"Erica!" Parker smiled as she caught up to her in the halls.

"Parker!" Erica smiled, adjusting the yellow scrunchie on her wrist.

"How was Summer?" Parker hummed.

"A little lonely, I suppose but it was fine." Erica shrugged.

"I would've came and seen you but my mum... We were doing a lot of bonding." Parker sighed.

"Y'know, that doesn't sound like nice bonding." Erica shook her head.

"She wanted me to meet extended family." Parker rolled her eyes.

"Ew."

"How are you and Neville?" Parker nudged her.

"Oh, hush." Erica nudged her back, a smile forming on her face,"We're good."

"I'm glad you guys are happy." Parker smiled.

"How's... You know who?" Erica asked slowly.

"You can say his name, Er." Parker chuckled.

"Nathan.." She muttered.

"He's...Good." Parker rubbed her arm before noticing and holding up her green scrunchie,"Hey look, we're matching."

Erica smiled but was now uneasy,"He's not been hurting you, right? If he has then I swear-"

"What? No, of course not." Parker quickly shook her head.

"You're hesitant, Parker."

"Come on, we're gonna miss breakfast." Parker changed the subject as she walked, "So you and Neville, did you see each other over the Summer?"

"His Gran wouldn't let him come see me but... I did sneak in through his window a few times." Erica nodded slowly.

Parker laughed and looked at her,"You snuck in to his room?"

"Well, yeah. I missed him and he was so sad by himself so I just had to." Erica shrugged.

"You guys are so cute." Parker clapped her hands.

Erica blushed,"It's not that big a deal."

"It is so!" Parker jumped a little in excitement.

"Shh, he'll hear you!"

"I don't mind." Parker laughed.

"I do!"

"You don't mind what?" Neville walked up.

"Ah-Nev- Hi. Erica stammered.

"Hi Neville, how was your summer?" Parker hummed.

"It... It was good." Neville nodded,"I spent a lot of it with Erica."

Erica smiled up at Neville, patting a spot beside her,"Sit down."

Neville chuckled and sat down.

"Well, I'm off to go say hi to the others, bye love birds." Parker waved as she walked off.

"Bye Parker" Erica leaned her head on Neville's shoulder.

"Did you travel up here okay?" Neville asked.

"I did, no fights this time." Erica assured him.

"None at all?"

"None whatsoever."

"Good, I'm proud." Neville kissed her head.

Erica smiled warmly and looked up at Nev.

"I missed you." Neville hummed.

"I missed you too, but we're both here now." Erica closed her eyes.

"Don't go falling asleep on me."

"No promises."

"It's 9am."

"I didn't sleep."

"Erica." Neville sighed,"We talked about this."

"I know..." Erica looked down,"I did try but..."

"But?"

"No... No, it's nothing."

"But what?" Neville lowered his head to look at her.

"I just... I've been having dreams about... Percy and-" Erica bit her lip.

Neville sighed and hugged her and Erica buried her face in his shoulder.

"What have I told you?" He rubbed her back.

"I'm sorry, Nev."

Neville sighed,"It's okay."

Erica wrapped her arms around him and curled up against him.

"Let's get some breakfast, yeah?" Neville hummed.

"Y-yeah."

"Let's go." Neville got up and walked with her.

Meanwhile Parker had saw her friends, she was on her way to go find Blaise. Before she could reach him, someone else stepped forward and in front of her. Nathan.

Parker looked up at Nathan and gave a small smile,"... Hi Nathan."

"Where are you off to?" Nathan raised a brow.

"I'm seeing friends, it's the first day back." Parker hummed.

"Those guys?" Nathan turned and looked them over,"Before me?"

"We... We travelled on the train together."

"Parker, I'm your boyfriend. We should spend the most time together, right?" Nathan stepped closer to her.

"Well- Of course." Parker rubbed her arms,"I just thought I could go see them, I never got the chance to over the summer."

"Hm... I'll allow it." Nathan sighed,"But we need to go together."

Parker looked down and nodded,"Yeah... Okay."

She walked forward and gave the boys a small smile.

"..Boys?" Parker waved.

"Parker! Hey." Ron smiled,"And you brought Nathan."

"Parker." Blaise nodded, smiling up at her from his book.

"Yeah, hi." Draco leaned against Blaise.

"Oh, you could be more nice Dray." Parker nudged him.

"Nice? Me? Are you having a laugh?"

"You're my cousin." Parker gave him a small wrapped box.

His birthday was over the summer but Parker couldn't make the party.

"I know." Draco sighed and took the box,"Thanks."

Harry wasn't really paying attention, looking elsewhere.

"It's that really nice watch you wanted, remember you pointing it out." Parker smiled.

"You always know best, don't you?" Draco opened it.

"That I do." Parker bounced on her feet.

"And Nathan, how's your summer been?" Ron asked him.

Nathan just crossed his arms as he watched all the boys,"It was... Pleasant."

"What about you, Parker?" Blaise asked as Nathan wrapped an arm around her waist.

Parker hummed, her smile fading slightly,"It was good, I went to the bookstore and I noticed there was a bunch of books you mentioned before."

"Did you have a look at any?" Blaise asked.

"I did, I had a look at the ones you suggested." Parker went to take a step forward to him.

"Well, we'd best be off. Parker and I have important stuff to be doing." Nathan tightened his grip on her.

Parker slowly stopped, looking away from Blaise.

"Like what?" Ron looked up, chuckling,"It's the first day back, mate."

"Well, it was meant to be a surprise but... We're planning a party, y'know, a welcome back party." Nathan explained.

"You are?" Draco raised a brow.

"We are?" Parker looked up at him.

"No need to act anymore, Darling." Nathan chuckled,"We've been caught, but that's alright."

Parker took a few seconds before she nodded slowly.

