Chapter 4: Tightrope

Christmas had arrived. After an exhausting final six weeks of term, Gemma was relieved to be heading home and taking a well-deserved break. She was physically, mentally and emotionally exhausted. As were her friends, who were currently curled up in the seats around her, as they travelled back to Kings Cross.

Tensions had been running high, with Mary breaking down first; she had thrown her Herbology book across the room and almost into the fire, before stomping upstairs and slamming both the dorm and bathroom door for effect. Lily had been screaming into her pillow most evenings while Alice had just ripped her pillow apart.

Gemma hadn't thrown or slammed or screamed or ripped. She had pushed her frustration to the side and systematically worked her way through each project. Yes, she hadn't been sleeping much – going to bed at one or two AM before waking up early at five – and yes, she'd lost most of her appetite and no, she wasn't really speaking to anyone unless it was about a project they were working on, but she was ok with that. All that mattered was that the work was done.

"You look as exhausted as I feel." Alice said quietly, kicking Gemma's boot slightly in an attempt to get her attention. Lily and Mary were asleep next to them. Gemma looked up at her tired friend and laughed slightly.

"This first term has been crazy. And I expect it will only get worse."

"Maybe. Frank said their sixth year got better after Christmas because it's then just about honing the new skills you learned in the first term." She laughed a little. "Fingers crossed."

That would be nice; that they would return and spend the rest of the year focusing on getting better at the things they'd just been taught. Because Gemma certainly didn't feel like an expert in any of it. Not at the pace they'd been learning.

She smiled at Alice. "Are you excited to spend some of the break with Frank?"

Alice blushed. Things with Frank were going well and moving at quite a pace. How Alice managed to keep up with all their schoolwork and a whirlwind romance, Gemma didn't know.

"I am. I can't wait to introduce him to my parents. And meet his, of course. Although he's warned me about his mother. When he wrote to her - to tell her that I would be visiting - she replied with a comment about how she was happy he was 'seeking her approval'." Alice pulled a disgruntled face. "Frank wasn't very happy about that, saying that he didn't need her approval on anything. But he wanted to warn me in case she starts quizzing me on things. Apparently I'm not to say too much about Charms. Which is a weird and very specific subject to avoid."

Gemma laughed slightly. "Maybe she has bad memories from her school days. After this last week, I'd be happy if no one ever mentions Potions to me again." Alice laughed too, them both remembering the slight explosion Gemma had caused when she had added her Hemlock too soon. Thankfully Professor Slughorn had been in a good mood and had allowed her to start again.

"I just hope my dad likes him." Alice added now looking worried. "His opinion means everything to me and I really hope they get on."

Gemma reached across and squeezed Alice's hand. "They will. Your dad loves you and he will instantly see how much Frank cares about you and that will be all that matters to him. Plus, Frank is genuinely lovely. It's difficult not to like him!"

Alice grinned and then blushed slightly. "He really is, isn't he? Merlin, I'm so happy with him. I can't imagine my life without him. I know it's only been six weeks and maybe I'm rushing things but… I think I love him, Gemma."

Gemma felt like she was going to burst with happiness for her best friend. Just as she was about to reply, another voice cut through the compartment.

"You love him?" Mary squealed, wide awake and practically climbing on top of Alice in excitement. Lily was now also awake. "Alice, this is huge. Have you told him? Does he love you? Merlin's Beard, are you going to have sex with him?" Mary gasped. "Have you already had sex with him?"

Alice laughed, shaking her head. "I haven't told him yet – so don't you go blabbing – and I have no idea if he loves me too. I hope so, and I think so, but he hasn't said anything. I'm sort of hoping he might say it over the break. And… yes, I will have sex with him. One day. But we haven't done that yet and I don't know when or where so don't even bother asking." She grinned at Mary who was still jumping up and down in excitement.

"This is so exciting. I really hope he tells you he loves you over the break. Maybe he'll take you out for a wintery walk. Or it will be part of his Christmas gift to you. Maybe he'll kiss you under some mistletoe and…"

"Mary." Lily interrupted her, shaking her head as she smiled affectionately at their overly romantic friend. "Maybe we should just wait and see. I'm sure Frank will have something nice planned for the moment." She smiled at Alice and grabbed her hand. "I'm so happy for you. You two are perfect together."

"Thank you. All of you. I've never dated anyone before and suddenly I feel like I'm looking at my entire future, and while that is amazing and wonderful, it's also terrifying. Especially if he doesn't feel the same way."

