Nicole Stevens: Dragons and Deceit

Chapter Eleven

I was called out of class to visit the Headmaster. It wasn't surprising. After all, I'd left him with my parents. When I arrived at the office, I was confronted by the cool grey eyes of none other than the soon-to-be lunch for my Dragars (who were staying with Hagrid, as he was so fond of dangerous things). Lucius Malfoy.

Professor Dumbledore sat behind his desk, gazing at his phoenix with a kind of sad amusement. I stared at Lucius, before turning to Dumbledore. He was still sitting there, resting his chin on his palm.

"You called, Professor?" I asked as politely as I could manage.

"Yes, Miss Stevens," Dumbledore said, shaken out of his thoughts. "Please sit, if you will."

"I'm fine standing," I replied. Dumbledore nodded slightly.

"If I may begin, Dumbledore?" said Lucius. "Yes. Miss Stevens, are you aware that some of the students have been spreading rumours about you around the school?"

I shrugged, "It happens to everyone. The students like to talk. It's what they do best. I'm not all that surprised that they talk about me. In fact, I'd be more surprised if they didn't."

"Ah, yes. These rumours are fairly new, some being outrageously silly and others bearing significant fears and concerns. They regard several things, one of the most popular being the trial. The others are not important, and regard only to your private life, which is no concern of the school's."

"I haven't heard any rumours about my private life," I said, a hint of wicked humour lacing my words. "Do tell me what they say."

"That is not what I came here for."

"No, I'm sure it isn't. But I'd still like to hear these other rumours."

Lucius made a disgusted face, grudgingly replying, "They involve certain affairs between you and Harry Potter, among other boys."

"The other boys being whom?" I questioned, my eyes alight with spite. "I only have one boyfriend."

"If you must know," he hissed, "my son is amongst your supposed admirers. Those are the only two of whom I have heard tell. Now, the other rumours, about the trial. Some students have become worried of what you are capable of; they wonder if you are to be trusted with being let roam free about the castle. No one wants an incident. These students have notified their parents, who have, in turn, notified the school governors.

"We are worried about the safety of the students. For your safety, and for the safety of others, we have decided to appoint you a Guardian who will watch you and follow you to all of your classes. There will be no time when you are out of the company of your Guardian. This is an approved plan of action; it was a unanimous vote.

"The Guardian the governors have chosen is Dolores Umbridge. She works at the Ministry of Magic. Though some people think her innapropriate to keep watch of you, the governors decided that it was for the best. Miss Umbridge will arrive later this evening, and you will have a one hour session to discuss things. If you have any questions, you may ask me now, or you may ask Miss Umbridge later."

"I don't have any questions," I replied, smiling dangerously. "But, remember not to eat too much meat. Indigestion, you know." I patted my stomach and winked at him. "It would be terribly painful."

Lucius scowled, deep furrows appearing between his brows. He nodded once at Dumbledore, and strode out of the office. His shoes clicked audibly against the pavement as he left. I sank into the chair in front of Dumbledore's desk, mentally exhausted by the tension. Fawkes flew across the room to the window. He pushed it open with one talon and soared out. I wanted to escape as he could. A useless dream.

Dumbledore surveyed me sadly, his blue eyes showing no definite emotion, but his aura--or whatever it was--betrayed his sadness.

"I have notified Mister Malfoy of this new situation. I suspect, though I could be wrong, that he will walk through that door in approximately twelve seconds." He and I stared at each other for several seconds, when the door opened sharply. "Thirteen, excuse me." I grinned, despite my unhappiness.

Draco stood in the doorway, looking annoyed. Then he saw me and came inside, giving me an apologetic grin.

He sat beside me, sighing heavily.

"What exactly has happened this time?" he asked Dumbledore. "The governors decided...a Guardian? Now that's hardly fair. Just because Parkinson started that ridiculous rumour doesn't justify giving someone Guardianship. Who is the Guardian, by the way?"

"Dolores Umbridge," I answered.

