Flying Owls

[Celina Jedynak]

Celina sat down with a piece of parchment and a quill. Where she was, didn't matter, as long as she had a few minutes just to write out to Felicity what was going on in her life. Such a horrid winter break so far. And it was only to get worse Celina feared. What was exciting though was that Alfonz was allowing her to keep in touch with her friends through letters. For how much he hated the idea of her having friends, he hated even more when Celina wasn't happy. So, he agreed that she could speak with them...just not see them. Celina complied, knowing that break wasn't forever.

Dearest Felicity,

Oh, how I miss you! Things here at Wendelring with my brother are...well, not going as pleasantly as I thought it was going to be. I spoke with him about Professor Brady, or, I mean I tried to. He had gotten upset and we ended up going out to the Leaky Cauldron....Drew may have told you by now that he saw us there. Alfonz was a bit....well, he was himself. The night went pretty badly. I came home and instantly went to bed. As of yet, I haven't seen either Thornton.

Though, on a better note, I do live nearby to them. They live in the apartment right next door. It's crazy, but nice to know at the same time. I may go over sometime, but I haven't figured out a reason to do so as of yet. Emerald is doing well. A bit bored. There's not much for either Emerald or I to do here. Alfonz has been going out a lot....we've been getting into fights like crazy. I'm afraid for him.

Felicity, I really don't know what's going on. Though, I hope to hear from you soon.

Your Friend,

Celina Jedynak

P.S. I miss your hugs!

Celina looked at the letter and laughed to herself. She was silly, but at the same time she hoped that it made sense to Felicity. It almost didn't to Celina herself, but hopefully after time she would be able to fill her in more with what was going on. But as of now....she really had no clue.

(Felicity/PM to join.)

[Felicity Hjort]

The tapping on her window wasn't as pleasant a surprise as the letter itself was. Just after six in the morning Felicity had heard an insesant tapping on hre window, having believed it to be a dream, she rolled over, only to hear it continuing. Pulling a pillow over her head to muffle the sound, it just didn't stop. Fumbling in her darkened room, she made her way to the closed glass, peered into the darkness, only to see an ambered coloured eye staring back at her, which of course frightened the blonde enough that she was ready to scream bloody murder until she realized what it was.

Flinging open the window, and in doing so allowing the chilled morning air to enter, she shivered as she waited for the grey-feathered animal to climb in. Seeing the colour of the feather, she was saddened as she thought of poor Sammy, still at the school. Felicity had left plenty of food and some instructions to a few younger yeared girls staying behind for the hols, but she still couldn't believe her parents had told her he was to stay behind during the winter break. They didn't want the animal to be near the younger ones until he was a bit more tame. Felicity assured them he would be trained better than a bird dog by summer, and her dad agreed the squirrel could come home with her then.

Pulling the rolled parchment from the leg of the owl, she quickly found her light and read it over once before taking it in a second time with much slower moving eyes.

The blonde Gryffindor had yet to meet the famous Jedynak, but she'd hoped to be able to do so during the summer holidays. Maybe he'd be the one to drop Celina off at the Hjort home, though Celina hadn't yet agreed to it, Felicity was demanding her presence for at least a week. What would she do without her best friend all summer? She was already having seperation anxiety from the short winter break...well, it was a bit of an exaggeration, but she did miss her crazy Eagle friend.

However, she was saddened to know things weren't going quite as well as they'd been planned to go. She knew how much Celina had been looking forward to visiting with her older brother. And she had discussed the most recent addition to the staff with him? How horrible. The Ravenclaw had spoken to Felicity almost immediately after the interview, told her of everything, but there wasn't much she could really do. Her brother hadn't told her, perhaps he was planning on doing so during break, but she'd thought it horrid of the man to assume she knew.

And she'd met up with Drew? Even Felicity hadn't seen him, nor really heard from him, since they'd departed for break. True, they'd both stayed on a bit longer than most students, and therefore had spent quite a bit of time together as most of their friends had gone somewhere's by that point, but since arriving home, she was sure she'd only had one owl from the boy. She'd have to write him again, a reminder of the time they'd agreed upon for him to pick her up from her home, though she was sure he'd already memorized the time.

