CHAPTER THIRTEEN:

A GIANT YELLOW LETTER

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      When Nova awoke the next morning, there was a lightness about her that she couldn't explain. Even Parkinson, who was angrily glaring at the wall because today was the day students left for break and that usually entailed an uncomfortable Malfoy-Nott dinner, noticed that Nova had a spring in her step, and questioned her about it when Nova made her way over to her trunk to make sure she had everything she needed.

      "You seem happy," Parkinson said, eyes narrowing into slits. "Did something happen between you and Draco?"

      "As I've said before, Parkinson, nothing is going on between us." Nova tried to slow her movements, however, as to not seem overly eager and raise questions that even she didn't have the answer for. "I'm just happy to go home, is that a crime?"

      "Yes," Millicent Bulstrode commented as she walked into the dorm from the bathroom, her hair neatly done as opposed to Nova, who had just thrown her own hair up into a ratty ponytail. "Especially because I hear you complain about your house more than anything in the world. What's got you so happy, Nott?"

      Nova ignored the two of them, folding up a shirt and placing it in her trunk. It was the last article of clothing she'd have to pack to her return home, so she closed her trunk and charmed it locked before situating the plain black top she was wearing for the ride home. It was after Nova had plopped herself onto her trunk and zipped up her boots that she heard Bulstrode let out a gasp that had her jumping. "Merlin, Bulstrode," Nova complained after her heart had regulated back to its normal beat. "What's wrong with you?"

      "What's wrong with me?" she retorted, her face screwing up in happiness and laughter. "I've figured out what's wrong with you! You're all giddy because of a bloke." Parkinson shot Bulstrode a look, which the latter quickly waved off. "Come off it, Pansy, it's not Draco. Nova looks like she wants to Avada herself when she's with Draco. This is a completely different bloke, and you fancy him!"

      "Bulstrode, I have no idea what you're talking about," Nova replied, rolling her eyes. That's what Bulstrode had concluded? That she fancied someone? Nova didn't fancy people. Her experiment with Malfoy had proved that. She just wasn't capable of feeling that way for someone. And there was the added fact that the only boy who could be considered a romantic interest in her life as of late was Weasley, who Nova couldn't fancy even if she wanted to. He was too good. He was on the side of his best friend. She automatically fell into the category of the Death Eaters because of her father. 

      "Yeah, right," Bulstrode mentioned with a smirk that suggested she didn't believe a word Nova was saying, which was very annoying to the Nott girl. "Whatever you say, Nova. When you realize that you're capable of fancying someone, come talk to me."

      Nova was certain she'd never actively search for Bulstrode, and even if she did fancy someone, the first person she would seek advice from wouldn't be any of the Slytherins. Maybe Zabini, but even Nova didn't think they were close enough for that. Theo was out of the question, considering he was still holding out hope that she and Malfoy would end up together, even if he told her he wanted her to follow her own path and be happy. "Alright, I'm off. See you lot after the holidays."

       The two sent lazy waves in her direction as Nova made her way into the Great Hall, meeting Theo with a smile. He raised an eyebrow as she loaded her plate with food, looking back and forth between Greengrass and Zabini. "Nova," he said, and she looked over at him, "you look happy this morning."

      "Is it illegal?" 

      "For you, it might actually be," Theo joked, nudging her shoulder with his. "It's nice. I like seeing you happy. Just wondering what brought it on."

       Nova shrugged. If she knew, she would tell him. However, she was just as clueless as he was. All she knew was that there was a light feeling in her stomach, paired with small butterflies, and she felt jittery inside, like someone had put electricity in her body. Perhaps it was a side effect of drinking too much pumpkin tea, which she'd had every night the past two weeks before bed, thanks to Weasley. Though it would never compete with butterbeer, it was becoming a close second. 

      When it was time to board the Hogwarts Express to arrive back home, Nova found herself excusing herself from her usual crowd of Slytherins and making her way down the train, telling herself she wasn't looking for anyone or anything in particular, but knowing it was a lie when she spotted Granger's bushy head of hair sitting with Longbottom and Lovegood in a compartment lacking Potter and Weasley. Granger sent her a wave and opened the compartment door, her eyes red like she had been crying. 

