After the War.

Socially together.

My hands tugged at the black jeans covering up my thighs. Trying to alleviate the pressure that was put on them by my body but after the mustard jumper was pulled on I could cover it up and my trainers were slipped on. Nothing more could be done and I headed to breakfast. Saturday always being the best day for catching up on lost or forgotten things that a busy weak of learning had made me forget.

"Elliot. Can you help me with..." I stopped what I was saying as a letter dropped down. It was the first one I had received since starting. Only two months after I had started. Not that it mattered though as it had finally come and I smiled down at my sister's soft and kind writing. As I opened it though it was clear the contents had been written by my brother in law, not her. He was far less fluent in his movements. I put it into my bag as I decided to read it alone as I was bound to do something silly.

"Iona. You can't just leave me hanging. What were you gonna say?" I smiled up at him but I had to close my eyes to focus. Thinking about what I was about to ask him.

"Sorry, the homework Slughorn set isn't the easiest of things in the world. Could you just help me find a book? I don't know where to start." He agreed and let his fork fall into his breakfast, trying to get as much in as he could before we headed off.

He stood and we walked together. It was common for a Ravenclaw to be in the library but I wasn't part of any house so I stuck out like a sore thumb, that fact was made worse by the librarian giving me the evils and I couldn't stop it so silently the shelves were viewed until Elliot tugged at my arm and shoved a book in my hands. This book was then thankfully taken and booked out. I would read it after the long-awaited letter from back home.

"Thanks," I cheerfully spoke as Elliot headed off to meet his friends. He just waved at me slightly and I was walking towards my room. Two professors could be heard and as I rounded a particular corner I noticed that it was the headmistress and Flitwick her deputy and a smile filled my face in greeting. The pair seemed to be having a grim discussion as they looked glum but at my smile, they smiled back at me. I had a bounce in my step that wasn't normally there and just when I thought that the pair had left a thick Scottish accent caught me mid-step. Making me falter for a split second before slowing.

"What has you so happy?" I didn't really know as the letter hadn't been opened but the air around me was just nicer and my eyes slightly less tired.

"It's just a good day professor." Their steps kept up and so they couldn't say anything else as I would have no time to respond. That was the last thing on my mind though as I found the wall covering my room. Touching the bricks and walking in. Making sure to speak the chosen password and finding my cat fast asleep on the desk.

I practically skipped over to the bed though as my bag was thrown down and I lifted the letter. Eyes scanning around it before finally opening it again and finally actually reading the words. His writing was messier than Adelaide's so it was harder to read but not by much.

Hello dear Iona,
It was lovely to hear from you and I can tell you now that we both worried about how your year would go but it seems that was all pointless as you seem more than happy. I also want to say sorry for not replying sooner. You see Adela wrote the cover to this and then had to tend to the baby. He is so happy but I know that he would be far happier if you were here. Until then we will have to miss you.

Dear Iona I must admit to there being another reason for my writing. You see, we are moving house and will write from the new address, we aren't sure of the exact one yet but we needed a bigger home. Your things will be packed and we hope to hear more from you as soon as you can.

I must admit also that the cause of our move is simply the soon arrival of baby number two. We don't know any genders yet as it is early but for now it is all we have. Just a positive test and I am sure you can guess how happy we are and when we see you next you can ask us all of the possible questions. Keeping it clean.

Finally is the bad news, you see two weeks ago when Adela found out about the pregnancy she hit a corner and is struggling to cope with it all. She is so happy for the baby but mentally she is struggling and our doctor has told us that the constant arrival and departure of you isn't wise as she needs consistency and saying goodbye may make it worse. We will welcome you back with open arms but it can't be for a while.

Love you, Matty. Xx

I didn't know how to react. My face wasn't keeping that same stupid smile and my heart wasn't beating so lightly that it may fly. Instead, it was like a weight charm had been used. Palpitations filled my chest and then my breathing became laboured. Nothing could fill my mind as everything filled it, stopping me from focusing and coping.

When I calmed again the paper was ripped and the pieces were so small that nothing could be read as I poured it into the fire, with it my mind melted as the day seemed to lose the lightness and suddenly the whole school seemed to become heavy as I couldn't stop the wild thoughts of what had happened.

After almost an hour of this, I stood and pulled my hair into a bun, pulled my contact lenses out and put on my glasses before walking into the hall again to read the book outside. Fresh air would be able to fill my sense and make me lose the trouble I had felt in the pit of my stomach.

I met a large tree and sat beneath it, shade keeping me from burning as I heaved the first page over and the paragraphs filled my mind. The work that had been set in potions seemed to become completely understandable and reasonable as the words filled my senses. Eyes sticking to the page as I hoped to finish it quickly. I was missing lunch but I didn't care as I wanted to stay distracted. Just for a little longer.

"Miss Flint. We appear to be crossing paths quite often." I nodded and kept my head down as the older woman stood close by. This time she was alone and part of me believed that she had walked that way to do something. Something I was unaware of but she had to of been heading somewhere and when I had barely answered she seemed to walk into the shade some more.

"Sorry, Professor, have I done something wrong?" My question hung in the air and then she looked out to the edges of the school as she thought briefly before speaking.

"Walk with me for a second." I nodded and let my usual piece of paper rest in the book as a bookmark as we walked outside. I was careful to walk where I would meet the mud less but sure enough, she had picked quite a long path.

"A few hours ago you were on top of the world. I have also heard you mention that for no money in the world would you skip a meal at this school and yet here you are, a scowl set on your face and it is as I believe or rather know, lunchtime. What has occurred to incite such a change from the usually happy and observant girl?" I didn't answer but as a reaction, I just pulled the book closer to me as I tried to come up with a response.

"I am sorry if I have caused you to worry but I have been busy today." She seemed to accept it as we were walking but by the time we had finished walking the hall had been met. She was a smart woman but I was smarter. The hall was entered and I sat on the Slytherin table where none of them would talk to me unless I made the effort. They saw me as a lesser being to them as I was only 1/4 Slytherin.

The mealtime passed with little to no conversation aside from passing something down to the others at the table and then the book was returned to. Just as the bell for lunch went again to show it was the end I felt a hand on my back, it was more between my shoulders and when I turned Hermione stood with a worried look on her face.

"I haven't spoken to you in days. How are you?" She was so light-hearted and gentle that it was tough to imagine her fighting. Dealing with death daily and her bossy nature was comforting as I knew she was the type of person to let you know where you stood and how you can change to stand a little better and more upright.

"Sorry, Hermione. I have been away with the wind."