#20 - Damp and Dreary

Orla lingered by the doors of the Great Hall after lunch, her feet leaden with tiredness. The rain still pattered down outside and the stone floor was dark with water tracked in by comings and goings.

The Entrance Hall was quiet now, most students having hurried off to get work done. Orla's mind was like treacle, but she knew she also had to get something done or the day would be wasted.

She went to the stone bench where she and MJ had talked together and made herself comfortable, drawing her knees up to her chest. With a secretive glance around to ensure she was alone, Orla drew out something that she'd had close to her for days now - a tightly rolled piece of parchment. 

Orla gently unfurled it, wincing a little at how damp it had gotten through her sodden clothes. It was fine, thankfully, but she would need to be more careful. 

With another glance to make certain she was alone, Orla tucked her nose into the collar of her jumper and began to read...