Coral Fernsby ~ Chapter Six

Instructions

Coral’s first day of classes at Hogwarts was a success. That was if you ignored Bella. She liked teasing Coral and Whitney. Coral’s mom used to tell stories of things she saw at Hogwarts. She used to be in the same year as Harry Potter—Bella and Coral reminded her of a Draco Malfoy/Harry Potter kind of relationship. Potions was her least favorite subject (most students disliked the subject). History of Magic was downright boring and Transfiguration and Defense Against the Dark Arts were alright. She really loved Charms, though. The first week was like the first day, but Bella really was starting to become a pain. “You know,” Bella would say in the corridors or while waiting to get in to potions, “I think Flynn is starting to like me now.” Flynn scowled darkly every time she said this. Coral felt bad for him. His best friend, Porter Hite tried to make him ignore Bella, but Flynn just got agitated. Lainey explained that Flynn was her cousin and he hated Bella with all his heart. She was about to say who he liked, but stopped when he entered the room they were sitting in. They did flying classes, which Coral loved. She hoped to try out for the Quidditch team when she was old enough. “That works out perfectly!” said Whitney, “a Chaser and the Seeker are Seventh Years, so there’s two spots available for next year!” “Great!” The next day when the owls flew in to deliver mail, one large barn owl landed in front of Coral during breakfast. She untied the letter from the owl’s leg and opened it. Two separate letters fell out of the envelope and she picked them up. They were from her sisters, Ivy and Piper She picked up Ivy’s first. Dear Coral, I hope Hogwarts is good. Home is good. You’re really lucky and I can’t wait to see you during summer and Easter and Christmas holidays if you come home. I hope you’re making friends. Love, Ivy Coral remember her not-so-tidy handwriting, she opened Piper’s letter, just noticing Whitney reading over her shoulder. Hi Coral, I’m so jealous you get to go to Hogwarts! What house are you in? Did you make any friends? Ooooh, do you have a crush on someone? What’s your favorite class? What about your least favorite class? I can’t wait to go to Hogwarts with you! What house do you think I’ll get? Ooh, I hope Mum and Dad get me a cat or owl! Eeeeee! I’m so impatient! Love from, Piper “Awww,” said Whitney, “Your sisters are so sweet!” “Eh, sometimes,” grumbled Coral. Whitney handed her a spare bit of parchment while Coral rummaged in her bag for a quill. She wrote, Dear Piper and Ivy, I’m so glad you both wrote to me! Hogwarts is great! I got in Hufflepuff, I can’t wait for both to come here! (And for the record, I think you’ll both be in Slytherin). I made a new best friend, her name is Whitney, and she is currently reading over my shoulder. And no, Piper, I don’t have a crush on anyone, unlike you, you hopeless romantic! My favorite class is Charms, and I don’t like Potions. I miss you! Love, Coral Coral folded her letter and tied it back onto the owl’s leg, and the owl took off. “You’re so sweet, Coral,” said Whitney, “Is Piper really a romantic?” “Nope! Quite the opposite! Hates everyone,” giggled Coral. Whitney leaned over to Coral and whispered, “Flynn is looking at you.” “What?” Coral swung around to look at Flynn, who turned red and looked away. Coral felt her face turning pink and looked back at Whitney, who was dying with a fit of giggles. “Ooh, Coral!” She wheezed. Coral tried changing the subject. “Er—Charms starts soon, shall we go?” Whitney giggled again, “Subject-changer, but sure, why not?” During Charms Coral every now and then snuck looks at Flynn, who was always staring at her. Did Flynn really like Coral? Bella would be jealous if she found out, but Coral didn’t want her finding out. Coral didn’t know what to feel. She didn’t like Flynn anything more than a friend…but… Later that night, the lay awake in bed, the same thoughts rotated through her mind. She stayed awake, stroking Bear until she assured herself that Flynn didn’t like her, he was just looking at her. Yes, that. Even if Coral tried to make herself believe it, it just wouldn’t happen. She knew she was wrong.