Chapter 42
Revenge and Revelations

Cassie was halfway up the second flight of steps when she heard Professor Snape's voice rising over the din below. "What is going on in here?" And her face flamed even more because she knew that Gryffindor would be losing serious points for her behavior toward Draco. She considered for a second descending the steps again but then decided there was no need. Everyone else in the entire school could tell Professor Snape what had happened and he could take points away from her in absentia. Right now, she just wanted to go to bed and forget for a few short hours about what had just occurred. She wished with every fiber of her being that she had just gone ahead and done the Bat thingy hex. She would have really enjoyed hearing Draco squeal like a pig. Of course, that would have been enjoyable only if she could have remembered what she was supposed to do. She had been so flustered by all of his filthy insinuations that she was not sure she could have done it adequately. His accusations of her snogging Ron were ridiculous and she knew that Hermione wouldn't believe them. But almost all the other students would.

She reached the portrait hole and practically screamed the password at the Fat Lady. "No need to get snippy, dear. I do have ears, you know." And the portrait swung open. The common room was almost empty with just a few students sitting around staring glumly at their textbooks. Cassie grimaced. She had a lot of homework to get done this weekend and if she didn't do any of it tonight, tomorrow would be extremely difficult. But she didn't really care. She just climbed the steps to her dorm room as quickly as her legs could carry her. She climbed into bed quickly and pulled the covers over her head, only pausing long enough to toss her shoes through the curtain and hear them land with satisfactory clunks on the bare floor. She wanted to go to sleep immediately but her mind was too full of racing thoughts to allow her to settle down. She had planned on falling asleep tonight with happy thoughts of George and hugs and kisses and sweets playing through her memory. But instead, she had nothing there but a repeated scene of Draco's ugly voice taunting her and Ginny's sharp intake of breath when he had turned on her and Snape's overly gleeful demand about what was happening. Oh, yes, mixed in there was also the very good feeling of her hand connecting quite solidly with Draco's smirking expression, but that was not enough to banish all the bad parts of the entire episode. She heard Ginny and the rest of her roommates come in later but no one asked how she was doing and she lay as still as possible so that they would think she was asleep. They talked for a while but Cassie really couldn't understand what they were saying as they were trying to speak quietly and the heavy bedcurtains did a fairly good job of muffling sound.

When she awoke Sunday morning, she seriously considered laying in bed for the entire day and maybe through next week. Maybe Ginny would even be willing to smuggle food to her at nighttime. She just could not bear the thought of going down into the Great Hall and facing the entire student body again. She could only imagine the whisperings and murmurings she would hear as she passed and the pointed glances that would be sent her direction. And there was no help for it. Even if she got really brave and stood on a chair and made an announcement that she had not been doing any of the things Draco Malfoy had accused her of, people would believe what they wanted to anyway. Finally, when a need more desperate than food or water and stronger than embarrassment forced her out of bed a while later, she hurried down to the toilet. As she feared, many of the girls smiled at her or scowled at her and she could practically feel their eyes drilling into her back as she passed. When she was finished, she hurriedly took a shower and climbed back up the steps to her dorm room with a definite clenching of nerves in her stomach. Ginny was awake and sitting on her bed, reading a book. She looked up when Cassie sat down on her own bed and looked at her.

"I really blew it."

Ginny looked at her with a very serious face. "It wasn't quite what we had planned, I don't think."

"What happened . . . afterward?"

"Well, Malfoy made a big show about how you had physically assaulted him. I got in trouble for having my wand out. Harry got in trouble for cussing at Malfoy. Hermione got in trouble for defending Harry and threatening Malfoy. Ron got in big trouble because he threatened Snape. Neville got in trouble because he tried to punch Malfoy after you left. You got in trouble for the slap and for causing a disturbance. We tried to argue that last one, but he just took more points off, so we gave up. Then McGonagall came out to see what all the yelling was about and she took more points off from you for the slap and for, let's see, unauthorized fraternization, although everyone tried to tell her that Draco was lying. Then Ron tried to explain that he and you hadn't been snogging and Draco and he got into yet another argument and Ron pulled out his wand and got detention along with another 20 points off. I think the total damage was somewhere around 100 points and three detentions - one for Hermione, one for Ron, and one for Neville."

"Oh."

