𝙏𝙃𝙍𝙊𝙐𝙂𝙃 𝙏𝙃𝙄𝘾𝙆 𝘼𝙉𝘿 𝙏𝙃𝙄𝙉 | ⁽ᵈʳᵃᶜᵒ ᵐᵃˡᶠᵒʸ ˣ ᶠᵉᵐ!ʰᵃʳʳʸ ᵖᵒᵗᵗᵉʳ⁾

16. Unexpected Visit

     "So, Professor Snape has given you a what?" said Hermione as they walk down the stairs of Astronomy Tower the following day, they are already wearing their wee scarves (knitted by no other than Mrs Weasley) around their neck as cold breeze starts to blanket the school grounds. "A detention?"

     The day couldn't get anymore quicker as it is almost nearing dinner time, and Jamie can't wait to finish the day to just sleep it all off.

      It is only the second day of everybody wearing the stupid badge, but her stoic facade starts to broke into pieces with all the teases and snake-like whispers ringing annoyingly in her ears.

     Jamie shrugged absent-mindedly and Hermione never looked more sceptical and suspicious as they left the tower, "and because of what, your essay?"

     Jamie didn't answer and continued walking with her eyes downcast as they entered a hallway that leads to the great hall.

     "That's absurd!" Hermione exclaimed with a deep frown, "One simply can't just get detention when you have Malfoy's book in coincidence! That's absolute rubbish! Maybe we can get you out of it!"

     "Everything's possible when you are Snape, Hermione. Even if we found a way out, he still has his own ways to get me back in." Jamie grumbled bitterly, "Even if I put an excuse just to dismiss the detention, he will not take any of it."

     Hermione went silent, they both know that she's right. It's Professor Snape, and one simply cannot trick the said Professor under his nose. Even if she severe one of her own limbs as an excuse, she won't get the nod from Snape.

    "But you're a Champion!" Hermione exclaimed and Jamie's nose wrinkled instantly, she spites hearing those words, it's like she chose to be in this position, "Hate it all you want, Jamie, but you are chosen to compete. Nevertheless, we may not know who did this to you and we can't do anything--."

     "What are you talking about, Hermione?" Said Jamie wearily, she's very much aware that she can't do anything at this point, but to compete and try not to die in the said tournament.

     "You are a Champion," Hermione repeated and looked at her exasperatedly, but Jamie is still lost, "You are expected to prepare for the tasks these days. I mean, Do you have any idea about what's going to happen in the first task?"

     Jamie halted in her step, her eyes widened a fraction, "Am I supposed to?"

     Hermione stopped too and worry fills her face, Jamie suddenly became aware of how much Hermione has grown and changed physically. It made her kind of disoriented.

     "Oh, Jamie," whispered Hermione worryingly and it made Jamie felt clueless of everything, "The tournament isn't just about fighting and diving headfirst with your wand, it also teaches us on how to be resourceful... You can't expect to survive this tournament with limited knowledge on defending yourself--"
     
     "I know some alright spells that I can use," Jamie stubbornly opposed, yet it sounded weak in her own ears.

     "Yes, but we both know it's not enough. You need to undergo training and search for advanced spells... Merlin, we might need Professor Lupin." Said Hermione, but it looks like she's talking more to herself rather than to Jamie.

     Figures caught Jamie's eyes as they walked out of the corner with annoying giggles echoing from them. It is only Parkinson and Bulstrode walking side by side, and Jamie scowled instantly at the sight of them.

     Parkinson's and Bulstrode's steps faltered as soon as they saw the residents of Gryffindor, they both smirked wickedly to each other before returning their gaze back to her and Hermione.