disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, just Arabella and her story. Another lengthy chapter, but the next one will be everyone getting back into the swing of things. I hope you all like it!
Confrontations and Accusations
Arabella did not sleep much that night. Her dreams were full of chaos. Plates kept smashing all around her, screams filled her ears and her grandmother's face kept popping up. She woke up in a cold sweat, her arms bleeding and her bed drenched. She quickly threw her sheets in the corner before taking a long shower. She had expected some peace and quiet as hot water hit her back, but none came. Through the walls she could hear Mrs. Weasley and Walburga screaming at the top of their lungs. It was only when she applied some medicine to her arms she could make out some of the words.
" – COULD HAVE DONE HER A SERIOUS INJURY, YOU IDIOTS –"
" – FILTHY HALF-BREEDS, BESMIRCHING THE HOUSE OF MY FATHERS –"
There were rapid knocks on the bathroom door as Arabella began dressing.
"Hurry up," Hermione called, her voice slightly panicked. "Mrs. Weasley's panicking. She says we're going to miss the train at this rate."
"Almost done," Arabella called back. When she opened the door, she asked, "Everything okay?"
"Fred and George bewitched their trunks to fly downstairs," Hermione said shortly, rolling her eyes. "Wanted to save the bother of actually carrying them. They ended up hurtling straight into Ginny and knocking her down two flights of stairs."
Arabella's mouth went ajar as she lifted her trunks and Shay.
"She's all right now," Hermione said quickly. "Mrs. Weasley patched her up, but Mad-Eye's complaining that we can't leave unless Sturgis Podmore's here, otherwise the guard will be one short. But if we don't leave soon we're definitely going to miss the train…"
"WILL YOU LOT GET DOWN HERE NOW, PLEASE!"
Hermione jumped and hurried out of the room. Arabella quickly setoff downstairs, dragging her trunks behind Harry. Walburga was still screaming with rage, nobody bothering to close her curtains.
"MUDBLOODS! SCUM! CREATURES OF DIRT!"
"Oh, shut up, you old hag!" Arabella snapped, rolling her eyes.
"Harry, Arabella, you're to come with me and Tonks," Mrs. Weasley shouted over Walburga. "Leave your trunks and owls, Alastor's going to deal with the luggage… Oh, for heaven's sake, Sirius, Dumbledore said no!"
A great, big dog suddenly appeared at Harry's side as Arabella did her best to each the front door, climbing over the cluttering trunks.
"Oh honestly…" said Mrs. Weasley, tired, "well, on your own head be it!"
She threw the front door open and stepped out into the dim September sunlight. Arabella, Harry and the dog followed her. The door slammed behind them and Walburga's screams died out instantly. Nymph was waiting for them at the corner of the block. She was now disguised as an elder woman with curled grey hair under a purple porkpie hat and leaning on a wooden cane.
"A glimpse into the future, I see," commented Arabella, seizing Nymph up and down.
Nymph poked Arabella's leg with the cane hard.
"Ow!"
"You better watch your mouth, young lady!" warned Nymph, wagging her finger and mimicking an old voice. She then turned to Harry and said, perfectly normal, "Wotcher, Harry. Better hurry up, hadn't we, Molly?"
"I know, I know," moaned Mrs. Weasley, "but Mad-Eye wanted to wait for Sturgis… If only Arthur could have got us cars from the Ministry again… but Fudge wouldn't let him borrow so much as an empty ink bottle these days… How Muggles can stand traveling without magic…"
The way to King's Cross was rather enjoyable. Though Mrs. Weasley kept acting as though they had already missed the train, Sirius chased his own tail, snapped at pigeons and gambled around them. Arabella and Harry laughed at his antics. Sirius had been locked up inside Grimmauld Place for months on end. He deserved this moment of freedom. It took them twenty minutes to reach King's Cross by foot. Once they were inside, they lingered beside the barrier between platforms nine and ten until the coast was clear. Slowly, each of them leaned into the barrier and fell through easily onto platform nine and three quarters, where the Hogwarts Express stood. Arabella smiled as the platform was packed with students and families. She looked up at the sign that read Hogwarts Express, 11 o'clock and felt something warm spread inside of her. During her first year, she had watched other families say good-bye to each other. She remembered the jealous feeling in her chest all those years ago, but that was all gone now. Today, her family was going to see her off to Hogwarts. Her spirits soared at the thought.
"I hope the others make it in time," said Mrs. Weasley anxiously.
"Nice dog, Arabella!"
"Thanks, Lee," said Arabella, grinning as Sirius chased his tail frantically to the amusement of the family next to them.
"Oh good," said Mrs. Weasley, her shoulders falling, "here's Alastor with the luggage, look…"
With a porter's cap pulled over his magical eye, Mad-Eye came limping towards them, pushing a cart full of trunks. Seconds later, Mr. Weasley emerged onto the platform with Ron and Hermione. They had almost unloaded all the trunks when Fred, George and Ginny turned up with Remus.
"No trouble?" growled Mad-Eye.
"Nothing," said Remus, staring at Sirius for a brief moment before sighing.
"I'll be reporting Sturgis to Dumbledore. That's the second time he's not turned up in a week. Getting as unreliable as Mundungus."
"Well, look after yourselves," said Remus, shaking hands all around. He reached for Arabella last and pulled her into a big hug. "You too. Be careful. Don't do anything stupid."
"No promises," Arabella mumbled into Remus's shoulder, her eyes watering for a moment. It was harder to say goodbye to him this year. She was going to miss him. She was going to miss Sirius.
"Yeah, keep your head down and your eyes peeled," said Mad-Eye, shaking hands as well. "And don't forget, all of you – careful what you put in writing. If in doubt, don't put it in a letter at all."
"It's been great meeting all of you," said Nymph, hugging Hermione and Ginny. "We'll see you soon, I expect."
Arabella crouched down to Sirius's level and scratched behind his ear. She then whispered, "This is the first time you're seeing me off for Hogwarts. When we do this again next year, you're going to be in your normal form and you're going to be free, got it?"
Sirius stared at Arabella with glossy eyes and Arabella kissed his forehead and said, "Love you."
A warning whistle sounded, and students started hurrying onto the train.
"Quick, quick," said Mrs. Weasley distractedly. "Write… Be good… If you've forgotten anything we'll send it on… Onto the train, now, hurry…"
Arabella quickly hugged Nymph and said, "Don't cause too much trouble for Andy, all right?" She then kissed Mad-Eye on the cheek, much to his dismay, and hugged Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. Before boarding the trained, she turned towards Remus and Sirius once more. She opened her mouth for a second before settling on a small smile. Though she wasn't there, it felt as though Kassandra was somehow with them at the platform. Arabella wanted nothing more than to have her mother there with her, Sirius and Remus. It would have made everything in the moment perfect.
