Chapter 3
Nyx
The Lions' Den
I practically started to roll on the floor from laughing. Helios Riddle, Gryffindor Royalty, in Slytherin! I was practically crying, but straightened.
"I wonder what happened," Marie said, she being the only other third year besides me and some new kid.
"I know, the royal king dethroned in front of all of us," I chuckled. Suddenly a sharp tapping sounded and we all fell silent.
"You all had better stop talking so we can get on with the Sorting," Professor Moody called.
"Riddle, Nyx," Professor McGonagall called. I started to walk up to the stool. That's when I realized it, if Helios had been sorted into Slytherin...then what about me. It was too late for second thoughts; I was already in front of the stool. I sat down and felt the Hat's coarse leather descend on my head.
"Hello again, young Riddle. You have grown so much in these past few years," the Hat's deep crackly voice echoes through my ears, and a sound that sounded like laughed. "I've heard so much about you in my office, all your tricks abroad and the mirth it caused...and, about the prophecy."
I stiffened, I had never heard of a prophecy about me, nor any tricks. The Hat started to laugh before finally shouting for the whole school to hear.
"GRYFFINDOR!" I yanked the hat off my head and threw it to the ground, stepping on it with the heel of my boot, grinding it into ground.
"Miss Riddle," cried Professor McGonagall, but I stormed off, not even wanting to look back. I didn't stop when I arrived at the Gryffindor Banner, I kept walking, right pasting it and down into the Forbidden Forest. Quickly I took cover and watched as Professor Fawkes talked to a woman behind her.
The woman was average height, wearing a tan trench coat, jeans, and a button-down white shirt. Her right leg, however, was a wooden leg and her left hand was a hook. I tried to see her face, but it was cast in shadows. The woman nodded and started to walk in my direction.
"Professor McGonagall, please continue the sorting," Fawkes said, her tone making it clear that no questions were to be asked.
"Weasley, George," Professor McGonagall coughed after several attempts. A bright red haired boy walked up to the stool.
"GRYFFINDOR!" the hat yelled. I scoffed, turning on my heel and walking away.
"Miss Riddle," the same gruff voice that had told the school to be quiet said. I took off.
I am not going back, definitely not. I felt the shifting then, as a walked quickly away from Moody. My body was shrinking, sprouting red and black feathers, my eyes grew round and a beak sprouted instead of my mouth. A moment later I was soaring over the trees in the shape of a red and black barn owl.
I considered leaving Hogwarts, but I decided to stay and watch the Sorting. I flew to the Gryffindor Banner and landed on top of it. I clicked my beak and watched Marie get sorted into Slytherin.
"Ooooh, what a pretty owl," a girl below said. I turned to look at her with my mismatched eyes and she shrieked. I turned and took flight, hooting softly as I landed on top of Hogwarts. I shifted back into my human self and sat on the cool, rough tiles of the roof.
It was boring on the roof, but I had a spectacular view of the grounds except for the pruned grounds and lake, everything else was covered by the Forbidden Forest. I glanced at the lake and smiled, the lake was perfect. All the time at Durmstrang Piper and me- the smile slid off my face. Well either way I was still going swimming. I jumped from the roof and transformed into my owl form again.
Carefully I landed by the edge of the lake, closest to the Forbidden Forest. I was just about to shift back when I heard the sound of voices.
"You really think he'd betray us?" I rolled my eyes; it was none other than my newest classmate, Sirius Black.
"No way, the stupid hat just made a mistake," James Potter said. I noticed the voices were closer now and flew up to a tree branch to watch.
"But then what about Nyx; she was sorted into our house," Black asked, and then they walked into sight five of them. Sirius Black, James Potter, Remus Lupin, Nymphadora Tonks, and Lily Evans.
"But Helios wouldn't do that. He absolutely hates Slytherin," Evans said.
"Well then why is he there and not here?" Black asked. I almost swore he stomped his foot in frustration.
"Yes indeed, why?" I asked as I shifted back to human form and jumped down from the tree.
"You," Potter growled and glowered at me.
"Yes, me," I smirked.
"What do you want?" Tonks snarled.
"Well I was going to swim, but you all intruded." I sighed dramatically.
"Then don't let us stop you," Black said, surprisingly calm. He just walked by, followed by the other four. I shrugged and watched them walk away.
