Spawn of Azkaban

Chapter Ten

Song for the chapter: She Used to be Mine— Sara Bareilles

Monday morning rolls around and Bianca is well-rested from the weekend. She spent a good chunk of Sunday in bed and the rest of it studying with Juniper. Said blonde, is nowhere to be seen as Bianca makes her way to breakfast alone.

She sees Cedric hunched over a bowl of cereal and decides to join him at breakfast. She sits across from the copper-haired boy and his face lights up a bit. "G'morning Bianca," he smiles.

"Good morning Cedric," she responds grabbing an apple cinnamon muffin. "How was the party? I never got to ask you?"

"It was fun actually. Many girls were drunk on fire whiskey and confessing their love to me, not much different from the usual," he teases with that playboy smile of his.

"If I didn't know you, I'd think you were a complete jerk," Bianca notes.

"Good thing you know me then," he winks spooning more cereal into his mouth.

Cedric and Bianca continue their playful banter until they're interrupted by the morning post. Bianca searches for Lady in the flock of owls. Bianca spots the grey owl making its way over to the table. Cedric's owl, a brown barn owl, also lands on the table. Bianca gives each owl a piece of toast and they're on their way.

Sirius's familiar scrawl is on the front of the envelope and Bianca's face lights up. He wrote back fairly quickly, which made her happy.

"What's that a love note?" Cedric asks as he watches the girl open the letter.

"Oh god no," she shudders at the thought. "What about you, have you got fan mail?"

"Just my parents and a copy of the Prophet," Cedric says holding up the paper. On the front cover is a picture of the Triwizard champions. Harry's front and center, looking miserable.

"I'd love to read that when you're done," Bianca laughs curious as to what Rita Skeeter had come up with this time. The duo both divert their attention to their mail.

Dear Bianca,

I understand how annoying the Malfoys can be don't sweat it. I'm glad to be hearing from you again though. I worry about my favorite niece (technically second cousin but niece just makes me feel like I have more authority).

As far as the hypnotherapy, I think it would be good for you. I wish I could give you more answers about your past but after I was disowned, I didn't hear much about Bellatrix. Unfortunately, I only heard about you through Harry. I still love you as if you were my own though, never doubt that.

I wrote to Harry as well, but I would love to meet with the two of you. Please find Harry in the Gryffindor common room on November 22 around 11 p.m. I'll be able to reach you guys then. As always stay safe and be strong Bianca. I love you dearly.

With love, Padfoot

Sirius's kind words make her smile a little. She tucks his letter into her bag so she remembers to write to him later. She then grabs Cedric's copy of the Daily Prophet while he reads the mail from his parents. The article is mostly about Harry, with only a slight mention of the other champions. Rita writes about how Harry became emotional when she was interviewing him. She says something about the ghost of his past and even tries to say Harry and Hermione are dating. It's completely ridiculous.

Bianca doesn't try to discuss the paper, because she knows Cedric's still upset about Harry being chosen and this wouldn't make things any better. Instead she confides in him about the new therapy she'll be starting tomorrow afternoon.