"You're all invited." She gave a small smile,"Make sure you tell Erica, and Neville and all the others."

"We will." Ron nudged Harry,"Won't we?"

"Hm, oh, yeah." Harry nodded slowly.

"It's uh... It will be held at... Our common rooms?" Parker spoke, although it was more a question as she looked at Nathan.

"Yes, the Slytherin Common Room. Just like the one last year, that you hosted, Draco." Nathan smiled.

"Won't be better than mine." Draco scoffed.

"We'll see about that." Nathan winked and began walking,"Parker, come on."

Parker looked over at Blaise before she took a step back,"Bye guys.

"Bye.." Blaise nodded slowly.

Parker cleared her throat and fixed her skirt before she followed after Nathan.

"What was that back there?" Nathan questioned,"Blaise? Really?"

"What about Blaise?" Parker sighed as she crossed her arms.

"You're interested in him, aren't you?" Nathan spun around.

"What?" Parker looked up at him.

"I saw how you looked at him."

"He's my friend, Nathan."

"Is that so?"

"Yes! They're all my friends." Parker went to walk off.

Nathan grabbed her wrist,"Parker. We've got that party to plan."

"I never got told about it until now."

"Well, we're doing it now."

"Ron had a point, it's the first day back." Parker shook her head.

"Who doesn't love a good party?" Nathan smirked,"With all of it's benefits.

Parker sighed,"... I guess.."

"Now. Let's go." Nathan tugged on her.

"Yeah- I'm coming." Parker nodded as she followed him.

*********************************

"Come on, it's only one drink." Erica shrugged.

"You've seen what I'm like drinking." Neville chuckled.

"Which is why I'll drink it for you." Erica smiled.

"Erica." Neville laughed.

"What?" Erica asked, sipping her own.

"I don't want you getting too drunk."

"I won't." Erica assured him, sitting down her glass.

"Promise?"

"... Do I need to promise?"

"Please?"

"Fine, I promise." Erica sighed.

Neville kissed her cheek,"Thank you."

Erica leaned against him and rested her head on his shoulder.

"I like your outfit tonight." Neville smiled.

"Aw, thanks. Parker and chose matching ones." Erica looked up at him, fixing the scrunchie in her hair.

"Including the scrunchie as well." Neville chuckled.

"Me and Parker always wear our scrunchies." Erica nodded.

"It's cute, I like the idea."

Erica smiled at him and hugged his side.

"... Okay, give me a little sip." Neville nodded.

"You sure?" Erica teased.

"Just a sip."

Erica handed him the glass.

"How strong is this?" Neville took a drink.

"Not too strong." Erica shook her head.

Neville coughed and put the glass down.

"Too strong?"

"Way too bloody strong."

Erica chuckled,"Sorry about that, Nev."

"How can you drink this?"

"I..." Erica furrowed her brow,"I don't know."

"Don't have too much of this, okay?"

"I won't." Erica told him.

Neville nodded,"Want some snacks?"

"Oh, yes."

"I'll be back." Neville nodded and walked off.

Meanwhile Parker still hasn't came downstairs yet, Nathan was getting inpatient.

"Parker." He banged on the door,"Everyone is waiting on us."

"Yeah, I'm coming!" Parker sighed as she brushed her hair.

"God, you take forever." Nathan sighed.

"I want to look good... Don't you want me to look nice?" Parker looked at her outfit that matched with Erica.

"I also want you to be on time and in something suitable." Nathan crossed his arms.

Parker sighed before she opened the door.

Nathan looked her up and down,"What was just saying about suitable?"

"What?" Parker looked down at her outfit.

"Something that short? Do you know how many people will be watching you? I don't want that."

"It's a jumper and jeans, Nathan. Besides, I'm matching with Erica." She gave a small smile as she began to walk out her room.

"No, you're changing." Nathan ordered as he grabbed her wrist,"And when we go down, we'll tell your 'friend' not to dress like such a slut too."

Parker looked up at him, "How- Nathan."

"I'm sure you could find something more appropriate." Nathan glared at her,"And ditch the scrunchie, it's not that kind of event."

Parker took a second before she took the scrunchie off her wrist and walked back into her room.

"You've got five minutes." Nathan checked his watch.

"Five minutes. Parker nodded slowly.

"Mhm, and counting."

Parker soon came back out in a different outfit, stopping to see Nathan's approval on it.

"Much better." Nathan took her hand,"Now let's go."

Parker nodded slowly and walked ahead of Nathan, walking downstairs.

"Parker, I-" Erica stopped,"Oh... I  thought we were matching."

Parker looked back to see where Nathan was,"Oh, yeah. I- I spilt my drink on my jumper so I couldn't wear it! You look great though.'

"What about your scrunchie?" Erica asked her.

"Hm?" Parker looked at her wrist and hugged her,"I must've forgot to put it on. I'm sorry."

"No... No it's fine." Erica sighed.

Yes, she loved her outfit but after looking around at everyone else, she felt a bit uncomfortable wearing something like it herself.

"You know what I'm like, I'm... Clumsy." Parker chuckled.

"Yeah, clumsy." Erica nodded slowly.

She wasn't.

"Having a talk with her, are we? Did you tell her about what we discussed?" Nathan asked as he approached.

Parker tensed up a little against Erica before she pulled away,"Erica- I think Neville is looking for you."

"What? You sure? He just went-"

"Parker, I don't think you understand. This is very important." Nathan made sure his voice was loud enough to draw in attention,"That this party is not a place for sluts who think they look good when they don't."

Parker held the ends of her sleeves of her jumper and looked down.

"Nathan, can we not-" She spoke in a quiet voice.

"I know you don't want me to upset her but someone needed to say it." Nathan shrugged as he continued,"Tell me, what does she actually contribute? She's not doing well in class or, well, anything. Is she?"

