A/N: Chapter 3 is here!! I did my best to get one up as quickly as possible to make up for the long wait on the last one. My muses were working overtime. Sadly I know the next chapter will take a bit longer as I'm already stuck on it and I've written like one paragraph. Hope you enjoy! Oh, and excuse any spelling, grammar mistakes. I tried my best to catch them all! Spell check is rather pointless as it tells me every other name is wrong.
Disclaimer: Nothing is mine. I own nothing. Wish I did, but…I don't/
Chapter 3
Books and Letters
Letters are above all useful as a means of expressing the ideal self; and no other method of communication is quite so good for this purpose. In letters we can reform without practice, beg without humiliation, snip and shape embarrassing experiences to the measure of our own desires... Elizabeth Hardwick
Katie did a last once-over of her room at St. Mungo's, ensuring no get-well cards or bons-bons had escaped her earlier packing attempts. Satisfied she had retrieved everything, she picked up her suitcase. Before leaving Katie turned towards the window. "Evanesco!" The deep crimson curtain disappeared and sunlight streamed into the room once more.
She smiled and headed down the hallway toward the stairs. Finally she would be able to leave the 4th floor. She received several waves from medi-wizards and witches as she walked. Most of them had actually avoided her during her stay. They are quite happy to see me go aren't they? She didn't care though. It was over and done with. Today she would return home with her parents and in 2 days she would be back at Hogwarts with Leanne and the rest of her friends. Excitement mingled with fear rippled through her body. St. Mungo's may have been tedious but it was safe and surprisingly steadfast. Everything would be new and different at Hogwarts and that was cause enough for Katie to have anxiety. Her initiation at to the real world had been slow at best. Outside of her family the only people who had been in to see her were Oliver, Dumbledore, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley and in full comical disguise the twins. Leanne had made attempts to sneak out of school but was deftly caught by McGonagall both times.
Her parents stood in the lobby with Healer Milly waiting on her. Katie moved toward them and was quickly wrapped up by Milly. "Take care of yourself now."
Katie happily returned the embrace. "I'll try."
Mr. Bell picked up the small suitcase holding Katie's belongings. "We better be off then Katie-bear. Your Great-Aunt Ruth is at home cooking and she'll want to see you."
Katie frowned. "Oh goodie. Lucky for me, the twins taught me a cheek numbing charm. This way I at least don't have to feel the pinches forming bruises." She walked over to the Apparition area, waving at Milly one last time. "I still don't see why she couldn't just come and visit me here. Remember, I'm supposed to be resting."
Mrs. Bell laughed and threw an arm over her daughter's shoulder. "You know how she hates St. Mungo's. She still blames them for her extra toe."
"I thought Uncle Ned gave her the extra toe during one of his experiments?"
"Yes, well St. Mungo's tried to remove it. They did but it grew back. Twice."
A pop filled the air and Katie saw her father was gone. "Guess we should get going then." Two pops later and the three Bells were in the kitchen of Tree Cove Cottage. A thin, pinch-faced older woman stood behind the stove atop which a wooden spoon was self-stirring a large pot. The smell of rich herbs wafted through the room.
"Katherine dear! So good to see you!" The older woman grabbed Katie's cheek hard. "And still so pretty. Though you really should do something with your hair." She turned to Mrs. Bell. "Helena, has this child ever seen a proper hair-witch?"
Katie scowled as she pulled away. "Hello Aunt Ruth."
Mr. Bell quickly fled the room.
"Aunt Ruth, Katie has just been in a coma for six months. I didn't feel it would be prudent to have someone come in and style it," Mrs. Bell responded to the question. "Katie, go upstairs and lay down. We'll bring you up some food in a bit."
