Aralynn hoped that the whispering would dwindle as days passed. It was reasonable to think that interest in her recently discovered backstory might have settled, but that wasn't a possibility with Draco Malfoy around. Since the incident in the courtyard, he had taken to spearheading a smear campaign against the Potter twins, which only invigorated the gossip. Wherever they went, he was there, skulking after them. It was like he had memorized their schedules, as he would appear in every corridor, stalking after them and shouting, "Better make way! Scarheads coming through! They might take your arm if you touch them!" His voice was always gleeful and full of cruel amusement. Occasionally, he would behave as though they'd cursed him, clutching his chest and crumpling to the floor dramatically, effectively blocking them from getting to their classes in a timely manner. Other times, they would catch him muttering suggestively to their schoolmates with a malicious smirk on his face as they passed by. He was propagating the idea that they were dangerous, and unsafe for the other students to be around. For Harry, the consequences weren't quite as severe, as his many friends knew he didn't pose a threat to them, but it only further isolated Aralynn. Those she had once considered friends wouldn't even look at her, let alone talk to her. She had never wanted to be invisible so badly before.

She was always under scrutiny. Eyes were watching her every move, and the heat from the spotlight was beginning to burn right through her. It was one thing for people to shy away from her in the corridors, but it was another when they avoided her altogether. None of them would sit next to her during classes. If the professors tried to pair them with her for exercises, they did everything they could for a new partner. Sometimes it worked, but not always. When it didn't, they would simply pretend she didn't exist. Mealtimes weren't any better. They put as much space as they could between her and them. It was like she was surrounded by an invisible bubble, protecting others from whatever disease she had.

The climate at Hogwarts was quickly becoming unsustainable, and so she took to hiding in her dormitory as often as she could. It became the only place she felt comfortable, to the point that she would only leave for classes and meals. It provided her with plenty of time to focus on her studies, which also helped to distract her cluttered mind. The only downfall was spending less and less time with Harry, Ron, and Hermione. They tried to understand, but that didn't stop them from reminding her that they missed her. Of course, she missed them, too, but she couldn't bear the blatant snubbing. Aralynn had felt unwelcome once before, but only to herself, and never everyone else. She never dreamed that her second year could be worse than the first, but it was.

Aralynn had been writing to Charlie and Bill often. She wrote letters to them both, explaining what she was experiencing at Hogwarts since returning. She hoped that, with outside perspectives, they could provide insight. She also hoped they might have advice that could help her trudge through the murky waters she was drowning in. Aside from that, she missed her eldest brothers. She hadn't seen them in years, and it was strange not to have them around. They were full of wisdom and intellect that she only recently realized she was missing. If there was a time she needed it most, it was now.

One morning, when she was feeling particularly desperate for contact, Amete flew through the window that stood ajar near Aralynn's bed. The owl dropped a letter on her lap and then perched on her knee. She stroked her index finger through Amete's feathers before flipping the envelope over to see a sphinx stamped into the wax seal. She eased the flap free without destroying the wax and unfolded the parchment on the bed before her.

'Dear Aralynn,

I wanted to thank you for your letter. It's been a long time since we've talked, hasn't it? I was ecstatic when Amete came tapping on my window. I hope you know that your bird is as stubborn as you are. She wouldn't leave without a jerboa as payment. I miss you and the family so much. Hopefully, we'll see each other again soon. How are you enjoying your classes? I hope you're learning as much as you can. That's what Hogwarts is for, after all.

I'm sorry to hear that you've been struggling. That Draco Malfoy character sounds like a real prat. I'm sure it's hard to feel like you've been outcasted by your peers. Try to understand that they're probably just as unsure as you are. You being a Potter is new to them, too, and just like you, they might not know how to handle the situation. It's also important to remember that there will always be people who dislike you. Sometimes, for no reason at all. You can't let them get the better of you, Aralynn. It might take time for them to come around, but I'm sure they will. You're a good friend and a great person. They'll realize that, but only if you show them.

Your friend, Hermione, is right. People will believe what they want. Some will change their minds, but others won't. The right people will figure it out. All you can do is be yourself. Your friends know you and your intentions. More importantly, you know yourself and your intentions. I know it feels like you have something to prove, but you don't. The only thing that matters is what you think of yourself. If you're worried about what the people who care about you think, then you already have that answer. Don't forget those who have stuck by you. They've shown their hearts. You mustn't overlook them. There's still time for everyone else. Focus on those who are there for you. They're trying to support you through this troubling time. Let them!

