Prowling Wolves

Vanessa sat across from her best friend, Ellie Blanchard, in a compartment on the Hogwarts Express. The summer had passed by without much to do, except for a visit to Vanessa's adopted grandparents' house. She listened to Ellie ramble about a visit to Greece. Vanessa swallowed her jealousy. She had always loved Greek mythology and longed to visit the Parthenon.

Hermione burst into the compartment, looking upset. "Have either of you seen Harry and Ron? I think they missed the train!"

Vanessa shook her head. "Sorry, I haven't."

Hermione plopped down into the seat beside Ellie. "Well, then, do you two mind if I join you? I don't want to sit all by myself."

"Sure, go ahead," said Ellie, scooting over to give Hermione more room.

"Have either of you done the homework?" asked Hermione.

"Yes, but there were some things I wasn't too sure about," said Vanessa, opening her shoulder bag and pulling out her homework. "I hate summer work."

Hermione shrugged. "I don't mind it."

"I'm with Nessie," said Ellie, shaking her head reproachfully. "It's an abomination."

Vanessa smirked. The three girls compared homework, filling in blanks and correcting mistakes. To pass the time, Hermione read, Ellie drew and Vanessa wrote. They stopped every now and then to chitchat.

"So," said Ellie, closing her sketchpad, "do either of you like anyone?"

"We're twelve," pointed out Hermione.

"I don't really get crushes." added Vanessa.

Ellie rolled her eyes. "I know we're twelve! Anyone you think is cute?"

"Well, since you brought it up, you must be dying to tell us. Who do you have a crush on?" Vanessa replied.

Ellie flushed. "It's not a crush… But… I think Draco Malfoy is cute."

Hermione recoiled. "He's so rude!"

"I know," said Ellie, "I didn't say I liked his personality. I just think he's kind of cute."

Vanessa smirked and shook her head. But, seeing Ellie's distress, Vanessa decided to save her friend. "I guess the Weasley twins are pretty cute."

"I'm not interested in anybody." said Hermione, huffing.

Vanessa snickered and shrugged at Ellie. The three of them went back to their hobbies. At last, the train slowed to a stop when nightfall blanketed the air. Vanessa and Ellie exited the train, waving goodbye to Hermione who went to search for Harry and Ron. Vanessa headed in the direction of the other students. Last year, she had taken a trip across the boats. This year, and the years following, she would take… Well, she was not sure. She stopped in line. Students climbed into carriages that pulled themselves and rolled down a dirt path toward the castle in the distance. Vanessa clambered into a carriage. Ellie followed. Draco, Pansy and a dark skinned boy whose name escaped Vanessa climbed into the same carriage.

"Oh look, if it isn't the stupid Ravenclaw and the spineless Hufflepuff dynamic duo." sneered Pansy.

Vanessa raised an eyebrow. "I don't have the patience to put up with your petty and asinine tormenting this year, so please, stay away from me."

Pansy's lip curled. "Just like you, Addington, to turn tail and run away. No wonder you're not in Gryffindor or Slytherin. You should've been a Hufflepuff like the butterface next to you."

Vanessa glanced at Ellie before turning to Pansy. "For your information, the Sorting Hat nearly put me in Slytherin, so don't act like you know anything about me, because you don't. And knowing when to walk away from a fight is not cowardice, it is wisdom. Something you would know nothing about." The carriage halted and Vanessa jumped out with Ellie. The two walked arm in arm up to the castle until they parted ways to sit at their respective House tables.

…

The next several days passed with Vanessa getting adjusted to her new schedule. On Saturday, she and Ellie decided to watch the Gryffindors practice Quidditch with Hermione. Vanessa did not pay much attention to the practice, for she was busying writing in her journal. She would have preferred to sit in her room or the library and write, but Hermione had begged her to come, since she would be bored. Ron was more into it than Hermione, cheering the Gryffindors on. He tried to explain things going on, but frankly, the girls were not as interested in the sport as he was.

"Hang on, there's trouble." said Ron.

"What kind of trouble?" asked Vanessa, not even looking up from her journal.

"Slytherin trouble," said Ron.

Vanessa looked up, her heart sinking. Could she never avoid the Slytherins? They were like wolves, prowling the corridors, looking for their next prey to sink their teeth into. Vanessa, Ellie, Ron and Hermione hurried down to the pitch, where the Gryffindor team met the Slytherin one.

"You've got a new Seeker? Who?" Oliver Wood was saying, looking up from a note.

Vanessa exchanged a glance with Ellie when Draco Malfoy stepped forward. "Those are Nimbus Two Thousand and Ones!" cried Ron incredulously.

"A gift from Draco's father." replied Marcus Flint.

"Well, at least none of the Gryffindors had to buy their way in. They got in on their own pure talent." said Hermione, lifting her chin.

