A/N I am so sorry that I haven't updated in a while! A lot has been going on since the summer started and I have been extremely busy! I hope this extra long chapter makes up for it. A lot goes on in this one so make sure to pay attention! :p

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or Doctor Who, just the plot to this story.


Chapter 22: Slughorn's Exclusive Club

~ AMY ~

Amy used to think that Hogwarts was the safest place on earth. But after she, Hermione, Ginny, and Draco were taken by the Death Eaters from the castle, she didn't know what to believe anymore. Since she was seven years old, she had grown up on stories of the magical Hogwarts castle and how amazing it was. Tonks, Fred, George, Ron, and Ginny always knew just what to say about the school make Amy cheer up if she was upset. But now she knew the truth.

The war was coming. And there was nothing that could stop it, not even Harry. People were going to die and Amy could be one of them; there was no way to know. If the Death Eaters could break into the castle to take a bunch of teenagers, then what's stopping them from completely taking over the school?

Amy had only been back at Hogwarts for a few weeks now, but she could tell that worse things were going to happen.

After returning to Hogwarts a few weeks ago, everyone was brought immediately to the Infirmary. Hermione had been all cut up on her face and along her arms and legs, Ginny and Draco had bruises on their wrists from the chains and ropes, and Amy had clawed at herself during the full moon. Not one of their best nights...

As the time passed, the cuts, bruises, and claw marks began to fade away. The four of them had been required to make weekly trips to the Infirmary for checkups with Madam Pomfrey. Professor McGonagall had been keeping a close eye on them since they had disappeared, not allowing them to go out after hours and having them escorted by a teacher to their classes.

Harry and Ron had been very protective over Hermione, Ginny, and Amy, as well. Tonks wrote a letter to the Burrow to explain to them what had happened, and as a result, the girls received an unexpected visit from Mr. and Mrs. Weasley one weekend. Fred also appeared later on that week, having overheard his parents speaking about it. He fussed over Amy and told her that he was thinking about asking Dumbledore to let him stay at Hogwarts to watch over her. But Amy wasn't having it.

"Fred, your business is just starting to take off! I'm not going to let you stay here and make George take care of all of the work!"

"But he wouldn't be. Verity is there also, and we could ask Lee to help out around the shop."

"No, Fred. Okay? I'm not going to let you just throw away your business because of something as simple as me."

"You are anything but simple, Amy. I want to be here for you. I want to keep you safe."

"I can take care of myself, Fred —"

"No, you can't! You were taken by You-Know-Who and you call that taking care of yourself? What if Narcissa Malfoy had decided not to help you? You would still be at Malfoy Manor; tied up and alone in that room. You need me here, Amy."

"It's not like Dumbledore is just going to give you a room here because you think I'm not safe!"

"You're not safe, Amy! The Death Eaters just waltzed into Hogwarts and took you. Even with the Order and Aurors around Hogwarts, they still found a way to get in."

The way he looked down on her made her feel even worse about herself. , Amy knew she couldn't take care of herself; she knew Fred was right. But she didn't want him to leave everything behind just to take care of her. She was part of the Order, not him.

"Fred. Listen to me, alright? I'm going to be okay. I'm fine here."

"That's not what Ginny says," he muttered under his breath.

"Well then, what does Ginny say?"

"She thinks that you're even worse now than you were before the school year started. I know you're trying to protect everyone; that's the whole reason you came to Hogwarts in the first place! But you need to stop and think of yourself for a while."

"I can't do that, Fred, and you know it. I have a job to do. And that job is to protect the people within Hogwarts, no matter who it is."

"But you don't have to worry about all of that now! The Order and the Aurors are here. You don't have to protect yourself."

"Then why do you need to? If the Order is here to protect me then why do you need to be? There's no reason for you to stay here."

"But, Amy —"

"I don't need you!" The moment to words left her lips she regretted uttering them.

It was at that moment that she knew she had lost him. The look in his eyes changed from worry to disappointment and she knew that it was her fault. Without saying another word to her, he walked out of the hospital wing, leaving her alone to cry.

Over the next couple of days, Ron and Ginny kept their distance from Amy, knowing that she hurt their brother. And she couldn't blame them. Hermione and Harry were there for her, though. Even Draco at times. She had put aside the fact that he tried to seduce her at the beginning of the year. They didn't refer to each other as friends, but he was there for her if she needed to talk. She made sure not to talk about her being in the Order or any of that, but they had grown closer since Malfoy Manor.

