Fighting Friends Smiling Enemies

When Gabby went down to the Great Hall on Monday, she decided that today she would not eat alone. As she approached the table she looked around. She saw two girls sitting in silence together off to the side. Gabby took a deep breath and walked to where they were.

"Can I sit here?" Gabby asked while forcing a friendly smile. Even though she convinced herself that she did not care if they believed Sarah's evil lies, she knew that deep down she did. She was tired of being alone. The two girls looked each other with big eyes.

"Sure," one of them said shyly. She motioned for Gabby to sit down and Gabby did just that.

"Thanks," Gabby said. Curiosity clawed at Gabby. "Do you guys believe Sarah's rumors?" she asked after a few minutes of small talk. The two girls stopped talking and again stared at each other.

"Um, well, yeah," they replied nervously. But then they quickly added, "We don't hold it against you though! We think it's actually kind of neat. We'd never be able to get a guy to like us, let alone three, and one of them being Kyle!" Gabby paused for a moment. They...idolized her? This was crazy.

"Actually, the rumor about the Slytherin boy isn't true," Gabby replied. She wasn't quite sure why, but she didn't bother talking about how she didn't do it on purpose. Or how she really wasn't what Sarah was making her out to be. These girls were maybe going to accept her because of it. So she didn't say anything else on the matter. Instead, she emerged herself into conversation with the girls about Valentine's Day, asking them if they were expecting any Valentines. They weren't.

~*~

"Catherine, stop!" Gabby heard Sarah yell at Catherine as she walked into History of Magic later in the afternoon. Gabby caught a glimpse of Catherine's crying face as she ran right by.

"What happened?" Gabby whispered to Ginny.

"Kyle just gave Sarah a Valentine's Day gift. See, a rose and a card," Ginny said, pointing at Sarah's desk. Gabby understood. Poor Catherine! That jerk just didn't know when to stop!

"Ugh, he's such a slime ball," Gabby muttered beneath her breath. Ginny didn't reply. Gabby thought about what the two girls at breakfast would say.

"Well, didn't you kiss him? I mean, honestly, I envy you. He's the cutest Gryffindor in our year!" one of the girls would exclaim and burst into giggles. Gabby would roll her eyes. From what Gabby could tell from their morning conversation, the girls were just as boy obsessed as her old group had been, even worse. If it weren't for the fact that Gabby was desperate and couldn't be picky, she never would have befriended these girls. They were complete airheads. It was unfair that they could get just as good, or even better grades as Gabby!

Gabby looked back over at where Catherine should have been sitting. Samantha, who had replaced Gabby's position next to Ginny, took a seat by Sarah. Gabby frowned. She didn't like Samantha. Gabby wasn't sure if it was because Samantha had replaced Gabby in the group or if she really just didn't like Samantha. What was with that nickname, Sam, anyways?

'This is such a messed up day. I hate Valentine's Day,' Gabby thought as class was about to start. She opened her textbook to page 354. 'Ugh, and when will we be moving past the Goblin Rebellions?'

Gabby had to hold down her urge to hurl at the scene after class. Mark. Kissing. Samantha. He had just given her a box of chocolates and now they were giving a lot of unwelcome PDA-public displays of affection. Gabby made a gagging noise and decided to walk in the opposite direction. That was just gross.

"Get a room you two," she heard someone yell at them.

'Ugh, PDA should be made illegal,' Gabby thought and made another slight gagging noise. 'That's going to scar me for life.'

Indeed, Gabby was quite thankful that Valentine's Day was over as she tucked herself into bed that night. Apparently, Sam was now going out with Mark. Gabby thought over who received what. Sarah had received the card from Kyle, and, to Gabby's amazement, Catherine had forgiven her. Gabby wondered if maybe Catherine was also afraid of Sarah. Ginny had seemed upset by the fact that Harry had not given her anything. Catherine had gotten an anonymous card. Gabby wondered who it was. She hoped it was somebody nice.

'Valentine's Day,' she thought to herself as she started to drift asleep, 'is by far the most complicated holiday of the year.'

