"Quiet down, children," Professor Miller said for the fifth time. She waited for a moment, but the talking continued. "I said be quiet!" she shouted.

Veronica stared over at Professor Miller in shock. Her face was contorted in anger. The rest of the class was staring as well. Professor Miller seemed to have noticed this. She took a deep breath.

"I'm sorry class," she said, her voice back to its normal kind tone, "Please pay attention. I know you are all anxious because of this weekends Quidditch Cup and I know this is the last class on Friday, but I have some important things to say. In about two weeks, we will be starting our ancestry project..."

The bell to end class interrupted her speech. Professor Miller sighed. "We will continue on Monday. Have a nice weekend."

Veronica grabbed her books and left the classroom quickly. She didn't want to see another of Professor Miller's outbursts. "That was really weird," she said to the girls, once they were a good distance from the classroom.

"Tell me about it," Kylie said, raising her eyebrows, "I've never seen her yell before."

"I told you there was something wrong about her," Parker said.

"Now Parker," Daniella said softly, "She just got mad that nobody was paying attention. You would have been angry too. She's a very nice lady."

Parker shrugged. "I still don't like her."

"Who do you like?" Orion asked, raising his eyebrows.

Veronica held in a groan as the boys caught up with them. Parker rolled her eyes. "Not you," she sneered.

"I'm so hurt," Orion said, clutching his heart dramatically.

"Hurt enough to die?" Parker asked hopefully.

Orion glared. "Not likely."

Parker sighed. "What a shame."

"I bet more people wish you would die than they wish I would," Orion said cockily.

"Oh, I'm so sure," Parker sneered.

Veronica tuned out what she was sure would become another ten minutes long argument. Sure, Parker and Orion's fights were quite entertaining, but today she wasn't in the mood.

Her thoughts lay with Tristian and his many different personalities. He had so many different masks, Veronica was unsure of which was his true face. Was he really that boy who had threatened Molly three weeks ago? Or was he that kind boy that she spent so much of her time with now?

"Right Nicci?" Parker's voice said, interrupting her thoughts.

"Oh, yeah," Veronica murmured.

Everyone started laughing. Veronica stared at them confused. "So Professor Malfoy is your favorite teacher and you enjoy vomit flavored Bertie Botts Every Flavored Beans?" James asked, grinning.

Veronica scowled. "Funny," she said, sending them a glare.

"Thinking about how great tomorrow's Quidditch game is going to be?" Jeff asked.

"We are definitely going to win," Shane added.

"Oh yeah," Kylie said grinning, "How could we lose to Slytherin?"

"Well if they cheat enough..." Veronica began.

"They can't beat us no matter how much they cheat," James said, with a wave of his hand.

"Loser!" Orion shouted.

"It's better to be a loser than be you!" Parker retorted.

Veronica rolled her eyes. It was funny how after a while one could easily tune out Parker and Orion's voices. Until they yelled, that is, she thought. Veronica turned to look at them, and let out a gasp as she slammed into someone hard.

She turned quickly. Molly was laying on the floor in front of her. "I'm sorry," Veronica said, offering her a hand. Molly didn't take it. She just got up quickly, muttered she was sorry, and took off full speed down the hall.

"What's with her?" Shane asked, watching the spot where Molly had turned.

"She's been like that for a couple weeks," Jeff said with a shrug.

"Wonder what's wrong with her?" James said, to no one in particular.

"I personally find it odd that it started right after the Slytherins got back from Drumstrang," Parker said. Veronica jumped slightly. She hadn't expected to hear Parker's voice.

"What does that mean, Keowen?" Orion asked, "What do Slytherins have to do with the school gossip queen?"

"Didn't you hear?" Kylie asked.

"Hear what?" James asked.

Kylie rolled her eyes. "You know, about Malfoy's secret girlfriend."

Veronica froze, but quickly cleared her facial expression. It was a talent that she had picked up from Tristian. Too bad she wasn't as good at it as he was. "Secret girlfriend?" Shane asked.

A mischievous smile appeared on each of the boys faces. "And nobody ever found out who she was?" Jeff asked slowly.

