A moment back in time
"Arresto Momentum!" Cries Dumbledore.
If Dumbledore wasn't slighting stunned by Harry's fully-fledged Patronus he would have casted that spell on Miss Merida sooner.
Dumbledore and the teachers rushed to Miss Merida.
I don't want to have to deal with her over protective father again Dumbledore thinks wryly.
Dumbledore casts the spell to levitate Miss Merida to the hospital wing.
As soon they walk in Madam Promfrey is fussing.
"Oh dear! ... OUT, all students out. Place her gently on the bed Headmaster."
Poppy struggles immensely with removing the snitch from her grasp and starts putting a spell on her to diagnose her condition more.
"Draco ... I said out!" Shouts Madam Promfrey.
"Will Miss Merida be OK Poppy?" Asks Dumbledore worried.
"Yes Headmaster, leave it to me," She replies.
Sensing a dismissal Dumbledore leaves the hospital wing.
Harry and Draco are just outside the corridor. Harry has his hand raised for Draco to shake.
Draco smirks evilly.
I have seen that same look from his father, Dumbledore thinks.
"What's this? ... I thought my hand wasn't good enough for you to shake. You know what Potter, you're years too late. Why would I want to be friends with you?" Sneers Draco.
"... It was actually Danni who gave me the idea. We don't have to be best mates but can we stop the fighting?" Replies Harry.
Draco looks to Harry's hand that is still raised but still ignores it.
"Danni? Don't call her by her first name. She's my first ever friend and I won't have you take her friendship away from me!" Replies Draco.
Harry looks stumped. "First friend ... but I thought Crabbe and Goyle ...
"Oh please give me a break, they only hang around me because of my father ... Even Granger is better ... Urgh leave me alone Potter," Says Draco. Draco was almost about to stalk off ...
"Draco, we don't need to be enemies. This was Danni's idea and also Daphne doesn't want to hear us fight either," Says Harry.
"Bah so that's what this really is about, keeping the girls happy ... Need I add keeping Snake girls happy ...
"I have no problem being friends with people from Slytherin and even though the girls want this. I also want this, or I wouldn't have asked you. I don't want to fight you anymore," Interrupts Harry
"No fighting? ... Now why would you want to spoil the fun?" Says Draco.
Harry rolls his eyes, "I am sure you'll find a way ... seeing Ron almost burst an aneurysm when he finds out we are no longer fighting would be fun to see," Replies Harry.
"Almost? Ha more like he will ... wait. You made fun of Weasley ...
Draco grabs Harry's hand and shakes.
"Sorry to interrupt but Mr Potter could I please have a moment of your time," Says Dumbledore.
Harry is led up to Dumbledore's office.
"Please take a seat," Says Dumbledore.
Harry takes a seat hastily and wastes no time in saying, "What do you want professor."
I have made mistakes with conversations with Harry in the past, and I hope to change this, thinks Dumbledore.
"First off, congratulations on casting a fully fledged Patronus ...
"Look Professor it was no problem, in fact it was too easy. If that's all you wanted to say can I please leave," Says Harry, Interrupting rather rudely.
"I have a lot of explaining to do Mr Potter, remember in your first year when you asked me why Voldemort attacked you as a baby. Well the reason why is all to do with a prophecy ...
I am glad my broom managed to be saved. Hermione and Daphne left for dinner, it was now just Drake and I.
"I must say I … I misjudged Potter," Says Draco.
"Oh, why exactly do you say that?" I ask interested.
All these years I haven't heard Draco say anything like this about Potter.
"He didn't even care that they lost the match, he was more worried about you. He is not the pompous arse I always pinned him to be," Replies Draco.
He was worried about me? I start to feel happy about this. I can't believe it, not only are we not fighting these days but he actually cares about me.
"It's good were not fighting because Hermione was finding it a pain to be in-between us," I say.
Astoria walks over to us.
"Danni, you OK?" She Announces.