"I think I've rested enough," Katie mumbled under her breath as she tramped upstairs. She suddenly felt sad as she opened the door to her room; it felt almost alien. She was used to spending months at a time away from it, but it always felt right to come home to. It was her private sanctuary, small and quaint with pale yellow bed sheets and matching throw rug on a whitewashed wooden floor. Various Quidditch posters hung on the walls, the different teams zooming around the pictures, even occasionally drifting into other ones to play a match against another team. Above a desk were photographs of Katie and her friends from school and also with her family. Now it seemed like she was in a surreal movie, the kind that you never quite understand and in the end you have no idea whether you hated or loved it, or for that matter what exactly it was about.
Sighing, Katie kicked off her trainers and fell onto the bed. Her mother was right, she was exhausted. Snatching up her childhood teddy bear Rufus Katie curled up and let her head sink into the soft down pillow. The beds hadn't been uncomfortable at St. Mungo's but they sure weren't up to par with her day to day sleeping standards. Moments after shutting her eyes she was fast asleep.
"You'll never remember. Ever. You can search, hunt and explore the deepest crevices of your mind without avail. It will torture you until the end of days. The unknown. You can't bear the unknown, can't stand not to know what's going on. Such a perfectionist. Perfect little Katie. Star pupil, star Quidditch player, star daughter. But not anymore, those days have vanished. You will remain lost. They'll never find you, not the real you. Your shell will remain along with the pain you feel."
Katie ran faster than ever. She couldn't see where she was or where she was going but she had to escape the voice. It laughed, taunting her. The voice was neither male or female, it was androgynous and evil, mocking her suffering, laughing in a playful and childlike fashion. It seemed almost as if it derived a sort of pleasure from each subsequent ounce of confusing sting that hit Katie.
"Oh Katie-bear, why are you running? Can't you seen you are back in the dark? It doesn't matter that you wake up. I will be here waiting for you to come back to me. I miss our months together. We had so much fun, you and I. The best times were when you didn't even know your own name. How I relish those days. The never-ending bewilderment was practically orgasmic. Then again, you sweet Kate wouldn't know about that."
"Please. Just stop. Let me wake up," Katie whimpered.
"I'm not stopping you. Wake yourself up. You've done it before. Then again you had good old Oliver help you out of that one. So sweet of him to give you your name and then to show up so unexpectedly. Both times. To bad you won't see him again. After all, why would he concern himself with a mere school girl; especially one who is so mentally distorted, so affected? It's not like you ever cared what he did or thought before so why should he think you do now?"
"Just shut up!" Katie screamed. Why wouldn't it just leave her alone? She had tried so hard to forget the voice, but the more she tried the stronger it became. It had been a mere whisper during the coma, but now with her revival it seemed to gain the same strength she did. There were times she still craved the darkness. The simplicity of nothingness was intoxicating, but the voice disturbed the harmony of it all. Her inner confliction stunted her thought process. She couldn't reason her way to sanity, her emotions and fears had taken over. The voice waited with baited breath for her to succumb to sleep and then it struck.
"Knock knock Katie…"the voice giggled. A soft tapping trailed it.
Katie looked around fruitlessly in the inky black sea for the source of the knocking. It grew more persistent.
"Katie! Open up!"
Katie jerked awake and promptly rolled off of her bed, squishing poor Rufus beneath her. She was back in her bedroom, the evening sun loaning light to her surroundings. Shaky and sweat-drenched she stood up to answer the door. Alex stood on the other side.
"I figured you would have had enough sleep at the hospital, but that was akin to waking the dead! Why on earth are you sweating like a pig?"
"No reason. What's up? Why are you even here?"
"Came over for dinner. Dad said something about no Christmas ever again if I didn't. Though he neglected to mention Aunt Ruth's presence. I would have happily foregone Christmas for the next 2 lifetimes had I known. So yea, supper's ready."
Katie smiled feebly. "I'll be right down."
Katie was surrounded by people. Questions flew from every direction, but for once she didn't mind. She had returned to Hogwarts and felt right again. She simply smiled and repeated that she couldn't remember anything, yes St. Mungo's food was incredibly bland and no, the Minister of Magic had not paid her a personal visit.
Katie couldn't help but smile, surrounded by her friends. They hadn't abandoned her.
