Chapter 14

Up until Christmas things had been bad for the six second year Slytherins. Students glared at them, people shouted about them attacking everybody and other things. Thankfully though Christmas Vacation had come around and they all had plans. Ron would be going to the Zabini's home with Rowena and Blaise, while Hermione went home to her parents for their first Christmas together, Daphne would be going to her own parents and Draco and his mother would be staying one day with Lucius Malfoy before going to Zabini manor because the elder Malfoy male would be gone to a business meeting. Now the group was on the train and the train had just arrived at Kings Cross station. Hurriedly the group gathered there things before getting off the train. Looking around Rowena tried to spot Cassandra but couldn't see anything.

"I hate being short." She grumbled causing Blaise to laugh.

"Common let's go to the barrier." Blaise stated and with that the group made their way to it and then through where they gladly found their guardians waiting. Of course there was an extra person there this year, Lucius Malfoy has opted to gather his son from the platform.

"Blaise, Rowena!" Cassandra exclaimed before racing over and hugging them both.

"Hey mum!" Blaise greeted back.

"Hello Cassandra." Rowena also greeted while hugging the woman.

"Oh it's so good to see you again, I have been so worried this year." Cassandra whispered softly.

"We're all fine Cassandra, just wish nobody would blame us for something we have no connection to." Rowena whispered causing the woman to frown.

"How could they blame you all." She whispered.

"Simple, we're Slytherins." Daphne answered as she was soon greeted by her own parents.

Soon though the groups dispersed and Rowena was happy to be on her way home. Home meant no glares from students, no pranks being pulled on them, no nothing. They would finally be able to relax and just have some fun.

Getting into the car Rowena, Blaise and Ron spoke about different things and finally they arrived at Zabini manor. Hurriedly the group got in and Rowena went to her room as Ron was lead to the same room he had used last year.

Arriving in her room she looked around and smiled before settling in and closing her eyes in relaxation. For a moment she just stayed there but finally she started to unpack her trunk before deciding to take a nice bath and change into much more comfortable clothing. An hour later she found herself wearing a relaxing dress with short sleeves. She went with a pair of flats and left her room. She knew Blaise would be still unpacking and Ron as well so decided to go to the piano room where the piano lay waiting for her.

Sitting on the bench she opened the key's and closing her eyes let her fingers dance over the keys a soft melody filling the beautiful room around her. For a moment the music turned sad as she started to think about the Chamber of Secrets and all the accusations being sent towards herself and her friends. She hated that her friends were being accused for something they had not done. Finally she finished her song and looked out the window at her surroundings.

"What were you thinking about that mad your music so sad?" Came Cassandra's voice that caused her to turn.

"Just the situation at Hogwarts. It's not fair. Blaise, Draco, Hermione, Ron and Daphne don't deserve to be accused of being the heir of Slytherin. Just because we are part of Slytherin house and that Voldemort was part of the house, doesn't mean we all hate muggle borns and muggles. It's unfair and stereotypic of them." She stated causing Cassandra's eyes to flash.

"I completely agree but I have one thing wrong with what you said." Cassandra stated while walking forward and placing a hand on Rowena's shoulder.

"Oh what is that?" Rowena asked a frown marring her features.

"You are part of that group Rowena, you don't deserve to be accused of those things just like Blaise, Hermione, Ron, Daphne and Draco. You are just as innocent as they are." Cassandra answered causing Rowena to blush furiously.

"I suppose so." She whispered causing Cassandra to frown.

"Why do you suppose?"

"I`m famous, something happens at Hogwarts, I will most likely be blamed even though I had nothing to do with it. People like blaming the famous for their problems." She answered before leaving the room and Cassandra alone.

For a moment Cassandra didn't know what to do but when her husband walked in she looked at the piano.

"What's wrong Cassandra?" He asked as he sat down beside her.

"Rowena, she is the most curious girl I have ever met. Such a hard head as well. I tried to say that it was wrong that people were blaming her as well for the attacks on the students but she said that she would always be blamed for something even if she didn't do it. Just because she is famous. You know what, the sad thing is she's right. People blame the famous or the rich when everything goes wrong, they can't think or say that it could be anything else. No it's our fault for having money." Cassandra whispered causing her husband to sigh.