"Hey Tori, everything is already healed thanks to Madam Promfrey," I reply.
The three of us chatted until predictably Madam Promfrey kicked them out. She wanted me to stay to make sure the bones healed correctly. This meant my detention with Snape had to be moved, which didn't concern me.
I had dinner served from Madam Promfrey and decided to go straight to sleep. I was still a bit unnerved by the dementors.
I was chained to a chair with many people looking at me.
"You have been brought here for the charges of using the cruciatus curse on the individual Miss Delores Umbridge, we find you Daniela Candice Merida guilty," Announces the Minister of Magic.
"I only used it in defense! She deserved a lot more than that! She was going to kill Hermione!" I cry in desperation.
"The sentence is life in Azkaban, GUARDS take her away …
I gasp, and sit up. I see a visitor lurking next to my bed; I scream,
"Potter! What are you doing here," I manage to say.
"Sorry I startled you … I thought you might want a snack?" Says Harry.
"Thanks so much. What did you bring?" I ask interested. My heart starts beating normally again.
"Chocolate cupcakes," Replies Harry smiling.
I start munching on a chocolate cupcake.
"So Draco told me you casted a Patronus charm to get rid of the dementors … thank you," I say to him.
"You're welcome, I have Sirius to thank for that. He is an amazing teacher. He is getting bored though, renovating only takes up so much of his time. Lucky he is starting to get training in St Mungos next month," He replies.
"You must miss him, I miss my brother. Sometimes I find it hard to only converse with him in only writing," I say.
He smiles a guilty smile then says, "Well let's just say if it wasn't for a walkie talkie mirror I would find the separation unbearable."
"Walkie talkie, I know about those, that's a baby …
"Danni … " Says Harry interrupting me.
"Sorry Muggle. Well Hermione told me all about those things. It's kind of cool how they use electricity for the same reasons we use magic … it's like they have their own version of magic. They can use this internet thing to send messages, it's amazing!" I reply.
"You should have taken muggle studies … Internet thing … really?" He counters.
I blush, I don't like the feeling of being stupid.
"I guess I can't remember all the terms but Hermione has been teaching me her muggle way of life. Daphne and I visited her place last year. Her parents are very sweet … have you met them?" I ask interested.
"Actually now that you mention it no I haven't …
"Oh, that's a shame they are very nice," I reply.
We ended up chatting for another hour or so and I have come to a horrible realization.
"You seem a bit distracted, I'll go to let you sleep. It was nice talking to you, you might not be the spoiled, know it all brat I always thought you were after all," Says Harry.
I snort.
"Sounds like you just described my brother," I say sarcastically.
I think on what he said … "To be honest I guess I am spoiled by my family. I wouldn't care if I was the poorest witch in the world as long I had them in my life I would be content."
"It must be nice to grow up with such family ties. I have always been a bit envious of Ron in that respect," He answers.
"HA … can you imagine having those twins as brothers though! That would be so dangerous. You have your godfather now, I bet you must love that," I counter.
His smile is rather big after stating this, now that I think about it Potter always smiles, why didn't I notice that before. He gives me a nod then leaves.
It turns out Harry has a stag Patronus, same as Zander. I'll have to tell Zander the next time I write him a letter. After Harry had left I put my head on the pillow to go back to sleep. What was I dreaming about before? …
The next day with a bit of convincing I was let out of the hospital wing. I found the girls in the library.
"You're up and about! Awesome," Says Daphne.
"Yeah it took a lot of convincing for her to let me out. I don't ever want to be in the hospital wing ever again!" I say in dismay and sit down to join them.
It's then I wanted to tell them about my horrible realization I had earlier this morning.
"I have a problem …
They look towards me worried.
… I don't hate Harry," I finish sadly.
They laugh; as expected, considering it's an immensely silly confession.
"I have a problem also, I don't hate Ron," Says Hermione.
I smirk at that.
"Yes that is indeed a problem," I say.
