Chapter 7

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Alastor gently took Natalie's hand, leading her out of the common room. He continued down the corridor , stopping in front of the all too familiar painting of a fruit bowl.

Stretching out his hand, Alastor tickled the pear, and it began to giggle and transform into a doorknob. Alastor opened the door.

"Hello Miss Taylor, Mr. Moody," said a squeaky voice. " Shall Sunny get the usual, Miss? " a little house elf asked.

"Not today, Sunny. I do, however, believe a pot of tea would be beneficial-- chamomile, if you please," Alastor said kindly.

As soon as Alastor spoke his wishes, a tray came zooming up to him. He smiled. " Could you place it on that table there? " he said, indicating the table mirrored to Hufflepuff's.

He led Natalie to the table, and had her sit at the end as he poured two cups of tea. He handed her a cup, then sat in the chair opposite her so that their knees touched.

He took a long, drawn out sip of tea, then said, "Out with it."

Natalie glanced up at him, but remained silent.

"Nat. Come on. What's up with you? You haven't talked to me in weeks, you barely enter the common room, and you've been avoiding me. What's wrong?"

" Why do you care? You have Melissa, why do you need me? " she said quietly, not meeting his eyes.

Alastor fell silent for a few moments, then, "Are you... jealous? Of Melissa?"

Natalie looked up at Alastor with an expression of such anger that he flinched. "Jealous?" she asked harshly. " You think I'm jealous of Melissa? Are you so thick that you think I would waste my time being jealous of your girlfriend? I haven't a problem with her! It's you I'm angry at. "

"Me?" Alastor said, his voice raising. The house elves all took steps back from the two teens.

" Yes you! " Natalie said, matching him in volume.

"Why would you be angry at me? I haven't done anything!"

" You have, " she said in a quiet voice. She looked down, her eyes brimming with tears. "Al, I--" she stopped. "It doesn't matter. I'm sorry," she said in a whisper, then got up from her seat and left.

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