Inside My Mind (A Harry Potter Fanfiction)

Chapter XXXI

Hogwarts, Unplottable Location, Scotland, Great Britain

Friday the 10th of June 1994

12:00 PM

"We can finally leave? Thank Merlin!" Bella sighed as she stood up on her sore ankle. Her arm was still wrapped in a bandage but that was only because, despite the fact that the gash was healed, it had a tendency to rip open again and bleed quite a bit.

"Yes…but be careful with your arm. No strenuous activity" Madam Pomfrey said, cautiously. Bella all but ignored the nurse and turned to Blaise who was standing with Hermione. Ron looked annoyed as they whispered to each other. Bella turned back to Draco who looked very tired suddenly.

"Is something wrong, Drake?" Bella asked. Draco shook his head and yawned.

"Not really. Just muscles were pulled yesterday. Let's go. I'm starving" Draco said with another yawn. The group of five walked to the Great Hall.

Ron walked towards the Gryffindor table straight away. Blaise looked at Hermione and squeezed her hand. She offered him a smile before turning from him and walking half way to the Gryffindor table before turning around and offering her hand to Bella.

"Thank you" Bella said looking at Draco. He raised an eyebrow, elegantly.

"Why do you thank me?"

"Because…fighting with you was exhilarating. It almost felt right, you know" Bella said, quietly. Draco blinked in surprise before frowning and crossing his arms, arrogantly.

"What do you mean by almost, Princess Potter? I'm one of the most skilled students here," Draco snapped. Bella laughed at his defensive tone and Draco glared at her, nastily.

"You wouldn't get it, Drake. I'll…I'll explain later. I'll see you later" Bella said. Draco sniffed and jerked one shoulder up in a shrug.

"I don't care. I don't think I like you very much anymore. Not that I liked you before," Draco said, in a very snarky tone before storming away. Bella laughed as she walked towards the Gryffindor table and sat down next to Hermione. Ron was laughing at Draco's face.

"What did you say to him?" Ron asked. Bella snickered.

"That he wasn't the best dueling partner, to fight alongside with. He came pretty close but that's because he's my blood brother. It was almost like we could read each other's minds but if we ever fought, someone would always win. I want to fight with someone who I am equal with. Where we would always come to a stalemate" Bella said, sighing. Ron frowned.

"Do you think…do you really think you'll have to fight again? Duel like that?" Ron asked. Bella nodded, slowly and frowned.

"I do. Ron, Grindelwald's not gone. We can assume that since I fought him and his followers. There's going to be a war" Bella sighed, in defeat. She hadn't wanted to admit it to herself but she knew it was time that she acknowledged the fact that it was true.

And so many people knew it as well. They were just trying not to think about it for as long as possible. Something Bella would have wanted to do if she'd been as naïve as she had been in her first year.

"But how are you so sure, Bell? It might be a fluke" Ron said, his tone sounding very wishful. Bella looked away, not wanting to talk about it anymore. So, Hermione took up the mantle.