Chapter 28
A New Friend
The feast had gone by in a blur after the Sorting. I couldn't remember much. It was all rather dull. Snape never allowed me to go to the other houses tables and I definitely didn't want to sit at Slytherin.
I sighed floating down against an oak tree by the lake. "Why am cursed to that wrecked house?" I asked aloud. As if to answer, a fly flew straight into a spider's web. A tan spider crawled up onto the web and began spinning up the fly for later. I stared at the scene with complete stillness that seemed to last forever. I didn't notice anyone coming up to me.
"Are yeh okay, Liz?" I heard a deep voice ask. I snapped out of my trance and looked up to see the huge, wild gamekeeper. "Yer all white. What's wrong?"
"Nothing, Hagrid," I lied smiling up at him. "I'm just relaxing. How are you today?"
"I'm fine. I was just walkin' through the grounds-"
"Towards the Forbidden Forest," I stated giving him a what-are-you-up-to look. "And who are you planning to meet in there."
"No one," Hagrid said quickly. He looked at my disbelieving expression and gave up. "Aragog."
"Oh," I had almost forgotten bout the giant spider. "Tell him 'hi' for me."
"I will," Hagrid said looking around to make sure no one else was watching. Then he went through the trees towards the deep forest.
I looked up at the school towards Gryffindor Tower. But my gaze got caught midway as I saw a beautiful raven hawk fly free in the sky. It was dark midnight blue and soared gracefully through the wind. Suddenly, it zoomed off towards the Quidditch field.
I was about to fly over to the field, when two small figures came running up to me. I squinted my eyes to see who the figures were. They were both house elves. Rini, who had long, wavy, red hair with one wave covering part of her face, and Sonia, who had short pink hair and eyes to match, looked terrified about something. I ran to meet them half way and waited for them to catch their breaths.
"There's -- a -- girl," Rini was saying between breaths. "She's -- in -- trouble."
"Who? What kind of trouble?"
"Slytherin," Sonia replied.
"Oh no," I left Sonia and Rini behind knowing exactly where it was. The Quidditch Field.
When I got there I saw a girl on the ground, but no one else was around. As I came up to her, I noticed that the last two inches of her raven black hair was silver. She had a beige skin color and looked pretty beat up. She was a first year, no doubt, but I didn't remember her from the ceremony.
As I got closer, the girl began to wake up out of whatever unconscious state she was in before. She looked at me with an expression I'd never seen in last 10 years. Complete misery and fear.
Even though the expression only lasted a second, it still turned my insides. But the expression was changed to determination as the girl tried to stand up. I raced over to help her up and she, somewhat reluctantly, accepted my help. It seemed that one of her legs was either broken or close to it and something hit her side. Her mouth had a thin streak of blood. The mysterious girl gave a low groan and cry out in pain as I helped walk her towards the school.
I caught a glimpse of a small band just inside the forest. No doubt those were the Slytherins who did this to the girl. I was almost positive that if I looked through those boys, one of them would be Lucius' son.
As we reached the Hospital Wing, the poor girl fell unconscious again because of her pain. I carried her the rest of the way and pushed the Hospital Wing's door open with my foot. Madam Pomfrey hurried over to the girl and me. She gave out a shocked gasped as I put the girl on one of the hospital beds.
"What happened?" Madam Pomfrey asked as she got over the shock of something like this happening on the first day of school.
"I don't know. When I got to the field, she was there on the ground alone."
"This is terrible. Poor thing," Madam Pomfrey went over to the sink and soaked a rag under it. Then, she came back over the girl and started cleaning her cuts. She began muttering to herself, "Severe fracture in the right leg, badly twisted wrist, several cuts and bruises."
I realized she was talking to Rena, who went over to the sink again and began soaking more rags as Cathy took out a few items in a cupboard.
"Thank you for bringing her, Liz," Madam Pomfrey said, not looking up from the girl's wounded body. "She'll be fine in a day or two."
"Good," I said turning towards the door. "Now I'm going to go find whoever did that to her."
I walked out of the Wing and headed towards the Slytherin Common Room. The funny looking, Professor Quirrell, walked towards me. I could smell his turban from here. It smelled somewhat like garlic but it wasn't garlic, it was something else I couldn't put my finger on.