Everyone had turned to the conversation, they had heard Nathan speak. Neville had noticed Erica standing next to them so he slowly made his way over.

"Nathan please. Parker shook her head.

"Why should I? She's the problem here." Nathan pointed,"Just saying everyone, but I'm not the one who had to have a reminder scarred onto her about being violent."

"H-Hey, that's enough." Neville pointed as he walked up.

"Nev, it's fine." Erica took his hand.

"It's not fine." Neville shook his head.

"It is. Come on, let's just go." Erica smiled at him,"Once I'm gone they'll be no problems left and everyone else can have a great time!"

"Parker aren't you going to-" Neville turned to her.

"Parker and I discussed this." Nathan spoke,"You should listen to that girlfriend of yours, she's actually speaking some sense.

Neville looked from Parker to Nathan before he took Erica's hand and walked out of the room. Once they were out, Parker quickly wiped her eye and ran off.

Nathan followed her,"She's better out there, Parker."

"She's my friend, Nathan! You can't talk to her like that." Parker went to the bathroom.

Nathan rolled his eyes and hit the bathroom door, choosing not to enter.

Parker leaned over the sink and turned on the water, splashing it onto her face.

"Wow, what a lovely thing to do to your 'best friend', Parker."

Parker mentally rolled her eyes, she couldn't deal with Pansy too.

"Fuck off." Parker sighed.

"What?" Pansy looked around,"That girl has to put up with you and your boy toy and gets humiliated in front of the whole year?"

"I'm know you like him." Parker sighed.

"Him? Him?" Pansy blinked,"You really know nothing if you think like that weirdo. I'm not gonna let some man boss me around."

Parker looked at herself in the mirror,"You used to let Draco boss you around in first year."

"Yeah, when I was eleven. We're sixteen, I boss him around now." Pansy crossed her arms,"Are you really gonna let him push you around like that? Jeez, maybe Draco was wrong about you."

"What? What did Draco say?" Parker turned to her.

"He says you're so 'independent' and 'strong'." Pansy rolled her eyes,"Clearly you're not. No self-respecting witch would ever do what you're doing."

"... You just don't understand." Parker shrugged,"He's just... Drunk. He doesn't know what he's saying."

Pansy scoffed,"I'm not blind, he hasn't touched any drinks yet."

"He drank before the party!" She quickly spoke.

"Excuses, excuses:"

"It's not fucking excuses!"

"It is, Parker! Are you fucking blind? He's using you and making everyone else's time here horrible!" Pansy spat.

"He has no reason to use me." Parker laughed,"... He loves me, and I think you're just- You're just jealous you don't have that." She held her head.

"Oh, I'm so jealous." Pansy rolled her eyes,"My boyfriend's making me lose my best friend and people that actually care about me."

"I'm not losing Erica, I'll talk to her in the morning." Parker sighed.

"Did you see the look of her face? You think she'll forgive you and Nathan? Really?" Pansy scoffed,"Maybe you don't really know her."

"You go talk to her then if you care so much." Parker pointed.

"I would but she's with her boyfriend right now. Y'know, the one that actually cares for her." Pansy shrugged.

"Shut up!" Parker shoved her into the wall.

She took a second and looked at her hands before she looked back at Pansy.

"... Pan, I'm sorry-"

"I'm sorry for trying to be a decent friend." Pansy rubbed her eyes and stormed out.

"Pansy!" Parker ran out the bathroom and went to run after her.

"Leave her, she won't listen." Nathan told her, leaning against the wall.

Parker stopped and took a deep breath,"... I'm going to my room, Nathan."

"Fine then, but I'd say keep out of Pansy's way. She's 'sensitive." Nathan scoffed.

"Sensitive?"

"Well, that's what she claims. She gets mad, she storms off and the next day, she's ready to start over." Nathan shrugged.

Parker sighed and rubbed her head before crossing her arms,"Good night Nathan."

"Night, Parker." He hummed.

Parker looked back at him before she walked away.

*********************************

Erica was sat outside, under a tree. She didn't know what it was about trees but she always felt safer sat underneath one.

"Here." Neville handed her a bottle of water.

"Thanks." Erica nodded slowly.

"Nathan had no right to say any of that. You look beautiful." He sat beside her.

Erica was quiet as she looked up, trying not to cry. She told herself she wouldn't. Neville sighed and wrapped his arm around her, hugging her.

"N-nev? How did he find out?" Erica asked quietly, scratching at her wrists.

"I don't know." Neville sighed and rubbed her arm,"Parker wouldn't have told him, there's no way."

"She didn't know." Erica shook her head.

"Well, I didn't tell him. You know I wouldn't."

Erica rested her head on her knees as her tears began to fall.

"Hey... Hey, come here." Neville sighed and hugged her,"You can't let him get to you."

"I'm trying but I just- I can't do anything without them." Erica covered her face.

"I know, I know." Neville nodded,"He's nasty and horrible."

"And now I've lost Parker!" Erica cried,"Nev- I don't- If you go-"

"I'm not going, I'm never going to leave." Neville assured her.

Erica sobbed as she sat in Neville's arms, the reality of everything crashing over her.

"I'm always going to stay with you." Neville nodded,"I don't know what's gotten into Parker. Maybe I should talk to her."

"Are you sure?" Erica looked up at him.

"I... I can if that will make you happy." Neville wiped her eyes,"If I can manage to. Ron was telling me that Nathan wouldn't even let Parker go to Blaise."

"I'm... I should get to bed." Erica got up slowly.

"Let me help you, yeah?' Neville held her waist gently.

"Thank you." Erica whispered as she smiled slightly.

"Anytime Sunflower." Neville smiled.

Erica leaned against Neville as he walked. He was just... Perfect. If anything happened to him... Erica didn't like thinking about that.