Draco tilted his head to the side. "You know, that's not a half-bad choice. They could have picked someone worse. Of course, the fact that you're friends with Harry Potter won't help you much. But she's reasonably fair. Well, if she likes you, that is. Professor, what exactly did the governors say?"

"You're interrogating the headmaster," I said. "When did you start getting to do that?"

He gave me a look. "Since I became the responsible Head Boy."

"It is perfectly all right, Miss Stevens. He has a right to know. The governors decided that the students could be at risk from Miss Stevens' explosive temper. Yes, I believe that's how they put it. Some of them claimed to be worried about the safety of the students. They worried that, even though Miss Stevens was not proven guilty, she might still be fairly dangerous."

"Dangerous? She's not dangerous. A little unfortunate with all her dealings with the Dark Lord, but certainly not dangerous. If that's what they're worried about, then I think there is room to overrule them. Don't you agree? And we can overrule the governors, am I correct?"

"Though I agree, arguing with the governors would be a bad decision on my part. If Lucius and the rest are determined to install a Guardian, then the best idea is to sit back and let everything unfold as it should. Interference at this point...no. It would not be fitting."

"It's unjust. Surely you can't agree with them? The governors don't have the right to do this. If they wanted to do the school some real good, they'd be working about how to get Potter back. Without him, we're virtually awaiting the death sentence."

"Draco, calm yourself, if you would," Dumbledore said. "It's not necessary to tell me these things. I know that Mister Potter is important to the school, and to the Wizarding world. I am also aware that without him we are waiting for the next move. But we hold the last pieces of the puzzle. With the remaining things we have, we hold a slight advantage. You know this. But the advantage is very slight. If we lose an inch of ground, then we will fall behind again. And it is imperative that we not do that. You saw, no doubt, the consequences of our previous loss."

I looked between them, puzzled. Draco glanced sideways at me, his hand squeezing the chair's arm tightly. He was frustrated by something. But he understood what Dumbledore had said. I turned back to Dumbledore.

"Professor, I'm completely clueless as to what you're talking about. It's confusing me...puzzles, pieces, moves? It sounds like a chess game with people as players."

"I will let Draco explain it to you after your session with Miss Umbridge. Until then, suffice yourself with knowing that you will soon understand everything. Draco, if you keep on squeezing that armrest, it'll break."

Draco flushed slightly, staring at the floor and clasping his hands in his lap. I gave him a smile, patting his arm. He jumped at my touch.

"Sorry," he apologised. "I was distracted."

"Obviously," I replied.

"Now, Miss Stevens, it is almost dinnertime. As soon as you are finished eating, please meet Miss Umbridge in the library. Draco, if you wouldn't mind, I'd like to speak with you more. Are you willing to miss some of dinner?"

"Yes," he answered immediately. "I'll see you after your meeting with Umbridge. Don't lose your temper with her at all costs."

I nodded and left. While I was on my way down to the hall, I spotted the portrait of the dragon that led to what I referred to as the Founders' Chambers. It was the set of rooms Harry, Draco, and I had stayed in last year when we had arrived at school a few days early. I stepped up to the portrait, while the dragon in the frame yawned.

"Draco...lunar?" I said, trying to remember the password. The dragon shook it's head quickly. "Luna, right? It's got to be luna. Draco Luna."

The dragon grinned toothily, swinging forward on its hinges. I stepped inside. A long hallway led down to the main room. Without thinking, I walked into the main chamber. It was lit by magical golden light that seemed to emanate from the ceiling. I barely paused and continued into the green-decked room that had been Salazar Slytherin's. Though I had never, in my memory, been inside this room, it was familiar. Maybe it was only familiar because it was furnished like Draco's room. But I began searching around the room, looking for something, anything.

The dresser across from the bed looked to be a promising hiding place. I pulled out the drawers, rummaging through the masses of fabric and papers. In the middle drawer a small black book had been shoved under the clothes. Instinctively I knew it was what I was looking for. Opening it, I saw what I had hoped for.

