𝐊𝐀𝐋𝐎𝐍 | 𝘍𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘞𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘭𝘦𝘺

Chapter 27 - More than one confrontation

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Worlds change

When eyes

Meet.

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Betelgeuse woke up to brilliant sunshine and a light, refreshing breeze. The beautiful weather did not match her sour mood. She had not yet spoken to the twins or Lee; all she wanted to do was downloading her frustration during the Quidditch matched that awaited her.

"Perfect Quidditch conditions!" Wood exclaimed enthusiastically at the Gryffindor table, filling the team's plates with scrambled eggs. "Harry, buck up there, you need a decent breakfast."

Betelgeuse saw the second-year stare down the packed Gryffindor table, not registering Wood's words. Beside him, the twins were trying to catch the girl's eyes without success. Betelgeuse was still cross with them, especially with Fred. His behaviour had been inexplicable and unjustified.

Fred felt terrible. He had barely slept the nights before and felt so guilty about what he said to Betelgeuse.

The teams walked onto the field to violent applause. Oliver took off for a warm-up flight around the goalposts, Betelgeuse flew around the pitch alone, trying to avoid Fred and George.

The Hufflepuffs, in their canary yellow uniforms, were huddled together, having a last-minute review of tactics. Betelgeuse passed over them, flying high in the air, thinking about home. She needed to focus if she wanted to be valuable during the match.

Suddenly, the girl saw Professor McGonagall march across the pitch, carrying a heavy purple megaphone. Betelgeuse furrowed her eyebrows; something was not right. "This match has been cancelled," Professor shouted through the megaphone. There were boos and shouts.

Betelgeuse landed beside Professor McGonagall, watching Oliver jump from his broom with a devastated expression, "But, Professor! We've got to play — the Cup — Gryffindor —"

Professor McGonagall ignored his pleas and continued through her megaphone, "All students are to make their way back to the House Common Rooms, where their Heads of Houses will give them further information. As quickly as you can, please!" 

Then she lowered the megaphone and met the questioning stare of the Black. Betelgeuse raised her eyebrows in surprise when an expression of utter defeat appeared on the Professor's face. Professor McGonagall turned to Harry, "Potter, I think you'd better come with me."

"Professor?" Betelgeuse called out quietly.

"Ms Black," McGonagall replied, "If you want to tag along, I urge you to make haste. Same with you, Mr Weasley." 

McGonagall led Harry and Betelgeuse through the halls of Hogwarts in silence; Betelgeuse noticed that Ron had joined them, his face a mask of worry. At last, as the group approached the Hospital Wings doors, the Professor spoke without looking back, "This will come as a bit of shock. There has been a double attack."

Betelgeuse felt sick as Professor McGonagall pushed the doors open. Madam Pomfrey stood leaning over a girl with long, curly hair. 

Betelgeuse could not identify her. She shifted her attention to the other bed. "Hermione!" Ron groaned. Hermione laid still, her eyes open and glassy.