"Nope," Parker said.

"Now why would he want to keep a thing like that a secret?" James asked, as his smile broadened.

"Because she isn't a Slytherin," Orion said, his smile matching James'.

"Exactly what we thought," Kylie said.

"Well, I guess it's our job, well, responsibility actually, to find out who this mystery girl is," James said.

"Responsibility to who?" Parker asked, raising her eyebrows.

"Well, the school of course," Jeff said, smiling innocently.

"How can we keep an accurate record of our time here if we don't know important details like this?" Shane asked.

"You're keeping a record?" Veronica asked, choking back the fear growing in her stomach. Threats would not work with the boys. She knew that for a fact. It would only fuel their need to find out.

Orion shot Shane a sharp look. "Personal business," he said. Veronica frowned. That wasn't an answer, but she had a feeling about what it meant.

"I think you should leave it alone," Daniella said quietly, but with surprising firmness.

James looked over at her in surprise. "And why is that?" he asked, looking amused.

"Because it's his business and just because you don't like him doesn't mean that you can go sticking your nose in it," Daniella said, slowly losing her firmness from all the eyes that were focused on her, "I mean, would you want someone to do that to you?"

"We have nothing to hide," Jeff said.

"At least nothing that anybody can find," Orion said with a grin.

"Oh really?" Parker asked, looking curious, "I'll have to make it my life's mission to find out just what that is."

"Keep your nose in your own business, Keowen," Orion snapped.

"Make me," Parker retorted in a childish voice.

Shane rolled his eyes as the fighting started again. "As Orion said, we know how to hide things we don't want known. Malfoy should have been more careful."

Daniella shook her head. "That's just so rude," she murmured.

James sighed. "Come on, Carter," he said, slinging his arm around her shoulders, "We're not that bad are we?"

To Veronica's surprise, Daniella shook off his arm. She looked upset. "I just thought you were better people than that." She looked over at Kylie, Parker, and Veronica for help.

Parker was caught up in her fight with Orion. Kylie shrugged. "You just don't get it. Malfoys are evil..." Kylie said.

"Nicci?" Daniella asked softly.

"Just let it be," Veronica said towards the boys, "Dani's right. We all have our secrets and there are usually reasons for them being a secret."

Kylie looked over at Veronica and frowned. "What secrets?"

Veronica shook her head. "I didn't mean I had some deep dark secret," she said, hoping she sounded sincere. It was going to be a long weekend and a long rest of the year.

Somehow Tristian would find a way to get around it. Tristian, Veronica thought. She frowned slightly. I'm becoming too dependent on him, she thought irritably. Then a wave of sadness hit her. Would he really be able to get them out of this one like he had the last? Somehow she doubted it.

"Nicci!" Kylie said, waving her hand in front of Veronica's face.

Veronica smiled sheepishly. "Sorry, got lost in thought," she said quickly.

Kylie raised her eyebrows curiously, but said nothing. Veronica turned away from her and looked over at Parker and Orion. They were still arguing. Daniella was walking off to the side, a frown set deeply on her face. James was shooting glances at her, with a mixture of annoyance and remorse. A strange expression, Veronica thought. Jeff and Shane were in deep conversation about the Quidditch Cup between Gryffindor and Slytherin.

Kylie shot Veronica another glance. "Are you okay, Nicci?" she asked softly.

Veronica forced a smile. "Just have a lot on my mind, that's all."

"You can tell me anything, you know that right?" Kylie said.

Veronica sighed. "I know, but this is just something I have to work out on my own."

Kylie nodded. "So what shall we do tonight before the game?"

Veronica raised her eyebrows. "What do you mean?"

Kylie grinned, what had become her trademark mischief grin. "Why a pre-victory party of course," she said, "to celebrate the fact Gryffindor is goingto win the Quidditch Cup."

"Party?" Parker and Orion asked at the same time.

"Stop copying me Black," Parker said scowling.

"You copied me," Orion shot back.

"Stop," James said sharply, before grinning a smile identical to Kylie's, "A party sounds good."

