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Chapter Six: Similarities

Everything finally seemed to be going right in my life. Ron began dating Lavender Brown, who was obnoxious and I really just couldn't stand the girl, but at least he was happy. Hermione of course was jealous at first of them, but she's mananging very well to keep her feelings inside. She's focusing on her Apparation exam and studying for her classes. Harry has been meeting with Dumbledore a lot, so it kept him from following Draco around as much.

Then there was Cathal and I. Finally I had a boyfriend and after all this time it was worth the wait, because I can't imagine dating anyone better. He was so sweet and easy going. Despite him always being busy with Head Boy tasks, he somehow made time for me. We went to Hogsmeade together just the two of us to have lunch and look at books. He would always sit with me at dinner and then would go to the library with me after to help me study for the O.W.L.s. Everything was perfect.

There was one week left until Christmas break and I would be going back to the Weasley's. I didn't want to hang around here. Cathal was interning at the Department of Magical Law Enforcement for most of it. Hermione was going on vacation with her parents, so it was Harry and I who were going with the Weasleys. After dinner tonight, Cathal walked me to the library but he couldn't stay because of a meeting with the Heads of Houses. I left late and, of course, I ran into Draco. It was almost after curfew and he was nowhere near the Slytherin common room. "What are you doing up here?" I asked him.

He literally looked like I gave him a heart attack. When he looked up his eyes looked tired and there were bags under his eyes. Was he even a bit skinnier? "Bloody hell Riley," he snapped. "Way to sneak up on me."

"I wasn't. I was standing right in front of you," I answered staring at his tiresome appearance. "So why are you here?" I asked again confused. I know he was a prefect and all, but normally he stayed around the dugeons this late at night.

"Does that really matter?" he spat.

"No I guess not," I said rolling my eyes and went to pass him. He was acting so strangely lately, better to just ignore him. I managed to pass him just before he thought of something else to say.

"Heard about your boyfriend," he called and I turned around.

"Now does that really matter?" I mocked while smirking at him. He was also so intrusive in other people's businss but whenever anyone asked questions about him, he snapped.

"How typical," he spat walking closer to me. "Perfect Head Boy dating the girl whose top of her class. How boring can you two get?" I rolled my eyes not responding to him. "Doesn't it bother you that you're practically dating yourself in guy form?"

"What are you talking about?" I asked him confused.

"You two are the same bloody person. It's rather weird if you ask me."

"Well good thing I didn't ask you. Plus, why wouldn't I want to date someone with similar interest?" I pointed out. It's a good thing to have someone you see eye to eye with. There's no room for arguing really.

"Haven't you heard opposites attract?" he said stepping forward with a smirk. I gave him a dry look, he had to be absolutely kidding. Not only did he stop talking to me, he became an even bigger jerk. He hated me a few minutes ago and now he liked me? Draco took another step but I took a step back. "Don't you miss how things were last year?" 

"That was a mistake," I stated stepping back.

"I know you don't mean that," he said coolly and proceeded to step forward once more. Why was he doing this? Draco was by far one of the most complicated people I have ever met in my life. I'd never understand him. He looked at me with those grey eyes.

"Keep dreaming," I snapped and then turned around. I was done with Draco. I didn't want anything to do with him. He messed with me last year and he would keep messing with me this year. I kept walking and didn't look back at him.

I spent the night before Christmas break with Cathal. We just planned on  walking around the school and forgetting about studying for a while. He held my hand as we walked to the lake, he was telling me all about his internship. Sadly, you had to be seventeen to apply so I wouldn't have been able to do it. In the future though I would like too. "What will you do at the Weasley's?" he asked.

"No idea," I answered shrugging. "But it's always entertaining, especially since they'll be having a lot more guest this year."

"That does sound fun," he answered smiling. "And I'll be at work for the Holidays," he added sadly.

We sat there and talked way past curfew, but it was okay because Cathal was Head Boy and we wouldn't get in trouble. Surprisingly, there were perks to dating the Head Boy because we could break rules without getting in trouble. We walked back to the common room and stopped before we went our separate ways. "Have a good holiday," Cathal said leaning in and kissing me. It became passionate as he wrapped his arms tightly around my waist. I truly liked Cathal. "I'll owl you plenty over break," he said as he stepped back, but kissed me quickly once again.

"I'll make sure to write. Happy Christmas," I said. I sad to leave him. Even if it was just for break.

