Forever And Always **Sequel to From Two Different Worlds**

Stressed Out

**All characters in the Harry Potter series go to J. K. Rowling. Madeline, Madeline ll, Arabella and Toby are mine! :)**

Stressed out-

Dear Arabella,

   How have you been? It's been quite lonely over here. But no matter, I have received a letter from one of your friends telling me that you've been stressing out. Are you alright? What's been on your mind? You should really let your friends know what's up. They're worried.

Love,

   Dad

"UGHH!" I groaned as I started to rip up the letter. It's true, I have been stressed out to the max lately. Why? Well let's see.

1.) Quidditch practices have been a pain.

2.) Prefect duties make me so tired I end up sleeping in class.

3.) I'm in charge of decorations (though the Head boy and girl were supposed to do it)  for the dance and let me tell you, they decided to go all out.

4.) Trying to find time for my friends and boyfriend with my busy schedule is hard.

5.) And not to mention my dad. Ever since I mentioned having a ball similar to the Yule Ball, he's been acting depressed again. I don't blame him though, Mum meant so much to him and every time we mention her, he kinda goes through a phase.

"Bella? What on earth are you doing out here? The feast will start in a couple of minutes." A voice said from behind me, I turned to see Teddy standing behind be, a letter clutched in his hands.

"I could say the same to you." I said slyly whilst petting Amare.

"I was just delivering a letter." He said quickly. Slowly shoving the letter behind his back.

"Who's the letter for?" I asked. Noticing his suspicion.

"Um.. Nobody." He said quickly. He shoved the letter in an owl's beak and it took off. "Shall I join you to the feast?" He said, gesturing towards the stairs.

"Suree.." I replied. Note to self.. look out for Teddy.

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"Bella, please eat! Everyone's worried about you.." Elliot whispered in my ear. We were at dinner and as usual, I was pushing all my food on my plate around with my fork.

"If I eat something, will you stop worrying?" I countered, scooping up some mashed potatoes. He nodded and smiled as I ate some food.

"So what's on your mind anyway?" He asked as he took a large bite of a dinner roll.

"I just have so much responsibilities and duties to take care of!" I groaned as I continued eating. "Right after school it's to the quidditch pitch, and then to the library to plan out some stuff for prefect duties, then I have homework which as you know takes up an absurd amount of time and then more prefect stuff!"

He put an arm around my waist and gave a gentle squeeze. "Why don't you ask for some help? I gave a defeated sigh.

"Because then I feel like I'm not living up to my own potential." I took a quick glance at the large clock at the entrance and turned back to him. "I've got to run.. I'll see you later." I said before pecking him on the cheek and racing out of the hall.

I sped down the corridor to one of my favorite places in the whole school: the library.

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"Hey Fred! Is there a box of Puking Pastilles up there?" My twin brother called. I put the box of Fainting Fancies down and scanned the room.

"Yea! Want me to bring them down?" I called to him.

"Yes please!" He replied. I groaned as I stacked both the boxes on top of each other and went back into our shop. I felt myself bump into something and both boxes toppled over.

"Ow!" A voice squeaked. I looked up and my heart started to race. A small brown haired, hazel eyed girl stood in front of my rubbing the back of her head.

"Oh I'm so sorry, I didn't see you there." I said immediately, "Umm.. go ahead and take any item, on the house." She locked eyes with me and smiled.

"Thank you." She said while picking up a box of pastilles. "I'm Elizabeth by the way." I smiled at her as I picked up some products off the floor.

"Fred Weasley." I replied while shaking her hand. She let out a giggle.

"I know who you are! We've only gone to school together since first year!" She laughed. I scanned her face with any signs of recognition.

"Elizabeth Florres?" I asked. She nodded. "Wow! I didn't even realize it was you! How've you been?" I asked as we made our way to the front counter.

"I've been great actually. I just moved back in to town and am trying to adjust." She said. I started to restock the shelf while listening to her story.

"Where were you before you came back to London?" I asked, truly curious. She beamed at me.

"Oh! I went to America and taught witches and wizards there. I really did love my job but I guess I missed home too much. What have you been doing for the last couple of years? Besides owning this wonderful joke shop!"

"Nothing really, like you said, just the joke shop. Arabella has been at Hogwarts for five years now along with her cousin Victoire, Madeline and then Teddy Lupin. So it's been quiet the past couple of years." She seemed to frown.

"Well, I've got to get going, but if you're free and you want someone to talk to, send an owl!" She said before turning and leaving, a smile spread across her face. Something about the way she said her last sentence made me think, 'she didn't say it in a flirty way, more of an understanding way.'

"Who was the Freddie?" George asked, snapping me out of my thoughts.

"Elizabeth Florres." I replied. "Ravenclaw." George nodded as realization spread across his face.

"Do  you.. fancy her?" He coughed out. I chuckled.

"Of course not George, Maddie's my one true love." I replied. "But she is pretty, Ellizabeth."

George just gaped at me.

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"Well? Did you do it?" Teddy asked me. All my friends stared at me with wide eyes.

"Yes!" I squealed. They all cheered happily for me and Elliot gave me hug. If you're wondering what I did, I finished the blueprints for the decorations for the ball, and although it may seem small, it felt like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders.

Alice and Emmy squealed. "FINALLY! Now we can go to Hogsmeade to buy you a dress!" I smirked at them.

"You guys! I was going to wear my mum's dress to the ball.. You know, to keep the legacy alive." I replied.

"Why don't you start your own legacy?" Pierre commented. "You know, be spontaneous." I pondered this idea for a while. Emmy and Alice stared at me with wide eyes.

"But-" I started.

"Pleassse!" They chimed.

"Fine!" I sighed in defeat. "I'll get a new dress, but only because everything seems to be going right!" I smiled, gripping Elliot's hand tightly.

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I know! I know.. it's an extremely short chapter. I'm sorry!!

<3 Wren