Alright, this is a short but significant one! It does shed quite a light on the whole romantic situation of our main characters. and also, it reminds us that there is trouble outside of the school. So short update, and I hope I'll be able to post another during the week.

Here we go.

A revelation, a visitor and a dream…

Kenneth was walking around with Kalindra, lost in his thoughts. His cousin Gareth had left them after the drinks in the tavern. Will and Jennifer had been bickering so much they had finally stormed out of the place, each in opposite directions. So Kalindra and the rest had decided to take a walk in the streets. And now, Kalindra was furious after Rob had left to go find a friend of his, along with Thierry. Kenneth had stayed with her, remaining silent and attentive, so she could get her frustration out. Kenneth could understand her. She had opened maybe a thousands doors for Rob to dare make his move. And still he was petrified. Even Kenneth would have gotten the message. And that was saying something.

"That idiot egoistic boy!" snarled Kalindra. "You'd think he'd take the opportunity to share some time with me. I was planning the whole afternoon!"

"I always told you that the first move would have to be yours, Kallie," said Kenneth. "Rob is petrified at the thought of asking you out."

"Yeah, yeah, I know," said Kalindra, bitterly. "Anyway, let's drop it. Are all of your cousins as colourful as Gareth?" she asked, with a smile.

"Oh, Gareth is pretty wild, but he's tame compared to my cousin Sonia," replied Kenneth. "Gareth has his way to stand out by being a little cynical and he has a pretty dark humour. It goes with the territory of having strayed from the usual path of the family. Sonia is more in the line of our clan, when it comes to her job, but otherwise, she's something of a loose cannon. Pretty fixated on pastry, too. One word of advice... If you stand between Sonia and a cake, step aside or your survival isn't guaranteed."

Kalindra had a light laugh at that. It felt good to see Kenneth joke a little more freely. He had been pretty closed up, since the beginning of term, and Kalindra hadn't found the way to get him to talk about the reason for this. Maybe this was the occasion, since they were left alone, right now, she mused, until she noticed something.

Kenneth's face had suddenly darkened. Kalindra wondered what was wrong, until she followed his gaze and her eyes fell on Julie and Donahue, walking around, hand in hand, turning at the corner of the street.

"Oh, boy," she whispered.

As she suspected, the reason Kenneth had been so down lately just had to about Julie. Julie's reaction to Kenneth on the train, the way she avoided him on a daily basis... It felt wrong to Kalindra. But neither Julie nor Kenneth would talk about it. Kalindra was also sure of something. Her best friend hurt and Julie felt guilty.

Kenneth threw one last dark look at the couple, and turned on his heels, before to stride away. Kalindra jumped at his departure and rushed after him. She was very decided, now. Something was off, and she would find out what.

What the hell had happened over the summer?

Julie saw Kenneth stomp away with a heavy sigh. Robert noticed it.

"Care to share your thoughts?" asked Donahue. "Is there something wrong?"

She was a little startled and turned to face him.

"No, not really," she said, throwing a significant look at the roof nearby. "I've spotted one of the members of the Order of the Phoenix who monitors me, each time I step out of Hogwarts," she explained. "It reminded me of the mess I'm still in. It kinda gets me down."

"I can understand that," said Robert, with a sympathetic smile.

He took her hand gently.

"Tell you what," he said. "How about I try to make you forget all of this, for today?"

Julie smiled and kissed his cheek.

"That's very sweet, thank you," she told him.

"Alright," said Robert, brightly. "So, the Hog's Head Special works for you?"

She laughed, this time, and his smile grew wider.

"Yeah, I thought so," he said. "We're trying for distraction, not amnesia. So... The Three Broomsticks for a start? And then a swing by Honeyduke's before I treat you to a stroll by the forest and back to Hogwarts around the Lake."

"That'd be nice," said Julie.

As Robert offered his arm, she felt relief that he hadn't seen through her lie. She knew that no one in the Order would be in sight, if they were indeed monitoring her beyond the simple surveillance through her pendant. But she didn't need Robert to get once more jealous of Kenneth. That wouldn't serve any purpose and it could be dangerous.

