Chapter Two:
( detention with the wicked toad  )

▂✫⌒*･ﾟ

HAVING DETENTION IN THE first day of classes was not exactly a part of Spencer's start of her fifth year. Did she regret it? No. Spencer was not one to quickly act on her actions. She meant every word and would accept the consequence for it. Perhaps the other students were surprised, but it was not like it mattered. All of the fifth-years were no longer innocent kids. That ended— not when puberty passed— when one of them was murdered. She was sure none of them would forget the dirty, pale look on Cedric's face. It was there she knew they would have to choose on whose side they were on. First of all, however, they had to realize how idiotic they are if they do not believe he is back.

Professor Flitwick received the news and had given her a short disciplined speech. Based on his expression, he did not really care that she had received a detention from the new professor, but was rather thrilled and even gave her some points for 'accepting' the consequences. None of the staffs seemed to like the woman either, but they were cautious around her. It made sense since she was a part of the Ministry. His class time was not so bad, although he gave about a fifteen minute speech about what he is expecting to get prepared for their OWLs. She comfortably sat beside Ricky who distracted himself by doodling in his scratch of parchment with a whole bunch of hearts. Her eyes narrowed playfully, a small snort escaping her. It was honestly quite obvious that the boy had a crush on Harry Potter. He was always infatuated with him especially in their first year where Ricky had been awestruck by the boy. She remembered exactly how the first time they met had been. Ricky was a stuttering mess which had made Harry awkward. Not in a bad way, but Spencer could tell (even then) that the boy did not grew up hearing his own stories and had not gain much attention.

Throughout the years, Ricky's crush never faded and it increased last year during the Yule Ball. Harry went with one of the Patil twins, but he did not dance at all with her. When the Gryffindor girl left the boy, Ricky took his chance to sit down beside him and the two started conversing. The boy who lived was completely oblivious to the crushing of Ricky (which greatly frustrated Spencer because it was quite obvious) and still, Ricky always gave him heart eyes.

Transfiguration was not any better than Charms. Do not get her wrong. Spencer admires Professor McGonagall, the woman was strict and yet extremely brilliant and kind-hearted. To be frank, Spencer envied the Gryffindors just for that one reason. She once heard that the Sorting Hat took at least five minutes with the woman as a young girl. Apparently, it had a hard time deciding to put her in Gryffindor or in Ravenclaw. Just imagine if the woman had been in the said house. Spencer liked Professor Flitwick, but the woman just had that effect in people. In that class, she sat (surprisingly) beside Hermione. She did not understand why since the Gryffindor was smarter than most Ravenclaws either way. But Professor McGonagall thought it was best if Neville was seated beside Ricky because the Ravenclaw boy was the perfect choice. In her own words, Ricky was smart to help Neville in a sweet and confident way. Hermione could be a bit demanding in her help, while Spencer was quickly distracted by something else (it was not intentional, but she read quite fast).

The lesson they started on were the Vanishing spells. A snail was given to each individual and the woman clearly showed and pronounced the word to teach the students. Spencer liked pronouncing spells. They were quite elegant (some of them) and she knew exactly how to get them to work. Firstly, the pronunciation had to be correct. There had to be no mispronunciations. Secondly, the wizard had to mean the spell. It was similar to the deadly spells, except not extreme. Not just that, but sometimes a spell also required help in its movement with their wand.

Spencer let Hermione try out the spell. The Gryffindor did not succeed the first time, but she knew the girl wouldn't give up. Spencer's eyes rested on the incantation with a calm look, reading it over in her head. As soon as she felt the words match to how Professor McGonagall had said them, Spencer raised her wand onto the snail and casted, "Evanesco."

A proud grin reached her lips as the snail vanished from her view. Hermione gaped her mouth at her in surprise. "How did you manage to do it on the first try?" The Gryffindor questions her in shock. She knew that the Ravenclaw was smart, but it was just incredible how fast she had done it correctly.

The grin dials down and she gives Hermione a kind look. "I take my time to try and get the pronunciation correct and honestly, Hermione, just believe you can do it. I definitely believe you can," Spencer explains, motioning with her hand so the girl beside her can try again.

Hermione pursed her lips before shrugging. It would not hurt to try. She took a deep breathe in before enchanting the same words. This time, the snail disappeared just as Spencer's. A huge smile appeared on her face and a look of gratitude was sent to the Ravenclaw. Although many of the students would expect to have them be competing against each other (not going to lie, Hermione had planned on doing so), they did anything but that. Spencer did not like competing to be known as a genius. It did not matter to her. In fact, it excited her. Geniuses are incredible and should be encouraged, not only done for competition.

