Ay-ay-ay...I'm so sorry for taking so long! I've been suffering a lot of HP writers block, but my muse is starting to come back. With that said, I hope you like this chapter!

swimmergirl101- Haha, sorry! I'd have been quicker, but the blame rests on the shoulders of the vortex of chaos that is senior year...and my stupid PC. But thanks for your review! =D

SpiritGuardian96- Thanks so much! =)

Doncamatic- Aww, that's sweet! Thanks a ton!

Miss Cheshire Smile- Gaaaaah! I'm sorry I took so long! I'm glad you like the stories, though =)

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Dinner that night wasn't very cheerful. Barely anyone said a word, with the exception of Professor Dumbledore and the Sorting Hat. They both urged us to remain strong, and to not give ourselves over to fear. But at that point, it was hard not to. The headmaster also introduced an unfamiliar man named Professor Slughorn, who was to be the new Potions Master; apparently, he'd been a teacher in that field in previous years. However, all the Gryffindors had to stifle moans of disappointment when Snape was appointed the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, regardless of how much of an improvement it was (compared to fifth year). With all that was happening, we really needed all the help we could get.

Getting our new schedules certain didn't diffuse the tension for anyone. Of course, it was always nerve-wracking when the material got more difficult with each year. However, I couldn't restrain a smile upon noticing my slot for advanced Charms class. I forgot all about that!

My thoughts eventually wandered to the new Potions professor. With luck, he'll be a bit friendlier than Snape.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

My prayers were answered. On the first day, I found myself actually enjoying that class. Though Slughorn wasn't overly friendly to the point of being annoying, he wasn't anything like his predecessor. He seemed very interested in his teachings, and in many of us…particularly Harry.

Speaking of which, he was uncharacteristically exceptional with the first brew. He made his potion perfectly, winning a vial of Felix Felicis, or "liquid luck," as a reward. I couldn't help but feel a little jealous, but perhaps we all did. Then again, the rest of us got the same prize: a very shabby hair day.

Finally, the time for Charms rounded the corner. While the other sixth-years attended the regular lesson, I caught up on other material during free period.

"Ah, there you are, Miss Ravensdale!"

"Hello, Professor."

"Did you have a nice holiday?"

"Yeah, as nice as it could've been." Flitwick's expression became more serious as he hopped down from the chair.

"How is your mother?"

"The worst is over," I answered. "She's managing so far."

"I'm very glad to hear that. Well then, shall we start?"

"Alright."

"This first charm conjures ice blocks and cold air gusts if there's water nearby. It might be a bit tricky at first, but I think you can manage."

"I see."

"The incantation is Glacius; hold your wand straight."

"Like this?"

"Exactly like that. Give it a go!"

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

"Really?" Neville asked. "It went that well?"

"Yeah, I got it on my fourth try! The professor said most people try at least thirty times before it works."

"Incredible. I'm really happy for you."

"Thanks. How were the rest of your classes?" He shrugged.

"Oh, same old. What'd you think of Defense Against the Dark Arts?"

"D'you have to ask?" We both laughed. "It should be called Defense Against the Dark Snape." Neville nearly fell off the couch at this.

"Lacey, have I ever mentioned how funny you are?" I smiled.

"Sort of."

"Well, you are. That's one of the things I love about you."

My heart skipped at his mention of the word.

What the bloody hell does he mean by…?

"Lacey?"

Having been momentarily distracted by the nearby hearth, I glanced back at him.

"Hmm?"

"Everything alright?"

Though part of me wanted to come out with it, my concerns won out.

"Nah, I'm fine."

He smiled, still seeming a bit skeptical.

"Okay. Just let me know if you want to talk." I smiled at him warmly.

"Thanks."

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Again, I'm SO SORRY this took so long, but I'm getting back into the swing of things! =D