I am surprised that Hermione likes Weasly in that way. They are very different but then again I have noticed her annoyance when he teases her.
We all start giggling.
"I am actually surprised because I thought you liked Draco?" Says Daphne.
"I do like Draco but … I don't know, we are great friends but I think that's all there is to it," I reply.
"Astoria would be extremely happy about that, so … when are you and Harry going to Kiss?" Says Daphne teasingly.
"… I only stated that I don't hate Harry. Who knows, Harry might only see me as a friend, we have practically been at each other throats until recently," I reply.
"I am not sure if that's the case," Says Hermione.
"What?" I question.
She shrugs and says, "I've always thought there was something going on between you two."
Impossible why would she think something like that, I thought she was smart. She may be thinking this because she must be romantic. There are many of those typical romantic novels and movies where the couple fight and fight and only realize they are meant to be together at the very end and then they live happily ever after.
"I didn't know you were a romantic Hermione," I say surprised.
Hermione blushes.
"I … don't tell anyone but I have always been interested in love. It's a very powerful notion. It can make people do things they wouldn't typically do. The happiness and commitment that comes with it, my parents, for example … they were married and were trying to have children for ten years before they were able to have me. They then end up with a witch! It was shocking news for them. They hate me being so far away from them in Hogwarts but they love and accept me for what I am. The love they have for me and each other out weighed the problems for having a witch in the family," Says Hermione.
Her speech was extraordinarily sweet.
"It's not only a powerful notion but it's also a force that shouldn't be messed with by wizards," Says Daphne angrily.
Hermione and I look to her surprised, she never gets angry over anything. Well to be honest Pansy annoys her but I don't think that really counts.
"Never mind," Mumbles Daphne.
"Wait no … hold up, explain Daph," I say curious.
"What's to explain, I just don't think it should be messed with, Herm with this werewolf essay I was wondering …" Says Daph.
She then continues on a tangent about the essay. Daphne totally changed the subject! If I was in any mood to push the point I would, but I wasn't. I will ask about it when we go back to our common room.
I know when Lupin comes back to teach us his knee jerk reaction will be to tell the class not to worry about handing in the essay. I decided then not to really try very hard on the essay but at least still complete it.
Even though I knew Professor Lupin would not want us to hand the essay in I couldn't help myself, I have always loved learning new material. Hermione and I went to get more books to help write the essay.
After an hour of working I am almost done but I also wanted to write extra information on potential new developments in the wolfsbane potion ... some of the boring potion conversations that my father and bro have do sink in.
"I still can't believe we are actually bothering with this? It's not like Professor Lupin is going to read ways in which would be the best way for him to be killed," Says Daphne.
"Well I am finished, we can leave if you want," Replies Hermione.
"What did you have in mind Hermione? It's not like you to want to leave our haven that is called the Library," I ask surprised.
"I was thinking, well Ron and Harry are at Hagrids and I wanted to see him as well ...
"I won't stop you," I say interrupting.
"Actually I wanted to meet Harry there too, I said I would," Adds Daphne.
Great.
I let them go, I completely finish the rest of the essay for Snape. I was starting to pack my bag when I heard my name being called.
"Hi Colin," I said when I realize who was calling.
"I have these for you," Says Colin, quite proudly.
I take the photographs he hands to me. They are of me with wings. I watch my photograph self twirl in mid-air and blow a kiss to the camera.
I smile, "Thanks for that Colin, my parents don't have many photos of me. I will have to send one home for them to frame," I say to Colin.
He smiles.
"I am glad you appreciate it, sorry my friends want me," He says then rushes off to his groups of friends. He stumbles a bit before he takes a seat.
"DANNI!" I hear Daphne cry.
"Er let me be," I moan and then I turn to my side to keep on sleeping. I had only just got back from the kitchens an hour ago.
"You're going to be late for potions, you nit-wit. GET UP!" Counters Daphne.
"Fine," I say hastily, I don't want her to start hexing me.
I get up and get ready in record time.