The Corianthianum is hidden. None of them will ever find it. They suspected I had created it, but none of them ever realised the full danger of my Opticilym. Ro's dreams became increasingly frantic after awhile, so I knew there was some large amount of pressure being put on her by Godric. Were it not for her tell-tale stress, I would not have known to hide it. But luck was on my side, and I managed to hide it at the ancient hollow that Godric calls his own. He has no idea of the chamber. I shall work to keep it that way.

Ro, my darling Ro, is being forced to cooperate with Godric. Helga is pushing her also. Though I love Helga dearly, she is losing faith in me quickly. I hoped for better of her, but my hopes, unfortunately, seem too high. I do not know how I shall get rid of Godric, but get rid of him I will. He should begin saying his goodbyes soon.

I fear, despite my confidence, that I may be leaving the school soon. Young though I am, I can sense that an end of some sort is coming. What end it may be is unknown. Let it remain unknown for a little longer. I can only hope that no innocent soul happens across the Corianthianum in my absence. It is a deadly weapon and an even deadlier curse. I knew of these burdens when I created the Opticilym. But even then I could not have been prepared for the curse that comes with bearing the Corianthianum. If some innocent does come to harm from it, may I be struck down in my path. The Corianthianum is my fault, and my cross to bear. Unfortunately, I must deal with the school's issues first. They are the immediate danger.

Godric is calling. He has business to discuss with me. It does not bode well for me. Should I arm myself against any surprise attacks? Most likely it would be a good idea, but I will not. If they spotted a sword at my belt and no attack was planned, I would be signing my own death warrant. It is not a pleasant thought, but it is true. How unfortunate that the truth is most often unpleasant.

Now I really must be off. Godric becomes impatient in a very small amount of time. To any who read this, may you wish me no ill will as I wish you none.

Salazar Slytherin

I read it quickly. Most of it was useless information. But one sentence kept returning to mind: But even then I could not have been prepared for the curse that comes with bearing the Corianthianum. So it was cursed? Or living with the intercepted dreams was a curse? It explained very little, but I could probably find a little more in the next pages.

Stuffing it in my bag, I rearranged everything my search had displaced. When the room met my standard for clean, I headed out. It was almost time for dinner. After dinner I had the meeting with my Guardian, and then the little chit-chat session with Draco. Neither of these seemed particularly appealing. However, I had little choice in the matter.

Dinner soared past. It seemed to last only a few seconds, when in reality it had been an hour at least. Draco came to take me to the library, and I followed him reluctantly. Despite every assurance that this Umbridge woman was moderately fair, I knew that it probably would turn out a very unhappy experience for me. Once in the library, Draco left me. I sat at a table, drumming my fingers on the wood in a rythmic pattern.

A very large woman entered. She reminded me of a particularly ugly toad. Waving her pudgy hand at me, she sat across from me. Umbridge began taking some files out of her bag, while I watched. She placed the file folders in between us, snapping the clasp on her bag shut.

"Hello, Miss Stevens," she greeted in a girly, highpitched voice. I felt ashamed to even think of it as a girly voice--it was an insult to all the girls in the world.

I nodded, saying, "Hi. You must be Dolores?"

"You may call me Miss Umbridge," she said.

"Yes. Well, hello."

She cleared her throat, "Hem, hem...I am your assigned Guardian. I have been appointed by the school governors to watch you and take notes on your behaviour. Any aberrant behaviour on your part will result in immediate documentation and reporting to the school governors and the headmaster. After a set amount of time, as of now undecided, I will--depending on your behaviour--be allowed to leave. Do you understand?"

"Perfectly."

"At no time may you be out of the company of your Guardian, with the exception of restroom breaks and nightly sleeping rituals."

"Do you mean getting undressed, or do you mean actually sleeping?"

"I mean both. However, if you leave your bedroom during the night, I must be notified so that I may accompany you. If you choose to ignore the set boundaries and rules, the school governors will be immediately notified. Any time you break the rules, you will be reported to the governors, and my stay will be extended another week. Is this clear?"