      "What's going on?" Nova asked, raising a brow. Longbottom and Lovegood were silent. "Where's Potter? Weasley?"

      "Mr. Weasley was attacked last night," Granger said sadly, and a lone tear slipped out of her eye. She wiped it away quickly. "Professor Dumbledore sent them home immediately. Harry went with them."

      "Attacked?" The word rang in Nova's ears. Weasley's father had been attacked? It didn't seem possible. Wasn't it just last night that Fred and George had trapped them underneatht he mistletoe? That small bit of laughable memory seemed so far away with the news Granger offered. "What do you mean attacked?"

      "Mr. Weasley was at the Ministry last night and he was attacked. Some kind of snake. They rushed him off to St. Mungo's immediately. Harry and Ron are going to owl me when they get more news, but..." Granger trailed off as another tear fell. "Oh, I'm being incredibly silly, crying like this. It isn't as if it's my father. But Mr. Weasley is so kind, and he doesn't deserve this at all. I'm just hoping that he's alright."

      The words were filtering through Nova's head, but she couldn't comprehend them. Weasley's father. Attacked. Ministry. Owling Granger. Nova's head was spinning with the information, and she couldn't make sense of it. If there was one thing she did make sense of, however, it was that her good mood had officially evaporated.

      Longbottom gave her a shrug when Granger continued to cry, his eyes depicting that he had even less of an idea as Nova did on how to handle Granger's tears. Silently, Nova sat next to the girl and listened to her small sniffles. "It'll be okay, Granger. They got him to St. Mungo's. That's a good sign. I wouldn't worry about it too much. Don't let it ruin your skiing." Nova still had no idea what skiing was, but she figured it was the right thing to say when Granger nodded. 

      "You're right. He's probably fine. I'm just waiting for a letter from someone to tell me what's going on."

      "Good." Nova stood, reaching out to open the door to the compartment so she could return to her twin. Before she could leave, Granger called her name and sent her a warm smile.

      "Thanks, Nova. I hope you have a happy Christmas."

      Nova nodded in acknowledgement as she left the compartment, making her way back to the familiar faces in her life. Malfoy was trying to talk to Crabbe and Goyle with Parkinson latched onto his arm, nodded enthusiastically at everything she said. Zabini was chatting to Greengrass and her little sister, who was looking at Blaise like he was the reason the sun shone in the sky. Nova smirked a little at the obvious affection on Astoria Greengrass's face. And then there was Theo, his hand in his girlfriend's and nodding at something Zabini was saying.

      Nova hated to admit it. She didn't want to. But all of them meant something to her. (Save Parkinson, but that was because Nova hadn't met anyone more annoying). As she stared at them from outside of the compartment, feeling more disconnected from them than ever, she knew that they were the reason that she'd stayed the stereotypical Slytherin for as long as she had.

      And it was why she'd fight, so they didn't end up like their parents. 

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      "Theodore, I've just heard from Polonius Greengrass that you've begun courting their eldest daughter."

      There was no greeting. There were no questions about how their few months at Hogwarts had been, or whether or not they were excited for Christmas. There had been no expression of gratitude that they were home, and no hug when the two stepped off the Hogwarts Express onto the platform at King's Cross.

      These were the first words the twins heard their father speak, and only when they arrived back at the Nott manner, away from any muggleborns or blood traitors. Nova stayed silent at the dinner table, bringing her fork to her mouth. She had learned over the years that it was easier to sit and be ignored while her father discussed things with Theo. In fact, she found she preferred it.

      "Yes, Father," Theo replied with a nod. "Daphne and I have started dating. For about two months now."

      "And things are going well?" their father questioned. Nova tried to bite her tongue. Theo and Daphne were none of his business. of course, she couldn't very well say that.

      "Things are going extremely well. Daphne's a wonderful person," Theo responded, and the smile on his face was enough to calm Nova down. "How is Polonius doing, Father? He's just gotten promoted, hasn't he?"

      Nova noticed the subject change and the wink Theo sent her when their father wasn't looking, seemingly delighted that Theo wanted to know about how the Greengrass family was doing. Nova continued to eat her meal in silence, accepting the cup of red wine that Rinks brought her halfway through the meal. It was when she had the glass to her lips that her father decided to acknowledge that she existed, the smile slipping off his face as he looked at her.

