February 21st, 1892 — Library

With less than four months until her OWLs and subsequent departure from school, Alice had become more overwhelmed and stressed than ever before. Between her parents' frequent letters discussing the potential sale of the farm and the additional three students she took on to study, she was nearing a breaking point. It was incredibly difficult to manage her own courseload and determination to copy down as many higher level spells as she could without the added strain of managing their courseloads as well. Yet, somehow, she hadn't broken yet.

Alice knew with absolute certainty that Calla was still determined to talk her out of leaving, and so when the Hufflepuff joined her at her usual table in the library dread crawled its way up her spine. While it was possible Calla was joining her to study only, the look on her friend's face felt too out of place. "Good afternoon," Alice greeted with a tense smile. Merlin, she prayed Calla wouldn't push the issue today. "I'm working on the potion's essay if you wanted to do it with me."

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