Treacherous - Theodore Nott

Chapter Twenty Six

I sit in the bleachers of the quidditch pitch, staring across it.

The season is over but Draco says we have to stay in shape, so we've still been practicing.

The last few days have gone by in a bit of a blur.

Wake up.
Class.
Quidditch.
Hang out with everyone until I excuse myself to an early night's sleep.

Of course, I haven't really been sleeping. I've been laying in bed until the nightmares ultimately win and I wake up shaking in fear.

The only thing giving me any peace of mind is the fact that Theodore has completely isolated himself from the entire group, not just me.

At least I know he's being moody to everyone.

A cool breeze tickles up my spine, causing me to wrap my arms more tightly around myself. My light sweater isn't enough to hold off the chill, and I'm grateful for it.  It's the end of the freezing weather, and I'm trying to soak it in for as long as I can.

The coolness of spring weather is something I dread every year. The thought that the end of the term is approaching is even harder this year. I only have one year left.

I love my family, but the summer months that I am home are the worst of the year. They think I don't pick up on their petty and passive aggressive comments towards my house, and more importantly my friends, but I do.

Every year my mother asks me if I'm still friends with 'the Malfoy boy' or 'that Greengrass bitch'.

I suppose I should be grateful. This summer will be my last spent with them. After seventh year I'll be sent off into the world.

That somehow seems worse.

"Hey."

The word startles me and I turn to look at the two boys now standing next to me. I was so lost in my own thoughts I didn't even notice their approach.

Lorenzo smiles down at me apprehensively, being the one who spoke.

"Hi," I smile warmly in response. 

"You've been off by yourself a lot lately," Lorenzo observes.

I shrug.

"Frankly, I don't think it's healthy," Mattheo says, inserting himself.

I raise a brow. "Well, I'm sure you know why I've drawn away. Why don't you go check on your grouchy friend? He's not much better off."

Enzo presses his lips into a thin line. "He thinks this whole thing is his fault, Vi. Can you blame him?"

I shake my head. "No, I think that's the worst part; that I can't blame him."

Lorenzo shoots me an empathetic look before shifting his attention to Mattheo. It looks like he's waiting for him to say something.

An awkward silence settles as I watch Mattheo's eyes flit around.

He inhales a breath of cool air before he starts.

"Vold- You Know Who, I mean- wants us to train you in dueling. He's convinced you'll be joining our side at some point or another and wants you to be proficient. And before you say no, it really can't hurt. Whether you join his side or not practicing will help you."

"Plus, you'll get to hang out with your awesome friends," Lorenzo added with a playful grin.

"I'm assuming there will be consequences if I say no?"

The two boys go silent and exchange an awkward glace, telling me all I need to know.

"Well, that settles it. When do we start?"