Connected by Magic

Chapter 58

Amelia felt conflicted about how things are going. Her House felt increasingly less like home with the current tense air. Distrust was growing as more people began to believe Harry. Among the younger Slytherins at least. Whatever they may be in terms of blood-status, everyone had a fear for the Dark Lord. Let it also be that the youngsters likely didn't have Death Eaters as parents.

All in all, it created an atmosphere that was more and more like a heavy pressure cooker. It made her spend even less time within the common room. She definitely didn't want to be there when it eventually exploded. That's not fair as she is the cause...

Perhaps she just made things worse in the end.

"If I didn't know any better, you're doubting yourself," Pansy remarked, lounging on the wooden floor of the astronomy tower. A small fire was burning inside a metal container, keeping them warm and comfy despite the cold air of the night.

"I made things worse in our House, Pansy," said Amelia with a heavy sigh. "What use is a civil war?"

Pansy shrugged causally. "Things happen."

"'Things happen'? Are you for real?" Amelia asked. "People could get hurt, Pansy! I don't want that on my conscience. It was supposed to be peaceful, not like this!"

"This is reality, Amelia," Pansy said. "What did you expect? Handshakes, smiles, and laughter? We're talking about families with Death Eaters, Amelia. I was awful, sure, but my parents weren't Death Eaters. But the others? Some were fanatics, of course, their children would be too."

"How'd you know that?"

"I know them," she said, a sigh leaving her as she turned to face Amelia. "Well, not all, obviously, but Malfoy, Crabbe, Goyle, Nott... all of them have one or more parent in You-Know-Who's ranks. They'll make sure their children will follow in their footsteps."

"It's like wailing against a wall. At times, I wonder why I even bother," Amelia muttered, playing with the fire as her wand made figures in the air. Each swish made the flame follow. "You know, when I came out of the hospital, I felt like I could take on the world. And I thought I was winning. I made friends, got good grades-"

"Got a girlfriend," Pansy added, making Amelia chuckle with flushed cheeks.

"Yeah, a fantastic girlfriend. Just to say, it felt like everything was running smoothly. But this? I don't get it. Sure, I understand what you meant, but I don't get why you need to start a battle. We're all in the same House. Just... don't make it a bloody affair, y'know? They fall down a bad road, sure, and we'll deal with it. But don't start some kind of unnecessary war."

Pansy looked to the dark sky, stars swimming within the expanse of darkness. Poetic in a sense, given the circumstances. Dark times yet there's always light.

"It's just the way it is," said Pansy. "You're a thinker while I am a woman of action. I get that you don't like it, but it could be good. Who's to say? We've done all we can."

"Yeah..." Amelia sighed deeply, sitting up from her spot while leaning on the metal railing. The night was peaceful, and to escape the hectic common room was nice. There's still something on her mind. "Speaking of action, I noticed you and Harry are on much better terms. Glad to see you're reaching out to the other side."

Pansy was silent for a moment, her gaze on the stars. "Well, yeah, I guess I am. There's more... to him than I first thought. Suppose we've cleared the air pretty well between us."

"That's nice," Amelia said with a soft smile on her face. "I'm glad something went right with me trying to change things... Some success in dreary times."