I go to the hall to see a Daphne who couldn't sit still and looking like she go to faint with worry.
"Calm down, I am here all right," I say.
I grab pieces of fruit and start eating.
"We only have five minutes so don't take too long. I wanted to also tell you, when we went to Hagrids last night we found out that the hippogriff has had his execution overturned," Says Daphne with gladness in her voice.
"I didn't know they were even thinking of killing the creature, I suppose Draco's father initiated that did he?" I ask.
"Yes he did, but I don't blame him. Draco made a statement, that's the only reason why it was overturned but he ...
"Doesn't want everyone to know," Interrupts Draco behind me, "That includes Potter, Granger and the Weasley."
The three of us rush to potions, we were almost out of breath by the time we got there but we made it before the Professor had shut the door.
Daphne and I sit together and start preparing the potion. We were making an antidote to the laugh-inducing potion.
Using crocodile hearts was very disgusting. I was just about to add the third piece of the heart, I was on step nine. We were halfway through the lesson. Daphne was already up to step twelve ... I quickly calculate again, I am only going to finish the potion with only five minutes to spare.
"Potter ... Stop, re-read step six," Whispers Draco.
Harry re-reads the step and mutters a thanks.
Later as we were filing out of the Potion lab, "What was that about Harry, why did Malfoy help you?" Says Weasley surprised.
"Jealous Weasley? If you ask nicely maybe I could help you as well ... maybe," Says Draco with amusement.
"Shut it Malfoy!" Replies Weasley annoyed. Draco laughs then rushes ahead to walk with Greg and Vincent, who were ahead of us.
"What's he playing at I wonder?" Says Weasley darkly.
"I think you call it being nice, well nice for him," Says Harry then shrugs lazily. When Weasley isn't looking I notice Harry smirks.
Daphne and I joined the Gryffindor table for lunch.
The five of us couldn't stop talking. It was nice. All my life before Hogwarts I only really had Delilah. When I had first came here I was worried it would be hard without her presence.
Weasley at the end of conversation though was watching his sister protectively, she was speaking to Longbottom, red faced and might I add giggling.
After lunch we walked to D.A.D.A, Weasley had Hermione make sure it was Mr Lupin who was teaching the subject today. I don't like to admit it but I am relieved when Hermione gave us the all clear. I already have Snape for detention tonight.
I wasn't in the mood for another lesson of D.A.D.A with Snape, he is much better at teaching potions.
After much arguments about the unfairness of Snapes essay and assurances that we don't have to complete it we began our lesson. Today we learnt about the creatures Hinkypunks. Creatures who lure you into bogs.
The Hinkypunks are one-legged creatures that looked like they were made of rain clouds, they look frail and harmless but the their intentions of luring you into bogs are not.
After the lesson Harry and Weasley were asked to stay back by Mr Lupin.
Meanwhile in Dumbledore's office.
"Would you like to take over as headmaster?" Asks Dumbledore, with such a small hint of sarcasm that it leaves you questioning your sanity.
"Hogwarts may need protection but dementors are not the answer, look at what they did to my daughter," Says Mr Merida.
Is he just referring to what happened to her on the pitch or also what happened to her on the train at the start of the school year, Dumbledore thinks with interest.
"Children are more impacted by dementors because their magical core hasn't fully developed! That has been proven. They didn't even obey your orders to stay off the pitch. They need to be removed immediately!" Yells Mrs Merida.
"I agree, I have already contacted the minister about their removal but he won't yield. You don't think I wasn't angry about what happened," Replies Dumbledore.
Mrs Merida turns to her husband, she has a glazed look on her face. Dumbledore starts to get nervous when her eye color blackens.
Dumbledore has a hold of his wand now.
The blackness faded away until her eyes were hazel again.
A true seer. There aren't many left.
"It will work Dayme, you have to speak to the minister yourself. It's the only way to stop the kiss of death that will occur," Says Mrs Merida.
Mr Merida smirks.
