The Slytherin Transfer

17: "You're still on my shit list."

The next morning, I wake up early in the hospital wing, and my eyes immediately meet two sparkling blue ones, perched behind a pair of half moon spectacles.

"I don't think I've ever had a student who's had such a strange start to their year," Dumbledore says from where he sits on the edge of my bed and examines me closely.

I sit up, wincing as I feel a sharp pain in my arm, which is bound by bandages.

"Professor, if you're here to tell me to keep my mouth shut about this, I assure you I wasn't planning on babbling about a loose werewolf," I grumble, my head pounding as my eyes adjust to the harsh lighting.

"Ah, you always were a smart one, Miss Milton," he smiles pleasantly, which is the opposite of how I feel, "However, that is not the only reason I am here. How do you feel?"

"Just peachy," I say dryly.

He chuckles softly before growing serious, "You're positive that the wolf did not bite you?"

"Yes," I say, "He probably would've, but some dog tackled him."

He smiles knowingly, and I decide not to ask why, instead taking the water that sits on my nightstand and downing it all.

"That's good news," he says, "but likely that scar will act up every month, so beware. Now, the werewolf who you encountered is in fact a student here, and I hope you understand why it would be best if you don't spread the word."

"Of course," I agree easily, "If it gets out, everyone will want to figure out who it is. I have a cousin who's a werewolf, and people always treat him differently, and that's shitty—oh sorry, I mean it sucks."

He chuckles again, nodding widely, "I'm very relieved that you understand. I'm sure not many students would be able to keep quiet. Can I trust you not to talk to even your closest friends about this?"

"About what, sir?" I ask, smirking at him as I throw my covers off my legs and he smiles.

"Excellent." He stands as I try and keep my head from spinning. "And how is Gryffindor treating you?"

I grin, "It's great, Professor. You were right."

"Ah," he smiles, "music to my ears."

I laugh as he bids me farewell and exits the room, leaving me to use my wand to refill my water and drink it all again.

Eventually I am able to stand up, and after Madam Pomfrey fusses over me and gives me bandages to take so I can replace the old ones, I leave. It's quiet in the hallways, the sun just rising as I find the Fat Lady. She narrows her eyes at me suspiciously, and I roll mine at her, giving her the password before she can ask if I've been with Slytherins all night.

I sneak into the quiet common room, only to see all four Marauders inside, looking like they've been yanking at their hair all night. I frown in confusion, remembering my oath to Dumbledore as I pull my sleeve down and throw them a smile.

"What are you guys doing up?"

They look up at me, and as if it's some synchronized dance they all stand and come rushing over.

"Jesus, Cass," Sirius says, "Where have you been all night?"

"The hospital wing," I say nonchalantly, "I, uh, fell down some stairs and broke an arm."

They all look at one another.

"You fell down the stairs?" James repeats slowly, and I nod.

"Yep. Clumsy me." I go to walk past them, but Sirius grabs my hand and yanks my sleeve up, revealing my injured arm. I only then catch a whiff of how dirty he smells, as if he's been rolling in mud for the last hour. His buttons are done wrong, and James's tie is loose around his neck. Remus has massive bags under his eyes, and Peter is sporting inside out pants.