Harry had filled Hermione and Amy in on what he had been seeing in the memories that Dumbledore had been showing him. They all portrayed Tom Riddle or his family. Dumbledore had said, "In order to defeat our enemies, we must know of their past." Amy had never actually used a Pensieve before, but she knew how they worked.

The three of them went off to dinner and sat near Ron and Ginny, though they didn't look very happy that Amy was there with them. Hermione and Harry sat on either side of Ron against the wall, while Amy sat next to Ginny across from the others. As they talked throughout dinner, Ron and Ginny decided to join in on their conversation, ignoring their past quarrel. Amy turned around to glance over to the Slytherin table across the room and noticed that Draco was already looking in her direction, but he wasn't looking directly at her — he was looking past her — he was looking at Hermione. Before Draco could catch her staring, Amy turned back to face her friends and gently nudged Ginny's arm without the others seeing.

"What is it, Amy?" Ginny whispered. Amy nodded her head in the direction of the Slytherin table, but whispered back, "Look, but be subtle." Ginny followed Amy's directions by slightly turning her head to look over her shoulder. After Ginny caught sight of what Draco had been looking at, she whipped her head around with a mischievous grin across her face. Together, Amy and Ginny stifled a laugh.

"Something you want to share with the rest of us?" Harry asked the pair of red-headed girls.

"Nothing that concerns you, Harry," Ginny smirked. "But, Hermione, I believe Amy and I need to have a word with you after dinner." With a confused look on her face, Hermione ignored them and turned back to Harry and Ron to continue their conversation.

"Look, Harry, all I'm saying is that the book might be dangerous. It's filled with spells that even I have never heard of. I mean, who is this half-blood Prince?"

"Hermione, it's just a textbook, stop worrying —"

"No, I won't stop worrying," Hermione stated. With those words, she stood and began to gather her books. "I'm going to the library to see what I can find out about this half-blood prince," Hermione turned towards Ginny and Amy. "Would you two care to join me?" Amy and Ginny quietly gathered their books as well, stuffed them into their bags and followed Hermione out of the Great Hall. As they exited, Amy noticed Hermione take a quick look towards Draco; when she noticed he was staring, she rolled her eyes and began walking faster, with Amy and Ginny right behind.

As they reached the library, they sat down at their normal table and Hermione immediately began looking for books that had any reference to a 'half-blood Prince.' After a few minutes of sitting there silently, Ginny decided to speak up.

"Hermione?"

"Hmm."

"What's going on between you and Malfoy?"

"What do you mean?"

"Amy and I saw him staring at you all throughout dinner. And then, as we were leaving, you looked at him and rolled your eyes."

"Yes, well, when have Draco and I ever gotten along...?"

"Hermione," Amy chuckled.

"What, Amy?"

"... You just called him 'Draco.' Are you sure nothing happened?"

"I'm sure, Amy! Please just leave me alone so I can do this!"

"If you wanted to be alone, why did you invite us to come with you?" Ginny complained as she picked up her bag. "Come on, Amy, let's go." Before Hermione could stop them, they were out the door. They turned the first corner just in time to walk into a tall pale Slytherin.

"Watch where you're going you —" he spotted that it was them. "Oh, it's just you, Pond. Try not to run me over the next time you turn a corner."

"Sorry, Draco."

"Malfoy."

"Weaslette."

"Could you two at least try to tolerate each other? I like talking to both of you and I would like it if you both get along."

"Not going to happen, Pond. Anyway, it's a good thing I ran into you. Dumbledore just sent me to get you. Says he has to talk to us about some rubbish."

"Oh… alright. I'll meet you in the Common Room when I'm done, Ginny."

"You sure?" she asked, eyeing Draco suspiciously.

"Yes, Ginny," Amy gave her friend a bit of a shove. "Now go."

Ginny walked up the stairs towards the Common Room while Amy and Draco headed in the opposite direction, towards the Headmaster's office.

"So… Draco," Amy began to make conversation, "can I ask you something?"

"Dunno. Can you?"

"Well, I'm going to, anyway: why were you staring at Hermione during dinner? And why did she roll her eyes after she caught you?"

"Well, for one: I wasn't staring. I wouldn't get caught dead staring at that Mud —"

"Watch it!"

"— that Muggle-born. And she obviously rolled her eyes because we despise each other."

"Okay, but… Ginny told me about what happened in the dungeons at Malfoy Manor. About how relieved you were when you saw she was alive. How to hugged her and wouldn't let her go."

"Shut it, Pond. This interrogation isn't going to do you any good."

"Draco, do you… have feelings…? For Hermione?"

"What are you on about?"

"Oh, my Merlin! You do —"

"Of course I don't, Pond —"

"Draco, I just want to —"

"You just want to what?" He pinned her against the nearest wall. "In case you forgot, Pond, I know everything about you. All your dirty little secrets. I know all about the Order. Your family. Your parents. And don't think — that just because we've been getting along — that I'll hesitate to tell your precious little friends everything about you. So why don't you just back off."

"I believe that it is you that should back up, Mr. Malfoy," a calm voice called from the opposite side of the corridor. Amy turned her head strugglingly to the left to see Professor Dumbledore standing in the corner. Draco immediately released his grips on Amy's wrists.

"I was wondering when you two would be along. I was starting to get worried. Is everything alright, Miss Pond?" As Amy rubbed her wrists, she shook her head yes.

"Very well then. If you would both follow me..."

The Headmaster led the Slytherin and the Gryffindor to his office. As he sat down behind his desk, he waved his wand and two chairs appeared in front of him; Amy took the one on the left, and Draco: the one on the right.

"I have called you both here tonight to discuss something of the utmost importance: the safety of the students. Mr. Malfoy, as I informed you last night, Miss Pond is a member of the Order of the Phoenix: a secret society formed by myself in order to go against the wishes of Lord Voldemort and his followers."

"Professor —"

"Miss Pond, please. I have already discussed these arrangements with Mr. Malfoy." She silenced her herself and allowed the older wizard to continue. "Thank you, Amy. Now, as we all know, Voldemort has returned in bigger numbers than last time. He is gathering anyone he can find: those who go against the Ministry, those who go against the way we do things here at Hogwarts. Miss Pond, you have the right to know that Draco has been assigned a task by Lord Voldemort himself."

Amy turned in her chair to face Draco; his face had been drained of all of the color it had just moments ago. Draco looked her in the eye.

"Would you care to elaborate, Draco?"

The boy shook his head no; Amy could see the fear in his eyes.

"Voldemort has ordered Mr. Malfoy to murder me, Miss Pond."

Amy slowly covered her mouth with her hand, and began crying, never looking away from Draco, hoping to see his reaction. Just as she predicted, Draco let loose a couple of tears, just as she had.

"Don't shed your tears for me, children. It is still October, and Voldemort does not expect this task to be carried out until late June. Is that correct, Mr. Malfoy."

"Yes, sir."

"Professor, how did you know? That this was what Voldemort assigned Draco?"

"Mr. Malfoy came to me at the beginning of the year, in full confidence, to explain the details of what has occurred so far, from the perspective of the Death Eaters."

"I was scared, Pond," stuttered Draco. I was so scared." Amy scooted her chair closer to him and hesitantly put her arm around Draco. He tensed under her touch, but soon exhaled and accepted her comfort.

"Now, Miss Pond. This information that I am about to tell you is confidential. You are not to discuss this with anyone, do you understand? Mr. Malfoy and I are the only others that know of this, and I expect it to stay that way. Is that understood."

"Um… yes, of course."

"Very, well… Draco, you must go through with whatever Voldemort has asked you to do. You must try to kill me."

"Professor —"

"Miss Pond, I am not finished. Mr. Malfoy you will follow the instructions so that Voldemort never doubts your allegiance. You must follow his orders, do you understand."

"Yes, professor," croaked Draco.

"Professor, why do I need to know this? Why do I have to be involved?"

"Miss Pond, you will play a very crucial role in this arrangement. You must protect Mr. Malfoy under any circumstance, no matter what the cost. You must help him murder me, Miss Pond. You must assist him if necessary."

"I can't. I just… no, I can't —"

"You will, Miss Pond. Now, I believe I have troubled you both enough for the night. You may return to your dormitories. I think you should both be well rested."

After exiting the office, Amy turned to talk to Draco, but he had already gone in the direction towards his dormitory.


"Amy, what took you so long? What did Dumbledore want?"

Amy had just walked through the portrait hole and was already being bombarded with questions. She only became aware of the fact that she was still crying when Ginny asked her why.

"Um… just thinking about Sirius again," Amy lied.

Ginny gave her a sympathetic look, but it didn't last long. "So, what did Dumbledore want? With you and Malfoy?"

"It was nothing, Ginny. Just something about our grades..."

"Oh… alright, well —"

"You know what, Ginny, I think I'm going to head to bed now. Sorry," Amy mumbled as she passed her friend and walked up the stairs.


"Harry, you're making it wrong. You're supposed to put the flobberworm mucus in before the ginger root."

"Not according to the book, Hermione."

"Harry, I think it would do us all some good if you listened to Hermione for once."

"Amy, Hermione, just let Harry do what he wants. If he messes up then maybe Slughorn won't praise him so much," Ron whispered the last bit so only the girls could hear him.

"Now, now, I believe it is time for me to check your potions, everyone! Back away from your cauldrons," Slughorn called to the students. The Potions professor walked around the room giving the students notes on what they could do to improve their potion making. As he reached the four Gryffindors in the back of the classroom, Amy could notice his eyes light up.

"Ah, Harry m'boy! This is a perfect Cure for Boils! Well done, well done… Ah, Miss Granger… so close, very close, but not there just yet. Mr. Wallabee, I believe you forgot to add in the porcupine quills! That is a very crucial mistake, don't make it again, Wallabee! And finally, Miss Pond… hmm… " As he moved his face closer to the cauldron, there was a slight BOOM that came from her potion, making everyone jump. When the professor brought his face back out, he began sprouting boils all over his face. "Miss Pond, I don't see how you messed this up so bad! This is only a beginner potion! I expected much more from you, considering… well, you know… Harry! Pass me your potion!"

Slughorn took Harry's potion from his hands and stuck his entire face in the cauldron. He took his head back out of the cauldron and dismissed the class, except for —

"Harry, Miss Granger, Miss Pond, please hang back for a moment!" The three sent a look in Ron's direction, letting him know to wait outside for them.

"I have something that I would ask you three," he said, sorting through his papers. "I was hoping you could all come to my office tonight for a spot of supper! Now, it wouldn't just be the four of us, of course! I have invited others students: McLaggen, Zabini… a few others as well!"

"Oh, uh, I can't, professor. I have detention with Professor Snape tonight, sir."

"With Severus? Oh, I'm sure I can persuade him otherwise. But ladies, will you be in attendance tonight?"

Hermione and Amy looked at each other, smiled, and nodded towards their professor.

"Oh, very good! I'll you tonight then!"

The three students exited the classroom, after agreeing not to tell Ron about the dinner, seeing as he wasn't invited. They made up an excuse about him getting Harry and Hermione to help Amy with her potions work.

"Sorry about that, Amy. I didn't realize you were that bad at Potions..."

"I guess my lack of Potions knowledge from when I was staying at Grimmauld Place has finally caught up to me. But at least I'll have some extra help now."


As the day started to come to an end, the four Gryffindor sixth years met up with Ginny in the Common Room. She was sitting by the fire with Dean Thomas, but Ron was quick to shoo him off.

"Ron! What was that for?"

"I'd rather not have to watch you and your boyfriend cuddling together by the fire."

Ron wasn't the only one that looked as if he was about the murder Dean. As Ron and Ginny had their row, Amy noticed Harry sending daggering looks in Dean's direction. Amy knew that Harry now had feelings for Ginny. Of course, she thought, the only time he actually returns these feelings to Ginny is when she is already taken.

"Well, you don't have to anymore! I was invited to have dinner with Slughorn and a couple of other students tonight! And I was just about to go get ready! Slughorn also told me that Hermione and Amy were invited, so guess what? You get to spend the night alone because Harry has detention with Snape!" Ginny whipped around to face the other girls. "Are you coming with me to get ready, or not?"

Hermione and Amy looked at each other hesitantly and, after apologizing to Ron, followed the fuming Weasley girl up the stairs to the girl's dormitory.

"Ginny, I think you should calm down..."

"How can I? This isn't the first time Ron has done something like this! He and Harry caught us making out in a corridor the other day and he threatened us!"

"What did Harry do?"

"Well, first Ron yelled at me and Dean. Then I told Dean to go back into the Common Room so that I could talk to Ron. We got into a huge argument, which resulted in both of us taking our wands out. When Ron came at me, Harry tried pushing him I went after Ron and he had to hold us both back. Ron shot a jinx in my direction, and Harry had to pin him up against the wall to stop him. Then I pointed out how Harry had snogged Cho, Hermione had snogged Viktor, and Amy had snogged Fred; saying that that was the reason he was so uncomfortable with seeing me and Dean. I walked away, but I could hear Ron start to yell at Harry, saying how he 'betrayed his trust' and that he was 'supposed to be his friend.'"

"So Harry protected you?" Hermione asked.

"Well — yes. Yes, I guess so."

Amy stifled a laugh under her breath.

"What, Amy? Is there something funny about Harry protecting me from Ron?"

"Hmm… yes, actually."

"Would you care to explain why you think so?"

"No, I'm fine. I think you can figure it out for yourself if you think long and hard about it. And while you do, I'm going to go get ready for supper."


It was the next day — a Saturday — and it was the first Hogsmeade trip of the year. Amy bundled herself up, seeing that it was also snowing outside. She and Hermione were all covered and ready, so they went down to the Common Room to meet with Harry, seeing as Ron was still upset with them from the previous night, and Ginny was going with Dean.

"Hello, ladies," Harry put his arms out for them to take. "Would you join me in going to Hogsmeade?"

Giggling, Hermione and Amy each took one of Harry's arms and walked out of the Common Room. As they reached the doors to exit the castle, they could see Filch with his Secrecy Sensor, checking all of the students. As soon as they were cleared by him, they practically ran to Hogsmeade. The snow was even harsher than it had been when Amy looked out the window that morning. They made their way into the Three Broomsticks to warm up and ordered three Butterbeers. "I'll pay for them, don't worry," Amy shuffled through her bag to pull out the appropriate amount of money to pay for the drinks. Amy could see Harry subtly trying to look around the pub; Amy could only guess that he was looking for Ginny. Amy was also looking around the pub, though she was more nervous than Harry. She had a task to complete today, and it was not one that she looked forward to. When Amy saw the person that she was supposed to meet, she made an excuse to Harry and Hermione so she could follow her. Just as Draco had instructed, she covered her face with her hood before walking into the ladies lavatory. She used her wand so that no one would recognize her voice, and she waited in the corner of the room for when Katie Bell followed her. And she did. She entered the room alone and Amy took the opportunity to give her the necessary instructions. Amy revealed the necklace from her coat pocket but was careful not to touch the actual piece of jewelry, considering what it was meant to do. Amy made sure that Katie left the bathroom first, giving herself a few minutes to compose herself. After fixing her voice and revealing her face from under her hood, she exited the lavatory. But she did not expect to see this: Harry had Mundungus Fletcher pinned against a wall while Hermione tried to stop him.

"Harry! What are you doing?" Amy yelled.

"He took this! He took all of it!"

"He took what, Harry?"

"This!" Harry pointed to a pile of random objects lying across the floor.

"Hang on a moment," Aym bent down and picked up one of the goblets that were mixed in with the mess. "This is from Grimmauld Place. All of it! Theses are all of Sirius' things! Mundungus you sneaking little git," Amy now revealed her wand and pointed it at him as well. But before Amy or Harry could do anything, there was a POP! And Mundungus had disapparated.

"I can't believe it! Why can't the Order control him? That's Sirius' stuff!"

"Actually, Harry… it's your stuff..." Amy mumbled under her breath.

"What? My stuff?"

"Yes… I thought Dumbledore had told you. Sirius left everything he had — everything — in your name. All his possessions — including Kreacher — they're all yours."

"That makes it even worse!"

"Harry, calm down… people are still staring," Hermione whispered. "Why don't you just tell Dumbledore about it when we get back to Hogwarts?"

Because Dumbledore might not be alive by the time we get back, Amy thought.

"I think it's time we started heading back, don't you?" Amy prompted as they finished their Butterbeers. As they left the pub the three saw Ron sitting with Seamus Finnegan, and they were both shooting daggered looks in Ginny and Dean's direction.

As they walked out into the cold, they pulled on their hats, scarves, and gloves and waded through the heavy snow. They began walking up the High Street behind two girls, but Amy couldn't tell they were. But Amy soon became aware of who it was when the two girls ended up in an argument.

"It has nothing to do with you, Leanne!"

Crap.

Katie and Leanne started fighting over the package that Amy had handed her in the bathroom. The package hit the ground and opened, revealing the necklace. Amy had to resist the urge to yell at them to not touch it. But as soon as Katie touched the bare necklace, Amy knew that she was doomed.

Katie was lifted up into the air, suspended by her ankle, and at that moment, she let out a scream with a blank expression on her face. Leanne backed up so that she was standing with Amy, Harry, and Hermione. The four of them began trying to pull Katie down from the air and she soon fell on top of them with Harry catching her. She kept thrashing and screaming so loud that Harry had to lower her to the ground and put her down. Harry was just about to run for help when a large figure appeared on the street.

"Hagrid! Help her! I think she's been cursed," Harry yelled over the sound of the falling snow. Hagrid yelled at them to step away from her and he picked her up, running towards the castle. Amy, Harry, Hermione, and Leanne stayed there, frozen. Leanne began crying and Hermione went over to comfort her. "Leanne… what happened? When did it happen?"

"It was when the package opened..."

Hermione bent down as if to pick up the package.

"No, don't!" Amy yelled to her.

Hermione looked at her confused, but Harry leaned in towards the necklace to get a better look. "Amy's right! No one touches it! I've seen his before, at Borgin and Burkes a few years ago. The label said that it was cursed." He looked towards Leanne, who was still in Hermione's arms, "How did Katie get this? Did she say who gave it to her?"

"She came back from the bathroom with the package. She said she had to give it to someone, that she had to deliver it. We started walking and when I asked her who gave it to her she said it was none of my business… that's when it happened..."

"We should get back and take the necklace with us. Show it to Madam Pomfrey," Hermione suggested.

Harry removed his scarf and carefully picked the necklace up within it, making sure not to touch it.

They had just made it to the grounds when Harry had a revelation. "Malfoy was there. At Borgin and Burkes four years ago. This must have been what they were buying at Borgin and Burkes when we were spying on them."

"I don't know, Harry, that's a pretty serious accusation," Hermione whispered.

"Besides," Amy butted in, "Katie received the necklace in the girl's lavatory."

"Then someone must have been helping him —"

Harry was cut off by a frantic Professor McGonagall running in their direction.

You hour! Hagrid says you saw what happened. Follow me to my office..." She eyed Harry's scarf is his hands. "Potter, what is that?"

"It's the thing she touched."

"Oh my," she took the scarf from Harry's hands and began to lead them into the castle. They passed Filch once more, and McGonagall informed him to pass the object within the scarf onto Snape. They reached the office and retold the story to their Transfiguration professor. Leanne began crying throughout the entire retelling of the story, and McGonagall ended up sending her to the Hospital Wing to get something for the shock.

"Would you three mind telling me what happened when Katie touched the necklace?"

"She was lifted up into the air and she started screaming and flailing her arms. Professor, I need to see Professor Dumbledore. There's something I need to tell him."

"I'm sorry, Potter, but the Headmaster is away until Monday. But, I assure you, anything you have to say to him, you can say in front of me."

Harry seemed to gather his thoughts before revealing who he believed was behind it. "I think Draco Malfoy gave Katie the necklace."

"Do you have any proof, Potter?" McGonagall asked as if she wanted to believe him.

"Well… not exactly, but —"

"Then I am sorry, but I cannot do anything with any hard proof. Besides, Mr. Malfoy was not in Hogsmeade today."

"How do you know, Professor?" Harry asked, his mouth gaping.

"Because he was in detention with me, Potter. Now, if you are finished I must go and check on Miss Bell," she held her door open, giving them no choice but to leave.

After McGonagall was out of earshot, Harry continued their conversation as they began walking towards the Common Room. "You know what I just realized. With Katie gone, now I'm down a Chaser. I know that's not the most important thing at the moment, but now I have to hold more tryouts..."

"How many people tried out for Chaser at the beginning of the year?" Amy asked.

"Not many. Katie was already on the team and Ginny and Demelza were the only two that tried out that were good."

"I could try out, Harry. Ginny and I have been breaking into the Weasley's broom cupboard to practice ever since we were little. I reckon I'd do good for Chaser."

"Awesome! Of course, I can't just give the position to you, so I'll have you tryout with the rest of the team tomorrow evening if that's okay?"

"Sure, Harry."