It's not like you to resign yourself when there's a challenge. You've never been the type of person to hide, and you certainly shouldn't start now. I know it's scary, but you need to pull yourself up by your bootstraps and face this thing head-on. It'll be better for the whisperers if you do. Chiefly, it'll be better for you if you do! You are one of the strongest people I know, Aralynn. You can handle this. Your time at Hogwarts is your chance to learn as much as you can, but it's also your chance to build lifelong friendships. I would hate to see you wasting those opportunities by hiding in your dormitory. You can do this. You don't need anyone's validation to know that you're pure of heart, Aralynn.

Keep Calm and Carry On.

Love,

Bill.'

Aralynn slipped the letter back into the envelope and tucked it away in her bedside drawer. She felt much lighter than she had in days. Bill was right, just as Hermione had been. She had nothing to prove, and she wasn't doing herself any justice by hiding. She studied the four-poster bed that had become safe for her and decided that it was time to leave. She eased the owl off her knee and set her down on the windowsill. She walked around to the foot of her bed, where she began rummaging for some clothes in her trunk.

"I'm going out today, Amete," she told the owl, who was watching with her dark eyes. "I can't let them keep me down. I won't." She pulled a beige sweater over her head. Just as she was buttoning her dark jeans, she heard footsteps entering the dormitory.

"You're dressed!" Hermione said delightedly.

Aralynn grinned at her. "I was about to come and find you. What are you doing up here?"

"Coming to find you," Hermione laughed. "I wasn't sure you'd want to, but Ron and I are going to fetch Harry from Quidditch practice. I thought I'd ask if you wanted to come along."

"I'll come," Aralynn answered, laughing when Hermione jumped happily.

"Oh, I'm so glad," she said. "We've been missing you. Harry's been worried sick, and Ron…" She sighed sharply. "Ron's been miserable to be around. I'm not sure I could have handled much more of his moping."

Aralynn smiled sheepishly at her. She felt awful that her absence was affecting her friends so much. Though, she felt worse that Hermione was the one who had to deal with all of it. "I'm sorry, 'Mione. I shouldn't have hidden. I just… I couldn't handle the whispers."

Hermione walked over and pulled Aralynn's long hair out from underneath her sweater. "I can't imagine how it's made you feel," she said. "I'm thrilled you've changed your mind, but… Why did you?"

Aralynn smiled to herself as she thought back to Bill's letter. "Let's just say I had some words of encouragement."

Hermione was grinning at her. "Charlie?"

"Bill," Aralynn corrected with a smile.

"Well, remind me to thank him if I ever meet him," Hermione said, linking her elbow with Aralynn's.

Aralynn laughed. "I'll do that." She tugged the red and pink plaid blanket from her trunk and draped it over her free arm. "Let's go."

Hermione and Aralynn walked down to the Common Room together. Ron was sitting in one of the squashy armchairs, pulling at the frayed ends of his hooded sweatshirt drawstring. "You don't even need to say it. I know she said no." He sighed heavily as he stood. "Again. Anyway, are you ready?"

"We're ready," said Aralynn.

Ron lifted his head. At the sight of Aralynn standing next to Hermione, his face split with a huge beaming smile. "Ara! I'm so happy to see you, you've got no idea—" he hesitated, ears going red. "Er, I'm glad you're coming with us."

Aralynn grinned at his red ears, reaching out to tug one of them. She withdrew her hand when he tried to swat it. "I'm sorry about disappearing. I won't be doing that again."

"I hope not," said Ron. "It's been weird without you."

The three of them left the Common Room and made their way down to the Quidditch Pitch together. They stopped by the Great Hall to grab some toast. It was the first time Aralynn had walked through the corridors without feeling like all eyes were on her. If there were any whispers, she didn't hear them, and that was more than okay with her. It was wonderful to feel like she was just another student again. She was glad that she had decided to seek an outside perspective. If not for Bill, she was sure she would still be sulking in her dormitory.

The sky outside was bright and clear. The sun was shining brilliantly over the grounds while the wind rustled through the trees and sent chilled gusts rolling over their faces. Aralynn wrapped the plaid blanket around her shoulders as they neared the stadium. They could see the Gryffindor Team streaming out of the locker room, but they had their brooms in hand.

