Chapter Six:
( quidditch rivals )

▂✫⌒*･ﾟ

BELIEVE IT OR NOT, Spencer was not feeling like shit all day anymore. It lessened to about five hours a day for a week and then two hours for another. She was now down to at least one hour of self-hatred which is still considerably not good, but it was improvement. A known philosopher, Sir Francis Bacon, once claimed, "In order for the light to shine so brightly, the darkness must be present." Spencer tried seeing whatever was going on with her in such way. Surely a smart man like him had some wise words ahead of its time, right? She remembered reading one of Bacon's books about the development of the scientific method, something muggles tend to use in the real life for science. It was somewhat like magic except explainable in a way. This guarantee her some brilliance in his mind which possibly means his words are not far off. Perhaps the reason why she was getting better was because of the talk Ricky forced her to have with him or maybe because of the DA's meetings or even because of Theodore spending time with them. It was a nice change having him around often since last year they only knew of each other. The thought of his father still most likely being a Deatheater never left her mind, but she let it pass the more he hung out with them.

Although there was a small library in the Ravenclaw common room, Spencer has come to enjoy the actual library for the very reason that Theodore could join the two of them. The Slytherin tried to rapidly finish his homework while Ricky studied for Potions (since Snape made him redo one of the essays) and Spencer continued reading on her own. At the book she was reading, Ricky offered her a raised eyebrow since he knew now where the book came from. Zabini gave her his book of A Tale of Two Cities and in return she did the same. Truth be told, she already finished the fictional (and yet based on a real event) novel. She understood why the other Slytherin enjoyed it. The setting took place in Europe during the French Revolution, an event that occurred for muggles alike that involved changing the political system. It differed from her suggestion that she gave him since hers mostly dealt with woman.

"I don't think this is a real word, Spence," Theodore sighs out, pushing the book of Transfiguration close to the brunette. Spencer places down her book, putting a bookmark in it (she wasn't about to fold it) and motioned for her friend to tell her what he meant. Her eyebrows raises in amusement and she sends a comforting smile toward him as she pats him in the back. The word was quite long and she couldn't blame him for getting stuck on it since it was kakorrhaphiophobia. Why was it even in it anyway?

"Don't think much about it. It does not affect the curriculum," Spencer tells him once she reads over the sentence. Theodore's confusion still lingers in his face, his curiosity of it actually being a word dawning on him. "Think of it this way... it's something Hermione— and me I suppose— have," she explains briefly.

Theodore furrows his brows. "Intelligence?"

Ricky stifles a laugh, his head turning elsewhere so they wouldn't see him practically laugh at their conversation. He did not know what the word meant, but Theodore's confusion amused him. Spencer sent him a look and she turned back to the Slytherin with a shake of her head. "No, um... kakorrhaphiophobia stands for fear of failure," she corrects, shrugging at the mouth-wide boy.

"Please don't tell me you've read the dictionary before," Theodore groans, almost smacking his head onto the table. Instead of answering him, Spencer slowly retrieved her book and began reading where she left off. When the Slytherin looked up, he knew that it was her way of saying she definitely has and with the ability she had, the girl most likely remembered each one of the word. He went to return on doing his homework before glancing up as he notice a few of his housemates carelessly walk in with their booming voices. His posture stiffened slightly before rolling his eyes as he realized why they were being so loud.

Spencer looked up from her book, facing it down as she stared at the Slytherins in curiosity before remembering that they had been practicing for their game against Gryffindor. Her eyebrows raise as she notice a familiar dark-skinned male fixing his robes while he walked beside the platinum-haired male. A scowl forms in her mouth once she notices another Slytherin enter the library with her loud steps, quickly heading toward the platinum-haired boy as some trophy. It was almost like Pansy Parkinson again (apparently the girl had a big crush on Malfoy, but somehow she's now dating a Hufflepuff girl— Susan Bones if you can believe it). After a few mere seconds, Graham (her actual cousin) looks her way and narrows his eyes, gaining the attention of his own Slytherin cousin who dared to turn her way and give a familiar cruel smirk.

