Chapter Fifty
Lucy was very excited for her first day back. She finally had care of magical creatures as she clutched her 'Fantastic Beasts' book to her chest. She noticed Myrtle wasn't going to class with her for this one, she chose arithmancy instead. Professor Kettleburn's classes were held near the groundskeeper Ogg's hut. So with her winter cloak over her and her protective gloves on. She followed the group of third-years to their first care of magical creatures lesson. The students were chirpy as they realized Tom Riddle hadn't chosen it and they were thus free of his joy sucking attitude for one lesson this year. He was in arithmancy with Myrtle, Avery, Lestrange and a couple of other unlucky third-years. Lucy briefly paused as she spotted an amused looking Argus outside near the wall. She wondered what he was finding so funny as she gave a small run up to him.
"What's so amusing?" Lucy asked him breathlessly.
"The flying class is about to start. The first-years are on their way" Argus replied with another unsual grin.
"So?"
"So I get to see the half-giant boy trying to fly! Keep up, Lucy. I sneaked away from Oakleigh just for this"
"Well don't let him see you laughing" Lucy replied with disapproval.
Argus just rolled his eyes at Lucy before telling her to go now. He would never call her 'Saint Lucy' to her face but he was thinking that's what she was being right now. Lucy gave him one more glare. She could already sense him sniggering as she made a run backwards to catch up with her peers. Lucy managed to catch up with them just before they reached the hut. Ogg was sitting outside it as he gave a nod to the passing students. They walked further on until they reached a small clearing near the forbidden forest.
"Werewolf!" Nott suddenly shouted; making some of them jump.
He gave a small laugh in response as he found himself getting a lot of tuts and rolled eyes. Werewolfs being in the forbidden forest was an old school legend which had been passed down for centuries. One of the Ravenclaw girls told Nott to grow up before turning back around. Professor Kettleburn welcoming them to their first lesson as they got deeper into the forest. Lucy stood nervously besides Eileen as she looked deeper into the forest.
"Welcome class to your very first care of magical creatures lesson. Now Newt Scamander may be good but I am excellent" Kettleburn teased before saying..."All in good fun. He's a good friend of mine. Now I think the best way to introduce you to this subject is to just throw you straight into the deep end"
This made some students gulp as they wondered what that would entail. Lucy looked at Eileen but the girl showed no emotions. She really was defeated this year, even more so. Nobody knew what happened at 'Malfoy Manor'. She lost Abraxas' trust and it broke her heart that her one true wizarding friend refused to speak to her. He hardly even glanced at her during dinner and he left for Durmstrang without saying goodbye. Lucy went to speak but she realized she didn't know what to say. So she said nothing and carried on the silent walk behind the rest of the third-years. Nott and Mulciber were walking along together, making jokes about werewolfs and dementors.
"Oh my gosh!" a muggle-born Gryffindor girl blurted out as they got closer and closer.
A dozen or so diricawls were plotting about the forest. Kettleburn turning back around. The muggle-borns were always the most excited as they thought the diricawls (or dodos) were extinct. Lucy too suddenly found herself invested and not at all nervous. As she kept her eyes firmly on the diricawls and thought how sweet they look in person. Kettleburn went on to explain the short history of them which the students all had to make a note of.
"I'm just going to call them dodos" Lucy announced to herself quietly.
"Me too" Eileen muttered back to her surprise.
Lucy just gave her another smile as she didn't want to push it. Kettleburn directed the students to the small hut as he opened it. Making them pick out nuts and seeds which was food for the dodos. This felt very calming to Eileen as the dodo ate from her hand. Lucy giving them one of them a small pet before letting them eat from the palm of her hand. Students began making quick notes during this as they recalled the dietary of the dodo. Eileen however felt herself being reminded suddenly of the peacocks at 'Malfoy Manor' as she felt a tear falling down.
"What's the matter?" Lucy asked her quietly with concern.
"Nothing really. Just thinking about things. It's a burden us dirty blood traitor have to endure" Eileen answered back sadly.
"Oh. I'm sorry. Should I leave you alone?"
"No. It's alright. I won't get anymore abuse than I already get. They already know I don't agree with them"
"I understand some of them think that way but surely it's not everybody in your house. Is it?"
Eileen briefly looked around to make sure Nott and Mulciber were busy. Thankfully they were but even still, Eileen leaned in closer as she responded in the quietest tone she could muster...
"It's Tom Riddle. Don't get me wrong, some of the pureblood families thought it already but he's gave them a purpose. A sense they are doing something right. The likes of Slughorn are long gone"
"What does that mean?"
"It means you're in danger, Lucy. Maybe not now but one day. So watch yourself" Eileen warned.
Quickly going back to the dodos.
...
"Stupid beast couldn't even fly a broomstick" Argus was heard saying to his brother in the hallway.
