"Hurry up, Nicci," Parker shouted, "We're going to miss the game!"

"Relax, Parker," Veronica said, smiling, "We still have half an hour."

"But we want good seats," Kylie whined, "This is one of the most important games of the year."

"Why is this one any more important than the last one?" Daniella asked.

"Because Gryffindor is playing Slytherin," Kylie said, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

"And Gryffindor is going to kick butt," Parker said loudly.

"We better," Kylie said, "Now, come on. Let's get going."

Veronica grabbed her Gryffindor flag and headed out the door. "So, how long do you think the game will last?" Kylie asked.

"I bet five minutes," Parker said, "The Slytherins have no talent what so ever. They couldn't keep up any longer than that."

"But they cheat," Kylie said.

"That's very true," Parker said, "They are nasty yellow bellied cheating..."

"Parker!" Daniella said, "That is a terrible thing to say. Not all Slytherins can be bad..."

"Ridiculous," Kylie shouted, "They are all bad."

"I agree," Parker said, "Right, Nicci?"

Veronica shifted her gaze towards the front door. "I hope the weather is good," she said.

"Me too," Kylie said, "Hopefully it won't be too windy. That could throw off our players." Veronica let out a quiet sigh of relief when Kylie didn't notice her change of subject. Parker, however, was staring at her suspiciously.

"Yes," Veronica said. She shivered when they stepped outside. "Well, I guess we don't get to have warm weather."

"Well it is January," Parker said, shaking her head.

"Very true," Kylie said, "Now hurry up. Look at all the people already at the pitch. If we don't hurry, we won't even get a decent seat, let alone a good one."

Veronica laughed. "Relax, Kylie. We'll get seats.".

"Sure," Kylie grumbled, "But I want to be able to see."

"Fine, fine," Veronica said grinning, "We'll walk faster."

Ten minutes later, the girls finally found seats that were to Kylie's liking. "These are good seats," Parker commented.

"A bit high, I think," Daniella said quietly, while glancing at the ground.

"Don't worry, Dani," Parker said grinning, "I'll catch you if you fall."

Veronica glared at her. "Not that you will fall," she said to Daniella, who nodded, but looked quite terrified.

"Quiet," Kylie shouted, "The teams are coming out!"

Veronica looked over at the field to see seven figures clad in scarlet, seven figures in green and a very tall man, who was no doubt Coach Weasley.

"And out come the teams," Darien Jordan's voice echoed through the stadium, "The undefeated Gryffindors versus the undefeated cheaters we know as the Slytherins!"

"Jordan!" Professor Weasley shouted, looking irritated.

"Sorry Professor," Darien said grinning, "Just reporting the truth."

"Jordan!"

"Anyways, on to the players," Darien said quickly, "My man, Captain Pete Baylen of Gryffindor is shaking hands right now with Captain Todd Morgan of Slytherin. Looks more like they're trying to break each other's hands though..."

Veronica looked over toward Peter and Todd. Darien was right. They both had a strong grip on the other's hand and were shooting glares at each other. If looks could kill, they would both be dead.

"And Coach Weasley is making his way to the middle of the field with the Quaffle," Darien said.

CoachWeasley motioned the players to get ready. He threw the quaffle up and blew the whistle. Both teams took off. "And it's Gryffindor in possession," Darien shouted, "But who doubted that."

"It's Richards with the quaffle. Bludger by Mason, but Richards dodges. Pass to Phillips. She weaves past Slytherin Chasers Henderson and Elthatin. Of course, that isn't too hard. Those two are so huge it makes me wonder how they get up into the air. I'm surprised they're brooms haven't broken..."

"Jordan!" Professor Weasley shouted as she made a grab for the microphone.

"Just stating the facts, Professor," Darien said, moving away from her, "Oh, Slytherin in possession. Cote is taking in down. Stolen by Matthews and Gryffindor in possession. Pass to Richards, who passes back to Matthews. He shoots...He scores!"

Several cheers erupted from around the stadium. "Yeah!" Veronica shouted.

"Slytherin's Henderson is taking the quaffle down field. He passes...Picked off by Phillips and she easily puts another goal in for Gryffindor. That's 20-0 in favor of everyone's favorite Gryffindor."

