CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO:
( the return of the express )

▂✫⌒*･ﾟ

DESPITE FINDING A FAMILY within the walls of the Burrow (both realistically and figuratively), the news of the outside world still manages to hit differently. People began disappearing, odd accidents even those of deaths starts to pop up in the Daily Prophet. Daniel will occasionally go in and out of the Weasley's Household with another case in his hand, his eyes revealing nothing but tiredness each time. Spencer can see how stressful it is having to be on duty for both the Order and his actual job that wishes for him to investigate what has occurred. Wizard profilers having to act as normal ones to find any sort of hint on whom the attacker is despite them knowing it has to be those following Voldemort. He calls them victims of opportunity most of the time while others are alarmingly different making him realize that Voldemort truly wants them in the first place. Muggles tend to be in the first category, any magical figure is on the 'done on purpose'.

Spencer does not know what to think about anymore to distract her mind. Upon noticing that Remus arrives looking gaunt and grim, she fears only the worst of the more news to come. If anything, the man who only is about thirty-something years old appears even older with his gray hair and ragged clothing. Mrs. Weasley gives him the leftover cake from the one she had done for the young girl.

"There has been another dementor attack and they've found Igor Karkaroff's body in a shack up north. The Dark Mark has been set over it — well, frankly, I'm surprised he stayed alive for even a year after deserting the Death Eaters; Sirius's brother, Regulus, only managed a few days as far as I can remember," Remus announces grimly. Spencer listens in closely as she plays around with the piece of cake. A frown stretches over her lips and at the same time she raises an eyebrow at the reveal. Sirius and Regulus, both names having to do with the night sky and having their fate being one of death because of war. She always liked the name Regulus.

"Yes, well, perhaps we should talk about something diff—" Mrs. Weasley tries saying before getting cut off by her own son.

"Did you hear about Florean Fortescue, Remus?" Bill asks, who is being plied with wine by Fleur. "The man who ran—"

"— the ice cream place in Diagon Alley?" Harry interrupts, a clear unpleasant look on his face upon the news. "He used to give me free ice-cream... what happened to him?"

"Dragged off by the looks of it."

"Why?" Ron asks while Mrs. Weasley glares hotly at her eldest son.

"He must have upset them," Bill answers vaguely.

Mr. Weasley sits down in a chair and adds, "Speaking of Diagon Alley, Ollivander is gone too."

Daniel gazes up suddenly with a frown. "What? Why has no one called me in?"

The elder male redhead sighs deeply and shrugs. "They think he most likely ran off on his own," Mr. Weasley inputs quietly. He can feel all their stares. "Too dangerous time assume he's been taken."

"Ollivander is one of the greatest wandmakers— his whole family was. Everything is dangerous here and we have to assume every detail—" Daniel begins saying smartly, straightening his back in alertness. Noticing how her friends begin gazing down at their food with fear in their system, Spencer calmly places her hand on his arm. He cuts himself off and then sits back with a tired look.

Ginny, seeming to appear startled, questions, "What'll people do for wands?"

"They'll make do with other makers," Remus assures, an apparent frown on his face. Soon after, they all decide to eat in silence.

.･:*:･ﾟ'✫,'✫'ﾟ･:*:･˙

ALTHOUGH SPENCER WISHES SHE can hang out with her friends during their visit to Diagon Alley, she knows it is best if anyone does not spot her with her fellow sixth-year mates. Which is why she walks beside Daniel with a cap on to slyly hiding her face among others to not be seen. She does not know when her family will go to get their supplies, but it is best not to risk it. First things first, she follows along Daniel as he makes his way inside Ollivanders, allowing himself in first before motioning her to step inside. The shop seems dull and grim unlike ever before. There is nothing much of a mess to make it seem as an abduction, but based on Daniel's expression, he sees it as more than just that. The young Montague watches as he bends down and takes out some clean cloth to pick up a random piece of paper.

'Eld' is written messily with drops of ink slightly splattered on the parchment. Spencer leans over his side and stares at it curiously. "What does 'eld' mean?"

"I don't know, yet... but it seems like something important if he wrote it down," Daniel responds quietly, furrowing his brows in confusion before putting it away. He glances around the room and notices a jab through one of the wooden drawers holding wands inside. He runs his hand through his hair exhaustedly. "I hate to admit it, but I don't think Ollivander chose to leave," he tells her, a clear evident frown on his face.

Spencer crouches down as she notices a red substance beside a corner. She goes to touch it before stopping herself and grabs something small to scrub it against. Once she does, Spencer stands up and raises it toward Daniel. "I think you're right," she agrees, swallowing deeply recognizing it to be blood.

Daniel curses to himself before gently grabbing what she swapped the blood with and seals it within a bag. Taking out his wand, he waves it around and the evidence he gathered up vanishes from their sight. With his face filled with dread, he silently exits the shop and cleans himself off. Spencer returns to hiding her face among the crowd filled with fear. She lets her hand meet his and grasps it tight as they make their way in to another shop.

During their time in Flourish and Blotts, they found Mr. and Mrs. Weasley with Ginny grabbing all the textbooks needed for all four of them. Ginny secretly waves before making it seem as if she does not know who the girl wearing a cap is. Daniel helps in carrying the books that the sixth-year bought and then carries on to Fred and George's shop that she begged Daniel to let her go to. Upon her serious statements that the twins would never let in any of their supposed enemies and most likely made it foul-proof, he gives in with defeat.

One word to describe how beautiful sculptured the shop turns out to be? Woah. Spencer feels her eyes widen wondrously as she steps inside and a cool breeze of air passes her hair. The shop fills with customers all around making her feel slightly overwhelmed, but luckily, Daniel tugs her out of the entrance and toward the two redheads bearing full grins on their faces. It only increases upon finding her heading toward them, her cap in the tip of her fingers instead on top of her head. Fred wraps her in a short hug and George does the same, pressing a light kiss on her cheek.

"Our favorite Ravenclaw has finally come to see us, Fred," Fred laughs jokingly, giving the older man a shake of his hand before going into Spencer's side. George wraps an arm around her and says, "That's right, George."

