Chapter 2 (A New Ally)
Disclaimer: I am not J.K. Rowling; I own absolutely nothing.
On the train ride, I sat around Astoria for a bit. Ron didn't want me around, eavesdropping on him and his friends. He dismissed me from the compartment. I don't see why I had to leave. There was a man in their compartment by the name of R.J. Lupin. He must be the new Defense professor. I didn't want to sit with Astoria, but I found her compartment and sat down. Astoria talked of her summer. She asked me how I liked Egypt. I knew she was alluding to my family's financial status and the money we'd won from the Ministry; I didn't like her talking about my family's situation at all. Yet I remained indifferent and showed no reaction to her haughty, pointed remarks that indirectly alluded to my family's lack of money. There was a noise outside the compartment door. Then, the door was abruptly snatched open.
Malfoy.
"Ah, Weasley, I heard your family won some gold. Pity you can't afford to move out of that shack you call a home." Malfoy sneered, his platinum blonde hair gleaming almost white in this light.
"You've proven that wealth isn't exempt from stupidity, Malfoy." I said snidely.
Malfoy's pale eyes narrowed at me and, with a cold glance at me and a nod to Astoria, he left the compartment.
Astoria gazed at the door, almost longingly. "Don't tell me you like Malfoy." I spat. Astoria sneered at me, and looked out the window.
Then, our compartment door opened again. Thinking that it was Malfoy, I rolled my eyes and sighed loudly.
"Malfoy, what do you want now?" I fumed. Upon turning around, I saw that it was Nott. "As you can see, Weasley, I'm not Malfoy." He said, smirking at me.
For him to be a third year, he was very tall and weedy. He was nothing like Ron, who was tall and wiry. Yet, even though he was frail looking, he was aesthetically appealing. His skin was pale. Nott's hair was a very dark brown, and his eyes were dark chocolate. On anyone else's face, his eyes would've been warm and welcoming. His, however, were coldly intelligent and unrelenting. I turned my gaze from him and looked to Astoria. She looked like she'd been expecting him to stop by. Nott sat next to Astoria. They began talking in a very hushed manner. They seemed to be arguing over something. Getting bored, I decided to read my Potions textbook, even though I'd read Ron's this summer. Potions was the hardest subject I had, and I did have some difficulty with it. However, I liked the subject a lot. I just didn't want to give Snape a reason to label me as yet another dim-witted Weasley.
Throughout their "conversation"- that's if you could call it that - Nott kept glancing at me. I was getting really annoyed by this guy. What was his problem? At the end of that thought, the train jolted to a hault. The luggage above us collapsed onto the floor and we'd all fallen out of our seat. I had ungracefully landed on top of Nott, who was smirking up at me. Rolling my eyes, I stood and rushed out of the compartment. I definitely needed to get away from him. I staggered to Ron's compartment in the dark and opened the door. A lot of people were in the hall, which made it difficult to get around; I, however, was somehow able to force my way through all the chaos and inside their space. Neville, Harry, Ron and someone too big to be Hermione was in the corner. Where was Hermione?
"Come in and sit down." That was Harry's voice. "Not here!" said Harry hurriedly. "I'm here."
I thanked Merlin that it was dark enough to hide my blush. Sitting down on the seat, I heard Neville yelp. Hermione's blasted cat, Crookshanks, must've gotten to him. I wondered, what was happening in all of this chaos Then, all of a sudden, the train got darker. How was that even possible? And it got cold, extremely cold. It was so cold that it felt like ice pierced every part of you, even your soul. I couldn't focus on anything but the cold.
"You silly, stupid little girl. No one loves you. No one will ever love you."
Tom! My head violently whipped around, searching for him. How was he here? He's gone. He's gone!
"You're worthless. Harry will never love you. Your mother will never love you. You are a disappointment, a disgrace. Stupid, silly little Ginny."
And I would've screamed, if the cold hadn't've had such a powerful hold on me. My scream was completely silenced. My lungs were able to do nothing but breathe, and it felt like I wasn't even doing that. There wasn't enough air in the world to help control the pace of my heart. It was beating so fast. I thought I'd have a heart attack any moment.
"Stupid girl. Your death would be a favor to everyone."
In my head, I couldn't help but beg and plead for it to stop. Please, make it stop. Make it stop! Not again! Please, NOT AGAIN! I was beginning to become more aware of my surroundings, although Tom was still raging loudly in my head.
"Quiet!" said a hoarse voice suddenly. "Stay where you are."
He got slowly to his feet. He had a handful of fire held out in front of him. The door slid open before Lupin could reach it. Lupin's flames illuminated the tall cloaked figure in the doorway; a figure that reached the ceiling and had glistening, grayish, slimy-looking, scabbed hands that appeared to be dead and decaying, like in water.