"Elthatin is taking down the quaffle. Pass to Cote who flies past Phillips and Richards. She has a clear shot at the goal. She shoots...Saved by Baylen. Nice save, mate. Baylen throws out to Matthews."

"Hey," Darien shouted, "That's a penalty! You can't do that!"

Veronica gasped as Peter Baylen dropped several feet on his broom and almost fell off after a bludger hit him square in the stomach. CoachWeasley blew his whistle. "That's what I thought!" Darien shouted, "Dirty rotten slimy cheating..."

"Jordan!" Professor Weasley shouted again, "I will find a replacement if you can't be unbiased!"

"After that obviously dirty trick..."

"Jordan," Professor Weasley warned.

"Fine," Darien said, "Matthews is taking the shot. Come on...He shoots...He scores! Take that Slytherins!"

"Slytherin in possession," Darien continued, "Elthatin taking it down. Pass to Henderson, who passes to Cote. She shoots...She scores. The score is now 30-10."

"Gryffindor in possession. Matthews taking it down. Ouch, bludger by Kelington, but recovered by Phillips. She passes to Richards, who shoots. Oh no it was a fake back to Phillips. She shoots, she scores!"

"Nice one Gabby," Darien shouted, "Hey, did you see that? You can't hit people with the bat! Penalty!"

CoachWeasley's whistle blew again. The Slytherins booed. "Oh, yeah keep booing," Darien shouted, "You'll be doing that the whole game, because no matter how much you cheat, we're still going to kick your a..."

"Jordan!" Professor Weasley shouted, making a grab at him, "Give me that microphone! Detention!"

"Sorry Professor. Heat of the moment," Darien said, jumping over out of her reach, "Phillips is taking the shot. Oh, she missed. Slytherin in possession. Henderson taking it down. Ouch, that had to hurt. Bludger to the head by Weasley. Nice Carly. Show them how it's done."

"Matthews passes to Richards, who shoots. He scores!" Darien shouted, "Hey, wait a minute. I think Potter's seen the snitch!"

Veronica searched the field for James. He was diving over by the Slytherin goal post. He was headed straight for the ground. The Slytherin seeker wasn't far behind him, when all the sudden, James pulled up, leaving the Slytherin seeker headed toward the ground.

"Oh, fake out!" Darien shouted, "I can't believe the idiot fell for it!"

"Jordan!" Professor Weasley shouted, as she made a desperate attempt to get to him. Luckily for Darien, several professors were seated in her way. One of them was Sirius, who was smiling pleasantly, apparently enjoying the commentating.

"Slytherin in possession. Elthatin shoots and he scores. You could have got that one Pete," Darien said. "The score is 50-20, still in favor of Gryffindor."

"I think Potter's going crazy!" Darien shouted, "What is he doing?"

Veronica turned her attention back to James. This time he was zooming straight at the Slytherin Seeker. At the last second James swerved out of the way. He held up his hand. Glittering in the sun was the Golden Snitch.

"Potter has the Snitch!"

Cheers erupted through the stadium. Veronica stood up and cheered as well. Kylie and Parker were next to her doing a ridiculous looking victory dance and shouting. "We won!"

"Come on," Veronica shouted over the noise, "Let's go congratulate the team!"

The girls walked out on to the field, where it seemed the entire Gryffindor house had as well. The girls pushed their way toward James, but several people in the crowd decided to lift him up onto their shoulders along with the rest of the team.

"Guess we'll have to tell him good job later..." Kylie said.

"Party tonight in the Gryffindor common room!" Someone shouted.

Parker smiled. "Oh yeah," she said, "That should be fun. I hope Carly brings some food like last time."

"Me too," Veronica said, "I really like Butterbeer."

"I wonder where she gets it," Daniella said.

"Who cares," Parker said, "As long as we get to eat it, I don't mind."

"Me either," Kylie said, laughing, "Come on. Let's get back to the common room. The Beauxbaton people won't arrive for another two hours and I have homework I need to start."

"Me too," Veronica said, as the girls weaved through the crowd.

