Chapter Twenty-Five:
( daniel's request )

▂✫⌒*･ﾟ

"WELL, I'LL BE OFF WITH Harry, then. I'll miss you."

"Don't be dramatic, Ricky. We're gonna meet up so you can meet Daniel later."

"Ah, but being dramatic is in my nature, Spencer. Good luck, though!"

The first trip to Hogsmeade came rather quick. Within a blink of an eye, Spencer finds herself shivering at the simple coldness lingering in the unrestful air. Ever since Professor Slughorn's first supper with what he calls the 'Slug Club', Spencer was forced to go onto two more— sitting beside Hermione and Blaise. She does not mind sitting beside her Gryffindor friend, but she figures that the rest of the table (Hermione and Cormac) don't really enjoy hearing her and the Slytherin go off on each other. It also does not help that Cormac McLaggen never stops trying to woo either Hermione or her— at one point Spencer tried flirting back to make him lose interest, though, it failed miserably and the Gryffindor boy is even more annoying. Sometimes, Blaise would simply glare at McLaggen and that would get him to shut up for the rest of the time (thankfully!). Any who, October came quick and this undoubtedly time, Ricky and her would not be going together. Well, not in the first half at least. Ricky impose that it is best if she and Daniel get a moment to themselves before meeting up with him for the first time. She did not agree until Ricky told her that he would go with Harry, Hermione, and Ron.

She strolls silently pass dozens of students trying to find the perfect store that is both open and cozy. The village feels dull and gloomy despite how crowded some stores manages to be. With her arms crossed around her chest, she continues toward the way where Blaise had once took her. In her last letter sent to Daniel, she told him to meet her at Tomes and Scrolls. The place, as expected, has barely anyone inside other than the essential workers and Daniel Gray quietly pacing around.

His curly-hair grew a few inches longer than before, messily being flopped down onto his forehead and not neat like when she first met him. Spencer can sense his tiredness even from ten feet away, noticing his posture shifting uncomfortably and restlessly.

"Daniel," Spencer calls out only when she's nearby. Her eyes trail on his face numerous times— a hint of worry building up on her. The thirty-three year old man turns away from the books he is staring at and toward her, a genuine thin smile on his lips.

"Hey, kid," he greets kindly, wrapping one arm around her back to give her half a hug. She smiles lightly at the gesture before gazing at him curiously. Though, it appears that he is genuinely glad to see her, that is not all why he has come here for. She begins following him and walks down the aisles, both of them listening well to one another, but their eyes stuck on the books.

Spencer stops in front of Charles Dicken's Oliver Twist, letting her fingers linger over the old published book. She takes her time investigating the simple cover while asking Daniel, "Have you been here before?"

She can hear Daniel chuckle breathlessly. "Every Hogsmeade trip, even if it was just for a couple of seconds. You?"

"No," she shakes her head, flipping through the parchment and inhaling deeply. "I mean— not like you. Usually, Ricky and I hang out that by the time I remember wanting to come here, it's far too late. I've been here with... never mind that," Spencer cut herself short, letting her eyes freeze right at the book. With Blaise...

"I will meet Ricky, right?" Daniel repeats the question he has been asking since the letter of confirmation she sent. She simply rolls her eyes, knowing he knows the answer to it already. "I'll take that as a yes," he jokes quietly.

"Where is he, anyway?" He continues asking in wonder. Spencer takes Oliver Twist with her before wandering around the aisles beside the man. She holds it close to her side as she continues looking for more to buy. Her small steps take her to another book she has been longing to read and gently slides it out of the shelf and into her arms. The Picture of Dorian Gray printed largely in the cover with the name Oscar Wilde under it.

"Oh, he's with Harry, Hermione, and Ron," she answers easily, clutching tightly into the two books. Daniel nods in understanding before taking a quick look around. He does it for a whole minute before he scoots closer to her and ends up being in the same aisle, his fingers uncaringly touching each book in interest.

"Remember when we found the note in Ollivanders?" Daniel begins getting right to the point, his voice barely above a whisper. Noticing how serious they are about to get, Spencer straightens her back and nods in acknowledgement. "I've been trying to investigate what 'eld' could mean... I haven't gotten far in it, but I think I know why."

"Why?" Spencer furrows her brows curiously.

He grabs a random book and began flipping its pages. "You see, I've been trying to look for names that began with 'Eld', but— and I'm an idiot— it's most likely not a name. I mean, Ollivander has always been an odd man and even when you sent me that letter of what your friend said, it reminded me. I've managed to look into what type of objects he has bought or has been interested in— the only thing that comes up are..."

"Wands," Spencer offers questioningly. Daniel goes to snap his finger in agreement before realizing it would cause attention.

"Correct! Except, I have no clue what type include this 'eld'. I'm not even sure it's a substance," Daniel sighs disappointedly, his finger tapping on his chin in deep thought.

Spencer frowns slightly and then thinks to herself, voicing her thoughts out loud, "Well, what if... what if Ollivander didn't quite finish what he wanted to write? Wasn't the writing a bit rubbish and spotty? Perhaps it was something he tried writing before he was taken away?"

