thick skin and an elastic heart

Chapter 12

Montilla did not write again. Every day at breakfast, Juliana looked up expectantly with each hoot for the mail, only for her face to darken and fall as no news arrived. Valentina ached for her friend. Each day, Juliana became more reserved. She didn't hide from Valentina anymore, which she was thankful for, but it was clear her mind was on her mom, not even the golden egg and figuring out the second task.

Valentina's letter to her papá should have reached Mexico by now, but a return letter could take weeks. Meanwhile, Valentina made it her goal to take Juliana's mind off her troubles, even if it was for only a few moments at a time. Today's distraction was hot chocolates from the kitchens while they sat and talked in the Transfiguration Courtyard while they absently watched students who stayed behind for Christmas Break. Now the coco was gone, and Val grew ansty.

She wanted to ask Juliana about the Ball - about who she was going with or if she was going by herself. It felt wrong, though, to worry about Balls and dates when Juliana was so scared for her mother's life. It wasn't just her mom's life either. Her life was in danger, and Valentina wouldn't survive if something happened to Juliana. The Ball seemed small in comparison.

"We need to do something fun," she announced. It was a cold, crisp day in December. The sky overhead was blue and clear; perfect weather for anything Val planned.

She needed to keep her friend out of the castle. There were too many dark corners and secret passageways for a sicario to hide in and wait to kidnap an unaware student. Maybe she was too paranoid and Hogwarts was safe, but she refused to take any chances when it came to Juliana's safety.

For now, she made insisted they spent time together in brightly lit and heavily occupied places.

"What did you want to do?" Juliana asked, "and don't say watch me draw. It's weird."

Valentina pouted. She liked watching Juliana draw. Her eyebrows furrowed in the most adorable way when she concentrated. Watching Juliana transform a blank sheet of paper into a work of art was inspiring. She didn't know how Juliana got the inspiration for half the things she designed, even the ones she claimed were 'horrible.'

"It's not weird. One day you'll be a famous designer, and I can brag that I knew you before you were famous," Valentina defended. She was so confident in Juliana's future. How could she not, with her talent?

Juliana chortled, a small smile curling on her lip. Val wanted to see more of her smiles. What could they do? Something fun, something to take her mind off her mother. She bit her bottom lip, thinking hard. Then, it hit her.

She jumped to her feet; her skin buzzed with excitement.

"Meet me at the carriage in five minutes! And wear something warm!"

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The gamekeeper's hut was close to the Beauxbatons carriage. There was a nearby paddock close to the edge of the Forbidden Forest built for the great Beauxbatons flying horses - bigger than Clydesdales with golden-colored coats. Someone braided their long white manes, tying the end of the braids with bright blue bows. Perseus from muggle mythology couldn't ask for a better horse.

Juliana leaned against the enclosure. Her long, dark hair was pulled into a ponytail, showing off her strong jaw and beautiful profile. Valentina swallowed, overwhelmed by her friend's exquisite beauty.

Juliana's strong but gentle hands gripped the wooden fence, her long fingers flexed as she rested her weight on her forearms. Val shook her head slightly as she made her way closer to the paddock.

She stomped on the snow, steps thudding across the paddock so she didn't surprise Juls. Her friend didn't like sudden noises or when you snuck up behind her. One afternoon she almost hexed Sergio when he appeared behind them. Juliana drew her wand faster than Valentina could blink. Juliana's wand was in her hand. Her chest heaved, and there was a wild look in Juliana's eyes she had never seen before and never wanted to see again.