HP-Hogwarts Story So Far

Transcript Five

Next Morning

 

Kat had been in the hospital wing over night to make sure she was ok. She had woken up shortly after she got there, but Madame Pomfrey had insisted that even though she felt ok she stayed there overnight. Madame Pomfrey had done some magic on her hands to restore them so the bite marks had all gone.

Kit had disappeared that evening, so she knew Nimue and Marvo were back, but she hadn't seen them. She was disappointed. Morticia had been to visit her in quite a fluster over the accident and Kat had reassured her that it was ok. That she was fine and that it didn't matter because she hadn't been hurt.

Kat had returned to the Ravenclaw common room later the following day to find it empty.

Now she was wandering towards the 3rd year common room, in the hope she'd find someone there. It seemed very quiet in the school today for some reason. She opened the door. She couldn't see anyone, but she settled herself in a chair in front of the fire with a book, David Eddings this time, and waited to see if anyone would come and find her. Mulder curled up on the back of the chair, Scully curled up on Kat's lap, and a house-elf brought her a cup of tea....

Kalidor had spent most of the weekend sleeping and chasing round teachers to find out the what's, wheres and hows of life at Hogwarts, ([OC] and admonishing gossiping house elves[/OC]) and had therefore been unaware of the commotion on the Quidditch field. He didn't recall being a fan of the game, although hadn't Egreen mentioned something about the World Cup? It involved too much flying as far as he was concerned.

He was, however, looking remarkably healthier for his relaxing weekend. He entered the 3rd year common room (at last someone had told him what the room was called!) and noticed Kat, cat and cat, sat in front of the fire.

"If you're wondering where the others are, most of them went off with the Headmaster, except the one they call Nimue. I saw her crying in the dining room, but I don't know where she is now."

He pulled up a chair some distant away and picked at a bowl of dried fruit.

"Hi ya. You're looking better than when you arrived. You must have had a good weekend." She noticed the dried fruit bowl. "You're not into this fresh stuff then? Me I prefer shortbread with a cup of tea." As she spoke a house-elf brought another cup of tea and a plate of short bread. It shuffled away again trying to avoid Kali's gaze.

"Are they all in trouble? I hope it's not over that silly Quidditch accident." Kat sighed. "And Nimue was crying? You didn't find out why then? Maybe I should go and talk to her." Kat thought about the fact that she knew the Gryffindor password. "No, maybe I better not. I'm not a Gryffindor so I can't go and find her in their common room. I wonder what happened. She sounded so happy in her owl."

"Have you caught all the teachers yet?"

Kali finishes munching the mouthful of dried fruit, and stares balefully at the departing elves.

"Why do they have to look so smug?" he whispers, leaning towards Kat. "It's as if they know they got me into trouble..."

Kali picks another handful of dried fruit, munches, and then remembers Kat's question. "I don't know what's happening to your friends, they seem a nice bunch though, so I doubt they're going to be in that much trouble. And the teachers were very good to me, they're going to help me get through this term. It seems like I've got so much to learn."

He looks thoughtful. "I have to talk to Marvo again, do you know where he is?" With the latter half of the sentence, a knowing grin creeps over his mouth.

"I have no idea where he got to. I know he and Nimue went away for the weekend, and that they cam back yesterday. I've not seen his cat Kit since he returned. But I must admit I'm hoping he will turn up soon."

In the Dungeons……..

In case someone is about in a corridor close to the Slytherin common room, he or she can hear bits of the conversation taking place in front of the entrance:

(M= Morticia, N= Nathan)

M: "Will you stop those stupid excuses, we both know you don't mean any of it! You cursed those balls to go straight after Kat, and -"

N: "As Dumbledore said, there is no proof that I did so."

M: "Of course not! I saw you un-cursing the balls after Kat was hurt!"

N: "Well, of course I did! They could have attacked someone else and make things even worse! Come on, Tish. Dumbledore told you that I didn't chase the balls at your friend, didn't he? He said the spell was far too advanced for a student."