Daniel hums at her response, placing back the book he held in the shelf. "Yes, but it still wouldn't be some type of substance... I've tried looking both ways," he responds with a thoughtful voice.

"You came because you want help, right?" Spencer figures out, turning her back around to face him entirely. It was hard trying to explain how exhausted he seems, the way his eyes fall droopily to the ground a hurried amount of times. He has most likely not slept good trying to solve all the problems in one night. Well, that and his never finished workload with dozen more people getting murdered or kidnapped. Right now, however, he had a big worry for the greatest wandmaker.

"Yes, I do," he reveals sadly. "At Hogwarts, in the restricted area, there are more books helpful in there than anywhere else— other than the Ministry, of course. I know it's a lot to ask, but I wish for your help in trying to find this connection to why Voldemort wants Ollivander."

Spencer widens her eyes, her head tilting back in surprise. That is... that is a whole lot to ask of her. First hand, trying to get inside the restricted area, well, that may be possible if she's extra careful about how to cover herself— so not impossible. However, he is also asking for her to search for a book to reveal the answers. Hundreds of books are sprawl among the restricted area and so her sneaking in and out requires time. Unless, she tries to figure out what type of book would it be on. Clearly, it must has to do about wands. That would eliminate books that don't focus on wands— or doesn't mention it often. And it also most likely is not the books that involve the saying of "use your wand for..." it had to be some sort of individual fact, or type. Right?

She rubs her temple carefully, a tight-lipped frown on her face. Knowing she will later regret these words, Spencer lets out a sigh of defeat and tells him, "Okay, I'll do my best."

"If you think it's too much for you, then you don't have to, Spencer. I don't want to overload you especially with your NEWT level classes," Daniel cautions, his lips fully twisted upside down.

"No, no, I have to do this," Spencer responds back. She thinks back to what she manage to connect during her first 'supper' with Slughorn. "You said you had Slughorn, correct?"

Daniel raises an eyebrow at the random question before nodding slowly. "Yeah, why?"

"How many years back was he there for?" She questions again. The young man furrows his brows most likely trying to do the math.

"Since the year 1931, I think... about 65 years ago or so," Daniel answers her with an unsure tone. Spencer finds herself tapping her chin in thought. "What is it?"

"Harry told me a while back about— well, I shouldn't say... Dumbledore doesn't want many to know, I'm sorry," Spencer realizes her mistake and then apologizes, hoping her— hoping Daniel wouldn't take offense to it.

Fortunately, he seems to understand and gives her a short smile. "Whatever it is, I do hope you find a connection between it all. Excuse me, however, I think a few books about wands could help," Daniel waves off, his feet slightly heading opposite of her until he is in the other aisle.

"Wait, is that all we're going to talk about?" Spencer questions a bit loudly knowing this would be how he could hear her clearly.

"Uh— not exactly, there's still something else I need to tell you. It requires—" Daniel's voice slowly drowns out as Spencer tries to make her way elsewhere, bumping into someone which causes the book she is holding to fall with a thud. She bends down in exasperation before realizing the person had grab the other books.

"Thank you— Blaise?" Spencer begins to say before her eyes widen in surprise, the Slytherin's name falling out of her mouth. The young boy opposite of her seems surprise as well, his hand holding onto the book of Oliver Twist.

He eyes her curiously as he greets, "Montague."

"What are you— what are you doing here?" She questions dumbly. She does notice how he called her by her last name rather than first like she did.

Blaise gives her an odd look. "It's a bookstore," he answers simply.

Before Spencer can continue in to what may lead to embarrassment, she turns back once more as Daniel pops up in the same aisle again with him continuing to say, "— and I find it odd... have you even been listening?"

Silence lingers in the area they are in with Blaise staring suspiciously at Daniel, Daniel at Blaise, and Spencer at Daniel. "Uh... no?" She mumbles with a quizzical tone.

Daniel returns his gaze toward her and then walks forward. "I was talking about— is he allowed to listen?" The young man stares at Blaise curiously.

The Slytherin narrows his eyes at them before slowly backing away. He gives a short glare while he mutters, "I'll just leave—"

"No!" Spencer accidentally lets slip out. She covers her mouth in total regret before clearing her throat and correcting herself, "I mean... I trust him not to say anything. He can't leave since he saw you already, anyway. It's fine."

Blaise stares at her with a puzzled expression while Daniel thinks shortly about it. "Alright, but he better not say anything, Spencer," he warns quietly.

Spencer turns to Blaise with a sure look. "He won't," she states, her eyes gazing right at his. Through his hardened expression, she still manages to see some of him soften up a bit as he nods in assurance.

She looks back at the books Daniel managed to get ahold of and takes it from his hands. There is just three old books focused on wand's materials that she has a feeling people will assume that is where her career is headed towards for. Oh, yeah. Spencer is most likely about to read two or three or four different books each day— along with her own schoolwork. Shit. It's not impossible, she just wishes that her schoolwork would not exist for some time being.

"What were you saying before?" She thinks back to his words before being found by Blaise. The Slytherin stands back with the most interested uninterested face to have exist— clearly bonded with his usual expression to the one that is curious to no end. She can tell he is paying attention, but is also there looking for books.

