Chapter 6

"Are you alright, William?"

It was January, and once again Billy was sat in the common room with Anthony, learning about wizarding politics.

"Yeah, I'm fine."

"You know I can tell when you're lying."

Billy sighed, and set down his quill.

"Harry's getting married."

"Really?" asked Anthony. "And how do you feel about that?"

"Okay, I guess," he shrugged.

"Uh huh," said Anthony, clearly not believing him.

"He's happy about it."

"But you're not."

"I am! Really! Ginny's really nice!"

"But…"

"But nothing," he snapped. "Can I go now?"

Anthony nodded. It was pointless continuing with him in this mood. As soon as he had been dismissed Billy jumped up and ran out of the common room. He knew his friends would be starting to gather by the lake at this time of day, but he didn't feel like joining them. Instead he ran deeper into the dungeons, paying no attention to the route he took. Eventually he slumped against a stone wall, unable to stop the tears that were spilling down his cheeks. He wasn't sure how long he sat there, and barely even noticed when he drifted off to sleep.

He woke to find himself lying on something soft, and opened his eyes to a comfortable wood-panelled room. Professor Snape was sat quietly in an armchair opposite him, cradling a mug in his hands.

"William?" he asked. "How are you feeling?"

Billy sat up slowly, rubbing his eyes. He seemed to be in Snape's personal sitting room.

"What happened?" he murmured. Snape raised his eyebrows.

"You were missing for the best part of a day," he said. "We were worried about you."

"A day?"

This was news to Billy.

"Anthony was beside himself, he thought he'd upset you."

"I'm sorry."

"It's alright. Are you hungry?"

Billy nodded and Snape got to his feet, bringing over a plate of food. Billy picked at it to begin with, but soon his appetite rocketed and he polished off the plate quickly. He had obviously slept through dinner.

"Is there anything you'd like to talk to me about, William?"

Billy fidgeted uncomfortably.

"It's silly," he said. Snape shook his head.

"If it was silly, you wouldn't be so worried about it."

"Do you think…" he began. "When Harry marries Ginny, will he stop wanting to be my brother any more?"

Snape looked at him with steady, dark eyes.

"Did anyone tell you that, William?"

He shook his head, but under Snape's stern gaze he nodded.

"Jessie said he won't care about me when he has a wife."

"Then Jessica is wrong, William," said Snape gently. "I remember your brother when he was at school, and do you know what he was like?"

Billy looked at him with wide eyes, silently begging for Snape to continue.

"He was foolish," said Snape, a twinkle in his dark eye. "Arrogant, idiotic… a true Gryffindor dunderhead."

Billy giggled.

"But Gryffindors, daft as they may be, have their own kind of loyalty. He won't abandon you."

"But just say…"

"Have you talked to Harry about this?"

"Not - not really."

"I suggest you write to him. I'm sure he'll agree with everything I just said."

"Even about being an 'idiotic dunderhead' sir?"

"Especially that. Are you feeling better now?"

"Yes sir, thank you sir."

"Very well, you may return to your dormitory. Goodnight, Mr Potter."

"Goodnight Professor."

He walked towards the door, but when he reached it, Snape called to him again.

"Oh, and Mr Potter?"

"Yes sir?"

"It was terribly inconvenient for me to have to waste my Saturday afternoon searching for you. Please refrain from making me repeat the procedure."

"Yes sir."

His year mates were all fast asleep when he crawled into bed, but when he came down to breakfast the next morning they all piled on top of him.

"William!"

"Are you okay?"

"We were worried sick!"

Even Anthony gave him a hug, and a clap on the back before piling his plate with food.

"I'm fine," Billy told them. "It's okay, you don't have to keep asking!"

He ate his breakfast, talking and laughing with the other first years.

"So what are we going to do today?" asked Paolo.

"We could explore the dungeons," suggested Lyra.

"We could go to the library," suggested Fraser with a small, wicked smile. Everybody curled their noses dramatically.

"The library!" they chorused. "On a Sunday?"

"We could play hide-and-seek in the trophy room," suggested Billy. The others nodded in agreement.

"That's a good idea."

"You can be seeker!"

"Shotgun I be seeker second!"

"It doesn't work like that, silly!

They were so focused on their discussion that Billy didn't notice someone coming up behind him until they tapped him on the shoulder. He jumped.

"What… oh, hello Emily."

She grinned widely at him, a piece of parchment clutched in her hand.

"Can I have a word?"

He said goodbye to his friends, and followed her out of the hall. He could see Jessica watching them with narrowed eyes.

"I got in!" she crowed, as soon as they were out of earshot.

"What?"

"I got offered a place at the New York Magical institute to study arithmancy!"

"That's great!"

"I know! I still have to get the NEWT grades, but then…"

"Hem hem."

They whirled around to find Umbridge watching them, sweet smile in place.

"I'm sorry to break up this cosy little catch up session," she said. "But I was not aware that you had a close friendship with a Slytherin, Miss Potter."

"She's my sister, professor," said Billy. Umbridge looked a bit put out. "Is there a new decree saying that siblings are not allowed to talk, Miss? I'm sorry, I didn't know."

"No, I merely did not make the connection, Mr Potter," said Umbridge. "But it would be wise for you not to wander off by yourselves…"

"Yes, Miss. Of course, Miss."

Umbridge gave them a wide, toady smile, and walked away.

"Hate her," muttered Emily.

"Me too," he told her. Emily looked at him in surprise.

"I thought the Slytherins liked her."

"It's an act," he whispered. "We're clever enough not to provoke her."

"Are you saying Gryffindors are stupid?"

He gave her a grin that said 'of course'. She sighed, but smiled back.

"So," he continued. "New York, huh?"

"Yep!"

"You've still got to tell mum and dad."

"Damn."