Chapter 10:

'So is it true?' Ginny said menacingly.

Aria didn't bother to reply. She had no idea what Ron had said but she didn't particularly want to know. It was enough to make Ginny angry and that's all that mattered.

'So you're not even going to deny it?' Ginny said as if she was hoping it was all one big lie and that Aria would come up with some story to prove Ron wrong.

Once again Aria stared at Ginny saying nothing. Aria's heart was pounding in her chest as she stood frozen to the spot.

'I can't fucking believe you. I actually cannot believe it. You and him – I didn't believe Ron for hours last night. Do you have no self-respect or dignity? Or you just don't give a shit? Are you really that desperate that you'd-'. Ginny paused making a face which clearly showed she was repulsed. Aria knew only too well the extent of Ginny's temper but she had nothing to say. She didn't know what to do.

'I thought that you were my friend? HIS FATHER TRIED TO FUCKING KILL ME ARIA! Do you remember that? Or how about he's a bully? Remember how many times he's made Hermione cry? Or what he's done to Harry and Ron? And the rest of the school? He's a bully – a coward – a snob and he's disgusting. He's scum– there's nothing else to say. I can't actually believe you'd sink so low. I clearly don't know you as well as I thought as I know I'd never be friends with someone who's everything I hate in a person.'

Aria forced herself not to cry and stood their numbly staring into Ginny's eyes. Ginny almost waited for Aria to respond but instead she shoved past her into the Great Hall. Aria was suddenly aware of all the people staring at her. Aria hurried off not knowing what to do. All she knew is that she needed to get out of Hogwarts and fast. Aria couldn't wait until eleven – she just couldn't. Charlie couldn't know – she didn't want anyone at home to know. Aria could feel herself getting more and more flushed and panicky. She saw a Ravenclaw, most likely a fourth year and she quickly marched over to him.

'Can you tell my brother that we're leaving at half nine instead of eleven?' she said urgently hoping that her and Charlie could sneak home at the first time slot.

'Sorry what?' he said looking completely confused.

'My brother – Charlie Brooks?' Aria said impatiently.

'Wait he's your brother? No way, I never knew!'

'Will you tell him?' Aria said gritting her teeth.

'Sure thing' he said and winked arrogantly.

Aria rolled her eyes and hurried off. She wanted to get out of the corridors as soon as possible. She ran up to her dorm and hurriedly threw everything in her case. It was nine o'clock by the time she was done. She scribbled a note to Tibbs saying she'd explain at some point but she had to leave early and left hers and Jade's Christmas presents on their beds. She considered sending an owl to her mother saying they would be early but she thought better of it. Not only would she reach her home in Cornwall before the owl but she had no desire to return to the Owlery anytime soon.

Aria was restless but she didn't know what to do. She sat on the bed for a few minutes watching the time go by. Finally, she coulnd't stand it anymore and so she got up and grabbing her trunk dragged it down to the Great Hall. The corridors were filled with students and Aria at first thought this would be a good thing. However, she did not blend in as she hoped but noticed many staring and whispering at her.

'Wait 'til Pansy hears!' one girl cackled

'Hah she really is a Slytherin through and through' another remarked who was obviously one of the few who knew of her siblings in Ravenclaw.

Aria pretended not to hear and dug her nails into the palms of her hands. She finally reached the Great Hall where about 20 students or so were milling around waiting to go home. Aria scanned for Charlie but saw him nowhere. Aria cursed and thought about the likelihood of Charlie being on time – especially after she'd told him last minute that they were leaving an hour and a half earlier. That's if the message even got to him. Aria felt frustrated. She hated the fact she couldn't tell him to hurry up. Aria had no wish to wait outside the Ravenclaw Common Room either. Aria stood there silently wondering what to do. Aria started to reflect on what had happened in the past 24 hours and she felt tears sting her eyes. Aria blinked them back furiously and focused on staring at the Great Hall doors. Finally just after 9.30 a breathless and grumpy looking Charlie dragged his trunk into the hall.

'You better have a good reason for this! I had to rush my breakfast and missed out on a last game of Wizards chess! My trunks an absolute mess and-

'Shut up Charlie. It would've been a mess whether you packed it now or in an hour. It's not my fault we got bumped forward. I didn't have time to eat properly either.' Aria lied.

Charlie scowled but didn't say anything. Soon enough they reached the front of the queue and Aria quickly lied to Professor Flitwick about Snape moving them earlier as the eleven-thirty slot had been over booked.

Soon enough Aria was being enveloped in green flames and arriving in her kitchen. She was home, at last.

Sorry I took so long to update! PLEASEEEEEE REVIEW :) I've only got two and would love some more - all feedback is soooo helpful so yeah - thanksss :)