Daniel sighs with an unpleasant and heavy sensation sitting on his heart. "You've made it clear that your sister, Morgana, is a... Death Eater," he barely makes it above a whisper, his brows knitting closely to one another. It is obvious that thinking and saying that is something he does not wish to acknowledge.

Spencer nods and motions to Blaise. "Yes, she is. I'm sure even her ex-boyfriend can agree with me," she insists, ignoring the glare that the boy beside her sends her. Daniel raises his eyebrows in surprise before shaking it off.

"I believe you, Spencer. It's just that something has come to my attention," he begins to reveal slowly. Spencer tilts her head to the side, wondering what that may be. "Has Morgana tried doing something to either you or anyone at school?"

The question makes her stiffen in slight realization. No, she hasn't. Spencer lets her eyes trail down to the floor. The fact that Morgana has not done anything always keeps her up at night, but to be right is both not surprising and yet alarming. She makes eye connection with Blaise, noticing the same look on his eyes briefly.

"No, not yet," Spencer voices roughly. "Why? What are you thinking?"

"In the First Wizarding World, when he began to grow powerful, his loyalties had to prove themselves worthy," Daniel starts off, his eyes full of remembrance. "People in school began acting different, their left arm would be covered up even in the hottest of days, 'accidents' began to happen... it was total chaos."

"I think now that many of his old 'pals' were able to escape their rotten lives in Azkaban, he knows testing them will have to be, well, harsher," he continues nervously. "To recruit new members, he needs to see their loyalty."

Spencer thinks about his words. "But Morgana is practically in love with him. She wholeheartedly would lay down her loyalty to him," she forces these words out of her mouth, grimacing slightly knowing how real they are.

"Except Voldemort doesn't know that," Daniel responds back. Spencer furrows her brows. He is right. Voldemort wouldn't know how desperately Morgana has dreamt to be a part of allegiance with him. "You get where I'm going?"

"She has to prove her worth," Spencer murmurs with realization. Then, a dark thought passes toward her. "All of them have to prove their worth," she breathes out, her gaze returning to Blaise's. He wears a simple mask to hide his feelings about the situation, but she could've sworn she has seen some concern and worry flash on his face.

"Have you interacted with her at all?" Daniel cannot help but ask, his hand carefully parting her hair.

Spencer shakes her head. "No, no. I've been suspecting she has been planning something because anytime our paths are about to cross, she leaves. And it's not for embarrassment or guilt. There's always this look in her eye that I thought I have been imagining," she tells him.

"Spencer... this isn't good. There might be a chance that you could be her target," Daniel confesses, his face being overwhelmed with worry. Spencer swallows deeply in surprise.

"What?" She gasps out. "Why me? Voldemort doesn't even..."

"Mordra. Or maybe Morgana or your parents," he offers quietly. "Look, maybe you're not the target Voldemort wants her to focus on, but she is obviously has intentions to do something to you."

"What are you proposing?"

"You need to stay away from her. I'm telling you about this not so you can interfere. It's far dangerous even if she's not trying to hurt you," Daniel demands. "Whether you like it or not, you need protection. Along with Harry."

Spencer scoffs at his words. "I am not going to get protection. That is not necessary because I can defend myself."

"Listen to me, Spencer. Someone's going to protect you," he repeats once more, his eyes narrowing slightly.

"Well, you can't propose that! You're not my father," she argues angrily. And even if he were it is not like she would listen to her father, she thinks to herself. Spencer backs slightly toward Blaise, her face clearly not adapting well to the news.

"No, but I'm your brother whether you want to acknowledge that or not!" Daniel snaps back with determination. Spencer feels her eyes widen at his words, surprise by his outburst of how he feels about the whole situation. She slowly turns to Blaise and notices his whole confusion and surprise being shown for the first time— no sign of his blank expression anywhere. Except she does not care about that. Her thoughts only repeats Daniel's words of 'I'm your brother whether you want to acknowledge that or not'. She is an idiot... of course he would notice how she pretends that they're not...

She stays quiet for a few seconds before sighing in defeat. "Okay, fine. And who do you have in mind to 'protect me'?"

Daniel frowns before his eyes fall to the tall boy who wears his Slytherin scarf fashionably. "What about you?"

Spencer gapes at him in shock. "You can't just ask him that—"

"Of course," Blaise cuts her off and answers honestly. She snaps her head toward him. "What?"

Daniel shakes his hand gracefully. "Thank you. See, we've got that covered. It's just a precaution," he tells her easily.

Spencer sighs. "Blaise, you don't have to do this, you know?"

He stares at her oddly, a familiar sense of expression in his face. "I understand, Spencer."

Oh. He is serious. She hadn't realize how good her name sounds when it comes out of his lips. A soothing and quieting touch gently lays upon her smile she gives him, toothless and yet genuine. Spencer notices a swift knowledge come upon him as his lips part in slight... awe?

"Well," Daniel's voice brings the two out of their gaze. He eyes them curiously as if he is noticing something they have not. "That's what I came here for. So, who is this, again?"

Spencer clears her throat and motions to the two of them. "Oh, Daniel, this is Blaise Zabini, a Slytherin and friend. Blaise, this is Daniel uh— Gray, he's..." she stops toward the end, finding the words so close to her lips. Her heart falls when she notices a disappointed expression appear on Daniel's face at her inability to say the words.

