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***
- So, dear readers! Here comes the day we have been waiting for - the twenty-second of November. The trial of Gerard Argent! The outcome of the case will be known by lunchtime. Always yours, Rita Skeeter. - After waiting for Allison to finish this short article, Lydia leaned over the table and threw the paper into the fire.
- Ell, come on. Enough already. We talked about this yesterday! - Martin shook her head.
- I was just wondering. - Argent shrugged her shoulders. In fact, she had become cheerful and talkative in the last twelve hours, and seemed to have even eaten, though Lydia couldn't be sure of that.
- I wondered where Tate and those louts were. I told you they were a bad influence on her! - Martin grumbled.
- Leeds, come on. First of all, they're not a bad influence on anyone, and secondly, they're not frumpy. - Argent shook her head with a smile, finishing the rest of her toast.
- Yes, they are! They have such incredible powers, and they waste them on nonsense! Did you hear that Stilinski made clothes for his krypter? A real jumper! This is third year transfiguration! And to do such rubbish! It's unbelievable! - Martin exclaimed and looked at her plate with utter indignation. Sophie sneezed loudly and jumped off her mistress's shoulder, rumbling unhappily.
- Oh, calm down. He just wanted to keep Tim warm. - Taking her bag and standing up from the table, Argent said. Rikki caught the bracelet on her arm at the last moment and looked at her angrily.
- Who cares! How about the fact that Scott tackled the poisonous Tentacula first? But now he says he'd rather go flying, and Travology isn't his thing. - Martin hissed, waving her hands in the air, 'He could be so good at it! But he just wants to have fun!
- Leeds, that's a lot of frustration. - Allison laughed, and was rewarded with a murderous look.
- I'm also wondering where those adventurous, crazy idiots disappeared all night and took our friend with them. - Lydia asked, climbing the stairs.
- That's what I'm wondering. And today, apparently, Matt and Isaac have taken Matt and Isaac, too. - Allison added casually.
- I don't care about them. All I care about is that Stiles is missing. - The girl stopped and looked up at her friend. - And Scott and Malia, of course. - she said and retraced her steps.
Allison laughed and rushed to catch up with her friend.
***
It was probably the worst morning of Scott and Stiles' lives. They woke up on the roof, huddled together for warmth. Malia was the first to jump up, and after a glance at her watch, she rushed downstairs. Jane, glancing fearfully at Tim and Cripp, chose to follow her mistress.
Wiping his sleep-dampened eyes, Stiles groaned:
- What's the matter, Mal? Stop. Mal? - The boy opened his eyes sharply and almost screamed. - The roof? Why are we on the roof? - he exclaimed fearfully. Reaching for the clock he jumped up sharply. - Nine o'clock in the morning! Half the lesson had passed! Transfiguration! - Shouting this Stilinski rushed after his friend.
Ten minutes later, five dishevelled and sleepy Gryffindors flew into the transfiguration room. The Slytherin immediately burst into laughter.
- What do you mean, young men? - McGonagall asked, raising her eyebrows.
- Professor, please excuse us, we overslept. - Malia answered for everyone, lowering her head guiltily.
- Do they keep you in class so long that you don't get enough sleep, Miss Tate? - Minerva asked with her lips pressed together.
- 'No, Professor. We're just. - Malia, with a quick glance at the boys standing next to her, fell silent.
- You're just what, Miss Tate? - The professor inquired.
- 'It's just that we called Malia over to our place tonight. - Isaac said suddenly.
- May I ask why, Mr Lahey. - McGonagall asked, raising her eyebrows.
- 'So she can help us with one of our projects. - Scott said.
- A project? - The professor was actually genuinely amused by the situation.
- Yes. Malia is helping us with a project about Muggles and their way of life. - Matt said, looking at his Dean so honestly that she would certainly believe it if she didn't know the guys standing in front of her so well.
- 'So it's our fault, punish us, not Malia. - Stiles finished and lowered his head.