Aralynn nudged Ron. "When did Harry leave this morning?"

Ron was looking as confused as she felt. "Before the sun was even up. They must be done by now." They approached Harry, who was following his teammates into the arena. "Harry," Ron called. "Aren't you done yet?"

Harry looked tired. "We haven't even started." He looked past his friend at Aralynn, perking up. "Hey! I'm happy you're here."

Aralynn smiled at her brother. "Me too."

Ron huffed, ignoring their exchange. "What do you mean you haven't started? You've been gone for hours!"

Harry looked back at Ron. "I know. Wood is enthusiastic about Quidditch this year. He's only just finished his pep talk…" He was staring hungrily down at the jellied toast in their hands.

Ron gaped at him. "You can't be serious!"

"Harry, come on!" called Oliver Wood's distant voice from the field. "We're wasting valuable time!"

Harry grinned awkwardly. "Sorry, Ron." He turned and went jogging onto the field to join his teammates.

"Just finished his pep talk!" Ron repeated irritably. "That's ridiculous!"

Aralynn gave Ron a placating pat on the shoulder. "I know," she said, grabbing his sleeve and dragging him into the stands with them.

He was still huffing and puffing by the time they sat down. "Wasting the whole day playing Quidditch…"

Hermione was pouring some hot black tea from her thermos into paper cups. "You love Quidditch, Ron."

Ron took the cup that Hermione passed to him. "Yeah, but Harry and I were going to play Wizard's Chess!"

Aralynn took a paper cup from Hermione and sipped the tea. "There's always later, Ronald."

"Or tomorrow," added Hermione.

"Let me be mad," Ron huffed, turning his attention to the field when the team took to the air on their brooms.

Aralynn shook her head, nudging Hermione. "So much for Ron feeling better with me around, eh?"

Hermione smiled over at her. "Oh, he's much better. You have no idea. He was unbearable before."

"I can't even picture that," said Aralynn. "I'm sorry for putting that burden on you."

"You don't need to apologize," Hermione assured. "You're back now. That's all that matters."

They watched the Gryffindors weave around each other. The Chasers tossed the Quaffle between each other while Fred and George hovered nearby, mindfully ensuring that their team was safe from Bludgers. Oliver Wood might have been an obsessive Quidditch fanatic, but his hard work was paying off nicely. The players flew smoothly around each other, moving together like a unit, and performing stunts that none of them had seen before.

Aralynn was watching Harry pursue the Golden Snitch when she felt someone pinch her thigh. "Ouch!" she exclaimed, turning to see Kiyana Davis sitting next to her with a grin. Her coils of hair were drawn back and there was a pink bandana covering half of her head. "Oh, hi. What are you doing here?"

Kiyana shrugged casually. "Watching Quidditch practice."

Aralynn raised an eyebrow. "A Gryffindor Quidditch practice?"

Kiyana was still smiling. "Why not?"

She hesitated. "Well… They're not exactly your house team."

"Is there some kind of rule saying that I have to support my house team?"

"Not exactly," Aralynn said slowly. "More of an unspoken expectation."

"Expectations are stupid," Kiyana said confidently. "All they do is disappoint." She leaned back on her hands, watching Harry barrel roll. "Consider me another Gryffindor fan."

Aralynn had only met Kiyana Davis once before. She seemed confident and sure of herself in a way she hadn't seen from anyone else. Perhaps from Draco Malfoy and Professor Lockhart, but it wasn't a positive quality in either of them. It was for Kiyana. "Why Gryffindor?" inquired Aralynn. "Why not Hufflepuff or Ravenclaw?"

Kiya gestured towards the field. "Your brother isn't on the Hufflepuff or Ravenclaw teams."

Aralynn was surprised. "So, you're blindly supporting the Gryffindors because my brother is on the team?"

Kiya turned a smile toward her. "Yeah."

Aralynn laughed disbelievingly. "Why?"

Kiya was shaking her head amusedly. "Does it matter?"

"No," Aralynn answered. "Consider me curious, though."

"That curiosity is going to get you killed someday," Kiya teased.

You have no idea, Aralynn thought.

The girl was talking again. "I'm choosing Gryffindor because of you," she said earnestly, "because I like you."