"Do you want me to try and stay over?" Neville asked.

"No, no, I'll be alright." Erica kissed his cheek,"Max and Hannah will be at the party so I don't need to hide."

"But will they be there all night?"

Erica shook her head,"I'll be fine, I promise."

"All right." Neville nodded as they walked inside.

Erica stayed with Neville until she reached the common room, tapping the rhythm on the barrels and waiting for the door to open.

"I'll come see you in the morning." Neville assured her.

Erica smiled as she began walking,"Good night, Nev. I love you."

"I love you too, Erica." Neville smiled.

Erica looked around the dimly lit common room as the door shut behind her. Just get to bed. Everything will be fine.

Neville waited for a minute incase Erica changed her mind about anything before he turned and walked.

*********************************

"Parker, we need to talk." Nathan walked over.

Parker sat in the Slytherin Common Room reading a book, she had managed to get a copy off of Blaise.

"Parker." Nathan snapped his fingers,"It's about Pansy."

Parker sighed and looked up at him.

"Look, I slipped a note onto her beside table. Sure, it wasn't a great forgery, but she's waiting for you at the Astronomy Tower." Nathan told her.

Parker slowly put her book down,"... What did you write?"

"I'm so sorry about what happened last night. Let's talk things out." Nathan shrugged,"I wasn't feeling very creative."

"Not very creative at all." Parker sighed,"... Thank you, Nathan."

"Go on then, you wanted to apologize so badly."

"Can you write one for Erica too whilst I'm away?" Parker stood up.

"Fine." Nathan rolled his eyes,"I suppose I could."

"Really?" Parker smiled.

"Really." Nathan sighed.

"Thank you!" Parker jumped and hugged him.

Nathan patted Parker's back after a moment or so and Parker slowly pulled away.

"I wanna meet her too at one point. I need to talk to her about some stuff." She put on her cardigan before she quickly left.

Nathan rolled his eyes and took out a sheet of paper from a notepad. Might as well right this stupid note.

*********************************

Soon enough, Parker had gotten to the Astronomy Tower and looked around,"Pansy?"

"Parker." Pansy slowly turned around, stood near the edge,"Finally come to your senses and realised I'm right?"

"I just wanted to apologise about last night. You're one of my best friends, Pans. I shouldn't have acted the way I did."

"Damn right, you shouldn't have." Pansy corssed her arms.

"I was just tired. And upset about what Nathan did." Parker sighed.

Pansy looked aside,"I suppose... I was harsh on you as well."

Parker gave a small smile,"I can bake you some really good blueberry muffins later."

"You will?" Pansy asked, a small smile on her face.

"Of course I will. Your favourite is blueberry, right?"

"Obviously." Pansy nodded.

"Small or big ones?" Parker hummed.

"Do I even have to ask?" Pansy raised a brow.

"Big." Parker laughed with a nod.

Pansy smiled,"Yes."

"Well, I can get started on them right now." Parker nodded,"You wanna come? We can convince the elves to let us in."

"Sure, just give me a second." Pansy went to tie her laces.

Parker smiled and turned to leave. That's when something darted out from the shadows and a flash of bright light filled the room... When the light cleared, Pansy was gone and Nathan was stood looking over the banister.

Parker rushed over to the banister and looked over it, her breathing quickened as she looked at Nathan.

"..Don't just stand there w-we need to get Dumbledore!" Parker urged him.

"Isn't it a little late for that?" Nathan turned to her as a faint crack could be heard

Parker's mouth slowly dropped open,"... Oh my- Oh my god. You just- Nathan you just k-killed my best friend!"

"And one of your greatest enemies so.." Nathan shrugged.

Parker slowly backed up from the banister and shook her head,"People might think I did this. Because of our argument last night."

"So? All you need to do is pretend it was a suicide. Look what I found in her room." Nathan tossed Parker her diary.

Parker caught it and shakily opened it,"..Me?"

"Just read a couple pages, you'll find inspiration." Nathan leaned against the banister.

"You... You want me to write a suicide note? For Pansy. Who you just killed?!" She pointed, raising her voice.

"Come on, do you want blamed for this?"

Parker shook her head slightly and whispered,"Why- Why did you do that? She didn't do anything."

"She upset you, didn't she?" Nathan paced,"Made you doubt me, doubt us."

Parker's hands shook as she held the pen,"That doesn't mean anything."

"Are you writing it or not?" Nathan spat.

Parker put the pen on the paper,"I don't- I don't know what to write."

"Let's see... Uh, she really wanted to be with Erica." Nathan recalled.

Parker looked at Nathan,"... How did you-"

"Her diary."

"..R-Right." Parker slowly sat down on the floor and leaned against the wall.

Nathan paced around, occasionally looking over the banister, presumably at Pansy at the bottom.

"Nathan. I don't know how to start it. I can't even- I can't even write right now."

"Here, how's this." Nathan crouched beside her,"I had pain in my past, failing at class, my problems were myriad."

"I... I was having my period." Parker nodded, taking a second before she burst out laughing.

She looked over at the banister, remembering the sound... The crack. So she screamed.

Nathan grabbed her face,"Parker, this is serious. You could go to jail! Get your head straight."

"Well, for starters, Pansy would never use the word myriad. She missed it on the final exam because she spent most of it watching Erica." Parker sighed, pushing him off as she backed up more.

"So? It's a badge for her fail ures at school, okay? Work with me." Nathan stood up again.

Parker looked down at the notepad before she nodded, "Okay, okay!"

She took a shaky breath and began to write.

*********************************

"I don't believe this." Draco shook his head as he sat down.

"I don't know why she'd do such a thing." Blaise sighed.

"Exactly, she was perfectly fine... Well, before the party." Draco leaned back in his chair.