Once they were out of sight, I stripped down to my tank top and underwear. I took a running start and dived into the lake. The cool chilling waters surrounded me, dark, empty, yet full of the mysterious. I kicked to the surface and took a deep breath as I broke surface.
"Isn't it cold?" a familiar Brazilian accent asked. I turned to see Piper standing there, her hand on her waist and glaring at me.
"Piper," I said. "Why're you here?"
"I came to say good-bye," Piper said.
"You're joking right?" I could tell by the way she stared at me that she was dead serious. "After everything?"
"You mean, you betraying your own house, your friends, me?" she asked.
"Piper, I don't want to be in Gryffindor," I whispered.
"Well too bad, you already are, no changing that." Piper turned away and I watched her walk away. She sniffed and I watched her rub her face.
She's crying, I thought. All my life I've known Piper she has never ever cried.
"Ouch, that's gotta hurt," said a voice behind me. I turned and came face to face with Black.
"What the hell do you want Black?"
"Didn't mean to, I just decided to test the water." He shrugged. I glared.
"Lame excuse," I said, as I bent my knees, positioning myself on a rock and jumped. Diving deep into the water. It was dark and I felt a little creeped out, every so often a fish swam into my vision. Something wrapped around my ankle and I twisted around and struck out with my other foot. It connected with something and I saw Black there, holding his nose and slowly saw the dark red liquid pour out and dissipate into the water around.
Shit, I thought. The blood was flowing slowly out of his nose. I grabbed him and yanked him up. We broke out of the water and I pulled him on shore.
"You are so stupid!" I muttered as he started to sit up and cough up water. "There are mermen in there who wouldn't think twice about attacking us! And your freakin' blood is a giant sign yelling 'Free meal right here! All you can eat buffet! Enjoy the two puny people!'"
"I'm—cough—not the one—cough—who kicked—cough—an innocent—cough—guy in the nose!" Black managed to get out through gasps. He took a deep breath and regained his breathing.
"Well I wasn't the one who grabbed onto someone's foot in the deep, dark depths of the lake!" I snapped back, standing up. "Thanks for ruining my nice, calm, relaxing swim." I stalked off to grab my clothes, redressed quickly, and looked back at Black, who was still lying in the sand. Not knowing why, I walked back over towards him.
He was laying with his back on the sand and his tan, strong arms were behind his head, propping it up. I looked down at his bare, muscular torso and chest and saw the long, thin scar running lengthwise across his chest. I knelt next to him and, without thinking about it, traced the scar with my fingers. Black opened his eyes and stared at me, with almost a mix of an amused and wary expression, but I didn't really think anything of it at the moment.
"Is that from me?" I asked, clearing my throat uncomfortably when I realized exactly what I'd been doing. He looked down at his chest and nodded.
"You're quite skilled with a knife," he muttered, looking at the shiny, pink skin. I said nothing, but watched as he got up and put on his robes. "The sorting's probably over, so…"
"Oh. Yeah. Wait! There's a small problem," I said, my bad mood resurfacing as I remembered I'd have to spend the night in the Gryffindor dorms, of all places. "I have no idea where the Gryffindor common room is or what the password is."
"It's fine. I know it, so you can follow me for just this once," Black sighed, and he started walking back towards the castle.
What the hell are you doing, Nyx? I asked myself, but I still followed him without complaint up to the seventh floor and to a painting of a very fat lady in a frilly pink dress. Fraternizing with the Enemy, that's what.
"Pygmypuff," Black said to the Fat Lady to which she replied,
"Oh, aren't they just the cutest!" She laughed and her pictured frame swung open, revealing a passageway.
"Padfoot!" Potter yelled and pulled Black into the common room. Because I really didn't have anywhere else to go unless I'd rather stay in the passageway (which I was seriously considering), I followed the two boys.
"You again," Potter snarled when he saw me.
"Yeah, me. Sadly I can't control what house I get stuck in, so you're all stuck with me," I said emotionlessly.
"She's not too bad. Not as bad as Regulus made her sound, but pretty damn close," Black muttered to Potter. "I think it'd be possible to change her—"
"Regulus talks about me?" I asked, a fluttery feeling going through my stomach.
"More like boasts, but yeah. Probably won't anymore," Black said, smirking. My face fell and my heart twisted painfully.
"Oh yeah, I guess not. Wouldn't want to taint his blood like you already have," I said, my thoughts on Regulus. Shaking my head and putting on a steely look, I snapped, "So do any of you morons know where my room is?" Evans and Tonks shared a very unhappy look.