It was visible for only a second. The Dementor beneath the cloak could sense our gaze. It reached out its hand and advanced toward us. Then it drew in a slow, long, rattling breath, as though it were trying to suck something more than air from its surroundings. If possible, a more intense wave of cold covered the room. The cold was in my heart. My vision was no more. My eyes were rolling in the back of my head. It was too cold. A throbbing sensation filled every part of me. Tom was louder than ever now. Then a white light surrounded us in a thick, white fog that filled the compartment. The lanterns above lit and the train jolted, as if it were trying to start back up again. And sure enough, the train began to move. Confusion was everywhere. Harry was being revived by Lupin. He looked so terrible.
My brother, the idiot, didn't recognize what it was. How could he not know? After all, Dad had talked about them a lot this summer. Lupin informed us all of the obvious: They were Dementors. He left, and then he returned. Lupin then handed each of us a slab of chocolate that instantly made me feel warm and much better. I was huddled in the corner, and I couldn't help the small sob that escaped my lips. Hermione came and comforted me. I just couldn't stop trembling. We didn't talk much during the remainder of the journey.
I was in my room with Astoria, who was lying on the bed across from me. She looked incredibly pale, almost as pale as I looked. Must still be shaken up over that Dementor, I thought, very pleased that she was frightened. But those things were horrible. I must know how to stop them. Resigning myself to read up on Dementors in the library, I got under the cover and waited for Malfoy to do his routinely nighttime stop. And sure enough, he came by.
"Your boyfriend fainted like a little girl, Weasley." Malfoy spat, his pale eyes cold and victorious.
"And you ran into my brothers's compartment like the little coward that you are." I smirked, knowing that Malfoy hated to be called a coward.
His lips pursed. "I'll curse you to hell and back if you ever call me a coward again, Weasley." Malfoy gritted, his teeth bared and his fists balled.
"It seems I hit a nerve, Draco." I spat. Malfoy's eyes flashed dangerously, but he quickly regained his composure.
"You filthy little blood traitor. One day, you'll get yours." Malfoy sneered. I intentionally yawned.
Malfoy slammed the door and I smirked. Astoria glared at me.
"Jealous much." I quipped, with a vindictive smirk on my face.
"You wish." Astoria scoffed. "Jealous, of a Weasley." She spat, laughing at me.
Something inside me stirred at the pit of my stomach. I wanted to curse her within an inch of her life. I wanted to curse her and Malfoy both. I wanted to hear them scream. I wanted them to look at me and know that it was I who was their superior, not the other way around.
Wait, where did that come from? I wondered. Shaking my head, I settled myself under the covers and went to bed.
Things at Hogwarts progressed as normally as they could. The only exception was the Dementors, who were now stationed at the school gates. I felt as if the cold was getting closer each and every single day. From what I'd read about them, which wasn't all that much since books on the creatures weren't common, Dementors couldn't resist happy, excited humans. I was just waiting for them to enter Hogwarts. There was a spell to repel them, but it was very difficult to master. I could never do it. Whenever I uttered Expecto Patronum, a silver vapor emitted from my wand and surrounded me. I kept trying to find a happy memory and let it 'fill me'- as the book said - but I just couldn't do it. Too much reminded me of Tom, Astoria, Parkinson and Malfoy.
I hated being back at Hogwarts.
Slytherin was torturous for me. I always had to guard myself. I always had to change. I had to be callous, cunning and ruthless. I had to watch out for me and me alone. In here, they preyed on weakness. Some, like Malfoy and Parkinson, thrived on it. In here, one had to do what was necessary to survive. For now, I was content to stay quiet and practically invisible. Only being quiet and unnoticed made me really remember who I am. I was a Weasley, not some ruthless pureblood with a huge ego.
Still, this environment was very natural to me. This was odd, since I'd always grown up in the warmth and now I'd been submerged completely in the cold. But, in Slytherin, I thrived the most. In Slytherin, I was on a path to meet my true potential. Astoria and I weren't getting along as well as we had last year. We were never friends, but we did tolerate each other exceedingly well. Now, however, all she ever did was look at me coldly. I preferred to stay away from her, except when we were sleeping in our dorms.
Malfoy and Parkinson were annoying. They'd say hurtful things every day to get a rise out of me. So far, my composure had not cracked; however, I did throw a Bat-Bogey Hex at Parkinson one night in the common room. I was only there for a moment, when she threw a book that hit me in the back of my head. I turned around and, before I knew what I was doing, I'd fired the curse at her. She screamed when the bogeys attacked her and the Slytherins, out of self-preservation, didn't dare come to her rescue. Only Astoria lightly grabbed my wrist, snapping me out of my trance-like state.