"Of course."

She smiled at me, opening one folder delicately and extracting a few pages. "These are information sheets for you to look over. They involve past Guardianships, as well as the rules and regulations for being a Guardian. There is also a sheet on what it takes to become a Guardian, and another sheet on the process of becoming a Guardian. I require that you read them, and when you are finished I would like for you to read the rest of the notes."

Umbridge handed me the papers. I took them from her, trying my hardest not to glare at her. The papers were so organised it made me sick. But I read them anyway.

Guardians and Guardianships of the Past

Guardians have been a common way of monitoring possible student-threats for over a century.

The first Guardian was a man by the name of Callistus Gerontius. He was appointed to monitor Nerissa Lucia. Nerissa Lucia was seventeen years old when her Guardian was appointed to her. Lucia was born of a vampire and a succubus, and she had been known to seduce the male students and then bite them. Her Guardian kept a close watch on Nerissa Lucia, and she showed many signs of bad behaviour during Gerontius' year of Guardianship. When she graduated from Hogwarts, Callistus Gerontius was no longer her Guardian, but because of his notes on her behaviour, she was watched by the Ministry of Magic. This eventually saved a man's life, because Nerissa Lucia had seduced him and nearly killed him.

The next Guardian was Gytha Hadley, in 1896. She was the Guardian of Aidos Iolanthe, who was suspected of murdering his History of Magic teacher. Though Iolanthe was never convicted, he showed a violent nature that worried the professors. They worked to get a Guardian, and because of Gytha Hadley's presence, the Head Boy at Hogwarts was not killed by Iolanthe. Iolanthe was imprisoned in Azkaban for the rest of his life.

Serina Athanasia was Taryn Tate's Guardian. Athanasia was appointed Tate's Guardian because Tate was pyrokinetic. Tate showed not only a fondness for fire, but she also possessed a passion for setting people on fire. Serina Athanasia prevented many disasterous incidents, and Tate's behaviour soon improved. Taryn Tate became an Auror for the Ministry of Magic, and she never used her fire-power on any innocents.

I looked up at Umbridge, who was smiling placidly. Returning the paper to her, I inhaled deeply and counted to ten. I would not lose my temper with her. I would NOT lose my temper with her.

The next pages was entitled: Rules and Regulations.

1.) Guardians may never harm the student.

2.) Guardians must never insult or degrade the student.

3.) The Guardian has the right to punish the student in whatever way he/she sees necessary.

4.) Guardians may never infringe on the student's privacy, unless the Guardian believes there is a possible threat in that situation.

5.) The Guardian must report any and all aberrant behaviour (on the student's part) to the school governors and the Headmaster.

6.) Never may a Guardian stray from the student, unless the student is a) sleeping or b) showering, bathing, etc.

7.) The Guardian must have a room directly beside the student's room, or in the closest suitable position.

8.) During mealtimes, etc. the Guardian must sit no more than three seats from the student.

9.) The Guardian may make an inquiry of other students about the Guardian's student.

10.) The Guardian may accompany the student during school activities, but the Guardian may never accompany the student to his/her home, etc.

I returned the paper to her and began the next.

Guardian Requirements

1.) The Guardian must be approved by all of the school governors.

2.) The Guardian must be a responsible adult who has had experience with students.

3.) The Guardian must be a fully qualified witch or wizard.

4.) The Guardian must not be related to, or emotionally involved with the student.

5.) The Guardian must never become emotionally involved with the students.

6.) The Guardian must be employed with the Ministry of Magic, or with the student's school.

7.) The Guardian must have graduated from school with all credits.

8.) The Guardian must have graduated from school at least ten (10) years prior to Guardianship.

9.) The Guardian must pass an Aptitude/Ability Test approved by the Ministry of Magic.

This paper I shoved across the table at Umbridge, who still had a smile on her face. She seemed completely oblivious to the fact that I was glaring at her. I skimmed over the next page, and handed it to her.