- What? No! It's not like that! - Malia exclaimed, waving her hands. - It's the other way round, the guys were the ones helping me with. Um, potions. Yes, with potions. I totally don't understand Professor Snape's explanation and that's why I asked the boys for help. So only punish me. - said Tate with a guilty look on her face.
- You will all be punished. - said the professor at last, and there were five convulsive sighs. - And minus ten points to Gryffindor for having five of its students late for a lesson taught by their dean. I need to see you all at six o'clock today. Now sit down. We have theory today. - she said and, turning away, strode to her desk. Her lips quivered, the way you do when you hold back a smile. - And five points to Gryffindor for such incredible bravery and complete inability to lie.
***
- Have you lost your mind? -Lydia exclaimed as they walked to Peter's class.
- I didn't do it on purpose! We found some way to the roof and fell asleep there. - Malia answered confused, slamming her eyes shut.
- Fell asleep? On the roof?! - Lydia's indignation was unbounded.
- Lyds, take it easy. It was nothing. - said Stiles out of nowhere.
- And you shut up! Martin gave the boy a murderous look. - You spoil my mate, and you don't do a thing about it! You're the reason she's being punished now, by the way! And in general. Fuck you all! - turning on her heels, the girl swiftly left in the direction of the DADA classroom.
- Unless she's throwing lightning bolts. - Stiles stretched out, and got a slap from Malia.
***
The closer it got to lunchtime, the more Allison's mood dropped rapidly. Sitting in the great hall completely silent and still, the girl waited for the mail.
- Allison, eat, please. - Malia stretched out for the hundredth time, but her words again went unheeded.
- It's no use. - Lydia sighed heavily, rubbing the bridge of her nose.
A few minutes later, the owls brought the mail, but Argent didn't even move. Glancing over to Malia, Martin reached for the owl, which had a newspaper in its paws. Putting a few coins in the pouch, she unfolded the paper. There on the front page was written one big word. Guilty. Her heart pricked painfully, and the girl, sighing heavily, decided it was better to read it herself first.
'Just a few minutes ago, the hearing of Gerard Argent's trial was concluded. The verdict handed down came as a shock to absolutely everyone. 'Guilty. Gerard Argent is guilty. Doesn't even sound right, does it? But it is. The head of the Aurorate was indeed involved with a group calling themselves Death Eaters. As far as we know, Gerard's punishment is imprisonment in the most horrible prison in the Magical Dimension, Azkaban. Is it really that serious? We haven't been able to find out yet. But, by the way, at the moment it has become known that this group is organised by someone who calls himself 'The Dark Lord'. Terrifying, isn't it? That's the nature of the Mr Argent we know. We tried to communicate with his son, Chris Argent, but he wouldn't even attempt to answer our questions. Is it possible that he knew about his father's shenanigans and even covered for him? Read about it in the next issue of the Daily Vice.'.
With anger, Lydia nearly tore up the paper. Damn Rita Skeeter. Even as a child, little Lydia had hated her articles. But now it was about her best friend. And this woman was doing this to her family....
Looking at Allison, Lydia almost choked. Argent was looking right at her, and her eyes reflected such pain that Lydia's heart snapped. Jumping up from her seat, Martin rushed to her friend, hugging her. And Allison responded with such force that she almost broke her ribs, but no one cared. A few seconds later, Martin felt something very hot and wet against her cheek. Allison was crying. Bitterly and hard. Patting her friend on the back, Lydia swore to herself that she would never let Argent cry again.
Catching Stiles' gaze, Lydia only pressed her lips together. The boy's eyes read incredible confusion and bewilderment, and Lydia realised - he already knew. Scott looked at Allison with incredible regret. How on earth could this have happened? Shaking his head, McCall got up from the table and headed straight for the girls, dropping Isaac's arm that was trying to hold him back. Sitting down on the other side of Argent, Scott put an arm around her shoulders. They sat like that for the rest of the meal.
- Poor kids. - McGonagall shook her head, looking at the scene unfolding before her.