"Homework," Parker said, looking disgusted, "It's Friday. How can you two think about homework on Friday?"

"Well, we do have a lot this weekend," Daniella said.

"Who cares," Parker said, "This is a time of celebration. Gryffindor just showed Slytherin who's the better house. We kicked..."

"A little cocky now aren't we," a voice interrupted.

The girls turned around. Veronica scowled. Standing in front of them was Amelia, Cristina and Jillian . "What do you three want now?" Veronica asked.

"We've already kicked your butt at dueling once," Parker said, smirking, "Don't tell me you're back for seconds."

"You think you're so great, don't you Keowen," Amelia sneered.

"As a matter of fact..." Parker began smirking.

"Just like a Gryffindor," Amelia said, "Arrogant. That's why your house is full of such losers."

"At least we're not slimy, back stabbing Slytherins who can't even do a proper spell," Parker shot back.

"All you are is a filthy Mudblood," Amelia said furiously.

"How dare you call her that," Kylie said angrily, while pulling out her wand.

"You're asking for it," Veronica said coldly, pulling out her wand as well. Normally, it took her a long time to get this angry, but she was getting really tired of Amelia Zaben and her terrible attitude.

Amelia and her friends pulled out their wands as well. "We're going to make you pay for your insults to our house," Amelia said.

A boy, that Veronica recognized as Amelia's brother, David, stepped out of the shadows and pulled out his wand. "That they will Amelia," he said.

Uh oh, Veronica thought, feeling a panic rise through her. That was why Amelia was acting so cocky even though they had beaten her last time. She had her brother here the whole time. But he wouldn't, she thought. She glanced back up at his face and the wand pointed directly at her. Okay, maybe he would.

"Is there a problem here?" a voice asked.

Veronica looked over to see Carly Weasley. She was glaring angrily at Amelia, Christina, Jillian and David. "I suggest you leave now," Carly said, threateningly, while pulling out her wand, "Unless you want this to get ugly."

"Let's go Amelia," David said softly, placing his wand back in his robes. He looked furious.

"But, David..." Amelia began.

"Now!" David said sharply.

Amelia shot the girls a glare. "This isn't over," she whispered, before turning on her heel and stalking off towards the castle, behind her brother, with her two friends.

"Thanks," Parker said smiling.

"Yeah," Kylie said, "I mean, we can take those three, but I was starting to worry when David showed up."

"No problem," Carly said, with the wave of her hand, "I just can't believe that a fourth year would stoop so low as to attack a first year. It's absolutely ridiculous."

"He's a Slytherin," Parker said scowling, "Can't expect decency from them."

"Very true," Carly said, laughing "Why don't you four head up to the common room? We're having a pre-party party. I'm going to go get us some butterbeer."

"Okay. Bye Carly," Kylie said.

"Bye girls," Carly said, as she turned and headed down another corridor.

"Can you believe that?" Parker asked, as they walked, "Having her brother attack us?"

"I can believe it no problem," Veronica said darkly.

"She really seems to have a problem with you Nicci," Parker said, "I mean the whole time she was yelling at me, she was glaring at you."

"Yeah," Veronica said, "I know."

"What in Merlin's name did you do to her?" Kylie asked, "I mean, she had it out for you all the way back to our first flying lessons."

Daniella shuddered. "I hated flying lessons," she said softly.

"Why?" Veronica asked, glad for the change in subject, "You were very good at it, one of the best in the class."

Daniella shrugged. "Too high up," she muttered.

Kylie, Parker and Veronica looked at her strangely. Daniella blushed slightly. "What's with your fear of heights?" Parker asked. Daniella looked the other way.

"I'm not really too fond of it either," Veronica said, trying to lighten the mood, "I'd rather watch." Daniella gave her an appreciative smile.


Two hours later, the girls headed down towards the Entrance Hall. The Beauxbaton students were to arrive in twenty minutes. The girls pushed their way towards the front so they could see better. Most of Hogwarts was already outside waiting.

"So, do you think they'll come by flying boat like Brimhall?" Daniella asked.

"Nah," Kylie said, "My dad told me when he was here, they came by a flying..."

