TRAITOR

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Chapter 7:

Andromeda lounged in the Slytherin Common Room, relaxing against a pile of plush, emerald cushions. The Prefect was comfortably sat on a large windowsill looking into the Black Lake, watching as the Merfolk danced through the murky depths. Suddenly one caught her eye and waved at the student, giving a smile that revealed a pack of needle-sharp teeth. The witch waved back with a smile, watching as the creatures weaved gracefully through the underwater weeds. The Merfolk were so beautiful, with their grey-tinted bodies and shimmery scales and of course, their harmonious singing. It was easy to understand why the Selkies of Hogwarts were revered for their voices and their love of music. Whenever they decided to amuse themselves in their submerged village with melodies, it could often be heard within the snake's dormitories. Sometimes they sung soft lullabies, other times they would simply play unknown their magical instruments; whatever they chose to perform, it never failed to make Andromeda smile.

Behind her, the Prefect distantly heard the change in her friend's conversation turn to a passionate topic.

Quidditch.

Andromeda groaned.

It wasn't a subject that appealed to her.

What was so enthralling about watching a bunch of idiots, racing around on broomsticks chasing balls to score points? Especially when those idiots went out in all weathers; rain, sleet, hail, thunderstorms, snowstorms, sweltering heat, getting sweaty and dirty for no reason?

When the Prefect had asked these questions, her friend Amelia had replied that in fact she, and others, found people in Quidditch uniforms incredibly attractive. At this Andromeda had raised an eyebrow, still not understanding how a uniform could be even remotely alluring. Nott had giggled and lightly blushed, saying that one day the middle Black would understand.

That day still hadn't come, and Andromeda was still as indifferent to the game as she ever was. Sadly, her house-mates were not and their discussion had risen in volume, invading the Prefect's peaceful reverie.

With a heavy sigh, she turned her head, spotting four of her fellow Slytherin's gathered around the ornate fireplace.

"I don't think we will beat the players we already have." Amelia commented softly, stretching out her legs and crossing her ankles.

"I agree." The Slytherin Captain, Genevieve Pucey said. "But we have to have tryouts, just in case."

"Why?" Rodolphus snapped, face set in a fierce scowl. The Beater had been on the team for nearly five years, and it was safe to say that he didn't want to lose his position now.

"Lestrange, we have to have to consider our options. We will eventually come up against Hufflepuff." Lucius stated, his tone perfectly patronising.

"He's right." Genevieve added tensely, clearly irritated at the lack of logic the older Lestrange was employing. "Hufflepuff have some amazing players, as we discovered last term."

Andromeda saw all of her fellow snake's cringe at the reminder of their sore defeat in July.

It had been an extremely hot day under the summer sun and the heat had been almost unbearable. However, the loyal fans had remained outside, teetering on the edge of their seats whilst excitedly cheering on their friends and house-mates.

The snakes had held their own against the badgers before, but last term, something had changed. Pucey had reflected afterwards that Hufflepuff's formation had been 'impeccable'. Whatever that meant. In truth, she didn't know much about the game, except for the positions and the names of the various charmed balls. However, despite her absence of interest or particular knowledge about the game, the witch couldn't deny that there was something undeniably satisfying about winning a match.

"Sure, it was a rough game but-"

Genevieve cut him off with a loud, very unladylike snort. "'Rough'? It wasn't 'rough', Lestrange. It was fucking awful! I refuse to experience that again."

She wasn't just talking about the loss of a game and Rodolphus did not like the implication of Pucey's words.

"Well maybe if you were a better fucking Captain, we wouldn't have lost!" The seventh year yelled, his face quickly flushing pink as he bunched up his fists.

"I'm not the one flying around the pitch like a rabid dog! I didn't attack three students in front of the entire school! You were lucky not to be expelled, you lunatic!" Gen fired back, eyes flashing dangerously.

"Fuck you! I am a Beater, it's my job to attack the other students." Lestrange growled before jumping to his feet.

"With a Bludger! Not-" Gen stopped herself, quickly reigning in her outrage before the situation declined further. Taking a deep breath, she considered him with a furious expression.

"Perhaps you should quit the team, Lestrange." A new voice said smoothly. Andromeda twisted and saw Selene Parkinson sauntering towards the arguing group. Andromeda had always liked Parkinson. She was calm and collected, much like the Prefect herself. "I'm sure we could find a replacement easily enough."

The Prefect grinned slyly, hiding the amused tilt of her mouth with a hand.

Rodolphus snarled at all three girls, swore profusely and turning away.

"Merlin, why did I agree to keep him on the team?" Gen breathed; her tone layered with regret.

Selene sat opposite her Captain and her features softened slightly. "Because, unfortunately, he is very good... when he can keep his impulses in check."

With that, Andromeda turned her face away and re-focused on the submerged world beyond the bewitched pane of glass. The Merfolk had seemingly moved on, but the Grindylow's were beginning to emerge as day turned to evening. In her peripheral vision, the witch saw someone coming towards her and she knew who it was.

