Chapter 4

For the next few days all Harry could think about was her. She was good in just about every class, especially Potions. She was the only one who correctly concocted a high-pitched voice spell, which was stuck on her for about the next 2 classes. That night, Harry, Ron, and Hermione were all downstairs in the Gryffindor common room. Ron and Harry were playing wizard chess and Hermione was reading. Suddenly, Madridia came bursting in, crying. She ran upstairs sobbing the whole way. She said nothing, but everyone was wondering what was wrong. "You had better go see what's wrong Hermione." Harry said. She nodded and walked up stairs. "Madridia, it's me, Hermione. Can I come in?" The door opened quietly followed by muffled sobs. "Madridia, what's wrong?" Hermione asked. "It's- it's- THOSE STUPID SLYTHERINS!" She yelled. "They (sniff) made fun of my ears and tore up my robe and called me a- a-" "A what?" Hermione asked. "A FREAK!" Madridia screamed. "All because I ignored Malfoy when he was going to ask me out to the dance but now I'm not going." "How did you know he was going to ask you?" Hermione questioned. Madridia didn't reply. She sat up. " I just wish people would just accept me not from my looks but who I am, not what I am." "What's that?" Hermione asked, puzzled. "An elf." She said quietly.

*~*

Madridia skipped a few of the next days' classes talking to Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall about the incident. "Well, we'll simply take points off of Slytherin for they did judge you by looks. They never should of done that." Professor Dumbledore put a reassuring hand on her shoulder. She nodded and left to go to lunch. While there, she didn't speak to anyone. Harry began to feel a bit worried about her. That night, she was up reading a book on the couch in her pajamas. The rest of the Gryfindorrs had been upstairs talking to one another. Harry and Ron came down to play a little chess, without realizing that Madridia was half asleep on the couch in front of the fire. After 3 games, Ron had to go upstairs to get his Gobstones, and Harry stayed downstairs. He noticed Madridia sitting on the couch, reading. He walked up and was just about to talk when, "Let me finish this chapter, Harry." She said without looking up from her book. She glanced up. "Done." she said, snapping her book closed. "Hey Harry, you want the extra smelly or the just plain-" Ron stopped talking. "H-hi M-madridia." He stammered, looking down at his feet, blushing. Madridia just stared from him, to Harry, back to Ron, and finally, back to Harry, then burst out laughing. "What's so funny?" Ron asked, still blushing. "Y- your hair!" She replied, still laughing. Ron looked at the mirror and screamed." AAAAAAAAAA WHAT HAPPENED- WHO DID IT- MY HAIR IS BLACK!!!!!" He screamed. Harry and Madridia were laughing so hard tears came out of their eyes. "Actually Ron, if you didn't have freckles and had a lightning bolt scar, I'd say you were my twin!" Harry said, still teary eyed. "Hey I was just about to ask you, do you wanna play some Gobs-" Harry paused and looked at Madridia. She was staring out of the window. "Sh- she's out there." She said, holding back tears.