Treacherous - Theodore Nott

Chapter Seven

Scenes from the party the other night are still rolling over in my head. Now, I'm in Transfiguration getting flashbacks of his hard stare.

I can't get his face out of my brain, not because I find him attractive or anything, just because he is so frustrating.

Why was he looking at me like that?

Astoria elbows me and gestures to the board, knocking me out of whatever trance I was in.

I look at her gratefully and send her a smile in thanks, and continue with my notes.

Sixth year offers no time for daydreaming, especially in McGonagall's class. This year's workload has been challenging, even for determined students like Astoria and myself. If we wanted those jobs as aurors, we had to ace our N.E.W.T.'s.

I glance to my right to see Draco and Mattheo missing from class, again.

I'm honestly concerned for Draco. I know with his name it won't be too hard for him to get employment, but he always complains about how he wants to make a name for himself, seperate from his family. Judging by how much class he's been missing this year though, I'm not entirely sure that will be possible. I do like the boys and Mia, and I know that they're friends of Draco's, but they just don't seem to be having the best influence on him. Draco was a stellar student, and now he's sort of falling off which worries me.

I need to talk to him later about this.

Class ends and it's my free period. I wave goodbye to Astoria, who has Charms, and head to the library to catch up on my Herbology homework. I settle for the only open table next to a noisy group of Gryffindors.

Perfect.

"In Slughorn's own room, I really can't believe it," one whispers loudly.

"I know! Weasley's honestly lucky to be alive. I heard Potter had to save him because ole' Sluggy was too shell-shocked to do anything."

At this point they're practically begging me to eavesdrop.

"Crazy. First Bell, now this. What do you suppose is going on?"

"Not sure, but I'll bet on one thing. The mead that poisoned Ron was meant for Dumbledore. I heard Slughorn was planning to gift it to him just last week."

My heart drops. Poison mead? That sounds familiar.

"Oye, we've got an eavesdropper." One says, pointed at me.

I look up from my parchment and face them, "Well, you're not doing a very good job at being quiet, so quite honestly it would be harder not to listen."

One sneers at me, I recognize him to be Seamus Finnigin. "Well I bet you're ecstatic about the whole situation. Slytherin. I'm sure seeing Dumbledore gone and this place in shambles is just what you and your friends want. I wouldn't be surprised if it was one of you causin' all this trouble in the first place."

I press my lips into a tight line. This cannot end well.

"I happen to like Hogwarts, and while Dumbledore isn't my favorite person, I enjoy him as a headmaster. I won't have you accusing my friends of crimes."

"Yeah, or what?" Seamus scoffs.

Seriously?

I roll my eyes, "What, are you trying to pick a fight? It's just rude is all I'm saying," I shrug.

Seamus stands up and points his wand at me.

"Oh, are you going to blow me up?" I ask mockingly, knowing his reputation.