Amelia planted herself opposite her friend and followed Andromeda's eyes.

"Are you okay?" The former asked quietly, and Andromeda nodded, feeling her curls tickle under her chin.

"Yes, just tired." She answered honestly, sinking further into the cushions. The other Slytherin nodded in understanding.

"I take it the Mudblood is being-"

"Pleasant." Andromeda finished for her, flicking her gaze across to meet Amelia's bright blues. "For some reason, he's being, in his words, 'pleasant'."

Nott chuckled. "Does that surprise you? He's a Hufflepuff."

"I know, but..." Andromeda leaned in closer to her black-haired confidant. "It makes it harder."

"I know what you mean. They don't know the meaning of personal space or boundaries."

"It's not just that." The witch sighed and considered how she could put her thoughts into words. How could she describe Tonks? "He's-"

"THAT FUCKING MUDBLOOD!"

The scream rung out and all heads within the Common Room snapped up to see Rabastan storming into the the domed chamber.

Mentally, the Prefect said farewell to a peaceful night with her friends.

"Can you believe the audacity of that Mudblood?" Rabastan yelled, clearly determined to have a public tantrum.

"For Salazar's sake." Amelia muttered with a roll of her eyes. "Why is he always so dramatic?"

Andromeda chuckled. Though she was interested to know what had caused the violent outburst from her fellow Prefect, the witch wasn't the type to swarm around the drama like some gossiping Gryffindor.

"What's the matter little brother?" Rodolphus called out, exiting his place in the shadows.

"I will kill that filthy Mudblood."

"Which one?" The seventh year inquired, eyes narrowing suspiciously.

The Prefect clenched his fists in anger and snarled, "Ted fucking Tonks."

A deafening silence followed the Slytherin's words. Andromeda and Amelia shared a glance, clearly thinking the same thing. Why was he so angry? Andromeda looked to the raging sixth year and studied him. His clothes were the same as they had been this morning; no rips or tears. His skin was the same, perfectly clean, with no bruises or marks marring his face. Physically, he was fine. Which meant the injury was of a different nature.

What had the badger done, or more likely, said?

From across the room, Rabastan captured Andromeda's gaze and began to take long strides towards her, quickly eating up the space in between them.

"I have no idea how you can stand to mentor that insolent wretch!" He fumed as he approached.

"What happened?" Andromeda asked, leaning back as she regarded the wizard.

For a moment, Rabastan tightly pressed his lips together and seethed silently.

"He said that he could beat me in a duel." He spat, dark eyes dashing between the two witches. "He said that he would have 'wiped the floor' with me if you hadn't stepped in between us."

Andromeda couldn't help but feel at a loss for words. What Tonks had said... she didn't want to admit it, or even think it but... it was true.

"He actually said that? 'I'll wipe the floor with you'?" Nott asked, re-tying the ribbon in her hair. Lestrange slowly nodded.

The female Prefect swallowed, clearing her throat. "So what did you do?"

Rab smirked. "I challenged him to prove it."

Neither witch replied, though Andromeda felt a spark of irritation in her chest.

Rabastan was skilled at duelling, he was quick and easily capable of defending himself against the other students he had come up against. But Tonks wasn't like them. Every cell in Andromeda's body wanted to tell the male Prefect that he was making a mistake in sparring Tonks. A very big mistake. Despite what Gryffindor's thought, the serpent House were not cowards. They simply picked their battles, knowing when to strike and when to wait and bide their time. In this case however, a challenge had been accepted and Rabastan was stupidly stubborn enough to think he could win. Not showing up now would damage his pride beyond repair.

"Is anyone supervising?" Nott asked, breaking Andromeda's thought pattern.

Rabastan scoffed, settling back against the stone. "Yes, sadly. The new Defence Against the Dark Arts professor, Levitt, has organised everything."

"Levitt? As in the Auror?" Andromeda inquired, feeling her eyes widen. If a teacher was present, then things wouldn't go too far.

Right?

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Around seven o'clock, Andromeda followed her friends and sisters as they made their way to the Defence classroom on the third floor.

When the Slytherin's entered, Andromeda was surprised by how the new teacher had decorated her classroom in preparation for the ensuing duel.

All of the windows had been blocked with heavy wooden shutters, effectively sealing the vaulted chamber in darkness. The only light came from glittering metal orbs that hung from the ceiling, radiating harsh shafts of cool white light around the room. Between the silver spheres, Levitt had used long pieces of dyed silk and draped them over the stone walls and up to the centre of the ceiling. The professor had carefully and cleverly organised the colours to depict the opposing houses; using amber and black for Hufflepuff and forest green and steel for Slytherin.

Cissy gripped her sisters' arm as her light eyes contemplated their surroundings.

"Impressive." The blonde commented and Andromeda agreed.

Although the Prefect thought the theatrical dress-up was a little excessive, it did personify the animosity between the two boys. The distinct contrast in the Houses was more evident than ever.

