Heliophilia; d.m

IX

DRACO

I took another look at my part of the now empty room, making sure I hadn't forgotten anything. It was time to leave, and I picked up my jacket from the bed and left the room, heading for the stairs.

As soon as I reached the first step, I heard women's muffled voices from the common room. I know It was Violet and Kristen but I wondered why she was still there.

In fact, I knew that eavesdropping was disgusting and wrong, but I couldn't help it, so I went down a couple more steps and stayed still, listening.

It was a little hard to hear what they were saying, because they spoke quietly, as if they knew someone might be listening. Especially Violet. Her voice was quieter and less emotional than her friend's.

"... don't want to be alone in the house. And dad will be worried." I could make out fragments of a sentence that was definitely Violet's voice. Even though I couldn't hear clearly, I could distinguish her voice from Kristen's. I think I could distinguish her voice from anyone else's. Because it's etched into my memory, against my will, I think.

"Is it about your mother?" It was Kristen's insinuating, more subtle voice.

It was quiet for a few seconds, then I heard Violet's quiet voice again, sounding distant, as if her mind wasn't there at all.

"They broke up when I was about four years old. I lived with my mother, and I didn't see my father more than twice a year. It was as if I didn't have a father at all. After my mother died, he came to me. But we still have a strained relationship. Something like strangers. And he's busy very often. I feel like I'm living on my own. Without parents."

She spoke tensely, with pauses after each sentence; probably it was difficult for her to talk about such things. I think I didn't even move while I was listening to her. I didn't know her mother was dead.

They started talking about something again, but I couldn't afford to stand there any longer, because time was running out and Kristen and I might be late, and if she didn't care about it, I did.

As I walked past them, I could feel their eyes on me, and I could have sworn that Violet was beginning to have questions about what I'd heard.

I'd heard enough.

"Are you staying here, too, Mercer?" I asked Kristen, turning to face her as I wrapped my fingers around the door handle.

Her eyes widened as she looked nervously at the time.

"Oh no. Violet, this conversation has lasted so long. I have to go." They got up from the couch and Kristen kissed Violet on the cheek." See you, bye!"

She came up to me, and after waving goodbye to Violet, we left the room.

VIOLET

Hi, my dear!
How are you? I hope everything is okay.
I don't like you staying there but you know, your father does not trust me because he wouldn't let you stay with me. It's bad but I hope you're not sad!

I miss you every day.
Can't wait to see you!

Love, Mariel.

I received the letter that morning. It's been a few days since I was almost alone at Hogwarts.

And It was more boring than I thought.

How ridiculous. I'd lived almost alone for so many years, without a single friend, and it seemed normal. But as soon as I arrived at Hogwarts, I got used to being constantly surrounded by someone and now it was difficult to be alone.