As she headed toward the pub, her arm linked to Robert's, she tried to catch a glimpse of where Kenneth had gone. Sadly, she found no trace of him.

You need to stop doing this, Julie, she told herself. Let him go. It's for the best.

But despite these thoughts, she desperately wished that she hadn't hurt him too much. But she strengthened her resolve. This was the only way... For Kenneth's sake, she needed to be strong and stay away from him.

Please, Kenneth, forgive me, she silently begged. I have no other choice.

Kalindra was almost running, now, trying to keep up with Kenneth as he tore through Hogsmeade.

"Will you stop, for the love of Merlin?" she cried after him. "What's wrong with you?"

"Forget it," growled Kenneth. "I've been a fool."

"What are you talking about?" Kalindra asked urgently.

"Look, I won't talk about this here in the middle of Hogsmeade, okay?" said Kenneth, as if it was closing the subject.

"Now, wait a second, Lionheart," said the black girl, gripping his arm suddenly. "You come with me!"

She then tucked him to an isolated spot, near the Shrieking Shack. On their way, they passed near one or two couples who tried to look as if they hadn't been interrupted in anything. Kalindra walked on until they would be absolutely out of ear's range from anyone. Kalindra had the funny thought that rumours would rise like mad after they had been seen in the favourite spot of couple who liked to snog in peace.

Kalindra let go of him and turn to him, her hands on her hips.

"Alright," said Kalindra. "Now that we're alone, maybe you will speak to me."

"About what?" asked Kenneth, a little too aggressively.

He seemed to notice his fierce tone and lowered his eyes.

"Sorry," he said.

"You're upset since the very beginning of the year, and I'm sure it's about Julie. So now, you will talk to me. I hate it when you're like that."

"Like what?" said Kenneth.

"Like some lion pacing his cage in rage but too noble to take it out on someone else," said Kalindra. "I won't let you go on like this. So you talk to me, Now!"

Kenneth seemed surprised by such an authority. To be quite honest, Kalindra was, too. She wasn't used to such a temper, especially with her friends. She had always had a peaceful relationship with Kenneth, but seeing him in that state drove her up the wall.

Kenneth seemed to consider arguing a little more, but he finally surrendered, sighing deeply.

"I've been stupid," he said. "I built up some hopes during the summer and it was only an illusion."

"What the hell happened between you and Julie?" she asked pointedly.

Kenneth lowered his eyes.

"It doesn't matter," said Kenneth. "She's with Donahue. I saw them kiss on the train."

Kalindra winced. She had assumed as much. After seeing Kenneth leave the compartment, looking hopeful and returning lost in silent rage, she had guessed that he had witnessed that.

"So, she's an idiot for liking the guy," she said. "Kenneth, you need to get over this. I mean, it's not like you had anything going on..."

And Kalindra then realised something, in Kenneth's eyes. She knew her friend well. She knew he wasn't acting jealous. At the end of last term, he had been fine simply being Julie's friend. But right now, he seemed hurt, betrayed and bitter, which meant he had thought something more existed between him and Julie. And unlike Donahue, he wasn't the kind of guy to assume that he had a claim on someone just because he wanted her. So...

"Something happened between you two, didn't it?" she said.

"She kissed me, in June," said Kenneth.

"She did?" exclaimed Kalindra, flabbergasted.

"Yes, just before her train left. And the very next time I see her, she's snogging Donahue. I'm kinda lost there," he said, bitterly.

Kalindra was astonished. She wasn't surprised to hear of this only now, from Kenneth. He was very secretive. But she was stunned and a little disappointed that Julie hadn't told her about this. No... she wasn't disappointed. She was furious! How the hell did Julie dare do this to Kenneth? What was she thinking?"

"Has she said anything?" she asked.

Kenneth shook his head, his lips tightening in low anger.

"And then, what happened?" asked Kalindra. "Did she owl you? Anything?"

"No," said Kenneth.

"Have you..."

"I wrote to her," said Kenneth, darkly.