After that incident, Parkinson never physically assaulted me again but it wasn't enough to shut her up. I really wanted to use my Bat Bogey Hex on Malfoy. He'd never be quiet, and he seemed to be everywhere I went. Twice we almost dueled, with Snape stopping every confrontation. I could tell that Snape was getting tired of our "stupidity." He threatened to take points and give us both detention. That still wasn't enough to stop Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle from pestering me in the corridors. Malfoy bullied me nearly every single day in the library. He was an infuriating jerk who wouldn't lay off. I was glad to hear that Hagrid's hippogriff had attacked him. I often wondered why it didn't finish the job for everyone here. That would've been a very kind favor to the world. I was in the library now, thinking about the prat, when Malfoy walked over to my table.
"All the knowledge in the world couldn't get you out of poverty, Weasley." He drawled.
How I wanted to choke him? I thought, whilst reading a book on Occlumency and Legilimency. I didn't react, nor did I look up at him. Malfoy snatched the book out of my hand.
"What's this? Occlumency and Legilimency!" He said coldly. "As if you could master either−you, a Weasley!" He sneered, his smirk cruel and vindictive.
The chair beneath me scraped the floor, as I stood abruptly. "Give me the book, Malfoy." I said threateningly, saying each word slowly.
"What are you going to do, Weasley?" Malfoy smirked, his eyes cold and unyielding.
"Give it back. Now!" I snapped. Malfoy's smirk widened. He had lifted the book higher, when a movement behind Malfoy caught my attention.
I saw Professor Lupin behind Malfoy, and his gaze clearly disapproving. "Mr. Malfoy, kindly return Miss. Weasley's book." Lupin said pleasantly, his right eyebrow raised.
Malfoy's head snapped to the side upon hearing the professor. Malfoy coldly glared at me, and then he handed the book back to me, shoving it against my chest. Then, he quickly retreated.
I offered a grateful nod to Lupin. "Thank you, professor."
"No problem at all, Ginny." He said. His brows were knitted together in what seemed to be confusion. And he wasn't leaving.
"Is there something you wanted to ask me, Professor?" I sighed. Lupin seemed to hesitate, but he did speak his mind.
"I was just thinking about how often I see you in here." He said politely, with a little smile.
"No, you were thinking about a Weasley in Slytherin." I drawled with a little smirk. "It's all right."
I sat back down, and wondered would the professor sit with me. And he did. I was extremely surprised by this. I didn't get to associate with many people, besides Astoria, of course.
"Yes," Lupin said, nodding his head thoughtfully. "I couldn't help that thought."
I laughed in response to this, lightening the atmosphere between us. "It's understandable. You wouldn't be the first, nor will you be the last to think it."
It was only when Lupin smiled that I noticed something about him. He didn't look well. He seemed to be very tired and weak. Still, he seemed understanding and welcoming.
"Why do you always spend your lunchtime in here? How come you don't sit with your friends? And I'm curious as to why you wish to learn Occlumency and Legilimency." The professor said with a carefully calculated delicateness. It wasn't too intrusive, but it was slightly curious.
"There's no such thing as having a friend in Slytherin." I said bluntly.
Lupin looked saddened by this. "What of Miss. Greengrass?" I lauged.
"Astoria, you mean." I said, looking the professor square in the eyes. He nodded. "She is not my friend. She was once an ally, but she is no longer so." I said nonchalantly.
Lupin looked troubled by my tone. I continued: "I like the library. The books comfort me, along with the knowledge. Sometimes the library-"
Sometimes the library is all I have. Somehow, Professor Lupin seemed to know what I was going to say. His gaze was assessing, thoughtful and yet compassionate.
"And Occlumency? Legilimency?" He asked.
I smirked. "I see you're not easily distracted." The professor nodded, a smile spreading across his face.
"Not at all." He said. I shrugged.
"It's what Snape does." I spat, saying Snape's name so viciously that Lupin seemed to slightly flinch by my tone.
Nevertheless, he smiled and nodded his head. "And?" Lupin inquired further. I sized Lupin up, seeing that he was no real threat to me.
"It'll give me several advantages I'll need in Slytherin." I said slowly. Lupin looked a bit confused so I explained further. I made sure my voice was low; I didn't want anyone to eavesdrop on us.
"I could anticipate people's…actions toward me, if I knew Legilimency. It would help me to somewhat relax my guard." I sighed, knowing this to be a partial truth.
Professor Lupin nodded. "I doubt you'll be able to learn it on your own, Ginny."
"I know and I definitely don't want to ask Snape to teach me. He'd outright refuse. Would you teach me?" I asked, a smile spreading across my face.
Lupin chuckled at my words. "You assume that I'm an accomplished Occlumens or a Legilimens."
The smile quickly slid from my face. "You are not?" I asked. Professor Lupin shook his head 'no'. I nodded.
"Would you teach me, if you knew?" I asked quietly, wondering how he'd respond.
"Yes, Ginny, I would." He said gently, and I could tell that he was sincere. Being around Tom for a year gave me the ability to tell whether someone was lying or being honest.
