𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐉𝐎𝐊𝐄𝐑 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐄𝐍, george weasley

014

FOURTEEN

The chill in the air seemed heavier the morning after Hermione's petrification. Though Gryffindor House had tried to rally together, an unspoken fear lingered in the halls. The whispers about the Chamber of Secrets had grown louder, and Victoria felt her stomach twist every time someone mentioned it. 

After breakfast, Victoria made her way to the library with Fred and George in tow. It had become routine for them to escort her between classes and anywhere else she needed to go. 

"Not that I mind," George said, holding the library door open for her, "but if this keeps up, we'll have to start charging for bodyguard services." 

"Right," Fred chimed in. "Ten Sickles per corridor, extra if Peeves shows up." 

Victoria rolled her eyes, managing a small smile despite the tension. "I'm honored to have the Weasley Security Service at my disposal." 

The twins grinned, but the moment of levity didn't last long. As they stepped into the library, a familiar, frantic voice cut through the air. 

"Get Madam Pomfrey! Quickly!" 

Victoria, Fred, and George exchanged worried looks before hurrying toward the source of the commotion. They rounded a corner to find a small group of students gathered around a petrified figure on the floor. 

"It's Justin Finch-Fletchley," someone whispered. 

Madam Pince, the librarian, looked horrified as she ushered students away from the scene. Madam Pomfrey arrived moments later, her expression grim as she levitated Justin's stiffened form onto a conjured stretcher. 

Victoria's heart sank. Justin was a Muggle-born like her, and he'd always been kind and cheerful. Seeing him like this made her feel cold all over. 

"Let's get out of here," Fred muttered, gently steering Victoria away from the scene. 

Back in the common room, Victoria sat in her usual spot by the fire, staring blankly at the flames. Fred and George flanked her on either side, their usual mischievous energy replaced by quiet concern. 

"This is getting worse," Victoria said softly. "Justin... he didn't deserve that." 

"No one does," George replied, his voice uncharacteristically serious. 

Fred leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "They'll figure it out, Tori. Dumbledore, McGonagall—they'll stop whoever's behind this." 

"Will they?" Victoria asked, her voice wavering. "What if they can't?" 

Angelina and Alicia joined them, each carrying a mug of hot chocolate. Angelina handed one to Victoria, sitting down across from her. 

"Drink," she said firmly. "You need to keep your strength up." 

Alicia nodded. "We're all scared, Tori. But we're not going to let this beat us. None of us are." 

Later that evening, Victoria wrote another letter to her mother, her quill scratching softly against the parchment. 

Dear mum,

Things have gotten worse. Another student has been petrified, and I can't help but feel helpless. I want to do something, but I don't even know where to start. I miss you so much right now. If I could just talk to you, maybe it wouldn't feel so overwhelming. I promise to stay safe. Please don't worry too much.

She paused, her hand trembling slightly before she signed her name. 

Fred noticed her solemn expression and leaned over the back of her chair. "Writing to your mum again?" 

Victoria nodded. 

"She's lucky to have a daughter like you," he said quietly, offering her a small smile. 

For the first time that day, Victoria felt a sliver of comfort. "Thanks, Fred." 

⠀:¨ ·.· ¨:⠀
⠀ '· . ୨୧⠀

That night, as the castle settled into uneasy silence, Victoria woke to a sound outside the Gryffindor girls' dormitory. It was faint, like a whisper carried on the wind, but it chilled her to the bone. 

"Did you hear that?" she asked Angelina, who was still awake and reading. 

Angelina frowned, putting down her book. "Hear what?" 

"That whisper..." 

Angelina shook her head. "Tori, you've been under a lot of stress. Maybe you're just imagining things." 

Victoria nodded hesitantly, but as she lay back down, the whisper echoed in her mind. She couldn't shake the feeling that whatever it was, it was tied to the attacks. 

And it wasn't finished yet.