"Really?" she said. "Wow! That means a lot, coming from you. I have always wondered if you even had quills in that home of yours," she added with an ironic grin.

The dark look she got in response didn't unsettle her as much as it could have, a few years back.

"What did you say, in your letter?" she asked.

"I don't want to talk about it," said Kenneth.

"Fair enough," said Kalindra. "I'll assume it wasn't cold rejection, right?"

Kenneth had a sad snort, and shook his head.

"Right," said Kalindra. "So you wrote, and she..."

"Next thing I know about her, she's lip-locked with Donahue," said Kenneth. "So there it is. She made her choice."

"That doesn't sound right," said Kalindra.

"Maybe you put a little too much faith in her, Kallie," said Kenneth, fiercely.

"No, I'm not," said Kalindra. "I'm not saying she would never pick Donahue. She can be just as thick as half the girl in the school. I've told you he has that effect on them, but I'm weirded out by the fact she didn't offer any explanation. I know Julie. She's not cruel. Why wouldn't she at least let you off the hook gently?"

"Don't know," said Kenneth. "Don't care. I'm done."

"But you freaking love her!" objected Kalindra.

"So what? It doesn't seem to matter, now, does it?" he exclaimed.

"I can't believe it! Damn, that's not right!" said Kalindra.

"Why do you care so much about that?" asked Kenneth, genuinely curious.

"Well, I don't know," admitted Kalindra. "You two seem... obvious, I think I get involved in this too much. Alright, I need to clear this up. I need to figure out what she's doing. Please, Kenneth, don't give up on her."

"I'm supposed to what... Wait until she gets tired of the Prince of Jerkland? Is that what you say?"

"Oh, please, you love her. Why would you care if she made a mistake with that ass? Can't you swallow your pride a little?" said Kalindra.

"I already swallowed enough," said Kenneth.

And, indeed, Kalindra realised that Kenneth hadn't played the proud one. He had done so much for Julie, last year, and he hadn't got so much in return. No, he was right. It wasn't him who needed to play a low profile.

"Okay, you're right," she said. "You know what? Don't wait. Go on with your life. But stop to be so distant. Once you get back to the relation you had last year, she'll realise she's wrong. And of course, you must go to the Yule Ball, this time."

"Over my dead body," said Kenneth. "I won't be there watching Donahue doing his peacock thing around Julie."

"Aw, come on, Kenneth!" said Kalindra. "Honestly, you already missed one ball because of her. It's only a ball, but it is fun."

"I won't go to this Ball," said Kenneth, stubbornly.

"And what will you do?" asked Kalindra, frowning. "Stay again outside the Castle, slicing a dead tree in cubes?"

"That wasn't so bad," said Kenneth.

"No way, Kenneth," said Kalindra. "You have to move on. As I said before, you did your move already. I hate to say it, since Julie's one of my best friends, too, but if she doesn't get it, she's not worth it. Now you can't just dry up all year waiting for her. So you find someone to get to the ball with you and you have fun. I don't know, pick up some friend. I would go with you if I hadn't booked Rob already."

"Who am I to interfere with your love life?" said Kenneth, smiling ironically.

"Right," said Kalindra. "So you'll do as I told you?"

"I'll think about it," said Kenneth.

"Good," said Kalindra.

At least he looked like he was feeling a little better.

Thierry was heading back to the Castle. He had left Rob and his friends before the Quidditch supplies shop. He wasn't really in this game, after all. And of course, he had caught that look on Master Anselme's face, when the Initiate had seen him having fun with his friends, while most of his fellow novices were supposedly studying in the Library. He was quite sure he was in for one of these lectures Anselme loved to give him.

He was heading for the Castle, walking up the path, looking at the sunset, when he caught some move in the bushes. There was someone there. Someone that was looking straight at him.

"Who's there?" he asked.

Silence.

"Look, I know someone's there," he said, raising his staff. "Show yourself. This isn't funny."

The silhouette walked out the bush. It was a woman, with curly brown hair. She had a mysterious smile across her face, and strange, deep blue eyes. She made three steps, getting out of the shadow, and stood there, facing him.