"He does." Gemma said with certainty. She may not have had any experience with boys herself, but she could see that Frank was crazy about Alice.

"He definitely does." Mary added, before a sadness swept over her features. "I wish someone would look at me the way Frank looks at you. I want someone to sweep me off my feet. I want an actual boyfriend who cares about me and wants to be with me, not just someone who wants a quick kiss and then runs away."

Mary had unfortunately kissed a few frogs over the last year. She had been really interested in a Hufflepuff guy, Derrick, and was so excited when he had agreed to take her to Hogsmeade. But after kissing her at The Three Broomsticks – her very first kiss – he had rudely left her behind while he went to see his friends. Mary had been left sitting alone for half an hour before she headed back to the castle. She was hurt and embarrassed and Gemma, Alice and Lily had all promised to seek revenge, but Mary had asked them not to. Instead she had bravely held her head high and ignored him back.

After that she had been careful with who she kissed, only agreeing if she thought they were actually interested in getting to know her and wanted to spend time with her. But whenever they got what they wanted, they left. Mary was constantly left disappointed, and Gemma could see how it was affecting her. She was a romantic at heart, and so far no one at Hogwarts had been remotely romantic.

"He's out there, Mary." Lily said, reaching over to take her hand. "You just have to be patient and don't lose faith."

"I hope so. And I hope the same for you two as well." She nodded towards Gemma and Lily. "Although I still think James might be the one for you, Lily. Wouldn't it be romantic if after years of him pursuing you, you eventually realise your true feelings and you fall into a whirlwind romance together?"

"Not going to happen." Lily said firmly. "James is annoying and a bad influence and I don't want or need that."

"Notice how she didn't say anything about how he looks." Alice added, a small smile on her lips. She stared directly at Lily. "I saw how you were staring at him the other day when he was walking around without his shirt on."

Gemma widened her eyes in surprise as Mary gasped. "When was this? Why didn't he have his shirt on? Does he have a good body? I bet he does. He looks like he does."

Lily's cheeks were flaming as she shot daggers at Alice, who was happily retelling the story. "It was only two nights ago. He'd obviously just gotten out of the shower and he came downstairs to grab a book. He was only wearing some pyjama bottoms and his hair was wet. He clearly didn't think we'd still be up as he looked so shocked when he saw us, but then he realised it was Lily and he started strutting – yes, strutting – around the room, taking his time looking for the book. It was hilarious! And Lily here was doing everything she could not to drool." Alice winked at Lily who was really scowling at her now.

"I was nowhere near drooling, Alice. I barely noticed him."

"Of course you didn't." Alice smirked. "And to answer your other question, Mary; yes, he does have a good body. Obviously don't tell Frank I said that, but it's obvious James works out. I guess it must be for Quidditch."

Gemma laughed as Mary launched into an assessment of all the guys on the Quidditch team, which was soon followed by an assessment of all the guys in the school.

Stepping off the Hogwarts Express, Gemma waved goodbye to her friends. Looking around, she couldn't see her parents. Strange. Usually they would be there early, waiting for her. Frowning slightly she made her way over to the wall to escape the rush. As students and parents walked by, she gazed around and saw Sirius and James nearby, saying hello to an older couple.

"Gemma, these are my parents." James said waving her over to them. "Mum, Dad, this is Gemma. A Gryffindor in my year. And a friend." He gave her a quick smile.

"Oh it's lovely to meet you, Gemma." Mrs Potter said with a warm smile.

Mr Potter offered her a handshake. "Always nice to meet a friend of James's. Are you being picked up? Do you need a lift anywhere?"

"Oh no, but thank you. My parents should be here soon. They're probably caught in traffic." She smiled awkwardly. Where were they? "It's lovely to meet you both."

"Gemma's parents are George and Cynthia Arwin, dad. I know you followed their work."

Mr Potter looked at her in happy surprise. "I did. I followed their careers through the fifties. Very impressive pair. You must be proud."

Gemma nodded. "I am."

"Do you think you'll follow in their footsteps one day, dear?" Mrs Potter asked.

"Yes, definitely. I'm hoping to get accepted into the Auror Programme, but it's difficult. Only the best get in."

"You'll get in." Sirius added quietly.

"I'm sure if you work hard you'll have every success. It's great that you know already what you want to do. Shame these two aren't quite as sure." Mrs Potter gave a motherly but pointed glare at both James and Sirius. Gemma smiled while James rolled his eyes.