"Miss Montague, Miss Granger, well done," Professor McGonagall praises to the two girls. A knowing look was on her face as she stared at Spencer. The woman had seen the Ravenclaw complete first, but she did not arrive as she noticed that she decided to help the Gryffindor. Someone's true character is shown through their actions as well and not just words. "If you have not achieved this spell, this will be your homework for the day. By tomorrow I will be expecting to see that some of you have practiced," Professor McGonagall announces to the rest of the class toward the end.

Once class was over, Ricky reunited with Spencer as it was time for lunch. Through their way to the Great Hall, Spencer could not help but groan as a familiar voice brought them to a stop. Right in front of them stood Morgana Montague in all her beauty. Right beside her was Millicent Bulstrode and Hestia Carrow. A smirk took place in the older Montague's face and immediately, Spencer could tell that she overheard of her detention. Ricky tugged Spencer's arm, hoping they can leave before anything starts. Unfortunately, Spencer knew that would not be happened. Unbeknownst to them, Malfoy and Zabini were walking in the same direction.

"Now, where are you going, dear sister?" Morgana spits out, a look of disgust written clearly on her face as she uttered the word. Sinister would be a word to describe how her expression is visible. How can such a beautiful face have such a twisted mind? Spencer once maimed for gaining her love. It had gone horribly wrong and since then, despite the wanting of adoration, Spencer grew distant to her sister.

"Since when did you care?" Spencer responds back with a question of her own. Of course, it was said sarcastically since she knew well enough to know that she actually did not care. Morgana glares at the words she used and purses her lips.

"I don't. Though, I wonder how much mother and father will care when they find out their useless daughter has received a detention. They're already disappointed in you, but that's nothing new," Morgana sneers, daggers sent in the Ravenclaw's way. Their interaction had received a crowd of people looking their way in interest. It was rare of them to see the sisters interact in school. Usually, the two did their best to avoid each other. This time, Morgana seems to have more confidence in her cruelness.

"Why don't you shut up?" Ricky stands up for his friend, his eyes glaring at the Slytherin girl. Spencer places her hand on his arm. She enjoyed his loyalty, but she knew it would just make her sister mad. As expected, the older girl darkened her eyes and the look of disgust increased.

"No one asked for your input, mudblood," the Slytherin hisses darkly. Ricky flinched at the name-calling, but he kept his jaw clenched. Spencer felt herself turn angry and she closed her fist as if she were about to punch her sister. Luckily, the girl actually thinks before she does anything stupid and held herself back.

"Choose your words carefully, Morgana. I'm not afraid to actually act on my thoughts," Spencer warns, her hand on the sides where she knew her wand would be located at. Morgana tilts her head mockingly. She reaches for her own wand and takes it out with a wild look on her eye.

"Neither am I," the Slytherin responds. Almost everyone there could actually see her get ready to cast a hex to the girl. Before anything could happen (Spencer was ready to counter it), an unexpected rough voice intervenes.

"Stop it, Morgana," Blaise Zabini steps in, his dark eyes wandering from the older sibling to the younger one. His eyes were narrowed thoughtfully and both girls were caught off guard by his interference. Slowly, Morgana eyes him with a glare until her eyes wander to the blond boy beside him. As if everything would make it better, she faked a sweet smile.

"Draco!" The girl greets enthusiastically. Malfoy narrows his eyes at her before he shares a look with his friend.

"Montague, don't you have somewhere else to be?" Malfoy questions not unkindly. He was trying to get her to leave, not be more angrier. Fortunately, all she did was scowl before walking where she was originally heading at. Just as she went to pass Spencer, she made sure their shoulder collided harshly before strutting away. Spencer glares at the retreating figure before glancing at the two Slytherin boys.

"I had that handled, Malfoy," Spencer mutters distastefully.

"Ouch. Here I thought you were gonna thank me, Montague," Malfoy teases with a smirk. Spencer glares momentarily before receiving a nudge from her best friend. He was right. She was not angry at them, it was just how her sister always left her.

Her eyes soften the slightest. "Sorry," she apologizes shortly. "Thank you, Malfoy." Her eyes wandered to the dark-skinned male. Honestly, she was surprised for his defense since last time she checked, he was still dating her sister (then again it's not like she talks to any of them). "And you, Zabini."