- I'm afraid, Minerva, at this rate they'll soon cease to be those children. There's too much on them. - Pomona Stable told her.
- That's why we must make sure they stay that way for as long as possible. - Dumbledore said into his beard.
***
At exactly six o'clock there was a knock on Professor McGonagall's office door. No one answered. The knock was repeated. There was silence again. Then the door opened and Stiles Stilinski's face came through the door.
- Professor? Hello? Can we come in? - After waiting a few seconds and hearing silence in response, the boy entered.
- Stiles, wait, you didn't get an answer, did you? - Scott said tiredly.
- Look! - Stiles whispered and walked over to the teacher's desk. There was a scroll and a stack of books on it. Without thinking long, the boy unfolded the scroll and read, -Miss Tate, Mr Stilinski, Mr McCall, Mr Leahy and Mr Dahler. Instead of cleaning, I've come up with a slightly different assignment for you. On the books is permission for Gryffindor freshmen to stay outside of their dormitory after bedtime tonight. Take it with you in case you run into our esteemed Mr Filch. As you know, your friend, Miss Argent, is very fond of riding and bows. You'll find in the books how to set up what I have in mind. Mr Stilinski, I'm sure you know what I mean by now. Try not to be too loud. Also, in the top drawer of my desk, you'll find a list of things you can't possibly find on your own. Miss Martin must be present. She will also be able to help you organise the evening. Good luck. You can't be late for class anyway, Mr Lahey. Your Minerva McGonagall. - Stiles whistled and laughed merrily. - What a girl! - exclaimed the boy.
- What did she mean by that? - Malia asked, looking at the letter over her friend's shoulder.
- She meant that it's going to be a lot of work. - whispered Stiles in anticipation.
***
At eight o'clock, just as Stiles and Lydia had predicted, it was completely dark. Malia, who had been sent to Allison's house, was supposed to bring her back in half an hour. Soaking wet, tired and excited, the boys looked around. They were standing in the middle of the Quidditch pitch, which now looked more like a training arena for soldiers in the 18th century. Seven archery targets, a riding track, and four pegasi standing next to it. At the other end of the field was a bench whose legs were covered with beautiful flowers (Lydia's work). Multicoloured lanterns were flying through the air, casting strange shadows on the ground. Sparkling garlands lay on the front few rows of the stadium.
- Something is still missing. - Lydia stretched out, looking around the field sceptically.
- Unless it's Allison. - Stiles said, lifting the corners of his lips. Looking into his happy eyes, Martin couldn't hold back a smile.
- Why are you doing this? - The girl asked, fixing the garland that had become bunched up in one place.
- Because we're friends. - Stiles shrugged and went to the other end of the field to help Scott, who had become entangled in the wires from the Shimmering Nightmare and was now rolling around in the grass trying to free himself.
Looking Stilinski's way, Lydia whispered:
- Friends.
Fifteen minutes later, Isaac's exclamation rang out:
- They're coming!
With a wave of her wand, Lydia and Stiles immediately turned out all the lights and took each other's hand to keep from falling in the darkness.
- Malia, why am I on the Quidditch pitch? I'm totally not in the mood to help you with flying right now, sorry. - Allison's voice came through. Hearing that it now sounded more upbeat and less murderous than it had during the day, the boys breathed a sigh of relief. That was the plan. Barely getting her friend onto the field, Malia quickly backed away from the guys, hiding in the darkness.
- Malia! - Allison exclaimed. Lydia almost laughed - there wasn't a trace of fear in Argent's voice, just a touch of irritation and recent pain.
Feeling Stiles squeeze her hand, Lydia raised her wand and whispered:
-Oculus futurus mulus. - Stiles whispered the same. The next moment the whole field was illuminated by the soft light of lanterns and garlands. The flowers lining the handrails on the bleachers and the bench opened, and the air was immediately filled with the scent of delicate roses. As Isaac and Matt waved their wands, several hundred butterflies emerged from the void and surrounded Argent and began to fly around. From what Lydia had told her, Allison had always loved fairy tales, even though she had long ago stopped believing in them. That's why the next moment a small, elegant crown appeared on her head at the beck and call of Scott's wand. A bow and arrow materialised at the girl's feet, and the largest and most beautiful pegasus came up to the girl and sank down on its front legs in front of her, snorting loudly.