This man is dangerous, Dumbledore can't help but think.
They were about to walk out of Dumbledores office when Mr Merida removes items out of his pocket.
A broken locket and a broken ring.
"Three verses zero, Merida's winning," Says Mr Merida. He then winks.
Dumbledore looks at the items. The ring is broken, the resurrection stone missing. Merida is winning indeed. Dumbledore got up to try and stop them so he could question them about it, they were nowhere to be found.
"Miss Merida, I find your hand writing acceptable," Says Mr Snape when I enter the potions room for my detention.
"Thank you Sir," I say with amusement.
"I wasn't complimenting you, I was only pointing out that your writing skills are up to par for what I have in mind for your punishment. You will relabel potions ingredients by hand, the muggle way," Says Mr Snape.
After I rewrote label number sixty two I wondered how many more I would have to relabel before he lets me go.
I am so bored. I yawn.
"Miss Merida, wake up!" Says Snape.
I open my eyes.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to sleep, but I have been writing for a while and I don't get good sleep as it is," I say, I am worried I will get more punishment.
The professor looks scared.
"You have done enough for tonight, I will let you go now," Says Snape.
As I was at the door I hear Snape call my name, I turn to him.
"The ban has been lifted, you can go to Hogsmeade, get out before I change my mind," Says Professor Snape.
The next morning I entered the hall for breakfast, I was on time. I sat down to eat, Daphne was still getting ready in the common room.
"Can you believe it Millicent? It's going to be so much better without those creatures around. I was worried they were going to be here when the exams came around. I HAVE to go well this year, I always come second to Hermione in exams and it infuriates me," Whines Pansy.
"You come third or fourth in most of your exams where as I come at least twelfth so I wouldn't complain about that. At least Merida beats Hermione in most exams. Can you imagine if Hermione was first. A muggleborn?" Replies Millicent.
"Yes I know, a muggleborn can use magic more efficiently than us. I am beginning to think my father was wrong when he stated I would find it easy in the tests because of my blood status," Counters Pansy.
Wow, conceited much?
"Danni, you won't have to faint anymore, that must be such a relief for you. I was starting to worry about your weakness," Sneers Zabini.
Pansy laughs then says, "Yes that's right I forget how Danni reacts stupidly when she's near them."
Do I have a target printed on my forehead or something?
"You two do realize what dementors feed off? Also why would they be leaving?" I reply to their comments.
"Read the paper," Whispers Millicent.
Millicent than gets up, Pansy decides to follow her.
I look to the paper Millicent gave me to read.
Dementors are no longer being used at Hogwarts
The minister of magic has made the decision to remove the Dementors off Hogwarts premises.
"They were ...
"So with regards to Christmas can I reply to my parents that you're coming over? I really want you to come over," Whines Daphne.
"Stop moaning, it doesn't suit you," I say then look from my paper to her.
"So is that a yes?" Replies Daphne calmly.
"Reply yes only if my family can come over for an evening or two," I reply. I can't not see my family for some of the time.
"I don't see how that would be a problem my mum loves your mum," She counters happily.
In the Merida house hold.
"I don't think you need to worry about Danni, she is a lot like you. I want to show you something," Says Anna to her Husband.
Damien takes his wife's hand, knowing what is about to happen.
"Haven't you girls found our special WonderWitch products yet?" Asked a red haired young man. Damien follows his daughter to the products this sales person was mentioning. Why is my wife showing me this vision, thinks Damien. Damien eyes the pink products with disgust. How pink was ever deemed to be a color meant for boys ...
"There you go, best range of love potions you'll find anywhere," Says this boy. NO. They are selling poison, to children?
"Fred, the ministry at this time must be quite busy for they have yet to tell you that you are forbidden to sell such products. It's classified as a grade three poison," Says Danni. Her voice contains a calm before the storm quality.
This boy Fred was about to answer when a red haired girl interrupts.
"Do they work?" Says the red haired girl.
"Certainly they work for up to twenty-four hours at ...
