Chapter Twenty-Six (Year Four): Changes Begin (End of Year Four)
"Interesting…Well, that will be all, Mr. Malfoy," Maya heard Professor Snape say as she slowly woke up. Her eyes were closed up until he said Malfoy. Now they were wide open, and she began to struggle, trying to get up and reach for her wand on the bedside table, only to feel hands on her shoulder hold her down. After a while of crying out 'no' and several other incoherent words to whoever held her down, she gave in and let herself go limp, still breathing hard. Her eyes focused, changing from blurred out light. Mr. Malfoy…he meant Draco Malfoy, not his father, Lucius Malfoy, who she'd seen at the graveyard. Sure enough, Draco was standing next to Snape, a hand placed onto her arm. Professor Snape was holding onto her shoulders and Professor McGonnagall and Professor Flitwick pinned her feet and knees down to keep her from kicking out.
Madame Pomfrey had rushed to her bedside with a bottle in her hand. A Calming Draught. Surely she didn't need one. Nevertheless, Madame Pomfrey administered it to her while she was held down and the professors let go of her as her breathing slowed. Almost every teacher was there. Snape, McGonnagall, Flitwick — though him being there was to be expected, as he was Ravenclaw's head of house. Then there was Dumbledore and Fudge. All of them standing there, looking at her, made her feel quite nervous. They all saw her panicking, so it was also somewhat embarrassing.
"She's had a long night," Madame Pomfrey offered an explanation. "Barely got a good night's sleep, poor dear, what with all that crying and tossing and turning. Mr. Malfoy there had to help me calm her down. She may be a bit groggy. This is as conscious as she's been. I do hope that Mr. Potter isn't in this bad a condition. Wouldn't surprise me if he was, though. Those two had a hard time last night."
"Regardless, we must question her on the events that happened," Fudge gave Maya a long, considering look. She didn't trust him. Not one bit. "With that Diggory boy's death, perhaps we can hear the right side of the story and offer some comfort to Mr. Diggory."
"I, for one, believe what Mr. Potter has told us," Dumbledore said calmly, and Fudge shot him a furious look. One that demanded silence. "However, if you really wish to question Miss Kensington, by all means, go ahead. Though I'm sure that she'll give us a similar, if not the same story that Mr. Potter did." Fudge gave a nod of approval.
The minister looked to Draco, who was dabbing at a scratch on Maya's head with a warm wash clothe, then to Snape, gesturing towards Draco. Snape cleared his throat and Draco looked up, glancing around at the other teachers. "It would be best if you were to leave, Mr. Malfoy," Professor Snape said in his usual monotone, "as this is a semi-private matter. Surely you can understand?"
"Yes, Professor," Draco didn't argue and he placed the clothe down and gave one last comforting look at Maya before he headed out of the Hospital Wing. He opened the doors and then closed it behind him. The teachers and Maya listened until the faint echo of his footsteps outside had faded away.
Fudge turned back to Maya, giving her a fake smile, "Now, Miss Kensington. Can you tell us, to the best of your abilities, what happened last night between young Mr. Potter and Cedric Diggory?" Maya bit her lip and looked around nervously. She didn't trust Fudge, and she definitely did not wish to talk with him about any of last night's events. "Well?" he tapped his foot impatiently, but kept up his smile. "We're waiting, girl. The sooner you tell us, the sooner we leave."
"She's a shy one. Quiet, too," McGonnagall sort of came to her defense, if she really needed one to begin with. "While admirable in a student — especially during exam times — I'm afraid she may not be much help. Perhaps if Filius could speak with her alone, he may be able to get her to open up about it." The suggestion wasn't all that bad. In fact, Maya actually thought Professor Flitwick was one of the better teachers, though she only realized that now that she was nervous and looking back on Charms classes over the last four years. She hadn't recalled many classes this year, though. Probably forgot in all the excitement.
"Well…" Fudge looked hesitant, but finally caved. "Very well. I expect answers before Lunch time. Though, if it really takes you that long then perhaps you aren't as close to your students as you think." He, along with the other teachers aside from Flitwick, walked briskly out of the room. Even Madame Pomfrey, after a bit of protest, followed the others.
Flitwick sat in the chair beside her bed, however, being quite small, it looked a bit off. "Don't mind him, Kensington," he gave a reassuring smile. "Fudge is just a bit stressed out. There's been a bit of tension between him and Dumbledore, but that information is strictly between you and I." Maya nodded. Fair enough. "According to young Mr. Malfoy, it seems you, uh…attacked a certain Pansy Parkinson. Something about her putting your name in the Goblet, with the help of some older students of course, and you giving her a piece of your mind." She opened her mouth to apologize, but he held a hand up, "No, no. You don't have to say anything. While none of us approved of your method, even Snape admits that Miss Parkinson was out of line. He kept her up all night with some form of punishment, however, she is still going to be your classmate."
