Chapter 36: First Announcement and A Surprise.

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Sapphire's P.O.V.  
        I walked back inside the castle, some snow already melting off my hair. For a moment, I remembered the winter with Sirius - ice skating on the frozen lake. I stuck my tongue out, hoping no one saw my childish move, and when a little snowflake fell on my tongue, I closed my mouth. It was cold on contact, but I didn't mind, for it brought happiness to my lately horrible life. I walked into the Great Hall, noticing that the back from the holidays feast is just about to begin. Sitting down, in between Remus and Severus, I turned towards Dumbledore, since Remus was not yet here. I was about to ask Dumbledore if i could make the announcement, as I had always wondered what it felt like to stand at the podium. 
"Headmaster," I started. 
"Albus. Call me Albus." He corrected me. 
"I apologize. Albus, I'd always wondered if I can make an announcement on that podium. Welcome the students, possibly?" I had pleading eyes just like I did when I used to beg my parents - as difficult as it was for me to think about them what with my mother gone and my father a-a...well...I try not to think about it - and my friends to receive anything. 
"I was about to offer that, but I actually have a different proposition. Minerva and I spoke about organizing a dance to celebrate the New Year, now that all the students have arrived back to Hogwarts." He answered.
I smiled in surprise to his calm and positive answer. 
"Once Remus comes in, you should make the announcement and begin the feast with the flick of your wand." Dumbledore smiled with a twinkle in his eyes that, I won't lie, startled me a little. 
As if on cue, my dear friend Remus entered the Great Hall and I could hear his footsteps despite the booming sound of the chatting young wizards and witches.
In a matter of a few short seconds though, he appeared near his seat. 
"Evening, gentleman." He meant towards Dumbledore, Severus, and Flitwick (sitting near Severus). I looked at him with a semi-angry, semi-happy look. I knew he was joking, of course.
"Oh, and lady." He took a seat.
"Funny." I said, sarcastically. Dumbledore sent me a look to remind me about the announcement. I stood up from my seat and walked up to the podium.
"Hello, everyone." I spoke, nervous at first. To my astonishment, everyone seemed to quiet down. I glanced in Autumn's direction and saw her roll her eyes and groan at me. It took all my courage not to scream, cry, or let out any emotion. 
"I hope you all enjoyed the holidays - whether you stayed here or went home. Remember, Hogwarts will always be here as a second source of home." I looked back at Dumbledore and McGonagall for a moment, and they both grinned at me with approval. "Now, for an announcement of some importance, the staff and I will organize a dance or, party, to celebrate the this New Year. It will be held this Saturday, so classes will be in effect this week. And for all you lovebirds out there, don't be afraid to take dates with you." I heard groans, laughs, excited chatter about clothes and a shout out of "YES!" or "Where's the food?" 
"I'm glad you asked." I replied to the young boy, a Slytherin, who asked for food.
"Let the feast begin!" And with a flick of a wand, the piles of delicacies appeared instantly.
I smiled. I seemed to be doing that a few times today. Of course, once I caught sight of my daughter staring at me in anger, that bright smile faded. I sat back down, Severus looking at me for a moment.
"Are you alright, Sapphire?" I had to mentally groan. Everyone seems to ask me that. Do I really look upset or not alright? 
"Yes." I said, through gritted teeth. Fortunately, Severus looked back at his food. 
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~Next Morning~
Back in the Great Hall for Breakfast

A Monday is never really a great day, but for some reason, it felt a little lighter than the usual burden of stress. Eating a combination of waffles, bacon, egg, and toast, my mouth was full, but Remus had the urge to talk to me either way. 
"...What do you think?" He asked, after sharing with me his new lesson plan. 
I was only able to nod, since delicious bacon strips filled my mouth. 
"Oh, look, the owls are here!!" I could hear someone say from the Ravenclaw table. 
A bunch of people were screaming in joy at the fact that they received letters and I couldn't help laugh. 

But then a letter was dropped at my plate. Remus looked over to my side, with a face expression that said 'What do you think it says?' 
I opened it and had no idea what to make of this. 

See you soon. -A Close Friend 

Who in the world is this close friend? 
Could Sirius be trying to contact me, without being suspicious? 


A/N: And you guys will see in the next chapter!! Thanks for reading, comment what you guys make of this please. I am adding the dance as a part of the story's plot because a few things here will play out. Love ya'll bye :D

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