Spencer rolls her eyes and tells them, "Oh, shut up you two. There will not be a day where I will not tell the two of you apart."

"Ah, a girl after my own heart. Marry me one day in the future, yeah?" Fred winks at her coolly. Daniel clears his throat loudly having turn to one of their supplies, but clearly listening in to their conversation as he stays close just in case. Spencer chuckles in amusement before saying, "Those muggle pacts where if one doesn't end up married by thirty they marry each other?"

"Um— she was my choice, Fred," George argues back, huffing out in fake anger and pulls her toward him.

"Actually," Daniel interrupts them, "She is the one who ends up choosing."

The two boys releases a small sigh of relief at him playing along rather than telling them to stop. They nod in agreement at his words. "You're right, old man," Fred sighs.

Spencer giggles at his insulted look. Daniel gives her a slight smile before he passes her and grabs one of the sweets that in bold words has written 'Speeding-Spence'. "What's this?" The man questions the redheads.

George grins. "Ah, that's our best use of having people read fast— it even rivals Spencer — and I suppose you as well—"

"Wouldn't recommend for you to take it, however—"

"Might make your head overwhelmed with how fast the two of you read either way," George finishes. Spencer shrugs in acceptance before finding Ginny and Hermione staring at the Patented Daydream Charms. She pats their shoulders as a goodbye before squeezing her way through to the two girls figuring they are safe inside.

Hermione is the first to notice her and grins. "Hey!" She greets happily as if the two do not come from the same place. Ginny turns and gives her a smile.

"Wonder what that's about," she points to the dozen of girls giggling to one another. Spencer tilts her head in curiosity before feeling two figures behind her. She turns to spot Harry and Fred together.

"Haven't you girls found our special WonderWitch products? Follow me, ladies..." the redhead tells them, motioning with his hand to follow him. Near the window is an array of violently pink products around where excited girls giggles happily. The three of them hung back looking warily at the product. Don't get Spencer wrong, she is sure their product works amazingly, but that is the problem.

"There you go," Fred says proudly, "best range of love potions you'll find."

Ginny raises an eyebrow skeptically. "Do they work?" She asks.

Fred gives her an insulted look. "Certainly they work, for up to twenty-four hours at a time depending on the weight of the boy in question—"

"— and the attractiveness of the girl," George continues, reappearing by his side. "But we're not selling them to our sister," he adds, becoming suddenly stern, "not when she's already got about five boys on the go from what we've—"

"Whatever you heard from Ron is a big fat lie," Ginny huffs in annoyance. She leans forward to take a small pink pot from the shelf. "What's this?"

"Guaranteed ten-second pimple vanisher," answers Fred easily. He peers at her curiously. "Don't change the subject! Are you or are you not currently dating Dean Thomas?"

Ginny rolls her eyes. "Yes, I am," she responds. She pointed at some fluff balls emitting loud squeaks. "What are those?"

"Pygmy Puffs," George answers this time. "Miniature since we can't breed them fast enough. What about Michael Corner?"

Spencer sighs in turn for her friend. "Boys," she drawls out. The two turn to her with raised eyebrows. "Leave your sister alone. She can date whoever she wants and currently, that's Dean Thomas, alright?"

"Thank you, Spencer," Ginny kindly tells her while giving her best Mrs. Weasley glare to her brothers. The twins narrow their eye in suspicion before leaning over to Spencer and whispering, "Well, you can't buy that either! Half the boys are already staring your way."

The young Montague rolls her eyes. "No they're not—" she turns around to tell them off before actually noticing that many truly are looking her way. Spencer furrows her brows in surprise. "Why are they staring?"

"Why?" Fred repeats the question in absurd.

George snorts in amusement. "Oh, Spence. If you truly pay attention to your surroundings when you're not in danger or observing into the world any deeper, perhaps you would notice that majority of the time someone is staring your way. I may not like your sister or the rest of your family— apart from Daniel— but all of you do have some good-looking genes in your system," he explains with a small laugh.

"Now I feel uncomfortable," Spencer retorts. The redhead ruffle her hair before motioning to the man walking toward her. George shrugs and says, "Don't worry, Daniel is saving you already. Come visit more, yeah? And those stuff you got—" he motions to a few stuff she has managed to get during her time looking around, "are free for you. On us, okay?"

Spencer scoffs. "Right, and Morgana and I are will be happily getting along tomorrow," the girl mumbles quietly, handing them four Galleons. "If you fight me on this, I will not come back," she warns fast enough to get the two boys to shut up.

Noticing their defeat expression, she smiles warmly once more. "Then that's a see you later, boys," she gives them a quick peck before finding Daniel. And the two return to the Burrow with the man having to apparate them away from the area. School is starting soon and Spencer begins to feel a slight shiver of fear running up her spine.

.･:*:･ﾟ'✫,'✫'ﾟ･:*:･˙

ACCORDING TO HARRY, MALFOY had been acting stranger than usual during their trip to Diagon Alley. Spencer lays in Fred's unused bed with another book that Daniel gave her— it appears old and out-of-shape, but she understands why as her eyes rapidly went left and right continuously. She would love to give Harry her full attention, however, it has been days since whatever happened that day and she worries he is getting a slight obsession over the blond Slytherin. It almost seems as if Harry has a crush on Malfoy, or something.

"Malfoy's father's in Azkaban. Don't you think he wants revenge?" Harry continues questioning with a look of accusation. Spencer listens in as she continues reading, it is slightly easy separating the two different context from each other. It is like one goes in her left ear and the other her right. "He's up to something and I could feel it! His father's a Death Eater—"

The fact that he stops rambling causes Spencer to glance up in worry. She places her book down realizing this is something that is causing him to overthink and panic. Hermione and Ron seem to finally pay attention as well. 

"He's a Death Eater," Harry says slowly. "He's replaces his father as a Death Eater!"

There is a silence; then Ron erupts in laughter. "Malfoy? He's sixteen, Harry! You think You-Know-Who would let Malfoy join?"

