Moon Dust | Mattheo Riddle

Chapter 41: I must not tell lies

The tablet Umbridge had given Nova did nothing. It had been two hours since she had taken it, and so far, she felt no different. It was a relief, as much as it was a disappointment. In one way, she was grateful that it had no effect on her. Since taking it, she had worried that she should have spoken to her father first. Surely, things like this required parental permission. Maybe he had been contacted already, although she doubted that, Remus Lupin would not take very well to someone trying to take precautions with his child.

However, Nova was somewhat disappointed. She had hoped it would alleviate some of her stress and distract her, at least a bit. Instead, it only made her feel worse. Plus, her only distraction was likely hanging out a window somewhere in the castle, smoking a cigarette.

Thankfully, the pill didn't affect her appetite. Even though she had missed breakfast, Nova had stopped by the kitchens on her way back to her dorm. The house elves were always happy to help; they loved when Nova would sit and chat with them, especially when she brought muggle books.

She gave the mirror another shot too, hoping to get in touch with Harry after she changed for the day, but all she saw was a blank screen. So either he'd left the mirror in his dorm, or he was ignoring her. With a sigh, Nova grabbed her tote bag and cast a fleeting glance towards Magnolia's bed. She wasn't there, likely already headed to breakfast. They were supposed to have tryouts for the quidditch team today, but her quidditch gear was still by her bed, just sitting there, not used but not packed away either.

The thought made Nova sad. She wanted to help her friend, but she was hesitant. Quidditch would do Magnolia some good, but she didn't want to push her right now, incase it just ended up pushing her away.

On her way to her first class of the day, Nova bumped into Hermione, which made her feel a bit better. This was a new year, sixth year. They had their NEWTS coming next spring and Nova was looking forward to them. There were a lot of things to look forward to when you looked through the bad, sure they were on the cusp of a war, but they had Sirius back, her father was happy, he wasn't alone for the full moons, Harry was staying with them again this Christmas, and maybe soon it could become a more permanent thing—even if he was a little cross with her right now, Harry was like her brother, they'd be okay.

If she just stayed hopeful, positive, then everything would be just fine, good even. Nova liked school. This was the best place to be, Harry was safe, Mattheo was here and they were friends again. All of her friends were in the same place. It was going to be a good year, she was determined to make it as such.

"I don't think he's really mad at you, he's just frustrated over everything, being in the dark all summer," Hermione said as they walked down the corridor. "He was still being short with Ron and I last night, it'll blow over once he's calmed down."

"I hope so," Nova nodded, ducking as Peeves flew past her head, trying to sneak up on her. He didn't take into account that she could hear him laughing from a mile away. Peeves stumbled into a suit of armor, disappearing through it, then let out a shrill laugh as he emerged through the top of its helmet. "Sorry!" Nova giggled, waving as Hermione pulled her away, shaking her head at the polter-joker, who shrank back into the knights armour, getting ready to ambush another student.

Hermione led Nova into the adjacent corridor, casting a quick glance over her shoulder to ensure the ghost hadn't trailed behind them. "He's just stubborn."

"I should have told him that I was speaking to Mattheo again, and the kiss especially."

"What?!" Hermione shrieked.

Nova clapped her hands over her ears, shaking her head loudly as a few passing students glanced their way. Hermione cleared her throat, waiting for the students to pass before turning back to Nova. "First off, it's none of Harry's business, second of all, What? Why? When?!"