Violet Summer: Prisoner of Azkaban

Chapter 28: The Second Memory - Part One

 The days following Theodore's confessions and decision to join her uncle and father's army had weighed heavily on Toni. It felt like a bothering plague upon her to know that her uncle and Theodore had spent an entire summer together, yet neither of them had bothered to share anything about it with her. It was irritating and she couldn't help feeling a tad bit jealous. However, she reminded herself that it mattered very little in comparison to the loyalty Theodore had shown her, which had practically left him homeless, and the fact that her uncle had recognized his dedication. If anyone deserved her uncle's attention, it should be Theodore.

As Thursday approached, the excitement among the students grew. It was finally the day for Wolfe to share a second memory. Everyone was filled with anticipation, hoping it would be as gripping as the last. Some wished for something even grander and more dangerous, but Toni knew that whatever dangerous memory her uncle would reveal might make them regret their wishfulness soon after.

Curiously, Toni found herself pondering over the second memory he planned to share with the class. Ever since the incident with the Dementors and Neville, her uncle had been carrying a different demeanor – more somber and introspective. She had never seen him like this before. At times, she thought he might be sick or feeling guilty about what had happened. He had even mentioned briefly that he was sorry, and when she inquired why, he cryptically replied, "You will see in the next memory." That comment had haunted her for days, and now, as the day arrived, it began to plague her thoughts once more.

"I can't wait to see what Wolfe has for us this class!" Neville remarked, his excitement evident as he ate with a wide smile.

Hermione, Ron, and Harry exchanged glances, their doubts about Wolfe still lingering after what they had heard in the Three Broomsticks. Yet, they chose to push those dark conspiracies aside and eagerly anticipate the memory. Ron, in particular, was excited, still delighted by the previous memory's impact that lasted with each student for some time.

"Do you think he'll try to show us a different emotion this time?" Ron asked, curious about the upcoming experience.

Dean shrugged. "I wouldn't doubt it. I heard some Slytherins hoping for a memory of one of the culprits he put away, but I doubt he can share that due to Ministry regulations."

"I hope it's as cheerful as the last one. I don't think I can handle any more fear this year," Neville chimed in, glancing towards Toni and Harry who were seated side by side.

Harry crossed his arms on the table, musing, "I wonder if this memory will show us more. The last one felt long, but there wasn't much to see, in my opinion."

"It's strange, isn't it? It felt like we were there for hours, like a whole day went by, but we were only in it for twenty minutes!" Hermione added thoughtfully.

Toni remained silent, her mind preoccupied with her uncle's words. He had told her that he was sorry and that she would understand why after the second memory. It haunted her, and as the day approached, her anxiety grew.

"Let's get going! I can't wait any longer!" Ron exclaimed with excitement.

With that, the group of students, including Dean, Seamus, Neville, Ron, Hermione, Harry, and Toni, made their way to the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom. They followed behind other Gryffindors and Slytherins before finding their seats. Toni sat beside Harry on one end of the table, Ron on the other side, and Hermione and Neville in the row in front of them. Draco, Crabbe, and Goyle were seated across from Toni, and Theodore sat with Blaise at the far back. Pansy was seated at the front, blushing as she watched Wolfe speaking with Lupin in a low whisper while waiting for the students to take their seats.