Just say it. She looks up to Blaise, a deep understanding and encouraging sensation in his face. "He's my brother," she blurts out.

The young man appears taken back by her actual words and lets a grin take over his face. Blaise nods at her words, but confusion still rest on his face. "I didn't know you had a brother," he comments quietly.

Daniel motions for them to hand over the books they have, galleons already out in his hand. "Go ahead and meet me at the Hog's Head— horrible butterbeer, but no one's there so it's not crowded. I'll pay for these," he explains, waving them off.

Blaise gives him a look. "I could pay for mine, sir," he tells him simply. Daniel rolls his eyes and holds out his hand.

"Seriously, kid, go with Spencer. She can briefly explain what's going on while she goes get Ricky," Daniel chuckles lightly. Blaise purses his lips unsurely before nodding, slowly handing over the two books he had. One of them for sure is one he wanted to buy for himself while the other is Oliver Twist.

The two of them quietly begin walking their way to the Three Broomsticks, once in a while glancing at each other. "I guess your summer was interesting," he starts off awkwardly.

Spencer snorts at his statement. "That's one way to describe it. I suppose yours wasn't, then?"

Blaise raises an eyebrow. "Yeah, I don't think I remember you having a brother. Or Morgana, for that matter," he repeats once more.

"Me neither," she comments. "Found him unintentionally. When I ran away from my manor."

He stops in his steps and turns to her. "You ran away? Before or after the Malfoy's went to your manor?"

Spencer makes a face. "Malfoy went to the manor?"

"Before, then," he answers his own question. Spencer stares at him curiously, noticing he is no longer trying to hide his expressions. Guilt begins spurring up in her and she cannot help but apologize, "I'm sorry for accusing you on being like how people describe you. It was not fair of me to do so. You're more than you show, Blaise. And I... I miss talking with you at night or just around."

Her last sentence obviously surprises him and she finds herself regretting saying them at his silence. Did she embarrass herself too much? Why on earth does she even care? Instead of humiliating herself any further, she continues her way to the Three Broomsticks. Blaise seems to notice and begins catching up beside her.

"So," he stops himself from talking as his voice cracks awfully. Spencer pretends not to notice. Blaise clears his throat before continuing, "Morgana doesn't know about him, right? I'm guessing only a short amount of people?"

"Yeah," she answers quickly. "It's complicated to explain in one setting. Do you want to meet up later?"

"Astronomy Tower?" Blaise assures questioningly, heading in front of her just so he can open up the door. He lets her in through before going in himself. Spencer nods at his words, though, she grins immediately when Ricky comes into sight. Beside her friend are the three Gryffindors obviously having some sort of spying activity toward the Potions professor.

Harry nudges Ricky's side, pointing toward the two students. Her best friend turns around and immediately heads toward Spencer. "Is he here?" Ricky questions almost excitedly. Harry reaches beside him, eyeing Blaise in distrust before turning his head toward Spencer.

"Daniel's here?" He questions bemused. Ron and Hermione quickly brighten at the new information. "Tell him hello for us!"

Spencer grins at them. "Alright, I'll see you guys shortly," she waves goodbye before locking Ricky's arm with hers and motioning for Blaise to follow beside her.

"No offense, but what's he doing here?" Ricky points at the Slytherin in confusion— not out of disrespect but genuinely confuse. Spencer shares a look with the now blank-face boy before returning to her friend.

"He kind of just met Daniel and now I'm bringing him alone in my journey," Spencer informs, her steps hurrying to Hog's Head.

Ricky nods gently, but still manages to ask, "Wouldn't his housemates be curious?"

Blaise answers this one dryly, "I don't care if they are or aren't. It's none of their business." Spencer forces herself to not let blood flow into her cheeks— why is she feeling like this? She has to admit, his tone being awfully cold and yet defensive is pretty, well, hot.

            The three of them enter Hog's Head quietly, finding Daniel already sitting down with three more butterbeers beside him. She never actually notice how much of a gentleman Blaise can be until noticing how one, he opens the doors and two, back at the bookstore, he picked up her books. Spencer shakes her head, trying to get the thoughts about him out of her brain. Daniel looks up at their presence and then smiles warmly, standing up and offering a hand toward Ricky.

            "You must be Ricky Adams," Daniel smiles charmingly. Ricky nods with his eyes wide open, shaking his hand repeatedly.

            "Yes, Mister Daniel— Sir— Agent," Ricky stammers before realizing his words do not make sense. Spencer shakes her head disappointedly while Blaise stares at him with a weirded out expression.

            "Daniel is just fine, Ricky," the young man chuckles in amusement. "I've heard wonderful things about you. Thank you for being there for her."

            Ricky gets over his nervousness and then smiles genuinely. "Of course. She's my best friend and I love her," he tells it like it is the most obvious thing in the world. "So, you didn't even know that Morgana and Spencer were your sisters, right? I'm curious, how did you continue Hogwarts for seventh year?"

