I Solemnly Swear

Homebound!

As the carriage began taking off I took out the letter I had received who I just now noticed was from my parents. I hurriedly opened the letter
Dearest Melanie,
We cannot wait to see you for your Christmas break! We too miss you horribly. It's true your father knew James Potter, they were indeed good friends. It's nice to know you've made such a nice friend! Harry sounds lovely. As for you getting placed in Slytherin just remember, not all that go to Slytherin are destined to be evil.. Or at least YOU can change that. we can't wait to see you dear.
                                                         Much love, Mother and Father.

The letter made me smile to myself. Maybe a little time with my family was all I needed to clear my head over what has happened over the days.

"Mummy! Daddy!" I yelled hopping out of the carriage and springing into the arms of my waiting parents "I missed you so much!" I said squeezing each of them "we missed you too, darling" it was nice to be back home.

It was already dinner time and I was still filling them in on my experiences "I think I've gotten a bully..." I spoke a bit sad and my father raised his brow "and why do you think that?" I sighed "Malfoy keeps teasing me.. He calls me Clumsyline since I bumped into him! Also he made me carry his books for him!" I put my hand under my face holding it up "Manners!" Mother hissed "sorry.." I took my hand off the table "well.. Just ignore him" I debated on telling them about the potion but ultimately decided to wait just for a while.

The next morning my mom brought me into the sitting room where they had a Christmas tree up "go ahead! Open your gifts!" There was tons of presents lying under the tree so I happily sat and opened each one. As o continued opening them a particular gift stood out "wow!" It was a silver headband that had green emeralds line through it. "It matches my ring!" I shouted excitedly "wow! That's such a pretty ring! Where'd you get it?" Mother asked "it was a gift from someone.. It didn't have a note or name attached.. But I love it so much! It's so pretty" dad sighed a bit pulling his wand out and began polishing it "I knew this would happen.." He said irritated "Alex! Put your wand away! So what if someone has a small crush on her? We don't even know if it was a boy" dad sighed as he put his wand back in his pocket "fine!" The whole thing only made me wonder who gave it to me more.. It was such a lovely gift, I'd like to formally thank them.

It was already well past midnight and I had been sent to bed. No matter what I did I couldn't fall asleep.. I decided I'd go and get a glass of water. As I slowly crept out of my room and into the dark hallway and descended down the stairs I noticed the lights were still on in certain rooms.. Mom and dad must still be up.. I went to the cracked door of the study room to listen on what they were discussing "they say he's back.." I heard my mothers voice only it was speaking in such a sullen tone "yes.. I'd say so" dads voice no longer sounded happy.. It was almost monotone "what'll we do? If he comes after us?" Who's coming after us?! And why? "We can't rebel again.. We have Melanie to think of now" I pressed my ear closer to the door trying to hear more but as I shifted my weight to my other foot the wooden floorboard creaked. I hurriedly stepped back "Mel?" The door opened revealing my mother and father sitting at his desk "sorry, I was going to get drink"  my mom nodded and ruffled my hair smiling "I'll get it. Just wait here" I sat in front of my father's desk. As much as I wanted to ask him what they were talking about I didn't want him to know I was eavesdropping "umm.. Dad?" This was the perfect chance to talk about the potion incident! "Yes?" He looked to me happily "umm.. Can I ask you something?" He smiled and nodded "of course, sweetie" I sighed "well.. In potions class, I was partnered up with Malfoy and we had to make a love potion, which of course I had to do all the work in.. But when I smelled it.. I-I smelled him" dads eyebrow rose up "you smelled Draco?" I nodded looking to the ground ashamed "does he wear cologne?" I nodded again "well.. I'd say it just means you love his cologne. I mean if he bullies you as much as you say.. Id say there's no way you could really like him" I smiled "yeah! You're right! I just love his smell! His personality is rotten! Thanks daddy!" I hugged him as mother came back with my water "drink up and get to bed, you have a long trip back to Hogwarts in the morning" suddenly that didn't sound to bad.