"Shall I spread the word?" Jeff asked.

Shane snickered. "With all the relatives you have here, the school will know in five minutes."

Jeff shot him a glare. "Do it," Kylie said smiling.

"We'll bring the food," James said.

"Where are you going to get food?" Parker asked.

"For us to know and you to wonder about," Orion said winking at her.

"Come on," James said, before Parker could say anything back, "Meet us by the statue of the One Eyed Witch at 9:00 sharp to help us carry the food."

"Thats after curfew," Parker began.

"Frightened of getting in trouble, Keowen," Orion asked, raising his eyebrows.

"Of course not," Parker snapped, "We'll see you there."

"Later ladies," Shane said grinning.

"Much," Parker said, scowling at Orion, who grinned at her.

"This is going to be a fun weekend," Kylie said, sighing with pleasure.

"Yeah," Veronica said. She glanced over at Daniella, who to Veronica's surprise had said nothing about the illegal party. She still looked upset.

Veronica shifted slightly and tried to think of something she could say. Unfortunately she could think of nothing and instead gave Daniella a reassuring smile. Daniella sighed.

Kylie and Parker seemed not to notice. They were in deep conversation about the party. Veronica turned her attention to what, to her at least, was a more pressing problem. The boys. What was she going to do? Somehow, she had to keep them away from Tristian. Perhaps she could find a way to focus their attention elsewhere. She sighed softly. What had she ever done to deserve this?


"Are you ready?" Parker asked grinning.

"Yep," Kylie said.

"I guess so," Veronica muttered. She wasn't really sure why she was nervous. After all, it wasn't the first time she'd been out after curfew.

"Dani?" Parker asked, surveying the common room quickly and then looking back at Daniella.

"It's not a good idea," Daniella said softly.

"Okay, then," Parker said, "That settles it. Let's go."

"Now, I didn't say..." Daniella began, but Parker was already moving away.

Veronica, Kylie and Daniella quickly followed her and were quite glad that nobody saw them leave. Parker was waiting for them just outside. She grinned and the girls started walking quietly down the hallway.

"Stick to the shadows," Parker whispered.

Veronica nodded and so did Kylie. Daniella made a squeaky noise. Veronica shot a glance back at her. She looked pale and worried.

"There it is," Kylie muttered.

"Shh," Parker hissed. Veronica stopped walking. "Hear that? That's not the boys..."

"Oh, no," Daniella said quietly, her eyes wide in fear, "It's a teacher!"

"Well," Parker hissed, giving her a push, "Don't just stand here. Hide!" Veronica turned. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught a glimpse of someone.

"Nicci," Kylie whispered sharply.

The girls quickly darted into an empty classroom and waited. The footsteps were growing increasingly louder, and Veronica froze in fear when she realized who those footsteps belonged to. That walk was unmistakable.

"Professor Malfoy," Parker muttered darkly. Daniella whimpered. The footsteps stopped.

Oh no, Veronica thought desperately. He heard us. A shadow appeared in the glass of the door. Veronica felt her self slowly backing away. She closed her eyes and waited. The handle began to turn.

All four girls froze, but suddenly a voice spoke. "There you are father." Tristian, Veronica thought. So that was who I saw in the hallway.

"What are you doing out of bed so late?" Professor Malfoy hissed.

"I was looking for you," Tristian replied coolly.

"Couldn't it have waited until morning?" Professor Malfoy asked, in an annoyed tone.

"No," Tristian said impartially. Had Veronica not seen him act this way so many times it would have surprised her that he could remain so calm.

"Fine," Professor Malfoy muttered, "Come in here and we'll talk." Veronica froze again.

"I'd prefer if we went somewhere else," Tristian said.

Crash!

"Someone is out of bed!" Professor Malfoy fumed, "We'll talk later."

Kylie let out a sigh of relief as Professor Malfoy stormed away. "Come on," she said, "We need to go meet James and the boys and then murder them."

Parker shifted slightly, as though debating with herself, but followed. Veronica gave the terrified Daniella an encouraging smile and followed Parker. However, just outside the door Parker stopped abruptly and Veronica slammed into her.

