Back in the common room there was a crackling fire. Sighing, Lilac plopped onto one of the couches and pulled a book out. Feeling soothed she forgot about Leece. Mary on the other hand was scribbling down a letter. She had indeed needed money for a gift for her mother but not for a birthday. Mary had very poor exam results worse than everyone else in the first form North tower. Her mother had been very angry and had sent her a very mad letter. Mary was crushed and was trying to console her mom with a gift. Mary had indeed begun to feel very sick. She told herself when she couldn't focus in lessons that it was her own fault for being dumb! Tammy had begun to notice red spots on Mary's rather pale cheeks. "You all right old girl." Mary smiled at her and said, "Of course Tammy, just a little chilly that's all." The very next day during maths Mary let out a long and hoarse cough. Mrs. Potts looked concerned. "Why Mary you look quite ill let me take you to matron." Mary swiftly shook her head. "Im fine." she said in a hoarse voice. 

Tina spoke up. "Oh will you stop sucking up to Potty!" Mary's face turned even redder. "I'm not sucking up you dreadful brat!" Mary snapped. She turned away. After lessons Tammy went up to Mrs. Potts. "Oh Mrs. Potts I'm afraid Mary isn't well." Tammy, then after being reassured by Mrs. Potts went and found Mary and dragged her to the san. Mary was reluctant to go but fell into a deep sleep as soon as her head hit the pillow. Tammy headed back to their dormy happily knowing she had done the right thing. "I say Lilac, head off to tennis or Rain shall scold you hard." Said Tammy. Frantically Lilac jumped up and headed off to the courts. "All right girls pair up." Called Rain. Lilac paired up with a kind looking third former named Katie. Lilac lost but she didn't mind. She stared breathlessly at Katie who smiled down on her. "Jolly well played." Said Katie. Lilac practically skipped away. As she did she knocked into Willa the spiteful fourth former she had heard yelling at Rain."Watch where you're going shrimp." Said Willa snottily. She stocked off. Lilac headed back to the common room. 

"Everyone!" Cried Tammy. Lilac walked up to her. They were crowded around Ambrosia. "Its my birthday and well, look!" There was a basket filled with treats. Tinned pineapple, sardines, biscuits and jam, roast beef and a gingerbread cake! "Oh how splendid!" Roared the girls in delight. "We must have a feast!" Cried Tammy! "Shush," said Jalissa. Tammy gave her a puzzled look. "We don't want a spoil sport like Tina coming along." Said Jalissa mischievously. Unfortunately for them Tina had slipped out of the loo at that time and heard it all. Fuming she decided to sneak on them. Now they won't have fun will they, she thought spitefully. She smiled happily. As she walked out all the girls quickly covered the food. Tina, frowning, walked from the room. Jalissa looked at the girls. "Tomorrow, the exams." she said a glint in her eye. Tina heard that too. Oh this is going down, she thought angrily.