Atlas Malfoy and how history repeats itself

Part 21

I wake up really late, and I sit in the great hall mainly alone, other than a few older students. It is quiet, and I have letters. One from mum, one from Father, and one from Molly. It's a little annoying but I've got no lessons to do with anyone. It's my last year before O.W.LS. I pull open Molly's letter and read.
Dearest Atlas,
I hope you are going well darling. Ginny said she loved having you round, and I can't disagree. It was lovely spending the summer with you. I understand you have your O.W.L's this summer at the ministry, and your mother and I have managed to agree that Arthur can take you when he goes to work. Don't stress the revision too much. Don't put too much on yourself. You are a smart girl, and even the twins aren't doing their O.W.L's till next year. You are an incredible young lady, and whatever you get will make everyone proud. One suggestion would be to revise a lot, but don't cram. I passed my O.W.L's but was stressed a lot. Your parents did too. All you need to know is that the Burrow is always open.
Lots of love,

Molly xx

That's nice. I've been trying to ignore the fact I have exams this summer; I am dreading it. I mean, sure, if my Father thinks I can pass I might be able to, but I just feel so unprepared. I tear open Father's letter.
Atlas,
You have O.W.L's this year, and I am not having you fail them. You will be revising a lot, and revising hard. I am not having you fail yet another one of my expectations. You are not stupid, so I don't expect you to do anything out of spite either. Grow up, or there might be a consequence coming your way.

Lucius Malfoy

Oh, okay then, Threats. How amazing. I rip open Mum's. Can't be worse than Father's.
Dear Atlas,
Darling, you need to revise. I know that I always told you that we would be proud of you but this is important. Please revise. Also, I know that you would want a longer letter, but I cannot right now.

Love you,

Mum 

Harry, Ron and Hermione sit down and talk about Hagrid's disastrous lesson.
"SIRIUS BLACKS BEEN SIGHTED!" Someone yells. I push myself over to the newspaper and grimace. It's not too far away from Hogwarts. I'm sure we'll be fine. We have to be fine.

Not too many days later, I stand at the front of Lupin's class. Boggarts are terrifying, but I am going to fight this one. I stand, in the right stance, and Lupin says, "Just laugh. Relax your shoulders, maybe change your hair a little, smile and go when you feel ready enough to."
I nod and breathe deeply. The wardrobe bursts open, revealing my father. He is walking towards me with his wand out. I'm frozen, and suddenly it changes. Sirius Black stares at me. Changes into Aunt Bella. I don't know what to do. Whatever my plan was has disappeared from my memory and I can't breathe. Lupin steps in front of me, just as I feel my legs slip from underneath me.

Hermione drags me to the side and hands me a small block of chocolate. I nibble at it as she sits with me. The room comes back into focus and I lean on Hermione. Draco is smirking and he hisses, "Scared of aunt Bella? Not even house elves are scared of her. Pathetic."
I watch as Harry steps up, smiling and shuffling foot to foot. He stands with his wand out, but clearly tenses up at his boggart. I can't see over people's heads, but even Hermione goes quiet from her mumbling. Lupin steps forwards, probably saying something to Harry, before calling off class. Hermione steps up and Lupin says, "Atlas? Kann ich kurz mit Ihnen sprechen?"
"Ja..." I say, following him into his office.

He sits me in the armchair opposite him and says, "Be honest here. Is there a reason you are particularly scared of your father and aunt?"
I shrug and mutter, "Just with Sirius Black out, I worry about my aunt getting out. I mean, mum thinks Sirius is innocent... I shouldn't have said that sir."
"It's okay," Lupin says, "You don't strike me as stupid. Are you, by any chance, a Metamorphmagus?"
"Yes, sir, I am." I confirm. He smiles and says, "You know, being a Metamorphmagus is a remarkable feature. I would recommend not being shy of it. Embracing it could make you feel more comfortable just existing. I imagine it is quite hard hiding something that is a big part of yourself? Especially because people would judge you, or at least, that is what you are scared of."
I nod and say, "I mean, the whole of my house here know, and I don't feel judged. I just don't think Slytherin are really the most welcoming of differences. I will let people know, but I just want to do it on my own time."
"Understandable. Now, I would recommend revising, but I suppose that is all you've been told recently."
"It really is," I groan, "Honestly, I don't even want to be doing my exams this young. I'm glad I'm getting them out the way but really? It just seems unfair. I feel like I was made out to be such a good person, and I'm ending up like Uncle Sirius."
"Black? Uncle Sirius Black?" Professor Lupin leans forwards, much more interested. I nod and say, "Yeah. Like Sirius."
"Sirius Black was a good friend," he says, "Don't be disappointed to end up like him. Just, don't make too many bad choices. Try make good decisions."
"Thank you sir." I say, standing up. Just as I reach the door, Professor says, "Oh, and Atlas?"
"Yes sir?"
"Good luck."
"Thank you sir."

I understand that I should at least try to talk to the group at dinner, but I really can't be bothered. I push food round my plate, and excuse myself to bed early. While sat in bed, I want to feel worried about Sirius Black. I want to want him to get caught. But I don't. I want to meet him.