Veronica smiled as she stepped onto the Hogwarts Express. She was surprised she was still alive after the stunt she, Parker, and Kylie had pulled at the ChristmasEveparty. When they had gone to open the door to the library, they had found their parents asleep. Ginny's head had been resting peacefully on Harry's shoulder. Harry's arm was wrapped around her.

Veronica smiled at the memory. Their parent's had woken up almost immediately and both had blushed at the position they had been in. However, their embarrassment had quickly turned to anger. Luckily enough, Parker had been quick with an excuse as to why they had locked them in there. It was a rather lame excuse but it had worked. "We just wanted more time together," Parker had said softly, putting on her acting skills.

Not to mention, the boys, for some strange unknown reason, had also claimed to be guilty even though they weren't. That had taken some of the punishment off the girls. After all, there were only so many punishments to give out.

Veronica checked another compartment. It was empty, so she took a seat to wait for Parker, Kylie and Daniella. She was early, so she was quite sure they weren't there yet. She grabbed a book from her bag and started to read. Might as well do something, she thought. After all, I'll probably be waiting a good half an hour.

Almost exactly thirty minutes later, the compartment door opened. "Hey Nicci," Kylie said smiling.

"Hey Kylie," Veronica said, as she took a seat, "Still grounded?"

"Yes. You?"

"Yep," Veronica said, "I think I will be grounded for the rest of my life."

Kylie laughed. "Me too, but I think it was worth it. Our parents definitely like each other."

"Yeah, I think so too, though I doubt they'd admit it."

"I think they might need another little push," Kylie said, a mischievous smile forming on her face.

Veronica groaned, but then smiled. "I'm already grounded for the rest of my life. Might as well, but let's give them a little time first."

Kylie smiled. "Deal."

"The compartment door opened. "Hey," Veronica said smiling.

Daniella smiled back, but then frowned. "You two aren't planning anything again, are you?"

"Now would we do something like that?" Kylie asked, with an evil grin.

Daniella sighed. "I was afraid of this."

"Don't worry," Veronica said, placing a hand on her shoulder, "We aren't going to do anything."

"Of course not! They can't plan anything without the help of their dear friend Parker."

"That's true," Kylie said grinning. "What's new Parker?"

"Nothing really," Parker said grinning, "Christmas vacation sure was boring after the party. I had nothing to do without you three."

"Same here," Kylie said shaking her head, "I spent my break cleaning the house and sitting in my room as punishment for our little prank."

"Me too," Veronica groaned, "I didn't know our new house was so big until I had to clean it. Trinka helped a bit when Mom wasn't looking, but it was a lot of work."

"My mum was quite mad at me as well," Daniella said quietly.

"You didn't do anything though," Veronica said.

"That was why she was angry. She said I should have stopped it and I should have. I had to wash the dishes every night and I didn't get to watch my favorite television program."

"I'm so sorry," Veronica said. She felt terrible for getting Daniella in trouble. "I didn't mean to get you in trouble."

Daniella sighed. "It's okay. I'm sure they'll be reruns."

"What about you Parker?" Kylie asked, "How did your parents take it?"

"They didn't really bother me about it," Parker said, "They didn't have time. They had another business trip to attend to, so by the time I got home they only had about an hour until they had to leave. My dad wants to run for government next year so they're always busy. They just told me not to do it again."

"You've got to be kidding me," Kylie said, her mouth slightly open, "You knicked my dad's wand and you didn't even get one punishment!"

Parker shifted in her seat and shrugged. "Nope. My parents aren't really the discipling type. They're not interested in what I do as long as it doesn't interfere with my dad's plan for getting that government position."

"Lucky you," Kylie said bitterly, "My dad is a tyrant sometimes."

Veronica felt a small jerk as the train started to move. "And we're off!"

"Ugh," Parker said, looking disgusted. "Don't sound so excited. We're going back to school where there's evil teachers, homework, and of course Black, Potter, Weasley and Bryant."

"Don't remind me," Kylie groaned, putting her hands over her ears and humming loudly. Parker, Veronica and Daniella laughed.

"Let's talk about something more pleasant," Veronica said smiling.

"Like us," a voice interrupted.

