"Nathaniel?"

"Yeah?" He looked at me.

"I like you, too," I whispered. He smiled.

CHAPTER 21: LETTERS

I decided I was going to talk to Adelaide. I was sitting in the common and I saw her coming down the spiral staircase. Rushing up to her, I blurted out, "I miss you, Adelaide."

She stared at the ground and said, "I don't care."

She began to walk away and I stood stock still for a moment before following her. "Adelaide, we've been best friends for two years. You're really going to let Allen get in between us?"

"You don't understand," Adelaide said, looking me in the eyes. "I don't have a choice."

"Sure you do! You could choose to be my friend and not listen to that insane professor!"

"Everything's going to work out in the end, Rose. You'll see."

She began to walk away again but I stopped her. "And why did you go with James to the ball?"

She smiled at me, though it wasn't her usual, cheerful smile. This smile was almost an evil smirk. "It's all part of the plan."

This time I let her walk away, completely exasperated. This wasn't happening.

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I tried to talk to Adelaide during the last days at school, deciding that something big was going on. She hardly acknowledged my presence, even when I was talking to her, so I was reduced to sending her letters, hoping she would respond.

Days went by and she hadn't responded to any of my letters, or even acknowledged I existed. I didn't know what to do without Scorpius's help, so, for the time being, I decided I needed to let go and let Adelaide try and figure this out herself.

Nathaniel and Jolie were my constant companions as the year came to a close. Instead of riding with Adelaide and Scorpius on the trip home, I shared a compartment with my newest friends.

I found it wasn't nearly as easy to talk to Jolie and Nathaniel as it had been with Adelaide and Scorpius, but I supposed I had to make due with what I had.

I didn't get the letter until I was home and in my bed. It was from Adelaide, I knew, because her owl had dropped it off.

Dear Rose,

I don't have much time. Allen doesn't know I'm sending this. I just want you to know that everything I do from now on has a greater purpose, whether you see it right away or not. Please forgive me for being such a git. It's all for the best.

Do not reply to this letter.

Sending you my love,

Adelaide

I stared at her letter, confused. What was her "greater purpose?" And what did Allen have to d o with anything?

I longed to write her back and demand answers, but I figured it might be best to heed her words and not write back.

Now completely puzzled, I decided to write Scorpius and hope for the best.

Dear Scor,

I'm sorry for whatever it is that I did to you but now is not the time for arguments. I need to find out what Adelaide is doing with Allen! She sent me this:

I copied the letter Adelaide had written.

Please believe me, Scor. I think Adelaide needs us now, more than ever. You have to find out what she's planning with Allen. We have to help your sister.

Lots and lots of love,

Rose

I quickly tied the letter to Remus's leg and sent him off, hoping for the best. Scorpius would forgive me, wouldn't he?

I found myself pacing back and forth, worrying more and more with every step I took. Allen was up to something, but what?