Chapter 19

Instead of resting, I went outside and found a large tree to sit in. I looked out across the lake, and let my mind wander. It was cold, but I didn't really notice it, even though there was a lot of snow on the ground. There was a large snowball fight going on, but I ignored them. Salazar was happy in his little box in the common room, so I didn't have to worry about him. I just had to worry about myself. It was a strange feeling. I thought back on my year here at Hogwarts. Most of it had been spent avoiding the Pride, even though it was fruitless. They always found me when I wasn't in the common room, and that's just because they couldn't get in there. If they ever learned the password, then there would be no escape. Except for the room that was supposedly mine too, but since they woke my up that way the first time that I tried to sleep there, I would guess that I wouldn't be welcome. They hadn't tried to apologize after that morning. They just ignored me. That was alright though, the less people that I am close to the better. They will hurt me, either intentional or not. That is what always happens.

The only people that I would count as close to me would be Tom, Salazar, maybe Dumbledore and McGonagall. Probably not Snape. That's about it. Most people really don't like me. The Gryffindors hate me because I am a Slytherin. The Slytherins don't like me because I don't fit in with them. The Ravenclaws just don't like me. The Hufflepuffs don’t ether, but I don’t know why. Most of the teachers aren't fond of me because I have a hard time paying attention in class because I am always on the lookout for the Pride. I have a hard time getting things done because I don't have anybody to help me. I would try to stay after class, except the Pride would wait right outside and would bully me. So I never stayed after class, and I didn't have anybody to borrow notes from. I should talk to somebody, but then I would be seen as weak, and I can't have that. So I was falling behind in class. Transfiguration and Potions were the only classes that I was good at. Snape still hated me, but McGonagall was kind to me. She must have known that I was falling behind in other classes, but she didn't ask why. She just helped me as much as she could in class, and now I had books to read. I was planning on reading one tonight. Maybe. 

I closed my eyes for a minute. They needed it. I opened them and saw that I was still in the tree, but it looked like it was morning. I looked around. "What are you doing up there, get down. The Headmaster has had everybody looking for you. He needs to talk to you. Come on." It was Snape. I jumped down, and fell on my face. Sleeping in trees isn't the most comfortable place for your legs. I got up quickly and hurried after Snape. " I am sorry sir. I didn't mean to stay out here all night, it just happened. Why does the Headmaster want me?" Snape didn't answer, so I didn't ask again. I just followed him.