Make Quiet Things Heard

Chapter 6 : You Poked Yourself (Ep. 3|Part 1)

Hope's POV

I am currently in class, I still keep up with my academics. Dorian is teaching a spellcasting class. All of us are sitting in a circle, where we begin to hold the hands of those next to them. Dorian is teaching us how to do chain spells. But before he can go further in his lecture, a piece of parchment materializes above their heads and falls into his hands.
"Uh-oh. Who's in trouble with the headmaster?" Josie asks. I have been unamused by the twins' antics thus far, roll my eyes sarcastically, and give Lizzie a look. "Probably the people who started a rumble with the local high school." I reply.

Dorian opens the note and reads it aloud. "Lizzie Saltzman, Josie Saltzman..." He turns to look me in the eyes, indicating I, too, is wanted for a meeting with Dr. Saltzman.
"And baby makes three. Off you go."
Me and the twins share confused and concerned looks before getting up to leave. Me and the twins have joined Dr. Saltzman in the library and tell us why we're in trouble, we are following him around the large room, watching him collect relevant books off the shelves while we demand answers for what he's just told us.

Lizzie tries to debate with her father on why she shouldn't be punished, and I just couldn't help but chuckle at her excuses, which made her more irritated.
"--And secondly..." Lizzie hesitates anxiously before finally blurting out what she's thinking.
"If anyone should take the blame, it's Josie." Josie, clearly not expecting this remark, gives Lizzie a betrayed and offended look. "What?" Lizzie, seeing how much this hurt Josie, immediately starts to backpedal.
"I'm sorry. I totally cracked during cross, but if you had just let Kaleb catch the ball--" Josie scoffs incredulously.
"Yeah, okay--"

I can't believe her, why would she blame Josie. I mean I know I wasn't at the game but I'm pretty sure Josie didn't do anything wrong to take the blame. Lizzie is just so selfish, I feel bad for Josie, and suddenly need to defend her. Dr. Saltzman's expression is stern as he redirects their conversation back to their punishment. "You'd still be in trouble--"
"But nice job throwing your sister under the bus" I interrupt him. Josie looks touched by my unexpected argument in her defense and gives me an affectionate and grateful look.
"Thank you, Hope."

I think this is the first time she's ever genuinely thanked me before. It feels nice. Lizzie, now feeling like everyone is turned against her, glares at Josie, who begins a silent argument through facial expressions. After a moment, Dr. Saltzman once again tries to get to the point of their argument.
"Speaking of, the bus leaves in ten minutes, and I expect all three of you on it, working together today, harmoniously and without drama. End of debate."
"I wasn't even at the game. Why am I being punished?" I ask.

"You know what you did." he replies
"All right, now go. All of you." He claps his hands loudly to emphasize his point as he herds his daughters out of the room. Josie and Lizzie groan as they storm out of the library, but I stayed put where I was and wait until the twins are gone before arguing. "Seriously?" I ask.
"What part of what I said needs translating?" he replies.
"I want to help you with research."
"Dorian has a master's degree in library science. I think the adults have it covered."
"That's not fair. You only play by "grown-up rules" when you don't need something from me."

He looks me in the eyes to emphasize why he's doing this.
" I am spinning right now, Hope. And I can't drag you or anyone else any further into this until I figure out what's going on, okay? So, right now, I need you to be a kid---Keeping a dragon-sized secret today until I get some answers." I continue to glare at Alaric, who gives me a stern look."Understood?"
I smile fakely at him but I am still upset by his punishment.

Josie's POV

All of us being punished for our behavior at the game the previous day are in the process of getting off of the Salvatore School bus when Lizzie, trailing behind Hope, takes the opportunity to poke at her in hopes of getting information.
"So, what did you do? My dad never gets mad at you. You're the prodigal daughter. Must have been juicy." Lizzie pokes. Hope, just trying to get through the day without incident, evades her line of questioning.
"Sorry. No time for girl talk. Public service awaits." Hope simply replies