Rowan jumped in surprise as the owl returned with her response, dropping it on the table at breakfast. She quickly broke the silver seal and hungrily raced her eyes across the parchment.

Dearest Rowan,

I must reassure you that you needn't worry about the holidays, we will remain at the Manor for the break. We are eager for you and Rufus's return. Please do not be afraid, all is fine. Don't feel ashamed for letting your emotions out to us, it's our job to counsel you and listen to those 'trite teenage mumblings' no matter how annoying we can find them. I mean that all in good humor. We are aware of your brother's new lady, if you would've read the last gushy letter you've might've lost your last meal. I'm sure she is as shallow as our fountain in the winter, the lot of them usually are. I'm sorry to say it, but he has no taste. He goes for the vain, materialistic women who want our family's fortune. I'm tempted to give away our wealth and pitch a tent in the Forbidden Forest so I never receive another letter like that. Anyways, excuse my ranting, we both know it's the truth though. We love you sweetheart and will see you soon.

Love,

Mum

A slight smile broke across her lips and she breathed a sigh of relief. Her father was very busy with his double life, so her mother and her were closer than they were. There was a D.A. meeting tonight and she was nervous of the reaction of the group. As far as she was aware, she was the only Slytherin in the Army. The day's classes seemed to drag by and the breaks were too short. Later that afternoon, she snuck herself to the Room of Requirement to begin training. Members were huddled in their own social circles and she felt isolation like a winter chill as it waltzed through her veins. Harry's emerald eyes caught hers and he approached her.

"Hey Rowan, thanks for coming, we really appreciate it. I was going to ask if you'd help me in a demonstration of a disarming spell?"

She shook her head, "Not at all. I'm ready when you are."

A signature nervous smile crept across his pale complexion, "Excellent!"

"Alright everyone, today we will be demonstrating a defensive spell, a disarming one called Expelliarmus. While it may seem basic, it saved my life on an occasion and prevented harm on several other accounts. I'm going to have Rowan help me demonstrate."

Rowan noticed the widening of the eyes of her peers, grimacing slightly as she created distance between her and Harry. The Rosiers had trained their kids personally and extensively in defense, so she felt over prepared for the group's work. She saw the twitch in Harry's hand and quickly engaged her wand and projected the spell before he could get it half out. It knocked her off balance and managed to send Harry a few feet back as well.

Harry coughed, "Brilliant job, Rowan! I've never seen such quick reflexes, give her a hand, guys."

The forced applause followed and she proceeded to practice with the disarming spell. She watched those around her become more proficient in their craft and she let her mind slip off. Her father should be home right now, yet he didn't sign any remark at the end of the letter. He distanced himself from Rowan during the summer and she told herself it was for her protection. Her older sister, Valentina, had been killed by a band of Death Eaters after she married a muggle. Valentina had been like a second parent to her, soft featured with her mother's blonde hair and her father's onyx eyes. Pain shot through her chest at the memory and she didn't understand how her father could associate with his daughter's murderers. It often made her question the value of family to him. If he turned a cheek for one daughter, would he for the other if she were to bend any preconceived rules? Just as Rowan felt loneliness seep into her bones like eutrophication, a calloused warm palm landed on her shoulder.

"Hey, are you alright? You looked deep in thought and I didn't want to interrupt, but everyone left," Harry's piercing bright eyes met her dull black ones that were orbited by dark purple circles from restlessness as he pulled his hand away from the narrow plane.

"Yeah, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to keep you," she ran a hand through her curls and began shaking her head.

"I do it, too. No worries. I understand how uncomfortable this situation might be for you, Ro. You did great today and your assistance in this will change things. By the way, I have that same look in my eyes, well, according to Hermione, when I remember what happened to Cedric in the graveyard. I would like to be your friend and if you ever want to talk about it, I'm open."

"Thanks Harry, I guess I will see you around."

Harry watched the girl exit the Room of Requirement. There was a permanent aura of sadness encircling her. Her eyes had glazed over as she zoned out and Harry saw fear etched into the fragile, sharp angles of her face. Everything about Rowan was sharp. She had slender shoulders with bulging collarbones. The frame was dainty, like she would be carried off by the wind. The palette of hues of purple and blue under her eyes suggested she didn't sleep well and she seemed jumpy, like she was always ready for a fight. Her eyes were dark and contrasted the almost translucent, firm skin. She reminded him of a feral cat, constantly terrified and frail. Her magic wasn't frail, but he felt like all the pieces weren't there. In the short time he had known her, he found her enticing and beautiful. One thing was for sure, he would be getting to know the reclusive pure-blood.