EXIT

24. MIDNIGHT BLACK

24. MIDNIGHT BLACK

When I return to the command centre twenty minutes later, I find that our group has grown. Lovegood and Longbottom are now seated at the large, circular conference table. They aren't talking to Potter and Blaise, however, but are busy with some parchments on which (for me only incomprehensible) diagnostics are charted. Healer stuff, I suppose.

I have to stop myself from fixing my hair once more as I saunter over to Potter and Blaise, who then fall silent and turn to face me. Potter seems a little concerned, while Blaise clearly looks like he's about to burst thanks to all the comments he's biting back. I come to a halt next to them and put on what I hope is an utterly indifferent expression.

"All right, where were we?" I ask, crossing my arms.

I actually forgot what we were talking about before I left the command centre. You'd think I left my brain with Granger in the equipment room.

"Why did that take so bloody long?" Blaise asks laconically, expertly ignoring my question.

There's such an amused undertone in his voice that I feel the instant urge to break his nose. I narrow my eyes at him and frown deeply for a moment. Eventually, I fake a smile before I deign to answer him.

"You know her, Blaise. She gave me one of her lectures because, in her opinion, I misbehaved during the last combat training session," I reply drily, because I simply can't think of anything better. "Once Granger starts ranting, it always takes a while."

At those words, Lovegood looks up from her oh-so-interesting parchments. She furtively peers at me, taking in my overall appearance, then her lips curl into a wide, knowing grin.

Gods, this literal luna-tic.

"Were the two of you in the equipment room?" Potter interposes, clearly suspicious.

He, too, seems to have noticed Lovegood's facial acrobatics.

"No," I drawl. "Why?"

"The room was locked."

"Well, that certainly wasn't us."

"You weren't in the dining hall either. And I also checked the training room."

"That's... quite strange, Potter, even for you."

"Well, where were you then?"

"Where we—? Bugger me! What is this ridiculous interrogation about?" I snap at Potter. I look from him to Blaise and back again and raise my eyebrows. "We resolved our conflict and didn't kill each other in the process. That's all that matters, isn't it? So get your head out of your arse, Potter, and stop being a fucking pain in the neck."

The essence of my statement isn't even a lie, but the corners of Blaise's mouth quirk uncontrollably nonetheless. Such a prat, really.

"And where is Hermione now?" he asks mercilessly, while Potter actually pouts and also crosses his arms. "I thought she was about to leave headquarters to go for a jog."

"Why would I know?" I snarl at Blaise, giving him a venomous look, which he returns with a rather suggestive expression. "Believe it or not, Granger doesn't keep me updated on spontaneous changes in her schedule."

I roll my eyes and turn on my heel to stalk towards the wall with the countless notes about the Death Eaters' hideouts and their respective blueprints. My cheeks feel hot. I really hope they don't look like it.

"Yeah, whatever," Potter grumbles under his breath. "You said there's someone we haven't talked about yet. A person you believe has information? Crucial information?"