Hey, sorry I'm late. I sort of forgot to update. But here it is! Enjoy!
Chapter 10
After my conversation with Lupin, I returned to the group. We spent about ten minutes chatting before heading to dinner. We all sat at the Gryffindor table, and Anica and I were teased relentlessly the entire time. It was all in good faith, though, so I didn't take it to heart. Finally, after almost an hour of torture, we got the signal from Priya that it was time for the celebrations.
Ciena decides to skip the celebrations, so the six of us trek up to the Quidditch room. There were a few people in there already, but soon enough, we were joined by the entire crowd.
Although Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw hadn't played, every person on both teams showed up anyway. Before long, the party was ready to kick off.
The three Stooges, or Bailey, Xander and Xandler, had nicked some alcohol from the kitchens and were distributing it among the older kids. I tried to steal a drink but Bailey caught me and reprimanded me for even thinking about drinking. I sighed but didn't push it, knowing it was probably a bad idea anyway.
Once the older kids were a little tipsy, we played a few rounds of Truth or Dare and some other games, munching down treats and sweets the boys had also acquired. The night continues and as per usual, we each complete our reckless dares and try to avoid trouble. With each challenge the difficulty increases like a muggle video game. At least, that's what Xinia compared it to.
"Okay, Gena, Truth or Dare?" Xander tilts his drink towards me.
I stare at him for a moment, silently asking him 'Do you really need to ask?'
"Right… I dare you to," He has to think for a moment before responding, "Steal potions from Professor Malfoy's Lab."
My initial reaction is to panic. There were so many things that could go wrong with that. Malfoy already warned me not to do stupid things like this, and most of Slytherin still hated me for losing them so many points (they had eventually figured out it was me and Anica who had pulled the prank from all the detentions we had). But as I looked at Xander, I knew there was no possible way I could back out without getting a tidal wave of crap about being a gutless git or something. So, taking a deep breath, I clenched my jaw and agreed.
Bailey, Wyrene, Anica and Xinia all gave me warning looks. I promptly ignored them.
"What potions?"
Xander shrugs.
"Whatever you feel like. At least three, though."
I internally groan. One was bad enough, but three... and no doubt they would expect me to go above and beyond, so I would probably have to do more than that anyway. Bloody hell.
I quickly gave my turn away to Anica, and then got up, flashed a cheeky grin, and left the room. Luckily I had my map on me, so I pulled it out once I was in a dark alcove. I lit the tip of my wand up and inspected the parchment for anyone who might interrupt my late night 'stroll'. I decided to drop by our secret room to pick up some supplies, so I needed to get to the sixth floor. Unfortunately, two Prefects were patrolling that area right now. Glancing at my watch, I worked out they would be there for another fifteen minutes. Meanwhile, Malfoy's Lab was currently unattended, but it would be in twenty-five. That gave me a ten-minute window to grab my things from the room, descend onto the second floor, get in, nick the potions, and get out.
That was doable. Right?
I decided to work out my plan in the fifteen minutes I had. I moved higher up in the castle and stashed myself away so I didn't get caught, and then ran through everything in my head.
Then, before I knew it, it was go-time. I double-checked the map to make sure none of the Prefects or other teachers was around, and then set off, treading as quietly as I could. I kept an ear out just in case someone came around, but I managed to reach the room with no dramas. I took my wand out and then slipped into the room after doing the password. I let out a sigh of relief once the opening sealed, but my heart was still racing. Two minutes down, eight to go.
I quickly made my way to the section of the floor I had my stuff hidden in and grabbed everything I needed. After that, I checked the map once again, and then took off, making my way down to Malfoy's Lab.
After two close calls, a run-in with a Prefect which I handled by quickly morphing, and four minutes to go, I made it there. Praying to every god and wizard I unlocked the door and stepped inside (after checking it was empty of course). I was hoping that there were no alarms or triggers that would go off from me being in there, but I wanted to get out of there as soon as possible.
I looked around the lab and found that it was actually quite similar to the one we'd discovered at the Wore's house. I quickly found the potions shelf and searched along it for stuff that might actually be worth stealing. If I was already there anyway, then I had to make it count, right?