"REDUCTO!" Cries Danni, hitting the shelf and making all the potions smash on the ground. Damien smiles.
Everyone gasps.
"Danni ... I er," Says this Fred person, scared.
"That potion is worse than Rohypnol, this is no more than rape drug, seriously. You ...
Damien gasps, Anna had removed her hand.
"I don't understand, why on earth were they selling that poison?" Asks Damien.
"People get away with selling many questionable products when the Dark Lord is in full power. Danni will be more like you than Tammy or even Severus will ever be," Says Anna.
Damien sighs, "That's what I am afraid of."
The Quidditch match at the end of November had a mix of good and bad results. Gryffindor lost which was good but Ravenclaw won with such a large margin that they were in the lead for the cup. With such a good lead the probability of winning the Quidditch cup for Slytherin was less than forty percent.
The Quidditch practices were nice, it was nice because since the Dementors were given their marching orders there was no possibility of negative energy interference. A lot of time our practices were in the rain though.
The last weekend of term I was able join Hermione and Daphne to Hogsmeade. I was quite ecstatic about this.
"So Snape allowed you to go to Hogsmeade?" Asks Hermione, again.
"Yes Hermione," I reply.
"I hope you got that in writing," Says Draco behind me.
I shake my head.
We ended up getting through Mr Filch, he did double check that my name was on the list though.
The four of us ended up in Honeydukes. My eyes light up at seeing all the candy in front of me. I can't believe I was trying to convince myself that Turner alley was better. I get out my silk bag and got to work.
"It's like you run only on sugar ...
I chuckle. "You know my dad says the same thing, my parents have been trying to get me off candy for years," I reply to Draco.
"So is your family coming over to mine this holiday?" Asks Draco.
"I am going to visit Daphne," I reply.
Draco looks around to make sure Daphne is distracted.
"You don't sound happy about that, why?" Counters Drake.
"I am happy, it's just. it's. It's getting worse than ever," I reply, hoping he knows what I am referring to.
"Not being about to sleep?" Replies Draco.
"Yeah," I reply lamely.
"Why don't you make a forgetfulness potion, that's a simple potion. Remember we made that for our first year examination," Counters Draco.
I sigh, "Yes I remember, I found that exam very easy because my father and I made it together years ago ...
Flashback to a week after David's funeral
"Again," Says my father.
A tear ran down my cheek.
My father takes in a deep breath, "Come here," Says my father gently.
I cuddle him scared.
"Father, I don't want to close my eyes. I can't, I just can't, the horror ...
"SsShh, please don't. I remember better than anyone," Whispers father.
I start to cry. After a while my father lifts me up and stands me up.
"Let's make a potion, OK," Says my father.
That was the last thing I wanted to do. Out of respect to father though I followed him to the potion lab. After Father and I had finished and drank the forgetfulness potion, I still wasn't in the mood to sleep.
"Father can we make chocolate cupcakes," I ask.
... "Yes my little angel, we shall," Replies father.
End Flashback
"The problem with the forgetfulness potion is that it has bad effects for continual use. I have reached the limit to how many times a witch can have that potion, same with my father," I reply.
Draco raises his eye brow in shock but doesn't manage to say anything.
We finished our shopping in Honeydukes and joined Harry and Weasley.
"What's he doing here," Says Weasley, looking at Draco.
Myself, Daphne and Hermione join at the table they had saved for us.
Draco gives Weasley a look, then sits on the other side of Harry.
I try not to smirk, it must be costing Draco SO much effort not to hex Weasley.
"So Harry, what are your exciting plans for this Christmas," Says Draco, completely ignoring Weasley.
"I am travelling with Sirius, we are going to travel to France, Italy ... all over Europe really," Replies Harry.
Draco paid attention but I am sure he is thinking that 'travelling all round Europe' was nothing that special. If someone mentioned to me they were going travel a lot in the U.S I would feel bored too because of how many times I have traveled around.