"Still, I think you should read up on the subject." Lupin said, standing. I looked up, slightly disappointed to see him leave. "Classes begin in five minutes. I suggest you start tidying up here. And Ginny, if you ever wish to talk, my door is always open." He said, offering me a warm smile that wasn't fake. I nodded and thanked him. He left.
Maybe this year won't be all that terrible, I thought. I cleaned up the surrounding area, grabbed some books and headed to Herbology, feeling hope.
Classes at Hogwarts went on normally. In Transfiguration, we learned how to transform animals into drinking glasses. In history, dull Professor Binns talked about the International Warlock Convention of 1289. Potions was a challenge, but I kept studying the properties of the ingredients. I found that the more familiar I became with the properties, the easier it was for me to determine and even manipulate the base of each potion. I was becoming very talented at Potions; talented enough to get approving nods from Snape. Finally, he was noticing that I wasn't dim-witted at all. I would show him. I would show them all!
I spent hours in the library searching Potion books. I was so familiar with properties now; I could manipulate the properties to almost anything I wanted. I was interested in creating my own inventions, and I had a lot of ideas I wanted to put into fruition. Classes, for me, were going exceedingly well. I spent my days and nights studying. Astoria would watch me and so her anger dimmed. Last year, I helped her with all of her homework. It was one of the reasons why she'd placed so well in our class. Back then, she was an ally. Now, however, I didn't know what she was. At dinner, she finally spoke without behaving resentfully.
"Ginevra." Astoria said, sitting down beside me. I glanced at her and continued to eat my food.
Astoria sighed. Then, she regained her composure, tossing her blond hair over her shoulders. "Look, you should know that-"
"Not here." I interrupted. Malfoy's eyes were narrowed in our direction, clearly eavesdropping. Astoria nodded, and we continued our dinner in silence. When we reached our dorm, I shut the door and placed a silencing charm on the room, charming the door locked.
Astoria looked impressed. I fought the urge to smirk. "You were saying."
"You should know that my behavior of late has been inexcusable." Astoria said flatly.
I knew she didn't mean anything she'd said. For this reason, I got to the point.
"What can I do for you now, Astoria?" I asked, truly bored by her.
Astoria looked as if she was going to say something, but she thought better of it. Smart girl. I sneered inside my head. "Let me see, perhaps your Potions essay." I drawled. Astoria's blue eyes blinked. I smirked.
"Fine, but there is a price you'll have to pay. After all, nothing in this world is free." I sneered, sending her a look of complete disdain.
"And what is your price? Don't tell me its gold, Weasley. Wouldn't that wound your pride?" She said snidely.
I smirked. "Quite the contrary. I consider myself a part of the trade and you a client. This is simply good business. Two galleons of gold for each essay I write you. Fifteen galleons of gold, when I help you study for our exams. Nonnegotiable, of course. Do you agree to my terms?" I finished coldly, looking at her as if she were nothing.
Astoria silently fumed. "Look at it this way: You'd never owe me anything. You wouldn't even have to pretend to like me. We'd both benefit mutually. So, what say you, Astoria?" I asked, sitting on the bed. I intentionally cracked open my Potions book.
Astoria smirked, her expression bordering friendly. "I accept. Now, write my essay on the Shrinking Solution." She ordered, going to her drawer and getting the gold.
She put two Galleons in my hand and, afterward, I began her essay. I finished it in forty minutes. She was satisfied, especially after I said a spell that altered my handwriting to hers. Afterward, I took a shower. Then, I dried my hair and body with a charm. I later settled myself under the covers, reading more about Occlumency. Then, I heard someone outside the door. Upon looking up, I saw the door knob move but it didn't budge. I smirked, and Astoria's lips thinned. She knew it was Malfoy. After he couldn't get inside, he gave up and left. I put away the book and turned out the light. Afterward, I slept fabulously.
"Up. Get up!" said a voice outside our room door.
I heard someone banging on the door, as if they'd tear it down. Groggily, I stirred and looked at the time. It was close to eleven o'clock.
Putting on some suitable pants, I snatched the door opened. "What's going on?" I asked.
The Slytherin prefect − a tall sixth year − looked at me disdainfully. "Just go downstairs with the others, Weasley." He spat.
I drew my wand lightening fast and pointed it at his throat. "Answer, now." I hissed, jabbing the wand into his throat.
I felt the boy shiver. He was scared. Good. "Black is in the school. They say - they say he destroyed Gryffindor Tower's portrait. Dumbledore ordered all of the prefects to take the students to the Great Hall."
I jabbed my wand deeper into the boy's neck. He whimpered. Coward! "What about Potter? Did Black finally get him?" I slapped the boy, when he tried to reach for his wand. It clattered to the floor and he looked at me wide-eyed.
"Start talking or I start hexing." I hissed, smirking at him.