Draco's face clouded. He scowled and stepped forward, glaring at Hermione. "No one asked for your opinion, filthy little Mudblood."

The Gryffindors gasped, the girls shrieked, the Slytherins blocked Draco from Fred and George. "You'll pay for that one, Malfoy!" snarled Ron. He withdrew a wand that was taped around the middle. Vanessa frowned and opened her mouth to protest about Ron using his broken wand, but Ron had already shouted his curse. A flash of light sent Ron sailing. He landed on the ground. Hermione and Harry were at his side in an instant. Vanessa wheeled to see Ron barf up a slug. Vanessa had to look away to keep from vomiting herself. She had a sensitive gag reflex, and listening to Ron hack up slugs was making her skin crawl.

She stormed toward Draco. "You're repulsive, Malfoy!" With that, she and Ellie marched up to the castle.

…

Two months passed and the students of Hogwarts were growing more fearful every day. With the announcement of the Chamber of Secrets reopening and the attack on little Colin Creevey, students were huddling together. Vanessa was nervous since she did not know her magical blood type. Ellie was worried since she was Muggleborn, too. Vanessa and Ellie signed up for the dueling club when it was offered. It was being offered by Gilderoy Lockhart. While it seemed every other girl, including Hermione, was in love with the dashing wizard, Vanessa found him repulsive. Ridiculous. Stupid, even. He did not seem like a man capable of the things in his books. Vanessa was kind of embarrassed to share her Ravenclaw House status with him. She listened to Snape and Lockhart's instructions of disarming only rules.

Vanessa and Ellie paired up. Vanessa flourished her wand. "Expelliarmus!"

Ellie's wand flew out of her hand. She looked at it blankly before picking it up and turning to Vanessa. "Well, that's handy," Ellie muttered. She pointed her wand at Vanessa. "Expelliarmus!"

Nothing happened. Vanessa bit her lip. "You're flourishing your wand too much," she instructed.

Ellie tried again. This time, Vanessa's wand soared across the room. Shooting a grin at Ellie, Vanessa turned to retrieve it. She picked it up, but before she could cross the room to Ellie, Snape's voice echoed through the room. "Don't worry Potter, I'll get rid of it for you."

Vanessa glanced over at Harry and Draco. A large, black snake was coiled on the floor, hissing and baring its fangs. The hair stood up on the back of Vanessa's neck. She backed away, eyes widening to the size of saucers. The snake turned its attention to a Hufflepuff named Just Finch-Fletchey. The boy looked sick, staring at the serpent. Harry approached the snake while Snape drew his wand.

An odd noise emitted from Harry's mouth. It was a strange hissing, gargling from the back of Harry's throat. Vanessa narrowed her eyes. The snake whipped its head around to stare at Harry. They hissed back and forth to each other. Snape uttered a spell, and the snake was incinerated on the spot. Harry turned and grinned at Justin, who looked quite angry.

"What're you playing at?" Justin demanded.

Harry's face fell. The silence in the room was deafening. Ron grabbed Harry and the two, along with Hermione, rushed out of the room. Vanessa walked over to Ellie. "What was that all about?" she asked.

Ellie's eyes met Vanessa's. "Harry… Harry's the Heir of Slytherin!"

…

Harry did not show up to the next Dueling Club meeting. Vanessa and Ellie showed up together, but there was a bit of tension between the two. Ellie had sided with her House. Vanessa, on the other hand, did not believe Harry was the Heir of Slytherin. The boy was a Gryffindor. So, he had spoken Parseltongue… Vanessa didn't see the big deal. They had agreed to disagree, though with the Dueling Club's atmosphere, it reminded the two girls of their spat. Vanessa stood with her arms folded across her chest. Lockhart divided the students up into pairs.

To Vanessa's dismay, she was paired with Draco Malfoy. The blond boy smirked at her. "Sad to be parted from your Hufflepuff puppy?"

Vanessa lifted her chin. "Not really. I can handle myself, Malfoy."

"Aw, no more Draco? You've sided with Potty and his band of useless Mudbloods." Draco sneered.

Vanessa narrowed her eyes. "Stop using that word, Malfoy," she snapped. "And maybe I have. You might make better friends with Ellie. She hasn't sided with Harry."

Malfoy made a face. "Is she one of those Hufflepuffs spouting nonsense about Potter being the Heir of Slytherin? What rubbish."

Vanessa's eyebrows lifted. "That's what I said! I-!" Vanessa stopped herself, seeing Draco's smug expression. "Oh, don't flatter yourself, Malfoy. Everyone knows you're just jealous of Harry. A blind monkey could see it."

Malfoy's face contorted with disgust. "How dare you speak to me in such a way, filthy Mudblood!"

