Hogwarts School Years: Year 3

Leaving, Locations and Bickering

Natalie’s POV 

“Fine. Let’s go.”

I grit out hoping that he didn’t notice my voice crack slightly at the end of the sentence. I clench my fists in frustration. What else can I do? I know Joey is my family, the closest relative that I’ve got. We’ve known eachother since we were in diapers practically. But....the idea of abandoning my friends....They could lose their lives...Which would mean that I would lose four friends, gone from my life forever. I had the choice...I couldn't bear it if they did lose their lives and I just did nothing to help.

I look at some of the most important people in my life. Joey has a small smile on his face. But his eyes reveal everything. In his eyes, I can see the hurt and the little bit of disappointment. He also has a happy and proud look as if I had gotten the highest mark out of the entire year. Zoey has a mixed look. Her face holds the emotions of worry, conflict and a bit of relief.

Joey leans over and places a quick kiss on her lips. “We should get going then. Take care of yourself, okay?”

She nods almost numbly. “Promise. Make sure you and Nattie don’t do anything stupid, alright?” I couldn’t help but cringe at her new pet name for me.

“No promises.” Joey mutters with a small smile knowing full well that we are going to be doing anything but. He reaches over and places a steady hand on the small of my back. “Come on, we should start catching up with a certain someone.”

***

“Where are they!?” I yell in frustration. For the past forty five minutes or so we have been looking for either Lewis or Keith.

We walk around and emerge into the Great Hall. It’s Sunday and about the time between lunch and dinner. The room is empty except for a few students doing work and the huge group of people across the room. Even from here I can hear the topic of their conversation. Keith. I’ve always wondered how he could have so many fans...it just keeps growing every year. He probably has at least fifty members by now...

I spot a group of third-year Gryffindor’s. Joey and I begin to walk toward them, hoping they knew where Lewis was. We pass the fan club when I hear something that catches my attention.

“I wonder why Keith left...at the same time as that Gryffindor too. What was his name again? Leo? Oh who cares.” says one of the Slytherin members.

“Yeah, they hate each other so it’s not like they went together. I wonder why...?” replies her friend.

“I don’t know...he should have told us. We’re his fan club. We deserve to know!”

“I know right? Hey did you hear that he....”

I stop listening as I have to continue to walk before it get’s suspicious. I don’t really need to listen to anymore anyway. From the look on Joey’s face I can tell that he’s heard it too. We change directions and walk out into the empty hallway where we can talk without anyone hearing us.

“So the only two people who knows where they went are gone?” I ask disappointed.

“It looks like it. Leo, I’m pretty sure, is Lewis which means they’re both gone. I guess to go after them.” replies Joey.

“Well what are we going to do? We need to figure out where they went.” I say worriedly. We just have to find them. Just waiting here will make me go crazy. I really hope they’re okay...

“Is there anyone else who would know? Do you know anyone else who is close with them?” asks Joey.

“I don’t know...” I reply trailing off. I go through the names in my head. Jennifer...I don’t think Collin would know... Michelle...no...Keith went. Tamara...both went as well. Brian.... A name pops into my head.