Forever And Always | D.M

Chapter 8

Dear Friends,

I hope this letter finds you well. I'm writing to inform you that I won't be attending classes today as I will be out visiting someone. I apologize for any inconvenience this might cause and I hope you all have a productive day.

I know that some of you might be wondering where I disappeared, but I promise it's nothing serious. I just need to take care of some personal matters and I'll be back tonight.

Your understanding and support are highly appreciated. I look forward to seeing you all again soon.

Sincerely,
Sofia

•••

As I walked up the winding path to Klaus and Hayley's new home, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. They had recently moved to a small village in Devon, England. And this was my first visit since they had settled in.

The house was nestled among tall trees, and the smell of freshly-cut grass filled the air. As I approached the front door, Hayley appeared, beaming with joy at the sight of me. She hugged me tightly, and I felt like a child again, surrounded by the warmth and comfort of a home I so desperately needed.

As we stepped inside, I was struck by the cozy atmosphere of the living room. A fire was blazing in the hearth, and Klaus was sitting in an armchair, engrossed in a book. He looked up and smiled when he saw me, and I felt a sense of relief wash over me.

"Sofia!" He shouted joyfully, his voice filled with excitement. I couldn't help but giggle as he enveloped me in a warm embrace. "Hi!" I replied, grinning from ear to ear.

"It's so good to see you again," Klaus said with a gentle smile, as he made his way to the kitchen. "Let me get dinner prepared while Hayley shows you around your bedroom."

"Okay," I said as Hayley led me into my new bedroom, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. The room was larger than my old one, with a big window that let in plenty of natural light. My bed was positioned against the far wall, with a fluffy comforter and a row of multicolored pillows.

Hayley pointed out the built-in shelves along the wall, perfect for storing my books and knick-knacks. There was even a small desk in one corner, with a matching chair and a lamp for late-night studying.

But the best part was the closet. It was enormous, with sliding doors and several levels of shelving and hanging rods. I could already picture myself organizing my clothes and accessories, with plenty of space left over for future purchases.

Hayley noticed my grin and laughed. "I take it you like it?"

I nodded eagerly. "I love it!"

"Good," she said, hugging me. "I'm glad you're happy. Now let's get unpacking!"

Over dinner, Klaus and Hayley excitedly told me about their new life in the village. They had made a few wonderful friends with the locals, and Hayley had even started her herb garden in the backyard. I listened with great interest to their stories, feeling thankful for their joy and contentment.

As the day drew to a close, I felt a sense of sadness set in. I knew that I would have to leave very soon, and the thought of saying goodbye to them was difficult. But as we hugged goodbye, I felt a sense of gratitude for the time we had spent together.

Stepping onto the train, I made my way to the unoccupied compartment and sat down. I looked out the window and saw Klaus and Hayley waving a final goodbye as the train began to pull away.

•••

Making my way through the castle's corridors, trying to reach my dormitory before curfew. As it was already 8:40 pm and I knew I didn't have much time left. My heart was racing as I ran, my footsteps echoing through the empty halls.

I knew I had to make it to my dormitory before curfew, or I would be in trouble. I could already hear the sound of the clock tower chiming in the distance, signaling the approaching curfew.

As I turned the corner, I almost collided with a group of students. I quickly sidestepped them and continued running, my breath coming in short gasps. I could see the entrance to the Gryffindor common room in the distance, and I pushed myself harder, my legs starting to ache.

Finally, I burst through the door of the common room, panting and out of breath. I could hear the portrait of the Fat Lady closing behind me, and I knew I had made it just in time. I collapsed onto the floor, gasping for air, feeling relieved and grateful that I had made it back to Hogwarts in time.

"Bloody Hell, Sofia! Are you okay?" Ron asked, his eyes wide as I sprawled out like a starfish on the ground.

"I've never been better," I said, trying to catch my breath.

"Why did you suddenly decide to leave?" Hermione asked as I raised my head to find my friends all looking at me with perplexed expressions.

I let out a sigh and said, "Honestly, I'm not sure. I got a letter from Klaus and Hayley expressing their enthusiasm to see me again and how they adore their new home."

"Who?" they all exclaimed in unison, their voices filled with confusion as I groaned in frustration, realizing that I had forgotten to tell them about my situation.

I sat up straight on the floor and took a deep breath as I prepared to tell them the truth about my upbringing. "My mother never provided me with any information about my biological father. She didn't give me any indication of whether he knew I existed or not."

My friends gazed at me with sorrowful eyes, as I went on. "My mother was always so enraged and took her anger out on me," I said, my voice trembling. "She would hurl insults at me for no apparent reason, belittle me, and even physically assault me."

I could see the surprise on my friends' faces, as I concluded my situation on a positive note.

Until recently, I was so fortunate to be welcomed into the loving embrace of Niklaus and Hayley. They have provided me with a home, a family, and an abundance of love. It has been a huge transition for me, but I am incredibly thankful for their support.

I could see the visible relief on my friends' faces. They had been anxious, fearing the worst for my parents, but now they had peace of mind.

"I'm sorry for not sharing this with you guys sooner," I said, getting up from the floor and feeling relieved. "It's just a sensitive topic for me."

My friends nodded in understanding as they encircled me in a giant group embrace. "I can't tell you how much you all mean to me," I said, my voice full of emotion as we released our hug.

Plopping down onto the couch, I am surrounded by conversation, occasionally joining in here and there. The warmth of the fire and the soft cushions of the couch make my eyelids droop, and I drift off into a peaceful daze.

Before I am aware of it, my head gradually sinks onto the shoulder of the person beside me, who seems unbothered. I can barely make out the conversation that is still going on around me, as it all blurs into a hazy, surreal state.

Eventually, I was stirred awake by the sound of my friend's voice. I was taken aback to discover that I had dozed off on Neville's shoulder, feeling a wave of embarrassment wash over me. Everyone around us chuckled good-naturedly, teasing me for dozing off.

Unable to shake off the drowsiness that had enveloped me, I make a conscious effort to get more sleep in the near future. But for now, I rest my head on Neville's shoulder and take in the comforting warmth of the fire, content to end the night in such a relaxed way.