"Go-o-dd d-day, Liz," Quirrell greeted me in his usually stutter, as he passed by in the opposite direction, towards his classroom. A pain crossed over my body as the professor passed me. It felt like someone had put the Cruciatus Curse on me for a second. I closed my eyes and nearly collapsed under the sudden burst of pain. But as quickly as it came, it left. When I opened my eyes Quirrell was still walking towards his classroom, oblivious to what had just happened. What happened? Was it Quirrell?
I walked up to Quirrell and prepared myself for another shock but nothing happened.
"C-can I hel-lp you?" Quirrell asked looking confused. I shook my head and turned around in the direction of the Common Room again. I felt Quirrell's stare of confusion as I walked away. But I felt someone else's stare too. It felt like... Voldemort's stare. My eyes dashed to every dark corner and notch in the hall. No one was there. "Ar-are you o-okay, Liz?"
I looked straight into Quirrell's eyes. I didn't see confusion though, I saw understanding. Did he know what was happening? No. I'm just paranoid.
I shook my head and turned around, not saying a word to Quirrell. What's wrong with me?
I finally came to the stone wall, which hid the Common Room. "Snake's blood."
I went inside and looked around. The place was dank, dark, spooky like and completely empty.
"They must have gone off to class," I stated aloud. I walked out of the Common Room and just walked wherever my legs took me.
I stopped at the Transfiguration classroom. I shrugged and apparated to the far corner in the back of the classroom. No one noticed my entrance, and if they did, they didn't acknowledge it. I looked around the class and saw the back of a very familiar head. Harry's black hair was every which way and next to him was his two new friends, Hermione and Ron.
"Transfiguration is some of the most complex and dangerous magic you will learn at Hogwarts," Professor McGonagall, the Gryffindor Head, was telling the class. "Anyone messing around in my class will leave and not come back. You have been warned."
She always said this speech so well and convincingly. I watched some students turn uneasily in their seats, Harry being no exception. Then McGonagall changed the desk into a pig and back and the class quickly got interested. I smiled. They won't be doing anything like that till sixth year, I thought.
Surprisingly, Harry looked straight in this direction as if I had just yelled his name. He smiled and then turned back around to the professor. I watched the class taking notes and then trying to turn matches into needles. The only person who came close was Harry's friend, Hermione. She really had talent.
When the class ended, I joined Harry, Ron, and Hermione in the hall.
"Hi Liz," Harry said.
"Hi Harry. Sorry I missed you at the feast. Snape doesn't let me visit the other tables in the Sorting Ceremonies."
"Why do you listen to Snape?" Ron asked looking shocked. He had obviously heard about the Potions professor from his brothers.
"Because he's the Head of her house," Hermione answered.
"You're a Slytherin?!" Ron said looking in disbelief. And Harry didn't look all to happy either.
"Haven't either of you read Hogwarts: A History?" Hermione asked.
"No," they both said at the same time. Hermione sighed.
"What class do you have next?" I asked changing the subject.
"Defense Against the Dark Arts," Harry answered looking at his schedule. A chill went down my spine as I thought about what happened just over two hours ago. I memory of the pain swept through my body again.
"What's wrong?" I heard Hermione's worried voice.
"Nothing, I just realized I have other business to take care of," I lied. "Maybe I'll see you at lunch, okay?"
"Okay," Harry agreed though I could see he didn't believe me for one minute. I floated off in the other direction.
Where to go, I thought. Hmm... I wonder how that girl's doing. I floated down the corridors to the Hospital Wing. About halfway there, a flying piece of chalk flew at my head. I ducked and confronted the source, Peeves.
"What do you want, Peeves?"
"Oh is that you, Liz? I can't tell. You're just so short!"
"Yeah, okay, whatever. At least I'm alive. Now stop throwing things at people."
"You're no fun."
"Okay, you're allowed to throw things at Filch."
"Good enough for me."
Peeves floated off, probably in the direction of Filch. I watched him disappear, and then started again to the Hospital Wing. I reached it with no more distractions and went in.
The girl was sitting up in her bed reading a book. Not a school book, a regular fiction book. She didn't notice me come in. Madam Pomfrey came out and looked rather happy.