~*~

It wasn't until mid-April that Gabby finally received a reply from Veronica. Gabby was sitting with her two new first year friends when an owl swooped down with the letter. Unwilling to let her gossiping 'friends' read it; she saved it until later that night

Gabby dearest,

I am extremely sorry I haven't replied sooner! My stupid brother hid it from me. Oh dear, this really is bad. Celia updated me on what happened. That's terrible! I hope you're ok! She didn't tell me much, she doesn't know much. Just stuff she heard. Her birthday's coming soon-April 12, but I guess you won't be sending her anything will you? What happened between you two? We used to be such great friends! Write back, let me know, I promise my brother won't intercept it this time!

Much love,

Veronica

Gabby felt a little better knowing this. With all that had been going on, she hadn't thought about why Veronica was absent of a reply, but it was good to know Veronica had not forgotten about her. But what had Sissy told her? She shuddered to think. Gabby grabbed her inkbottle and a piece of parchment. Again, she snuck down to the Gryffindor Common Room to write it.

Veronica,

That's ok. I'll deal. Hit your brother over the head for me. What did Sissy tell you? Pretty much in summary: Kyle, also known as, Mr. SLIMEBALL, kissed me-while he was dating Catherine! You can imagine what happened after that. Sarah, ugh, the thing that rhymes with witch, has had it in for me! She totally screwed up everything. She read my first copy of the letter I sent you (I lost it and obviously Sarah had it) to everyone! Then she made up some junk about me having an affair with a Slytherin guy just because...well, just because. I've sworn off boys for a year. Celia? You mean Sissy? And no, I would not get Sissy anything she's...not my friend anymore. You know that, we told you. How many times must I remind you? If you're Veronica's brother, die please.

Sincerely,

Gabby

Gabby read this over. It was tough; she had almost revealed the prank twice. She had almost said that the reason for Sarah's stupid Slytherin affair lie was because a boy caught her when she was trying to pull a prank to make all of Sissy's hair fall out. She had almost said that it was partly Sissy's fault for the whole fiasco because she split her bag, even though Gabby knew deep down it was not Sissy's fault. Not apt to let Sarah get her hands on it again, Gabby tied up the letter and tucked it into her robes. She would send it first thing in the morning. When she got back to her room, she took a glance at Ginny's calendar. Tomorrow was April 12th.

~*~

Gabby was a little late to breakfast the next day because she sent the letter, but she still got there in time for mail. She looked at Sissy, expecting dozens of presents to swoop down. But, to her surprise, only three came. Gabby counted it off in her head-one from family, one from Veronica, and one from a friend. Nobody seemed to be saying Happy Birthday or giving her anything. Throughout the day, Gabby kept watching but not one person noticed.

'They probably just aren't giving it to her in the hallways,' Gabby thought. She didn't know why, but it pained her slightly to watch. Even though Sissy was her rival, she never knew Sissy was, well, friendless. What about that boy in Slytherin? Had they broken up? Gabby wondered how many presents she would receive for her birthday on July 12th. She would probably get one from her friends, or maybe one from both of them together. Her mother would give her one, and Veronica was sure to send one. So that ranged from three to four. Not much better.

~*~

Over the next weeks, Gabby continued to correspond with Veronica. The letters usually had a few days in-between, because of the time it took for an owl to fly from Djibouti to England.

Dear Gabby,

Fine, I won't push it with you and Celia. Yes, that would be Sissy. That's such an old name! We decided on Celia last year. She's bored of Cecile. She's not that bad you know. Don't tell me it is part of that stupid house war. Sworn off guys for a year? Are you nuts? Actually, that makes quite a lot of sense. I should try that.

Your bestest friend ever,

Veronica

P.S. It doesn't matter that bestest is not a word.

Dearest Veronica,

It is not just a stupid house war! Slytherin are... evil! They are! You-know-who was a Slytherin you know! Of course it makes tons of sense, everything that comes out of my mouth makes tons of sense.

Sincerely,

Gabby

P.S. It does matter that bestest is not a word.

Dear Gabby,

We've done it without thinking, but I'm making it final. Let's just cut the love letter stuff eh? I'm always writing this in class, I'd be so embarrassed if I got caught! I can't believe you! How can you be so...labelish! Just because they're in a house that produced a dark lord doesn't mean they all practice the dark arts. You know that's prejudice and that's wrong! I expected better from you!

Best wishes,

Veronica

P.S. It also does not matter that labelish is not a word.

