𝓝𝔂𝔁 - 𝓵𝓸𝓸𝓴𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓪 𝓹𝓵𝓪𝓬𝓮 𝓲𝓷 𝓵𝓲𝓯𝓮

Losing control of myself

The next day flew by quicker than expected. It felt like I'd just blinked, and morning had arrived. Groaning, I dragged myself out of bed, resigned to the day ahead, and took a brisk, cold shower.With Christmas around the corner and snow falling outside, I threw on tight black jeans and a Slytherin sweater. The braids from yesterday were still intact, so I left them as they were. Slightly groggy, I headed to the boys' rooms to round them up for breakfast.I knocked on their door, and it swung open. The guys were ready to roll, but Arlo was nowhere to be found. "He's long gone," they informed me. Not one to chase after him, we all headed to the great hall and settled at our dedicated table.Dumbledore strolled over, curious about the boys' night. Arlo's absence, once again, was evident on the headmaster's face. Breakfast kicked off, but Gaby was conspicuously absent. A gnawing worry surfaced: had something gone wrong during her werewolf transformation last night?Gaby and Arlo sauntered in late, exchanging smiles. No apologies for their tardiness. Frustrated, I scolded Arlo as instructed by Dumbledore. Gaby cut in, dismissing my concern. "Take it easy, Nyx. It's just a few minutes. Don't tense up."Annoyed by their nonchalance, I snapped, "Here, especially in Slytherin, we don't tolerate lateness. Your job is to help me, not distract guests."Gaby retorted, "You know, Nyx, it's just a few minutes. Don't get all worked up.""You're here on important business, not a vacation," I shot back.Gaby, unimpressed, said, "And you know members of this cult kill Muggles? Do your parents know about this?"I pressed her to the wall, angry. "You won't tell anyone, understand? This is none of your business.""And you know what? You've changed," Gaby said as I let her go. "When Bellatrix disappears from here, you'll get over it and thank me."Furious, I grabbed her by the throat. "Don't you even dare! She at least accepts me as I am.""Who are you?" Gaby gasped as I released her. "Because it's definitely not my Nyx.""We'll talk when you decide to change something," I said, opening the door and letting her leave.Alone and broken, I closed the door and sat on the bed. A knock interrupted my thoughts. Assuming it was Arlo looking for Gaby, I yelled, "She's not here, Arla! She's gone to class, and don't you dare disturb her!"The door cracked open. "I don't think you were expecting me," a familiar voice said."I'm sorry, I didn't think it was you. Come in," I said.Bellatrix walked in and closed the door. "I came for a different matter, but I'd love to find out what Arlo and Gaby are about. I saw you drag her into the room. Did something happen?"I hesitated but decided to confide in her about Gaby's threat to expose the cult. Bellatrix suggested a potion of oblivion, and we planned to slip it into Gaby's goblet during dinner."Sorry, but..." I started, uncertain."Do we... I mean, will I have to kill Muggles?" I asked.Bellatrix turned with a raised eyebrow. "No, only as a last resort. Don't think about it anymore."Left alone, I pondered my actions and the events around me. An owl delivered a letter from my parents, revealing the war's escalation and my father's injuries. Fear and concern gripped me as I reassured them of my safety.Classes awaited, and despite my partial exemption, I resolved to attend. Glancing at the day's schedule, I opted for Divination, a respite from the rigors of Snape's class. The teacher seemed surprised by my choice, assuming my aversion to her unique lessons. I chuckled under my breath, taking my seat next to Gaby, who shifted away with a muttered, "Busy."

I replied, "Now it's for sure." She rolled her eyes and focused on the lesson. The lecture began with a tedious explanation of reading coffee grounds. Not willing to waste time, I wrote a letter to apologize to Gaby. Folding the note into a heart with an "I'm sorry," I nudged it towards her. At first, she pretended not to notice, but eventually, she looked at me and accepted the card. In my mind, I pleaded for her forgiveness. I missed her; she'd been with me from the beginning, providing a sense of safety. I regretted not being able to share everything with her. Still, I wanted to see if she'd forgive me without erasing her memories. She turned the page and wrote, "The apology note won't change your situation, but I appreciate the gesture." I read it, smiled sadly, and she returned a small smile.