            Daniel takes a slight sip from his butterbeer before grimacing. "I didn't know until we met at the Weasleys. And for the second part... Professor Flitwick and Dumbledore helped me legally change my surname— the people at school didn't really care at the time, you know? They didn't know why I changed it and just ignored it and so when I left Hogwarts, I left it completely through the job Professor Flitwick offered and a year later went off to the United States," he explains.

            "That's so cool," Ricky sighs in awe. "I've seen some of your books and conferences you've given— mostly because Spencer always obsessed over Analyzing Behavior and about the type of investigations you did."

            "Ricky!" Spencer exclaims, hiding her face in her hands. Blaise leans back on his seat with a look of realization.

            "Wait— is this the Daniel Gray you called a muggle and the book you have read countless—" Blaise tries saying before she places her hand on his mouth, forcing him to stop talking. Daniel stares at the two boys with a full grin.

            He smirks at the young brunette, raising an eyebrow. "You didn't tell me you were a fan,"

            "Oh, shut up," she mumbles with embarrassment. "I didn't know we were related!"

            Ricky snickers to himself. "At least you can get your autograph now. She always wish to get it—"

            "I thought you were on my side," Spencer groans. She hides her face in her arms that rest on the table. Her chin places itself on her hands and she gazes up at Blaise. "Whose side are you on, Charles Darnay?"

            Spencer stares up at him with her head tilted to the side, her eyes focused solely on him and awaiting for his decision. Blaise gazes at her back, his eyes feeling oddly captivated by her— even without her trying. Completely and beautifully different than when Morgana would try to manipulate him to her ways. Against all judgement, he finds himself saying with a subtle smirk, "I suppose on yours, Jo March."

            She beams up at him excitedly before giving the other two a prideful look. "Ah, see now we won. You've got a some 'nerd' skills and good looking figures while we've got double that, right, Blaise?"

            Ricky simpers, "And who's the 'double' good-looking one, then?"

            Spencer ignores the obvious bait and instead answers, "Both of us, duh. I'll have you know I do acknowledge my beauty and Blaise's as well."

            They continue on their conversation, and in Spencer's and Blaise's inner heart, they knew what it meant for one another when she had asked 'whose side are you on?'. And what it meant when he finally gave her his answer.

            A little over an hour, someone bursts through the door of Hog's Head and the four of them turn to see a familiar girl's bushy hair running toward them in worry. Spencer stands from her spot, concern washing over the smile she had as she stares at Hermione Granger.

            "S-something happened to Katie Bell!" She cries out to them, a scarred look on her face. Daniel quickly stands from his spot and begins jogging wherever Hermione would to lead him. Spencer shares a look with Ricky before following her brother, unintentionally grabbing not only her best friend's hand, but Blaise's as well. They stray away from Daniel who immediately bends down to examine the wailing girl, not far, but not close having no idea what happened to her.

            Daniel begins picking her up in his arms right when Hagrid came in with Harry by his side. "Get back!" The giant shouts toward everyone else except the young man.

            "Gimme her, I'll get her back to school grounds," Hagrid grunts, worry and fear clearly present on his face. Daniel does as he is told and rubs his temples nervously just as the half-giant went running back to the grounds. He turns to the students and begins asking them to continue off on their own, only making sure that Spencer, her friends, and this Bell's friend stay.

            Spencer lets go of the hands she is holding and went beside Hermione who is next to Leanne, Katie's friend. "Did it just happen out of a sudden—?" Hermione tries asking carefully, glancing over at Daniel who bends down where the girl had been screaming in pain.

            "It was when that package tore," Leanne sobs, pointing at the now sodden brown-paper package on the ground, which has split open to reveal a greenish glitter. Ron bends down, his hand out-stretched to pick up the item, but thankfully Daniel grabs his hand quickly and shakes his head.

            "Don't get it," the man warns. Ron widens his eyes before nodding and backing next to Harry. Spencer walks slightly forward and gazes down at what he is staring at. She hears Harry gasp in realization.

            "I've seen that before!" He remarks worriedly. Daniel turns to him immediately. "Where, Harry?"

            "It was on display in Borgin and Burkes ages ago. The label said it was cursed. Katie must've touch it," he tells the man and his friends all the same. Daniel closes his eyes in understanding before kneeling beside Leanne.

            "Hey," he calls on her softly. "Do you know how your friend got ahold of this? It may help us."

            Leanne let out another sob. "Well, that's why we were arguing! She came back from the bathroom in the Three Broomsticks holding it, said it was a surprise for somebody at Hogwarts and she had to deliver it. She looked all funny when she said it... Oh no, oh no, I bet she'd been Imperiused and I didn't realize!"

            Daniel runs a hand through his hair frustratedly. "I suppose you don't know who gave it to her?"

            She shakes her head hysterically. "No, I don't!" She cries out, bursting into tears once more.

            Spencer gets beside Daniel and pulls him over. "Do you think it was...?"

            "I'm not sure if it was her, Spencer. What I am sure of, however, is that You-Know-Who has assigned roles to new Death Eaters. Anyone of them could have done this," Daniel sighs in frustration. He returns back to Harry, who smartly picks up the necklace with his scarf. "Here, let me handle it just in case. We've got to get back to the castle."

            Spencer goes to follow her friends before stopping momentarily, her eyes falling on the Slytherin's who seems to be in deep thought. "Are you coming?" She questions softly.

