Chapter 15

Turning The Blind Eye

"So, can you tell me, what's the purpose of a rubber duck?"

Vanna's questions were just getting worse. Karina, being muggle born seemed like the most fascinating thins in the world to her and as a result, Vanna's curiosity had went from zero to a million in less then 5 minutes. I shook my head. Vanna could be ridiculous. Though, Karina didn't seem to mind and I was glad that Vanna had found someone to befriend.

"Hey you guys, I'm gonna step out for a while," I told them.

"Yeah," Vanna barely acknowledged me.

I stepped out of the compartment and headed down the corridor in search of my friends. I smiled. There were a bunch of people I hadn't see seen in a while. Allegra. Zetta. Mina. Magnolia. Alan. It would be great to see the group again.

"Oi, Katerina!" I spun around as Alan attacked me with a massive bearhug.

"Hey!" I exclaimed, :so good to see you!"

"Good to see you too!"

"There she is!" Allegra's voice came followed by Cheryl, Zetta, Mina, Cheyenne and Patrick.

"About damn time too!" Cheyenne scoffed, "we thought you might've missed the train!"

"Not in a million years!" I laighed, "I was just getting Vanna settled in. Got her talking to someone,"

"You worry about her too much," Cheyenne said.

"She's my little sister," I shrugged.

"I think it's cute," Allegra said, "unlike me and my brother. He's like, 'meh. Go find a compartment. See ya sis.' So much for loyal, helpful Hufflepuff,"

"Story of my life," Cheyenne said, "Dan and troy are just ridiculous. They think that sprinkling canary cream in my ice cream sundae is just fine and dandy,"

"They did not!" Cheryl flopped down on the compartment seat.

"Oh yes they did. That's what you get when your brothers are friends with the Weasley twins,"

"But they're so attractive!" Mina swooned, "I could die,"

"I swear, she has," the door opened and Magnolia walked in, "well almost. Remember that potion you were trying to practice and you got so caught up in staring at Fred Weasley's face that you cut right through your own finger?"

"Hey!" Mina exclaimed.

"Nothing but the truth,"

"Speaking of truth, how the hell did you manage to put up with the wicked bitch of Slytherin all summer?" Patrick asked.

Magnolia stuck her tongue out in disgust.

"Barely. Dear God. She kept trying to recruit me into her gaggle of Slytherin psychos…try spending three days with her, Lisa Goyle and Carmellia Parkinson,"

"Ouch," Alan said, "that must've sucked,"

"Trust me, it did,"

"That Lisa. She's such a bitch too," Zetta suddenly said.

"What?" It threw us off for a second, because if there's anyone I've never heard swear, it's Zetta.

"Orla would've said something like that," she shrugged. It suddenly dawned on us that that was the one person who has missing. It was kind of strange seeing Zetta alone. She and Orla were normally attached at the hip.

"How is she?" Cheyenne asked.

"Alright," Zetta shrugged, "I guess. She's still upset with her parents."

"I would be too," said Patrick, "I mean, how could they not let her come back? She honestly would be safer here at Hogwarts. I mean, we have Dumbledore and we all know that he is the only wizard You Know Who had ever feared,"

"True," Zetta nodded, "and I told her parents that. But they wouldn't listen to me. They think Dumbledore is ridiculous, just like all the papers have been saying lately,"

"Do you really think it's true?" Cheryl asked, "that You Know Who is back?"

"Yes," I said, "I mean, what other explanation could there be? Cedric Diggory didn't just drop dead out of nowhere,"

"Yeah. And Harry doesn't seem like the type to be attention seeking. He didn't even put his name into the goblet of fire. That imposter Barty Crouch Jr. did. Plus, having You Know who back…who wants that? And especially why would Harry want that? Why would he lie about something like that?"

"My parents think that they're both ridiculous and the whole thing is a bunch of nonsense," Cheryl said, "I'm not even sure what I believe. I mean, we'd all like to believe it's all fake, but what if it's not? If he's really back, then we're screwed and there will be another war,"

"My parents fought in the last one," Allegra said, "They were kind of forced into it really. They were in Diagon Alley and there was a sudden death eater attack…Dad said there were so many deatheaters…"

"Speaking of deatheaters, who was at the Quidditch World Cup last year?" Cheyenne asked, Remember the deatheater attack? It all makes sense,"

"I guess Cheryl shrugged, "but I'm not taking sides until there is real solid proof," We were silent, for she had a point. There was no proof, and until there was, there was no telling what was in store for the wizarding world.

"Anyways, enough with the depressing stuff," Alan broke the silence, "Exploding snap anyone?"

