Middle Of Nowhere, Northern England

Rachel got up from her bed and stretched. "I haven't talked to Katie in a while..." and she decided to go visit her. She hoped she didn't mind this very sudden and unexpected visit.

An owl slammed into the window, wedged it open, noting it was unlocked, and flew onto the bed, dropping the shiny note. It read, in a script that was so elaborate it was difficult to read..
Dear Rach.
I'm having a paaarty! Please come, I'd love you to. Just so you don't screw up the theme AGAIN, (joking, joking,) it is BAROQUE (like, a french Renaissance. Marie Antoinette and all that.) MASQUERADE BALL. SO, WEAR AN OLD-FASHIONED FANCY DRESS. PRETTY HAIR, NO NEED FOR WIGS OR ANYTHING. AND, OBVIOUSLY... A MASK. It's at my house, you won't believe the costs for renovating the living room into a ballroom!
Love, Serenity.

Rachel smiled down at the note. Good! Something to take her mind off her troubles for a while! She quickly pinned the note up on her bulletin board, and ran off to her mother's trunks, where she kept some period clothing...

Rachel came back home, and she quickly tore of her old costume, without even bothering the courtesy to fold it up all nicely and stuff. What was the point of that? It would probably go into the wash soon anyway.

She than quickly pulled on a pair of what she called her 'hobo sweats' and tanktop, and she dove under the covers of her bed.

"Dang it, I messed up again..." She always did that. She always seemed to be the root of the problem for everything, and always messing things up for anyone else. Why did she even bother trying to be in the popular clique at school? She was all to 'unique' as they said for their little group.

Suddenly, she was inspired by an idea. Next week, she would throw a party herself. Not one of Serenity's huge blowouts, but just a hang out with her friends. And, with that, she would prove you don't need a big fancy costume party to have fun. That would should all of them...

Amanda walked in and called in a small voice, "Ray? Is it cool if I stay? I need to talk to you."

Rachel looked up from her under the covers. "I guess it's alright. My parents won't mind, I guess."

"Thanks. Sorry for intruding but - - Serneity's om got in a car crash after you left and before I came, and I think passed away, and Serenity is trying to hide her emotions by yet again., bagging on my immuturity and geekishness and how she wouldn't have invited me and how I should leave, which I AM getting better at if I do say so my self." Amanda said this is a fast jumble of words.

"Well..." Rachel reached over to her yellow nightstand, and pulled out a strip of gum. She began to smack loudly for a few minutes, before finally saying "Why don't you just stand up to here? You know, Serenity?"

"Well I feel bad since her mom just. . . "

"I know, I feel bad too, but sometimes, you gotta stand up for yourself. Your dignity and pride."

"This is true... I wish we could have anormal party instead of this." Amanda gestured toward her dress. "But I dig this home made plastic mask."

"I agree, I was thinking of throwing one...Serenity just doesn't understand you don't need throw these huge extravagant parties to have fun and oh shoot-" Rachel snapped her fingers. "Can you spend the night another night? I forgot that me and my mum are going to see this musical Spring Awakening (DON'T LOOK IT UP AMANDA) in London and we're leaving to the city early, so..."

"Oh it's fine! When should I poof?"

"Just in the fireplace,"

"Oh sorry I was talking to fast- when should I go?"

"Well, I was thinking of going to bed now..."

"Alrightly, cya!" Amanda smiled and waved, then ran downstairs and poofed home through the fireplace.

"Night!" And Rachel went off to bed.

The next day, late at night.

Rachel came home late at night from Spring Awakening (AMANDA NO) And, she was looking rather pale, at that.

"So what did you think of it? I thought it was quite good!" said Rachel's mum cheerfully, as was putting away her coat.

"It was... alright. I'm going to bed now, goodnight.

"Good night dear!"

Rachel than walked slowly into her bedroom, and than went flying onto her bed, sobbing.

[and so it begins]

(Yes.)

Rachel was just laying around in her bedroom, reading some Muggle book called Alice's Adventures In Wonderland. It was very strange. And, mostly importantly, she was completely oblivious to all what has happened to her friends.

The day had come.

That day, that all the fifth years at Hogwarts had been dreading.

The day the OWL results had come.

And, just like magic, an owl came flying in, and dropped off Rachels' results for the OWLS. She store them open, and braced herself...

Charms: A

Transfiguration: E

Potions: A

Astronomy: E

Defense Against the Dark Arts: O

Divination: E

History of Magic: A

Ancient Runes: P

Herbology: E

As she read down the list, the smile on her face grew. She didn't think she would do this good. Guess all the studying paid off. Sure, she knew she wouldn't do too hot at Ancient Runes at all. After all, she spent the whole year copying off of Cara's and Max's work. But still, much better than she expected.

A fat, gray owl flew in the window.

Hey you, you never replied, thanks.

Dude, I totally bombed the OWLs... Life sucks.

Angel left, by the way. Like, for college or something. I dont know. But hes gone for the time being. I bet Sere will go berserk this year. Hey, were you at the party? Its really a shame about her mom...

- Olivia I.