            Blaise glances up at her with a frown before slightly shaking his head. "I-I— it's best if I don't... Meet me at the Astronomy Tower at nine?"

            "Yeah, okay," she nods in confusion. Right as he turns to leave back to the stores, she calls out his name and then says, "Be careful."

            He nods back at her before leaving opposite of her. Spencer frowns slightly before catching up with the rest of them as they enter back at the castle. With Daniel up ahead, Harry cannot help but blurt out, "Malfoy knows about this necklace. It was in a case at Borgin and Burkes four years ago, I saw him having a good look at it while I was hiding from him and his dad. This is what he was buying that day when we followed him! He remembered it and went back for it!"

            Spencer thinks about his words. Technically, his words do make sense. Whoever has just become a Death Eater is a suspect in Daniel's and her terms. That includes Morgana, however. Wait, does that mean Theodore...? Malfoy? Hell, even Crabbe and Goyle could've done it.

            "I-I dunno, Harry," Ron says hesitantly. "Loads of people go to Borgin and Burkes... and didn't that girl say Katie got it in the girl's restroom?"

            "I hate to say it, but Harry may be right, guys. Or at least it could have also been Morgana since she's, well..." Spencer backs Harry up, a deep frown written on her face. Ricky grabs her hand in worry and she squeezes in comfort knowing this whole idea makes him nauseous.

            Ron purses his lips before his eyes widen and he exclaims, "McGonagall!"

            All of them turn to see Daniel already conversing with his former teacher, the necklace being shown among her as they talk in whispers. Filch came along their way most likely to discipline them, but McGonagall shoos him off while handing over the cursed necklace. "Would you tell me what Professor Snape says about it? I think this might have been even more serious if not done correctly," Daniel reveals grimly.

            Professor McGonagall nods in assurance and lets him head toward Spencer. He lets his hand carefully soothe her cheek before saying, "I'll be leaving. Take care, you understand?"

            "You too," Spencer comments worriedly. Daniel gives her a short smile before walking away from her view, most likely getting out of the castle grounds to apparate out of there. Her attention rewinds back to Professor McGonagall who holds the same creases in her forehead when it comes down to them.

            "Hagrid says that four of you saw what happened to Katie Bell— upstairs to my office at once, please!" Professor McGonagall demands strictly, urging all six of them to continue up. All of them follow her up quietly onto her desk and waits to be called on knowing she is not someone to be messed with. "Well? What happened?"

            Haltingly, and with many pauses while she attempts to control her crying, Leanne tells Professor McGonagall how Katie had gone to the bathroom in the Three Broomsticks and returned holding the unmarked package, how Katie had seemed a little odd, and how they had argued about the advisability of agreeing to deliver unknown objects, the argument culminating in the tussle over the parcel, which tore open. At this point, Leanne is so overcome, there is no getting another word out of her. Spencer gives the girl a short-lasting hug as she cries in her shoulders for a mere moment.

            "All right," says Professor McGonagall, not unkindly, "go up to the hospital wing, please, Leanne, and get Madam Pomfrey to give you something for shock."

            When she leaves the room, Professor McGonagall turns back to Harry, Ron, Hermione, Spencer, and Ricky. "What happened when Katie touched the necklace?"

            "She rose up in the air," said Harry, before either one of them could speak, "and then began to scream, and collapsed. Professor, can I see Professor Dumbledore, please?"

            "The headmaster is away until Monday, Potter," says Professor McGonagall, looking surprised. Spencer raises her eyebrow in surprise. Why was the Headmaster always leaving?

            "Away?" Harry repeats angrily.

            "Yes, Potter, away!" confirms Professor McGonagall tartly. "But anything you have to say about this horrible business can be said to me, I'm sure!"

            For a split second, Harry hesitates, Spencer knows that for sure. However, he still reveals his true thoughts. "I think Draco Malfoy gave Katie that necklace, Professor."

            On one side of him, Ron rubs his nose in apparent embarrassment; on the other, Hermione shuffles her feet as though quite keen to put a bit of distance between herself and Harry. Ricky closes his eyes in fear while Spencer lets her gaze fall into the floor. No matter how she has troubles with Malfoy because at one point he is tolerable and the other he isn't, Spencer fears he truly has gone to Voldemort's side. She remembers once talking about it with Blaise... and how he believes his best friend isn't too bad, but clearly troubled. Like Theodore.

            "That is a very serious accusation, Potter," said Professor McGon- agall, after a shocked pause. "Do you have any proof?"

            "No," Harry denies, "but..." and he tells her about following Malfoy to Borgin and Burkes and the conversation they had overheard between him and Mr. Borgin.

            When he finished speaking, Professor McGonagall looks slightly confused. "Malfoy took something to Borgin and Burkes for repair?"

            "No, Professor, he just wanted Borgin to tell him how to mend something, he didn't have it with him. But that's not the point, the thing is that he bought something at the same time, and I think it was that necklace —" Harry tries explaining while the others stay silent.

            "You saw Malfoy leaving the shop with a similar package?"