"Leave us alone, mum. We'll figure it out. Most students in our year don't know what they want to do. Gemma's unique." Mrs Potter gave her a strange look, before flicking her gaze between her and James.

"Well, if you're sure you don't need a lift, Gemma, we'd better be off." Mr Potter announced, placing his hand on his wife's back.

Gemma nodded them off, and they turned to leave. Sirius hung back slightly.

"You sure you're ok on your own?" He asked, glancing around. She did the same. Merlin, the platform was practically empty now. "I can stay."

Gemma shook her head at him. "Thank you, but I'll be fine. They'll be here soon, I'm sure."

Sirius frowned, looking reluctant to leave. James called his name, and Gemma shooed him away. So he left.

Sitting down on a bench, Gemma waited for her parents. After five minutes, she heard the sound of rushing footsteps.

"Gemma, darling, I'm so sorry. I lost track of time completely. Are you ok?" Her mother was rushing towards her looking completely out of sorts. Cynthia Arwin was usually a calm and composed presence, but here she was not. Gemma also noticed her mum was alone.

"I'm ok, mum. I wasn't waiting long. Where's dad?"

A shadow fell over her mum's features before she shook it off and smiled. A forced smile. "Working. The Ministry are keeping him very busy at the moment. So it's just us."

Gemma could hear a hint of bitterness in her mums tone. Was her dad working a lot then? "Mum, are you ok?"

"I'm fine, darling. Come on, let's get you home." Her mum reached for one side of her trunk and helped Gemma carry it towards the car. "How was school?"

Gemma told her mum about their first term - how busy it had been and how overwhelmed she was feeling - but she felt like her mum wasn't really listening. So they spent most of the car journey in silence, and Gemma wondered if things were going to be just as stressful at home.

Sirius laughed as he soared high on his broom, the cold air biting against his skin. He loved flying. He loved the freedom. The thrill of the ride. What he'd give to spend the rest of his days just flying through the air, never needing to touch the ground again. He looked over and saw James next to him, a huge grin on his face. The Potters' home was out in the countryside, with the nearest neighbour over three miles away. Still, Mr Potter had cast a high privacy net around the fields to ensure they could fly without being seen. It was the perfect way to spend Christmas Eve.

He hadn't thought about his family once during the break. The Potters had welcomed him into their home as if he was one of theirs. Mr Potter, Fleamont, had shown him how to fix the heater with muggle tools in case he ever needed to know such a thing. And Mrs Potter, Euphemia, would make pancakes for breakfast because they were Sirius's favourite, even when James didn't fancy them. He didn't feel like an outsider. He felt like part of the family. It was an odd feeling.

"Boys!" Euphemia called from the side of the field. "Lunch is ready."

They both flew down, propped their broomsticks up against the side of the fence - both fully intent on heading back out after lunch - then walked into the house. It smelled amazing; roast chicken with lemon and thyme, baked potatoes and freshly made bread. Sirius thought he smelled an apple pie in the oven too. Merlin, he ate like a king here.

"This looks great, mum. Thanks." James said as he threw himself into his seat and started piling up his plate. "I'm starving."

"I'm not surprised, all that flying you boys have done today." She replied. "You must be freezing out there. I'm cold just looking at you."

James chuckled with his mouth full of chicken while Sirius helped himself to a plate. "It's not too bad, Euphemia. And thanks for this. It all looks and smells amazing."

"It sure does." Fleamont said, folding up his copy of The Daily Prophet, a mainstream wizarding newspaper, then reaching in to grab a plate. Euphemia did the same, and soon they all had food piled high and were tucking in, talking about everything and anything.

"That reminds me." Fleamont said, after James made a comment about the wizarding war that was currently underfoot. "I was just reading about George Arwin and a young Auror, Alastar Moody. It seems those two have been quite busy lately. They've rounded up nine death eaters in as many days. Very impressive."

"Oh, I thought Arwin had retired?" Euphemia commented.

"He has. Although it seems he's back out there. There's a whole article on it. He was doing some consulting for the ministry, but it seems this war has pulled him back in. They're speculating if Cynthia Arwin will return as well."

"I wonder how old they are. They must be close to fifty by now. I don't think I'd have fancied heading into a war at that age."

"Mia, darling, I don't think you'd have fancied heading into a war at any age." Fleamont looked at his wife affectionately. "But the Arwin's were trained for this. Besides, fifty isn't too old. Look at Albus Dumbledore. Look at me." They all chuckled politely. Fleamont was close to seventy and while healthy, he was not precisely Auror material.

