Feral Den

Chapter 50

Excitement and celebration quickly fell away from Hogwarts at Fred's and George's departure.

The act itself had been amazing. Anyone could say that, everyone agreed with it. Even teachers agreed when students asked during classes.

But that didn't stop the aftermath.
Anyone who Umbridge found close with the twins had slowly been pulled away. Questioned if they had been in cahoots with the Weasley twins.
No one said they were. All vehemently denying it. All leaving with no marks of a detention.

When Hailee asked Lee Jordan, he had scratched his head and shrugged.

"Dunno. She served me tea, then asked if I had helped Fred and George. I didn't and said so and she let me go."
Hailee frowned. "Really? I find that hard to believe."
"Me too." Lee Jordan shrugged. "Dunno. At least I didn't get one of her detentions. Those things are brutal."
Hailee nodded, watching as Lee Jordan rubbed the words covering the back of his lend hand.
"Are you alright?" She asked, pointing at the scars. "I know you got it a few months ago, but—"
Lee Jordan waved her off. "Don't worry." He smiled, if a bit disheartened. "It's fine. All fine. Nothing like yours."
Hailee sighed. "I promise, if you do get another detention that—"
"I know Hailee." Lee Jordan placed a hand on her shoulder. "I've seen what your work has done. It's great." He smiled again.
Hailee nodded, allowing him to go to his next class.

April bled into May and May bled into June.

By the time O.W.L.s were beginning, Hailee's head was in a world of hurt.
Ever since the school year had reached May, Hermione had been relentless. Hardly ever allowing Hailee to go to her own House to sleep.

By the time the first of the O.W.L. exams started, Hailee hadn't slept in her own bed for a month and a half. Greengrass cautioned her concerns, but Hailee had waved her off.

"It's fine." Hailee had said. "The couch is comfortable enough."
"She's not even giving you a bed?!" Greengrass had flown off the roof. Blasting Hailee's ear with how damaging a couch could be for her back and how Hermione was treating Hailee's health like it was nothing. Again.

Hailee chose not to argue, instead nodding when she could. Agreeing when Greengrass prompted for it. Ignored her whenever the opportunity displayed an opportunity.

Hailee yawned as she stared down at the written portion of the Charms O.W.L. exam.
The questions were easy. Nearly too easy as Hailee read and wrote down the answer. An administrator walking the aisles, staring over each of their shoulders.

Hailee didn't understand why. Didn't they trust students? Especially when they are given anti-cheating charmed quills?
No?
Well, that's rude.

The hour and half was quickly up. Moving to the practical portion.
Hailee much more enjoyed this. Half her year was sent outside as groups of five or four were called in by alphabetical order.

"How do you think you did?" Zabini asked her.
Hailee shrugged, lifting her glasses to rub the bridge of her nose. "Good, I guess. The questions were easy."
"Because Granger would rather have you study than sleep." Greengrass grumbled beside her.
"Daphne, please." Hailee sighed, not having enough energy to keep up with Greengrass' accusatory blame to her best friend.
Greengrass humphed, crossing her arms stubbornly. Hailee sighed, knowing she'd have to deal with her attitude when she finally did come back to Slytherin full-time.

Hailee's name was called with the Patil twins and a few others. Neil looked sick as he wobbled after Hailee, looking near ready to piss himself.

"Calm down Neil." Troy was saying.
"Can't." He struggled through the large Great Hall doors.