"Ignore her," Theodore warns which makes Ricky look up from his work and then turn to see what was occurring. Spencer almost hisses before deciding that her friend was right. And so, she chose to only glare and then turn away from her sister.

Okay, Spencer tried to ignore her. She really did, but for some reason she chose to hide her face behind the book and secretly gaze at the Slytherins. Morgana placed herself between Malfoy and Zabini, her attention more toward the white blond Slytherin than the dark-skinned. The two of them wore bored expressions and she could not help but notice a hint of annoyance and anger placed in Zabini's facial expression as he stared at the older Montague. For some reason, Morgana grew exasperation by her lack of attention and her face hardened around the boys, especially when Zabini opened his mouth to tell her something. She, in return, turned away from them and before Spencer could figure out what she was about to do, her eyes widened the moment she could see her sister march toward their own table.

Spencer returned back to her book as if she wasn't staring at them and knew her sister had arrived when Ricky glanced up at her in worry and Theodore hardened his beautiful features. Morgana bitterly smiled with her sharp teeth, her eyes wandering from her housemate to her sister. "Wouldn't your father be disappointed in you, Nott? I mean— hanging out with a mudblood certainly ruins one's reputation," the older girl sneers, her eyes burning a hole toward Spencer's best friend.

At the mention of his father, Theodore stiffened though he said nothing back to the girl. His features reminded Spencer to the boy she first remembered him by. Always so serious and would only remove the facade to charm a girl. It has been a while since she's seen that look on his face since he grew comfortable around the two Ravenclaws. Spencer glares at her sister who then glances toward her. "And hanging out with my—unfortunately— sister? Did you know our parents are already awfully disappointed in her? I'm surprised they haven't disown her yet. You shouldn't damage yourself like this, Nott, it can be un—"

Spencer could not help but release a loud yawn, her mouth opening and she went to cover it up with her hand, but anyone who was paying attention still noticed it. Snickers emerged from the small audience as the Ravenclaw girl then said, "Sorry. Go on," although it clearly sounded unapologetic overall.

Morgana glares at her deeply and then continues, "Why do you lessen yourself hanging out with these people? Maybe you should join the Quidditch team and get rid of Blaise playing for Beater. I'm sure you would be good despite this—"

"You know, I read a book where a man named Bill Bullard stated that opinions can be the lowest point of human knowledge. He simply puts it as the fact that it requires no accountability, no understanding of the actual topic. Statistically, he's somewhat right since seven billion people differ in ideas and thoughts and no matter how similar one's can be, it will never be the same. They're just not facts. It doesn't mean it cannot be useful," Spencer interrupts, voicing her words toward Theodore and Ricky. The two boys shared a short look before realizing what she was doing. They leaned in and looked at her thoughtfully while purposely ignoring the Slytherin girl who stared at them angrily. Spencer slowly returns her gaze toward her sister, a simple quirk of her lips. "In other easier words to put for your small brain, sister... I don't care. And if you open your eyes clearly, you will be able to see that they," she refers to her two friends, "don't either."

An amused chuckle is heard from behind Spencer and the young girl forced herself not to jump in surprise. Although, based on the looks her friends gave her, she still appeared startled by it. Slowly, Spencer turned to raise an eyebrow at the Slytherin. He returned to being expressionless although his eyes revealed how he glanced down at the book in surprise. Morgana shook her head and huffed, this time her eyes blazing at the dark-skinned. "I hope Slytherin loses just because of you, Zabini," the older Montague spits at him, glaring at the table one last time before stomping away.

"Your sister is quite a hassle," Theodore releases a breath of relief, rubbing his temples harshly. Ricky nodded in agreement though his eyes never left the Slytherin's figure.

Spencer rolled her eyes at his comment. "Try actually living with her," she shivers in disgust, "she's turning seventeen soon enough. I don't even have to wonder what type of tricks she's gonna play with me."

