Chapter 22. Style
"From how far along you are, twelve weeks, we put conception at around the third week of December, does that sound about right?" the red-haired nurse at St Mungo's asked as she flicked through her clipboard. Astrid sat on the cold metal table, the skin of her bottom and thighs stinging with the cold sensation due to her short hospital gown.
"Yes, that sounds about right," Astrid breathed as she swung her loose hanging legs to distract her from her memories of that night. The way Lucius had grabbed her around her waist, pushed her against the wall. Her mind flashed back to intensity that raged in his eyes as he kissed her, the feel of his hands, rough and frantic on her legs. She remembered the way he was so gentle yet so assertive. Astrid's stomach flipped with nausea as she thought of how she wrapped her legs around his waist.
The nurse noticed the colour drain from the young woman's face, and reached for a cardboard, disposable container, she held it out to Astrid, who grasped it quickly and heaved the contents of her breakfast up into the receptacle.
"Sorry," Astrid muttered as she accepted a tissue and wiped at her mouth.
"It's not a problem, it's to be expected at this point in the pregnancy," The nurse smiled as she disposed of the foul-smelling container, and went back to her clipboard.
"Your due date is the thirteenth of September, but that is just a rough estimate, some babies like to come early, some late," The nurse informed her as she read off the chart. "Doctor Atticus has said the effects of the bitterroot balm on your baby are minor and that everything is looking healthy, he also expressed concerns about delivery, it states here you have a blood malediction related to your heart, he believes the safest option for you and your baby will be caesarean,"
"I can't have my child naturally?" Astrid asked, she'd dreamed of her future often over the last few years, and always imagined having her child at home (ideally the little cottage on the sea cliffs) naturally with her beloved holding her hand through the entire thing. Alas, nothing else in her fantasy life had come true, so why should this?
"No, I'm afraid not, Doctor Atticus believes a natural birth would put too much stress on your heart, he believes the effects of that stress could be fatal, I'm sorry," The nurse said with a small frown.
"So essentially my heart could explode in labour, great," Astrid sighed as she ran her fingers over her scalp and through her blonde waves.
"Your chart says you work at Hogwarts, and that Madam Pomfrey there will be doing regular check-ups with you to make sure your heart is dealing with the added stresses pregnancy brings," The nurse read. "How incredible, a Hogwarts professor, at twenty-two, what an achievement,"
"I'm twenty-three next week," Astrid's mind and voice were distant as she stared at a poster of a loving husband and wife holding a baby on the opposite wall.
"Ah yes, says here, your birthday is the fifteenth March, Happy Birthday for next week, and congratulations on your pregnancy, do you have any questions before I leave you?"
"Yes, why am I not showing? It's hard to believe I'm even pregnant, I look in the mirror… and I just don't see anything, not even a slight bump," Astrid had wondered this since the moment Madam Pomfrey had informed her of her pregnancy. Her stomach was still flat, toned, she didn't even look bloated, and it bothered her. It made her feel almost in denial, how could there be a baby in there?
"You're still early, but in women as slight and petite as you are it can often take the majority of the pregnancy to show, especially when it's a surprise, late blooming is quite common, but don't worry you'll get your bump before the nine months are up."
The nurses' words didn't really improve Astrids feelings, if she was going to be pregnant, she at-least wanted to feel pregnant. But then of course perhaps this was a blessing she thought, the less noticeable her growing stomach is, the less likely the likes of Lucius or Draco would notice. She had been successful in avoiding the younger Malfoy around the castle, but her luck would run out eventually.
"Is there anything else?" The nurse asked with a customer service smile.
"No, that's everything,"
"Great, you can get dressed and leave your hospital gown in the bin over there, then you're free to make your next appointment at the front desk and be on your way back to Hogwarts." The nurse smiled as she retreated the room.
"Thank you," Astrid breathed as she hopped off the hospital table onto unsteady legs.
Astrid arrived via floo to Dumbledore's office, the sensation making her feel quite unwell.
"Ah dear Astrid, did you find the answers you seek at St Mungo's?" Dumbledore asked from his desk, over the top of his half-moon glasses. Astrid stumbled out of the fireplace, her skin a tint of green, she nodded slowly.
"Oh my poor dear, take a seat," Dumbledore beckoned to a small love seat near his desk. Astrid obeyed the elder wizards command and climbed the stairs up to his desk and took a seat on the burgundy velvet of the love seat.
