[IC] The New Era of Hogwarts [Whispers x Cleaner]

[Silent Whispers]

Headmistress Rosaline

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She held The Daily Prophet in her hand with absolute disgust. Her head was shaking from side to side as she read about the recent attacks on areas nearby. An emergency assembly was called by her and it featured her faculty, staff and students to discuss certain matters regarding these attacks. Of course, she knew who were behind the attacks but kept that to herself, for now. After a soft sigh, she lifted herself up from her office desk and began a small trek towards The Great Hall, where students and faculty had already gathered.

Rosaline entered the hall and everything grew hushed. She waltzed all the way up to the podium, where she stared out towards the students and parted her lips to speak but only breathed. She did not really know what to say, what to do at a time like this but after a few minutes of silence, she finally muttered out a few words. "Thanks for joining me in times such as these. I am sure most of you know exactly why I've called this assembly but if you do not know, it's because Hogsmeade has been attack and buildings nearby have been burned down. So, we must cancel all field trips to that area." Most of the students groaned at her words as she lifted her hand up and the students seized back to silence.

"It's for all of our safety. Plus, there will be a curfew and the school will be on lockdown after school hours." Rosaline finished as she turned to her faculty and staff before she turned back towards the students. "Classes will remain as scheduled, so please go back to your appropriate classes." She said as students jumped up from their seats then she dismissed her faculty and staff members before letting out another sigh and waltzing back towards her office.

---

Chandler McNeilson // 16 // 6th Year

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Chandler's day started off the same as usual. First, he would get up out of bed then go shower and get dressed in his house respective robes. Then, right before breakfast, he'll go to the balcony on the other end of Hogwarts and watch as the sun would rise just over the horizon. It was something that Chandler loved to do and something that he did often. His time in the new year of Hogwarts has been very eventful, to say the very least. He met a female named Victoria and the two had sort of a love-hate friendship with one another, constantly practicing certain curses on one another.

It got to the point where Chandler gave her a scar and she was removed from Slytherin to Gryfinndor. That's been his two weeks within the castle, so far. As he continuously watched the sunrise, he heard the scrambling of footsteps nearby. Chandler's head and eyes turned to face behind him as he groaned with an eye roll and walked back inside of the castle, stopping the first person that happened to run into him. "What's going on?" Chandler asked the question in sense that it demanded an answer. The student shrugged his shoulders as Chandler pushed him aside and continued on walking until he ran into his friend, Wendell. "Dude, what's going on? Tell me that you know something." Chandler said as Wendell pulled him off to the side and looked around before speaking.

"Death Eaters attacked Hogsmeade and burned down some buildings nearby. It was a horrible sight according to the article in the Daily Prophet." Wendell caught his breath before he looked at Chandler. "The Headmistress called an emergency assembly and that's where everyone is headed. Come on." Wendell slapped Chandler's arm then they both were off running towards The Great Hall, where they slowed their pace and walked over to Slytherin's table.

Chandler and Wendell original seats were taken so they stood over the duo that resided in their seats. Of course, Chandler was widely known because of his family so it did not take long for the duo to look up at him along with Wendell and remove themselves from their seats. Chandler sat down beside Wendell as they waited for the assembly to begin.

---

Morganna Chi // 17 // 7th Year

---

She honestly did not know what emotion to portray as Headmistress Rosaline told them the news about what has happened nearby. Morganna wanted to cry but couldn't. She wanted to feel upset but couldn't. She had a lot of emotions bottling up inside of her but did not know which one to showcase in front of her peers. Morganna had let out a soft sigh and lowered her head right where she sat as Dante, the Quidditch's team captain, draped his arm around her. She was honestly a softie, not really knowing how to perceive this motion displayed by Dante.

Once the Headmistress dismissed the students, Dante leaned over and whispered towards her. "Don't forget about Quidditch practice this afternoon." Dante reminded Morganna, who stood up and nodded her head then looked towards the Ravenclaw table to see her friend, Theo as she liked to call him, preparing to leave but ran over there and covered his eyes with her hands. "Guess who?" She sort of cooed into his ear then couldn't even hold back her small giggle.

A professor walked back and eyed her as she shook her head behind Theo's back, not wanting to be revealed just yet. The professor shook his head and continued on walking out of The Great Hall. "Come on, guess." Morganna chimed once again as she waited for Theo to say something towards her.

---

Professor Vanessa // 35

---

Vanessa had already knew what this whole assembly was going to be about. She couldn't help but scoff slightly that they would have to have an assembly about the attacks that transpired a couple of days ago. It was a stupid idea in her own personal opinion but here she was, getting ready to make her presence felt within The Great Hall. After she finished her morning routine of getting ready, she made a quick stop by her classroom and looked to see what she had on her classes agenda today.

Once she was done with everything in her classroom, Vanessa had managed to get to The Great Hall just in time. She sat next to Vicktor, or Vic, as she liked to call him. She didn't even bother to look his way but instead looked at Rosaline as she entered the hall. Vanessa took out a nail file and began to file her nails, just as Rosaline had started to speak. She honestly didn't care what Rosaline had to say about the matter and was not going to pay any attention to her whatsoever.

Her faculty peers looked at her with disgust as she rolled her eyes at them but then looked towards Vic. Vanessa couldn't help but quickly turn her head away from him and put down her nail file with a slight huff. Her attitude about the whole matter was quite clear and whenever Rosaline dismissed the students, she stood up, as well. Whenever Rosaline turned to face the rest of the faculty, Vanessa felt that all eyes were on her and sat down, arms folded slightly over her ample chest.

Finally, Rosaline dismissed them and she bumped into Vic. "Oh, I am sorry." Was all she said before she ran off and went straight to her classroom, standing at her door and greeting the students that were entering. How ironic was it that her classroom was right next to Vic's? To her, it was very ironic but she did not know exactly how Vic felt about her every since they broke up - Well, since he broke up with her.

[The Cleaner]

Victoria Ashcroft/16/6th Year

Pure disgusted was etched into the face of Victoria Ashcroft as the headmistress had made her announcement. Disgust because of the way some of her housemates started to shoot glares in her direction. Disgust because they were partially correct in their assumptions of how evil her father was. No doubt in her mind that man had taken part in destroying something such as Hogsmeade. Anger started to boil through her veins as she continued to stare up at the table of Professors, all of which seemed to be directing their attention at one of the current professors.

”Stupid snake hiding in our great house, who does she think she is.” Of course the words had put ice into her veins as she turned her attention towards the one that had dare spew those words out. Her green eyes shimmered in their direction as she gave off the appearance that she was not going to take any of their crap today. How anyone could believe she would associate herself with those vile monsters was beyond her. She had been removed from her own class because of someone she had suspected to either want to be a Death Eater or was currently one.

Everyone said it was a love-hate relationship, but in her eyes? If love was there, it was because she loved to hate that litte boy as she had been prone to call him so many times. Reaching her hand up to the daily reminder of what had happened, she was now an outcast. Her current house didn't trust her, often calling her a snake in Gryffindor colors, or worse things. Not that she really paid any attention to them. What hurt was the people she thought she could call friends from other houses seemed to avoid her at all costs now. It was unheard of to be transferred out of a house, but apparently the rumors had spread about just the kinds of spells the two had been throwing around at each other.

“I wish I had just cast Fiendfyre and been done with the entire situation.” She spoke aloud to no one in particular as she gathered her belongings from the table in front of her. To think that the school was now officially on lockdown would be a drag. She had hoped to get away from this place for a while during those visits to the village nearby the school. Not to mention the curfew that was now in place was going to annoy quite a few people. Turning her heads towards her former table, her eyes locked onto the boy that had been the root of all of her more recent problems. The urge to chuck a curse across the Hall at him resonated with her, but for now she would wait. It was always better to have less witnesses if you planned to assault someone.

Theodorus Woodward/17/7th Year

The headmistress' speech left Theodorus deep in thought, mostly staring at the blank notebook in front of him. The information they had given him had caused far more questions to bounce around inside of his skull. What kind of fire had been used to reduce part of the village to the ground? Had the wards not been strong enough to protect such a place? Why had no one been around to try and defend that area given it's proximity to the school. Was this only a warning shot? One that should put Hogwarts more on edge than they had been? His mind continued to race, trying to piece together any logical answers that he could make out of this incident.

The first answer than come to his mind was this was a reminder. They were still around, and they were willing to show that they had enough people to attack an area near one of the most magically defended places in the country. That, in itself, was not by accident. This had been deliberate, this was to send a message to those that they deemed unworthy. His face contorted in frustration as another question seemed to pop up that outweighed every other question. Why now? Why would they bother to attack right now? Was this a power play? His mind continued to wonder upon the topic.

That was until he felt some hands slowly cover his eyes, something that had drawn his mournful expression into a soft smile. Someone he considered a close friend, his best even, had always enjoyed playing this guessing game with him. Of course, he enjoyed seeing her face when he called out the wrong name. “Headmistress? I would think this isn't the best time for games like this?” His smile only seemed to grow bigger, something he knew she could feel in the way she had her hands cupping his face. His own hands slowly raise up to touch her hands, since he knew she would be taking this hard. She had a big heart, and these events always struck her the hardest.

“You okay?” Of course that was a simple question to ask in this situation, but he wanted to make sure she was alright before they head back to class.

Professor Vicktor Spurling/41

To say that Vicktor Spurling was angered by the announcement that he had heard from the Headmistress before the assembly was an understatement. Having his time split between Hogwarts and the Auror office had started to slowly get to him, and now with this news? He had almost demanded to be sent over to Hogsmeade so he could investigate the crime scene. His hand ran through his hair as he felt even more frustration starting to grow. A known Death Eater's daughter was in the school and throwing around dark curses at a fellow Slytherin Student. He had been keeping a close eye on her. Then come to the topic of Vanessa, someone that made him want to scream. She acted like she didn't care about what the Death Eaters were doing, yet she did nothing to help deal with the fight against them.

She didn't seem to believe that, as she wanted nothing to do with the situation. Though he thought it was unfair to send her such looks of disgust as some of the other professors had been doing. Just because she wanted to teach and stay out of the war didn't mean that she was a bad person. He had went up to bat for her multiple times over the past few years, saying she was a great teacher, regardless of her stance on the war against the Death Eaters, yet because she had refused to join a side, she had been labeled. Those labels stick hard in the Wizarding World, and the public opinion was hard to change.

Having accidentally bumped into her as he was deep in thought, he shook his head. “That was more my fault.” Yet, she was already gone. It seemed they hadn't had much of a conversation since she had been hired on to teach at Hogwarts. Their breakup had been rough on both of them, but he couldn't be associated with someone that he had known to be a former Death Eater. But in his eyes, she had changed her ways. Not many people even knew of that little secret that she had. Hell, sometimes he had forgot that no one really knew that secret other than the Headmistress, and even he started to doubt that she had even known. He wanted to tell her that he was on her side, that she could confide in him, yet she never gave him the chance. ”Maybe I should bring her coffee after class and sit down and talk to her."

[Silent Whispers]

Chandler McNeilson // 16 // 6th Year

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The headmistress words sunk into his mind once she got down speaking. Wendell tapped him as he was so in a trance that he didn't even feel it. Once Chandler came back to reality, he shook his head from side to side and eyed Wendell. "Lockdown? Curfew? Who does this lady think that she is?" Chandler muttered once they were dismissed as he looked over at the Gryfinndor table and saw Victoria.

Of course, Chandler being Chandler, he winked over towards her and even smirked a little bit. "Well, off to class we go, huh?" Wendell said as he patted Chandler on the back and started to walk off, Chandler finally caught up with him. "We should go to the area of Hogsmeade." Chandler muttered as he pulled Wendell aside. It was a very, very bad idea but Chandler was a little bit curious as to how the environment feels around Hogsmeade now. Wendell shook his head and stammered over his words before finally giving Chandler an answer.

"Bad idea. Especially with the curfew and lockdown set in place now." Wendell responded as Chandler nodded his head in agreement. Wendell was indeed right and Chandler knew it but that does not necessarily mean that he wasn't going to check out the area of Hogsmeade alone or maybe take an adventure with someone. But who? At the thought, Chandler shrugged his shoulders and made his trek towards Professor Vicktor's class as when he entered, he shot the professor a wave.

"Professor, what are your thoughts on what's happening around us?" Chandler couldn't wait to find out one of the professor's opinion so that's why he didn't even bother to sit down before he asked his question.

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Morganna Chi // 17 // 7th Year

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Morganna scoffed at Theo's response then gave him a playful slap upon his arm, shaking her head as she went and sat beside him, her eyes locked immediately with his. No one truly knew her or even read her the way Theo did. She liked that aspect about him and wouldn't really trade him for anybody else on campus. When he asked if she was okay, Morganna shrugged her shoulders softly, shaking her head again and looked down at the floor.

"I honestly don't know how to answer that, Theo. I do not know how or what to feel right about now." She responded while her eyes fluttered up back to his own eyes. "How do you feel about everything that's happening? Are you okay?" Morganna asked as a professor came by and insisted that they get to class immediately.

A soft sigh escaped over her lips as she stood up but of course, she'd wait for Theo to do the same so that they can walk to class together and just talk about anything. That's another thing Morganna liked about Theo - She could talk to him about literally anything. She really couldn't wait to hear his responses to her previously asked questions.

