It was a huge, huge castle with a thousand glowing spires, mountainous towers, and it was built of grey stone. It was the most beautiful and thrilling sight I’d ever had.

“Wow,” I breathed.

Delilah gave me a small smile. “I think that every time I see it at night, too. It looks like one big star of light, doesn’t it? This is the highlight of my year.”

“It’s – it’s amazing.”

“I know. This is the best place in the world. You won’t be disappointed.”

Alex looked faintly surprised.



“Taylor, don’t you play Chaser?” he asked, his eyebrows flying to hide behind his floppy blonde hair.



“I wanted to do something a little different,” she cooed. I snorted, which earned me a few glares. It was more like she wanted to stalk Albus Potter by going for the same position.


.
 

It was a funny thing, but being attacked by pseudo Death Eaters did put a certain perspective on things, like how you and the person saving your life should probably be on first name basis. Especially if you had a snogging session that just about blew your brains out twice already.

McGonagall pursed her lips, as if at a loss for words. There was an uncomfortable silence between us, until she finally spoke.

Five words. That was all it took to shatter my world into a million little fragments, pieces all over the place, for me to huddle down broken. Five little words. How could they do so much damage?

Only two or three feet away, Jen sighed contentedly, her head resting on Michael’s broad shoulders. I looked at Michael critically. He was tall and handsome, but his face was too short, his nose too big, his stance not wide enough, his hair too neat, his eyes not green –

Did I just think that? Temporary insanity, I assure you. Because I am not that shallow.

“Are you serious?” I asked incredulously. “What is this place?”

“I do know a few things about Hogwarts,” Albus said, smiling dazzlingly, and I found myself entirely diverted. “It’s a Potter tradition.” He slowly pushed the door open, and strode in confidently.

“Welcome to the Room of Requirement.”

My voice was hoarse when I spoke.

 

“I’m sorry if I woke anyone up.”

 

Delilah turned to me, animosity forgotten in this new development. Her doe eyes were wide and frightened, and she seemed to look to me – to me – for support. She had to take a deep breath before she spoke.

 

“It wasn’t you, Lizzi. The scream – it came from the common room.”