Aralynn blinked at her. She wasn't sure what to say. Kiyana was extending a rare kindness to her; the type of kindness she hadn't seen since she met Harry and Hermione. It was unexpected. It left her speechless. Part of her wanted to say, "You hardly know me," but she didn't want to insult or offend someone who was being nothing but nice. Still, she had to say something. "That's surprisingly thoughtful of you."

"Surprising?" she questioned with a raised eyebrow. "Is that because I'm in Slytherin?"

Well, Kiyana had certainly learned about the rivalry between their houses. Aralynn went hot with embarrassment. "No!" she corrected quickly. "It's just an uncommon quality in strangers, in my experience."

Kiyana looked amused. "I'm just messing with you, Aralynn."

She smiled sheepishly. "Oh. Good."

"Something tells me you're not the type to write me off just because of my house, anyway."

"I try not to be," Aralynn agreed. "It's a relief to know that's working out in my favor."

"I think it might be in my favor more than yours," Kiya said, eyes following Alicia Spinnet as she turned her broom upside down to prevent Angelina Johnson from stealing the Quaffle from her hands. "I haven't seen you since the argument in the courtyard. Where have you been?"

Aralynn was embarrassed again. She wasn't sure she wanted Kiya to know that she had been hiding from their classmates. Unfortunately, she couldn't think of an excuse. "In my dormitory," she explained, then added quietly, "hiding."

Kiya didn't look away from Alicia Spinnet. "Hiding from what?"

Aralynn gestured around vaguely. "Everyone."

"Because of the talk?" Kiya asked, but before Aralynn could answer, she continued. "You're only letting them win if you hide. They're not worth it."

Aralynn looked at her from the corner of her eye. "What are they saying about me?"

Kiya shook her head. "That's not important. The only thing that matters is showing them that you're not just going to roll over and take it. You're better than that, and if they don't realize it and stop talking about things they probably don't understand, then they aren't good people." She looked at Aralynn and shrugged. "You deserve good people in your life."

Aralynn smiled at her. "You sound like my brother, Bill. You're right, though."

Kiya furrowed her eyebrows. "How many brothers do you have?"

Aralynn paused. "Well… Just the one, technically."

Kiya was still watching her. "Technically?"

"Harry is my only blood brother, but I wasn't raised with him. We were separated when we were very young. I was given to the Weasley family, and he was given to our aunt and uncle. I grew up thinking that I was one of the Weasleys. It was only just last year that I learned I'm a Potter…" She wrung her hands together uncomfortably. "I have six Weasley brothers and one Weasley sister."

Kiya stared. "Wow," she breathed, tapping her knee. "That's… pretty heavy. Must be nice to have a big family, though."

"It is," Aralynn agreed. She gestured to Ron, who was sitting on the other side of Hermione. "That's Ron. I thought I was his twin until last June. Oh, and that's my best friend, Hermione."

Kiya leaned forward to look past her, smiling at Hermione. "Hi, I'm Kiyana. You can call me 'Kiya.'"

Hermione looked over and smiled pleasantly at her. "Hi, Kiya. I'm Hermione. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Ron's attention was drawn by the introductions. He was staring skeptically at Kiya. It was clear that he didn't trust her. He didn't say anything or introduce himself. He was just watching her mistrustfully.

Kiya waved at him. "Hey."

Ron's eyes narrowed briefly. "Hi."

"I'm Kiya," she said slowly, glancing toward Aralynn.

"Ron," he said shortly. He looked back at the players on the field, but it wasn't long before he turned toward her again. "Are you one of Malfoy's minions?"

Aralynn glared at Ron.

"Um…" Kiya chuckled awkwardly. "No, actually. I'm not."

"Spy for the Slytherin Quidditch Team?"

"Nope," said Kiya.

"How do we know that?" Ron tested.

"They don't need a spy," said Kiya, who was no longer looking at him.

"Why not?" huffed Ron.

"Because they're already here," Aralynn answered stiffly, pointing down to the field.

Ron stood abruptly. "She must have tipped them off."

Aralynn stood, too, staring angrily at him. "With what, Ron? Her telepathic powers?"

Kiya was following them down to the field. "Don't worry about it," she whispered. "He'll learn to love me."

