Gypsy

Chapter Ten

Malfoy hadn't been present of Defence against the Dark Arts, a blessing as well as a curse. I was now jumping at every noise, the only reason I could think he would miss that class was because he was planning something horrible...

"Miss Zima?"

Shrieking I spun around, Professor Dumbledore was standing behind me. I took a quick look around before breathing a sigh of relief; no Snakes or students of any kind walking around.

"Professor?" A relieved hand over my heart, I smiled at one of the only people who ever believed in me. Even though I was equally terrible at Transfiguration as any other magical based class, Professor Dumbledore never gave up on me like the other teaches.

"I do apologise," his eyes twinkled in a unique way that always set me at ease, "I simply wished to inquire about how you are fitting in again?"

He motioned towards the library, obviously realizing where I was heading. Following next to him, it took me a second to find the right words.

"I loved Beauxbatons, the people and the classes..." I trailed off awkwardly, not wanting to seem ungrateful for the Scholarship he had given me.

"You miss it?"

Puffing out a breath I nodded, "yes. Everything about it actually, but I am glad to be back at Hogwarts." If for no other reason than I missed the scenery, nothing compared to the mountains and lakes.

We walked in silence for a few minutes, all too soon we arrived at the library and I knew I had lost my protection.

"You know, Miss Zima, you can always trust me to help you however I can." He stopped outside the giant wooden door; the low torches reflected only a glimmer of his red hair. Inside the room, we could see both Riddle and Malfoy leaning against Madam Flippand's desk. The low light that so complemented most people, made them seem all the more sinister; all sharp cheekbones and dark eyes.

"I know Professor." I gave him a sad smile, wishing I could pretend that all was well. "My mother sends her greetings."

Professor Dumbledore's lips tweaked, he and my mother shared a fondness for Muggle candy. Over Christmas she sent him some lemon drops.

"I shall endeavour to send her another book then." They had a strange friendship, candy in exchange for knowledge on the Wizarding world. "Goodnight, Antoinette."

Giving him a small wave, I walked into the large room. It wasn't so long ago that I found solace in here, now it was simply another place my tormentors could track me down to. A creak sounded from behind, the door closing magically. Riddle and Malfoy didn't move from there spot, intending for me to go to them.

Pointing my nose in the air, a weak imitation of Parkinson, I hurried past them. The scent of trees and dank forests swam through my senses.

Moving to the very back of the library, near the restricted section, I walked straight to the section on Unicorns. Unlike most mythical and magical creatures, Unicorns were found in the potions section. Their body parts had such value in potions that it basically trumped any value they might have as something one viewed as a simple but majestic magical creature.

"I wonder if your kind is in this section," Malfoy's footsteps sounded behind, "are you something we can brew up in a potion and make useful?" I didn't need to turn around to know that Riddle was close behind, as always I had the uncanny sense of wanting to run whenever he was near.

Lifting my bag onto a table, choosing at the end of the table I sat down and dragged my bag closer.

"I apologise for missing our class together, I was detained." Malfoy sounded so sincere for a moment that I actually looked up, but there was nothing about him that hinted at the actual reason. "We have been getting along so well, I always enjoy Defence against the Dark Arts now. Much more interesting than before, one feels so much safer when partnered with a duelling partner who cannot duel."