"You're with us," Tonks growled. Saying nothing else, they led me up a flight of stairs and into a room. The room had three beds, one of which had my trunk on it. I flopped down, not even bothering to change my clothes, and fell right to sleep.
The first night back at Hogwarts was horrible. I was sorted into Gryffindor, went swimming in the Black Lake with none other than Sirius Black, gave him a bloody nose, was probably seconds away from being eaten by a blood-thirsty merman, and then had to spend the night sleeping in the same dorm with my two least favorite people in the world. Oh joy.
I suppose I should be happy that nothing bad happened in the night. So when five o'clock came around I got up and left, not heading for breakfast, but my secret room. It was the Room of Requirement I walked past it thinking, I need a room to think. I need a room to think. I need a room to think. I took a deep breath and opened my eyes. A familiar oak door appeared, out of habit I looked around, but who would be up at five in the morning?
When I entered the room I saw the same four black leather couches facing each other in the center of the room, a black square coffee table was set in the middle of the couches with a giant strategy game. I walked over to my favorite couch and flopped down. I remember last year when the students were allowed to come back for a month before Hogwarts collapsed again. That was the first time the other Slytherins and me came to this room and made it our own.
I sighed and leaned back, sinking into the cool, soft leather. Suddenly a pair of hands covered my eyes and I jerked forward, twisting around and pulling the person to me, wrapping my legs around them and putting them in a headlock.
I caught a whiff of the familiar smell of cinnamon. I released the person and they turned to face me. I was staring into the stormy eyes of Regulus Black.
"What the hell was that for?" I snarled, standing up and knocking Regulus to the floor.
"What the hell was that for?" Regulus asked as he stood up and flopped onto the couch across from me.
"What do you want?" I asked, glaring at him and sinking back into the leather couch.
"I wanted to talk to you."
"About?"
"Us. We, well are we still…?"
"Are we what?" I snapped turning to face him. "Are we still dating? Well, based on the fact that I don't belong with you guys anymore, so, I think we aren't." My eyes were brimming with tears before I could stop them, so I hastily wiped them away furiously.
"Really? 'Cause I don't want this to end," he said, taking my face in his hand, lifting it up so he could look me in the eyes. I hastily took a step back, but he caught my arm and pulled me close to him. Our faces were so close our breath was mingling. I looked down at his lips, and then he leaned closer still and gently kissed me.
I was frozen and tense at first, but I quickly relaxed into the kiss and responded by kissing him back, realizing how scared I had been that he'd throw me away like all my other ex-friends. But the thought of them, of Piper, made me break the kiss.
"Regulus," I whispered, confused.
"Sorry," he said back, just as quietly. Neither of us moved to put any distance between us.
"What was that for?"
"That was me saying I'm sorry for everything you've had to go through, and that I don't want you to leave me." He said it so simply and so honestly, it touched my heart, which was normally so hard to reach. To say the least, he made me go speechless.
"I…um…you…but what about the rest of them?" I stuttered.
"You mean Piper and the others? Well, we just won't tell them. They threatened me yesterday to break up with you or else."
"I'm sorry Regulus."
"Don't be. Nyx, I'm the one—" Regulus stopped short, and then I heard the voices sounding close to the door.
I need a place to exit here unnoticed, I thought, and immediately a cabinet door swung open. I quickly walked into it, but before I made my way, I looked back at Regulus.
"See you later?"
"Of course," he replied without hesitation. I closed the door, smiling, and made my way down the dark tunnel. A minute later I came to a dead end and found a door. When I opened it, I fell out of my cupboard in Gryffindor tower.
"What the hell, Riddle?" Tonks shouted. Ignoring her, I closed the cabinet door and sighed, slumping back against the door, touching my lips lightly with my fingertips. A smile was playing across my lips.
"Is she…smiling?" Evans asked, sounding disturbed.
"I think so," Tonks whispered back to her friend. "Oi, Riddle, why did you choose now, of all times, to come out of the closet?"
"I just…" but I trailed off, letting her 'joke' slide just this once. Getting up, I grabbed my clothes and went to the bathroom and changed into them. I hurried out of the room and made my way to the Great Hall, and sat down at the end of the Gryffindor table. I picked up a waffle and slowly ripped it into tiny pieces, eating small bites at a time, chewing them over thoughtfully.
"So, Riddle," said a voice that was highly annoying in my ears. It was none other than Black, who was followed by his "crew"; Potter, Lupin, Evans, and Tonks.
