Light In The Dark

Chapter Fourteen

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                    It had been weeks since Vero had gone into hiding, and she couldn't help but notice how accustomed she had become to having friends. She used to be accustomed to loneliness, but now Vero felt her heartache for warm smiles and friendly laughter. Her body truly craved silky, bushy brunette hair against her skin and bright chocolate eyes filled with kindness. Vero hadn't seen Hermione or her other friends since they found her staying in the Shrieking Shack. Umbridge had a tight hold on Hogwarts, making it difficult for anyone to leave or get in without her knowing. Vero tried to distract her mind from the thoughts of the bookworm by practicing her combat skills both physically and magically. The practice gave Vero's lean body a few defined muscles, like her arms, stomach, and legs. During this time, more educational decrees appeared in Hogwarts entrance hall. The new laws were like a noose around the student's throats, slowly growing tighter each time. It was only a matter of time before they succumbed or revolted. Thunder rumbles outside the shack when Bandit runs through the house with a note in his mouth. He finds Vero practicing her dueling stances with her eyes closed, imagining an opponent. Bandit chatters loudly, gaining her attention. Vero sees the note laid before him. "Hey buddy, what do you have here?" she asked while kneeling. She picks the note up and unfolds it. Her eyes run over the words for a few seconds, and then she sighs, having a choice to make. Suddenly, lightning flashes throughout the shack as rain begins to pound against the windows. Vero's wireless radio, which is sitting on an old dusty table, comes to life with a crackle.

                    "At the witching hour, here are the latest headlines....Cornelius Fudge today denied rumors that the mysterious disappearance of several Ministry workers is related to last year's appearance of the Dark Mark at the Quidditch World Cup....With increased incidents of Goblin unrest as well as rumblings among the Giants, the Minister sought to quell the qualms of the Wizard World," the announcer explained.

                    "We wish to assure the public that Security has been and will remain the Ministry's top priority. Furthermore, we have convincing evidence these disappearances are the work of notorious mass murderer Sirius Black at the commands of the fugitive Vero Salazar Riddle. Make no mistake: we will hunt them down and find them wherever they hide..," Fudge proclaimed confidently.

                    "Go ahead, Fudgey, try and grab a wolf by the tail...," Vero spat, then looked out the window at the increasingly violent storm. "I'll defend Harry and the others until my last breath," she vowed with conviction. Outside, thunder cracks once more as sheets of rain obscured the shack from view. The wind above spirals the raging clouds wildly. Lightning suddenly illuminates the night sky, revealing a towering cloud formation that looks eerily like Voldemort's skull. The wind howls.

                    The next month, Hogsmeade village is covered in snow, looking like a winter wonderland. Harry, Ron, and Hermione rush through the slushy snow. Harry is visibly nervous while shivering, "This is mad. Who'd want to be taught by me? I'm a nutter, remember?" he asked.

                    "Look on the bright side....you can't be any worse than old toad-face," Ron pointed out, trying to reassure his crush.

                    Harry gives him a soft smile, "Thanks, Ron," he said.

                    "I'm here for you...mate," Ron said while trying to hide his blush with his scarf.

                    "Vero..," Hermione whispered, catching the boy's attention. They followed Hermione's eyesight, just barely seeing a thick, long white tail slip into the Hog's Head Inn.