Admittedly, I didn't know much about any of the potions, so I just went for the one's I recognised. Amortentia, Veritaserum, Felix Felicis, and...oh! Polyjuice Potion. I also nicked a few sleeping potions, figuring they could come in handy at some point. After grabbing a few more handfuls of other various potions, I remembered my time limit. Once I had everything, I slipped them inside the bag I had grabbed and checked my watch. Two minutes. Damnit. I pulled out the map and saw, sure enough, Professor Longbottom coming this way. He was still a few corridors down, though, so I should be able to slip out and find a secret passage to hide myself in until he's gone.
With my heart practically beating out of my chest, I tip-toe over to the door. Silently, I turn the handle and slip through, closing it silently behind me.
"Sneaking away are we?" I suddenly hear.
"Fucking hell!" I cry, jumping violently and spinning around quickly as my heart sinks.
I'm met with the face of no other than a smirking Kimmy Jones.
"Kimmy?" I hiss, glancing around nervously. "What the hell are you doing here?" How had I missed her on the map?
"I'm not an idiot, Dinnick," she says rather loudly, and I roll my eyes.
"Could've fooled me," I mutter under my breath.
She glares at me but continues anyway.
"In case you had forgotten, I'm still on the Ravenclaw team," she tells me. "I knew everyone was celebrating tonight, and I knew that would mean something ridiculous like this," she gestured vaguely at me and the bag at my side, "would happen."
"Right," I sigh. "Well, unless you also want to get caught, I suggest leaving. We have about 30 seconds until Longbottom reaches us and gives us detentions for being out of bed."
"Correction," she interrupts. "Until he gives you a detention."
I roll my eyes again and shake my head.
"Whatever, I'm out of here."
I turn away and quickly stalk off, only to stop when Kimmy raises her voice.
"GENA? WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE AT 1 O'CLOCK IN THE MORNING?"
"What the hell are you doing?" I whisper-shout, my heart once again speeding up as I start to hear Longbottom's footsteps.
"Getting you in trouble," she smirks.
I give her a look of disbelief before dashing behind a pillar just as Longbottom comes into view. I close my eyes and take a few breaths to calm down as I listen to what's happening.
"Miss Jones," Longbottom says. "What is the meaning of this?"
"Sir, I just saw Gena Dinnick stealing potions from Professor Malfoy's Lab!" Kimmy says frantically. "She went that way," and presumably points in my direction.
Shit. I reach into my bag and fumble around for a moment until I close my hand around what I'm looking for. Just as Longbottom rounds the corner, I threw it into the air and instant darkness erupted around us. I scrambled away as Longbottom fumbled through the dark, desperate to escape.
I run full speed in my attempt to getaway. My bag of potions rattles against my side the entire time, so I pull my wand out and transfigure the bag and the contents into a small box I can stash in my robes. Now that I don't have to worry about the potions breaking or getting in my way, I dash into a secret passageway and pull to an abrupt stop, panting heavily from the running. I take the map out and see Longbottom on his way, three Prefects at his side.
Friggin hell, why do I never get a break?
I briefly consider letting Anica and Xinia know what's happening to get their help, but then I decide against it. I'd already done most of the dare on my own, I wasn't about to back out now. That'd just wound my pride.
I did a once over of the map and worked out an escape route. As long as I stuck to the secret passageways and used a few shortcuts, I should be able to get back to the Quidditch room.
Suddenly, I get a faint buzzing in my mind, and Xinia's voice breaks through.
Gena, wherever you are, get back to your Common Room. Mortan just came around and busted us. They caught wind of someone stealing from Malfoy's lab. They know it's you but don't have any proof.
Where are you guys now? I reply, already trying to figure out a different way back to my dormitory.
All over the place, Anica answers, and I realised she had tapped into the conversation at some point. I got to the Community Hall and now I'm in the passageway back to the Common Room. Some people are still in there, but hopefully if any teachers come in I can slip through in the chaos.
I'm heading up to my Tower now, Xinia says. No one's looking up here so it's pretty much abandoned.
Okay, I answer, suddenly getting an idea. I have a plan. I'll see you soon, Anica.
I break the connection, scan the map once more, and then stash it away in my robes. I take a deep breath, and then make a break for it.
I morphed into one of the Prefects just in case, but I managed to make it back to our secret room without anyone seeing me. Once inside, I breathed a massive sigh of relief. I changed back into my regular look, and once again Transfigured the section of floor to reveal the hiding spot. I stashed all my prank items, the map and the box (previously the bag) of stolen potions in there. I then sealed it up again, and then ventured into the passageway that led to Anica and I's dorms.
Where are you now? I ask Anica as I go.