"Not quite, Black," Parker said scowling. Orion, James, Jeff and Shane had walked into the compartment. Orion and James took a seat, while Shane and Jeff leaned against the luggage rack.

Orion smirked. "Now, now, Keowen. Be nice. After all, you four owe us for helping you with your little prank on Christmas."

"We don't owe you," Kylie said, "We didn't ask you to say you helped. You did it on your own."

"I suppose you're right, Kylie," James said. He sighed loudly. "Well, I guess that means we don't have a truce going on then."

Veronica narrowed her eyes suspiciously. Something was going on. "Come on boys," Shane said, putting on a face of fake disappointment, "We better go then."

"I guess they don't want to be friends," Jeff said, with mock sadness, as the boys left the compartment.

"That can't be good," Parker said frowning.

"Oh dear," Daniella said softly.

Veronica was about to agree when a series of clunking noises stopped her. She glanced over toward the ground by the open door. She saw five black balls. She was about to ask the girls what they were when a terrible smell reached her nose.

"Dung bombs," Kylie said loudly, while plugging her nose.

"You said it," Parker said, as she headed toward the door. Veronica followed her out. As soon as they were all out, Veronica shut the door behind them.

James, Orion, Jeff, and Shane were outside leaning against the opposite wall. They all had identical smiles plastered to their faces. "Ladies," Shane said.

"You didn't think we'd let you off that easy did you?" James asked smiling.

"You're going to pay for this, James," Kylie said angrily, "I smell like Dung!"

"That you do," Jeff said laughing.

"You four better wipe those smiles off your face before I do it for you," Parker said threateningly.

"And I'd be glad to help her," Veronica said furiously.

The boys seemed to notice that the threat was a real one. "We'll see you at school," Shane said, as the boys took off running.

"Love you, Keowen," Orion shouted over his shoulder.

"You're going to die, Black!"

"Merlin's beard!" Kylie growled, "We smell so bad."

Veronica sniffed her clothes and immediately pulled away. "You said it."

"I expected better though," Parker said, her eyes narrowed in suspicion, "Do you really think they'd only put a few Dung Bombs in our compartment? There's got to be more."

Daniella let out a soft sigh. "I hope not."

"There better not be more," Kylie grumbled. She opened the door to the compartment. A foul smell reached the girls, causing them to gag. "Disappio," Kylie said, still choking.

There was a flash of yellow light and the stench began to fade. "Thank God," Veronica said as they went back into the compartment and sat down. "I thought I was going to die."

"Me too," Parker said, wrinkling her nose, "Come on. Let's change. I don't want to smell like this the entire trip and open a window, Dani. The smell isn't completely gone."

Veronica moved over to her trunk and opened it. Her robes were lying on top and she was not pleased with what she saw. "You were right, Parker," Veronica said, feeling another surge of anger, "The boys did have more for us." She pulled out her robes, which were now neon green.

Parker, Kylie and Daniella opened their trunks. Daniella sighed, while Parker cursed out loud. "Why must I always be pink?"

"Like orange is any better," Kylie grumbled, "Daniella got lucky. I want the blue ones."

"I wish mine were the black ones," Veronica said angrily.

"They're all this way," Parker shouted angrily, as she threw robe after robe from her trunk to the floor, all pink.

"Do you suppose we can get this off before we get to Hogwarts?" Daniella asked, looking worried.

"Doubt it," Kylie said, examining her robes, "My brother may be annoying, but he's not as stupid as he looks. He would have put some curse on these to keep the color from being taken off."

"Don't worry girls," Parker said, as a smile started to appear on her face, "I have an idea."

"Oh no."

"Don't worry Dani," Parker said, still smiling, "It won't cause anyone any harm. It's just going to get us some new robes."

Kylie smiled. "Sounds good to me."

"Me too," Veronica said grinning. She didn't really care how or where Parker got them, as long as they didn't smell and they weren't neon colored.

"Kylie, my dear," Parker said smiling, "Come with me. I need to use you as a distraction." She turned and winked at Veronica and Daniella. "We'll be right back."

Veronica smiled and pulled out the book she had been reading earlier. "Might as well do something while we wait."

"You don't think she'll do anything dangerous or harmful to someone, do you?" Daniella asked, staring at the door, looking worried.