"Well that's true. About Dumbledore, at least." Euphemia gave her husband an affectionate smile in return, before turning her gaze on James. "You know... that Gemma is a lovely girl, isn't she? Very pretty. Smart, ambitious. Is she a good friend of yours, James?"

Sirius suppressed a laugh. James had suspected his mum had liked Gemma and thought her good 'girlfriend' material for him, even though she'd spent less than five minutes with her. And Euphemia didn't know about Lily. That no other girl would ever come close.

"She's just a friend, mum." James barely hid the sigh in his tone.

"Ok." She replied, sounding unconvinced and therefore likely to ask again later.

They finished eating and Sirius seized the opportunity to borrow the paper from Fleamont so he could read the full article. If nine death eaters had been captured, that was impressive. Opening it next to him he read.

George Arwin is back! Returning from his sixteen year retirement, George Arwin has been consulting with The Ministry over the last six months as part of the waging war against He Who Must Not Be Named. However, recent events show that Arwin is taking a much more active role in defeating the dark lord, and a close partnership with the young and talented Alastar Moody is proving beneficial to all. Nine death eaters have been captured in the last ten days, signalling a powerful shift towards The Ministry taking back control. An inside source at The Ministry has shared all the details of recent events which have led to the capture of these dastardly witches and wizards.

Sirius skimmed over the paragraphs that followed, which included extremely detailed and brutal descriptions of recent events. Sirius frowned. Surely none of that was true. Surely The Ministry didn't want to scare the wizarding public. But this article – claimed to be based on a Ministry source - was terrifying. He hoped Euphemia didn't read this.

Under the article were their 'hot questions' of the day, plus links to various other articles.

Are George Arwin and Alastar Moody the key to us winning the war?
Will Cynthia Arwin return to the field to fight alongside her husband once again?
Is this the beginning of the end for He Who Must Not Be Named?

Read here for more about the Arwin reign and their sudden surprise retirement.
Read here for more about this up and coming Auror, Alastar Moody.
Read here for a full list of captured Death Eaters (note, unconfirmed).

Sirius wondered how Gemma would be feeling about this. Had she read these supposed details of what her dad was getting involved in? Was she ok with her dad being back out there at all, and doing so much? Was her mum planning on going back too? Sirius frowned. Why was he thinking so much about whether she was ok? She knew what her parents did, and she wanted to join the Auror world herself. She would be fine.

Closing the paper as a slice of warm apple pie was placed in front of him, he focused on enjoying his dessert and talking to the Potters about the rest of their holiday plans.

Later that evening, Sirius was sitting in his bed in James's room... no, in their room. Despite the Potters having a spare bedroom, James had insisted they move the second bed into his bedroom and they share. Sirius had no complaints, loving the quiet time they got together to talk and laugh and be themselves. It was just like at Hogwarts, although he did miss having Remus and Peter there too.

"I need your advice." James said as he climbed into his bed. "To win Lily over."

Sirius frowned. He wasn't exactly sure how he could help. He wasn't an expert with girls. He mostly ignored them unless they were asking him for something. "Go on." He said hesitantly.

"Well, I've tried everything I can think of. All the gestures I make, big and small, just annoy her. Every time I start talking to her she tenses up. I've been so nice to her. And I've been nice to her friends too, even Alice, who hates me. I'm at a complete loss. What more can I do?"

Sirius sighed. He had no bloody clue. "I don't know mate. Sorry. But maybe you're trying too hard. All the gestures; maybe they're a bit much? Maybe you should just... leave her alone for a bit."

James frowned. "But if I leave her alone, she won't know I like her."

Sirius chuckled. "I think she already knows you like her. Look, I ignore girls all the time yet they still come on to me. In fact, the more I ignore a girl, the more she wants me. Girls are odd like that."

James stared at him. "You're right. Girls do seem to chase after you more, the more you ignore them. It's like they enjoy the chase or something. Bloody hell. I've been such an idiot! I need to ignore her. Pull a 'Sirius Black'." He grinned and Sirius returned the gesture.

"You haven't been an idiot." Sirius said. "You've just been trying too hard. But yeah, maybe if you didn't try so hard, Lily would actually see you. The real you."

Merlin, he hoped so. Because James deserved to be happy and as much as it frustrated Sirius that Lily didn't see James's qualities, he still liked the girl. But James was being full on. Maybe the distance will help.

James clearly agreed. "That's it. That's exactly it. I'll back off. Stop talking to her. Stop asking her out. I'll just... wait." He sighed heavily. "It's going to be so difficult. I love hearing her voice. Seeing her smile. And she's so cute when she's frowning."

