Isidora's Revenge

Chapter 4

Andrea and Sebastian returned to Hogwarts in silence, stepping out of the fireplace and simply standing there. Professor Weasley had been waiting, her expression tightening as she sensed something was wrong. She rose from her chair and approached them.

"What has happened?" she asked, apprehensive. Her gaze first fell on Andrea, who looked down, avoiding eye contact. Realising she wouldn't get an answer from her, Professor Weasley turned to Sebastian, raising an eyebrow.

Without delay, Sebastian spoke up. "Andrea took it upon herself to dispose of Victor Rookwood—right in front of the entire Wizengamot and the Minister of Magic!" His tone was sharp, and he crossed his arms, facing Andrea directly. Andrea remained silent but met his glare, crossing her arms in response.

Professor Weasley's expression grew stern. "What do you mean by dispose?"

Sebastian continued to stare at Andrea, who held her ground, unwavering. Professor Weasley seemed to understand without further explanation. "Well," she cleared her throat softly, "why don't you both return to your chambers and get some rest. It must have been a long day."

Andrea turned and left without a word, her pace brisk. Sebastian hurried to catch up, finally reaching her as she approached the faculty tower.

As they reached the faculty tower door, Sebastian moved swiftly to block Andrea's path, stepping directly in front of her. She lifted her head, meeting his gaze with an icy stare. He stepped forward, forcing her to step back, catching her off guard.

"What the fuck were you thinking?!" he demanded, taking another step. "In front of the Council?" Another step forward. Andrea glanced back to keep from tripping, but Sebastian closed in, relentless. "And the Minister?! Why did you do that?" His voice rose with every step until they nearly reached the wall. He took a sharp breath, then shouted, "WHY?!"

Startled, Andrea stumbled, hitting her head against the wall behind her. She grimaced, checking the back of her head with her hand, and could feel her blood boiling, her fists clenching. When he shouted "WHY?!" again, she lost her composure.

She lunged at him, pushing against his chest and forcing him back as she yelled, "For YOU! I did it for fucking you!" She shoved him again and again until his back hit the wall, now right next to the faculty tower door.

They both stood still, catching their breath. Andrea was visibly shaken, breathing hard, while Sebastian remained silent, watching her in shock.

Finally, Andrea spoke, her voice lower but resolute. "I did it for you." Her gaze dropped to the floor, then she lifted her head, meeting his eyes. Her expression had changed—not remorseful, not angry or upset. Her face was impassive. With a calm, emotionless tone, she added, "And I would do it again... in a heartbeat."

Before he could respond, she pushed past him and walked away. Sebastian remained against the wall, stunned. He tried to process what had just happened, thoughts racing: Why would she do this for me? Why did she do it at all? Why did she have to kill? And... did she enjoy it?

Sebastian thought back to their time at Hogwarts together. He remembered when Andrea first discovered that Victor was responsible for his sister's condition. He was also the one who had kidnapped and nearly killed Andrea on multiple occasions. No wonder she sought revenge. But he couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to it than just vengeance. He decided not to press her about it, instead heading back to his chamber, deep in thought.

Meanwhile, Andrea returned to her own chambers, slamming the door behind her. She walked to her mirror and stood staring at her reflection, placing her wand on the table beside it. Feeling numb and disconnected, she took a deep breath and began to undress, tossing her clothes onto a chair before crawling into bed. She wanted nothing more than for this day to end. Yet, Victor's lifeless face and the flash of green from her wand replayed over and over in her mind. She lay staring at the canopy for a while before finally drifting into sleep.

The next morning was awkward, to say the least. Professors gathered in the Great Hall for breakfast, discussing the upcoming first day of term. Garreth, Natty, and Poppy chatted about their lesson plans, while Sebastian walked in and sat beside Garreth.

"You were out late, mate!" Garreth teased, nudging his arm. But Sebastian remained silent. Garreth glanced at him again, noticing his exhausted, drawn expression.

Natty and Poppy noticed too, and with growing worry, they glanced around, realising Andrea wasn't there either. Alarmed, Poppy got up to look for her, but just as she neared the door, Andrea entered, gently pushing it open.

"Oh, thank Merlin!" Poppy sighed with relief, hurrying over. But as she approached, she saw the fatigue etched on Andrea's face. She looked as worn as Sebastian.

"I'm fine," Andrea said dismissively, brushing past her and heading down the Great Hall toward Professor Weasley's table. Poppy looked confused, watching her go before returning to her seat.

"What did she say?" Natty asked as Poppy sat back down.

"She said she was fine," Poppy replied, glancing over at Sebastian. "What happened?" she asked him directly. All eyes turned toward him, waiting for an answer.

Sebastian remained silent for a moment before shaking his head. "I think you should be asking her," he replied, looking pointedly at Andrea, who had turned to glance back at them. He then rose from his seat and walked out of the Great Hall, leaving everyone exchanging puzzled looks.

Andrea didn't catch what he'd said but sensed it was about her. She simply continued on and approached Professor Weasley.

"Good morning, Miss Taylor," Professor Weasley greeted, tactfully avoiding any mention of the night before.

"Good morning, Professor. I hoped we could discuss ongoing security today. I want to make sure everything is ready for term's start." Andrea knew her friends were watching her but avoided looking their way.

"Of course," Professor Weasley replied with a nod. She gave Andrea a slight raise of her brow, as if silently asking, Are you alright?

Andrea nodded back and began to walk away.

"Aren't you staying for some breakfast?" Professor Weasley asked.

"I'm not that hungry," Andrea replied, turning to leave. She walked past her friends without a word, each of them watching her in bewilderment, piecing together what little they knew about what must have happened last night. But one thing was certain—they all knew it wasn't good.