Chapter 4
Hailey woke up with a seething headache, not remembering anything, she determined not to try and open her eyes for at least another minute until she made sense of anything, but failing to remember anything immediately she cracked open one eye which was immediately blinded, causing her to close it again.
'Where am I?' she thought, strangely enough, she did remember all of the general things, herself, her friends, her being in Hogwarts, but of what had put her there, nothing. A sickening feeling of déjà vu came into her mind, this was not something she enjoyed.
Summoning her strength she opened both eyes looking around the room quickly before being forced to squint.
"Hailey! You're awake!" said a voice, undoubtedly Hermione's, she made out the figures of Ron, Hermione and a teacher behind.
She was surprisingly calm; more than dismay, she felt frustration building, what had she done to deserve any of this? It's just ridiculous, everything had been taken away from her, and every 2 weeks she'd wake up in bed not knowing what had happened.
"Hermione..." she mumbled trying to smile weakly. Then in a flood what had happened came back to her, the dementors, and she began to piece it together in her mind;
"The Dementors...the flash was someone else's..?" Hailey groaned opening her eyes to see Professor McGonagall, Madam Pomfrey, Ron & Hermione beside her.
"Don't worry about that Miss Wilkshire." Said McGonagall, "It appears there was an attack made upon you last night, rest for a while and we shall discuss this further. I wish you well." Said the Head of House, before giving Hailey a penetrating stare before exiting.
After Madam Pomfrey had left the room Ron and Hermione stepped up to the bed.
"What the hell happened?" asked Ron, seeming confused.
"They didn't tell you?" asked Hailey looking up at them.
"They haven't told us anything, it must of been serious right? I mean, dementors? What the-" began Ron before Hermione cut him off with an intense stare.
"Ugh, I was told that I was expected at McGonagall's office" she began wearily, "when I arrive...it didn't seem quite right, and when I knocked no-one answered, then when I went to leave, these two...dementors came out..." Hermione gasped and Ron looked like he didn't believe it.
"Well I managed to stop one of them, but the other one knocked me down, then the last thing I remember was a flash of light, it must've been McGonagall..." there was silence.
"Oh my gosh" said Hermione, "dementors in Hogwarts? There are all sorts of spells against that, it's impossible..." trailed off Hermione. Hailey shrugged but Ron still looked confused.
"You actually managed to cast Expecto Patronus on one of them?" At this Hermione seemed interested, they knew that for someone so young to know such an advanced spell is rare. Hailey squirmed;
"Yeah...but I was lucky that McGonagall arrived, if it was her" successfully changing the topic.
"The last time the dementors were known to have been seen outside of Azkaban was when..." Ron said looking gloomy.
"We know, Ron." Interrupted Hermione, "I just don't understand how this could've happened and, why you Hailey? This is absolutely senseless!" said Hermione firmly folding her arms, "I've no idea what Dumbledore will do..."
There was an awkward silence following this, none of them wanting to say anything before Madame Pomfrey finally re-entered the room carrying a stack of towels to place on the bed opposite Hailey;
"Hailey, if you're feeling fine, you're okay to leave, however I don't really want to see you around here again." Said the Matron with a kind smile.
"Yeah, I am feeling okay now thank you." Replied Hailey, getting out of bed slowly. "What's the time?" she asked Hermione and Ron. Ron checked his watch and replied;
"2.30....ah crap! Slytherin vs Ravenclaw has started, d'you wanna watch it?" asked Ron eagerly.
"Sure" replied Hailey causing Hermione to sigh, "Okay...." mumbled Hermione, and they all left the room towards the quidditch pitch.
They entered one of the Gryffindor stands and took up a row of free seats, the match had been delayed so the players were only just making their way out to the pitch.
"So who do you reckon is going to win?" asked Hailey to Ron.
"Pfft" scoffed Ron, "Slytherin will win the game, one way or another, sneaky bastards" said Ron, looking out at the players, Hermione instinctively chided him causing him just to smile. And look back out at the field. At that moment, Seamus and Dean jumped down to their row from the one above;
"Hey guys" said Dean brightly before looking at Hailey, "Hailey, what happened?"