M: *sneers* "Oh, sure. Great Nathan wouldn't be able to turn innocent balls into merciless predators. Great Nathan wouldn't be able to make ghosts appear in Stoneheng-" *her voice is muffled, it seems that Nathan has clasped his hand above her mouth.*

N: "Shut it, stupid girl, or I'll tell your mudblood-friend, what's-her-name, Ceridwyn! Right, I'll tell her about your little secret, how do you think would she like that?"

Morticia doesn't answer.

Nathan laughs. "I see we understand each other. Now, be a good girl and stop making such a fuss about it! Nothing happened, really. The girl is better already, not that she was really worth the effort anyway, I heard she was half-muggle-born, but anyhow. Soon everyone will have forgotten about it, and so should you."

M: "I HATE YOU!"

N: *laughs again* "Oh, Tish, you can be so cute when playing the righteous friend to the mudbloods! Get real, and get over it, that's most important."

M: "I want you to leave."

N: "Now? I can't! I'm scheduled to stay for a week."

M: "Well, then stay, but keep away from me and my friends!"

Later that day, Nathan can be seen chattering and laughing with some Slytherin 5th years. Morticia seems to be determined to ignore him and tries to find Kat somewhere.

And of course there was someone lurking about the Slytherin common room close enough to catch most of the conversation. Sarah, who was quite familiar with that part of the castle, had gone down in order to find a secluded niche in which to enjoy a 'smoke'.

As she caught the gist of the conversation and the repeated phrase 'mudblood', she smiled a rather knowing smile and her green eyes narrowed as she contemplated how useful this information about Nathan and his sister might prove.

She waited until she was sure they had left and then conjured fire.

Marvo, who just happens to be walking by sees the smoke

'EXTINGUISHO!'

He continues to walk, muttering about 'filthy muggle habits'

Leaving a rather shocked Sarah, dripping from head to foot in white foam.

At some point Nathan meets Marvo in the corridor (Marvo has not been in the 3rd year common room since his arrival back from London and seems to have been able to avoid most people)

He walks up to Nathan (who I imagine is taller than Marvo?)

'Nathan isn't it?'

Before Nathan can comment Marvo pushes him forcefully against a wall and has his wand digging hard into his stomach

'Consider that Quidditch mach to have been the luckiest day of your life.... because I wasn't there! Try anything like that again and you'll discover the Dark Arts are A LOT darker than you could ever imagine.... I only give one warning. Be aware'

With that Marvo step's back, something very close to hatred in his eyes, pulls down the front of his robes (Picard Manoeuvre) and walks away down the corridor.

Nathan isn't really in the mood to let a boy who's 2 or 3 years younger bully him.

"Hey, Ward!" he shouts after him. "I know you think you're something special, but don't try to teach me things! Are you a man - or an amoeba, boy?" He laughs. "So you think I was lucky that YOU weren't around! Have you ever looked at yourself? Do you know how many complaints Tish sent me because you're so snobby, you think you're better than the rest of the world, you think you're the only one who knows things and who can deal with the problems this school has? Dozens of letters she sent me! You know what, Ward? You're no bit better than your family, which you despise so much! You're just as arrogant and cold! And one day you'll see that by struggling so hard to be different, you'll end up just like them!"

He stares at Marvo. It's amazing how his usually so friendly and open face is now a grimace of coldness and hate. "One more thing: never, never ever dare to touch me, or I'll challenge you, and I'm quite eager to see if your abilities really match with your mouth, child!"

Marvo turns to face Nathan. He looks fit to explode!

[His left eye is glowing deep red]

'Don't go there... Wizard!.. I'll....' Marvo stops talking and turns away.

He turns back, looking slightly calmer, his eyes normal.

'Please... just don't go there. I don't want a fight... I'm.... I'm...sorry. I got angry. just... be careful.'

Nathan eyes him very calmly with a cruel little smirk on his face. "I should be careful? Guess again... But now excuse me, Mr 'Slytherin-Runaway', I need to see my sister."

He walks away to search for Morticia.

"WHAT is going on here?" said Albus Dumbledore who had come into the corridor.

Nathan smiles. "Nothing, sir. There was a misunderstanding about something Marvo said, but now it's settled. Is it alright if I go and look where my sister is? After all, I'll have to leave in a matter of a few days and I'd really like to use the time I got with her."

'That's right Sir. Nothing we can't sort out ourselves.'