Everyone who had been sitting in the stands gathered on the field. Oliver Wood was storming over to the Slytherin Team Captain, Marcus Flint. He looked ready to breathe fire. "What," he began furiously, "are you doing here? I booked the field for this afternoon! We're well underway! You've no business being here!"

"On the contrary," said Marcus Flint lazily. "We've been given special permission to use the field." When Oliver Wood opened his mouth to protest, Flint held out a rolled piece of parchment towards him. "Look for yourself if you don't believe me."

Wood snatched the scroll. He unfurled it, and read aloud, "'I, Professor S. Snape, give the Slytherin team permission to practice today on the Quidditch field owing to the need to train their new Seeker.'" He shoved the scroll harshly back into Marcus Flint's hands. "You have a new Seeker? Who? Where is he?"

The six large and burly Slytherin Team members that were in sight parted down the middle, revealing a much smaller and slender platinum-haired boy. It was Draco Malfoy, looking pleased and smiling arrogantly. "That would be me."

Oliver Wood was sizing up Draco. "Aren't you Lucius Malfoy's son?"

Flint was stroking the hilt of his broom tauntingly. "Oh, I'd nearly forgotten," he said unceremoniously. "Draco's father so generously gifted our team these new brooms here." He turned it, the gold lettering flashing importantly in the sunlight. Nimbus Two Thousand and One. They were among some of the most beautiful brooms Aralynn had ever seen.

Oliver Wood was staring openmouthed at the brooms. "New brooms?" he said incredulously. "You all have new brooms?"

"As I said," Flint continued idly. "Gifts from Draco's father. They're the latest models. Fastest yet." He eyed the Cleansweep Fives that Fred and George were white-knuckling with cold amusement in his eyes. "Guaranteed to outperform any others."

"Sounds more like a bribe, if you ask me," said Aralynn hotly.

"Sounds like you're jealous, Potter," said Malfoy smugly.

Ron grabbed Aralynn's hand.

Hermione scoffed. "What's there to be jealous of?" she challenged. "At least the Gryffindors didn't have to buy their way onto the team. They got in on pure talent."

Malfoy's smugness shifted to rage. He glared hatefully at Hermione. "No one asked your opinion, you filthy little Mudblood."

There was a collective gasp among the crowd. Fred and George blundered forward, ready to grab Malfoy by the collar and pummel him. Marcus Flint quickly put himself between the twins and the new Seeker. "Easy there," he warned. "Wouldn't want to get kicked off the team, now, would we?"

Fred and George eased back, but they looked enraged. In fact, almost everyone there looked enraged.

"You're disgusting!" spat Alicia Spinnet.

Aralynn could feel her blood boiling under her skin. She had never heard such a horribly degrading and derogatory term come out of someone's mouth before. She had never considered that even Draco Malfoy would say something so egregious. The only thing keeping her tempered was Ron's hand holding hers, but it was only then that she realized he wasn't holding her hand anymore. Instead, he had stepped forward, wand fiercely drawn towards Malfoy. "Ron," she urged. "Don't."

Ron, however, either wasn't listening or was ignoring her. "You'll be sorry for that one, Malfoy!" He waved the wand sharply. An ear-splitting bang echoed through the stadium. Green light jetted out from Ron's wand, only instead of hitting Draco, it receded into his stomach. He went staggering backward until he fell. The Slytherins, save for Kiyana, burst into roaring laughter.

"Ron!" Aralynn cried, dropping to her knees at his side.

Harry and Hermione also rushed forward. Hermione had her hand on Ron's shoulder. "Are you okay?!"

Harry swallowed thickly. "Ron? Say something."

Ron opened his mouth as if to speak, but instead of words, three slugs fell wetly from his lips, and into his lap. He belched, and two more came dribbling out. "S-Slugs," he said faintly. "Eat slugs…"

The Slytherin Quidditch Team was doubled over, clutching desperately at their stomach. Malfoy was on his hands and knees, pounding a fist into the ground as he cried with laughter.

Aralynn clasped her hand over her mouth. "Oh, Ron, I told you not to…"

Ron opened his mouth again, but all he could do was spit out slime and fat, glistening slugs. His face was green with disgust.

"Don't say anything," Harry said, hooking one of Ron's arms around his shoulders. "We'll take you to Hagrid's. He'll know what to do."

