CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE.
( TO DUMBLEDORE.. )

     The grin on Ella's face had barely left all week. Her heart felt so happy after her date on the Tuesday night. They had snook up to the Astronomy Tower and had a small date with a picnic and stargazing. It was perfect for Ella and she hadn't been happier since. Her heart had never been so full of joy and that night she was very much high on life.

     Her arms were swinging by her sides as she walked down the grand staircase towards her prefect duty area. A soft sigh of content leaving her lips as she looked around the corridors. The architecture of the castle always made Ella wonder who had designed it. It was both intricate yet simple and it was only ever at night that she could truly admire it.

     The beauty of it as she walked down the corridors, patrolling down. She had yet to bump into anyone who wasn't supposed to be around which was good at least. She knew that the boys were in the dorm rooms well everyone except Remus. Lily and Layla had their prefect duties but they were on the other side of the castle. Ella would usually meet up with Remus but he had declined her offer that day. She didn't think much of it so was still left with a happy feeling.

     The quietness of the corridor was serene and the moonlight filtered through a few windows as she walked by. The sky was clear, a perfect day for Astronomy lessons or just stargazing. The moon was nearly full not which meant trouble for Remus but she knew that he had it handled. Nobody had been hurt by him since Kalia the previous year, not that he even truly hurt her. Full Moons had become more bearable but Ella still lay awake at night wishing she could help them.

     Her mind continued to drift as she strolled before she felt two arms around her waist. She hadn't even heard them coming but she could smell their deodrant. It was James, of course. Her grin only widened as she tilted her head back to get a look at him. Her eyes straining but she definitely knew it was him. His glasses were pushed onto his face and a mischevious smile on his lips.

     "'ave you come to distract me?" Ella asked as she twirled around. Facing him now as she rested her head on his shoulders. He shook his head and she cocked an eyebrow, "Well, you best be careful or I might just dock 'ouse points off ya." She added. He rolled his eyes in response and leant down, kissing her lips softly as he grinned a little wider.

     "You would never do that to your boyfriend," He shrugged before he let go of her. He walked a few steps back and Ella just watched him. The mischevious grin hadn't dropped and with Remus also denying to go on duty with her, she was sure something was up. Another date would be cute but she did not look good enough for that. She was still in her uniform and her hair was messy. She hoped it wasn't.

     "Why are you 'ere Jamie? If you're plannin' somethin', stop it," Ella said, giving him a pointed look. James rolled his eyes at her and stepped towards her again. He took her hand and held her close as he looked down into her eyes. Admiring her face. She was so gorgeous and the apprehensive look in her eyes made him grin just that little bit wider. It was adorable.

     "We are planning something but it's nothing bad. Just spying on your father and step-mother." James shrugged as he watched her. Ella tilted her head and raised an eyebrow. That had never been something they had discussed. She didn't even realised that anyone had been planning this. And if it was only her and James, they wouldn't get very far.

     "I'm gonna go to Dumbledore next week. I already said. We don't need more evidence..." Ella trailed off. James shrugged again, not taking the situation seriously. He didn't understand her reluctance or why she even wanted to avoid this situation. It would help her in the long run. It meant they had more evidence against her step-mother and Ella would be safe. He didn't know why she was so upset, "I don't need you to get 'armed for me, James," She added after a moment.

     "Seeing you upset is enough to harm me. Either way, it's not just me. It's all of us," He said as he turned away and strolled down the corridor. He moved quickly and Ella was quick to run after him. Chasing him down but he just seemed to move faster. Ella then jumped at him and clung onto his back precariously. James nearly toppled over but managed to stabilise himself as Ella looked over his shoulder at him.

     "What was that?" She asked as she practically strangled him with the weight of her. She dropped after a moment and James still held that same mischevious smile. His hand reached out to her and he swung their hands between them.

     "Well, you and me are together, of course. Remus is with Peter. Layla is with Marlene. Lily is tolerating Sirius and I think Kalia said she's outside to make sure there's nothing going on out there," James responded as he pulled her against his chest. Ella stumbled but landed, resting her hands against him. Her smile widened a little bit as she realised all her friends had come together to help her of all people. It felt strange but so nice at the same time.

