Dear Natalya,
How are you sweetie? In your last owl you seemed rather upset. Did something happen? Do I have to hex some boy? I have it on good word that you haven't been getting much sleep lately. This person also tells me that you have become skin and bones. Why aren't you eating? Tell me what's wrong. Everything is just fine here at home. Your mother is carrying on with her usual socialite activities. Charity events every chance she gets. I'm still very sorry that I couldn't see you off on the platform. Margo was in a bit of a tiff that day so your mum insisted I stay home. Something about her partner I think it was. I hope you have a wonderful rest of term. Have fun at the Potter's home. Tell Harry I said hello. Same for Ginny. I love you sweetie.
Love,
Dad
I read the letter over again and placed it on my nightstand. Who had been telling my father about my daily habits? The only people I talked to anymore were my three third years and none of them talked to my father. I found it odd that he hadn't mentioned James. He always asked how he was. Did the mystery informant tell him about the fight too? I laid back on my bed and thought about the letter I had sent only three days ago.
Daddy,
How are things at home? How are Margo and mum? I hope all is well. Studies this year are fairly easy. I'm sure it shocks you as much as it shocks me. I am touturing little Lily Potter and her friends in Potions. I can't wait to see you at Easter break! I miss you terribly! Write back soon!
Love,
Your favorite: Natie!
Nothing about that letter seemed off to me. I always wrote like that. Maybe he just interpreted it differently because of his informant? Who was this person? Dad had known not to ask about James. That was for sure. Was it James? I immediately discounted that theory. There was no way James would go over my head to tell my father what was going on. Would he?
I jumped out of bed and ran down to the common room. As it was mid-November, Lily, Danielle, and Bridget were sitting by the fire. I rushed over to them and sat down.
"Lily, did your brother owl my dad?" I questioned. There was no point beating around the bush. All the girls knew how blunt I was. Her eyes widened and she nodded.
"How did you know?" she inquired. I huffed and then sighed. Leave it to James to bring my father in to things. Why couldn't he just confront me like a normal person.
"Why didn't you tell me? I was totally caught off guard when my dad knew about my, er, sleeping patterns and eating habits." I said, mild anger seeping in to my voice. I knew it wasn't really her fault. She hadn't sent the owl. She hadn't gone over my head.
"James made me promise not to tell. Oh Natie, don't be mad at me. He's just super worried about you. He knows all of this is his fault but he knows that you won't accept any apology he gives while he's with Lindsey. He said he cares too much to let you waste away to nothing!" Lily semi-sobbed. I put an arm around her shoulder and placed my head on top of hers.
"I'm not mad at you Lils. I'm mad at your brother. It doesn't matter how he feels. He shouldn't have gone to my dad." I muttered. I knew it was only a matter of time before I ran to my dad asking for advice. He always knew exactly what to say. He never took sides unless it was with my sister and I. My father is a great man.
"But James is just concerned, Nat. Why are you mad at him?" Danielle questioned curiously. I sighed for what felt like the fiftieth time. I myself really didn't know why I was mad at James for going to my dad. I knew he was just being the same caring guy I had been friends with since first year. Maybe it was my anger over him choosing Lindsey over me. I mentally smacked myself. Thoughts like that were what kept me awake at night. Now that I knew dad knew, I would have to make sure I took care of myself.
XxXxXxXxXxXxXx
Slowly but surely, November bled into December. Snow fell almost every other day and covered the grounds in a fresh looking white fluff. I ran into the castle, laughing along with Lily, Danielle, and Bridget. I was out of breath and my lungs felt like they would explode.
"That was the best snowball fight EVER!" Danielle exclaimed as she brushed snow off of her jacket.
"I have to argue with you on that one Dani. There was this one snowball fight at my house," Lily started and I knew exactly what she was going to say, " James and Natie versus me and Albus. THAT was the best! It was more of a war than a fight." she giggled. The words 'James and Natie' hit me like a ton of bricks. I still didn't have any appetite but I ate for show. I was sleeping with the help of potions. However, I still missed James terribly. It was like losing my left arm.
"Wow. That sounds like a fun time!" Bridget laughed. Lily replied excitedly but I didn't hear her. It all came as muffled sounds to my ears. The reason for this: Not even ten feet away, Lindsey was snogging the living daylights out of James. He pulled back and stared at her in surprise.
"Natalya! So good to see you!" she said in a fake way-too-happy-to-be-real voice. I cringed at the sound and nodded. James gave her a look that held an emotion I couldn't quite place. "Did you guys just come in from a snowball fight? How exciting for you. I myself am a little too mature for such things but I don't expect anything else from a girl who hangs out with a bunch of third years." she smirked and I just stared at her. There was no point in me fighting back. She would just cut me down even worse.
"Excuse me but I am one of those third years and I happen to be very mature." Lily said angrily and glared at Lindsey. I put my hand on her arm but she shook me off.
"So am I. We happen to be very mature for our age." Danielle quipped. I sighed. This was not going to turn out well if it continued.
"Just because we have fun doesn't mean we are immature. It means we don't have sticks up our arses like you!" Bridget seethed. Oh Merlin. This was going to end very, very, very badly.
"How dare you! James-ie-poo! Say something to them!" Lindsey shrieked. I cringed again and reached for Lily's arm. She would be the first to reach out and punch Lindsey if she continued to talk.