Aralynn moved to Ron's other side, snaking his opposite arm around her shoulders. Together, she and Harry pulled him to his feet. "Just hold on, Ron," she said softly to him. She hadn't realized that Colin Creevey was among the crowd until she heard a rapid succession of camera clicks.

"Hold him still!" Colin said eagerly. "I want to get a picture…"

"No!" said Aralynn sharply.

"Let us through, Colin," said Harry, but when the mesmerized boy didn't move, they simply plowed past him. "Sorry, but we've got to go!"

With Hermione jogging after them, Harry and Aralynn dragged Ron to Hagrid's doorstep as quickly as they could. Kiyana had volunteered to stay behind so that she could keep Colin Creevey from following them. As they were approaching, they saw Professor Lockhart coming out of the hut. They swerved out of the way, hiding behind some unusually large pumpkins that were growing in the garden. His signature smile was plastered on his face while he waved cheerfully. "You needn't worry!" Lockhart assured. "You'll learn in time! You really should read my book. I'm rather surprised you haven't already… You know what? I'll send a signed copy over tonight! Well, ta-ta, Hagrid!"

Once Lockhart was out of sight, they left the pumpkins behind and hurried Ron to the front door, where they knocked ferociously. The door swung open, and a very grumpy-looking Hagrid stepped forward. "What in Merlin's Beard d'you want now?" he demanded but paused when he noticed the four of them. He brightened considerably. "There you are! Bin wond'rin when you'd four come ter see me." He waved them forward excitedly. "Come in, come in. Sorry bou' the shoutin'. Thought you was Lockhart again…"

They lifted Ron inside of the hut and sat him down in an enormous armchair by the fire. Aralynn sat on the arm of it, frowning worriedly down at Ron while Harry tried to explain what had happened as quickly as he could. Hagrid swept forward, placing a bucket between Ron's knees. Aralynn looked desperately up at him. "Isn't there anything else you can do, Hagrid?"

"'Fraid not," said Hagrid. "All's we can do is ride it out with 'im. Better comin' out than goin' in, eh?" He laughed heartily as he began to prepare some tea. "Curse gone wrong, ya say?"

"The curse probably would have been fine…" Hermione began.

"Except that Ron's wand is broken," finished Aralynn.

Hagrid clicked his tongue and shook his head. "Might want ter avoid cursin' anyone till your wand's fixed." He slapped Ron cheerfully on the back, nearly throwing him from the armchair. A handful of slugs went hurdling from his mouth and into the bucket.

Harry was grimacing at the sight. "Why was Professor Lockhart here, Hagrid?"

Hagrid looked grumpy again. "Thought he'd offer me advice on how to get kelpies out of a well." He set the kettle in his hand hard down on the table with a huff. "Like I haven't done it 'fore. Then he goes ramblin' on bou' some banshee… Don' believe one word o' it was true…"

They were all shocked. Hagrid wasn't one to disparage a Hogwarts teacher, but they were admittedly glad that anyone else was catching onto Lockhart being a fraud. Except for Hermione, of course, who would always come to his defense. Aralynn wondered when she was going to take her rose-colored glasses off.

"I think that's a tad harsh," said Hermione coolly. "If he wasn't the best man for the position, I hardly think Professor Dumbledore would have—"

Hagrid scoffed loudly. "Best man fer the job," he muttered. "He was the on'y man for the job!"

Hermione smiled brightly. "Exactly."

"No, Hermione," Hagrid said with a shake of his head. "What I mean ter say is that it's gettin' awful hard ter find anyone who wants ter teach Defence Against the Dark Arts. Haven't kept anyone fer some time now and folks are startin' ter think it's jinxed or cursed or summat…" He waved his hand. "So, yeah, Lockhart was the on'y man fer the job." He pointed to Ron. "Who was he tryin' ter curse, anyway?"

"Malfoy," said Aralynn with a sigh as she watched Ron spew slugs.

Harry nodded. "He called Hermione this name… I don't know what it meant, but it must have been bad, because everyone got really angry."

"It was bad," Ron croaked, looking pale and sweaty. He tried to talk again, but he quickly shoved his head back into the bucket.

Hagrid raised a bushy eyebrow. "Well, what was it?"

Aralynn felt her blood boil all over again. "He called her a 'Mudblood,' Hagrid."

Hagrid looked outraged. "He didn'!"

