Feliks ducked and then, still crouching, lunged for Aleksander's middle in a spirited tackle. The other boy made a winded sound - breath knocked out of his lungs - and fell to the ground gracelessly.

            "Point!" exclaimed Sister Masha, and the two boys scrambled apart to get to their feet.

The children of The Cottage were all stood around a clearing in the forest, which is where they practiced physical exercise in the summer months. It was traditional for squibs to be taught bare-knuckle boxing; the rationale being that they needed to know how to defend themselves in muggle society, which is where most Almasy squibs went on to live after being exiled from their respective families.

There were arguments about this, often. What about muggle weapons? What about walking away from fights? But these were dismissed. In reality, it was a good way for teenagers to vent their pent up energy without much else to do in desolate country parts.

            "It's not fair!" Aleks returned to starting position across from Feliks, at the centre of the circle formed by everyone else. "Why is Feliks even here? He doesn't need to learn this, he'll get to use a wand!"

It had been a year since he and Aleksander tried to run away[1] together, and their friendship had soured in that time. Feliks didn't quite understand why until he realised Aleks was resentful about him being sent to Durmstrang next year.

"I won't, not all the time. Only at school!" he retorted, and Sister Masha sighed tiredly at this squabbling. "Feliks is learning because it is proper. What will he do if he loses his wand? Should he let squibs and muggles, of all things, push him around?"

Feliks flinched at the derogatory tone with which she referred to Squibs and Muggles. Aleksander, however, quietened. The boys returned to the circle and a pair of older girls took their turns throwing punches instead. Feliks glanced at him anxiously, wishing there wasn't this tension between them.

1.	July 2009 - Summer Blows Cold

"Sorry," he whispered, bowing his head to speak - he had grown taller in the past year: tall for his ten years, with wiry strength. "I didn't mean to hit so hard." His eyes lifted to a bruise on Aleks' jaw, which he'd given in an earlier bout.

When his friend didn't reply, he gingerly reached for the other boy's sleeve. Aleksander snapped. "Stop it!" he shoved. "Just. Stop. It." Feliks stumbled back clumsily; Aleks was shorter but he was also older and stronger. "Are you stupid? Do you have to keep t-talking to me like s-some stupid girl with a crush?"

The words sent a nasty jolt through Feliks, blood rushing to his face in confusion. It was Aleks who had befriended him first last year, Aleks who hated it when he used to call Maria[1] pretty. Sometimes, getting ready for bed, Aleks would whisper such things in the dim light of evening - would say that Feliks would make a pretty girl, or that Feliks was prettier than the girls in The Cottage.

He'd said those things as jokes or odd compliments. But this was a slight... meant to humiliate Feliks.

1.	Sept 2009 - Of Sweethearts

Nobody laughed. Sister Masha slapped Aleksander. Feliks and the others looked away, all of them having felt that particular sting across their cheeks before, though for different sins committed.

            "Some stupid girl?" the older witch repeated Aleksander's words icily. "Is that supposed to be an insult?"

Not all Almasy families were matriarchal but all Almasy squibs fell into line with clan traditions, here. Aleks swallowed loudly and shook his head. Sister Larisa, who had been watching from outside the circle, beckoned for him. He left the group, following her back to The Cottage where everyone knew he would be going into isolation until supper.

Feliks did not watch him go.

He kept his eyes trained on the grassy earth while exercises resumed, and listened to the blood rushing in his ears. None of the other squibs or Sisters cared; they went on with the boxing and sparring while he stood there feeling like something inside of him was toppling over.