Ardent Adversaries

Chapter 30: Warning

The week following the twin's birthday seems longer than any other week so far this year, which based on the year I've had, is saying a lot. Easter holidays start at the end of the week and I've been anxiously waiting for a letter from either Lucius or Cissa telling me whether or not I can come home for this break. I've been fluctuating back and forth about whether or not I actually want to go home. Draco still hasn't spoken to me since I received his letter. As soon as my stomach rumbles, I decide to just head down to breakfast this morning instead of sulking in my room like I have since Monday. I've been sort of avoiding Fred as much as I could without worrying him since I realized that my feelings for him are bigger than just sex. I want more from him, I've realized. I want to date him. Be his girlfriend. Be his person.

I throw on my robes and shove my school stuff for my Wednesday classes, my set text for Transfiguration and my revision work, into my bag before making the walk up to the Great Hall. I walk in and take my now usual seat at the very end of the table by myself. I always make sure, though, to sit facing the Gryffindor table so that I can see my friends there. The golden trio sits a little down the way from the twins, Lee, Katie, and Angelina. Ginny is at the opposite end of the table deeply engrossed in conversation with Neville and Dean and I smile a little at how animated she is. Fred sees me and throws me a smile and a wink and I roll my eyes before grinning back.

I grab some toast and some eggs from the platters in front of me just as the mail starts to come in. I don't pay much attention to it as I haven't gotten any real mail from outside the school since before Christmas. I barely notice a huge eagle owl swoops down and drops a thick letter onto my plate. My mouth drops open as I stare at the familiar handwriting looping across the front of the envelope. The owl lands next to me and pecks my finger to pull me back to reality and also to get a treat before it soars back into the air.

I rub my finger affectionately along my name written on the front of the letter and feel the tears prick my eyes at Narcissa's familiar script. I push the letter off of my food quickly before it can get too dirty and blink the tears away. I look up and catch Fred staring at me with open concern. He tilts his head towards the door and I nod. He leaves first and then I follow a minute or so later. Fred is in the same alcove where I read the letter from Cissa telling me I couldn't come home for Christmas. I check to see if anyone is watching before joining him in the little nook and casting the strongest notice-me-not charm I can do. Fred wraps an arm around me and tugs me gently into his side. Once I'm satisfied that we are secure behind the charm, I open the letter delicately.

Olivia,

I hope that the new year has been treating you well and that you had a good Christmas. I am sorry again that you couldn't come home, we missed you terribly. Unfortunately our company will once again be back at the Manor and I cannot risk putting you in danger any more than I already have by telling you about your true past. I am sorry, my dear, truly, but you won't be able to come back for Easter this year. I miss you, love, and so does Lucius. Olivia, I've included a letter from your father that he left to you before he died. I hope it offers you some more insight into your parents, especially Reg. He was a rather unique boy. We love you very much and we will hopefully see you for your graduation from Hogwarts in June. I'm sorry again. We're sorry.

All my love,

Cissa

Unlike with the last letter, no tears come. Instead all I feel is anger. Anger at the fact that a monster will be taking residency in my home and will be around my family, if I can still even call them that. I pull the second letter out of the envelope and see, in pristine calligraphy that looks eerily similar to Sirius', the words "little fox" written on the front. I stare at the letter in my hands in shock. Fred strokes my arm comfortingly and I lean further into him.