As the World Caves In

family portrait

Draco

     It's finally winter break so I don't have to torture myself by being close to Skye because  it's difficult speding time with her after we're not dating anymore. It's been hard on me, this whole just being friends and taking a break. But I understand why we have to do this and I actually think I've got better at relationships since our talk in the Astronomy Tower. And if us not being together will result in the two of us dating again then I guess now, during our time apart is the best time for me to improve myself. I just have to survive the train ride with her sitting next to me because we want to keep up the facade that we're fine. It's killing me though that I can't talk to her about real, important things or touch and kiss her. The train ride this time seems longer than usual, we keep quiet and there's an akward tension when no one's talking.

Skye

     We finally arrive to London and when our train stops I hastily say my goodbyes, get off the train and start looking for my brother. When I see him I first realize that his face is paler than it was last time I saw him and there are also purple bags under his eyes. I go up to him and the first thing I say to him concerned is: "Are you okay?" he just stands there looking at me confused. "Of course, I'm okay" he responds confidently and grabs my luggage to help me carry it then offers me his hand so we can apparate. "Wait I've--" I try saying but he grabs me and in the next moment we're standing on the cliff next to our house. "Well that was rude" I say to him upset but he has already turnt around and is going towards Windy Gates' door. "Alik!" I yell as I run after him and step in the living room. My eyes widen when I see the kitchen and sitting room: there are empty bottles everywhere and tons of papers hanged on the walls with notes on them. "Woah.." I say surprised. "Sorry, I wanted to tidy up but I've been busy. Let me fix it" he says then moves his wand as he looks in the fridge. The empty bottles fly into the trash bin, the dust disappears and in a minute everyone looks as good as new. "I think your room is the way you left it though" he says to me as he takes a bite of a sandwich. I sit down on the couch "Hey Alik could I go over to The Burrow during winter break?" I ask him endearingly hoping he'd say yes. "I guess that'd be fine" he gives me the cold shoulder but it's still a yes so I'll take it. We spend the rest of the day talking: I tell him about Umbridge, the twins and how they got themselves expelled. He has some concerns about me being friends with them. "Wait why would you rather go to the Weasley's than to Malfoy's?" he asks me with a puzzled expression. "Oh Draco and I are taking a break from us so..." I respond sadly. He looks at me surprised not knowing how to comfort me "Oh... Omm well you know-" he tries saying something but I cut him off "It's okay, we don't have to talk about it" I giggle softly out of embarassment. "Thank you" he whispers. We talk all night, it feels good to have my brother back. He tells me all about his new job and how he made dad believe I'm still a good little to-be death eater. "So did dad ask about me?" I ask Alik shyly. "What do you want the answer to be?" he asks funnily. "I.. actually don't know. Just tell me the truth" I say hesitantly. "Well then... He didn't really ask about you. Although he once did inquire about where you were staying during summer and now, the break. Of course I couldn't tell him about our safe house, only mom knew where it is, the only way dad participated in my gift (the house) was with money. So I told her that we were travelling throughout the summer." he explains. "Aww he cares" I say sarcastically. "That was a good lie though that you made up about us travelling" I compliment him. "So should we celebrate Christmas tomorrow if you're going to leave me for a couple of days?" he asks with a bit of sadness in his voice. "Yeah, I'd like that" I smile at him.

      Next morning I wake up to a knock on my door. "Rise and shine little sister" my brother sticks his head in when he cracks the door open "I made breakfast, it's your favourite!" he says kindly. I get out of bed, put on a sweater and go down to the kitchen where I see blueberry pancakes, eggs and coffee. "Did you do something wrong? Are you trying to soothe me?" I accuse him jokingly because he's being extra nice and I'm not used to it. "Can't I just be nice to the only real family I have left?" he asks with a pout. "Aww you really missed me huh?" I tease him. "I've missed you too" I smile at him as I sit down to the table. "Okay so after breakfast you can open your presents!" he says excitedly. I grab a couple of pancakes and pour syrup on them. "Presents in plural?" I ask in surprise. He giggles to himself as he takes a seat next to me. We have breakfast then Alik enthusiastically says "Okay, presents!" and grabs my hand pulling me over to the christmas tree in our living room. Under the beautifully green, silver decorated tree there are some presents. "Start with that one" he points to the tiny blue box. I open it and it contains a silver ring with an emerald stone, I put it on, it's gorgeous. I open the other presents too. I got foe-glass, book of advanced spells and a necklace with a tiny key on it "What's this for?" I ask him as I look at the key. "It's enchanted it can open anything. Literally anything." he smiles at me. "Woow thank you, you should't have" I hug him. "I did get something for you too though." I point to a tall box. He opens it excitedly and his jaw drops when he realizes what it is "A Pensieve? Merlin's beard Skye! Thank you!" he hugs me tightly.

       We spend the next couple of days together trying to forget all about the sides, You-Know-Who and just have fun. But I sent a letter to Ginny telling her that I'll be coming over to them in two days. "Could you apparate me there pleease? You could meet my friends" I try to convince him. "Fiiine you dummy." he boxes me in my arm. "Yeee" I get excited. "By the way did the punching bag arrive?" I ask him. "Yeah I picked it up this morning, it's in the garage. You should test it" he winks at me. "Oh you know I will!" I say with confidence then hurry down to the garage.

    The day comes so I get my backpack and Alik apparates us to The Burrow. We're in front of the door when Alik asks me "Are you sure you want me to meet them?" as he looks at me indecisive. "Yeah, just be yourself!" I respond as I knock on the door. "Maybe just a bit less intense" I add and the door opens. "Skye darling! Welcome!" Molly answers the door and hugs me. "Hello Mrs. Weasley, thank you for inviting me! This is my brother Alik." I point to my sibling as I introduce him. "Very nice to meet you Mrs. Weasley" he greets the mom. "Nice to finally meet you Alik, will you be staying here too?" she asks him. "No, I just dropped her off, I'll get going! Have fun!" he hugs me goodbye. "Wait don't you want to meet my friends?" I ask him. "Maybe another time. Signal me when you wanna get out of here" he whispers to me while we're embracing. "Shut it" I say to him agrily. He apparates and I go in the house.