      "And Konstantinova? How's Draco Malfoy doing?"

      "Draco is actually dating Pansy Parkinson," Nova responded. At the glare that overtook her father's face, she quickly corrected. "I did mention that this is because I'm studying hard for my O.W.L. exams. I don't want any distractions, so I may receive better scores on the test."

      "Nova's doing wonderful in school, Father," Theo added in to save her, and Nova shot him a grateful smile. "All the professors are very impressed with her this year. I reckon she's the smartest witch Hogwarts has to offer." Nova didn't bother arguing that the title probably belonged to Granger, instead choosing to look at the reluctant sigh her father let out.

      "Very well, then. Perhaps after O.W.L. examinations." His tone made it obvious that perhaps wasn't the right word to use. Definitely probably would have worked better.

      After the uncomfortable meal, the three separated to their respective rooms. Once Nova was sure she was alone, she sat at the exquisite desk in her room and drew out a piece of parchment as well as a quill, her brain trying to figure out what she would write.

      Weasley, she started.

      Granger mentioned what happened to your father. I feel an apology is necessary. So, I apologize that your father is hurt. I do hope he feels better soon and is healthy in time for Christmas, so that your family can celebrate together. 

      I would also like to take this time to clear something up. The kiss was Fred and George's doing. We couldn't have stopped the enchanted mistletoe from appearing. I hope that it doesn't affect what's been happening. And by that I mean... we're friends, right? At least, as close as I can get to having friends. For some reason, you, Granger, and Potter took a chance on me, which is something I'll always be appreciative for. So, I'd like to assume we're friends.

      I hope your Christmas goes well, and give Fred and George and Ginny the same well wishes. And Potter. He's with you there, isn't he?

      - Nova Nott.

      The owl she and Theo share was in a room down the hall. She stuck her head out of her room and made sure her father and Theo were occupied before tiptoeing to the end of the hallway and entering the room, immediately smiling as the owl hooted.

      "Evening, Grey. Mind delivering this for me?" Grey hooted in acknowledgement and Nova opened his cage, running her finger along the feathers on his spine. "This is a letter to Ronald Weasley, okay?" Grey stared at her in disgust, as if the name brought a bad taste to his mouth. "I know, I know. But... the Weasley's are good people, despite what Father says. I just need you to deliver it, alright?"

      Grey reluctantly nodded and Nova gave him an owl treat before placing the letter between his beak. When she opened the window, he rushed through it and out into the open air, disappearing from view after five minutes. Nova watched him go with a sense of melancholy. She wished she could just fly away, like Grey could. She didn't turn when she heard the door open and close once more, knowing that her father would never set foot in this room.

      "We'll get through it," Theo mentioned as he moved to stand next to her, reassuring her like he always did. "It's just two weeks, and we'll be back at Hogwarts in no time."

      He didn't understand. Two weeks was enough time to convince him to become a Death Eater. Two weeks was enough to poison him against Nova and the people she now called her friends. Two weeks was plenty of time. "I hope so," she replied in lieu of her actual thought process, and accepted the embrace he offered, shrugging his arm over her shoulders and pulling her close.

      "You were happy this morning. I wish you'd stay like that forever. I hate that being here makes you so upset," Theo whispered, for fear that their father was listening. Nova squeezed her eyes shut, imagining that the two of them were far away, raised with a family who didn't believe in the things their father did. 

      "Do you ever wish we could get away from here?" Nova asked. "Just get on our brooms, or Floo somewhere new. Somewhere where this doesn't exist. This hatred, this evil."

      "It's always existed," Theo replied softly. "And it always will. It's just a matter of how well we handle it and how used to it we become. Evil's all around us, Nova."

      Nova supposed he was right. Still, she couldn't help but disagree that evil was all around when Grey woke her up with a soft hoot at ten the next morning, alerting her to the fact that he had an envelope in his mouth. Nova was quick to grab it, offering Grey another owl treat as she ripped the envelope open, her eyes greedily taking in the words on the page.

      Nova,

      Dad's okay. We visited him today at St. Mungo's and he seems to be doing a lot better. It was a nasty attack, but luckily they got to him in time and the Healer says he'll be good to in a week or two. He'll have to spend Christmas here, but that's alright. 

