Embers of Discord

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Ahava-

"He didn't!"- Pandora seethes as I tell them on the carriage ride up to the castle, what had happened between Severus and I. Earlier this morning, I unexpectedly encountered Snape on the train. That insufferable jerk had the audacity to label me a blood traitor, accusing me of siding with my enemies. Our enemies.

A piercing ache gnawed at me when Snape said-'Funny, you don't rub your little fingers  around him anymore.'

His words were directed to Sirius- who wanted to blast him off the window. Thankfully, he drove the git away, walking me back to the compartment.

 It's so strange, isn't it? When the friend you've known for years, turns against you in a flash. It feels even worse when he throws your vulnerability right at your face. I have a tendency to rub my fingers when I'm anxious, Snape had noticed it in first year. He never mentioned it before until now.

Lily squeezes my hand- "I'm sorry, Ahava. It's because of me that he's turning against you. You and Severus used to be friends..."

I shake my head at her- "No, Lils. I don't need an unreliable friend like him. If I had to choose between you and him, I'd give an arm and a leg to have you in my life."

Her eyes seem to glisten with gratefulness. 

The atmosphere is getting too emotional for my liking. 

 I decide to lighten the mood. With a solemn expression, I recline in my seat and say, "Oh, I almost forgot to mention something."

Curious, the girls inquire, "What is it?"

I reach over and snatch the glasses from Pandora, placing them on my own nose. In my best attempt to mimic James, I deliver his message, "Lily, the love of my life, will you go out with me?"

Their laughter fills the compartment, the sound like a cascade of pearls breaking free.

Alice giggles-"Lad's at a loss when it comes to romantics."

"What an idiot."- Lily adds, but I can see her moods lifting. 

Once the carriage jerks to a halt, we ease out onto the slick ground and walk through the castles. We enter the Hall-room where four long tables glitter with golden goblets, silverware and saucers. Candles float around the room. Beautiful Hogwarts. I missed it so much. 

We quickly settle into our usual seats. Alice and Lily make their way to the Gryffindor table, while I take a spot on the bench between Ruhani and Pandora at the Ravenclaw table.

Initially, the Ravenclaws would cast glances my way that seemed to ask, "What's a Slytherin doing at our table?" But now, they have grown accustomed to my presence.

The voices around me echo and bounce off the walls of the Great Hall, as the school springs back to life. The house ghosts float through the air, and I'm taken aback to see the Bloody Baron hovering over the table before the Slytherin students.

This particular ghost is seldom seen in the Hall, but his presence is undeniable. He always wears a haunting and grim specter, with a gaunt face and black eyes.

Rumor has it that he was deeply infatuated with Rowena Ravenclaw's daughter, one of the founders of Hogwarts. When she rejected his advances, he tragically ended her life with a stab of a blade before taking his own life with the same weapon.

I shudder at the thought. Why does everything associated with Slytherin have to be so dark? Love shouldn't drive one to commit such heinous acts. If you truly love someone, you let them go.

I glance over at Nearly Headless Nick, who floats joyously through the air. At least not all the ghosts are tormented souls. He passes right through Sirius and James at the entrance of the Hall.

"Oi, watch it, Nick!" Sirius objects.

James spots the empty seat across from Lily and happily takes it. I can tell he's attempting to engage Lily in conversation, but she remains focused on Mary. She still harbors a grudge against him.

Ruhani grasps my knees, drawing my attention to her.

"Are you staying in the dorm tonight?" she asks, her mouth full of toast.

"Yes, Ru."

"Feel free to come over to mine if you want. I'll give you the answer to the puzzle.

The password to the Ravenclaw dorm is a puzzle as they value intelligence above all.

I smile radiantly-'I will , Ru.' 

Being the sister of a Prefect definitely has its advantages. No one pays much attention if I sneak into her dormitory.

The doors of the Great Hall swing open as the first-year students begin to fill in. The Sorting Hat sings its familiar song and bows to each of the four tables before falling silent. We applaud and whistle in appreciation.

"Now that we are all sorted into our rightful places," Dumbledore begins, stepping up to the podium, his voice commanding everyone's attention. "There are a few announcements. First, the Forbidden Forest is off-limits to everyone. We hope you will keep that in mind."

"Second, Hogsmeade visits are available to third years and older students who have submitted their permission slips. Thirdly, Professor Slughorn would like me to remind you that sixth and seventh years are eligible for the Slug Club if they excel in Potions. And lastly!" I notice a shift in Dumbledore's tone.

"Things are changing... the world is changing, and I will not withhold information from you. Please take your studies seriously as they will be crucial for your future. The world grows darker with each passing moment. However, remember this: Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times for those who seek out the light. That is all."

"Let the feast begin!"

'That was a tad depressing..' I mutter as I pile my plate sky high with food. I recall reading in a newspaper about the recent murders of Muggles in a village a couple of months ago. There are purists starting a movement to rid the magical world of so-called "dirty-blood."

I cast a wary glance at my friends—Lily and Pandora. I pray that no harm befalls them. I can't bear the thought of losing my friends.

I lie flat on my bed, gazing up at the wall of my dormitory. Rebecca Greengrass, my roommate, waves at me and asks, "Do you mind if I turn off the lights?"

"Not at all," I reply.

While I don't engage in much conversation with the others, there's no bad blood between Rebecca and me.

"So, how was the holiday?" I inquire, attempting to strike up a conversation.

She inhales slowly, and it becomes apparent that my question hit a sensitive spot.

"It was okay," she responds with a hint of melancholy.

"Oh," I simply acknowledge, sensing that our conversation may come to an end.

But then, unexpectedly, Rebecca blurts out, "I got engaged to Mulciber."

My breath catches in my throat. Goodness gracious.

"My parents chose him for me," she continues.

"I'm sorry to hear that," I reply, not knowing what else to say.

Mulciber is the last person anyone would hope to be engaged to. He is notorious for his boundless cruelty.

I feel a pang of sympathy for Rebecca. She deserves someone far better than him.

I count myself fortunate to have parents who would never force me into a union with a monster like Mulciber.

A shiver runs down my spine at the mere thought of being with someone like him. I have no intention of falling in love with any Slytherin. Spending five years in the same house has revealed the ruthlessness that resides within each of them.

Though I may belong to Slytherin, deep in my heart, I know we are not all the same.