"What do you want?" asked Thierry.

"Strange," said the woman. "Usually, people start by "Who are you?". You seem more focus on the goals."

"Since you can lie for your goals or your name, I don't really care where to start," said Thierry.

"Wary," said the woman. "You haven't always been like this."

"What do you know about it?" asked Thierry casually, hiding his surprise that she was right.

"And cautious, with some composure," commented the witch. "Interesting..."

"Would you stop acting as if I wasn't here?" said Thierry. "It's really annoying, not to mention rude."

"Aren't you scared?" asked the woman.

"If you wanted to harm me, you would have done so, already," said Thierry.

"And clever," she said, smiling even wider. "I'm Aria. That won't serve you much, but still it's my name."

"And what exactly do you want with me?"

"To watch you," said Aria. "I want to see what you are made of."

"Why?"

"That is one my little secrets. Call it plain curiosity, or you can say that I'm up to something, whatever you like," said Aria. "Still you don't have to fear me. I have a real sympathy for your kind."

"My kind?" asked Thierry.

"The Brotherhood of Merlin," said Aria. "Of course, I can't say that everyone in this Order deserves sympathy, but I never harmed anyone in the Order. I respect your mission."

"Great," said Thierry. "Since you seem in a very mysterious mood, I guess I won't get any satisfactory answers."

"I'm not here to give answers, but to find some on my own questions," said Aria.

"And you won't tell me what these questions are, I'm sure," said Thierry.

"Not today," said Aria. "But someday, I may be able to answer your own questions."

"I can't wait to see that," said Thierry sarcastically.

Aria chuckled lightly.

"What's so funny?" asked Thierry.

"You really remind me of him," said the witch. "Not in the look, but in the way you think."

"I remind you of someone? Who?" asked Thierry.

"Merlin," said Aria, casually. "He as well had wits and wasn't really impressed by riddles. He had his way of speaking, too."

"How would you know?" asked Thierry, not really amused by the joke. "He lived more than a thousand years ago."

"Well, that's one more of my little secrets, young Thierry," said Aria. "Anyway, you look promising. I'm sure we'll meet again."

And then, suddenly, she faded away. Thierry scanned the surroundings, in search of any sign of her presence. Was he becoming mad? No one could ever disapparate from Hogwarts grounds, and she had faded right before his eyes. Who was she? This name, Aria, was it for real or was it just a lie?

"De Vannes," said a voice behind him.

Thierry stiffened lightly. He turned and found himself facing Master Anselme, who was looking at him, with the ever-present loathing in his eyes.

"What are you doing here?" said the Initiate. "Skiving again?"

"There was someone there, Master," said Thierry.

"What? Where?"

"She faded away, Master," said Thierry truthfully, though he was expecting the answer.

"No one can apparate from this place, Boy," said Anselme. "You must be lying again, to avoid the subject of your disgraceful behaviour. Follow me. We will settle this."

"But we must warn Professor Dumbledore that someone is on the grounds," objected Thierry.

"I won't get involved in your pathetic stories to avoid punishment, De Vannes," spat Anselme. "Now follow me!"

Sighing in defeat, Thierry followed the Initiate to the Castle, now completely convinced that he was in for trouble.

The Gryffindor common room was abuzz with conversations. After any outing in Hogsmeade, following the feast, the students would spend a nice evening, getting cosy in their common rooms, discussing the day and speculating about the upcoming Quidditch game, basically speaking about anything that allowed them to prolong the day and not go to bed.

Kalindra was among them, despite the repeated, half-convinced protests from Jennifer. But the prefect didn't insist much, first because she was fascinated by the conversation and second, because, right next to them, Mandy was actually doing some homework and this was not something to be discouraged by urging everyone to go to bed. Kalindra's conversation focused on the mixed-house team for the Silver Quill challenge. As soon as she had gotten the chance, she had caught up with Alwena, who, to be honest, looked quite pleased with herself for the commotion she had caused, the night before.

"I mean, I don't say it's a bad thing," Kalindra was telling the honey-blonde girl. "I'm just curious as to why you felt the need to pull another stunt like last year."