"Arabella!" Mrs. Weasley hissed angrily. She then shoved Arabella towards the train door. "For heaven's sake!"
"See you!"
The train began to move as Arabella, Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny waved. Remus, Nymph, Mad-Eye, and Mr. and Mrs. Weasley waved back, their figures shrinking, while Sirius barked and began chasing down the train. When the train turned the corner, Sirius was gone.
"He shouldn't have come with us," said Hermione, worried.
"Oh lighten up," said Ron, "he's hasn't seen daylight for months, poor bloke."
"Well," said Fred, clapping his hands together, "can't stand around chatting all day, we've got business to discuss with Lee. See you later."
The twins disappeared as the train gathered more speed.
"Shall we go and find a compartment, then?" Harry asked Arabella, Ron and Hermione.
Ron and Hermione exchanged looks, both clearly uncomfortable.
"Er," said Ron.
"We're – well – Ron and I are supposed to go into the prefect carriage," said Hermione, awkwardly.
Ron wasn't looking up at the others. He was staring intensely at his left hand.
"That's fine," said Arabella, her smile fading. It was strange not to be riding the train to Hogwarts with Ron and Hermione. Someway, somehow, she always found a way to be with them.
"I don't think we'll have to stay there all journey," Hermione said quickly. "Our letters said we just get instructions from the Head Boy and Girl and then patrol the corridors from time to time."
"Fine," said Harry. "Well, we'll see you later, then."
"Yeah, definitely," Ron said anxiously. "It's a pain having to go down there, I'd rather – but we have to – I mean, I'm not enjoying it, I'm not Percy."
"I know you're not," said Harry, grinning.
And with that, they went their separate ways for the time being. Hermione and Ron dragged their trunks, Crookshanks and Pigwidgeon off towards the engine of the train while Arabella, Harry and Ginny struggled off down the corridor. They peered though the glass doors into the compartments, hoping to find an empty one, but they found no such luck. Instead, they were greeted by people that stared at Harry and Arabella with great interest. None bothered to hide their shame as they pointed and gawked with their neighbours. Arabella took in deep breaths, trying to calm herself down. The Daily Prophet kept printing lies about her and Harry all summer and all their hard work paid off. People seemed to have believed them after all.
In the very last carriage they met up with Neville Longbottom. He was pulling his trunk along and maintained a one-hand grip on Trevor, his toad.
"Hi, Harry," he panted. "Hi, Arabella… Hi, Ginny… Every where's full… I can't find a seat…"
"What are you talking about?" said Ginny, peering into the compartment behind Neville. "There's room in this one, there's only Loony Lovegood in here –"
Neville mumbled something under his breath about not disturbing anyone.
"Don't be silly," said Ginny, laughing, "she's all right."
She slid the door open and pulled her trunk inside it. Arabella, Harry and Neville followed her lead.
"Hi, Luna," said Ginny. "Is it okay if we take these seats?"
The girl sitting beside the window looked up and nodded. There was something strange about her, but not in a dangerous way. Her wand was stuck behind her left ear with her untidy, waist-length, blonde hair barely covering it. Her bulging eyes made her look as though she was constantly surprised, and her eyes seemed to have been wiped off from her face. She was wearing a necklace of bottlecaps and was reading The Quibbler upside down. Her eyes scanned over Neville, Arabella and Harry as they stowed their trunks, Shay and Hedwig in the luggage rack. She didn't seem to blink as she stared and stared at Harry, even after he took a seat opposite from her.
"Have a good summer, Luna?" Ginny asked, taking a seat next to Neville.
"Yes," said Luna dreamily. "Yes, it was quite enjoyable, you know. You're Harry Potter."
"Is he?" Arabella asked shockingly.
Luna turned her pale eyes on Arabella instead and said, "And you're Arabella Black, Stubby Broadman's daughter."
"Who?" asked Arabella, confused.
Neville chuckled, and Luna turned her attention to him now. "I don't know who you are."
"I'm nobody," said Neville hurriedly.
"No, you're not," Ginny said sharply as a blush began creeping on Neville's neck. "Neville Longbottom – Luna Lovegood. Luna's in my year, but in Ravenclaw."
"Wit beyond measure is a man's greatest treasure," Luna sang. She then raised her magazine high enough to hide her face and fell silent.
Arabella stared at Luna with a bewildered expression while Harry and Neville glanced at each other with their eyebrows raised. Ginny supressed a giggle, clearly amused at their reactions. Arabella then shook her head and looked out the window. They were speeding in the open country. In the distance she could see cows moving slowly. It was a strange sort of day. One moment it was sunny and the next, there were grey clouds.
"Guess what I got for my birthday?" said Neville.
"Another Remembrall?" said Harry.
"No, I could do with one, though, I lost the old one ages ago… No, look at this…" He pulled out a small grey cactus from his schoolbag and held it up for them. But it wasn't covered in spines, it was covered with boils that seemed to be pulsating. "Mimbulus mimbletonia," he said proudly. "It's really, really rare. I don't know if there's one in the greenhouse at Hogwarts, even. I can't wait to show it to Professor Sprout. My great-uncle Algie got it for me in Assyria. I'm going to see if I can breed from it."
"Does it – er – do anything?" Harry asked.
"Loads of stuff!" said Neville, beaming. "It's got an amazing defensive mechanism – hold Trevor for me, Arabella…"
He dumped Trevor onto Arabella's lap and took out a quill from his schoolbag. Luna peered over her magazine, suddenly interested in what was going on. Neville then held the Mimbulus mimbletonia up to his eyes, carefully chose a spot and poked it with the tip of his quill.
Arabella closed her eyes quickly as she held onto Trevor firmly from escaping. Liquid squirted from every boil on the plant. Thick, smelly, dark jets of liquid squirted on every inch of the compartment. It hit the ceiling, the windows, and themselves. Harry and Ginny managed to cover their faces with their arms, but Arabella got a mouthful of it. The liquid smelled like rotten manure.
Neville's face and torso were also drenched as he looked at them in horror. "S – sorry. I haven't tried that before… Didn't realize it would be quite so… Don't worry, though, Stinksap's not poisonous," he added as Arabella spat the liquid on the floor.
To Arabella's horror, the compartment door slid open.
"Oh… hello, Harry. Um… bad time?"
"A bit, yeah," said Harry.
He was wiping Arabella's face free from the liquid as Arabella tried her best to make sure Trevor didn't escape her slippery hands. Once her eyes were clear, Arabella looked up to see Cho Chang standing at the doorway. She was a very pretty girl with long, shiny black hair and she was the Seeker on the Ravenclaw Quidditch team.
