{Slytherin Common Room, Dungeons, Hogwarts}
{30th Oct 1991}
{Rigel's POV}
...
"So when will you be back?" Daphne asked as she looked at me. I was wearing a slightly fancier robe. It had some embroidery inlaid within the cloth, giving it a more formal feel.
"I don't know, how long do these things take anyway?" I asked.
"It depends on how big a deal it is, considering that Sirius Black has been wrongfully imprisoned for 17 years. It is a pretty big deal," Daphne replied.
"Are you sure you are not coming? I'm sure your Father can pick you up and give Professor Snape an absentee notice." I asked many students from Slytherin to attend this event. It was one of the most significant events of the past decade.
"Yeah, I'm not going. Tracy and I have some catching up to do. We are falling behind in Transfiguration." Daphne made an excuse and subtly told me the reason why she was not going.
The Noble House of Davies did have a seat in the Winzengamot, but after her father married a muggle-born, they were slowly fazed out of the governing body. The only reason she wasn't harassed in the house was because of Daphne and the deals her father made in exchange for giving away his vote.
"Ahh... I see," I nod, turning to look at Blaise and Tracy arguing about something.
"What are they on about?" I asked.
"It's just Zabini moping at being rejected by the second-year Ravenclaw. Apparently, he wasn't 'qualified' to do the Ritual with her." Daphne replied, her lips stretching into a smile, which she quickly suppressed.
Daphne bit her lips; I could tell the question was at the tip of her tongue, but it was something that she hadn't asked yet; it had been like that for a couple of days now.
"Come on, just say it. Something is clearly on your mind." I asked.
"Susan, I heard you guys were walking along the Great Lake last week. Like a date?" Daphne asked.
"Well..." I started but then didn't know how to describe the actual situation. I have been spending some time with the redhead over the past couple of weeks. She's not that dull to hang around with, and we made out a couple of times.
"Don't answer..." Daphne interrupted my thoughts as she leaned a little closer. "...I'll be waiting for you back home. Father said he'd pick you up after the trial. Tracy and I will come back home in the evening."
"Okay." I nodded, and my eyes landed on Pansy's slim figure; we had done the ritual a week ago. Since her loyalty was in question, I had denied her access to the Metamorphmagus powers. Upon not gaining anything for her month-long stint as a cocksleeve, she had turned frigid and hadn't made contact with me yet.
'I wonder how long she would hold out with Pleasure denial skill still in effect, though I do wonder if I should target Draco with the same skill as I did with Lucius.'
"...Hmmm," Daphne cleared her throat, and I turned back to look at her. Before she could say anything, the 5th-year male prefect walked over to us and spoke, his tone a little chilly, "Black, Susan Bones is waiting for you outside the common room."
I dismissed him. Ever since my involvement with Evelyn had wholly come to light, I had noticed some hostility directed at me from multiple 5th years.
"I'll see you tonight?" I asked Daphne as I started walking toward the entrance to the common room. The swung door opened as I approached it, and I caught sight of Susan's fancier robe. Yellow did suit her, and the contrast with her bright red hair made her pop out even more.
"Hey there, you're looking beautiful." I complimented her as I walked past the entrance and stepped in front of her. She giggled and did a mock courtesy. There was a hint of blush on her face.
Spending time and talking to Susan was a lot more relaxing than others. I motioned for her to lead on, and with a nod, she turned back toward the hallway.
"Aunty is waiting for us; let's be quick, though. We are going there earlier than others because she needs to preside over the trial." Susan spoke as we began walking.
"Alright... hey, did your aunt tell you anything about who is going to defend Pettigrew?" I asked.
"Yes, somehow, the rat has managed to get Kalie Lorelei to represent him. Auntie is sure that it has something to do with Lucius Malfoy since she tried to tie this case together and tried to get permission to use Veritaserum to get him to roll on other Death Eaters. The whole Conservative faction is all up in arms about this upcoming trial as the Death Eaters who were freed under the Imperius defense might take another hit or two during this." Susan concisely told me everything. I hadn't actually thought about it, how just handing over Pettigrew could change the entire timeline.
'Still, for better or worse, it remains to be seen. At the end of the year, Voldemort will make a play for the stone. After failing, he will have to force his way into hiding back in Albania. With Pettigrew gone, he would have to rely on someone else to bail him out and help him with the Ritual. Now I have to deal with Barty Crouch Jr. as he should be the last fanatic outside of Azkaban.' I thought.
My plan A was to delay Voldemort's return for as long as possible, gain power, and enjoy my life. Sure, Voldemort would be a hidden blade who might cook something up while he stews as a wraith, but more time was easily better than the rest.
We both made our way outside the castle in comfortable silence; it was not until we reached the gates that I caught sight of another woman dressed in plain grey robes who had hair similar to Susan's.
"Madam Bones, Sorry to trouble you. I hope you didn't have to wait too long."
...
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AN: Trying to get back onto a regular release schedule! Attempt 4!
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