Shift: A Witch's Secret

The Dark Mark

As Barty Crouch Jr. releases my arm, it goes limp and drops to my side. I suppress my tears, even though the pain in my arm feels as if it's been torn open.

"Why are you doing this?" I inquire, my voice tinged with exasperation due to the pain.

"I'm not here to answer your questions." 

"Listen to me. You stopped me from finishing my lesson and taking Longbottom to my office. Now, for the second task, YOU must be the one to give this book," Barty retrieves "Magical Mediterranean Water-Plants and Their Properties" from his belongings.

"-to Mr. Potter or inform him about gillyweed. See," he smiles, "I'm giving you options."

"Do you want a pat on the back?" I regard him with disdain.

"Potter must advance to the final round. That is crucial, and you will ensure he is the one to reach that cup. Lastly, you are not to intervene. Or there will be consequences. I'm confident you're wise enough to recognize that avoiding the Dark Lord's wrath is in everyone's best interest."

I nod in acknowledgment.

"And regarding the first task?" I inquire.

"I'll have a chat with him, when the times comes. As I was told you should already know." he answers, arching an eyebrow.

"I was merely confirming. My apologies. Can I leave now?" I respond with a touch of attitude.

"For now, you are dismissed," he says, unlocking the door with his wand.

As soon as I step outside the office, the tears I've been holding back can no longer be restrained. I weep as I walk through the corridors toward the Great Hall. I regain my composure as best as I can before entering the hall and taking a seat next to Mattheo.

"You're here today? What's the occasion?" I ask. 

"Just wanted to make sure you're alright." He responds, taking a bite from his sausage.

"Thanks," I reply, offering a slight smile.

"Have you been crying?" Draco inquires from across the table, looking concerned.

"Um, a little I guess," I respond.

"Did something happen?" Mattheo asks, placing his hand on top of mine.

Draco glances at our hands on the table, rolling his eyes a bit. 

"I don't wanna talk about it." I reply.

"You were with Moody, right? What did he do?" Draco probes.

"Nothing, I'm just sensitive," I explain.

"A sensitive Slytherin? Never heard of that before." Mattheo chuckles.

"No, Y/N's not sensitive. That must be a joke. The way you forced Diggory to simply high five Weasley was fiery as fuck." Draco comments. "I'm certain he must have done something terrible."

I smile, appreciating Draco's understanding of my character, given that it's only my second day at Hogwarts.

"You're not wrong. He was sort of harsh, I suppose," I concede, feeling somewhat better.

"You've gotten a lot thrown at you since you arrived. I'm so sorry you have to deal with that." Mattheo adds.

"I'll be alright, it's just a lot."

9:00am

Once breakfast is over, I gather my belongings and exit the Great Hall along with the other Slytherins. Mattheo grabs my hand and leads me to the side.