Christmas break passed quickly as a lot was going on. There were a lot of people staying at the Weasley's and there were a lot of visitors. Fred and George made it fun, but I could sense the seriousness of what was going on. The members of the Order of the Phoenix kept stopping by to speak with Arthur and Harry. Mrs. Weasley always seemed to try and cover it up with something cheerful, but it didn't look like situations were getting any better. 

Harry wouldn't stop with telling them that Draco was a Death Eater, but even they didn't seem to believe him which put him in an angry mood all week. Ron seemed happy to be on a break from Lavender, which surprised me because the two were extrememly clinging not long ago. Then there was Ginny, who also seemed to be upset. I caught her having a moment with Harry, and asked her if she knew he liked her. Ginny nodded. I asked her if she liked him too, and she nodded.

"What about Dean?" I asked her seeming confused.

"I don't know," she said and sighed. "I like him, it's just...we fight so much lately to the point where we're mad at one another more than we are kind. I'm not sure if it's worth it anymore?"

"I suppose you'll figure that out when we get back to school," I said with a shrug. "Talk to him, see how he feels." 

"I'll have to do that," she said. "How are things with Cathal?" 

"Good," I answered. "Really good," I added with a smile.

"I'm happy for you, he seems really sweet," Ginny said. "You two are practically the same person." My smiled quickly faded. That's exactly what Draco said. Those words sunk into me, so other people were noticing that as well? It wasn't like Ginny and Draco ever speak. I looked back up at Ginny with a smile, covering up the fact that it bothered me. 

Once we arrived back at Hogwarts, everything went back to the way it was before. Cathal was the first person I looked for and was so happy to see him. I thanked him for the lovely gift he sent me over break. Yet those words were still sinking into me. 'You two are the same person.' 'You two are so similar.' Even more people began saying it to me. Harry, Ron, Lavender, and Luna also pointed it out. I also then noticed how much we agreed with one another. We were always saying, 'me too' or 'same'. Why did people have to point that out in the first place? I was just going to try to ignore them and carry on with how we were. So what if we got along great? Wasn't that the point of being in a relationship?

Ron and Lavender weren't doing so well, well for Ron anyways. He was always hiding from her. I covered for him about eight times when she was looking for him. Classes were of course, the same as usual. Snape was really a great Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. Slughorn was much nicer to me and reminded me about the upcoming Slugclub meeting one day at class. Draco's face snapped over in disbelief and I couldn't resist smirking at him. Draco looked back at me coldly but turned his head. He wasn't too happy. Unfortunately, I think Cathal caught my smirk, but he didn't say anything about it. 

Earlier I was walking around with Luna, she was searching for some unknown magical bug and wanted me to come along so I figured why not. Eventually she figured it didn't come out in the winter and returned to the common room. I just felt like walking that day. I needed a break from studying, it was getting to be too much. I was walking around, just exploring Hogwarts while realizing I haven't gone to my secret balcony much this year. I used to be there almost every day a few years ago.

While sneaking back up there, it was empty as usual. Now that I actually have friends, I didn't need to hide up here anymore. Sitting down, I looked out at the stars and at the courtyard. It was so beautiful at night. I got up to lean against the balcony. Snow covered the Hogwarts ground and I watched it fall. How beautiful. From a far I saw something moving. I eyed it closely. Was that an owl?

Owl's never delivered to Hogwarts this late, they always arrived in the morning. I watched as it flew closer and closer, as if it was coming towards me. Once it got even closer, I noticed it was flying towards me while holding something. I stepped back as it landed it's sharp claws on stone railing. The black owl eyes me with it's yellow eyes, as it lifted it's claw towards me. Hesitantly, I took it quickly. The owl then flew off. How strange. There was nothing written on the envelope. Perhaps it wasn't for me? Well, there was only one way to found out. I tore open the letter.

Caoimhe,

We have yet to met, but believe me that day is coming. At the moment, I don't have much to say. I have a task for you. Trust me, you will find that out soon as well. I have heard a lot about you. I have heard that you have befriended the famous Harry Potter. That you're not in Slytherin. You must learn to make the right decisions and realize what is coming, excuse me...will be coming soon. Tell Harry Potter, Dumbledore, or anyone about this letter and there will be consequences. I know where Cathal McEvoy resides and I will find him along with the rest of your friends if you say a word.

Lorcan Riley