"Serenity's fine, in fact, she'll be out by dinner time," Madam Pomfrey smiled.
"Really?" I walked over to Serenity's bed and sat down in the chair next to her. She placed her book on her lap and looked over at me.
"Hi, my name's Liz," I said, as she looked at me a little closer trying to remember where'd she'd seen me before.
"You're the one who helped me in the field," she said conclusively. "Thank you, my name's Serenity Silverwing."
"I don't remember you at the Sorting."
"I went up after Harry. Everyone was busy cheering for Harry that they didn't notice me getting sorted. There was Carol Raglan who went right before me and right after Harry, too, and she got into Ravenclaw."
"Oh," I was beginning to feel guilty. "What house are you in?"
"Slytherin."
"But wasn't it Slytherin boys who beat you up?"
"Uh, yeah. It's because I'm considered a muggleborn."
"A muggleborn Slytherin?" I muttered, amazed the Sorting Hat would even do that, and then louder, "Would one of the boys who attacked be named Draco Malfoy?"
"Yes, you know him?" Already her voice seemed to show a certain dislike for him.
"I know his father. I'm sure I can guess the rest of the names as well."
"Oh," Serenity said, then she looked curious for a second. "What house are you in? I didn't see your sorting."
"That's cause I was sorted a thousand years ago, into Slytherin."
"Huh? Then what are you a ghost? You don't look like one."
"I'm an immortal. I'm surprised you haven't heard about the 'Slytherin who dishonors all Slytherin name', yet."
"I thought they were talking about me."
A half smile etched its way on my face. "Yeah, aren't we the lucky ones. Chosen to be the dishonorable Slytherins."
We laughed for a second and then talked for hours about family and school and how to get back at Malfoy without getting detentions from Snape. Soon enough it was lunchtime.
"Hey, I'll be back when lunch is over. I promised Harry I'd meet him for lunch," I said, looking at the clock on the wall.
"Ok," I could tell she wasn't looking forward to eating alone. I turned to the sink and saw Hidee there cleaning pans and tools.
"Hey Hidee," I said calling over to the short, blue haired elf. She jumped off the counter and ran over. "Hidee, I'd like you to meet Serenity. Serenity, this is Hidee." Once I got to the door, they were already in conversation about the house elves of the school.
I raced down to the Great Hall and stopped at the entrance. Lots of people were already there, including Harry, Ron, and Hermione. They waved when they saw me and I walked over, trying to ignore the Slytherin stares on the back of my neck.
"Boy, they really hate you," Ron said glancing over at the Slytherins.
"Yeah, but who cares. They're all losers," I said smiling. "So how was Defense Against the Dark Arts?"
"Boring," Harry and Ron said at the same time. Hermione remained with no comment. She didn't seem like the person to make fun of any teacher but if she hangs out with Ron and Harry enough, she'll learn.
"The guy's a coward and scared of everything," Ron commented.
"Yeah, and the whole room smells like garlic," Harry said, plugging his nose.
"What other class did you have?"
"Charms," Hermione answered.
"Yeah, and Harry made Flitwick fall off his pile of books," Ron said, letting out a laugh. Hermione even giggled a little too. Harry just turned red.
"How'd you do that, Harry?"
"Roll call," Harry answered simply.
"Yeah, Flitwick says 'Potter, Harry' and falls off in shock," Ron said, holding his hand up then dropping it down as he explained.
"Learn any interesting charms?" I asked, mostly to Hermione.
"Levitation is the big thing. It should be interesting," Hermione answered
We talked till Hermione mentioned they had Herbology and needed to go before they miss the class. I said good-bye and headed back up to the Hospital Wing. Unfortunately, on my way, I ran into Snape.
"Liz," Snape always had a way of saying my name as if it were a dirty word. "You will be in class on Friday, is that right?"
"Yes, professor," I answered lamely. He always made me go to Slytherin and Gryffindor potions class with the year of my choice. I usually picked seventh. But this year I decided I'd go with Harry. It'll be Harry's hardest class, I'm sure Snape will make sure of that. "I'll be there."