"…McLaggen is a royal screw-up. Honestly, I don't know how he even manages to stay on a broom." Leanne was continuing to update her on Gryffindor happenings.
"Katie! You're back! Are you okay?"
Katie turned to see Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley and Harry Potter moving toward her. Harry was staring disbelievingly.
"I'm really well!" she said happily. "They let me out of St. Mungo's on Monday, I had a couple of days at home with Mum and Dad and then came back here this morning. Leanne was just telling me about McLaggen and the last match, Harry…"
"Yeah," said Harry, "well now you're back and Ron's fit, we have a decent chance of thrashing Ravenclaw, which means we could still be in the running for the Cup. Listen, Katie…" Harry dropped his voice as Katie's friends started gathering up their things; apparently they were late for Transfiguration.
"…that necklace…can you remember who gave it to you now?"
"No," said Katie, shaking her head ruefully. "Everyone's been asking me, but I haven't got a clue. The last thing I remember was walking into the ladies' room in the Three Broomsticks."
"You definitely went into the bathroom, then?" said Hermione.
"Well, I know I pushed open the door," said Katie, "so I suppose whoever Imperiused me was standing behind it. After that my memory's blank until about two weeks ago in St. Mungo's. Listen I'd better go, I wouldn't put it past McGonagall to give me lines even if it is my first day back…"
She caught up her bag and books and hurried after her friends. (The Half-Blood Prince, J.K. Rowling, pg 516-17)
So Harry is involved in this too. That can only mean one thing; this has something to do with You-Know-Who. Which in turn means it can't have been meant for me, I'm nothing to him. Where was I going with it? Who gave it to me? Damnit!
"Ouch!" cried Katie as she ran straight into a first year standing in the hall talking to some friends. The young Slytherin looked absolutely terrified when he saw a 7th year towering above him. Katie ignored him and having snapped out of her daydream hurried the rest of the way to Transfiguration.
Professor McGonagall glared as she entered the classroom and said, "As this is your first day back I will refrain from penalizing you, however I trust that by tomorrow you will remember how the school runs Miss Bell."
"Of course," said Katie in return, hastily making her way to the empty sit next to Leanne who giggled a bit too loudly.
"I don't recall you being ill Miss Mason, so if you please revert your attention to the lesson. That is, if it's not too much of an inconvenience on your social life." said Professor McGonagall sternly.
Both girls turned their attention to the lesson, Katie quickly realizing she had a lot of work to do in order to catch up.
Over the next week Katie slept minimally, instead throwing her focus into mastering the techniques she had missed. It was a welcome distraction and as her dreams were still quite often plagued by dark nightmares, the lack of sleep wasn't really a big concern to her. After her first Quidditch practice, Katie felt absolutely exuberant. She ended up staying late with Ron, who had volunteered to help her out a bit. Even after he left the pitch Katie remained, soaring in the cool spring night. It was nearly midnight by the time she crawled through the portrait hole, the common room long abandoned by most students. Katie instead snuck down her bag and spread out over one of the tables and began to practice advanced healing charms.
By two in the morning, Katie realized she could no longer keep her eyes open. Weary and apprehensive, she gathered her belongings and trudged up the stairs to her dorm. Out of the six beds, four had all the curtains drawn tightly. The bed next to her own, on the other side of the tower window, had its left side open. Leanne must have waited up, Katie thought. Leanne had stayed up with her friend the past few nights as best she could. Katie hadn't told her about the night-terrors and Leanne hadn't asked, assuming hospital hours were strange and that being in a coma for months tended to make one restless.
She dropped her books on top of her trunk and pulled her pajamas from underneath her pillow. As she crawled under the cover, she repeated her nightly custom. "I'm Katie Bell and I'm alive, I'm Katie Bell and I'm alive," she whispered and blew out her candle.
Katie awoke the next morning as she had intermittently for the past three weeks, quickly and forcefully. Leanne was already rummaging through her trunk.
"What time did you come up?" asked her roommate.
"Must've been around two," answered Katie.