It was now break and he had been dying to tell Archibald all morning. As he stood there with his mop and bucket, barely waiting for him to enter the great hall for lunch. The flying lesson with Hagrid had been a disaster as the half-giant had broken two broomsticks while trying in vain. Orion and Araminta found it utterly amusing as expected.
"Could he not?" Archibald questioned his brother with a small smile.
"No. He could get it up but he couldn't ride it as it broke under him. It couldn't handle the heavy baggage" Argus continued.
"Well no surprise there. He's a great big lump...Hey up! Best stop talking now before Saint Lucy overhears" Archibald replied with a glint in his eye.
As he noticed Lucy walking down the hallway. Getting back from her second lesson of the day (which was history of magic). She gave a small wave to Argus as she approached, placing her book in her pocket. Argus' cat Mrs Norris meowing as she bent down to stroke her with a smile. Argus wouldn't dare mock Hagrid to her as he knows she wouldn't approve. Archibald giving his brother a pat on his shoulder before making his way inside the hall. Argus having to keep his mouth shut despite his excitement.
"How was care of magical creatures?" Argus managed to ask.
"Good. We fed dodos. How was the flying lesson? He didn't notice you mocking, did he?"
"No. I don't think so. Besides, Orion and Araminta mocked him enough for us all. He couldn't fly anyroad"
"Oh. Poor lad. Well add their names to your list"
"Already done"
"That's good. Members of staff really ought to put some of the Slytherin students in their place. The Riddle gang is worse than previously thought, Argus. Don't tell anyone I told you but Eileen warned me they are dangerous" Lucy explained quietly.
Making him just give a nervous nod. He was as scared of the Riddle gang as anyone else was. He turned a blind eye to them to protect himself. He dared not add them to his list. He briefly noticed Tom as he walked past with his gang into the hall, Argus quickly avoiding eye contact. Lucy too sensed the nervousness of him, she supposed he was aware of that already.
"Sorry. Yes. They probably are but I ignore them" Argus admitted in a hushed tone of voice.
"Probably for the best. Let the grown-ups deal with them. Slughorn at least reprimands them if they say mudblood. Though I got a feeling saying mudblood is not the worse thing they want to do"
"Well I already been called a blood traitor"
"I know. Squibs are already treated badly too. You would think they would be glad you are friends with a witch. I suppose I'm the wrong sort of witch however"
"Not to me" Argus spoke nervously.
Making Lucy give the smallest smile. She looked towards the hall and could smell some of the food from where she was standing. She told him she had to go if she wanted to eat before the next set of lessons. Argus just nodding as he let her walk past. Quickly getting out his book as he added the names 'Orion Black' and 'Araminta Black' in case she asked to look later.
...
The third-years all reunited for transfiguration. Lucy sitting besides Myrtle, glad to have her back despite her constant whining. Though the downside was the return of all the Riddle gang. Eileen sitting at the back with her hair suddenly covering her eyes as she avoided the eye contact of them. Dumbledore welcoming them all to third-year transfiguration. A subject which Lucy had passed again (much to her relief). On the desks were sponges as Lucy picked hers up, feeling how squashy it was as she squeezed it in her hand. Tom looked like he would rather be elsewhere, he thought these lessons were useless as they only learned what he deemed 'simple transfigurations'. It was almost like Dumbledore didn't want to teach him complex magic.
"What was arithmancy like?" Lucy asked Myrtle quietly.
"It was challenging, Lucy but in a good way. Didn't really need a wand or magic for it either. Mathematics really" Myrtle explained with a smug smile.
"Oh. I'm glad I didn't choose it as I'm awful at mathematics"
"With all due respect, Lucy. You're awful at a lot of things" Myrtle insisted.
Making Lucy just frown in response as she sighed. So much for being glad to have her back with her for lessons. Dumbledore hushed the lesson down a few moments later as he wrote on the blackboard 'Duro: Hardening Charm'. Tom writing it down as always as he showed mild interest now. Eileen barely reacting as she was in one of the lessons she disliked most. She just couldn't stand the eternal cheerfulness of Albus Dumbledore. He always seemed too happy. He began to explain how this spell is the opposite of the softening spell. Something they remembered learning about in the previous term.
"Another simple spell" Tom muttered to Avery (who just nodded in agreement).
"A simple spell it may be, Tom. A useful one it is too" Dumbledore spoke up as he overheard that quiet remark.
Tom just giving him a polite smile before looking back down. Secretly annoyed that he was singled out. Dumbledore giving the other students a small wink which made some of them giggle to themselves. He briefly looked towards Eileen to find her once again totally ignoring him and his lesson. Only writing down the bare minimum for a passing grade. Once again though, not much he could do as he couldn't force the girl to like him and his lessons. Her father's death had made him stop trying as he thought the girl was already going through the wringer. Besides Slughorn was her head of house after all, not him. He thus carried on as he picked up a sponge of his own and uttered...
