The Years of Blue [2]

Chapter 21: An Old Friend

New Years was nonexistent at my house. That was how dreary everyone was after leaving Malfoy Manor. Not even my mother could change the mood within.

And no one was making any leeway in apologizing either. Theo locked himself in his room the moment we got home, only coming out late at night or midday when our father was sure to be in his office.

Damion was in the house only as long as he was required to be, helping our father with Ministry matters. Otherwise he was out with friends he had made from work. Sometimes Ed joined him, just showing how he would rather meet new people than surround himself with the family's toxic tension for long periods of time

My mother kept busy, which was her way of avoiding people. She had written an apology Owl to the Malfoys over what was witnessed at the end with a thank you note following.

I on the other hand took to writing my own apologizes to people. I had received silence from Sam which I knew was her way of showing her displeasure over my silence to her for the last few months. So, the first apology owl was to her.

I knew if she hadn't written me back in thanks over the gloves, the chance of her writing to me after a sappy letter with my feelings was less likely. But I hoped that her "Holiday Cheer" would make her more forgiving. In fact, I even mentioned this holiday cheer, before telling her I was grateful for checking up on Theo for me.

Theo may have said she was asking about me because she worried about what I was doing, but I knew an excuse for conversation when I hear one. And asking Theo about me when she could just write was not a move Sam would make unless she had other motives.

I know you've been keeping an eye on my brother while I've been away, and I'm grateful for that. You don't know how much that helps him, even if he doesn't admit it willingly. I hope with what's been going on you'll accept my apology. Even if it's for the fifth plus time since we've known each other.

Best of luck next season with Quidditch. Malfoy said you were okay but nothing like Flint. Give him hell about that for me, won't you?

With Love,

Ava

My next apology letter was sent out to Marie, who I also knew got screwed over for my inability to make up my mind. I knew after the break I've had that I deserved all the cold shoulders she's sent me. I was even willing to make myself out as fool in my letter in order to boost her pride.

Talk about me turning a new leaf. I was being selfless!

It took three days before I received any communication from owl and those three days felt like an era. I was the only one stuck in the house because I was too young to go out with Damion and Ed, and to annoying to brood with Theo in his room. So naturally, my mother started to bring me along to every event she attended before new year's, and there were many such events.

Afternoon Teas with ministry department wives one day, a luncheon with the European equivalent of my mother's board from the US, and finally on that third day, a lengthy walk, known as the South Bank Stroll, with some of the new acquaintances made during the Malfoy parties. I was just about ready to fling myself into the Thames when I heard the familiar cry of Hootie moments before landing on the lamp post on the walk way.

"Really, Ava?" My mother said exasperated at the sight of the bird. "You couldn't have planned to receive owl mail at a more appropriate time?" The women accompanying us seemed unfazed, with even one witch, a Miss Bella Bunette, assuring my mother that girls my age are expected to act this way.

"I remember how eager I was to receive my mail at that age. Couldn't think to have the owl wait for me at the house. Always allowed owls to stop me in the middle of the street like this. Though things have changed now after the owl ban at the ministry."