(Y/n)'s POV

Today was thankfully better than the previous day. Snape apologized for wrongful punishment (which he said he tried to say last night), I impressed Madam Hooch with my "perfect" flying, and I talked to Dumbledore after lunch.

Now all I had to do is hang out with Hagrid.

First, I'll have to find him. He said he'd be at his small cabin thingy, but I had no idea where that was (but only because I hadn't been there in a while), so I walked around looking.

I made my way outside and saw a bunch of students hanging out. I felt like the odd one out being alone. I was starting to contemplate if I should just go back to my room. I shook my head to that idea and smiled to myself.

I need to learn to be more comfortable in this place, or at least just not feel awkward when I'm by myself. Now thinking of it, the loneliness built up, but was quick to disappear when I heard a familiar voice call to me.

"Hey (Y/n)!" Following the voice, I spotted Chris with his girlfriend. I smiled and quickly went over, glad that I wasn't alone anymore. "What are you doing out here?"

"Yeah, I thought you said you were busy today!" Erin pouted at me, making me smile softly. I brush my fingers through my hair out of habit and answer.

"W-Well I'm supposed to be hanging out with Hagrid, but I don't remember where h-his little cabin is." I say with an awkward forced giggle, followed by a sigh. Chris then smirked.

"I'll tell you if you answer my riddle." He hummed, Erin giggled at him.

"Babe! You can't do that~" She pulled at his robe gently. They were really cute together... I look between them then respond to them.

"No it's alright, I-I like a good riddle..." I say shyly, a feeling of joy and excitement running through me.

"Alright. I follow you all the time and copy your every move, but you can't touch me or catch me. What am I?" He asked, I think. A part of me wanted to say the person who's seemingly been watching me, but it wouldn't have matched with copying me.

I knew the answer was pretty obvious, but it kind of just made me think. I shook my head to myself and look up at him.

"My shadow." He nods and I smile. I felt content and wait for his directions. He motions to the right.

"That's the way to his hut. I'll see you later, (Y/n)." I nod to him and thank him. I say goodbye to him and Erin then make my way over to Hagrid's hut. I see the small thing for the big guy in the distance and feel excited.

I walked a little faster to get over there. I was almost there when I was stopped. Calling me was Dumbledore. I couldn't just ignore him, so I head over.

"Sorry Hagrid..." I mumble as I make my way over to the long grey bearded man.

"Good afternoon Ms. (L/n)." I smiled at the older gentleman and nod. I replied the same. He smiled. "You seem well. At least, now you do. Yesterday was rough, wasn't it?"

I frowned. I didn't want to think of it, but I knew I couldn't escape the past. Nodding, I look at my feet, then to my hands as I twiddled my thumbs.

"You seem to get hurt a lot however. Though, with that curse comes a gift. I'm sure you'll see better days." I smiled at his reassuring tone. I thank him for his kind words with a nod. "Well, you better head off. I'm sure you've kept Hagrid waiting long enough!" He let out a hearty chuckle with his worn vocals.

"Thank you, headmaster...!" I say as I trot off to hurry back onto my course. His hut gets taller as I get closer.

Excitement flows through my veins and pumping heart as I arrive at the front door of Hagrid's home. I knock gently, then a little louder. The door opens and there's the giant friendly fellow.

"Ah (Y/n)! I was just 'bout to think you weren' comin!" I smile and shook my head and explained to him what took so long. He chuckled and commented on how I'm too nice. "Or yeh just can't say no."

"M-maybe I can't, maybe I can. B-but anyways, I'm happy you invited me... I-I missed you over break." I send him a smile and he smiles back. Fluffy trots over to me. Fluffy was a medium sized three headed dog. (This is not accurate on purpose.) I pet each head, one at a time as Hagrid gives me a drink.

"So what'd ya do over break?" Why did they always have to ask that question? I tried not to hesitate and answered, at least with what I did. Not what they did.

"I-I did some art, I read... I-I almost bought a snake but my mother would've freaked out on me so I didn't... I-I volunteered at the zoo again... I got a s-summer job at the pet store which I was v-very excited about. S-so it went fairly decent." I explained, thinking of the only good things that had happened.

"I heard that you got in trouble yesterday because of a bully." I nodded.