"I don't think so," Veronica said, with a reassuring smile. She had felt like saying, "It's Parker. What do you think?" After all, Parker was known for her fearless and careless nature. Luckily, she had managed to hold herself back. Daniella was worrying enough already.

Daniella sighed and nodded meekly. "I hope you're right." She pulled out her History of Magic book and began to read. Veronica opened her book and began to read as well.

Fifteen minutes later the door opened. "Look what I have ladies," Parker shouted jovially, as she threw four sets of robes onto an empty seat. "Who wants to change?"

"So, how did you get them," Veronica asked, picking up a set of robes, "They're kind of big."

Parker and Kylie grinned. "Well, we borrowed them..." Parker said, with a wave of her hand.

"Without permission," Kylie added.

"What?" Daniella asked, setting the pair of robes she had back down. "That's stealing."

"No it's not," Parker said smiling, "We're going to give them back."

"Whose are they?" Veronica asked.

"Blacks, Potters, Weasleys, and Bryants," Parker said, smirking, "I figured it was only fair that we took one set from each of them."

Veronica laughed. "I'm sure they loved that."

"Well, they don't know yet," Kylie said, "I kept them distracted while Parker borrowed some for us."

Parker picked up a pair of robes and muttered something. The robes she was holding shrunk. Parker slipped the robes on and smiled. "Perfect fit."

"Do that to mine," Veronica said holding out her robes.

"Me too," Kylie said.

Parker laughed and then shrunk Veronica's and Kylie's robes. "Dani?"

"I don't think we should wear..." Daniella began.

"Come on Dani," Parker said, fixing the last pair of robes and handing them to her, "Would you rather wear blue robes? You'd probably get in trouble for being out of dress code."

Daniella sighed. "Alright," she said softly, "But we are going to give them back."

Parker smiled. "Of course and that won't be all we give back either. Who's up for a little revenge?"

"Me," Kylie said smiling.

"Count me in too," Veronica said.

"Oh dear," Daniella said quietly. Parker, Kylie and Veronica laughed.


The train arrived at Hogwarts a few hours later. Veronica couldn't help from smiling broadly as they got off the train. A line of horseless carriages were waiting a few feet away.

The girls got into one and chatted about random things as the carriage headed towards Hogwarts. Veronica looked out the small window at the Forbidden Forest. The tree line stood out blacker than the rest of night and seemed as though it was hiding an abundance of monsters just inside. Veronica shivered and turned back to the girls just as the carriage stopped.

"We're here," Kylie said grinning.

"Finally" Parker said, rubbing her stomach, "I'm starving."

"You always are," Veronica said, shaking her head, as they all climbed out.

"Am not," Parker said defensively.

Veronica, Daniella, and Kylie laughed while Parker grumbled. Veronica turned to the castle. It was as beautiful as the first time she had seen it and still took her breath away. The girls headed into the Great Hall and sat down. The ceiling was a perfect imitation of the cloudless night, showing all the twinkling stars.

Sirius stood up. "Welcome back to Hogwarts,. I hope you all enjoyed your vacation. I'm sure you are all hungry. Let the feast begin."

Food appeared on the table and Veronica filled her plate. She smiled and turned to the girls. "So, did you guys finish your homework?"

"Yes," Kylie and Daniella chorused.

"Nope," Parker said, as she picked up a bread roll.

"Parker!" Daniella exclaimed, "It's due tomorrow!"

"I know. Which is why I'm doing it tonight."

"I can't believe you Parker," Veronica said, laughing.

"How come your robes are black?" James interrupted.

Veronica looked over to see James, Orion, Jeff and Shane take a seat next to them, unnoticed by the teachers or other students. "How did you get off the color?" Shane asked.

"You guys are late," Kylie said, "The feast already started."

"We had business to attend to," James said, with a wave of his hand.

"How did you get the color off?" Orion repeated

Parker smiled. "We didn't."

"Well, then why are they black?" Jeff asked.

"These aren't our robes," Kylie said grinning.

"Whose are they?" Orion asked, his eyes narrowed suspiciously.

"Yours," Parker said smirking.

"Ours!" Orion and James shouted at the same time.

A few of the students turned to look over at them with annoyance. "We shrunk them a bit," Veronica said sweetly, "Hope you don't mind." She smiled at the look of outrage on the boys faces.