"Perhaps I can speak with her. I understand that you and her have a sort of connection because you're both female but she will be leading her family's accounts just like I do currently. She has a lot of pressure on her for leading the Potter Family to greatness." He whispered causing Cassandra to smile.

"I think it would be a good idea love, perhaps tonight after dinner you can speak with her." Cassandra suggested.

"I think that would be a good idea."

Thankfully supper was long away and as everybody gathered in the Dining room Blaise looked over at Rowena with worry. He had tried to find her but he hadn't been able to. It seemed though that she had been crying because he could faintly see some tear stains still on her cheeks.

"Rowena if it would be alright with you, I would like to speak to you after diner." Lord Zabini stated and Rowena gave a nod.

"Of course sir." She whispered and throughout diner Blaise shot her worried looks along with Ron. Rowena seldom cried or stayed silent during super.

When they finished the table was cleared Rowena stood and fallowed Lord Zabini out of the dining room and towards his office. When they entered he motioned for her to sit on the sofa. Rowena did as told and soon the man joined her. There was a moment of silence until the man finally spoke up.

"You know Rowena, fame is a double edge sword." He stated causing Rowena to look at him with a frown.

"What do you mean sir?" She asked confused.

"I mean my dear that although fame can hurt you, it can also help you. I know you have a good heart Rowena and I know you would never use your fame for anything bad. Imagine this. St. Mungos is in need of funding, you could use your fame to help raise money, for instance, being present at a charity event, convincing people to donate to the hospital and such things as that." He stated causing her eyes to widen.

"I never thought of my fame as such a thing." She whispered.

"You are young Rowena, and it's understandable, you only learned of your fame last year. I also know that you are a smart and responsible young lady. You will do your parents proud, you already make them proud. Still fame is not everything and I know you know that. People will accuse you but if the right people, the people who truly care about you stay by your side then you will have nothing to fear. You will always be loved by those who matter. Sure friends might get mad or something but deep down they know that they care for their friends." Lord Zabini stated causing Rowena to smile softly.

"Thank you, Lord Zabini, you sure know how to cheer me up." She said before giving him a hug and excusing herself. She needed to go and reassure her friends that she was fine.

Late that night when everything was dark Rowena slept in her bed, she had a smile on her lips but suddenly it disappeared and she woke up. For a moment she stayed in bed but then let a sigh leave her lips and stood. Gently she changed her appearance and disappeared.

Arriving in Ireland, Rowena looked around and slowly made her way up to the house. She was glad that the cloak covering her form was worm and protected her against the wind and cold of winter, as that night was a very cold one and thick flacks of snow fell from the sky. Smoothly she walked through the door and made her way to the second level. From there she walked into a door where she found a old man sleeping in his bed. Going over she waited patiently but as the man woke he looked her strait in the eye and smiled.

"It is my time." He whispered and she gave a soft nod.

"Yes." She whispered.

"Thank you Lady Death, although I sort of expected Death to be older." He murmured.

"Um I am not Death, I am the Guardian of Souls. I lead your soul to my fellow Guardian." She stated and he gave a nod.

"At lat I will see my daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter again. May god bless the souls of the living." The old man whispered and with that the man`s body fell silent and his soul formed into that of a butterfly into a diamond. Gently she took it and disappeared. "Merlin let thy rest in peace, Eric Bearsonna. Your family is awaiting your arrival." She whispered before releasing the soul.

For a moment the object floated before forming into the old man's form. He was soon met by three others and Rowena was sad to see a little girl. They all waived to her and she did the same before leaving the realm and returning to her room at Zabini Manor. Disappearing her things she climbed into bed and let a sigh leave her lips.

Just as Rowena fell asleep, her bedroom door opened and Cassandra peaked in. She smiled softly as she spotted the young girl asleep. She didn't normally check on the children at night but tonight had told her that something was amiss. Thankfully she was wrong as all the children had been in their beds.