Marvo watches Nathan leave and continues to walk up the corridor with Dumbledore, speaking in hushed voices.

Nathan turns and follows the two with his eyes and scoffs. "Squealer!" he mutters and then wanders off.

Back in Common Room

Nimue entered the room looking quite pale and drawn. She saw Kat and Kali and for a moment looked poised to turn around and avoid contact. Instead, she gathered herself together and approached them.

"Hello, Kali, you seem to be a lot more settled than before the weekend. Kat, I heard you had a fall yesterday - are you OK?"

Madison and Lee entered the room, chattering and seeming quite relaxed. Madison was relieved to have heard that Kat was okay. Hi Kali!" Madison called as she caught sight of them. "Hi, Kat! I'm glad you're okay now...Hi Nimue! You're back! How was the trip?" She and Lee sat down on one of the sofas, where Lee started munching on a chocolate frog he had with him.

"The trip was fine", Nimue answered though it was very obvious from her whole demeanour that it hadn't been.

Madison decided not to pry her for details. Lee had also noticed that Nimue didn't look too happy about the trip. "What hap-" Lee was in mid-question when Madison grabbed his arm and gave a small shake of her head. He decided to change the subject. "So...uh...I guess you heard about our Quidditch game huh?" Lee seemed a bit uneasy as he said this. "That Nathan...there's something off about him..."

Nimue was grateful for Madison's discretion. She wanted to put the events of the weekend behind her as much as possible and discussing even parts of it might encourage the mind-link with Kat.

"I heard bits and pieces" she replied. "but I haven't met Nathan yet. I will keep in mind what you say though if I do."

Kat had seen the three come in. She said hello to then explained that she was feeling a lot better.

She frowned at Nimue. What could be so wrong. She knew that Nimue didn't like being pushed, but did she need to talk to someone? "Nimue, what is wrong? I've never seen you so upset. I know you are trying to block any mental link that might still be left. Don't you want to talk about it?" Kat looked very concerned. She looked at Kali. "You told me you saw her crying. Nimue, you don't have to bare it on your own."

Kat was worried. Was Marvo in the same state or just Nimue. She was concerned about both of them.

Nimue looked at her friend and it was obvious that she was fighting back tears: "Of everyone at Hogwarts you are the one I wish I could talk to about it - but I cannot...not yet. I just have to work this through on my own ....."

She placed her hand gently on Kat's arm: 'but just being here does help. I know that I am not alone no matter how ruined the rest of my life is." The threatened tears seemed to recede as she gathered herself together to allow no further sign of the conflict raging within.

"Ok. But when you want to talk you know where I am. I'll be here for you." Kat smiled at Nimue in what she hoped was a more cheerful way.

"Well, as you gathered, we've been having a little fun with Nathan. He's not what I'd call a nice character no matter if he is good looking. We ended up playing Quidditch just for fun, but he decided to make it more difficult and bewitched the ball. After that it kept going for me. The bit I really didn't like was the little teeth." Kat shivered. "They really put me off. But thankfully Sarah and Lee managed to catch me." She turned to Lee, "Thank you by the way. This is the first chance I've had to say that to you. I must find Sarah later too."

Lee smiled. "You're welcome." Madison grinned. "I'm doing much better, thanks. I've actually been able to sleep without going anywhere." "But I'm not sure that the danger's over yet," Lee added. "It might come back...we need to find a way to stop it permanently."

Kat looked at Madison. "You're looking better. Did you get a good sleep? I've been so worried about you. I guess you heard about the experiment too. When it didn't work I was despairing of you ever getting sleep.

Kat looked at Madison. "You're looking better. Did you get a good sleep? I've been so worried about you. I guess you heard about the experiment too. When it didn't work I was despairing of you ever getting sleep.

Morticia enters the room and stops shyly in the door.

"Uhm... sorry, I didn't want to disturb you, I think I'd better go and - do something. Reading." She smiles and turns to leave.

Nimue was grateful that Kat didn't pursue the matter and listened with interest about the events of the Quidditch match. "Sounds like highjinks that got out of hand. I'm sure there was nothing more to it than that" she remarked though Lee's unease continued to concern her - he seemed quite an acute observer.

