Disclaimer: This is a continuation of 'A day in the Life of the Hospital Wing'. We don't own blah blah blah. We know the Pippi in this is a lot like Pippi Longstocking but it isn't so don't kill us. We're still in Harry + that lots 5th yr so Tal + her mates are 1st yrs. Tal joined Hogwarts in the Easter holidays, and the story continues on from that, so, everything that happens is only in the last term of the year.
Chapter 8
As it turns out, it was actually the Slytherins who had stopped all the others from getting to their detention. They had cast a spell on the letters from McGonagall, making them say that the detention was the day after it actually was – and that just happened to be the day of Leila and Alex's 'rematch'.
It was a very clear day. Everyone seemed to be outside on the lawns now that the exams were over and many of the older students were taking advantage of the fine summer weather. But even the good weather didn't lighten Leila's spirits.
Everyone had got in rather big trouble for missing McGonagall's detention. She didn't believe them that the letters had said a different day, and she had given all of them another detention – on the very last day of term.
"I still don't understand why she wouldn't believe us" Robbi whined, complaining about the detention "And why did have to be on the last day! None of the other teachers are that mean."
"I'm not so sure about that, Robbi" Martyn said, trying to calm his friend down "If it had been one of Snape's detentions we had missed, we probably wouldn't have any free evenings all week"
"Good point, I sure wouldn't want to be anywhere near him in a bad mood" Robbi replied, slightly more cheerfully "I wonder what those Slytherins did to the letters anyway. They did show the wrong date, but when we showed them to McGonagall, they had changed back again."
"Yeah, annoying. But maybe we'll find out during Leila's little duel. You coming?" Martyn asked
"Are you kidding? This is something I am not going to miss"
//\\//\\ 10 minutes later on the lawn – Leila and Alex's duel //\\//\\
"JUST WHAT DO YOU TWO GIRLS THINK YOU ARE DOING!" a voice yelled from the direction of the school. Leila and Alex just looked at each other suspiciously. Who had tipped the teachers off?
"We were…er…" Leila started, as McGonagall and Snape came closer, McGonagall looking slightly red in the face after her shout and Snape looking absolutely furious. A small crowd had now gathered around to see how Leila and Alex would get out of this 'mess'.
"They were duelling, Professors" Lisal answered before anyone else could stop her. "It was arranged days ago." Leila looked ready to strangle Lisal.
"Yes, we can see that." Snape said, sounding surprisingly calm even though he didn't look it "Don't you think you are in enough trouble already?" Alex started to answer him when another teacher's voice came from behind her.
"Come now, Severus, you know how all this hot weather can affect people's actions. They deserve another chance to redeem themselves"
"Of course, Headmaster" Snape said stiffly, turning to face Dumbledore. Without another word, he swept off up to the castle. McGonagall glanced at Dumbledore before quickly following. Leila and Alex looked rather relieved, but were still glaring at each other angrily.
"I hope that teaches you two a lesson" Dumbledore continued "Duelling is not permitted on school grounds under any conditions unless supervised by a teacher. Understand?"
"Yes Headmaster" they both grumbled
"Now, I suggest that you all go and enjoy the good weather" Dumbledore said loudly, effectively breaking up the crowd "It won't last forever." Everyone, rather reluctantly, went back to whatever they had been doing before. One person, however, stayed where they were.
"Is there something you want to say Miss Ridler?" Dumbledore asked kindly
"No! I mean, yes, but…" Tal quickly looked away, not knowing how to ask
"What is it, please tell me. We cannot help you if you will not tell us" Dumbledore prompted
"Well, I've been wondering where I will be staying during the summer holidays. I can't go back to my father and…" Tal stopped as Dumbledore smiled at her
"Don't worry. Everything has been arranged"