Hogwarts

I am sorry

Jason had been searching all day for Amber. The castle's winding corridors, the bustling Great Hall, even the quieter nooks of the Astronomy Tower—nothing. Each familiar spot felt eerily empty without a trace of her presence. Finally, as dusk began to creep through the windows of Hogwarts, Jason decided to ask Ava.

He found her sitting on a stone bench outside the library, flipping through a Charms textbook. She glanced up when she heard his hurried footsteps.

"What's up?" Ava asked, closing her book.

"Have you seen Amber?" Jason asked, trying to keep the edge of worry from his voice.

Ava's brow furrowed. "What, she hasn't apologized to you yet?"

Jason huffed, clearly annoyed. "Never mind that. I just want to make sure she's okay."

Ava sighed, setting her book aside. "Fine. Let me ask Ellie if Amber's in the Ravenclaw common room."

"Good idea," Jason muttered, trailing after her as she led the way into the library.

The library was warm and quiet, with only the soft rustle of parchment breaking the silence. They found Ellie at her usual spot near the enchanted globe, a stack of books surrounding her. She was scribbling notes with her quill when Ava approached.

"Ellie," Ava whispered, leaning down. "Is Amber in the Ravenclaw common room?"

Ellie blinked, startled by the question. "No, I don't think so. Why? Is something wrong?"

"No," Ava said quickly, though her fidgeting gave her away. "We're just trying to find her."

Ellie tilted her head, thinking. "The last time I saw her, she was heading toward the Quidditch field. I figured she needed some air."

Jason and Ava exchanged a glance.

"Thanks, Ellie," Ava said, already tugging Jason's sleeve. "Let's go."

Jason grumbled but followed her as they dashed toward the Quidditch field.

The Quidditch field was bathed in the golden light of the setting sun. The stands cast long shadows over the neatly trimmed grass, and the faint smell of broom polish hung in the cool air. Jason scanned the field, but it was empty—except for Lucan, who was lounging casually against the Gryffindor stands.

"Lucan!" Ava called, jogging over. "Amber's missing."

Lucan stood up straighter, his relaxed expression replaced by a flicker of concern. "Did you check everywhere for her already?"

"Yes," Ava said, brushing a strand of hair out of her face. "We've been looking for ages."

Lucan turned to Jason, a sly grin creeping across his face. "So, does this mean you care about Amber?"

Jason crossed his arms, scowling. "No. Ava dragged me into this."

Lucan smirked. "Right. Well, I'll keep an eye out for her if it'll help."

"Thanks, bro," Ava said, giving him a quick nod before dragging Jason off again.

---

They searched tirelessly, asking professors and even the headmaster for help.

"I haven't seen her since detention this morning," Professor Longbottom said, his kind eyes clouded with concern. "But I'll keep an ear out. Go find your sister, Ava."

"Thank you, Professor," Ava said, her voice a little steadier now.

As the hours dragged on, even Lucan began to feel uneasy. Amber wasn't the type to vanish without a reason. He started his own search, wandering through the castle until, at last, he found her.

He spotted Ava and Jason near the Great Hall and waved them over.

"She's in the kitchen," Lucan said, a note of relief in his voice.

---

They rushed to the kitchen and found Amber curled up on the counter, fast asleep. Beside her was a beautifully decorated cake, and next to it, a folded piece of parchment. Ava gently unfolded the note, reading Amber's apology aloud.

"She made this cake as an apology," Ava said, her voice soft. She glanced at Jason, who was staring at Amber, his expression unreadable.

Ava smiled. "Come on, help me get her to the Ravenclaw common room. Ellie can help."

Jason nodded silently, lifting Amber carefully. Together, they brought her to her dormitory, where Ellie helped settle her into bed.

As they turned to leave, Ellie smirked at Jason. "So, do you forgive her?"

Jason hesitated. "Maybe," he muttered, avoiding her gaze.

Ellie ruffled his hair, laughing when he batted her hand away in annoyance.

---

Later, back in the Slytherin common room, Jason lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling. Thoughts of Amber filled his mind—her disappearance, the worry he'd felt, and the relief when they found her safe. She had no idea how much she'd scared him.

The next morning, Amber woke to find a letter beside her bed. It was from Jason.

"I forgive you. And I'm sorry too. But you better watch out."

Amber grinned, tucking the note away. Her mind was already racing with ideas for what she could do next.

The End (for now)