Hermione offered Hagrid a meek grin. "He did, but… Well, I don't really know what it means. I've never heard it before, but it was obvious that it was awful, considering everyone's reactions."

Ron choked out a bitter laugh. "It's about the most insulting thing he could think of." He leaned forward to retch again.

Harry and Hermione were both looking confused.

Aralynn sighed sharply. "'Mudblood' is a really foul name for someone who's Muggle-born. Some wizards think they're superior because they're what is called 'pure-blood.' Which, really, is just an elitist way of saying they come from a magical family. The Malfoys are amongst those wizards. It's not like it makes any difference. There are plenty of pure-blood witches and wizards who struggle with magic."

"Just look at Neville," Ron gasped. "He's pure-blood."

Aralynn shoved Ron's head back into the bucket. "It's a revolting thing to call another person. Mudblood—as in dirty blood. Common blood. It's absurd."

"There's hardly a wizard these days who isn't half-blood or less!" Hagrid growled. "We woulda died out if we hadn't started marryin' Muggles!"

"E-Exactly," Ron's voice echoed weekly from inside of the bucket.

Hagrid was breathing hard through his fury. "I mighta tried to ter curse him meself if I had heard that."

Aralynn smiled at Hagrid. "It's lucky you weren't there, Hagrid. You would've gotten sacked. Hogwarts would be nothing without you."

Hagrid's chest swelled. "Yer too kind, Aralynn."

They took the cups of tea that Hagrid passed out. Ron's, however, just sat next to him and grew cold. "Prolly best you brought 'im here. Madam Pomfrey woulda asked questions…"

"We knew, out of everyone, you would know how to handle it," Harry said, taking a bite of treacle toffee that cemented his jaw shut and stopped him from saying anything else.

Hagrid was practically glowing. "Well, thank you, Harry."

Hermione grimaced as she watched Ron spit more slugs. "How long will this last, Hagrid?"

"Hard ter say," the man answered. He looked at a clock on the wall. "Reckon he migh' be done before lunch. Jus' gotta get 'em all up. Keep 'em comin', Ron!"

Ron raised a shaky thumb.

Hagrid laughed jollily. "Ah, to be young again…"

"Sometimes I wish it'd pass quickly," Aralynn said with a soft sigh. "Did you have any bullies, Hagrid?"

Hagrid looked at her. "Why?" He seemed to realize something. "Who's bullyin' you?!" He looked ready to kill.

"Aside from Malfoy?" laughed Aralynn bitterly. She shook her head. "I don't really know if that's what they're doing. They're just whispering when I'm around… By that, I mean everyone."

Hagrid sobered. "Oh, yeah… Bin hearin' some o' it."

Aralynn looked at him quietly, but expectantly.

"S'not all bad," he assured. "Most of it ain't, really. Jus' talk bou' ya bein' a Potter an' all… Curious talk, tha's all."

Aralynn looked grim. "Some of it is bad, though?"

"Some o' it always is," Hagrid told her. "Lily an' James Potter havin' a daughter nobody knew bou' is… A daughter who helped ter defeat the Dark Lord, no less… Well, it's a bit scandalous, innit?"

Aralynn looked away, focusing her attention on the window instead. "It's not like I knew I was The Girl Who Lived."

"O'course not!" Hagrid exclaimed. "Most know tha'. Sure, there're some that don't believe it, but… Tha's their problem, not yours! Most o' 'em are jus' shocked. Shocked an' starstruck."

"Starstruck?" Aralynn repeated.

"'Course," said Hagrid. "Yer Th' Girl Who Lived, Aralynn."

Aralynn watched him carefully. "Did you know, Hagrid? About me?"

Hagrid paled a little. "Well… Yeah. I knew."

Of course, she already suspected that. He was only confirming it. She smiled weakly at him. "I thought you might," she said, placing her hand on Ron's back to rub gently while he vomited slugs. "Thanks for giving me an idea about what people have been saying. It's hard to believe anyone is starstruck by me."

"Fer good reason!" Hagrid insisted before pausing. "Speakin' o' starstruck… Bin hearin' talk tha' you two were handin' out signed photos… Why haven' I got any?"

Harry blanched. "What? Is Lockhart still spreading that around? Hagrid, we haven't, you've got it all wrong—" He stopped when Hagrid erupted with laughter.