"Look!" someone shouted, "Up in the sky!"

Veronica looked upward. A small figure could be seen on the horizon line. Veronica watched as it flew closer. It definitely wasn't a ship. She squinted her eyes and stared hard. When the figure was in better view, there were several gasps. Veronica had gasped as well. Pulling a magnificent and gigantic, power blue carriage, were several winged horses. They were pure white and were probably as tall as an elephant.

The carriage landed with a loud clunking of hooves. One of the horses snorted loudly. The door to the carriage opened moments later. Out of it came the largest woman Veronica had ever seen. Despite her gigantic size, Veronica noted she looked quite beautiful dressed in a set of silk robes, with her hair pulled up elegantly on her head.

Behind her several normal sized students stepped out. Each were dressed in expensive looking powder blue robes, which matched the carriage nicely. Veronica guessed they were about fifty students and all of them appeared to be at least fifteen.

"Madame Maxine," Sirius said jovially as he stepped forward and shook both their hands, "How is Yvonne? I do believe she's seven now?"

"Yes," Madame Maxine said, "She is seven and doing very well."

"It's good to see you, old friend. Hagrid sure misses you during the school year," Sirius said, smiling, "Do come inside."

Madame Maxine and the students followed Sirius into the Great Hall. Madame Maxine and Professor Potter were chatting lively. Apparently they knew each other quite well. Hagrid joined them a few moments later and to Veronica's surprise he kissed her. Veronica and the girls took a seat in the middle of the table, which gave them a good view of the table set especially for the Beauxbaton students.

"Look like they only brought the older students," Kylie observed, with a look of disappointment.

"Don't look so disappointed," Parker said, waving her hand, "We probably wouldn't like them. I bet they're rude. After all, they are French."

"Now, now Keowen. Don't be so rude," Orion said, as he took a seat beside her.

"Who invited you into this conversation, Black?" Parker sneered.

Orion smirked, and made to say something back, but Veronica cut him off sensing another fight coming. "You did good at the game today, James," she said quickly.

"I know," James said, smirking.

Kylie shook her head. "You are so conceited."

"So," James said, "Plus it's not being conceited if it's the absolute truth."

Kylie and Parker burst out laughing. "What is so funny?" James asked glaring.

"You..." Parker began, still laughing.

James glared. "Forget it James," Orion said smiling, "Don't let them ruin our perfect day."

"Yeah," Jeff said, "And it still isn't over yet."

"I think it's almost time for the grand finale," Shane said, glancing over at the Slytherin table, "It's about time those Slytherins got what's coming to them, especially Snape."

"What are you rambling on about?" Kylie asked.

"You'll see soon enough, little sister," James said.

Veronica turned to the Slytherin table. They all looked perfectly fine to her. Then again, they usually looked fine and then something would happen. Veronica noticed Amelia and Snape were bent over talking to each other. That doesn't look good, she thought. They look like they're planning something.

She let her eyes move over to the person on Snape's other side. Tristian. He was glancing around the room, looking very bored. His eyes stopped on her. Veronica felt a blush rise in her cheeks, but luckily enough for her, several shouts caused Tristian to look away.

Veronica looked in the direction the shouts had come from. Laughter echoed through the Great Hall. Veronica began laughing as soon as she saw what had happened as well. A fifth year Slytherin that Veronica recognized as one of their prefects, had grown a nose the size of a pumpkin and it was glowing neon pink.

Veronica looked over towards Amelia just in time to see her tongue grow ten feet. Snape's left ear grew to the size of his head and Jillian now had an arm that dragged on the ground. Each body part that had been enlarged was neon pink.

"Does our little prank look familiar?" Orion asked smirking.

"Very," Parker said smiling, "But I must say, the gigantic bright pink nose looked much better on you Black."

Orion shot her a glare, but the smile didn't leave his face. "Wait, here comes the rest," Jeff said.

There was a series of loud bangs. Veronica looked up above the Slytherin table to see the smoke of several fireworks spell out "Slytherin Sucks!" in red and gold.

