Going back to the Orphanage! Winter break is finally here, no more school, no more tests…just less stress…and homework.

Wow, no one even reviewed the last chapter…so sad….

Alice's POV

I woke up with a splitting headache.

"Urrr…" I said, getting up.

"You need this!" Maria said very loudly, handing me some awful looking potion. It was green with big bubbles bursting in it.

"I'm not drinking that." I rolled over and tried to block out all sounds.

"Drink it!" Maria yelled. "Drink it! Drink it! Drink it!"

"OK!" I got up and grabbed the potion, forcing it down my throat. I wanted to go back to bed now. I put my head down and felt no pain, no hangover! Amazing Maria once again!

"Wow, that really worked."

"Told you!" Maria smiled. "Time to wake up, we have to pack and get ready!"

"I already packed, we only need some stuff. We will be back in school before you know it."

"yes, well. Let's not think about that." Maria said. "Besides, we have to tell everyone about the amazing time we had!"

"Well, of course. We also have to see Eliza. I heard she is going to stay here to catch up on work and study some more."

"Yea…I hope she is ok when we get back."

"So, how did Sam wake up today?"

"O, like a green drama queen." Maria giggled. "it was funny. I woke up before her since, well, you know…I didn't pack at all so I had to pack. She got up and looked at me. She saw the dress, the jewels, the hangover potion and huffed and slammed the door to the bathroom. I was surprise you were able to sleep through that."

"O, so she isn't talking to us?"

"Well, she already left for breakfast without saying a word to us. Pretty pathetic if you ask me. She was what? Begging for forgiveness and now she wants to be like that. That wanker."

"O, well. She is a lost cause. Let's go and get ready."

We went to take a nice long shower. Getting all the drinks and dirt off of our skin. My mind drifting to the party…or what I could remember. We had fun, I know that. My dress got burned and I was fine. I lied to Maria. Pain just shot through my chest. I lied to her and Ginny. I, they just wouldn't understand. They would think I'm a freak. I'll tell them one day. Harry, Harry Harry Harry. I wonder if he remembers anything at all. He was so drunk, not just drunk but a sloppy drunk. I was hoping the night would end better but it was still amazing. I mean, I got to hang out with Draco like normal human beings, well almost. It was so wonderful. I miss him like crazy. I think he was too drunk to really care, I know it won't be like that today or any day, unless we all get drunk again.

I got out of the shower and dried my hair, I left my chest open with some clothes in it. I packed yesterday before the party. Maria was already out and was currently looking over her shoes.

"What one's should I bring home with me?" Maria asked pointing at two pairs of shoes. "The black silhouettes with the diamond studded toes or those. The black diamond wedges?"

"Does it really matter?"

"Yes! I must look perfect for Lance." Maria looked aghast that I asked.

"Ummm, fine the black diamond wedges."

"Why?"

"Well, because it will hurt less when you walk. It also gives you more shine so you don't have to wear a lot of accessories."

"True, true. Thanks Alice. What would I do without you?" Maria asked, picking up the wedges and put it in her fourth bag."

"Let's go down to breakfast, we need –"

"Hi!"

We looked over. It was Sam….what?"

"Hi." Maria said, looking confused.

"Merlin! I have the most juiciest gossip ever!" Sam exclaimed.

"O, do tell."

"Down at breakfast, everyone was talking about the Winter Break party."

"Well, of course. It is only the biggest party of the semester."

"Yes. I know. So Maria, when were you going to tell me you were dating Blaise Zambini? I know you are very good friends with him and his family but…cheating on Lance? That doesn't sound like you."

"WHAT? I would NEVER cheat on Lance. I love him." Maria said, getting up. Getting dressed and ready now in a hurry."

"Sam. Stop spreading lies." I said, before Maria started to go crazy.

"Lies? So, I guess you didn't break up with Harry after he spilled Dragon's Fire on you?" Sam asked.

"No. We are still going out."

"What? No, you can't be. See, you left Harry at the party and he found comfort in a certain red head, no?"

"No. That did not happen. Nice try though. Ginny was with us when we left."

"O, I know but Harry came up to Gryffindor Tower and he was upset that you left him. He found Ginny lying on the couch and they…they hooked up. I'm sorry."

"No they didn't." I said. I was sure that Harry would never do that to me, no matter how drunk he was."

"But that's what all the Gryffindors are talking about."

"They are wrong."