The two Slytherins rose an eyebrow in surprise before nodding in unison. Awkwardly, they walked away to head to the Great Hall. Spencer watched them leave before her eyes fell on her best friend. As she remembered what her sister said, Spencer quickly brought her friend into a hug. Ricky embraces her back, his lips kissing her forehead. He knew that Spencer was almost triggered in punching her sister and he did not want her to do so. It was quite ironic, watching two people that are suppose to love each other actually be in different sides. They were not in battle, but it would not be long until they are.

･:*:･ﾟ'✫,'✫'ﾟ･:*:･˙

SPENCER UNITED WITH HARRY before they arrived to their hell destination. He informed her that Friday was the day that Gryffindor had Quidditch trials and honestly, Spencer had a feeling that he would not be able to attend. Call it a hunch, but since Professor Umbridge has arrived, it looked like she wanted Harry to explode so she could have a reason for his punishments. Spencer did her part in telling him that, just to warn him not to get too upset about it. The woman was most likely cruel in ways that hurts in school. Harry knocked onto the door for both of them and waited a few seconds until the high-pitched voice told them to enter. Spencer scrunched up her nose in disgust before motioning for Harry to enter first.

Spencer made a face as she took a look around the room. It felt weird seeing dried up flowers resting around the place. The class was suppose to be about defense and the woman was making it seem anything but. Her eyes wandered back to the professor that greeted them both. She was awfully wearing the same thing that the table cloth had. Spencer was not the best at dressing, but at least she did not make sure to announce her favorite color to the world. It's not like it mattered. The young girl was starting to hate the color pink because of the woman.

"Er...Professor Umbridge, before we start, I wanted to ask you a favor," Harry cannot help but speak up. Spencer waited patiently in the side for Umbridge to order them what to do. She forced herself not to her roll her eyes at how the woman gave him a wicked smile and denied the request. It was as if she enjoyed watching them suffer. She could sense the rising anger in her friend's aura and glowered silently at how the professor knew exactly how the kids were feeling.

(Honestly, getting expelled from Hogwarts sounds a whole lot better now).

"Now, you are going to be doing some lines for me, Mr. Potter, Miss Montague. And not with your quill," Professor Umbridge reveals, glancing down distastefully as soon as Harry and Spencer went to get their own quills. Her face returned to her frozen fake smile with the toad eyes. "You two will be using a special quill of mine."

Spencer blinked slowly in surprise as she noticed the long, thin black quill with an unusual sharp point. A dark gloomy feeling spurred in her. The quill seemed familiar and she searched inside her brain, trying to remember where exactly she has seen or read that from. Her thoughts go to her parents who laid its loyalty to the Ministry and tried remembering if they ever mentioned any quill. A few seconds pass before she holds in a gasp. Her thoughts can only be confirmed once they start their lines.

Toward Harry, the unpleasant woman told him, "I want you to write 'I must not tell lies'." Her eyes glares toward the girl coldly. "And for you, I want you to write 'I must be like Morgana'," the woman continued, giving her a sweet smile.

The color of Spencer's face vanished all at once. Not once did her blood rose to temperature, but instead she turned a paler color. Why did everyone expect her to be like Morgana? Her sister did nothing but manipulate every one of her elders and all students were afraid to speak against her. She could not describe the undeniable hate built up toward her sister. Her eyes turned blank as she took the quill into her hands, her jaw clenched in annoyance and anger. Just as she was about to sit down, Harry smoothly slid his arm against her and she looked up at him. His eyes were filled with concern and she did was shake her head.

Spencer did not want to have pity from the chosen one. But she also did not want to appear rude and gave him a closed smile. His expression did not change, but he knew not to talk out loud since he did not want to get her more in trouble than she was already. The girl sat down beside him, her hand glaring right at the quill before she took out a parchment paper. She hesitated to write in it before she wrote the disgusting sentence into the parchment. At the same time, Harry released a gasp of pain while Spencer bit her lip to stop herself from doing it as well. She was right. A blood quill. Her handwriting came out in a red ink, signifying the blood that it took from her. The pain came right from the back of her right hand, the words imprinted right on it as it cut into his skin as though traced by a scalpel. Yet, even then her skin healed over again which left the place redder than before but still quite smooth.

I must be like Morgana.

The Ravenclaw glanced up and noticed the wicked toad already looking at them with a smile. She rose an eyebrow in questioning and all they did was glanced down in response. Over and over, Spencer repeated the same words and the same pain. For a moment, she felt her eyes water. She was not sure whether it was for the anguish or for the stupid words. Ones that she knew she would not forget. That was the price of having a photographic memory, now wasn't it? Sometimes it helped. Other times, she will remember these five words being written over and over like a matron.