"I never got back at you for the knife incident," Black said casually as he sat down across from me, his friends sitting next to him.
"Hmm, no need to thank me, Black. Although I must say I'm horrified at just how dirty your blood has become," I said, placing another piece of waffle in my mouth.
Potter went to stand up and probably hex me, but Black put a hand on his friend's shoulder.
"But my blood is just like yours." Black smirked, like he had just made some great joke.
"True," I said anyways, "but you're also a blood-traitor."
"But you're forgetting one tiny important detail," Lupin spoke up, flashing a small victorious smile.
"And what would that be?" I rolled my eyes.
"You're a blood-traitor now, too," he said, "what with being sorted into Gryffindor and all." I swear, if looks could kill, the man would be dead already.
"Never," I snarled venomously, putting down the bite of waffle I was just about to put in my mouth, and I walked away from the horrid group.
"Good job Moony," I head Black whining. "You could have given us a heads up so we could have made fun of her, though!" I rolled my eyes and muttered something nasty under my breath.
"Miss Riddle," I heard a brisk female voice behind me say. Oh shit, I thought. Just you're luck you'd get caught cussing. I turned around to face Professor McGonagall.
"Here's your schedule," she said, shoving the piece of parchment into my hands. I thanked Merlin that she hadn't heard me, because she was really strict about "minors" and the language they used. She turned around, thought of something, and turned back to face me.
"Oh yes, Miss Riddle?"
"Hmm?"
"Behave yourself." And with that she was gone.
Tsk. Don't tell me what to do! I thought, looking at my schedule as I exited the Great Hall. Potions first. Great; Nott first period. I shoved the schedule into my pocket and slowly made my way to class. When I entered the cool, dank classroom, I a sense of calmness immediately overcame me; potions had always been my best subject. I sat down at my old table, the one furthest from the front of the classroom and on the left side of the room. I pulled my leather-bound journal out of my bag, and the page I happened to flip open to had a picture of me, in owl form, on it.
"You again?" a voice groaned from behind me, causing a woodsy-smell to engulf me. "C'mon man! You're in my seat!"
"Black?" I asked, inhaling the scent. "Pine and not cinnamon?" I muttered. "Strange…"
"Pine?" Black asked, then shook his head and glared at me. "Move it, you freak. You're in my seat."
"Um, no." I smiled sweetly. "This is my seat."
"Quit flirting, Riddle. We know he's irresistible and all, but really, that's gross!" Potter said in a matter-of-fact voice. Why do I care about their smells? I asked myself as I caught a whiff of Potter, who smelled like pomegranates. What a weird smell for him, though. I would've imagined something less sweet…
"Shut the hell up Potter," I snapped. "I have values, thank you very much, so I would not stoop so low as to flirting with that thing. And let me tell you, he's the last guy in this school who I would say is irresistible." I looked Potter up and down then added. "After you of course." I turned back to Black, who was wearing a stunned expression. "Anyways…back to the important matter at hand. I sat here first, so get your sorry little asses different seats."
Black had already recovered from my insults. "No can do, Riddle. If you won't move, then I guess you'll just have to sit at the same table as us." He sighed and sat at the far end of the table, leaving Potter to sit in the middle. I glared at both of them.
Damn. I don't want to sit at the same table as them, of all people, but I won't lose this fight, I thought.
"Do whatever you want, Black," I said coldly instead, shrugging. I picked up my journal, took a pencil out of my bag, and started to darken the lines of the picture of myself in owl form.
"Riddle." I looked up and glared at Black. "Why did you say 'pine' earlier?" he asked, oblivious to my glare.
"Not cinnamon," I said absently, returning to my drawing.
"Not cinnamon? What the hell does that mean?" Potter asked Black quietly. I sighed and put my pencil down.
"Regulus smells like cinnamon," I said, not sure why in the world I was bothering to explain myself to my enemies. Black and Potter shared a look.
"And the pine?" Black asked.
"Simple, really. You smell like pine."
"And me?" Potter asked.
"Pomegranate," I said. Shut-up Nyx! I yelled at myself. I quickly closed my journal and returned it to my bag so I wouldn't have to look at the two guys. Time for a subject change. "So where's the rest of your gang?"
"Care of Magical Creatures," Potter said. I bit my lip. Talk about awkward. Thank Merlin I was saved by Professor Nott.
