Wayward Girls

Chapter Four

Abi gets out of the carriage with Draco. The leathery horse-like creature keeps taking her breath away. She didn't notice these creatures beforehand, so why now? Does it have to do with Cedric's death? The blond Slytherin grabs her hand and the two head inside the stone structure. Following the crowd, they go straight to the Great Hall. People still give them weird looks since they were open about their relationship at the Yule Ball. 

On top of that, most of the school doesn't believe her about Cedric's death. They think her and Harry are just trying to get attention. Cedric died sacrificing himself for her. When she was to be killed, he jumped in front of the spell. And now she has to face C, knowing she's the reason for his death. That is not something a person would make up. 

"You okay?" Draco asks.

"Yeah," she lies. The two sit down at the Slytherin table and watch as the new first years be sorted to their new homes. Abi notices Jas sneaking in with Luna, going to the Ravenclaw table. Must have been Sorted beforehand then. Once they are finished, Dumbledore begins the usual welcoming speech. This is quickly followed by the usual lists of rules. These do alter each year, so it is possible her older brothers take notes during this part, planning their pranks. 

The Headmaster starts listing the changes in professors for the year. The one that bums out a lot of students is Hagrid is taking a short leave of absence. Most people take Care of Magical Creatures because of Hagrid and his love of anything living. Just as Dumbledore begins to introduce the newest member of the staff, a woman in all pink stands up. She reminds Abi of a toad.

"Thank you Professor Dumbledore," she practically sings. The clears her throat for a speech. "The Ministry of Magic has always considered the education of young witches and wizards to be of vital importance. Every headmaster and headmistress of Hogwarts has brought something new to the weighty task of governing this historic school, and that is as it should be, for with out progress there will be stagnation and decay. 

"There again, progress for progress's sake must be discouraged, for our tried and tested traditions often require no tinkering. Let us move forward, then, into a new era of openness, effectiveness, and accountability, intent on preserving what ought to be preserved, perfecting what needs to be perfected, and pruning wherever we find practices that ought to be prohibited."

What in the bloody world does this woman mean by that? Is she really going to change how this school is? First this woman interrupts the Headmaster, now she claims the system is broken. Yes there are dangers here, but that all relates to Voldemort. How the students are taught is not the issue. But she makes it seem like it is. Soon the food appears and everyone starts filling their stomachs. Abi looks at her boyfriend.

"Does she really think that is a good idea?" she asks him.

"Probably. Though I think she isn't considering the fact that there are some special students with extraordinary gifts."

She nudges him, eating some mash potatoes. This just doesn't settle right in her stomach. The Ministry is taking over. Is that the pull she feels though?

''''

Night just nudges her food, unsure if she could eat with the knot in her stomach. That woman is insane if she thinks the Ministry can fully take over the school. Though she has a feeling that they will try. The entire Gryffindor table keeps talking about it. Even Ron seems unsure about eating. On top of that, she has a weird feeling in her chest Like a pulling force. Soon the Houses start to leave, though she is stopped by Professor McGonagall. Her greying hair is pulled back in a nice bun and she is dressed in traditional emerald robes.

"Professor Dumbledore wishes to see you in his office," she calmly states. "And you are not introuble Miss Longbottom."

"Yes ma'am."

So she sets off. Walking in the same direction is the three other girls. All of which she recognizes. C; the Hufflepuff who lost her boyfriend and best friends with Harry. Abi; the Weasley that is a Slytherin that is with her family's foe. And Jas; the new Ravenclaw that is from America. Adding Night, that makes a person from all four Houses. For sure, two of which have odd powers, but she can't say for the other two. 

They head up to a golden eagle statue and C says the code. The figure moves upwards, revealing the spiral staircase. Jas's jaw falls in shock as they go up the stairs. Abi pushes open the grand doors, opening it to the Headmaster's office. The place is full of knick-knacks and various magical items. Abi walks over to a pheonix, which rubs its head against her fingers.

"Thank you for coming straight here," the four hear. They look to see the older an that runs the school. He has a long grey beard with half moon glasses. "I know some of you want to go to bed, but I needed to speak to you four. And with the Ministry sending in supervisors, I only have a short time. Once a century, four people are basically the reborn versions of the founders."

"But Professor," Jas interjects. "That wouldn't line up do to-"

"Do to you dying and coming back to life?" he asks, raising an eyebrow. "I never said within the same year. Actually it is rare for the four to exist all at once. That is why I need the four of you to stick together."

"Yes sir," Night replies.

"So where should we not meet up?" Abi asks.

"Hogwarts has a way of helping those that need it," C sighs. "That would be the answer if I am correct."

Dumbledore nods his head. What that means, she is unsure. However, Abi and C seem to know. Must have something to do with helping Harry with all his near death experiences. The Headmaster sends the four off to bed. Each one going off to their own Houses.