Spencer frowns tight-lipped. "Yes," she answers for Harry, making them all stare at her in return. The young Montague places herself in a sitting position as she turns to them in recognition. "It rather makes sense since Malfoy is a family name that Voldemort entrusts. Morgana always wanted to chum up on Malfoy to gain his father's attention. And with her most definitely getting the Mark, Malfoy being one as well isn't so surprising," she defends Harry.

"But she's seventeen—"

"Do you think Voldemort cares how old you are? He was willing to kill Harry as a child, I'm sure he would love to recruit anyone he's got," Spencer snaps at Hermione. The Gryffindor girl blinks back in surprise and quietens down as the brunette stands up with a new sense of anger. Instead of sharing what got her over the edge, Spencer leaves the room without a second thought.

Harry gives Hermione a look. "Nice job there, Hermione," he rolls his eyes.

"What? What'd I say wrong?" Hermione questions in confusion, a frown on her lips as she stares at the closed door in wonder.

The chosen one sighs and stands up as well, knowing the remaining friends left in the room do not believe him. Well that and the memory of Spencer looking exhausted and in pain when she went to the Dursley's repeating in his head. "You reckon Spencer left her manor for fun?"

A wave of realization slams in both his friend's faces. "Oh..."

Ron seems to have to voice it out in a squeaky voice, "She was supposed to get the Mark too..."

The next day, Spencer finds herself tugging in her bag that she took with her from her manor. Clothes and accessories no longer were inside and instead humbled inside Ginny's room (or maybe they are inside so she can take it with her). The Ministry cars glides up to the front of the Burrow waiting for all of them to get their supplies inside. Unlike her friends, Spencer does not carry any pet to transfer away and instead gives a long-lasting hug to Fleur, ignoring the fact that her cheeks are tinted red once the beautiful blonde kisses them.

For her time spent in the Burrow, she finds herself wanting to stay a little longer, enjoying the moments when she hung out with Fleur and helped Mrs. Weasley in the kitchens. And informing Mr. Weasley of all kinds of muggle inventions she has read of. And spending time with Daniel and Remus every now and then since he always visits and brings along her former professor— even if it was just to sit in silence with her. He's her relative... her brother. Spencer sometimes finds ways to forget that fact and has to remind herself. She likes him, truthfully. However, she never finds herself referring him as her brother. He is just Daniel. Then again, the first few days it had just been Agent Gray instead. He has become a friend and truth be told, Spencer finds herself disappointed that he is not there to say goodbye. His work called him in to investigate something else that has been brought up and in a short notice, he left before she leaves to Hogwarts.

Honestly, that completely sucks in her own personal opinion. Believe it or not, Daniel gives the best pep-talks since he is the person with a similar mindset to her. He knows the right words to say and how to make her feel better— despite her not admitting it beforehand. Currently, she needs that type of reassurance. She is going to see Morgana again.

"You okay?" Harry's question toward her brings her out of thought and Spencer nods in return. He gives her a doubtful look before choosing to hand her his hand, wrapping his around hers gently. It is odd how Spencer grew up to be a touchable person, no matter who it is as long as she likes the person— or trusts them— she will be willing to touch them without harm. Harry manages to figure that a human's gentle touch is what comforts her in need. Ricky knows this too, but he is not there to do the same.

There is no cheerful Hagrid greeting them by the train as Spencer would suspect. Instead, two grim-faced Aurors in dark muggle suits (the ones Daniel has a tendency to wear) moves forward and marches them into the train without speaking. The Ministry does not bother to question how and why Spencer is with them, which is quite honestly good.

"Quick, quick, through the barrier," Mrs. Weasley hurries them off, appearing flustered by the glances heading their way. "Harry has better go first with—"

One of the Aurors grabs his arm and pulls him to the barrier although Harry does not seem amused by it at all. Spencer heads after Harry through the wall and finds herself almost crashing into him, but luckily he moves right at the best second. She hurriedly does the same not wanting to collapse by some trolley. Without waiting for the Aurors, Harry motions for all three of them to follow him into an empty compartment. While Spencer is all ready to go, Ron and Hermione gives them a look of apology.

"We can't, Harry," Hermione sighs appearing apologetic. "Ron and I've got to go to the prefects' carriage first and then patrol the corridors for a bit."

Oh, yeah, Spencer recalls. Those two are prefects. When Dumbledore and their Head of House chose the prefects before their fifth year, Spencer did not really feel upset about not getting chosen. In fact, perhaps Professor Flitwick noticed that fifth-year would not be the greatest for her to be seen as some high-worship Ravenclaw. Or maybe he just somehow knew that she did not want to have the responsibilities at night. Bless his soul, she thinks to herself. Spencer has to admit, however, that her head of house has great loyalty to Daniel— he never once mentioned him just as he promised him. She would have preferred if he had told her something, but then again, it was not his secret to tell and it does explain the amount of times he stares at her curiously or in concern.

"You better get straight on the train, all of you, you've only got a few minutes to go," Mrs. Weasley announces loudly, urging for the kids to get on the bus already. Spencer watches as Hermione and Ron head off to find the prefects compartment while she waits  patiently for Harry as he goes to go talk to Mr. Weasley. Her eyes glances around the area to find a familiar lock of brown hair anywhere. Spencer groans internally when Harry begins taking his time conversing with the older man— the whistle began to be blown and she fears they would have to find another way to Hogwarts.

Fortunately, Harry seems to have notice and quickly goes to her side and walks fast toward the train. The two of them wave goodbye to Mrs. Weasley who appears out of breath and then turn to one another. Where were they going to sit? Spencer begins looking around before feeling her arms being pulled back. She gasps in surprise, alerting the boy beside her as he takes out his wand before realizing who it is.

Ricky Adams grins expectedly, his eyebrows raise in amusement finding it hard to believe that he tricked his own best friend. Spencer lets a smile grow on her face upon finally seeing him and quickly throws herself in a hug. He grunts in surprise before returning the favor and then eyes her out. "Spencer, you grow beautiful day by day, don't you?"