Though, the lion found it funny she was staying right next door. In a way, she felt a twinge of jealousy, but it washed away quickly, she knew Celina wasn't interested in Drew, and exactly how many times did Drew really have to tell her he liked her? She knew he did, so there was no reason for any such feelings.

Picking up a sheet of paper and a pen, she sat down and prepared to write her friend back.

Greetings Greatest Celina,

There's no possible way you could miss me as much as I do you! You wouldn't believe the noise in this house, it's getting ridiculous. Granted, I love them all so much, but they're noisier than ever. Mum says it's because they've gone crazy without me here, and I think I might have to believe it. It's a sharp contrast between your quite manner and their not so quite one.

And I don't think you need an excuse to visit Drew, I'm pretty sure he'd like for you to visit. And Allegra seems nice, I don't think she'd hold it to you to have a reason to visit either. Also, I know Drew won't hold anything against you for what happened, he might hold a grudge against your brother, for whatever it was that happened, but I really don't think he'd hold one against you. And if he does, it'll probably be a really small one, something that'll blow over really soon.

And I'm glad Emerald is doing well, give her my love. I'm sorry to hear you're bored, it can't be very nice not having something to do. I've been close to pulling my own hair out stringing popcorn, playing with glitter, wrapping presents, shopping in both Diagon and Muggle London. I haven't had a moment to myself, but I'm looking forward to going to the Festival with Lucas tomorrow evening. He's supposed to be here in the afternoon, hopefully things will go well. I don't think my dad believes me about it being just friends hanging out. I told my parents outright that the thing with Drew is a date, but I've maintained with Lucas it isn't, but they don't believe me.

And I've got your present here, I'll send it Christmas evening, promise. I think you'll like it. And I'm sending you a book I've just read. It's really interesting, a muggle one. It makes you think too, I'm sure you'd enjoy it. An American wrote it, but my dad bought it, he'd heard quite a bit about it for a while and decided it'd be worth the shot. It really is a good read.

And I don't think you should worry too much about it, it might be because of the holiday season. A lot of people over-stress this time of the year.

Hope you have a good holiday if I don't hear from you soon, and remember to give Emerald my love!

Love your friend,
-Felicity E. Hjort

P.S. I'll be sure to give you a hundred hugs when I see you at Hogwarts again.

Tying the letter around the leg of the owl, she was sure to make the novel secure before pushing the owl out of her window and pulling it close tightly. Watching the owl fly off into the morning darkness, she pressed her forehead up against the window pane and sighed. Hopefully things would be well for the girl.

[Celina Jedynak]

Celina barely found the energy to get out of bed that day, rather than do anything productive. A sink full of dishes and a sleeping brother, Celina decided that she’d do the dishes by hand in order to pass the time. It was either that, or read for the millionth time the same books off of the bookshelf that Alfonz had in his living room area. She sighed; ands started scrubbing at the slight bits of food that was on the plates and silverware. It was then when her family owl, Hubert flew in through the open window in next to the chair in the living room and flew out into the kitchen, landing on a counter. He hoo-ed trying who get Celina’s attention quicker than what he already had.

“Alright, Hubert…hold on!” Celina scolded him as she found not only a letter that she was waiting for, but also a package. Excitedly she ran over to see what had been sent and by who. She couldn’t have guessed? Opening the letter first and then the package, she found a book and couldn’t wait to get started on it. First, however, she read the letter.

Celina found it amazing! Her first letter from Felicity and it seemed so warm and loving. As did the family she spoke of. A slight snore was heard from her brother’s bedroom, and Celina just rolled her eyes in an irritated manner. And then as she focused on the other parts of the letter, her stomach churned a bit. Not needing a reason to visit Drew? Celina couldn’t remember a time when there wasn’t a reason to talk to him or get into a deep conversation with him. Sure they hung out a bit, but wasn’t there always some reason for doing so? In fact, Celina told herself, that the only reason the two had even started talking was because of Emerald’s crazy attraction towards the boy. Not to mention, Felicity’s attraction towards the boy. Celina shook her head, disagreeing with the letter and her friend.