"Potter wasn't hurt. Now, get off, you lunatic." The prefect said, clearly intimidated.
"If you're smart, you wouldn't attempt revenge against me." I threatened, shoving his wand into his hand.
The boy left, muttering something about a 'crazy bitch.' I smirked and woke Astoria. Together, we headed downstairs and waited in the common room for the two prefects to arrive.
"Line up straight! We'll be spending the night in the Great Hall." said the girl prefect.
While filing out of the common room, Astoria walked up beside me. She was whining about leaving the bed at this hour. Malfoy was even worse; the prat wouldn't shut up, as usual. Theodore Nott walked up beside me, looking first at Astoria and then me.
"Is she alright?" Nott wondered, frowning at Astoria.
"She'll live." I responded flatly. All three of us walked up to the Great Hall in silence. Our classmates were trying to understand what was going on. I wanted to find Ron, Hermione and Harry but the prefects wouldn't allow it. Sighing, I settled into the sleeping bag in between Nott and Astoria. I didn't want to be anywhere near Nott, but I refused to sleep near Malfoy. He was on the other side of Astoria. I didn't sleep easily that night.
I just couldn't.
For the next few days, things at Hogwarts were uneventful. All people did was hypothesize about how Sirius Black broke into the castle. Their theories were completely ridiculous, even Malfoy's.
Nott was often around Astoria, which meant that he was often around me. He wasn't all that bad of a guy. He was quiet, and he kept mostly to himself. I found his temperament tolerable, and I liked his company. He was pompous and he was prejudiced. Nott, however, was nothing like Malfoy. Together, we hypothesized how Black could've gotten in.
"I wonder how he was able to fool the Dementors. I read about them. It's not an easy thing to do. They sense anything that can feel, including animals." I said, biting my lower lip.
"His feats stump the Minister, the ministry workers, the professors and Dumbledore. Do you really think you can figure this out?" Theodore drawled, sitting on Astoria's bed.
I glared at him. "I'm only trying to figure this out." I drawled. Nott smirked.
"I assume you've heard about your precious Potter's defeat. Courtesy of Diggory." Nott said, smirking vindictively at me.
I didn't go to that particular Quidditch match. I was still trying to learn Occlumency, Legilimency and French. I'd taken an interest in the language, and I was advancing well in it too.
Nott continued: "We should definitely win the cup this year. Not to mention, Potter's loss of his precious Nimbus Two Thousand. Tut tut." Nott drawled, his smirk widening.
"He doesn't cope well with the Dementors. You wouldn't either, if you'd experienced half of what he had." I said, bored. Nott's left eyebrow raised.
"Wouldn't I?" Theodore asked, his soft voice bordering dangerous.
Turning my head away from him, I remembered that Nott's mother had died at a young age. I'd been tactless to say that, but I honestly didn't care about that now. I never apologized to him.
"Was it necessary for you to pay him a hospital visit?" Theodore asked snidely. I sneered.
"Obviously, it was." I sneered, plopping down on my bed, opening the book on Occlumency and Legilimency.
"How do you fool them all like that?" Nott said, his eyes narrowed thoughtfully at me.
He continued: "You have your brother, Granger and Potter thinking that you're this sweet- tempered, innocent little girl. We all know that's quite the contrary." Nott remarked, gazing at me calculatingly.
"Well, little Ginny must keep up appearances." I drawled, smiling wickedly at him. Nott shook his head.
"You definitely belong here, Weasley." He said, more to himself. He was infatuated by the thought of a Weasley being in Slytherin.
"Let me see that book. I'm somewhat familiar with the art of Occlumency, but not so much with Legilimency. Want to practice?" He asked, smirking mischievously at me.
"No, you could damage my mind!" I spat. "What about a test subject?" I said, thinking of a suitable alternative, other than myself of course.
"Willing or unwilling?" Nott said, his eyes piercing mine. Clearly, he was surprised that I'd suggest such a thing.
"Ignorantly willful will do, I think." I responded nonchalantly.
Nott sighed, bored. "Who?"
"How I wish it could be Malfoy?" I spat viciously.
"Even he's not that stupid, Ginevra." Nott said almost sadly.
"Obviously!" I drawled. "No, it'll have to be someone young. A first year Slytherin will do. Can you go get one?" I asked, grabbing the book from Nott.
"Now?" Nott asked, wide-eyed.
I looked at him like he was stupid. "No, next year. Of course, now! Just go and get someone" I snapped. Theodore's eyes flashed dangerously at me. I turned a page in the book on my lap.
Theodore left, closing the door with a "mind your attitude, Ginevra."
It didn't take Nott long to find a young first year girl. She was completely infatuated with him. We read the directions carefully, Theodore in particular. The next hour was spent sifting through the girl's memories. It wasn't easy; it required a lot of control to first fully enter her mind, and then to slow the rushing memories down until they made sense. The first year girl didn't like it. She wanted to leave, but one smile from Nott silenced her. We continued practicing. The girl even agreed to come back, whenever Nott wanted her company.
