Saudade

Chapter 13 The Terrifying Encounter Ophelia

When Ophelia woke up after a restless night, she felt anxious about getting ready. She hoped she could avoid Harry until the train. Fortunately, she had one final Occlumency lesson right before they were all supposed to leave.

"Legilimens!" Snape casted.

Ophelia had been a bit worried she wouldn't be able to block his spell due to yesterday's event but she was able to shield her mind.

"You're a fast learner," Snape said swiftly putting his wand into his robe.

"So I've been told," Ophelia said half-heartedly.

"Remember," Snape said vaguely. "If you believe your emotions are too high avoid eye contact."

"Yes, sir."

"Off you go, before breakfast ends," Snape said, waving her after more attempts to penetrate her mind.

Ophelia was hesitant, but still left the dungeons. Her entire body was shaking, not just because of the lesson, but also because of the anxiety coursing through her as she made her way to the Great Hall. She considered skipping breakfast, but then realized she couldn't avoid Harry on the train. And when she entered the Great Hall, she expected to see Harry eating at the Gryffindor table, but it was just Hermione and Blaise.

"Hi guys," Ophelia said, trying her best not to sound nervous.

"Hi," Blaise was the only one to say.

Hermione sat staring a her book, leg shaking apprehensively.

"All right, Hermione?" Ophelia asked, looking around the Great Hall for Harry.

"Huh?" she said looking up. "Oh hi, Ophelia."

Ophelia glanced at Blaise as she returned back to her book, though not seeming to read it.

Blaise shrugged.

"So... where is Ron and Harry?" she asked nonchalantly.

Her head snapped up. "Erm... well..." she said slowly.

Ophelia's heart spiked. Had Harry told her what happened last night? Of course, he would have. Perhaps he's avoiding her now--

"Something happened... he, Ron, and his siblings had to leave early for the break," Hermione said, quickly returning to her book.

"What happened?" Ophelia asked concerned.

"I don't think I can say," Hermione said uneasily.

Ophelia glanced once again toward Blaise who looked confused.

Of course, Ophelia was suspicious but she couldn't bring herself to probe Hermione with all sorts of questions. She was sure it couldn't be about their conversation last night. Hermione didn't seem like she knew. She was more anxious than anything as she nervously looked at the watch as though impatient. Even when they all entered the train Hermione continued to shake her leg impatiently. She said nothing the whole way to the train station. And Ophelia wasn't the only one to notice Harry's absence, Longbottom questioned his whereabouts, and again just like Hermione told Ophelia, she couldn't say.

"Give Harry--and Ron my best," Ophelia said to Hermione before they exited the train.

"I will," Hermione said distracted. She looked around the train station and spotted their third-year Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Remus Lupin. "See you after the break!"

She dashed off toward their old professor. Ophelia noticed his eyes trailing on her before they left.

"Wonder what's happening," Blaise said, staring at Ophelia.