Hunter was not able to see Hallie the rest of break. He returned to Hogwarts feeling downcast about the whole situation. Many different thoughts ran through his mind. He now missed Hallie more than ever, but he wasn't too sure on the status of their relationship. A long distance relationship wasn't what Hunter wanted, though he was afraid that if he told Hallie she would be devastated. If he was going to be with her he wanted to be able to see her. Seeing as he couldn't; a relationship was a bad idea.

Hunter was sitting by himself at Gryffindor table the morning that term resumed. He was moving his food around his plate with a fork, not having an appetite. The morning owls arrived, and out of instinct he looked up. Dirk was soaring down towards him with a letter in his beak.

"Thanks, bud," Hunter said half-heartedly, stroking the owl a few times before he took off again. He opened the letter and saw Hallie's neat handwriting

Dear Hunter,

Starting off; thank you for giving me the best Christmas ever! I can't really explain how amazing it was. It all seemed so perfect, almost magical. And I could not ask for more than this time together, I could not ask for more than this time with you. Every prayer has been answered, every dream I have's come true. But there is something important I need to tell you. I'm not really sure what our relationship status is, but I really don't want to be in a relationship with you right now. I want to be in a relationship where I'll be able to see you. I'm sorry, but that's the way I feel.

Can't wait to see you again, Hallie.

Hunter had to read the letter through a couple times before it set in. She agreed with him, which was a good thing. The letter did make him miss her more than ever. He began to think about the future. It was inevitable that he would have to tell her that he was a wizard. There was no way she would believe him at first, but he felt it would have to happen eventually. Hunter was so wrapped up in his thoughts he didn't feel the tap on his shoulder. He spun around to see James standing behind him.

"Hey, can we talk?" James asked him.

"Yeah, fine," was all Hunter could say back. This was the first time they spoke since the incident with Deanna.

"Look, I'm really sorry about blowing up on you about Deanna. You were right about her. I caught her cheating on me with another guy... and a girl. So I'm really sorry, and I was a complete idiot."

"It's about time you figured that out. And you were an idiot," Hunter said back. "But, I guess, you learned your lesson. Sorry, man." They shook hands.

Hunter replied to Hallie's letter telling her how much he loved Christmas as well and agreed with her on their relationship. He was much happier now. He felt like he had something to look forward to. The next two months seemed to fly by. Life was great for Hunter. His classes were going well and the Gryffindor Quidditch team was better than ever. Hunter liked having James back on his side. Then there was Hallie. Their friendship was better than ever. Hunter's stack of letters was beginning to get hard to hide in his trunk.

One night, after Quidditch practice, Hunter and Gale were walking up to Gryffindor Tower when they were stopped by a first year girl with green, almond shaped eyes. The girl seemed familiar to Hunter, though he couldn't place it.

"Excuse me. Umm... Hunter, Professor Hudson wants you in his office right away. He says it's important," the little girl stammered.

"You're in trouble now!" Gale teased, pushing Hunter up the stairs.

Hunter made his way to the Headmaster's office. He realized that he did not know the password. "I don't know the password," he said aloud. The gargoyle must have known Hunter was supposed to be there because it enabled him to pass. He knocked on the door and it swung open. Behind the large desk sat Professor Finnick Hudson, the youngest Hogwarts Headmaster in over five-hundred years.

"Please sit down," the professor said, motioning to the chair across from him. "Would you like something to drink? Some butterbeer or perhaps some pumpkin juice?"

"No, thank you," he replied taking his seat. He was starting to get worried.

"Now is not a time to beat around the bush, so I will just come out and say it. I have just received word that your grandfather is gravely ill. You will be returning home immediately," he said in a solemn voice.

Hunter laughed. "Don't lie to me. You're joking. He was perfectly fine a couple of months ago."

"I am sorry, Hunter. I wish I was lying."

Tears started to fall from Hunter's eyes. He was not worried about being brave or looking stupid in front of the Headmaster. This couldn't be happening; not to his grandfather. He found it hard to find his voice, but he managed to ask, "Will he make it?"

"They are not sure. Hurry, your Portkey is ready to take you back home where you will then travel to St. Mungos. I wish you the best of luck."

With tears pouring from his face Hunter latched onto the large book that Professor Hudson had indicated. He was pulled, starting at his navel, and was instantly gone from the Headmaster's office.