Felicity then told of shopping and other stuff that sounded like fun the Celina had really never heard of. Anything had to be more fun then doing dishes at nine o’clock in the morning while her brother slept. Or crying in the living room after having a fight with said brother who left after every one. Celina was quite annoyed, and even though so far there had only been two fights as of such, she saw more in the future to come. What also sounded delightful was that Felicity was going to the Yule Festival. Celina grumbled again. Alfonz would not allow her to leave the apartment by herself. And on top of even that, she had to wear clothing that hid herself from everyone’s eyes, and on top of even that he refused to let her even go to the festival. He was worried someone would hut her, but Celina didn’t understand why they would. When questioned, Alfonz gave Celina no answers. Could it have been Brady who had gotten Alfonz so paranoid? Or the snitch pin that was meant for her, and not Drew? She didn’t know. But whatever happened had restricted her winter holidays something fierce.

Then something else got her attention, Felicity was going to the festival with Lucas? Wasn’t he the kid that was the indirect distraction and almost hexing of her? Sure, she had opened her mouth at the very wrong time, to the very wrong girl, but still! He was the reason why Deryn had gotten so huffy to begin with and started to dish out rudeness as they all were trying to watch the game. Celina still felt as though everything that had happened at the game was her fault. That was one thing she could wait for during the holidays, going back to Ravenclaw to just hear whispers and receive dirty glares. But of all people, Lucas? Celina figured that Felicity still hadn’t given up on their “friendship”. Celina shook her head, that wasn’t any of her business and therefore, she pushed the thoughts to the back of her mind.

Christmas present? Celina’s eyes opened wide. She hadn’t gotten anything for Felicity. She wasn’t expecting them to be exchanging, especially since they had just met a few months before. Silently, she started pacing back and forth trying to finish the letter. Celina finally finished the letter hoping that she was right just about Alfonz stressing, but still stressing herself about finding a gift for her. She’d have to find one…and figure out how at a later time.

Celina ran quietly to her room to grab her bag with quills, ink, parchment, and ribbon. It was time to write her back. Even though nothing more had happened, Celina still felt that she should write something and take advantage of the allowance she was to send letters. Sitting down at the kitchen table, Celina picked up a piece of parchment and a quill and started to write.

Dearest Felicity,

I’m so glad your having so much activity at your house. My brother’s apartment is the epitome of dull. I am not exaggerating either. But I deal because I love him so, and would go anywhere he asked of me. Though with his recent moods lately, I’d love to slap him up a bit or something. Alfonz is well though, other than that. I just hope it’s stress as you said. That would be relieving.

I hope you have fun in Diagon Alley with Lucas. And then later with Drew. Alfonz says that we won’t be going, however. It’s too dangerous, or at least that is how Alfonz feels. So, you’ll have to tell me all about it. I’ll live through it, through you! Isn’t that a funny statement? I’m laughing a bit, myself.

But, you are right about Drew, I shouldn’t have to have a reason to go see him. He told me to come by and hang out anytime, but I just don’t feel as if he was serious. I mean, like he said it to be nice. My brother was awful, Felicity. Rude, and between that and the bar fight that my brother got into that Drew helped with, it was just an awful night. So, maybe sometime later, but I don’t really think he’d enjoy my company as of yet. Especially, since he decided not….well, that’s no big deal.

Oh! And I almost forgot! Thank you SOOO much for the book! It will totally keep me occupied more than doing dishes will….yes, I had succumb to doing the dishes. And another thing, I’m sending to you with this letter a ribbon so that we can always tell our letters from the others that the owls may bring. It’s like Alfonz and I do with the turquoise ribbon. Remember? I thought we should have one too!

Here’s to hoping that everything going on is just holiday stress.

Celina I. Jedynak

P.S Yay! Bunches of hugs!
P.P. S. Emerald too?
P.P.P.S Oh! I sent her your love.

Tying the parchment to the leg with a piece of pink ribbon, Celina felt as if her and Felicity needed something to signal their letters to one another as Alfonz and her did. Celina loved pink, so she figured that this would be the perfect ribbon for the job.

Sending Hubert off again, she sighed and Emerald meowed and jumped into her lab as she sat in the chair in the living room. She bent down to Emeralds face and pet her all over. “Felicity sends her love,” she quietly whispered as she continued to pet her cat as she opened her new book and started reading.