"What changed?" He sighed.

"Hell if I know." Draco shook his head

"Hey guys." Parker sighed as she walked in, herself for once.

"Lost the leech?" Draco raised a brow.

"... Nathan? He's just coming... Can- Can sit with you. both?"

"Yes." Blaise nodded, resting an arm on Draco's shoulder.

Parker looked around before she sat beside Blaise,"Does anyone know who found her?"

"Hagrid, he was walking with Fang and... Y'know..." Blaise shrugged.

"Poor Hagrid." Parker sighed rubbed her face, "... It feels so different in the dorm."

"Quiet, you mean." Draco looked over at her,"Nobody knows what to think, or say."

"I'm not used to not hearing her complain at night.' Parker laughed slightly,"Or talking about the most random things..

"I'm not used to her not being... Here." Blaise looked around.

"I hate it.' Parker rubbed her face.

"Me too." Draco stood up.

Parker looked around, she needed a friend... An alive one preferably. So she looked for Erica who was sat leaning against Neville.

Parker quickly got up and walked over,"Erica, Neville. I need to talk-"

"She's asleep." Neville shook his head.

"Neville, I'm sorry about the other night!" Parker shook her head.

"Sorry?" Neville looked up at her.

"About Nathan. What he said to Erica."

Neville held Erica closer.

"I never wanted him to say that. She's my best friend, Neville."

Neville sighed and gently shook Erica awake.

"... Thank you." Parker nodded and sat in front of Erica.

Erica was quiet, looking at the ground instead of at Parker

"I'm sorry Neville had to wake you up.' Parker sighed.

"It's fine."

Parker bit her cheek,"Erica- About what Nathan said... I'm sorry. You know what he's like sometimes... You looked amazing, didn't she Neville?"

"You did." Neville assured her.

Erica looked aside, scratching her wrists. Parker looked up at Erica.

"You're my best friend, I spoke to Nathan about it and he said he'd apologise." She nodded,"And think my way of apologising is way better because my way includes baked treats."

Erica looked up slightly but still looked quite upset the whilye ordeal.

"I can make anything you want." Parker gave a small smile.

Erica squeezed Neville's hand,"I'm not hungry, sorry."

Parker glanced at Neville before she looked at her lap,"Right- I understand. I can... I can make them and leave them in a basket for you."

Erica nodded slowly.

Parker bit her cheek, ".You know where am if you want to talk yo me."

She sighed and got up as Erica leaned against Neville

Neville waited until Parker was away before he rubbed Erica's arm, "That's a start, hm?"

"Mhm..."

"You can close your eyes again, yeah?"

"Yeah." Erica nodded, closing her eyes.

Neville kissed her head as Parker sat down beside Blaise again, biting her nails.

"Parker?"

"..Hm?" Parker turned to him.

She was worried. What if someone knew it was her handwriting. What if they thought she killed Pansy?

"You just look a bit... Stressed?" Blaise commented

"Stressed?- Well, of course I'd be stressed." Parker sighed,"I didn't think I'd wake up and find my dormmate dead."

"Right- Sorry." Blaise nodded slowly.

"I didn't mean it like that." Parker sighed,"I'm sorry."

"No, I'm sorry. It was a stupid question." Blaise sighed.

"Don't be." Parker looked at him,"Hey.. Did you manage to find some of those books I suggested? I sent a letter of the names of them."

"Oh, I did." Blaise nodded.

"Did you like them?" Parker smiled.

She didn't waste any time when Nathan wasn't around. She liked talking to Blaise... But Nathan never let her.

"Oh, yes." Blaise smiled,"I'm about halfway throughout one... What's it's name?"

"Is it the crime one?"

"Yes, that's it." Blaise nodded quickly.

"Oh! That was the really good one. I really loved the part where-"

"Parker!"

Parker troze for a second before she turned around. Nathan was approching and fast.

Parker mentally cursed,"..Fuck."

She sat up, leaning away from Blaise.

"What are you doing with him?"

"I'm just sitting beside my friend. You're late, the assembly is about to start for Pansy." Parker looked down to the ground.

Nathan sat down, glaring at Blaise. Parker sighed and looked up at Dumbledore.

*********************************

Neville had decided to stay where they were sat as other filed out.

"I'll see you guys later, yeah?" Parker waved at Draco, Blaise, Erica and Neville after the assembly.

"Mhm."

Parker looked at Nathan before she walked ahead.

"... Dumbledore said some nice things." Neville sighed.

"I know." Erica shook her head.

"I just... Don't believe it."

"Me either."

"So you don't either?" Draco spoke as him and Blaise walked up.

"Of course not." Erica shook her head.

"Pansy had no reason to kill herself, if she was suffering... I feel like she would've talked to someone." Blaise sighed.

"Yeah, she would've at least tried. This... Isn't like her." Draco nodded.

"So... You think she was killed?" Neville asked slowly.

"I do." Erica spoke up.

"So who killed her?" Neville looked at them.

"Nathan."

Blaise turned and looked,"What?"

"Trust me." Erica looked at them.

"I mean I know he's crazy... But how do you think its him?" Blaise raised a brow.

"I've got good... Intuition." Erica crossed her arms.

"Okay... Let's say he did do it... Why? Why would he kill Pansy?" Neville asked.

"Well, Parker and Pansy had a sort of love-hate friendship. Maybe she said something that Nathan didn't like."

Draco leaned forward,"Do... Do you think Parker knows?"

"Yes."

Blaise looked at Draco,"That could explain why she was so stressed... Someone needs to try and talk to her."

"I'll do it' Erica stood up.

Neville looked at Erica,"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

Neville rubbed her back,"I can come with you if you want?"

"No, I'll go alone."

Neville nodded slowly, "Okay."

