We will meet again ~ Fred Weasley

- Two Years -

"I spent months worrying about the people I might lose that I almost forgot how lucky I was to still have them."

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Christmas break arrived far too slowly and then all at once.

For the first time in weeks, Katherine woke before her alarm.

The moment she opened her eyes, excitement surged through her chest.

Home.

Well—not quite home.

The Burrow.

Which was arguably better.

The thought alone was enough to put a smile on her face.

She would see her family.

She would spend every day surrounded by chaos.

She would get to stay at Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes with Fred and George.

And perhaps best of all, she wouldn't have to spend another minute inside Hogwarts before the new year.

Her trunk was packed in record time.

By the time Veronica was even halfway dressed, Katherine was already pacing the dormitory waiting impatiently.

"You've packed three times."

"I'm checking."

"You've checked."

"What if I forgot something?"

Veronica stared at her.

"Katherine, you've unpacked and repacked that trunk so many times I'm surprised it hasn't filed a complaint."

Katherine grinned.

She couldn't help it.

For once, she actually felt happy.

Not just moments of happiness.

Not distractions.

Genuinely happy.

The train station was buzzing with excitement when they arrived.

Students flooded the platform, dragging trunks, carrying owls and shouting goodbyes across crowds.

Snow drifted lazily from the grey sky above.

Nearby, Theo was attempting to convince Sebastian he could fit inside a trunk.

Sebastian was seriously considering trying.

Pansy looked horrified.

Blaise looked entertained.

And Draco—

Katherine found herself glancing towards him automatically.

He was standing with the others, one hand buried in his pocket as Blaise spoke animatedly beside him.

For a moment, his eyes found hers.

A familiar smile tugged briefly at his lips.

Small.

Tired.

But genuine.

Katherine smiled back before forcing herself to look away.

She couldn't keep doing that.

Couldn't keep analysing every glance and every smile.

Because every time she thought about Draco lately, she found herself caught between frustration and concern.