What If? Year 2

Chapter 47

I slowly try to work down the anxiety rising in my chest before starting my letter. I pull out my deer from under my bed and set it in my lap. The weight in my lap gives me something new to think about, and not the fact that Mum is pissed and disappointed in me.
I deserve it... I grab some parchment from my dresser and smooth it flat. I stare at the parchment, tears stinging my eyes as I slowly stroke my stuffed animal. A few tears fall onto it, before I here the door creak open. My head snaps to it, trying to wipe my eyes at the same time. No one is there, but the door is defiantly open.
"Midnight?" I get two meows in response. Midnight jumps up on my bed and Crookshanks snuggles down by my feet.
"Hi, guys," I say, as Midnight bats at my deer, "here, I'll move it." I set it down on my pillow and Midnight takes it place. She purrs and snuggles into my hand. Crookshanks bats at my shoe laces, while Midnight licks at my hands. I start to calm down, focusing on the scratchiness on my hands.
"Thanks, you two. I've gotta write this letter." Midnight purrs and moves to my side and Crookshanks follows suite. I cross my legs, grab my quill, and start writing.

Mum,
I am so sorry for stressing you out. I was obviously not thinking straight, and it will not happen again. I am already dealing with the consequences of my actions, and I will not be without a friend ever. Harry and I are alright now. I am very ready for winter break, to be home with you, Dad, and Evie. Feel free to scold me when we get home, I deserve it. I will ask Cedric about break the next chance I get and get back to you. See you in two weeks.
Love,
Goldie

I seal the letter with wax and check my face in the mirror. I wipe the tears away and take a few deep breaths. The red in my face slowly starts to fade and once it does, I go down to the common room. Sirius is waiting for me, along with Harry.
"Hey, sis," he says, pulling me into a hug, "I'll take your letter for you."
"Thanks, Harry." Sirius pulls me to his side and watches Harry walk off to the Owlery.
"You okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine."
"I don't think you are, but if you don't wanna talk about it, that's fine too. Just, don't let it eat you up. I've seen what that can do to people." He kisses my hairline and squeezes me to his side.
"Okay, Uncle Sirius." Dad walks into the common room and smiles at me.
"What class have you got first, Goldie?"
"Charms."
"We'll walk you there."
"Okay, I'll get my stuff."

After getting my stuff, we walk to Charms. Dad tells me about all the new rules, Harry and I are supposed to follow.
No walking around with out at least one friend. No walking around without a teacher after dark. Keep your wand within arms reach at all times. If, for whatever reason, you need to go somewhere by yourself, no secret passages and stay to busy halls.
"Sounds good, Dad," I tell him, "I'll be careful."
"You'll be more than careful, Marigold," he scolds, "I got a letter from your mother this morning and she has half the mind to bring you home and make you take the year over again."
"I know," I whisper, "she told me." Dad nods.
"Just be cautious, suspicious of anyone you don't know." I swallow and nod.
"That might be a bit much, James."
"That's how we survived war times."
"This isn't war times."
"You weren't hunted." They both stare at each other, with me in between their tension.
"I'll be fine, Dad. I'll be as careful as I can possibly be, okay? I'll see you in two weeks." Dad nods and bends to kiss me on the cheek.
"I love you, Goldie."
"Love you too, Dad."
"Be good."
"You too." Sirius snorts and gives me a hug.
"Love you," he says, before whispering, "no one will know about Reggie." I nod and kiss his cheek.
"Love you too." They watch me walk into class before leaving, with a wave.

I get through the day, one class at a time. Each classroom I walk into, I get asked how I am doing or if I am okay. By the end of the day, I get sick of it and give Remus a dirty look when he says hello to me.
"Fix your face," Harry says to me, "he just said hi." I nod and sit down with my stuff. Remus looks at me with an odd look, but I just pull my book and parchment out. He walks behind me.
"Talk to me after class."
Lovely... Harry can have an attitude but as soon as I do, I get in trouble.
"At least you don't have a class after this," Hermione says. I nod.
"Let's just get through class."

At the end of class, I stay put in my seat.
"I'll see you at dinner."
"Okay." I pack my stuff up and put it into my bag. I rest my head on my hand and wait. He walks into his office and motions for me to follow. I get up in anger and follow him. I walk into his office, trying to contain my anger.
"So," he says pleasantly, oblivious to my frustration, "how are you feeling? You and Harry have had quite the last couple of weeks."
"Yeah," I grumble, still trying to control my anger.
And supposedly you're teaching Harry a protective spell but not me.
"You seem upset about something," he comforts, patting a chair besides his desk, "you can talk to me, remember I'm still your Uncle Moony."
"Can I talk to you honestly?"
"Of course... pretend I'm not even your teach right now." I sit in the chair with my legs crossed and hands clenched into fists.
"You know how I skipped a grade?"
"Of course... we are very proud of you and your father never shuts up about it.'
"Sometimes I feel like the teachers still are giving me an easier time because I'm the youngest. Even Snape... he always compliments my potions, and even when Hermione's are just as good if not better he belittles her. I never get called on for questions when I'm not paying attention like the rest of the students do... and even you have been giving me special treatment. You didn'-..."
"Are you sure this isn't just all in your mind?"
"Yes! I swear, Uncle Remus," I continue on in my rant, "In your class, when we faced the boggart, you let all the other students face it, but when it came to my turn you stepped in front of me and banished it back to the cupboard."
"I didn't let Harry or Hermione face it either!"
"They answered questions! I didn't get to do anything all class."
"You're being obnoxious, you get to do other things in class."
"Like what?"
"You answer questions!"
"That's because I'm the only on that raises my hand and Hermione is to busy taking notes sometimes."
"Oh pish posh."
"There's something else... I've heard something about a Patronus charm that you are working on with Harry that fends off dementors." Remus pauses and stares at me.
"I told him not to tell anyone about that."
"He got angry with me and scream it at me. Told me a bunch of stuff about how I shouldn't be where I am, even though I worked for it."
"Well, I'm only doing it because Harry has gotten attacked twice now, if you haven't noticed!"
"So have I!"
"Alright, it's so he can fight them off if they try to attack him during a match again."
"You're making up excuses now! They attacked me too, during a game!"
"Okay, then I'll tell you that I wasn't going to let you go to another quidditch match until the dementors are sent away!"
"Do you have any idea how unfair that would be?"
"I don't care how unfair it might be! I talked to your father about it, and he agrees. We want to protect you."
"But you won' teach me the charm? That is backwards logic and you know it!"
"I'm just a year younger than Harry! And I-..."
"And you skipped a grade, I know! But that doesn't mean that you can go around and argue your way into things... honestly I thought you were better than this." This hammers me straight through my ribs, settling somewhere in my stomach.
"You're acting just like your father."
"I thought that's what everyone wanted." I snap. My chair slams into the floor and I start to leave. I hear a sigh.
"Wait..."
"Everyone is so in love with the Potter personality until I develop it... than it's not good enough. I'll stop bother you." I slam the door behind me and run off to the common room.