The Story of Sheila Riddle (Harry Potter Fanfic)

Chapter 11

Sheila saw a book lying on the mantelpiece of the fireplace, and with a flick of her wand, she sent it soaring through the air. It struck Tom squarely in the back of the head. Tom froze and the surrounding students started to whisper fiercely amongst themselves. Sheila ignored them. Tom seemed to be struggling with himself. The prefects were looking very concerned by now.  

Then Tom turned back quite suddenly, hardly giving his sister time to react as he flung a jinx at her.

"Protego!" Sheila shrieked, and only just in time.

She felt a sudden chill; it must have been some sort of freezing spell. She retaliated quickly, silently brandishing her wand. Tom's feet were knocked out from under him, but he refused to be defeated so easily.

"Diffindo!" he screeched.

Sheila felt blood spurt from her cheek; it had only nicked her. Her wand hand was shaking violently. Her anger was glowing white hot. If this kept up, she wouldn't be able to control herself for much longer...

"Sectumsempra!" Sheila shouted; it was a spell Snape had taught her.

With a pang of guilt, she realized Snape was probably among the watching crowd of Slytherins. What would he think of her? Was it possible he could grow to despise her even more than he already did?

Tom deflected the curse and it rebounded at her. She ducked and the spell hit the couch standing a few feet behind her. She heard the ripping of canvas and suppressed a shudder. She couldn't lose focus. She jabbed her wand fiercely in her brother's direction. Numerous small objects scattered around the room rose as one and converged upon Tom. Tom conjured a Shield Charm, which only served to frustrate Sheila further.

"Expulso!"

The spell shot from her wand and hit the wall behind Tom, causing it to explode. Tom was thrown forward. He hit the floor, but he was clearly determined to remain unbeaten.

Raising his wand, he shouted, "Expelliarmus!"

Sheila had not been prepared. Her wand flew from her hand; as she felt it slip through her fingers, something inside her snapped.

She screamed. It was a piercing sound that went on and on.

Suddenly the flames shot from the fireplace. Tom, who was back on his feet, had instinctively created another Shield Charm. The flames hit it with unbelievable force; Tom was pushed back several inches. His face was distorted with concentration. The spectators held their breaths. But it was clear that Tom wouldn't be able to hold out forever.

It was just then, that a teacher walked in.

The adult's face was temporarily frozen in horror at the scene taking place before her eyes. When she had recovered, she began to shout reprimands, but they went unheeded.

Then suddenly Sheila pitched forward. She had been struck with a Stunning Spell from behind. The jet of flame abruptly vanished and Tom collapsed on the floor, breathing heavily. The teacher came forward and immediately began fussing over him.

Meanwhile, a prefect moved over to Sheila, and, pointing his wand at her, mutter, "Rennervate."

Sheila sat up quickly.

"Miss Riddle!" The teacher stood across the room, a reproving look on her face, her hand resting on Tom's shoulder. "What warrants this behavior?"

Sheila didn't answer, and the teacher beckoned her forward.

"I can assure you this will mean detention for you, young lady," the teacher said harshly, "I'll give the details later. For now, you and your brother will come up to the infirmary with me."

"I'm fine," Sheila said, but the teacher ignored her, insisting that she be looked over.

"Wait!" a voice cried.

Sheila turned to see Snape rushing forward.

"Here," he said, pushing her wand into her hands.

Sheila felt a lump form in her throat. She wanted to apologize to him, to beg his forgiveness for ever hurting him, for being so careless. The teacher called her attention back and she trailed miserably after her.

As soon as they had been discharged from the infirmary, Tom had gone rushing off somewhere. Sheila didn't care to know where. She didn't want to be anywhere near him just then.

Unfortunately, she came across him in an empty corridor. He looked distraught.

"Finally realized the weight of your mistakes?" Sheila snapped at him.

He looked at her steadily for a moment before replying, "You were right. They're going to close down the school. I asked the Headmaster if I could stay, but he refused me."

"And what are you going to do now?" Sheila demanded hotly.

"Fix it. I'm going to fix it," Tom said quietly, brushing past her.

He stopped suddenly and turned back.

"You can choose to hate me, but it's not going to change my mind. Nothing is," he said.

Sheila gulped, "I don't hate you, Tom. I could never hate you. I thought you knew that. Are...are you sure I can't change your mind?"

Tom gave a silent nod. Sheila considered him a moment.

"I won't forgive the crimes you've committed," she said, "But I'll keep your secrets."

"I knew you would."

Then he was gone, leaving Sheila to wonder if she had made the right choice. She had two options: to hold true to her promise of being a good sister, or to betray Tom and go back to the living hell of loneliness.

But it was too late to turn back.