[Felicity Hjort]

The owl arrived not much later, but Felicity was gone. She'd been called away to do a bit of shopping with her cousins, something she enjoyed immensly, but was still nerve wracked about because they were also to be picking out frames for her collage of pictures for Drew's belated-birthday gift. All of the film had been developed, the best photographs chosen, it was now time to pick the perfect frames as well as find Jacob's girlfriend a gift and allow Cherry to search for something for her best friend.

It didn't take long for Jacob to find a dainty, silver bracelet that would look gorgeous on the girl of his dreams, and he spent every last bit of change he'd been saving since February on the thing. It cost more than he would usually spend on someone, but then again, she was the girl of his dream, had been since they were fifteen. It was just more recently he'd made it known to her, and she'd confessed her feelings in return.

Cherry had taken a bit longer, but she finally found the perfect gift for her friend. Something Felicity didn't understand, but apparently it was a great gag between the two.

Having found a specialty shoppe, they entered and found the exact frames that would be perfect for Drew's gift. Though Jacob grumbled about it, Cherry thought they were pretty for what Felicity wanted to do with them.

Purchased purchased, they made their way home, completely uneventful, only to open the Hjort door and find an owl flying around in all directions trying to get far away from the younger ones, looking for Felicity while he was at it.

Grabbing the owl, she ran upstairs as quickly as possible and locked her door. There was only one person this owl could be from, and she didn't understand why he hadn't just waited in her room. Perhaps her nephews had broken in again in search of their own gifts.

Pulling the parchment away, she gently stole the ribon off, wondering why her friend had knotted it there, especially when it was pink.

Reading the letter over and over, she was quite sure Alfonz was just experiencing the holiday bussle and wasn't handling it well. The blonde giggled at the thought of Celina living something through her. It was just hilarious to think because the rambunctious blonde was a bit too much for the mellow girl. Having her live anything through Felicity was, well, like riding on the back of a cheetah, it was too much.

She was glad the Ravenclaw agreed she didn't need an excuse, but she was distracted by reading that Drew had been in a bar fight. He hadn't mentioned a word of it! Well, she'd be sure to question him about in the future at an opportune moment.

And there was the explanation about the ribbon. It was a good idea, very smart indeed, and only then did she remember her friend mentioning to her about what she and Alfonz did. It really was a good idea, but why pink? Why not blue, or yellow? Pink? Well, she'd live with it, it wasn't like a death omen or anything.

Getting out her things to respond to her friend, she sat down and re-read the letter.

Dearest Love,

The ribbon is a grande idea. It's almost like a secret code, I love it! And it isn't hard to spot, the colour you chose. I really like the idea, and thank you so much for including me in on your special thing with your brother. It's very nice of you.

If your brother's apartment is boring, why don't you go into muggle London for a day? Or we could see if you could visit here before I go back to Hogwarts the last two weeks of vacation. It really would be fun. And it would give us both a break. Would he really not be all right with it? Even for just one day if he is busy or something?

And I don't see how Diagon could be dangerous, everyone is on the lookout for that one man. Of course, being such a busy time, most are keeping an eye on their change purse, not on the look out for a wanted man. But I really don't see why he wouldn't allow for you to visit. It would be the perfect opportunity to do something, and it would save you from the dullness of his apartment.

And what were you doing in a bar, Miss Jedynak? Drew hasn't told me of anything having to do with a fight. You're going to have to explain, because I'm not so sure Drew would be willing to tell me if he hasn't yet. Of course, I am going to ask him about it as well. But, really, I think you should just knock on his door. I'm sure he'd love to have a visitor. His parents are to be visiting for Christmas break, but I don't believe they're staying with Allegra, I'm sure they'd be more comfortable at his Aunt's home, where he's supposed to be staying. But they're all right with him being at Allegra's, and he is seventeen after all, so technically, he's a man in the eyes of the wizarding world.

That's funny to think though, isn't it? That he's seventeen, a grown wizard, and I'm still fifteen, an adolescent? I mean, it isn't really like there's any need for comparison, we're not anything but just not friends, as I've told you before. But it's still funny to think about. It makes me feel so young, but at least I'll be turning sixteen in April, so it isn't that far away and I guess when it's put that way, I don't sound quite so young.

But I really think Drew would enjoy your company, and if not, well, let me know and I'll tell him he's to enjoy your company, though I really don't have any control over him, nor would I want any. But I think he really wouldn't mind you visiting, especially since you live right next door and you're friends.

