As he followed them down the hall, Niger was able to hear tidbits of their whispered conversation. He heard Snape telling Dumbledore that the Minister was worried that his sons might be involved. Niger didn't hear the whole response from Dumbledore because from that distance, and with the Headmaster's deep voice, the words were difficult to discern. What Niger thought he heard, however, was something about, unless the Minister thought his children had taken up with Voldemort (Niger hissed silently at hearing the name spoken again) then there was not much of a chance of that.
Right before they turned another corner, Niger heard Snape ask "And you really think that some of the students and professors may be involved?" Niger didn't hear that response at all. Their words were lost to him when they disappeared around the corner. Niger scurried forward as fast and as silently as he could but never did hear the response to that question. At least, what he heard didn't sound like it was in answer to Snape's query. Niger heard two words, and they were enough to make him stop in place. His face paled, and his hands began to sweat. Professor Dumbledore had just spoken his name with a grieved sigh; no, not his name...his other name.
Harry Potter.
He began walking again, but he was in a daze. What did Dumbledore know? Did he know that Niger Noctum was Harry Potter? Did he know what had killed his parents? Why they had left him? No. Niger shook himself. He probably thinks Harry Potter is dead. But that didn't make sense. Why would Dumbledore be talking about someone he thought had been dead for ten years? It just didn't make sense.
Niger noticed they had turned another corner, so he followed them again. However, by the time he peeked his head around, he saw a gargoyle leap out of the way to let the two professors pass, and Niger was sure there had to be a password to make that happen. If only I hadn't stopped, I would have heard the password. Niger watched, his stomach in knots, as the staircase moved upwards and the gargoyle jumped back in place, blocking his way to more information.
Well then, I shall just have to get more information elsewhere.
Niger looked down at his watch and realized there was not much need to go to class now, seeing as how, by the time he would get there, the class would be practically over. Instead, he walked down to the Slytherin common room to wait for the bell. He once again found himself a respite from the world, but when the bell rang, he sighed and traipsed back up to the Great Hall for lunch.
For the first time since their Quidditch match, he was able to walk into the Great Hall without much ado. Apparently several of the other Slytherins had heard of his and Draco's argument and no longer saw him as being as great as they thought he was. Niger was relieved. He enjoyed his privacy much of the time. He was able to eat his lunch in silence and his ears were given a blessed release. He got to eat an entire meal without hearing Draco talk. What a blessing indeed.
All during lunch he felt someone's eyes on him from the direction of the Head Table, but whenever he had the nerve to look up there, he saw no one looking at him. It was quite peculiar, and was not at all helping his good mood. He also noticed the looks he was getting from his friends over at the Gryffindor table. They appeared to be trying not to let him see that they were looking at him, but it was quite obvious. He knew he needed to apologize, but didn't really know how he could go about it. He was wary to give out any information and for good reason too. He also wanted to ask them something. It was something that he could probably ask anyone, but seeing as how Hermione was about the smartest witch he'd ever heard of and Ron's father was at the head of the Ministry, it was a good bet that they would know more about this subject than some others would.
He was not able to speak to them that day, though and after the argument with Malfoy, he found himself quite alone during classes; avoided, almost. He didn't mind, as this gave him more time to think. That night was the first Slytherin Quidditch practice since their win only two days previous, and Niger was not looking forward to it. I'll make sure to talk to Hermione and Ron tomorrow. He didn't have any classes with the Gryffindors the next day, so he planned to snag them after classes for this much important conversation.
Quidditch practice was much the same as always. The whole thing was centered on the opposing goals. There were no defense strategies discussed, and Niger was given no opportunity to give Flint the conversation he had promised himself. Near the end of practice there was a perfect time to administer the tongue-tying hex on him, but Niger really didn't feel like coming up with an adequate excuse, so he passed on the chance.
He then, unlike the other members of the team, walked back to the castle without showering or changing. He wasn't in the mood for social showering; then again, he never was. Sweating and dirty, he walked into the Slytherin common room and walked directly to the nearest rest room. He showered quickly and got to work on some of his homework, using one of the secluded corner tables and covering any open spaces with personal articles, so as to discourage others from joining him. Not that he really needed to, but he'd rather be safe.
