Letter from home

Marlene sighed as she made her way outside the castle, clutching a letter she was sending home in her hand as she climbed the steps that lead to the owlery. However, when she got there, a familiar looking owl came to perch itself on her shoulder before she could send her letter, holding one from home in its beak and nudging her lightly, urging her to take it. She did so and patted the owl's head lightly, smiling a little as it flew away. She curiously opened the letter and started reading, her face paling as she read further into it.

Sirius ran up to the owlery, he had a letter he wanted to send to dear Snivelly. He laughed inwardly at the thought of Snape's face when he saw the letter - it would be priceless! As he entered the circular room he saw that he wasnt the only one in there - Marlene McKinnon, a Ravenclaw from his year was there and she didnt look too good. He shoved his letter into his bag and approached her slowly. "Hey'' he said, softly. Not wantng to scare her, "Are you alright?"

Marlene jumped lightly of surprise when she heard someone else and looked up with a weak smile.

"I'm fine," she managed to say.