CHAPTER 16

Disclaimer: No, I really do not own Harry Potter.

AAAAAH! 2nd to last chapter. Meaning... the end is near. Read and review and most importantly, enjoy.

Rose found herself alone in the hallway, emotions raging. After several minutes of blank stares at the wall in front of her, she trudged into the dormitories, seeing nothing.

She fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow, waking up early the next morning by someone yelling her name.

"Rose!"

She looked up and saw Amanda Whitesfield, a studious fourth year girl, standing in front of her, hands on her hips.

Rose mumbled something that sounded like "Muhgenwugen."

"Rose, I've been looking everywhere for you!" Amanda was practically bouncing up and down on her feet. "I heard you broke up with Scorpius. I know it's not my place, but... why?"

"Gawaytrid." Rose shut her eyes.

"It's morning. Time to wake up, you'll have a big day today."

Rose groggily opened her eyes. "Seepinitbetatanbugday."

"I'll be waiting in the common room when you get up."

The redhead said something incoherently before falling asleep again.

When Rose finally extracted herself from the dormitories, it was already noon. She entered into the common room and found Amanda studying from a Transfiguration book.

"Morning, Rose," Amanda smiled. "Would you like to talk?"

Rose grimaced. "It's really quite a long story, and I mean, I'd love to tell it, but... who am I kidding? I really don't want to tell it." Seeing the girl's cheery face falter, she quickly added, "I'm really sorry, it's just not the right time."

"I understand," Amanda said, still looking glum. "I just wanted you to know that I'm here, you know? Because as much as I hate getting involved in gossip, I heard about this and I knew you'd need a friend. Someone to talk to."

Sighing, Rose slumped into a chair and nodded. "You're right. I have to tell it to someone. But I'm just not sure if I can tell you. It's complicated, I think I need someone older to talk to. A friend. I'm sorry."

"No offense, Rose, but right now, I'm the only friend you've got."

Rose tried to smile. "I know, Amanda. I just don't know..."

"Trust me, Rose."

Rose cradled her head in her hands. "Why should I?" Her voice sounded small, almost trapped.

"Because you really need an intervention if you want to fix things. You need my help."

Rose began to cry. "I don't think I can fix things."

"Yes you can, Rose. Now start talking."

Amanda was a great listener. She silently took it all in as Rose poured out the story, stopping every now and then to pose a question or hand the crying girl a tissue.

"Now, don't hate me for bringing this up," Amanda smiled sheepishly. "But how are you planning to work things out with Lily and Brent?"

"I don't know," Rose hiccuped. "What should I do?"

Amanda patted the shaking girl on the back. "You're going to have to figure it out by yourself, and fast."

"Why fast?"

"Because you're going to see them at Hogsmeade today, obviously." She gestured to a sign on the common room bulletin board.

Rose felt the panic return. "What will I say? What am I supposed to do?"

"You'll find something to say. Just make sure you apologize and if worst comes to worst, buy them some candy." Amanda smiled grimly.

Rose nodded. "I can do that. When's Hogsmeade?"

Amanda glanced up at the large grandfather clock sitting near the fire. "In about 20 minutes."

"Merlin! And I look like a big slobbery mess."

Amanda shook her head. "No. You look like a very tired, very beautiful big slobbery mess."

"And how is that better?"

"It isn't," admitted Amanda. "But we can make it better. Let's try to fix your hair and makeup."

Amanda was absolutely terrible at fixing hair or makeup, it turned out. Rose realized she was missing Lily, with all her makeup skills and tips. Finally they found a look that at least masked the puffiness of Rose's tearstained face.

"Alright, Rose," Amanda sighed. "Good luck. You can do it."

"Aren't you coming too?" Rose's voice jumped an octave.

"Potions homework. I can't." She held out a small pack of tissues. "Take this as well. I have a feeling you'll need it."

Rose accepted this, only scowling a little, and hugged the other Ravenclaw girl, thanking her for all her listening.

"I'll be here when you get back."

Rose nodded before stepping out the door.

Yes. It's almost done! Next I'm starting a story about... well, I don't know. I have all these ideas but I can't figure out what to use. Do you have any suggestions? The next story I write is going to be back in my normal writing style; much longer chapters and more descriptions, probably in first person point of view. I had to try writing this way for a writing class, and I don't like it too much. Anyway, if you have any ideas for stories, I'll most happily consider them. Thanks bunches. :)

PS- see you soon for the next chapter!