Without James’ constant companionship, Ellie was forced to make new friends. The Slytherin common room had come to feel particularly lonely, though Arty and Scorpius were always welcomed company; however, their schedules were not nearly as rigorous as Ellie’s had become. Ellenore found herself unintentionally growing closer with Leah Stunpike, a fellow Slytherin who happened to be taking all the same electives. At first, the two girls would walk from class to class together and sit with each other without saying more than a few words in passing. As assignments were dealt out, they’d ask each other questions and study together in the library. Not before long, Ellie and Leah were eating meals together and playing gobstones in the courtyard. 