Chapter 33
It was the day.
I was headed back to Hogwarts. I was going by Portkey and arriving in McGonagall's office.
I was ready to return. Of course, it was a little scary. Everyone would want to know why I was gone-what would I answer? And Sirius. I was not looking forward to seeing him. He had not spoken a word to me since I had woken up, not even sent me a letter. Had he even cared when I disappeared? It sure didn't seem like it. He didn't even attempt to contact me, and I sure as hell wasn't going to be the first one to start it if he didn't want to.
Despite all of that I could not wait. And I didn't have to. Whether my mum was bawling or not(she was) the Portkey had to leave at 8:15, when the students would be at breakfast.
I stumbled into McGonagall's office, brushing soot off as I found my professor's eyes. "Miss Potter. We are pleased to have you returned to us," She spoke. "The events of this Summer were...unfortunate, and I assure you we are looking into it. For now, just attempt to get along as usual. I would advice you not to spread around what happened-"
"Yes, you won't need to worry about that," I hastily interrupted.
"Good. Now here is your schedule. You must be on your way to your first class, and I must go teach mine."
"Alright. Thank you, Professor."
"Of course." She nodded with a tight smile teasing her lips as she motioned for me to leave.
I had a plan for my time here. It was simple: I was going to act as though nothing had happened. If anything, I would be more busy, act more cheerful. I would try to not hide inside myself. I would not show it if I did. Under no circumstances would I Regulus beat me. The had not won. I would fight on, show my defiance and disgust in all of their ways, until this was over.
As I walked to my first class, Potions, I remembered my time here the year before. This was the room in which I had spent so much time with Regulus. Not a good start to my first day back. Now I was back. How different would it be, if different at all?
I was about to find out.
As my mind returned to the present I caught the many glances and whispers directed at me. Some were outright staring, many of those Slytherins with vicious, knowing grins on their faces.
I managed to bring up a hopefully convincing smile to my face as Prof. Slughorn spoke: "Ah, Miss Potter. I'm so glad that you have returned to us. I'm sure Lily has taken detailed notes for you, so it shouldn't be all that difficult for you to catch up." He beamed at Lily. "You may collect them from her on your way over to the empty seat by Severus."
I grimaced as I looked at Snape-the mass of greasy hair leaned over the cauldron which I assumed to be Snape. HE was in the middle of Slytherin territory. I Sighed as I went to grab the the notes. AS I did both Lily and Andromeda, who sat next to her, silently begged for information. But no, those two wouldn't ask during class. Lily had to keep her impression of being a saint for Slughorn, and, well, Andromeda wasn't far behind in his eyes.
As soon as I took my seat I felt a sharp jab in my back. "Had a good Holiday?" The voice sneered. I didn't turn around, instead turning to Snape. "What are we brewing?"
"Draught of Peace."
"Wouldn't that be nice," I muttered to myself, trying to ignore the many looks still pointed in my direction.
"You know, we won't be so easy on you next time."
I tensed. Breath in, breath out. I slowly turned around. "Avery, would you mind shutting up, please? I'm trying to get my work done here," I tried to speak 'politely.'
"I'm warning you, blood traitor," I felt his hot breath on my ear. "You thought Regulus was your friend, didn't you? Are you so sure about his broth-"
Yes. I had already had enough. Less than half way through the first period of my first day back and I had had quite enough. I pulled back my arm to cause that bastard to shut up, but before I could he was thrown backwards.
"Stay away from my sister," James growled in a low voice as he walked towards me, wand still out and pointed at the Slytherins, daring them to try anything. "Same goes for all of you." HE turned to me and put on a grim smile. "Good to have you back."
A/N: Once again I am sorry for not writing for a month, right after I said I would. I was telling the truth, your reviews do make me update more quickly. But I forgot about the month that I was on vacation, and would not be able to update at all. Sorry. Still love you guys, and I hope you still love me. :/