"Um…" said Cho. "Well… just thought I'd say hello… 'bye then."
She closed the door and departed. Arabella narrowed her eyes after her, wondering what she could have wanted from Harry. If she was interested in Harry, then Arabella certainly had poor timing. Cho had discovered Arabella clutching a toad and dripping in Stinksap while asking for Harry, looking very attractive and not covered in a strange liquid.
"Never mind," said Ginny. "Look, we can get rid of all this easily." She pulled out her wand and said, "Scourgify!"
The Stinksap vanished as Neville mumbled an apology. Arabella took a deep breath, grateful for her nose being cleared of that manure smell. The rest of the ride seemed very mundane compared to the Mimbulus mimbletonia. The food trolley came and went. Arabella bought as many Chocolate Frogs as she possible could. By the time Ron and Hermione showed up, Arabella, Harry, Ginny and Neville had begun swapping Chocolate Frog cards and had finished eating their pumpkin pastries.
"I'm starving," moaned Ron, grabbing a Chocolate Frog and sitting on the other side of Harry. He ripped open the wrapped and leaned back, taking a bite off the Frog's head.
"Well, there are two fifth-year prefects from each House," said Hermione, taking a seat beside Ginny. "Boy and girl from each."
"And guess who's a Slytherin prefect?"
"Malfoy," Arabella and Harry said together, neither of them pleased.
"'Course," Ron said bitterly.
"And that complete cow Pansy Parkinson," Hermione said hotly. "How she got to be a prefect when she's thicker than a concussed troll…"
"Who's Hufflepuff?" Harry asked.
"Ernie Macmillan and Hannah Abbott," said Ron.
"And Anthony Goldstein and Padma Patil for Ravenclaw," said Hermione.
"Not that bad of a haul this year," said Arabella, "except for Malfoy and Parkinson."
"You went to the Yule Ball with Padma Patil," said a vague voice.
Everyone turned to look at Luna, who was staring at Ron over The Quibbler. He swallowed a mouth full of Frog and said, confused, "Yeah, I know I did."
"She didn't enjoy it very much. She doesn't think you treated her very well, because you wouldn't dance with her. I don't think I'd have minded. I don't like dancing very much."
She withdrew behind The Quibbler again. Ron stared at her with his mouth ajar for a few seconds before turning towards Ginny, who merely stuffed her knuckles in her mouth to keep herself from laughing. Ron them shook his head and checked his watch.
"We're supposed to patrol the corridors every so often," he told Arabella, Harry and Neville, "and we can give out punishments if people are misbehaving. I can't wait to get Crabbe and Goyle for something…"
"You're not supposed to abuse your position, Ron!" said Hermione sharply.
"Yeah, right, because Malfoy won't abuse it at all," said Ron sarcastically.
"So, you're going to descend to his level?"
"No, I'm just going to make sure I get his mates before he gets mine. I'll make Goyle do lines it'll kill him, he hates writing," said Ron happily. He lowered his voice to Goyle's low grunt and, screwing up his face in a look of pained concentration, mimed writing in midair. "I… must… not… look… like… a… baboon's… backside…"
Everyone laughed, but no one laughed harder than Luna. She screamed in delight, causing Shay to flap his wings rapidly and waking Hedwig up. Her magazine slipped down her legs and onto the floor due to her whole body shaking. Her eyes swam with tears as she gasped for breath. Ron looked at the others, utterly confused with her behaviour. But everyone was now laughing at the expression on his face and the prolonged laughter of Luna, who began rocking back and forth, clutching her sides.
"Are you taking the mickey?" said Ron, frowning at her.
"Baboon's… backside!"
Arabella smiled as she watched Luna laugh. She was a strange witch, but there was something charming and honest about her. Harry was staring at the magazine on the floor and dived for it, asking Luna for permission to look at it, who was still staring at Ron, breathless with laughter.
After a couple minutes, Harry nudged Arabella in the elbow and said, "You've got to read this."
Arabella raised an eyebrow and tentatively took the magazine. She opened the magazine to a horribly illustrated cartoon. She could not figure out what it was until she looked at the caption. She wanted to laugh. It was supposed to be Sirius standing on a pile of human bones with his wand out. The headline on the article read:
SIRIUS – BLACK AS HE'S PAINTED?
Notorious Mass Murderer OR Innocent Singing Sensation?
"What the hell?" whispered Arabella, re-reading the headline a couple times. She then turned to Harry and said, quietly, "I've heard him in the shower. Not much of a sensation if you ask me. A banshee sounds loads better than him."
"Just read it," Harry urged her.
For fourteen years Sirius Black has been believed guilty of the mass murder of twelve innocent Muggles and one wizard. Black's audacious escape from Azkaban two years ago has led to the widest manhunt ever conducted by the Ministry of Magic. None of us has ever questioned that he deserves to be recaptured and handed back to the dementors.
BUT DOES HE?
Startling new evidence has recently come to light that Sirius Black may not have committed the crimes for which he was sent to Azkaban. In fact, says Doris Purkiss, of 18 Acanthia Way, Little Norton, Black may not even have been present at the killings.
"What people don't realize is that Sirius Black is a false name," says Mrs. Purkiss. "The man people believe to be Sirius Black is actually Stubby Boardman, lead singer of the popular singing group The Hobgoblins, who retired from public life after being struck in the ear by a turnip at a concert in Little Norton Church Hall nearly fifteen years ago. I recognized him the moment I saw his picture in the paper. Now, Stubby couldn't possibly have committed those crimes, because on the day in question he happened to be enjoying a romantic candlelit dinner with me. I have written to the Minister of Magic and am expecting him to give Stubby, alias Sirius, a full pardon any day now."
Arabella gapped at the article. She couldn't believe what she had just read. Not only did someone have the audacity to believe that Sirius Black could sing, they also believed that he was the lead singer in a popular band! If this Doris person had lived with Sirius over the last couple months, she would definitely see the error of her ways.
She turned to Harry and whispered, "So, not only did he cheat on my mother, he's also a famous lead singer for a band?"
Harry nodded very solemnly. "He's got a lot of royalty checks to pick up since they're so popular."
"Ah, but you see, he got struck by a turnip."
Harry sighed and shook his head, fainting disappointment. "No wonder why he's so tone deaf. He's been viciously attacked!"
Arabella began giggling and Harry soon followed.
"What are you two laughing about?" Ron asked. "Anything good in there?"
"Of course not," said Hermione mockingly. "The Quibbler's rubbish, everyone knows that."
"Excuse me," said Luna, her voice suddenly hard. "My father's the editor."