"Keowen, I can't believe you..." Orion started angrily.

"Relax, Ri," James said suddenly. A smile formed on his face. "Nothing can bring down our good spirits tonight."

Orion smiled too. "Yeah. You're right. It will be very entertaining."

"What will be?" Parker asked.

"Just watch, Keowen," Orion said, smirking, "You'll see soon enough."

"It will definitely give you a good laugh," Shane said. His eyes sparkled mischievously as he glanced toward the Slytherin table.

"Pretty soon now too," Jeff said grinning.

Veronica looked over toward the Slytherin table. She waited for a few minutes, but turned back to the table when the desserts appeared. She had a special love for the strawberry tarts.

"And so it begins," James said softly, as he picked up a pastry.

Veronica wanted to ask why, but didn't. I'm sure I'll find out soon enough, she thought. And she did. About ten minutes after the desserts had appeared on the table, a loud squawk came from the Slytherin table.

Veronica looked up and gasped. Towards the center of the table was a large yellow canary. It was the size of a human. She let out another gasp, when before her eyes, a blonde haired Slytherin turned into a canary.

Laughter echoed through the halls, as one by one, Slytherins were changing into canaries. Veronica couldn't help but laugh along with Kylie, Parker, the boys, and almost all of the other students in the room.

"Canary Creams?" Kylie asked, "Why aren't they changing back?"

James smiled. "Fred and George had some defective ones."

"So we knicked a few," Orion said grinning.

"You stole?" Daniella said, looking shocked.

"No, borrowed," Orion said.

"Without permission," James added, grinning.

"How did you get them all to eat them?" Parker asked, "Why didn't they wise up when the first person turned?"

"A little spell," Jeff said smiling, "The affects don't show up right away."

"We got that one from you, Keowen," Shane said, "When you used it on our prank on Malfoy."

Veronica looked back over at the Slytherin table, where several teachers were trying to undo the spell. This time, not even Coach Weasley could manage to change them back. He was looking around in frustration. His eyes rested on the boys, who put on puzzled faces.

Veronica smiled as she watched several first year Slytherins change. Amelia looked so lovely as a canary. "So which do you think is a better look for the Slytherins?" James asked.

"Pumpkins or Canaries?" Jeff said laughing. Veronica started laughing as well. She had to admit, the boys did have their uses. After all, who didn't want to see the Slytherins getting what they deserved.

An hour later, Veronica slowly changed and got into bed. Kylie and Parker were in the common room. Parker was doing her homework and Kylie was laughing at her. Daniella was already in bed. Veronica let her mind wander to the prank on the Slytherins. She smiled, but it turned to a frown instantly.

Hopefully, Tristian didn't eat one of those pastry things, Veronica thought. Not that I care, she added. She shook the thought from her mind and drifted slowly to sleep. Tomorrow was going to be a long day. They had Potions class bright and early and she wasn't looking forward to it.


"Bloody Hell!" Parker's voice shouted, waking Veronica from her peaceful sleep. Veronica groaned and looked up.

"What is it?" Kylie asked, rubbing her eyes.

"We have twenty minutes to get to Potions," Parker said furiously, as she threw on her robes.

"What!" Veronica said, getting up quickly. Kylie and Daniella had jumped up as well.

"Someone turned back our alarms," Parker growled angrily.

"I'm sure it was just a mistake. Who would do that?"

"I'll give you one guess," Parker growled.

"Oh they are going to pay," Kylie said, as she tried to button her shirt.

"Yes, they are," Veronica said angrily, as she pulled her hair up into a ponytail.

"Fifteen minutes," Parker said as they left, "We have to run."

By the time they reached Potions, Veronica was completely out of breath. They had run the entire way and luckily enough, they had made it in time. Veronica took her seat and waited for her breath to return.

"Oh there you four are," James said sweetly.

"We were afraid you were going to be late," Orion said softly.

"I bet you were," Parker said furiously.

Veronica turned around to yell at them, but the ringing of the bell and Professor Malfoy's entrance held her back. She turned back around quickly and faced the front.

Professor Malfoy was glaring. His face was red and he looked even more furious than normal. He let his eyes wander over all the students, stopping to glare at each one. Veronica held back a shudder when he stopped on her.