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Professor Vanessa // 35

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She could not believe that she just did that. She could not believe that she just bumped into but apologized for someone else's actions then ran away like a scared little child. As she thought about what had just transpired between her and her ex, Vic, the late students strolled in as she eyed them with a furious brow. Vanessa closed her door and tried to regain her composure while not letting Vic cloud her mind right about now. Before she began her class, she went to her grade book and checked roll then looked back up at her class.

"For those of you that were late, I am giving you detention. You know who you are." Vanessa muttered loudly enough for her students to hear her. She snapped her fingers together and pointed towards Victoria. "Don't forget about your detention, as well, Missy."

She smiled ever so slightly as she looked back up at her class and grabbed her cauldron. She threw about two different colored viles into the cauldron and a small explosion erupted. The class gasped with shock and awe but Vanessa fanned the area her but screamed out as the Death Eater symbol appeared in the smoke. That had to mean something but what? Not many know that she reformed back over to the dark side but someone here now knows something.

Vanessa regained herself and let out a soft chuckle, her eyes went towards her students now. "Well, if you could open up your books to page ten and read about how to use your cauldron then we'll partner up and test out some different potions." Once she gave out her instructions, she sat down at her desk and watched as her students did what she had asked of them.

[The Cleaner]

Victoria Ashcroft/16/6th Year

Another person that had made her list of people that she just could not stand to be in the same room as. Professor Vanessa. Something about the woman made her skin crawl. She went out of her way to make sure she was constantly in detention since that incident with the McNeilson boy. Now of course she had been the final person to arrive in the classroom, so she already knew that would be another week of having to be in this creatures's classroom until curfew.[/cemter]

”Of course, Professor.” Her voice dripped with a vile hatred that seem to boil out of her throat. That voice was saved exclusively for her, and would earn her another week of detention. Not that it mattered, she knew that was going to be the case. Maybe she had been paid off by that little boy's pathetic family. She wouldn't put it past any of them. Though, something about the way that Vanessa seemed to watch her as closely as she had been.

Then the woman had gone and blown up her cauldron. The room had went deathly silent as the smoke cloud seemed to fly into her face. Victoria couldn't hold back her gleeful expression as her face contorted, before she couldn't suppress the giggle that was forming in the back of her throat. Placing her hand over the bottom half of her face, she had been so close to stifling the sound, but it had just been too funny to hear her scream in the way she had. All eyes seemed to fall on her as they were doing as instructed.

Of course she found herself without a partner, and she allowed the giggle fit to slowly boil down, but she knew she was going to be up the creek without a paddle now. With no partner, she was going to be graded harshly, and she knew it.

Theodorus Woodward/17/7th Year

The playful slap had brought an even bigger smile across his face. Morganna had that affect on him. She could bring him out of any sort of funk that he found himself in. She had a big heart, one that in his opinion was too good for this world. With everything that had been happening all around them, he was growing more worried by the day that something would happen to cause casualties, and his thought process had been proven correct with this very attack.

”It's troubling. It doesn't seem to make any rationale sense to attack right at this moment, unless this was a warning shot. It bothers me that there was no way to predict this sort of event, because it has no logical pattern to it. They wouldn't have done this without a cause, and it's something that I can't piece together with the information available to the public.” His brow furrowed a bit as he was looking at from a different point of view than most. If they could predict these events, maybe they could put better guards around to save people from being harmed.

His eyes made eye contact with Morganna for the first time as he just shook his head. ”Is it wrong to want some logic out of madmen and women? So we could figure it out and stop casualties? Look at the last war...." His voice was a bit strained as he shook his head. The headmistress had praised Theo for a report about said war, one where he had wrote pages of theory on possible reason that Voldemort had become the way he was in the end. Rationally it had made no sense to him, and he hated to admit that. He felt the answer was out there, something that had caused some concern by the staff. ”I feel if we could figure out a pattern, we could prevent a number of attacks.” Sometimes Theo also forgot that he was a 17 year old in Hogwarts, an arrogance that Morganna seemed to know how to snap him out of from time to time.

Professor Vicktor Spurling/41

Pacing into his classroom, it didn't take long for the topic of the attack to be brought up. It was a good topic for his class at least, unlike other classes that would have to deal with these questions. Looking over at Chandler and Wendell, he shook his head sadly, clearing his throat to get the entire classes attention. Everyone seemed to be asking around the same questions in their little groups they had formed, but he was also an auror, something that he made no secret in hiding from the students in his class.

”My thoughts, Mister McNeilson? We lost a lot of good witches and wizards from what I understand that had happened. Dark times seem to be around the corner. In my twenty-three years with the auror forces, I can tell you this. No attack like this isn't premeditated. This was not a random occurrence to show they still existed. No this is symbolizing something. So today, I plan to really hammer home the Shield Charm today. Most people can cast a decent shield spell, but if these events are anything to judge, decent is not going to cut it.” Vicktor's face was stern as he walked to the front of the class.

”Most adult wizards are not capable of producing more than an efficient shield. Most prefer to just deflect hexes and spells, but a shield charm can be far more practical, and allow you to go on the offense if you are able to produce one that is able to withstand multiple spells. Do take note that while this is a very useful spell, do not think of it as being unbreakable. Always stay vigilant. In a fight for your life, always stay on the move. Do we have any volunteers to demonstrate? Two volunteers please? One try to cast Protego, and the other try to disarm them.” The professor spoke as he gave the floor to whoever wanted to come up and demonstrate their ability.

[Silent Whispers]

Chandler McNeilson // 16 // 6th Year

---

Once Professor Vicktor started to answer his question, everyone in the classroom, even Chandler himself, found their seats and their eyes were peered towards him as he answered Chandler's bold question. Nodding his head at every one of Professor Vicktor's words, Chandler decided to let the matter go, for now and just focus on whatever today's lesson was going to be about. Of course, it'd be about something such as protecting either oneself or someone else.

Hating that no one wanted to go up, Chandler raised his hand. "I'll take a whack at it, Professor." He didn't even give Professor Vicktor time to respond as he went up to the classroom, dragging Wendell behind him. "Protego!" Chandler shouted and waved his wand towards Wendell, who countered the spell and disarmed Chandler, who was amazed by the display. His eyes peered towards Wendell, who seemed a little bit scared because he knew how dangerous Chandler could get. But still the class applauded them both for their efforts.

As Chandler and Wendell went back to their seats, Chandler walked past Professor Vicktor and muttered. "I'd like to see you after class to discuss more on the attack, if possible." He kept his voice hushed and in a whispered tone, awaiting an answer before returning to his seat.

