Crossroads of Two Worlds

46- New Normal, New Problems

The next four days were amazing. Mom and I spent the time eating food and talking about anything but the quest. We talked about school and about my friends. She was amazed with the stories about magic, though her mother had told her a few. We held Christmas on New Year's Day, and exchanged the few presents we'd purchased for each other. To my surprise, several other presents that neither she nor I recognized sat under our tree. It turned out that my friends from school had all bought me presents and sent them by owl here. Rose had sent me a kit for taking care of my broomstick, Kaley had sent me a book about interesting potions written in Ancient Greek. I'd even gotten a thick woolen sweater(Sky blue with a golden A on the front) from Rose's grandmum and chocolates from Hermione and Ron. Even Albus and Scorpius had sent gifts, both had sent large bags of candy.

Other than our chosen day to celebrate Christmas, I didn't do much besides lay around, watch movies, and read books. It was relaxing, and absolutely wonderful compared to how I spent the first part of my break.

When the time came to board the Hogwarts Express and head back to school, I was ready to start again, and so excited to see my friends. Mum took me to the platform and ran through with me and my luggage. Astra, my owl, had patiently waited at home for me while I was out on the quest, and was now riding on my shoulder, having refused to step foot in her cage.

Before I'd even taken ten steps towards the red train, I heard squeals of excitement from the left and turned to see my two best friends hurtling towards me. I laughed when we met in a three-way hug. Blonde, red, and brown hair tangled as we embraced as if we'd not seen each other in years. It felt like years.

I heard my mom laughing and broke away from Rose and Kaley to turn to her.

"Rose Weasley, Kaley Finch, this is my mom."

Kaley walked up to my mom and held out her hand, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Faye."

Rose practically shoved Kaley aside and shook my mom's hand enthusiastically, "Rose Weasley, ma'am, it's good to meet you."

My mom smiled at my friends, "I've heard so much about you two. I'd love to chat some more but I'm afraid you might miss the train!"

"Alana, you must learn to write more often or I'll go out of my mind," mom scolded me and I rolled my eyes dramatically.

"Okay mom, I'll try."

"You'd better. Now hurry on towards the train."

She brought me in for one last hug and then pushed me towards the train.

Once the three of us found an apartment, Kaley sat opposite me and stared me down, "You'd better tell us what happened over your break right now."

I rolled my eyes, "Easy, easy! We have the entire rest of term!"

"Alana, I swear-"

"Okay, fine!" I cut Rose off before she could go crazy on me, "just be prepared, it's pretty insane."

And I told them all of it. I admit I had my doubts that I'd make it all the way through the story by the end of the train ride, but was pleasantly surprised when neither of my friends asked any questions, which allowed me to rush through the tale. I honestly had no desire to relive any of it. I told it fast enough that the images that plagued me from that day on the beach blurred, and disappeared. When I finished halfway through the train ride and both of them were staring at me in shock, I shrugged.

"My holidays were a bit hectic. I'd prefer not to think about it any more for a while."

Kaley nodded, "We won't ask any more questions."