"Maria. Stop fretting. It is fine. Let's go and be our best. They will see their awful rumors and gossip and not affect us."

Maria snapped out of her trance and nodded she quickly ran to her closet and brought out a stunning little dress. She went to the bathroom to get ready.

It was simple. A stretched cotton piece in crimson. It was had a t-shirt cut in the front but in the back it was cut in a deep V with gold chains crisscrossed like a corset. She then picked black shoes with gold studded accents. Her jewels consist of gold arrowheads that hang from long gold chains that almost touched her shoulder. Hair was poof up into a messy up do. She looked fierce and sexy, she knew it too. She smiled at us and sat on her unmade bed.

I got my outfit set as well. It was an old muggle band T, the Beatles. It was a picture of their Abbey Road album cover. It was big and loose on me, the collar was stretched out so it hung off my shoulder. I put on Maria's black leggings and a pair of sparkly nude pumps. I had on my simple bracelet. It is the only jewelry I have with me. I teased my hair and put on my make-up.

"Ready?" I said when I got out.

"Yes. You look amazing." Maria said, heading for the door.

"Let's go Sam." I said.

"What?" She looked up.

"I want to know who exactly you heard it from."

"Good Idea. Sam, come with." Maria demanded.

Sam got up and walked with us. She didn't look happy about it.

We got down to our common room and we saw Lance. He was with his friends. He didn't look happy.

"Lance!" Maria said, smiling. Acting like she knew nothing was wrong. She ran up to him, looking at his puffy eyes she stopped. "What's wrong?"

"You're going out with Blaise." He said, flatly.

"What? No! I'm going out with you silly. What are you talking about." Maria said, touching him gently. He pulled away. I could see the hurt on her face. I noticed how all conversation stopped, people were waiting the scene unfold around them. "I, I don't understand. Lance, what's going on?'

"The party. Maria, you were invited by Blaise." He said, painfully.

"Yes. I told you that, I don't see why you are upset, you were fine when I told you."

"No I was never fine with it. I can't believe you were too blind to see it!" Lance said.

"What? But we are spending a week together, I love you. Lance, look at me!" Maria said. Now upset.

"You cheated on me with Blaise." Lance said looking up at her. "I never thought you would but you did."

Maria slapped him. The sound echoed in the air. I went up to her. Reaching out.

"No I am not with Blaise. I never cheated on you with anyone. I love you, you idiot. I love you and if you don't have any faith in me and if you don't trust me then why are you going out with me!?" She yelled at him. He was stunned by her sudden outburst."

"I, I…" Lance stuttered, "I don't know what to think but I don't think I should go over your house for apart of Winter Break. I'm sorry."

Maria face flashed with hurt, anger, sadness. "Fine."

She walked away and looked at everyone, "Well? What are you looking at?" Everyone turned around and started to talk again.

"Let's go and find Ginny and Harry." Maria said, as we walked down to breakfast. Sam followed behind us.

"I'm so sorry! I shouldn't have told you! I, I'm such a fool!" Sam said, "Look at it this way, now you can date Blaise!"

"Shut up! I don't want to date Blaise. I don't like Blaise like that. Just stop talking about it. Any other gossip you heard from last night?" Maria cut in.

"O, yes. Nothing too special. Everyone found out Harry Potter can't hold his drinks. The upper classmen didn't like how you and your group of friends stole the show. The usual hook ups, break ups. O! Break ups! Draco Malfoy is no longer dating Pansy. They broke up at the party, quiet embarrassing from what I heard. You guys left when Draco told Pansy off for being sloppy, I heard he was standing up for you, Alice. Pansy was talking shit when Draco burst and broke up with her. Pansy ran out of that party in tears!" Sam chatted away.

"Look! I see Harry." I said, running up to him. His hair looked even messier but other than that he was fine. "Hey Harry!" I called to him when I got close.

He smiled "Hi Alice. I'm so sorry, I never meant for it to happen. I didn't know it would happen I thought I could do it without people knowing but everyone knows. You must be so disappointed in me." He said quickly.

Sorry? Sorry for what…he didn't…he wouldn't cheat on me. It sounds like it. Everyone knows.

"You, you really did cheat on me?" I asked slowly.

"What?" Harry looked up quickly. "No. No, O Alice, what would you ever think that!" He kissed my forehead. "I was apologizing for my drunk behavior, to be honest I never had any alcohol before. So? Are you mad at me?"