"I think I'll get some studying done in the library" she said and smiled at Kat, mouthed a 'silent 'thank you' to her and left.

"No, Morticia wait. Please." Kat shouts after her. "It wasn't your fault what your brother did."

Sarah had changed robes after her foaming though there were still a bit of it in her hair.

She entered passing the lurking Morticia - to whom she gave a slight sideways glance - and Nimue, who almost bumped into her: "Hey, excuse me!" she quipped at the retreating Nimue. "Wow has she got one on her'" she remarked "and I'm pretty sure I know why" she gave a mischievous smile as she turned to look at the others. "Want to know?"

Then she noted Kat was there and she looked quite relived:

"Wow", you look a lot better than when I last saw you. Recovered? You should come out with me for a ride, best thing for it is to get right back on again after a fall."

"Hi Sarah!. Thanks for you help in rescuing me. I don't think hitting the ground would have been fun. You're probably right about getting back on the broom. You know I hadn't really considered flying or not flying again. Thanks for the offer. I might just take you up on that one. Although maybe I ought to wait until Nathan has left." Kat grinned at her.

"And you think you know what is up with Nimue?" she asked. "I think that even if you do that you probably shouldn't tell us, even if we want to know. After all Nimue is still unable to talk about it. I'm sure we'll all find out when she is ready, and I guess we give her a little space until then." Kat would have loved to know what Sarah though. In fact Kat would have loved to know the truth too, but if Sarah didn't know the truth then Kat knew that that a lie can run round the world before the truth has got it's boots on.

"You're welcome. I've had enough 'throws' myself to know it sure can hurt if you hit the ground without a cushioning spell. Splat!" (she demonstrated this by smacking her right hand against her left.) "I think you're right to wait until Nathan has left before flying again." she then dropped her voice to make sure what she said was only heard by Kat, "he doesn't wish you well."

This didn't sound like gossip, it sounded like warning.

Sarah's voice returned to normal as she gently teased Kat for her restraint in not wanting to hear her theory about the cause of Nimue's upset. "OK, but if you change your mind you know where I am." - she gave a little wink and went to try to attract the attention of a house-elf for some food.

'The danger is FAR from over'

Marvo enters the common room, stone faced and serious looking.

He sits next to Kat.

'Kat. Sorry I haven't had a chance to say hello or anything since...... I got back. Are you okay? I just met that 'Nathan' fellow, and I don't think he will be trying anything like that again'

Marvo snaps his fingers at a house elf and it runs off to get some food.

'Madison, and Lee isn't it? well, hope all is well'

It is obvious Marvo is trying to act as normally as possible, but not succeeding too well.

'And Sarah, changed your robes I see... you missed a bit behind you ear.'

A very weak smile crosses his face.

Kat grinned at Sarah. She wasn't quite sure what happened, but Marvo was obviously poking fun again...

'Your looking a lot better Morticia'

Morticia, encouraged by Kat's friendliness, has entered the room now and eyes Marvo, but she doesn't say anything.

Marvo Briefly nods to Kali.

At Marvo's remark Sarah gets a napkin from the house-elf that has just appeared at her elbow and eliminates the offending foam. She wishes she could say something clever but realises that she doesn't want 'el Magnifico' to bring up the smoking incident.

She also wisely elects to say nothing more about her ideas about the cause Nimue's upset - figuring he'd come down hard on her.

Kat grins at Marvo. "Hello stranger. How are you? I'm much better now. And I have no intention of going near that Nathan again if I can help it. I know the danger is far from over. You just met Nathan? What happened. I hope you didn't go getting into trouble." Kat grinned.

Then she leaned closer to Marvo and whispered to him so that no one else could hear. "It's alright, you are forgiven for not coming to see me sooner. And I won't mention IT if you don't want to tell me, but you know where I am..." Kat has obviously decided that if Nimue doesn't want to talk about the weekend, Marvo be even worse, and there is no point in trying to force it.

A House Elf puts a plate of food in front of Marvo and he just looks at it, pushes it away and sips on some Pumpkin juice.

He turns to Kat

'What? oh sorry, yes. Thank you. No, don't worry there was no trouble, luckily for him Humble draws turned up at the nick of time.'