"I think she's in love with you." I said, teasing Nott, who glared coldly at me. I smirked.
"Just like you're in love with Potter." Theodore spat. Silence followed, and we didn't talk anymore for that evening.
I burst the doors to our D.A.D.A. class open and I stormed out with the rest of the class.
Stupid Snape. I thought. Setting an essay on werewolves. We're second year, for crying out loud!
Entering the library, I waved at Madame Pince and headed to the Magical Creatures section. Even though I wanted to slam the book onto the table, I patiently opened it and gathered some parchment and ink to take notes. Upon reading the passage, I felt that it reminded me a lot of someone.
I exhaled all the air in my lungs. Professor Lupin!
I knew I wouldn't be able to see Lupin, until a couple of days after the full moon. It was the weekend now, and he'd still be recovering from the effects of his transformation. This weekend was a Hogsmeade weekend, and Ron promised he'd bring me some sweets from Honeydukes. I gave Nott ten sickles to bring me back a large barrel of Every Flavor Beans and some of Droobles Best Blowing Gum. I couldn't wait to visit Hogsmeade next year.
I spent the day practicing Legilimency on Amanda, the Slytherin girl who was in love with Nott. Theodore and I were getting much better at Legilimency. Entering her mind and seeing her memories was very easy for me now. I was much better than Nott, although Theodore would never admit that.
Amanda liked Theodore a lot, but Nott didn't return the sentiments at all. I decided to give her the large barrel of Every Flavor Beans. I would tell her they were a gift from Theodore. I'm sure he wouldn't mind much. I did essays for Astoria, Goyle, Crabbe and Bulstrode. I raked in more than fifty galleons a week, and I made close to two-hundred galleons a month. This didn't even include the money I'd make off of exam week!
I was well on my way to becoming very well-off. I loved the feeling I got when handling a lot of the upper-classmen's essays. They were grateful for my discretion. No one, outside of myself and them personally, needed to know that they were technically cheating. As long as they passed with flying colors and Snape was still unaware, then they were more than perfectly fine with the situation. Even Theodore wasn't aware of my trade, as I liked to call it. I headed to the Great Hall to meet Ron, who kept me waiting for thirty minutes.
"Where were you?" I snapped at Ron. Ron sent me an irritated look.
"Snape nearly caught Harry in Hogsmeade." He said off-handedly. He didn't mean to tell me something as personal as that. Since I'd been sorted into Slytherin, he never told me anything personal at all.
"He did what!" I hissed. "Black's out there! Is he mad?"
Ron flushed red and cringed. "We've heard that already, Gin. Now, here. I've got to go." Ron said, thrusting the chocolate in my hand and taking off up the stairs.
"Professor." I said, moving uncomfortably on the wooden bench before Lupin's desk.
"Yes, Ginny." Professor Lupin said, gazing at me patiently. He was urging me to continue. He often did this during the many evening conversations we had.
"I know." I whispered.
Lupin frowned and said, "Excuse me." I sighed.
I held up my hand and drew my wand, placing a silencing charm on the room. "I know about your lycanthropy. Snape set that essay and I figured it out. I haven't told anyone. I'll never tell anyone."
Lupin nodded gratefully. "You've been a great friend to me, Ginny." I smiled and nodded. Lupin sat down and took a deep sigh.
"I know you're wondering how it happened and how I was able to be educated at Hogwarts." Lupin said and I nodded.
He continued: "When I was a boy, I was bitten by Fenrir Greyback. A vile beast he was. Anyway, my parent's feared that I wouldn't be accepted and rightfully so. It was only by the good grace of Dumbledore that I was allowed to study the craft here. The Whomping Willow was built for me." Professor Lupin said reminiscently, a small smile on his face.
I shook my head, realization dawning on me. "The ghost stories. Not a ghost! You." I said in awe. Professor Lupin chuckled.
"You're a bright girl, Ginny. One of the brightest I've ever seen. Yes, it was me. I was sent there during my transformations, to protect others and myself." He finished, his voice too wry. And somewhat bitter.
"It didn't go as well as you would've liked it to." I said simply. Lupin nodded.
"That is all, for today, Ginny. Forgive me. One day, perhaps, I'll have the courage to tell you the whole story. But today, the things I've said shall simply have to suffice." Lupin said. I nodded.
"You look tired, Professor. You should get some rest." Remus smiled warmly at me.
"I'll do that, thanks." I left his room with a grin, curious about all of Remus's stories.