"Hurry up and take your seats so we can get this thing over with," Nott said in an extremely loud (and normal for him) voice. Nott started to take roll, but he paused at my name. I didn't even have to guess that it was mine; I could tell from the pause and his facial expressions (a nasty sneer) and the way his shoulders and back straightened.
"Here," I said, sighing. Sadly… I added silently.
"Well I believe all of you have learned quite a bit at your other schools, so today I think we shall test you to see how much you morons have learned," Nott said, flicking his wand, making words appear on the green chalk board. Felix Felixis, I read.
I smiled, cracking my knuckles and getting my cauldron and the ingredients I would need. We got started on our work quickly, because Nott didn't like to "waste time", as he put it. Halfway through the potion, I added a sprig of peppermint to the concoction.
Black made a laughing sound in the back of his throat. "I wouldn't just add random ingredients."
"Don't worry about it; it cancels out giddiness and fits of laughter," I told him, not taking my eyes off my work. He made a dismissive sound and ignored me for the rest of the hour.
At the end of class, I was the only one who had managed to complete the whole potion correctly. Sadly, Black and Potter were in a close second-place. Finally the bell rang and I got up, pulling my schedule out as I walked up the stairs.
"Damn. Freakin' Transfiguration next," I muttered crossly under my breath. And so the day went on until, finally, I flopped down on my bed in the Gryffindor Tower. In no time, I was asleep.
"You know…she doesn't look like such a bitch when she's asleep," said a voice just on the outskirts of my conscious mind. I couldn't see, but from the sweet, flowery scent that filled the room, I was guessing it was a girl.
"Yeah, even though she's still got that cold look. But I guess some are just born with it," another voice said, this one accompanied by a bubblegum smell.
My eyelids fluttered open and I frowned at Evans and Tonks from where they stood over me. "What the hell do you want?" I growled.
"And the royal bitch is back," Tonks muttered, rolling her eyes. I turned over, away from them, and fell back asleep.
"Are you sure you want to give her away?" asked an old woman with a kind, knowing voice.
"Yes. She and the other one, too," a different, younger woman's voice said softly. Though I couldn't see anything that was happening, only hear what was going on, I could feel someone wrapping their warm arms around me, putting me in an embrace full of love.
"What's the girl's name?" the old woman asked.
"Nyx Grey Riddle," the young woman said.
"And his name?" the older one asked.
I sat up quickly in bed; that dream…it had my mother in it, I'm sure of it. I don't know how I knew, seeing as I'd never before seen my mother, and that had been the first dream I'd ever had with her in it. And even then…I hadn't been able to see her, only to hear her voice. I laid back down, trying to go back to sleep, but so many questions and thoughts were running through my mind, including my confusion over my mother saying 'She and the other one, too'. Did that mean I had a sibling? And if so…where was he?
Soon I just gave up on sleep and got up and quickly dressed in a swimsuit, sprawled a letter to Madame Valarie, and then grabbed some spare clothes before sneaking out of the dorm. Quickly and quietly I ran down the halls of the castle and out across the courtyard to the far side of the lake. I carefully dropped my back behind a tree and pulled off my shoes, anticipating the nice, relaxing swim I was about to have. I tensed my muscles, then bolted, running for the lake, and jumping in the freezing cold water.
As soon as my head resurfaced, I felt more awake, glad that the cold, black water surrounded me. I sighed and laid back on my back, floating, just relaxing and enjoying the night air.
"So. My mother was there when I was put up for adoption," I muttered to myself. "But…Madam Valerie had told me I was just left there." I sighed again and was about to dive back under the water when a pair of hands covered my eyes. I stiffened, but relaxed some when I heard his voice.
"Guess who," he said.
"Regulus," I said and turned away from him. Regulus was floating on the water next to me."How'd you know where I was?" I asked.
"I saw you walk out here." Regulus smiled. I got up out of the water and walked to the shore, grabbing my backpack.
"What do you want?" I asked, not so kindly.
"I just wanted to see my girlfriend, jeez." Regulus said.
I stiffened, then turned away from him, hiding my blush. "Sorry, Reg, Im not in the best of moods." I sighed.
"Oh," Regulus said glumly. I looked at him curiously then out at the woods.
"Want to fly?" I asked. Regulus perked up. "Race you," I said and motioned for him to join me on the shore. I waited for him to climb out next to me.
