Part Nine

Millicent opened her eyes, she had fallen asleep at the windowsill again. Her room mates were still asleep. The summer sun had risen and a bright light shone around the castle, yet her heart still ached.

She got up and dressed in her weekend clothes, then headed down to breakfast early. The Slytherin table was completely empty, except for a few chubby first years. She glanced across the great hall and spotted Cormac McLaggen who was reading the daily prophet, she smiled small and walked over to the Gryffindor table.

"You're up early" she stated, sitting on the bench opposite him and helping herself to a slice of his toast

"Quidditch practice in an hour" He replied plainly, without looking up from the paper.

She could sense he was mad at her. The months without Marcus caused her to cut off from most of her friends, Cormac especially.

She played with the ends of her hair nervously.

"Is there something you wanted?" Asked Cormac, putting the paper down on the table and crossing his arms.

"I'm sorry for how I've been treating you.." She said looking down

Cormac looked sympathetic.

"It's okay. I'm being childish. It must be difficult for you at the moment, what with Marcus gone.."

Then, Millicent surprised herself, and burst into tears. Instinctively Cormac put his hands on hers.