Vanessa did not flinch at the term. It did not carry much weight for her, since she had no idea what her heritage was. "Expelliarmus!" she cried. Draco's wand flew out of his hand. Vanessa strode toward him. His eyes widened. Vanessa stood in front of him, her arms crossed. "I would gladly take the title of Mudblood, Half-Blood or Pureblood. Why does it matter? Our blood probably looks the same, unless yours is a darker shade from the hatred growing in your soul. At least I won't be a miserable prat with crossed eyes from turning my nose down on everyone!"

Vanessa stormed off and left the Dueling Club, not even caring that it was not over yet. It was optional anyway. She hurried to the library. She passed Harry, who looked a bit upset. "Harry," she said, summoning enough courage to talk to him.

Harry turned, looking annoyed. "For the last time, I didn't attack Justin!"

Vanessa blinked. "I don't think you did," she offered.

Harry widened his eyes. "Oh," he said. "Erm… Thanks."

Vanessa dipped her head, pursing her lips awkwardly. She headed inside the library and started on her homework. After a while, someone sat down at the table. Vanessa looked up to see Ellie. "Hey."

"Hey," said Ellie, fiddling with her hands. "How did it go with Malfoy?"

"I told him his blood is dark because of the hatred growing in his soul and that I won't be miserable for the rest of my life like he will. And he's gonna go cross-eyed from turning his nose down on people forever." Vanessa replied.

Ellie smirked. "That's my girl," she said. She sat down. There was an awkward silence for a few seconds. "Look, I… I'm sorry about fighting. Harry's a nice guy… I don't think he could've done this. Or, I don't want to think he did. I'm just… I'm scared. I don't want to be attacked, you know?"

"I know," said Vanessa, grimacing, "I don't want to be, either."

"There's hope for you, though," said Ellie. "You might not be Muggleborn."

"Well, there's a chance I am." said Vanessa.

"But there's a bigger chance you're not." insisted Ellie.

Vanessa sighed. "I understand. I'm sorry, too."

Ellie beamed. "Do you think Malfoy hates you now?"

"Oh, I know he does," said Vanessa, leaning back in her chair, "but I don't really care."

…

News of Justin and Nearly Headless Nick's attack spread quickly. The double attack sent horrific chills down Vanessa's spine. She was constantly looking over her shoulder now. She scurried to her next class. Poor Harry was receiving more looks than ever. Vanessa shot him a sympathetic glance. She went to sit next to Ellie, but her friend chose a spot next to a Hufflepuff named Ernie. Vanessa's heart clenched with hurt. She chose a spot next to a Ravenclaw girl named Catherine, whom she was friendly with. Vanessa swallowed the lump in her throat and tried to ignore tears stinging her eyes. Why was Ellie ignoring her?

After class, Vanessa caught up with Ellie. "What's wrong?" Vanessa demanded, grabbing her friend's arm.

"Harry Petrified Justin!" Ellie snapped.

Vanessa frowned. "No one knows if it was Harry or not."

"First the Parseltongue incident, now this? What more proof do you need?" Ellie replied.

Vanessa backtracked. "Maybe, but I don't see why you're mad at me."

"You're being nice to him!" Ellie hissed.

Vanessa gaped. "I barely talk to him! And maybe you should be nice to him if he's the Heir of Slytherin! That way he won't want to attack you."

Ellie rolled her eyes. "Really classy, Vanessa. I'll see you later."

Vanessa gaped after Ellie, still feeling as if she hadn't done anything wrong. Tears burned her eyes and her throat swelled shut. She tried swallowing but merely felt the oncoming of anxiety instead. She trudged aimlessly through the castle. She didn't feel like working on homework. She didn't even feel like going to her common room.

"Miss Addington! What are you doing wandering the halls? It isn't safe," barked Professor McGonagall.

Vanessa widened her eyes. "Oh… Um… I dunno…"

McGonagall narrowed her eyes. "Didn't you hear the news?"

"What news?" Vanessa muttered.

"There's been another attack. I made an announcement for students to return to their dormitories." said McGonagall.

"Oh," said Vanessa, her face burning. "I guess… I dunno."

"Are you all right, Miss Addington?" McGonagall's tone took on a surprising gentleness.

"I… I just had a long day, I suppose." Vanessa toyed with the strap on her bag.

"Do you know who was attacked, Miss Addington?" McGonagall queried.

"No, professor." Vanessa replied, her cheeks reddening.

"You… You should come with me, Miss Addington," said McGonagall. Vanessa parted her lips to protest, but McGonagall had already whisked off. Was she really in trouble? She hadn't done anything horribly wrong… Vanessa followed McGonagall, wondering if the day could get any worse.