Dear Veronica,

Alright, we're done with the love letter stuff! What do you mean you can't believe me? Many of them are mean! I know you're still friends with SISSY(I am not calling her by a new nickname if she dislikes her old one) but she's changed, she has! She split my bag! I shudder to think of what she's going to say the next time I meet her. Probably something stupid about the rumors. Labelish is not a word.

Still your friend,

Gabby

Dear Ms. Should-know-better,

Good luck on your end of year exam! Look, I don't want to get in the middle of you and CELIA. Just, it's wrong. Gabby, people immediately judged you by the rumors. You're judging people by a house war. Think about it.

Always your friend,

Veronica

Dear Ms. Know-it-all,

Thanks, I need the luck. Ok, I get it. I shouldn't judge people by their houses. You're right. I agree. I surrender. Happy?

Friends till the end,

Ms. Knows-Better

Dear Ms. Knows-Better,

How did you do? I think I passed! Good, you listened to me. I'd invite you over this summer, but we're going on vacation in Laos. Don't ask. You'll probably have your results back once you get this. Let me know.

Friends Forever,

Ms.Always-Knows-It-All

Dear Always-In-Interesting-Places,

I PASSED! I PASSED! YES! ALL THAT STUDYING PAID OFF! WOOHOO! You'll still be able to owl me right? But dang it, our owls already take forever!

Missing you already,

Ms. Never-Goes-Anywhere-Special

Gabby finished up her last letter. Some of her scores had even been above passing level. So, obviously, she was capable of doing well, she just had to put in a ridiculously long amount of time to do it. But it was improvement. She set her pen down and hopped out of bed.

'Where is everyone?' she thought as she looked around the empty room before leaving it.

"Ok, so have you two figured out anything on Gabby yet?" Gabby heard Sarah say behind a half-closed door. Gabby stopped and stood outside, listening. What was Sarah doing in an empty unused classroom?

"Nope! She doesn't tell us anything! She's completely boring," Nicky whined. Gabby kept down her urge to gasp. Nicky and Zoe were talking to Sarah. Now was not the time to get caught.

"Do you guys try to include her in your conversations?" Sam asked sharply. Gabby couldn't see it, but she imagined the pair shaking their heads when she heard Sam's response. "You idiots! Of course she's just going to listen!"

"We enlisted your help for a reason! You guys are pathetic. You'll never live up to us," Sarah said coldly. Live up to them? Nicky and Zoe were spying for Sarah and Sam! That was all Gabby needed to know and quietly she slipped off back to the Gryffindor Common Room, seething the whole way.

'Those suck-ups! I hate them! Sarah, damn her, why won't she leave my life alone? Sam, ugh, another suck-up. Sam, Sarah, and Sissy. All S's. Slytherin starts with an S,' Gabby thought as she stalked right into the Common Room. She accidentally knocked over a first year's books but she didn't stop to help them.

'Damn Sarah. Why does she have to mess my life up so much?' Gabby thought. Honestly, she hadn't really appreciated Nicky and Zoe very much but who knew they would be on Sarah's side! What was it about that girl that made everyone swarm towards her? She fought back the urge to cry. 'No, I decided to stop this. I won't let her get to me,' she reminded herself but it didn't matter. She was crying anyways. Why did everyone hate her? Would she ever have real friends? Gabby ducked into the nearest bathroom. Her birthday was coming up soon. The total of presents would be two-less than Sissy's. She looked in the mirror and wiped her eyes. She started the faucet and set it on cold. She ran the water over her face repeatedly.

Then, pretending nothing was wrong, she headed down to the Great Feast to celebrate another Gryffindor Victory. But to her, she didn't really care. House wars were stupid anyways.

~*~

Gabby stepped onto the Hogwarts Express cautiously. The last time she had come, she had a place to sit. The last time, they had been interrupted with Kyle and co. asking if they could sit there. She should have said no. It would've saved so much trouble. She made her way through the train. Most of the compartments were full. When she had come across Catherine's her stomach had rolled over. Most people didn't meet her eyes. Sarah and Sam had no problem making rude comments ('Slut alert slut alert!') Gabby had to exercise all self-control to act indifferent and move on to the next compartment. She finally found one near the back, inhabited only by Luna. Gabby didn't mind the Ravenclaw that much. They were both on the outside looking in anyways.