"Draco got 15 points off for rude language - but that wasn't even for what he said to you. It was for cussing at Neville and calling him a rude name. He didn't think Snape would care. And maybe he wouldn't have, but by then McGonagall was in hearing distance, and he had to do something."

"That bad, huh?"

"Pretty much. But, I think most people from Gryffindor believe that you did the right thing. And even if you and I had hexed him . . . we still would have gotten into trouble, so either way, it still would have meant points off."

"You don't believe him, do you?"

"No. I know it wasn't Ron you were snogging but I think Draco really thinks it was. I don't think he would have expected to see any of my other brothers there. But I couldn't really say that because I think we would have gotten into even more trouble. I mean, you weren't doing anything wrong . . . but the way the mood was down there last night, it would have really turned ugly and even George could have gotten into trouble. So, I didn't say anything."

"But what about Hermione?"

"Well, she swore up and down during the entire incident that Ron had never been out of her sight, and I think McGonagall believed her although Snape made some sort of comment about Ron finally having some taste or something. I almost popped him one for that, but I refrained."

"What about Harry?"

"Yeah, well. He believes you, of course. He says you don't feel that way about Ron. I thought he might have figured out about you and George, but I distracted him from the idea and maybe he's forgotten it by now."

"I meant . . . do you believe him about Harry and me?" Ginny looked at her and her eyes were wide.

"Ah. That." She closed the book and took a very long time putting her bookmark in the pages. "I won't deny that I probably got a strange look on my face when Draco said that. The fact of the matter is, Pia, that . . . I don't like to think of you and him like that. I've loved him my whole life. And it hurts that he didn't feel about me the same way. But, I know that's over now and I . . .I've really come to love you like a sister that I never had. And truthfully, if Harry had to kiss somebody, I'm grateful it was you instead of one of the other sodding girls in his year." She looked down at her hands. "I know you really like George and I really hope that works out for you, okay?"

Cassie noticed that Ginny had not really answered her question, but she didn't say anything else, afraid of just making the situation worse. "Thanks."

After a minute, Ginny smiled up at her again. "Come on. Let's go eat. Maybe we can get in and out of breakfast before the room is too full. The less fuss the better, if you ask me." Cassie nodded in immediate agreement. "I'll shower afterward. Let's just make a run for it." Ginny hopped out of bed at that and threw on some jeans and a jumper. She threw her robes over the top of that and grabbed her wand, looking pointedly at Cassie. "It's not too late if we can do it where we won't get in more trouble. You've still got the other wand?" Cassie nodded again and they started down the steps.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione were all down in the common room and joined them in their near jog down the steps, agreeing that the quicker they could retreat to the quiet of the Gryffindor common room the better. Cassie felt very self conscious with her friends for the first time since she had arrived at school. She wanted to reassure Hermione about things, but changed her mind. Maybe it would be best just to not bring the subject up again. Ginny had told her that Hermione didn't blame her for anything and Cassie was determined not to let Draco Malfoy ruin her day. In the entrance hall, Ginny laid a hand on Cassie's arm to slow her down for a second.

"Pia . . I've got an idea that might allow you to get a bit of revenge on the ferret." They walked following the others into the breakfast room as Ginny explained what sounded like quite a complicated plan to Cassie.

"I don't know . . . we could get into a lot of trouble."

"He won't tell anyone. The only reason he admitted about your slapping him last night is because it was in front of witnesses. Otherwise, he'd never admit he got beaten by a girl. I promise you that if we can pull this off, that'll be the end of it. And I don't think he'd bother you anymore." They sat down at the table and Cassie glanced at the food.

"Ooh. Omelettes! Wonderful! Do they have anything with just cheese?" Ron handed her a plate but before she could take any, Ginny asked her again.

"So? Are you in or out?"

"I really don't think he'll fall for it. I'm not that good of an actress." All four of them laughed. Ginny looked at her.

"Yeah. Right. Well?"

"Okay. I'll try it. But if it doesn't work . . . ."

"It'll work." Ginny reassured her. Cassie took some of the omelette and started eating. She wished she hadn't bothered because over the next few minutes she had a steady stream of visitors and it seemed that every time someone came up to her, she had just put a bite into her mouth and had to hurry and swallow it so she didn't look like a cow while they talked to her. Everyone was coming up to her and, to one degree or another, offering her their support. Niles Caden was one of the first which Cassie thought was extremely brave of him, all things considered.

