"They broke up," Amanda said as she walked into their dormitory.

"Who?" Aly asked, looking up from her homework.

"Kylie and Hayden."

"Why?"

Aly shut her Transfiguration book and stared at Amanda intently as she set her bag down on her bed. Then she got up and closed the curtains, because the cold December wind was making her freeze, and sat back down.

"Apparently, Kylie didn't want to sever ties with her friends by staying with Hayden. Right before dinner while they were on their way to the Great Hall is when it happened."

"Well, I never even knew they were together," Aly said absently. "He never talked about it."

"Yeah, well, he'll be talking about it now, I can assure you that," Amanda grinned. "He looked pretty depressed at lunch. Oh, and he wanted to me to tell you that he's sorry."

"Hayden didn't do anything; I just wish that he had told us about it. But the fact that he made Kylie practically separate herself to stay with him is kind of impractical," Aly added. Amanda nodded and sat on Aly's bed, making herself comfortable.

"So, tell me if you understand what the heck an animagus is," Amanda said, opening her book. "Because I don't."

"Basically, they're people who can transform into animals," Aly shrugged. "It's really not that hard to understand."

"Well, excuse me, but transfiguration isn't my best subject!" Amanda said with a mocking smile. Aly grinned and reread her notes.

Someone came up the stairs and into the dormitory. It was Kylie.

"Hey, Kyles!" Aly said cheerfully. "Having trouble with Transfiguration? Come join our study group."

Kylie's eyes were still a bit red, and she peered at Aly. "You're not mad."

"Oh, no!" Aly smiled. "You did the right thing, breaking up with him. If your boyfriend doesn't understand your priorities, then it's time to let him go. Come sit."

Kylie smiled and took out her Transfiguration book.

"Are any of you guys going on a holiday?" Amanda asked absently as she studied the chess board. Damien had just made a very particular move.

"No, I've got to stay. I've got a meeting to attend," Hayden said with a grin.

"Well, that's a first," Aly noted. They were sitting in the Great Hall. It was one week before their first meeting; two weeks before Christmas holiday. The Great Hall was surprisingly empty. Hayden, Aly, Amanda and Damien were sitting together. Everyone made a decision that Kylie and Hayden can't be in the same place, except for class. So, when Aly asked Kylie if she wanted to come down with them, Kylie asked if Hayden was coming. Aly said yes, so Kylie stayed upstairs.

"What d'you mean?" Hayden asked. "I've stayed before."

"Third year, practically everyone deserted me and Damien," Aly countered. "Remember?"

"That was the year of many revelations," Hayden said fondly.

"What revelations?" Amanda asked, looking up.

"Well, I discovered that I liked...Kylie," Hayden's expression saddened. "Damien discovered that he liked Amanda. You discovered that Char liked you. Then you discovered that the Boyles' had a son that was a death eater."

"Oh, that year," Aly said with a frown. "That was an interesting year."

"Check and mate!" Damien said triumphantly. Amanda deflated. "I win again, Amanda! Now guess what you have to do for me?"

"What?" Amanda asked miserably.

"Kiss me."

"What?!"

Damien leaned forward, grinned, and wiggled his eyebrows.

"Fat chance," Amanda said, pushing his face back.

"Hey! Give me a chance, will you?"

"Wait about ten years, and we'll talk," Amanda said sarcastically.

"Fine, then. I'll save it for the mistletoe," Damien winked. Amanda growled and set up the chess board.

"Play me again. If you lose, I want you to dance butt naked in front of everyone, and I want a picture."