"Well, it worked last time," said Alwena, with a grin and a shrug. "Granted, this year, we'll have to manage without Kieran, but Gillian is still as smart and Raphaella is pretty sharp, too."

"You know her well?" asked Kalindra.

"Raphi? Well enough," said Alwena. "The Brotherhood has been living around for most of my childhood. I don't know the older students that well. Colville has arrived a little later, for example. He has been sent by his parents, like Jeremy Wats, who I just met once or twice. But the others… the orphans that are raised by the Brothers, we used to meet often. Not a surprise to see Thierry sorted out in Gryffindor, by the way."

"Is that so?" asked Kalindra, while Mandy was raising her eyes from her parchment. "Well, do tell…"

Kalindra's questions on the latest addition to her year died on her lips, when she saw Julie slip through the portrait hole.

Her eyes narrowed in anger and she excused herself from the conversation, leaving Mandy and Jennifer to grill Alwena about Thierry. She got up and walked straight at Julie. The French girl looked way too cheerful in her taste. She had this "just been kissed" look about her that infuriated Kalindra after she had seen the state Kenneth was in.

So, as Julie was making her way to the stair case leading the girls' dorm, Kalindra swooped on her, cornering her right at the foot of the stairs.

"You're a cold-hearted, pathetic excuse for a human being, aren't you?" she snarled, between her teeth.

"What?!" protested Julie. "Kallie, I…"

"No, no, no, you do not 'Kallie' me, Goldielocks," Kalindra cut her. "Not after what you pulled. I thought we were dealing with missed opportunities, or a misunderstanding, perhaps, but no! You went and actually screwed up, didn't you?"

She saw Julie's eyes flare up in revolt at her tone.

"What the hell are you talking about?" she shot back, defensive, now.

"Like you don't know what I'm talking about," growled Kalindra. "Do not insult my intelligence, Julie! I thought I knew you! I'd never have believed you'd turn up being such a heartless bitch!"

This time, Julie's eyes hardened.

"Watch it!" she said. "What gives you the right to call me a bitch?! It's not like any of this is your business, anyway!"

"Oh, sure, you're breaking the heart of my best friend! That's none of my business, sure!" Kalindra replied, harshly. "You know what? I don't know why I bother! You and Donahue can rot in hell, for all I care!"

"Kalindra!" protested Jennifer, who had hurried to where they stood, trying to defuse the situation. "What's going on, here? You're making a scene."

But Kalindra was past caring about that. Her anger still burned, from this afternoon. The memory of Kenneth's bitterness was still too fresh in her mind to be civil. But she caught something on Julie's face that made her hesitate. Now that Kalindra had openly voiced that this was about Kenneth, none of Julie's outrage remained in her eyes. Instead, there was something else. Pain. A deep sadness could be read in her eyes, as she now stood, less defiant, her shoulders slightly slumped, her face closed.

"You just don't understand," said Julie, with a catch in her voice that made Kalindra's heart skip a beat in shock.

She seemed seriously distraught, which was a surprise.

"Then explain it to me," said Kalindra, less aggressively. "Seriously, Julie, what the hell? I mean… I thought we had each other's backs, that we shared this kind of things. Why won't you just explain?"

"I can't... that's just how it is," said Julie. "Sorry if I don't live up to your expectations."

"Now, wait a second, Julie, I..." began Kalindra.

But Julie didn't let her finish and was climbing up the stairs, without looking back. Kalindra may have been furious at her, earlier, now she was puzzled. What the hex was wrong with her?

"What was that about?" asked Jennifer, on a tone that echoed Kalindra's feeling.

"The hell if I know," said Kalindra, frowning seriously. "But there is something that just doesn't add up, there."

Mandy was alone in the Common room, trying her best to make any kind of progress on her transfiguration essay due for the next Tuesday. She couldn't get any sleep, so she might as well study. She was bent on her book, trying to get the idea right out her head, with more or less success, to be honest. Most of students were off sleeping, and the others were on their way to get there.