"Me?" Spencer gasps out. "Have you seen yourself? Look at your jaw! And are you growing muscles?" She leans toward his biceps curiously, even managing a poke before he swats her finger away.

"Right, and I'm just lost rubbish, aren't I?" Harry grumbles out with a joking smirk. Harry puts away his wand while at it. Ricky chuckles at his words before pulling him in for a short hug. Spencer looks around them, noticing the pile of eyes staring their way.

"I'd beg to differ," she drawls, motioning to the dozens of girls all giggling to one another. Harry finally seems to notice as well and then begins to redden in embarrassment. Spencer laughs at his obliviousness before she hears a familiar kind voice behind her.

"Hi, guys!" Neville Longbottom greets enthusiastically, his eyes shifting from the girl to the two boys. Realizing they found more people to sit with, all of them release a sigh of relief.

A girl with long hair and large misty eyes stands just behind Neville and says, "Hello!" Luna Lovegood happens to look just as good as the year before and Spencer gladly waves at her. The younger girl clutches into her father's newspaper around her fingers and Spencer stares at it interestingly before turning her attention around to locate an empty compartment now.

"The Quibbler still going strong?" She can hear Harry question the blonde with fondness in his voice.

"Oh, yes, circulation's well up," Luna sighs dreamily.

Ricky taps her arm and gives her a questioning look. "What's up?" He questions.

She turns to her friends with a smirk. "Well, aren't we looking for a compartment? Come on, follow me," Spencer tells them obviously, setting off through the pile of students just to get inside an empty compartment. Once they find one, she steps in first and makes her way to be against the window, allowing Ricky to sit beside her and Harry opposite.

"They're even staring at us," Neville takes notice of all the attention heading their way. "Because we're with you!"

"They're staring at you because you were in the Ministry of Magic. You must've seen how the Daily Prophet began to theorize who and who was there based on who wasn't at Hogwarts," Harry corrects, fixing all of their luggage's up in the rack. Spencer mumbles a thanks as he did hers and he grins back.

"Yes, I thought Gran would be angry about all the publicity," Neville starts, "but she was really pleased. Says I'm starting to live up to my dad long last. She bought me a new wand, look!"

The Gryffindor boy pulls it out for them to see. Spencer frowns at his words before saying, "Well, I'm sure your father would be proud of you regardless."

Neville sent her a small and embarrassed grin before telling them, "It's cherry and unicorn hair! We think it was one of the last Ollivander ever sold, he vanished next day— Trevor, come back here!"

Spencer shifts in her seat which does not go unnoticed by her two close friends. "Uh— do you know what day it was? And how Ollivander was acting, Neville?" She awkwardly scratches the back of her neck. Maybe she can find some stuff and send the information to Daniel.

Though, the boy heavily breathes trying to find his toad, he still manages to answer, "Might've been around the twentieth of August? M' not sure. I suppose he was still acting odd as I've always heard."

Someone who still acted the same wouldn't suddenly leave without a trace... Spencer thinks to herself. She feels like answering the underlying question of where he is would be both dangerous and helpful to them. Eld. What does eld mean?

"—it was like having friends," Luna says serenely. Spencer looks back at them and focuses on their conversation.

"We are friends," Spencer corrects her, earning assuring nods from the people in the compartment. Her vision went to a disturbance occurring outside their compartment door; a group of fourth-year girls whispering and giggling among each other.

"You ask him!"

"No, you!"

"I'll do it!"

And one of them, a bold-looking girl with large dark eyes, a prominent chin, and long black hair pushes her way to the door. Spencer cannot help but roll her eyes. Especially when she only acknowledges Harry specifically. She glares at the girl, waiting for her to leave.

"Hi, Harry. I'm Romilda Vane," the girl says confidently and loudly. "Why don't you join us in our compartment? You don't have to sit with them," she adds in a stage whisper, indicating Neville's bottom, which is sticking out from the seat again as he gropes around for Trevor and Luna who was wearing something odd. The Vane girl barely glances at Spencer and Ricky since the young Montague rather glares at her threateningly.

Harry narrows his eyes and coldly tells her, "They're friends of mine."

"Oh," the girl lets out as if he is forced to sit with them, "okay...?" And with that, she withdrew from the compartment, long disappearing with her fourth-year friends.

Spencer feels her eyes close in hopes to clear her heart and mind. Ricky gazes at her with a frown, wondering what is going on with her. After the whole battle that occurred in the Mysteries of Department, she knows that part of her began growing grim and with a whole month of silence it affected her immensely. Of course, the last month definitely help her improve, but Spencer knows even then part of her grows colder. Angry, frustrated... all of them bad for a teenager.

"I'll tell you later," she assures Ricky, glancing not at the people in the compartment, but those outside of it. It surprises her that she has not yet seen Morgana and truthfully, she wishes she will not have to. For one, she can actually defend herself during Hogwarts, but that does not mean she wants to fight. Her mouth continues to dry up from the nerves taking over. Spencer frowns for a few seconds realizing that deep inside she wishes to be in Gryffindor so she can be surrounded by all of her friends. Then she glances at Ricky and shakes it off. Nah, she belongs in Ravenclaw.

It takes a while for Hermione and Ron to reach their compartment after completing their prefect duties. While at it, Ricky has gone along his way to tell her that his family thought it is best to travel around the states for the summer. She giggles quietly when he shows her an American accent and gasps as he takes out some candy pieces which he shares around, leaving some outside for Ron and Hermione. Then, the two quietly talk about their results for their exams and he is proud to say that he received three 'Outstandings', two 'Acceptable', and four 'Exceeds Expectations'.

"Wish the lunch trolley would hurry up, I'm starving," Ron complains as he enters the compartment, slumping into the seat beside Harry. "Hi, Neville, Luna, Ricky. Guess what?" He greets all the newcomers first and then turns to Harry and Spencer with wide-eyes. "Malfoy's not doing prefect duty. He's just sitting in his compartment with the other Slytherins!"

Harry sits up right clearly interested while Spencer raises an eyebrow. "What did he do when he saw you?"

"I'm sure he didn't wave him over, Harry," Spencer rolls her eyes, sending him a short look of amusement. Ron raises up his middle finger and gives them obvious looks.

