Chapter Fifteen
The commotion just outside of Dumbledore's office was what first startled Mia into consciencness. She sat up on a bed, taking in her surroundings. She had been in Hagrid's hut, but was now in her uncle's office…oh, her uncle must have found her. She got off the bed, taking a shaky step towards the rail that let her see the bottom level where the actual office was. Her gaze drifted to the door as the voices grew louder.
"…EXPULSION! THEY SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO REMAIN IN THE SCHOOL! COMPLETE ISUBORDINATION AND…" The loud, angry voice of Professor Snape was easily recognizable to Mia, as was the voice that followed.
"…invasion of Privacy! Albus, we must do something about this…" Professor McGonnagal said, most likely standing just beyond the office door.
The door opened slowly as Professor Dumbledore stood in the way, "Don't worry yourselves, Serverus, Minerva, they shall be punished…" He motioned for them to leave as he entered the room, shutting the door gently behind him. He turned to see Mia standing there awake for a moment before she ran down the stairs and jumped into his arms, tears starting to surface once again. Dumbledore patted her back, holding her as she cried, "I am truly sorry Amelia, I had no idea that Mr. Weasley and Miss Granger would react to you with such suspicions."
Mia sniffled, "I don't know why they dislike me so, I haven't done anything to them…"
Dumbledore sighed, "Everything will be alright…"
For once in his life, the great Albus Dumbledore had no idea what to do.
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The next few days were especially tense with Harry and his 'friends'; none of the Gryffindor students could even begin to fathom why they were not on speaking terms. It seemed that whenever Ron or Hermione entered a room, Harry would mysteriously disappear. Neville was especially worried, he had not seen Mia since the dance and he just knew that her lack of appearance had something to do with Ron and Hermione. He didn't know whether he should have been relieved or even more concerned when he did see Mia. She was walking through the halls the next day, arms crossed over her robes, staring at the floor as Peeves floated close by. She looked horrible, with red puffy eyes, and a sad expression on her face; she seemed very upset and rather too pale for Neville's liking. He was going to say something to her when she disappeared through a secret passage that he did not know the password for.
Neville sighed and headed back to the Gryffindor common room, more relieved seeing Mia there. She was talking to Harry over by a window that overlooked the Forest. Harry was asking her some questions and she was nodding, smiling slightly. Neville smiled at this as he headed up to the dorms to catch up on some Potions homework.
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Mia was heading down to the Potions lab the next night for her Occulmancy Lessons with Professor Snape. She sighed, she was feeling so drained from the other night, still feeling rather ill from it. She stepped into the Potions lab, looking up to see none other than Ron and Hermione there, scrubbing cauldrons with toothbrushes. She glanced quickly at them before looking down and entering Snape's office.
Hermione was watching her, feeling horrible about what they had done, while Ron just glared at her, blaming her for their detention. He just couldn't shake the feeling that something was just wrong about her. But he shook his head, returning to his work. After all they had detention for a month with Professor Snape, they might as well try to get it over with as quickly as possible...
Mia left Snape's office with a massive headache, not even bothering to look at Ron and Hermione. She had made it to the door to the hall when Professor Snape called her name, she turned, "I expect you'll do better at our next Occulmancy Lesson Miss Matthews."
"Yes sir," She replied, rubbing her head and exiting the classroom.
"Get back to work Mr. Weasley." Was all Snape said as he returned to his office.
Ron sat back, a thought occurring to him. If Mia was taking Occulmancy lessons from Snape…then she would know how to mask her thoughts from Dumbledore and anyone who wanted to know what really was on the Replay. He didn't believe that it was her family, what kind of person would sit by and watch her family die? Why didn't she try to stop the attacks, why didn't she fight back, why didn't she want anyone to see it?
Ron relayed his theory to Hermione; she was unsure about it…but had to admit some of Mia's explanation didn't fit…
A/N – What is it going to take for Ron and Hermione to realize that Mia doesn't want to hurt them? Coming up next, A Hogsmeade trip gone wrong, a Yule ball to remember, and Christmas gift for Neville…sorry this chapter was so short…