Vampires at Magic School

xvi

"You run."

-  

Breakfast the next morning was met with the usual fluster of owls who flew in and disrupted cereal bowls. Being a 'visitor', as Dimitri did not fail to mention whenever I suggested doing something remotely 'bad', I never got mail. That's why I was surprised - and slightly alarmed - when I did. 

"What've you got?" Remus was sat across from me, being the only Marauder actually awake. Lily was also sat with us because two specific guys weren't there, although I doubt it would actually annoy her as much as she let on. Dimitri was meeting with Korova and Dumbledore and I hadn't actually seen Lissa since the night before. 

"A letter," I stared at the owl who stack its leg out and gave me a disgruntled look. "Um."

"Here," Lily said as she untied it from the animal's outstretched foot. 

"Thanks," I took the letter into my hands and looked at it, turning it over and reading the script on the front. I opened the envelope and pulled out a piece of paper. 

Rose, 

Well done for finally stepping up to your duties as a novice. Do not let me down. 

I'm sorry for missing your birthday. 

Mum

"When was your birthday?" Remus asked. 

"Four months ago," I sighed. I folded the letter and stuffed into my bag. 

****

"I feel like I have barely talked to you, Rose," Lissa sat cross-legged against a tree, her blonde hair spread against the bark. We were sat with Remus, Sirius and James on the front lawn before a lesson. 

"Yeah, all your Christian time."

She nudges me. "Shut up." 

I grin and lean my head against her shoulder. James and Sirius were messing with something that looked like a water balloon, discussing a prank. Remus had his head buried in a hard-spined book. 

"I just need some girl talk," Lissa moaned. 

"I know," I said. "How is Ravenclaw?" 

"Honestly, great," Lissa answered. "Everyone seems so smart and nice."  

I put an arm around her shoulder. "I miss you." 

At the Academy, we were separated in terms of dormitories but were still able to sneak into each other's room fairly easily. At Hogwarts, each common room is password protected and although the Fat Lady is easy to bypass, to enter Ravenclaw you need to answer a riddle. I quickly found out that that was much more difficult.  

"Aw, Rosie," She hugged me back. 

"So," I sat back up and looked at her. "How's the sex?" 

Sirius perked up when I mentioned that. "I want to join this conversation now."

"Of course you do," Remus rolled his eyes. 

"I thought you didn't like Christian," She said. 

"I don't," I shrugged. 

"It's good," Lissa sighed happily. "I really love him." 

"Sappy talk," Sirius fake gagged. "I want out now." 

"You were never in," I retorted. 

"Shit," Lissa exclaimed. 

"What?" I asked, immediately on alert.