"Wonder why he isn't bullying some first-years," Ron sighs out tiredly. Harry and her share a look already guessing an answer. Spencer hates to assume, but the answer is clearly obvious. There are times when she likes the boy, but his father is a whole prick she never really liked so it would make sense if he follows his lead. A frown rests on her lips at the thought. This does not mean she does not feel sorry for him. What did that mean for Theodore, then?

Hermione shrugs uncaringly. "Maybe he prefers the Inquisitorial Squad," she inputs in.

"I don't think—" Harry does not finish his sentence since the compartment door slides open and a breathless third-year girl steps inside.

"I'm supposed to deliver these to Neville Longbottom, Spencer Montague, and Harry P-Potter," she falters, as her eyes meet Harry's and she turns scarlet. Spence cannot help but snicker among herself. However, she dials down as she notices the scrolls of parchment tied with violet ribboning. She leans forward to grab the one addressed to her and opens it so Ricky can read it as well.

Spencer Montague,

            I would be delighted if you join me for a bite of lunch in compartment C.

Sincerely,
Professor H. E. F. Slughorn

"Who's Professor Slughorn?" Neville questions, looking perplexedly at his own invitation. Spencer does not bother to since Harry explained to her where he had gone with Dumbledore during the beginning of his arrival.

Harry stands up as he answers, "New teacher. Well, I suppose we'll have to go, won't we?" He holds out his hand for Spencer before she takes it, waving a bye to her best friend who appears easily confused and out of content. The Gryffindor boy mentions wanting to go under his Invisibility Cloak to spy on Malfoy, before they notice that the corridors are still packed with people in the lookout for the lunch trolley.

The three of them walk with most eyes on them and luckily, the two boys place Spencer in between them protectively. She can defend herself more than them, but it is the attention that is making her feel nervous and drowsy all the same. When they reach compartment C, Spencer notices they are not the only three to have been invited and she is not sure if that is a bad or good thing. Although, her hopes slightly levitates when Professor Slughorn greets Harry warmly.

The elder man stands up blocking her from everyone's view. She takes her time to analyze the professor, her eyes wandering from his shiny bald head and great somberly mustache as it gleams from the sunlight and down to his big belly. "Good to see you, Harry! And you must be Mr. Longbottom," he points to Neville before staring at the girl in between, "and you're Miss Montague?"

Spencer nods confidently, sitting down beside her two friends nearest the door. Her eyes wander to the rest of the students before stopping at a familiar set of dark brown eyes that are slanted, his cheekbones high as they've always been. She can feel her mouth and throat dry up upon seeing him for the first time since their last encounter. Blaise Zabini stares right back, his eyebrow arches up uncaringly. Spencer feels the need to look away knowing he is not staring at her like friends, but as some other student. The emotions he had slowly began showing her no longer written in his face with his stoic expression. She only manages to glance somewhere else as she notices in the side a set of red hair. Ginny grins at her appearance, but Spencer does not do it back.

"Now, do you know everyone?" Slughorn questions the two Gryffindors and Ravenclaw. He motions to the one person making Spencer's chest feel heavy. "Blaise Zabini is in your year, of course—"

Blaise—Zabini does not make any sign of recognition or greeting, nor do any of them. Spencer figures the reason why the two boys don't greet him is because of the sacred rivalry between Slytherin and Gryffindor. Boys, Spencer thinks to herself, internally rolling her eyes.

"This is Cormac McLaggen, perhaps you've come across each other—? No?" Professor Slughorn motions to a large, wiry-haired youth, raised a hand, and Spencer waves politely. She shifts uncomfortably as his eyes trail down her body almost seductively. Ever since the twins commented that people are already staring her way, she begins to notice it even more. Harry calmly holds her hand, glaring at the boy shortly. "And this is Marcus Belby, I don't know whether you—?"

Belby, who is thin and nervous-looking, gives a strained smile. She only knows him seeing as he is also in Ravenclaw, thus, making him her housemate.

"— and this charming young lady tells me she knows you!" Slughorn finishes, motioning to the redhead Gryffindor. Spencer smiles at her friend who grimaces in return. She makes sure not to glance at the person beside her.

"Well now, this is most pleasant," Professor Slughorn says cozily. "A chance to get to know you all a little better. Here, take a napkin. I notice the lunch trolley passing by with a whole bunch of licorice— Pheasant, Belby?"

Harry nudges her side and stared at her curiously. "You alright?" He whisper-questions, having notice the upset frown on her face.

Spencer nods numbly and gives him a thin smile. She continues listening in to the professor as he questions some student, "Do you see much of your uncle, Marcus?"

Unfortunately, Belby had just taken a large mouthful of pheasant and in wanting to answer the man, he swallows fast, turns purple, and begins choking. Spencer scrunches up her nose slightly, tapping continuously in Harry's thumb. Her friend does not seem to be bother by it and instead even lets his hand land on her knee to bring it closer to her.

"Anapneo," Slughorn casts calmly, pointing his wand at the boy whose airway has been cleaned.

"Not much of him, no," Belby answers with his cheeks red. "Er— him and my dad don't get along very well, so I don't know much about him..."

Slughorn turns away from him all at once and then to McLaggen who Spencer is sure has disgustingly licked his lips when they made brief eye contact. Suddenly, the roll she is holding doesn't seem to please her no more. "Cormac, I happen to know you see a lot of your Uncle Tiberius, because he has a rather splendid picture of the two of you hunting nogtails in, I think, Norfolk?"

"Oh, yeah, that was fun," McLaggen smugly says. "We went with Bertie Higgs and Rufus Scrimgeour— this was before he became Minister, obviously—"

"Ah, you know Bertie and Rufus too?" beams Slughorn happily, passing around some pie; Belby being left out now. Spencer narrows her eyes suspiciously. He seems to only find people interesting if they know a famous person— how unusual and rude all at the same. She wonders why she was called upon on them. Her eyes meet Harry's and he seems to be thinking the same thing as he sneakily rolls his eyes. "And what about you, Blaise? Your mother is quite known, right?"