            "No, Professor, he told Borgin to keep it in the shop for him —"

            "But Harry," Hermione interrupts, "Borgin asked him if he wanted to take it with him, and Malfoy said no —"

            "Because he didn't want to touch it, obviously!" Harry exclaims angrily.

            "What he actually said was, 'How would I look carrying that down the street?' " Hermione corrects.

            Spencer sighs. "There is a chance Voldemort is trying to make them gain his trust. In any way possible, a mission being given—" Spencer cannot finish her sentence as the others began to overlap over her.

            "Well, he would look a bit of a prat carrying a necklace," interjects Ron.

            "Oh, Ron," said Hermione despairingly, "it would be all wrapped up, so he wouldn't have to touch it, and quite easy to hide inside a cloak, so nobody would see it! I think whatever he reserved at Borgin and Burkes was noisy or bulky, something he knew would draw attention to him if he carried it down the street — and in any case," she pressed on loudly, before Harry could interrupt, "I asked Borgin about the necklace, don't you remember? When I went in to try and find out what Malfoy had asked him to keep, I saw it there. And Borgin just told me the price, he didn't say it was already sold or anything —"

            "Well, you were being really obvious, he realized what you were up to within about five seconds, of course he wasn't going to tell you — anyway, Malfoy could've sent off for it since —"

            "That's enough!" Professor McGonagall cuts them all off, as Hermione opens her mouth to retort, looking furious. Spencer and Ricky share a look before glancing back at them.

            "Potter, I appreciate you telling me this, but we cannot point the finger of blame at Mr. Malfoy purely because he visited the shop where this necklace might have been purchased. The same is probably true of hundreds of people —"

            "— that's what I said —" mutters Ron.

            "— and in any case, we have put stringent security measures in place this year. I do not believe that necklace can possibly have en- tered this school without our knowledge —"

            "But —"

            "— and what is more," says Professor McGonagall, with an air of awful finality, "Mr. Malfoy was not in Hogsmeade today."

            Harry gapes at her, deflating. "How do you know, Professor?"

            "Because he was doing detention with me. He has now failed to complete his Transfiguration homework twice in a row. So, thank you for telling me your suspicions, Potter," she said as she marches past them, "but I need to go up to the hospital wing now to check on Katie Bell. Good day to you all."

            She holds open her office door. They have no choice but to file past her without another word. Spencer knows immediately that Harry is angry with the other two for siding with McGonagall; nevertheless, the boy feels compelled to join in once they started discussing what had happened.

            "So who do you reckon Katie was supposed to give the necklace to?" asks Ron, as they climb the stairs to the common room.

            "Goodness only knows," said Hermione. "But whoever it was has had a narrow escape. No one could have opened that package without touching the necklace."

            "It could've been meant for loads of people," Ricky wonders. Spencer finds herself agreeing with him.

            "Right, like Dumbledore," she offers in thought.

Harry furrows his brows and nods. "The Death Eaters would love to get rid of him, he must be one of their top targets. Or Slughorn — Dumbledore reckons Voldemort really wanted him and they can't be pleased that he's sided with Dumbledore. Or —"

            "Or you," Hermione comments, looking troubled.

            "Couldn't have been," said Harry, "or Katie would've just turned around in the lane and given it to me, wouldn't she? I was behind her all the way out of the Three Broomsticks. It would have made much more sense to deliver the parcel outside Hogwarts, what with Filch searching everyone who goes in and out. I wonder why Malfoy told her to take it into the castle?"

            "Harry, Malfoy wasn't in Hogsmeade!" yells Hermione, actually stamping her foot in frustration.

            "He must have used an accomplice, then," Harry coolly retracts. "Crabbe or Goyle — or, come to think of it, another Death Eater, he'll have loads better cronies than Crabbe and Goyle now he's joined up —"

            The Gryffindor dares to glance at Spencer. "Hell, he could have been working with Zabini too!"

            She clenches her jaw in anger, but knows not to start arguing fully against him. Harry's mad and frustrated that not one of his friends seem to want to listen about his theory. What Daniel had told her today as given her enough to believe that he may have done something— but it could have also been Morgana. Or... Theodore. "It's not Blaise. I get your point with Malfoy, but there's others we need to be wary of as well. This includes my own sister. Look, Daniel told me something about Voldemort giving out missions to test loyalties..."

            Ron and Hermione exchange looks that plainly said they do not agree with what Spencer and Harry try saying. The young Montague give them sharp looks. "Don't look at us like that! You think Morgana isn't capable of doing this? Or Malfoy? You know— I'm sure if I had stayed then You-Know-Who would have given me one as well!"

            Spencer glares at them hotly before grabbing Ricky's hand and storming away to their own dorms. Her friend pulls her back and stares at her in concern. "You okay?"

            Her eyes soften at his question. "No, yeah. I'm fine. Are you? I know you don't like even thinking about this..."

            "I'm kind of scared," he admits nervously. "But I think right now I need some sleep. I'll see you tomorrow?"

            Spencer kisses his cheek warmly. "Always."