"Last night," Professor Malfoy growled, "Someone broke into my personal supply cabinet and stole a very expensive and rare potion ingredient known as Vercoski. One ounce of Vercoski can cost up to two thousand galleons."

Several gasps were heard through out the room. Veronica remained silent. Professor Malfoy looked absolutely livid and it was frightening her. Who would...she thought. She turned to look back at the boys, but they looked positively confused.

Veronica knew immediately it wasn't them. "Now, I don't know who did it," Professor Malfoy said coldly, "But I will find out and when I do, I will make sure that those responsible are expelled." He let the threat settle in before waving his wand at the board.

Instructions for a new potion appeared. "Get to work!"

Veronica began chopping her Marliss roots immediately. The class remained silent the entire period. Even the boys did not try and anger Professor Malfoy further. Veronica doubted this was possible anyways. The only noise the entire period were the angry footsteps of Professor Malfoy and his shouts at the Gryffindors.

Veronica let out a sigh of relief as they left Potions and headed for Charms. "So do you think the robbery has anything to do with the attacks?" Kylie asked.

"Maybe," Parker said.

"Maybe a kid just needed supplies for something," Daniella said quietly. She was looking very pale.

Parker suddenly smiled. "You're a genius, Dani!"

"Why?" Daniella asked, with a look of dread.

"Malfoy's storeroom is the perfect spot to steal ingredients for our little payback prank," Parker said smiling evilly.

"Oh, no," Daniella said, worriedly, "You heard what he said. He'll expel you! You can't do that!"

"Watch me," Parker said smiling. She turned to look at Veronica and Kylie. "Besides, he won't notice what I'm going to take. They're all relatively common ingredients. Will you two give me a distraction tomorrow during class?"

"Sure," Kylie said, smiling, "Tell me when."

"Nicci?" Parker asked.

Veronica sighed loudly. "Alright, just don't get yourself caught," she said. She had a bad feeling about this, but there was no use in trying to change Parker's mind once it was already made up.

"Do I ever?" Parker asked smiling.

Veronica shook her head and walked into the Charms classroom. She took her seat just as the bell rang. "Hello class," Ginny said smiling.

The class murmured a hello back. Ginny smiled. "There will be no need for wands. Get out some parchment and quills and get ready to take notes. Today we are going to learn about some Charms that we will be trying later this week and next week."

There was a shuffling noise, as the class put away their wands and got out parchment and quills. Veronica sighed as she took out her parchment. Ginny began talking about a Banishing Charm. Veronica tuned out her voice.

So much has happened these past few months, she though. She had never guessed her mother to be a liar. After all, she and her mother had always been honest before, at least, she thought they had. Now, she wasn't sure. Why was her mother's past such a big secret anyways? And why did Sirius help her cover it up since he certainly knew the truth. Obviously it had something to do with being a traitor. Had she betrayed her family for the Dark Lord like Ginerva Weasley? It didn't seem possible. Her mother wasn't evil, but then again, Veronica didn't get the feeling that Ginerva Weasley was evil either. Could it really be possible? Could war really have changed her mother, whom she considered to be one of the nicest people ever, into a traitor?

The disappearance of Ginerva Weasley was really bothering her. For some reason, she felt that Ginerva Weasley knew about her mother's past and about what was going on at Hogwarts. Her name kept coming up everywhere. First in the book about the Chamber that had been compared by Professor Miller to the recent attacks. Mom must have known her too, if she knew about the Chamber, Veronica thought. Ginerva Weasley was even a traitor, or believed to be one. Perhaps she knew my mom, Veronica thought. They would have been at Hogwarts around the same time. Mom would have been here when Ginerva was taken, Veronica thought. Ginerva might have known her.

They have a lot in common, both were traitors, knew about the Chamber of Secrets, they were close to the same age, and they even looked alike in a way though it was a bit hard to tell. After all, she had only seen childhood pictures of Ginerva and only adult pictures of her mom. Wait, why had she never seen any childhood pictures of her mom? Could it be something to do with the Chamber attacks?