She suddenly heard some noise, coming from the Portrait Hole. She raised her eyes and saw Thierry enter the Common Room, looking pretty miffed.

"Hi!" said Mandy.

Thierry stopped and turned to her, with really dark eyes. When he saw her, he relaxed suddenly. Mandy was stupefied by his reaction.

"Oh, Hi," said the Novice. "You aren't in bed?"

"Can't sleep, so I might as well work a little," explained Mandy. "You missed dinner."

"I had a meeting with Master Anselme," said Thierry, with a curious drawling voice. "I suppose he made me pay the fact that I spent the day in Hogsmeade, instead of burying myself in books, to get some knowledge I'm not interested in."

"Pay? By keeping you from dinner?" said Mandy, bewildered.

"Forget about it," said Thierry, letting himself fall into the couch near her. "It's a long story. What are you working on?"

"Transfiguration," said Mandy with wince. "Trying to find the way to turn a Salamander in a common lizard. That's one of the last questions."

"You can't," said Thierry. "It's a trap."

"What?" said Mandy. "Kalindra said I had to go around the fiery nature of the Salamander."

"Then she got it wrong," said Thierry. "The Salamanders are bound to their nature. They simply can't get transfigured into anything. They have a natural protection against that. They're one of the exceptions of the Wizarding Rule that says that anything …"

"…can become something else, with a little tip up," finished Mandy, with a smile. "You're sure about this?"

"Yes," said Thierry, sitting next to her. "If you want a reference, there's a book by Gildas Flambé on the Legendary Creatures. It's in the Library. You can get it anytime. The salamander is page Fifty-two."

"Wow, what a memory," said Mandy, impressed.

"I finished my essay yesterday," explained the Novice. "The references are still fresh in my mind."

"What are you doing in Gryffindor?" she asked, teasingly.

"Well, the others seem to wonder that, too," said Thierry.

"So," said Mandy, dropping the subject. "You'll watch the game tomorrow?"

"Sure," said Thierry. "I've never seen a game before."

"Never?"

"Never," said Thierry. "I was completely lost when Rob was speaking of Quidditch supplies, this afternoon."

Mandy began to explain the basic rules of Quidditch to this neophyte. They chatted for a long moment, and went back to her essay. She succeeded in finishing it, with Thierry giving her one or two information here and there. Once she put down her quill, she let out a yawn.

"Sorry," she said, smiling sheepishly.

"No problem," said Thierry. "At least, now you can go get some sleep."

"Thanks to you," said Mandy. "I mean… I… I don't mean to say that you're… er…"

"I got it right," said Thierry, with a smile.

He stood up and helped her on her feet. She then noticed something odd. He had some bandages on his hand.

"What happened to you?" she asked.

"That?" said Thierry, looking casual. "I got an accident on my way down, yesterday. Sprained wrist, but Madam Pomfrey fixed it right away."

"Hope it doesn't hurt," she said.

Thierry shook his head. He let go of her hands, and Mandy suddenly felt regret at that fact. That was strange. He walked to his staircase, and nodded to her.

"Well, good night," he said.

"Yes, you too," said Mandy.

He climbed up the stairs and soon he was out of her sight. She let out a sigh.

He's so cute!

The thought caught her by surprise, but it did sound right. Mandy was about to question the issue as to when she had started to notice the attractive qualities of Thierry, but then she yawned again, and headed to her own dormitory, her sleepy mind unable to carry on the reflection. She wasn't in shape to face this right now. Her foggy mind formulated one last thought before she fell asleep, a few minutes later.

Well, he is cute!

She knew that she would probably have pleasant dreams.

Her feet moved almost out of their own will. She was running amongst the havoc around her. Thoughts were clashing in her mind, confusing her. As she turned one corner, plunging inside a side alley to avoid the worst of the fighting, she saw a hunchbacked witch, used as an ensign for a potion shop. Around her, she could hear the fury of battle, the pure mayhem of the streets of Hogsmeade lost in the fight. After she passed the ensign, she saw a wall explode in the distance and heard the whistling sound of a fire ball.