"I – oh," said Hermione, embarrassed. "Well… it's got some interesting… I mean, it's quite…"
"I'll have it back, thank you," Luna said coldly, leaning forward and snatching it out of Arabella's hands just as the compartment door opened once more.
Arabella looked around and sighed. Of course, it was Malfoy and his two cronies, Crabbe and Goyle.
"What?" Harry said aggressively.
"Manners, Potter, or I'll have to give you a detention. You see, I, unlike you, have been made a prefect, which means that I, unlike you, have the power to hand out punishments."
"Yeah," said Harry, 'but you, unlike me, are a git, so get out and leave us alone."
Arabella, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, and Neville laughed as Malfoy's lips curled.
"Tell me, how does it feel being second-best to Weasley, Potter?"
"Oh, shut up, Malfoy," snapped Arabella, rolling her eyes. "Don't you have some second year you've got to pick on? Isn't that why you keep those two around" – she indicated towards Crabbe and Goyle – "so that they can do all the heavy lifting, while you just do what your family is known for doing best – nothing?"
Malfoy smirked before letting out a small laugh. "Oh, you think you're so smart, don't you, Black?"
"Smarter than you," Arabella said quickly with a smile. "Definitely smarter than your twat of a father."
"Well, that 'twat of a father' told me something interesting this summer," said Malfoy with an air of superiority around him. "And let me say, your mother has certainly been naughty."
Arabella's body tensed up. She clenched her fists as she glared at Malfoy.
"Shut up, Malfoy," Hermione said sharply.
Malfoy was now looking at Arabella was glee in his eyes. "Not so cheeky now are you, Black? I wondered why you made all those accusations last year. You called out my father and I was certainly beside myself, but it was all cleared up instantly. You're not better than the rest of us, Black."
"Piss off, Malfoy," Harry said coldly.
"Tell me," continued Malfoy, his voice full of malicious intent as he leaned in and whispered, "how was Macnair?"
"Confringo!"
"Arabella, no!"
Arabella instantly jumped to her feet, reached for her wand and aimed at Malfoy, but Hermione quickly sprung up and threw Arabella's arm to the side. The compartment door window shattered as Ron and Neville tackled Arabella, causing her to lose grip of her wand. Harry, however, took a step forward, his wand drawn, and glared at Malfoy with pure hatred in his eyes.
"You either duel me right here, right now so that I can wipe that stupid smirk off your face," he hissed, "or you leave before your two goons drag your bloody, beaten body out. Your choice, Malfoy."
His voice was anything but steady, and so was his wand hand. Small sparks were flying from his wand and everyone in the compartment froze. Even Luna had put down her Quibbler to stare at Harry. Harry was ready to curse Malfoy into oblivion and back for that terrible, horrible comment. Everyone in the compartment knew, and so did Malfoy. He eyed Harry's wand for a moment before looking at Arabella, pleased that he managed to get a rise out of them.
"I seemed to have touched a nerve," Malfoy said lightly. "Well, just watch yourselves, because I'll be dogging your footsteps in case any of you step out of line."
"Get out!" snarled Arabella. She took two steps forward and slammed the compartment door.
She then slumped down on her seat, crossed her arms and stared out the window. She could feel her body going rigid as she replayed those words in her head. Tell me, how was Macnair? How was Macnair? How was Macnair? She was never going to escape that man. She couldn't escape him in her dreams and she couldn't escape him in real life.
"What – what was he talking about?" asked Neville, looking around the compartment.
Nobody answered him. Everyone looked at Arabella, but she didn't speak for the rest of the journey. The only people that truly knew about Macnair were Harry and Sirius. She didn't tell Hermione and Ron. She never even told Remus. They might know bits and pieces of what happened that night, but they don't know the whole thing. They don't know about Voldemort taunting her, torturing her. They don't know about Macnair and Avery dragging her body without a second thought. They don't know about Macnair touching her skin, his breath on her neck and Avery waiting his turn before Voldemort stopped them. She didn't tell anyone how much she wanted to die that night. Sometimes she couldn't believe she said those words out loud. She wanted everything to disappear. She wanted to disappear. She wanted to be with her mother six feet under. She was used as bait and was forced to witness Cedric being murdered and Voldemort torturing Harry. Remus, Hermione and Ron didn't know this any of this. But Malfoy does. He knows what happened to her and he didn't have any shame in using it against her.
As they traveled further up north, the weather kept changing. One moment it was raining, the next sunny, and then back again to rain. It was a moonless night as Arabella pressed her forehead against the compartment wall. She continued to stare out the window until the lamps appeared in the corridor.
"We'd better change," Hermione said at last.
Arabella pulled out her robes from her trunk and made her way towards the girls' bathroom. For a couple seconds, she stood in front of the mirror, examining herself. She then closed her eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath. The train began to slow down, and she heard the wheels shriek. Through the door she could hear people scramble to grab their luggage and pets. They were laughing and talking to their friends without a care in the world. Arabella didn't leave the bathroom for a while, waiting for the rush to settle down. She counted the seconds with her fingers, trying to focus on anything else in the world besides what happened in the graveyard.
"Avery, Macnair, put her in her place…" whispered a cold voice in her ear.
"Arabella?"
There was a knock on her door. She jumped up and drew out her wand, her heart pounding in her ears. It took her a few minutes to realize that it was Harry knocking on the door. Nobody else.
Arabella opened the door and said, trying to be casual, "Hey. What's up?"
"Luna offered to carry Shay for you," said Harry, concerned. "Is everything okay? You've been in here for a while."
"What? Oh, yeah, I'm fine. Just… had to go, I guess."
Harry stared at her for a moment and nodded. He gentled reached over and grasped Arabella's left hand. He brought them up to his lips and kissed her knuckles. There was a small blush on Arabella's cheek. She gave him a soft smile and gently cupped his cheek.
"You know you can talk to me about anything, right?" Harry asked her quietly.
"Yeah, I know," mumbled Arabella, giving him another small smile. "Come on, lets go."
They both joined the crowd outside the train. The sky was full of stars and Arabella took a deep breath, the smell of pine filling her nose. It was refreshing to feel the night air hit her cheeks. She only got to leave Grimmauld Place twice during the summer. The first ended with her meeting Abel Torell and the second was for Remus. She felt has though she had forgotten what pine smelled like, and the feeling of fresh air surrounding her. She never truly realized how beautiful nature was until that moment.
"First years' line up over here, please! All first years to me!"
A lantern was swinging over them and Arabella saw that it was Professor Grubbly-Plank.
"Where's Hagrid?" Harry said loudly.
"I don't know," said Arabella, shrugging. "But we'd better get going. We're blocking the door."