She sighed and considered giving a response before simply waving her hand saying, "It was nothing, I just hit my head" feeling very sick of everything, hoping that just concentrating on quidditch for a while would ease her mind, Hermione handed her the binoculars she she began to survey the field, at that moment there was a huge roar from a few stands and the commentator began raising his voice, looking at the quaffle it was clear that a goal had not been scored so she reasoned a snitch chase must've been underway.
Luckily Ron jumped off his seat at that point to get a better view and pointed in the correct direction, she followed his gaze and saw both Malfoy & Cho Chang flying through the air side by side chasing the snitch. They fell into a dive speeding up, Cho reached out her hand and Malfoy was caught half a foot behind then all of a sudden he bridged the gap and they were together, for a moment they went out of view behind a Hufflepuff stand and an almighty cheer erupted from the corresponding Slytherin stand;
'DRACO MALFOY GETS THE SNITCH, AN AMAZING CATCH FROM HIM THERE, SLYTHERIN ARE THE WINNERS 190:60, what did you think of that s-' said Lee Jordan, turning to his co-host, the captain of hufflepuff for analysis, but everyone had lost interest by then. Both seekers returned to the pitch, Draco Malfoy holding the snitch, not celebrating much, was surrounded by his teamates congratulating him however they quickly broke up and left the pitch.
Ron seemed quite dejected but there was a usual buzz around all of the students at the end of a close quidditch game, Ron began to talk about how Gryffindor would fare this season but most people turned off from the conversation including Hailey, she just felt like going to sleep;
"Hey guys" she began, "I might head off to bed now, not feeling that well" Hermione looked concerned.
"Okay, well i'll see you later then" they both said and Hailey headed inside the building. She was making her way up to the Gryffindor dormitory when Professor McGonagall intercepted her;
"Miss Wilkshire" she said sharply, "would you care to join me?" Without awaiting a reply the woman turned around and led the way, Hailey sighed;
'I've had enough of this, I just want to sleep!' however she outwardly didn't say anything and silently followed the head of house.
They approached the headmasters office, and both of them stepped onto the stairs, which rotated upwards to Dumbledore's study. McGonagall gave Hailey a reassuring glance, before both of them entered.
"Professor, Hailey" said the Headmaster looking at them both in turn over his glasses, "Please, take a seat" he said to Hailey, motioning to the chair opposite his. Professor McGonagall stayed standing up to the right of Hailey.
"I presume you know why you're here" said Dumbledore gravely, " I must apologise yet again Hailey, this should not have happened, my mistake has almost cost you dear, again."
"Professor-" began Hailey but was interrupted by Dumbledore's raised hand.
"Please, allow me to finish" said the wizard, "Lestrange has escaped" the man said slowly, peering over his glasses at Hailey, "we believe that the attack yesterday was her doing." It was clear that the wizard was watching her reaction.
"Professor" started Hailey, unsure, "I don't know why this is happening but to be honest, I don't care, I just want it to end..." her new found emotions kicked in, "why me?!" she growled and went to continue however the old man interjected.
"Minerva, could we have some privacy just for a moment?" said Dumbledore sombrely.
"Of course." Replied the Professor, leaving the room.
Hailey continued, "I just don't know...DAMNIT I don't know anything" eyes swelling, so many emotions just overwhelmed her.
After a pause, Dumbledore said, "In light of recent events, you will be permitted to take time off school in order to recover, the faculty tell me you're excelling in all of your current subjects, which i'm pleased to hear, and is a credit to you-" over recent times to try to take her mind off of everything she had delved into her studies, "however the recent events, you cannot be expected to cope with." Finished Dumbledore.
"No..." muttered Hailey, wiping her face with a tissue proffered to her by the professor, "running away will only make it worse...I just wish I had some answers, this is...unbearable." She finished.
Admiration glinted in the Headmaster's eyes as he called, "Minerva, would you join us?" The tall woman re-entered the room nodding at Dumbledore.
"Professor, was it you that cast the expectro patronus?" asked Hailey, looking up at McGonagall inquisitively.
"That's correct, Miss Wilkshire, it was lucky I got there in time, was it not?" she said.