"No, silly!" I laughed. Everything was fine. I was with him. He likes me, a lot and would never do that to me.

"Why did you ask if I was cheating on you?" Harry asked. "I would never cheat on you."

"Well, My friend Sam told me that when you got back to your common room you saw Ginny there and helped her. You ended up making out with her."

"Tell your friend she is wrong. I would never cheat on you with anyone. I, I love you." Harry said.

"O, Harry. I don't know if I am ready for love. I'm, I'm…" I said awkwardly.

"It's ok. I just want you to know how I feel. You don't have to tell me until you are ready."

"You are truly amazing." I said gave him a quick kiss.

Maria was sitting with Sam, talking about other stuff. Maria kept looking over to the entrance. She was probably hoping to see Lance walk through that door.

"I have to go. My friend Maria really needs me. If you see Ginny tell her I can't wait to see her after Winter Break!" I gave him another quick kiss. "I'll miss you and I will write to you everyday!"

I went over to Maria, "Hey, let's go and find Lance. You have to clear it up with him. You love him, he loves you. It was just a stupid rumor. Everything will be fine but for now it isn't and I would hate for you to have a horrible Winter Break just because of gossip."

"I don't know. He doesn't want to see me Alice. I never felt like this before for any guy and I just don't know what to do without him." Maria said, getting upset.

"Then, let's go." I pulled her up.

She got up and walked with me. She was waiting in an empty classroom when I went to get Lance.

"Lance!" I called up to him.

"Yes?" He looked up from some his friends.

"Maria, Maria needs you right now!" I said over dramatically.

"What? Why?" Lance got up, pushing his friends out of the way. " is something wrong?"

I didn't want to make it seem like she was in trouble but I need to make sure he comes with me or else Maria will be heartbroken for sure.

"I don't know. I don't know, just please come!" I said, rushing out. "Please!"

Lance quickly followed me. I refused to answer any of his questions. I didn't want to lie to him. I pushed him into the open door and shut it, locking it. I turned back and breathed. Ha, I hope everything will work out between them, soon too because we are leaving at noon.

Lance's POV

Alice pushed me into the room, shutting the door behind me. I looked over and saw Maria sitting on top of a desk.

She looked fine.

"Maria is everything all right?" I asked walking over to her.

"No." She answered looking away. "You broke my heart. You, you…you don't trust me. You don't want me anymore. I, I love you." She broke down into tears. "I love you. All you had to do was tell me, tell me you didn't want me to go. I wouldn't have gone."

"I know." I said bluntly. "I know. I should have told you but you were so happy, so excited I didn't want to ruin your life. I'm not rich or popular or perfect. I don't belong to your group."

She laughed, "Not popular? Honestly, Lance. You are one of the most hottest, popular boys in our grade."

I laughed and walked over to her, getting up on the desk and taking her hand. "Tell me what happened. What really happened."

"Ok, well. We went out to the party, we danced, we drank. I drank a lot and got tipsy. We played strip poker. I lost my dress. I danced with guys. I flirted a bit…" She looked up with me with her bright blue eyes. "I'm so sorry. But I never ever cheated on you with Blaise or anyone."

"It is ok. I promise. I still love you." I said, it was hard to stay mad at her.

"So will you still come over?" She asked resting her head on my shoulder, snuggling in.

"Sure." I smiled.

"So, who told you that horrible lie anyways?"

"Your friend Sam, that's why I took it so seriously since she is your friend." I shrugged.

"Sam…" Maria said. Thinking.

"Don't think about it now. I have to go pack. I'll see you on the train." I got up and went to the door. It was still locked. What?

Maria got up and smiled, "Alice, you can open the door now."

I heard a small click and the door softly opened. "I'll see you soon." I kissed her head and walked back to our dorm.

I heard from behind me Alice, "So what happened?"

I smiled. Everything will be ok.

Maria's POV

He still loves me, he forgives me. He loves me. I am so happy.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you!" I said, jumping on Alice!

"So, what happened?" She asked, smiling.

"We made up, he still loves me."

"O, Maria, he always loved you, he never stopped." Alice said, "Let's go to see Eliza. We have a lot to talk about with her."

"Ok."

We ran to the Hospital Wing to tell her about all that has happened. We promised we would tell Eliza all about the dance. She loves hearing our stories and made us promise to tell her every little bit of our night.

We walked up to the Hospital Wing, the door was wide open to allow visitors to come and go.