      About the kiss, don't worry about it. It was Fred and George's fault, you're right. It won't be awkward. Hermione's joined us, said skiing isn't her thing. Did she ever actually tell you what skiing was? Apparently muggles stand on two sticks and propel themselves down a snowy hill. Sounds absolutely ridiculous to me, but Hermione says people love doing it. But anyway, she's here, so Dad will be happy about more people. She also says that yes, we're friends, if that's something you're worried about. I've never seen you worry, though, so I don't think you are.

      There were several ink blotches on the piece of parchment, as if someone had tried to steal the quill from Weasley's fingers. When the next line of words started, it was in a completely different handwriting.

      Our little rogue Slytherin! Please ignore whatever grammatical errors our Ronniekins has made, he's not the brightest in the family, but we hope you have a wonderful Christmas! Things have been quite tense around here, so hearing about your pain and misery about being at home has definitely lifted our spirits (we mean that in a loving way, naturally). Hope you have a happy Christmas!

      - The two superior Weasley boys.

      Nova could imagine the Christmas the Weasley twins would be having. They would be surrounded by family, probably in St. Mungo's with their father and living in the happiness that he was okay. They probably wouldn't get many gifts, but that just meant that the ones the did get would mean so much more. There would be "I love you's" passed all around and at the end of the night, they would go to bed feeling content.

      Nova would never have that.

      When Theo walked into her room an hour later, the letter had been hidden in her Hogwarts trunk, underneath her piles of clothes shaded with green and silver. "Happy Christmas, Nova. Dad left somewhere with Mr. Malfoy, but he gave us each some new clothes. And there's something else for you."

      Nova raised a brow but followed Theo down to the kitchen, where Rinks had set up breakfast for them. Nova accepted the plate of giant waffles and grabbed the bag closest to her with her name on it. There was a sweater of velvet shaded the dark Slytherin green she'd become so familiar with. There were some other clothes that probably cost too much, but Nova nodded. It was expected. Something impersonal, something that Nova could return if she wished. It was the same as every Christmas.

       "I asked Dad about this months ago," Theo said, giving Nova and excited look as he held out a box to her. "He was hesitant at first, but I convinced him. I didn't think it was fair that I had Mother's bracelet and you had nothing."

      Nova opened the velvet box and saw the beautiful emerald necklace immediately. It was the same shade as the sweater her father had given her, and Nova recognized it immediately as the necklace her mother used to wear. When she looked up at Theo, her eyes were wide. "No, Theo. Father's right. I don't want to wear it. I'll probably lose it, or damage it -"

      "You aren't going to lose it. You aren't going to damage it. You aren't going to make it spontaneously burst into flames," Theo said, rolling his eyes. 

      "How do you know for certain?" Nova asked. "How could you possibly know that?"

      The stare Theo gave Nova was one she had received before, when they were younger. It was the night their mother had died, and Theo had tiptoed down the hall and into Nova's room. "I don't want to sleep alone," he had said, and Nova had helped him make a small shield of blankets and pillows on the floor. When all was silent in the room, Nova had taken in a shaky breath.

      "I don't know how I'm supposed to be without her," Nova had whispered into the blackness.

      When she had looked down at him, he was giving her a look full of kindness, compassion, and pride. "You'll get through it," Theo had replied in a low voice. "I know you will. I believe it. We'll get through this." And then his hand had found hers in the dark, and they had fallen asleep like that. The next morning, Theo didn't complain about the pins and needles he felt in his hand from it being stuck in the same position all night long.

      He was giving her that same look now. Kindness. Compassion. Pride. Love. It was there, so clearly on his face that Nova wanted to sob. "Because I know you," he replied, shrugging his shoulders as if that was explanation enough.

      Edgar Nott didn't mention anything when it was time to leave for the Malfoy house and his daughter was sporting a new emerald pendant, hanging between her two collarbones over the elegant black dress she was wearing. 

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      "You look nice," Malfoy said as they sat awkwardly at the dinner table. Lucius had sprung into a conversation with Theo about his dating Daphne Greengrass and Edgar was chatting with Narcissa about something else. "I noticed Elizabeth's necklace. It suits you."

      Nova appreciated the compliment, and the fact that he was acting as if nothing had happened between the two of them. He was acting as he had before the relationship, before Nova had broken the little piece of love he had in his heart. "Thanks, Malfoy. What about you? What did you get for Christmas?"