Arabella and Harry were separated for a moment as they moved along the platform. The crowd kept growing as Arabella tried her best to shuffle through. She looked around, trying to keep an eye out for Harry, Ron or Hermione. She couldn't see any of them and slowly made her way towards the road outside Hogsmeade station.
"Arabella!"
"Neville!" said Arabella. "Where are the others?"
"Isn't that Harry right there?"
Arabella turned back and looked ahead. Harry was standing in front of the carriages with Ron and Hermione. She took a deep breath and made her way towards him. The horses were inhuman with black coats clinging onto the skeletons. Their bones were visible and their white eyes staring at everyone. Arabella never felt truly comfortable around them and she knew it was never going to change.
"Everything all right?" Arabella asked once she reached them.
"I haven't got Pig yet," said Ron. "That Luna girl's got him."
"Well, we better get a carriage before they're all filled up," said Hermione. She headed off towards the nearest unoccupied coach with Neville.
"What are those things?" Harry asked Arabella and Ron, nodding at the horses.
Arabella did a double take, looking between Harry and the horses. "You – you can see them?"
She remembered in her third year asking Harry, Hermione and Ron if they could, and even bring Harry up close to one of the horses. But the only person that could see them was Neville. She thought there was something wrong with her, but now…
"What things?" said Ron.
"Those horse –"
Luna appeared holding Pig's cage in her arms, but Arabella wasn't paying attention to them.
"You can see them?" demanded Arabella, moving closer to Harry. "You can actually see them?"
"Yeah," said Harry, looking perplexed at her. "Can't you?" he then asked Ron.
"What?"
"Those horse things."
"What horse things?"
"The horses pulling the carriages!" Harry said impatiently.
"What are you talking about?" asked Ron, confused.
"I'm talking about –" Harry stopped himself suddenly, looking at Ron, Arabella and then the horse. He looked back at Arabella and said, quietly, "He can't see them."
"You couldn't either a couple years ago," said Arabella, giving him a loop-sided grin. "Remember? I pulled you up to one of them and you still couldn't see them."
Harry then looked back at the horse, a realization dawning over him. Ron looked alarmed at both.
"Are you both feeling all right? Do you need to go to the hospital wing?"
"We're fine," said Arabella. "Let's just go."
"But I don't understand," said Harry.
"I don't either," said Arabella, sighing.
"It's all right," said a dreamy voice behind them. Arabella and Harry turned towards Luna as she stared at the horses. "You're not going mad or anything. I can see them too."
"Can you?" Harry asked desperately.
"Oh yes," said Luna. "I've been able to see them ever since my first day here. They've always pulled the carriages. Don't worry. You're just as sane as I am."
She smiled faintly and climbed into the carriage after Ron. Harry and Arabella looked at each other, neither completely reassured.
"That makes four," Arabella said quietly. "You, me, her and Neville."
She then climbed the carriage after Luna and took a seat next to Ginny. She didn't mention the horses again as they made their way towards Hogwarts. They talked about Hagrid for a moment, wondering why Grubbly-Plank was there. They were all worried about him while Luna seemed pleased to see him go, saying that he wasn't a good teacher. They all immediately jumped to Hagrid's defense, though Hermione was a little slow on the take. The carriages moved slowly and when they moved through the tall stone pillars, Arabella looked out the window to see that the grounds were in complete darkness. However, Hogwarts Castle loomed over them, windows blazing bright against the dark sky. The carriages came to an unsteady halt near the stone steps and Harry got out of the carriages first. Arabella followed at him and saw him staring at the horses once more.
"Come on, Harry, let's go," said Arabella, grabbing his hand. "Don't want to miss the feast, do we?"
Harry grinned as they joined the crowd hurrying up the stone steps into the castle.
They crossed the Entrance Hall into the double doors to the right leading to the Great Hall and the start-of-term feast. The Hall was decorated as usual with floating candles under the black ceiling, which was exactly like the sky outside. As they made their way towards the Gryffindor table, Arabella noticed that people began putting their heads together, immediately whispering about them. She shook her head and dragged Harry over about halfway down the table close to Nearly Headless Nick, who was talking to some second years.
"He's not here," said Harry, looking up at the staff table.
Ron, Hermione and Neville joined them and scanned the table as well.
"He can't have left," said Ron.
"Of course, he hasn't," Harry said firmly.
"You don't think he's… hurt, or anything, do you?" said Hermione uneasily.
"No," said Arabella, shaking her head.
"But where is he, then?"
There was a pause. Harry looked as though he had an idea but didn't want to say it in front of Neville. Harry then leaned in and whispered in Arabella's ear, "Maybe he's not back from his mission from Dumbledore."
Arabella gave him a short nod. Perhaps, but they had no way of confirming it.
"Who's that?" Hermione said sharply.
Arabella followed her eyes to the middle of the staff table. There was a woman sitting on Dumbledore's side who was talking into his ear. She was small with short, curly, light-brown hair. She was wearing a horrible pink bank in her hair with a fluffy pink cardigan that she wore over her robes. When she took a sip of her goblet, Arabella saw that she had a toad-like face with heavily bagged eyes. She recognized that face, but Arabella couldn't place it anywhere.
"It's that Umbridge woman!" said Harry.
"Who?" said Hermione.
"She was at my hearing, she works for Fudge!"
"Nice cardigan," said Ron, smirking.
"She works for Fudge?" repeated Hermione, frowning. "What on earth's she doing here, then?"
"Dunno…"
Arabella stared at the Umbridge woman. She was wracking her brain, but still couldn't place that face anywhere. There was something strange about that woman. Umbridge was gazing at the students with a wicked smile on her face. Nymph had a wicked smile, but hers were full of innocent mischief. Umbridge's was full of malice. There was something off about her. Why would Dumbledore hire her? Unless he didn't… unless Fudge placed her here himself. Arabella scanned the staff table once more as Grubbly-Plank appeared behind the staff table, taking Hagrid's seat.
"Surely not…" mumbled Arabella, as the Entrance Hall doors opened.
Scared-looking first years followed Professor McGonagall to the front of the Hall. Everyone stopped talking and looked over as McGonagall placed a wooden stool in front of the staff table facing the rest of the students. The whole school waited with bated breaths. Then the rip near the brim opened wide like a mouth, bursting into song:
In time of old when I was new
And Hogwarts barely started
The founders of our noble school
Thought never to be parted:
United by a common goal,
They had the selfsame yearning,
To make the world's best magic school
And pass along their learning.
'Together we will build and teach!'
The four good friends decided
And never did they dream that they
Might someday be divided,
For were there such friends anywhere
As Slytherin and Gryffindor?
Unless it was the second pair
Of Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw?
So how could it have gone so wrong?
How could such friendships fail?