Erica nodded and walked off

"Parker would tell someone. She'd tell me... We tell each other everything. Draco sighed,"I'm worried for her."

"Would she... Especially with, y'know.." Neville trailed off.

"Draco, I'm gonna ask you something... Do you think- Do you think Nathan hurts Parker?" Blaise slowly turned to him.

Draco tensed up and looked away,"I don't want to think that way b-but.."

"Fuck." Blaise cursed.

"Right... While Erica is away we can, I don't know, come up with a plan." Neville suggested.

"All three of us?" Blaise raised a brow.

"All three of us." Draco agreed.

"Right!" Neville nodded,"Let's think."

*********************************

Erica sighed as she climbed the stairs, looking for Parker and hoping she wouldn't run into anyone else. Just then, she caught a glimpse of Parkers hair walking

"Parker!" She called.

Parker turned and looked, smiling,"Erica! Hi."

"Parker..." Erica walled over,"It's about Nathan... I think he killed Pansy."

Parkers smile slowly faded,"What?"

"it's just- I have a really bad feeling and you know about my intuition so-" Erica stammered.

"Yeah, I know. It's usually right." Parker nodded slowly.

"So... Is it true?" Erica asked her.

"... I don't think it is." Parker shook her head hesitantly,"I know- I know Nathan's nasty but killing... Pansy?"

Erica crossed her arms and looked at Parker, noticing her scrunchie gone again,"Please... You trust me, right?"

"Of course I do." Parker sighed.

"Then tell me the truth."

"... The truth is- Well its just fuzzy." She rubbed her head.

"Parker-" Erica stepped closer before falling to the ground.

Parker hadn't pushed her so why..? Parker looked to see what happened, only to see Nathan.

"Nathan." She gasped.

Nathan glared at Erica,"Parker, she's trying to split us apart, she's manipulating you."

"What?" Parker looked down at Erica, slowly extending her hand to help.

Nathan smacked Erica's hand away as she reached up,"I'm not letting you lie and deceive my girlfriend."

Parker looked between the two, shaking her head,"Nathan."

"Parker, I'm trying to save you." Nathan turned to her.

"But she didn't do anything."

"She hates us both, you know she does." Nathan shook his head.

Parker looked at Erica, "..Erica?"

Erica shakily got to her feet and didn't make eye contact.

"Erica, is that true?"

"It's not!"

"Is that why you came up here?" Parker asked.

"What- No, i-"

"Erica... Tell the truth." Parker shook her head.

"Parker, I just want to help you." Erica stepped forward.

"But Nathan says you hate me!"

"H-he's lying!"

"He just wants to protect me."

Erica shook her head and turned away.

"Erica, I want the truth!"

"That is the truth!"

"That Nathan is lying?" Parker looked at Nathan.

"Parker, let's go. She's not worth you." Nathan nodded.

Parker looked towards the ground before she turned away and ran off, even away from Nathan.

"I hate you, Nathan." Erica clenched her firsts.

"But why? I've done nothing wrong. I'm just... Letting Parker see the real you." Nathan smirked.

"The real me?" Erica blinked.

"Well you're hurting Parker's feelings. Look at her, she's up set and crying because of you." Nathan took a step forward.

"If you weren't such a horrible person, I wouldn't have to show her the truth." Erica shook her head,"It's... It's not my fault!"

"I'm the horrible person? I think... I think you better watch what you say, Weasley. Don't want to end up like Parkinson." Nathan warned before he turned on his heel and left.

Erica leaned against the wall and slid down, crying into her hands. She'd just lost Parker...

"Erica?" Neville quickly ran up to her.

"I couldn't- She hates me!" Erica covered her ears,"He did it, I know he did! But- but-"

"Whoa- Hey... It's okay." Neville crouched down and hugged her.

"It's not okay, Nev... My best friend hates me."

"He's manipulating her. She doesn't understand." He rubbed her back.

"It still hurts though.."

"I know, Sunflower."

Erica shook her head slowly.

"I'm sorry."

"I'II... I'll be okay.."

"Let's go find something to do to calm down, yeah?"

"Please.."

"What you thinking?"

"I can't think." Erica shook her head.

"Well... What about we go into Hogsmeade?" Neville suggested.

"Sure." Erica rubbed her eyes.

"Take your mind off things." Neville sighed.

Erica nodded and held his arm.

"What about that nice flower shop?"

Erica smiled softly,"Yeah, let's go there."

"It's a date." Neville chuckled and helped her up.

Erica reached up and played with Neville's hair as they began walking.

"You know it's actually starting to curl." He smiled.

"I like it that way." Erica hummed softly.

"You do?" Neville looked at her.

"I do." Erica nodded.

"I'm glad." Neville hummed,"I'll pay for Hogsmeade, okay?"

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, my gran gave me a lot of money this year."

Erica sighed softly as she walked beside Neville.

*********************************

About a week or so had passed. Parker had been seen less and less each day. When they did see her, it was with Nathan.

Parker had managed to get away from Nathan, she was sitting in her room, just... Staring at the wall. That's when a sudden noise broke her back to where she was.

Her phone ringing?

Parker jumped and walked over to her phone, picking it up and she held the cord, "Hello?"

"Finally." Hannah sighed,"I told you she'd pick up, Cho."

"Yeah alright." Cho shook her head.

"Hannah? Cho? Yeah, don't wanna talk to you two." Parker went to hang up.

"Wait!" Hannah spoke quickly, We just... We need your help."

Parker sighed and brought the phone to her ear,"What?"

"Someone decided to crash land us in the middle of nowhere." Cho rolled her eyes.

"Who?"

"Hannah."

"Of course." Parker muttered, "So what do you want me to do about it?"

"Maybe... You could fly us back to the castle?"

"I cannot fly both of you on a broom." Parker laughed.

"Well, bring two."