"Let me get you a glass of water," Dumbledore flicked his wand and poof, a crystal glass of water appeared before Astrid's eyes. She took the cold glass and raised it to her lips, sipping on the clear liquid.
"Thank you, professor," Astrid breathed as she took more sips from the glass.
"You're very welcome," Dumbledore smiled as he turned back to the parchment on his desk, picking up his gold feathered quill he began scratching words into the page. "So, did they give you a date for when Hogwarts will accept it's new youngest ever student?"
"How did you know?" Astrid gulped.
"I know things, but don't worry Astrid, your secret is safe with me," Dumbledore smiled, "So, the date?"
"September, the thirteenth," Astrid informed the elder wizard.
"Ah, I hoped it might fall in the summer break, but you cannot rush a blossoming baby, arrangements will be made for your class until you are ready to step back into the classroom," Albus said, without even taking his eyes off his parchment. Astrid was taken-aback, she had presumed she would be replaced permanently.
"You mean to say, I can keep my job?" Astrid asked as she placed her glass of water down on a nearby table.
"Of course, did you think I would kick you out of the castle for becoming a mother?" Albus dropped his quill and raised his brows at the young professor over his glasses. "You will always have a home here as long as I am headmaster, you can remain in your quarters, raise your family there, and return to the classroom when you are ready Astrid, Professor Binns will take your class at the start of the next school year."
"Thank you, professor, that means… so much, I don't want to rush into any decisions right now… but it gives me great comfort to know I have a home here," Astrid smiled at the headmaster, who returned the smile warmly, as she picked up her water once more and took a sip. The two sat in comfortable silence, the only sound being the scratching of Dumbledore's quill and the sound Astrid sipping at her glass.
Just as Astrid was readying herself to make the journey up the long winding stairs up to her tower, Dumbledore looked up from his desk and stared knowingly at his office door. Astrid followed his gaze in confusion, she had not heard a knock. Albus stood from his desk, he stepped around it gracefully and leant against its ancient wood, as if he was waiting for something, or someone.
"What is it professor?" Astrid asked, she was about to stand but Albus motioned for her to stay put, he held a finger to his lips, making Astrid swallow hard as she looked to the office door. She hoped to merlin it wasn't who she thought it was approaching the other side. Grabbing a small round velvet cushion from beside her she placed it on her lap self-consciously, she didn't yet have a rounded stomach to hide, but it put her at ease as she gripped onto the pillow tightly.
To her relief, it wasn't Lucius Malfoy that barged through the door into Dumbledores office, but Dolores Umbridge and the Cornelius Fudge, the minister of magic. The relief was soon replaced with dread as Harry Potter and Cho Chang were dragged in behind them, a handful of others slipped through the doorway too, including Kingsley Shacklebolt. He eyed Astrid for a second before standing firm with the minister. Dumbledore folded his hands into his lap as he waited for Dolores and Cornelius to stop talking amongst themselves.
"And see! 'Dumbledore's Army'! Proof of what I've been telling you right from the beginning Cornelius!" Umbridge squealed to the Minister who held a piece of parchment in his hand. Umbridge turned to Dumbledore now her eyes narrowed on the great man. "All your fear mongering about You-Know-Who never fooled us for a minute! We saw your lies for what they were: a smokescreen for your bid to seize control of the ministry!" Umbridge accused.
Astrid screwed up her face in disgust, as if anyone actually believe Dolores' drabble, but the Minister actually looked convinced.
"Naturally," Dumbledore drawled, almost sarcastically.
"No professor! He had nothing to do with it, it was me! Tell them Professor Moody it was me!" Harry's outburst caused eyes to fall on the young witch who had gone unnoticed until this point.
"You knew about this Astrid?" Umbridge exhaled nasally, her fingers curled up into a fist.
"I don't have the foggiest what Mr Potter is talking about, I'm so confused what is even happening here," Astrid feigned innocence.
"Most noble of you Harry to shield me," Dumbledore started, taking the attention off of the blonde-haired professor, "but as it's been pointed out… the parchment clearly says 'Dumbledore's Army' not 'Potters'. I instructed Harry to form this organisation, Miss Moody had no knowledge of it. And I, and I alone am responsible for its activities," Dumbledore spoke with complete confidence, if Astrid hadn't of known the truth, she most definitely would have believed him.
