A/N: Times are getting harder! The plot is thickening! It's kind of boring right now, but it'll get better I promise!

I DO NOT own Harry Potter!

Chapter 13

Paige still felt angry after St. Mungo's. Dumbledore tried speaking with Paige, but she told him she was really tired and wanted to sleep after such a long day. She also wanted to see her teachers for her missed assignments. The first part, she made up, but the part about homework, she really wanted to do. She prayed none of them would be too hard on her.

Paige did luck out. McGonagall was having her write a two foot essay on Animagi. Flitwick had her produce some locking charms and repairing charms. When she did such in front of him, he gave her ten points for Gryffindor.

"We learned that this week! I'm glad you already know it!" he exclaimed. Paige smiled and went on to her other classes.

Sprout gave her a foot and a half essay on certain plants and what their properties are. Slughorn made her whip up a batch of the Draught of Death. He praised her for following directions so carefully.

"We missed your performance in class, Ms. Matthews!"

"Thank you, professor," she said. "I'll be back tomorrow." Paige went onto her final class. She knew Snape was not going to be as kind as the other teachers were.

She got to his office and knocked softly on the door. She prayed that she could get away with an essay or even detention! She just didn't want a weeks worth of missed assignments.

But, Snape was not kind to her. He did give her every missed assignment from the week. He only gave her three days to do it. He wanted it all done by Tuesday before his class. Paige walked back to the Gryffindor common room, feeling tired, angry and overwhelmed at the same time.

Paige finally reached the common room, but hesitated to go in. She really didn't want to be bombarded with questions or concerns. She wasn't in the mood for sympathy. She felt empty and really angry.

I just won't go in, she decided. I'll wait a few hours.

Those few hours felt like an eternity. She walked around the castle, exploring it and walking around the grounds. She managed to make it back in time before curfew. It was now or never. Paige walked back into the common room and saw a few stragglers, including Wood, Harry, Ron and Hermione. Hermione was sitting by the window helping Ron finish some homework. Wood was sitting on the couch talking with Harry. Paige quietly walked to Harry and Wood.

"Hi," she said in a low voice. Wood looked up and his eyes lit up.

"Paige! You're finally up! I was wondering when you were going to come around!" he said pulling her into a hug. She was surprised at his reaction of seeing her. She was sure Harry told them all of her freak out…

The two sat down and Paige faced Harry. He gave her an assuring smile and Paige understood. He did not tell them about her freak out. She returned a "thank you" smile. She was truly blessed to have him as a friend.

"How do you feel?" Wood asked. Paige didn't respond because her mind was still on the day's events. She wasn't sure if she should tell her friends about what happened.

"Paige?" Wood repeated. Paige immediately snapped out of her thoughts.

"Yes?" she asked, giving him a false smile.

"Are you okay?" he asked with a concerned look on his face.

"I'm FINE," she said, her mood darkening. She glared at Wood for a moment, then looked away. He's only concerned about you. He cares for you.

"I'm sorry," Paige said softly, looking into his eyes. "I'm just tired and a little…edgy right now."

"It's okay," he said to her, looking slightly hurt by her attitude. "I was waiting to see if you would return tonight, but I'm going to bed." Wood got up, kissed her cheek and went to the boys' dorm. Paige looked after him in disbelief. How could her just blow her off like that? She said sorry. She put her head in her hands in her head in frustration.

"Hey Paige," Hermione said to her, sitting next to her. "Ron and I were heading off to bed and were wondering if you and Harry were coming."

Paige looked up at her. "Uh, I'll be there in a minute."

"Okay," she said softly. Paige returned her head to her hands and heard Ron and Hermione leave. She thought Harry followed suit, but was surprised when she saw him standing over her.

"Harry!" Paige exclaimed. "You startled me!"

"Sorry. I was just-"

"Worried?" Paige said getting annoyed.

"Well, yes. I had no idea what happened today. You never came back from Dumbledore's office." Harry paused and wondered whether he should ask what happened. Paige looked so worn and sad. She looked tired and spaced out. What she needed was a friend because, for once since Harry has known her, she looked so alone and scared. He gently put his hand on hers.

"What happened Paige?" he asked softly. Paige looked at Harry in surprise. She looked in his eyes and realized what a good friend he was. Tears formed in her eyes immediately.

"My mum is in the hospital. She was tortured to insanity," she whispered. Her tears spilled onto her face. She started to sob uncontrollably. "Oh God, Harry, I don't know what I'm going to do. She's practically dead and I have nowhere to go. She protected me my whole life and I NEVER appreciated it! She died because of me!" Paige got up and started to pace, still crying.

"She was tortured because HE wanted me!" Paige plopped down to the floor crying harder than she did all day. This was all her fault. She loved her mother so much because she spent her whole life protecting and providing for Paige when no one else would.

Harry was stunned. He watched Paige sob hysterically. She looked like a small child so alone. He knew who she meant: Lord Voldemort attacked her mother. He couldn't help but wonder why he wanted Paige and not Harry. He did not have time to think of that. He needed to comfort his friend. He wished Hermione were awake, because he was not good at handling a girl crying. He knelt beside Paige and put an arm around her shaking shoulders.

"I'm-I'm so sorry Paige. Everything will be okay," he said. He didn't know what else to say. Paige did not respond, but Harry's consoling was enough for her. Her sobs soon became silent tears and finally, she stopped shaking and calmed down. Her breathing became normal. She sniffed and looked at Harry.

"Thank you," she whispered. He smiled at her and gently lifted himself as well as her up.

"Get some rest. You need it," he told her as they walked to the dorm. She nodded. When they got to their separate chambers, Paige stopped him.

"Harry? Could you please not tell anyone about this? I mean, I'll tell Hermione and Ron…but can you keep all of this to yourself?"

"Of course Paige," Harry said.

"Thanks," she said. "Good night Harry." Paige went upstairs to her dormitory feeling sad but hopeful. She could only pray that her mother will be okay. She knew she wasn't alone…she had her wonderful Hogwarts family with her.