A new year brings a new transfer student. Alejandra gets introduced to her new classmates.

                 “In that case, let’s have a toast to nuevos amigos,” she said.  Oliver nodded and they drank.  “So, tell me something about yourself that no one else knows,” she suggested after a few drinks.  (Translation: New friends).

 “Don’t fall in love, Ale,” Carlos warned.  “Mother and Father would be most unhappy.”

“Don’t lecture me, Carlos,” she scolded.  “I will live my life.”

“You have a duty to Spain,” he stated.  “It will do you nothing but harm to love an English boy.”

                 “Because we won’t let someone taunt you and torment you just because of who your parents are,” Oliver answered.  “I forgot that for a few weeks.  I hope you can forgive me.”

               “When do you see her again?” Sean asked.

                “In 2 weeks,” Oliver replied.  “We’re both going to be at the Jubilee Ball in London, but her parents won’t let her come back to Scotland with me since I’m a boy.”

 “Don’t go,” Oliver begged.  “I just want to spend time with you.  I know that sounds stupid, but when the Dementors were outside our compartment on the train, all I could think was that I’d never get to see you again.” 

 “Ale, I’m sorry,” he said.  “I’ve been trying to figure out how to go back for the last few weeks, but I don’t want to go back.  I can’t simply be friends with you.”

“I understand,” she said, turning to walk away.

  “Ale, did you fall in love with him?” Miguel asked quietly.  She nodded and sobbed; he rubbed her shoulders and promised her that everything would be fine.  “Mother and Father have not made a match for you yet.  The Crown Prince of Sweden made a proposal, but they turned it down.”

  “I have been well,” she answered.  “It has been a long time and there is much to say.”

“I can stay here all night, Princess,” he offered.  She nodded and they took seats.  “Tell me everything that you were going to say in your letters.”

  “What do you have to say for yourself, Oliver?” Ian demanded.

 “I’m sorry for not telling you sooner,” Oliver began.  “I didn’t know until the ball.  But, Grandfather, understand one thing.  I will never be sorry for a moment I’ve spent with her and I will never be sorry that Olivia exists.  She’s my daughter and I love her very much.”

  “Are you sure this is what you want, Oliver?” Gavin asked.

 “Aye, Dad,” he replied.  “It’s what I’ve always wanted."