Chapter 17

It was Sunday and there were only three days left until Christmas. I was on my way back to the mirror when suddenly my path was blocked by a couple of ginger twins. I looked up in surprise and immediately saw their concerned expressions.

"Kendra-"

"Are you guys alright? You look like someone's dying?" I attempted a laugh, but it died as I saw their expressions remain.

"Are you alright?"

I look at Fred and roll my eyes.

"Guys, I'm fine. Promise."

"Well, if you're alright, then you wouldn't mind spending a day with is, right?"

I inwardly sighed at George's words. I should have realized they'd get worried. I had been pretty much ignoring them since I found the mirror. I felt my gut sinking, knowing I'd been pushing away some of my only friends, but yet I still just wanted to see the mirror. I looked at their worried and concerned faces again, and finally decided the mirror wasn't going anywhere.

"Sure, lead the way."

By the end of the day, I'd almost completely forgotten about the mirror. Besides, perhaps it was better to spend time with the some of the people I saw in the mirror, out of the mirror. These people I could talk and laugh with. With a mirror, I could only stare and wish for things I could never have. At the end of the night, I couldn't help a huge smile sneaking on my face as I watched them laugh. Yeah, this was definitely better than a mirror.

                                                ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Christmas was great. Harry and Ron all decided that one day without research wouldn't hurt and we got to spend Christmas together. I was speechless when I opened up one of my gifts to find a Weasley sweater. It was a beautiful bright red color and I immediately slipped it on.

I happily made my way down to the common room. The rest of the day went well until dinner. We were all eating dinner together and having a great old time. However, I started to remember last Christmas.

With my family.

I didn't realize I was zoning out until Harry bumped my arm.

"Are you alright?"

"What?" I startled back to realization. I fought back the tickle in my nose which meant I was going to cry if I didn't change the subject right now. "Oh, yeah, sorry. I just zoned out for a bit."

He looked concerned for a bit longer but let me alone once I started eating again.

At least Fred and George didn't notice, because it would probably be a while longer until they left me alone. I finished my dinner and the rest of the night went well. I was able to block out the thoughts of my family that would only sober the mood. I went to bed that night content and full of food.

I know, really short chapter after way too long a break. I promise I'm not giving up on this book. School is just killing me with homework AND I keep getting sick. Thanks for sticking with me.