Malfoy was excessively pleased with himself. Poor Hagrid! Lucius Malfoy's power at the Ministry could easily get Buckbeak executed. Even with all of the extra work Hermione was putting in the library now, it still wasn't good enough to save the hippogriff. To be honest, Hagrid never stood a chance. I told Hermione this, but she wouldn't hear any of it. I helped her do research on some cases that were similar to Hagrid's. The girl was too determined, too good.
It was during this time, in late February, that I got to know and like Hermione Granger. To me, she was a sweet girl who was truly brilliant and completely useful in so many ways. Befriending Hermione was a great advantage to me. Her acquaintance made me feel less cold, more human-like. I valued her company, despite Theodore's, Astoria's and Malfoy's disparaging remarks about her blood. She was a good person, although a little daft when it came to Ron. They weren't speaking because of Crookshanks and that mangy rat Scabbers. The thing was dead. Good riddance. Hermione just couldn't see that Ron fancied her. I mean, really. How could she not see that?
I couldn't do my normal reading on Occlumency and Legilimency around Hermione in the library, nor could I practice clearing my mind in front of her. Theodore now practiced on me; after all, Amanda was becoming too obsessive. I'd only repelled him from my mind once. I would have to do much better than that. I needed to learn how to Occlude at all times. That was important to me, especially because of Snape. In the corner, Hermione made a noise that brought me back into the moment. Hermione was too over-worked this year. How the hell was she getting to all of those classes? It just didn't make any sense to me. Meanwhile, Harry and Ron were angry with her for telling McGonagall about the Firebolt that Harry had received. I repeatedly told her it was the right thing to do, but she wouldn't relax. She missed Ron and Harry.
Hermione was going to lose it, as far I was concerned. I pitied the fool who she'd go berserk on.
"Did you see the Prophet today, Ginevra?" Nott asked, sitting at the end of Astoria's bed.
Astoria rolled her eyes. "She doesn't need to read what everyone's talking about." Astoria said, sighing from boredom.
Theodore sent Astoria a glare. "I read it. Black's going to receive the Dementor's Kiss. Even I pity him." I said quietly.
Astoria's left eyebrow raised, and she laid back onto the bed. "I don't understand it." Astoria said omnisciently, tossing her blonde hair over her shoulders.
"Understand what?" I asked irritably. I didn't miss the look Astoria sent Theodore, who shook his head 'no'.
"Tell me. Now!" I insisted and Astoria smirked.
"What's in it for me?" She asked. I looked to Theodore, who sat up straighter if that was even possible.
"Black was always considered a blood traitor among our circle." Nott said slowly, looking at me to gauge my reaction.
Of course, Nott was talking about the Death Eaters. My father often talked about those families linked with You-Know-Who.
My brow furrowed in confusion. "How could you consider a man who murdered twelve muggles a blood traitor? Not to mention that other fellow he killed." I asked slowly, trying to understand what Theodore was saying.
"I mean that he never appeared to support our ways." Nott said in a matter of fact manner.
"Much like you and your family." Astoria spat. Her mouth wrinkled in distaste. My eyes flashed dangerously in her direction, and finally the cow quieted.
"According to my father, Black was friends with Potter's dad and that Pettigrew fellow he murdered. They were all very close friends. No one would've ever thought that Black could do something like that-especially after befriending kind like theirs. But he did. He turned traitor and surprised everyone." Theodore finished, sitting up toward the head of Astoria's bed.
"Strange. Very strange. So that was hushed up for all of these years." I wondered aloud.
"No, it just depends on who you know." Astoria said, looking at Theodore then back at me. "They say he was the Potter's secret keeper and that Black personally handed the Potters over to the Dark Lord." Astoria finished, her eyes alight with a malicious sparkle that I didn't like.
Dad must know! What about Harry? I wondered.
I tried to remain as indifferent as I could to this new information. I only let my eyes widen at the realization that the Potters had obviously been betrayed. This thought had never occurred to me. The Potters took measures to protect themselves from Voldemort. And, sadly, those measures had failed.
"It all makes sense now. So, why kill Pettigrew?" I asked Theodore.
Nott clearly didn't want to talk about this. "Pettigrew found Black and wanted to kill him for his betrayal. Black, however, wouldn't be killed so easily. After he killed Pettigrew and the muggles, the Ministry surrounded him and hauled him to Azkaban. He's never been heard of since." Theodore finished.
Astoria began laughing manically. Theodore and I looked at her like she'd lost her mind. Had she?
"The only thing they found of Pettigrew was his finger. A finger!" Astoria said, still laughing.
I couldn't help but look at her disdainfully. Nott threw her a distasteful look.
"What? That takes an incredible amount of power that we all can appreciate." She said, smirking at Nott especially. Theodore just shook his head and began writing his essay again. But I couldn't help but think of Black. That monster was getting exactly what he deserved.
The Gryffindor vs. Ravenclaw match turned out to be in Harry's favor. He flew extremely well with that Firebolt of his. Malfoy was angry, now more than ever. He was serving detention with Crabbe, Goyle and Flint for that stupid prank he'd pulled on Harry during the match. Idiot!
