Chapter 3 ~ You Always Do

Blaise,

Hello, Dearest, how are you? How is sixth year treating you? Not too much homework, I hope. But, I suppose that's just a part of schooling, isn't it dear? Hahaha! Oh, it's been rather lonely in the house without you, but I suppose I should be used to it by now! Still, I'm finding it rather sad, don't you think dear? Oh, I'm sure you don't miss your poor old mother who raised you! You are probably having the time of your life!

Goodness knows what you're doing, though if it's anything like I used to do at school, I'm sure you're having a blast! Hahahahaha – Forget I said that, Blaise dearest, would you? Haha! Good boy. Oh, Blaise dear, you should have seen! Yesterday I went to France for a little shopping and there was the most gorgeous little cupboard in a tiny little shop there! Oh, I just had to buy it! Mind you, it was a muggle shop, so I had to pay a visit to Gringotts before I actually purchased it, but my, it was worth it!

You should have seen the muggle at the counter! She seemed frightened of me, dear! Why? I'm not too sure! I tried to put on my sweetest face! Oh, I hope I wasn't grimacing… No wonder the muggle was scared! That grimace could scare a werewolf away, and you can take that to Gringotts! Hahaha!

Uh… where was I?

Oh yes, the cupboard. It really is the prettiest little thing, dear! I'm sure you will love it! That is why I have put it in your room! Oh, dear, your room is looking a little too ordinary for my liking! I mean, I think you've had the same furniture in it for a few months now! That's ridiculous, dear, I'm redecorating. Just thought I would let you know! Oh, I know what you're going to say… 'Mother, I don't need new furniture every bloody day…' Well, Blaise – I think it's time. Like I said, it's been months, dear. Months!

Yes, yes – Its decided. Oooh, now I'm excited! You know what this means, dearest! Shopping Spree! I'd better get to work straight away, sorry dear, can't stay and chat for long! Hmm, hmm – One of the house elves are looking rather sick, dear… I hope it doesn't die. I never know what to do with bodies! Hmm hmm… Oh, Blaise, you are going to love it! It is most beautiful, and so soft I could run my finger over it for hours and just gaze at it… that's right, just gaze… Oh! Hahahahahahahaha! The cupboard, dear! The cupboard! Not the sickly house elf! Hahahahahahahaha!

Alright, Blaise dear, gotta run! Shopping spree coming my way! Will write tomorrow if I'm not too busy decorating, dear! Love, your Mother xoxoxoxokissesandhugsxoxoxox oxoxoxo

Groaning softly, I rolled up the parchment, and placed it on the (rather green) grass beside me, next to my broom, before lying down on my back, and closing my eyes for a moment. My mother's words jumped out like she was actually speaking them, always managing to give me a dull headache. An earthy scent reached my nose, and I tried to relax myself. I was alone, thank Godric. Something I had wished for since I had arrived at my oh-so-beloved school.

There was always an annoying, constant chatter I could never get away from. I spent most of my time looking forward to the moments like these, when I was really and truly alone. The dormitory offered some relief, however it wasn't long before one of the others would arrive and there went the silence. Not that it ever really was 'silent'. There was never failing noise, whether from other students, or the black lake pushing against the window.

These moments were probably the only thing keeping me from going completely mad. Though, I had to admit, I was well and truly on that road. The air was cool, though I did not feel the cold. I'm never cold. I suppose you could call it a 'plus' about me, but really… When the Summer comes along and all you want to do is curl up and die, it really isn't a 'plus' after all. Oh, the joys of my life.

I mean, it isn't all bad. I still got my warm pumpkin juice every morning, and I still got to enjoy plenty of time reading… Yes, believe it or not, those are the highlights of my every day. However, some days are much better, usually featuring quidditch practice, and maybe even two or three coffee's, to help me along. Oh, yes. I do enjoy the strong, bitter taste of coffee… Finally, I have the days that stand out the most by far.

The days when I cannot sleep, and I decide to sneak out for a few moments to go visit the Forbidden Forest, and the rush I feel whilst out there makes everything fine again. Of course, it isn't often I can do this, but at least it makes everything right again. To me, at least. A small smirk played at the corner of my lips and I stretched my arms out, relaxing in the moment, and tried not to think about the homework that awaited me.

The end of my first week back, and I think I have enough homework to last me the year. I can only imagine how hectic exams are going to be… not to mention next year. That is, if I'm still alive by then, something that seems a rather bleak at this point. Opening my eyes, I glanced up at the sky. The clouds that covered it were grey, and seemed to be almost threatening a storm. I reluctantly sat up. To be caught in a storm was the last thing I needed right now. Reaching out, I grabbed my broom, and stuffed the letter in my pocket before standing and taking to the sky…

I had only just made it through the dark oak doors before first rain drops hit the earth. Keeping my head low, I made my way through the halls, a few students milling around me. As I kept walking more students stood, talking and laughing together. The noise grew as I walked towards the Slytherin dungeons, and I could pick up a voice louder than all the rest. Parkinson's, of course.

Pushing the doors open, I made my way through the common room quickly, which was packed with Slytherins of every year. Some laughed and joked together, whilst others played a loud game of exploding snap. Tracey Davis snogged an unfortunate fifth year, and I could hear Parkinson gossiping loudly to a group of girls, probably hoping to draw more attention to herself. On listening, I could only assume it was Millicent Bulstrode she was talking about.

"You should have seen her at the breakfast table this morning! She ate as though she'd never seen food in her life! Though, judging by her weight, we all know that isn't true…" Parkinson giggled loudly, a few other girls giggling after her. "I heard," Parkinson continued "that she has an eating disorder, where she has to eat every three hours, though… it wouldn't really be such a bad thing if she forgot to, hey?" Another loud giggle, followed by many.

I rolled my eyes and stepped down the stairs towards my dormitory. Once inside, I could hardly hear the voices, though it was far from quiet. No-one was in the dormitory, and I shrugged off my jacket, placing it on the end of my bed. As I did so, the letter fell out, and I stared at it for a few moments before deciding that I would forget about it very quickly, so I might as well write back now.

I glanced at my door, and sighed. I would have to go back out there. How fun. Shaking my head a little, and telling myself to get on with it, I made my way out, back through the common room. Parkinson seemed to have toned down the voice, and was now murmuring quietly, or as quietly as she could get, with a few other girls I hardly knew of. The Owlery wasn't too far away, though it did take quite a few stairs to reach it.

I made my way quickly, hoping to get this over with as fast as possible. I needed to finish off some History of Magic homework before the night was up, as I was hoping to get a reasonable amount of sleep that night, due to having class the next morning. It was still raining as I stepped outside to go up the stairs that reached the Owlery, though it wasn't pouring.

I tried to avoid the Owlery for the most part. It wasn't that I disliked owls, or mail. Just the scattered droppings and small carcasses over the floor weren't exactly the most welcoming. I quickly pulled out a piece of parchment and scribbled a quick message to my mother, before making my way to a nearby red-brown coloured barn owl. I attached the parchment to its leg and it flew off quickly, dropping a feather in its path. I watched it fly away, and when it was just a dark spot in the distance, I slowly made my way back to my dormitory.

Mother,

I don't need a new cupboard or furniture. As for the House Elf I'm sure you'll think of something. You always do.

Blaise.