And no problem with the book. Let me know when you're done with it, though I'm sure it won't take very long, and I'll send along something else to keep you busy. I've got plenty of things here at home, it wouldn't be hard to find something to amuse you.

With Love,
F.E.H.

P.S. I'll give her nuzzles instead...she likes those.
P.P.S. Send it again, she can't ever get enough of it.

Sealing the letter, she tied it to the owl's leg with the pink ribbon secure, and pushed him out into the cold. She had to get ready for Lucas, he'd be there soon.

[Celina Jedynak]

By now the Yule Festival had begun in Diagon Alley and Celina finally took out the letter Felicity had sent to reply to her. She had had it for a couple of days, but the days had been so rotten where she couldn't even pick up the great book Felicity had sent her. No, there was little fighting between the two Jedynaks but Celina had encountered one of the worst colds she had ever gotten all of a sudden and was bed ridden with fever.

Alfonz had nursed her back to health with potions sent from their mother, but Celina still felt a bit weak from them. Side effects with Celina were common, as they had found at a very young age that Celina's immune system wasn't as up to par as many of her age. She lived, however, and sat on her bed with a piece of parchment, Hubert standing on the end of her bed, and the pink ribbon to tie it around Hubert's leg with.

Writing...she completed the letter to her Gryffindor friend.

Dear Felicity,

I’m so glad you like the ribbon! I thought you would. J I found it fit that you and I would do the same thing as Alfonz and I, for I can see our friendship becoming as close as….well….maybe sisters? But I mean that’s just a thought I had. I miss you. There’s not much to do here except read and such, and after meeting you and getting closer to Drew, well, I haven’t found much enjoyment in only doing that all the time. Isn’t that silly?

But as to answer your question, I can’t go out to London. Alfonz says that it’s to dangerous, especially for young ladies. Maybe it’s not so much to do with Deva or whatever they are calling themselves these days, as it is with people and their attraction to young girls. Alfonz is worried that I’ll be kidnapped or something. He’s a bit ridiculous at times.

So, he likes to be where I am most of the time…that is unless I’m in the apartment. He goes out a lot. Felicity, do you fight with your siblings? Alfonz and I have really been going at it lately, over silly things. I’m not sure what is wrong with him. I hope like you said, it’s just the holiday bustle. We usually don’t fight…it worries me. Do you think his encounter with Professor Brady could have anything to do with it? That scares me greatly as well. And every time I try to speak with him about it, he just gets angry. So…the first week hasn’t been the greatest. Hopefully, this week will be better. This is the week of the festival, right? Alfonz won’t speak of it, either. He doesn’t like large crowds.

But as I told you before, I’ve gone out with Alfonz already once since I got here. Yes, the bar scene. Oh, don’t bring it up with, Drew! He already doesn’t fancy Alfonz to much. It was clearly a Jedynak matter that the Thorntons were wrongfully brought into. A man who knows Alfonz and doesn’t like him likes to start a bit of trouble with us sometimes. Nothing really to worry about. The man is a drunk and just a git. I promise. There’s nothing to be worrying over. Especially, with Drew.

And about how he old is to you…well, there’s a comment I’d rather just keep to my giggling about. I’d roll my eyes at you if you were here. Seriously, my friend, I truly had a good laugh with that paragraph, but as you know, it was only in the most loving of ways for both you and Drew. Though, I do have something to compare in that sense. I’ve been in his house for five years and never once would have even thought of speaking with him. I suppose I have Emerald to thank….and hate….for that one.

I’ll see about visiting him. I do have to discuss something further with Allegra and Drew that was interrupted by that awful man in the bar. Maybe I’ll find something to say.

Well, I’m not sure of what else to say at this time. I need to get some rest, I’ve been sick for a couple of days, and not only that but I need to bug Alfonz about the food that we lack in our pantry. I think he’s forgotten I’m living here in all of the tension and with my being ill.

His mind seems to wander so….

With even more love,

Celina Icelyn Jedynak

P.S. Will do!

As she looked at her letter, Celina smiled and yawned a bit. Gesturing toward Hubert, he hoo-ed and wabbly walked toward her eventually near her sticking out his leg. She tied on the ribbon, and got up to open the window for him to fly away. As she watched him leave, she sighed and went back to bed.

