Cindy Potter: Book One (Harry Potter Fanfiction)

Chapter 14

"Yes, he frightens all." - Remus Lupin

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On my way back up to Gryffindor Tower, I saw Draco Malfoy and his bodyguards standing in the corridor. I quietly turned in the opposite direction. I had to take the long way back to Gryffindor Tower, which took twenty minutes. I ran up to the portrait of the Fat Lady. Suddenly I tripped on something. I grabbed on the portrait frame to steady myself.

"Watch where you're going!" The Fat Lady shrieked at me. I waved my hands frantically to silence her while apologizing. I looked down to see Neville sleeping there. I groaned rather loudly. Neville shot up.

"H-hey."

"What are you doing here?"

"I forgot the password." He whispered embarrassed.

I sighed. "It's Caput Draconis."

"Oh yeah! Speaking of, why're you out?"

"Um...detention."

"For the whole night?" He asked incredulously. "With who?"

"My father."

"Huh?" He wrinkled his eyebrows.

"Oh, um, Professor Snape."

Neville's eyes widened in horror. "S-so the rumors are true. He's your godfather?" I nodded. He jumped backwards tripping and landing on his backside. "P-please d-don't tell him I was out p-past hours."

I smiled in reassurance. "Trust me, I won't." He calmed down visibly.

"Hey Crabbe! I heard someone around here." I spun around to see Draco Malfoy turning the corner. My eyes widened.

"Caput Draconis." I hastily said to the Fat Lady. Too late. Draco had already spotted Neville and I.

"Hey!" He sped up the staircase towards us and I shoved Neville into the Common Room. I let out the breath I'd been holding. Neville panted beside me. I heard a yawn and footsteps. Ron appeared at the bottom of the stairs. He rubbed his eyes. He stared at me.

"Oi! Harry, mate! She's back!" I shushed him as I heard a string of curses from those still sleeping upstairs. Harry ran over to us.

"Where were you?!" I shushed him too. He looked at me expectantly.

"U-um well, father wasn't really happy by the troll incident so he made me stay in his office because everyone was celebrating." Harry frowned.

"He didn't take his anger out on you, did he?"

"Of course not!" He looked at me with doubt. "A-anyways, why're you two up?"

"We heard voices."

"That would be us." I gestured to Neville and I.

"Neville?"

"Oh, I uh forgot the password."

Ron nodded. Seconds later a swarm of angry Gryffindors had made their way downstairs giving us killer looks.

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I groaned. As I made my way to class it seemed clear that every Gryffindor had intentions to congratulate us. Draco Malfoy watched us from afar.

As I entered the potions classroom father looked up. His expression transformed from relief to unmistakably anger. I was confused until Seamus patted my shoulder. "That was bloody brilliant! I mean, the troll must've been sixty feet tall!"

"Um, yeah." I answered awkwardly. "I guess we were lucky." I said trying to ignore father's killer looks.

"Naw, that was pure genius!"

"Uh thanks!" I forced a grin. I snuck a look out of the corner of my vision. Father had stood up and was making his way over to us. I gulped. "Um, let's sit down."

"But really, it was amaz-"

"Talking after class has started? Ten points from Gryffindor."

"B-but."

"No excuses! Five more points from Gryffindor! Now sit down, Finnigan and Potter, before I take more points!"

We sat down and Seamus muttered profanities at father's back.

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After class I headed to the Great Hall but was cornered by Draco Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle.

"I wonder what Professor Snape would say if he knew you were out of Gryffindor Tower after hours." He smirked cornering me. Harry shoved him away.

"She was with Professor Snape! Go ask him, Malfoy!" He paused. "But how would you know she was out unless you were too?"

Draco's eyes widened and muttered "C'mon." to Crabbe and Goyle. They turned around and left.

"Merlin, I'd do anything to see Malfoy in trouble." Ron spoke up from behind.

"Unfortunately we have no proof."

Ron's eyes lit up. "Didn't you see him, Cindy?"

"Yeah, but-"

"But what?!"

"I, um, didn't see clearly." I lied. Ron narrowed his eyes at me. He clearly didn't believe me but he dropped the subject anyway.

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After classes, I headed back to my dormitory to receive some news. Flying lessons were next week, with the Slytherins. I was extremely excited. Like Neville's grandmother, father had absolutely refused to let me anywhere near a broom.

Then the feeling of dread hit me. Draco Malfoy. He would be training with us... I didn't want to end up in the hospital wing.

Ron and Harry had noticed this too, but the two were more excited than anything. Someone tapped me on the shoulder. I turned to see Hermione. She grimaced and handed me a bag of different healing potions. "You're gonna need all the luck you can get." I nodded.

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Finally updated :)

-lily