As the snakes were the first to arrive, they positioned themselves at one end of the chamber, facing the door. Andromeda stood beside her younger sister near a window as they waited for Rabastan's opponent to arrive. They didn't have to wait long.

When the badgers walked the room, their lighthearted chatter died as they positioned themselves against the back wall. Tonks gently moved his friends aside as he came up behind them. He had opted to not wear full uniform and was clad only in a crisp shirt with sleeves pushed up to his elbows, trousers and shoes. Tonks rolled his shoulders and stood at a slight angle, his hazel eyes trained on his opponent, looking more grim than Andromeda thought a Hufflepuff possibly could have. In direct juxtaposition, Rab stood perfectly still in his immaculate black robes, watching the badger with an expression of pure hate.

"Welcome everyone." Levitt called, stepping into the middle of the room. "I am pleased to see you all turn out to witness this cordial duel."

Andromeda shook her head. There was going to be nothing cordial about this fight. Nothing.

Ignorant of the Prefect's thoughts, the professor continued. "Duellists, remember to employ magic only. There must be no physical contact made during your contest. After the count of three, you will each attempt to disarm and stun your opponent in order to force a submission from your opponent." Levitt cast her fierce pale eyes across the room before settling on the badger. "Do you understand Mr Tonks?" The Hufflepuff nodded in assent. "Mr Lestrange?" The Slytherin dipped his head. "Good, now get into position."

The two both assumed their combative stances and readied themselves, though Andromeda noticed that one of them appeared more ready than the other. She regarded Tonks, noticing how he was stood loosely, ready to move in any direction,, whereas Rab was stood squarely facing his opponent, his fingers trembling slightly around the wood of his wand.

Andromeda wondered if she was the only one who noticed how woefully unprepared the latter really was.

"One." Levitt shouted, removing herself to stand between the grouped houses. "Two." Andromeda looked at her friend and wished him luck. He would need it. "Three."

"Stupefy!" Tonks yelled so quickly that Rab barely had enough time to shield himself. The barrier failed as Rabastan stumbled and the Hufflepuff took full advantage. "Levicorpus!"

Suddenly the Slytherin's ankles clamped together and shot him up into the air, effectively dangling him upside down. Rab twisted as he levitated, aiming his wand at Tonks's chest.

"Impedimenta!"

The Hufflepuff was moving as though he were stuck in treacle. Each arm movement was slowed to the point that Rab could release himself and drop back to the floor. By the time he had re-orientated himself, the badger was attacking at full speed again. Andromeda was impressed, watching as the room flashed with beams of blue, red and white light.

"Incarcerous!" Thick roped bound around Rabastan's body so tightly that he desperately rasped for breath, struggling against the bonds to get free. Ted showed no mercy. "Expelliarmus! Petrificus Totalus!"

With the last spell, the Slytherin Prefect went perfectly immobile, his petrified limbs remained in locked in their awkward positions as the ropes constricted again. Unbalanced, the frozen snake fell and landed with a loud thud.

Clutching his opponent's wand in his left hand, Tonks stood as the victor.

There was a brief pause as the crowd of students remained stunned. Then the black and yellow House erupted into cheers.

Andromeda's mouth popped open slightly as she regarded the Hufflepuff with newfound appreciation. She knew he was good, but she didn't think he was that good. Tonks had taken her, and the rest of Slytherin House by complete surprise, moving with grace and purpose, delivering his spells with skill. Whatever emotions ran through him when he looked at Rab, the badger had easily controlled it, channelling his feelings into his wand and distributing powerful incantations.

Tonks stepped forward, approaching his motionless rival and crouching beside him. Andromeda heard him hiss out a string of angry words, though she couldn't pick up his what he actually said.

As he rose, his friends flocked around him, clapping his shoulders and whooping at his triumph.

"Yes!" Kettlewell howled, ruffling the Prefect's blonde hair into a dishevelled mess.

"Well done Ted!" Griffiths commented, clapping his hands and laughing.

As Tonks was nearly swamped with congratulations, the Slytherin's looked rather... disturbed. Apart from Andromeda, they clearly hadn't expected Lestrange to lose. They were visibly disgruntled, quickly exiting the chamber as Levitt used counter spells to bring Rabastan out of his rope-bound coma. The female Prefect glanced at her friend who was still on the ground, seeing bruises and burns around his wrists and neck already becoming apparent. However, she had no sympathy for him. His own pride had been his downfall. Any Slytherin who had an ounce of common sense would never have consented to duel with Tonks. In a fair fight, Rabastan had come out second best.

"Did that actually happen?" Narcissa whispered into her sister's ear, sounding confused and unnerved.

"Yes it did." She replied, trying to keep her tone flat and unimpressed. Turning away, Andromeda was determined to ignore the blooming respect that she felt for her Hufflepuff partner.

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a/n: Annndddd, what do you think? I know the duel wasn't long, but I hope that it was dramatic enough. :)
Thank you Amadnda, for your encouragement and reviews on previous chapters!
As always, please let me know your opinions and ideas for the next chapter in a review.
- DQ92