Ella was really overwhelmed; there was Violet, then a disappeared James. On top of all that, she caught her stepsister (possibly) flirting with what looked like an older guy. Out of her league, she thought with a dry laugh.

And to make things worse, she had a secret. A pretty big secret. Not knowing about it, a tear slipped down her cheek, staining her perfect skin. Life sucks, she thought.

"I'm sorry," Ella addressed Violet, voice breaking, "Can we talk later?"

Ella found herself running to the Slytherin table. She just couldn't show everyone the hot tears rolling down.