"Are you enjoying the book?" Zabini refers to the novel that Spencer is holding in her hands, changing the conversation into something else. When he spoke up, she remembered that the boy was still behind her. The Ravenclaw girl turned back to stare at him and forgetting to who she was talking to, a light smile beamed on her face.

"It's pretty splendid, actually! I've read some bits about the French Revolution after I finished it and how unpleasant the peasants lived their lives with little to no food while the nobility managed to gain everything they could ever want. The book does well in explaining a few situations and it's interesting on how the author, Dickens, managed to convey the message despite it being many years later after the revolution 'ended'. In reality, there is no sudden ending to events such as this, but it does begin dialing down in around—" Spencer rambles toward the Slytherin causing his eyes to widen in surprise. Ricky sighed at her friend before clearing his throat loudly.

Recognizing the tone of her friend's voice, she realized what she was doing and the smile slowly fell from her lips to something in embarrassment. "Right, my bad, Zabini," she apologizes, sending a thankful gaze at her friend before staring back at the standing boy.

The Slytherin, however, did not seem to mind. "You don't need to apologize, Montague. Even if I was overly annoyed, this is what makes you, you, isn't it?" As always, he held his face blank. Assumingely, everyone else would think he was being his usual self; mean and heartless. However, Spencer has spent time with him (even if it was only for a little bit) and learned a bit of the way he acts. He wasn't being rude, in fact, he was rather polite about it.

"I didn't know you tried out for the team," Theodore breaks their conversation, eyeing his housemate distastefully. It seemed to be a mutual dislike as Zabini did the same to him in response.

The dark-skinned male gave him an unimpressed look. "Didn't think I needed to announce it. I'm sure we'll still do fine without you in it, Nott," Zabini remarks, crossing his arms before deciding to slowly back away.

Spencer rolled her eyes at their tone and shared a similar look with Ricky. "Boys, right?" She sighs out, nudging her friend's arm. Although the statement would included him as well, Ricky nodded in agreement. Motioning with her head that she wanted to go, the two Ravenclaw stand up from their seat with their stuff packed already.

The young Montague eyes the two Slytherins. "Since you two seem to be having a lovely conversation about Quidditch, we'll see you both at the game," Spencer tells them, raising her eyebrow at the nod Theodore responded with.

Before she could leave with Ricky, her eyes wander to Zabini who wore a smirk. "Am I to assume you'll root for me?"

Surprise at the sudden flirtation, Spencer coughs at his words and then glares at him when she notices his smirk widen in return. With a final wink toward her, the Slytherin is the first to leave elsewhere, most likely to be with Malfoy once again. Her two friends stare at her with their mouth wide open, Theodore's almost reaching to the ground since he did not even know that the two communicated before. At least Ricky had been caught up with how and why they have been talking. Which is why her best friend places his hand on her shoulder, a knowing look on his face.

When they spotted the golden trio along with the twins and Angelina in the Great Hall, Spencer grabbed Ricky's hand and pulled to the Gryffindor table. Harry glances up toward them and offers a confused smile which the others follows along on doing. Spencer gave them all a kind smile as she said, "Just came to wish you guys luck. The Slytherin's team captain is my cousin, Graham. Guy's a total jerk, but he's good at the game. Not sure about the people he chooses to play the game with since Crabbe and Goyle are dumber than rocks, but they're big."

Angelina smiles warmly at the advice and nods in appreciation. The twins make a face in realization at what she said. "I forgot you were a Montague," they commented in unison. It was not that they forgot though they definitely decided that she was nothing like them. The good looks in the family passed down to the sisters, except Morgana was still as bad as it could get in personality.

"Thanks, Spencer," Harry appreciates, his eyes wavering over her face in concern.

Ricky snorts in amusement. "She's gonna pay up for the fact that Zabini wants her to root for him," he teases, sending her a playful wink to mock the boy.

Ron coughs up the pumpkin juice he's drinking and spits it out toward Ginny. Her face crumbled him in disgust while Fred clapped his back harshly. Spencer stares at him oddly before deciding it was best to leave than have them question her about the boy.