I must be like Morgana.

It felt oddly familiar. Her parents became disappointed in her as if she was the one bringing the family down. It did not take long for her perfect older sister to take control things in her own manner. If Spencer did something the oldest did not like, Morgana would tell their parents who were quick to believe her. After all, she was the obedient and oldest one. Why would they ever listen to the disappointment of a Ravenclaw?

I must be like Morgana.

Time does not change speed. Spencer forced herself to remember those words as she lets her hand just continue writing the words. It does not, really. Time 'moves' faster when it does not have enough time to process a whole lot of information. It happens because the mind tricks the body. Usually, a whole bunch of distractions and enjoyments is what make time feel like it's flying by. Just a glimpse of it. However, when something life-threatening occurs, in a bored situation, or even both— that's when it feels like time is the slowest. It felt as if Harry and her spent years in the same room that Professor Lupin once offered her chocolate. Except time does not change speed.

She rid herself from crying. Spencer was no Gryffindor, but she would not give Professor Umbridge the satisfaction of seeing her suffer. The young girl could describe how two words made her almost let out a sigh of relief. When Harry stood up, she followed behind and tried ignoring the stinging hand. The professor held out her own with an expected look on her face. She stared at the red marks that were left behind, but it appears that she was not satisfied and let out a small tsk. Her touch gave her chills that she wished would vanish.

"I don't seem to leave quite an impression yet," the woman says with a proud smile. Her eyes glanced right at the two of them, staring them down. "We'll just have to try again tomorrow evening. You may go."

The two of them did not have to be told twice and both quickly exited their personal hell. Harry and Spencer shared a look and as they both went to speak up, hesitation took its place and in unison, the two of them nod at each other. They did not have to speak since they figured out what the other meant without speaking. Speaking of what happened would only get them into a deep trouble or watch from the ministry. If they speak up, this would give Professor Umbridge more power. And it's not like they would do anything about it.

Hogwarts used to be a safe place. At least, that is what it should have been. But now? Spencer was not sure how safe any place could be. Even the ones that were supposed to be good were worse than anything. The Ravenclaw was the first to leave from the hallway. She could not bare to be around the pink-toad any longer. Without uttering a goodbye to the boy who lived, Spencer Montague disappeared from his sight.

.･:*:･ﾟ'✫,'✫'ﾟ･:*:･˙

THE NEXT MORNING, SPENCER woke with her hand stinging in pain. She grimaced slightly at the bandaged hand and slowly began unwrapping it. Her hand was still shimmering red and would most likely be noticeable to anyone not blind. The girl knew a spell to rid of the scar, but if she were to have detention again then it would just anger the professor. Her lips pursed silently before wrapping a new bandage around her injury. She would have to make up an excuse to why she was wearing it. Hopefully, Harry would not wear one either or they would be quick to figure it out. Two students wearing a bandage in the same hand after receiving detention? Sounds like a mouthful to explain.

The girl walked around Luna Lovegood who looked as if she was lost in her own thought. The blonde was a year younger than her and most of the Ravenclaws found her odd. Truthfully, she was, but Spencer never brought her mood down. She thought it was adorable and perhaps the blonde could just see more than they have experienced. Beyond her imagination, Luna was incredibly wise and warm-hearted. Luna gave her a dreamy smile and waved as Spencer went by. The older girl returned the sentiment before heading to the common room to find her best friend.

Ricky was easy to find with his casual grin on his face. Truth be told, her best friend was truly beautiful. Not sculptured like some Greek God, but he was quite adorable in every way. Spencer has a feeling that if she sets him up with Harry, it might actually work out. Except her friend was far intimidated by the attention the Gryffindor receives daily. He rose an eyebrow as he brought her back to the real world. A concerned look washed over his face which she waved off with her un-hurt hand.

This time, Divination would be their first class which allowed them to walk together inside. Once she went in, her eyes met the green ones of the boy who lived and she could see the concern on his eyes, smoothly glancing down at her bandaged hand (she was surprised Ricky had not question it, but then again he was unobservant). Spencer gave a short nod and glanced at his. It was out in the open, but she could see why. It only left a tad of red on his, but that could be because Spencer's skin was slightly more sensitive than his. It was not like she has had a scar her whole life. Professor Trelawney took a look at everyone's dream (Spencer made something up in the quicks) and nodded pleasantly as if the majority ones were not fake.