      He shrugged. "The usual. A new broomstick, more robes, anything in Slytherin green you can think of."

      Nova cracked a smile at the joke. "Would it be blasphemous to say that I now dislike the color green?"

      Malfoy smirked. "Absolutely blasphemous. How dare you even joke about it."

      Dinner passed uneventfully. Narcissa grinned happily when Malfoy and Nova traveled to his room, which is what usually happened at these Christmas dinners. Apparently it was only important now because Narcissa was convinced the two were in love and were going to start planning the wedding while up there, but the two entered Malfoy's room about three feet away from each other. Nova sat on the familiar bed and kicked her heels off, sighing.

      "My mother's been eyeing us all night," Malfoy mentioned, sitting next to her. "Have you noticed?"

      "Of course, and only because my father's been doing the same." Nova awkwardly wrung her hands. "How are things with Parkinson? She mentions it sometimes. She seems to be happy."

      "Things with Pansy are fine. The usual, naturally." Malfoy looked exasperated, like Parkinson had slowly begun to suck the life out of him. Nova suspected her guess wasn't that far off the mark. "And you? How are things for you?"

      Nova shrugged. There was so much she was hiding from him, from everyone, that she felt she couldn't answer properly. He sighed "Well," he said after a few moments of silence. "I hope you're doing well. I wish that for you."

      "I appreciate that. I wish that for you, as well," she replied softly. And she did. She hoped that he would be happy, outrageously happy, like she knew he would be when he stopped hanging on to the idea of her. Of being with her. When Nova heard her father's voice call that they were leaving, Nova sent Malfoy a minuscule smile. "Happy Christmas, Malfoy."

      "Happy Christmas, Nova."

      Once back at the Nott manor, the three went their separate ways again. Unlike the night before, Nova didn't have to sneak a letter to Grey, so she simply got into her pajamas once more and turned her light off, lying underneath the covers in her bed and listening to the wind whistle from her window. After a few moments, she heard something that most definitely wasn't wind, and opened her eyes.

      An unfamiliar looking owl had something strapped to its talons. Nova quickly moved from her place on the bed and rushed to the window, letting the owl soar into her room and plop on her bed with a thump. The owl blinked at her as she untied the parcel from its talons, removing the lid from the lump-shaped box. 

      Inside sat a piece of parchment with neat handwriting, all loops and curves. Underneath that was some kind of woolen material that Nova couldn't identify. 

      Happy Christmas, Nova. My sons have told me you might need some Christmas cheer (and that it gets awfully cold in your home), so I hope you enjoy. Hope your holidays are wonderful. Thank you for the well wishes about my husband.

      - Molly Weasley

      Nova lifted the fabric from the box, unfurling it to reveal a knitted sweater. Instead of the normal Slytherin green she expected in clothing, this sweater was a Ravenclaw blue, with a large yellow 'N' knitted into the front. A Weasley sweater. She had seen the Weasley kids wearing them, of course, but seeing it in her hands, Nova was unable to take her eyes off it.

      The owl hooted, reminding Nova that he wanted a treat. She was quick to shove two in his mouth before releasing him back into the world, all the while clutching the sweater like it was a life preserver. In a sense, it was. It was recognition that she was changing, become worthy of something like a Weasley sweater. Recognition that there were people in the world who could care for someone like her.

      So, as she brought the sweater to her nose to conceal the sounds of the sobs that suddenly wracked her, she realized for the first time in a long time, her tears were that of joy. Joy that someone could care. Joy that she had received a gift so personal, instead of the impersonal clothes her father gave her. Joy that somewhere out there in the world, was love.

      Nova wore the green velvet sweater the next morning as she sat down for breakfast at the Nott's table, Rinks rushing around to deliver orange juice to the three Notts. But upstairs, hidden in her trunk much like the letter Weasley had written her, was the blue sweater with a yellow 'N,' which had kept her warm throughout the entire night.

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This chapter was hard to write, I'll admit, mostly because I didn't know how I wanted Nova to react to the kiss! I think I did a pretty alright job with her character, however, so along with this chapter being difficult to write, I'm very proud of it. I hope you enjoyed!