Incendio

Chapter 13: Kind Gestures

Samantha spent much of her time in a state of perpetual numbness. She found she had more time for homework, but she felt empty. She chose not to notice if people were gossiping about it, she chose not to even acknowledge it. She went to class, did her homework and laid in bed staring at her bed frame. She barely ate and even her favorite, fish pie couldn't tempt her. People had been leaving her alone for the most part, even Ginny had been keeping her distance.

Teachers had been more lenient to her, even Snape hadn't been as horrible to her. He'd still critiqued her work with the same devious vigor, but it came without insults to her intelligence so she considered he was being nicer than usual.

Umbridge had started sitting in on classes to evaluate teachers. Samantha avoided looking at her. She tortured students, she didn't deserve Samantha's respect. Samantha also knew she didn't want to upset her.

Samantha informed her mother about most of the situation and her mother respected her decision of keeping her fellow student's name anonymous, especially via letter because the Ministry had been intercepting them. She downplayed what Harry had told her as she suspected her mother would pull her out if she knew the full truth.

Her mother suggested to calm her nerves and boost her spirit that she might need to start taking daily walks. She started taking a walk on the grounds every evening after dinner. It was on one of those evening walks that she heard shouting near the greenhouses.

She was surprised to realize it was Colin, aggressively shouting at Daphne.

Colin stared directly at Daphne. "You thought I wouldn't guess who it was, who snitched. You obviously told Malfoy." Colin insisted pointing a finger at Daphne.

"No, I didn't." Daphne shook her head. Her eyes were red and Samantha could see she was shaking. "I wouldn't have."

"You are our only Slytherin member." Colin said, his face contorting into pure rage. Any other situation and he'd be hilariously un-frightening. Samantha knew he was very serious though and she ran to them.

Samantha placed herself between Colin and Daphne. "If she says she didn't then she didn't. You have no reason to suspect her other than the fact she belongs to Slytherin."

"I've done nothing but support the Gazette. I shouldn't have to defend my innocence to anyone. " Daphne continued, tears were now flowing from her eyes. "Especially not a ridiculous Potter believing, mudblood!"

Colin was silent but reached for his wand, Samantha grabbed his hand and held him back.

Samantha this time turned and looked at Daphne. She didn't agree with Colin but he didn't need to be called a slur.

Daphne looked like she regretted it the moment it left her mouth, she hastily started apologizing, "I didn't mean that, it just slipped out, I'm sorry Colin."

"Daphne, you should leave." Samantha replied.

Daphne didn't need a second thought, she just ran away.

"There was no reason to insult her like that." Samantha let go of Colin.

"Did you hear what she called me?" He asked hotly.

"Yes, that wasn't right either, but it's below you to go around accusing people. Dumbledore said at the beginning of term that we are supposed to be uniting the houses." Samantha said shaking her head.

"Yeah, because Dumbledore really cares." Colin said looking very frustrated. "It's been two weeks, and we've heard nothing from him. I'm just so angry and upset. We were just doing what was right and now we are being punished for it and no one seems to care."