Ready?

Alicia watched Emily walk over to Draco and both of them climb into Harry’s bed. She noted the tears sliding down her sister’s cheeks before the curtains closed round them. Jamie was sitting in his bed, watching Alicia carefully. She didn’t look over at him but moved towards Ron’s bed. He sighed and stood, catching her arm.

“Come here…” He could see her reluctance to go near him as he pulled her onto the bed. He waved his wand and the hangings closed round them. “I know you lied to Emily… There is something wrong… And don’t say it was the fight with Sirius or it’s nothing…” He put his hand under her chin to make her look at him instead of the sheets.

“Jamie, I-” She started but he shook his head, hearing the lie that was coming in her voice.

“How long have I known you?” He asked and she frowned slightly, confused about the direction the conversation was going.

“Five years” She said automatically. “Why?”

“And out of those five years, how many have we been together?” He asked, ignoring her question.

“All of them…” Her voice was growing quieter and quieter.

“So would you say that I know you the best?” She nodded and looked down at her hands. “Ali, I can tell when you’re lying, when you’re happy or sad- even miserable… So I’m asking you to tell me what is wrong- even if you don’t want me to know, I want to and I won’t give up till I know”

Alicia twisted out of his arm and scooted towards the other end of the bed. “There’s nothing to tell… I’m just upset about the fight, that’s all…” He went to take her hand but she moved it out of reach. “I just want to sleep… I haven’t been sleeping lately… Not since the attack… Maybe being back in the castle will help… Goodnight, Jamie” She scrambled off the bed and through the gap in the hangings. Jamie closed his eyes and sighed sadly as the dormitory door opened and closed quietly. Alicia ran to her dorm and climbed into her own bed. How could she stay round her friends and family when they were in danger just for knowing her? How could she do that to Jamie? She breathed in deeply and hugged herself, trying to pull herself together.

The morning dawned bright and Alicia woke to the sound of movement downstairs. She sighed and climbed out of bed to get dressed.

“Gah!” She clutched her heart as she fell onto her bed again. Emily didn’t move, she just sat on her bed, staring at her. “You scared me!”

“And you’re scaring me- not to mention Jamie…” She said as she watched her. Alicia bit down on her bottom lip. Her eyes were drawn to the bracelet Emily had given her- it was a light blue.

“I’m sorry… I was tired and irritable” She said calmly. She didn’t even hear the lie in her voice- she was too good at lying now. “Do you want to come down to breakfast with me?” She asked the question as she turned to get dresses, pulling out her black dress with the white collar.

“All right… I’ll wait downstairs, then” Emily said slowly, standing up and backing out of the room. She was frowning as she closed the door.

Alicia let out a sigh as she heard Emily descend the stairs. “Great… I’m turning into a master liar…” She said to herself, kicking her trunk shut. A couple of tears escaped from the corner of her eye but she wiped them away. She concentrated on turning her hair scarlet- her bracelet stayed light blue. She pulled it up into a bun and stuck her quill through it and left the room. She put a smile on her face and skipped towards where Emily and Jamie sat on the sofa. “Good morning… I guess Emily told you hat I said upstairs?” She said, kissing Jamie’s cheek.

“As usual, you guessed right…” He said as they climbed out the portrait hole. They walked down to the Great Hall and found Draco waiting in the doorway. “Where’d you vanish to?” Jamie asked as they headed towards the Gryffindor Table. Barely anyone looked at them anymore- they were used to the Slytherin now.

“I was told not to be seen so I went to my own common room… How’s Alicia?” He added in a whisper as he sat down next to Jamie.

“She’s fine today, thank you” Alicia said, buttering toast for them all. She smiled at Draco, who raised his eyebrows at Emily, who shrugged. “The others should be here soon… They’re coming on the Knight Bus with Tonks and Remus” Alicia said and she saw Emily’s head look up. “We’re going to meet them so don’t worry… It’s not really the beginning of term yet anyway” Alicia started humming to herself and the three of them swapped looks.

“Can you pass me a slice of toast, please, Alicia?” Emily said suddenly and she did. As she raised her left arm, Emily saw the bracelet- it was still light blue. She frowned for a second. “Thanks” She motioned to Jamie to look but Alicia had put her hand under the table, already one step ahead of them.

What do you think?