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Morganna Chi // 17 // 7th Year

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"It is indeed troubling, Theo. What if the cause was to start another war with Hogwarts or something?" Morganna mentioned towards Theo as they continued their casual stroll towards class. She really didn't want to go to class simply because she couldn't think with times like these going on around herself and other people that were affected. Her eyes went immediately towards Theo once he mentioned something about the last war. "Logically thinking is not wrong, Theo. Especially with your logical thinking." Morganna responded with a soft smile.

As they made it to the outside, Theo's words shook her for a moment as she grabbed a hold of his arm, stopping him in his tracks for a moment. "Uhm, you do realize that we're only seventeen and cannot prevent such attacks from happening. We're inside these walls all day and night with just our studies." She mentioned as she let out a soft sigh and turned around from him for a moment. Morganna then snapped her fingers and turned back towards Theo, walking up a little bit closer to him now.

"Oh, my goodness! You are going to think that I am crazy but what do you say if we ditch class today and go to Hogsmeade and search for certain clues. But we'll tell them that we're there to help and relief everyone that was affected." She said as she knew that Theo would be totally for it but herself was a little bit against because of the trouble they would be in if anyone found out. Morganna rocked on the balls of her feet, eyes locked with Theo's as she awaited an answer from him.

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Professor Vanessa // 35

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As the class were starting to partner and test out different types of potions, Vanessa noticed that Victoria was once again alone for one of the group projects. Starting a slow trek towards Victoria, a slight smirk began to form over her lips as she stood in front of Victoria's desk now.

"You did hear me whenever I said group project, right?" Without giving Victoria time to respond, Vanessa continued to speak as she knelt down beside her now. "Think you're too good to partner up with someone, huh?" A loud boom could be hear as it caused her to stand up now and look around the classroom, eyes staring at two giggly boys. "We'll finish this conversation in detention, young lady."

Vanessa walked over towards Freddie and Benny, scorning them for causing such a loud explosion within her classroom and summoned them for detention. The boys groaned as she turned around and started to chuckle a little bit evilly to herself. "Okay, be prepared to get graded, everyone. I am going to teach you the forgetfulness potion. Everyone ready?" Once everyone responded in one form or another, she proceeded to show them how the potion worked and wanted everyone to follow suit.

She walked around and kept an eye on everyone as she held her grade book in her hand, as well, marking grades as she walked by certain people.

[The Cleaner]

Victoria Ashcroft/16/6th Year

Victoria swore she could feel that evil smirk crossing over Vanessa's face as she approached her desk. Was it her fault that no Slytherin dared to be caught around her? Was it her fault that Gryffindor house as a whole thought she was a slow acting poison, only in their perfect little house to destroy it from the inside out? She wanted to scream in this woman's face to just leave her alone and take interest in someone else. Why couldn't she just be like everyone else and let her be alone?

]”Of course, Professor Vanessa, I only live to serve your detentions. How could I ever get your attention if I had a partner in your class?” The snark couldn't be contained as she didn't bother to attempt to hide the callous look she threw at the teacher. The tension in the air started to grow to the point if someone held up their knife for the potion ingredients, they might have actually cut through it. ”Why would anyone want to be partners with someone like me?” Her face twitched just a tiny bit as she started to ignore the Professor actively.

A forgetfulness potion was nothing to her. Well that was mostly because she was a prodigy when it come to potions, strictly on the principal of making Vanessa mad. Out of spite, Victoria went out of her way to read more advanced potions books, to go out of her way to brew multiple different potions at home during the summer, just to stay ahead of what Vanessa would be expecting in class. If she wanted a potion of forgetfulness, she would give her something far stronger than she could imagine.

While the other classmates followed the book and ingredients to the letter, Victoria had stood up and walked to the potion ingredients that the students were allowed to use. Coming back with some different ingredients. Water from the Lethe, a dragon scale, and wolf's blood. Brewing the potion to it's perfection she bottle the potion and handed it to Vanessa. ”I almost decided to drink it so I wouldn't have to deal with you anymore.” Her voice was barely above a whisper as she head for the door of the class so she could get ready for her detention, as this was the only class she had to attend for the day.

Theodorus Woodward/17/7th Year

”What really bothers me more, if that is indeed their end goal, why now? It's not an anniversary. No one is in power that is remotely dark, hell our current Minister is from a VERY well known light family. It just doesn't add up.” Theo felt his brain was trying to wrap around the concept of why they were doing this, but he just couldn't figure it out. Had the Death Eaters just grown that strong in power? Did they feel they needed to prove they still existed? His brow furrowed as he continued to have an internal debate.

Morganna's words had been like a slap to the face with a cold dose of reality. Yes, he was seventeen and realistically there was nothing that he could honestly do about the situation. Maybe that bothered him more than she could have imagined, but he didn't let her on to it. Instead of responding to her, he allowed her to continue her train of thought as he realized just how close she was getting. A slight blush crossed his face as she entered the zone that most people would consider them possibly closer than friends.

”Why would I think that was crazy?” Of course she knew how to appeal to his insane need for information, and without even realizing what she had done, he had already changed his walking direction. His feet were carrying him off towards Hogsmeade at a faster pace than he had been walking before. ”Come on, we need to get there before anything is taken away, and we can help some people along the way, since I know that's why you really want to go.”

Professor Vicktor Spurling/41

As Victor watched the display in front of him, he could only clap his hands at Chandler and Wendell both. ”Twenty points to Slytherin for an excellent shield, and a very powerful disarming charm.” He started to have other students pair up as he just watched, trying to decipher exactly why Chandler wanted to speak with him after the class. Maybe he had some information about the case? Doubtful, considering the family he come from. Though, he had hoped this generation would be a lot more different than his generation.

Once he felt that most of the students could at least cast a shield charm sufficient enough to stop a disarming spell, he dismissed the class with the promise that the next lesson would be about something more than shields and disarming. He had given the clue that the results might even Stupefy people, which had caused a collective groan, and then excitement. Something that Vicktor actually took pride in being able to accomplish. Who else could say they could cause an excited groan to happen.

”Mr. McNeilson, you wished to have a word?” Professor Spurling asked as he looked over the younger student. He didn't exactly trust him, especially with what had happened between him and Victoria, and the spells they had been casting at each other that night. That was beside the point as he just gave him this intense stare, not anything out of an ill will, but because he was far more authoritative than most of the other teachers.

[Silent Whispers]

Chandler McNeilson // 16 // 6th Year

---

Chandler gave Wendell a high five, while the rest of the class applauded them, once Professor Vicktor announced twenty points were to be awarded to the Slytherin house. After a few more students went after them, most were successful and others were not, it was sadly time for class to end and Chandler stood up but was caught just in time by his professor. Honestly, he had forgotten about what he said but Chandler told Wendell that he'll catch up with him much later then proceeded to turn heel, facing Professor Vicktor now.