"Just hang back for a little while. Maybe until spring or something. See if anything changes."

James nodded. "Good plan. Thanks mate. Now we just need to find you someone to ignore." He grinned and Sirius laughed.

"You know very well I'm not interested in all that." And he really wasn't. He didn't want to settle down. Not yet anyway. He wanted to have fun, stay young and not get himself tied into a boring relationship. "Besides, I ignore everyone already. If I ever find a girl I want, I imagine I'd have to pull a 'James Potter' to get her to notice me."

Laughing hard, James threw a book at him. Sirius caught it and threw it back. Both smiling and settling into their beds, Sirius reached over and turned off the light.

Christmas Day and the remainder of the holidays went far too quickly for Sirius. For the first time in years he had actually enjoyed his time away from Hogwarts and he knew he'd never be able to repay Fleamont and Euphemia for welcoming him into their home, into their family. But he would try. One day.

Gemma pushed her food around her plate with her fork, staring at the empty chairs across from her. It was the day before she returned to Hogwarts and she was alone. Again. Her dad had been non-existent over the break, appearing a grand total of four times in ten days. He had at least been there on Christmas Day, but he had spent most of the afternoon in his office.

And while her mum had been around, she had been distant. It was clear her parents weren't talking to each other much.

Based on the descriptive articles being published by The Daily Prophet - which she unfortunately knew were based on truth, even if The Ministry was still trying to find their unwanted source - George Arwin was well and truly back in the field and playing a dangerous game. And based on the arguments she had overheard, her mum was not happy about it.

Gemma sighed and gave up on her dinner. She wasn't hungry. She hadn't been hungry most of the holiday. For some reason, having an absent father who only came home to get into a fight with your mother who spends her whole day looking broken hearted will destroy an appetite.

"Gemma!" Her father's booming voice echoed through the halls, startling her slightly. She frowned. He'd barely said two words to her over the holidays. She stepped into the hall and headed towards his office, where the door was slightly ajar. She saw her mum step out of the living room, frowning as well.

"Yes, dad?" Gemma said as she stepped into his office. Her dad looked tired and weary. Older, somehow. Frown lines marred his face and his expression was stern and unforgiving. She could sense her mum behind her, but Cynthia hadn't stepped into the room. Gemma suddenly felt like she needed that extra support.

"I know I haven't seen you much over the holidays, and for that I'm sorry." Her dad gave her a small smile before returning to his serious expression. "We are at war, as you know. And things are getting dangerous out there. You need to be prepared, Gemma. When you return to school tomorrow, be extra vigilant. Keep your wand close at all times."

Gemma was about to respond, but her dad continued.

"I'm afraid some of the death eaters I am in pursuit of have children at Hogwarts. As do some of the death eaters I have already sent to Azkaban. Dumbledore is aware and will look out for you, but he can't be everywhere at once. I need to know you can protect yourself. I wrote to your teacher, Seymour, and he assures me you are top of the class. Good. Keep that up."

Gemma was shocked. When had her dad written to her teacher? Had he written to all of them? Was he keeping tabs on her? And what did it mean that she was going to school with the children of death eaters her father had put away? Was she in danger somehow?

"George." Cynthia's firm tone came from behind Gemma, as her mum stepped fully into the room. But her dad continued again.

"And make sure you practice your non-verbal spells. And your protection shield. It must be impenetrable. Both will be invaluable when you become an Auror and…"

"George!" Gemma turned as her mum stepped fully beside her, her small hands clenched into fists. "Stop this. Gemma is returning to school, where she will be safe, not heading into a war zone. You're scaring her and putting far too much pressure on her."

Gemma watched her dad's face go stone cold. She'd never seen him look so angry before. "She needs to be prepared, Cynthia. The real world isn't like Hogwarts. This war is killing people and it isn't getting any easier."

"I know that…"

"Do you?" George stood from his seat and slammed his hand on the desk. "Because I don't see you out there."

Feeling shocked and uncomfortable, Gemma stole a quick glance at her mum, who was pale. Cynthia seemed to compose herself quickly though, and turned to her. "Can you give us a moment, please darling?"

Gemma nodded and stepped out of the room, but the door was left open. She couldn't help herself – she listened to the end of their conversation. She knew it was wrong. Rude, even. But she had to know how bad things had gotten between them.