Oh…joy…Maya did indeed remember attacking Parkinson. Everything from then on was still fuzzy. Except for how much pain she was in. There was no way she could forget that. Part of her was glad that Professor Flitwick wasn't getting straight to the point, the other part wanted him to hurry it up so she could be alone for a while longer. Madame Pomfrey said that if she stayed awake and lucid by lunch time, then she would be allowed out of the Hospital Wing to go to dinner when the time came. Her throat raw from crying, she managed a few, hoarse words, "Professor…with all do respect, would you mind speeding it up with the questions…I-I really w-would like to be alone…"
"Right, right," Flitwick nodded with a warm smile, patting her hand gently. "Of course. I understand perfectly. Now, I know it may be a bit…uncomfortable, but could you please tell me what happened — from your perspective — last night during the task. Take your time, now."
Maya told him what she could remember. Krum's strange behavior, the portkey, the pudgy man that killed Cedric, how several Death Eaters were there at the summons of Voldemort. She didn't say who they were, because as much as they deserved a trip to Azkaban, she didn't want to split families up. Of course, it was important information, but when asked if she ever saw their faces or heard their names, she just said that she couldn't remember. Flitwick seemed a bit shaken by this information, and had hissed at her not to say Voldemort's name. When she was finished, Flitwick said goodbye to her and that he hoped she felt better soon and then left to see the others.
Madame Pomfrey came back in a minute or two later, sure to shut the door behind her. She was carrying a glass of water and set it down on the bedside table. "For your throat, dear," was her reason. "Professor Flitwick told me that your throat was a bit raw. This should help it a bit. If you feel up to it, you're welcome to stretch your legs for a few minutes. Only around here. You are not to leave this hospital, understand?" Maya nodded and began to drink the water as Madame Pomfrey disappeared into her office.
Might as well get up and get used to moving after spending so much time in bed…Maya pulled the covers off of her and stepped out of bed. Her clothes had been changed by Madame Pomfrey in the night, and she'd been cleaned up as well, so instead of her tattered clothes from the tournament, she was wearing some soft, silk-like pajamas. Maya was barefoot now, and she winced as her feet hit the cold floor. She nearly lost her balance as she stood up, a bit lightheaded. It might have had something to do with the fact that she hadn't eaten since lunch the day before.
It took a little while, but she finally gathered the strength to actually walk around. She went over to the door of the Hospital, curiosity getting the better of her. Perhaps they were still outside talking. She pressed her head to the door and made out a muffled conversation between Fudge and Dumbledore. Maya didn't know if the other professors were around or not. "I'm telling you, Dumbledore. He's not back. Potter's a fool for saying so, and I'm sure that he did something to the Kensington girl in there to get her to say that You-Know-Who was back. Now, if you go spreading these lies about it all…then I'll —"
"Then you'll what?" challenged Snape's voice, much to Maya's surprise. Fudge stammered and Maya knew then that he had nothing to say. He was making an empty threat, plain and simple.
"I think it's about time you were leaving, Cornelius," Dumbledore said. "Professor McGonnagall, would you show him the way out?" And the conversation ended.
Maya had avoided Carol and Lewis as much as she could. They seemed to be giving her space as well, and she didn't run into them at all over the past few days. She saw them in the oddly arranged Great Hall when Maya arrived on the last day they were to be at Hogwarts that year. She arrived later than everyone else, and instantly searched for Draco in the seats. She looked up at the decorations. They were black flags instead of any House colors, with a white H for Hogwarts on them. The ceiling reflected a cloudy afternoon sky, looking as if it were going to rain.
Everyone, including Draco, looked extremely depressed. Maya had an idea as to why, but didn't say anything. None of the Slytherins sitting near Draco, not even Pansy, made any indication that they were annoyed by her presence. Draco glanced up as she took the seat next to him, which he appeared to have saved.
There was silence for several minutes, as Dumbledore sat in his seat. None of the other teachers were up with him. Instead, they all sat in the front row, among their students. The headmaster cleared his throat, still sitting down. Maya knew what was going on as soon as Dumbledore started talking, "Today, we acknowledge a really terrible loss." He paused and then stood up from his chair, "Cedric Diggory was, as you all know, exceptionally hardworking, infinitely fair-minded, and most importantly, a fierce, fierce friend." Maya looked down at her hands, heart sinking at his words. "Now, I think therefore, you all have a right to know exactly how he died. You see," Dumbledore stepped forward to the stand where he usually gave announcements at dinner, "Cedric Diggory was murdered, by Lord Voldemort!"