Why, I was there and so can tell
The whole sad, sorry tale.
Said Slytherin, 'We'll tech just those
Whose ancestry is purest.'
Said Ravenclaw, 'We'll teach those whose
Intelligence is surest.'
Said Gryffindor, 'We'll teach all those
With brave deeds to their name.'
Said Hufflepuff, 'I'll teach the lot,
And treat them just the same.'
These differences caused little strife
When first they came to light,
For each of the four founders had
A House in which they might
Take only those they wanted, so,
For instance, Slytherin
Took only took pure-blood wizards
Of great cunning, just like him,
And only those of sharpest mind
Were taught by Ravenclaw
While the bravest and the boldest
Went to daring Gryffindor
Good Hufflepuff she took the rest,
And taught them all she knew,
Thus the Houses and their founder
Retained friendship firm and true.
So Hogwarts worked in harmony
For several happy years,
But then discord crept among us
Feeding on our faults and fears.
The Houses that, like pillars four,
Had once held up our school,
Now turned on each other and,
Divided, sought to rule.
And for a while it seemed the school
Must meet an early end,
What with dueling and with fighting
And the clash of friend on friend
And at last there came a morning
When old Slytherin departed
And though the fighting then died out
He left us quite downhearted.
And never since the founders four
Were whittled down to three
Have the Houses been united
As they once were meant to be.
And now the Sorting Hat is here
And you all know the score:
I sort you into Houses
Because that is what I'm for,
But this year I'll go further
Listen closely to my song:
Thought condemned I am to split you
Still I worry that it's wrong,
Thought I must fulfill my duty
And must quarter every year
Still I wonder whether sorting
May not bring the end I fear.
Oh, know the perils, read the signs,
The warning history shows,
For our Hogwarts is in danger
From external, deadly foes
And we must unite inside her
Or we'll crumble from within.
I have told you, I have warned you…
Let the Sorting now begin.
Arabella stared at the hat for a moment. Applause broke out, but they died instantly. Muttering and whispers broke out as neighbours looked at each other. The Sorting Hat usually described the different qualities of each House, not give them advice.
"Branched out a bit this year, hasn't it?" said Ron.
"Too right it has," said Harry.
"I wonder if it's ever given warnings before?" said Hermione, sounding slightly anxious.
"Yes, indeed," said Nearly Headless Nick, leaning across Neville towards Hermione. "The hat feels itself honour-bound to give the school due warning whenever it feels –"
However, Professor McGonagall was giving whispering students a look that could burn their souls. She was waiting to read out the list of first years' name and she was not about to yell over each student. Everyone in the Hall, students and ghost alike, all stopped muttering instantly. They knew better than to mess with McGonagall. With a last frown, she lowered her eyes to her long piece of parchment and began calling out names.
"Abercrombie, Euan."
A terrified looking boy stumbled forward and put the hat on his head. The hat considered for a moment, opened its mouth and shouted, "GRYFFINDOR!"
The Gryffindor table erupted in cheers as Euan Abercrombie staggered towards the table, looking as though he wished to disappear from the Hall. The line of first years began to thin out and once Rose Zeller was placed in Hufflepuff, McGonagall rolled up her parchment. She picked up the hat and stool and marched off as Professor Dumbledore rose to his feet. Arabella felt a sense of comfort, watching her headmaster rise to his feet, greeting them before the start-of-term feast with a beaming smile on his lips.
"To our newcomers – welcome! To our hold hands – welcome back! There is a time for speech making, but this is not it. Tuck in!"
There were some laughs and applause as Dumbledore sat down neatly and threw his long beard over his shoulder to keep away from his plate. The empty dishes before them filled with mounds and mounds of delicious vegetables, bread, sauces, meat, pies and flagons of pumpkin juice. Arabella quickly grabbed a plate of pork chops and began piling her plate, her mouth watering.
"What were you saying before the Sorting?" Hermione asked Nick. "About the hat giving warnings?"
"Oh yes. Yes, I have heard the hat give special warnings before, always at times when it detects periods of great danger for the school. And always, of course, its advice is the same: Stand together, be strong from within."
"Ow kunnit nofe skusin danger ifzat?" said Ron. His mouth was so full Arabella was slightly impressed that he could make any sound at all.
"I beg your pardon?" Nick asked politely.
Hermione looked revolted as Ron gave a big swallow and said, "How can it know if the school's in danger if it's a hat?"
"It lives in Dumbledore's office," said Arabella. "It's bound to pick up a couple things in there."
"And it wants all the Houses to be friends?" said Harry, looking over at the Slytherin table. "Fat chance."
"Well, now, you shouldn't take that attitude," said Nick disapprovingly. "Peaceful cooperation, that's the key. We ghosts, though we belong to separate Houses, maintain links of friendship. In spite of the competitiveness between Gryffindor and Slytherin, I would never dream of seeking an argument with the Bloody Baron."
"That's because you're scared of him," said Arabella in a matter-of-fact tone.
Nearly Headless Nick looked highly insulted. "Scared? I hope I, Sir Nicholas de Minsy-Porpington, have never been guilty of cowardice in my life! The noble blood that runs in my veins –"
"What blood?" asked Ron. "Surely you haven't still got –?"
"It's a figure of speech! I assume I am still allowed to enjoy the use of whichever words I like, even if the pleasures of eating and drinking are denied me! But I am quite used to students poking fun at my death, I assure you!"
"Nick, he wasn't really laughing at you!" said Hermione, throwing Ron a furious look.
However, Ron's mouth was full once more and all he could manage was "node iddum eentup scechew," which Nick did not seem to think was an acceptable apology. He rose into the air, straightened his hat, and swept away from them to the other side of the table, resting between Colin and Dennis Creevey.
"Well done, Ron," snapped Hermione.
"What?" said Ron crossly, having managed to swallow his food. "I'm not allowed to ask a simple question?"
"Oh forget it," Hermione said irritably.
The pair spent the rest of the meal in a moody silence. Arabella shook her head and returned to her meal. She was used to their bickering by now and felt that her time was better spent eating her pork chop before having a large silence of apple pie. She had half-expected them to have gotten past the stage of arguing by now, but perhaps the pair needs more time.
Once the meal was finished and the noise level was starting to increase again, Dumbledore got to his feet once more. He looked around the room slowly as the noise level immediately died out.
"Well, now that we are all digesting another magnificent feast, I beg a few moments of your attention for the usual start-of-term notices. First years ought to know that the forest in the grounds is out of bounds to students – and a few of our older students ought to know by now too. Mr. Filch, the caretaker, has asked me, for what he tells me is the four hundred and sixty-second time, to remind you all that magic is not permitted in corridors between classes, nor are a number of other things, all of which can be checked on the extensive list now fastened to Mr. Filch's office door. We have had two changes in staffing this year. We are very pleased to welcome back Professor Grubbly-Plank, who will be taking Care of Magical Creatures lessons. We are also delighted to introduce Professor Umbridge, our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher."