[Felicity Hjort]

Making her bed, as part of her morning chores, she had her music blaring and almost didn't hear the light tapping on her window pane. Actually, she didn't hear it at all, but when she'd spun around in mid-dance, she saw the owl outside, with the pink ribbon attached.

Disentangling herself from the bedspread she'd been using as a partner, she didn't even bother with turning the music down, but at least she'd stopped singing. Creating an opening for Hubert, she pulled the creature in, unable to wait for him to decide on whether or not to fly or hop in.

Slipping the ribbon off, she unrolled the parchment and read over her friend's words. Giggling at parts, sighing at others, she was excited to write back.

Oh Lovely One,

I do believe the same. Friendship means much, but there is a change in the air when one can think of another as family. Sisters, could you believe it if we were? Imagine, if we really were? We would be a funny looking pair, we're both fair of skin, but you've a darker look and I've got such a light one. We'd have a hard time convincing anyone that we were. But in mind, my friend, I believe the same. A friend is too distant, a bestie the same, but as a sister it sounds right. A family we are, maybe not by blood, but isn't love supposedly stronger? And by love we are sisters.

I'm almost glad you miss us, reading all the time cannot be that good for the health. It's wonderful for the brain, I'm sure, but not for social skills, or for the physical. Reading is a great thing, but I'm glad we met. Were it not for Moaning Myrtle and your need to use the loo, we'd never have found each other.

About London, my family worries the same with me. In fact, last summer, when I met Drew (I know I've told you about that time), that was the first time I was allowed out by myself. Normally, I'm required to take a little one and an older one with me. I don't really know why, I mean, yes I do tend to get myself lost, but I know enough not to go up to someone, or get into a vehicle (muggle transportation) with someone. I really don't understand sometimes, but I've great news to tell later in this, wait for it.

In answer to your question, I fight with my siblings often enough. It's usually just squabbling, nothing too bad, but I understand it's normal. It might be something to do with Professor Brady, perhaps he's upset that you know about it. Maybe he's agitated because in the paper, they made it seem to be such a huge thing, and really it was a silly little duel. Or maybe he's upset the man lost his job at the Ministry soon after, perhaps it's plaguing him, or something. I'm sure it really isn't due to anything horrid, I wouldn't worry about it too much. It's part of the fun of having siblings, you fight and you make up.

But you should know by now, I do worry. Especially about my friends, and my one not-just-friend. With how much I worry about them, you wouldn't believe that I have enough room to worry about family, blood or adopted. It just worries me in itself that Drew was involved, especially when he doesn't need something like that ruining him before he even starts. There weren't wands involved were there? I really hope not.

I hope you do get the chance to speak with them, to finish your conversation.

But before I go, I need to tell you. I went with Lucas to the Yule Festival. Oh, Celina, it was so much fun. He came over to my house and met my parents, my dad scared him a bit, but he was all right. And he gave me a present; I hadn't even really thought about getting him one, but I'm working on something for him as I write. But it's the nicest thing ever. He gave me a golden locket on a chain, and he put a picture of Sammy in there. Can you believe it? I absolutely love it.

I feel ridiculous about not having something to give in return, but it's not quite Christmas yet, one day left. I'll send it along tomorrow, and I'll send yours as well. But Celina, the Festival was absolutely lovely. The lights were probably the best part, and after that the amazing things they were selling. I can't wait to go with Drew. I think that'll be something even more fun. But I was allowed to go alone with Lucas, I'm just hoping by some miracle I'll be allowed out with Drew alone, I doubt it thought. I did tell them it was a kind of date, really, it is one, I think. Sometimes, I just don't know what to think anymore.

But can you believe, Christmas is tomorrow? You're gift will be wrapped and waiting, I promise.

Lots of Love,
Sister Felicty

Reading over what she wrote, she couldn't believe that wasn't even half of what she had to say. It was too bad she didn't have a telephone, that would be so much more of a convienence.

Folding the paper, she tied the ribbon and sent the owl back off into the light.

