Learning to Trust

Flashbacks of the Past

October 30th. Today started off normally. I made my way down to breakfast with Hermione in the morning and sat between George and Hermione with Fred sitting across from me. My first class was Care of Magical Creatures with Hagrid and that went as normally as it could have. Then I had Divination where, once again, Professor Trelawney said I ‘have the most potential in the class.’ While I knew most of the teachers know I’m a seer, my classmates do not. And I hope to keep it that way.

My last class of the day was Defense Against the Dark Arts. After enduring it for the last two months I realized that Mad- Eye was a bit of a nutter. And today proved just how crazy this man was. I always felt uneasy when I walked into his class, but after today’s class I wished I would never have to be in it again.

After everyone was settled into their seats he asked, “Can anyone name the three Unforgivable Curses?” He glanced around the room before his eyes landed on Ron. “How about you, Weasley?”

Ron looked uncomfortable but answered, “My dad told me about the Imperius Curse.”

Upon hearing this Moody opened a jar and pulled out a spider. He enlargened the spider before casting the Imperius Curse on it. He made the spider land on a couple of people’s desks, made it fly around the room and landed it on a few heads. Poor Ron freaked when it landed on him.

Moody brought the spider back onto his hand. The spider relaxed for a moment as he asked who knew any of the others. When he once again got no response he turned to Neville Longbottom. He was a nice boy in my house and year who took a moment before responding “The-there’s the Cruciatus Cruse.”

Moody pointed his wand back at the spider and muttered “Crucio!” The spider began to squirm and a high pitched squeal was heard emanating from the creature. Neville’s face scrunched up in discomfort.

I was overtaken by memories as my head began to pound.

“Crucio!” One of the girls shouted. Ava fell to her knees, crying out as pain overtook her. I tried to tell her to stop and to leave her alone but no words came out. How no one heard her screams I didn't know.

I bit my cheek hard enough to draw blood as I forced myself out of my head. “STOP IT! JUST STOP!” I screamed as I slammed my hands onto my desk and rose to my feet. Everyone’s heads snapped towards me. Moody walked over to where I stood, still holding the spider that looked like it was unable to move.

“Ms. Capello,” Professor Moody said in a voice that was barely audible. “Can you tell me what the final Unforgivable Curse is?” Fear shook me to the core. I knew what it was, but never wished to hear it again. Tears welled up in my eyes as I shook my head.

Moody raised his wand and growled, “Avada Kedavra!” The spider went completely limp and its legs curled in on itself. The classroom was silent as everyone watched the professor and I.

My dam of self-control broke and tears rushed down my face. I grabbed my bag and bolted out the door as fast as I could. I ran all the way to the common room.

“What’s wrong, dear?” The Fat Lady asked when I made it to her painting. I ignored her question and muttered the password. “Balderdash.”

She sighed and let me in. A quick glance around the room proved that I was alone. I sat in the corner away from the entrance with my knees to my chest and let myself break down.

I wasn't sure how long I'd been sitting there when I heard a voice ask, “Hayley? You alright?” I discreetly wiped my eyes on the sleeves of my robes before looking up to see Fred and George walking over.

“I’m fine! Just leave me alone!” I croaked.

They didn’t say anything for a moment, but once that moment was over I heard Fred whisper “Go over there, you git!”