"Now they're gonna think I have a crush on him!" Spencer smacks her friend's chest. The boy beside her rubbed the spot and kept the same smirk on his face.

"Wouldn't blame you if you did. He's freaking hot. Have you seen him shirtless— I haven't, but I know for a fact he has muscles," Ricky defends the idea, shrugging slightly as she gives him a glare.

"He dated my sister," she deadpans.

Her friend nodded. "Dated. Means they're done for, and honestly he seems quite annoyed by her and not because of heartbreak," he continues.

Choosing to ignore his words, Spencer changed the conversation and told him it was best to head to the pitch to gain good seats. They sat beside Luna who wore an odd hat that had a lion on it before saving a seat for Theodore. Last year he had been in the team, but for some reason he did not want to continue this year. He was pretty good— at least from when Spencer remembers him playing. She only ever went to the Ravenclaw games before but now she was friends with other people so it would fit nicer with them if she went to theirs as well. Though, she never understood why some people sang. Don't get her wrong, she wasn't against it. She just simply did not understand.

Her eyes wander to the playing area as the Gryffindor team marched in single file out of the changing room and into the dazzling sunlight. Spencer flinched as a roar of yells, whistles, and cheers managed to be heard from her left and right. The Slytherin players were already standing, most of them waiting for the opposing team impatiently. They too wore the silver crown-shaped badges and quite honestly, Spencer liked the Quidditch uniforms— in all houses. Her cousin, Graham, positioned himself in the front to show off his role title as the captain. Once upon a time, when they were kids they used to play with each other since Morgana would ignore them endlessly. However, they grew up. Graham decided to hang out with the elder Montague while Spencer became the outsider. A bitter relationship was left behind them. Any who, behind him lurked Crabbe and Goyle with their large figures swinging their Beaters' bats. Malfoy stood in the side where beside him was Zabini with his usual blank and brooding face. His eyes only hardened to ignore the sunlight gazing at them.

Truth be told, he was the best-looking one of them all in the Slytherin team. Spencer gazed at him shortly before staring back at the captains. Graham and Angelina were shaking hands and yet before she knew it, Madam Hooch blew the whistle and suddenly the balls were released and fourteen players shot upward. And not only did the game begin from the match, but loud singing arose from where the Slytherins sat (except Theodore, of course). The interested smile from her face vanished and she glares at the Slytherins who began singing. It took a while for Lee Jordan to realize that the crowd was singing, but it did not help at all toward the Gryffindor team once Ron realized what they were singing.

"Weasley is our King! Weasley is our King! He always lets the Quaffle in, Weasley is our King!" Most of the Slytherins chant together (there was actually some good ones). Theodore grimaced at his own housemates, sending Spencer and Ricky an apologetic glance knowing they were friends with some Gryffindors. Spencer knew that their singing only increase when a Slytherin made a score in the hoop. Based on Ron's look, he falters in confidence and she could practically feel his distress. A frown takes over her expression and she secretly takes out her wand, hiding behind Theodore as she mumbles, "quietus," pointing toward the crowd of Slytherin specifically.

Almost immediately, the sound of their voices were barely heard and Spencer pretended to be shocked by the sudden change of mood. Theodore glances at her amusingly before playing the same game as her and looking around to 'find' the person who did that.

"Sorry, Professor, but whoever casted that spell deserves a special medal," Lee Jordan comments as his role of being the commenter for Quidditch. Professor McGonagall gave him a look, but did not disagree with him. Spencer resumes on watching the match and briefly makes eye contact with Zabini who stared at her curiously before winking as he noticed their interaction. She did not return whatever they had going on and instead glares at him. Her eyes wandered away from his and instead nervously kept her eyes on Harry as she realized he kept getting distracted with their harassment against his best friend. Even though she quietened the crowd, she knew that the players were singing it as well. Although she felt Theodore's slight excitement on his team winning, she could not help but frown deeper as she watched Gryffindor fail miserably. Gryffindor's only hope was for Harry to catch the Snitch— he always did. Except this time it was appearing to be far difficult.