Still in the passage, she answers. The staff haven't come in yet, but John and Naomi are still in there, plus a few stragglers. What about you?
I'm in the passage to our dormitories, I respond. I stashed everything in the room so hopefully I can slip inside with no drama.
Damnit, why didn't I think of that? she mentally sighs. Anyway, the girls are in the dormitory, but if you're quiet I don't think they'll notice. They haven't moved for a bit so I think they're all asleep.
Okay, thanks. I'll see if I can distract the stragglers so you can get in.
Cool, I see you now. Just let me know when to come in.
Yep.
I reach the entrance to the dormitory and silently slip through, being as quiet as possible. I then change into my nightclothes and mess my hair up a bit, making it seem like I was sleeping. Then I exit the room and start up the stairs to the Common Room. Along the way Xinia tells us she's back in her dormitory with no problems.
Once I reach the doorway, I put on a tired expression and then walk out into the Common Room. Upon my entry, Naomi looks over at me, a confused look crossing her face.
"Gena, I didn't see you come in," she says.
Damnit, I hadn't thought of that.
"Really?" I lie. "I came in a little while ago, didn't you notice?"
She shakes her head, a suspicious look on her face. I feign shock and confusion but shrug it off.
"Weird," I comment before going over to the bookcase near the fireplace and pulling out a random book.
Naomi, and now John's, eyes follow me the entire time. I ignore them and sit down in the armchair in front of the fire and open the book, pretending to start reading. After a minute or two, they finally let it go, and then I get to work.
I toss the book into the fire, crumple to the ground, and let out a yell.
"Bloody hell!" I curse, gaining the attention of everyone in the room. "Stupid carpet."
"What happened?" John asks, coming over.
"I tried to get up and then tripped on the carpet and bam," I say, gesturing to the fire and burning book.
Naomi gets up as well to have a look. Then, suddenly, she gasps.
"NO! That was my favourite book!"
Huh. Score. I glance at the others in the room and deem them either too tired to notice or too distracted. Then I give Anica the signal, and the staircase shimmers behind the Prefects. Anica starts to come down, so I keep them distracted.
"Oh, really?" I ask in surprise. "Merlin, I'm so sorry. You know I'm so clumsy, I don't even know how I managed to trip on carpet."
I keep rambling on as Anica descends the stairs, until she's out of the room and they've once again disappeared. I breathe a sigh of relief, but of course, it's not over yet. Just as we're about to leave the subject of the book behind, the door to the Common Room opens and Wyrene, Gerry and Tatum glumly walk through, followed by Malfoy.
As soon as Wyrene spots me, she gives me a murderous glare which I promptly ignore.
"Professor!" Naomi declares, moving away from the fireplace to talk to him. "What's going on?" she gives the others a slightly disapproving look as John joins her.
"Just returning these three to their dormitories," Malfoy comments lightly. "Oh, and confronting a thief," he sets his eyes on me, a stern look on his face.
I gulp internally.
"Who? Me?" I ask, looking around as if he was talking to someone else. "I didn't steal anything. I was just sleeping like five minutes ago."
He narrows his eyes and gives me a scrutinizing look. I was glad that I had changed, otherwise, that would just be a whole other problem to explain.
"So you just left the celebrations early?" he questions, unimpressed.
Tatum, Gerry and Wyrene take their leave and stalk out of the Common Room down to their dormitories. The few other students also decide to call it a night, leaving just me, Naomi, John and Malfoy in the room.
I shrug in answer.
"I was feeling a little worn out and quite frankly the others weren't being overly friendly about our loss," I say, not entirely untruthfully.
I was still feeling like crap due to my enhanced senses and because I'd played Quidditch for a good few hours. I just wanted to go to sleep and move on from today.
"Well, as much as I'd like to believe you," Malfoy starts. "I'm afraid I'll need to search your dormitory just in case."
I hide the fact that I'm internally freaking out and give a generic shrug. Malfoy dismisses the older two and I lead him down to my dormitory.
Coming down with Malfoy, I warn Anica. Make sure the passage is hidden, and pretend to be asleep or something.
We reach the door and I silently push it open, gesturing for Malfoy to walk in. He lights the tip of his wand up and walks over to my bed. I see Anica in her bed, eyes closed but breathing heavily. Luckily Malfoy didn't realise she was still awake, and he looked through my things, trying to find the potions.