The rest of the train ride passed quickly and I found myself feeling at peace again, even amidst all the chaos that was going on. I was going home. I felt safe. I had missed everyone so much and I was excited about the new school year. Though as we pulled into Hogsmeade, nerves were beginning to kick in. I had returned to my compartment where Vanna was practically a nervous wreck.

"Oh my god Kat!" Vanna exclaimed, "we're here!" She looked worried, "I don't feel good,"

"What do you mean?"

"My tummy hurts,"

"You're just nervous,"

"No I'm not!" her expression changed, "well, maybe a little,"

"Don't worry," I reassured her, "you'll be fine,"

"But what if I don't get into Ravenclaw?"

"You will. Don't worry,"

"But what if I don't?"

:Then you'll be absolutely fine wherever you end up,"

"You won't be mad?"

"Why would I be mad? Of course I'll support you no matter what!" I gave her a hug.

"You'll be fine," She gave me a small smiled.

"I hope,"

We exited the compartment and stepped out into Hogsmeade station.

"Where do I go?" Vanna asked.

"Professor Hagrid should be around here somewhere…" I glanced around, but had no luck in spotting him. Where was he?

"First years, over here!" a female voice called. A strange woman whom I had never seen before stood with a crows of first years around her.

"That's strange," I said, "Professor Hagrid took us to the school last year,"

"Yeah,"

"Anyways, good luck," I gave Vanna one last hug, "you'll be fine. And remember that ultimately you have the choice to let the sorting hat know what your opinion is,"

"Yeah," Vanna smiled, "see you in the great hall," She turned to leave and I hoped with all my heart that the sorting hat would make the right decision.

I caught up with my friends who were boarding one of the horseless carriages.

"Hey there you are," Cheyenne said, "Vanna all good?"

"Yeah. She's a bit nervous, but she'll be fine,"

"She'll probably make it into Ravenclaw," Cheyenne reassured.

The carriage pulled up to the familiar sight of the castle and we made our way through the entrance hall to the great hall.

"It feels good to be back," I told Cheyenne as we took our places at the Ravenclaw table.

"Yeah. Except I am not looking forward to potions tomorrow,"

I sighed. The one bad thing was that starting tomorrow we would be waking up to days filled with homework and studying.

"Don't kill the moment," I said. I looked past her for a second to the Gryffindor table where Seamus was sitting with Dean. I noticed that for some reason, he had distanced himself from Harry Potter and was glowering at him with a look of loathing. What was his problem?

Professor Dumbledore rose from his seat, making a few welcoming remarks before Professor McGonagall led the new first years in through the hall's large double doors. I spotted Vanna and Karina in the group. Vanna caught my eye and grinned sheepishly as she passed by. The sorting hat stood on its usual stool at the front of the hall ad burst into a brand new song. After that, the sorting began.

"Abercrombie, Euan!"

"Gryffindor!" the boy's worried look disappeared as he an over to the Gryffindor table.

"Abraham, Isaac!"

"Hufflepuff!"

"Adamson, Lionel!"

"Ravenclaw!"

The sorting continued and I could tell that Vanna was very nervous. There was no other word to describe her expressions. I hoped she would be ok. After what seemed like ages, her name was called.

"Pettinato, Giovanna!" Giovanna walked shakily up to the hat. She looked more worried then I had ever seen her in her entire life. I swear, my heart stopped, I was so nervous for her.

She sat there for about 30 seconds while the hat deliberated and I saw her whispering something to it when suddenly the hat called:

"Ravenclaw1'

"Yes!" I exclaimed, Yes!' I scrambled to my feet as the able applauded and I wrapped my arms around my sister.

"See?" I told her, "I told you, you had nothing to worry about!"

She grinned up at me, "Yeah. I guess who were right. All I had to do was tell the hat that I wanted to be in Ravenclaw. Though I think it wanted to put me in Hufflepuff,"

We sat down, whispering as the sorting continued.

"really?"

"Yeah. It kept saying how Hufflepuffs were loyal and everything and I suppose that it would have been ok, I mean, Ali's there, but I wanted to be here more. And that's exactly what I got," she grinned widely.

"Well, I'm happy," I told her, "it's all working out according to plan,"

Vanna nodded in agreement and we turned our attention back to the sorting. Karina was still up there, yet to be sorted.

"I hope she gets into Ravenclaw," Vanna said, "she's so smart,"

"Hmm?"

"For being a muggle born, well, she can already do half the spells in our charms book!"

"Are you kidding me?"

"No! She honestly made a pack of chocolate frogs tap dance across the seat,"

"That's what we had to do for our final!" I exclaimed, "Except with a pineapple across Professor Flitwick's desk,"

"Yeah, well she can do that!"