He gives another weak Smile

' But are you sure your okay? I hear it was quite a fall. I wish I had been there'

He sighs

'Still. All's well that ends well. So, all ready for the ball'

Even though Marvo is talking, his heart does not seem to be in the conversation and his mind elsewhere.

Kat looks at Marvo, pulls out her wand and waves it at the plate of food. It turns into piping hot bacon! "Umm that smells good!" she says.

Marvo just carries on looking despondent and ignores it. "Oh dear, that bad eh?" asks Kat.

Marvo sighs. 'It's worse than that' Marvo mutters before sipping some more Pumpkin juice.

'I don't want to talk about it' is all he says to Kat and Kalidor

Worse? Kat wonders. How could it be worse?

'But I'll be okay for the ball, for all your sakes. got a costume sorted yet Kat? And I'm sure you'll get a partner Kalidor, now that your... problem, seem be be getting better'

He smiles weakly and continues to stare at the wallpaper.

Kalidor had been sleeping gently by the fire. and was awoken by Kat's sub-telepathic "nudge". He took one brief look across at Marvo and decided that now *definitely* wasn't the time to be getting involved in a conversation with him. No what he had to bring up could probably wait a while to bring up.

That bacon smelt nice though, a pity really that the house-elves seemed to be avoiding him.

Kat noticed Kali looking longingly at Marvo's bacon, and stopped a passing house-elf. She whispered to the elf, who disappeared and re-appeared a few minutes later. In the elf's hands was a large plate of bacon and a mug of coffee. She carefully places both in front of Kalidor, and backed away nervously.

"Mmmm, that Bacon's good. Best I've ever had."

He looks around at the groups, wondering why everyone is being quiet. Turning back to Kat, he whispers, "It seems I've been lucky about this ball. No-one has asked me yet! Mind you, I've been very careful about avoiding people. I do hope Marvo cheers up, otherwise it won't be much fun for you, will it?"

Kat grins at Kalidor. "I'm sure someone will ask you soon. As soon as they realise that you're around and 'available'. I expect Marvo will cheer up soon. If he doesn't I'll be dragging him away for another interrogation. Mind you whatever happened to him and Nimue must be quite bad. Anyone would have thought that their parents had signed them up to be the personal servants of You-Know-Who or something. So are you looking forward to the ball? Got anyone you'd like to ask you to go with them?"

Kalidor looks across at Marvo. It doesn't look like he wants to be interrogated.

"No doubt all will be revealed sooner or later (or even later than that). It is very quiet around here though. At least you've got your cats for company."

Andy rushed over to the table at saw Kat.

"Kat!" exclaimed Andy. "I heard you fell down the stairs. But then again Slytherins do have a tendency to lie. Did something really happen? I've been so preoccupied lately. I'm dreadfully sorry."

He sits down somewhat across from Marvo as he talks to Kat. He conjures up some toast with his wand and awaits Kats response.

Kat waves at Andy. "Hi! Where have you been to miss everything? Yes I had a small accident. Actually we were playing Quidditch for fun, only Nathan decided to make it a little more dangerous and gave the ball teeth and a will to keep attaching people, especially me! Not fun. It did get me in the end, but I believe that Sarah and Lee caught me between them. I passed out," she confides. "Well I got my hands all bitten, but Madame Pomfrey soon fixed that. I'm much better now, but I have to say that I will be avoiding Nathan at all costs. No offence Morticia, but I don't think he likes me." Kat grinned at Andy.

Kat laughs. "Oh it's not so much I'm not in the mood. It's more that I think I'll wait until Nathan has left us again.... Then we'll start playing for fun, fancy it?" Kat remembers what Sarah said about getting back on a broom. She'd be ok. Just a little solo practice first.

"So Snape has been picking on you then? Just ignore him. He always picks on someone. Worst he can do is give detentions and these days they involve an adventure with Hagrid anyway." Kat grins.

Then Kat noticed the look Andy gave Marvo. "Oh don't mind him. No-one knows what happened, but him and Nimue were called away for a weekend and they've both been black as rain clouds ever since."