"Hey! Eliza! Boy, do we have a story for you!" I said, rushing in to her bed. Eliza looked up from her Charms book, parchment was all around her.

"O, hey! Sorry, it's a bit of a mess right now. I was working on some of my work, you know, to catch up."

"You will have all of Winter Break to do that. Besides we have an amazing story to share with you."

"O, what?"

"Well, we went to the dance, me, Gin and Alice. We all looked super stunning in our outfits. Picked out by none other than moi!" I will have pictures to show, don't worry. The pictures will be sent to us by owl. Anyways, it was fabulous, we were the stars of the show! Alice with Harry was so adorable and I was with Blaise but…we are just friends. Gin was single but was mingling like no tomorrow. Blaise has a thing for her now." I started off.

"We hanged out with Draco and his friends. We played stripe poker. Harry burned me with a drink called Dragon's Breath."

"Fire whiskey with fire on top. The strongest drink around." I explained.

"Well, when we woke up there was so many rumors going around. Like, Maria was cheating on Lance with Blaise." Alice said.

"O, yea about Luke, Lance's brother. Sorry for interrupting but I just want you to know, Luke is a super nice guy and he is a little but jealous of Lance, he has one of the hottest girls in our year as his own, he is Ravenclaw. I mean…sure he shouldn't behave like that but he is a nice kid. You just have to get to know him." Eliza looked at me.

"O, well. Maybe…anyways, yea so like…there was a rumor going around about me and Lance. I "supposedly" cheated on him with Blaise, who I just mention is into Gin. Alice over here also had an issue. The rumor about her and Harry, yea, so Harry "cheated" on Alice with Gin. Like no." I was getting fired up again. I didn't tell Alice yet who but I am ready to, urgg, Sam. I knew she shouldn't be trusted.

"That's awful, why would anyone do that. I hope you cleared it up with them." Eliza said stunned.

"We did and everything is fine. Maria just cleared it up with Lance and it was a difficult morning for her so she is still fired up but it really, really wasn't that bad." Alice said calmly

"But guess who spread the rumors. Sam did. Sam our roommate, the one who made you fall." I laid it on them. "Lance told me. It was the only reason why he believed in the rumor."

"Are you sure Maria?" Alice asked, "Sam did find Eliza. If it wasn't for her, Eliza would be in much worst condition or even dead."

"I'm sure. Go ask Lance for yourself!"

"I'm sure that Lance is telling the truth but maybe Sam heard it from someone else?"

"Then why didn't she tell me! Why did she pretended like she just found out? Why did she tell Lance!" I got up furious at Alice. Little miss perfect who can do no wrong. I'm getting sick of it.

"Maria please, calm down. I think Alice is trying to say, that yes, maybe it is Sam. It most likely is but no one else knows what has happened between all of us. No one knows about my incident, everything still thinks it was a horrible accident. People just wouldn't understand you and you might look like the bad person." Eliza said.

"Alice?" I wanted her to say it.

"It is true, no one knows the real her. If you come on so strong with no proof and no passed hate people will most likely side with her." Alice agreed.

"Fine. I just…I just don't want to be hurt by her anymore. She just causes too much pain to us and it is not right. We keep on forgiving her and look what she does and you, Alice, you are just too nice and it is driving me crazy. Stop it." I quickly sprang on her.

I saw Alice get stiff and her face had a pained look on her.

"I'm sorry I am like what I am. I can't stop it. But yes, I have been too forgiving and it will stop now. Sam is dead to us. At less she is dead to me. We will be polite in public. "

"Of course." I calmed down. After my little fit I was fine. I felt bad, Alice is just nice, that is her personality.

Eliza looked as the clock behind me. "Well, you will be leaving in an hour and probably still have to get ready so I'll see you after break. Have fun!" She smiled stiffly.

"Don't worry. You won't be alone. Other people are staying behind too. Harry is with his friends. Ginny and her family and some other people. You won't be lonely." Alice said.

"Thanks but it is fine. Really."

We said our good byes and left, once we got into the hallways I felt awkward around Alice.

"I'm sorry." I said as we started back to our dorm. "I shouldn't have said that, I-"

"No, it is fine. Really. I have been to kind to some people lately and if it doesn't stop I will just be walked on all over and I don't want that. You opened my eyes. Don't worry."

"Still, I –"

"No, stop, please. It is fine. Let's leave on a good note." Alice smiled as we got in our dorm.