A while later, when he had finished his Herbology homework, he turned to his potions book and opening to the page he was to work from, he saw a sheet of parchment fall out of it. Folded in half was a handwritten note bearing only six words: He will speak to you tonight.
Niger rolled his eyes. Gee, I wonder who slipped this note into my potions book. Could it be...Quentin? Niger raised his wand and turned the note to ash before getting on with his homework.
So, his father wanted to talk to him tonight, of all nights. Niger wondered if answers to any of his more pressing questions were to be forthcoming. Not likely. His father would rarely give away important information if he saw no use to it. Besides, his most important question was one who's answer he expected to be different from the one he had always received from his father, so there was no use asking again.
Round about midnight, Niger decided it was time to give up on the homework and get to sleep. He would ask Hermione for help on it after he had spoken with the two of them. They surely wouldn't take long in the telling.
Niger yawned as he tripped down the stairs and slipped silently into the first years' dormitory. He wrestled his night clothes on in the dark and fell into bed. By the sounds of the other occupants' snores, it was easy to say he hadn't woken any of them. Before allowing himself to sleep, Niger had to change his regimen. Remembering the note he allowed himself to let his thoughts and emotions take over briefly instead of clearing his mind of them. His father would speak to him tonight, and hopefully some of Niger's questions would be answered.
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Hermione HP: Yes, because the only thing Niger worries about is pleasing Dear Old Dad, huh? -winks-
Butterflybaby: Another nature vs. nurture issue. Is Harry really Gryffindor at heart? At this point I'd say yes, but wait until you read the next couple of chapters… Dum dum DUM! lol
Emmy: Arigatou is Japanese…I'm an anime buff –shrugs- And I love the Japanese language, though, yes, Latin is awesome too. I took Greek during my sophomore year of college, which is also a cool language ;) Yeah, I figured it was about time Draco didn't get all the attention he wanted. hehehe Alright! Seize the Night, people! -grins-
hry pttr: It's a paradox isn't it? Realistic, and yet, not even close –winks- I love it! haha
sami1010220: So, interesting isn't the word you're looking for… Perhaps it's just the fact that it's finally beginning to develop a plot? That's why I like these next couple chapters. It's always nice when something actually happens in the story, huh? hehehe H'mmmm…now that is the question isn't it? Why isn't Voldemort letting Niger help with the plan if Niger is his new secret weapon? Puzzling, eh?
From the Silent Planet: Thank you! And yes, that is usually how I do it too, but I've been working on this one for a while, that's why I have so much written. –shrugs- I've been trying to do that lately…otherwise I don't actually finish the story…
Kati: Thanks so much!
Adenara Yatman: lol Same review as always, and same thanks as always. I'm glad to see your review, every chapter, even if I know exactly what it's going to say :) Thanks for continuing to review!
Chips Challenge: Is it even a wonder that he's finding out more about Voldemort's plan from someone other than Voldemort? I mean…it's Voldemort! Why would he tell an 11 year old kid details about his dastardly deeds? H'mmm?
Spaced Out Space Cadet: Ah yes, the spy. Well, trust me, whoever you think the spy is, you're wrong! Hehehe It will be someone completely unexpected, I can assure you. I'm glad you liked the last chapter, and I hope you liked this one just as well. The next chapter is one of my favorites…I think…now I can't remember. Hehe!
PippinsMyHobbit: A late review is better than no review, so thank you! I actually just got back from seeing PoA about an hour ago…I'm determined to post this before I go to sleep…and I'm currently about to fall asleep on my keyboard… Thanks for the review!
Thank you to everyone! Anyone that wants to debate the new HP movie, don't hesitate to e-mail me; I am very opinionated about this subject. Hehehe The next chapter, "Harry Potter" will be up on the 8th. BTW, love you all, because dispite the fact that I only got 7 reviews last chapter, I still have 80 reviews total. Thank you so much! Your reviews mean the world to me! Enjoy!