____________________________________________ Dressed in her new set of blue robes, Alessia rejoined Ginny, Luna and Draco in the carriage. She retook her seat, nervous about what the new year would bring, and what it would mean for her. "Draco," she asked, in a softer tone than she normally would have used for the son of a death-eater, but with a hint of anger. "Where is Crystal...? You were in charge of watching her! And now she's gone!!" He shrunk back, having experienced her anger full force before. She hissed through her teeth, looking around for any sign of her cat. Not seeing her in the carriage, she yanked the door open and stormed out into the hall, where she paced back and forth, arms crossed. On her third lap, she walked full tilt into a Hufflepuff boy, if she was to judge by the color of his robes. "Hello Alessia!" He said cheerfully. "Wh-?" "Raven. Raven Lestrange, fourth year, Slytherin." He said quickly and enthusiastically, shaking her hand. "Splendid job as Chaser in that Quidditch match end of last term." "Oh! Thanks.." She said. "Would you have happened to see my cat anywhere?" "C- cat?" He asked, then sneezed three times in rapid succession. He pointed down the hallway, wiping his nose on his sleeve. "I'm allergic." He said, the sound muffled through the fabric of his sleeve. "Well- see you around then!" She called, racing to go pick up her stray feline, as the carriage doors opened, and students began streaming out, and chattering excitedly about the feast. "Stupid cat." She mumbled, rolling her eyes, but stroking Crystal's head anyways.
