It had been a few days since the attack outside the abandoned first floor bathroom. Classes were once again in session, so the castle was bustling with activity – and rumours. The pair involved in the attack had been released from the hospital wing that same day, and though they repeatedly stated that they had no idea what had happened, that did not stop their fellow students speculating. As Mína sat silently in her classes and at the dining table, she overheard many wild theories; and though she did not hear it outright, the mistrusting glares she received from her classmates left Mína certain that they suspected her too. That being said, there was certainly no shortage of suspects.

"Apparently it was a curse put there by Voldemort. Harry Potter only got in when he was at Hogwarts because he was a Horcrux."

"I heard that Dumbledore did it when he was Headmaster to stop kids going into the Chamber of Secrets."

"Some of the Ravenclaw girls have been saying that it was Alesha. She wanted to be with Emil but he rejected her, so she attacked him."

"I thought they said the weather enchantment on the Great Hall ceiling malfunctioned?"

"It was definitely a duel. Emil's been strutting around like he owns the place ever since he became captain of the quidditch team, he probably just got cocky and messed with the wrong person. My money's on McAlistair."

The high volume and diversity of ideas reassured Mína that she was safe for the time being, but she knew that she was not in the clear yet. Luckily no one had seemed to notice her when the mudblood had called for help, not even the ever suspicious Professor Hawke. There was still an investigation underway – all it would take would be for the Headmistress to recall every student's wand and test them for a lightning curse, and Mína would be caught. She had to think of a cover up, and fast.

It was when she was sat alone in the library one evening that inspiration struck her. She was watching a Hufflepuff boy (first year, like herself) struggling to switch on one of the many computers which lined the back wall. As he bent down to adjust a power cable, his hand recoiled and he let out a sharp gasp. His friend began to laugh, and Mína heard him say:

"Shut up, mate. How is it you never get shocked by these things? They're lethal!"

And just like that, it hit her. Her plan now clear, and all too aware that she was racing against the clock, Mína logged on to one of the computers and frantically searched for the information she needed.

She did not waste time in finding what she was looking for, and then left the library for the first floor bathroom, purpose powering her forwards.

.oOo.

As she reached the entrance to the bathroom, Mína felt a buzz of adrenaline. Her plan was not a guaranteed success, but it was all she had. First she made sure that the corridor and surrounding area was completely empty – unsurprising that they were, given that most students retired to their common rooms after dinner. She then bent down to the foot of the doorway, pointed her wand at the lower half of the cold stone wall, and muttered "Accio electric cables".

But nothing happened. Mína had read up on this spell and knew that the object in question had to be very clear in the castor's mind, so concentrated all of her will power into picturing the thin copper wires wrapped in a plastic black cord. Taking a deep breath and closing her eyes, she tried again, louder this time.

"Accio electric cables."

She held out her delicate pale hand, and soon felt the thick cable slide into her palm, protruding from a crack in the stone. There was no time for Mína to feel pleased with herself, however, so she quickly got to work.

.oOo.

Mína was aware that she could not be the one to draw attention to her cover story. That would be too suspicious. Finding a scapegoat was not difficult, anyway. She just needed to borrow one of her housemates' beloved pet rat.

"Linguine", as he was fondly known, had a reputation in Slytherin house for chewing through things that he was not supposed to. In fact, his owner, Olly Sykes of first year, often offered his pet's destructive services to desperate classmates who had forgotten to complete their homework.

Moronic. Ridiculous. A perfect cover.

Getting hold of the rat may have proven challenging: as soon as Mína entered the Slytherin common room she felt every set of eyes turn on her. But she was determined, and so was prepared to wait it out. She made herself comfortable, setting up to study at one of the small round desks near the doorway, and stayed put until the last remaining Slytherin traipsed off to bed. Now was her chance.

Linguine enjoyed sleeping by the fireplace, so she had easy access to him. Removing him from his cage, she was pleased that he did not squeal or attempt to escape her grasp. She tucked him into the sleeve of her robe, still holding him securely, and then headed for the familiar first floor corridor as quietly as she could – she did not need a meddlesome professor ruining her plan by escorting her back to the dormitories.

She released Linguine at the far end of the corridor, away from the entrance to the girls' bathroom, and then hurried back to her common room before anyone noticed she was gone. Upon returning, she headed not for her own dorm, but that of Olly Sykes, knocking three sharp wraps on the door. A weary first year boy answered in his pyjamas, and Mína noticed an unmistakable flash of fear flare in his eyes when he saw who had knocked.

"I was just about to go to bed when I noticed that Oliver Sykes' rat is missing from its cage. I'd hate to think of one of the cats or owls getting to him."

And with that, Mína turned on her heel and strode away to her dormitory, turning in for the night and sleeping soundly (despite the bustle of worried first years desperately searching for Linguine) with the satisfaction of knowing that she had taken action.

.oOo.

The following morning, a weary looking Professor McGonagall made an announcement at breakfast.

"Students, your attention, please. It has come to my attention that certain among us are not keeping a close enough eye on our pets. Remember, pets are a privilege, not a right, and as a pet owner it is your duty to take care of them.

I was informed late last night of a renegade rat running riot in the corridors, going so far as to gnaw on recently installed electrical wiring within the wall cavities. Unfortunately, it is possible that this be the cause of injury to one of our pupils several days ago. Further investigation shall be carried out, but if, as we fear, the incident in question was the result of an electrical shortage caused by compromised cables, more rigid rules regarding animal companions will need to be established.

In the meantime, I urge you all to take special care with your pets, and ensure to the best of your abilities that they do not wreak further havoc upon this school. That will be all."

Her words set the room abuzz with chatter. Mína did not bother to listen in to what her classmates thought on the matter, the important thing was that her cover story was being taken into consideration by those in authority, at least.