Her hope brightened up as she noticed Harry ahead of Malfoy in catching the Snitch, but then out of nowhere (and very clearly illegal), a Bludger came and smacked straight into Harry. Spencer gasped before realizing that he was only six feet up in the air and she let go of Ricky's arm (which she did not notice she grabbed onto). She got into her tiptoes before sighing in relief that he was okay and that he caught the Snitch. The Gryffindors and whoever supported them cheered loudly, Theodore clapped politely and nodded impressively at how they still managed to win.

"Potter really is a good seeker," Theodore praises quietly. Ricky nodded in agreement and the two turned to Spencer who had curiously walked closer to the pitch as she realized that the players were having an argument. Or in this case, Draco Malfoy couldn't keep his mouth shut and was down-grading the Weasleys. Three girls were holding on to Fred while Harry held on to George. Except, in very slow motion, the moment Malfoy mentioned Harry's— dead, may she add— mother into the conversation, Harry let go of George and the two of them ran full speed in rage toward the blond Slytherin.

In a matter of seconds, Malfoy was in the ground whimpering and moaning with his nose most likely broken. His best friend quickly and barely got off the broom, helping him up with the most serious look to exist. Ricky tried grasping Spencer's arms as she made her way toward the crowd. Theodore quickly went to do the same and she gave them a calm look causing them to trust her decision. The two still followed her down as she made her way toward the Slytherins. Spencer narrowed her eyes at the blond Slytherin and gazed at him in disgust.

"I can see why my sister takes in interest in you, Malfoy," she starts off, shrugging her hair away from her shoulders. The blond Slytherin stared up at her in confusion, his hand covering his nose in pain. "Great job, you just experienced a muggle beating. You chose to insult their parents rather than them but for whose benefit exactly? I'm sure your mother will absolutely love the exact words you told the Weasleys and Harry. Clearly, she'll appreciate the way you think about mothers since you're still... well... you," Spencer jabbed, nodding as she faked her impressiveness.

At the threatening words, Malfoy (if possible) became paler. "You know how you always say 'my father will hear about this'? I'm sure you'll feel the same with your mother," the Ravenclaw wondered, smiling sweetly toward the Slytherin. Suddenly, she let her smile fall and she glares at the boy before stomping away. Theodore shook his head at his housemates, chuckling softly as he felt Malfoy's glares.

"She's got you there, Malfoy," the Slytherin boy snickered, backing away slowly to regain his steps with his actual friends. The blond boy glares at him, roughing himself up and slaps his friend's hand away from him.

"Shut up, Nott," Malfoy glowered, ignoring the fact that his face managed to turn red in embarrassment of the girl's words. Theodore saluted him before walking away, leaving only Malfoy's followers and Zabini with the boy. The dark-skinned male stares at him which causes Draco to turn to him with an annoyed expression. "What?"

Blaise shrugs. "The two of them are not wrong, mate," he comments, keeping his face blank.

"Oh, don't tell me you're getting soft on the smart Montague," Draco huffs out. Instead of answering his friend, Blaise turns to watch the two Ravenclaws and Slytherin flounce away from his view.

.･:*:･ﾟ'✫,'✫'ﾟ･:*:･˙

IN THE LATE NIGHT of when the match that occurred, Spencer visited Harry outside the Gryffindor room. She noticed immediately the sadness and anger that radiated off him and still, she chose to be by his side. The two walked together quietly around a corner before they found a place to sit. The girl silently eyed the infamous boy who lived, her eyes darting from his own green ones to the frown etched into his lips. He changed back to normal clothing with the Quidditch uniform already back in their suitable room. His jaw was clenched and he continued to fiddle with his own fingers. She wasn't sure what happened after the fight occurred, but she figured it wasn't anything good. Her hand met his and she grasped it, squeezing it for comfort despite not knowing what was going on in his head. To any other person, perhaps they would have looked like two people in a real unusual date. Except the two of them knew they did not feel anything for each other romantically. They were just two kids bonding over the fact they both needed some type of emotional help.

