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It's Sunday morning in the Great Hall. The days early light is shining through the open windows as owls came flying in, dropping letters and packages before flying off toward the owlery. I picked up an envelope beside my plate of toast and fruit. I tore it open and slipped out the card inside.
Meet me by the lake, underneath the old beech tree. See you after breakfast, be sure to dress warm.
My eyes wandered over to Derek who was occupied in conversation with a friend. Scanning the hall they meet with Wes who gives a thin smile and wave.
Finishing breakfast I returned to my dormitory to get my coat, gryffindor scarf, and all other means to stay warm. I leave gryffindor tower and make my way to the front doors. Floating down from the ceiling is one of the many ghosts at Hogwarts.
"Where is little Lupin off to?" Peeves asked, as he floated along beside me.
"I'm going to the lake to meet a friend."
"Ah! Just a friend?"
"Yep! He sent me a letter to me him there."
"Ooh he sent a letter did he? I've seen this before and I wouldn't be so sure it's just a friend you're talking about."
Before I could reply Peeves went flying down the hall, chasing after some first years.
Approaching the tree I see a boy standing at the edge of the lake. He wore a thick coat, a beanie to keep his ears warm and gloves with holes for your fingers. A branch snapped beneath my boot which startled the boy.
"Hi! I didn't hear you coming." Derek said as he turned his gaze away from the lake.
"Sorry if I scared you." I said, "so you sent the letter?"
"Of course! Did you think someone else did?" He asked.
"Well I thought- well there was no name so I didn't know who sent it."
"Oh yeah, guess I probably should have put that." The boy took his beanie off, and nervously ran his fingers through his hair before slipping it back on.
"Well," I took in a deep breath, "what do you want to do?"
The lake is frozen over and all the trees have lost their leaves. Winter can be seen all around and felt in the air.
"Over here." Derek said and the two of us walked over to the ice where a small row boat laid resting on its side. "we're going on a boat ride!"