- Merlin. - Allison whispered, looking round in amazement. When she saw the pegasus standing in front of her, she didn't think twice and went over to pet it. The pegasus gently poked her in the palm of her hand and gave a loud roar, causing Argent to recoil and then smile.
- Look, it's working! - Lydia whispered, clenching her fists. It was only through Stiles' loud sigh that she remembered that they were still holding hands.
- Miss Argent, how about a little archery and riding competition? - With a deep bow, Scott asked. Nodding slowly, Allison picked up her bow and arrows and walked over to the targets. Glancing round, the boys breathed a sigh of relief.
- Girls against boys or every man for himself? - Argent asked.
- It's up to you. - Matt answered, taking his bow and quiver of arrows.
- Teams, then. - Allison smiled, and drew the bowstring and fired, hitting the centre of the arrow.
- Shit, I don't know how to shoot a bow. - Stiles whispered and shot, hitting the bleachers.
The girls beat the boys by a score of 8-3. Laughing loudly, Allison hit it right down the middle time after time. On her third attempt, even Malia was able to hit the target. Lydia, on the other hand, shot well from the start, although she couldn't hit the centre.
- So, losers, your last words. - Allison laughed.
- Riding. Scotty and I are gonna win this one. - replied Stiles, smiling.
- Who's with who? - Lydia asked, tousling a strand of hair.
- Me, Scott, Allison and you. - replied Stiles, grinning from ear to ear.
- What? But I am. No! I can't do it! - Lydia exclaimed, waving her arms.
- You know, they say that studying under extreme conditions is much better than normal. - chuckled Stilinski and went to his pegasus.
- You know how to ride, don't you? - Lydia just waved her eyelashes innocently and went to her horse.
- Do you need a ride, Lyds? - Stiles asked, watching Martin's attempts to saddle the horse.
- Oh, no. I can do it myself. - The girl answered and, when the boy turned away, jumped easily into the saddle, catching Matt's mocking glance.
- On three. Four laps. Every man for himself. Let's go. One! Two! Three! - Malia exclaimed and the four pegasi rushed forward.
Stiles shouted in amazement as Lydia surged forward:
- What the hell?
Lydia laughed and galloped even faster. Allison caught up with her in seconds. The girls looked at each other and laughed. When Lydia looked back, she almost admired the sight. The boys' eyes were on fire, their hair was dishevelled, their cheeks flushed, and their lips were stretched in an impossibly wide smile. Thinking about making sure to sketch it later, the girl turned away.
- You should see yourself now. - Allison shouted, smiling as much as the boys.
Humming, Lydia tried to picture herself from the outside - slicked back red hair, burning green eyes and parched lips. Well, how was she different from the boys now? She was torn from her musings by Stiles's pegasus, followed by Scott's. With a shriek of indignation, Lydia flew as high as she could on her horse.
- You can't outrun us! - Scott exclaimed and spurred forward.
- No way! - Allison shouted back and dashed after him. Stiles laughed, and then Lydia followed.
The winner, of course, was Allison, who had been riding since birth. But the main thing was not that, but that now she was laughing sincerely, and her eyes reflected not pain, but real joy and happiness. The boys returned to the living room only by five o'clock in the morning and Allison, saying goodbye, hugged everyone in turn. It was now that they realised that each of them had friends who would help in any situation and support you in everything.
And going into the bedroom and seeing the letter from Gerard, which most likely had all sorts of explanations in it, Argent just shoved it into the depths of her suitcase and, wishing the girls goodnight, went to bed, falling asleep almost within a minute.
McGonagall's admonition not to be late had been ignored, of course, and they didn't get to class until the third period, but for some reason no one had taken any points off them. Even Lydia didn't object, but only asked for another hour of sleep.