"What happened?" After a total of five minutes and sixteen seconds (Spencer counted in her head), the young girl decided to ask the everlasting question. She wasn't dumb enough to ask if he was okay, because it was quite obvious that he was not. No matter how many times he would say he's fine, she knew it would not be true. Not right now and honestly, probably not until Voldemort was truly gone. Harry gazes down to the floor before gulping.

"Quidditch was something I looked forward to no matter what was happening," Harry confesses, his eyes saddening even more if that was possible. Spencer was quick to find the meaning of the sentence, her ears quirking up at the use of past tense. She furrowed her eyebrows and asked, "was?"

At the short nod he gave her, her face softened at his claim. She stayed silent as she knew he was going to get into more depth. "Professor McGonagall got real mad, but then Professor Umbridge came and she wanted to give us detention with lines. Professor McGonagall didn't allow her, but with another issue of decree, Umbridge decided to give us a worse punishment and ban not just George and I, but Fred too from playing Quidditch," he continues, his eyes wandering to the people walking by and glancing at them weirdly.

Spencer opened her mouth in shock and she sneered, "that bitch!" The Gryffindor boy waved awkwardly at the sudden attention they received because of her choice of words. Truthfully, Spencer did not bother to care. How dare that wicked toad take away something that Harry loves? She must have known that to even consider it and because of her crazy delusion that Voldemort was long gone, she chooses to make his life a living hell. Spencer used to believe that Harry Potter grew up loved and adored with fame surrounding him. While fame does surround him, it was all for the wrong reasons. She wasn't sure if the boy grew up loved (although based on some things she heard, he didn't), but he wasn't like how she imagined. He held a kind and courageous heart, ambitious to the very core.

"One day, Harry, I promise that Umbridge will get what she deserves. I hope to be the one helping in that problem," Spencer shudders, her eyes glancing down to the scar. It was now faded, but the words were still visible. They would now be memories forever stuck in her head. Harry sent her a thankful smile and leaned his head back before he straightened himself up as he remembered something he has been meaning to tell her.

"Spence..." Harry trails off, hoping to gain her full attention on him. He was not sure how to say it and what she would do with the information, but it was something he felt the need to tell her. Just in case because even though they were in different houses, Spencer has become a true friend of his. Probably even his favorite Ravenclaw (aside from Cho, Ricky, and Luna but he actually enjoyed talking to Spencer better). When he noticed Spencer staring at him with a raised eyebrow, he cleared his throat and told her honestly, "Nott's father was in the graveyard where Voldemort returned..."

The young Montague tightens her grip on his hand and she blinks at the information. Her lips twist downwards, but she could not say she was surprised. It was always known to her that the Nott family had been followers of Lord Voldemort, but she did not want to judge her friend because of it. He wasn't bad. He wasn't. This time Harry caressed her thumb as he let her think about his words.

She lets out a small sigh. "You know... I kind of figured that out. I hoped it was no longer true, but I'm not surprise it is. It's just... he's a good kid, Harry. Theo hides behinds a mask for the exact reason that his father is a Deatheater. He tried his best to be friendless for majority of his Hogwarts experience and when there was a chance to give him something new, I wanted to take that. So he could realize that he has a choice. And that he can now have friends to rely on," she explains, her voice dropping low as she did so.

Harry nodded in acceptance. He figured there was nothing more for him to do. All he had to do was tell her the truth the rest was up to her. If she truly believed she could help the son of a Deatheater, then who was he to say otherwise? He clenches and unclenches his free hand, his thoughts wondering if he should speak of something that he hadn't even discuss with his own best friends. The young boy glances at his friend's hand where the familiar writing took place.

With that in mind, he frowns and admits, "I— before school started, I told my godfather that I felt so angry. I still do and I'm sure you noticed that." He pauses briefly and for the first time since they have become friends, Spencer notices his eyes watering. The last time she had seen that on his green eyes was when he brought Cedric's body back to Hogwarts and there was no word to describe the complete distraught look on his own face. "I asked him that even after everything, what if I was— am becoming bad?"

