Lumos

Chapter 29

Looking over at George he told me what I needed to know, with just a look he let me know what I should do. So after taking a deep breath I told my friends everything. For the second time tonight I told the story, this time with the addition of what my father told me this evening.

Everyone was speechless; George came and sat next to me with his arm around both of my shoulders, rubbing my cold arms. My friends were just sitting there in silence, staring at me.

"I knew something was off, you've been acting weird lately and you've been tossing and turning in your sleep. Why didn't you say anything?" Mione asked.

"I didn't want to talk about it. Talking about it made it real but now I know that it is real, it doesn't make me want to talk about it anymore but I think that I have to. I don't quite think that I'm ready for it to be real, I haven't completely accepted it."

"Oh Ali . . ."

All of my friends surrounded me and hugged me. Things are only going to get harder and more difficult from here on out as the time passes but I have my friends, and I have George, so I know that I'll never be alone. I have my team and there's no better one in the world.

"Come on, we should all go to sleep before McGonagall comes in to argue and scold us." Ginny said, breaking the silence.

"I agree, we should go upstairs and get some rest. It's been a long night." Mione added.

As everyone was collecting their things George pulled me aside, taking my hand in his and brushing his thumb over the back of my hand.

"Red, do you want to stay with the girls tonight? We can go to our spot if you want some privacy." He whispered.

"It's ok love, I need some time with the girls. I'll see you in the morning . . . thank you."

I kissed him softly before walking up the stairs to the girls' dormitory, where Ginny and Mione were waiting for me. We all took another shower to clean up before going to sleep, both of my friends decided they were going to sleep with me and there was more than enough space. Yup, I have the best team and there's no one better in the world.

"Ali?" Ginny whispered, lying next to me.

"Yes?"

"I understand that you didn't want to talk about this and I understand why, both of us do. We just want to make sure that you know. . ." She continued.

". . . that no matter what happens, we will always be here for you." Mione finished.

"I know, honestly I do and I thank you for it. I just needed some time." I told them.

We fell asleep after that small conversation with our legs entwined and our arms entangled. It had been quite some time since we slept like that and it felt good. I have the best friends in the world and nothing will ever change that.

Everybody got up late on Boxing Day, the common room much quieter than the night before. Apparently, before George and I had made it back to the common room last night Mione and Ron had gotten into a huge argument but they made nice when I made my announcement. This morning, however, they were very friendly although very formal with each other.

Ron and Harry then informed us about what they had heard last night in the garden and were surprised by Mione and I's lack of surprise. I mean it was obvious that there was giant blood somewhere along Hagrid's veins.

Now the lot of them were fussing and stressing about the load of homework they neglected before. George included but I can't exactly help him since he's the two years ahead of me. I did my best to help him and took advantage to learn a little more advanced magic though.