"Spencer, I just wanted to apologize for Friday. I should have known that Draco was not being truthful with us right from the beginning. And I shouldn't have taken out all my frustration at the situation on you anyway."

"That's all right, Niles. Thanks."

Rhiannon and Elspeth came, too. Saffron smiled and waved across the table and Cassie thought that was probably as close as she could get to admitting she was wrong about Draco. She smiled back. No use making more problems in their dorm room. She was almost finished with her very unsatisfying first helping of omelette when Ginny elbowed her hard. "There he is. Are you in, then?"

Cassie looked over to see Draco Malfoy slinking in the door, flanked as always by his two goonish bodyguards. "He's got them with him. It won't work."

"If he thinks you want to talk to him alone, I can guarantee you he'll leave them behind." Hermione looked at the two of them with a suspicious grimace.

"Don't you get her into trouble, Ginny. I think last night was bad enough."

"She deserves a bit of revenge, if you ask me. And it won't be anything permanent on the Ferret. He'll just be a bit . . . uncomfortable for a while."

"Hmmm."

"Come on, before he gets situated." Ginny made a beeline for the door into the entrance hall and Cassie stood up and smoothed her robes. She hoped this would work. If not, things would be even worse for her than before. Draco looked at her smugly as she approached.

"Spencer. If you've come to apologize, don't bother. The 100 points or so your house lost has gone a long way to making my cheek feel better." Cassie glanced at his reddened cheek, where the outline of her hand was clearly visible against the otherwise pale skin. Ginny had told her to expect this, that he would undoubtedly use a charm to make it look worse than it really was. She had made his mouth bleed and he would want everyone to feel sorry for him. She was apparently right. Cassie hoped she was right about everything else, too.

"Well, of course, I wanted to apologize. I was way out of line last night and I really over-reacted. I was hoping that maybe we could talk for a few minutes, get a few things clear between us. This cannot go on for the rest of the school year. You agree with me, right?"

"Of course. You're right. Unresolved tension is not good for anyone."

"Could we talk for a few minutes right now? I'm afraid I'll be rather busy the rest of the day."

"Certainly, my dear. If you'd like. Crabbe, Goyle. Go sit down. I'll be back in a moment." Cassie led the way out into the entrance hall and Draco was right on her heels. She tried to smile in a friendly, inviting way although she felt like it was transparently sickening. He smiled back, though, and touched her arm gently. "I'm glad you thought about what I said, Pia. I really do think I can make it wonderful between the two of us."

"Yes. I appreciate that." She looked around the entrance hall and saw Ginny standing where she said she would and then she slipped behind a curtain. "Um, let's talk over here where we won't be stared at by everyone coming to breakfast. I'm still a little nervous about this. People will talk."

"That's a good idea." He followed her over to the curtained alcove where they were shielded a little by a large statue and he stood very close to her. Cassie smiled up at him, trying to look friendly.

"I've thought about this, Draco. I really want to make sure that you understand my feelings about things."

"I can assure you, I'm very understanding."

"Good." Cassie let the smile drop from her face and she pulled out the fake wand, which she had in her sleeve this time. "I wouldn't want there to be any misunderstanding on your part. First of all . . ." She saw Ginny's wand poking through the curtain . . . "Silencio." Draco's eyes grew wide as she cast the spell. He tried his voice. It didn't work. Ginny never messed up on her silencing charms, apparently. "Now that you can't talk, you can listen. I despise you. I wouldn't touch you with a very long pole. I don't want to have anything to do with you. I found out about the portkey yesterday and burned it. You need to stop assuming that your good looks are enough to get me to like you, because I mainly go for personality. And yours stinks." The butterflies in Cassie's stomach were going mad now and she tried not to throw up. "Secondly . . ." Ginny's wand again emerged from behind the curtain and Cassie muttered the words to what Ginny had told her was a leg-locking curse so he couldn't move. Draco's eyes got even bigger as he tried to move one leg but couldn't. He was looking scared now, and Cassie felt a momentary twinge of satisfaction. "I know what you've been betting on with all of your friends. It's humiliating to think that someone as slimy as you are is discussing my underwear with his slimy little friends. I never want you to talk about my knickers or anything else about me with anyone else ever again. And stop betting in that pool. Your chances of getting alone with me in the Astronomy Tower or anywhere else are nil, absolutely and completely nil. Return everyone's galleons and give it up."