"I dunno how you do it. I'd be falling asleep left and right."
"Well let's hope that doesn't happen today. Snape seems to be in rare form these days. Tell me again why we did do N.E.W.T. in Defense Against the Dark Arts?"
Leanne grinned and replied, "Because me dear, and I quote, 'we need to be well-versed in all subjects if we are going to join the ministry Leanne'. As to why exactly I listened to you I'm not sure, you must have hexed me. Oh crap, I'm sorry, that was lame of me. I keep forgetting…it's just good to have you back 'n all."
Katie laughed and said "No worries, but next time I have an idea like that, please knock me on the head with a broomstick and drag me away. It'll be better for everyone that way. I maintain in my defense that we didn't know Snape would be teaching it. You notice we aren't in a Potions class."
"Will do. Now hurry, I'm starving."
"Go ahead. I'll meet you downstairs."
"Ok, but I can't promise I'll be able to save you anything."
With that Leanne left the room and Katie let out the breath she was holding which was quickly followed by a yawn. Maybe I can go see Madame Pomfrey and get a draft for dreamless sleep. I could cite stress from all the catching up. She was exhausted but determined not to let it show. Leanne was already asking far too many questions and Katie was in no mood to answer them.
Ten minutes later she trudged into the Great Hall joining her fellow Gryffindors at the house table. Just as she sat down the mail owls began to pour into the hall. Ignoring them, Katie went about filling her plate with toast, bacon and anything else within reach. The Hogwarts fare had unquestionably renewed her appetite.
"Whoa there Bell, leave some for the rest of us. Keep going like that and your broom might not want to take off."
Mouth full of toast, Katie turned toward the offending voice. Cormac McLaggen sat a few seats down looking disdainfully along the table.
"Ad leass by cab shtill…"
"Swallow, then talk Katie," interrupted Cormac.
Glaring darts Katie gulped down her toast. "I said at least I can still get off my broom. It must get uncomfortable always have yours wedged up…" She was interrupted again, this time by a large barn owl depositing a letter on top of her head. Leanne and another Gryffindor seventh year, Liam laughed.
"Who's it from?" asked Leanne.
"Not sure," replied Katie. "I haven't even written Alex back yet so it shouldn't be from him." The envelope was addressed in small, neat block lettering to a 'Katie Bell, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Gryffindor'.
Katie tore open the envelope and scanned down to the signature. Her stomach did a little flip. "It's from Oliver!" she exclaimed.
Leanne looked at her quizzically. "Oliver? Who's Oliv…wait Wood? The old captain?"
Katie nodded.
"Since when do you keep in touch with him? I thought you hadn't spoken in ages?"
"We haven't, well hadn't til he came to see me at St. Mungo's. He and Alex both play pro, so they see each other and I guess talk about me. Who knows? But he kept me company after his practices and supplied me with food. Didn't really realize I missed him til he was back."
"Mmmmhhhmmm, so he came by a lot then." said Leanne, a hint of knowing smile on her face that was oblivious to Katie.
"Yea, every other day or so" answered Katie absently and began reading to herself.
Dear Katie,
I hope you got back to Hogwarts alright. How's Quidditch going? You had me kind of worried that last day I saw you. No more nightmares I hope. It's strange going home after practice rather than the hospital. Funny how a habit forms after only a couple of weeks. Well, the reason I'm writing is because I got some great news and wanted to share it with someone who would appreciate it (especially since it's about something I've been complaining about to you). Ok, so Hatchfield is out! Not sure if they paid him off or he wanted out, but starting next season I'm the official Puddlemere United Head Keeper! I just found out last night so I haven't even slept yet.
On another note, I ran into the twins. The said to say hullo and to expect so gifts. I would warn Ron and Ginny if I were you.
I'm completely exhausted right now but I wanted to write you a quick note. Let me know how the final match goes. And of course everything else.
Your friend,
Oliver
PS: Tell Harry I said hi and that he better be taking his captaincy seriously. Oh and if he needs some plays to just owl me, I've thought of some brilliant ones!
