Fears | June Potter and the Haunting Voice | Book 1

Chapter Twelve; Christmas and the Aftermath of Polyjuice Potion

Chapter Twelve; Christmas and the Aftermath of Polyjuice Potion

The double attack on Justin and Nearly Headless Nick turned what had formerly been nervousness into a real panic. Curiously, it was Nearly Headless Nick's fate that seemed to worry people most. What could do that to a ghost? people asked each other, what terrible power could harm someone who was already dead? There was almost a stampede to book seats on the Hogwarts Express so that students could go home for Christmas.

"At this rate, we'll be the only ones left," Ron told June, Harry and Hermione. "Us, Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle. What a jolly holiday it's going to be."

Crabbe and Goyle, who always did whatever Malfoy did, had signed up to stay over the holidays, too. Fred and George, found all the people skirting around Harry in the corridors, as though he were about to sprout fangs or spit poison, funny. They went out of their way to march ahead of Harry the corridors, shouting, "Make way for the Heir of Slytherin, seriously evil wizard coming through. . ."

Percy was deeply disapproving of this behaviour.

"It is not a laughing matter," he said coldly.

"Oh, get out of the way, Percy," said Fred. "Harry's in a hurry."

"Yeah, he's off to the Chamber of Secrets for a cup of tea with his fanged servant," said George, chortling.

Ginny didn't find it amusing either.

"Oh, don't," she wailed every time Fred asked Harry loudly who he was planning to attack next, or when George pretended to ward Harry off with a large clove of garlic when they met.

It made June feel better that Fred and George thought the idea of Harry being the Slytherin's heir was ludicrous. But their antics seemed to be aggravating Draco Malfoy, who looked increasingly sour each time he saw them it.

"It's because he's bursting to say it's really him," said Ron knowingly. "You know how he hates anyone beating him at anything, and you're getting all the credit for his dirty work."

"Not for long," said Hermione in a satisfied tone. "The Polyjuice Potion's nearly ready. We'll be getting the truth out of him any day now."

At last, the term ended, and a silence deep as the snow on the grounds descended on the castle. June found it peaceful, rather than gloomy, and enjoyed the fact that she, Maribelle, Harry Hermione, and the Weasleys had the run of Gryffindor Tower, which meant they could play Exploding Snap loudly without bothering anyone, and practice duelling in private. Fred, George, and Ginny had chosen to stay at school rather than visit Bill in Egypt with Mr and Mrs Weasley. Percy, who disapproved of what he termed their childish behaviour, didn't spend much time in the Gryffindor common room. He had already told them pompously that he was only staying over Christmas because it was his duty as a prefect to support the teachers during this troubled time.

Christmas morning dawned, cold and white. June awoke to the sun shining into the girls' dormitory. Ginny and Maribelle, who were the only other girls left in their dormitory, were still asleep. June grinned at her presents placed at the end of her bed. Shedding her covers, June moved to rouse the girls.

"Oi! Wake up," June chuckled.

Ginny murmured and rolled to send a playful glare her way, while Maribelle didn't stir. Ginny stretched, her ginger hair tangled in the back. June bothered her about her untidy bed head, earning another glare.

"Meg, get up!" said Ginny loudly.

The blonde turned over with a yawn. Her ponytail tangled with some flyaway strains.