The blank-face Slytherin unclenches his jaw to answer almost robotically, "Yes, she is."

Slughorn seems to ignore his obvious distaste and continues, "She's a very beautiful witch, your mother. I heard she married about seven times, is that correct?"

Annoyance flashes in his face quickly before it returns into his stoic expression. "Yes," he answers shortly.

"Ah, each had their own mysterious death," Slughorn says without hesitation, not caring how Blaise would react to it. Despite the two not being in best terms, Spencer cannot help but simply roll her eyes at his words. How insensitive can someone be? "Would you mind telling us how they've died, if you know?"

            Spencer glares at the ground and then chooses to speak up, not even caring that she is not in best terms with him, "Sir, perhaps we should move on to the next person? We were not prepared to be asked such personal questions, you see."

            "I don't need you to speak up for me, Montague," Blaise narrows his eyes at her, keeping his voice monotonously. Spencer gazes at him but does not take back her words. In fact, she rather raises an eyebrow in turn. Fortunately, but unfortunately, Neville had gone next. The poor friend of hers begins to feel flustered upon their attention as his parents had been well-known Aurors before basically being 'killed' by Bellatrix Black.

Slughorn turns to Spencer curiously. "And your father, how is he? I remember having him in my class very long ago! And then years later your—"

Realizing he is about to speak of Daniel (this man does not know his limits), Spencer fakes a smile and interrupts coolly, "Yes, he's fine. He mentioned you a few times, actually." The last part is regarding Daniel instead of her father since the older man never tries to interact with his daughter either way.

"Oh," Slughorn seems please with her statement. "Well, how about your mother? I overheard you have a sister as well— though, I thought it best to invite you with your splendid grades. I have heard a great deal about her, can I ask—?"

"Uh— I'd rather not," Spencer interrupts once more, biting back her tongue so she won't snap out on him with the current anger issues she has. Slughorn raises an eyebrow in surprise and awkwardly changes the topic as he glances down at her hand that is being hold by Harry. "Oh! Are you and Harry dating? What a wonderful couple you two make!"

Spencer accidentally scrunches up her nose in disgust and blurts out, "Gross!" She begins realizing how loud she had been upon the amused look coming from Ginny and a few others either staring at her in surprise or snickering among themselves. Spencer glances at her friend who gives her an offended look. "No offense, Harry," she adds in.

"Thanks," Harry drawls out sarcastically. "You're splendid as well, mate."

She gives a short grin before giving a cool look to the others. "We're not dating, just friends. He's almost like a brother to me, so..." she trails off, pursing her lips thinly toward the professor. Slughorn nods at the new information and then moves along to Harry.

"Harry Potter! Where to begin? I feel I barely scratched a surface when we met over the summer," Professor Slughorn laughs loudly. "'The Chosen One,' they're calling you now!"

Her friend does not respond and the short amused look falls from his face. Spencer gulps feeling the antagonizing glare that Blaise is giving the two of them. "Of course, there has been rumors for years... I remember when— well— after that terrible night— Lily— James— and you survived— and the word that you must have powers beyond the ordinary—"

Blaise gives a little cough that is clearly suppose to indicate amused skepticism. Spencer feels her blood rise up in anger and does not stop herself from snapping, "Oh, go ahead and show us your talented tricks, then." He narrows his eyes at her, clenching his jaw clearly out of annoyance and anger.

Ginny leans forward and glares at him as well. "Yeah, because's he's so talented... at posing..."

Slughorn chuckles comfortably, letting his eyes wander from the redhead to the brunette and then back at Blaise. "You want to be careful, Blaise! I saw this young lady perform the most marvelous Bat-Bogey Hex as I was passing her carriage. And Spencer here is known to be one of the top-leveled students at Hogwarts," the man informs greatly.

The Slytherin merely looks contemptuous. Spencer can feel the same tighten hold in her throat as before. It freaks her to realize that she cannot read his face— his thoughts. He keeps himself closed off like before and she begins to think that maybe they were not friends before... and if she has to be honest, that hurts her more than she believed.

"Anyway," Slughorn brings the attention back to Harry. "Such rumors this summer. Of course, one doesn't know what to believe, the Prophet has been known to print inaccuracies, make mistakes— but there seems little doubt, given the number of witnesses, that there was quite a disturbance at the Ministry and that you were there in the thickest of all!"

Harry, who most likely does not see any other way without flatly lying, nods but still says nothing. Spencer begins to pale in rememberance, feeling her fingers squeeze tightly into her friend's hand. She remembers seeing Voldemort so clearly— his torn-ugly noseless face. The sinister look on his eyes before having possess Harry in some odd way—

"We never heard a prophecy," Neville steps in, defending Harry almost immediately. Spencer begins to refocus on the continuing conversation. She blinks numerous times to get the image out of her head before glancing up and making eye contact with Blaise. In that second, she swears she sees his eyes staring at her in concern before he notices they have made eye connection and turns toward the girl beside him uninterestedly.

"That's right!" Ginny continues staunchly, crossing her arms in defiance. "Neville, Spence, and I were there too, all this 'Chosen One' rubbish is just the Prophet making things up as usual."

Not according to Harry, Spencer thinks to herself. Though, it is best if they do not know the truth. She can feel Slughorn's eyes on her. "You three were there, were you?"

None of them answer him and he chooses to continue, "Yes... well... it is true that the Prophet often exaggerates, of course..." sounding disappointed all the way. "I remember dear Gwenog telling me (Gwenog Jones, the Captain of the Holyhead Harpies)—"

He meanders off into a long-winded reminiscence, but there is a tone that Spencer figures means he is not done with Harry quite yet. The afternoon wears on with more anecdotes about illustrious wizards Slughorn taught, all whom had been delighted to join something he called the 'Slug Club' at Hogwarts. Spencer leans back out of boredom, but made to make it seem as if she is paying attention (well, she is). The only time it gets slightly interesting is when she finds herself staring at Blaise and occasionally, he would stare back for a few seconds before promptly gazing away. Finally, the train emerges from yet another long misty stretch into a red sunset, and Slughorn looks around, blinking in the twilight.