"Duro"
The class watching as the sponge changed texture. He picked it up and it was suddenly made from stone. Lucy looked slightly nervous as she wondered what else this spell could turn to stone. Dumbledore told the class to proceed and a chorus of students saying "Duro" could be heard. The sponges turning to stone moments after the other. Lucy picked up her sponge to feel it was now as hard as a rock as she placed it back down. Lestrange picked his up and flung it across the room, making it hit Lucy across the head. She groaned a little as she felt the back of her head, Lestrange had a grin on his face.
"Looks like it worked, professor" Lestrange dared to utter.
"Looks like you lost twenty points to Slytherin and gained yourself a late-night dentention, Lestrange" Dumbledore answered back.
Picking up the discarded hard sponge and placing it down upon his own desk. His expression changed as he gave Lestrange a glare. He was a fair professor but he had no time for targeted attacks, even minor ones. His frosty gaze made Lestrange look away as he felt his quiet anger from there. The other Slytherin students glaring at him as he lost them twenty house points! Tom would have words later, he too had no time for minor attacks but for an entirely different reason. Lucy giving a sad sigh as she felt useless once again.
"Don't worry, Lucy. He's going to be stuck in here tonight while you are in your comfortable common room near the fire" Myrtle assured her.
"I suppose so" Lucy replied with a shrug.
Dumbledore briefly walked over as he checked she was alright. She just nodded, he gave her a small nod. Walking back towards his desk as he told everyone to make notes of what they learned.
...
The next two weeks weny by very quickly. The first-years were settled in now and thus began to test the waters of their new environment. The Black cousins were keen to make some mischief in particular. Orion being the ringleader as he led his cousins Araminta and Alphard down the hallways on this Saturday afternoon. The children with their wands out. Occasionally pointing it at passing muggle-borns as some sort of warning. Orion paused as they found their perfect target to cause mischief at. Argus being that target (as he always tended to be) as they watched him mop the floor near the staircase. Looking around for any passing professors, the children made their way over to the teenager. Quickly knocking over his bucket and all the water that was in it. He found himself jumping up in shock before falling backwards...
"You...You're all going on the list!" Argus scolded firmly.
"Like we care!" Orion yelled with a loud scoff.
The squib got out the booklet but found it being taken away. As Orion spoke..."Accio book" and the booklet landed right in his hand. Argus forgot they could do that as he stood there offended. He then got out his cane and went to grab onto Orion's hand. Only for a familiar unfriendly voice to come from behind him as Walburga yelled...
"Don't you dare touch him, you nasty squib!"
This made him jump a second time as he quickly turned around. He put his cane into his pocket. Feeling pathetic but she scared him a lot. Even more now she was a prefect and had more power. A power which she relished in at every given opportunity. Argus just acted as if he wasn't doing anything as he picked up his bucket, feeling a book hit the back of his head as he did so. Laughter came from the four Blacks.
"We were only messing around a bit" Alphard spoke up with his arms crossed.
"Yes and this disgusting squib thinks it's alright to cane me! Well remember that we can make you can drop dead by a single spell!" Orion shouted.
His young age being the only thing stopping Argus from being too fearful. Walburga giving a nasty grin. Argus felt the girl grip onto his coat and push him forwards which made him trip up the stairs. Mrs Norris giving a small meow at them which did nothing but make them laugh again.
"That cat ought to be put down" Araminta was heard saying to Orion.
"Let's put her out of her misery" Walburga spoke as she picked her up by the scuff of her neck.
The four of them made a dash for it with Mrs Norris in hand. Making Argus have no choice but to chase them. He was going to tell Oakleigh Burton all about this! No doubt! The squib panted slightly as he chased the four Black family members up the staircase. They reached the fifth floor and ran into the nearest doorway with Argus not far behind. He wished Lucy was here now but she was in her common room currently doing homework. The fifth floor was always the most quiet hallway, hence why they chose it. Walburga stopped outside one of the lesser-used classrooms with Mrs Norris still clutched like she was a rag doll.
"Please let her go. I'm sorry" Argus spoke up with a sad look on his face.
"You will be sorry. Tell me, Argus. What upsets you most? Having a stupid brother who thinks he's better at quidditch then he is? Being a squib? Or is it having a stupid mudblood friend who doesn't even need to be put under the imperius curse as she's that easily led" Walburga began in a nasty tone of voice.
"Just put Mrs Norris down. I won't bother you again. I promise"
Walburga paused slightly before bending down. The cat jumping from her hands once she loosened her grip. Mrs Norris running past Argus and down the stairs, no doubt retreating to the caretaker's office downstairs. The squib found himself alone with them now. He felt a quick sudden pain as he found Walburga had jinxed him once again, his hand having one or two boils.
"That's a warning. Ever try and cane any members of my family again. You will have it!" Walburga yelled.
He just nodded. Not daring to look up and he soon heard the footsteps walking away, he never been so happy to hear that sound before. Chatter soon followed as the four Black family members talked away as if nothing had happened. Argus was just left feeling shaken.
...
TBC