"Hey Luna," Gabby said and took the opposite seat.

"Hello," Luna said, not taking her eyes from The Quibbler, in a dreamy voice. She stared at Gabby for a moment and then went back to reading. Gabby rooted around in her bag and found an issue of the Daily Prophet.

'Too bad, they almost caught Sirius Black,' she though, reading over the paper.

~*~

There was a sound, an opening of the compartment door. Gabby looked up. To her horror, Sissy was standing there. Their eyes met and they held each other's gaze. Her stomach was turning over. She hadn't talked to Sissy at all since the day Sissy tore her bag. Sure, with the proper spell Gabby could fix it. But Gabby still hadn't figured out the spell and she didn't feel like asking anyone for help.

'Do something Sissy,' Gabby thought waiting for Sissy to speak. Sissy was standing there, still in the doorway, not making a move, or a sound. Just staring right back into Gabby's eyes. She seemed to be searching for something. Possibly something mean to say.

It would be a perfect moment for Sissy to get back at her rival. Gabby had abandoned her so long ago; had switched sides; had abandoned her position as ally. Gabby thought back to the moment.

"Sarah is no good Gabby. You've been ditching me left and right to be with her. She's only going to hu Sissy argued, hands up in the air, seething.

"Oh really? And suddenly you're psychic, Sissy," Gabby shot back, hands clenched.

"No, but I know people who are. You know it yourself. I know you do. I can see it in your eyes, you're one of them," Sissy snapped.

"Really? What do you see? You're just jealous that Ginny's bringing me and not you. Sarah is rich and pretty and everything and what are you? An orphan with parents who are," Gabby started to say but stopped for a moment, taking in what she just said, "Oh my god. I did not just say that. Sissy!"

But it was too late, she had struck a chord, and hit below the belt. Even though she hadn't finished the sentence, Sissy knew what she had been about to say. Tears welling up in her eyes, Sissy turned away and ran. Gabby followed her through the fields. Gabby had always been better in athletics and soon caught up. She leapt and crashed into Sissy, both of them falling on the hard dirt.

"Don't you dare mention my mother," Gabby said through clenched teeth.

"Don't you dare mention mine," Sissy replied. Then, without another word, she yanked herself out of Gabby's grasp and walked quietly away. Gabby stared after her as she sat on the ground, wondering what had just happened while realizing that their Trio-Gabby, Sissy, and Veronica-had just been disbanded. For how long, she didn't know.

Her thoughts returning to the present, Gabby realized they had been staring for over five minutes and still, Sissy had not said a word. But then, she saw Sissy open her mouth to speak. Gabby steeled herself against the bitter words she expected. She prepared for the cruel words that would push her down. She had been trying not to cry but she knew the moment Sissy's harsh comment hit her, the tears would flow. Gabby waited. Waited for Sissy to tell her what others had. Waited for Sissy to tell her exactly what she thought of Gabby's less than exemplary behavior. Waited for the punishment, admonishment, and everything else that Gabby was expecting.

But it never came. Instead, moving to sit down and breaking the staring contest they had started, Sissy chose something much different.

"Hey," Sissy said quietly. Her tone wasn't overly friendly, as one would greet their best friend. At the same time, it wasn't mean or harsh, like a teacher to the prankster who had just ruined the lesson plan. It was more the tone of someone who was simply very tired. It caught Gabby off guard but nevertheless; she managed to choke out her own form of greeting.

She noticed the boy who had followed Sissy in. He had brown hair and blue eyes. He was cute, but Gabby was on her vow not to like boys for a year. He was sitting in the corner, making quiet conversation with Luna Lovegood.

She shifted her attention back to Sissy who was gazing out the window. Gabby decided to do the same and watched the scenery pass by. The compartment was a very unique; the train were generally loud and noisy, filled with chatter, this one was dead silent. The boy had ceased talking to Luna, deciding to read a book instead. Gabby didn't bother to look at the cover. Luna continued reading that silly magazine, the Quibbler, and the remaining two, Sissy and Gabby, had taken to staring out of the window for the rest of journey.

Not a word was said for the remainder of the train ride. Even when the train stopped and they started to leave, Luna had merely whispered a goodbye in her dreamy voice. The boy had nodded at Gabby, waiting for Sissy. But to Gabby, silence meant more than words could form.