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ALLY FOUND HERSELF spending breakfast at the Slytherin table, a rare occurrence prompted by the earnest pleas of her friends. They had barely seen her outside of class since she began mending her relationship with Ginny.
"Oh, it's just dreadful," murmured Lottie, absently pushing the food around on her plate with a fork.
None of them had touched their breakfast, the recent attack on Granger and Penelope Clearwater casting a shadow over the entire school. A sense of unease clung to the air, as if at any moment, something could emerge from the walls to strike them all down. Yet, some Slytherins seemed almost delighted by the turmoil, with a few even expressing that these events were somehow justified. Naturally, Malfoy and his gang of supremacist cronies were at the heart of this.
Ally kept her head bowed, almost hidden behind the pages of Quidditch Through the Ages, a book she had only skimmed over Blaise's shoulder in the common room. But that day, Blaise Zabini had caught her peeking, so close she could almost feel his breath. Irritated, he thrust the book into her hands, telling her she could keep it.
Now, Ally was completely absorbed by the book. It was the first time she'd shown such dedication to something so dense. Usually, she would abandon a book after two pages, declaring that she had read enough for the day. Lottie and Amelia had noticed her newfound interest too, encouraging her to try out for the Slytherin Quidditch team next year.
"I doubt they allow girls on the team, let alone a Weasley," Ally said gloomily, her mind racing with ways she might defy the odds.
"I doubt there'll be a Hogwarts next year at all," Amelia replied with an eerie, wide-eyed stare. "Didn't you hear? Professor Dumbledore said the school will close if the attacks don't stop."
"Honestly, it feels like one of the first-years brought a curse with them," Lottie muttered, her stomach growling though she could hardly bring herself to eat. "It's our first year, and some madman releases a monster. How are we supposed to learn magic like this?"
Amelia shrugged. "We could transfer. I doubt Dumbledore would let his students roam free with all this knowledge."
Ally rested her chin in her hand, her thoughts spiraling. If Hogwarts did close, where would she and Ginny go? Perhaps there were wizarding schools near where Bill or Charlie worked, but it wouldn't be the same. Maybe that wouldn't be such a bad thing. No monsters lurking about, at least.
