Episode Twenty Six

            The day before everyone was supposed to leave Harry's scar finally stopped hurting.

            "It's as if the tension just let lose all at once. It just stopped."

            "Is that a good thing or a bad thing?" Gwen asked.

            "I dunno." Harry replied. "So far, a good thing. I couldn't concentrate. I'll be surprised if I make it to sixth year."

            Gwen laughed. "You will. With all the extra tutoring you had." She said smiling at Hermione, who had just joined them in the common room before the end of the term feast. When they arrived in the Great Hall it was decorated in the colors of Gryffindor. They took their seats, the girls sitting on either side of Harry with Ron sitting opposite to them.

            Graves was gazing over at Gwen from the Slytherin table. He didn't look too happy. She figured it had something to do with how close she was sitting to Harry or maybe it was about the death eaters. She couldn't be sure and she didn't really have time to ask him. She just wanted to enjoy this last bit of the term with her fellow Gryffindors, say goodbye to all of her other friends and finally just relax.

            Minerva kept a close eye on her goddaughter from the head table. She didn't know anything about what Corwin had said to her, but she had the feeling that Gwen was worried about something. It was as if someone had pulled a rubber band tight in her head and the tension wouldn't let go until she knew Gwen was completely safe.

            However the feast went without a hitch. Gryffindor had won the house cup once again, but was closely followed this year by Ravenclaw. The point difference was no more than 10 points and the Slytherin table stared gloomily about the hall having fallen into third place.

            Finally it was time to head up to their respective common rooms and then to bed. It would be a long journey on the train for most of them tomorrow. Gwen slowly got to her feet, shuffling out of the hall close to the last person out.

Malfoy glared at Gwen as she walked past. "I challenge you to a wizard's duel." He said so that only she could hear it. "Midnight, Transfiguration room."

            "I accept." She said coldly, smirking at him. It wasn't such a good idea, but she felt like maybe now she could avenge herself for his terrible curse.