Ch. 5 – Fear Itself
I woke with a start. Mikel was not singing in my ear. I sat up and rubbed my eyes. Judging by the fact that other were getting up likewise, I decided I should just get up and get dressed as well. Rolling out of bed, I went to my trunk to get my robes. I was correct—they were different today! I put them on so that I was swabbed in dark green with eyelet lace. They effect was like a dark, deep forest with only minimal light shining through. It illustrated help, and hope. It reminded me that there will always be good in the world! That thought distracted me from the fact that Cedric and I never really confessed our passions. But, then again, I predicted that my robes would change… maybe I'd be right about breakfast as well?
Encumbered by this hopeful thought, I went down to breakfast with Hermione. She was complimenting me on my robe the whole way down. My clothes raised my self-esteem sooo much! I would have to thank Mikel again. Finally reaching the breakfast hall, I scanned the Gryffindor table for my love. I saw Harry and Ron, but no Cedric. I felt like screaming his name to express myself, but I knew that would not be tolerated. I sat down with Harry, Ron, and Hermione, without taking my eyes away from the Hufflepuff table.
Then, there he was! He seemed to radiate compared to everybody else. For a few glorious moments until he resumed eating his treacle tart, a broad smile on his face. I smiled back, almost stunned. Oh, how I wished everything in my dream had actually happened. I rested my chin on my hand and blew my hair out of my eyes.
"Bella, have you noticed?" giggled Hermione.
"Of course she has. She's not an idiot," replied Harry, eating a toaster strudel.
I was so confused! What were they talking about? "What are you talking about?" I asked, apropos. "Have I noticed what?"
Hermione giggled again. "Oh, don't pretend you don't notice! Ashlee was the first to see."
"I'm not pretending," I frowned.
"Not as smart as Mikel, I guess. And I thought she was okay," remarked Ron. "Just kidding!" he added chastely, after I gave him the look.
"I still don't know what you're talking about," I said. I seemed to miss everything.
"Ask Ashlee. She'll tell you so it doesn't look suspicious," recommended Harry. Following his advice, I slid over to where Ashlee was sitting.
"Hey Ash," I said, casually.
"Hi, Bella! Finally caught on?" she responded cheerfully.
"No, that's why I'm here."
"Oh, not as observant as you look. Well, you know prettyboy Cedric over there?" she pointed in his direction.
"Yes, but don't point!" I hissed. "What about him?"
Ashlee giggled just like Hermione. "Oh, well, he can't seem to take his eyes off you, can he?"
I stole a glance at him. He realized I was looking at him, and he quickly averted his eyes.
-
I sat, bored, in Potions class some hours later. I listened as Snape, an unlikable sort of man, drawled on about the importance of potions, not taking in a single word. I heard as Mikel finished his sentences under her breath, obviously adept at this subject. I also saw Hermione volunteer her hand for every question asked, as all the Slytherins made fun of her except Draco, because he was okay. I waited for the time to actually brew a potion, as did Mikel. Ahslee, who was sitting with us, didn't seem to care. She was just passing notes with boys. Nearly an hour passed until Snape gave her detention and class was dismissed. Yawning, the three of us made our way to Transfiguration class.
Hermione ran up to us, looking frayed. She was clutching a newspaper in her hands, with a large photograph of a deranged man on the front. He looked really familiar, but I could not think why.
"Guys! Did you hear?" she asked, sounding hysterical.
"Hear what?" asked Ashlee in return. Mikel and I looked at each other, not sure what Hermione was talking about, either.
"There's a murderer! On the loose! He's already killed three Ministry employees, and now, he's coming…" her voice trailed off.
"What? He sounds dangerous! Where is he coming?" I asked, scared of this homicidal maniac.
"He's coming… here," supplied Hermione. "He wants to kill everybody, except the teachers, only the students, in Hogwarts. That's what he said in this interview." She motioned to the paper crouched in her shaking hand. "I hope he doesn't get in. I really hope he doesn't."
"You and I both, Hermione. Anyway, let's get to Transfiguration before we're late," said Ashlee.
While we walked, Hermione told us all about the protection around Hogwarts, which was really heavy. I was really thankful, so that the mass-murderer could not get in and reek of havoc. People would have a really hard time getting in the castle, unless they were really good wizards. I wondered why anybody like the killer would want to get into Hogwarts anyways. Maybe it was because he wants attention, or just wants to go with a bang and be remembered in history.
My thoughts went on and on and on in a similar fashion, since none of us were talking, too scared to speak.
Then, without warning, I stopped. My group stood and looked at me expectantly. "Hermione," I began, "what is this man's name?"
"Well, Bella, I dare not say it too loud in case he hears me. So, come closer," she beckoned. We all huddled in, close to Hermione.
Looking truly frightened, Hermione spewed out, "His name… his name is… Hobogo Gogetta."
We all gasped in the shock.