"Dispatch an owl to the Daily Prophet, if we hurry, we should still make the morning edition!" The minister barked his orders. "Dawlish, Shacklebolt," Cornelius addressed the two stern men behind him, "you will escort Dumbledore to Azkaban… to await trial for conspiracy and sedition,"
Astrid's jaw practically hit the floor, she jumped up, dropping the cushion to the floor.
"You can't do that!" Astrid shouted as she brought a shocked hand to her lips. Now was not the moment for moment sickness to hit, she held her overwhelming feeling of nausea down in her stomach as she watched the scene play out before her.
"Ah, I thought we might hit this little snag," Dumbledore mused as he manoeuvred around his desk. Harry and Astrid glanced at each other worryingly as they wondered what the professor was going to do. "You seem to be labouring under the delusion that I'm going to… what was the phrase? Come quietly." Dumbledore almost smirked as Umbridge, Cornelius, Shacklebolt and Dawlish advanced on the headmaster.
"Well, I can tell you this: I have no intention of going to Azkaban," Dumbledore announced smugly.
"Enough of this! Take him!" Umbridge shrieked. Dumbledore sent a wink in the direction of Astrid and Harry as his phoenix swooped into the room with a squawk. Just as the exquisite animal flew over the professor, Dumbledore raised his hands up with a clap and disappeared along with the phoenix in a fireball, sending all four of his aggressors flying onto their backs. Astrid shielded her face as the fireball ignited, when the smoke had settled, she watched with shock. As everyone regained themselves Kingsley Shacklebolt brushed off his robes and addressed the Minister of Magic.
"Well, you may not like him Minister… but you can't deny… Dumbledore has got style," Shacklebolt nodded with a hint of pride.
"Where has he gone? You!" Umbridge squeaked, pointing at the History of Magic Professor. "Where did he go?"
"How should I know?" Astrid answered honestly as she held a hand to her heart and took deep breaths.
"You were here, conspiring with him!" Dolores accused.
"I just returned from St Mungo's via floo Dolores, I was not conspiring with anybody!" Astrid defended as she shakily descended the steps.
"Dawlish, check with St Mungo's that the professor did indeed have an appointment, we can't be too careful," The Minister eyed the young professor curiously.
"Yes sir," Dawlish obeyed.
Students and staff alike watched as Filch climbed his rickety ladders, a new proclamation in his hand. With a loud metallic tap, tap, tap, the caretaker hung the decree from a large metal peg. It read: Dolores Jane Umbridge has replaced Albus Dumbledore as head of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I guess I can kiss goodbye to my job and chambers now, Astrid thought with a sigh as she brushed her hand over her stomach. A deep voice pulled Astrid out of her thoughts as Severus Snape pulled up beside her, his arms crossed over his chest. Astrid whipped her hand away from her abdomen quickly, plastering it to her side.
"The word around the castle… is that you were there… never too far from the drama are you Moody?" Severus asked.
"I was, but only by product of poor timing… I'd just returned from an appointment," Astrid sighed as she watched Filch descend his unstable ladders.
"An appointment? I hope all is well professor," Severus eyed the blonde.
"I'm quite fine thank you Severus," Astrid sighed as she turned on her heels and began to climb the stone stairs up in the direction of her tower. She heard Snapes long deliberate steps following her.
"I have another jar of Bitterroot in the dungeons if you are in need professor," Snape offered as he caught up with the girl, he wouldn't actually provide the girl with more ointment, he just wanted to goad a reaction, it was bait.
"No, I'm quite alright Severus, Madam Pomfrey was very insistent on me not using it anymore," Astrid breathed as she rounded a corner onto an empty corridor.
"Due to your condition?" Snape asked, he watched the young woman's face for a reaction, and he got one. The girl stopped in her tracks and furrowed her brows, Snape too stopped and stared at the professor.
"And what would you know about my condition?" Astrid asked firmly.
"I deduced from your… symptoms… and Pomfrey's clues that you are with child Astrid," Severus's voice was low and hushed, but he may as well have shouted it because his words hit Astrid like a ton of bricks. She swallowed hard as she made a snap decision how she would attack this subject with the potions master. In the end she decided honesty was the best policy.
"I am," She gulped, "Severus I… please don't tell anyone, especially… him," It relieved Severus that she had decided to keep her pregnancy a secret from Lucius on her own, he expected he'd have to convince her to see it was the best option, which it was obviously. But he never enjoyed manipulating those around him, especially those that didn't deserve it.
"My lips are sealed Miss Moody," Snape nodded. "Please, allow me to escort you to the tower, you seem to have a… knack… for getting into trouble," Snape offered. Astrid hesitated a second before nodding and accepting the potion masters offer.
