Victoire Weasley

19. Harry's Letter

Victoire's P.O.V

        The return to Hogwarts had been an eventful but sullen one.  The families of younger students had decided to pull them out entirely for an extra few weeks until better news could be delivered on the assault of McGonagall.  Kyra, Darren and Alroy had all returned as expected.  Although they were delighted over my recovery, the sadness and worry that hung over Hogwarts infiltrated even them.  There were many rumors regarding McGonagall's assault that circulated the school, all ranging in ridiculousness: one second-year in Slytherin claimed he had seen the assault and that the culprit was the Durmstrang headmaster Antonov, who was jealous of Hogwarts' success in the tournament.  Everyone doubted this claim however, as the kind-eyed man was not the type to act in such a fashion.  I was curious as to why she had been attacked; Ron and Harry had refused to share their findings with Teddy and I, much to our frustration.

        Word about the cursed necklace had managed to reach the ears of Rita Skeeter who wasted no time on writing a lengthy article on her own theories behind it.  Although she never directly accused Teddy of what had happened, if you read between the lines, it seemed highly suggested that he had played some role in it.  "At least the article isn't first-page news," I said to Teddy in a poor effort to comfort him.  Rita's article had been overshadowed by an article on McGonagall's assault.

        Teddy's hands were closed into tight fists and his knuckles were turning white, but he kept the anger from his face.  Despite his efforts, I saw his well-defined jaw clench as he avoided glancing at the newest edition of the Daily Prophet.  Across from us sat Alroy and Kyra.  Alroy was furiously writing away at an Astronomy assignment and Kyra was savouring every bite of her bowl of cereal.  "But I'm so glad you're okay, Tori." She said through a mouth full of soggy cheerios and milk.  She swallowed and continued, "I have never been so scared in my life."

        I smiled back at her, "Me neither."

        "Good morning," Darren said as he took a seat next to me.  On his left arm hung Calliste, who smiled brightly.

        We all returned their greeting, except for Kyra, who frowned into her bowl of cereal.  After Darren had ran off after Calliste during the Yule Ball, Kyra had refused to talk to him.  Darren had avoided Kyra since then, finding the entire situation too awkward to deal with.

        The air grew tense as Darren and Kyra glanced at each other and immediately diverted their gazes.  Teddy nudged me with his elbow and rolled his eyes and Alroy chuckled quietly.  Calliste simply smiled.  Kyra eventually pushed the half-eaten bowl of cereal away, "I just realized I have to go to the library to do some research on Cornelius Agrippa, that Greek mystic and alchemist or whatever." She said and stood up.

        "Don't forget about our Quidditch practice this evening!" Teddy yelled after her.

        "Alright, alright." She said and waved her hand in annoyance when she walked away.

        Alroy shook his head and said with disappointment, "Cornelius Agrippa was German . . ."

        Calliste, who heard this, laughed in delight, "Oh, vat an airhead."

        No one laughed with her, and least of all Darren, whose jaw clenched with anger.  Ever since Calliste had caught Darren and Kyra in their make-out session during the Yule Ball, she had taken an instant dislike to Kyra -- as anyone would in her situation.  However, until now, she had never said a word against Kyra.  Darren turned to Calliste, "Yet she's still a hundred times smarter than you will ever be.  Get off me," He said and hastily stood up.  He hurried out of the Great Hall, leaving Calliste looking shocked.  She looked at us, her mouth still agape, and sniffed.  Without a word, she stood up and joined a group of concerned-looking Beauxbatons students sitting at the Hufflepuff table.  Calliste seemed to explain the situation to her friends, who proceeded to glare at Alroy, Teddy and I as if we had anything to do with it.