Aria Black and the Battle for Hogwarts

Potterwatch

Neville and Ginny sit in my office to catch up with me. Both of them look weary and tired.

"How's DA?" I ask, casting the silencing charm on the door.

Ginny and Neville exchange a look. I'm glad they have become such good friends. "Well, we've decided to quit being so open about our rebellion." Neville says quietly.

"Ever since Michael got tortured, we have been considering it, but last night we made it official." Ginny tells me.

I think for a moment. "What do you guys do during the meetings?"

"We talk about what rebellion we can do, complain about the Carrows, or listen to Pottwerwatch."

"Potterwatch?" I ask. That's Fred, George, and Lee's station!

Ginny smiles. "Kingsley snd Remus have joined, so-"

"Remus!" I cry in delight. Oh, he's alright! He's alright! "What does he do?"

"Adds a lot of dry humor, if you ask me." Neville says, grinning a bit. "He's amusing while serious. It's very nice."

I smile at them. "I've gotta get some work done, guys. Why don't you go back to your dormitories and get some sleep?"

They agree, and I cast Dissilusionment Charms on both of them so they don't get caught.

***

Once in my own chambers, I curl up under my bed with my mother's diary. I am excited to see what happened next, and how her and dad got to not hating each other.

10 September, 1971

Dear Diary,

School has taken a turn for the worse. Some guy named Voldemort is rising to power, and Potter and Black's bullying is awful. Dumbledore is very understanding, and is always available with his odd advice when I need it.

Raven has finally opened up a little to Brianna and I. Apparently her parents are rich purebloods. They aren't big on Death Eaters, but they really love being purebloods. Brianna has told me 4,015 things about her life since I met her, so I don't have any questions about her.

Mum wrote Remus and I a letter to tell us that Dad is in St. Mungos. Someone must've found out about his voices. Sigh. Mum seemed pretty upset. I wonder if we can reason with St. Mungos, and possibly the Ministry. Bri says that's what makes me a Slytherin. My ambition. Maybe that's how I'll show Potter and Black they can't mess with me.

{ARIA}

My dad and Harry's dad bullied my mom? That's horrible! How could Mum marry her childhood bully? How could my dad bully her?

This Raven Rosier person seems interesting. I hope she survived the war. Her and that Brianna chick. My mum mentioned her father has voices in his head. I will look that up in the library later.

I think back to my fight with Ariel. She really doesn't want to fight. Why is that? What's her problem? I wonder if I could bribe her into helping us. I would try to trick her, but she is not easily fooled.

Maybe that's what I'll do tomorrow. Go visit Ariel. Yes, that sounds nice. I'll go and visit Ariel.