"How are you… feeling?" Severus asked, making conversation.
"I'm fine, just… the nausea," Astrid groaned.
"I'm sure it will pass soon," Severus replied. The distant sound of Umbridge's voice booming from the overhead speakers distracted the duo as they approached the tower.
"Boys and girls are not permitted to be within eight inches of each other, those wishing to join the inquisitorial squad for extra credit…." The whining voice of Umbridge played over and over again.
"I can't believe Dumbledore's gone," Astrid sighed, "What a terrible loss, Hogwarts will never be the same again under her rule,"
"I don't believe his removal to be permanent, I expect him to return… one day," Severus muttered as the two began ascending the stairs.
"I hope so," Astrid breathed as she took each step one at a time, the winding making her feel somewhat dizzy. Severus placed a hand on the small of her back to guide the young woman up and steady her on her feet. "He said I could stay you know," Astrid told the potions master. "Said I could stay here whilst I take my maternity leave and then return to the classroom when I'm ready, he said I could raise my child here,"
"Dumbledore is a great man," Severus proclaimed, Astrid nodded in agreement.
"I said I would think about it, I haven't made any solid decisions yet, it's all so… new,"
"Where would you go, if not stay here at Hogwarts?" Severus asked curiously. He wondered if she would go to Grimmauld Place, the order would take care of her and Sirius… he was clearly sweet on the girl, a fact that made Severus' blood boil.
"I don't know… I rather fancy the idea of finding a quiet corner of the country and raising my baby there, just the two of us," Astrid smiled softly at the idea as they came to her door.
"But Miss Moody, how would the drama find you, if you whisked yourself away to the quiet countryside?" His lip curled with a slight smirk as he spoke.
"I think I could happily go the next twenty years without more drama," Astrid admitted with a sad smile, she was so tired of the turbulence her life had endured.
"Do you think you will? Live without drama?" Snape pondered, he could not imagine it, the girl always seemed to be getting into some kind of predicament, it was in her nature, she was much a like the Potter boy in that regard.
"Probably not," Astrid smirked as she reached for her door handle. "Thank you for walking with me Severus… you're a good friend,"
"If you need anything, you know where to find me," Severus's stony face didn't falter until the girl had disappeared into her chambers, then a small smile, only detectable under microscope, formed at the corner of his mouth.
Severus Snape swanned through the gates of Malfoy Manor as if he owned the place, radiating the confidence of his dark persona he made his way to the drawing room ahead of the night's meeting with the Dark Lord. As he ventured through the house, he noticed how bare the grand house was, a shadow of its former self. Rectangles covered the walls where paintings once hung, and corridors sat empty where furniture once sat.
Severus entered the drawing room without knocking, he noted how this room was exactly as it was before.
"Severus, you're early," Lucius breathed with annoyance from his arm chair, as his eyes scanned a large book about prophecies.
"Doing your homework, I see?" Severus drawled as he lowered himself into the vacant arm chair beside Lucius'.
"What news do you bring old friend?" Lucius sighed, slapping his book closed he tossed it onto a nearby table and clasped his hands together. A large snake ring on his right hand glinted in the light of the fire.
"What makes you think I come with news?"
"You never appear to these things earlier than socially acceptable…. Besides… I heard the gossip from Hogwarts," Lucius spoke. Severus' mouth twitched at Lucius' vague comment.
"What gossip is that pray tell?" The potions master asked coolly.
"That fool Dumbledore is finally gone," Lucius smirked as he pushed himself out of his chair and approached a bar cart in the corner of the room. "About time that fossil was removed from his post. Drink?" Lucius offered, as he held a carafe of fire whiskey.
"No, thank you, I like to remain sharp for these things," Severus stated. Lucius poured himself a generous serving of the drink and returned to his seat by the fire. He brought the glass to his lips and took a long gulp, licking his lips as he felt the liquid burn down his throat.
"And what of Astrid? I heard on the grape vine she was admitted to the hospital wing, again," Lucius asked, he tried not to sound overly interested, but he was fooling nobody. Severus knew he was itching to ask about his beloved.
"Yes, she was… but she is fine, you mustn't concern yourself Lucius, for your own sake," Severus spoke monotonously. Lucius remained silent, instead he eyed the potions master suspiciously, he had a strange feeling, but he couldn't pinpoint what it was, something about his old friend seemed… off.
