The End-of-Term Feast. How was it possible that an entire year had gone by so quickly. She stepped into the Great Hall and slowly made her way to the Hufflepuff table. Her eyes were red and puffy from crying, but she had been able to calm herself enough to stop the tears before sitting near the middle of the long table. She wanted to make sure she would be able to see as many of her fellow Hufflepuffs as possible.

She glanced up towards the staff table, taking note of the different expressions on the various professors faces. Their last weekend trip was one that she wouldn’t soon forget. She was still having dreams, vivid dreams, about what had happened. Her hands rubbed her legs, pushing away the memory of the numb feeling that remained in her body after whatever it was had taken control. It was far too much to expect a first year to deal with.

Not wanting to cry again, she shook her head and focused on the various students around her. The familiar chatter was soothing. Sounds of goodbyes, laughter, and memories being shared warmed her heart. Then she noticed Maddie at the front of the table. “Hi Maddie!” she smiled and waved, a little more energetically than necessary. “I’ll miss you this summer.”