Treacherous - Theodore Nott

Chapter Five

Astoria and I wait in the common room for the others to join. Every morning at 7, we leave for breakfast. It's currently 2 til.

"Looks like it might just be us this morning," I mumble, still groggy from sleep.

"Sounds like wishful thinking to me," Lorenzo shouts as he comes around the corner, Draco and Theodore close behind him.

"Could you shove it? It's too early for this much energy," Draco groans, "there's got to be something wrong with you."

With that, we make our way down the hall towards breakfast.

Most mornings are like this. We silently trek to our usual spot, and begin eating in silence; always too tired to converse. Even Lorenzo has quieted.

As I dig into my toast and eggs, I hear a familiar screech. The morning owls are flying in, one in particular heading right towards me.

"Bowie!" I exclaim happily, "Let's see what you've got."

The barn owl coos and hops towards me on the table, offering his leg to me. I quickly untie the parchment and grab a small sausage to toss him. After a quick pat on the head, he takes off for the owlry.

I unroll the parchment.

Dearest Violet,

We miss you! You only left us three weeks ago but the weight of your absence is unbearable.

I just wanted to let you know I've spoken to my friend in the Ministry. As long as you do well on your N.E.W.T's this and next year, you have a position as an auror at the Ministry. Study hard, we know you will.

One more thing, your brother mentioned that he hasn't seen you since school started. You know that boy loves you, go visit him!

With all my love,
Mom

I smile at the letter.

Astoria looks to me expectantly.

"Moms got me a job lined up at the Ministry," I explain.

"Love that woman, tell her I miss her when you write back."

"Will do," I grin. "But she wants me to visit Noah. I guess I should. I didn't even realize I hadn't until she said it."

The mentioning of my brother had Nott rolling his eyes.

"Seriously, what's your deal?"

He looks up from his food to me through his brows, and raises them. His fork clatters onto his plate and he leans back.

"Almost forgot you were related to the prick."

"Don't ever talk about my brother that way. What's he even done to you?" 

He grunts in amusement. "As if you don't know."

I stand up and slam my hands onto the table, "As far as I know, you beat him up at that wedding and said some pretty vile things, unprovoked. I'm not sure how that translates to you being the victim in your mind, but go ahead and keep thinking that. I'm leaving."

I storm away angrily, Astoria grabs the rest of her apple and jogs after me to catch up.

"I can't believe him," I half whisper.

She shakes her head, frowning.

We walk back to our room to grab our books, and head to Divination.

After the morning's excitement, the rest of the day passes normally. I decide it probably would be best to see my brother, so I write a quick note.

Hey,

Haven't seen you in a minute. Want to catch up?

-the best, most fantastic and stunning sister ever

I tap the small parchment with my wand and it flashes away, disappearing.

Moments later, I receive my reply.

Meet me in front of the Gryffindor common room and we can walk together. See you soon :)

I smile and head in the direction of the fat lady.

Soon enough, I arrive at the entrance and wait. I am not at all surprised by the flashes of concern and disapproval I see my presence is causing across the students' faces as they enter and exit their common room. Luckily, no one says anything.

Soon enough, my brother walks out with a huge grin plastered on his face.

"Vio! How have you been?" He pulls me into a bone crushing hug.

"Great! You?"

"Busy as per usual," he responds, tapping his Prefect pin.

We walk through the halls together and I tell him about the new students, how they're in my friend group. The mention of 'Nott' causes my brother to cringe back.

"Don't tell me you've been hanging out with him, Vio. Being best friends with Malfoy is one thing... but him?"

I fold my arms to my chest. "First of all, don't shit on Malfoy. He's a good friend. Secondly, you could not pay me any amount of money to befriend Theodore Nott. He's just in the group so I have to be around him from time to time." I shrug.

"Okay, good. You know I worry about you being around all of those people."

"In case you forgot Noah, I am one of those people," I look at him, frustrated. "You know, actually, I have a paper to work on. I'll see you later." I turn on my heel and walk away, leaving him standing there.

I love my family to death, but recently the 'Gryffindor supremacy' has really been getting on my nerves. I'm tired of my family thinking they're better than everyone in a different house. It's ridiculous. My whole family, extended and all, is Gryffindor. I knew they would hold certain prejudices against me and my friends the moment the sorting hat announced my placement, but it doesn't make it hurt any less.

I trudge back to my room, a bit dejected.

I open the door to my dorm to see Mia curling Astoria's hair.

"Girl where have you been? The party is starting in like, an hour!" Astoria shrieks as I walk through the door.

I completely forgot that it was today.

My eyes go wide, "We might have to be a few minutes late."

"My outfit is on my bed, I already told Mia about our usual dress code and she's down."

I laugh. Astoria and I are sort of known for being super extra for dorm parties. I walk over to my closet and grab a little green dress with one hand, and a matching black set with the other and hold them up.

"Ohh that one," Astoria points to the dress, "I love parties," she squeals in excitement.

I set the dress on my bed and hop over to my vanity, doing a quick makeup look.

I washed my hair yesterday and it looks good, so I don't really feel like doing anything with it tonight.

The hour has passed and the three of us stand in a circle, holding shot glasses.

We clink them together and toss the burning liquid back.

"Yuck," I gag, "nothing will ever get me used to that."

Astoria laughs and claps in excitement. "We look so hot, let's go."

With that, we make our way down the stairs together and into the roaring pit of bass and drinking games.