The Secrets of the Map

Puzzles and Rumors

Okay I'll admit it...I kind of gave up on this story😬I didn't think it had a lot of potential, but I was surprised to see so many people who were still liking and commenting!
You guys are amazing and thank you for all your support❤️ So, here's the rest!

   "No way," Teddy denied, stunned. "Filch and Norris are inseparable-he wouldn't just leave her." Even though Norris was getting old and could only hobble around, Filch still carried her around on his shoulder while catching rulebreakers. Never before had Teddy felt so threatened by a cat.

   "Unless someone was wandering around where they weren't supposed to," Tom pressed, a wary look on his face. "Someone who shouldn't be here."

    Teddy rubbed his aching head, not sure how any of this was helping. "Isn't that Filch's job, to catch people who are in places they shouldn't be?"

    "Not a student, the werewolf." He leaned forward, and Teddy couldn't help feeling slightly annoyed as he glanced over his shoulder cautiously.

     "Just get it out already, will you? No one's here."

    Ignoring his impatience, Tom continued, "What if Filch thought he saw a student out of bounds, but it really was the werewolf, and it lead him into the forest?"

     Teddy usually would have pointed out this weak assumption, but after the attack it made horrible sense. "Why would it take him there?"

     "No idea, but there's no other reason I can think of for Filch willingly going into that place."

    "And he's a Squib," Teddy added, the gears frantically whirring in his head. He had overheard Harry mentioning it to Arthur earlier.

    Tom looked bemused. "He is? How do you-"

    "Doesn't matter, but he is. If he can't do magic, he definitely wouldn't want to go in there alone."

     "You think McGonagall noticed?"

    Teddy frowned, thinking. She had the map, which made him inclined to say yes, but what if she wasn't looking at it carefully? What if she noticed Filch was missing too late?

*****
    The next day held a certain gloom in the air, as if the bland clouds were purposely blocking the sun from waking everyone up. Everybody seemed to be zoning out throughout the whole day, which was driving Victory nuts at practice.

    "Alejandro, that's the third time you missed the ball!" She yelled in exasperation. With her hair frizzing in the humidity and the furious look on her face, she looked slightly mad. "A baboon could have hit that-do we need McGonagall to transfigure your arms so you'll hit better?"

    "I'll hit you better" Alejandro muttered, but it was obvious that he hadn't been paying attention before she yelled at him. Honestly, Teddy thought it was a little unfair for her to vent all her anger out at Alejandro-Teddy had definitely missed a few easy balls, and Heather kept circling aimlessly as she gazed off into space.

     After a few more painful minutes, she finally blew her whistle. "I don't think I need to say anything about today," she announced, rubbing her forehead. "Except you all better bring it for the next practice."

    They all nodded grimly as the nine brooms descended, and immediately Teddy felt as if his whole body were slowly sinking into the grass, his eyes heavy. It sure was a weird day. 

    "Where're you headed off to?" Heather asked, stifling a yawn. Her hair had started to come out of her ponytail, and she looked as if she hadn't slept a wink.