"And school hasn't even started yet," I muttered. As Vanna predicted, Karina joined the Ravenclaw table, however there was a tiny bit of resentment in her face as she approached the Ravenclaw table. I suspected it was because of the Weasley twin she was with earlier as I notice that her gaze constantly shifted to the Gryffindor table.

As well as mine.

Seamus was sitting with Dean, as per usual, however, I noticed something odd. There was a huge gap between him and Harry, and from what I could see, the looks that Seamus was giving Harry weren't very kind. He looked disgusted.

"What's wrong?" Cheyenne asked.

"Just Seamus," I said, "he doesn't look very happy,"

Cheyenne glanced over.

"I'm not surprised," she said, "a lot of people aren't happy with Harry,"

"But he never did anything wrong!"

"We all know that. It's just a lot of people are choosing to take the ministry's side of things. You know that Fudge doesn't want to face the fact that You Know Who's back,"

"That's completely stupid! I mean what more proof could there be? The cup was a portkey, Moody was impersonated by Barty Crouch Junior who was a death eater, Cedric Diggory came out of that maze dead…"

"I know. But that's just the point. People are completely stupid,"

I shook my head, because if indeed Seamus were acting like that…it would be strange. Seamus was usually so easy going. It surprised me that he would believe the crap that the Daily Prophet was saying. I made a mental note to see what was up with him.

"So oh my god," Allegra gushed suddenly, "did I tell you guys what happened this summer?"

I brought my attention back to the table.

"What?"

"I was in Diagon Alley, in Flourish and Blotts, getting my books when he came in,"

Whenever Allegra mentiond 'he' we all knew that she meant Michael Corner.

"Oh my god!" Cheyenne gushed, "what happened? Did he say anything?'

Allegra shook her head. "No, but it was weird. I was getting my potions book and he walked in and saw me. We stared at each other for like a minte before he walked out,"

"So he just left the shop?"

"Yeah. And he didn't even get his books or anything. He just saw me and bolted,"

"That's weird," agreed.

"I know," Allegra agreed, "especially since he supposedly doesn't have feelings for me,"

"I think he's lying," Cheyenne said, "I mean, it makes no sense,"

"Or maybe he's just embarrassed by me,"

"Why would he embarrassed?" I asked, "Allegra, come on. You're gorgeous, smart and beautiful,"

"Thanks," Allegra grimaced, "but I'm still 12,"

"Age shouldn't matter though,"

"But he's Michael Corner. The biggest Ravenclaw player to date. If word got out that he was dating a second year,"

"I hate being so young," I moaned, "all the boys we like are older than us,"

"Attention!" Professor Dumbledore called out to the hall. Everyone's chattering toned down.

"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,' said Dumbledore. '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,"

"What happened to Hagrid?" Allegra asked.

"No idea,"

"We are also delighted to introduce Professor Umbridge, our new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher." A plump woman dressed in a revolting pink cardigan sat smiling at the staff table.

"She doesn't look like she's ever dealt with dark magic in her life," Cheyenne whispered.

Dumbledore continued, "Tryouts for the house Quidditch teams will take place on the-

"Hem Hem,"

Dumbledore turned around to where Professor Umbridge was sitting and she stood, intending to speak. Dumbledore gave her a nod and allowed her to speak. However, the other teachers just looked shocked.

"Thank you, Headmaster," Professor Umbridge said, "for those kind words of welcome." Her voice was fakely sugar sweet and high pitched. I already knew that I didn't like her.

"Well, it is lovely to be back at Hogwarts, I must say! And to see such happy little faces looking up at me!"

Allegra snorted. No one looked happy.

"'I am very much looking forward to getting to know you all and I'm sure we'll be very good friends!"

"I beg to differ on that one," Alan said, "I'll go to hell and back before I become friends with that woman,"

"Isn't that a little harsh?"

"But Dumbledore couldn't have hired her. I mean really, look at her! She does not look at all qualified to be a Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher,"

"Umbridge," Allegra muttered, "Umbridge….where have I heard that name?"

"You know her?"

"I think Dad does. Something about him losing patience with some Umbridge woman at work,"

"See? She's from the ministry!"

"I wondor why Dumbledore couldn't find anyone else to teach. I bet he knows loads of people who could have taken the job," I said.

"Yeah. Like Fudge would have let him hire someone new after last year," Alan remarked.

"Yeah, but everyone makes mistakes!"