"Ouch," Veronica said scowling, "Parker..."

Parker ignored her. Her eyes were fixed at the end of the hallway. Veronica followed her gaze. Staring back at them was Tristian Malfoy. Veronica's eyes widened.

"Great..." Kylie muttered.

Veronica waited. He had to call his father or it would be suspicious, but would he really get her in trouble. Veronica cringed. She wasn't sure exactly which way would be better. Neither looked as though it would have a good outcome.

Tristian raised his eyebrows at the girls and then turned and disappeared. "What in the bloody hell..." Parker began.

"That's what I want to know," Kylie said, looking as though she was going to pass out from shock.

"Let's not question good luck," Veronica said quickly.

"Luck?" Parker said frowning, "I doubt it."

"Girls," Orion whispered jovially, hands full of random deserts. Veronica let out a sigh of relief. Saved by the boys. At least, for now.

"Saw you four got in quite a spot," James said softly.

"No worries though," Shane said grinning.

"Yep, no more run ins with Professor Malfoy tonight," Jeff said, holding back laughter.

"What did you do?" Kylie asked. Veronica looked over at her and the other girls. Daniella was white as snow and shaking slightly. Parker was deep in thought and didn't even seem to notice the boys.

"Just made sure that fifty or so dung bombs will go off all night on the fourth floor," James said grinning, "After all, we couldn't let him catch you guys. Do you realized how much trouble you'd have been in?"

"Surprising that you care," Veronica said, raising her eyebrows.

"Our honor code, remember," Orion said, "We couldn't let you get in trouble when we owed you."

"Consider your debt repaid," Parker said softly, "Let's get back."

"What's up with you Keowen?" Shane asked.

Parker shook her head. "It's been a weird night. I need to think and I don't believe standing out in the middle of the hallway past curfew is the best place for that."

"Well, only a genius would know that," Orion interrupted sarcastically.

"Shut it, Black," Parker said scowling, "You know that I'm twice as smart as you are."

"You wish," Orion retorted.

"Look, I'm not in the mood," Parker snapped, "Just keep quiet." Veronica noticed Orion frown. Thankfully, he did keep quiet, though he took it upon himself to poke Parker in the shoulder every few minutes. She didn't even look at him, which only resulted in more poking. Apparently Orion didn't like being ignored. Veronica rolled her eyes and followed the others back to the common room.

No matter how hard she tried Veronica couldn't seem to enjoy the party. She was too nervous. Her friends were getting too close to the truth, especially Parker. Not to mention the boys were likely to start their search as soon as Quidditch season was over and tomorrow was the last game.


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

"Relax Parker," Veronica said, grabbing her Gryffindor flag, "We have forty five minutes."

"But we want good seats!" Kylie complained loudly.

Veronica glanced over at Daniella. "Is is just me, or do they say the same thing every time?"

Daniella smiled slightly. "They do," she said grabbing her flag as well. "We better get going or they're going to throw a fit."

"You mean a bigger one," Veronica asked.

Daniella smiled and Veronica laughed. They left the dorms still laughing. Parker and Kylie were waiting impatiently on the staircase.

"We were thinking about leaving you guys," Parker said, shaking her head as they descended the staircase, "I mean, honestly. How long does it take?"

"I could have taken longer," Veronica said grinning. Parker glared, and looked away.

Parker's bad mood disappeared as soon as the girls stepped foot on the Quidditch pitch and made their way into the stands. The stadium was completely full within ten minutes.

"Told you we needed to get here early," Kylie observed.

Veronica smiled and shook her head. She started to say something, but was interrupted by the booming voice of Orion Black.

"Girls!" He shouted.

Parker put a hand to her ear and winced. She turned around slowly and glared. "Oh, great," she said, looking annoyed, "We get to have you next to us the entire game."

"We are right in front of you, you know," Kylie said, scowling, "There was no need to yell." Orion grinned.

Veronica was sure he was about to say some smart alack remark back, but Darien Jordan's voice echoed through the stands. "It's the game we've all been waiting for, the Quidditch Cup! This year, it's between Gryffindor and Slytherin!"

