Thankfully, Umbridge didn't invite us back for a third night of detention, however, she warned Zendaya to watch her tone in the future unless she wants to have more detentions. Because of the detentions, we had to pull a couple all-nighters to catch up. Well, more so me than her. After all, I'm the one that's four years behind everyone.
Before we knew it, December came and Christmas was in the air. A couple D.A. meetings passed, and while I did enjoy learning from Harry, I was still a little awkward with many of the other students. They continued to regard me with coolness and shot me questionable looks whenever I talked with Harry or Fred or Ginny. They reminded me of my old classmates my other schools. I had learned how to ignore them, but that doesn't mean that it still hurt. Neville continued being my practice partner, although, he stopped being timid around me and before I knew it, I was able to joke with him.
With Christmas around the corner, everyone was getting excited about the holiday that some started neglecting their studies to go out and play in the snow that covered the grounds. While I wish I was one of those students, McGonagall and the other teachers started giving me extra work to go over during the holidays. Looks like I'll be busy during the break.
The weekend before Christmas break was a Hogsmeade trip and I tagged along with Zendaya and Arthur to do a little Christmas shopping. Arthur mentioned about getting his mother sweets while Zendaya wanted to stop by the small bookshop to see if they carried a certain book for her dad amongst other things.
Me, on the other hand, just wanted an excuse to step away from the books.
Hogsmeade was covered with a blanket of snow and I don't think anything was as beautiful as that view. Many red-nosed students went to the Three Broomsticks and even from glancing through the frosted window, I could see how packed it was.
"I'm thinking of getting my brothers something from Zonkos," Zendaya thought aloud. "Know any harmless jokes I can get them?"
I shrugged. "Nothing is harmless if you use it right."
She just shook her head.
A group of third-years passed me and I overheard one of them swearing up and down they heard noises coming from the Shrieking Shack making his friends' eyes go wide and fearful.
Now that caught my attention. I haven't gone to see it yet, but now remembering it, I was eager to go see it. I glanced at Zendaya and Arthur who were buried in their Christmas lists. I knew Zendaya was looking forward to get a majority of her shopping done during the Hogsmeade trip and I could only guess that Arthur was in the same boat. I shouldn't disrupt their mission, nor did I want to.
"I'll meet up with you guys later," I told them. "I'm gonna take a walk."
"Alright," Zendaya said, not looking up from her list. "Meet at the Three Broomsticks in an hour, then?"
"Sounds good. Good luck with your shopping." With one little wave, I ducked down a street and asked one of the locals where I could find the Shrieking Shack. Within ten minutes, I found myself at a worn fence with the Shrieking Shack about a hundred yards away.
While the little building wasn't anything special appearance-wise, I knew just how special it was to a group of kids years ago. I wondered what's inside. Could there be any indications that the Marauders used it?
I glanced around. I was all alone.
Great, no one here to stop me.
I jumped the fence and hiked towards the worn-down shack. I had to circle it to find the front door, only to find it stuck. After another glance around to make sure I was alone, I threw my shoulder into it and the door flew open. Dust was kicked up and right into my face.
YOU ARE READING
The Lost Black (The Predestined Trilogy - Bk 1) (A HP FanFic)
Fanfiction"All those stories you've read. Those games you've played. Those movies and shows you've watched. Not all, but many of them, are real." "Mom, you're not making any sense." "It's true, Amelia. Those 'Harry Potter' books are real. Not in our world...