"Yes, thank you, I can't imagine what would of happened if..." trailed off Hailey, vividly remembering the feeling of the dementor attacking her mind.
There was a short silence before Dumbledore spoke, "We have no idea how the dementors were freed or planted here, but I assure you Hailey, I will make it my business to know, until such a time I ask you both to be vigilant." Finished the Headmaster looking down in a clear dismissal, Hailey left the room leaving McGonagall and Dumbledore there and headed back to the dormitory.
To her relief, Hermione still wasn't back yet, so she quickly got changed and fell into bed, falling asleep in no-time.
The rest of the week passed relatively quickly and without event, once again Hailey tried to delve herself into her studies to take her mind off things however It was becoming less effective;
'Am I really willing to put up with this for the rest of my life...' she wondered one day in the library, she was alone as everyone else had gone out for the day to Hogsmede. At that moment there was a noise behind her and she turned around to see Draco Malfoy. She didn't know what to feel, having recovered some more of her memory she now knew that Malfoy had been horrible to Harry, to her, which made things difficult.
"Malfoy..." she said, turning back to her work, besides herself, she found it difficult to not feel pleased at his arrival.
"Wilkshire" said the Slytherin taking the seat by her, "I saw you in the stands admiring my amazing catch on Monday" said the Slytherin smugly.
"Really?" said Hailey looking at him grinning, "and here was me thinking an inept monkey tied to a broom could of caught that snitch."
"Yes, I thought Chang could of caught it too, but I decided not to humour her any longer" drawled Malfoy lazily picking up a book. Hailey couldn't help but stifle a laugh. There was a moments silence before she asked;
"Why are you here? Haven't all of your friends gone to Hogsmede or something?" she asked, looking carefully at him.
"You're not suggesting i'm here just because of you?" Laughed Malfoy heartily, "Yes that'll be the day" continued the head boy, "I have prefect duties to perform today, I am a prefect you know, not a common pleb like your friends" he said lazily leafing through the book leisurely.
"Hey, we're not plebs for you information, and Hermione is a prefect aswell" said Hailey in return flatly.
"Ah yes..." sighed the boy, "although you'd think she were a commoner too, socialising with the Weasel boy" chuckling to himself.
"God, you're so uppity about yourself, GRRR, I feel like I can't have a normal conversation with you damn it" grumbled Hailey, picking up her books and storming out, leaving the Slytherin at the table.
That evening was the quidditch trials, although Hailey felt like not even bothering,
This is a total joke, she though to herself, I get turned into a frekin' girl and after a month i'm supposed to just carry on as though nothing has happened?
She grabbed her quidditch robes and began to get changed, Look at these! She though poking a breast, instantly feeling self conscious she looked around the changing room to make sure no-one had seen it, it was still empty though.
I'm going to snap, sometime, I just know it, GRRRRR she thought picking up her borrowed broom and walking out of the changing room.
The whole team was already on the pitch, and to her surprise, the Ravenclaw team was also there, there were no spectators and the pitch was floodlit as it was 9.00 pm and she looked inquisitively at Fred, who was managing this session;
"Hey Hailey, hope you don't mind but we got the Ravenclaw team to practise with us, we won't be playin' em till the final term anyway, so we thought it'd be best for trialling seekers"
She nodded, not knowing what else to do and rose into the air, Ron joined her after a moment, "Hey Hailey, you'll be fine, we're gunna cream these guys" said Ron with a huge grin, she smiled back and there was a whistle indicating that the game was about to start.
Now, for once, Hailey forgot about everything other than the game, the whistle went off and the pitch burst into action, the snitch instantly disappeared into the night, and she circled the pitch a few times, Cho was doing the same, the scores tallied up slowly with no team getting the real advantage, it was clear that the game would be won with the snitch.
Suddenly at that moment the snitch appeared right in front of Hailey's face, blinking, she stared at it for a second before leaping at it, it dodged but she kept her balance, Cho had noticed and was crossing the pitch to get to her, however she would not be denied, the snitch dipped and as it was pulling up Hailey caught it mid-air easily, before stopping. The whistle went and the Gryffindors cheered and gathered round her.
