Gideon Drake and the Fire Within (Harry Potter Sequel/Spinoff)

Chapter Forty-Seven: The Eye of Fire

After everything he had been through, Gideon wasn't inclined to put his trust in anyone, especially now there was a chance that even the headmistress could be involved with the fires. Alex didn't want to come clean about what they knew either, at least until they had proof of who the arsonist was. He maintained that he and Gideon would be the ones in trouble, especially with Gideon's track record.

They left for breakfast, agreeing to think things over during the Easter break and meet again when Alex returned, where Professor Dandridge addressed the school.

'Your attention for a moment, please,' she called out. 'First, I would like to wish you all a very happy Easter break. I hope you enjoy yourselves and use your time wisely. Sadly, before you leave, I must also share some unfortunate news with you. Last night, Greenhouse Seven was vandalised.

'As you all know, the greenhouses are strictly out of bounds outside of teaching hours and Greenhouse Seven is only to be entered by sixth and seventh-year Herbology students. Owing to this latest unacceptable incident, I have no choice but to cancel the Quidditch Cup.'

Angry gasps and muttering broke out across the Great Hall. The Quidditch players were up in the air. Gideon noticed his brother in the far corner of the room pounding his table.

'In addition,' the professor continued, 'I warn you all now, should any further incidents of this nature transpire, Hogwarts will likely be closed. That is all.'

'Oi! Drake!' said a voice Gideon didn't recognise. 'My team has worked too hard to have all our efforts go to waste and this is my last shot at the Cup! The joke's over, it's time to come clean. Everyone knows it's you.'

'Not everyone!' Dorian corrected.

'Yeah, go sit down, Hargreaves!' said Eoin unexpectedly.

'What are you, O'Leary, his accomplice?' the Slytherin Quidditch Captain accused. 'Maybe all the third-years are in on it? Maybe that's the real reason Tim Benton left?'

'Hey!' barked Gio, 'You're out of line, Jago! I'm on the team too, and Tim was my best mate, but you don't see me going after Gideon, do you? If I thought he was responsible, I'd deal with him myself!'

Jago Hargreaves stared down at the boys for a while longer before huffing and storming off, and the hush that had come over the hall quickly returned to its normal din.

Gideon couldn't help but blush. For the first time in months, Eoin and even Gio had stuck up for him. On top of that, in a roundabout sort of way, they had both expressed that they didn't think he was responsible for the fires.

Gideon cleared his throat and mumbled a quiet, 'Thanks,' and the boys returned to their breakfasts in a silent understanding.

***

'We need to talk before you leave,' Gideon told Talia when she left the hall.

Once away from prying ears, Gideon rapidly explained all about cracking Ruby's code and the previous night's excitement. Then, he revealed what had come of his meeting with Alex.

'I'm glad you figured it out, Gideon,' Talia said, 'but I can't believe you went alone! Devil's Snare is one thing, but you could have ended up like Ruby!'

'I thought I'd be alright with the Camostone, but then Sherlock interfered...'

'It's annoying that we had to get help from that pretty boy, but at least we know what's going on now!'

'Almost. We still need to figure out who's behind it all. What do you think? Should we go to the teachers now?'

'Hmm. I don't know. Grimsby sounds more concerned about his precious Quidditch if you ask me. But if Professor Dandridge is involved...' Talia stated uncertainly. 'You've met her a few times now; do you think she could do this?'