"Ok." I smiled back and we walked in. There was Sam. O Sam. She looked up and saw us.

"O, hey! Came back from visiting Eliza? Yea, I was going to visit her but I had to finish up packing. How did you and Lance go? I heard you are together again. Quick huh? But you must have said something. What did you say?"

I said nothing and walked to my wardrobe and started to pack some more pieces of clothes. Ok, lingerie. I need to look good for Lance just in case something happens. I walked over my jewelry box and brought out some pieces I wanted to bring back with me.

I laid them in the chest. I was almost done.

"Umm, hello? What did I do? I think I should at less know." Sam said, I knew she was behind me but I could see her hands on her hips, her fake innocent face.

Alice said nothing, she walked over to her chest on her bed and started to count her tops. She looked pleased and went over to me. "Hey, I'm done, if you are ready let's go bring our stuff down."

"Sure. I quickly grabbed a set of gold bangles. Locked my jewelry box and put it back, quickly made sure everything was set and ran up to catch up with Alice, leaving an angry Sam behind.

"Sorry for rushing you. I just rather not be there. Harry was going to meet up with me and I would like some time with him." Alice explained as we head down the stairs.

"Hey, Maria." I heard Lance call me. I smiled and looked to Alice.

"Go, I'm not stopping you. I'll write to you?"

"Yea, please do!" I ran up to Lance. I jumped up and wrapped my legs around him, he reacted instantly and pulled me up. His face not even inches away from mine.

"Hi." I whispered.

He kissed me in return his soft lips molding into mine. It felt like heaven.

"Hey." He answered, putting me down. "Ready to go?"

He reached for my chest and took it, his bag in his other arm.

"Let's go." I followed up happily out.

Winter Break will be the best. My parents will be home and they will finally get to meet Lance. I can't wait to show Lance around my hang outs and I want to him to be a part of my life. Nothing could go wrong right now and I know when we get on the train with Alice we will leave all the drama behind.

Alice's POV

"Go, I'm not stopping you. I'll write to you?" I said as I heard Lance call to Maria.

She smiled, "Yea, please do!" and ran up to Lance leaping on to him and kissed him. So sweet, I walked with my chest, down the stairs. It was hard to get down the narrow stairs but I managed. I found a person wearing Gryffindor robes waiting below. Harry. He is amazing. A wonderful person but do I love him? No. Not yet anyways. I'm not ready for love, not for anyone.

"Hi!" I saw Harry waiting for me below.

"Hey. Let me get that."

"You sure? It is very heavy."

"It's fine. I just rather you not leave." Harry said.

"I know but I feel like I need a break."

"From what? From me?" Harry shook his head. "I just don't understand why you would want to leave this place. You belong here."

"Harry. I told you why. I have friends there. I am happy and it will be nice. I'll write to you every day if you like." I told him, tired of the same conversation.

"I know."

"Good. Now I have to board the train soon and I wanted to leave on a happier note. Please Harry for me. I will be back. I don't know what is wrong."

"The Chamber of Secrets have been opened by Mal- someone." Harry said, quickly but was able to correct himself.

"I'm not worried about it. Everyone will be back to normal sooner or later and life will go on." I kissed his cheek. "Besides, the attacks have stopped! The mandrakes are soon to be ready. Really Harry…sometimes…"

"What?"

"Sometimes I just feel like you need this. The drama." I said, scared of his reaction.

"Me? Need attention? No, Alice! If you did not know yet my parents were killed by Voldemort. I never wanted any of this." Harry burst out at me.

"Harry please I never meant that. I just want, I just want everything to go back to normal I want you to be safe and happy and I don't want any of this drama. What if something happens to you? How will I know? Harry just please don't do anything stupid." I said, close to tears. "I care about you."

"But you don't love me." The angry drained from his face replaced with a sad face.

"Harry. I thought I loved Draco but he hurt me. I don't want to be hurt like that again. Please Harry, I care about you so much. But the words just won't come out." I explained. "Please this will be the last day we will see each other in a while. We shouldn't ruin our time."

"Your right." Harry said, kissing my head quickly. "I want this it to be a happy moment."

"So let's go." I took his hand into mine and we head off towards the station.

An extra long chapter! I just kept on going and I couldn't find a good place to stop. I hope you like this ending. I know I do.

PLEASE REVIEW! You have no idea how much I love reading them.

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