Violet Summer: The Philosopher's Stone

Chapter 10: Violet Summers

 The morning was filled with an air of tension as students buzzed with rumors about the troll incident. Toni had heard from Harry and Ron that they had defeated the troll and rescued Hermione from it in the girls' bathroom. She had been so captivated by their story that she hadn't found the opportunity to share anything about Professor Quirrel, Snape, or Neville. There never seemed to be enough time, as they were constantly approached by other students praising them for their heroism.

Toni, Harry, Ron, and Hermione sat together in the Transfiguration courtyard. Harry excitedly shared news of his upcoming Quidditch match, and Hermione presented him with a book called "Quidditch Through the Ages." It was a popular choice among Quidditch players and fans, and Harry was engrossed in it. Although he knew it wouldn't directly help him in the game, he appreciated Hermione's thoughtful gesture. Toni was glad to see Hermione around more often; having another girl's company felt comforting alongside Ron and Harry.

"Where were you on the night of the feast?" Harry asked, turning his attention to Toni. Ron and Hermione leaned in, curious to hear her response. However, Toni began to shift uncomfortably, feeling the weight of the unspoken truth.

"I-I was helping Neville. He had taken a fall, so I was tending to his wound. Then the troll attack happened, and I was escorted to the common room," Toni shared, intentionally leaving out the details about Snape and Quirrel.

"Neville mentioned that Professor Snape stopped you," Hermione interjected. Toni sighed, regretting involving Neville in her secrecy.

"Yes, he did," Toni confirmed, keeping her answer vague.

"What did he say? Did you get in trouble?" Ron inquired, eager for more information. But before Toni could respond, Snape abruptly appeared, casting a shadow over their conversation. Startled, the four friends looked up at him, their faces displaying surprise and apprehension. Snape's eyes fixated on the book in Harry's hands.

"What is that, Potter?" Snape inquired, his tone sharp. Harry swallowed nervously and revealed the cover.

"'Quidditch Through the Ages?'" Snape repeated, his hand extending to seize the book. "That belongs to me for now. You are not permitted to have library property outside in the courtyard. Hand it over, Potter."

Ron couldn't contain his astonishment. "That's rubbish—"

"Do you seek detention, Mr. Weasley?" Snape sneered, cutting off Ron's protest. Ron flinched at the sharp tone. "Give me the book."

Reluctantly, Harry surrendered the book to Snape, a look of disappointment clouding his face.

"You can retrieve it later. For now, it will remain with me," Snape stated, his gaze shifting to Toni. "I hope you are... studying up on your magic. Extra practice may come in handy."

Snape's eyes circled the group once more before he turned sharply, his robes billowing as he vanished from sight. Toni swallowed against her dry throat, nervously watching Snape's departure. Her mind raced back to the Halloween Feast, realizing that Hermione had noticed her peculiar behavior and suspected that she was hiding something.

"You've been acting strange since the Halloween Feast," Hermione observed, her gaze penetrating. "Is there something you want to share with us?"

Toni sighed heavily and rose from her seat. The three friends exchanged perplexed looks as they watched her gather her belongings.

"I'm sorry. I'm not feeling very well. I'll see you later," Toni mumbled, hurrying off before they could utter another word.

As Toni navigated the halls, she maintained a swift pace, longing to distance herself from her friends. She knew it would be easy to share what she had discovered, but what held her back were Snape's words and the mention of Violet Summers. It was a complicated family history she wasn't yet ready to divulge. Once again, she found herself keeping another secret from her friends, a promise she had sworn not to break. While she knew bits and pieces about her family's history, she lacked enough understanding to answer Hermione's probing questions.