As Abigail rushed to meet Harry and his friends, she noticed someone trailing behind. His familiar tall stature made it obvious it was none other than Alistair. But what was he doing with them? He said he wasn't going to go, and seemed adamant about it in his own way. Clearly slightly peeved, she approached and they stopped at the doors to wait for her.
"I didn't know Alistair was with you." she said off-hand, giving him a look. The rest of them quickly felt the uncomfortable atmosphere gather.
"Yes well, he arrived with Lavender and Dean, so," Hermione attempted to explain, "They must have persuaded him. Right, Alistair?"
He nodded, unable to look at Abigail. He murmured something about Lavender asking politely, but Abigail was no longer interested. She walked with them, listening to Hermione explain the success of the meeting and that they now just needed a place to assemble and train. Abigail had no suggestions up her sleeve, but she was eager to put her name on the list when they returned to the Gryffindor common room.
Once business was over with, they sat down by the fire. All seemed lost in thought, though Abigail was thinking of something other than Harry's lessons. If Alistair had suddenly agreed to go, why didn't he tell Abi? Alistair wasn't the stubborn type, sure, but going to Harry's meet-up was like believing him about You-Know-Who, and that was going against Alistair's father's opinion. He was close to his father - having no mother or other siblings - and would never do anything to intentionally anger or harm him. She looked at Alistair when he sat beside her. He was either ignorant to her stare or was ignoring it, which both angered and amused her.
"So, when were you planning on telling me you changed your mind?" she questioned almost accusingly, watching as an older student relit the fire. Alistair was overcame with sudden uncomfortable fidgeting, avoiding eye contact. Abigail's glare became more intense, "Alistair, look at me! We were just arguing about this a while ago, and now you're all for it?"
"I'm going for the lessons, not the beliefs," he hissed finally, however stared at the gaudy carpet, "I still don't think He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named is back. He never will be. But I know Defence Against the Dark Arts is important, so when Lavender found me and asked me to go, I guess I just… Did."
"Right, so Lavender can persuade you and I can't. Thanks, that makes me feel like a great friend." Abigail sulked, leaning away from him. Alistair rubbed his forehead before getting up and leaving for his dorm, leaving her to her moping thoughts.
The first of Harry's lessons was starting. Or, as the group preferred it, Dumbledore's Army. Apparently they had found the Room of Requirement, something Abigail had only read about. She never doubted its existence, she was just surprised it was there for them to use. But, it was like Harry kept mentioning: Hogwarts was helping them fight back. Abigail was excited, and having forgotten Alistair's 'betrayal', she was sitting with him in the Great Hall, waiting for the time to leave.
"What do you think we'll learn?" she asked eagerly, but her face fell as ideas whizzed through her mind. Her brain felt like many Wrackspurts were having their fun with it, "I hope we don't do anything about Boggarts - I had enough of those with Professor Lupin."
"Why would we look at Boggarts?" Alistair asked in disbelief, and she waved him off, babbling on excitedly. But, as a few Professors entered the room, she fell quiet. Luckily, Alistair clamed it was time to leave, and the pair hastily left their position at the Gryffindor table.
They happened to meet up with a few others along their way, all rather excited about Dumbledore's Army. Breaking the rules were fun, but breaking the rules for a cause felt like something else completely. It wasn't just fun, it was righteous! They were leaping through hoops to achieve rightful power, and it felt good to be part of it.
Abigail stood with Alistair in the Room of Requirement, gawping at the room. It felt odd, being in a room that practically no one knew about. It felt like being non-existent, in a way.
Harry took his place in front of them and Abigail crossed her arms, standing near the front.
"Right, well," he began, clearing his throat. He played with the wand in his hand and Abigail couldn't hold back a smirk of amusement. He was way too nervous to start this. He gulped back his worries and continued, "Let's start with something simple. Everyone just line up down here and we'll start with the Disarming charm."