"There you are," I said. "I've finished reading."

"Very well then," she replied. "I believe our hour is up. My Guardianship starts at eight o' clock tomorrow morning. Until then." Umbridge gave me a smile and headed out. I slumped in my chair, yet again forced to wonder why my life was so unhappy.

----

Draco showed up later. He was late, and I had been waiting for over half an hour.

"Something came up," he said hurriedly. "I didn't mean to leave you waiting for so long. But let's not talk here. Would you like to take a walk? Less chance of being overheard."

"I guess. What was so important that you had me wait for almost an hour? Did Goyle blow up your cologne supply again?" I teased, noting the strong odor of cologne that emanated from his robes.

"Actually, yes. Goyle was trying to curse Crabbe for stealing his picture of Snape in jeans, but the curse hit my cologne bottle and--" he made an expressive gesture with his hands, "--it went everywhere. I was going to take a shower and try to get some of it off, but I didn't want you waiting even longer, thinking I had magically enlarged my head or something."

"That's more of an explanation that I needed. So, what is it that Dumbledore wanted you to tell me?"

"Well, there is quite a bit to say, actually. I'm not sure where to start, because all of it is crucial and if you don't understand something...it could be deadly. I'll try to explain it as best I can. If you need more explanation, then I'll try to clarify anything I can."

"All right."

Draco sighed, then began, "You have the Corianthianum necklace. It is an Opticilym, created by Salazar Slytherin a few years before he was murdured. Slytherin had it in his possession for about a year before he hid it in Godric's Hollow. No one knew it was there, though they knew he had created something of the sort. You found it this summer. You now own it.

"The Opticilym was created as a weapon, and as a way to intercept others' dreams. When Slytherin created it, he intended to use it to protect him. By intercepting Ravenclaw's dreams, he was able to keep himself out of trouble with the other heirs for a few months. After a while, the Founders' began to suspect Slytherin of making an Opticilym, or something like it. Slytherin kept it for a few months longer, and then he was forced to hide it and run. Gryffindor found him eventually, and killed Slytherin.

"Because of Voldemort's relation to Slytherin, he will be able to use it to his advantage. Though you possess the Corianthianum, you could not use it as a weapon of mass destruction. You can, however, intercept dreams. Voldemort can use it for both purposes. Or he could, if he had it.

"Which brings me around to the fact that he doesn't have it, and you do. We, that is to say, Dumbledore and the whole Order along with him, need to keep it that way. So we can't put you in danger, either. Because if you were captured, and held for ransom, then we would either have to trade it, or let you be killed. And trading it would mean destruction for the entire wizarding world, while letting you be murdured--" he glanced sideways at me, "--would be almost as bad."

"For who?" I questioned. "The world? I doubt that very highly."

"I never said that," Draco replied. "But there are other matters to discuss as well."

"Like what?"

"I know you're worried about Potter," he said. "But you shouldn't be. No harm can come to him without the Corianthianum. So, while Voldemort is without the Opticilym, he's safe. Dumbledore cast a protective charm over Potter to be sure of it."

"Is that all?" I asked.

He shoved his hands into his pockets, nodding.

"And I'm supposed to do what with this information? Is it supposed to inspire me, or something? Because, really, all it's doing is making me feel even guiltier for letting him go, and for being glad--" I broke off, coming to an abrupt halt. Draco stopped beside me.

"For what? Being glad of what?"

"Never mind."

"I won't," he replied, taking my arm and leading me over to a window alcove to sit. "Tell me what you're glad of."

"It's none of your business. I shouldn't have said anything. I should have just gone to my dorm and sulked, like I usually do."

His eyes softened, warming slightly.

"I want to know, though. It may not be any of my business, or it might. But may I be the judge, please? It would be far more appealing."

"Just know that what I was going to say has been weighing on my heart for a while now. That should content you. I can't tell you what I was going to say. It's not something I want to get into with you. If I ever find the right time to tell you, then I'll tell you."