Cassie now felt certain she was going to throw up. She wasn't sure she could actually do this. He was standing there defenseless and everything. But then she remembered the fact that his father had tried to kill her and Harry and remembered how he had accused her of snogging Ron and Harry and doing all sorts of things with every boy in Gryffindor and she let all the anger bubble up inside her again. "Thirdly, . . ." she put her hands on his shoulders and stepped closer, "never insult a girl, Draco, unless you're wearing protection." And with very calculated precision, she brought her knee up hard into his groin. His mouth opened in a silent scream and he fell to the ground, clutching his private parts with his hands. "Fourthly . . ." Ginny's wand protruded again. "Petrificus Totalis. Never insult a witch who is apparently better at magic than you are. And who is a bit sneaky and devious to boot. She may get you behind a statue somewhere and torture you." Draco's eyes were wide with what Cassie could have sworn was fear although it was hard to tell through the tears of pain. And finally, she was ready to do what they had practiced yesterday. George would be proud. "Fifthly . . ." And she couldn't help it. She smirked. "Fifthly, when someone threatens you with the Bat-Bogey Hex, run as fast and as far as you can, because it's even nastier than you remember." And Ginny and she both said the words together and the beam of yellow light shot out of her wand and the disgusting bogeys started flitting around his face and he was unable to even bat them away as his arms were frozen to his sides. Ginny stepped out from behind the curtain and they both rolled the now-disgusting blonde behind the curtain.

"That should hold him for a while. Crabbe and Goyle aren't too bright. It'll probably even be a while before they realize he's missing." Ginny grinned brightly. "Best part about that hex is that a simple 'finite' spell won't touch it. That actually makes it worse. It'll probably be the better part of an hour before they figure it out. Almost makes me feel sorry for him. Notice I said almost." They stepped out from behind the statue and entered the Great Hall once again. Cassie felt like a big neon sign was blinking over her head announcing to the world what she and Ginny had just done but they made it back to their seats without being stopped by a teacher, so she figured it was not true. She was still getting pointed at and whispered about, but she knew that was still a remainder of last night's floor show. And she felt a lot better about that now. She had gotten revenge. And it was wonderful.

Ginny started to tell the other three what she and Pia had done while Cassie tried to decide on which omelette to try next as all the cheese was gone. The familiar whoosh of owl wings through the air echoed through the hall and their was silence as everyone looked up, hoping for a letter from home. Cassie did, too, even though she knew she would not be hearing from George yet.

"There's a lot of mail today," said Hermione and Cassie could detect a note of concern in her voice.

"Is that bad?" She asked, her stomach immediately going into worry mode - she was bound to have ulcers before too much longer, something she never thought she'd have to deal with. Hermione never answered that question because her copy of the Sunday Prophet landed precisely by her plate at the same moment that Harry's landed in Ron's juice, causing a big commotion. By the time Harry got his paper cleaned off and opened, Hermione was reading hers with a very strange expression. Harry read the headline and swore rather loudly and Ginny scooted over to him to read over his shoulder. The rest of the room was erupting into chaos as other students read their papers and notes from home. Hermione read out loud then for Cassie's sake as well as for Ron, who was still crying to clean the pumpkin juice off his new Quidditch Monthly which he had brought down to breakfast.

Assassination Attempt at the Ministry!

Cornelius Fudge, long-time Minister of Magic, came close to a premature end of his administration last night when some villains, who had been invited to the annual Christmas party, tried to assassinate him in a plot that had obviously been brewing for quite some time. Nicholas Nightscall, now Acting Minister of Magic, informs the Prophet that Minister Fudge was gravely injured and though he survived the attack, the healers at St. Mungo's are still unsure of a final prognosis. "It is still touch and go, I'm afraid. All of us who know Cornelius are certainly wishing for his speedy recovery. However, citizens have no need to worry. Our government is set up for this kind of tragedy and things will move forward as normal. We are currently in the process of hunting down and arresting the perpetrators of this outrage (see related story on page 2) and we can assure your readers that before the end of the day today, they will all be in custody and on their way to Azkaban."