"Harry!" THe three heard as they entered the Common Room. "Amy! Hermione! You're alright!"

"Of course we're okay, Ronald, why wouldn't we be?" Hermione asked in a condescending tone.

"Well I… I heard what happened to Katie, and how you were all there. I didn't know if something happened to you."

"Well, as you can see, they're perfectly fine," Ginny walked over and pushed her way passed Ron to get to her other friends. "So, Harry, about the Quidditch team —"

"Oh, no need to worry about that, Ginny. Amy's already agreed to try out for the open spot."

"Oh, thank Merlin. McLaggan had been bugging me about talking to you ever since we heard about what happened. He's got himself set on becoming the 'star' of the Quidditch team," Ginny scoffed. "And don't you worry, Harry, about having to find other people try out for Chaser. Amy's really good in that position. I always wondered why she never tried out the past two years."

"I've had enough on my plate, Ginny, worrying about the Order and everything. I guess playing Quidditch until Katie gets better will just be a way of relaxing for me. Oh! I almost forgot I have to go meet with someone. I'll be back in a bit."

Amy heard Ginny yell after her just as she closed the portrait door. Amy continued down the seventh-floor corridor until she reached the tapestry of Barnabas the Barmy, just where Draco had told her to be. She walked past the wall three times, thinking the same thing to herself every time. "I need to meet Draco in the room of hidden things. I need to meet Draco in the room of hidden things. I need to meet Draco in the room of hidden things." The door appeared just where it had last year when Dumbledore's Army had their secret meetings.

She entered the room and was pulled aside by a strong arm which was now covering her mouth.

"Who are you?" Draco sneered as he struggled to cover her mouth.

"Draco, it's me! It's Amy! It's Pond!"

"How do I know it's you? Someone could have used Polyjuice —"

"I know you like Hermione!" Amy struggled to say under his hold. Draco loosened his grip on her; Amy knew she was the only one willing to admit that to him, and so did he.

"So you gave Bell the necklace, then. I heard about what happened —"

"It wouldn't have worked anyway. Dumbledore isn't here. He's not at Hogwarts. And he won't be back until Monday."

"Shit. Well, I guess we'll have to find another way to do it then."

"Not right now, Draco I had to watch her become cursed today, and it was all my fault. I'm the one that gave her the necklace —"

"Well, it couldn't have been me, seeing as McGonagall decided to give me detention —"

"Well maybe if you did your homework —"

"I don't need to be lectured, Pond. You're not my mother."

"I wasn't trying to be. I was just trying to be… to be your..."

"To be my what?"

"Your friend, Draco. And based on the situations you seem to find yourself in, I think you need one at the moment."

"Bugger off, Pond. I don't need your pity. Just go back to your group Gryffindors. I don't need your assistance right now."

She stood there longer than she needed to, just watching him as he walked off deeper into the madness that was the Room of Requirement.

Amy resisted the urge to run off to her friends and tell them everything about what she had agreed to do with Draco. So instead, she ran up to the Owlery to write to Remus. She realized she hadn't talked to him since Malfoy Manor, and she usually didn't go this long without writing him. She entered the Owlery and walked over to Hedwig, leaving herself a mental note to let Harry know she used Hedwig to send Remus a message. She took out a piece of parchment, a quill, and ink from her bag and began writing:

Remus,

How are you? I realized we hadn't spoken since the occurrences of Malfoy Manor and I just wanted to check in on you and everyone else. How is everything going with the Order? Being here at Hogwarts had pretty much disconnected me from everything that goes on with the Order, so I would really appreciate it if you could send me letters every week about what is happening.

I'm sure you heard from McGonagall already, but a student was cursed today in Hogsmeade from a cursed necklace. Harry reckons that Malfoy is behind it all, but you know how Harry jumps to conclusions.

I haven't talked to Tonks in a while, but I'm sure she would really appreciate it if you at least wrote to her. I think that would lighten her spirits a bit.

Remus, I have to ask you something concerning my parents. You always told me that if I had any questions that I should ask Tonks, but I wanted to ask you, seeing as Tonks would never give me a straight answer. As you know, they left me a letter for when I got older about why they didn't keep me. But the letter doesn't tell the full story, and I was wondering if you could tell me. Please, Remus. I want to know as much about them as possible, and I think you're the only way I can.

Please write back soon,

XOXO

Your Favorite Goddaughter,

Amy