Rise of the Death Eaters [3]

Chapter 41: The Club Facade

"You ready?" I asked, stopping short by the third year dorm room. Astoria was stepping out with Tati in tow.

"Yes," she responded politely. She brushed back her hair behind her ear and readjusted her sling-bag filled with potion's equipment. It was the gracefulness of these motions that made me pause at the familiarity.

There weren't many people who had natural graces like that that were not otherwise engrained by a teacher or a mother. The only other person I knew like this was my mother. 

What little smile I had angled at the girl edged away almost instantly. 

"I hope it's alright that I didn't have any of the ingredients you mentioned. It was so short notice," Astoria added as the rest of us started down the hallway to the common room.

"It's fine," I said with another attempt at a smile. "It's your first time with us anyway. Just next time make sure to order it as soon as we tell you."

"I hope you have plenty of spending money," Tati said under her breath as she closed her dorm door shut and joined us.

Sam was waiting with her own bag by the portal door, purposely ignoring Nott who was standing with her; up to no good no doubt.

"Ah, here's the crowd," Nott commented as he saw us walking over. "So where are you heading to exactly? This one hasn't said two syllables to me."

"Because you're not in the club, you dim wit," Sam shot back with a glare. Nott blinked and then looked at me expecting answers.

"Sorry Nott, only members are allowed to know."

"Well that's stupid."

"Maybe," I said with a grin. "But I don't want random people showing up unless they're willing to pay the fare."

"There's a fare?" He asked turning to the others. Seeing the blank faces he was met with, he believed it and whistled. "You're parties don't come cheap then, is that it, Fountaine?"

"Naturally," I said with a clever smile. "Where's Draco?"

"He's off meeting with Umbridge. Wouldn't know why, he never said."

"Lucky him," Sam said for me. "We got to get moving if we want to be the first group there," Sam added, turning back to me.

"Right," I said, clearing my mind for the moment. "See you later Nott."

"I expect a full report afterwards, Astoria!" He called after us, but Astoria smartly remained silent.

We met Hermione halfway to the third floor, who had Ginny in tow, carrying a bag that made noises every other step.

"You must be Astoria," Hermione said kindly in the girl's direction. "My name's Hermione and this is Ginny-"

"It's a pleasure," she replied with an obvious edge to her voice. Hermione was right to come it would seem.

"Where are we going, if you don't mind me asking," Astoria asked as we walked onto one of the moving sets of stairs. It shifted under us as the upper stair began to change directions.

"You won't believe us until you see it," Tati said with a wave of her brow. "Just wait."

When we entered the third floor girl's lavatory, Astoria was having a difficult time masking her surprise.

"Hello, Myrtle," Hermione called out as we walked in. "I'm back."

The ghost of moaning Myrtle appeared after a flushing sound came from the far back stall. She eyed us all closely before turning back to Hermione with suspicion.