      "You didn't 'ave to," Ella said but she couldn't help but grin. James shrugged and then pressed a kiss to her forehead. He held her hands and then began to walk with her. Ella's prefect duty just so happened to cover the corridor outside of Professor Landon's office so James thought that they could hide out there until they heard something. James knew that she was probably still inside. Teachers often stayed late in their offices and Professor Landon would probably be no different.

     The pair appeared on the corridor and Ella turned and gave him an alarmed look. James grinned and then pulled her into one of the alcoves. The two were able to fit behind the statue there perfectly. The moonlight hitting the alcove at just the right angle which meant that they were very much invisible to most passer-by. Ella's back was pressed against James' chest. Her chest rising and falling heavily. Her heart thumping against her ribcage as she took a long deep breath.

     "You don't need to be so nervous. I've done this a lot," James whispered in her ear as he wrapped his arms around her stomach. He pressed a soft kiss to her head and just allowed her to try and calm herself down. Ella began to take long deep breaths and with the added comfort of James, she eventually calmed down. Her head resting against his chest as she looked up at him through the gloom of the night. He was watching intently and Ella couldn't help herself grinning. He was helping her and she loved that so much. Everyone was helping her and it gave her this heart-warming feeling that she had never really experienced any other time

     "You are so dramatic!" A voice shouted and it startled Ella out of her serenity. She looked over and was able to make out the figure of her father in the hallway. He was stood just outside Professor Landon's office and he threw his hands up.

     "And you haven't been caring for your own children! Don't put this on me, Aaron!" The shrill voice of Professor Landon made Ella recoil. James wrapped his arms a little tighter around her and pressed a kiss to her head. Mumbling in her ear about how she's fine. Ella nodded and just listened back to the argument that seemed to be going on.

     "Just because I'm curious about my child's life, doesn't mean I hate our children! I want to care for them but I can barely see them since you got me this job!" Aaron shouted back, his arms crossing over his chest. Professor Landon scoffed and rolled her eyes as she pulled her door closed. She then tapped the lock on her door with her wand and it locked itself.

     "You wanted this job so you could watch your precious little girl grow up. You're such a liar, Aaron. You don't care about the kids. You never did. You're such a baby when it comes to them," She spat back. Aaron watched her for a moment before he rolled his eyes. He turned away and rubbed his face with his hands. He didn't know what to even say to her. She was always set in her ways.

     "You didn't have to threaten Ella. She is just trying to live her life. She has nothing to do with our children. Let her live. I just want to talk to her. She is still my daughter, it doesn't mean I care for her any more than the kids." Aaron said, his voice calmer than before. Professor Landon scoffed and turned around, pointing her wand at him. Aaron rolled his eyes and stepped closer to her, pushing her hand down and out of the way.

     "Then why don't you talk to them either? You haven't sent a letter once." Professor Landon said. Aaron rolled his eyes and glanced behind him. He seemed to look directly at Ella and James, her heart stopping and she tried to make her breathing even shallower. Her hands gripping James as he squeezed her, trying to reassure her.

     "I have sent plenty. You just didn't see me. I still don't see you explaining why you attacked Ella," Aaron responded before he turned to look at his wife again. Professor Landon rolled her eyes and began to storm away. Ella watched with gritted teeth as the woman stormed away. She wanted to run out and go after her but James had her in his old. He wasn't going to let her do anything stupid like that.

     Though it gave Ella exactly what she wanted. Proof that she had done it. Professor Landon had not even denied it, not even to her own husband. It was the truth and it was what they needed to go to Dumbledore. Ella just hoped that maybe if they got her father on her side, they could get rid of Professor Landon and be free otherwise. She hoped that could happen but at the same time. She knew that would probably be impossible. Her father was loyal if nothing else.

     "Are you okay?" James whispered once they were both very much out of sight. Ella nodded and the two of them stepped out from the alcove. Ella stared at the corridor where they had dissappeared down to but James grabbed her hand. He wanted to go back to the door and after a short interaction, they both decided it was best.

     They headed up to the Common Room but Ella didn't want to sleep alone. So they both went up to the boys dorm. Their roommate was already in bed with the curtains drawn. So they had to be quiet as they changed into pyjamas. They got into bed and they snuggled up close to each other. Ella's head rested on his chest and listening to his heart beating. A grin on her lips and that was what she fell asleep too. The sound of his heartbeat and with his arms wrapped around her.