Thirty minutes later, Sirius finally managed to gain control of the Great Hall. However, none of the professors had been able to come up with a counter curse for the Slytherins' problems. Veronica supposed that this was due to the fact that Parker and Abby had made the potion themselves. She was curious as to how the boys had managed to get their hands on some though. No doubt they borrowed some.

"It has certainly been an interesting day," Sirius said, smiling, "And I think that tomorrow will be just as interesting. Hopefully with a little less mischief, though..." Sirius shot a glance at the boys, but his eyes were twinkling. "We wouldn't want our Beauxbaton friends to not want to come back."

"Zat vould never happen, Sirius," Madame Maxine assured him.

"I hope not," Sirius said smiling, "Now, Madame Maxine and I have arranged for her students to be split up into the four houses. She will be giving her students the arrangements in a few moments. Prefects will lead the students to their respective houses for their stay."


Veronica groaned and rolled over as light poured into the room and onto her face. She glanced over at the clock. 7:34. She rolled back over and tried to go back to sleep. Last night, she hadn't gone to bed until one o'clock and she was really tired. However, for some reason she couldn't go back to sleep.

Letting out an annoyed sigh, Veronica got up quietly and got dressed, before heading down to the common room. When she got down there, the common room was deserted. Guess everyone's tired from last nights party, she mused, while taking a seat. It probably would have ended much later if Professor Weasley hadn't appeared in her night gown and started yelling.

She smiled. It was funny to see the frightened looks on the faces of the Beauxbaton students. They, unlike the Hogwarts students, didn't know that Professor Weasley wouldn't do anything, at least not on a day where Gryffindor won one of the most important Quidditch games of the year. She was strict, but she wasn't heartless. No doubt she had done the same when she was young.

Veronica sighed loudly and looked around. Her mind wandered to her mother. It was something she found herself doing often. Her mother's lies were seriously starting to annoy her and she gotten no more clues. How was she supposed to figure out what was going on when the only people who really knew were her mom and Sirius and neither of them were talking. She deserved to know why her mother was considered a traitor and why she wouldn't tell the other professors that she went to Hogwarts.

Perhaps I'll go see my mom, she thought, getting up. She walked out of the common room and towards her mother's office. She's probably already up, Veronica thought. It's time I knew what was going on. She stopped when she reached her mother's office and was about to knock on the door when she heard voices. She leaned against the door quietly and tried to listen. I'm turning into Parker with all this eavesdropping, she thought with amusement.

"That's true Ginny," Sirius said, "But how much longer can you keep up this act? You're going to slip up eventually and they will find out it's you. Don't you think you should at least tell Veronica? She deserves to know who her family is and who her mother really is."

"I'm going to tell her," Ginny said defensively, "But she's too young right now. She's not ready."

Sirius sighed loudly. "Ginny, I think she's stronger than you think," he said, "Do you remember what happened when Dumbledore thought Harry was too young to know about the prophecy? He went to the Ministry to save me and almost got himself killed. Not to mention I almost died too."

"Who knows what would have happened if I hadn't got hit with another spell the same time Bellatrix hit me? Harry thought I fell behind the veil and I laid invisible and unconscious for four days in there. Then I wandered around for over a year without my memory. Thank Merlin Draco found me and turned me in to the Order. You saw what it did to Harry when he thought I was dead..."

"Yes, I know," Ginny interrupted, "But this is much different. I'm not going to get killed over this secret and neither will Veronica."

"Perhaps," Sirius agreed, "But don't you think she'll be very upset if she finds out from someone other than you? And what about your friends and family?"

Family, Veronica thought. But they're all dead. "I told you Sirius," Ginny said, "Those so called friends and family made it very clear that they didn't want to be even associated with me anymore. They threw me out, not the other way around."

Veronica gasped and accidentally banged her leg on the door. "Did you hear that?" Sirius asked. There was a scuffling from inside.

Cursing silently, Veronica jumped behind a statue off to the right. The door opened and Ginny stepped outside. She looked around. "Must have been Peeves," Ginny said. She looked back inside at Sirius. "Let's talk about this later," she said, "The game is going to start in a few minutes."

Sirius nodded and walked outside. "Alright," Sirius said, "But I suggest that you tell them soon.Veronica at least."