The same routine continued as usual. For Transifiguration, they spent another day on the Vanishing Spells as Professor McGonagall promised. Spencer made sure to keep her mind in her studies since if she didn't then who knows what she would be doing. During lunch was when Ricky finally gave up the quietness and placed down his hands firmly onto the table.

"Alright, what happened?" Her friend cannot help but ask, his eyes showing that he was not about to let her off. He tried giving her some space, but even then she did not budge.

Spencer rose an eyebrow and smiled thinly. "Just bummed out that the toad gave me another detention for today," she answers. Technically, she was not lying. She was just hiding one side of the truth.

Ricky scoffed. "Oh, man. I absolutely despise her! Was she not satisfied with yesterday?"

Nope. Spencer shrugged. "I don't even want to understand her, Ricky."

After that, Ricky did not bother asking anymore questions. The two ate in peace and Spencer was left to dread the hour she would be heading toward Professor Umbridge's room. Her eyes glanced down to the bandage in her hand. It was covered up, but she could see the words imprinted on her body. Even if she did not have the white on, her mind could easily remember exactly how it was written and the start to finish. She looked up and let her eyes wander to the Gryffindor table. Brown eyes met green as Harry did the same as her. The boy gave her a small nod and turned to his friends to bid them goodbye. Spencer turned to Ricky and placed her hand on his arm.

             "Hey, I'll see you later, yeah?" The girl questions, smiling slightly toward her friend. Ricky frowns at the fact that she has to leave, but manages to nod in agreement. He could tell that something was bothering her and although he knew that she loved him, he wished that she trusted him with her own feelings. His eyes could not help but glance at the bandage she had wrapped around her hand.

             Spencer met up with Harry and the two walked out of the Great Hall. In the beginning, Spencer never thought she would have become friends with the chosen one. He was always sweet and kind, but the boy always found himself in a mess that the Ravenclaw thought she would not deal with it because he was a Gryffindor. And now look at them! Obviously, this would not be the ideal friendship, but they both knew something about each other that others did not— for now. The two knew that it would be a matter of time before their own best friends would find out. Before walking in to the toad's class, Harry grabbed her arm lightly and rugged on it to stop her from entering. She gave him a confused look and urged him to say what he had to before Umbridge notices.

"Don't listen to Umbridge's words. You don't have to be like anyone except yourself, okay?" For some unknown reason, the boy who lived felt the need to tell the Ravenclaw those words. He has seen how cruel Morgana can be toward any muggleborns at school. The way she hides her true self behind an innocent image of being the perfect daughter. It was not hard to take notice of it (which surprised Harry because he knew he was unobservant), but majority of the professors barely blinked an eye toward her. Except Professor McGonagall which her incredible power of knowing absolutely everything. She was far strict and firm which made her see more than just innocent little students. Harry could sense that Spencer Montague was just the opposite of her older sister and he was sure they could be good friends.

             Spencer eyes him weirdly and nods uncertainly. "Alright... same goes to you. I mean— you're not even lying so I'll just... go ahead," the girl tried saying before stumbling in her words. The Ravenclaw stumbled inside the room as she thought over his words. It caught her unexpectedly, but she was glad for them. Although, she had no clue what she had just told him. Usually, she thinks before she does anything, but Spencer was a bit preoccupied with not wanting to go to detention that his words surprised her and she was left blank. She knew if her best friend knew, that he would be claiming every single day that Umbridge was an actual bitch that they could not listen to. However, she had not told him and was left to her own thoughts. Until Harry interfered.

             For their second detention, the two students repeated the same as yesterday. Professor Umbridge stared at them in amusement while they struggled to keep their pain in. Over and over their skin would be written with the cursed words and then it would heal. Spencer knew that after some time, the words would start leaving a scar behind. It was obvious biology despite the magic that is being used to heal the skin. The ugly-looking toad was most likely waiting for that to occur. Once the detention was over (and the toad telling them they had to return tomorrow), Spencer wrapped her hand in another white bandage that she had brought to remove the last one. Obviously, she had taken it out before arriving to Umbridge knowing that the professor wouldn't want that. The young girl asked Harry if he wanted her to wrap it one as well, but he shut off the idea saying that they would get attention from it. He was right, but she did not like having an advantage Harry hadn't.