Katie grinned. "Oliver's been made head Keeper of Puddlemere for next season!" She cried.
"I remember Oliver," said Liam, "he was the neurotic, obsessive Scot."
"That's the one,' replied Leanne. "Figures when Katie finally guns for someone, he's older, crazy and soon-to-be famous."
"I'm not gunning for him! He's just a friend who kept me company in the hospital!" exclaimed Katie. Shaking her head she added, "And he's not crazy."
Sighing Leanne spoke in a slow and gentle tone, as if speaking to a child. "Katie darling, it wasn't just a quick visit. You said 'every other day or so' which means he obviously cares. I haven't seen you this giddy since you heard about the internship. And for the final point, you blushed. I know you well enough to know you never blush unless you do like someone. Remember when you liked Liam during 5th year and every time I mentioned his name you turned the color of a strawberry?"
"What?!" sputtered Katie. "I did NOT blush."
"Wait, you liked me during fifth year?" Liam spoke up again.
"No. Well yes, but I'm over that."
"Sheesh, personally I don't think I should have been the last to know about this."
Leanne patted him sympathetically. "No worries, you're not the last. Actually including me and Katie, you are the 3rd to know. Katie's got a thing about publicity, which is why it's quite stupid for her to start admiring someone who is on the fame fast-track."
"Oh just shut up and eat your breakfast Leanne," snapped Katie without any real malice.
When she had finished eating she wandered over to where Harry was sitting flanked by Ron, Hermione and Ginny. "Hiya guys."
"Hi Katie," said Hermione and Ginny simultaneously.
"So, Harry I'm supposed to pass along a message to you."
Harry groaned. "Oh no, not another message from Slughorn."
"Um, actually no," said Katie, looking quizzically at him. "Oliver says to say hullo and that he has a bunch of new plays he would love to pass on to you."
"Are you sure he's not dead and his spirit hovering in my dormitory?"
"Last I checked he's quite alive and recently been made head Keeper of Puddlemere. Why?"
"Ron and I were working on new plays last night. I didn't realize you kept in touch."
"We didn't but he came and saw me at the hospital. Alright, well he said to owl him if you wanted them. Though if he does send them they'll probably be encoded so no one can 'steal' them."
"Wouldn't surprise me," muttered Harry.
"Well I'll see you guys later at practice. Oh and Ron, Ginny, beware. Oliver ran into the twin and they mentioned something about presents. Just be careful what you open."
Ron groaned and Ginny laughed as Katie headed off for Muggle Studies.
That night Katie sat in one of the common room armchairs, parchment with a book for backing perched on her knees. Her mind slowly drifted to Oliver's question about her nightmares. No one was supposed to know about them but the day before she left St. Mungo's Katie had let herself fall asleep in the middle of the afternoon, completely forgetting that Oliver was due to stop by. She woke to him shaking her, fear etched on his face.
"Katie! Wake up!"
"What? I'm here, what's wrong? Why do you look like the Bloody Baron just passed through you?" asked Katie.
Oliver stared for a second before replying. "When I walked in you were shaking and sweating. Your face was all pale. I thought you were having a seizure!"
Katie smiled halfheartedly and said "no, just a nightmare. And for future reference, if I am having a seizure, I don't think your approach is the best way to snap me out of it."
"Right. Good point. Nightmare then? D'you have 'em often?"
"No! Not at all."
"You're such a liar. And a bad one"
"Maybe I am. Maybe I do have them occasionally."
"What about?"
"Just stuff."
"Stuff? Yea, that's specific. Stuff about what you didn't want to talk about before? From when you were out?"
"Mmmhhmm. It's quite the confliction in my head right now."
"Well my offer of an ear still stands."
"If only Van Gogh had a friend like you."
"You're hilarious Bell."
"I try."
"At least you're honest. Trying doesn't mean success."
"Oh ho, what a knee slapper. I think I'll go back to sleep now."
