Scarlet Darkbloom and the Secret Tower

Chapter 17: And Then There Were Four

The circumstances were grim regarding any resolution to Serena's disappearance. Draco was informed that evening of the disappearance of both his children, and he had arrived to meet with the headmaster the next morning. Hermione, once we sent her an emergency owl of the situation, called for an emergency meeting in the secret tower. Everyone was on edge, even those that hadn't known the real story behind Layla and Serena.

"I can't believe someone can disappear from Hogwarts grounds without a trace," Auden had told us sadly when we were all settled in the Ravenclaw common room, downcast. I had no response to that. Frankly, I had no idea either.

Pierre, after being told everything, was handling it astonishingly well. His intelligence was a force to be reckoned with, and his knowledge with essential potions and plants to aid us in various situations was immeasurably important. His usual cheery, humorous self had quieted into a seriousness that was explained away as Serena's disappearance. I knew it was deeper than that, though.

Layla, too, was worried beyond belief. The secret trips she took to visit her mother and aunt had paused for the foreseeable future, and the fear that Pansy would be coming for those she loved dearly was in every waking thought. Her concentration and contribution to working on our magic had exponentially dropped. I couldn't find it in me to be frustrated by it, though. We were all taken aback by the sudden change in pace.

Hogwarts had tightened its security, too. We all had earlier curfews, and we couldn't wander the grounds alone at any time of day anymore. The teachers were working together to reinforce the magic Hogwarts was under, but anything that powerful took time. Unfortunately, that was something I feared we didn't have when it came to Serena. All I could think about was what Scorpius has told me -- "Watch for me." What did that even mean? All I could imagine was an owl, or a sign in the clouds, pointing me in the direction where I could send rescue. Every passing day was another moment where I feared for her, and my magic and concentration were suffering too.

"Psst." Someone whispered behind me, pulling me out of my trance in Charms class, the last class we had before we would head to the secret tower for the afternoon.

"Huh?" I mutter, turning to face them. Riley gave me a look and pointed towards the front. "Professor Catchlove asked you the purpose of the Summoning Charm...."

I wince and look at the front, the entire class' gaze on me. Whoops. "The purpose of the Summon Charm is to summon any reasonable object to wherever you are in that moment. It can be extremely useful in times that you forget something, or need something but don't want to move."

Professor Catchlove nodded, her bangles and crystal necklaces making tinkling noises whenever she moved. "Decent answer considering you were in another world. Five points to Ravenclaw. It would be ten if you paid attention in class."

My face turned red and I looked down. My love for acquiring magical knowledge and learning from amazing teachers hadn't changed, but my preoccupied mind refused to allow me to focus in class. I hoped meeting with Hermione this afternoon would ease some of my fears so that my mind could finally rest. I knew more than anyone that this couldn't go on forever.

Sooner rather than later - thank goodness - the bell rang to signal the end of class. I got up and followed Riley and Layla, hoping and thankfully succeeding in avoiding Professor Catchlove's interrogating gaze. Pierre bounded up behind me, his excitement unable to be contained for much longer.

"The Ministress of Magic, oh the intelligence she must carry with her!" Pierre whispered excitedly to me as we walked through the corridors leading to the secret tower.

"Pierre, must I remind you that Professor Longbottom of Herbology was not only a relevant person in the Battle of Hogwarts, but an essential one? We have celebrities teaching us." I scolded him teasingly. The truth was, I was just as starstruck by Hermione. She had been, after all, my closest friend - of course, as a book character - for many years.