The Reckoning of Emmie MacKenzie

When Hell Breaks Loose

"Quickly, follow me," Emmie said, trying to stifle a yawn.

She was leading a group of third years back to the house from the library. It seemed failing the upcoming final exams had become a far scarier prospect than any monster lurking about the castle. She had been escorting groups to and from the library every night for the last two weeks before and after her own studying.

Granted, at least it gave her time to spend with Oliver outside of class and meals. Now that quidditch was officially over and they could no longer meet in the room of requirement (without sneaking off, that is, and Emmie was not about to attempt that), they took to spending all the free time they could in the library studying together.

Or at least attempting to study. Though Percy tended to keep them on track whenever he was there. He had been there every night this week, saying that Penny wouldn't want him to fail his exams because of his worry for her. And he didn't want to risk Emmie failing Potions because how would that reflect upon him? Snape would likely mark his exam score down if she was too far behind him. (Emmie had rolled her eyes at this remark while Oliver mouthed, "I told you so" when Percy wasn't looking.)

"Keep movin'," Emmie said, glancing over her shoulder to make sure that the students were still with her and there were no stragglers.

Thankfully, once out of the safety of the library, they were huddled together, nearly stepping on the backs of her shoes, they were so close. All of them kept looking around as though they expected the monster to come jumping out around every corner.

She turned her focus back to the corridor in front of her, keeping her head held high and her back straight, though she too was a bit nervous. There had been no more incidents since Hermione and Penny were attacked three weeks ago, but that hadn't eased anyone's anxiety. They were still under strict rules for moving about the castle and truth be told, Emmie was rather eager to get home for summer break.

At least there she wouldn't have to worry about monsters petrifying her - only her brother possibly punching her boyfriend for daring to ask her out and then not mention it to him. Part of her still thought he wouldn't dare - he did like Oliver, after all and he and Ryan had said they hoped the two would start dating eventually - but there really was no telling with Alex MacKenzie.

The group had just turned a corner when suddenly Professor McGonagall's voice could be heard.

"All students are to return to their house dormitories at once. All teachers return to the staff room. Immediately, please."

Emmie froze as fear began coursing through her, causing the first bunch of third years to bump into her. This couldn't be good. Not at all. Someone else had been attacked. And it was likely worse than the last time if all the professors were gathering to discuss it.

"What's going on?" a boy asked, pulling on her robe. She whipped her head around to look at him and the others, mustering up a brave smile.

"I'm sure it's nothin' serious," she said calmly, though even she heard the slight quiver in her voice. "Come on, let's go."

She then took off at a brisk pace, hearing the students scampering behind her to keep up. Her heart was racing as they moved towards the Hufflepuff common room, immediately wondering who might have been attacked this time. She hoped that it wasn't Oliver or Percy or any of her other friends.

Relief filled her as they turned the corner to the barrels, seeing Michael Blanks there, ushering another group of students in. She ran up to him.

"What's goin' on?" she whispered, not wanting to scare the younger students any more than they already were. He shook his head.