The Enemy of my Enemy

The Unworthy Cause

"Did you hear?" Daphne asked, sliding into her seat opposite Teddie. It had been a few weeks since the trial tests for Apparition, and now those who wanted to take the actual test, and were old enough to take it, were prepping for their fifteen minutes of fame that afternoon.

Daphne had opted out of taking the final trial test had not signed up for the actual test but was looking forward to spending the day in Potions.

Theo, Blaise, and Mason had agreed to go through with the final test. On their last trial, both Blaise and Theo had managed to succeed in Apparating on cue and landing at their desired destination.

But, while Teddie had succeeded in moving when in Hogsmeade a few weeks prior, she had opted out of the final exam. She didn't like Side-Along Apparition, much less doing it herself.

"Hear what?" Teddie asked.

"The Montgomery sisters were pulled out of school last night. Their little brother was attacked by a werewolf."

"I heard about that," said Blaise. "Didn't their mother refuse to help the Death Eaters?"

Daphne nodded.

Teddie's hand tightened around her knife and fork. "Please tell me he's, okay?" she asked, sounding hopeful. She had scars of her own from a werewolf, but she had been lucky they hadn't got deep, the only thing that remained now were faint lines that could only really be seen in the light.

"Sadly no," said Daphne, shaking her head. "He was only five. St. Mungos couldn't do anything to help him."

"What was the werewolf's name?" Theo asked, watching Teddie carefully from the corner of his eye. Her grip on her breakfast utensils was getting stronger, and he would not have been surprised if the metal would bend beneath it.

"There is a rumour that it was Greyback," said Daphne. "But the parents refuse to confirm it."

"Wouldn't be surprised if it was," said Teddie. "He attacked Lupin, and he's known for attacking others, too. Bite them young and then raise them the way he believes they should be raised, is what he believes. He should watch his back; someone may decide to put him down one day."

"And by someone, you mean you?" Blaise asked, wearily.

Teddie shrugged. "Why not? Do everyone a favour, wouldn't it?" she asked.

"You're starting to sound like them," said Daphne. "That's only something they would consider. If you get the memory from Slughorn, then maybe we can take them down the right way."

Teddie took a deep breath. "This is a war, Daph," she said, shaking her head. "We're not going to get through it without killing some people."

"Some wars take prisoners," said Theo.

"And some don't," said Teddie.

"Let's just get there first, alright," said Blaise. "Then we can worry about whether or not we're able to kill anyone. Battle lines are still being drawn, and both sides are still recruiting."

Teddie glanced across the Hall and found Mason laughing with Astoria at the Ravenclaw table. "There shouldn't be any sides," she said. "People shouldn't be killing others because they can't get their own way!"

"We know, Ted, but it is happening," said Blaise. "We can't stick our heads in the sands and ignore it. It's happening, and we're going to be forced to choose a side sooner rather than later. We just must make sure we're all on the same one. Agreed?"

The others nodded.

Teddie tore her gaze away from Mason. "You're right, Blaise," she agreed. "But I've already told Marcus this, and I'll tell you now, when it comes down to it, there's no choice for me. If I get the chance to kill Avery or Voldemort, I'm taking it."