"It has something to do with me. That's the only explanation for your discomfort. Unless, of course, you were the one who stole Goyle's picture of Snape, in which case, I'd rather not know, thanks. But it's not, is it?"

I shrugged, walking around him. He caught my arm and locked eyes with me, saying, "Tell me."

"No."

"Tell me. Now."

"Make me."

"You wouldn't like that," he said. "If you won't tell me, we'll play a guessing game until I guess right. Which would you like better?"

I shook my head, refusing to speak. He tilted my head up. "No games. Tell me."

"I don't see why I should."

"It could eventually save your life, you know."

"Fine, fine, fine. But if it seems to you like I'm...well, you see...erm, this isn't east to say...but I won't lead you on...I feel guilty for letting Harry go, and I always feel guilty because I have this sick sort of joy that he's gone. Because he's gone, out of the way, you know, and I don't have to be this way or the other, and if I do something--I'm not saying what, mind you--but if I do something he won't know about it. There's nothing really that I've done, you know, it's just I've thought about things and sometimes I don't know who I'm...but there's where we get back to the leading you on part, because I don't want to do that," I said in a rush. "In simpler terms I guess I'm saying that sometimes I'm glad that he's gone, because it means that I can be neutral, and I don't necessarily have to be dating anyone. I can just be...the way I am."

"So you're saying that without Potter here, you and I don't have anyone standing inbetween us."

"That's the raw version of it, yes."

"A part of you is actually glad that Potter's gone," he said amusedly.

"Erm...yes."

"That part of you wants me. Really wants me."

"I guess so." My cheeks were hot and I was trying to avoid eye contact with him.

Draco gently touched my cheek, sliding his finger down my neck. I stiffened immediately. His finger made a slow line across my shoulder, and down my arm.

"A part of you is liking this," he said. Draco's finger stopped at my wrist, and he wrapped his fingers around my wrist.

"Draco," I said. "No."

"Shh," he murmured. His right hand rested on my hip. "You want this."

"No. No, I don't. You misunderstood me. I'm not trying to lead you on. If I have, well, I suck at telling people no, as I've shown in the past. But...no. This-this isn't what I want. I know that it may have seemed that it is what I want, but it isn't."

"It is," he whispered, drawing me closer.

"It's not," I persisted. I pushed him away forcefully. He seemed unfazed. I shoved again, harder, and Draco stumbled back a couple of feet. "Draco, consider yourself lucky if I'm still on first-name basis with you after tonight. I don't like it when you play the boy-card. I also don't like it when you take advantage of my vulnerability. So back the Hell off, unless you want me to knee you somewhere very unpleasant."

"You wouldn't," he said, "you wouldn't dare. You've seen that I'm quite able to handle any pouncing attacks from teenage girls. And I know you don't doubt that I'd hit you to stop you from injuring me."

I shrugged, walking past him. This fight was pointless. I was walking down the marble staircase, when he said, "I knew there was a reason you didn't help Potter escape this time. You don't care if he dies. You're probably just waiting for the Dark Lord to finish Potter off, and once he does, you'll hop into my arms and get on with your life."

Whirling around, I grabbed my wand from my pocket. I strode to stand in front of Draco, who was smirking and looking as if he had just solved world hunger. He glanced at the wand I held loosely in my hand.

"You're just afraid," he hissed, "because you know it's true."

"I'm going to blast that smirk right off your face."

"It's true, and you know it."

"Dammit, Malfoy, I'm warning you."

"You're so afraid to admit it."

I shoved my wand into his face, and replied, "Stop lying to yourself, Malfoy. You know that you have no chance with me, but you're not willing to give it up. Because somewhere in that Malfoy credo, there's some rule that you're never to go down without a fight. Well guess what? Fight's over. You lost. Throw these deep-seated neuroses out the damn window. It's over. Anything we might have had is gone. In another lifetime, maybe this would have played out. But this time around, you lose."

His face went slack. The eyes that had been sparkling a few moments before were almost black with something akin to hatred. He grabbed my wand from me, chucking it down the stairs. "Go fetch it, Nicole. Do something on your own, for once." Then, he turned around and left.