After the match, I couldn't help but notice Harry looking at Chang. And she was looking at him. Great, now he likes her! Yet the hype of the match wasn't what people were talking about now. All anyone could talk about was how Sirius Black had entered Gryffindor Tower yet again-this time, with the help of Longbottom. How could he be so stupid as to leave written passwords lying around?
"It's a shame that Black couldn't take care of your brother for us, Weasley." Malfoy said, his voice cold and taunting. I narrowed my eyes at him.
"The real shame is that your stupidity lost us all fifty house points." I sneered, walking away to head to the Slytherin commons. Malfoy, however, was right behind me.
"At least my family doesn't sleep in one room." He spat, pushing me up against the stone wall hard. How I wanted to curse his head off?
His wand was now pointed at my throat. "Go ahead, Malfoy. Harry threw mud on you, and Granger slapped you around like the worthless little coward you are." I said, grinning maliciously at him.
Malfoy slapped me so hard that I lost my balance. I tumbled far down the stone stairs. Darkness welcomed me, and then there was nothing.
I was unconscious for two days and a half. Snape was forced to give Malfoy a detention for giving me a concussion. The idiot nearly killed me, and Snape knew that. Ron, Hermione and Harry visited me. Hermione, however, visited me alone. She was speaking to Ron and Harry again, but she was very busy with Hagrid's case. Even Professor Lupin visited, although his visit was very brief.
"We beat your house for the Quidditch cup." Harry said awkwardly, standing next to Ron who was seated on my bed. Ron smiled broadly, looking smug. I rolled my eyes and tried to remind myself to speak coherently in front of Harry.
"No surprise there. Malfoy couldn't compete when you had a Nimbus, so there's no way in the world he'd be able to compete against a Firebolt." I drawled. Harry looked surprised to hear me speak. I couldn't blame him.
"Well, guys, thanks for stopping by. I'm tired now." I said, dismissing them.
Since Ron was hungry, he quickly got to his feet. Upon their leave, Harry turned around and wished me a speedy recovery. I nodded my head at him and blushed, giving him a small thank you. Together, they left the hospital wing.
I was on the train ride home now. Theodore, Astoria and I were sitting together.
"It was hilarious how Professor Snape exposed that mangy werewolf for what he really is. All this time and we never knew. How could Dumbledore let that thing teach at Hogwarts." Astoria spat, her mouth wrinkled in disgust.
I sent her a glare that shut her up momentarily. Theodore looked at me, and his eyes shown with realization. He now knew I'd known about Professor Lupin.
Remus had just left. He'd never said goodbye to me. To think, I considered him my friend. Obviously, I was very angry with him. I couldn't help but think that something happened in order to make Snape more furious at Harry, Ron, Hermione and Lupin. I also knew that it somehow involved Sirius Black. I didn't believe that, once cornered, Black could escape Dumbledore the way he had. It just didn't seem right. Perhaps Black was a very powerful, dark wizard after all. Not wanting to think about Black or Lupin anymore, I decided to change the subject.
"How are you all going to spend your summer? Are you going to the Quidditch World Cup, Theo?" I asked, knowing that he probably wouldn't.
"If it was left up to me, I wouldn't. Father, however, will be handling some business during the match and he wants me to tag along. I'm supposed to learn." Nott said blandly.
"Well, if you see me at the match, don't hesitate to give me a nod. I'll write too." I said, getting up and leaving the compartment to Astoria and Nott.
Only Astoria knew that Theodore and I were a bit more than allies. I almost considered Theodore a friend. Nott, however, liked to study people too much for my tastes. I always felt as though he were analyzing me for my usefulness. Yet I couldn't blame him for that. His company was useful to me. To everyone else, Astoria and Nott were an item who were very close. They talked well into the night in our dorm room. Nott and Astoria neither encouraged, nor did they try to fight the rumors. They were content to let people simply think what they wanted to think. Astoria and Nott were childhood associates, so it wasn't uncommon for them to be seen together.
I entered the Trio's compartment and sat down. "Whose owl is that?" I asked, seeing a brown owl with large eyes flying around.
"It's mine." Ron said, blushing. I nodded. "Nice. I'm getting one this summer too."
"You are. How?" Ron asked, his mouth set in a frown. I smirked. "I've been saving up."
"Don't do that." Ron snapped. I rolled my eyes.
"Grow up, Ronald." I drawled, sighing from the boredom I was feeling at this very moment.
The train came to a halt. I saw Mum and Dad waiting for us all. I ran to Dad and hugged him. Then, I hugged Mum. I slightly nodded to Nott. Then, I left the station with my family. I could relax now. I was no longer surrounded by my housemates.
Things are still a bit slow but the real fun starts happening in the next chapter.
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