Starlight// FW

As Always

****

It was the best night of my short life so far. But as always, life went on. Over the next month, I had spent much of my time daydreaming about the events of the Yule Ball. Having Fred as a non-boyfriend was nice. We were certainly exclusive, and I constantly reminded him that it was only him I wanted to spend time with, I just couldn't have the name of a boyfriend. I wasn't sure why I was so against it, I just felt like I couldn't have one until I was fully ready.

Fully ready of what, I wasn't sure. But it didn't matter. I was happy, and so was Fred. The twins didn't really need my help with charms anymore, but I still spent many evenings in the Gryffindor common room. It was beginning to feel like a second home to me. Hogwarts seemed to have a glow about it that was different. Where I had previously noticed the details of the books on the shelves, and the cool light emitting from the stars, I now saw the glow of laughter from students, the sparks of electricity in the sun rising in the morning that was cast over the faces of those around me.

They blended together in a perfect mirage of the old and new me. The library was no longer just a place of study, but somewhere for me to meet friends, old and new. So, as I looked across the table at Hermione one afternoon, I couldn't help but smile. Crookshanks sat on her lap, and she slowly stroked his head. "Do you know what I think is just funny?", she suddenly burst out.

I set down my quill and raised my eyebrows, "What?". Ever since the Yule Ball, Hermione and Ron had been bickering even more than usual. It was obviously that they liked each other, but neither of them was going to admit it. I think the Yule Ball was a catalyst for their imploding relationship.

"Ron is acting like everything is normal", Hermione said with a huff. "Well, is everything normal?", I let out gingerly. "No, it's not!", she let out sharply, "Because I can't spend any time with Victor since the ball without Ron breathing down my neck". I nodded, "That sounds like a him problem". Crookshanks let out a soft meow and leapt down. "It's just...we're best friends. I like spending time with him and he needs to simply get over himself", Hermione let out.

I sighed and looked at her. It was so obvious she wanted to be with him. I knew first hand what it was like to deny your feelings for a Weasley brother. "Just try not to think about it", I said. I looked at the clock on the far wall and scooped up my bag. "I have to, I'm meeting Fred for dinner", I said, not able to hide the smile on my face.

"You two are adorable", Hermione rolled her eyes, "I'll see you later". The sun was beginning to set, an orange and pink glow filling the halls of the castle. My hair was down today, and it fell in a shiny sheet down my back. I had pushed it back with a blue headband that matched my robes. I couldn't wait to see Fred, I hadn't all day. I turned the corner towards the Great Hall.

My head had started to hurt a little, but I ignored it. It wasn't that noticeable, at least until I was on the ground. My vision was blurry, I heard my bag hit the ground. Then it all went black. I was in my childhood bedroom. I touched the dark wood of my bookshelf, blinking. Blue fog clouded around the twin bed I had slept in until I came to Hogwarts.

"I know where I am this time, but I don't know why...", I let out. "I thought you might have figured out a little by now", the familiar voice sounded. "Ravenclaw", I breathed. There she was, yet again. It was an odd sight, the beautiful woman standing beside my bed as if through a veil. "Can you give me any answers?", I said. The woman's eyes softened.

"I can and can't", she smiled, "I'm not really here... I'm part of you. I'm inside you." I was beginning to feel dizzy. From the corner of vision, I saw my father enter my room. He moved towards the bed and fixed a pillow that had fallen to the side. He let out a sigh and left the room. My eyebrows drew together. "Think, Sawyer", Ravenclaw let out. "I'm not the only Ravenclaw that you have access to". I was feeling so nauseous that I didn't feel like I could stand anymore. I sunk to my knees, overtaken by the blue fog.