The mudroom led to the side of the house where it was still shadowy, and I followed the narrow cement pathway around to the front, where even more people were gathered. Word must have gotten out to the surrounding counties.

“Didn’t expect to see you here.”

I glanced to my left and saw Ayisha there, standing under a tree, dressed in black jeans and boots and her emerald-green coat. Her braids were fully down around her shoulders and she was by herself, too, which surprised me. When I saw her out and about, she usually had at least two friends with her. I envied that.

“Same,” I said, wandering closer. “I mean, not expecting to see you. Here.”

She exhaled, her breath visible in the night air. “Yeah, well. Not a lot else to do, is there?” She took a sip of whatever was in her Solo cup. “It’s Diet Coke. Straight,” she volunteered. “Mamma let me borrow the car tonight.”

No more need be said; I knew what a big deal that was. The Lewis household had one car, a burgundy Honda Accord, and Ms. Lewis was adamant about keeping it in perfect working condition. Ayisha being allowed to drive it alone was a sign of trust, one she wouldn’t violate by drinking and driving. I’d heard a story once about her kicking a friend to the curb when she lit up a cigarette, and I mean the actual curb. Pulled over and told her to get out.

She glanced around. “Where’s Arthur?”

I felt my stomach wrench at the reminder. “Gone.”

She seemed puzzled. “Gone?”

I nodded and went to tuck my hair over my ear, only to be reminded I was wearing a knit cap and that wasn’t actually necessary.

“His aunt, um, decided to change their reservation. They drove to Norman earlier today, and they fly out in the morning, day after tomorrow.”

“That’s Christmas Day.”

“Yep.”

“Why?”

I bit my upper lip.

Ayisha tipped her head to one side. “Did you two break up?”

I made a face. “We were never a couple.”

“Not officially.”

A quiver of irritation started to form. “Or unofficially.”

“Gonna call bullshit on that. The looks you gave me when you thought he and I were flirting . . .” She smirked and I felt a habitual wave of annoyance start to rise up. But then it stopped and receded almost as quickly as it appeared.

I simply did not have it in me anymore.

She sensed it and dropped the teasing. “You’ll figure it out once you get back to Hogwarts.”

I bit my lip and she seemed to guess what that meant—that I still hadn’t made up my mind about returning.

“Oh, come on!” Ayisha walked three feet away from me before turning around, giving me a good look at her pissed-off expression. “What is wrong with you? Are you stupid?”

“Sometimes,” I muttered.