CHAPTER 28

                                    

                                          
It was beginning to get colder and colder, cotton shorts and swimming costumes were pushed to the back of everyone's wardrobes and the sweaters were beginning to make an appearance. This winter was especially cold. I pulled out the sweater that George had given to me last Christmas, navy blue with a yellow 'A' on it, and put it on.

                          
I walked towards the Great Hall which was almost empty, it was 7 AM on a Saturday, I wasn't surprised. I noticed Ella sitting on the Ravenclaw table and I suddenly remembered Amelie. I hadn't spoken to her in a long time. Maybe Ella was in touch with her?
                          
"Hi Ella, I'm Alice" I smiled, sitting across from her.
                          
"Hi Alice, Amelie's friend right?" She asked, pushing a strand of hair behind her ear.
                          
"Yea, I was wondering if you were still in touch with her?"
                          
"Oh yes I am, I think you're the only one who knows that we're dating" She sighed.
                          
"She hasn't told her parents yet?"
                          
"You know her parents. Mr. and Mrs. Lume wouldn't be too..keen.."
                          
Mr. and Mrs. Lume were French muggles, they were already shaken by the fact that Amelie had magical blood in her.
                          
"I'm sure she'll come around one day or another. She's had a tough time in her previous relationships and honestly I have never seen her as happy with anyone as I have seen her with you" I reassured Ella before waving her goodbye and walking towards the Hufflepuff table.
                          
I pulled out a piece of parchment and a quill and began to write.
                          
Dear Amelie,
                          
We haven't spoken in five months and I miss you more than you know. How are you? I spoke to Ella a few moments ago and she told me how things are going with you guys. Aims, I know that you're scared and I don't want to pressure you. I just want you to know that I love you and Ella loves you too.
                          
How much longer are you going to hide yourself? Again, I'm not pressuring you, I just want you to know that I'm here for you. Whenever you need me. Please write me back, I miss you and your list of dirty jokes.
                          
Love,
                          
Alice.
                          
I folded the letter before slipping it into an envelope with Amelie's address on it. I stuffed the quill and parchment in my bag before heading out to the owlery. On the way I remembered that I had an Arithmancy test on Monday and I had left my book in the classroom. I decided to drop the letter off first.
                          
When I reached the owlery, I saw Fred tying a package to Pigwidgeon's leg. The little owl took off once Fred was done.
                          
"Hey Fred"
                          
Fred jumped in shock and turned around.
                          
"Oh Al, I didn't see you there" He walked towards me and placed his arms lazily around my waist, pulling me closer to him.
                          
"What are you doing here?"
                          
"Just sending a letter, I was supposed to send it with George but I can't find the twit anywhere. He's made himself pretty scarce lately" 
                          
I removed Fred's arms from around my waist so that I could tie the letter onto a grey owl's leg. Once I was done, the owl flew off, following Pigwidgeon.
                          
"Walk to the Arithmancy classroom with me?" I said, looking at Fred.
                          
"How's your preparations for the O.W.L's going?" He asked as we made our way to the classroom.
                          
"Not bad actually"
                          
"George and I scored only three O.W.L's each in our fifth year"
                          
"Charming" I chuckled.