The Forgotten Prophecy [Book 2]

XXII. Marauders Map

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'I solemnly swear that I am up to no good.'
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      The security in Hogwarts is much stricter after last night's incident. Sir Cadogan was fired and the Fat Lady was back. "Ron's lucky he's alive," Alexander says, as we watch Ron talk to a group of students about last night. "Black could have killed him." "How is he getting inside the castle?" I ponder a loud. "Honestly, that's troubling me as well. It's like he has a secret passage way," Leo says. Secret passage way? My eyes go wide. Could he happen to know a secret passage that no one else knows? "That has to be it," I say quietly. We watch Harry and Ron disappear down the corridor. I sigh, remembering I that I have to tell them the truth. "Boys," I say. Alexander and Leo turn to me. "I'm going to tell the truth." Tension rises in them as they watch me. "Tell who?" Alexander. "Soon enough everyone is going to find out. I want to tell my friends.. They should hear it from me," I tell them. Leo nods. "Have you decided when?" I shake my head no. "I don't know if I can do it," I say, my voice cracking. Leo reaches for my hand. "We'll be right there with you. You can do it." I nod. 

"Who are you planning to tell?" Alexander asks. I think for a moment. "Harry, Ron and Hermione, of course," I say. "Nathan, Allison, Fred and George." Alexander nods, agreeing to those names. "And Draco," I say. There's a silence. "What makes you think he doesn't already know?" Alexander asks. "Did you forget I'm a Legilimens? I know he doesn't know," I confirm. Alexander smiles, nodding. "I wonder what Mr. Nott is planning," I say, thinking. "We could ask his son," Leo suggests, pointing in front of us. I look up and see Theodore sitting with a few Slytherin boys. "He might not know anything," I say. "Well there's only one way to figure out, Miss Legilimens," Alexander taunts. I shove him. "Fine," I say, turning back to Theodore. I focus on him, peering into his mind searching for information. Any information on me? .. Nothing. I shake my head, turning to the boys. "Nothing," I say. They sigh. "I guess we have to just face it when it happens," Alexander says. I nod hopelessly. 

Leo clears his throat. "Let's talk about something happier. The Hogsmeade trip is coming up," he beams. I smile at him. "Oh right. Allison wanted me to remind you guys to not make plans. She wants all of us to hang out," Alexander says. Leo and I exchange glances. "You know she's really changed over a few months," I say. "Could we really trust her?" Leo jokes. Alexander rolls his eyes. "You know at first she was doing it for me. I wanted you guys to get along. But now, I think she genuinely likes you guys. Whenever I'm with her, she's always talking about you guys and things she wants to do with all of you," Alexander says. I smile widely. "Aw, she really has changed." Alexander smiles, nodding. "She won't admit it, but she really likes all of you. Nathan as well, even though they're always bickering." "They bicker as if they're an old married couple," Leo says laughing. Alexander shoots him a glare. "I- I meant like brother and sister," he corrects himself. I laugh, shaking my head. 

A cough is heard from behind us. "Could I have a word with Ellie?" The three of us turn around and see Draco standing behind us. He looks stressed. Alexander and Leo exchange glances. "You can't say it with us here?" Alexander asks him. "Uh-- I think it's better if I talk to her alone," Draco persists. "Really? Cause I think it's better if we stay here," Alexander says. "Alexander," I say. "Actually, Alexander there's something I wanted to show you," Leo says, getting up. "It's going to have to wait, Leo. Malfoy has something to tell us." Leo tugs on Alexander's arm. "It can't wait. Come on," he says, pulling him. "Leo! What are you doing?" "Just shut up and come," Leo mutters, dragging him down the corridor. 

"Sorry about Alexander. He's just a bit protective," I say to Draco. Draco nods, not saying anything. "Ugh, do I tell her about what Dad said or do I tell her about Buckbeak's trial? Bloody hell, I didn't think this through." My eyes widen as I hear his thoughts. "Er--uh so you wanted to talk to me?" I ask him, as if I don't know what it's about. He nods. "I'm not sure if you know but Buckbeak's hearing is this Friday. My father is convinced that Buckbeak will be- um." Draco struggles to say the word. "Executed," I say, reading his mind. He nods sadly. I've been too busy worrying about myself, I didn't even remember to check on Hagrid. I groan, feeling furious with myself. "I'm sure there is still something I can do," I mutter. "It's hopeless, Ellie. I even tried to withdraw my complaint and tell them that nothing was wrong with my arm, but my father has them wrapped around his fingers. It's his word over mine," Draco explains.