[Celina Jedynak]

Celina received the owl that evening as she was decorating a tree that she had asked Alfonz to buy for their apartment. It wasn't large, just barely reaching her height, but it was a tree that Celina found beautiful to decorate. Wrapping around it silver garland, and pink fairy lights, Celina was just about to get the ornaments Alfonz had also gotten while he was out when a small tapping came from the Living room window. Excitedly, Celina carefully placed the ornaments down and quickly skipped over to the window.

Alfonz was in the bathroom taking a shower, so Celina felt no reservations when opening the window and allowing Hubert to jump onto her arm, climbing painfully up to her shoulder. As his talons dug in, and Celina winced a bit in pain, she quickly untied the pink ribbon from his leg and he flew to his regular perch on the back of the only chair in the living area, next to the book case.

Rubbing her shoulder, Celina looked down at the folded letter and made her way to the kitchen table. Reading the letter, Celina smiled and sighed deeply. So, much to explain back...she really wished Felicity wouldn't worry so much. Alfonz wasn't about to let anything happen at the bar to her, or the Thorntons....and wands? Well, she decided that this letter would be a little bit avoiding some aspects....for Felicity's sake.

Dearest Felicity,

Alfonz says that family ties are very strong and that blood is thicker than water. He got that saying from my father, who always says stuff like that. Though, I'm not sure if what we have between us works the same. But, I'm not sure it doesn't either.

I guess with that we'll just have to wait and see if it works or not. As for the fight, of course there were no wands. Why would anyone take out their wands on a drunk man who could barely stand? I'm telling you Felicity, it was alright and there's no need to worry. You'll see Drew soon and see that he is just fine, and I'm writing to you at this very moment. So, see, there's no need to fear.

This morning I was almost in trouble, though. Alfonz had gone out to get a Christmas tree for us. I had asked him, but I wasn't sure he'd actually get one or not. He was again upset at me this morning, I left something out and he found it reason enough to yet again yell at me. I hope the holidays passing will allow him some serenity and peace. He's been so rough with me as of late, I do truly fear that it won't end any time soon. Though, maybe you're right though, and he's upset about Professor Brady losing his job over him. Somehow, though, that doesn't seem to fit.

Any ways, as he was out this morning, I opened the apartment door thinking to myself that someone had knocked. No one was there, but before I could close the door back up, Emerald chased a mouse out of the apartment right down the stairs to the building where she met up with this awful crup animal! Thinking that it would be nice, Emerald went to make friends with the beast, but it chased her. Right out of the apartment...and you wouldn't believe this, but it chased her all the way to Diagon Alley from Wendelring.

There I ran into this girl, actually, Emerald jumped into the girl's arms. It was your Quidditch captain and Prefect Keagan. She's such a lovely person. Very sweet. I now see why your Prefects were appointed to their positions. They are both really nice people. We talked for a while, and eventually had to go our separate ways. I was lucky. Alfonz never knew I was gone.

I'm glad you had so much fun at the festival with....did you say Lucas? I never really knew if you guys were friends or not...especially after the quidditch game. Did you guys make up? I'm glad you had fun, though. The fair sounds amazing! I wish I could go and enjoy it. Today, I was too afraid to do much of anything but stand against a building and talk with the captain. Though, maybe if I pressed, Alfonz will want to go sometime after Christmas.

I have your present ready and waiting too. I'll be sending it tonight, however, with Hubert so that I know you get it. I hope you like it! Well, I must be off now. Have fun with Drew when you go to the festival with him. Send him my love, too, if you see him before I.

With much love from Emerald and I,

~Celina

Tying the small gift and letter to Hubert's leg after getting up from the kitchen table, Celina opened up the living room window and allowed the bird to fly away. Watching it, Alfonz opened the door of the bathroom and walked out to where Celina was in a pair of silky snitch boxers. Instantly, Celina was in a fit of giggles, remembering the story Felicity had told Celina of her first meeting with the older Raven. Celina shook her head shyly, as Alfonz gave her a bit of a glare to ask her what was up. "Nothing," she said to him stifling her gigles, as she thought to herself how alike Alfonz and Drew sometimes seemed to really be.

[Felicity Hjort]

The day after Christmas, really the night after, the night before she was to go on her date with Drew. Excitement and misery worked together in this time. The blonde's long locks were gone, a few tears were shed, apologies were made. But it just wasn't right. How could her nephews put candies in her hair? The gum? It just wasn't right. At least they'd been lucky enough to find a place open to chop her hair correctly, and it looked nice. It was at her shoulders, framed her face a bit, and the hairdresser had tried to make Felicity feel better by styling it in something or other she couldn't even begin to explain. All in all, it looked all right.

