliminated the possibility of some friendships. No, people's reaction to the sorting had eliminated them. The automatic response of a maroon and gold coloured student was to be repulsed by silver and green. It was hard-wired into their brains. Our brains.

And now he was grabbing my arm to steady me, looking concerned for a second. I stood up as straight as I could and tried to look as if I had everything in control. Control was the one thing I could never seem to have a handle on.

"Oh no, that was my fault. I just..." I began but then his face registered the colours I was wearing and he started backing away, nodding. He seemed confused and eager to get away. Of course he was confused. I wasn't supposed to be nice. I wasn't supposed to be normal. I was supposed to be evil.

I sighed and opened the door to our compartment, slipping inside without a look back.

Carmen raised her eyebrow at me and adjusted her slouched position. "I thought you were going to talk to Devon."

"Oh. Right." I stumbled to find a good excuse for my early return. "Well the hallway was too crowded. I gave up."

She nodded, and launched into a speech about how annoying the first years seemed this year. We did the same thing each train ride in. It was habitual and calming. This year however I only participated by nodding occasionally.

Something was going on and I didn't know what it was. I felt as if everyone was hiding something from me. My parents had been so agitated over the summer, especially towards the end, and I had noticed that they weren't hanging out with all their friends as much. Molly Weasley hadn't stopped by once to see my mother. They always got together at least once during the span of summer. Even my sisters weren't talking to me as much. The two oldest, Poppy and Lola, sometimes ignored me because of the age gap, but Natalie was normally one of my best friends. The worst though, was the feeling that everyone was stopping their conversations when I entered a room. Even Isabelle and Carmen were doing it to me.

The train arrived at the school and for a minute I forgot all my fears in excitement. The spirit of a new school year was infectious and everyone was wearing the same silly grins on their faces.

"Oi! Clarise!" Blaise Zabini grabbed my arm and pulled me into a hug. "How's your summer been?" He asked, picking up one of my trunks with his free arm.

"Oh, alright I guess. How was yours?" I tried to ignore Carmen's look of disdain. She hated Blaise particularly because of family connections or something.

"Pretty great actually." His grin was contagious and I couldn't help smiling back. "Well, I think I saw Devon and Amber in a carriage over here.." He motioned behind him a ways and I saw his nose wrinkle when he noticed Isabelle and Carmen.

Isabelle tapped my shoulder. "Hey, Carmen and I were going to share a carriage with some other Gryffindor people and I think they're waiting so..." She trailed off. She was biting her lip but did a good job of keeping her voice light and carefree.

I nodded and Blaise linked arms with me, dragging me in the other direction.

"Why so you always hang out with those people?" He asked bluntly as we walked over to the carriage with Amber and Devon waiting.

"Why not? They're my friends." I did my best not to snap at him. Blaise was one of my best friends despite being so prejudiced. It also helped that he had grown about a foot over the summer making him taller than me by a few inches. He had also grown his hair out a bit, so black strands would sometimes cover his eyes his bright blue eyes.

"But, I'm your friend." He pouted and suddenly picked me up. I shrieked as he carried me and finally set me down beside Amber.

Soon we were all laughing and talking, making me forget about all my worries. This year would be just as great as every other year at Hogwart's. I had my friends and I would be fine. Everything would be fine.

Sometimes I wish convincing yourself of something would make it true.

>>So do you guys like Blaise? I'm hoping to get another chapter up later today.

Oh also, Natalie is her sister who is two years older and in Gryffindor. I'll probably explain that later but just so you won't be confused now.

Anyway as usual, comment what you think. I'm very open to criticism. Actually I like it because it helps me improve. Please vote as well! Thanks!<<