There was a round of applause, but none too enthusiastic. Dumbledore did not say how long Grubbly-Plank was staying and nobody seemed very interested in Umbridge.
"Tryouts for the House Quidditch teams will take place on the –"
He broke off and looked at Umbridge curiously. Nobody seemed to understand why he had stopped talking until she said, "Hem, hem." It became very clear that she had gotten to her feet, though she was no taller than her chair. Dumbledore looked taken back for a moment before sitting back down and staring alertly at Umbridge. Other members of the staff did not hide their surprise very well. Sprout's eyebrows disappeared into her hat, Flitwick's mouth was ajar, and McGonagall's mouth was so thin it was barely visible. Arabella looked around the Hall. Many students who weren't pleased to have her as a new professor were now smirking. Umbridge did not understand how thinks were done at Hogwarts, but she was certainly going to learn.
"Thank you, Headmaster," Umbridge said coyly with a high-pitched, overly sweet voice, "for those kind words of welcome." She cleared her throat once more and continued, "Well, it is lovely to be back at Hogwarts, I must say! And to see such happy little faces looking at me!"
No one looked happy. In fact, nearly everyone seemed taken back at being addressed as though they were children.
"I am very much looking forward to getting to know you all, and I'm sure we'll be very good friends!"
She cleared her throat once more and continued, though without her honey voice. She was now getting down to business.
"The Ministry of Magic has always considered the education of young witches and wizards to be of vital importance. The rare gifts with which you were born may come to nothing if not nurtured and honed by careful instruction. The ancient skills unique to the Wizarding community must be passed down through generations lest we lose them forever. The treasure trove of magical knowledge amassed by our ancestors must be guarded, replenished, and polished by those who have been called to the noble profession of teaching."
She paused and made a little bow to the other staff members. McGonagall and Sprout exchanged looks as Umbridge gave her little "Hem, hem" and went on with her speech.
"Every headmaster and headmistress of Hogwarts has brought something new to the weighty task of governing this historic school, and that is as it should be, for without progress there will be stagnation and decay. There again, progress for progress's sake must be discouraged, for our tired and tested traditions often require no tinkering. A balance, then, between old and new, between permanence and change, between tradition and innovation…"
Arabella wrinkled her eyebrows. Progress for the sake of progress must be discouraged? No tinkering? If it wasn't for progress, if it wasn't for tinkering, there would be no wizards alive. We would have all died out centuries ago if we were all stuck in the middle ages, unable to properly bandage each other up properly. That kind of thought did not belong at Hogwarts. It was backwards. This was the old way of thinking.
"Harry," Arabella whispered leaning into him, "during your trial, did she ever speak?"
"Yeah, once," mumbled Harry, concentrating, "she asked if Dumbledore thought the Ministry ordered the dementor attack on me and laughed. Didn't really speak that much."
"Did anyone mention anything about Hogwarts?" she whispered urgently.
"Something about what I get up to here, but Dumbledore said that the Ministry had no authority over Hogwarts."
Arabella inhaled sharply. That was clearly about to change. Umbridge's message was loud and clear thus far. The Ministry was going to be interfering at Hogwarts. The silence that always filled the Hall whenever Dumbledore spoke was now replaced with whispers and giggling. Arabella turned her attention back to Umbridge and still found her speech not to her liking.
"… because some changes will be for the better, while others will come, in the fullness of time, to be recognized as errors of judgement. Meanwhile, some old habits will be retained, and rightly so, whereas others, outmoded and outworn, must be abandoned. Let us move forward, then, into a new era of openness, effectiveness, and accountability, intent on preserving what ought to be preserved, perfecting what needs to be perfected, and pruning wherever we find practices that ought to be prohibited."
She sat down, and Dumbledore clapped. The other professors followed his lead, but it was short-lived. McGonagall put her hands together twice before stopping. A few students joined in, but most weren't properly listening, and others were taken back by the speech. Before they could start applauding, Dumbledore stood up once more.
"Thank you very much, Professor Umbridge, that was most illuminating. Now – as I was saying, Quidditch tryouts will be held…"
"Yes, it certainly was illuminating," said Hermione in a low voice.
"You're not telling me you enjoyed it?" Ron said quietly, turning a vacant face upon Hermione. "That was about the dullest speech I've ever heard, and I grew up with Percy."
"Illuminating, not enjoyable, Ron," said Arabella, shaking her head. "That speech explained a lot."
"Did it?" said Harry, surprised. "Sounded like a load of waffle to me."
"There was some important stuff hidden in the waffle," said Hermione.
"Was there?" Ron said blankly.
"How about 'progress for progress's sake must be discouraged'? How about 'pruning wherever we find practices that ought to be prohibited –"
"In short, the Ministry is interfering at Hogwarts," said Arabella, quickly. "She had a double meaning for everything, trying to mask what was truly happening. Mark my words, the Ministry will do everything in their power to take power away from Dumbledore."
"Come off it," said Ron. "He's what keeping this place running. If it wasn't for him, this school wouldn't survive during our first year, remember?"
"I know that, and you know that," said Arabella. She then leaned in and whispered, "But we all know that Fudge is afraid of Dumbledore. He's created a lot of trouble for the Ministry. I suspect this is Fudge's way of asserting power."
"And at our expense," sighed Hermione.
There was a great clattering and banging around them. Dumbledore dismissed the school, and everyone was standing up, ready to leave the Hall. Hermione and Ron got up, both looking very flustered, and began leading the first years. A group of new students walked shyly between the Gryffindor and Hufflepuff table. They were all very small. Harry offered a grin to a small boy, who looked at him in horror. Harry's grin slid off his face and he grabbed Arabella's hand, making their way out of the Great Hall. Arabella was doing her best to keep up with him as they moved through the crowd in the Entrance Hall and took a couple shortcuts into a much emptier upstairs corridor.
"Harry, slow down," panted Arabella, trying to keep up. She then planted her feet on the ground, making Harry stop. "They're going to stare at you, but you have to ignore them."
"Easier said than done," Harry said roughly. He immediately looked guilty. "Arabella, I mean –"
"Harry, it's fine," Arabella said gently, squeezing his arm. "I know everyone staring and whispering is bothering you. It's bothering me as well, but you're not alone, Harry. I'm here and I'm going to be with you every step of the way."