"So what was stolen?" I ask quietly, trying to give off an air of unconcerned.
Malfoy barely spares me a glance.
"Nothing to concern yourself with. Unless you are the thief of course."
"What makes you think it was me anyway? Just because I'm responsible for the majority of the problems that occur doesn't make it right for you to automatically assume I would steal something."
He sighs loudly.
"We have it on good authority that you were spotted leaving my Lab with stolen items."
I scoff.
"Good authority?" I mock. "What are you, the police?"
Malfoy huffs and turns to face me.
"There's nothing here that points to you being the thief."
"That's because I didn't steal anything."
He briefly closes his eyes in frustration.
"If I find anything that even hints at you stealing the potions, there will be consequences. Do you understand?"
I nod truthfully. I didn't want to get in trouble just as much as he didn't want me to be the thief. Damn you, Xander.
"Right, well, good night Miss Dinnick," Malfoy sighs, making his way to the door.
"You too, Professor," I answer cheerily.
He gives me one last suspicious look before closing the door. I listen to him ascending the steps and wait until he's fully gone before letting out a huge sigh and slumping onto my bed.
"I'm going to kill Xander tomorrow," I mutter.
"That was close," Anica answers, sitting up and turning to face me.
I nod in agreement.
"Tell me about it," I huff.
We then fill each other in on what had happened before deciding we should probably get some sleep. We bid each other goodnight, and then I fall into my bed, pulling my blankets up to my chin.
The next morning, I wake up fairly late, but luckily it was a Sunday so I didn't have to worry. I was feeling a little better than yesterday, but for the most part, I still felt like crap.
When I eventually get up, I just morph myself into casual clothes, deciding not to have a shower. I knew I would have to retrieve my things from the room at some point, but I decided to have breakfast first.
I glanced over at Anica's bed to see her still asleep, and then leave for the Common Room, not bothering to wake her up.
My intention is to escape and get to the Great Hall, but of course, it's not that easy. Before I can even make the first step, Wyrene, Liam, Michael, Tatum and Gerry are surrounding me, asking what happened.
"Did you do the dare?" Wyrene hisses so that no one overhears her.
"Yes," I hiss back. "Almost got caught because of freaking Kimmy Jones, but I did it."
"Gena, how many times are you going to keep doing stupid things like this?" Tatum sighs. "You almost got caught this time, you got caught every other time, and if you do this again, you will get caught. You can't keep getting Slytherin in trouble like this."
"What was I supposed to do?" I retort. "Back down from the dare like a wimp?"
"No, stand up for yourself and don't ruin the Slytherin name!"
I glare at her.
"It's too late now, anyway. Now, are we done here?"
She rolls her eyes, but they eventually disperse back through the room. Unfortunately, that just gives John and Naomi a chance to swoop in. Before they even open their mouths, however, I cut them off.
"Yes, Malfoy already looked into it. No, it wasn't me. Can I go to breakfast now?"
Without waiting for an answer, I push past them and head for the door.
"He's going to keep looking, Dinnick!" Naomi calls out after me.
"Cool, noted," I shout over my shoulder before leaving.
I shake my head as I walk along the corridors. I knew I was guilty, but they didn't have to keep pushing. I knew if I kept the potions in the room, or better yet, returned them, Malfoy would eventually give it up. In fact, now that I thought about it, I probably should just give them back. I had no purpose for them, and it would just fix things overall. I made a mental note to do it after breakfast.
As I walk through the doors to the Great Hall, I almost had a heart attack as Kimmy suddenly appeared out of nowhere.
"Bloody hell!" I cry. "You have to stop doing that!"
She smirks for a second but then it drops and she gives me a serious look.
"I saw you Dinnick," she sneers.
I roll my eyes, walking over to the table where the boys are. Xinia and Ciena are nowhere in sight, so I presume they're either in their Tower or the library.
"And?"
"And, I'm not going to let you get away with this!"
We had reached the table, and the boys all went silent as they saw who I was with.
"Kimmy -" George starts, but his sister just ignores him.
"I will prove that it was you Dinnick!"
I sigh and turn to face her.
"Look, Jones," I growl. "I don't give a damn what you do. Tell everyone for all I care. You have no proof, and you will not get proof. End of discussion."
I sit down next to Nick and drag a plate of bacon over. Kimmy stands there for a few moments and then takes her leave. I roll my eyes.
"I don't know how you stand her," I mutter across the table to George.