Veronica shuddered slightly, as that thought lead her to a thought of the attacks happening now. The words Professor Conway had told her were still echoing in her head. She knew it was ridiculous to let them frighten her, but they did. And Tristian was right as well. She was always one step away from the person or monster that was attacking the kids.

Even her relationship with Tristian brought problems. She felt truly bad for what had happened at the party, but she really couldn't have said it was him. Why didn't he get that? He shouldn't have gotten so worked up about it, Veronica thought, feeling a bit defensive. He did go a little over board. Veronica sighed. Why is life so difficult all of the sudden?

The bell rang loudly, jolting Veronica back to reality. She had missed the entire lecture. She sighed. I guess I'll get the notes from one of the girls. Looks like I'll be spending my night copying notes. Oh joy, she thought irritably. Veronica shoved her paper and quill back into her bag and headed for the door.

"Nicci," Ginny called out, just as Veronica reached the door, "Come here please."

Veronica groaned inwardly. Now I'm probably going to get lectured on not paying attention, she thought irritably. "Sure," Veronica forced herself to say as she walked over to the desk where her mother was sitting.

"We'll wait for you outside, Nicci," Parker called to her as she left.

Veronica nodded and then turned back to her mother. "Yes?"

"I noticed you weren't paying attention at all in class today," Ginny said, her eyes searching Veronica's face, "Is there anything wrong?"

Veronica felt a wave of panic. What was she supposed to say? Yeah, I was thinking about how you lie and how I'm friends with a Slytherin named Tristian Malfoy. Yeah that would go over well, she thought. Veronica's eyes shifted toward the door, where she could just see the red of Daniella's hair.

"Oh," Ginny said suddenly, following Veronica's gaze and mistaking that it meant something, "You were thinking about Daniella."

"Yes," Veronica said, looking down, and hoping she sounded truthful.

"You know you really shouldn't feel bad about her not having a lot of money dear," Ginny said softly.

"I know," Veronica lied, "I just do. It has to be terrible." This is easier than I thought, Veronica thought. Oh God, Parker's rubbing off on me. Of course, technically it wasn't a lie. She did feel bad. Besides, it was her mother's fault for assuming that was what she was thinking about during class. And there was another Parker attitude, she thought smiling to herself.

"You should feel worse for Parker," Ginny said.

"Why?" Veronica asked, now feeling slightly confused, "She's got plenty of money. Loads more than us."

"Money isn't everything," Ginny said, "Parker has parents that are never around and she has no siblings either. Her parents didn't even come to drop her off at our house. They just let her go and they've never even met me. It has to be hard to be all alone all the time. Daniella obviously has parents who love her, even if they can't give her everything she wants."

Veronica nodded. "Okay, well, I better get going to my next class."

Ginny nodded. "I'll see you at dinner and try to pay attention in your other classes."

Veronica nodded and left the room. That conversation really didn't make her feel any better. Now she felt bad for Parker. It had to be hard not having anyone but yourself around. Tonight, I'm going for a walk, Veronica thought. The lake is always peaceful and I need to clear my head somehow.


Veronica walked slowly out towards the lake. It had become her favorite place to relax and think. She always loved the ocean and this was the next best thing. She took a seat on a rock overlooking the lake and the castle. A soft breeze blew her hair into her face and sent a chill down her spine. She brushed the hair away and looked up at the castle.

It looked so peaceful. Everything looked so peaceful. Too bad it isn't, Veronica thought bitterly. Ever since she had first found out about this place, things had been going wrong. Her mother was lying to her about everything and she couldn't figure out why. Kids were disappearing and she was always the one to find them. Professor Conway and Tristian had both warned her to be careful. Not to mention the strange feeling in her gut that warned her that it wasn't over yet.

She wasn't sure how she knew it, but she did. The attacks weren't going to stop and somehow Professor Conway was right. She had something to do with them and she had a feeling her mother did as well.

Veronica sighed. She had been so sure that she was going to find out about her mother when she found the book on the Chamber of Secrets. She was almost positive that her mother's name would come up in there somewhere and it would explain why she was lying. But all the book had done was give her more questions. This time about Ginerva Weasley. They seemed unrelated, but Veronica couldn't shake the feeling that somehow Ginerva Weasley had something to do with this as well. Ginerva Weasley had been a traitor, just like her mother. Perhaps they had even been friends and betrayed the Order together. Who knew?