"What do you think happened?" asked Andy concerned about Marvo. "He hasn't told anyone? "

Andy looked at Marvo. He wondered what could have happened to him and Nimue that was so mind-boggling it would make it seem as if he was in a trance.

Marvo give Andy a 'don't go there' look

Then he looks at Kat and try's to smile.

'Look. I AM really sorry. I'll try and be more like my old self...'

Marvo picks up a bacon Sandwich and takes out his wand..

'COROLLARIUM'

The Sandwich turns into a bunch of flowers, which he hands to Kat with smile, but there is still sadness behind his eye.

Kat positively beams at Marvo. "Oh! Thank-you!" She grins at Marvo and tries to ignore the undertones of Marvo's mood.

Kat looks at Andy. "Opps. I think that could have been the wrong thing to say. She's a little sensitive at the moment feeling that she is somehow responsible for Nathan's actions. She's not of course. And I know she was really upset.... " Kat trailed off.

"I have no idea what could possibly be that bad about Marvo and Nimue, but I think we better let that one drop for a while."

"So who are you going to the ball with? Wasn't it Cer? Got your costume planned?"

Winifred strolls into the dining room, looking a bit tired. Homework has been keeping her busy, so she hasn't had much time to chat with anyone. As she sits down she notices some delicious looking fruit on the table, and grabs herself an apple. She looks around the table and notices a new face.

"You're Kalidor, right? I don't think we've had a chance to meet. I'm Winifred." Kalidor waves at Winifred in between mouthfuls of bacon. "Hi there. No we haven't met before. You really should try some of this bacon. I mean, fruit is OK, but this bacon is heavenly! By the way, you haven't seen a lost looking cat anywhere have you. Answers to the name of Glyndwr."

Marvo looks over to Winifred, nods his head in Acknowledgement and picks up another bacon sandwich, which this time he starts to eat.

'And what of your costume Kat? I got mine while I....I.... was away...' His voice trails off.

Lee greets Winifred with a wave, while Madison waves and smiles at her. "Hi, Winifred! How's it going?"

"I just feel bad..." he said.

Andy came back to reality when he heard the word "Ball".

"Oh, yea!" he said. "I forgot. Yea, I'm going with Cer. I don't have my costume yet, but I'm sure someone will help me pick one out."

"Bacon, eh? I suppose I'll try some..." Winifred sets down her apple and picks up a piece of bacon. "Mmm, this *is* good!" She pulls the plate a bit closer and continues to munch. "Oh, I remember seeing a cat lurking around the main dining room a couple days back. Maybe that was Glyndwr..."

Kalidor starts to look hopeful, until Winifred finishes her sentence with "a couple of days back". He smiles at her and says "I doubt it, I've only been here a couple of days myself, and I'd know if he was in the building. Thanks for remembering it though."

"Hm, that's too bad. Perhaps I can help you look for him then?" inquires Winifred.

Kalidor catches Marvo's glance out of the corner of his eye, and begins to stare at him. He thinks to himself: "I wonder what he knows? Surely if he knew something about Glyndwr he would have told me by now."

His appetite for bacon seems to be severely diminished, so he pushes away the plate.

"Hi, Kalidor. I don't believe we've met. I'm Andy Warden. It's a pleasure," said Andy as he shakes Kalidor's hand. "I'm sorry to say that I didn't happen to see your cat, but I'll keep my eyes open."

Winifred responds to Maddy's wave. "Hey Madison! I've been stressed with homework lately, but at the moment I'm doing just great."

"Are you and Cer going to go as fancy dress partners too? I mean on a theme together? Have to get your costumes sorted soon though it's not much longer to the ball. Marvo and I know what we're going as, but I think we're keeping it a secret."

"Well, I ordered mine by owl a couple of days ago. Should be here tomorrow I think. Managed to get a counterpart to what you wanted to go as though. Apparently you can get females..." Kat grinned at Marvo, and ignored his trailing voice.

"So do I get to see your costume before the ball or do I have to wait?"

Marvo continues to munch his sandwich and just says 'I guess'

At this, Lee glanced at Madison. "So when do I get to see your costume?" Madison smiled. "At the Yule Ball, like everyone else. Our costumes aren't gonna match," she explained to the others. "Is it going to be like the princess costume you had when we were five?" he joked. "You were so cute in that." Madison blushed and suddenly found her last piece of bacon to be very interesting. "So, are you all going to keep your costumes a secret?" she asked, trying to change the subject.