"Good," and he walked off with sly smile I don't trust. He's planning to make a fool outta me again, I thought. And probably Harry, too.
Once Snape was out of sight, I raced up to the Hospital Wing. Once I got there I went straight to Serenity's hospital bed. But she was asleep. Darn.
I walked out of the Wing and went outside near the greenhouses. I flopped down on the grass and looked at the sky. It was so beautiful outside and so peaceful. I fell asleep.
I woke up to a great pain in my ankle. I opened my eyes and there, huddled around me, was the Slytherin gang who, no doubt, got to Serenity before. Just as I thought, Malfoy was one of them, and Crabbe and Goyle and a few older students that I wasn't sure who they were. Malfoy was crushing my ankle with his foot and looked extremely happy with himself.
"What do you want?" I was trying to sound tough but it came out a little higher than I had wanted because of the extreme pain that erupted in my other ankle at the same time.
"You are a disgrace," Malfoy stated ignoring my question. "You could be great. But instead you surround yourself with weaklings. My dad told me about your betrayals to our house. Are you a Slytherin or not?"
"Get off me!" I yelled trying to crawled and squirm out from under his feet. But the more I squirmed the more pain surged through my ankle as Malfoy stood on it with all his might, crushing it.
I turned to look at the school and my eyes caught movement at an open window in the Hospital Wing. I looked closely at the window and saw Serenity poke her head out the window. She put her finger to her lips and she pointed to three other heads that looked over the windowsill down at me. It was Rena, Cathy, and Hidee.
"This is your last chance," a burly sixth year said.
"Last chance for what?" I asked a little smartly.
"Stop hanging around with the other houses and act like a real Slytherin or else," Malfoy threatened.
"Ohhh, I'm scar-ahhh!" I cried out as Crabbe stepped on my stomach with all his weight. Whatever Serenity and the house elves have in mind, I hope they do it fast, I thought, looking up at the window again.
Crabbe got off me. "Well?"
"Yeah right, like a little pain will make me ditch my friends," I said, smirking. Draco smirked back.
"Okay boys, do what you want," At that point, all the other boys looked like Christmas came early. I closed my eyes waiting for more pain, but it never came. I heard one of the older boys fall to the ground and another gasp in shock. I opened my eyes. Huge rocks, some the size of a wizard, came floating through the air and hitting the boys around. I looked back up and saw Dug, Treg, and Flare moving their arms, which directed the rocks.
Now Malfoy was off my feet as he ran from rock. I floated up to the window and smiled at the destructive trio. Flare looked absolutely ecstatic with his red hair glowing. Treg's eyes looked totally focused and Dug's golden brown hair flung all over the place as he moved his hands as fast as he could.
"Ok guys, that's enough," I heard Rena say. "We're going to have to take care of them all when they make it up here."
"Then we don't wanna be here when they come up. Serenity, are you okay now?" I asked looking down at the boys as they watch the rocks fly away into the Forbidden Forest.
"Yeah, I'm fine," she said getting up, though still a little wobbly. As if getting up were an alarm, Madam Pomfrey came straight out of her office.
"What are you doing? You still need rest and-"
"I'm fine, Madam Pomfrey. Please let me go," Serenity asked.
Although reluctantly, Madam Pomfrey agreed and went back in her office.
"Let's get out of here," Serenity said charging to the door, forgetting about her leg.
"Better hurry," Treg said looking down. "Those boys just went in the building."
"Thank you, guys. I owe you one," I called back to the six elves, which scattered once we left.
We ran down the corridor, forgetting any of our injuries and stopped a floor down.
"This is going to be some year," Serenity said catching her breath. Suddenly Draco and his scarred gang come around the corner as they head for the Wing.
"You!" Draco practically yells. "Let's get them!"
I turned to Serenity as she does the same. "If we can survive it."
"Yeah," Serenity says turning back from where we came. "Let's get outta here!"
We race down the hall getting distance between us and the bruised gang behind. "I guess it's safe to say I won't be bored this year. Wonder if anything really exciting will happen this year."
Disclaimer: Liz and the house elves belong to me. Serenity Silverwing belongs to my friend Ani whose authoress name on FF.N is Tes-sama. Everything else belongs to the great JKR! I bow at her feet.