Many students complimented Gwen on the new hairstyle, much to Malfoy’s chagrin. He thought that if anything would upset a girl it would be losing her hair. Gwen however, rose to the occasion and felt that Malfoy had done her a great service.

“It took too long to dry anyway.” She laughed with Minerva over tea.

“Heavens knows, he could have done worse.” The older woman scowled. “However I would’ve taken away more than eighty points for such an offense.”

“It think Anthony was right.” Gwen said. “He didn’t actually put me in harm’s way, he just saved me a trip to the salon.”

“I’m surprised that you’re taking this so lighthearted.”

“I think Malfoy just needs a little patience. He can’t be all bad.”

“A little patience and a weeks worth of detention with Mr. Filch.” Gwen couldn’t help but laugh. Minerva sounded so serious. “How are things with John?” She said abruptly, changing the topic before her godmother could lecture her on taking things seriously.

“Good. He writes often now that school’s started. It would be simply impossible to get him on school grounds, so letters are all we have.” She sighed, a faraway look in her eyes.

“I know how you feel.” Gwen said. “I had another talk with Harry.”

“After your first meeting went so poorly?”

“Well, I figured he needed time to adjust. I certainly did. But his grades were slipping badly. This meeting went much better. He’s improved quite a bit. I think he understands now.”

“That’s good.” Minerva replied, sipping her tea.

When Gwen returned to her office she bumped into Abigail in the hallway. The timid girl had a sparkle in her eye that hadn’t been there in the previous weeks. She smiled brightly at Gwen and whispered conspiratorially. “Your plan worked.”

Gwen winked at her. “Glad to hear it.”

Abigail rushed off down the hall as Rose McGill turned the corner. The two girls linked arms like old pals and started giggling furiously. Gwen was glad to see that at least one of her ideas was going well.

To be Continued in Episode Seventy One