.･:*:･ﾟ'✫,'✫'ﾟ･:*:･˙

            DESPITE HER UTTER TIREDNESS, Spencer still goes up the Astronomy Tower at the time Blaise offered. As expected, he is already up by the rails looking out the stars. She wonders if he still has gone here even after she stopped going. Not that he only went for her, but truthfully, no matter how many times she wanted to go up, she never did. Mostly because she fears that her presence would cause him to leave his peaceful state of mind. He is leaning over with his face relaxed and his chin tilts up at the sky in restfulness.

            Not wanting to bother his posture, she silently walks beside him and feels the breeze hit her skin coldly. Even though she still wears a coat over her, the freezing weather still manages to overpower what she wears. Spencer finds herself becoming slightly relaxed as well. Ever since the Department of Mysteries, she has gained recurring nightmares which changes either from Sirius Black dying in front of her (did you know she can now see thestrals? Spencer did not mention it to her friends but she figures they realize that since the carriage ride to Hogwarts she simply stares at them), to fighting her own aunt, Voldemort's face, and her own torture within the manor.

            Spencer tries not to but she is still very much afraid of her own mind and how clearly it remembers everything.

            "Feels weird, doesn't it?" Blaise's voice brings her out of her thoughts. Soft and gentle unlike the one he used in the beginning of the year when they were both very bitter among each other. He takes her silence as an agreement. Slowly, he turns to her with a solemn look. "Do you... do you think Draco did it?"

            Although surprise by his question, she finds herself in a need of words. Recognizing his expression to be one of concern, she places her hand carefully on his. "Maybe, but I don't know him like you do. I know it's hard to suspect him because he's your friend— it pains me to think that Theodore may have been the one. Though, we aren't sure who it could've been. Maybe Morgana, maybe Malfoy. Maybe Theodore. Maybe any other student in the area. My point is... we're hanging in a loose thread of a war."

            "You were almost going to become a Death Eater, weren't you?" He questions quietly.

            Spencer swallows deeply. "Yes," she answers numbly. "Morgana's birthday. My father told me I had to join either willingly or would be forced to. I ran away instead. Found Harry and made my way to a safe place."

            "And somehow found your lost brother," he adds in jokingly. She chuckles at his words. The two of them grow into a comfortable silence that Spencer never realized how calming it is. It gives her a slight relief that the two of them are not purposely trying to anger each other. She glances up at the sky and lets herself enjoy the view. "I..."

             When Blaise starts speaking again, she turns to him curiously. The taller boy seems to be in thought before he continues, "I apologize for the way I've been acting. It was rude of me to do so."

             Spencer gives him a light shrug. "I mean... I did insult you so I un—"

             "That wasn't why I—" Blaise starts before he catches himself from continuing. Either way, Spencer heard the first few words and scrunches her brows in confusion. Then why was he angry with her? Noticing her expression, Blaise clears his throat and tells her, "You're brilliant, Spencer."

             She widens her eyes in surprise and feels her cheeks slightly warm up at his words. He is not staring at her but rather on the sky as if he is afraid to gaze at her. Honestly, she is surprised. Did the Blaise Zabini just compliment her—? "But you do stupid things," the boy beside her continues and Spencer finds herself rolling her eyes (of course).

             "Thanks," she replies sarcastically.

             Blaise sends her a look. "Fine, they're not stupid, but... you take care of others more than you do to yourself. That's what I mean."

             Spencer narrows her eyes and she gets even more puzzled. "You were mad at me because I put others first...?"

             "No," he seems as if he does not want to elaborate, but she gives him a look that says otherwise. "Maybe, I don't know. It's just that you shouldn't do that. You're supposed to put yourself first but then it's like you forget every natural instincts of survival for yourself in order to help others. So, I got mad because you're brilliant and stupid at the same time and I hated how I felt so I figured it was best if we just stopped being... acquaintances."

             The young Montague stares at him curiously before she nods (although she is still confused while her mind is yelling at her that the answer is in front of her). And then, upon hearing his last word she corrects him, "Friends. We're friends, you and I." And she states it instead of asking because she knows he would most likely deny the fact. If she makes it clear, then he won't. And he does not.

             Blaise finally looks at her when she speaks those words and raises his eyebrows in surprise before repeating, "Right. Friends."

            "You don't have to protect me like Daniel said, by the way," Spencer remembers about the conversation from the morning. Blaise gives her an unamused expression and informs her, "I made a promise, technically."

            The young Montague rolls her eyes. "Now I owe you more than three favors."

            Blaise raises an eyebrow in confusion before slowly realizing what she meant. "You remembered..."

            "Well, I haven't repaid them, have I? Tell me when and it's done," Spencer grins lightly. He snorts in amusement, but does not return the smile. The young girl wonders how his would look like. For some reason, she longs to see it already knowing it will be beautiful. It makes sense if it is. Blaise Zabini is a handsome boy. A good-looking boy that despite every dispute between them is still willing to help her. This gives her a slight hope to build up.

            (And perhaps people like him— people like Theodore have a chance to be brought to a closure of fighting for what is right and defeat what they are scared of).

▂✫⌒*･ﾟ

AUTHOR'S NOTE:
um bYE HE CHOSE HER !!!
okay, there, that's it ! the end <3
hahah jk but anyway, stan
blaise and spencer for clear skin

hogsmeade really brings them
togetehr 😄👍 anyway, i might
kill you guys next chapter 😻💖