Brontide

Chapter Seven

uwu Enjoy my lovelies!

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October flew by before we knew it and November rolled around, bringing cold winds and grey skies. The grounds became blanketed with snow and Hogwarts looked almost like a dream, as though it came right out of one of my childhood storybooks; it was beautiful. Free time was spent either near the common room fireplace for warmth or outside pitching snowballs at my friends. 

The first Quidditch game of the season was coming up: Gryffindor versus Slytherin, and tensions were high. Ron looked more and more nervous each day, as he had made the team, but according to Fred and George he hadn't been doing well at practice. Harry looked more and more stressed every time I saw him, but I was in no position to question him about it, and I didn't need to. Between the new High Inquisitor, the war and concern about the Order, our whole circle was out of sorts.

Umbridge had continued to be her horrible self, enacting new school rules almost every day. Fred and George kept having their inventions confiscated, which was starting to bring even them down from their usual chipper moods. The only thing we had to look forward to was the upcoming Hogsmeade weekend, which I always enjoyed.

Tonks' response to my letter took longer than usual to arrive, and I figured she'd been so busy with the Order that she'd forgotten to reply. It came the morning we were supposed to go to Hogsmeade, tied to the leg of a small barn owl. I took the letter and snuck it into my rucksack, deciding to read it later and away from wandering eyes. I fed the owl a sausage link and some bread before it took off.

Fred noticed that I hadn't opened my letter at the table. "Who's it 'rum?" he asked through a mouthful of eggs.

"None of your business," I mumbled, sticking my tongue out at him. He didn't stop looking curious.

I was able to slip away to the girl's bathroom before we went into Hogsmeade, wanting to read my letter in private. I went into a stall and sat on the toilet lid, propping my feet up against the door and unfolding the piece of parchment.

Tonks had written in a scrawling purple ink that shimmered:

Cassie,

I'm so happy that you wrote me, I was wondering whether or not I'd hear from you. I'm sorry this letter is a bit late; I've been running rampant with work and haven't had time to respond. I have heard about this new "High Inquisitor" and I don't like the sound of her one bit. She's probably right awful, I'm sorry you have to deal with her. Props to you for standing up to her, though. Someone had to, right?

Everyone over here is alright, as alright as we can be right now. I'd love to see you all during Christmas break, but as for seeing The Weird Sisters, I can't promise anything. I'd love to go, of course, I'm just not sure how safe it'd be, you know? Though I have been dying to see Myron Wagtail again...

As for your situation, no, Rae hasn't said a word to me about it. You and Fred, eh? I can see that happening, and let me tell you, the two of you as a couple looks adorable in my head."

My grip on the parchment tightened and my face began to burn scarlet at her words. I couldn't believe what I was reading.

 You know, some people say that their best relationships have started out with being close friends. I'm not saying that's what's going to happen, but it's not an entirely far-fetched idea. I think you two would be cute together, as a personal opinion. It's honestly up to you. Would I go for it? I'd at least consider it as an option; I wouldn't completely rule it out right away. If you two really have that connection and are able to have something as more than friends then I say it's worth a try at least.