They looked at each other, as if hesitant, but did as ordered. Abigail found herself sandwiched between the Weasley twins and two Hufflepuffs, Alistair by her side. Unfortunately, at the very front, Neville stood with Harry. Abigail watched curiously, her light coloured wand in hand.
"Expelliarmus!" Neville yelled, however it backfired and the whole line was forced to duck. Abigail grunted, straightening up and fixing a hand of hair behind her ear, watching as Harry showed Neville the correct way of doing it. The line began to move along as each took a turn at disarming the dummy, until it came to Alistair and Abigail.
"Ladies first." Alistair offered, and Abi nodded. She looked at the dummy.
"Expelliarmus!" she spoke, flourishing her wand. The stick flew from the 'enemy's hand and across the room, hitting a wall. Harry smiled a little.
"Good." he complimented, much like he had with the students before her. Abi nodded, however felt this spell was mere child's play. They had learned to use this in the (although highly unsuccessful) duelling club. As the rest showed their knowledge of the disarming charm, Abi stood back with Dean and Lavender.
"So, Seamus still won't come?" she asked, looking at them. Dean sighed and shook his head.
"He's stubborn about it," he answered, "But he'll come round eventually. We'll make sure of it."
"Who?" someone approached. They smiled uncomfortably at the sight of Luna, who merely offered a more genuine smile in return.
"No one." Abigail shrugged it off. Luna's quaint smile was unwavering. Abigail wondered if she should make an attempt to speak, but Harry spoke up, ordering them to get into pairs. Luna's eyes laid on Abigail and Abi, feeling trapped, smiled back and gestured to an open space.
"Hermione suggested I talk to more people," Luna suddenly began as they aimed their wands at each other, "To make more friends. I thought it was a good idea."
"It is," Abigail agreed, "I mean, I'd be your friend."
"Really?" Luna questioned, "You seem to avoid me an awful lot."
Abigail had heard Luna had a knack for being honest. Her smile faltered, while Luna's didn't, and Abigail straightened her back when Harry ordered them to do their best. Luna went first, easily Disarming Abigail. Unsurprising for a Ravenclaw. Retrieving her wand, Abigail prepared herself and flourished her wand.
"Expelliarmus!"
Like the practice with the dummy, the wand flew from Luna's hand. After picking up her wand and walking back over, she complimented Abigail.
"That was very good - but it's rather violent during practice." she spoke calmly, however Abigail wasn't interested in any criticism. It wasn't about how violent or gentle she was - she didn't need to go easy on someone just because they were on her side.
"You flick your wrist too hard," Luna was continuing, looking down at her hand. It was slightly red, "But I suppose it will be good against your enemies."
Abigail opened her mouth to retort, however Harry Potter made his way over to check on them. Apparently they were chatting too much and he became concerned something was confusing them - but his questions were more aimed at Abigail than the both of them.
"So, you're alright?" Harry asked and Abigail and Luna nodded.
"She's rather good." Luna told, and Harry smiled.
"Well, great!" he nodded, "We'll be stopping in a bit actually, so just… Continue with what you're doing, I guess."
The two girls smiled at him and he excused himself. Abigail then looked at Luna, who was still watching Harry as he walked over to another pair.
"He's a good teacher, isn't he?" Luna brought up, looking at Abigail with glazed over eyes. Abigail nodded absentmindedly.
"Definitely." she answered. The two then separated and stood across from each other again, wands at the ready to continue practice.
Days went by until the next meeting. During that time, Abigail and Dean spent their time attempting to sway Seamus into trying one of the sessions.
"What's the problem with it, Seamus?" Abigail asked, sitting at one of the long tables. Seamus looked at her, and Dean eyed them both. He had gone over this many times with Seamus, and was starting to think it was a waste of time.
"I'm not going to anything o' Potter's," Seamus explained - perhaps the umpteenth time - and looked back down at his meal. Abigail frowned and made an attempt to persuade him - which was also the umpteenth time.
