(Alicia's POV)
After I walked up the stairs with George we separated and he joined Fred and Lee while I joined Angelina and Katie. I glanced over at George and saw him turn bright red as Fred whispered in his ear. Our eyes locked and I found myself blushing as I turned to see Angelina and Katie's knowing gazes try to link to mine. I did my best to avoid it, but my best friends could see right past that... But being the kind friends they were they didn't say anything.
Katie pulled out a game of Wizard's Chess and she and Angelina were playing against each other, I agreed to help Angelina because Katie was 'the champion'. Katie grinned at us cheekily as her knight took out a pawn. I groaned. Katie could be insufferable at times...
As I opened my mouth to speak there was a soft tapping at the window. All six of us turned to look at the window where a midnight black own perched, hooting wearily. It had begun to rain... George made it to the window first, so he let the owl in. I fully expected it to fly to Angelina, she is the prettiest one of us girls after all, or perhaps Harry Potter... But the owl landed on my shoulder, sticking his foot out impatiently for me to rid him of the parchment. In confusion, I untied the parchment and petted the owl. With a hoot the owl nudged at my hand. I took that as a way of telling me to read it and reply back.
My eyes scanned the paper as I read it. My heart stopped, and my breath caught in my throat. Everyone was staring at me but I couldn't speak.
Alicia Spinnet,
I wanted to inform you of my upcoming marriage to a Miss Persephone Lyonda. My father has arranged this marriage to help with his financial business. As you know I am the heir to my father's business and the only one left to gain any of his power. Because of this, I have agreed to the marriage. I am not very good at this, not having to do this very often, but I must tell you I am sorry. I miss all of our times together, our simple talks- how we used to lie in each other's arms and talk all night. Alas, my love, I must bid you farewell. The wedding will take place exactly one week after graduation from Hogwarts, I want you to be there but if you cannot I understand completely. You are the first to know because I have written this only hours after I accepted. Not even my Soon-to-be Best Man Adrian Pucey knows yet. I shall send him the news after I get your answer. I truly am sorry, I wish there were a way to change this, but there is not. Just don't forget about me, as I shan't forget about you. Best of wishes for you and your team.
With Love,
Terence Higgs
I gulp softly and then realize I had been holding my breath. Even worse, I realized Katie and Angelina were reading the letter over my shoulder. Katie gasped when she realized whom it was from, so I clamped a hand over her mouth and pushed her and Angelina up the stairs to the girl's dormitory. "Higgs? TERENCE HIGGS?" Katie shrieked. Thankfully, Angelina covered her mouth as soon as the words had left it. I looked down at my hands, the owl hooting, flying above our heads. "Since when have you and Higgs...?"
"Fifth year, okay? Now hold on and I'll answer every question." I pulled out a quill and parchment and began to scribble a reply back to him, my two friends reading over my shoulder. Katie was surprised to see me wipe a tear away before I began.
Terry Higgs,
It is good to hear from you, I suppose. I just wish the news were different. I have been thinking about you much lately, but I must admit I'm not at all surprised. You're a wealthy pureblood, and of course you'll be married to a wonderful young pureblood, not a half-blood like me. I am sorry but I will not be attending your wedding to Miss Persephone Lyonda, because I have done many things in my time to hurt myself and I shall not to anything else. I bid you farewell as well, and I wish you best of luck on your marriage. Lately, I have been more aware of one of my dearest friends, and I have realized I have started to fall in love with him. Perhaps not as much as you, but maybe, in time, that could change. If you can go on with your life then I must as well. I will not forget about you, as you have said you will not forget about me. Send your letter to Pucey and send him my best wishes. Adieu.
Alicia Spinnet
Katie's eyes turned to Angelina's as I tied the parchment back to the black owl's leg and gave it a cracker I had taken from lunch. The owl ate it happily before darting out the window. I turn back to look at them with my eyes downcast. Finally, Katie smiled sheepishly.
"Well, what was it like being with a Slytherin?" I look at her, startled, but I return the smile shyly.
"Like nothing I've ever experienced before. He still taunted me as he would any other Gryffindor in front of all of his friends, just as I would in front of you. But later on we'd meet up and hide out in an empty classroom and just sit and talk for hours at a time... He was sweet and very formal to me. And only Pucey knew about us..."
"You told Pucey, but you didn't tell us?" Angelina asked, sounding hurt. I shook my head quickly.
"We didn't tell Pucey... He walked in on a snog session... His face was priceless though..."
"'Shaggin' a Gryffindork, Higgs? Thought you had better taste than that...' 'Now, now Pucey. Don't jump to conclusions. I'm snogging her, not shagging.' And Pucey's eyes widened and you won't believe what he said!"
"What?!" Angelina and Katie both exclaimed.
"' If Angelina Johnson were in here it'd be a dream come true!'" Katie and I burst out laughing while Angelina got red in the face.
"As if I would ever snog with that..." Her words were cut off as the black owl swooped back in and dropped another letter at her feet it held in his beak.
Alicia,
I was afraid you'd say that. I have sent an owl to Pucey and this one back to you. Which one of your friends is it that you've come to grow fond of? A Quidditch team person perhaps? Or a commentor? Or a red-head? You seemed very fond of all the Weasleys, even that one—what was his name? Percival? Oh, who cares? You tell whoever it is that if they hurt you they'll have a pissed off Slytherin on their arse. You understand? And if you ever need an ear you can always owl me and I'll find you. This owl's name is Velvet, and he is my gift to you. That's why I bought him in the first place. You take care and know you'll always be in my heart.
Terry
Angelina took the letter from me to read for herself and after she read it aloud to Katie, she turned to me and put out another quill and parchment, urging me to tell him who it was that I was interested in now. I wasn't really sure if I wanted to tell him, but Katie said, quite plainly, "If he can hurt you why can't you do the same?" So, I did as they asked.
Terry,
I do not like Percy, that is just odd and disturbing... Besides, he likes Miss Granger. As if she would leave Harry... But you were half-right. I do like a Weasley, and he's on the Quidditch team. He's one of the twins, and his name is George Weasley. I have liked him for a while, but I always hoped I'd end up with you. Well, I will let you get some rest. You have plenty on your mind now, without me adding to it. By the way, our new Keeper is Ron Weasley. We just need Ginny and we'd have all the Weasleys, except for Percy but he wouldn't have been able to stay in the air anyways. Tell Persephone she's very lucky to have you, and thank you for Velvet. I love him, he's beautiful. Take care.
Alicia
As the owl flew off I looked out the window. Well, this solved my problems. I only had one other option now, and I am willing to take that chance now.
Tomorrow, George Weasley, I'll find a way to make you mine.