"I-I assume you heard from James?" He nodded. I sigh and nod my head, recapping what happened for the tenth time that day. "Yeah... h-he came over and d-dropped something in our potions. T-they exploded and me and James flew back... I-it honestly really hurt, but I was too u-upset to say anything."

"Yeah... Snape can be a lil harsh. I know he figured out he punished the wrong people, but Snape don't like no trouble makers. 'Specially with potions cause it can be very dangerous." I nodded. It was silent for a moment before he gasped in realization. "Oh an I almost forgot!"

He got out of his seat and went over to the counter and grabbed something. Something tickled my senses as a cake was placed in front of me. It smelled wonderful.

"Wow Hagrid! It looks great!" I say honestly, remembering the last time he made a cake and burned it.

"Thanks, I was eh practicing baking because it was really fun to bake with ya. I was trying out new things and I know you like sweets. I figured since it's the beginning of the school year, we should celebrate it to brighten your mood." I smiled at him, feeling like I was going to cry.

"This is so sweet of you Hagrid..." I smiled brightly and got up and hugged him. "Thank you so much..."

He hugged me back and told me that it wasn't a problem. We then sat and ate the cake, talking about what we wanted to accomplish this year. I talked to him about a book I was reading and of some of my projects.

He liked listening to my rambling which I was happy about. Though, we soon found ourselves outside, talking while playing with Fluffy. It was a fun day. Hagrid was a great guy.

Unfortunately, it came time for dinner, which meant they must separate. Fortunately, they could walk to the Great Hall together. (Y/n) soon went to her table while Hagrid went to his seat amongst the professors and fellow detention person who was also the "janitor".

(Y/n) sat at the Slytherin table and waits. She was ready to eat because after something sweet, she usually wanted regular food. As usual she was alone, but she felt a little more content than usual.

Of course after dinner, she was called to speak with Dumbledore. She went over to him and of course, Snape just happened to be around so he was there too.

"Good evening Ms. (L/n)." Dumbledore said merrily, making me smile. It shrinks a little when I remember Snape is there. I was still upset about the other day. I'd gladly volunteer to help clean any day, but knowing it was a punishment that I was forced to do that I shouldn't of had to do, upset me. "I can sense some tension."

Dumbledore looked between me and Snape. I kept my head down.

"I made a mistake yesterday, I guess she's still upset." I was, but I wasn't going to say anything.

"Ah yes, Ashton is a mean kid, isn't he?" I nod to Dumbledore's statement. "Hmm... changing the subject. Did you have fun with Hagrid?"

"Y-yeah... he made cake and we talked." I answered simply. I wanted to go to bed and put today to a rest.

"About?" I know he was just trying to keep me distracted, but I still wasn't very comfortable with Snape.

"What we did d-during the summer..." I replied, keeping my voice as steady and as calm as I could, now for the 11th time thinking of what happened during break. All those painful injuries and the new scars I held.

Silence followed as I thought and thought. It was a little weird how they always went quiet and looked slightly shocked whenever I thought. I knew I wasn't thinking aloud because I know my own voice when I hear it.

Maybe they can read my mind? ... no way, that's stupid.

"Well I think it's time for us to rest. Goodnight Ms. (L/n)." I nod to him and was soon left waking with Professor Snape.

"I do apologize." He said for the second time. I glance at him, then away. "I should've known better than to come to a conclusion so quickly."

"A-apology accepted..." I whisper and smile at him. He nods to me, seeming relieved. We soon made it to the dungeon and I bid him goodnight. I made my way back to my room and sigh. I flop down onto my bed and relax. Magic cuddled up to my side and Rose White hooted me a lullaby.

I cradled my pillow after removing the locket and setting it on the bedside table. Today wasn't much better, but this year should be great.

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(A/n)

Guess who's back!

It's been a pretty long time since I've updated this. Thank you for all you comments because it's helped motivate me to continue this. I'm still in the Harry Potter fandom, it's just that I kind of ignored this so I could get the inspiration to continue after a bit of debate and taking a moment to myself.

I'll try to update this at least once every week or every other week, it really depends on me and how I'm doing or feeling. But I really appreciate all the support and such! Your comments make me laugh and make me feel appreciated.

I wish everyone a happy new year and hope this chapter is acceptable for an "I've-Been-Gone-For-A-While" chapter!