There were other wizards injured in the wand-battle, with most of those killed and injured being bodyguards and security wizards. The villains seem to have attempted to spare innocent bystanders. It is for this reason primarily that Nightscall has assured the Prophet, and by extension, all wizards in the country that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named is not behind this attack. In fact, he stated "It seems to be those who are most sincere in their fight against the Dark Lord who are behind this attack. They seem to feel that Cornelius, and the Ministry in general, are not doing enough against him and hoped that by overthrowing the current Ministry, someone will be elected who will be more inclined to put more effort into this difficult battle." (See related story page 3)

Of course, those who can look at this Ministry's exemplary record in fighting the Dark Lord . . . (Hermione started laughing at this point and took a few minutes to compose herself ). . . and see what good has been accomplished rather than the rare difficulties will know that changing administrations at this point would only lend strength to His cause rather than increase the resistance . . . . Hermione broke off and shook her head. "After that, it seems to just be going into a whole bunch of the typical Ministry propaganda." They all looked at each other and then Hermione reluctantly turned the page to read the mentioned related articles.

Her mouth practically dropped open. "I don't believe it . . . I absolutely cannot believe it. 'Hogwarts' Headmaster Accused of Attempted Assassination!' I can't believe that anyone would have the nerve to -"

"Miss Spencer!" Hermione stopped what she was saying immediately and all five of them looked up into the glittering eyes of Professor Snape. "The Headmaster has asked to speak to you immediately." Cassie blanched, a million scenarios going through her head at once. He may have found out about what she and Ginny just did to Draco or she might be in even more trouble for last night. Or he may have even found out about Hogsmeade. Either way, she was sure that he would be very unhappy with her behavior.

"Okay, um, right now?"

"Yes. Immediately."

"I'm coming, too!" Ginny hopped to her feet instantly and stood by her.

"He has only asked for Miss Spencer. However . . ." Cassie was gratified to note that Harry, Hermione, and Ron also stood. Professor Snape glowered at each of them "It was bad enough when the three of you were inseparable. Now your little clique has expanded to five and it is nigh unbearable. You may all come, with the proviso that if he asks you to leave, you will do so with no questions asked." No one answered him but all five of them followed him out the door and Cassie could again hear the whispers behind her. She ignored them. At this point, she really couldn't care less. As they passed in procession through the entrance hall, Cassie had to stifle a giggle. Crabbe and Goyle were standing blocking her view of the curtained niche where Draco had been stashed, but it was obvious from what she could hear that they were trying to figure out how to stop the bogey hex and not having much success. Draco still wasn't making any noise and she hoped that meant the silencing charm was still in effect. Professor Snape ignored them completely and his black robes billowed around him as they started up the steps.

"Um, Professor Snape? Why is Professor Dumbledore here? I mean, after the events of last night . . ."

"Miss Granger, I would not presume to discuss Dumbledore's reasons for doing anything with you. Please, shut up." Hermione snorted in disgust but no one said anything. Hermione opened her mouth again when instead of stopping on the second floor landing and starting down the hall to the Headmaster's office, Professor Snape led them up another flight of stairs, but Ron laid a restraining hand on her arm and she snapped her mouth shut. There were small murmurs of understanding as they entered a corridor completely unfamiliar to Cassie. They passed a group of adult wizards as they walked down this corridor. They were not professors and Cassie sensed that the rest of the group was extremely nervous as they walked past. Professor Snape nodded curtly.

"Who are they?" Cassie whispered but no one answered because Professor Snape scowled at them and Ron, whose mouth had been open, snapped it shut as well. The group paused suddenly in the empty corridor and everyone leaned back against the wall, seemingly waiting for something. Cassie leaned back, too, although she had no idea why. Professor Snape looked up and down the corridor and then he did something extremely odd, even compared to what he had been doing the last few minutes. He started walking down the corridor, muttering something under his breath. Cassie watched him as he turned and started back up the corridor and then her attention was drawn to something else. She studied the large tapestry across the hall and would have laughed at the scene if things were not so tense. Some strange looking wizard was standing in front of a group of extremely ugly-looking creatures who were dressed in what to Cassie looked suspiciously like pink ballet tutus. Because the tapestry moved just like a photograph, the creatures were moving around and the wizard was waving and counting. If she hadn't have known better, she would have sworn they were trying to dance. But before she could really decide if she was insane or not, everyone stood away from the wall and filed into a door. Cassie blinked. She could have sworn the door was not there a moment before.

