Enchanted By The Thought

THIRTY THREE: MY ONLY PURPOSE?

You told me not to cry when you were gone

"Abstinence." Beth said, remembering the new password that Hermione had announced.

The Fat Lady swung forward, allowing Kat and Beth inside. They were immediately greeted by Maggie and Colin, both who offered the duo hugs. "It's crazy to say but I've missed you guys." Beth told them as they all sat down in the common room. Their group was bigger than Beth had thought when they were all together. Seamus and Dean joined them and they all chatted about their break. Harry, Ron and Hermione headed off while I leapt up the stairs. "So, what're you going to do about Draco?" Dean asked and she shrugged, noticing that she was able to think about him without feeling upset. Had she finally gotten over him?

"I dunno. I mean, he's always going to be in the world, I can't avoid him. So I think that I'm just going to forgive him. I can't hold onto the past forever, you know. It'd be unhealthy for me to do so." Beth answered, laying her head back in Maggie's lap. Her friends all murmured quietly in response but she knew that she was doing the right thing. "Besides, it's his loss. I'm a pretty great girl." Beth added and Seamus grinned widely.

"That, I can agree with. Any bloke that doesn't realize how amazing you are can suck my-" he began but Dean smacked the back of his head, causing the two boys to break into a wrestling match. Beth rolled her eyes at their behavior and turned her head, catching the eyes of Colin. He looked a bit unsure of himself, his eyes lowered. A small suspicion rose inside of her and she narrowed her eyes. Seeing her staring at him, he fidgeted and looked away, watching Seamus and Dean instead.

Harry walked into the common room, looking slightly irritated and then she focused on him, attempting to decipher his emotions. As if feeling her, he glared at her. "Knock it off." He spat and stalked past her with Ron on his heels. She stared after him in utter bewilderment. What was his deal?

Hermione hurried in after them and saw Beth. "Professor Dumbledore wants to speak with you, Beth." She said, sounding a little bit stressed. Beth stood up, confused. What did he want with her? She'd been nothing to him, she meant nothing to him. It was only her brother that he cared for. She'd never gotten special treatment from him like her brother had. In fact, she didn't really like Dumbledore but knowing how much her brother cared for him, she tolerated him.

Dumbledore was always full of secrets, always full of motives. He was like a snake; he was always three steps ahead of you.

Beth slowly made her way to his office, reluctant. If she were being honest, she would've preferred to stay away from the Headmaster. She didn't want to get caught up in all of that secrecy and lies. "Password?" The gargoyle asked and she shrugged.

"I was told Professor Dumbledore wanted to see me." She answered and the gargoyle huffed, looking torn. "Look, I can wait. I'm in no rush." She added, crossing her arms. "It's not like I want to-"

"Elizabeth." Dumbledore appeared from around the corner, walking slowly. She turned her head, raising an eyebrow. "I was hoping you would stop by, considering that I know you aren't as taken with me as your brother." He chuckled and she crossed her arms.

Beth was glad that her dislike for the Headmaster was obvious to him. "Yeah well, I don't trust people who keep as many secrets as you do." She answered and he merely blinked, not looking offended the slightest.

"I cannot the deny the fact that I keep many secrets from the both of you but trust me, it's in-" He began but she shook her head, cutting him off.

"No, Professor Dumbledore. I don't really care for your excuses. As long as my brother and I are alive, I'm glad. Just don't think you're my favorite." She answered sharply and his eyebrows raised, showing his surprise. "Now what did you want to talk to me about?" She added, tilting her head to the side.