Chương 20: The Letter
Loud footsteps were coming up the stairs. Quinn flung herself away from Albus, just as the door swung open. It must've been a strange sight indeed. Albus was sitting stiffly at the edge of the bed meanwhile Quinn was panting slightly at the front of the bed, and both of them had bright blushing cheeks. Lily raised her eyebrows slightly.
"Mum's making breakfast if you want to head down Albus," She said.
Albus left the room silently, the flush from his cheeks still vibrant as he closed the door behind him. Lily turned to face Quinn, smirking slightly.
"So what were guys doing?"
Quinn hesitated before answering.
"Albus used rather annoying tactics to wake me up so I hit him in the face with a pillow," and I nearly kissed him. She finished in her head.
"Ah yes of course," lily said disbelieving.
Quinn climbed out of bed, running her fingers hurriedly through her messy hair.
"Time for breakfast right," Quinn said, slightly out of breath.
"Yes, but-"
"Well then let's get going," Quinn said, interrupting lily.
A few minutes later they trooped downstairs in their Christmas pajamas. Albus was sitting at the table, twirling his fork over his plate. Quinn sat down at the table, happily accepting the plate that Mrs. Potter handed her. Lily looked between them skeptically, noting the avoided eye contact. Everyone ate rapidly, shoveling down their food then bolting to the beautifully decorated Christmas tree. It was strung with tinsel and every branch glistened with silver and red baubles. There was a massive pile of Christmas gifts piled underneath the tree. The family and Quinn all crowded around the tree, Mr. and Mrs. Potter both sitting in plump chairs and all the kids sitting on the floor. Quinn happily watched as Albus, Lily, and James all unwrapped present after present.
"Here,' Lily said handing Quinn a small box. Quinn grinned widely as she tore the silver paper off the box to reveal a delicate gold friendship bracelet with a small heart shaped charm.
"Thanks Lily!" Quinn said, embracing Lily in a hug. The rest of Christmas morning flew and a few hours later Quinn sat in Lily's room, doodling aimlessly in a notebook when a series of small taps interrupted her thoughts. She looked up to see her grey owl perched outside of the window, gently drumming her beak on the frosted glass.
"Artemis?" Quinn said, getting up to open the window. "What are you doing here?"
Artemis stretched out her leg, revealing a tight scroll. Quinn unwound the scroll, reading it quickly. Her eyes darted back and forth. She inhaled sharply as she reached the end of the page. She clenched her jaw, simultaneously crushing the thick paper in her fist.
"Not again," she said, closing her eyes. She grabbed her bag off the floor, shoving her clothes into it. She paused, feeling the familiar sting of repressed tears. A jolt of pain ripped through her abdomen as her gut constricted with apprehension. The rough material of her t-shirt tightened beneath her fingers as she clenched her fists. She opened her eyes, taking a deep breath. A light knock make her jump.
Albus approached Quinn nervously as she shoved a wad of clothes into her stuffed backpack. He cleared his throat to get her attention.
"Wha- what are you doing?"
"Oh, sorry but my mom wanted to see me. You know, since it's Christmas and everything." Quinn said, quickly.
"Oh yeah, I guess that makes sense," Albus said, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Did you need me for something?" Quinn asked, glancing up at Albus.
"Oh! I got you a present,"
"Really?" Quinn said, as he handed her the gift bag.
"I didn't want to give it to you in front of the family." He said rubbing the back of his neck nervously.
"Why, it is dirty?" She asked laughing.
"No, it's just I have a slight feeling that Lily and James would make a-," he paused for a moment, "-a bigger deal out of this than what it is,"
Quinn nodded in understanding as she pulled the tissue paper out, letting it drift gently to the floor. She grinned as she pulled out an ancient copy of "A Christmas Carol" and a jar of homemade hot chocolate mix.
"The perfect evening," Quinn said, flipping the book open and sniffing the pages.
"I thought you would enjoy it," Albus said, grinning sheepishly.
"It's perfect," Quinn said, her eyes finding his.
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