"What do you think the meaning behind these attacks were? Are the Death Eaters still after Hogwarts after so many years?" Chandler couldn't help but question the professor. He really wanted to hear the professor's thoughts on everything that were circulating around them. Chandler sat down upon a desk behind him, becoming a little flustered as his ears twitched from a piercing scream.

His eyes went towards Professor Vicktor before he got up from the desk and went running out into the hallway, seeing the girl that screamed just mere seconds before. Written in blood upon a wall was 'We Won't Stop Until Hogwarts burns again'. Rosaline came out and saw the words written in blood on the walls and gasped, her hand immediately went over her mouth. "Professors, get the children back to their rooms. Now!" She commanded as Chandler went back into Professor Vicktor's room and waited for him to return.

Once the professor returned to his classroom, Chandler parted his lips to speak. "I smell another war brewing, professor but the question is, who is going to save Hogwarts this time?" Chandler then grabbed his belongings and left the classroom, going towards the Slytherin Common Room.

---

Morganna Chi // 17 // 7th Year

---

Theo's previous words were still echoing throughout her mind as she wondered the exact same thing within the moment. Who was behind this new breed of Death Eaters or did they really rise in power overtime? Morganna eyed Theo as she shrugged her shoulders then responded to Theo. "I really don't know, Theo. Maybe once we're in the area of Hogsmeade, we'll find more clues there." She mentioned while listening to Theo's responded to her question.

"You're right. I forgot that you were the crazy one out of the both of us." She playfully said then slapped his left arm while looking at him as he began to walk away. "You know I have a gentle heart and I cannot help it. Plus, you know you want to look for clues and maybe even more." She chuckled slightly at her words then stopped him from walking. "I honestly think we'll get there faster if we fly." She placed her thumb and index finger into her mouth and blew, creating a whistle noise and surely enough, her broomstick came flying through the halls and appeared right before them.

"I charmed my broom over the summer." Morganna filled Theo in as she got onto her broom, waiting for Theo to join her before she kicked her feet up off of the ground and they were on their way to area of Hogsmeade. Once Morganna landed her broom and placed it upon a building, the stench of burnt buildings and Death Eaters filled her nose as she made a face, hoping Theo did not see the face that she had just made. "Oh, my. This is absolutely horrible, Theo. My heart is heavy for these people." She said as she tripped over something.

It was a small book as she grabbed it and handed it to Theo as she got up off of the ground. "Looks like something someone dropped or left behind. You flip through it and see what it is, I'll be over here to see what I can do to help." Morganna said as she wandered off to a nearby shop that was badly burned and just wanted to see if she could help in any way.

---

Professor Vanessa // 35

---

With her classroom being a little smaller than others, she heard the snarky remark than Victoria made towards her. The other students had stopped working, most stared at Victoria while others stared at Professor Vanessa. She chuckled and dropped her grade book on her desk, with her brows furrowed, she made her trek towards Victoria's desk, towering over her now. "One more remark like that and I'll give you detention for the rest of this semester."

Vanessa muttered towards the Gryfinndor female as she placed her hands in front of her now, clasped together. "You're right. Who would want to partner with someone who couldn't fight back to make sure she stayed in the house she was sorted? Who would want to partner with someone whose father is a Death Eater?" Vanessa spat back towards Victoria with a raised brow, knowing seemingly that she had won this round between professor versus student.

She went back over towards her desk and dismissed class then she heard a scream just mere inches away from her. Many students went trailing out to the halls and Vanessa followed them, bumping into some of the students as she looked and saw what was written on the walls in blood. Once Rosaline entered the scene, she commanded the professors to get the students back safely to their rooms. Vanessa quickly followed her orders and proceeded to direct the students towards the proper direction of their common room.

Vanessa saw Victoria and managed to grab her by the arm, pointing her index finger towards her. "Don't forget about your detention, little witch." She let go of her arm then straightened herself back, eyes locked with Vic as she let out a small gasp and walked back into her classroom, cleaning up her room after her last class.

[The Cleaner]

Victoria Ashcroft/16/6th Year

All eyes drew on her with how she had positioned herself in this little squabble of words. Watching the grade book drop with a quite remarkable smacking sound against the desk, everything was silent. Everyone was front row center to Victoria vs. Vanessa, the battle of the ages. Victoria absolutely hated everyone that seemed to remind her remotely of her father, and Vanessa seemed to manage that with ease. She had been about to give her a proper retort, when she felt the verbal slap.

What a reverberating slap it was, as she felt it shake her to the core, her anger momentarily flashing away as she felt a small twinge of sadness cross through her eyes. The fact her father was one of those vile people always struck her harder than anyone could imagine. He was one of the few that had willingly been open about being a Death Eater in the times of peace. Almost as if it were a statement of pride to him. She felt like she wanted to crawl out of the room and just disappear. However, that didn't seem to be in the cards.

Victoria had been one of the first out of the room, one of the ones in the front of the crowd of students. The walls were painted in blood, and that was when she started to scan the immediate area for any signs of foul play. Finding no traces of foul play, she wondered if it had just been a crazy prank, yet it felt so ominous, and she couldn't help but taking notice of how people were reacting. Fear. Anyone that wasn't a pureblood seemed to have pure fear in their eyes, and her heart went out to them.

Then she felt a tugging sensation on her arm, and the finger pointed directly into her face. ”Yes professor.” Her voice had lost the hatred for the moment, as the witch had taken the air out of her sails today. She had been correct in her assertion, what Slytherin would ever be her partner again since she had lost the fight with McNeilson, and what Gryffindor would ever dare be her partner since she was just a snake hiding in their colors? Pulling her arm way, she just head back towards Vanessa's classroom, figuring that she wanted to get the detention over with.

Theodorus Woodward/17/7th Year

Theodorus couldn't help but to side-look at Morganna out of the corner of his eyes, since he felt his mind racing with different possibilities. Had this just been Death Eaters rebanding back together to show a new generation? Was this all just a ruse as they made a biggger play for something far more sinister? His mind couldn't help but try and calculate different odds, trying to figure out what the most sound answer was. Nothing seemed to make any sense to him, and that bothered him more than she could have ever imagined.

Feeling the playful little slap against his shoulder, he couldn't help but be drawn out of his thoughts and smile. ”I mean, I am friends with you. Of course I'd have to be crazy.” Theo couldn't help but tease her back. It just felt natural to him. Hearing her talk about her gentle heart, he couldn't argue that point. She had the biggest heart out of anyone that he had ever met. He knew if he needed anything at all, she would do anything within her power to help. Watching her whistle and the sound of a broom hurtling through the air towards them caused him to shake his head.

”Of course, why am I not surprised that the star Quidditch player had her brrom charmed?” Theo didn't even think twice, as he actually trusted her flying skills in comparison to his own. His arms wrapped around her stomach in a tight embrace from behind, as she knew he didn't exactly care of flying as much as she did. Feeling the air through his hair, he could smell the buildings from the distance. Coming into the area, his nostrils flared a bit as he could smell the sickening smell.