"Good gracious, it's getting dark already! I didn't notice that they'd lit the lamps! You'd better go and change into your robes, all of you. McLaggen, you must drop by and borrow that book on nogtails—Harry, Blaise, Spencer— anytime you're passing by. Same goes for you, Miss," he twinkled at Ginny. "Well, off you go!"

As he pushes by Harry and Spencer into the darkening corridor, Blaise shoots him a filthy look that Spencer cannot blame him for doing. She goes beside Ginny as they follow behind the Slytherin back along the train. She stays silent even as Neville began whispering to them, her eyes focused solely on the boy. How is it possible that he has grown even more handsome? Her attention only went to Ginny for a couple of seconds as the girl informs them on why she had been there in the first place.

"He saw me hex Zacharias Smith," she says proudly. "You know that idiot in Hufflepuff? Think you went on a date with him, Spence. He kept on asking and asking what happened during the Ministry so I sent him a message."

Spencer grins. "Forget about my love for Fleur, marry me instead, Ginny," the Ravenclaw jokes around lightly, sending the redhead a wink.

Ginny gasps loudly to make it more dramatic. "Does that mean you chose me over both my idiotic brothers?"

"How'd you know about that?" Spencer giggles quietly, forgetting that Blaise was still in front of her.

The redhead snorts in amusement and wraps her arm around hers. "My brothers are braggers, you should know they will hold onto that promise if you don't end up getting married by thirty and they haven't either," Ginny tells her with a fake sigh of sadness. "In the bright part, that'll mean you can actually be a Weasley!"

Just as they are about to make a turn, Harry takes out his cloak and whispers to them, "I'll see you two later."

"But what're you—" Neville cannot finish his sentence as Harry places the cloak over his head and begins to head the opposite way from him. Spencer frowns, noticing that her friend is heading the way Blaise is, but she continues walking with Neville back to their compartment. It is not like she can spy on them without getting caught.

Spencer grins excitedly as she returns her way to Ricky, feeling a slight pressure lift up her shoulders as she sits beside him.

"Where's Harry?" Ron questions with a ton of food in his mouth. Spencer purses her lips as she answers, "Took off someplace else. I'm sure he'll tell you where when he comes back."

"What did Slughorn want either way?" And Spencer begins to tell them what had occurred, not mentioning the fact that her and Blaise continuously looked at one another.

.･:*:･ﾟ'✫,'✫'ﾟ･:*:･˙

BLAISE ZABINI COOLLY RETURNS to his compartment, sliding the door shut before angering as some sort of force does not allow it to do so. Just when he was about smash it close, he swears he feels a pair of hands slam him off, sending him toppling over one of Draco's precious followers. He scowls bitterly and sends him a look of utter disgust before feeling himself anger (even more) when Goyle shoves him off. He collapses into his own seat, his face appearing ruffled by the short amount of mess that only Potter and his gang can possibly make. One would assume he is in the compartment with them because of it. Blaise pats himself with his nose scrunch up in repulsiveness.

The boy makes sure to nod shortly at Pansy Parkinson in a way to represent a slight chance of kindness. Apparently, based on her long list of tears that streams down her face, she and her Hufflepuff girlfriend broke up not too long ago. For what reason? Blaise does not know and nor does he care. Okay, so maybe he does only a little bit because Pansy is kind of his friend?

"So, Blaise, what did Slughorn want?" Draco questions sounding almost humble. However, Blaise knows him more than that having been his only true friend by the likes of it (well him and Pansy). Instead of answering, he glares at the extra Slytherin amongst them.

"What is he doing here?" Blaise motions to the muscled-freak Theodore Nott, his face almost mirroring his in void of emotions that they both tend to do. He narrows his eyes suspiciously while the other boy glares back. Should he not be with Adams and Montague? Then again, the young girl was holding hands with Potter— Potter! He grimaces internally at the odd feeling in his chest while remembering how the two are comfortable with each other. Thankfully (wait, thankfully?), the two of them are not dating. Surely, he is only thankful because then Draco would complain about it.

Draco purses his lips into a thin smile. "He's a friend, aren't you, Nott?" The blond Slytherin glances at the brown-haired boy smoothly. Even if his friend is good at lying, Blaise would not believe him. Not when his mate called Nott Nott rather than his first name. That and Nott does not seem to agree and instead stays silent.

How odd...

"Right," Blaise responds quietly, leaning back with a tilt of his head. "Any who, Slughorn just kept trying to make up to well-connected people. Not that he managed to find many," he answers the question Draco had first asked.

The blond boy does not seem pleased with his answer. "Who else did he invite?" He demands to know.

Blaise sighs knowing there is no way around this and then begins to note, "McLaggen from Gryffindor," he sneers the name in disgust, having notice how the boy kept undoubtedly checking out Spencer with a predatory scheme. The boy not even have a sense of respect for her and she clearly notice by how uncomfortable she shifted around. Not that he only pays attention to her, his eyes just occasionally pass by.

"Someone else called Belby, from Ravenclaw," Blaise continues as he notice he stopped after the first name.

"Not him! He's a prat," whines Pansy, rubbing her eyes clearly still emotional about her long heart-break.

He ignores her interruption and continues, "— and Longbottom, Potter, that Weasley girl, and S—" Blaise is not sure if he is glad that his best friend cut him off before he can finish that sentence. Spencer. He was about to call her Spencer after he swore to himself that he would not. Shouldn't it be easy to call people from their last name? He does that to everyone else... then again, Sp— Montague isn't just anyone else.

"He invited Longbottom?" Draco sits up clearly unamused.

Blaise sends him a look. "Well, I'd assume so as Longbottom was there," he responds indifferently.

Draco scrunches up his nose and asks, "What's Longbottom got to interest Slughorn?"

He shrugs uncaringly, having no idea why the boy is even caring about that. And why he is asking him? Does it look like he keeps tabs on the Gryffindors? He hopes not. That is more of Draco's hobby than anything.