I stared down at the bottom of the stairs, where my wand had fallen. After retrieving it, I headed upstairs, whereupon I collapsed onto my bed and cried silent tears into the pillow.

---

The next day, I woke with a pounding headache. Someone was shaking me. The large face of Dolores Umbridge hovered over me. I let out a strangled yelp and rolled off the other side of the bed.

"Hem, hem," she cleared her throat.

Standing, I asked, "What are you doing in my dorm?!"

"It is, by my watch, eight o' clock sharp. And that means that my Guardianship has begun. Now, do dress and come to breakfast. I will be waiting in the common room. We do not have all day, so please hurry to the best of your abilities."

She turned and left. I stared after her with an incredulous expression on my face. I dressed, and headed downstairs. The common room was devoid of people, except for Umbridge, who stood in a corner and hummed. I ignored her and made my way down to the great hall. As I entered, many students turned their eyes on me. I did my best to ignore them, as well. Sitting beside Ron, I began loading my plate with food. The hall seemed to have gone quite.

"Ron," I whispered out of the corner of my mouth. "Why are they staring at me?"

He flinched, pointing over to the Slytherin table. Draco sat in a chair, his feet crossed on the tabletop. He was out of uniform, wearing all black. Though he was not looking at me, I could sense that all of his thoughts were directed at me. His arms were crossed over his chest, and he was staring pointedly at his feet.

"But they're staring at me," I said.

"They all think you've gone and pissed him off somehow. Even the Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs are angry at you. He's their Head Boy, and even though they hate him, they're standing up for him," he replied. "And his shirt says...something."

"What does it say?"

"'I'll Keep My Deep-Seated Neuroses Rather than You,'" Hermione responded. "And on the back it says, 'Now Who's the Loser?'"

"No one knows what it means," Ron said. "But they all know it has something to do with you. So what's up with you and Mister Head Boy?"

"Damn him," I muttered under my breath. "He knew...he knew they'd do this to me. But that's what he wanted."

"What does the shirt mean?" Hermione questioned.

"I told him to throw his deep-seated neuroses out the window. And I told him that he lost this time around. I didn't think he'd take it so badly, but I should have known better. There's no way he's going to get me to apologise, though, and he knows it. But he'd rather have a show of him rejecting me, than the other way 'round. So I guess that this'll just run it's course and we'll all forget about it."

Hermione frowned, "I don't think that's the way it works."

Dean Thomas leant over to Ron and whispered something in his ear. Ron grimaced. "Even Neville's siding with Malfoy. Apparently, they think you've been cheating on Harry for the past few months, and even if it was--supposedly--with Malfoy, they'd rather pick him than you. Sorry, Nicole. I really like you, and all, but these are my best friends." He stood and went to sit with Seamus and Dean. Hermione gazed sadly at me.

"He's my boyfriend," she said. "And I love him. I'm really sorry, too, but...I won't jeopardise my relationship with him. Harry wouldn't like what we're doing, and I'm sorry for that, too, but it's the only choice we have. Sorry." She went to sit beside Ron. They didn't look at me.

I mentally shrugged and continued eating. Umbridge sat on the third chair to my right. She watched me carefully, making notes. But her gaze wasn't nearly as piercing as the other students'. Many of them still stared at me, though some ate. They were all silent.

Draco took his feet off the table, and shoved his chair back from the table. He stood, and walked haughtily towards the doors of the Great Hall. Everyone stared at him as he left. In green and silver letters on the back of his shirt the words 'Now Who's the Loser?' leered at me. I resisted the urge to follow him and continued eating. As soon as he had left the room, Dean said quietly, "Elvis has left the building, ladies and gentlemen." As if on cue, the rest of the hall began talking.

I pushed my plate away and headed out the door. Some people watched me go, while others merely pretended I didn't exist. Either way, I knew that everyone would been talking about me later. Umbridge followed me out, and I headed to my first class.