Ginny sighed. She looked upset. "I will," she said, "She does deserve to know exactly what happened and why I didn't tell her."

Sirius smiled. "Come on, then," he said, "Let's go."

Ginny smiled weakly at him and they disappeared around the corner. Veronica waited until she was sure they were completely gone. She started walking towards the Quidditch field and then stopped. I really don't feel like going, she thought. She turned around and started off down another corridor.

"Family?" Veronica muttered, "Could I have family that's alive? I can't believe she didn't tell me." Veronica had always wanted a normal family. Ginny knew that. How many times had she came home crying when the other kids had brought grandparents and aunts and uncles for show and tell? She loved her mom more than anyone, but she always wanted more. Her mom wouldn't keep something like that from her, would she?

A sudden thought occurred to her. Her mother had known Kylie's dad. The picture. The one she found earlier that year must have belonged to her mother. She had always just figured that Jeff, Rob, Kylie, James, or some other Weasley had dropped it.

If her mother knew Harry, then she knew Ginny Weasley too. Tristian had said that Ginny Weasley was accused of being a traitor and so had her mother. What if they were in on it together? Ginny Weasley had been innocent, at least according to Tristian. Was her mother? Or maybe her mother had been the real traitor and she had gotten Ginny accused with her.

"This is just too much to take in," Veronica said, a bit louder than she had intended.

"What is?" a voice asked.

Veronica jumped and turned around. "Oh, it's you," she said, with a sigh of relief.

"Yes, it's me," Tristian said, smiling amusedly, "So tell me, what brings you down to the dungeons? Lost again?"

Veronica looked around. She had been so caught up in her thoughts, she hadn't realized where she was going. I guess I am in the dungeons, Veronica thought, noticing the menacing portraits and slight chill for the first time. "I guess I didn't realize where I was going," Veronica said.

Tristian nodded. "I see," he said, "So what's wrong?"

"Wrong?" Veronica asked, trying to look confused.

Tristian smirked and Veronica felt a sudden urge to smack him, but refrained. He really was too good at reading people's feelings or perhaps I'm just too bad at hiding them, Veronica thought. "Well, most people don't lose track of where they're going unless something's on their mind."

Veronica frowned. She looked over at him. Was this something she should be telling people? After all, her mother sure had gone a long way to keep it a secret. She met Tristian's eyes. They were the most beautiful shade of blue, and despite the warning her mind was shouting, Veronica found herself trusting those eyes. "I heard my mother talking with the Headmaster today..." she began.

"You eavesdropped," Tristian said, with a teasing note in his voice, "Not the little angel, Veronica."

Veronica glared at him. "Yes, I did," she snapped, "But that's not the point."

"Alright, alright," Tristian said, holding up his hands in defeat, "No need to get angry. I just found it somewhat amusing. You don't seem the type to be eavesdropping, that's all."

"Well, it was a bit of an accident, okay," Veronica said.

Tristian smiled. "Well, what did you hear?"

"I have family," Veronica said softly.

Tristian looked at her strangely. "Yeah, I know. I take Charms too."

Veronica looked at him with an annoyed expression. "Not like that," she said, "My mother always told me that she was an only child and her parents were dead. But, today I heard Sirius say that she had friends and family looking for her. She got angry with him and told him that they threw her out. I heard her say earlier this year that she had been called a traitor..."

Tristian nodded. "Sounds like a familiar story."

"I know, Ginny Weasley," Veronica said, "I think my mom might have known her too. Have you heard of any other traitors from during the war?"

Tristian frowned. "Not that I can recall, though it's certainly very possible. Someone had to be passing information for the Weasleys to be so sure it was Ginny. Of course, they would have also have to have been close to the Weasleys."

Veronica sighed. "I heard Sirius say that she knew Harry back when he went here and I found a picture of him, Ginny, and both Professor Weasleys as kids in my mom's classroom."

Tristian looked away. He appeared to be deep in thought. "So I guess that means that Professor Potter, and both Professor Weasleys could have been the friends that threw her out," Tristian said, "After all, they did it to their own sister, why not your mum?"

Veronica frowned. "That actually hadn't occurred to me," she said, "My mom and Professor Potter get along so well."

