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.