As they entered the room, Cassie blinked again in surprise. She knew they weren't in Professor Dumbledore's office - well, unless they had come in through a different door, but it looked almost exactly like it. And Professor Dumbledore was sitting behind his desk, looking calm and relaxed as ever, although when she looked closely, Cassie noticed a tightening around his lips and some tension in the way he was holding his shoulders.

"All five of them insisted on coming, Headmaster. I can escort the other four back out if you wish." Professor Dumbledore stood and smiled.

"No, thank you, Severus. It's fine that they have come. Were you seen?"

"I'm afraid we were seen here in the corridor, Headmaster. Just as we stepped away from the staircase."

"Why are there Aurors in the school, Professor Dumbledore?" Ron asked and a light clicked for Cassie. Those adult wizards had been Aurors. She thought they were wizarding police. So why were they here?

"I'm afraid they are here to arrest me. Since I would prefer not to be arrested . . . I have temporarily decided to move my office to a more secretive location."

"How could they possibly think you tried to assassinate Fudge, Professor? That doesn't make sense." Harry spoke for the first time since he had sworn as he had opened the Sunday Prophet and read the headline some 20 minutes ago.

"They have eyewitnesses, I'm afraid. Eyewitnesses who have sworn under Veritaserum that they saw myself and several others ambushing the Minister last night."

"But . . . but . . ."

"And I am sorry to say that they did see exactly what they said they saw." Everyone was quiet for a moment. "Of course, they also saw Remus Lupin." His eyes were twinkling in faint amusement. Cassie didn't see how this helped anything and she wasn't the only one because Professor Snape was the only one who snorted in suppressed laughter. Then Cassie understood and she laughed out loud. Professor Snape looked at her and for the first time she thought she saw a glimmer of some respect in those dark eyes rather than the pure unbridled hatred she was so used to.

"I see Miss Spencer actually has a brain, which is more than I can say for the rest of you. I must go, Headmaster. It would not do for me to be gone for much longer from my duties. The students will be worried."

"Of course, Severus. Of course. Thank you." And the Potions Master swept out the door without even so much as a glance back at the students.

"I don't get it . . . what's funny about Lupin?" Ron was looking confused and Harry was looking pole-axed. Cassie was seriously wondering if he was going to keel over.

"He's all right, isn't he?" Harry walked over and grabbed a chair and sank into it, holding his head in his hands.

"It's funny because Remus would not have been at that party last night. There is absolutely no way he would have been and anyone who knows him well would know it. Tonight is a full moon." Cassie was pleased that she remembered this fact - remembering how pale and ill Remus had looked on Friday morning - maybe his lycanthropy would come in handy for once in his life.

"To answer your question, Harry," Professor Dumbledore answered after smiling warmly at Cassie, "Remus is fine. He has moved to Headquarters for the time being."

"Ah." Harry relaxed in his chair and Cassie was pleased to see the deep lines of concern on his forehead lessen slightly.

"Professor Dumbledore? Why did you want to see me, then? I don't understand what I have to do with any of this."

"Ah, yes. Miss Robinson. Actually what I wished to see you about is not related to the events of last night . . . well, at least to the goings-on at the Ministry party although I understand that there were some events here last night of some excitement."

Cassie's heart plunged. So it was about last night. She just hoped that any trouble she got into was her own and not the entire Gryffindor House. It wasn't fair for them to be punished any further and she would argue with the Headmaster if she needed to. "Yeah. About that . . . I."

"Please, Miss Robinson. There is no need to explain. I am aware that Mr. Malfoy provoked you. If he knew that you were not a witch, he would be grateful, as I am sure that your anger coupled with magic would be formidable indeed. I have not brought you here to exact any further punishment for what happened." Cassie was grateful. She hoped, though, that Professor Dumbledore did not know the exact contents of what had been said. That would be embarrassing. "No. I am afraid that something else has occurred with Mr. Malfoy of a much more serious nature." Cassie had no idea what could be more serious than extreme insults and physical violence, but since he was completely sincere, she didn't ask.

