disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter, JK Rowling does. sigh i really hate repeating this, even though I agree she deserves full credit for inspiring my fic

Chapter 27: Love is in the Air

Alina walked the long, winding stairs up to her room at the very top floor. Exhausted she pushed the door open carelessly and shut it behind her. Seeing Selena still awake she smiled.

"Hey girl. You okay?" Selena asked.

"Been better," Alina admitted and collapsed onto her bed.

"So what happened?" Selena sat up, obviously eager for a juicy story.

"Nothing exciting, I assure you. His mom- and his dad apparently- well- they've" she paused. "They've both died." she said finally, she found it suddenly hard to swallow and stared at the floor.

"Holy-" Selena said, shocked.

"Yeah."

"So did you-?"

"We had the funeral service at nine. Draco has to stay with the Order for a while before he can come back." She laid back on her bed, her head hitting the soft, plush pillows with a thump.

"But Valentine's Day is coming up soon,"

"Oh the joy."

"Oliver's going to visit me at Hogsmeade that day,"

"Really?" Alina sat up, now interested. "So he was your date to the ball?" Selena nodded. "Wow. That's a shocker," she chuckled.

"He's nice- and he's really sweet and-" Alina held up her hand, hushing her.

"No need to defend him. I approve. Fully. Besides, since when did you need my approval?"

"True, but it helps to know that you agree with my taste," Selena said and got up to go to the bathroom, leaving the door open. She washed her face. "He's taking time off of Quidditch to come visit... he plays for Puddlemore United, as keeper. Isn't that amazing?" she said dreamily as she wiped her face on a towel. "And he's actually a lot older... he's twenty-one."

"No surprise there. But I'm happy for you, all the same." Alina said, gazing at the ceiling.

"Oh and I forgot to mention it to you-" Selena began as she walked back into the room. "Hermione and Ron started dating while you were in the states. Isn't that so cute?" Alina smiled. It was cute. "Aah- a new month. A month of love, nonetheless," Selena sighed and plopped down onto her bed, turning on her side to look at Alina. "I'm sorry about Draco being away,"

"It's not your fault. And Valentine's Day isn't only for boyfriends and girlfriends anyways. I'll just spend the day indulging myself in chocolates and gifts from myself," she sighed and smiled to satisfy Selena.

And that's what she did. As they entered Hogsmeade Selena waved bye to her as she saw Oliver heading in her direction. She saw Hermione and Ron, and Harry and Ginny walking off together. Looking around her she realized she hadn't quite so many friends as everyone else. With Draco around, she hadn't realized that she was so unsocial. But, then again, it had been one heck of a year so far.

Resolving to walk by herself she strolled down the streets, sketchbook in hand, viewing the different shops, stopping randomly when she saw something interesting. She bought a book, and even stopped at Madam Puddifoot's. There she saw Selena and Oliver in a far off corner. Not wanting to spoil there date she sat up closer to the front and ordered a few chocolates and a frapuccino.

Opening her sketchbook she began to search around for something interesting to draw. Looking around the cafe itself she saw endless amounts of couples and an endless sea of pink. Seeing all of the lovesick, dazed couples something swelled up in her throat. She felt as if she were going to throw up, even though she hadn't even eaten a bit that whole day. Shoving away the plate and her drink she tried to regain focus outside of the cafe.

She watched as couples walked hand in hand down the cobbled streets, laughing. She saw couples eating together in places across the street. Every single place she looked couples were there. Suddenly sick again she slowly got up, paid her bill, and left the cafe.

As soon as she breathed in fresh air she looked upwards, feeling the light snow rest on her nose. A sudden, rapid shock went through her whole entire body and her legs collapsed from underneath her as she fell. Before she blacked out, she heard a voice scream her name.