***

     After the conversation Ella overheard, she wanted nothing more than to get her step-mother out of the school. She had shown no remorse and didn't even explain why she had been acting how she was. It was cruel and Ella wanted her gone. So, with some information from their friends too, Ella realised that she needed to talk to Dumbledore as soon as she possibly could.

     That as soon as she could was going to be as soon as she spoke to her father. She had seen him walk towards the greenhouse after breakfast so that was where Ella was going to start. She kissed James goodbye and waved to her friends before she headed down the corridors. The spring air bit at her skin but she didn't let it deter her as she walked towards the greenhouse door.

     She noticed her father stood attending to some plants and she knocked on the door. He smiled when he saw her and Ella stepped inside. She closed the door behind her and walked over to him. He didn't move his hands from the plants, still tentatively pruning them as Ella watched him for a moment. A soft smile appearing on her face before she realised why she was here.

     "I wanted to speak to ya about your wife," Ella said, getting straight to it. Professor Hollander raised an eyebrow and finally put down his secateurs, looking over into her eyes. Ella smiled tentatively before she let her hands rest, her gaze not moving off him. She had to be confident, if she got this right she could get rid of her step-mother easily.

     "What about Professor Landon? If you are going to try and convince me of those ridiculous claims again, I would like you to leave." He said simply. Ella sighed, a frown appearing on her lips. He really did think that little of her. It made her heart sink but at the same time, she knew that she could at least try and convince him. There's no way that he would deny what he had seen. She had slapped Ella in front of him.

     "You know they ain't ridiculous, dad. I heard ya arguin' with Professor Landon on my duty," Ella said quickly, wanting to try and convince him to come to her. He raised an eyebrow at her claim and scoffed, gently shaking his head in response. He picked his tool back up and went back to pruning, muttering under his breath.

     "I didn't argue with her last night or any night recently, Ella. I think the stress is getting too much for you. Maybe you should take a break," Her father said as he knelt down, checking what he was cutting before he did. It seemed the leaves were infected but Ella didn't bother to look at the mottled colour. It would only make her feel worse about what is happening.

     "Dad, she slapped me in front of ya," Ella responded incredulously. A soft chuckle of disbelief escaping her lips before she spoke. He rolled his eyes at her and placed his secateurs down again. Though this time it was louder and they clanged against the table with a dangerous sound. Ella flinched at the sound and she took a step back. She didn't need her father attacking her too. She needed him on her side yet he seemed to be ignoring the clear problems.

     "Not this again. She didn't lay a hand on you and I will not have you run around and ruin our family name, Ella." He said harshly. He practically snapped at her and Ella suddenly realised what was happening. She had managed to get to her father too. He was pretending it never happened or he was being forced. Ella didn't know but at the same time she didn't care anymore.

     "M'sorry," Ella said before she turned around and left the greenhouse. Her heart was aching as she closed the door behind her. She wasn't going to let him get away with this. She knew that maybe he was being controlled, maybe there was something deeper going on but he wasn't even trying to fight it. He wasn't even trying to do anything that he was talking about last night. He was dismissing her and that hurt more than anything. Abandoning her once was one thing, doing it again was something else. She was suddenly glad that her father had never sent her mother an owl with an apology.

     As Ella walked into the castle, she noticed Molly prowling around chasing a rat. Ella chuckled softly and watched the cat for a moment before she felt two arms around her waist. The concerned look on James' face gave Ella some sort of comfort as she rested her head against his chest. Her arms wrapping tightly around him as she buried her face.

     "What did he say?" James asked softly. Ella looked up and took a deep breath. She tilted her head slightly, her frown showing everything, "Do you want me to come with you to speak with him?" James asked. Ella nodded and broke away from him. She reached out for his hand, intertwining their fingers as they headed towards Dumbledore's office. She had been dreading going without her father's support but she knew she had no other choice now. At least James would be with her and her friends would all back her up if she needed it.

     They walked up to the raven statue outside his office and Ella spoke the password. The raven looked at her for a moment before he gladly moved to one side for her. Ella and James stepped forward and she knocked on Dumbledore's door. James had already checked the Maruaders Map and knew that he was alone so they at least weren't disturbing a meeting.

     As they stood, the door opened on it's own. Ella watched and noticed Dumbledore stood at his desk. The cluttered room setting her on edge like it always did but clearly it did not have the same effect on James who waltzed in with no problem at all. Ella followed tentatively and let out a long breath to try and calm her nerves.