"You don't need to believe him about Voldemort-"
"Don't say that name!" Seamus interjected, glaring. Abigail hesitated, pursing her lips. She hadn't even noticed she said it, and without a care in the world too! She nodded and continued in a much quieter tone.
"Alistair goes and he doesn't believe Harry. He just wants to learn some real spells." she raised her eyebrows expectantly at Seamus after that, and Seamus gave her a look. This went on every day now, and Abigail was far from tired of it. Seamus, however, was.
"Look, I appreciate what you're tryin' to do - I think - but just drop it," he demanded. Abigail rubbed her eyes and leaned on the table, now giving up and letting it rest. Dean merely smiled, knowing that Abigail would merely try again tomorrow, and began to eat his meal.
Several hoots and flaps of wings echoed in the hall. Owls! They looked up as they entered the Great Hall to deliver letters. Excitement stormed through Abigail - she hadn't received a reply from her mother yet, and as far as she knew, her little sister hadn't gained a single letter from her either. A familiar Barn Owl made its way for Abigail, landing gracefully in front of her. She was lucky she moved her finished plate during her conversation with Seamus. She took the letter from his beak and stoked his head. It edged closer for more, and she looked down at the letter.
The envelope was pristine white, with a red seal. The pattern was a formal looking H, a symbol of the Hollyoaks, and she ripped it open without a care. She read it over, excited to hear any news at all.
Abigail,
Thank you for the letter. I expected something like that to happen - Dolores is an awful woman. Your father has been away on Auror business, looking into muggle attacks. He won't be back for some time I think. Ronan is staying with my sister, your aunt Rosalyn, because I'm leaving for Romania. Something to do with dragons. I'll be back before you know it.
Love, your mother
Despite being a letter, Abigail's mother always managed to show her emotions. She must have been in a hurry when writing this, as it all very formal. There was hardly any information about her father or Ronan, which she was rather upset about. Glancing over at the Ravenclaw table, she noticed her sister Pamela was staring expectantly at her.
"Everything alright, Abigail?" she heard Dean ask. Nodding, she excused herself and made way for the small first year.
"Did you get a letter from mum?" Pamela questioned, eyeing the letter. She seemed to be judging the destroyed envelope. Abigail nodded and sat next to her, separating her from her friends temporarily.
"Dad's away on auror stuff," she began, not sure how much to keep from Pamela. But she smiled anyway, in hopes that Pamela wouldn't notice something was amiss, "Ronan's staying with aunt Rosie."
"Mum's away on another ministry assignment?" Pamela questioned, sighing a little. She dropped her spoon into her cereal and nodded solemnly, "Well, thanks for telling me anyway."
Pamela was far too mature for a first year, Abigail thought. Nodding, she gave an awkward glance and smile to her friends before getting up and heading out of the Great Hall. She folded the paper neatly and put it into the pocket of her Gryffindor cardigan. To try and rid herself of her worried emotion, she made way to the seventh floor, fingers raking through her hair and putting it over her shoulder. What could she do? Her mother wasn't going to give out any more information, and she didn't know anyone that could tell her…
Until she saw Harry Potter. He was making his way to the Room of Requirement, most likely to set things up for the next lesson before classes began. She rushed round the corner, hoping to catch him, and she smiled, relieved, at the sight of Harry standing as the doors appeared.
"Harry!" she said happily, standing beside him. He was almost surprised, looking round and he smiled a little back. His mind seemed to be on other things, but Abigail didn't have time to pay attention to that, "I have something to ask you."
"Sure, anything." he nodded, walking into the Room of Requirement. Perhaps he wasn't getting things ready. But, he didn't seem to be doing anything in particular. He wandered to the mirror with the image of the old Order members, as well as Cedric Diggory and assortment of papers that related to their cause. Abigail followed, pursing her lips.
