The Forgotten House

Trouble Makers

We spend a few more hours in the common room and read more and more of the books but find nothing new. All any of them say is Felix Foxtail this Felix Foxtail that. Jason and Peter are investigating the dormitories whilst Liam and I move furniture about to see if we can find anything that might be hidden while Willow sits and reading the many books we've given her.
"There's nothing. NOTHING! This is pointless. We're wasting our time," Jason's attitude had gone up the whole night and it is just getting worse and none of us looked forward to him walking back in the room.
"Jason calm down. We're all tired," Peter tried to relax him.
"NO! NO I WILL NOT CALM DOWN! We have been here all night. And I am sick and tired of all of you. I should be out there bullying classmates not making friends with the detective squad!" Jason storms over to the sofa and plonks himself down.
"We wouldn't be here if it weren't for you Jason. Stop feeling sorry for yourself," Liam says sharply.
"So you think it's my fault? I guys your little sister didn't tell you who it was that suggested we went in this stupid room."
Liam gives Willow a hard stare. I reply, "Liam don't blame her. I convinced them we should come in here. It's my fault any of you are here. I followed Jason to the tower. I walked down this corridor. It's my fault don't blame either of them."
"Right. Sure you aren't just sticking up for Jason?"
"And why would I do that?"
"I see the way you look at him?"
"What the hell do you mean?" I see a smirk walk along Jason's face and feel my blood rush with anger.
"You look at him like he's the most amazing person on earth."
"Do I really? Because that's obviously true."
"He brought you here to get you in trouble. He knows his way around the castle perfectly. His dad paid for a tour this summer."
I look at Jason disappointed, "Is this true?" He says nothing. "Look Liam I am not sticking up for Jason ok? I am sticking up for my best friend because she was the one who wanted to stay back with us and Jason didn't leave us alone here. If they didn't do that for me, it would just be me in detention for 4 days."
"Listen to the half blood. She's right," Jason speaks up and winks as he heads out of the room.
Willow walks over to her brother and starts to rant just a little at him. Peter and I head out to give them a moment.
"Is this all a joke to you?" Jason waits patiently outside, leaning against the wall.
"Hmm... nah"
"Then why do you think it's so amusing to get us in trouble?"
"I didn't get you in trouble Ashley! I did get lost yes. And you did happen to be with me yes. But I tried to take the blame. You know that. I did get a tour yes. But I was ill that day and so we cancelled. I know the castle just as well as you do Ash. This is not my fault."
I pause for a moment. Trying to figure this all out. "Then tell me this, why would you offer to show us a short cut if you didn't know one?"
"No reason."
"Really?"
He hesitates. "Fine. I wanted to get to know Willow better. But not just Willow... you too."
"Why?"
"You were both completely not offended by the way I went at your parents. You both study hard and are so good in lessons. I felt bad. And I guess I wanted to make up for it."
"But that doesn't explain your behaviour towards Liam."
"Oh don't get me wrong I still hate Liam. You cannot tell him I told you any of this."
"I won't. But what happens now?"
"I think it's best if we all stay enemies again. Or at least to everyone else. People can't see that I hang out with a Gryffindor, Ravenclaw and whatever this guy is," He gestures towards Peter.
"I was a Hufflepuff. But got expelled for using magic outside school."
"Perfect. So I hang out with someone from every house. We have to make a plan. If we want to find out more about this forgotten house, we have to meet here without being seen or caught."
"I know. But what about you and Liam?"
"I can try to put up with him for the time being. As long as he does the same for me," Jason gives Liam an evil stare as him and Willow exit the common room.
"We're meeting here every other evening at 10pm to learn more. But we can't be seen together during school time," I tell Liam and Willow as we head back to the secret passageway.

-THE NEXT MORNING-
Once again Willow and I head down to the Great Hall and meet Liam at the Ravenclaw table. "I have a study period this afternoon and can research some more on the history of Felix and Adelaide?"
"Please, that would be great," I nod in thanks at Liam as he heads off to class and I spot Jason behind Willow.
"What is it Ash?"
"It just feels so weird not talking to him after we spent the whole of our first week together."
"You know what he said. We can't be seen."
"I know that," I carry on eagerly eating my toast and spot Peter walk up to the teachers table. "Soooooo... What do you think of Peter?"
Willow blushes, "He's cute I guess. But he's 2 years older than me."
"And?"
"And, you know my brother!"
"You have a point," We giggle and head to charms.

Same old stuff, but we learnt Alohamora today in charms. Potions is cool too. We study the different plants use in herbal medicines and start to study a cure for deadly diseases. Then we have flying class. All of last week it was cancelled because of rain but this week was our first!
We head into the courtyard and get ourselves positioned. Jason stands next to me.
"What are you doing?" I whisper furiously.
"I found something."
"Now is not the time."
"I had a not on my bed last night."
I panic. He carries on.
"It said 'Stop meddling in things you don't understand. Sometimes the truth is better left hidden.'"
"What does that mean?"
"I don't know. I've been trying to figure it out all night."
"HARTFORD! ZABINI! Stop chattering and focus."
I apologise but Jason continues, "Someone must know we know about the forgotten house. We have to be more careful."
My attention shifts as I see Professor Whiteshield march out from the huge front doors. "Ashley Hartford. Jason Zabini and Willow Malfoy. Please see me in my office. Your brother Liam is waiting."
We exchange apprehensive looks and think... what could we have done now?