             The Gryffindor offered to drop the girl to the Ravenclaw dorms. Spencer went to decline, but ended up shrugging since the houses practically were next to each other. She questioned the boy if he had done some homework for today during lunch and she could not help but roll her eyes playfully. With his hands raised up defensively, he told her that the day before he had not stayed up to do the homework from before. Spencer was not surprised, but she did not judge him for it. Although Harry was suppose to drop her off, Spencer ended up telling him that she was fine because Ricky would be in the common room. A slight smile appeared on his face at the mention of his name and that made Spencer motivated to get her friends together one day. One day. Well, unless they actually fell for each other.

             The Grey Lady appeared in her view and eyed the girl before floating away. Spencer rose an eyebrow, but ignored it as she glanced down at the bronze knocker shaped as an eagle and it saying a riddle, "What gets wetter the more it dries?" Spencer blinked at the random riddle before answering. She entered the room and brightened up at the boy who sat beside his homework. His friend stared up and sent her a smile, scooting over to let the girl sit beside him. Ricky glanced back down at her hand and his eyes softened. Immediately, he could tell the bandage was new. He watched her quietly as she grabbed all of her homework and placed it neatly to start her work. Noticing that she was being watched, Spencer rose an eyebrow at her friend.

             Ricky frowns and holds out his hand. "Let me see your hand, Spence," he sighs out, an undoubtedly sure look on his face. Spencer opened her mouth in defiance, but as she stared down at her friend's eyes, she knew nothing would change his mind. Dammit, why was her best friend smart?

             The young girl mimicked his expression and did as she was told. Ricky grabbed it lightly and started taking the bandage off carefully. His eyes widened in surprise as he noticed the red spots on his friend's hand. Spencer grimaced at the injury since it was worse than yesterday's.

             "Why did you not tell me— or anyone for that matter? Spencer, this is torture," Ricky snaps at his friend, his eyebrows furrowing in anger. The young girl seemed taken back by his attitude before realizing he was not just hurt from her secrecy, but also worried. A sense of regret and guilt filled her up for causing those two emotions toward her friend. She shook her head lightly, grabbing onto his arms before he decides to stand up.

             "Ricky...you cannot tell anyone. Harry and I are dealing with—" Spencer tries saying before her friend cuts her off.

             "You're hurt!" He argues back.

"And she's part of the Ministry which means she has far more authority here than all the other professors. She'll twist her words and find a way to make hell against us. Ricky, I'm sorry for not telling you, but I did not want to make you worry," Spencer mutters our quickly. She takes a look around the room to ensure that they had not woke anyone up. Ricky clenched his jaw in annoyance, but the sighed in defeat knowing she was right.

Just as he was about to let the topic go, Ricky could not help but ask, "do you not trust me?"

The question shocked Spencer to the core. There was no one more than Ricky that Spencer trusted. Since their first year, Ricky and her created a beautiful bond with one another. He was the person— her person. Spencer wished to have love and affection from her parents, but they desperately ignored her and focused on their eldest. She was not their first choice, but she was Ricky's. Just an innocent muggleborns wizard with a mind greater than majority's. She trusted him with her life and all beyond. Her not telling him was not because she had not.

"Ricky... of course I trust you. You're the only person in this entire world that I trust. I can be extremely difficult and stubborn, but do not for a second think I do not trust you," Spencer assures firmly. Her eyes showed nothing but honesty. Ricky stares back at her before nodding back. Relief filled him in and he turned back to his homework, occasionally asking questions toward the girl to make sure they received the same answers. And the two returned back to their usual state with a better feeling than before as they figured out what bothered both of them.

The days continued just like this, but Spencer could not help the high anger she felt for the teacher. Thursday night it was the day that an actual scar was left behind on the two students. The words 'I must be like Morgana' were scratched onto her hand and not fading away like before. Her skin tried to heal, but it was unsuccessful leaving the words there for her to clearly see. What made it worse was that they had to return for Friday. How fucking convenient.

Spencer became exhausted. Every single day she had to write down the same lines as before for hours straight. It was not just painful for her hand, but for her brain as well. Her mind could easily remember where to find a line in a book and what page, but to have to repeat the same thing over and over made her brain hurt. It knew exactly how big the letters were, how long it was, everything about it just stood. The parchment continued to be soaked with blood that Spencer wondered how much liters of it has she have left.

The moment Professor Umbridge called them up, Harry softly put his arm in front of her almost protectively. The woman did not notice and instead grabbed his hand without permission, her lips forming thinly into a smile. Spencer watched as Harry winced at the contact— but she made a connection that it was not just because of his hand. Not when he closed his eyes and furrowed his eyebrows. The lady toad motioned for the Ravenclaw to show her hand and Spencer scrunched up her nose at the cold fingers brushing against the raging red scar. Their reactions seemed to have left an impression that Professor Umbridge nodded coolly and said, "Hurts, doesn't it? It appears that I have made my point, Mister Potter, Miss Montague. The two of you may go."