Hubert had arrived much earlier, but she hadn't had time to write to her friend, instead, she'd sent along her gift with him in the early hours of morning. Her letter would be sent with her mum's barn owl, he'd be up for it. The package had been wrapped in silvery paper with moving snowmen, tied in a light blue, curly-cued ribbon. It wasn't anything amazing, but she thought it was nice. A little charm bracelet, and she'd put a couple of charms on it. Felicity had ordered a couple from a wizarding shoppe, there were a broom and a cat. And from the muggle world, she'd gotten two as well. One was of a Disney Sleeping Beauty, the other was a heart that had friend written inside it. And there was a ton of room for her friend to add to it if she wished to.

Finally getting to the letter before tucking herself in bed, she wasn't sure what to write back, the holidays were down right nearly boring without her best friend at her side.

Celina-est,

It is true, blood is thicker than water, but love is still stronger. After all, even though your father may say something like what he does, he loves your mum, right? And I'm sure she isn't any less in his book than if she were his sister, and I bet his love for her is even stronger than a blood-related person. There are ties, and love strings it all along.

I'm just afraid of something happening, and he wouldn't be allowed to follow through with his dream. Maybe I do worry too much, but can I really help it? I love you guys a lot, and I want things to work out well for you all, and if something went wrong, well, that would put a damper in things. I mean, I know Drew is more than capable of handling himself in such situations, but really, what if something had happened and it went horribly wrong? I guess, I should just be grateful nothing did and all turned out well.

A crup?!? A real life crup? I'm jealous. I've never seen one before, I hear they don't care much for muggles, but like wizarding folk just fine. And you met with Keagan on top of that? Isn't she wonderful? An absolute treat, I'm telling you. I'm glad she's captain of the team, I don't think anyone else could do such a wonderful job as she.

And I'm so glad you didn't get in trouble. Really, you should be careful. Especially if he's being mean lately, try to stay on his good side. But, like I've already said, I'm sure things will be just fine soon. It's probably just a misunderstanding, or the hectic way life becomes with the holiday season.

Yes, Lucas and I are friends, even if he infuriates me at times. He's such a nice boy, very sweet and kind. Almost like Drew in a few ways, but he doesn't give me the same funny feelings as Drew. He told me he liked me, at the Halloween dance, but Celina, I told him I couldn't like him back. It wasn't that I didn't want to, it's just, I don't think I like him in that way. I mean, he isn't who I tend to think of, that's Drew.

And I hope you are allowed to attend the festival, it would be a shame if not. I can't wait to go with Drew tomorrow afternoon. I'm nearly ready to tear all the butterflies in my stomach out on my own with how active they are. The anticipation is ready to kill me, Dad's been preparing for days on how to act with him. I don't know if it's because it's technically a date, or if it's because he's a boy, or if it's because he's older. I really don't know, but I hope Drew doesn't get mad about it. I don't think he will, but I can't be sure.

And I can't wait to give Drew the pictures. I really think he'll like them. They look really nice, I found some nice frames and the arrangements came out really well. Thank you so much for your help with getting them.

Oh! I haven't told you. There's something different about me. Earlier today, at my Grandmum's and Granddad's, well, my nephews put stuff in my hair, and we had to cut it. Mum couldn't even magic it out, so, my hair is shorter. It's not cropped, thankfully, but it is dreadfully short. I'm hoping Drew will like it, since I think he liked my long hair, with the curls that could be put in it. With how short it is, the curls make it so much shorter, I don't like it. My cousin already tested it, because I wanted curls when I went out with Drew, since he seems to like those a lot.

Anyway, I think I should be getting off to bed. And really, try to convince Alfonz to allow you to attend the festival, at least for a little while.

With Love,
-Felicity

PS I hope you enjoyed your gift.

Laying her pen down, she neatly folded the letter and sent her mum's owl, telling him who to find and where she was located. Thankfully her mum had done a bit of business that way and therefore the owl knew where to go.

The pink ribbon was only noticeable against the dark sky for a moment before it was engulfed in darkness.