Her mother's voice filtered through first, quiet and hurt. "How dare you. You know my reasons for not going back. You know how I feel about this war. About you, risking your life every…"

"It's my damn life to risk." Her dad roared, and Gemma felt the sting of tears behind her eyes. Merlin's Beard, her father never shouted at his family. "You don't have a say in what I do, Cynthia."

Gemma heard her mum sigh. "No, I don't, do I?" There was a slight pause, before her mum spoke again, this time with a strength Gemma had never heard before. "But I do have a say in Gemma's life. You are not to talk to her about this war. You are not to frighten her or put pressure on her. You are her father first, Auror second. You will remember that and you will love her and support her no matter what."

Gemma heard nothing. Long, painful minutes of silence, eventually cut short by the sound of movement. The door flew open and her father stood there. He looked at her, and for a moment she was sure she had seen a softening in his features. But it disappeared too soon. He looked back at his wife, who Gemma saw was standing tall and proud despite shaking like a leaf, and then he stepped towards the front door.

"I'm going out." And just like that, he was gone.

Gemma fought the tears that threatened to fall and turned back to her mum, who she suspected was doing the same thing. Her mum looked up at her, put her well-worn fake smile in place, and joined Gemma in the hall.

"I'm sorry you had to hear all that, darling. Don't listen to him. He's under a lot of pressure and he's just worried about you. But you'll be fine. Hogwarts is a safe place."

Gemma wasn't sure if her mum was trying to convince Gemma or herself, but she nodded in agreement. "It is. And I will be fine, mum. I know the war is serious and I'm doing everything I can to be prepared. I promise."

Her mum nodded. "I know, dear." She gave Gemma's hand a quick squeeze.

"Mum, are you ok?"

"I'm fine. Now, you better get upstairs and start packing. You return tomorrow and we don't want you missing that train." Her mum turned and walked away, heading upstairs herself and ending the conversation. Gemma watched her go, a wave of sadness, worry and fear descending on her.

Her parents never argued. If they ever disagreed, they would work through the issue rationally and calmly. But now her dad had walked out. When would he be coming back? Would Gemma see him before she left for Hogwarts? What was her mum going to do while Gemma was gone?

Gemma pushed the fear and worry aside, forcing back her tears. She wouldn't cry. That wouldn't help anyone. No, if she wanted to help her parents, she would stay out of their way and do what she was told. Return to school, work hard, get the grades she needed and focus on becoming an Auror. And if she did all that, she could help her dad in this war. She could fight alongside him and show him that he wasn't alone.

She just hoped her parents' marriage would survive that long.

The following morning, Gemma waved goodbye to her mum as she boarded the Hogwarts Express. Her dad had been busy, and had said goodbye at home. If one could call it a goodbye. He had simply reminded her to work hard and stay vigilant.

She was tired, having barely slept the night before, and she wasn't sure she could face seeing her friends. The holidays had been exhausting. Far from relaxing, which was what she had needed after a stressful term of school.

It wasn't long before the girls each arrived, hugging Gemma and asking about her break. She told them it had been nice and quiet, not wanting to share the details of her parents fighting or burden them with her worries. Mary quickly launched into a full scale interrogation of Alice – who had revealed that, yes, her and Frank had said those three special words to each other – and so the conversation was mainly focused on that. Gemma listened in, smiling and feeling happy for her best friend, but otherwise distracted.

When they arrived back at Hogwarts and were walking to their common room, Alice pulled Gemma aside. "Are you ok? You seemed really quiet on the train."

Gemma gave Alice what she hoped was a reassuring smile. "Of course. I've just got a bit of a headache." She hated lying, but she really didn't want to discuss her problems.

Alice frowned slightly. "Do you want me to take you to Madam Pomfrey?"

"Oh no. I'm fine. I'm sure it will clear after a good night's sleep."

"Ok." Alice hesitated for a moment, suddenly looking nervous. "You look tired, Gemma. You know I love you and I'm saying this because I care about you, but you don't look well. You look tired, a little pale. And… have you lost weight?"

Gemma fought against the sudden swell of emotion. Alice was seeing too much. Gemma had lost weight, and not from any specific diet. She just hadn't been eating well, having lost her appetite both before the Christmas break and during. And she was tired. Really tired.

But she didn't have time to be tired. She needed to stay focused and make her dad proud. Gemma held her reassuring smile in place. "I'm fine, honestly. This headache has just knocked me today. I'll be better tomorrow." She started to walk again, hoping Alice would follow and drop the conversation. Alice did, but her heavy frown told Gemma that the conversation would not be dropped for long.