"Fancy seeing you here," a voice drawled, bringing Veronica out of her thoughts.

She turned to see Tristian Malfoy step out of the shadows. "Tristian."

Tristian raised his eyebrows. "So it's Tristian now?" he asked bitterly, "I thought it was nobody."

Veronica frowned. "I'm sorry," she said softly, "What did you want me to say? Oh, I'm out here talking to Tristian Malfoy, your sworn enemy. That would have gone over well. People don't think too highly of your family..."

"And you agree?" Tristian asked. His tone was neutral, but his icy blue eyes were staring at Veronica with such intensity that she was forced to look back at him.

"No," Veronica said blushing, "I don't, but my friends do."

"So it's okay then? For you to treat me like I'm worthless because of my last name?"

"That's not how it was," Veronica said defensively.

"Then how was it?"

"I don't know," Veronica said softly.

"Then let me tell you," Tristian said coldly, "You think that being my friend is embarrassing. You don't think I'm worthy enough to be treated like a human being. I'm just one of those people you can only talk to when other people aren't around because if they found out then you would be looked down upon. Am I right? You aren't really that brave, are you? Maybe Gryffindor wasn't the house for you after all..."

"Stop it!" Veronica shouted.

"Why?" Tristian asked, "Does it bother you?"

"I don't like the way you make it sound, okay," Veronica said, shifting uncomfortably under his icy gaze, but unable to look away. Her voice was now just above a whisper.

"Why?" Tristian pressed, "Because it's wrong and you know it and yet you still do it. It's hard to pass it off like its no big deal when I don't sugar coat it, isn't it?"

Veronica felt a blush rising in her cheeks. "It's not as easy as it looks," she said, defensively, "You know that we can't just walk through the halls together like it's perfectly normal, because it's not. Slytherins and Gryffindors just aren't friends. That's the way it is and always has been. No one ever said it was right. It's just how life is."

"You're right," Tristian said, glancing out toward the lake, "Life really isn't fair, is it?"

"No," Veronica said softly, "It's not."

Tristian sighed. "Sometimes I wish I weren't a Malfoy," he said. He looked over at Veronica. For an instant, Veronica thought she saw something different in Tristian, but it was gone so fast, she couldn't be sure what it was. Had he just dropped his guard? Then the famous Malfoy attitude appeared again.

"Guess there's no use wishing for the impossible," Tristian said lightly, "Come on. I'll walk you back." He paused and smirked. "Not all the way of course. I can't be seen with a Gryffindor."

Veronica frowned, but tried to hide it. "Sure," she said softly, "It's getting late anyways."

Veronica and Tristian walked in silence towards the castle. A darkness was settling over the grounds, casting strange shadows. Veronica shuddered.

"Scared?" Tristian asked, a smile playing on his face.

Veronica glared. "No."

"Really?" Tristian said, raising his eyebrows.

Veronica sighed. How did he always know when she was lying? "Maybe a little. We're out after curfew."

"The attacks are still frightening you," Tristian said.

"Yes," Veronica said, "I seem to have a knack for finding the victims and I've already been warned twice to be careful."

"Twice," Tristian asked curiously, "Who was the second?"

Veronica felt a surge of irritation with herself. Why had she said that? It wasn't like it meant anything. "Professor Conway," Veronica said. "But I'm sure it was nothing," she added quickly.

She waited for Tristian to laugh at her foolishness, but instead he frowned. "What did she say?"

Veronica shrugged. "Just that something evil was here and I was the center of it," she said, trying to make at seem as though the words didn't affect her. Truthfully, they still sent a chill through her body.

Tristian shifted uncomfortably and frowned. "You should listen to her," he said softly.

"What do you know that I don't?" Veronica said, staring at him. She tried to read his facial expression, but she couldn't quite place the look.

Tristian glanced at her and then back towards the castle. He seemed to be debating with himself on whether to tell her what he was thinking or not. "She's a Seer," he said finally.

"A Seer," Veronica said softly.

"Yes," Tristian said, as he pulled open the doors to the castle, "It's not well known, but I'm quite positive it's true. If she warned you, you should listen to what she says. I suggest that you don't take any more late night walks."