"Potter, precious Potter, obviously he wanted a look at the 'Chosen One,'" sneers Draco, "but that Weasley girl! What's so special about her?"

Pansy seems to 'know' the answer and responds, "A lot of boys like her. She is rather pretty, if you don't include the fact that she is a Weasley." She turns to Blaise in accusation and then exclaims, "Even you think she's good-looking, don't you, Blaise, and we all know how hard you are to please!"

Blaise glares at her hotly. "That's not who I li—" he stops himself just as quick. What? Merlin, Blaise really hates himself at the moment and really, it is a shame since he is very beautiful. Why is the first person to show up her? "I would never date that Weasley girl— nor anyone like her," he corrects himself smoothly. That is a probable lie, but she does not need to know that. He likes Pansy, but she always likes to meddle with people's business.

Draco scoffs at his statement, eyeing him with a knowing look before returning the attention to him. "Well, I pity Slughorn's taste. Maybe he's going a bit senile. Shame, my father always spoke highly of him and say that he was one of his favorites. Slughorn probably hasn't heard that I'm on the train, or—"

"I wouldn't bank on an invitation," Blaise cuts him off. He motions to the quiet and gloomy Slytherin as he informs them, "He asked me about Nott's father when I first arrived. They used to be old friends, apparently, but when he heard he'd been caught at the Ministry, he didn't look happy, and well, he obviously didn't get an invitation, did he?"

Nott clenches his jaw and continues glaring. Blaise returns it with a smirk knowing it will only anger him even more. He stands correct. His vision returns back to the blond friend of his who appears angry and forces out a humorless laugh. "Well, who cares what he's interested in? What is he, when you come down to it? Just some stupid teacher," Draco yawns obviously still insulted. "I mean— I might not even be back at Hogwarts next year, what's the matter to me if some fat old has-been likes me or not?"

Blaise straightens his posture and glares at him as his way of showing a type of worry— though, the rest do not need to know that. "What do you mean?" He forces himself to sound calmly, his teeth clattering shut.

"Well, you never know," Draco begins, giving a short glance to Theodore which Blaise clearly notices. He (the blond not the brown-haired) gives them a ghost of a smirk. "I might have— er— moved to bigger things."

Blaise allows a look of curiosity to flash on his face rather than his sneerful look or blank one. Even then, he does not allow the one of worry pass by. "What?" He asks rather loud than usual.

Draco sends him an odd expression. "I thought you said you wouldn't care," he points out what Blaise told him a long time ago. At that time, the dark-skinned male did not. Except, things are different this time...

Either way, Blaise finds himself snapping, "I don't." He glances down at his fixed robes, making sure he does not let a frown take over his lips. But he does and he knows to blame Spencer Montague for it.

"Mother wants me to complete my education, but personally, I don't see it as important these days. I mean, think about it... When the Dark Lord takes over, is he going to care about how many OWLs or NEWTs anyone's got? Of course he isn't... It'll be all about the kind of service he received, the level of devotion he was shown," Draco informs them, not bothering to hide how he raises an eyebrow toward Nott's way.

He finds himself scoffing at his words. "You think you'll be able to do something for him?" Silently, he hopes to Merlin that he does not. "Sixteen years old and not even fully qualified yet?"

Even if his mate has truly gone to that side, Blaise knows there is more to him than he shows. The slight fear in his eyes revealing how scared he truly feels about it, but Crabbe, Goyle, Pansy, and Nott don't bother to notice. Well, at least Nott is just choosing to focus on something else by the way he glances out the window.

Blaise finds himself surprise that Nott turns to him and quietly questions, "Have you talked to Spencer?"

The Slytherin narrows his eyes at him. "Why would I've seen her? We're not friends," Blaise sneers, crossing his arms diligently. Should he not have seen her? Actually, why is he not with them?

Nott appears taken back by his response and furrows his brows. "I thought the two of you talked—"

"Not anymore," Blaise interrupts coolly. He glares at him before then realizing something. Something is not right here. "I thought you were," he makes sure to sound uncaring while at it. It must not have worked since Nott tilts his head in disbelief.

The brown-haired wizard shifts uncomfortably and leans back. "Not anymore," he repeats what Blaise said.

Draco lets out a hearty laugh and gains both their attention. Blaise narrows his eyes hoping his friend will enlighten them. "How is it possible that I somehow have gotten closer to knowing about the young Montague than the two of you this summer?"

"What do you mean?" Blaise questions, shifting his focus to him once more.

The blond Slytherin smirks. "Her family invited my mother and I to their manor again," he explains vaguely. Then, his smirk begins to fell off his face. "It was odd, though. When I asked about her to her father— not Morgana, of course— he simply ignored me. I passed through her hall and the room appeared locked," Draco mutters in confusion.

"I'd think she's dead and I'm not sure whether it was by someone else or her own hand since I went there when... has anyone actually seen her?" Draco scoffs, a slight concern look on his face. Blaise has his eyebrows scrunch up together closely before making himself relax.

"She was in the meeting," he answers vaguely. Since he went there when what? Another realization seems to hit him. "Does Morgana have the...?"

Draco shifts his face into a grim one. "Yes," he answers, running his hand through his hair.

Nott pales at the thought and then hits his hand on the table as he questions, "Spencer?" Blaise clenches his jaw feeling the same worry in his chest burst again.

"Like I said," Draco sends him a short glare. "I don't know, alright? Now, I suggest you stop caring about her this second. We're about to arrive."

Blaise has no idea what's going on exactly, but he is sure about two things. This school year will definitely be one of the worst— starting with having to try and ignore that awfully brilliant Ravenclaw who he is sure would somehow still find a way inside his cold heart. And that deep inside he feels the same concern wash over his entire heart at the thought of her.

(And oh, boy... how right he turns out to be).

▂✫⌒*･ﾟ

AUTHOR'S NOTE:
hehe u guys got a slight third pov
of blaise toward the end :) and haha
yes, theodore nott is in fact a death
eater alongside draco and i want to
apologize to him for making him go
through this. theo, i really do love you
so much okay 🥺💖 but also harry
heard all about it 😳