"Accio Broom," Regulus flicked his wand and his lightningbolt shot from around the castle and as it slowed in front of Regulus, he climbed on. "Ready,"
"Set," I smiled. Suddenly I was shifting, shrinking down and having my eyes widen, feathers shot out and I flapped her wings.
"Go!" Regulus shouted and he kicked off. I flew up into the air and shot off, Regulus was no match for me. Even though the lightningbolt was the fastest broom in the world it was no match for my muscles. Owls aren't necessarily fast, but I had special muscles. My muscles were mixed in with the owls made me very strong. As an owl though I have no sense of smell or touch so when I become a human than my senses are heightened.
I landed quickly on the room of the Owlery. "I win," I laughed as I transformed back into a human quickly changing into clothes before Regulus appeared a minute later.
"Why are you so fast as a bird?" Regulus whined. "Even my lightningbolt can't compare."
"'Course not Reg, better luck next time." I chuckled and stuffed my swimsuit into the bag, using my wand to dry myself off. Suddenly I felt Regulus's arms around me and I turned, he hugged me, catching my lips and we kissed. There was a loud bang from the Owlery door swung open and I stepped back from Regulus and blushed scarlet. Standing there in the doorway was Sirius Black, a surprised expression on his face.
"Black?" I gasped in surprise.
"Riddle, Regulus, don't let me stop you." Black said and walked around us, clicking his tongue and a small elf owl flew down. Black tied his letter and I glared at him, Regulus stepped closer to me. "Lets go," he said.
"I think I'll stay, I need to send a letter anyway." I said and pulled a parchment from my bag, I had written before heading out.
"I'll see you then?" Regulus said, though it sounded more like a question. I nodded as he walked out. I opened the paper and looked at it. Dear Madam Valarie, I had a dream about hearing my mother talking to you. But you said that you found me on the doorstep. What really happened, madam? Xo, Nyx. I rolled it back up and tied it to an owl.
"So Riddle, you and Regulus," Black said.
I stiffened and half-turned to Black. "Yes, for about two years now." I glowered.
"Well I knew that much, but I meant the snogging."
"Oh that," I blushed scarlet and turned back around to walk away from Black. "He just kinda does it."
"So he is bad?"
"Well I wouldn't say that."
"So he is good?"
"How the hell would I know?"
"You mean he was your first?"
I swung around and my knuckles connected with his jaw. I had done it without thinking and I regretted nothing.
"Ouch, I guess I touched a nerve," Black muttered rubbing his jaw.
"Well now you won't come near me," I growled.
"Was kidding jeez. Calm down," Black said.
"Calm down, Black now you're just pushing your –" But I never finished, suddenly Regulus was flying across the room his fist swinging and Black was flying into a wall.
"Reg," I said but Regulus didn't hear me. Seeing as he was locked in a fight with Black. I watched as Regulus punched Black again, Black doubled over but brought his knee up and hit Regulus in his private. Suddenly a jet of magic passed by me and a voice said.
"Inpedimenta!" I watched as it hit Reg and Black, stopping them mid-fight. I pulled Regulus towards me and the spell broke. Regulus straightened up and wiped the blood from his lip. Black slumped against the wall, breathing heavily.
"Thanks," I said and turned to look at the spell caster. I was shocked to see a guy, fifteen years old, and totally perfect. He had a slightly nerdy look to him, but it suited him. He wore glasses over his violet eyes that went perfectly with his flawless white skin; his black hair was styled slightly messy and a little shaggy. He had muscles but didn't look overly buff and was quiet tall.
"Detention," was all he said. "All three of you."
"What?" Regulus asked.
"I said -," but Regulus interrupted him.
"I heard what you said, but Nyx didn't have anything to do with it."
"Well she didn't try to stop the fight," Mr. Perfect said.
"Its okay Reg," I sighed. "I'd get it sooner or later anyways."
"Saturday at 10, go to the lake for your detention," Mr. Perfect said and left the room.
"Who is he?" I growled.
"No idea," Regulus said and started to walk away. "Coming?" he asked, I nodded.
"Reg, why'd you join the fight?" I sighed. "You just got yourself in more trouble."
"He had messed with you," Reg said simply.
The sun had finally risen over the trees as I walked into the Grand Hall. I headed for the Gryffindor table and looked carefully before spotting just the redhead I was looking for.
"Evans" I said and sat next to Evans. "You know all the prefects right?" I asked, Evans looked up at my surprised.
