Insomnia | Fred Weasley |

14. Permission form to Hogsmeade? Have fun in Hogsmeade!

Halloween came and Alex laid awake that morning. Her nerves were buzzing because she would be seeing Velkan for the first time in a few years and she was hoping that he would have any news regarding her mum. Most likely, he wouldn't, but one could hope.

There was also the lingering fear her dad would make an appearance in Hogsmeade. She'd barely slept the night before in fear of any nightmares that were brewing in her head, just waiting to be released so she would wake up screaming in bed.

Harry had attempted and failed to talk Professor McGonagall into letting him go to Hogsmeade, but the professor was stern in saying he needed his permission slip signed, which wasn't. It made Alex felt better knowing he'd be safe in the castle. It also seemed to make Ron and Hermione forget about their little dispute with Crookshanks attacking Scabbers.

Slowly, all the girls in the dorm woke up and began to get ready for the trip. Alex sighed before getting up and beginning to get ready herself. The morning was a cold one, so she grabbed the dragon sweater that the people at the dragon sanctuary had gifted her to wear that day.

After splashing some cold water in her face to wake her up, she got changed into the sweater, along with some light jeans and brown boots. She left her hair down in its natural waves and even out on a little mascara to make her eyes pop more than they already did. Grabbing her wand, along with her money pouch, she left Gryffindor tower to get some breakfast for energy.

Upon entering into the Great Hall, all of the third years were buzzing with excitement over the prospect of going to Hogsmeade. Alex made her way over to where Ron, Harry, and Hermione were sat, both still trying to console Harry for not being able to go.

"We'll bring you lots of sweets back from Honeydukes," Hermione told him with a sad smile.

"Yeah, loads," Ron agreed.

"Don't worry about me," Harry assured them. "I'll see you at the feast. Have a good time."

Alex could hear the disappointment in his voice and she gave his back a slight rub to comfort him, causing him to smile softly at her but the dismay was still clear on his face. After grabbing another piece of toast for herself, Alex followed the group to the entrance hall where Filch was checking off names of people going.

"Staying here, Potter?" Malfoy called tauntingly. "Scared of passing the dementors? I'm sure you and Selwyn can hold each other for comfort or one of you can break the fall for the other when you both pass out!"

Alex gritted her teeth and went to reach for her wand up her sleeve but Hermione quickly grabbed her hand, shaking her head as Filch was glancing in their direction. She begrudgingly let go of her wand and did her best to ignore Malfoy making fun of her and Harry.

Pretty soon, the three of them had made it through the line and were walking along the trail to Hogsmeade. In the distance, Alex was able to see the dementors and a chill ran down her spine, making her regret not grabbing a coat. She was reminded of Andrei's mangled body and the shouts of panic and closed her eyes.  Hermione seemed to notice Alex's sudden mood change and grabbed her hand.