"Yo, Hailey!!" Screamed Fred, "Jesus, you made that look so frekin easy, boys, we got ourselves a frekin seeker" hi-fives were exchanged by Fred and a team-mate before George coughed and added, "What he means is...we will discuss the position and get back to you" Hailey smiled and they made their way back to the changing rooms
Maybe I could get used to this thought Hailey getting changed back into her robes, she waited until everyone had left before leaving herself, she saw Cho leave the opposite changing room and walk up to her
"You're not that great then hey?" asked Cho grinning, "That catch was pro, just pro." complimented the girl as they began to walk back towards the castle.
"Errr, beginners luck?" Tried Hailey grinning in response.
"I damn hope so" replied the Ravenclaw seeker looking over at Hailey. They said goodbye and went to their respective dormitories. As she entered the common room she was intercepted by Hermione, they began to talk.
"How did the trials go?" asked the girl brightly.
"Yeah fine thanks, we won, but i'm not sure, not really sure if I can handle quidditch right now" after a pause Hailey asked, "hey I was looking for you earlier, were you out with Ron or something?"
"No, I had prefect duties today, helping some first years with their homework" answered Hermione smiling, "what did you need anyway?"
"It was just some work but it's ok now, so were you on prefect duties with Dr-, I mean Malfoy then?" she asked unable to hold back a blush.
Hermione grinned widely but shook her head, "No he wasn't on duty today." Before Hailey could ask about this again Ron came into the room
"Hailey, I was just about to tell Hermione how awesome you were" said Ron with a grin sitting next to Hermione.
Hailey groaned "Don't listen to him, it was easy" said Hailey to Hermione, rolling her eyes, they all sat down and began to talk, before long there was a bit of a silence and Hermione bit her lip before saying.
"Hailey, we've got something to tell you, errm" Ron blushed deep red and looked at his feet "me and Ron are kinda...going out now, we figured you'd want to know" blurted out Hermione.
Hailey laughed, "I knew it!" They all laughed but she continued, "seriously, I knew you guys would, you're perfect for each other!" Grinned Hailey, after this both Hermione & Ron seemed a lot more at ease, and Ron put his arm around Hermione.
I wonder what that's like... wondered Hailey looking at the couple
Shit, she thought, I have to get an escort for that crappy ball, groaning.
"What's wrong?" asked Hermione, and Hailey explained.
"Hailey, you could have practically anyone you wanted if you just got out there a bit, or even let people near you..." said Hermione blushing.
"Huh?" asked Hailey "What do you mean?"
"Erm, you're intelligent, funny, friendly when you want to be and you-" began Hermione.
"You're fucking fit!" exclaimed Ron, Hermione gaped and slapped Ron's arm hard before Ron burst out laughing, Hailey just blushed deep red. "Just telling it like it is."
Hailey bit her lip. "Just make sure it's someone good yeah?" asked Ron rubbing his arm, "Not some Slytherin snake!" he laughed, she immediately thought of Draco and blushed.
"Woah, it's half 1!" Exclaimed Hermione, "let's get to bed." They all agreed and Hailey silently thanked Hermione, she didn't like that conversation one bit but it made her wonder;
I wonder if I should ask...no no no she chided herself, pulling the covers over herself.
The next few days passed relatively quietly, but more and more people were talking about the ball at the end of the year, Hailey had also taken up magical combat as an extra curricular activity along with a number of other students, which was held in the evenings.
The room was very large with 10 or so mats on the floor and the class itself was being run by Professor Geldwick, the new defence against the dark arts teacher for that year, which happened to be an area where Hailey excelled. Another student who attended was Draco Malfoy, a fact which was not lost on Hailey, who still had mixed feelings for him, she had taken to avoiding him.
"Okay, next week we shall be looking at the use of surroundings to aid you in combat, which is a rather big topic, so I expect you to all be prepared" said Geldwick to the 15 or so students who attended, but as they were dispersing he added, "I also advise you to hurry up back to your dormitories, the outside doors will close in ooh...say...3 minutes" he said glancing at his watch. The combat room was detached from the main building and a curfew had been put in effect in light of recent events.