Spencer leans her head backwards, her throat suddenly clenching itself tightly. How undeniably ironic is it that the chosen one and her share similar belief to their own personality? Becoming bad... something like Voldemort or even Morgana that could be as heartless as Bellatrix Black. She feared to become like her own sister while he felt the same with Voldemort. "I... I feel the same with Morgana. Nothing compared to you and Voldemort, but it's just the thought, you know? It's the expectation people have of us. They see you as the chosen one and they give you so much pressure like if you weren't only fifteen years old and then it feels overwhelming that you fear of doing the wrong choice in case you mess everything up. With me it's the opposite. People want me to be like Morgana because all they see is a perfect child and not the true side of her that she shows the student. And I manage to wonder if one day I truly do become like Morgana."

The Gryffindor male frowns and leans closer to the girl in comfort. "We're fucked up kids, aren't we?" He questions lightly, trying to regain their bright light instead of the gloomy darkness.

"I don't want to face Voldemort alone," the boy admits, his voice barely audible. He truly did not want to, but he knew that if he wanted to keep them all safe, at the end that is what is going to end up as. No matter how many times he tells and will tell his friends not to accompany him, facing him alone would be a nightmare once more. Spencer squeezes his hand.

"You won't have to," she assures, a slight smile on her face to ease his worries. The two of them continued to sit in the corner in silence afterwards as they only brought comfort to each other. Professor Umbridge is the cold definition of evil in every humane way, but she did manage to bring people closer to form friendships. When it was getting late and when Ron and Hermione suddenly appeared, Spencer let go of Harry's hand and waves a goodbye to the three of them. She turns to head to the Ravenclaw dorms before hesitating and then moving the opposite direction so she could go up.

She padded among the stairs before reaching her destination. Just as she suspected, Zabini was already there with a simple book in his hand. He sat in the ground with his back turned to receive light from the moon shining brightly. From the looks of it, he had not heard her enter. She did not understand why the Slytherin would go through many stairs to be here at night. The dungeons were far away from them and it was clear that he did not leave before curfew. The Slytherin only stared up from his reading when the girl took a few more steps forward and tripped in the process. Fortunately, with all of her dignity and pride, she caught herself from falling face down to the ground as her feet balanced properly. Zabini did not flinch, but he did lower his book and stared at her in curiosity.

"You didn't have another detention, did you?" Instead of calling her out for almost embarrassing herself indefinitely, Zabini changed the topic and wondered why she was there. When he placed down his book, Spencer was able to see the familiar cover. He seemed to almost be finished with it, perhaps only a few chapters left.

Realizing he had asked something, Spencer chuckled and shook her head. "No, no I'm trying to stray from receiving one, but it wouldn't surprise me if she stopped me in the middle of the hall because I am a 'very rude and undisciplined child!'" The young Montague rolled her eyes, her voice pitching higher when she mimicked the pink-looking toad.

Zabini stares at her in amusement, his head tilted back to look up at her. He watched her curiously as she placed himself beside him, as equals. As almost friends? Spencer rejoiced in the silence, her eyes closing in relaxation as she felt a breeze wave. The night was cold, but she did not let it bother her.

"Your friend is an asshole, did you know?" Spencer questions, recalling the events that happened earlier in the day.

The Slytherin raises his eyebrow and scoffs heartedly. "Well, yes, but he's a good person deep down," Zabini defends his best friend. "You should be careful with Nott," the boy warns.

Spencer opens her eyes and stares down to the ground. It was another time that day that someone else tried to tell her about Theodore. "Cause his father is a Deatheater?" She turns to Zabini looking unamused.

He narrows his eyes slightly, noticing that the girl did not seem surprise at all. With his expression, Spencer sighs and briefly explains, "Harry told me who he saw the night Cedric died."

"Then why do you hang out with him?" Zabini questions in absurd.

The young girl gives him a look. "Why do you hang out with Malfoy?"

He lets out an impressed chuckle. "Good point," he responds instead. Knowing he would not give her an actual answer until she does, Spencer turns her body towards him. She glances at his face before sighing.