"Who else would it be between?" Orion said, "The other teams bloody suck." Veronica rolled her eyes.

"The players are in position. The Quaffle is up...And it's Gryffindor in possession, just as we knew it would be!"

The Gryffindor side burst into cheers. "Its Richards with the Quaffle. He easily dodges a bludger by Mason. Pass to Phillips, who does a reverse to Matthews! Nice play! They never saw it coming! Of course, with the grades that their chasers get, I'm not surprised..."

"Jordan!" Professor Weasley shouted, looking furious. "Detention!"

"Yes, Professor," Darian said absentmindedly. Veronica had a feeling that he hadn't quite comprehended what she had said. "Matthews is at the goals. She shoots...no it's a fake. Pass to Richards. He shoots, he scores!"

More cheers from the Gryffindor side, as well as the Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs. The Slytherins booed, but it was barely heard over the roar of the other houses.

"10-0 in favor of Gryffindor," Darien shouted over the cheers. "Slytherin in possession. Cote is taking it down. She weaves past Richards. Pass to Elthatin, who drops it. Picked up by Matthews of Gryffindor! Passes to Phillips. She shoots...she scores!"

More cheers and boos. "Penalty!" Darien shouted furiously, "Did you see that?"

Coach Weasley's whistle blew. "Penalty shot," Darien said, "Come on Gabby! Ah, she missed."

The game continued for another ten minutes with at least fifteen penalties. All were by the Slytherins, except for one in which Carly Weasley beat the Slytherin chaser over the head with her bat when he grabbed on to Gabby Phillips broom and and jerked it down causing her to almost slip off.

"Wait, Potter's seen the snitch!" Darien shouted. "Don't let that Slytherin brute catch you. Damn it, James! Faster!"

"Darien Jordan," Professor Weasley shouted, obviously fuming, "That's two weeks detention."

"Not now, Professor!" Darien said, waving his arm, eyes still glued on James.

Veronica watched as well. Parker was grabbing her arm so hard, Veronica thought that it might fall off, but she could care less at the moment.

The Slytherin Seeker was right on James tail. Both their arms were stretching out...

"Potter's got the snitch! Gryffindor wins the Cup!"

The Gryffindor side roared. Veronica screamed. She turned just in time to witness Orion and Parker hug each other, while jumping up and down before realizing their mistake. They scowled at each other, turned and started cheering again.

"Come on," Kylie shouted. "Let's go down on the pitch!"

Veronica nodded and followed her down to the pitch. It was so crowded she could barely breath. It seemed as if the whole school was down there and she had no doubt they were.

Kylie stopped suddenly in front of her. Veronica assumed she was talking to someone but couldn't really see. She glanced around. She gasped. Tristian Malfoy was right next to her.

"We need to talk later," Veronica said.

Tristian looked over at her quickly and raised his eyebrows. He turned away. Veronica frowned. It wasn't like anyone could hear them over this racket. "Tonight, eight o'clock. Meet me in the second corridor on the third floor."

Veronica nodded, but then realized that he wasn't looking at her and didn't see that. "Okay," she said, careful not to look at him. Kylie grabbed her arm suddenly and she pulled her away.

"Come on Nicci," Kylie said grinning, "Let's go congratulate James and then go to the party!"


Veronica looked around carefully. It was five minutes to eight. She hid herself behind a suit of armor and waited. Supposedly almost nobody used the third floor, but she didn't want to take any chances. Where the heck was Tristian?

She grinned when he stepped into view. "How's it feel to be on the losing side?"

Tristian shot her a glare and snorted. "I'd much rather suffer a loss than be a Gryffindor."

"Well that's not very nice," Veronica said, still smiling.

"I don't remember ever claiming to be nice," Tristian retorted.

Veronica laughed. "You really are a sore loser."

"Like being arrogant and conceited is any better," Tristian said, raising his eyebrows.

"If you can be..." Veronica began smiling.

Tristian covered his ears and groaned. "Someone has been spending way to much time with Gryffindors."