After hearing this, the class dispersed quickly, but Hailey suddenly felt very sick;
'Great...' she thought, pausing to steady herself, 'I just need some fresh air' she thought stepping out into the air.
'there we go-' before a sudden sickness came over her causing her to wretch on the grass outside the classroom, she glasped her knees for support.
"Oh fuck it." She said audibly, there was no-one in sight and she knew she was locked out. "Fuck fuck FUCK." she screamed, left the sick where it was and sat down with her back to the classroom, putting her hands over her face.
'Why me?! Why freckin me?!!' she thought, but at that moment she felt a hand on her shoulder, causing her to jolt.
"Hailey? Are you alright?" to her surprise, it was Draco.
"Yes, i'm fucking great, thanks for asking." She spat, having had enough of just about everything.
The blond boy sat down beside her sighing, it was pitch black, but the sky was perfectly clear, boasting uncountable stars, Hailey noticed how handsome the blond looked in the moonlight, he was looking up at the stars without saying anything, she blushed to herself and turned away;
'Why do I feel like this? Why can't I stop it?' she thought bitterly, burying her face in her hands.
After a minute she lifted up her head saying, "Is there no way we can get back in..." not looking at him.
The Slytherin turned to face Hailey before turning back to the sky, "Well we can try the back entrance, maybe Filch is in" he said slowly, "although it's his night to patrol the library." He said flatly. They both knew that every window had been made sound-proof to within 1 metre after the trouble with the Whomping Willow keeping everyone awake at night.
Both of them got up silently and began to make their way over to the back entrance.
"You know" began Draco, "i've looked at these stars so many times...and I still find a new one everytime..." at this point he looked down feeling self concious, shaking his said with a light smile.
"Are you interested in astronomy then?" asked Hailey, despite herself.
He looked up at the sky again, "My father used to teach me astronomy when I was young" he said in a matter of fact voice, "are you?"
"I enjoy it yeah, but I don't know much about it, I know that that's Orion." she said nervously pointing towards the belt in the sky, Draco followed the gaze and smiled genuinely.
"The Hunter" said Draco nodding keenly, "you know when I first saw Orion, my father told me that it was watching over me and whenever-" he stopped, glancing at Hailey, "I'm just gagging on arn't I?" he asked with a superficial smile.
"No" she answered, smiling for the first time, "i'm actually interested to hear this"
At that moment however they reached Filch's office, only to find it empty.
Draco sighed and scratched his chin, "Our best bet is probably just to wait here and hope he comes back before dawn..." Hailey sat down grudgingly, she then sneezed. Wordlessly Draco took off his jacket and pulled it around her. She looked up at him gratefully before he sat down beside her.
"Won't you get cold?" she asked, pulling the jacket tighter around herself.
"I'll be fine." he said simply, looking up to admire the stars again. Before long both were feeling sleepy. After a few minutes Hailey asked;
"Why are you stuck out here anyway? Why were you waiting behind?" The dark hid Draco's flush;
"I was asking that fool Geldwick a question." he sighed, "although I might as well of been asking a stink worm, the amount that man knows."
"What were you asking him about?" Hailey persisted there was a long pause and no answer was forthcoming, Draco shifted uncomfortably.
Hailey laughed quietly and Draco sneered at her, "All right, yes, I was waiting for you, are you happy now? It's a good thing I did right?" he snapped with a sneer, trying to salvage his pride.
"Yes." answered Hailey seriously, "Thank you." she turned to look at him and their eyes met for a second before she turned away.
I don't know where this is going... she thought.
There was silence for a while before Hailey spoke up again, "Draco?" she asked softly.
"Yes?" he answered, turning towards her.
She felt the cool gaze penetrate her, sending a shiver down her spine, "Do you have a...I mean..." after a pause she shook her head and without another word lay down flat on the ground, "good night."
Ermmm okay, well, I'm sorry it wasn't as long as I said it would be, but I totally got sidetracked, and at least wanted to finish this chapter, I really like the story, but hard to know what to say...hmmm, hopefully i'll update soon. Any reviews would help! :D