"The manor looks… different Lucius, are you doing a spot of redecorating to impress the Dark Lord?" Severus smirked, which earnt a scoff from blonde haired man.
"Hardly." Lucius rolled his eyes as he took a long swig from his glass. "Narcissa finally left… taking half the bloody house with her apparently… I don't care… as long as she's gone, it's all replaceable," Lucius sighed as he rolled his glass between his long slender fingers.
"Narcissa isn't though, is that why you're holed up in here, drinking your nights away?" Severus asked as he eyed the arsenal of empty bottles piled under the drinks cart.
"Narcissa was very replaceable," Lucius growled, his tone changed as he exhaled, sadness haunted his words as he carried on his train of thought. "Astrid however… different story… does she think of me? Speak of me?"
Severus eyed his old friend, noticing the broken look in his eye as he stared into his drink before taking a large gulp. He noticed how Lucius took the burning liquid so easily.
"She does," Snape said hesitantly. He watched Lucius perk up slightly, his eyes flashed more alert.
"What does she say?" Lucius' voice hitched in his throat.
"Little, but she doesn't need to say much… it's obvious when you read her… she misses you dearly," It was a rare moment, one where Severus spoke truthfully in Malfoy Manor. "How are your preparations coming, for the prophecy?" Severus's gaze flicked to the book on the table.
"We will use the potter boy to gain access to the prophecy, but not yet, we need to plant the seed first, these things take time," Lucius sighed, he was already tired of his work for the Dark Lord, and he still had many years of servitude left, part of him actually wanted Potter to win, so that he could free himself of Lord Voldemort's service.
"The Dark Lord doesn't like to be kept waiting, I fear he will lose patience soon Lucius, be careful, your good graces with the Dark Lord are wearing thin,"
Spring had long retreated and made way for summer, June had almost come to a close, pushing Astrid into her third trimester. Astrid checked her full length mirror every day, standing side-ways she ran her hand over her small bump. It could easily be mistaken for bloating, but Astrid was somewhat proud of the small rounded stomach she had grown.
Her secret was still very much hidden, only two souls on the castle grounds knew of her condition, Severus Snape and Poppy Pomfrey. She knew she'd have to come clean to Umbridge eventually when she really started to show, but she would wait until the very last opportunity to tell. Umbridge didn't hate Astrid right now, in-fact she had on multiple occasions praised her teaching, the results from her classes mock exams were exceptional in comparison to earlier years under Professor Binns teaching. Astrid hoped Dumbledore would return and oust Umbridge before the summer break, but it wasn't looking likely.
Whilst the secret was hidden, the staff and students couldn't help but see a slight difference in their youngest professor, only slight, but still a difference. Her skin and hair almost glowed, radiating beauty more than it did even before. Her chest had filled out some and her slim body grew a little bit more curvaceous around her hips, it suited her, she felt womanly and feminine. She hid her rounding stomach beneath her usual floating dresses and skirts, she long gave up her heels though, and opted for little flat pumps or loafers instead.
"Right, you're all dismissed, another huge good luck for the exam this afternoon, I know you've got this, you all possess the knowledge required, just let it flow onto the page!" Astrid addressed her class from her blackboard as they gathered their things. Harry approached Astrids desk, backpack slung over his shoulder, Hermione and Ron in tow.
"Are you three okay?" Astrid asked with a puzzled frown. "Not nervous about the exam I hope,"
"No, it's not that professor," Harry started.
"We just wanted to thank you, for being a great professor this year," Hermione smiled.
"Yeah, this class used to be a bore, but I actually learnt stuff this year," Ron added with a goofy grin.
"I hope you did Mr Weasley you're about to be tested on it in two hours time!" Astrid chuckled as she took a seat in her desk chair. "It's been a pleasure teaching you guys, a learning curve, but a pleasure,"
"I was actually thinking of taking History of Magic next year, I think it might come in handy in my chosen career field, I was wondering if I could have some advance notes on next year's subject topics?" Hermione asked eagerly.
"I will whip some up for you when I can Miss Granger, but Professor Binns may choose to mix these up a little,"
"You won't be coming back in the fall?" Ron asked with a dumbfounded look.
"Do you not plan on returning professor?" Harry asked.
"It's… complicated, I will be taking some time away from the classroom, I may or may not return towards Christmas, it's an… uncertain time, I'm sorry I can't be more forthcoming, but I'm sure you will all flourish under Professor Binns teaching if you should choose History of Magic next year," Astrid smiled.