Something was different about the book that she had in her hand. Something compelled him to touch it. Almost as if it were begging him to read the book. Taking it from her hands, he could have sworn something was different about this book. Almost as if it were hiding something. Flipping the book open, he read the first line of the handwritten scrawl. 'Hello, my name is Tom Marvolo Riddle, and this is my back-up diary, in case something should ever happen to the original.' A shiver ran down his spine, as he closed the book and placed it into his pocket.

'No one must know of this book. If it fell into the wrong hands, then the knowledge it contained could bring about a new Dark Lord.' Theo tried to rationalize it to himself, yet something deep inside of him yearned for the knowledge that this diary contained. He needed to know what made the Dark Lord tick, why he had become the abomination he had, and just exactly how he had done it. Heading towards where Morganna had ventured off to, things had become far more interesting, and now he couldn't wait to get back to the school so he could actually find a nice quiet spot to read, what might be the most interesting thing he had ever come across.

Professor Vicktor Spurling/41

Watching the two boys brought a smile to his face, as he remembered a time when he was that young. Having given rewards for proper use of the spell, and tips to those that hadn't been as successful, the class was slowly drawing towards a close. Wendell had went on without Chandler, which meant that this was meant more as a private conversation than anything. Looking the boy in the eyes, he studied him for a moment.

”I think they are meant to propagate fear. It's a sound tactic, as fear causes a lot of people to do things they wouldn't normally do. Look at the last Wizarding War for all the evidence you could imagine. Fudge should have taken heed of what Dumbledore had been saying. I don't think anyone in his shoes would just drum up random nonsense in that very scenario. Dumbledore wasn't one to fear-monger without reason.” As he was about to continue his little conversation with Chandler, an ear-piercing scream echoed through the hallway, and following in behind Chandler, he took notice of what the wall. Those words sent a small shiver down his spine as he turned towards Rosaline, and gave her a nod.

Once he had started to usher students towards their proper common rooms, he couldn't help but notice Chandler had some how stuck around him. Turning his attention towards him, his eyes narrowed a bit. ”Hogwarts doesn't need a single savior, as it's never been about single people. Take heed of this Mr. McNeilson, I would be careful where my allegiances lie if there is a war. This time, the ministry will not stay out of this, especially after this display. Do you have anything you wish to tell me?” The professor asked as he turned his attention to across the hallway, his eyes catching Vanessa's for a singular moment. Then, just as she always seemed to do, she was turned away and heading into her classroom. With the situation as dire as it was, he decided coffee could wait for a while, his attention turning back towards Chandler.

[Silent Whispers]

Chandler McNeilson // 16 // 6th Year

---

As everyone rushed back towards their respective common room, Chandler had managed to scurry himself back into Professor Vicktor's classroom and waited for him. His eyes peered towards the professor as he entered back into the classroom and caught sight of him looking right back at him. His top teeth met half of his bottom lip as he was a little nervous to hear the professor's response to his previous words. Chandler could not help but to be nervous as he had mentioned something about another war approaching.

Once Professor Vicktor parted his mouth to speak, Chandler tensed up but gave the professor his full attention. "My allegiance will always lie with Hogwarts." He mentioned while hesitating to answer his question. "Uhm, well..." His nerves had kicked in once again as he bit his lower lip, eyes gazed upon the exit of the classroom as he had hoped for someone to come in and interrupt them, or something.

Since nothing happened and the room grew quiet for at least three minutes, his eyes went towards the professor as he answered his question with honesty. "I just feel evil presences are lurking within our halls, Professor." His tone changed completely and while he was in Slytherin, he was really scared about what might happen to Hogwarts within the coming days. "Well, let me get to the Slytherin Common Room before someone has a cow." Chandler said as he gathered his belongings and eyed the professor. "See you tomorrow." Was all he said before he exited the room and went straight towards his respective common room.

---

Morganna Chi // 17 // 7th Year

---

After Morganna left Theo's side after handing him the book she tripped over, her eyes wandered around the area and her heart could not help but break and feel for the people affected. She had a really heavy heart and it definitely showed within this matter of time. As she inched closer and closer towards a shop, her ears twitched at the sound of someone crying. It was a middle aged lady as she rummaged through the rubble of her now burned down shop.

Morganna made a trek over there towards the woman and offered her services but the woman did not want any help. "Please, I insist." She muttered as the woman scolded her and pushed her away. With a sigh, Morganna turned heel and took her matters elsewhere and offered her services to someone that actually needed her help. Helping brought a smile to her face and the conversation aspect was even better. Her eyes gazed over towards Theo for a moment as she muttered softly towards him. "Did you find out what was in the book?" She questioned towards Theo as she knows that he had to have opened the book to pique his curiosity.

"Maybe we should get back to Hogwarts." Morganna whispered but a very raspy voice behind her spoke after she said that. "Yeah, children don't belong in this area in such a time. Off with the both of you." Scared, Morganna scurried behind Theo and whispered in his ear. "Come on, let's go." She tugged at his robe and turned heel as she started to walk away, whistling for her broom, which appeared right in front of them.

"Hop on before that creepy man comes over here." She said in a scared tone as she waited for Theo to get onto the broom before flying off back towards Hogwarts.

---

Professor Vanessa // 35

---

Once she made sure the children had made it safely towards their common room or whatever, Vanessa waltzed back towards her classroom and saw that it was filled with the kids that needed to serve their detention for the day. But no one knew that Vanessa had a plan as she looked at every single kid then back at her detention list before she walked to the front of her classroom and smiled at everyone - Even smiled at Victoria.

"Everyone with the exception of Victoria will be serving your detention with Professor Snider two doors down the hall. She's expecting you all." She said as the children looked confusingly but managed to move around and go towards Professor Snider's class as Vanessa closed her classroom door behind them. Her eyes gleamed over towards Victoria as she continued to smile before her.

Now towering over Victoria, Vanessa leaned down to eye level with her and clasped her hands onto the sides of her desk. "I have a surprise for you, sweetie." She smirked a little now as she parted her lips to speak again. "Since your behavior has not changed within the recent week, I've taken the liberty of summoning your father." As soon as she said that, in comes Victoria's father as Vanessa stood up and greeted him with a smile.

"Mr. Ashcroft, so nice of you to come." She said as she walked alongside of him, stopping just mere inches in front of Victoria's desk. "I'll leave you two to talk." Vanessa muttered as she walked out of her classroom then pondered on what her next move was going to be. Her eyes then looked at a Slytherin coming out of Vic's classroom as she tapped her chin with her index finger and waltzed over there.

