*Pansy's view
- It seems very much so. She's a Gryffindor, after all. What did you expect from her? - I sneered, glaring at Hermione. She looked flustered, which gave me and Sofia a small sense of satisfaction.
After asking Hermione at least a thousand times if she was okay, Professor McGonagall turned to us. - I spoke to Professor Dumbledore. We decided that we will have a discussion with all of you about this problem – she announced, her voice stern yet laced with concern.
Madame Pomfrey, bustling about with her usual efficiency, entered the room just then. – Professor McGonagall, how can I help you? – she asked, her tone professional as she noticed the worried expression on McGonagall's face.
- I wanted to ask you when the kids would be in a condition to go down to the Headmaster? – McGonagall replied, glancing over us.
- Sofia you are stable, but first do same circles in the room for practicing – she instructed. I wanted to hold Sofia back because of the previous incident, but she was fast, so I rushed behind her and made sure she didn't fall. – Hermione come here, I will examine your head.
As Hermione walked over, I couldn't help but smirk. It was always interesting to see a Gryffindor in a vulnerable position, especially when it was someone like Hermione Granger. She tried to look brave, but I could see the worry etched on her face.
- Sit still, Hermione - Madame Pomfrey instructed, carefully examining the bump on her head. - You took quite a hit. How do you feel?
Hermione winced slightly. - I'm fine, Madame Pomfrey. Just a little dizzy.
As Hermione walked over, I couldn't help but smirk. It was always interesting to see a Gryffindor in a vulnerable position, especially when it was someone like Hermione Granger. She tried to look brave, but I could see the worry etched on her face.
"Sit still, Hermione," Madame Pomfrey instructed, carefully examining the bump on her head. "You took quite a hit. How do you feel?"
Hermione winced slightly. "I'm fine, Madame Pomfrey. Just a little dizzy."
I leaned back against one of the empty beds, crossing my arms. "Looks like Gryffindors aren't as tough as they pretend to be," I muttered under my breath, loud enough for Hermione to hear. Her eyes flicked towards me, but she didn't respond. Typical.
- She will not answer, because she is to weak and stupid for that – Sofia added with a little laugh.
Professor McGonagall shot us a warning look. Miss Parkinson and Miss Miller, I expect you to behave with the same decorum as your fellow students - she said sharply. -This is not the time for petty remarks.
Madame Pomfrey finished her examination and nodded. -Hermione, you'll be fine. Just take it easy for the rest of the day - she turned to McGonagall. -Professor, the students are stable enough to go down to the Headmaster's office. Just make sure they avoid any strenuous activities.
McGonagall nodded, her expression serious. - Thank you, Poppy. Alright, everyone, let's go.
As we left the hospital wing, the atmosphere was tense. I could feel the eyes of my classmates on me, but I kept my head high. We made our way through the corridors, the echo of our footsteps the only sound breaking the silence.
Reaching the gargoyle that guarded Dumbledore's office, McGonagall gave the password ("Licorice Wand"), and the stone creature leapt aside to reveal the spiral staircase. We ascended, the sense of foreboding growing with each step.
Inside the office, Dumbledore sat behind his desk, his piercing blue eyes observing us calmly over his half-moon spectacles. Fawkes, his phoenix, perched nearby, watching with equal interest.
- Ah, Minerva, students, please come in,- Dumbledore said, his voice gentle but firm. - I understand there's been quite an incident. - We filed into the room, taking seats as Dumbledore motioned for us to sit. The Headmaster leaned forward, steepling his fingers. - Now, who would like to explain what happened?
I cast a sideways glance at Sofia, who sat next to me with her arms crossed, a stubborn look on her face. We exchanged a silent agreement: say nothing.
Professor McGonagall stood by the window, her lips pressed into a thin line. Snape was there too, his expression unreadable, though I could sense a flicker of amusement in his dark eyes.
Dumbledore leaned forward, his gaze sweeping over us. The room seemed to hold its breath, waiting for someone to break the silence. Hermione shifted uncomfortably, her hands clenched in her lap. I could see the wheels turning in her head, but she kept quiet, probably hoping someone else would speak first.
Sofia and I exchanged another glance, both of us resolute in our silence. The details of the fight ran through my mind: Sofia's cutting remark to Hermione, the ensuing chaos as Hermione lunged at her, only for Sofia to overpower her. The memory of it still brought a smug smile to my lips. The next day, Hermione's retaliation with a biting comment about Sofia had led to my own involvement, defending my housemate with a swift, provoked attack on Hermione.
Finally, Hermione broke. - It started with a comment - she said, her voice steady but edged with frustration. - Sofia insulted me, and I couldn't take it. I reacted badly. Then, yesterday, I said something back, and Pansy... Pansy attacked me.
Her words hung in the air, and I saw Harry and Ron look at each other, their loyalty to Hermione is clear. Dumbledore nodded thoughtfully, his fingers still steepled in front of him.
- Thank you, Miss Granger - he said quietly. - Now, given the gravity of this situation, I believe the decision regarding your punishments should rest with your respective Heads of House.
A collective gasp filled the room. Harry and Ron immediately started protesting, their voices rising in disbelief. - But Professor, that's not fair!- Harry exclaimed. - Snape will never punish his own students!
Ron nodded vehemently. - Yeah, he'll just let them off! It's not right!
Dumbledore raised a hand to calm them. - I understand your concerns, Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley. However, I trust that Professors McGonagall, Snape will handle this matter with the fairness and integrity that befits their positions.
Professor McGonagall's stern expression softened slightly as she looked at her students. Snape's lips curled into a slight smirk, clearly relishing the power he now held
The Headmaster's calm, steady gaze returned to us. - You are all dismissed. Your Heads of House will inform you of their decisions shortly.
As we left Dumbledore's office, the tension was palpable. Harry, Ron, and Hermione's frustration was almost tangible, while Sofia and I shared a victorious glance. Whatever happened next, I was confident that Professor Snape would have our backs.
When we returned to the Slytherin common room, silence enveloped us. Professor Snape followed Sofia and me wordlessly, his face set in its usual stern expression. The room, low-ceilinged and dimly lit, exuded an oppressive atmosphere, with various magical instruments lined up on tables. The candles flickered, casting dancing shadows over our muted figures.
Sofia let out a quiet sigh, a palpable sense of relief emanating from her. Despite the accusations hurled at her after the altercation, it seemed things were settling down now. A few students glanced our way but quickly averted their eyes when Snape shot them a warning look.
- Sit down – Professor Snape said. We did as he said and took our seats. – It's my duty to tell you the consequences of your actions. I am proud both of you and I have to say it was a good job.
- Thank you, Professor - we say with a smile.
The professor looks at us one last time, then walks out without saying a word. I leaned in closer to her. – Sofia, darling – As soon as I realize how I called her, I get my hand in front of my mouth. – Sorry, it was a blooper.
The smile disappear from her face. – No problem. Anyway what do you wanted to say?
- My father came home from a business trip a few days ago.
- The chocolate he brought was amazing.
- And he brought a pack of card games. He said we would be happy because we used to love playing cards so much. Stay here, I'll dash upstairs and fetch the cards. It will just take a minute.
- Alright, but hurry back – she said softly with a smile.
I swiftly located the box of cards tucked neatly on a shelf. Descending the stairs, I couldn't help but glance at my reflection in the hallway mirror, meticulously adjusting a strand of hair that had slipped from my carefully styled bun.
I quickly went back, sat down next to Sofia and we started playing cards again like in the old days.