Violet Summer: Prisoner of Azkaban

Chapter 32: The Third Memory - Part One

 Toni had just heard the very disheartening news. Hagrid had lost the trial, and Buckbeak was being sentenced to death. The fury she had pent up regarding Draco and all his actions was pulsating once more, but the words of Theodore Nott were still echoing in her mind.

After the incident with Ron and Black, the increased security measures on the castle grounds had made it all the more impossible for any of them to visit Hagrid. It was infuriating for Toni, but there was little she could do. Not even her uncle permitted it, and with his preparation for the final memory to be shown to the students that day, she was left to sulk alongside Ron, Harry, and Hermione once more.

"I should have spent more time focusing on helping Hagrid instead of being so angry with Ron and Harry and busy with all my classes!" Hermione huffed and puffed alongside Toni as they stalked the corridors of the school after leaving the Great Hall.

"Don't blame yourself, Hermione. We all should take some blame. I hadn't bothered to help Harry and Ron either," Toni confessed, realizing she had an opportunity too.

"It's definitely not your fault. Most of the time you were still on bed rest. None of us really took the time for it," Hermione said, her tone low. She sighed and glanced at Toni. "Did Wolfe tell you anything about this memory?"

Toni shook her head. "I tried to ask him, but he only shared that it may frighten a few students. I quickly assumed it was one of the memories from a dark wizard he captured."

Before Hermione could say another word, her body lurched forward, and her books went flying across the floor. Toni jumped at the sight and quickly leaned down to help her. She crawled forward, grabbing a few loose books as the other students laughed. When she tried to see who had caused the mishap, she saw Draco standing there, making his way to class alongside Crabbe, Goyle, Pansy, and Blaise.

"Don't forget this one," the sound of Theodore's voice sprung up as he grabbed a book that had fallen behind them on the floor after Hermione's fall.

Hermione got up, red-faced and eager to collect her things. Theodore handed her the book, sharing a grin. But his eyes lingered downward, and he noticed a familiar gold chain.

"Is that a Time Turner?" he asked curiously.

Hermione's eyes went wide, and she pressed the books to her chest, trying to find an excuse off the top of her head. But Toni stepped in, giving him a distinct glare and a slap on the arm. Theodore recoiled, glaring at the two, very confused.

"Shut up! Don't speak so loudly!" Toni scolded. Hermione looked at her very strangely.

"Wait... you knew?" Hermione asked in a hushed whisper. Toni shrugged.

"Of course, I knew. I saw it that day your bag ripped after Potions Class," Toni replied. Hermione's face shifted, recalling the gaze Toni gave her that day. "Besides, how else would you be able to attend all those classes?"

"Aren't they forbidden on school grounds?" Theodore asked, perplexed. Toni gave him another smack, warning him to keep his voice down.

Hermione glanced around. "They are, but Professor McGonagall and Dumbledore gave me one to help ensure I don't miss classes. Just... Don't tell anyone or I could be in a lot of trouble. They may take it back."

"Secret's safe with me, Granger," Theodore replied, grinning at the idea that he had yet another secret on his backburner.

Toni rolled her eyes. "Come on, let's get to class before my uncle and Lupin have a fit over us being late."

"Don't think that would be a problem. We've got Granger here," Theodore teased.

Toni gave him another firm smack, to which Theodore chuckled. The three turned and pressed on towards their Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom.