Challenged Love

Chapter 16

The next couple of months pass by rapidly, almost too quick. I am currently at Malfoy Manor for Christmas break, though it only seemed like yesterday I had helped Slytherin win a Quidditch match against Hufflepuff. Things were going great for me, and the same can be said for my mum and dad. Last I heard from them was from a letter they had written to me explaining how much they love me and want to give me back the life I deserved. It appeared that the treatment my parents were undergoing was working quite well, since they would also bring up old memories from when I was a kid that I had almost forgotten about in their letters. For once, I was beginning to recognize the parents I knew before seven years ago. Kasper even made a comment the other day mentioning how he no longer needed to save up money to buy us a home and make a life for us. I told him I would not be moving back in with my parents any time soon, considering they were still not in the right mental state. Plus, even if they were and we moved back in the house together, things would hardly ever be the same.

Well, for some reason over these previous two months, Potter has not been leaving me alone. Come to find out, he had supposedly confessed to Ron that he regretted ruining our relationship, and Ginny was the one who told me about this. I was immediately appalled by this news. Did he really think things would just go back to the way they were in 3rd year? It has been over a year. How has he not moved on? The whole situation just feels me with unexplainable rage.

Let us just move on from that subject now. Anyways, Lara and I have actually become really close friends. We have truly clicked, as if we were destined to become best friends. She has such an exuberant personality and a cheery spirit. Something about being with Lara mirrors a breath of fresh air. She always maintains a calm and relaxed demeanor, even in awkward or tense situations. Plus, as much as I love Draco, Blaise, and Kasper, I enjoy having a friend who is not a boy- one who understands the life of a teenage girl.

Not only were Lara and I such inseparable, friends, Kasper and Lara were also super close. Most days after school while I would be in Quidditch practice, they would be up in the stands writing and chatting with one another. I think I heard them discussing plans for the book they are planning to write together back in November as well. Their friendship is adorable, truly.

Right now, Lara and I are in my bedroom, preparing ourselves for the Christmas banquet at Malfoy Manor. Lara and her family were invited by my request. Narcissa did not mind and ordered for Lucius to send out an invitation to the Stone family. Lara's mother and father are both tall and lean, but possess brown eyes instead of pink. The Stones were also rather sophisticated people, yet live a simple, humble life, rather than a life of luxury.

While Lara and I were getting ready, Kasper abruptly came barging into my room with zero warning.

"I swear I could probably stand at the very end of the hallway and still hear you two," Kasper surmised.

I attempted to cease my laughter, yet one glance at Lara and we were both cackling uncontrollably once again. This is just what happens when you put me and Lara in a room– we cannot be serious. Something is always funny. Kasper probably presumed something was wrong with us, and I would be lying if I said he was not right.

"You two are crazy," Kasper shook his head.

"Just be sure to stay on your own two feet on your way out," Lara teased.

Then, more laughter erupted from me and Lara, but Kasper only rolled his eyes while trying to hide his smile. To make a long story short, Kasper might have tripped down a few steps on the way down the stairs, causing him to make contact with the ground. Lara and I were there to witness the scene, and it was quite humorous.

"Neither of you are going to let me forget that, are you?" Kasper said with a defeated look.

"Not a chance," I grinned.