The actual truth

[Faerlain]

Faye slowly entered the owlery, looking around for her snowy owl. She had a letter clasped in one hand, almost crushing it as she glanced around for the little bird. It didn't take her long to find her, curled up in a corner.

"Hey Auriel..could you take this to mom?" She asked, stroking the beautiful creature's feathers. Auriel clucked her beak with pleasure, almost like the purring of a cat. Faye attempted to tie the letter around her leg, but the bird refused. Stepping back a bit, she shot her a look as if to ask her what she was delivering.

"Ah, so you want me to read it." She said with a laugh. "Well, I'm afraid it isn't that intereting. I'm sorry, but it will probably disappoint you."

"Dear Mom,
I've arrived safely. Please don't worry about me. I've been fine, honest. I've made friends and there are people here who look out for me. I haven't done anything stupid. Yet.
I'm sad to say that my eyes grow weaker. Ever since the accident things have been bad. I fear that people will start to notice and judge me based on it. It is my weakness, my downfall.
Please send my love to everyone. Most of all, don't forget that I will be home for christmas. Save me a seat at the table.
Love,
Faerlain"

Grinning, she turned back to Auriel. The bird finally gave in, bowing it's head and letting her tie the letter on. Gently, Faye carried the bird over to the window at the end of the owlery.

"Fly. Be careful...and if you have the time, catch yourself a bite to eat." After stroking the bird's feathers one more time, she lifted her arms up and allowed Auriel to disappear into the night sky.

[Mary]

"Beautiful owl you have there..." the blond girl walked inside while holding a package and a letter in her hand.

She approached to one of the owls "come down Kerrie" she called, a small bright grey owl flew down "take this home please..." she muttered and turned to the girl "What kind is your owl?" she asked "it's very beautifu..."l

[Faerlain]

Faye smiled, turning to the girl and trying to wipe all sad thoughts from her mind. Of course, wiping every sad thought from her mind was absolutely impossible. Especially after noticing that the world had suddenly shifted from color into nothing but different shades of gray, all looking very much the same.

"Your owl is quite beautiful as well." She said kindly, walking over to the girl. "Mine is a snowy owl." She tried not to show the shock on her face. No, this wasn't the moment to deal with her own problems.

[Mary]

"I see..." said Mary she stretched out her hand "I'm Mary Turner...Gryffindor house! What about you?"

[Faerlain]

She shook Mary's hand and then looked around the owlery, trying to focus hard on a point not so far away from her. Everything shifted from color to gray, quickly but still noticable. She sighed.

"Faerlain...but Faye for short. I'm in Hufflepuff." She said. "I suppose you're new here." She wasn't exactly a long time student herself, but she had been around a little while.

[Mary]

"Yeah kinda new...what about you?" asked Mary

[Faerlain]

"I've been here a month or so." Faye said with a sigh. It had been a long day, and now this. She hoped that her mother would recieve her letter soon and perhaps write back. That would be really great.

Drawing her cloak aound her, she began to think of heading back to the common room. Maybe later. She really wasn't in the mood.

[Mary]

"you're not in the mood today huh?" asked Mary.