The Headmaster raised his voice slightly. "Arthur, could you please join us?" A side door opened, and Mr. Weasley stepped into the room. Ginny and Ron both grinned and ran to their father.

"Dad. Are you okay? You and Mum weren't hurt last night were you? The twins were there, too, weren't they? Were they hurt?" The questions came thick and fast and Arthur didn't interrupt until they had died down.

"Everyone is fine. Your mother and I and all of your brothers are fine. Worried, but fine. I'm not here to bring bad news. Let's listen to Albus, now. He'll explain it to all of us at once."

Chairs were drawn up around the desk and all six of them sat down to listen to Professor Dumbledore's recitation of what happened with Draco Malfoy. "We have been watching Draco Malfoy's mail since you arrived here last week, Miss Robinson. We feared that if he mentioned your presence to his father with certain details, your identity could be discovered. We had almost relaxed because until yesterday, he had not mentioned you at all. I am afraid that the letter that he mailed this morning does not follow that same pattern."

"Did he tell his father what happened last night?" Cassie found this hard to believe. He had, in her opinion, come out the worse in the encounter, but maybe with enough spin, that could even be explained away.

"No. Not exactly. Perhaps it would be best if I just allowed you to read the letter." Professor Dumbledore handed Cassie a brief letter and she skimmed it quickly. She could feel all the color drain out of her face as she finished the last sentence.

"Oh. Yes. I see." She wordlessly handed the note to Ginny who read it. Harry read it also and growled as he finished it. Hermione took it next with Ron reading over her shoulder. Cassie just stared at the carpet, unsure whether to cry or scream or hit something. At least she felt better about what she had done to Draco earlier this morning. She wished she had hit him twice as hard.
The letter was basically a request to the elder Malfoy for information about a certain Pia Spencer and her family. Not just any information, mind you, but information about the family's skeletons, secrets, and disgraces. He had explained that although the name Spencer was not familiar to him, it should be easy to find them as they were closely related to the Weasleys. "Father," Draco had concluded, "I intend to take the chit to bed though she seems quite resistant to the idea. I think she would be willing, however, to accede to my demands if the alternative was ruin for her family and/or complete humiliation for herself. Please send it as soon as possible as Thursday night would be the last night this term that we could be together."

"I still don't understand," Cassie said. "You got the letter."

"Yes. We got this letter, but we certainly cannot guarantee that we would catch all future owls. And from this description of your arrival, your appearance, and your close association with the Weasleys, we are certain that Lucius will easily be able to make the deduction that you are the girl seen in Knockturn Alley that night. And then, I am afraid, you would no longer be safe - anywhere. So, I am afraid that you must leave Hogwarts."

Cassie knew then that the moment she dreaded was upon her. "Oh. Okay." She was determined that she was not going to cry. "Um, can you tell me where I'm going?" Professor Dumbledore's eyes twinkled a little bit.

Arthur spoke up. "You're coming with me . . . to the Burrow!"

Cassie could hardly believe her ears. "With you to the Burrow? To your house?"

"Yes. We've known you were coming since the beginning and we're very pleased. Molly is most anxious to meet you." Cassie's heart felt so light that she wouldn't have been surprised to look down and see she was floating. The Burrow. She wouldn't be somewhere alone over Christmas after all.

The other four students were all beaming as well. "That means we'll see you in just a few days! That's great!" Ginny smiled brightly. "How brilliant!"

"I'll need to go pack my things and say good-bye to everyone."

"I'm sorry, Miss Robinson. That won't be possible." Professor Dumbledore indicated a trunk that had sat unnoticed in the room before. "Dobby has already packed your belongings. It really is imperative that you leave immediately. With the Aurors here in the castle, we feel it is best to get you out. Arthur will be taking you via portkey."

"Yes. I'm not surprised." Cassie did not even let the thought of traveling by portkey again discourage her. She turned to Ginny. "Tell everyone goodbye for me, then, please. I don't want them to think that I won't miss them." Ginny nodded. Then Cassie grinned and sat down on the end of her trunk, grabbing hold of the handle. "Whenever you're ready, Arthur, I am." Arthur held out the very familiar paperweight, Cassie touched it and felt the familiar tug behind her naval as the portkey took her away from Hogwarts.