Golden Dreams

GD: Chapter 2

a/n: I would like to add a mild TRIGGER WARNING ⚠️ about EDs because Mae is going to have some issues throughout the story mostly with stress and anxiety around eating + other peoples' comments.

Summer was upon us again, quickly as ever. My sixth year was very uneventful; no crazy tests but lots of homework still. I would have to prepare for the N.E.W.T.s in my seventh year, which eventually came as summer passed. Quickly, I was thrown into studies and homework upon homework. Ali threw herself into getting as good at Quidditch as she could; she'd finally decided she would attempt to go pro once we graduate. Honestly, I was worried for her- if she doesn't succeed in Quidditch (which I highly doubt she won't), what would she do? Her academic scores haven't been great and she doesn't have any other aspirations besides Quidditch, but I trust her judgement. I think.

Soon came December, and I rushed to finish all my homework before our break to go home. This year, Ali and I would go to the Weasleys' again, like we had a couple years prior. Our parents, again, were going to be incredibly busy so Molly had asked us in advance where we wanted to celebrate. I appreciate her so much; she's truly been like a second mom to Ali and I as we've grown.

I rushed after my sister as she raced up the stairs to our shared dorm. "Ali, wait up!"

"I can't wait! I need to pack for winter break!" She replied, not slowing.

Grumbling, I clutched at my skirt, desperately trying to hold it down as I followed her, rolling my eyes at her disregard for her own skirt. Which was flying up as she battled the stairs. But I knew she wouldn't care and she probably already realised what was happening, so I held my tongue. Soon we were up the Gryffindor Tower and standing before the door, which was also a painting. Ali breathed out the password and the painting swung open.

"Why are we in such a rush?" I gasped, holding my abdomen, panting, as I followed her up to our room.

"Because classes have just ended and I want to get out of here as quickly as possible!" She laughed, stepping into our room. Juliette and Bea, who share this dorm with us, weren't yet here to pack, though I wasn't surprised. We had raced up here and they were probably going to the library first. Bea was similar to me in my studies but Juliette just liked to meet her boyfriend there in secret, while pretending to study. "So pack, quickly!"

Sighing, I pulled out my suitcase and opened it on my bed. I dug out my extra outfits I had brought to Hogwarts in preparation for winter break, which Ali had also done. Neither of us wanted to make a stop at home, so we prepared ahead of time. I had brought: a grey and black plaid skirt, a plain beige skirt (both of which were short pencil skirts), a pair of black pegged pants, a thick and white turtle neck, a graphic white tee-shirt, and a black long sleeve. I'd also brought a lavender dress that cinched at the waist, with long sleeves and a square neckline. Ali said it looked good on me and I should pack it in case Charlie would be home for the holiday. I'd rolled my eyes but packed it anyway. I had also packed pyjama shorts, pants, and a tank top for sleeping.

I stuffed all of my clothes into my suitcase, leaving enough room to throw in a couple of books, a couple sheets of paper, and a few pens. Maybe I could practise writing poetry, or just use the paper to send my parents a letter.

"Are you done yet?" Ali's impatient voice asked, walking over to me. She noticed the lavender dress under my books and immediately pulled it out, disrupting the pile of books. I reorganised it and turned to her.

"I was," I raised an eyebrow at her as she held the dress up.

"You packed it! I'd completely forgotten about it," She laughed. "You have to wear it there!"

Wear the dress on the train? That could get uncomfortable, but I had forgotten to change out of uniform. First, though, I would question my sister's motives. "Why?" I asked, narrowing my eyes at her.