"Is this your first ever travelling holiday," I ask, maybe that would put things in perspective for Draco.
"Yes it is," Replies Harry with that smile that's always plastered on his face.
Draco looks shocked but then smiles and says, "You're going to have so much fun then."
"Who are you and what have you done with Draco, can someone explain this. First you've been helping us in potions and now your joining us in Hogsmeade ... like we are friends," Says Weasley.
"Maybe because that's exactly what he is trying to be," Says Harry.
Weasley snorts, "Yeah, right."
Draco gets pink in the face with annoyance.
"No one asked for your opinion ...
Harry stares at Draco with concern, I see Harry reaching for his wand.
"But ... Harry is right, I am trying. When was the last time I made fun of you ..." Says Draco.
"Train ride," Counters Weasley automatically. Then he as an expression of surprise.
Draco smirks.
"What about Grabbe and Goyle, they haven't been following you as much lately, I noticed," Replies Hermione.
Draco nods and then says, "See, even Granger doesn't mind me being here. I am still friends with them but I prefer the company of all you instead."
Weasley has his mouth open in shock. I snort at his expression, he looks to me than to Draco.
"This is a prank right?" Says Weasley.
"Stop being stupid Ron and get over it," Says Daphne.
I get up, "I'll get the drinks," I say.
I levitate all our drinks over to the table. They were all so quiet. I guess it will take Weasley a while to get use to it.
After a few more butter beers the conversation flowed better and it wasn't so awkward. Weasley still gave fleeting looks to Draco with mistrust though.
Christmas holidays come and went. It was great, Daphne's manor was so big I had my own room, which was welcomed. Not only did my family visit but also Hermione slept over once.
Over the next few months we were kept busy with studying and Quidditch. Our Quidditch practice's were officially not valid. We were out of competition like I suspected, we just liked playing.
The final ended up being with Hufflepuff verses Ravenclaw. Ravenclaw won the cup. I heard that Ravenclaw hadn't won the Quidditch Cup for eight years, so it was a very sweet victory for them.
Gryffindor, Slytherin then Ravenclaw. It has been a different house winning the Quidditch match each year. Does this mean Hufflepuff will win next year I muse. It all depends if the Triwizard Tournament gets the go ahead I suppose.
It was two weeks until exams, our whole year were stressed and studying hard. I can do this, I can do this. Again dark rings appeared around my eyes this year. I can do this, I can do this.
"Do you ever stop, I never thought I would have to say this but you are worse than Hermione when it comes to study," Says Harry.
"Well you need to study hard to get good grades, OK," I reply annoyed.
"She's right you know," Replies Hermione.
I smile, at least Hermione understands.
"Besides, who doesn't want to study magic. Look at the alternative Harry, you could be studying muggle things and getting a muggle job. At least we are studying magic," Says Daphne.
"What a boring way to live, I am glad I am a wizard," Adds Draco.
"I guess," Says Harry defeated then he looks to me, "You do go over the top though, you look sick."
The exams were harder this year, they are finally giving me exams that are difficult. In Transfiguration one of the tasks were to turn a teapot into a tortoise. I was quite annoyed because the neck I believe was more snake looking than tortoise looking, I quickly did another spell silently to change that but I don't think it was perfect.
After lunch we did Cheering Charms for Flitwick. Severus always uses this in duels on me. I performed this spell perfectly, which made me pleased. I resisted the urge to show off and perform the spell silently.
The next day I had Home Economic Charms, which included cooking a meal with magic and washing the dishes with magic. That afternoon we had potions. We made a 'Confusing Concoction', which was OK. It was difficult but I managed. Harry and Daphne actually made this together in practice a few weeks ago, so they would be fine at least.
Astronomy, which was the easiest so far because this is a subject Grand mama Merida likes to talk about, so I wasn't so unprepared.