Harry shook his head and stared at the wall. He sounded defeated as he said, "I was so stupid. I should have expected this –"
"You're not stupid," Arabella said firmly, "and we're going to get through this and we're going to get through this together, got it? Every step of the way."
She leaned in and give him a firm kiss. He cupped her cheeks and returned it happily. When the broke free, he gazed at her tenderly and said, "You're too good to me."
"I know," Arabella said cheekily, winking. "Come on, let's go."
Arm in arm, they walked though the empty corridors and finally reached the end of the corridor to the Gryffindor common room. They came to a halt in front of the Fat Lady and then realized that neither of them knew the new password.
"Er…"
"No password, no entry," the Fat Lady said haughtily with a stern look at both of them.
"I know it!" panted someone behind them and they turned to see Neville jogging towards them. "Guess what it is? I'm actually going to be able to remember it for once –" He waved the cactus in front of their faces. "Mimbulus mimbletonia!"
"Correct."
The portrait door swung open and the three of them climbed through it. There was a fire crackling in the gate that made the common room warm and cozy. A few people were warning their hands next to the fire, talking to each other merrily. On the other side of the room, Fred and George were pining something up on the notice. Arabella kissed Harry on the cheek before making her way towards the girls' dormitories. Parvati Patil and Lavender Brown were already there. They were in the process of unpacking their clothes and talking animatedly with each other. The moment Arabella pushed open the door, they stopped instantly.
"Hello," said Arabella, moving across the room to her own trunk.
"Hello, Arabella," said Parvati. "Did you have a good summer?"
"Can't complain," said Arabella, throwing a smile over her shoulder. "How about you?"
"Me and Padma went to visit our grandparents. Wished we spent more time with them, though."
They continued in silence for a moment. It was certainly uncomfortable as Arabella could feel Lavender staring at her back.
"Is there something bothering you, Lavender?" Arabella asked carefully as she pulled out her pajamas. "You've been staring at me for a while and I know I'm not your type."
Lavender continued to stare at Arabella for a moment before saying, "Did you do it?"
"Lavender," mumbled Parvati, but Lavender ignored her friend as she repeated, "Did you do it?"
"Do what?" asked Arabella, looking between them both. "What are you talking about?"
"Well, everyone knows that you're unstable, obviously," continued Lavender with an air of superiority, "and I have a right to know if you did, in fact, kill –"
"Lavender!" hissed Parvati, giving her a pointed look, but it was unnecessary.
"You think I killed Cedric," whispered Arabella, incredulously. "You actually… are you serious? Are you seriously asking me that?"
"Mum and dad didn't even want me to come back!" Lavender burst out furiously. "They didn't want me anywhere near Sirius Black's daughter. I mean – Cedric goes in for the last tournament and all of a sudden you appear out of thin air with his body –"
"Been reading the Daily Prophet, have you?" scoffed Arabella, rolling her eyes. "Good form of education for the likes of you. You're willing to believe anything, huh?"
"It's the truth," snapped Lavender. "You appeared with his body and Harry's going around claiming that You-Know-Who's back? A bit convenient for the both of you, isn't it?"
"Voldemort is back," Arabella said with a hard voice. "I saw him and so did Harry."
"He's been dead for thirteen years. How could he possible come back from the dead?"
"He was never dead," Arabella said. "He was gone, biding his time. He's back and he killed Cedric."
"So, you say," grumbled Lavender, crossing her arms. "For all we know, Harry could have killed Cedric."
Arabella froze for a moment before finishing buttoning her pajamas. "Be careful, Lavender," she hissed, glaring up at her, "you're entering a dangerous territory."
"It makes sense!" yelled Lavender. "You cover for him every time! You're practically always at his side with some ridiculous story or another and this is no different –"
"Shut up, Lavender," said Arabella, trying to keep her voice calm.
" – you both planned this out and Harry was so jealous that Cedric was going to win –"
"I said shut up –"
" – so you snuck into the maze and Harry finished –"
"I said shut up!"
Arabella whipped out her wand and pointed it straight at Lavender's face. Arabella was livid and waiting for Lavender to give her an excuse to curse her right then and there. If only she knew… if only she knew what had happened at the graveyard. Lavender was willing to whisper behind her back happily and judge her based on false accusations published on a stupid newspaper. If she knew the truth…
"You know what," said Arabella, her temper still rising, "why don't you just go tell McGonagall that you can't stand being in the same dormitory as me? She'll have a field day with you –"
"I deserve to know what happened!" retorted Lavender.
"Then read the Daily Prophet!" roared Arabella, dropping her wand to her side. "Why look for the truth when the Daily Prophet will tell you everything you need to know? God, you're such an idiot!"
"Don't you dare talk to me like that!"
"I'll talk to you however I want!"
"What's going on?"
Hermione appeared in the doorway. Her eyes traveled from Lavender, who was standing with clenched fists, to Arabella, who was still clutching her wand.
"She's a lunatic!" Lavender yelled, pointing her finger at Arabella. "She was about to curse me!"
"What?" said Hermione. "Arabella wouldn't do that – I mean, we're all friends –"
"We're not friends," Arabella said in a rush, looking distastefully at Lavender. "She's believes everything the Daily Prophet's been writing."
"Oh… oh right…"
"You know what?" Lavender said heatedly.
"What?" demanded Arabella. "You actually have a thought in that brain?"
"Don't talk to me like you're better than me! You're insane! You're just as bad as the rest of your family!"
Arabella moved closer towards Lavender, her wand still in hand, before Hermione stepped in between them and said, firmly, "That's enough, Lavender. You're out of line."
"Out of line?" Lavender said ludicrously. "I'm out of line? Have you heard some of the stuff she's been saying? Do you actually believe some of the rubbish she and Harry have been coming up with about You-Know-Who? She's been lying to us!"
"I do believe her," Hermione said calmly.
"Then you're just as crazy as her!"
"That's enough," Hermione said definitely. "That is no way to talk to a school prefect. Now calm down before I report you to Professor McGonagall and give you detention."
Lavender glared at Hermione for a few seconds before stalking over to her bed and pulling the hangings shut. Hermione sighed and looked at Parvati, who looked extremely uncomfortable.
"Is there a problem, Parvati?" asked Hermione evenly.
Parvati shrugged and said, "My parents don't know what to believe, Hermione. I don't even know what to believe. We're just hoping that this will pass over soon."
Nobody said anything else for the rest of the night. Arabella could hear Lavender shuffle around her bed multiple times behind her hangings. Hermione began putting her things away as Arabella laid down on her bed. She had never really liked Lavender, but their argument made Arabella's body shake. How many more people will she have to face? How many more people are going to throw accusations at her face? She didn't know if she had the energy to survive this year.
Thank you so much for reading! Tell me what you guys think of this chapter!