Christmas came so quickly. I watched as every student left the castle. But I had my own plans. I said goodbye to Draco, who were both heading to their homes. With excitement, I hurried up to Professor McGonagall's office, where she waited in her chair. The feeble professor waited patiently.
"I'm here, Professor. I apologize if I was too late," I said quietly. The Professor shook her head.
"It's fine. Miss Riggs, take a seat anywhere," McGonagall said. I sat down in a plump green seat.
"To begin our training, for a month you must keep a leaf of a mandrake in your mouth. Cleaned- of course. And every day, you must chant Amato Animo Animato Animagus at sunset and sunrise. Professor Snape will teach you how to brew a potion, which can only be consumed during a lightning storm. After that, we will see if you are ready. But one step at a time," the professor said. She handed me a leaf, and I took it and placed it in my mouth, under my tongue.
"Okay," I said. She nodded, knowing that I heard her correctly. Since it wasn't sundown or sun-up, I had no need to chant. "I'm going to see if anyone else is here, besides Violet."
"Oh, I know many Gryffindors are still here," the Professor said. I nodded, smiling.
"Thank you," I said, before exiting her office. I walked to the great hall, where I found many older kids, waiting for letters. I wasn't going to get one, I already knew that. No gifts- nothing. I saw Weasley and Potter, playing wizard's chess. Because they were the only first years there, I decided to walk over to them. When they saw me, Weasley wrinkled his nose.
"Who invited you here, Slytherin?" he sneered. I rolled my eyes.
"Because I have nothing better to do. Missing your know-it all girlfriend?" I teased. Weasley's eyes were furious. "I don't mean to start a fight. I'm just joking. Besides, looks like you two are having fun."
"And?" Potter said, looking at me cluelessly. I shrugged.
"Can I play chess with you?" I finally said. Ron gave Harry a unsure look. But Harry shook his head.
"Sorry," he said. I walked away, holding my head low. Maybe someday I could be friends with a Gryffindor. But that I would have to wait, maybe many years for.
And I sat alone. I knew the post would come soon. I ate an apple, and decided to go to the common room. I turned, and exited the great hall. I ran down the stairs, hurrying to get to one of the only safe places I knew of. Quickly, I reached the Slytherin common room. I hurried up the stairs, finding the girl's dormitories empty. There were a few scattered bags. But I looked at the empty bed across where Violet's belongings normally sat. I sighed, and looked around for Ink's cage. I found it under the bed, and I pulled it out.
"Oh Ink, come on!" I said. Ink was missing. I pushed her cage back, and shook my head with disappointment. I was secretly worried for Ink. I searched all thirty five beds, but I couldn't find Ink anywhere. I put my hands on my face, and tears slid down my face. Ink was my only warmth at night. It became freezing at night and in the early morning. I smeared the tears on my bed's covers, trying to wipe them off. How could Ink escape? But then again, considering this was a school of magic, my brain just was cleared with horror. Ink could've been killed. I ran down the stairs, furious with myself. I should've locked it. All these should haves. I should stop saying should. I should do.
Finally, I escaped the common room, and searched for the cat. I checked the dungeons. And then, I realized I hadn't searched the potions classroom. I knocked on the door. When no one replied, I figured Snape wasn't in there. I slipped inside, and immediately saw Ink trying to get a dead mouse that was in a cabinet.
"Ink!" I called. Immediately, Ink came running to me, with a disappointed look on her tiny face. I picked her up, and walked to the Slytherin common room.
"Pure Blood," I said, and the wall parted. Tears of happiness filled my eyes. Ink was safe.