"I wasn't planning on befriending him. But the day he came up to me... there was something about him. He hid himself behind this charming facade where he could get into any girl's bed, but mysteriously leave. I'm good at reading people who I grow close to... he has a good blank face, but he's not heartless. In fact, I think he cares too much. It's not a bad thing, but it definitely affects him," Spencer explains lightly, not wanting to expose her friend to his own housemate. The Slytherin listened closely to her words and easily found himself willing to do so. He used to always compare and contrast the Montague sisters, but looking at it now, that was pretty dumb. They were completely different no matter the similarities they shared in their looks. Each unique in their own way and truth be told, Spencer was easier to talk and listen to than the older one.

Her next words make him raise an eyebrow as she admits, "I could kind of read you too. Not like the others, but there is some details that I can sort of guess." She stared at him curiously, noticing the way he swallowed deeply at her words. As usual, his face revealed nothing, but she did not hesitate to look into his eyes. They were built guarded and yet she could notice when they shift differently.

"Is that right? You think you know me?" Zabini scoffs, rolling his dark eyes at her statement. Spencer doesn't glare at him and instead raises an eyebrow. Just even based on his reaction and the eyes showed her what he tried hiding behind. There was only a trace of hostile in his voice because he fears that someone actually can figure him out. He has taught himself to be void of emotions, but Spencer has come to learn that the people who tried the hardest were most sentimental when it came to breaking down. Then again, the Slytherin didn't seem to be wanting to do that.

She shakes her head. "I don't know you, Zabini. Truly knowing you does not occur unless you wish to tell me. I can only say guesses of what I think you may be like. There's this man named Daniel Gray... he's a muggle working for the FBI which is an organization for North America. He has a book on profiling which exemplifies mostly on why and how people become serial killers, but it also rips off the basics of figuring out people based on their actions and words," she informs, her eyes drifting to remember the idea of the book. 

"They don't actually know the person and it depends on their natural skill to analyze them in order to reach a conclusion which could undeniably end up wrong, but it could also end up right," Spencer tells him, knowing he was slightly interested because of how he arched an eyebrow.

"Your choices of book to read amaze me," Zabini chided, noticing the fact that she read from any genre possible. In her own mind, she makes another list in how he seems to avoid the topic. Spencer didn't blame him for doing so since she does that as well. She nodded her head with a smile of agreement.

"I'm able to read many words in just a few seconds while also understanding the work. It allows me to pick up another one to do the same," Spencer explains, pointing slightly to the book he was reading. "Are you enjoying it?"

"It's different than what I've read... but it's not a different type of bad. I quite like the fact that Jo and Laurie aren't what you expect for them to end up as," Zabini nods his head, his eyes carefully wandering over hers. Spencer allows for a grin to appear in her face.

"Right? Ricky read it too once, but he didn't seem to like the way they made it out to be. I did, however. It shows that you don't have to suspect right away who you end up with," the girl brightens up, her body gently leaning into his as she finds herself more excited.

"I'm almost finish with it, if you want it back," the Slytherin slips in, his face far from being brooding. For the first time, she noticed it seemed relaxed. At his question, she shakes her head.

"No, that's fine. I could recite it either way," she waves off. Her smile stayed the same when she realized a relieved look pass through his eyes. Based on the way the sky looked, she could guess that it was already past their time. She wasn't sure what time it was, but she figured it was already late. A question wandered through her mind. "Are you ever going to tell me why you're all the way up here so late?"

Zabini regains his smug-looking smile. "Maybe one day, Montague," he shrugs lightly.

And the two stare up at the constellations, one with thoughts on millions of words and the other filled with a clear mind.

(It was a wonder to Spencer why even then it felt the most at ease).

▂✫⌒*･ﾟ

AUTHOR'S NOTE:
if u haven't noticed,,, spencer's #1
thing she loves doing is standing up
for her friends. it's noticeable since
the very beginning and originally
she was gonna be a gryffindor but
i think she's the type of person that
admires creativity instead so yeah !