With that small smirk of her pursuing at the corner of her lips, her heels clicked against the floor as she knocked upon Vic's door before entering his class. "Hey, Vic." Her tone was soft as she made a small trek towards him now.

[The Cleaner]

Victoria Ashcroft/16/6th Year

Something about the way she was smiling actually caused a sense of dread to enter her heart for a singular moment. Most students saw her as charming, just trying to be the one that was tough because she had taken the Potions teacher position. Victoria saw through the snake's little web of lies. She only got this feeling when her father was around, and something told her nothing good was to come from being the only one to serve the detention with Vanessa.

Then heart stopped for a singular moment in time, her breath being taken from her again. The image of her father walking into the room would forever haunt her. Of course he would have been in the nearby area with the recent attack on Hogsmaede. Deep inside of her, she knew that he was involved, maybe even leading the assault. Her eyes locked with Vanessa's for a singular moment. Pure fear ran through them as she tried to beg her not to leave.

Then she was alone with the man that called himself a father. The man's eyes narrowed as he stepped towards her, his wand drawn. “How dare you insult our family name. I gave you a home, and this is how you repay me? I feed you, give you clothes, and even a school to go to, and you not only disgrace our name by being shifted out of the most noble of houses, but you refuse to obey? You attack purebloods unprovoked!?”

The scream that echoed off the walls in the classroom were completely soundblocked to the outside. Then there was a silence that washed over the room, as Mr. Ashcroft exit the room without even bothering to speak to anyone on his way out. Shortly after, Victoria stumbled out of the room, and stumbled off towards her common room. She didn't want to speak to anyone, she didn't want anyone to see her in this condition.

Theodorus Woodward/17/7th Year

The imagery all around him would never leave the back of his mind. Theo knew this had not been just a simple show of power. No this was much, much worse. This was to strike a blow into the heart of those at Hogwarts, maybe even the entirety of the British Wizarding World. Most people wouldn't even begin to accept help, their lively-hoods were now gone. His heart went out to them, but at the same time, he needed to be the strong shoulder for Morganna. He knew she wasn't going to take this well.

Shaking his head, he didn't need to worry her about what he had found. She would inevitably force him to turn it over. To him, he couldn't allow this book to fall into anyone elses hands at this point. Who could he trust? He'd trust Morgana, but she would never allow the diary to stay in their hands. No, she would have him turn it over to the Headmistress, and that would end with disaster if anyone found out. The Death Eaters would march on Hogwarts if that were to happen. “Just a blank book sadly.”

”Maybe we should head back before anyone takes notice of us not being back at the castle.” This was before an old raspy voice seemed to cause his head to whip around in the direction it had come from. The man seemed to be approaching, but Morganna was right behind him now. Feeling her breath against his ear caught him a slight bit off guard, a slight tingling sensation seemed to cause his heart to beat a bit faster for a moment. Then he was being dragged forcefully away from the area, and did exactly as he was told.

”This was your idea you know. Theo felt his arms wrap around the other witches stomach as he pressed his face into her back. This little trip had definitely been worth more than either of them could have ever imagined. He had the legacy of the Dark Lord in his pocket, and with it, maybe he could figure out some kind of common theme to these pathetic Death Eaters. The knowledge alone would have to have it's uses, right?

Professor Vicktor Spurling/41

Vicktor studied the student the entire time he spoke, making sure he knew that he had his full, undivided attention at this moment. He leveled his intense gaze onto him as he spoke that his allegiance would always lie with Hogwarts, but so many others had made such a statement before. ”I will be watching you. If you feel these... evil presences again... alert me.” His tone was held neutral, as he knew he would need someone inside of the Slytherin house, but he would never officially ask someone to spy for him. He'd imply it, but never outwardly express it.

”Be careful inside the den of snakes.” The room grew quiet once again as he watched Chandler exit the room hastily. He would definitely be keeping tabs on a few students, that was one of them. His eyes narrowed as he heard someone else approaching him. The voice was held by someone that he still didn't know how to feel about. Especially right at this moment, when they seemed to be attacked by a group that she had once been apart of.

”Vanessa.” His response to her was very to the point as he turn towards her, his attention directly on her, his gaze shifting into her eyes. He wanted her to be honest with him, and he was not the kind of guy to beat around the bush with a subject such as this. ”Do you know who left that little message in the hall, or do you know who lead the attack?” His eyes studied her for a moment as she approached him.

Though his gaze seemed to lessen for the moment as he just ran his hand through his hair in slight annoyance.”I'm not blaming you, do not think that I am. I'm just.... It's tough not knowing what is going on around us.” Dropping his hand to his side, he made he was over towards his desk to where he had two cups. With a wave of his wand, they both were filled to the brim with some coffee.

[Silent Whispers]

Chandler McNeilson // 16 // 6th Year

---

Once Chandler settled into his room within the Slytherin Commons Room, he could not help but wonder to himself why did Professor Vicktor want to know about the evil presences lurking. Chandler ran his fingers through his platinum blonde hair, letting out a soft sigh as he heard some voices nearby. It was his best friend, Wendell with his friend, Johnnie. Their eyes went towards Chandler upon their entrance as Wendell went and stood in front of Chandler now.

"Where have you been? I've been worried sick." Wendell said as he leaned down and hugged Chandler tightly, which caused him to widen his eyes. "I was talking to Professor Vicktor. Geez, let me go." Chandler responded while he pushed Wendell away from him, his friend Johnnie wondering if she should leave. "You're fine. Sorry but I just want to be alone and leave me to my thoughts." Chandler mentioned towards them both as they nodded their heads and left his side.

He sat there now, alone and still thinking if he could really trust his own professor. Letting out a sigh, Chandler could not help but hear voices but this time outside of his window. He stood up and walked over towards the window, eyes gazing out it now as he saw two seventh years socializing below but they were getting off of a broom. 'Where are they coming from?' Chandler thought to himself as he scurried out of his room, down a few stairs and through the halls before he reached the outside.

"Well, well, where are the two love birds coming from? Hm?" He asked towards Morganna and Theodore, his arms folded over his chest now and a brow arched towards them both. "Well?"

---

Morganna Chi // 17 // 7th Year

---

"Just a blank book? Really, Theo?"

Morganna finally responded towards him as she felt him clinch his hands around her stomach and face press into her back. She really couldn't help but blush at this display but tried to hide it well since she was unsure if Theo found her attractive, or anything of the sort. When Theo said that it was Morganna's idea to go to Hogsmeade and the buildings surrounding, she nodded her head and understood that if anyone was going to take the blame, it was going to be her. She honestly had nothing to lose.