He sighs.
"She's not all bad. Around me at least. I think it's mostly just you."
I snicker.
"Probably. I'm not the nicest person."
"Ain't that right," Nick laughs.
We all chuckle, and I start shoving food in my mouth because I'm starving.
"So what happened last night? We heard she snitched on you," George asks.
I nod, chewing on the toast I'd grabbed a little more before talking.
"Yeah," I agree. "I ran into her as I was leaving Malfoy's lab and she started yelling. Longbottom heard and came to investigate. I got away, but Kimmy told him and so Malfoy came into the dungeons to investigate. I stashed the potions away so he didn't find them, but I'm gonna return them after so he stops looking around."
I glance up from my plate to see the boys exchanging awkward glances.
"What?" I ask, looking between them. "Did I miss something?"
"It's a good plan..." Dylan starts.
"But Xander was going to make a second part of the dare," Nick continued.
George nodded.
"He was going to make you put the potions in the Staff cups," he told me and I let out a groan.
"That's so stupid!" I cry. "I barely got away the first time! No way!"
"Is that Miss Dinnick backing down from a dare I hear?" Xander's voice suddenly comes from behind me and I spin around to face him.
"Surely it wasn't," Xandler laughs.
"Come on guys," I protest. "That's not fair! I already did the dare, and almost got caught, too! I'm not putting the potions in the teacher's cups!"
"Very well," Xander sighs. "But just know we won't let you live this down."
He leaves the statement open for me to change my mind. I almost do when, for once in my life, I remember Tatum's words.
Stand up for yourself and don't ruin Slytherin's name.
"Fine by me," I grit my teeth. "I won't get in more unnecessary trouble."
The boys raise their eyebrows, but give in. They leave and I turn back to the table with a scowl on my face.
"You realise what you just did, right?" Nick questions.
I nod glumly.
"You're never going to live it down," Dylan continues.
"I know," I sigh.
George doesn't say anything, but he gives me an almost approving look, and, despite the circumstances, I find myself smiling a little.
Once I'm finished breakfast, I decide to head to the secret room and grab the box of potions (which I transfigure back into a bag) to return it. As I'm walking to Malfoy's Lab, I suddenly come across Xinia.
"Xin?" I ask. "What are you doing here? I thought you were at the library or something."
"I was, but I got bored," she shrugs. "What are you doing?"
"Returning the potions," I gesture to the bag at my side.
Her eyebrows raise.
"Gena Dinnick, returning stolen goods? Who are you and what have you done with my best friend?"
I roll my eyes and laugh a little.
"I thought you'd be happy that I decided to behave for once in my life," I comment.
She lets out a snicker, reaching for the bag.
"Well yeah, but you went to all that effort. What did you take anyway?"
"Mostly just the things I recognised from Anica and Ciena's parents lab. Amortentia, Polyjuice, Veritaserum, that sort of thing."
She nods, inspecting the contents.
"How do you plan on putting them back? No doubt Malfoy's going to be hanging around."
"Wanna tag along?" I suggest. "Two minds could be better than one. I had a plan but I could use your help."
She grins.
"Sneaking around, trying not to get caught? I'm in."
I crinkle my eyebrows in confusion but brush it off.
"Cool, let's get going then."
We continue walking to Malfoy's Lab, discussing the plan the entire time. From time to time I hesitate; something doesn't feel exactly right. I can't put my finger on it, though, so I let it drop.
Xinia looks over my bag for a little longer before handing it back to me, a small smile on her face.
"What?" I question.
She shrugs.
"It's just this is fun. We don't often do stuff like this."
"Cause you never want to get in trouble," I point out, raising an inquiring eyebrow with a grin.
"True. Well, consider me less wanting to get in trouble," she announces and I snort.
"That was terrible grammar."
"Whatever."
About two minutes later we reach the hall before the lab. I take my map out and check around for anyone who might pose trouble. There was no one, except for Malfoy. He was currently in his lab, but we had a plan.
"You ready?" I ask Xinia and she nods.
"This is gonna be fun."
I shake my head in amusement before gesturing for her to go. She walks off and knocks on Malfoy's door, giving me a sly grin before he opens it.
"Miss Ren!" Malfoy greets her. "To what do I owe this pleasure?"
I snort quietly and roll my eyes. Of course, she got that sort of greeting. I can't remember the last time Malfoy was actually happy to see me.
Xinia flashes him a bright smile and then launches into her story.