"I am a Gryffindor, you prat," Veronica said, with mock anger.

Tristian shook his head. "Such a pity too. So this was what was so urgent? You needed to make fun of my team losing?"

Veronica's smile faded immediately. She had completely forgotten. "James, Jeff, Shane and Orion have made it their personal mission to find out who your "secret girlfriend" is."

Tristian shrugged. Veronica frowned slightly. That wasn't the reaction she was expecting. "That all?" he asked.

"What do you mean is that all?" Veronica asked feeling annoyed, "I think that is kind of important."

Tristian shook his head. "There's a simple solution to this one. Distract them. While they are all rather intelli... What I mean is they can be easily detained from searches."

"Pardon?" Veronica asked, smiling slightly now. It had been somewhat funny hearing Tristian almost call the boys smart.

Tristian shot her a short glare. Veronica guessed he knew what she was smiling over. "Prank them. I'm sure your friend Keowen will help gladly."

Veronica smiled broadly. Yes, that would work well. Not to mention, the game against Salem was next weekend. I'm sure that they would like to help as well.

"See," Tristian said smirking, "Problem solved."

"Good thing you're a genius," Veronica said sarcastically.

"I know," Tristian said laughing. He froze. "What's that?"

Veronica followed his gaze and groaned loudly. Not again. Why me? Laying face down on the floor was a young girl. Her mop of curly black hair was unmistakable.

"Isn't that that annoying first year in Ravenclaw?" Tristian asked.

"Her name is Violet Bradford," Veronica muttered, "And she's not annoying."

"Lets go," Tristian said, giving Veronica's arm a tug.

"We can't leave her," Veronica said looking back, as she let Tristian guide her away.

"We need to find the teachers," Tristian said, "The Hospital Wing is closed right now. Only teachers can get in."

Veronica nodded numbly and followed him. "Where are we going?"

"Teacher's lounge," Tristian said. "When we get there, you are going to go in and tell them about Bradford."

"You're not coming with me?" Veronica asked nervously.

"No," Tristian said, "It will only bring more problems. Imagine what would happen in my father found out. I don't think he'd count in off to coincidence that we happened to find each other again while we were out on a separate walk, do you?"

Veronica sighed weakly. "You're right," she mumbled.

"There it is," Tristian said, pointed to the third door on the left. A soft light shone through under the door. "Looks like they are in there."

Veronica walked forward slowly. The door was slightly ajar. Faster, she thought to herself. Violet needs help. Taking a deep breath, she took the last few paces quickly.

Veronica raised her hand to open the door the rest of the way, but Tristian grabbed it. Veronica looked over at him curiously. Tristian put a finger to his lips and gestured for her to listen.

Veronica stopped for a moment. Voices were coming from the teacher's lounge, angry and worried voices.

"We'll have to cancel the Quidditch Game against Salem," Ginny said, "It's just not safe anymore."

"We can't cancel the game," Coach Weasley said loudly.

"There are more important things than Quidditch, Ronald," Ginny snapped, "Like our children."

"Ron's right," Sirius said, shaking his head, "We can't cancel the game. It's next weekend. Plus, I don't believe that the Salem children are in any trouble."

"I agree," Professor Potter said, "I think that who ever is attacking is after Hogwarts students."

"We also can't deny the similarities between the attacks now and that of the attacks during the Chamber of Secrets," Coach Weasley said as he paced the room.

"No," Ginny said, shaking her head, "I'm telling you, it's different..."

"How?" Coach Weasley asked, "Muggleborns are getting attacked just like then. Leroy Cane, Shaylin Meyers, Shane Bryant, Brittany Barkate. They're all Muggleborns..." Leroy Cane too? That meant two attacks in one night!

"But this time it's only first years," Ginny said, sharply, "Why do you keep trying to connect the attacks? Why do you keep insisting we investigating the past instead of now?"

"Are you suggesting that I have something to do with the attacks? How do we know it's not you attacking people," Coach Weasley shouted furiously, "You sure seem to know a lot about the Chamber of Secrets for someone who didn't even go to Hogwarts! Not to mention, the attacks didn't start until you got here!"