"They would," Tristian said, "Think about it. If they were friends before and if he didn't know it was your mum then it would make since that they would still have things in common."

Veronica nodded and looked away. Things were just getting way too weird. I wish I never heard about my mother's lies in the first place, she thought. Then none of this would have ever happened. I would be outside right now with my friends enjoying the game. But you would have been living a lie and you might have never found out about your family, a little voice said. Veronica sighed. Another thought entered her mind. It was one that had come to her earlier and one she didn't like. She looked over at Tristian, who was looking back at her.

"What if..." she began.

"What if your mother was the real traitor, not Ginny Weasley?" Tristian asked.

Veronica frowned. "How did you know I was going to say that?" she asked quietly.

"Because I was thinking the same thing," Tristian said, "I don't know your mother too well, but I've heard enough about Ginny Weasley to know she would never betray Professor Potter. She was in love with him."

Veronica sighed. "I just can't see my mom being a traitor though," she said, "She really is a nice person..."

"Maybe now," Tristian said slowly, "But it all fits if you think about it. I mean, the lies to you and the other professors. She wouldn't want them to find out who she was because she would probably be thrown in prision. The picture fits too. She was friends with them. She's probably the one who took the picture."

"But why would her friends and family want her back if she really is a traitor?" Veronica asked.

Tristian shrugged. "Family is just like that," he said, "You love them no matter what they do or say. Perhaps they think that they have lived without her long enough and are ready to give her a second chance."

Veronica sighed. "I wish I could just ask her," she said softly.

"Why don't you then?" Tristian said.

"Oh yeah, that would work," Veronica said, with a sarcastic tone, "What would I say? Hey mom, I was eavesdropping on you earlier. So why did your parents throw you out? Are you really a traitor? Why are you lying to all the professors?"

Tristian laughed. "It would be interesting to watch."

Veronica shot him a glare. "Maybe for you," she said, annoyed, "But if you haven't noticed, my world is basically falling apart!"

"Sorry," Tristian said, in a voice that clearly said he wasn't.

"Sure," Veronica snapped, "Why do I even bother telling you things?"

"Because you doubt that your other friends would understand," Tristian said coolly, "After all, take a look at them. Carter lacks the strength to deal with any unpleasant information. Potter, is well...Let's say her answer to all problems is, "Let's prank them." As for Keowen, despite her obvious intelligence, she lacks...Well, how do I put this nicely..."

"I'm surprised you're even bothering," Veronica said, coolly.

Tristian smiled. "Now where did that attitude come from?"

"Probably rubbed off from you," Veronica said, smiling.

Tristian laughed. "And here I was thinking you were a lost cause when it came to learning the basics of rudeness and comebacks," he said. Veronica smirked. "Oh I can't believe it," Tristian continued laughing.

"What?" Veronica asked.

"You just did the Malfoy smirk," Tristian said, smiling.

Veronica pretended to look offended. "I truly doubt anyone other than a Malfoy could get such a conceited look on their face."

"Don't be so sure," Tristian said smiling. He suddenly turned serious. "Do you hear that?"

Veronica frowned and listened. "Voices," she muttered, "They're close."

"Yeah, like in the next corridor," Tristian said, frowning, "And not just anybody's voices either. It's my father."

Veronica looked over at him. "And the Headmaster," she added.

Tristian put a finger to his lips and gestured for her to follow him. Not again, she thought to herself, but followed him anyways.

"I think it could be her," Professor Malfoy said, his voice strained.

Sirius frowned. "Are you sure?"

"No," Professor Malfoy said. Veronica noticed he was rubbing his right shoulder. That's strange, she thought. "But it is certainly likely." He suddenly let out a sharp cry.

Sirius steadied him. "That's enough, Draco," he said softly, "I will look into the matter, seeing as how you most certainly can not."

Professor Malfoy nodded. "I just don't know why."

Sirius frowned. "Me either, Draco. We should keep this between the two of us for now. I'll tell Harry about it later tonight. There's no need to worry the others unnecessarily, since we don't know for sure that it's her."

Professor nodded. "I understand."

