Strange Links | HP X TMR //On hold//

Chapter Twelve

*Author's Note: Thanks to mooguf for voting! Please don't be a silent reader - if you vote or comment, I can thank you, and it lets me know that someone is reading this book and liking it (though don't be pressured to do so, it's just that I'll be grateful when you react to this story) :)

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 The following day, Lucinda and Teresa wondered about what was under the trapdoor while picking on egg fries and sausages.

 "What could be under that trapdoor?" Teresa wondered out loud.

 "I don't know, some kind of treasure? Honestly, there's nothing we can find out. There are zero clues."

 "It must be something important, something that should be protected at all costs."

 "What are you talking about?" Thomas slid on the seat, holding his plate, which was full of food. A moment after, Newt came and started to eat his breakfast.

 "Last night, when we - actually it was the four of us, Hermione and a lost Neville added - followed Harry and Ron, we all accidentally stepped into the forbidden corridor at the third floor," Lucinda whispered, lowering her voice. If the professors heard, that would lead to a loss of points to Gryffindor. Anyway, they have all been out late and also have been in the forbidden area. "And, there was a three-headed dog, a big monster inside there. It was standing over a trapdoor, and we've been wondering what it could have been."

 "Well, there's no bloody way or clue to find out what was under the trapdoor, and I bet no one wants to meet that monster again. So why won't you stop caring?" Newt suggested.

 "But this seems intriguing," Thomas said. "I'm curious."

 "So far, there may be something dangerous down, Tommy. We'd better be going to class."

 Usually, Teresa was the disciplined one, but today, Newt was acting like their mother. Lucinda wondered if he was in a bad mood.

 That night, Lucinda visited the astronomy tower, which was her weekly visit. She loved the place because she could sit in silence, watch the stars, and sing some notes or doodle things on her notepad.

 But today, Lucinda was not the only one there. Newt was in the astronomy tower, absentmindedly gazing at the night sky.

 "Hey, you alright?" Lucinda asked, clutching her notepad and pencil in her arms.

 Newt turned around to meet Lucinda's gaze. She could immediately know that Newt was crying - his eyes were puffy, and a streak of tear was rolling down his cheek.

 "No," Newt said, wiping his eyes with his sleeve.

 "You want to tell me about it? Or..."

 "Not now, Cindy. I'll tell you when I'm ready."

 "That's okay," Lucinda did her best to give a reassuring smile.

 "Why are you here?"

 "I come here every week to draw, sing, or do other stuff. Honestly, I didn't expect to find you here."

 "Oh well, I'd gotta go," and Newt walked out of the tower.

 "Bye," Lucinda softly murmured and fell deep into her thoughts for the next hour.

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Question: What do you think happened to Newt? The hints are in Chapter Eleven :)