Chapter 20

The day after the Yule Ball, Sage didn't get out of bed. She was torn up about the previous night's events. Stacy, on the other hand, had had an amazing night. She had fun with Dean, and once the Ball was over, she had sneaked off with Draco to spend a couple of hours with him. The next morning, however, Stacy's happiness fizzled out once she found out that there was something wrong with Sage. Hermione, who was in the same dormitory as Sage, came to Stacy, explaining that she wouldn't get out of bed or talk to anyone. Stacy didn't know what to do, considering that she couldn't go into Gryffindor's dormitories.

"Where is Sage?" asked William, walking up to Stacy. "She disappeared from the Ball last night." He looked concerned. Stacy sighed and shrugged, indicating that she didn't know either. The day passed without Sage getting out of bed, eating, or talking. She just laid in bed and cried. The next day, however, Sage got up determined to do something about the William problem. She washed up and did her best to look pretty. She tromped down to the Great Hall, where she immediately ran into William. His face broke into a smile.

"Sage! You look beautiful," he exclaimed. Sage felt numb inside.

"I was worried about you yesterday," he continued. "Everyone was." At that moment, Sage decided to get her revenge in a way that would make William feel the way she did. So instead of blowing up at him about Luce, she kept her face straight and feigned a tired smile.

"Sorry," she said. "I was kind of sick yesterday."

"Well I'm sure that if we had spent some time together yesterday, your illness would have disappeared." William said, grinning.

Sage rolled her eyes, and William misunderstood it as a playful eye-roll. He leaned in for a kiss. Sage let him kiss her, wanting him to believe that nothing was wrong. Several emotions churned inside of her, the strongest one being repulsion. Deep down, she still felt the way she used to whenever he kissed her. Her heart broke all over again. She pulled away, holding back tears. She cleared her throat.

"I have to go get something I left in my dormitory," she stated, and then turned away, hurrying back up the stairs. Turning left, she collided with George. He was practically breathing fire; he was so furious. George had seen and heard her talking with William.

"So, you're still together, then?" he asked, glaring. "Even after he did whatever he did to hurt you?" George pulled out his wand.

"I should go and give him what he deserves," he growled, and started to sprint down the stairs. Sage grabbed him and stopped him.

"Listen to me," she said firmly. When George tried to move past her, she pushed him backwards. He sprawled onto the stairs.

"I have my own plan, alright? All in due time, George," Sage said, looking down at him. "And I'm going to need your help. Just don't go off and attack him, alright?"

George got up and brushed himself off. His expression softened as he looked at Sage.

"Fine. I've got plenty of Dungbombs and Puking Pastils, so--"

"Not that kind of plan. Just meet me in the common room tonight, okay? I'll tell you what we're going to do once I think of something good."

With a small smile, Sage moved past him to go find Stacy. She rounded the corner, and after a few moments, George spoke again.

"I wish you knew."

Little did he know that Sage had stopped after rounding the corner to compose herself. She heard what George said, but didn't know what he meant. Shaking her head, she continued on her way, pushing the thought out of her head.