"Yeah," she said hesitantly.
"Well there is this guy, 15ish, tall, black hair, glasses, violet eyes?" I asked urgently.
"Prefect?" Evans looked confused and shook her head slightly, "there is no prefect like that."
"So then he can't give detention?" I asked.
"No," Evans said still confused.
"Great, tell Black we don't need to worry."
"About?" Black asked as he sat across from Evans.
"Detention, that guy wasn't a prefect so we needn't to worry." I stated simply.
"That was Damion," Evans whispered, her voice saying Oh dammit.
"Who?" Black and I asked at the same time, glaring at each other before looking at Evans again.
"Damion Umbridge, he looked 15 right?" Evans asked. We nodded slowly. "Okay well Damion is the caretaker. He's a total genius and graduated Hogwarts after just two years. He's total eye-candy as well, every girl just loooves him," Evans sighed.
"Caretaker?" Black and I said in unison, "Oh damn." We glared at each other.
"Stop copying me!"
"Me? You're copying me!" We both glared and crossed our arms.
"If I didn't know better? I'd say you both were flirting," Lupin said as he and Potter walked up.
"But you do know better," Black and I snarled. We glared at each other and I broke eye contact and looked at Evans.
"So he can give punishment?" I asked Evans, ignoring Lupin and Potter.
"Yes, but why does that," she broke off as she took a look at Black's face, noticing the black and blue bruise forming on his jaw, the slightly bloody nose, and the beginning of a black eye. "Sirius, what happened?"
"Well -," Black started but I interrupted him.
"I punched him," I said simply then got up. I was about to walk away before I turned to Evans. "Thanks, I guess." I turned again.
"So what happened?" I heard Evans ask.
"Damion, or whatever his name was, walks in and gives us all freakin' detention."
"All? So you and Riddle? Mate, Im so sorry," Potter said sympathetically to Black.
"And Regulus, he joined in after a bit." Black sighed. I chuckled and started to walk again, pulling my schedule from my bag.
Defense next, huh? I thought, great. Slowly I walked it the classroom, and even though I wasn't the first to leave the great hall, I was the first to the classroom. I stopped midway through the door and stared at the room.
"What the hell?" I whispered. The room was completely different from the last time. The walls were plain black stone, but the floor was a fuzzy black carpet, and instead of desks there were a ton of colorful bean bags.
"Pick a beanbag Miss riddle." A gruff female voice said, she walked past me and I covered my nose.
Cigarettes. I thought, but I pulled a green bean bag into the corner either way. Slowly the other students walked in, they had the same reaction as me. When the bell finally rang Professor Moody walked to the front of the room.
"Hello, I am Annabeth Moody, do not call me Moody." She glared. "I am not old enough to be called that." Annabeth said, even though she was glaring she had a nice face though it was covered in scars. She had electric blue eyes that swept the room, but the oddest thing was her wooden right leg and hooked left hand.
As the lesson went on I started to doze off, bored, Defense had always bored me when suddenly Black was next to me.
"What do you want?" I yawned not even bothering to sound rude.
"Damion, the detention, tell Regulus not to cause trouble. I asked around and it seems like Damion's strict. Lily wasn't exaggerating when she said that he was a genius. Graduating his second year, smarter than the students and staff combined. But since he was too young for work in the ministry Fawkes offered him a place here."
"Why're you telling me this?" I asked.
"Because Regulus needs to know." Black said simply. "If we act bad during the detention we'll be given another."
"Fine," I sighed.
"Riddle, Black, do you care to share what you are talking about?" Annabeth's voice interrupted.
"No thanks," Black said.
"Miss Riddle?" Annabeth raised an eyebrow.
"No," I said.
"Continuing on," Annabeth said and turned back to the class.
"Black," I said, "don't fight Reg again, there is enough trouble as is. We don't need to cause anymore."
"Worried about me? How sweet," Black said sarcastically.
"Like hell," I sighed.
"You know what Riddle," Black said as the bell rang, "You're not so bad after all."
"Just wait Black," I smiled devilishly and walked out the door. "Just wait."
A/N: Sorry for the boring chapter, the next one is pretty boring too. I mean mine, not Seshat's. Also I'm really sorry for not updating lately but with testing and everything I just don't have the sorry for grammatical errors/spelling mistakes/writing in third-person (I originally write in third person). I'd like to add that I had to delete the first version of this chapter because there were just so many mistakes.
Xo, Nisaba.