"Me!" Ginny shouted, "Well it doesn't surprise me that you're throwing the blame at me! You seem to do that a lot to people don't you!"

Coach Weasley turned to Professor Potter. "I'm right aren't I, Harry," he said angrily, "You know as well as I that we can't trust her. How do we even know she is the real Virginia Winters?"

Professor Potter shifted slightly. "Calm down Ron," he said slowly.

"I can't believe you're taking her side!" Coach Weasley shouted, "I'm you're best friend and have been since we were eleven! How can you trust this, this, ugh, I don't even know how to describe it."

Veronica felt a surge of anger. She shook off Tristian's arm and stormed through the door. "Don't you talk about my mom like that!" she fumed.

The teachers turned to stare at her. Veronica noticed that Professor Malfoy was also in the room, though he had kept silent. His eyes swept to the door behind her as though waiting for someone else.

"Nicci," Ginny said quickly, "What are you doing out? You know the rules."

Ginny moved her gaze from Professor Weasley and let the fear she had felt before overcome the anger she was feeling now. "There's been another attack," she said.

"What?" Professor Potter asked. "So soon..."

"This isn't good," Sirius said softly, "Harry, Ginny, go with Veronica to find the child. Ron, inform the other teachers. There is to be a meeting in my office in one hour. Draco, have Madam Pomfrey prepare a bed. I must contact the ministry."

"The ministry?" Ginny asked.

"Does that frighten you?" Coach Weasley asked, glaring at her.

"Ron," Sirius said sharply, "We know that the attacker could be no one in this room. How else would they have placed the child in the hall?"

Coach Weasley frowned. "Then who else?"

"You don't think it could be her do you?" Professor Potter asked.

"Who?" Ron asked.

Sirius simply frowned. His eyes flickered over Veronica. "We must waste no more time," he said softly.

"But why the ministry?" Ginny asked.

"The ministry has changed since Arthur Weasley became Prime Minister," Sirius said, "It is a place we can trust in again. I've already informed him of the attacks. He has been searching for similar occasions for me. None have come up. We thought things were getting better, but two attacks in one day..."

"We should cancel the game," Professor Potter said.

This time Coach Weasley didn't interrupt. "I'll contact Principal Corbett," Sirius said, "He can make up his own mind on the situation. Veronica, do you know how to get back to where the child is?"

Veronica frowned. She didn't know, but she was saved from answering, when Tristian came walking through the door. "Father, there's been another attack."

"Miss Winters has just informed us that," Sirius said, "Do you think between the two of you, that you can find your way back?"

Tristian looked over at Veronica. If she hadn't known better, she would have thought they were worst enemies. "Yes," Veronica said shortly.

She turned on her heel and left the room quickly, before realizing she had no idea where she was going. She let Tristian catch up to her and followed his lead. Ginny and Professor Potter followed a few steps behind.

Veronica let her mind wander to over the nights events. She shivered. Things had been going great. She was having a lovely time, and then it happened. Another attack and if she had heard correctly, it was the second one that night.

What the heck was going on? Why would someone be attacking students? It just made no sense whatsoever. She shot a glance over at Tristian. He wore an unreadable expression.

Veronica couldn't help but smile, despite the fear she had felt earlier that night. The presence of her mother and Professor Potter had helped calm that. It was simply amazing how much he looked liked his father and yet they were so different.

She jumped when she heard Tristian's voice. "Tsk, tsk," he teased quietly, "Who ever would have thought that Veronica Winters would be smiling at a time like this? Don't you think its inappropriate to smile when someone is in danger?"

Veronica shot him a glare. "Shut it, Tristian." Damn him, Veronica thought. She had just managed to push those thoughts out of her mind. Now they were back with surprising clarity. She wouldn't sleep well tonight.

Tristian smirked and turned away. Unseen by Veronica and Tristian, Ginny and Professor Potter exchanged a look.

"What was that?" Professor Potter whispered.

Ginny shook her head. "I don't know, but I don't like it."