The Daughter of Voldemort

Chapter 3

"You three will need to go see Professor Dumbledore right after classes tomorrow," Professor Mcgonagall said, her voice shaking a little, "He isn't here right now, but I'm sure he's going to want to hear directly from you exactly what happened."  

As quickly as she saved them, Veronica had disappeared after the Chandelier incident. Ron and Hermione had not even seen that she was there, so their versions of the story were giving the credit of their save to a mystery wizard. As Veronica had not stuck around, Harry made the assumption that she did not want to be credited for some reason. So Harry went along with the story of a mystery wizard when telling Mcgonagall what had happened. 

Madam pomfrey had come down with Professor Mcgonagall to give an assessment of their health. Once declared injury free, Harry, Ron, and Hermione were sent off to bed, being told it was most likely an accident and that the chain of the chandelier was old and fragile. But Harry wasn't convinced. The look on Professor Mcgonagall's face told Harry that there was something to be concerned about. Nonetheless, Harry kept his mouth shut and went off to bed with the other two.

The next morning, Ron and Hermione were still focused on the events of the night before, but Harry only had one thing on his mind. He needed to get Veronica alone long enough to asker her what happened. This proved to be quite difficult as she seemed to purposely avoid his gaze and never let herself be left alone. 

When Charms rolled around, Harry spent the entire class watching Veronica fake her difficulty with the depulso charm. She flashed her eyes in his direction a few times, but never let herself look directly into Harry's eyes. 

When the class finally ended, Harry rushed out the door, desperate to stop Veronica. Hermione called after him in protest, but Harry ignored her. He stood flat against the wall around a corner he knew Veronica would have to turn, deciding direct confrontation was going to be the most effective way of speaking to her. When Veronica and two of her friends turned around the curve, Harry stepped forward, blocking the path, causing the three girls to stagger to a stop. 

"Hello, ladies," Harry made a bad attempt to be charming, "Do you think I could borrow Veronica for a few minutes."

Her two friends giggled and grinned at Harry, "Sure!" they said in unison and walked on ahead, leaving them alone. 

Veronica gave Harry a death glare and attempted to walk away from him. Harry matched her pace, walking along side her. "I kept your secret," Harry said in a low voice.

Veronica slowed her pace a little as her face softened. 

"But I do have a meeting with Dumbledore after my classes today," Harry said, making Veronica slow down to a pace that was holding up the flow of students in the hall, "in case you have any specifics you want me to add to my lie."

Veronica's eyes met Harry's for only a second before turning back in front of her. "Thank you," she said so softly that Harry barely picked it up.

"Yeah, I don't mind," Harry said quickly, "but I would like to know why exactly I am lying. I mean.. you saved our lives. Why is that a secret? And why are you lying about your magical skills in class? Shouldn't you be showing everyone up?"

Veronica smiled softly, "It's just better this way."

"I don't understand-"

"Can't you just be happy that I saved your life and move on?" Veronica whispered harshly. 

"Thanks, I guess," Harry gave up on getting information out of her and turned to walk back towards his class.

"Wait!" She spoke up for the first time in this entire conversation. Harry stopped, surprised by her demand.