Marvo, cheers up a little bit

'Well... I'm going as a Muggle Pirate. I always like the way the were so adventurous 'on the high seas' and fighting with swords, and collecting treasure'

He starts to tuck into another bacon sandwich

'You know... these are particular good today' He says with his mouth full.

In Another Part of the Castle

In another part of the Castle, Nimue had run into Professor Snape who had been replenishing his classroom store cupboard from his office supply and was walking rather over-loaded with various bottles and the like. She asked him if she could assist.

The Professor was not used to this kind of attitude from a student. If not useless in the art of potion making they were often disdainful to it not being 'flashy magic' and had accepted the offer. Many students would have considered doing this as something akin to detention but Nimue had quietly and efficiently gone about the task without engaging him in distracting conversation. He could find no fault with her.

As the task was completed there was an awkward moment when Snape seemed on the verge of making one of his typical remarks to dismiss her from his presence, but found himself saying instead: 'Thank you, Miss Hawkwood'. At this point Achel arrived in the Potions classroom with some dried mandrake that Snape had requested from Prof. Sprout.

Nimue felt somewhat awkward to see Achel after the events of the weekend, but they were soon happily engaged in talk about plants, herbs and trees. As they walked back through the castle - talk turned to discussion of the upcoming Ball, their costumes and the like.

They avoided talking about the off limits Greenhouse and Nimue was aware of an underlying tension in Achel. Achel was also aware of an underlying tension in Nimue but neither pried too deeply.

Back in the Common Room

Riala practically stumbled her way into the room. After stubbing her toe one too many time she gave up and sat into the chair that she had just stumbled on. She looked tired and worn and just plain in Pain! Her eyes swollen a bit an her hair was a tassel but for some reason she just couldn't stay in bed like she SHOULD have this morning, and like she had for all the mornings since..well since her REALLLLLLY bad night. She sniffled her nose and tried to relax a bit. Those that knew Riala would probably never guess that this was the same girl who would quietly snob any Hufflepuff to cross her path, the same girl who had supposedly worked conspicuously with dark arts to kill Josslin. And if her family saw her they would attest that this just couldn't possible be the same little girl that had routinely set fire to her multiple private tutor's pants.

Kat watched Riala come in. "Riala?" She almost didn't recognise her. "Are you ok? You look terrible! I haven't seen you since.... " her voice trailed off, and she looks guilty at not being more sensitive. "I mean, well it's been ages."

Kat smiled at Riala in what she hoped was a welcoming way. After all if Kat was happy to get on with her then maybe everyone else would get the hit and stop blaming Riala for Joss' death.

Marvo looks over to Riala and starts to choke on a bit of bacon

'By the Horny Hosts of Hoggoth! You look TERRIBLE Riala!'

But then he looks over to Kat and thinks he may not have been a subtle as he should have.

'Erm... Are you okay?'

The chair that Riala had stumbled into was next to the one in which Sarah had been sitting quietly observing the goings on and trying not to attract to much attention from Marvo just in case he felt it necessary to inform his fellow prefect 'girlfriend' of her indiscretion in the lower hallways. She also continued to ponder the exchange she had overheard between Nathan and his sister, Morticia.

"Hey", she said to Riala, "I'm Sarah, I've just transferred in a few days ago. Was sorted to Slytherin but the quota there had been filled so I'm in Ravenclaw, probably because of the sudden vacancy - you know with Joss having been horribly murdered and all."

She noted Riala somewhat wincing at this reminder. "Oh don't mind me I'm always saying the wrong thing at the worst time..."

Riala could see that Sarah looked friendly enough - her red hair was cut short & spiky and her deep green eyes had a mischievous glint in them.

Madison shot Marvo a look. *Yeah, real nice Marvo...* She turned her attention back to Riala. "Hi!" she greeted. "Haven't seen you in a while...how are you doing?" Madison looked worried. She was genuinely concerned, and hoped that Riala was doing better.

 

Part 3 - Return from London & a Rescue

Part 5 - Joss' Riddle