The whispering quill | F. W.

8.

Days later, Aria was dragged by Fred to the room of requirement, where all the students, except for Slytherins, decided to work together and learn how to defend themselves in the magic world against Voldemort and his fellows. They believed that a magic war would happen soon or later.

Everyone wasn't happy to see a Slytherin join in the club, they were afraid that Aria would tell Umbridge everything and ruin them, or simply go to her housemates and betray the other students.
Aria looked at Fred like to say 'I told you they wouldn't like me in the group' but Fred was determined to stand by her side and let her in.

"She can't join our group" Said Hermione crossing her arms as Ron and the other students nodded in agreement.
"Why? We are all here to learn, regardless of our houses. Besides, she's brave enough to be here despite the risks, and is very clever" Fred argued, defending Aria's presence in the group.
Aria looked up at him, she admired the fact that he was taking her defense.
"I doubt that" Whispered Hermione as other students still didn't trust a Slytherin join their the group.
Aria sighed.
"Of course Hermione doesn't want me here, I'm better than her" Said her as Hermione was red with anger.
"Can you try to not provoke others, Aria? You are not helping, besides we're all in this together" Said Fred as Aria rolled her eyes, but he was right, it was just her defense mechanism and she had to let her walls down to get along with others and be accepted into the group, that clearly didn't like her.
Aria sighed and calmly said:" I don't want to be in the group either, but Fred said you are learning spells to fight into the magic world against Voldemort and his fellows, so I'm here to help"
Hermione scoffed.
"You're only here because Fred insisted. Don't expect us to trust you or befriend you just like that"
Aria mimicked her, Hermione really got on her nerves but didn't want to argue right now, especially after Fred told her to behave well.

"How do we know she won't betray us? She is a Slytherin and is Draco's girlfriend, she will tell him and Umbridge about us and will ruin our project!" Some nodded in agreement at those words from the Gryffindor's students.
Fred felt a pang on his chest when he heard about Draco, but then Aria spoke.
"Look, first of all, Draco and I broke up a long time ago, secondly I don't see why I should say something to someone that will ruin this project. Just because I'm a Slytherin?"
"We can't trust someone just because they say so, Aria. Actions speak louder than words"
Hermione was really challenging Aria's patience.
"Look, I am at fifth year and I probably know more than all of you together, I'm just here to help. Accept my help is up to you, not me" Said Aria crossing her arms confidently"
Hermione was surprised to know that Aria was that smart and that had private lessons with the teachers, but still unsure to trust a Slytherin.
"Let's vote. Who wants Aria to join the group and be our guide?"
All the students thought for a moment.
Fred and Aria exchanged a look, then he raised his hand, followed by George, Harry and other students.
Aria blinked, surprised, but deep down she felt overwhelmed.
Besides Hermione's skepticism, Aria's confident demeanor was enough for the majority of students to vote her in. They were desperate for any help they could get in defeating Voldemort.
"You may have convinced the others, Aria, but I still don't trust you. One wrong move and I will make sure you regret ever joining us" Hermione glared at her as Aria simply smiled satisfied.
"Alright Hermione, until then I am your professor and you have to learn from me"
Hermione couldn't shake off her distrust towards Aria, but with her knowledge and assistance, she couldn't deny that they were making progress in their fight against Voldemort.

Aria was teaching a lot of new spells and tricks to the others, trying to explain clearly and calmly, even if she was known to loose her patience easily. After all, for Aria those were easy spells and she couldn't understand why were so complicated for the others.
Fred spent more time with Aria, faking the fact that he needed her help with spells just to have her by his side.