Katie dipped her quill in the inkpot that balanced precariously on the armrest.
Dear Oliver,
Congratulations! A proper Quidditch team can't have ninnies like Hatchfield on it anyway. Be careful when you play Alex though. My connections won't keep him from putting one of his famous Belligerent Bludgers on you. As your former teammate, I expect free tickets to all your matches. School will be over so outside of work I will need something to occupy my time. It's strange to be back here, but even weirder to think that in about 2 months I won't be here anymore. I've been spending a lot of time trying to catch up on learning everything I've missed. It's a nice distraction and it gives me an excuse not to sleep. I guess since you already know about them I can tell you. I'm still having nightmares. Not every night, but most. Those six months that I was, I guess in a coma, I was actually aware. I was trapped and didn't even know who I was. Imagine being stuck in a black room, with no way out, no idea who you are. There was a voice, but I didn't mind it because it was something other than my own thoughts. I know it sounds crazy since obviously they were my own thoughts. But now when I go to sleep the voice is there, taunting me dragging back into the darkness. It's…oh never mind. It was good hearing from you. I miss our conversations as well. When I graduate we'll have to do a sort of reunion. We'll get the twins, Alicia, Ange and Lee. It's been ages since I've seen them all together and I'm sure even longer for you.
Keep me updated!
Katie
PS: Harry said thanks and he does need some plays so I'm sure he'll owl you.
One Week Later
Katie,
Don't be an idiot and just talk to me about it. You can't just go halfway into an evidently serious problem and then say never mind. Doesn't work like that; not with me at least. I think you should tell Dumbledore what's going on, or at least Madame Pomfrey. I'm sure she can give you a draft to help you sleep. Sorry if I'm being pushy. Actually I'm not; I'm a pushy person, deal with it. On a lighter note, how are practices going? Have you gotten Ginny and Demelza to do the Parkin's Pincer for you? You, Alicia and Angelina were always great at that one. I still remember the look on Flint's face when Alicia and Angelina closed in on him while you flew at him head on. Classic. Use that against Ravenclaw and they won't have a chance. I've actually seen the twins a few times recently. They have begun to include me on an endeavor they have going on with Lee. Can't really say much about it though, just that I'm glad you're at Hogwart's. It's safe there. I've been keeping up with Muggle news and the reports are bad. Strange weather, accidents, disappearance, etc. It's basically a replay of You-know-who's rise to power. I've been instructed to have you keep an extra eye on Harry. If something is about to happen he'll be in the thick of it for sure.
Take care of yourself Bell.
Oliver
PS: Use the drop. Fly under the others and let them drop it to you.
--
Oliver,
You never quit do you? I think Alicia was right, Quidditch has possessed you body and mind. And furthermore I'm not an idiot. I just don't like to think about it that's all. I feel so helpless. I went to the Hospital Wing today and Madame Pomfrey gave me a draft for tonight. I hope it works; Leanne is starting to notice something is wrong. She told me the day before yesterday that I wasn't myself and hadn't been for a while. She's worried I know but I can't tell her. I don't want her to think I'm some sort of a freak. The voice in my dreams keeps telling me I'm lost. It says that this pain is all I'll ever feel anymore. I've tried reasoning with myself to make it go away but it won't. I've never not been able to reason myself to an answer. Sometimes it's just easier to let go and fall into the darkness (that's what I call it, since nothing else can really describe it). Life is so crazy and alien to me now. I don't know where to begin to handle it. I can't fail at this. I just can't. I've never failed before, and I think not holding onto who I really am would be the biggest failure of them all. I suppose my biggest issue is that I'm no longer sure who that person is. HA! A muggle psychiatrist would have a field day with me. Perhaps I should submit these letters to one of them. We learned about medical muggle professions in Muggle Studies this week. They have some very odd ones. For instance, did you know there is a person, that all he does is take pictures of your skeleton? X-ray technician they call it. By the sound of it, they'll be needing all the muggle doctors they can scrounge up. Has anyone actually come out and declared reviving You-know-Who's ways? I mean, I know he's back, but have any Death Eaters stepped out publicly? I have a pretty good idea of what the twins are up to and all I can say is don't be daft and get in over your heads. The idea of any of you getting hurt in some grand gesture makes me shudder.