"Good," Sirius said softly, "Will you be alright?"

"Yes, I just need to rest for a moment." Sirius nodded and left. Professor Malfoy leaned up against a wall, clearly still in pain. Veronica looked over at Tristian. He was staring at his father, frowning.

As though feeling Veronica's gaze, he signaled for her to back up away from the corridor. Veronica nodded silently and moved a few feet away. "Is he alright?"

"He's fine."

"But he looks like he's in pain..."

"I said he's fine," Tristian snapped. Veronica frowned and Tristian sighed. "It's nothing to worry about. Trust me."

Veronica nodded. "I do."

Tristian sent her a smile, but it faded quickly. "He's coming! Hide," he hissed.

Veronica looked around quickly. She spotted a statue of an old man off to her left and jumped behind it. Professor Malfoy appeared in the corridor moments later. "There you are Tristian," he said calmly, as though he had not just been pain moments before, "Where were you? I didn't see you at the game."

"Oh, I was just didn't feel like going," Tristian said coolly, "I've been walking around."

"Oh really," Professor Malfoy said, narrowing his eyes in suspicion.

"Yes," Tristian said, looking uninterested.

"Hmmm," Professor Malfoy muttered, staring at his son, "Well, run along now. It's lunch time."

Tristian nodded. "Yes father," he said, before starting off down another corridor. Professor Malfoy glanced around. Veronica held her breath. Professor Malfoy walked past her and disappeared around the corner. She waited about five minutes before coming out.

Funny, she thought. That's the second time one of these statues has come in handy today. And here I thought they were just for decoration. She laughed quietly and walked towards the Great Hall.

She pushed all thoughts of her mother and Tristian from her mind. Now wasn't the time to be dwelling on that, Veronica thought. I've been doing that too much lately. When she got to the Great Hall she noticed Kylie, Parker and Daniella already seated.

"Nicci!" Parker shouted, while beckoning her over.

"You missed it," Kylie said, as Veronica sat down, "It was an amazing game. Short, but amazing."

"Hogwarts kicked butt," Parker added, "The game only lasted twenty minutes. Genesis got the snitch so fast."

"That's only because the Beauxbaton people were terrible," Kylie said smiling.

"Not that one Chaser," Parker said.

"Oh, you mean Francesca Melin," Kylie said, turning to Veronica, "She was the only one worth seeing. She was actually quite good, especially compared to her team. She's the tall blonde that stayed in the Gryffindor tower. The real pretty one."

Veronica thought back to the party last night. She vaguely remembered a tall, pretty blonde. "I think I know who you're talking about."

"Where were you anyways?" Parker asked.

"We were worried about you," Daniella added.

"Just out for a walk," Veronica said, forcing a smile, "I didn't really feel like going."

"Why not?" Parker prodded.

"Maybe she doesn't feel like telling you Keowen," Orion said, as he sat down.

"Maybe you shouldn't butt into other people's conversations, Black," Parker said scowling.

Orion smirked. "Just doing people a favor and saving them from having to listen to you."

"They'd rather talk to me than you," Parker shot back.

Veronica rolled her eyes. "I just was a bit tired of Quidditch," she said, hoping to end the argument. However, Orion and Parker were too busy fighting to hear her.

"Honestly," Kylie said shaking her head and laughing.

"You better get untired of Quidditch soon," James said.

"Yeah, though I'm not sure how you could get tired of it," Jeff said, "You better come out of it quick."

"Why?" Daniella asked.

"Oh come on," Shane said, "You don't remember?"

"Remember what?" Veronica asked.

"Remember," James said in an exaggerated voice, "The Quidditch match against Salem is in two weeks. Gryffindor is going to Salem."

"We're going to the United States?" Kylie asked.

"No we're going to Iceland," Shane said sarcastically. Kylie glared.

"Isn't it great?" Jeff said smiling.

"Yeah," Veronica said softly. She looked up over towards the Slytherin table. She met Tristian's eyes and he smiled. She smiled back, but quickly turned away. What had just happened? What did Professor Malfoy know and why was he in so much pain? Trust me, Tristian said. Veronica sighed. Maybe some time away would be good for me, she thought.