"I'm on'y jokin'! I know yeh wouldn' do somethin' like tha'." He then pointed a finger. "Would be a good moneymakin' venture, though…"

Harry looked darkly at Hagrid. "I hardly think we're that desperate."

Hagrid smiled cheerfully at him. "O'course not. Tha's exactly what I told Lockhart… Neither of yeh needs teh hand out signed photographs… Yer plenty famous already! Even more famous than him, which I gladly told 'im."

Aralynn laughed louder than she meant to.

Harry smiled between Hagrid and Aralynn. "Bet that hit a nerve."

"Y'know, I think it did," said Hagrid proudly.

Hermione was looking out at the garden through one of the small windows. "We saw your pumpkins, Hagrid," she told him. "They're quite big."

Hagrid went over to the window with her, gleaming. "Thank you! I'm growin' 'em fer the Halloween feast. Beautiful, aren't they?"

Hermione looked up at him. "They certainly look well cared for. Like they've had a lot of help…"

Hagrid pursed his lips. "Alrigh', Hermione, what're ye gettin' at?"

"You've used an Engorgement Charm on them, haven't you?"

Hagrid looked around nonchalantly. "Maybe a little one…"

"You did an excellent job," Hermione praised.

Hagrid beamed at her. "Thank you, Hermione!"

By the time lunchtime came around, the number of slugs Ron was expelling had slowed exponentially. Nearly thirty minutes had passed since he had burped up two tiny ones. They figured they were as safe as they were ever going to be. It didn't help that they had grown hungry and were eager to go to the Great Hall. After saying their goodbyes to Hagrid, they made their way across the grounds toward the castle. Aralynn kept her sights out for Kiyana, who might have been lingering outside waiting for them, but she didn't see her anywhere. She hoped that Ron's cynicism didn't scare her away.

"Are you feeling better?" Harry asked Ron.

"Much," said Ron, rubbing his stomach. "Still a little queasy, though. Slime doesn't taste all that great."

Aralynn swallowed back her own desire to heave. "I don't even want to think about it."

"Be thankful you didn't experience it," said Ron.

"It was bad enough to watch it," Hermione told him. "It was repulsive…"

They turned the corner, ready to enter the Great Hall, but they were stopped by a wandering Professor McGonagall. "There you are," she said. She stopped before them, eyeing Hermione. "You may go to lunch, Miss Granger, this doesn't concern you."

Hermione looked between them warily before walking away.

They looked up at McGonagall, suddenly feeling very small. "You three will be serving your detentions this evening."

Ron made a choking sound, as though he had repressed a burp. "What will you have us do, Professor?"

McGonagall looked suspiciously at Ron. "You will be polishing the silver in the trophy room with Mr. Filch. Without the use of magic. Not only would it pose a risk due to the state of your wand, but it would hardly be a punishment if you could. Elbow grease will be required."

Ron looked paler than he already had been. Argus Filch was arguably one of the most unpleasant people at Hogwarts, aside from Professor Severus Snape.

"As for you," McGonagall continued, turning to Harry. "You will be helping Professor Lockhart answer his fan mail."

Harry swallowed. "Professor… is there any way I could help in the trophy room?" he asked desperately. "I don't thi—"

"No," said McGonagall sternly. "Professor Lockhart has requested you, specifically, Potter."

Aralynn looked from Harry to McGonagall. "Will I be in the trophy room?"

"Certainly not," McGonagall answered. "I think it wiser to split you three up. You will be taking inventory of the Potions storeroom with Professor Snape."

Ron and Harry were feeling much better about themselves after hearing Aralynn's punishment. They were both looking at her sympathetically. Aralynn gave McGonagall a blank smile. "Very good, Professor."

"Indeed," said McGonagall. "Eight o'clock sharp." She waved them towards the Great Hall. "You may go to lunch."

Aralynn stared after her as she swept away. She felt dreadful about serving her detention with Professor Snape. He, for no rhyme or reason, despised all his students, but he seemed to hate the four of them the most. She tried to think about the horrible things he might say to her, but her mind was empty. She wasn't cruel enough to imagine such things. As much as Lockhart nauseated her, she would have much preferred answering fan mail with him. She looked towards Ron and Harry, who were both watching her uneasily. "Don't be surprised if you never see me again."