Whenever she felt like they both were comfortable enough, she kicked her heel up and her broom went swiftly through the air as she steered them back towards the castle known as Hogwarts. She wondered to herself if what Theo had said about the book she found but handed off to him was true. Was it really blank? Or was the ink invisible? She lowered her head in the thought then landed the broom whenever they were close enough. Once landed, her eyes peered towards Theo after she got off of her broom and stopped him in his tracks with a firm but soft palm to his chest.

"Is that book really blank, Theo? Please just tell me. You can trust me." Morganna practically pleaded as she bit her bottom lip out of nerves then heard a voice from behind her. She gasped at Chandler's question then went to stand beside Theo now. "It is really none of your business where we were, sixth year." She spoke while walking past Chandler now, giving him a small bump. Her eyes went behind her now along with her stance. "Come on, Theo. We don't have to answer to him." She commented as she turned heel and continued on to walk within the castle.

---

Professor Vanessa // 35

---

Her eyes met with Vic's and that same smile that only Vic could seemingly cause appeared among her red lips again. She tried her best not to smile but could not help it within his presence but of course, the smile didn't last long as Vic questioned her about Death Eater matters. Her smile quickly went away and she scoffed with an eye roll. "Really, Vic?!" She folded her arms over her chest and shifted her weight onto her right side, a stance that Vic is all too familiar with.

"We haven't really seen or spoken to each other in ages and that's what you have to ask me?! You possibly don't think that I had anything to do with it, do you?!" Vanessa could not help but be offended and a little bit furious by Vic's questions right now. Her eyes had a fury in them that only Vic could see. "I came in here to see how you have been and you question me about writings on the wall and attacks." Vanessa commented towards him as she let out a sigh, her eyes meeting back with his own now. "Sorry. I did not mean to blow up on you, Vic but you could've asked how I was doing first."

Her stance changed slightly as she dropped her arms by her side now. Vanessa knew within her soul that it was a mistake to come into Vic's room as tensions would definitely be high. She listened to Vic words and nodded her head at him. Vanessa saw two cups that were now filled with coffee placed upon Vic's desk as she took it upon herself to go over there and grab one. She took a small sip from the cup and burnt her tongue. Her face showed it as she winced slightly. "But I do not know who is behind everything go on around us. The leader of the Death Eaters is dead and the group slowly broke apart. Hence, why I left the group."

Vanessa had to make her small story seem somewhat believable as she knows that another Death Eater group is rising but truly does not know who their new leader is, yet. She looked up at Vic with a brow of curiosity then took another sip of the coffee before licking her lips and gazing towards him again. "Why are you so worried about whose behind these mishaps, Vic? Is there something you're not telling me?" She stood up and questioned towards Vic, seemingly flipping the script on him. She was eager to hear Vic's responses to her questions as she sat her coffee down on a desk beside her.

[The Cleaner]

Theodorus Woodward/17/7th Year

Theo didn't want to answer her simple question of it just being an empty book. His throat felt dry as he felt the lie he wanted to spit out getting lodged inside. How could he manage to lie to someone he considered a close friend? With the words being caught in the back of his throat, he pressed his face a little closer to her, now fully realizing the situation he had been brought into.

He had a diary, one that belonged to quite possibly one of the most evil men in the world, and he was afraid. He was terrified of the knowledge that it held. Yet, his intrigued started to grow more and more. What if this was the thing he needed to study to gain better understanding of the evils that people seemed to be so set to commit. Feeling the broom kick off the ground, he felt his grip around her tighten just a tiny smidgen more. In the back of his mind, he was berating himself for not trying to push for something more with Morganna, but he felt she couldn't see him past the nerdy bookworm he was.

Feeling her next probing question, the look she was giving him. The way her hand was softly placed against his chest. He felt some heat build in his cheeks for a singular moment, and then in the next, Chandler, bless the boy, had broken the thoughts. Once more, he was tore from any thoughts as he was being dragged once more away from the spot he had been standing in.

Though, that wasn't long before they come into contact with another person, one that seemed to be in pain. ”Hey, are you alright? Help me with her Morganna.” He moved to try and help the student that was struggling to even stand at this point.

Victoria Ashcroft/16/6th Year

Pain. That was all that she could feel at the moment. Pain from the fact the man that dared to call himself her father would resort to such an act against someone that was his daughter. Pain from the torment that had been afflicted upon her body. Pain from the fact that Vanessa had thought this was a good idea in the first place. She felt hot tears stream down her face, ruining the makeup that she had taken the time to apply this very morning.

Everything seemed to rush back to her as she was stumbling through the main hallway of the school. Suddenly she felt like she had interrupted a moment. Another boy and girl had seemed to be entering the school, and then his voice seemed to echo all over the hallway. Anger boiled in her veins, but it couldn't override the pain she was in. The girl had been determined to ignore Chandler, and that had made her want to smile, yet nothing seemed to change about the grimace on her face.

Then she felt the other boy catch her and help her balance. Knowing the situation, she kept her mouth shut. She could only imagine what that man would do if he was to find out she had spread such a rumor around the school. ”I... I...w...was at..attacked.. fr..frrrom be...behind.” She forced out, barely able to speak from the intense overwhelming feeling of tightness in her throat from the screaming she had just been doing. If only the man hadn't made sure the walls had been soundproofed. She found herself lose complete balance, falling more into the other girl than the new boy.

Then her eyes met Chandler's as she felt like she wanted to glare at him, yet she couldn't force the defiant look to cross her face. No, all she could muster was this week pathetic look that she hated. She hated that she had been reduced to this. More tears started to from in her eyes, as she couldn't believe that she looked like this in front of him of all people.

Professor Vicktor Spurling/41

It didn't take Vicktor long to reason just how much he had really messed up in how he was speaking. He realized just how it had come off as he felt a soft sigh escape his lips. He wasn't exactly the king of subtle, more the type to directly approach the topics head-on. This outcome should have been seen from a mile away, yet for some reason it had been the last reaction he had expected.

”I just told you I didn't think you had anything to do with it.” His voice trailed off a bit as he knew that them screaming at each other would do neither of them any good. Shaking his head, he knew she was right. Instead of being a colleague, he had chosen to be the Auror. He felt a smidgen of anger towards himself run through his body. ”You are right of course. I should have, and I apologize for not.

”It's my job to worry about everything going on around us. I'm worried about our students, and our other teachers. Something feels off, and I don't like it. I like knowing what is going on, not this... it's almost like we are cut off from the outside while here. Of course we get news, but not nearly as fast as we would out there.” Vicktor felt his voice trail off towards the end of his little explanation.

”I don't want to see anymore dead bodies because someone decided we needed to have another Dark Lord, 'Nessa.” His eyes seemed to grow heavier for the moment, the years at the Auror job really showing for a brief moment. The weight of the school seemed to be placed on his shoulders. Looking up and into her eyes, for the smallest of moments, he was looking for her to help ease the burden of everything going on.