Veronica turned away, to hide the fear she was sure was written across her face. Just great, she thought. Now I have a Seer warning me about these attacks. Can this get any worse?

Tristian stopped walking suddenly. Veronica wasn't paying attention and kept walking. Veronica almost had a heart attack, when a hand grabbed her arm and pulled her back. She glared at Tristian furiously. "What did you do that for?" she hissed.

Tristian put a finger to his lips and let go of her arm. "Listen," he whispered.

Veronica stopped and listened carefully. Heavy footsteps echoed through the hallway. Someone was dragging something heavy. "Someone is ahead of us," Veronica said quietly.

"And they're dragging something," Tristian whispered back.

"Or someone," Veronica whispered. A wave of panic swept over her. What if it was the person attacking kids? Stop it, Veronica thought to herself. It's probably just a teacher or another student out after curfew. Oh yeah, another voice whispered. Then what are they dragging? Veronica shrugged the feeling off.

"Come on," Tristian whispered, as he walked slowly toward the other hallway, where the noise was coming from.

Veronica grabbed his arm. "Are you suicidal?" she hissed, "We don't know who that is. That could be the one attacking people!"

"Exactly," Tristian said softly, "Are you coming or not?"

Veronica groaned inwardly. What had she gotten herself into now? "What am I doing?" she whispered.

"Just stay behind me," Tristian said softly, as they crept toward the hallway. Veronica followed Tristian silently. They stepped slowly into the other hallway. Veronica screamed and grabbed Tristian's arm.

A hooded figure was standing over the body of another child. Veronica couldn't see who either of them were. The figure looked over in their direction. Despite the hood, Veronica was sure the person was staring right at her. Tristian stepped in front of her slightly. Veronica clung tighter to his arm. The figure shifted, as though they were unsure on what to do. Footsteps echoed though the hallway. The figure turned and ran.

Veronica let out a sigh of relief as the figure disappeared down the hallway. That was the person attacking all the students, a voice said shrilly in her head.

Veronica felt herself jerked forward as Tristian walked over to the body. She walked over with him slowly, still clutching his arm. She looked down at the girl on the ground. Her dark brown curls were spread out around her head. Had it not been for her arm and how pale she was, Veronica would have thought she looked peaceful. Her sleeve had been pulled up. She had the same needle mark that Britney and Shane had.

"Shaylin Meyers," Tristian said softly, "She's in Ravenclaw."

Veronica didn't have time to answer. The footsteps had now entered their hallway. "Nicci," a voice said.

Veronica turned and looked in the direction of the voice. "Mom," she said softly. She was feeling light headed. Professor Potter and Headmaster Black was there as well.

Professor Malfoy appeared moments later. "What is going on? Who screamed?" He looked from the Shaylin to Veronica and Tristian. Veronica wasn't sure if what she saw was anger, but she knew it was far from happy.

"Nicci, are you alright?" Ginny said, moving over to her.

Professor Potter and the Headmaster were bent over Shaylin. "You can let go now, Winters," Tristian whispered, sounding amused, "I doubt Shaylin is going to jump up and bite you."

Veronica blushed and let go. She walked over to her mother and shot a glare at Tristian. He shouldn't talk like that about people who were hurt, she thought irritably. "Is she okay?" Veronica asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Yes," Sirius said, "But she needs medical attention. Professor Potter, take her to the Hospital Wing. Professor Winters, take Veronica back to her dorm. Professor Malfoy, you take Tristian and when you're finished, alert the other teachers."

"It was just here," Veronica interrupted. "We saw it."

Sirius frowned. "Now?" Veronica nodded.

Another set of footsteps came running down the hall. Professor Miller stepped into view. She looked frightened. "Is everything alright..." she began, but stopped when she saw Shaylin.

"Professor Miller and I will do a sweep of the castle," Sirius continued.

Professor Miller looked scared, but nodded. Professor Potter lifted Shaylin up and disappeared. Veronica barely remembered her mother guiding her back to the dorm. She never noticed the strange looks her mother was giving her. Instead, her mind was replaying the scene over and over again. The hooded figure had looked directly at her. "You are the center of it all," Professor Conway's voice echoed in her head. Veronica shivered. She wasn't safe here. She felt it.