"Do you know anything about my dad? Eugene Hollyoak," she asked, almost pleaded, and watched him as he thought. She continued, trying to make the subject out as an idle thought, "He's an auror. He went to investigate some muggle attacks by, well, by-"
"Death Eaters," Harry finished, looking at her. She nodded and played with her fingers, putting on a smile.
"I just thought - because you're close with a few Order members - you'd maybe find something out. I mean, mum's being really quiet about it so I guess I'm just being cautious."
"I can do my best, yeah." Harry agreed, not wanting to refuse. He understood what it felt like to be worried about a family member; even if Sirius wasn't blood related, he was the closest he had.
"Thanks. I just, you know, was curious. No need to rush it or anything," Abigail tried to brush the whole situation off her shoulders, however it wasn't working. She cleared her throat and turned, "Anyway, I need to get to Charms class."
"I'll walk with you." Harry said after a moment of thought, "I only came in here for a break anyway, away from Umbridge."
Abigail only laughed and nodded. Walking to class, the pair were quite happy to stroll in comfortable silence. Abigail merely had nothing to say, whereas Harry was probably pleased to not have to talk about the D.A meetings or Voldemort or anything else.
Charms class was quick. Abigail could see Emile sitting by himself, concentrating on writing on his parchment. However, he wasn't writing what Flitwick was saying - he wrote even when Flitwick wasn't talking - and never looked up once throughout the lesson. But Abigail tried to ignore it, wanting to keep out of mischief as much as possible, especially with Umbridge around. As they left Charms for Transfiguration, Abigail watched Emile swiftly pass her and Alistair. He disappeared around the corner, and Abigail looked at her friend. He seemed to take no notice of the 'suspicious' behaviour.
"Do you think Emile's being weird?" Abigail asked. Alistair snapped his head to attention, fumbling with his words and Abigail let out a loud tut, "I said, do you think Emile's acting weird? You know, the boy in Ravenclaw?"
"Your nemesis?" Alistair teased.
"I called him that once - and it was a joke," she excused with a flush of her cheeks, "But I'm serious! Remember in Hogsmeade when he was talking to those people?"
"His parents?" Alistair inquired, catching on that Abigail thought this important, "Abi, you don't like him. Of course you're going to think he's suspicious and weird. You already got him banned from Hogsmeade, what more do you want?"
Abigail couldn't answer. Alistair often acted as the voice of reason, but she just wasn't having it now. Emile was up to something, and if Alistair wasn't going to listen and nod his head, then Abigail would drop it and look into it herself. Alistair suddenly smiled again.
"Anyway," he broke the silence, "We've got a meeting tonight! That'll be fun."
"I suppose." Abigail nodded. The crowd of students drowned out their continued conversation, the buzz of gossip and rants of classes blending together.
That evening, Abigail leaned on one of the many mirrors of the Room of Requirement. She pursed her lips and looked around the room, seeing Alistair and Luna approach. Alistair seemed to befriend Luna quite quickly, which did not surprise Abigail. Alistair was a fairly mellow boy, so it was no shock that he could stand her.
"Hey, Luna," Abigail began tentatively, "You know Emile?"
"Emile Sung? Of course." she nodded, twisting the wand in her hands, "Why?"
"Does he talk much to anyone?" her question caused Alistair to roll his eyes. Luna stared, most likely thinking it over, and Abigail added another, "Is he suspicious at all?"
"As in working with Voldemort?" Luna asked, keeping her tone quiet to appease the irritated Alistair, "He can't be - he's with us!"
"How do you know that?" Abigail questioned, and Luna gestured over her shoulder. Abigail watched, eyes trailing to the other side of the room and her eyes widened at the sight:
Emile, standing with Cho and a few other Ravenclaws. He must have felt eyes on him, because he glanced round and their eyes met. Abigail wasn't sure how to react, so she looked away and glared at the floor. Emile watched her for a moment longer and then looked back at his housemates.
He was here? In Dumbledore's Army? Abigail didn't even know what to think - it didn't make any sense! Were her assumptions of him wrong?