     "James, Ella, is there anything wrong?" Dumbledore asked. Ella glanced at the closing door and briefly debated whether to just leave and pretend this never happened. She could just let it happen and not have to deal with any of the issues that she could be faced with. She could leave and live with it. Professor Landon surely could not mess with the real NEWT papers. Surely not.

     "We want to speak to you about a teacher," James spoke up when Ella didn't. Dumbledore watched them for a moment and James gently tugged Ella over. He gave her an encouraging smile and Ella took another breath. She calmed her nerves and stepped up to the platform where his desk was. She let her hands rest at her sides.

     "I've been 'avin' issues with my ancient runes teacher, Professor Landon and I thought it should be brought to your attention," Ella said. Her words were cautious and her voice shook as James watched. A small frown on his face so he stepped up next to her and took her hand. It was attempted to be subtle but in truth, it was a plain as day. James never really was one for subtly.

     "Don't be afraid to sit down. I'd love to hear what you have to say," Dumbledore responded. His words calm and steady as he gestured to the seats. Ella sat down in one of them and James was quick to join her, keeping their hands connected. Dumbledore took his own seat and held his hands together, waiting for her and ready to listen as intently as he could.

     "Well... it really started after the Christmas holidays. My father started workin' 'ere and I was... reluctant to talk to 'im. Then one day we argued and Professor Landon walked in. She slapped me for shoutin' at my father and jinxed me with silencio. I didn't know what to do and I thought it was my fault... I thought I was just dramatic but it 'appened again... She was tryin' to get me to drop subjects for my NEWTs... she thought it was my fault my father was ignoring his current children with 'er. The first time was less severe, her nails dug into my skin and she jinxed me again. It was again... nothin' serious. James was quick to help me. He saw this injury and was the one to help me but... then she attacked me. I went to Madam Pomfrey to 'eal my wounds. You can speak to 'er if you'd like if you think I'm lying. It's just that Professor Landon has assaulted me... and I think she tampered with my grades," Ella explained, her voice was still nervous but it slowly got more confident as she went on. Telling the story for how it was and James squeezed her hand the whole way through wanting to help her feel better. It gave her that boost of confidence she needed.

     "I see and why do you believe that Professor Landon tampered with your grades? She would not have marked any of your exams," He said. His voice full of curiosity but lacking the accusatory tone that Ella almost expected from him. Though she knew Dumbledore and he was a considerate man who seemed to understand all perspectives even if they didn't quite make sense. But before Ella could say anything, James decided to speak up.

     "Ella never really thought it but her grades during the exam window were far from what she would usually get. I know from watching her that she put everything into those exams. Potions especially since we did practice exams together and she still somehow managed to do worse than the previous exam window. I don't understand how that could have happened. I know it can but the different is severe and Ella has been consisted for all seven years," James said quickly, coming to her defence. He knew he should have let Ella talk but if he was corroborating it then it would at least make it more plausible. Dumbledore looked between them for a moment before he nodded. He glanced down at the parchment on his desk before he took a deep breath. He seemed to be considering what was happening.

     "Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I will speak to Mrs Landon privately on the matter and I'm sure we will come to some arrangement. Unless there is anything else you would like to speak to me about, you are free to leave," Dumbledore said. A soft smile spreading across his kind features. Ella shook her head and stood up but James stayed seated. He turned to look at her and she gave him a questioning look. He leant forward and pressed a kiss to her lips before telling her to go since he had private business to discuss.

     Ella nodded and promptly left the office. Her heart thumping harder than ever. She had actually exposed her step-mother for the treacherous person she was. She had done it and she had gotten them both in trouble. Ella was a mix between happy and apprehensive as she looked past the raven. She then decided to step out and wait for him in the corridor. She needed to be around him when she told the others what they had finally done.

***

𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑'𝐒 𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐄 ! I HATE THIS, THE LAST PART IS GONNA BE PUBLISHED ON THURSDAY AND MY HEART, IT ACHES, im scared but at the same time the sequel is coming out soon and i want y'all to see it wklndaw i am NOT OKAY, someone please save me BUT BUT we finally got ella being brave and going to dumbledore and the repercussions of that will be gone over in next chapter and i'll be wrapping this up and awkdhwa i hate thissssss, i hope you enjoyed this chapter!! i will be getting soppy next authors note so yeah... be prepared haha