"What's in it for me? Cause.. I'm busy. Parker shrugged.

"I'll consider being... Nicer, to Weasley. Hannah scoffed.

"... Do you promise?" Parker played with the cord.

"I promise." Hannah sighed.

"And Cho?"

"Well, what would you like?"

Parker thought,"I'll think of something... Fine. Where are you?"

"Uh... Somewhere around the Forbidden Forest?"

"Fine." Parker sighed and hung up.

*********************************

When Parker eventually arrived, she could see Hannah and Cho and... Crabbe and Goyle?

Parker looked at them all and pointed at the boys,"You never mentioned those two." She pointed.

"They were... A new addition." Hannah shrugged.

"A new addition? Yeah, well, you all won't fit." Parker sighed.

"Oh, I know." Hannah hummed,"Well, we're off"

"You're off?" Parker raised a brow.

"Mhm." Hannah hummed as Goyle handed her his broom.

"So you called me here for nothing? God Hannah, I'm going too-" Parker grabbed her broom.

"Not for nothing, I just... Made a deal with these guys." Hannah mounted her broom and nudged Parker.

"And what's that deal?"

"Well, if we brought you here, Crabbe and Goyle would give us their brooms." Hannah shrugged

"I still... Don't see where I come into this."

"Oh, you will." Hannah hummed and flew off.

"Sorry." Cho shook her head and flew after her.

"Wh- Guys!" Parker shouted after them.

"Can't wait, sorry." Hannah laughed.

Parker turned around to the boys and sighed,"What am I doing here?"

"Well, Crabbe and I wanted to have some fun." Goyle stepped forward.

"Well there aren't any board games out here so you're unlucky, Goyle Parker shrugged.

"I think you understand what we meant by that." Crabbe shook his head.

Parker took a step back,"Get some fun elsewhere."

"Hm, I don't think we will." Goyle smirked.

Parker looked between the two,"I'll tell Draco."

She threatened as she went into her pocket.

"Last time I checked, Draco's been a little busy."

"I'm not doing this." Parker pulled out her wand as she backed up.

"Come on, you can't just leave." Goyle leaned against Crabbe.

"Yeah... Especially not when you're dressed like that." Crabbe added.

"Dressed like what? This is what always wear." Parker laughed, nervously.

"I know and it's torture!" Goyle pointed.

"How can you expect us to control ourselves when you look like that!" Crabbe gestured to her outfit.

Goyle looked her up and down as he stepped closer again.

"I'm leaving." Parker shook her head and tried to walk past them.

"Not so fast." Goyle grabbed her arm.

"Get the fuck off of me!" Parker elbowed Goyle in his stomach before she sprinted off, grabbing her broom on the way,"Find your own way home assholes!"

*********************************

Erica was sat playing with her hair as she sat on her bed. That's when Hannah walked in, laughing.

Erica sighed and didn't look up at Hannah.

"Hey, you're not friends with Lestrange anymore, right?" Hannah crossed her arms.

"So what?"

"Because me and Cho have just told everyone what she was up to last night." Hannah smirked.

Erica sighed,"Well..?"

"She was... Having fun with Crabbe and Goyle in the Forbidden Forest."

Erica tensed before snickering,"Seriously? That's the best you could come up with? You've made up more believable lies about me."

"Well everyone seems to be believing it." Hannah hummed""Parker hasn't been seen in a few days, people will believe anything if you give them a good enough lie."

"Well, I know it's not true because she 'loves' Nathan so much." Erica crossed her arms.

"Parker told me had I to be nice to you but... At this point there's no reason to be nice if you aren't friends.' Hannah hummed.

"Alright then." Erica stood up and held her arms out,"I'm ready."

Hannah smirked before she struck Erica.

*********************************

"What's everyone talking about?" Ron asked as he sat down.

"Well, apparently Parker had... Y'know... With Crabbe and Goyle." Harry shrugged.

"Yeah right." Ron laughed before it died down once he realised no one else was laughing,".. You aren't joking?"

Harry shook his head.

"Holy shit." Ron's eyes widened,"Blaise, Draco? How you feeling about this?"

"What do you think, Weasley?" Blaise spat.

"Okay- I was just asking." Ron held his hands up.

That's when... She walked in, herself for once. She walked up to the boys and sat beside them, grabbing a drink,"Hey guys.

"Oh... Hey Parker." Blaise nodded slowly.

"Hi Blaise." She hummed,"Why's everyone whispering? Did that couple from Ravenclaw break up again?"

"No." Draco gripped his fork tightly.

"Oh." Parker nodded slowly, "So... What's going on?"

"Well... We've been told some things." Ron sighed.

"And I'm the last to know." Parker picked up her glass,"What things?"

"About you... And Crabbe and Goyle?" Harry looked at her, a hint of disbelief on his face

Parker looked at them,"About... Last night?"

"Yeah.."

"What- What's been said?"

"That you... Y'know..." Ron fumbled with his hands awkwardly.

Parker put her glass down,"Well if you believe them then, I didn't do anything with them. You have to believe me."

"Right." Draco nodded slowly.

Parker looked at Draco,"Draco, Blaise... You believe me, right? I would never do anything with them- They tried but I got away."

Draco sighed but Blaise stood up and walked away. Parker looked at the boys in disbelief, shaking her head as she got up and quickly left.

"I don't want to believe but..." Harry trailed off, looking at Draco and Ron.

"Theres no proof but with Parker being gone... It gets a little suspicious." Ron shrugged.

"I'II..." Draco sighed and got up,"I'll check on Blaise, he's not taking it well."

"Let us know how he is." Harry nodded.

Nathan was sat on a chair in the common room, scrawling something in his notebook. He had noticed Parker as she came in, wiping her eyes.

"Parker? What's the matter?"

