Empty Gold • d.meadowes

-37-

Dorcas was beginning to feel a little better as she mostly remained holed up inside her dorms. Not having to come across other people has worked wonders on her – she could almost pretend like this has never happened. Of course, she couldn't continue this way as she would eventually have to leave when the NEWTs would begin.

For now, she decided to enjoy her time with her friends, and, surprisingly, Heidi, who has begun to hang out with them.

Just when she was beginning to get used to the confinement, Maeve came up to her one evening and dragged her to her feet. "Come on, Madam. You and I are going on a walk."

But Dorcas pulled back and flopped down on the bed. "I don't want to."

"Dorcas, you cannot hide in here forever," Maeve pleaded with her. "You'll feel better, trust me." Rummaging through her trunk, she extracted some clothes and tossed them towards her. "Put them on. I'll be waiting for you in the common room."

Dorcas had no choice but to comply. She changed into the clothes picked out for her and walked into the common room with uncertain steps. Maeve greeted her with a smile and a hug. "You don't have to be scared. I'm with you."

She smiled gratefully at her. Maeve tried to link their arms together, but she pulled away instinctively with a jerk. They have always linked arms when walking since first year – it was completely innocent and no one cared about it. But Dorcas couldn't get herself to do it now, she was scared that people would see them and start mocking the both of them. She knew it was stupid, and gave an apologetic look as she saw a hurt expression pass over Maeve's face.

But Maeve didn't hold it against her. She gave her sufficient amount of space as they went out into the open.

It was past dinner time, though there was still enough time before curfew. There weren't a lot of people around, for which Dorcas was grateful, and she watched the moon with wonder as its light rippled through the high windows and reflected on the cold stone floor.

They didn't talk much, and they didn't need to. Just walking side by side in silence was enough for them.

Dorcas didn't realise where they were going until she reached unfamiliar territory. She stopped suddenly and looked her friend. "Maeve, why are we in the Ravenclaw tower?"

"Are we?" asked Maeve, looking around like she had only just realised it. "Interesting. Oh look, there's a door there. How curious."

"Maeve, what are you up to?"

But Maeve had already ran over to the door, pulling her along. "Isn't that an interesting looking knocker?"

"Maeve, stop whatever it is you're doing."

"I wonder what happens when you knock it." And she raised her hand and knocked.

A voice came out through the door, startling Dorcas. She stopped protesting and looked. The knocker was in the shape of an eagle, she observed, and it was the eagle that was speaking.

"The more you take, the more you leave behind," it said. "What is it?"

"Hm, that's interesting," said Maeve, tapping a finger on her chin. "Do you know the answer to this riddle?"

Dorcas decided to leave her behind and return to the common room herself. But Maeve gripped her elbow with surprising strength. "The answer is footsteps," she said to the eagle.

"Right you are," said the knocker appreciatively, and a second later the door swung open.

"Okay, the knocker is happy," said Dorcas as she took a few steps back. "Let's go now."