Unseen University for extra magic

Sisterly bonding

The rest of the day passed without incident. The subject of types never came up again something for which I was very thankful. However, our group was plagued with a new topic of interest when, the next evening, Evie came to dinner with big news. A smug, knowing grin was plastered across her face as she sat in the seat next to me.

"What's got you so excited?" asked Morgana

"You'll never guess who I just saw," said Evie.

I sighed. "Was it Draco?"

"No," said Evie.

"Russo?" said Evie.

Evie scrunched her face. "Why would I care about that?"

""But Evie has a talent for finding out things she's not supposed to," said Morgana. "She's an exception."

Evie was beaming as if she'd just been given the greatest compliment in the world.

I looked up at the teacher's table where Professor Rincewindsat beside Garlick. The two of them were talking vehemently about something, while Professor Ronen listened in curiously. How long would Daphne continue to teach Care of Magical Creatures?

I couldn't ask my friends what they thought without having to pay the fine, so I kept my mouth glued shut. Instead, I glanced across to where the Golden Trio were sitting with a bunch of other students many of whom I recognized from that day outside the Ripper's Head. Even though I wasn't certain about what their little group was doing, I silently wished them luck. I may not like Potter, but even I could support someone who was defying Umbridge.

"I hate that woman," I muttered.

"Who?" asked Evie, surprised. "Greengrass?"

"I've never met Greengrass . Why would I hate her?" I shook my head. "I meant Umbridge."

Morgana nodded, and Evie stabbed a roasted pepper on her plate rather violently. "Who doesn't hate her?" she asked.

"Fudge," said Morgana grimly.

"Fudge isn't in office?" I asked.

"What are you talking about now?" An all too familiar voice came from behind me.

I leaned back in my seat and looked up to see my older half sister standing over me. There had been a faint teasing to her tone, but now that I saw her, I realized that her expression was dead serious.

"What is it?" I asked, turning around on the bench so that I could face Ruby Noire properly.

Ruby glanced around the table at my friends. "Can I talk to you?"

While no secrets existed between Morgan, Ashe, Evie and me.

"You want to head back to the common room?" I asked, getting to my feet.

Ruby nodded.

"Later," murmured Morgana.

"Don't forget about our Herbology essay," said Evie.

Ruby led the way out of the Great Hall, and I followed closely behind, weaving my way through the crowds of people who had inconsiderately decided to form clusters in front of the exit. One boy gave me a murderous glare as I pushed past him. I muttered, "Someone wants to be hexed," under my breath, which caused the boy to turn quickly away from me, I regretted after.

When we were alone in the hallway, heading towards the Common room, I finally spoke, "So how have you been?"

"Fine."

"How are classes?"

Ruby shrugged. "I'm surviving."

"What's this I hear about you and Seamus?"