For the Hogwarts Gardens on the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry Forum.


When Haley casually slips that Alex is in hospital, Emily forgets to breathe. She chokes on her fish taco, spluttering her way through Haley's rippled laughter. She can feel her cheeks turn hot red.

"It's nothing serious, but you know Harvey. He'd keep you in for a paper cut," says Haley. "I'm visiting him tomorrow. You could come with me if you like."

Haley is half-joking in the way that she always is when it comes to the idea of Emily (finally) making a move—subtle or otherwise—on Alex. But the suggestion niggles at the back of Emily's brain for the rest of dinner. And after hours of tossing and turning, Emily resolves to go visit him.

Haley is gleeful as they make their way there, promising her sister plenty of time alone with her lifelong crush, and ignoring Emily's subsequent protests. The moment they step into the white-walled room, Haley says a quick hello before dragging Evelyn out for some tea.

All of a sudden, it's just Alex and Emily. The thought alone is enough to make her flush. He, on the other hand, seems totally nonplussed. He accepts the glass of water she offers his way and then, propped against a pile of pillows, he happily begins to chat. Did you see the game, Em? Did you see that tackle? Totally worth a concussion. Can't believe Harvey won't just let me go home…

The sense of relief that washes over her is surprising. She hadn't even realised she was worried—not seriously, anyway. But before she has the opportunity to overthink it, Haley is barrelling back into the room, Evelyn in tow.

"We've brought some sashimi for you," Evelyn says, immediately fussing over her grandson. "You're looking peckish. I can run out and buy you some juice, if you like."

"I'm fine, Nan." He raises the glass from Emily. "Em's been taking care of me."

Haley grins from ear to ear but, thank goodness, doesn't say a word as Emily splutters a response that she hopes vaguely sounds like, "It's nothing, really."

The warmth in her cheeks eventually begins to fade. Haley's teasing, however, lasts well into the night.