"Well, I was just doing a bit of extra reading - getting ahead, you know - and I came across something I just couldn't understand. Of course, none of the others could help, so I decided to come here."
Malfoy smiles.
"I'm happy to help with whatever you need," he says graciously.
"Yes, well, about that…" she trails off nervously.
"What is it, Miss Ren?"
"Well, I really wanted to make the potion, but I just don't have all the ingredients. I know you don't generally let students use ingredients from your supplies, but…"
Malfoy purses his lip but eventually gives in.
"Very well. Let me just finish up here and then we can go together."
"Thank you, Sir!" Xinia exclaims.
He closes the door and Xinia flashes me an almost evil look.
"What the? Why do you of all people get that respect from teachers?!" I hiss. "They always think I'm such a bad student."
She just smirks and sticks her tongue out at me. I roll my eyes just as the door opens again. She whips around to face him, instantly putting a smile on.
"Off we go then," Malfoy smiles lightly.
They walk off together, and I get to work. I once again sneak inside the room and pull the potions out of the bag. I contemplate putting them back in their place, but I decide not to. Instead, I place the potions on Malfoy's desk, plain as day for anyone to see. I knew it would be pretty obvious when he got back that Xinia had been a distraction, presumably for me, but I figured it wouldn't matter. I had returned them, hadn't I? It's not like I'd used them or ruined them either. Besides, I kind of liked the idea of Malfoy realising I had done the right thing and returned them. Plus there's a little satisfaction of him knowing that Xinia isn't as perfect as he thought.
With that thought, I double-check my bag to make sure I hadn't missed any potions, and then satisfied, I left the room, closing the door behind me. As I'm about to walk away, I hear Xinia's voice coming down the corridor.
"I'm really sorry, sir. I didn't read the instructions properly, such a stupid thing to do."
Her voice was louder than normal, so I figured it was her way of warning me they were coming back.
"Oh, don't worry, anyone could have made that mistake," Malfoy answers.
They turn the corner, and I feign surprise at seeing them. I had turned around to face the door and had my hand raised as if I were about to knock.
"Oh, there you are," I say, looking at Xinia. "I was just coming here to find you. I didn't realise you had gone somewhere."
"Yeah, we just - well, nevermind," Xinia stutters slightly. "What did you want me for?"
"Anica," I lie. "She needs your help. With homework."
Xinia rolls her eyes but then turns to Malfoy.
"Again, I'm really sorry, sir."
He waves her off with a small smile. When he turns to face me, however, his eyes narrow. I give him an overly innocent smile before joining Xinia.
"Well, have a good day, Sir!" I call out.
"You too," he replies, obviously a little perplexed.
I hear him open his door as we walk away, and can visualise the shock and surprise he feels as he sees the potions.
"Miss Dinnick!" he calls out.
Xinia stifles a little laugh but continues walking as I stop and turn around to face him.
"Yes, Professor?" I ask, seeming innocent but unable to hide the small smirk on my face.
"Did you see anyone leaving my room?" he asks suspiciously.
I briefly contemplate blaming someone (say, Kimmy), but then I decide against it.
"No. Why do you ask?"
He squints at me, obviously wondering why I wasn't trying to cover up what I had done. Still, I keep the small smile on my face, tilting my head slightly in confusion.
"No reason," he answers slowly. "Are you sure?"
It was almost like he was prompting me to lie. Merlin, I desperately wanted to. Still, for some strange reason, I didn't.
"Yep. It was just me here before you came."
"Uh-huh," he nods, an extremely confused look crossing his face.
I have to stifle a laugh at the look.
"Well, if that's all…" I trail off politely.
Malfoy glances back into his room, eyeing the potions, before nodding at me. I grin and turn around again, just about running into Professor Potter.
"Oh, sorry, Sir," I apologise.
Potter looks between me and Malfoy, one eyebrow raised. I just continue to walk away, only stopping just before I turn the corner.
"I hope you find those stolen potions!" I call out, biting my lip to stop myself from laughing.
Then I disappear and collapse into a pool of snickers, seeing Xinia waiting for me on the other side. She laughs as well, and we stay like that, in stitches, for a few minutes before calming down.
I had caught the beginning of their conversation before Malfoy closed the door but then didn't pay any more attention.
"The strangest thing just happened…" was what he had said.
So, as I said, I will continue to update here for the next few chapters, but will eventually stop.