Spencer grabbed her schoolbag and quickly dashed out of the wicked place. Her eyes closed in pain (and slight happiness) as she brought her hand up to her. She noticed Harry had ran off toward his tower, which she did not mind. He seemed bothered off with something and although the two may consider themselves friends, she knew he wanted to talk it out with his two best friends. The young girl walked slowly to her destination, although she stopped in the middle of her way to stare at the words.

I must be like Morgana.

She found it ironic how the person she tries not to be like is what everyone else expects her to be. It's quite funny actually. Spencer remembered when she was younger and naive. Her young self wanted to be close with her sister just as how she had seen others be. There was once, before they had met their delusional aunt, when Morgana and Spencer had been close. The Ravenclaw did not really remember much of it (and she knew her sister remembered less), but for years she spent trying to recreate that short connection. That was until Morgana, despite being eight years old, hexed her unconscious. Everyone else forgave her because she did not mean to. Except the older Montague did mean it. And Spencer was the first one to spot how cruel she would turn out to be.

Was that how everyone wanted her to be? Cruel? Manipulative?

"Would you look at that... Montague is out in the halls. How rebellious," a familiar low and rough voice taunts clearly. Spencer rubbed her eyes in case they had gotten watery and cleared her throat as she turned to the person who talked. Her jaw clenched when her eyes met the dark shade of Blaise Zabini's. Out of everyone in the whole entire student body and professors, her sister's boyfriend was the one who found her. Her luck was implacable.

She coughs out and tries her best to make herself seem normal. "Sod off, Zabini," she mumbles out. Spencer ignored how his eyes seemed to narrow when he scanned her body with his eyes as if he was wondering why she was all acted up.

Zabini took a small step forward and tilted his head thoughtfully. He glanced down toward her hand and his eyebrows furrowed. Some words were printed in her skin and he had to squint his eyes to read it carefully. In the scar with a thick handwriting, he could muster out 'I must be like Morgana'. The casual smirk he held when he found the Ravenclaw disappeared as he noticed the words mentioning his ex-girlfriend. He connected the dots together and figured out why she seemed... hurt, tired, upset? One of those emotions was present on her face.

"You should get that checked out," the Slytherin comments lowly. Spencer paled at his words and covered up her hand. Instead of trying to argue, the Ravenclaw thought it best to leave while she can. However, she stopped dead in her tracks the moment he spoke again. "That's not where the Hospital Wing is located."

"I'm not going," she states shortly. His eyebrows raise in surprise at the answer. Instead of letting the topic go like any other person would, Zabini motioned for her to follow him. Spencer narrowed her eyes and scoffed. Did he think she was dumb enough to go with him? For all she knew he was planning her murder. He probably grew insulted at how she seemed defiant to be like her perfect sister.

The Slytherin huffs silently and rolls his eyes. "Listen, since you do not want to head to a professional for whatever reason, I could... do you a favor," he reasons out, waiting for the answer she would give. He changed his wording up a bit because he did not want to sound nice. Imagine that? The usual brooding, dark Slytherin helping out a Ravenclaw for no apparent reason. At least a favor could get him something in return.

"What do you want?" She questions suspiciously. A sigh escapes the Zabini boy. Of course she would take notice in how a favor needs something in return. Truthfully, he currently had no wishes and hoped that she would just accept the damn help.

"For now, nothing," is what he decides to answer with instead. He raises an eyebrow before resting his face the moment she let a short nod of acceptance. The Slytherin continued walking and it was then that she noticed they were heading up to the Astronomy Tower. She hesitated to continue with him. Her head tilted as she thought about the ways she could escape if he truly wants to kill her. She knew many useful spells that could get her out of the situation and she kind of knew how to fight. Spencer bit her lip before deciding that she would end up okay.

Silence lingered in the air as Zabini casually looks out the stars. Spencer stares at his back in confusion before joining beside him. It was slightly odd being next to her sister's boyfriend. Imagine all the shit she talked about her. Or perhaps Morgana never once mentioned her. That seems slightly more believable. About everyone at Hogwarts knew the siblings disliked each other— a few even commented that it was a whole ton worse than the Black brothers. Any who, them being there still did not explain why they were there. Zabini was long away from his own dorm... why was he even out? Was her instincts finally wrong and is getting her killed? She eyed the dark-skinned curiously before deciding that wouldn't be it. Spencer was not an idiot and if he were to push her off the Tower, she was sure she can quickly mutter out a spell. Confidence is the key and that nonsense!

