"But-But how can that be?" Harry stammered. "Claridina only has one son, and we both saw her pregnant with him."
"Her baby died, Harry. It was a stillborn. I found a death certificate for a Nicholas Ian Wretermoust. The baby that she had Kate give birth to must be Rolwat."
"Okay," Harry said slowly. "But I'm still confused. If Kate Dane gave birth to her son, then what possible reason would there be to destroy her files at the Ministry? What's so awful about it?"
"It doesn't make sense, I know," Hermione said. "But, well, Harry, Claridina is the only link we have to Kate Dane besides her sister. Maybe you were right. Maybe the men who attacked the Ministry were working for her."
"We need to arrest her then!" Harry exclaimed. "She'll be thrown back in Azkaban-"
"Harry, you know that we don't have enough evidence to convict her yet," Hermione said. "Just because Kate Dane had her baby and her record happened to get destroyed doesn't necessarily mean that she did it."
"But you just-"
"I know, Harry. I'm just telling you what Beastrow is going to say. Maybe," she sighed. "Maybe if we let the men know that we know they're working for Claridina, then they'll confess."
"They're in Azkaban, Hermione," Harry said. "I doubt they're up to confessing. But I'll see what I can get. I'll go down there first thing tomorrow morning."
…..
"I still can't get over how quiet it is in here," Alexandra said to Alanna, as the two girls lay sprawled out by the fire playing Gobstones with the set Fred had left them. The Easter holiday had begun three days ago, and the only Gryffindor students that remained were two fifth years and one sixth year.
"I really like it," Alanna nodded. "I don't get that much quiet at home. One of my little sisters is always crying about something."
"But at least it never gets boring," Alexandra pointed out. "I wish I had someone to play with all the time at home."
"You get sick of it real fast," Alanna mumbled. "I share a room with three of my sisters, and I can't keep them from touching anything. My books, my clothes…you name it and they've destroyed it."
"That does sound rough," Alexandra said.
"Sometimes I'll just sit outside all day underneath this really big tree in our yard," Alanna told her. "Until eventually someone else comes out, and I have to find a new spot."
Alexandra didn't know how to respond to this.
"Are you hungry?" Alanna asked, changing the subject.
"Starved," Alexandra nodded. "Dinner won't be for another couple hours."
"What do you say," Alanna grinned mischievously. "We sneak down to the kitchens? I think I remember the way."
"Fred's been rubbing off on you, hasn't he?" Alexandra laughed. "But sure, lets do it. I think most of the teachers went into the village to get drinks anyway."
The girls quickly ran out of the common room and made their way downstairs, careful to be alert for any wandering teachers. When they at last reached the painting of the bowl of fruit, Alexandra tickled to pear, and the picture swung wide open.
"Hello ladies!" said a tiny house-elf, rushing over to meet the two. "Welcome! What is we be doing fors you?"
"Er, well, we were feeling a little hungry," Alanna started. "And we were wondering if you had any leftover food that we might have?"
"Of course!" he shouted happily. "Please just be waiting one moment!"
"They're so friendly," Alanna whispered to Alexandra.
"And they listen so well," Alexandra nodded. "They'll do anything you ask."
"Here you is going," the house elf said, carrying a pile of jam tarts, biscuits, and éclairs. "Swilly is hoping you is liking it, no?"
"It's excellent, thanks," Alanna said kindly. "We really appreciate it."
Just as the girls were about to leave the kitchen, there was a loud popping noise, and a crouching, wrinkling house elf appeared.
"Where has Kreacher been?" asked Swilly. "Swilly is needing help with the roast."
"Kreacher has been with his family," the old house elf replied. "He is helping mistress make dinner."
"Kreacher?" Alanna whispered to Alexandra. "Didn't Fred say that was the name of the Potter's house elf?"
"I think so," she nodded. "Although, it doesn't look like he'd be too much help…"
"Come on. We'd better get going."
"You know," Alexandra said as the girls headed back to the common room. "I reckon I'd like to have a house elf. They'd be mighty handy."
"I suppose," Alanna shrugged. "But I still don't think it's right that they have to work so hard."
Once the girls had eaten their snacks, Alanna pointed out they had a heavy load of homework, and had best get started on it.
"I will in a moment," Alexandra assured her. "I just need to bring back this book before Madam Pince throws a fit…"
Alexandra hurried down to the library and quickly returned her book. She was about to head right back upstairs, but she caught sight of the sunny day outside, and decided that getting a bit of fresh air certainly wouldn't do her any harm.
She stepped out onto the grounds, basking in the warmth. It was such a peaceful day that it was hard for to even think about her situation with her mother or the odd wand that had appeared in her possession. She walked through the crisp grass, looking around at the many beautiful flowers Professor Longbottom had planted. Then, she stopped, and looked over towards the forest.
It seemed to be calling for her, and even though she knew very well that it was forbidden, she found her legs guiding her there as if they had a mind of their own. She walked into the forest, not so far as to get lost, but deep enough so no one could spot her walking by. She sat down at the base of a tree, and looked around.
It was very calm in here, and she rather enjoyed the feeling. Just then, she heard the sounds of hoofs in the earth, and she turned around to see a family of Thestrals approaching her. She instinctively jumped up, but slowly realized that these creatures didn't appear to be posing any threat to her. They looked very gentle, and even a little frightened.
"It's okay," she said to the creatures, cautiously moving closer to them. "I'm not going to hurt you." She slowly extended her arm, and softly stroked the smallest one's neck.
For once, Alexandra didn't feel frightened about being about to see these creatures. She felt happy, as though these creatures were bringing a sort of euphoria to her.
