The Girl Forgotten

First Year: Part 2

Haley had woken early from her fitful sleep. She slid on her new robes and tried not to cringe when she looked at the Ravenclaw crest. The common room and dormitories, to Haley's dismay, were stunning. They were placed in the hightowers, with large windows that overlooked the shining lake, rows of bookshelves filled with wondrous books, and the calming blue color that blends everything together.

She tried to ignore the peaceful feeling she had felt when entering the common room for the first time. She nearly thought it felt like home, before reminding herself where her twin was and what house she should have been in.

Haley hurriedly went down the stairs that lead to the common room. She hoped Harry had woken as well and was making his way to the dinning hall.

She had nearly reached the bottom when a girl rounding the corner slammed into her shoulder.

"Ow!" cried Haley, her hand reaching to soothe her shoulder.

"Oh dear! I'm so sorry!" said the girl. Her dark hair laid straight along her back and her brown eyes had an apologetic look. "I was rushing because I forgot my charms book."

Haley gave a small smile as she attempted to hide her annoyance and make her way passed the girl.

"Wait-" she began as she reached a hand out to stop Haley, "You must be one of the new first years. I'm Cho Chang. I'm a second year."

"Fascinating."

Cho's eyes narrowed at her tone. "Well, what's your name?"

"Haley."

"Just Haley?"

"Yes, just Haley. Now if you'll excuse me, I actually have prior arrangements." Haley stated before turning sharply around and leaving the common room without a glance back at Cho's shocked face.

A few other students were making their way to the dining hall for an early start. Haley tried to push away the guilt blooming inside her. She was not normally this way. She needed to get into Gryffindor, then she would be herself again.

When she arrived at the large open doors leading into the dining hall, her twin was not there. She let out a sigh of irritation, it was not unlike Harry to be late. Haley waited outside the doors and watched as other students conversed with friends and ate breakfast.

Finally she spotted her brother making his way down the far corridor. His head was bent down in deep discussion with Ron as Hermione trailed behind them. She wondered what they were discussing.

"Morning!" She greeted once they had neared the entrance. Harry quickly looked up before a look of regret washed over his face.

"Oh Haley! Morning. How are you?"

"I'm alright. Ready to eat." She replied, cautiously gazing over Ron and Hermione.

"Right," Harry began as he turned towards his friends, "I told Haley we'd have breakfast."

"What?" Ron said with an incredulous look. "We have things to discuss."

Haley raised an eyebrow and gave Harry a look of suspicion.

"Besides, normally you eat with those in the same house." Said Hermione with a light shrug as if this were simply fact. "We will save a seat for you Harry."

Hermione grabbed Ron by the arm, steering him towards the Gryffindor table. Haley glared at her retreating back.

"Perhaps lunch would be better!" Harry spoke with a sheepish grin.

"I don't find this amusing."

He flinched at her tone, "Haley, what's the matter with you? You've been acting so strange, almost mean."