History of magic was the next easiest because I used information from witch hunts that not only happened in Europe but the also the Salem witch trials. The Salem witch trials were devastating for U.S witches and wizards because the muggles started killing fellow muggles due to a bored witch. She played mind games with them and was never caught ... well never caught by muggles. She was responsible for the deaths of 19 muggles and 150 muggles were arrested. It was a huge mess. Oblivate hadn't been created in that time so it took a while for witches to be only seen as legends. This is why my town is named Salem and why we have magical communities instead of 'living with harmony' with muggles.
We were just about to enter for the practical for Herbology when Daphne stopped me. She lifted her wand and silently put a spell on me, she has been practising for a while now to silence her spells.
"OK, what was that?" I ask.
"It's a spell to prevent sunburn, I learnt it from dad," Replies Daphne.
"Thanks," I say.
When we finish the exam for Herbology I am glad Daphne put that spell on me. It was very off putting though in the exam when I was next to perfect Longbottom, but I am sure I passed. The Arithmancy exam was difficult, I am sure Hermione beat me on that one.
The test from Lupin was a monster obstacle course. We had to face the monsters we had learned about, Gindylow, Red Caps, Hinkypunks than a Giant, I mean Boggart. The Boggart was the worst, I ended up hexing it before realizing it was a boggart then performed the correct spell. I hope I don't get marked down for that.
I waited with Harry while we watched the others. Darco's only problem was the Boggart as well. Weasley's only problem was the Hinkypunk. Hermione was on fire, she had absolutely no problems. I saw her hesitate with her Boggart but she shouted, "You're not McGonagall, you're a boggart!"
Then she casted the spell on it. The boggart must have said she failed and couldn't go back to school next year. I wish that was all I had to fear.
We got some news after the exams, Professor Lupin was not continuing as a teacher. It was upsetting news, I was beginning to like him and others in the class felt the same. I had a suspicion it had to do with the fact he was a werewolf. The complaints that he received from the parents must have become too much for him.
We received our test results. I come first in Charms, History of magic and Astronomy. I came third in D.A.D.A (Harry came first then Hermione). Potions I came second to Daphne (Hermione then followed by Harry). In Transfiguration I came second to Hermione. Arithmancy was a surprise, I came second but Hermione wasn't first, that was Terry.
Just like last year in the carriage home there was Daphne, Weasley, Harry, Hermione and Myself. Draco came to say hello and confirmed the details with me with regards to the Quidditch World Cup then he went back to Tori.
On the platform I saw something I thought I would never see, Dumbledore. Dumbledore was with Sirius.
"Mate, why is Dumbledore with Sirius?" Asks Weasley.
"He just needs to do some protection spells and he is coming over for dinner. I had a very long chat with him and I feel he has earned my trust," Replies Harry.
"Danni, sweet pea, I have come to pick you up," Says Grandmother Merida.
"Sweet pea, that's cute," Says Harry.
I mutter something incoherently then rush to my grandmother.
"Harry speaks parseltongue, be careful," I say. My Grandmother only chuckles in reply.
"I am much, much more than a man. However ... why not? I will face you ... Wormtail, come turn my chair around," Says the Dark Lord. Candice Spencer was listening to this conversation just in the hallway. The muggle screams then is silenced with death. Candice knocks on the door and enters. She goes on her knees.
"My Lord, I wish to be of service," She says with confidence.
"Who are you? How do you know I reside here?" Replies the Dark Lord.
"I am Mrs Candice Spencer, wife to Jerry Slytherin," Replies Candice.
"Avada Kedavra!" Replies the Dark Lord without hesitation.
Candice gasps, every time he kills me, no matter what I say or do, thinks Candice. She grabs her coat. "Jerry I am just visiting Anna," Says Candice to her Husband, who is painting.
She practically runs the two blocks to her daughter. When she arrives she is not surprised to find her daughter waiting in her door frame.
"Come in mother," Greets Anna.
They sit down.
"We are going to fail," Says Candice.
A/N: Thank you for reading, the next in the series is going to be called Danni Merida and the Goblet of Fiendfyre.