"I happen to like snowball fights." James said thoughtfully. He suddenly reminded me of Lily's godmother, Luna Lovegood. She always stared off in to space like that. Lindsey spluttered for words and grabbed his arm. She dragged him away. I knew she would shriek her head off at him. I just thanked Merlin she had the decency to do it out of ear shot.
"Why do you let her do that to you Nat?" Bridget asked. I knew exactly what she was talking about but feigned ignorance. I wouldn't willingly admit that every time Lindsey made fun of me, I felt unworthy. I wasn't worthy of James. He had her. Why in the world would he need a best friend like me?
"Come on." Lily tugged on my arm and we started moving again. There was no use denying that I felt like crap. Then I heard "How could you just take their side?" in a high pitched shriek and stopped.
"I wasn't taking any sides Lind. That's my little sister and my best friend. I'm staying neutral." came James' voice. He...he still called me his best friend?
"Well not sticking up for me is the same as picking their side!" said another shriek. I rolled my eyes.
"Why are you being so dramatic Lindsey?" James asked and I could hear the anger building in his voice.
"They argue like that all the time." Lily said softly. I just nodded and continued to listen. They argued all the time? But whenever they were in front of her they were so lovey-dovey.
"I am not dramatic! You never stick up for me!" Lindsey howled. I glared in the direction of their voices. He had stuck up for her plenty when he lost me.
"I lost my best friend because I stuck up for you Lindsey! Come off it!" he shouted. Yup, that's what I thought.
"You seriously still blame me for that? It's her fault! She's the one who made a big deal out of it!" Lindsey retorted. Lily pulled on my sleeve but I shook her off. I needed to hear this.
"No! She was being a good friend. She was trying to protect me!" James nearly screamed. I smiled and finally let Lily pull me away. My heart soared! He still cared. He knew I was trying to protect him.
XxXxXxXxXxXxXx
It was the day before Christmas break and I was sitting in the common room with Lily, playing exploding snaps. I laughed as it exploded in her face. She glared at me.
"Why is it that you keep winning?" she inquired as she continued to glare. I burst into a new round of giggles as she did so.
"You're so adorable when you glare." I laughed. She looked more mad than ever.
"It's not funny! You've won seventeen times in a row!" she pouted. I tried my best to sober my laughter but it was hard.
"Maybe I just have more concentration than you do." I smiled. She considered that for a moment and then nodded.
"Yeah. I have none of that concentration..."Lily never got to finish her statement. The portrait swung open and in stormed a very pissed Lindsey and a very very red James.
"You're so bloody possessive Lindsey! Can't I have friends other than you?" James shouted.
"Of course you can. Just not those people." she scrunched her nose. James gave an exasperated look.
"Those are MY friends. YOU can't control who I am friends with! You can not tell me what to do! I decide which side to chose because of my morals! NOT because YOU happen to THINK you're right! I am so sick of you!" He screamed at the top of his lungs. Lily moved closer to me and I put my arm around her. I knew what we were both thinking. This was it.
"If you're so bloody sick of me then break up with me!" Lindsey shrieked. I gasped but no one besides Lily heard it. The corner of James' lips twitched. He was trying not to smile!
"We are over. Done. The end. Glad you suggested it." finally the smile broke on to his face. Lindsey looked stunned.
"Hallelujah!" Lily yelled and jumped up excitedly. Lindsey turned and glared at her.
"Shut your mouth brat!" Lindsey seethed.
"DON'T YOU DARE SPEAK TO MY SISTER THAT WAY!" James bellowed. I sniggered as Lindsey huffed and stomped away.
"You're free James! You're free!" Lily yelled. James pulled her in to a hug and began to twirl her around.
"I know Lils!" he cheered. I couldn't help but smile too.
XxXxXxXxXxXxXx
"That seat taken?" A familiar voice asked from the doorway to the compartment. I smiled slightly.
"Yeah. This arrogant git that ditched his best friend for a prat of a girl took it back in first year." I laughed. James sat down next to me with a smirk.
"Really? That's so funny. I was just thinking about this really fantastic girl who is possibly the most amazing friend on the planet. Do you think if she was this arrogant git's best friend, she would forgive him?" he asked, grabbing my hand in his. I sighed contentedly.
"It depends," I began, putting my head on his shoulder, " if he is truly sorry and if he got her a really great Christmas present." He chuckled and I felt it shake my body where it pressed against his.
"He is and he did." James replied. I wrapped my arm around his arm and looked up at him.
"Then you are most definitely forgiven muffin." I smiled. He sighed and kissed my forehead.
"I don't know how I got through these past few months without you. I was going barmy." he said in an almost whisper.
"It doesn't matter." I replied quietly and snuggled closer to his warmth. "You're here now and that vile girl is gone. You're still my best friend." I felt him chuckle again. I closed my eyes and for the first time in three months, I slept peacefully and without interruption.
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry potter or any characters except my OC'S. Sadly. :(
A/N: Alrighty! I hated Lindsey so much! I'm so glad I got rid of her. For now at least. Another special thanks to Yani! She is a copy of myself in a different state! Lol. And a thanks to likepurpleteal for reviewing! It's super appreciated! :D So review!