What Goes Up, Must Come Down #Wattys2016

Chapter 20: But What if it Isn't

"What WAS that Crouch?!" Moody demands after pulling me into his office, and pushing me into a chair. He literally had to pull me out of the second task, as I had gone hysterical.

But she was the devil. She deserved it. "She insulted my dad." Okay, that was slightly bending the truth. She was insulting me by mentioning him, but it's the same thing, right?

"Makes sense."

We sat in an awkward silence.

"You may go now Crouch."

***

After the incident, George didn't speak to me, which I was oddly annoyed with. I guess I was so used to him that when he stopped hanging around, my body got weirded out and stuff. Yes, that can happen.

It's called science.

A while ago, before the second task, I had to explain the entire concept of science to George, which didn't go well. He was still convinced that the sun won't blow up in a zillion years, ending all life in the solar system.

Idiot.

***

I dashed down the halls of Hogwarts after classes and dinner. I cannot be late for detention. Moody will kill me.

Moody had given me detention for tackling the devil, though I could tell he only did because he felt like if he didn't people would suspect something. It's pretty obvious that I'm Moody's favorite. Yes, I'm aware that it is a but weird, but I've learned to accept it.

"I'm here professor." I pant, exhausted.

He looks up from a piece of parchment. "Good. Now Crouch, I want you to.....er......sweep." He looked at a broom that was leaning against the wall. "Yes, sweep my office and the hall. I have to go, I'll be right back." He exits the room, leaving me alone. But I have to admit, I don't exactly feel like I'm alone.....the rattling chest in the corner of the room is freaking me out.

Yes, there is a rattling chest. It's also screaming a bit.

Freaky.

Well, I better get to work. Moody's office and the hall aren't going to clean themselves.

Grabbing the broom, I begin to sweep. I sweep around the entire room.

When I pass his desk, I glance at it, before continuing my sweep. What?!

I have to look again. Is that parchment....MOVING?!

Well, IT isn't moving, but the words are. I pick it up, and examine it. It reads, Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs are proud to present the Marauders Map.

Wait, so this is a map? Cool!

Okay, I want to continue sweeping so I can get out of this place, but taking a little peek at it won't hurt anyone, right? Right? I open the flaps on the map. All over it are moving names in rooms.

Draco Malfoy is in the Slytherin common room, according to this map.

Fred Weasley, George's twin, is at dinner.

George is with Libby in some room I've never heard of. Figures. I saw them at breakfast, and later they were hanging out together. All day.

Yes, it infuriated me, but I just chose to ignore it. I have so many other friends to hang out with. Who cares about Weaslbee? I have Moody and.....and....and....MY IMAGINARY FRIENDS!

Yes, my imaginary friends. Like Esther.

Esther, my best friend, is imaginary.

Sure, it's freaky, but we ARE best friends. We have so much in common......oh dear, I need help, don't I.

I push that thought out of my head as I continue to read the map. My eyes wander to random classrooms and offices. Dumbledore is in his office, pacing back and forth. He must be stressed. Poor bloke. He's way too old to be running a school. He should go home and rest.

Trewalney is in her tower with Lavender Brown, a Gryffindor.

I continue to look around, until....WHAT?!

​​​My breathing stops immediately when my eyes lock on Snapes potions cabinet, as inside, the name of my father is written in that tiny little writing on the map.

The map is lying.

But what if it isn't?