"Are you having a laugh? Professor Binns teaching is horrendous," Ron sighed, rolling his eyes.
"Will it be… phoenix related? Your absence?" Harry asked keenly, his voice was hushed, he looked around at the students piling out of the classroom, all of them were too wrapped up in their own conversations to be listening in on theirs.
"I can't divulge the nature of it, I'm sorry Harry," Astrid sighed as she shut down the topic. "Now, you three need to go get a nutritious lunch ready for the exam, I have complete faith in all of you, good luck,"
The exam was coming to an end just fifteen minutes remained, Astrid paced outside the doors, waiting to greet her students, practically biting her nails from nerves as she remembered what her exam experience was like.
Harry, Hermione, Ron and the others from their class scribbled their quills on the exam paper, mouthing to themselves as they transferred their thoughts to the page. At the front of the hall Professor Umbridge stood like a dictator watching over the students, her hands clasped together in front she watched like a hawk as the giant pendulum swung behind her.
"Fifteen minutes remain," She announced haughtily, she enjoyed the looks of panic on a few of the students faces as they realised how so little time, they had left to complete the exam.
Outside of the exam hall Astrid's pacing came to a stop when she heard the faint sound of fireworks, the fizzes, pops and bangs grew closer. The doors behind her opened and Dolores Umbridge stepped out.
"What is that racket Professor Moody?" Dolores' tone was accusatory.
"I have no idea, I think it's… fireworks?" Astrid furrowed her brows as she watched a little spark approach them, it grew close to Umbridge's face, teasing her, before fizzing off into the hall and exploding in pops and fizzes of blue.
"Where did that come from?" Umbridge hissed, her eyes scanned the area with confusion. Faint whooshing approached the two professors, and suddenly two Weasleys on brooms zoomed down the staircase, passing the two professors overhead. Astrid ducked, covered her head with a small yelp, Umbridge was nearly knocked off of her feet. The boys whizzed over the exam hall with their wands in hand, laughing wildly they set off fireworks left right and center, and shot the exam papers up off the desks into the air. Colourful smoke filled the room as fizzes pops and bangs filled the air. The students were out of their seats, cheering for the Weasley twins. Umbridge marched into the hall, dodging crackles and pops. The boys zoomed back and forth on their brooms, letting loose more chaos with bigger fireworks each time.
"Ready when you are!" Fred laughed as his twin released a large firework that exploded into a rainbow of colours. From the crackle of colour came the glowing orange face of a dragon. Opening its jaws, the firework figure chased Professor Umbridge out of the hall, before closing its jaws on her, engulfing the woman in pink. Astrid stepped back out of harm's way as the wall of decrees smashed, littering glass and paper across the floor. Next their frames fell with a crash to the floor around the headmaster.
Astrid laid a tender hand on her stomach as she watched the commotion with shock and wonder, she stifled a laugh, pressing her free hand to her mouth. Umbridge yelped as the two boys flew overhead, startling her. Flying out the archway into the courtyard the boys let loose more fireworks overhead. The students abandoned the exam hall and piled out into the courtyard, their faces gleaming and laughing. Astrid followed them out to watch the show.
She wasn't the only professor to find the humour in it, she spied Professor Flitwick celebrating for a moment before regaining his professional composure. A sparkling 'W' appeared in the sky over Hogwarts and the twins flew off into the distance on their brooms. Astrid clapped her hands along with the students, who hollered and cheered.
But amongst the crowd of elated teenagers Astrid spotted Harry looking rather stunned, as if he had seen a ghost the boy fell back onto the stone floor. Astrid pushed through the crowd to get to the boy, gripping him by his shoulder she shouted his name, but he did not hear her. Her logic told her he had been deafened by the fireworks, perhaps one went off too close to his ear? But her heart knew it was something else, something far more sinister had gripped the boy who lived.
"Harry?" Astrid called him again, shaking his shoulder, "Harry can you hear me?" Hermione dropped down next to Astrid, placing a comforting hand on Harry's leg, the two exchanged concerned looks as Harry's eyes widened, the boy opened his mouth and blurted out one word:
"Sirius!"
I hope you're all enjoying this so far, please let me know if you have any constructive criticism, or ideas of your own to feed into the story, I love hearing from you guys and the positive comments are keeping me going, we are nearing the end of OOTP now, I plan on taking this story all the way passed Deathly Hallows so still lots more to come!