dear boy with the green eyes ⁂ golden trio era (UNDER EDITING/REWRITING)

vingt-sept

My dearest sister,

     It is with a heavy heart that I must admit I have never stumbled upon any references to R.J.L. amidst the countless volumes lining the shelves of the grand library within the Chateau. Each book I've leafed through seems to hold nothing that might illuminate your query. Furthermore, I have yet to overhear our guardians mentioning anyone who might possess those mysterious initials. I genuinely apologize for not being able to aid you in your search more effectively.As the festive season draws near, I sincerely hope you can find moments of joy and warmth, even though a deep sense of longing fills my heart at the thought of being away from you.

     The absence of your laughter and companionship leaves an ache, and I yearn for the times we would share stories and secrets.However, I cannot ignore a growing concern gnawing at me. I don't wish to cast a shadow over the holiday spirit, but I need to ask: what has transpired on your end? Are you coping well? 

     The tone of your recent letters suggests that something might be troubling you, and that stirs a sense of unease within me. A friend from Hogwarts briefly alluded to a situation that may concern you, although the details were scarce. I'm left wondering about the context, and it weighs on my thoughts. I have taken the liberty of including a small gift with this letter with the hope of bringing a smile to your face. Please write back soon; your words mean the world to me. Until we can be together once more, take good care of yourself, my dear sister.

With love,
Cetus

     Arabella's chest tightened after finishing the letter. She let a shaky breath out, the cold winter above causing it to fog the window she sat next to. Cetus' owl had left long ago swinging the present into her face while she was about in the cold. However she couldn't even think about the gift, her thoughts were preoccupied with his mention of their cousin. 

There was no way her letters gave off any sense that something was wrong she had rewritten it twice to make sure. The thought of it made her want to keel over and vomit. And the heat from the fireplace and cold from the chilled black lake most definitely did not help the flushness of her face.

Her hands were released from tight fists, stinging from how hard her nails had dug into her palms. As she rose from her seat a deep grumbling came from her stomach. Realizing it now, she had skipped breakfast...and lunch. But much to her defense a majority of the students left behind she did not particularly want to see. 

     Reluctantly, Arabella pushed herself away from the dimly lit Slytherin Common Room, the emerald green walls closing in around her as she stepped into the cool, shadowy corridors of the dungeons. Each footfall echoed softly against the ancient stone as she made her way toward the winding stone steps that would lead her to the rest of the school above. 

The chill of the dungeon air clung to her like a cloak, but with every upward step, she felt a gradual warmth begin to seep back into her fingers, tinged with anticipation and determination.  

     "I'm going to find that little rat," she muttered to herself, her voice barely above a whisper yet charged with resolve, as she emerged into the expansive Entrance Hall. The cavernous space, filled with towering pillars and flickering torches, greeted her with a stark contrast to the claustrophobic confines of the dungeons. But before she could focus on her mission, a delicious aroma wafted through the air from the nearby dining hall, drawing her attention and momentarily distracting her from her purpose. 

 The savory scent of roasted meats and freshly baked bread lingered tantalizingly, mingling with the sounds of laughter and chatter from the Great Hall. Arabella's stomach grumbled in protest, reminding her of the warmth and camaraderie that awaited her inside. With a slight hesitation, she glanced toward the source of the enticing fragrance, her resolve warring against her hunger as she considered her next move.