It didn't take long for Vanessa to realize Professor McGonagall was leading her to the hospital wing. The Head of Gryffindor House gestured to an occupied bed. Vanessa frowned and then gaped. Her heart dropped into her stomach as she gazed at Ellie's face, frozen with a look of fear. Her heart pounded as she sank into a chair beside her friend. Ellie had been right. Maybe not about Harry, but… She hadn't been safe. Wasn't this sort of tragedy supposed to happen to someone else? Vanessa had never imagined it would happen to her. She looked up at McGonagall's sympathetic face.

"I… I don't want to be here." Vanessa whispered. McGonagall nodded. She escorted Vanessa to her common room. Vanessa knocked on the door.

"How is a raven like a writing desk?" the eagle on the knocker asked.

Vanessa groaned. "I don't bloody know, I just found out my friend was Petrified! Please let me in!" Tears slid down her cheeks. To her surprise, the door swung open. Vanessa blinked spastically and walked into her common room. She took a shower to relax her muscles. She leaned against the wall as the hot water streamed down her back. Her body seized with a sob. Why hadn't she sided with Ellie? Why had she chosen logic over her own friend?

…

The next few months were miserable. Vanessa buried herself in studying to distract herself. But the stress of classes, on top of the other attacks… Vanessa burst into tears over her homework in the library. She buried her face in her arms, sobbing. Not even Hermione had been spared. At least Harry had been cleared, but that didn't provide any solace for Vanessa.

"Oh, good Lord," scoffed a familiar voice. "Stop you're crying. It's quite pathetic."

Vanessa looked up. Pansy sneered down at Vanessa. Draco stood beside her, his expression unreadable. Vanessa got up. "Get out of here."

"Or what? You're going to cry all over me?" Pansy scoffed.

"Lay off the girl, Pansy," snapped a fourth year Slytherin girl. Vanessa stared at the girl.

Pansy rolled her eyes. "Why? She's so pathetic, crying all the time. It's rather annoying. Grow up."

Vanessa clenched her teeth. Then she slapped Pansy across the face. The pop was loud enough to gather plenty of attention, including Professor McGonagall's, who was an unfortunate witness. "Miss Addington! My office, now!" she barked.

Vanessa grabbed her things, shooting Malfoy a glare before stalking away. She followed McGonagall to her office. "Professor, you saw what she was doing!" Vanessa protested.

"I did," admitted McGonagall, "but hitting another student is against the rules."

"Bullying should be, too," Vanessa remarked coolly.

McGonagall sighed. "Miss Addington, you will have detention with me this Saturday at six. That's final."

Vanessa resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Sassing McGonagall would not be wise at this point. Vanessa dipped her head and left McGonagall's office. She hurried to her dormitory, where she buried her face in her pillows and sobbed. Ellie would know just what to say. But, here Vanessa was, alone again.

…

Vanessa clapped along with the rest of the Hogwarts students. Hogwarts would not be closed next year. The Chamber of Secrets culprit had been apprehended, thanks to Harry Potter. Gilderoy Lockhart had lost his memory (good riddance, Vanessa thought). Lucius Malfoy had been fired as one of the governors of the school, so Draco's smugness had been wiped clean off his face. Vanessa pushed away any feelings of pity she had for him. He was a jerk. But, Vanessa reasoned, maybe not all Slytherins were jerks. That one girl had defended Vanessa when Pansy had been at her worst. But Draco? Definitely not worth Vanessa's time.

But the best news so far was that the victims of the Chamber monster would be awakened… That night. Vanessa kept watching formerly petrified students trickle in. She witnessed Harry, Ron and Hermione's reunion. Vanessa got up and greeted Hermione, but she was really interested in the brunette girl entering the Great Hall. Her freckled face cracked with a grin when she saw Vanessa. The two girls embraced.

"I'm sorry!" Vanessa and Ellie cried in union. They giggled at each other.

Ellie frowned. "I was wrong… I was wrong for getting angry with you, I'm sorry."

"I shouldn't have been so high and mighty… I'm sorry, too." Vanessa replied.

"You have to tell me everything, Nessie. What did I miss while I was out?" Ellie asked.

Vanessa giggled. "I slapped Pansy," she admitted.

Ellie gaped. "You did not!"

"I did! In the library, too!" Vanessa snickered.

Ellie laughed. "I wish I could've seen that!"

"Never mind, what was being Petrified like?" Vanessa asked.

"Oh, it was like… A really long nap… You know when you lay down at night and fall asleep and it feels like you only slept for five minutes but it was really five hours? Kind of like that, but also really long." Ellie explained.

Vanessa chuckled. "Well, at least you didn't have to deal with Snape."

"Oh, he's the worst." Ellie agreed. She grinned. The two embraced again before splitting off for their House tables for Dumbledore's announcement.

"As a treat, the other professors and I have decided that the final exams will not be taking place this year." he called out.

The cheers of the Hogwarts students were even louder than last year's celebration of the defeat of Slytherin. Because this year, all of the Houses were one in their celebration.

…

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