She was a bit surprised when he spoke up again that she blinked in surprise since she missed what he said. His eyes narrowed at her before scoffing. "I asked if you can let me see your hand," he repeats in annoyance.

The Ravenclaw pursed her lips, but offers him her hand. A flash of surprise filled his face before he returned to his brooding look. He gently grabbed her scarred hand and scrunched up his eyebrows. Spencer did not like how he practically glares at the words that were written in her body. It was not like she wanted to be Morgana. Instead of saying anything to her about it, Zabini took out his wand.

"You better not hex me, Zabini," Spencer mutters out quickly. The Slytherin gives her a look.

"You think I would waste my skills on you?" The dark-skinned questions incredulously. Spencer rolled her eyes and shrugs her shoulders in response. She would have sarcastically say 'what skills?' but she also did not have a death wish when the two were completely alone and in the Tower. Maybe she could leave some evidence behind to point it toward him. Ricky would figure it out with his intelligence. Perhaps Zabini could kill her. His expression rarely changed at all. Did he ever smile? Or laugh? Spencer did consider herself serious, but she also had humor.

"Tergeo," the Slytherin mumbles quietly as he points his wand to the injury. All the blood that was left behind was siphoned away to be cleaned up. Oh... Spencer remembered reading about that spell. Except she had not tried it before since she knew Professor Umbridge would not appreciate not seeing any mark of pain. She would have found something to make herself feel better, one day at least. Though, she was shocked that Zabini was the one doing it for her.

Just as Spencer was about to thank him, he held up his other hand to shush her. The girl glares at him in response but did as she was told. Once more, Zabini rose his wand and casts, "Ferula."

A clean and new bandage strapped itself around Spencer's hand. It took a second before finally, she felt the pain slowly wash away. To make sure she felt things right, Spencer clenched her right hand and a thin smile made way into her lips. The bandage had seemed to ease the pain from the scar. Most of the time, the spell was used for broken bones, but the bandage helped with calming down the harshness from an injury. Honestly, Spencer was surprised. For majority of the time she wondered if Zabini was going to murder her, except he had healed her. Which was extremely odd since she figured he disliked her.

"Why?" The question could not help but be blurt out.

Zabini narrows his eyes at her. "I just tried to make the pain go away, Montague. Don't take it the wrong way," he retorts.

Spencer's eyes widened at his words. "Of course not! I may not like my sister, but I would not take away her boyfriend—"

"Hold it there. Morgana and I are over," he interrupts coldly. His eyes swept across her expression and he internally sighs. He made his face relax the slightest as he continued, "and if I knew you were too damn stubborn, I could have left you continue being in pain since you did not want to head to the Hospital Wing."

Spencer opened her mouth to disagree before remembering her words. She thought over about his words and while she understood one thing, she still did not see why he would help.

"You may not be dating her anymore, but you did. It is obvious news that my sister and I despise each other which is why I see no reason why you helped me in the first place. Not that I don't appreciate it, because I do," Spencer defends herself. Zabini stayed silent as he thought over her words and his.

"Believe it or not, Montague, Morgana meant nothing to me which is why I don't feel the slightest upset that she broke up with me. Perhaps only the fact that I hadn't done it first. Her enemies are not mine and this is considered a favor. I'll be expecting one in return," Zabini states as he crosses his arms. Spencer thought about continuing her questioning, but she did not see the point of it anymore. Instead, she nodded in acceptance and glanced out the tower. It was obvious that the only reason they went to the Astronomy Tower was because it was abandoned with no class in Fridays and so they wouldn't be caught by Filch.

She glanced back at the Slytherin and slowly began backing away. His attention went from the skies to the young girl. Noticing that, Spencer gave him a short and quick smile like the one she had done when she first sat next to him in Defense Against the Dark Arts. The Ravenclaw began leaving from the tower before she stopped just by the door and turned her head slightly.

"Thank you again, Zabini," the young girl declared before disappearing from his view. And the two were left to wonder in their thoughts.

(Who would have thought that the brooding Slytherin actually wanted to help?)

▂✫⌒*･ﾟ

AUTHOR'S NOTE:
tada... second ch done ! hope u
like it so far and i just wanna say that
im thankful for all the comments
last chapter :,) def glad for them!