Intertwined

Chapter 4

Albus' mood had reached an all time low. It had been counting, and it had been 1 month, 3 weeks and 4 days and, with a glance at his watch, half a day since he last saw Eleanor.

He had created a flurry of excuses for why she hadn't sent a letter. Maybe she was on holiday? Or perhaps near Muggles, that's why she couldn't send an owl? As the weeks drew on, his thoughts spiraled. What if she had forgotten about him? Or maybe, he wasn't good enough. Maybe she didn't like him after all. He rolled over onto his back, surprised to find tears pricking his eyes. What a wonderful way to spend his birthday.

"Happy birthday to me," Albus sung weakly, allowing the tears to fall thick and fast. He had felt loneliness before, but this was different. It felt like a gaping hole in the middle of his chest - and Eleanor-sized hole.

With a sigh, Albus wiped his eyes, allowing his thoughts to take over once again.

However, little did he know that the very person he was weeping over was fussing over him as well.

***

Rays of light shone on Diagon Alley, as Eleanor linked hands with her parents. She had come here to pick up supplies for the new school year, however she had a side mission: to pick out a suitable present for Albus' birthday.

Eleanor had been thinking shout it since they had gone their separate ways at the end of term. His smile still lingered in her mind, giving her motivation to make sure her gift made him smile just as big.

Eleanor led her parents into Honeyduke's, as he knew that Albus had a huge sweet tooth. Perhaps some sherbet lemons? He always loved those. She picked them from the shelf and payed at the desk, not completely satisfied with her gift. She needed something else, something abstract. A wide grin spread of her face. She knew exactly what to get him.

*****

Albus was greeted by the familiar sound of the hustle and bustle of Platform 9 ¾. He smiled, taking in all the sounds. He was going back to Hogwarts again.

Eleanor scrambled through the station, hoping to miraculously bump into Albus on the way to the train. Trailing behind her was her newer friend, Alexandra, who was frantically trying to hold onto Eleanor.

"Eleanor, wait!" she panted, slowly loosing her in the crowd of people. Luckily, they met the end of the platform, as well as the person in question; Albus.

Eleanor's lips turned upwards, throwing her arms around Albus, almost hugging the air out of him. She had missed him so much, a little more than she was willing to admit. Eleanor hoped that her hug would convey all those feelings.

"Happy birthday!" Eleanor exclaimed, "Sorry I didn't send any presents over the holidays, I wanted to see your reaction when I gave it to you!"

Albus' heart swelled. He hadn't expected to see Eleanor today, let alone receive a present from her. His curiosity got the better of him, as he tried to peek at the parcel hidden behind Eleanor's back.

Eleanor didn't miss this gesture, who conceled it better behind her back.

"No peeking, Albus!", she giggled, "Wait till the train,"

Albus couldn't help but return her laugh, and the trio suddenly burst into a fit of laughter. His smiled widened. He had missed this.