"Yes, but Fudge probably wants someone to keep an eye on Dumbledore,"

"What does he think Dumbledore's gonna do? Take down the ministry,"

"Thatt's exactly what he thinks that he's gonna do. Espcially since Dumbledore doesn't support his view that You Know Who isn't back,"

"People are so stupid!" I said, "the wizarding world is in danger!"

"Yeah, but no one knows anything for sure,"

Dumbledore rose from his seat with some closing remarks and we were dismissed.

"Hey, I wanna go see Iris!" Giovanna exclaimed. Without waiting, she scampered off to the Gryffindor table.

"Hey wait up!" I called after her. I followed her across the front of the hall to where the Gryffindor table was. Iris was sitting with Romilda near the end of the table.

"Iris!" Vanna called.

"Hey! Congratulationson Ravenclaw!" Iris exclaimed.

"Thanks!" Vanna replied.

"You excited?" Iris asked.

"Mhm!" Vanna nodded, "it's already so much fun. I've met Karina and Anna and Olympia….though I didn't really like her..."

"Weel that's good," Iris said, turning to me, "how are you?"

Though before I could answer the sound of a heated argument arose.

"Me mam didn't want me to come back this year," I turned around to see Seamus talking to Harry with a look of disgust on his face.

"What?" Harry asked.

"She didn't want me to come back to Hogwarts," Seamus said.

"Why?"

"Let me see…because of you,"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, er, it's not just you…it's Dumbledore too,"

"She believes the Daily Prophet? She thinks I'm a liar and Dumbledore's an old fool? She believes that?"

"Well nobody was there the night Cedric died,"

"Well I guess you should read the Prophet like your stupid mother, it'll tell you everything you need to know,"

"Don't you have a go at my mother!" snapped Seamus.

"I'll have a go at anyone who calls me a liar!"

"What's going on?" Ron asked.

"He's mad is what's going on!" Seamus exclaimed, "Do you seriously believe the rubbish that's coming out about you know who?"

"Yeah, I do," Ron said, surveying the crowd that had grown around the bickering two, "Anyone else got a problem with Harry?" With that, he and Harry turned and left.

I turned to Seamus who stood there looking fumed.

"What?" he snarled at me. That did it.

"Was that really necessary?" I asked.

"Well yeah," Seamus answered, "yes, it was,"

I raised and eyebrow, "and why was that?"

"Are you stupid? Do you honestly believe that You Know Who is back? Come on now Trina, he's been gone for years. I'm pretty damn sure he's dead,"

"But what other explanation could there possibly be for what's going on?" I asked, "Don't you remember what happened at the Quidditch cup last year? And Cedric Diggory was killed! What other explanation could there be for how he died?"

"You don't know what you're talking about,"

"Yes, I do,"

"No you don't Trina, you're twelve, how can you understand anything?"

His words stung. This was not the Seamus I knew. The Seamus I knew had called me smart. Clever. Beyond my years even. Was that all a lie? Is that how he really saw me? As nothing more then a little kid? I swallowed hard. There was no way that he was going to see me cry.

"Fine. Be that way then," I said, "go on. Keep believing everything the Prophet says along with your stupid mum."

"Don't you dare rope me mam into this!"

"Too bad. I'm done with this."

"Fine!"

I turned on my heel, storming from the great hall. Who the hell did Seamus Finnegan think he was? He's the mad one! I mean, who the hell goes out of their way to cause problems? He just started lashing out on Harry for no apparent reason at all. Like, I don't even know what triggered him. And just because I disagreed with him, he lashes out all his anger on me. Bloody Irishmen and their tempers. He had absolutely no reason to say the horrible things he said. It hurt. His words echoed in my head.

"You're twelve! You don't know anything!"

That was really what hurt more then anything. It was a slap in the face, for I was bloody close to thirteen (my birthday is September 23rd). So all in all we had 2 years between us? Two and a half? Not even three. So he had no right to even say that I knew nothing.

I finally made it to the Ravenclaw common room and after mumbling an answer to the question (what is a bezoar?) I made my way up the stairs and into the common room, not acknowledging anyone.

Cheyenne was upstairs emptying her robes from her trunk.
"Where did you go?" she asked, "Giovanna was looking for you,"

However, at that point I had no strength left to hold it in and the tears came pouting down.

"Katerina, what happened?"

I explained to her what Seamus had said.

"He probably didn't mean it," Cheyenne said, "people say stuff they don't mean all the time when they're upset,"

"Yeah, but I don't care. He shouldn't have said it in the first place. All this shows his how he really feels about me,"

"Kat,"

"No. There's no way that I'm talking to him ever again," And with that, I drew up the curtains around my bed and didn't leave the dormitory for the rest of the evening.