Don't be daft Wood.
Katie
PS: Harry and Ron are ecstatic over the plays. Ron may well be the next you.
--
Katie,
I'm not daft. Trust me, it will be fine. And personally I don't see the problem with being obsessed by Quidditch. There are worse things you know. So did the dream draft work? Why didn't you tell anyone at St. Mungo's what was going on? I guess I can understand how overwhelming it was, but they might have been able to help. Have you ever tried casting a spell while in your dream? Maybe you can do a Patronous. I mean, it's obviously not a dementor, but the Patronous might help. Worth a shot right? Think happy thoughts. Ok, that made me sound like a pansy. Anyway, life out here is getting complicated. I spoke with my dad the other day and he let me know people have started leaving the country. My cousin wrote them that he, his wife and their 6 month old have gone to live in Greece. His wife is frightened out of her mind so he agreed. Others are doing it too. Remember Kates, keep alert. I also have a favor to ask. It's not just for me. If you see anything, anything at all out of the ordinary, send a Patronus immediately. Please don't ask why; I can't tell you. Just promise me you'll do it. Sorry I have to be so cryptic, but it's better not to write things in letters anymore.
Think happy thoughts.
Oliver
--
Oliver,
We won! We beat Ravenclaw with enough of a margin to get the Cup, despite Harry being an idiot and landing a detention with Snape. Ginny was amazing as Seeker and Dean covered her Chaser position quite well. I needed this. I feel like a weight has been lifted, though that might partially have something to do with the draft I took. IT did help, but only for 3 nights. Those 3 nights were like heaven. Strange as it is to say, your letters are helping too. Every time the owls come during breakfast I stare up to see if one is coming for me. Thank you again. Today was a good day. I'm collecting those now, since they seem to be quite rare. Leanne told me she doesn't know how to help me and that my general silence and moodiness isn't funny anymore. She's having problems too, but I don't know how to be there for her anymore. I guess I was right about things being different with my friends. Liam won't talk to me anymore since I accidently made Leanne cry. I felt so horrible. I yelled at her for offering me help with Arithmancy, saying I wasn't a charity case.
I promise I'll keep an eye out though I'm not sure for what exactly.
Katie
--
Katie,
Can't say much. Everyone is ok .Congratulations on the Cup. By the way, are you still doing the internship? I'll write again when there's more time I promise.
I miss St. Mungo's.
Oliver
--
Oliver,
You pratt! And yes they'll still take me. What is going on? I'm sick of not knowing anything.
You're bloody impossible
Katie
Katie wasn't sleeping again. Instead she was staring listlessly out of her dormitory window which, unlike the common room, overlooked the castle. Two windows had lights in them, though even after seven years there, Katie couldn't be sure exactly what rooms they were and who occupied them. The Astronomy Tower loomed above everything else, looking regal and ancient. She was ever so tired but couldn't bear the thought of actually sleeping. Beyond the walls, she could see the silhouettes of the Hogsmeade buildings. As she sat gazing into the distance and thinking of the upcoming summer a greenish glow illuminated the sky. She turned toward the source, in the direction of the Astronomy and had to bite her hand to keep from screaming aloud.
Like a dear in the headlights, she gaped at the scene in front of her. After a few seconds she managed to gather her wits and whispered, "Expecto Patronum" She then whispered a message and instructions to her patronus, and it was off.
Oliver lay on his couch, sound asleep with a book sliding off his chest when a PAtronus in the shape of a large and sleek bob-tailed cat appeared in the flat.
"The Dark Mark just appeared above the Astronomy Tower." Katie's voice echoed quietly through the apartment.
There is your cliffhanger..though not really since we all know what happens. Please review guys!! Even a quick 'good job' means a lot to me :)
-Muse