Draco flinched at the name, briefly pursing his lips in thought. Dumbledore continued, "The Ministry of Magic does not wish me to tell you this. But not to do so, I think, would be an insult to his memory!" There was a pause as Dumbledore let what he said sink in, then we went on, softer this time, "Now the pain we feel at this dreadful loss reminds me and reminds us that while we may come from different places and speak different tongues, our hearts beat as one." He took a breath. "In light of recent events, the bonds of friendship we've made this year will be more important than ever," he said. Draco looked at his feet sadly, and Maya took his hand in hers, squeezing it gently. "Remember that, and Cedric Diggory will not have died in vain. You remember that, and we'll celebrate a boy who was kind and honest and brave and true, right to the very end."
Dumbledore's speech came to an end after that, and everyone sat in silence, aside from the sniffles and faint crying from a few people.
"You will write, won't you?" Maya asked Draco as they hopped out of the carriages, grabbing their bags. She carefully lifted Aspen's carrier, ignoring the angered snarling from the almost cat-sized animal, that had fought Maya when she had to be put in her carrier. Maya guessed that was what happened when you let an animal roam free for an entire year.
Draco walked next to her on the side where she wasn't holding Aspen. Maya knew he still hadn't gotten over the ferret incident, though she doubted he would. Not for a long while at least. No matter how many times she pointed out the differences between Aspen's species versus her ferret cousins. He ignored her, convinced that being related to them was far too similar.
He considered her question for a moment before he finally answered, "I'll try my best to write as often as I can. I'm not sure what our plans are this summer, but I'll check with my mother and let you know."
"Sounds like a deal," she said to him, giving him a kiss on the cheek. He smirked at her and Maya rolled her eyes at him. Him and that stupid smirk of his. Before she let herself forget, she asked him, "I meant to ask you a while ago, but I was wondering if you wanted to get together over the summer? I know, you want to check your family's plans, but I've been coming up with some things we could do in case you're interested."
"Sounds sort of fun," he replied, wrapping an arm around her shoulder. "If I can, I'll let you know." Maya gave a small smile.
She heard her name called from the platform as they approached, and she looked up to see Carol and Lewis waiting for her, with Carol hopping up and down to get her attention. Maya waved to them and started towards them, stopping to look back at Draco, "I've ignored them ever since…since, well…you know. They might be a bit hurt if I avoid them any longer."
Draco shrugged, "It's alright, I understand," he told her. "I've got my own friends to catch up with, in any case."
Maya set her luggage down and gave him a goodbye hug, "Hopefully I'll hear from you soon." She pulled away from the hug and gave him a quick kiss, picking up her stuff. "If you get the chance, tell Pansy that I apologize for punching her, that I hate her and that I said 'hi'," she joked, chuckling a bit and then started off toward the platform again. "Goodbye, Draco!"
"Goodbye, Kensington," he called after her as she began to jog over to her friends.
When she reached her friends, she was panting. Carol gave her a hug, Lewis joining in and turning it to a group hug. "Are you doing alright? After what happened?" Carol asked her when they'd all three pulled out of the hug and started toward the train. "We saw Malfoy carrying you to the Hospital Wing. You looked pretty beat up."
"You had enough strength to punch Parkinson, though," Lewis laughed as they boarded the train and looked for some empty seats. Carol slapped him and he only laughed harder. "You embarrassed her. She was furious. While you were unconscious, we saw her go to Madame Pomfrey and get her nose fixed. Had a concussion, too."
Maya gritted her teeth, sucking in a deep breath, "Ooh…that bad?" She admitted, she felt a bit bad, now. Granted, Parkinson was a nasty little snit, but she hadn't realized that she had beat her up that bad. Perhaps she deserved it, but that didn't make her feel any better. As they finally took their seats, Maya sighed and looked out the window, "Can we make a promise to no longer talk about that night?"
"I see nothing wrong with that," Carol replied, her and Lewis exchanging concerned looks. "Was it really that bad?"
"Let's just say," she forced a reassuring smile, not really wanting to worry them too much, "that next year is — perhaps — going to be…quite different. In fact, I don't think that much is going to stay the same within the wizarding world. Like Dumbledore said. Our bonds of friendship will be more important than ever. Not word for word, but you get the idea. We just have to stick it out together," Maya looked back out the window as the train began to move forward. "Even though things may be changing, we all still have each other, right?"