Running down the alley, she passed a pet shop that Julie remembered visiting once. She could hear the panicked sounds of the animals, terrified by the sounds from the outside. After the pet shop, she saw the windows explode on the next house, and terror caught up with her.

When she emerged from the narrow street, Julie's eyes were immediately drawn to the right, where she knew the attacker would be. And she saw him wave his wand at her. Like in a slow motion, she saw the red light of his spell flash at the tip of his wand.

Kenneth suddenly jumped in her sight, getting in the way of the spell.

"Kenneth, no!" she screamed.

The curse caught him in the chest, sending him barrelling against her. Julie could see the blood at the corner of his mouth.

"No... no, please," she begged, in tears.

"I... I love you," he said, before life faded from his eyes, right in front of her.

Julie let out a blood curling scream.

"NOOOOOOOO!"

Julie bolted up in her bed, woken by her own scream of terror.

"What the hell?" protested Kalindra.

"Julie, are you alright?" asked Jennifer, urgently.

She was the first at her side. Mandy was the next. Julie was shaking wildly, tears rolling on her cheeks. Her breathing was ragged, as the last figments of the vision were fading.

"I'm... I'm sorry," she managed to get out of her throat.

"Was it a vision?" asked Kalindra, with a concern in her voice that Julie wasn't prepared to hear.

"No..." she lied. "No, just a nightmare. I couldn't make anything of it."

"Try to get back to sleep, love," said Mandy, while Jennifer was helping her lie back down, with soothing gestures.

"Thankss," she said weakly. "Sorry I woke you."

"It's okay," said Kalindra.

The distance in her voice was back, to Julie's chagrin. She had an inward sigh. Kalindra, since her outburst about the way she had broken Kenneth's heart, had been giving her the silent treatment, which Julie honestly couldn't blame her for. She actually was reassured that Kenneth had Kalindra to help him. She waited until her dorm mates had returned to bed, trying to calm her nerves.

That accursed vision wouldn't leave her. Not since the end of July. She had hoped that once she had set out on the path she had chosen, it would at least avert the vision, but it was still haunting her. It even had grown stronger, this time. Tears of frustration came to her eyes as she thought of what she had sacrificed to try and prevent that vision. Why wouldn't it go away? Wasn't it enough that she had pushed Kenneth away?

Sadly, she slid the drawer of her bedside table open. There it was. Her eyes fell on the envelope and she gingerly took it. In the moonlight that bathed the room, she could still make out Kenneth's handwriting, addressing the letter to her. She looked at the unbroken seal, realising that since that letter had reached her in Brittany, she had come to both loathe and cherish it. Cherish for what it may contain, although she hadn't dared to open it, afraid its contents would shatter her resolve. And loathe it for what it had triggered.

The moment she had touched that letter, her life had been thrown upside down. She had hoped for a sign of Kenneth since she had fallen back in her seat in the Eurostar out of St Pancras. The way she had felt after that kiss! It had been like she was on fire! She knew she must have shocked Kenneth. She had expected to be one to have to move, when she would see him next. So she had been delighted and surprised to see Gawain, Kenneth's owl, show up at her home. But then, the letter had touched her.

And the vision had hit. That horrifying vision, where Kenneth gave his life for her out of love. She must have seen it a dozen times, since then, in her dreams or before her waking eyes.

No. She wouldn't allow it to happen. He would not die for her. She would not let him.

If this meant he had to hate her, so be it. Far from her, he would be at least safe. Part of her felt lousy at the thought that, no matter how much she liked him, she had jumped at the chance to resume her relationship with Robert both as a way to ease her heartache and make sure Kenneth would stay away from her. But this was the only way she could see that would protect Kenneth's life. He had already risked his life for her.

No more. She loved him too much to allow him to die for her.

No matter the cost for her, she would ensure Kenneth was safe.

And this proves one needs to hear someone's side of things before to judge, hehehe. Now that we established that Julie is not a cold-hearted bitch, let's greet her back as a POV character!

As I said, I hope to be able to post the next chapter within the week, before going on vacation.

See you!