"Nothing." Parker spoke in a quiet voice as she walked towards her dorm.

"Tell me." Nathan demanded as he stood up,"Who?"

Parker stopped and sighed,"It's... It's nothing. I don't want you hurting them."

"What did they do?" Nathan glared, setting down his notebook.

"Goyle... And Crabbe. They uh- They tried to.. They tried to do stuff with me last night, Nathan. And now there's a rumour about it and everyone thinks had sex with both of them!" Parker practically burst as she spoke.

Nathan cleaned his first and threw his hand at the wall, creating a relatively large crack. Parker jumped, looking over before she slowly walked over.

"But- But it's okay. It will pass over." She shook her head.

"People don't forget shit like this Parker, is this how you wanna be remembered?" Nathan turned to her,"Who spread it? Who?"

"I don't know." Parker shook her head,"There was only the boys. And the girls... But they left."

"So what if they left? If this is a lie, they could just be doing that. Lying." Nathan told her.

"Nathan... Promise you won't do anything?" Parker sighed.

"I promise."

Parker nodded and hugged him,"Thank you."

Nathan rubbed her back,"Good... Now who?"

Parker took a second to reply,"Hannah and Cho."

Nathan nodded slowly.

"What were you writing?" Parker pulled away, looking up at him.

"Oh, it was some notes on this paralyzing spell I found." Nathan informed her.

"A paralysing spell?" Parker sat down.

"Exactly, it stops the person who it used on from moving for up to twenty four hours." Nathan explained.

"Can I see?" Parker tried to grab the book.

"Nope." Nathan swiped it out of her reach.

"Well it's not like you'll be using it." Parker shrugged and sat back.

"I could... If you want, of course."

Parker looked up at him.

"Just an offer." Nathan shrugged.

"Who would you use it on?"

"Just Cho and Pansy, to teach them a little lesson. They'd be just fine." Nathan smirked.

Parker bit her cheek,"...It would just be paralysing them... Right?"

"Of course." Nathan spoke calmly.

Parker fiddled with her fingers before she gave a small nod.

"Perfect." Nathan stretched,"Would you like me to do it alone?"

"No." Parker sat up, "I wanna be there."

"Alright then." Nathan nodded,"Tonight, alright?"

Parker nodded slowly,"I'll give them a call."

Nathan nodded and walked out.

*********************************

"You really like this place, huh?" Neville hummed.

"Well, it reminds me of you." Erica squeezed his hand.

"Of me? Why?" Neville looked around.

"Y'know... Flowers. You like flowers, and plants." Erica shrugged,"And you're really calming, like this place."

"Aww." Neville smiled.

"Oh, shush. Erica gently nudged him.

"That's cute Er."

Erica blushed and looked away from him.

"Oh! Look at this one." Neville pointed to a sunflower.

"Hm? Oh, it's me."

"Exactly you." Neville smiled.

Erica happily leaned against him.

"How about we buy it?"

"We should."

"The real question is... Who'll look after it?" Neville raised a brow.

"I will, y'know, for practice." Erica told him, knowing how hopeless she was with plants.

"Right. And will make sure I remind you how much to water it."

"Yeah!"

"Promise me you won't kill if."

"I... Will try my best." Erica nodded.

"Thank you." Neville kissed her head.

Erica smiled up at him.

*********************************

"How will I know when you're coming out?" Parker asked Nathan.

"Hm, give me a cue."

"Like what?"

"Uh... A countdown."

"And why would use a bloody countdown? Maybe we shouldn't do-" Parked stopped.

"Just do it." Nathan snapped.

Parker looked away from Nathan,"Fine... Okay."

She sighed as she walked ahead. Nathan nodded and snuck off. Parker crossed her arm, hugging herself as she walked to the girls.

Was she really doing this? What had gotten into her?... She didn't know if this was the right thing to do but she was too scared to say no.

"Parker" Cho turned to her,"What did you want to discuss? You were... Pretty vague."

"I wanted to ask, why you made those rumours about me. Everyone is talking about me."

Cho sighed and turned to Hannah.

"The real question is why not?" Hannah snickered.

"What have I ever done do you?" Parker pointed.

"Oh, nothing. I just really REALLY don't like you." Hannah smirked.

"Hannah, just stop-"

"Why stop now?" Hannah raised a brow.

"Because its getting out of line."

"Aw, are you upset?" Hannah hummed,"You probably should be, considering I also didn't keep my promise~"

"Hannah!"

Parker looked at Hannah,"You didn't keep your promise? You fucking hurt Erica?"

"You should've seen the look on her face, she just stood there and took it." Hannah laughed.

Cho shuffled uncomfortably. She didn't like Erica or Parker that much but she didn't like Hannah either.

Parker thought for a second,"Did you count it down? Before you hurt her? Like Three... Two..-"

"One." Nathan stepped out, firing a spell at Hannah.

Parker jumped back at the spell being blasted, meanwhile Cho had quickly sprinted off.

"Nathan, leave Cho-"

Nathan didn't listen as he darted after Cho as Hannah lay on the ground... With cold, lifeless eyes. Parker walked over to Hannah's body and crouched down.

"You won't hurt Erica again, you hear me?" She pointed before she nudged her, noticing the lifelessness,"Hannah?... Hannah you're just unconscious, right?"

Hannah's body didn't move, her hands grew colder... She... Was just unconscious, right?

"Hannah, fucks sake." Parker cursed, trying to sit her up.

Limp. She was limp... Hannah was dead. Parker began to shake... Nathan tricked her. She quickly backed up to the tree and hugged her knees. She just wanted Hannah to stop! Not die!

Cho was still running and nearly tripped over Hannah as she doubled back towards Parker.

"C-Cho!' Parker went to get up.

"I don't want to die.." Cho shook her head, tears filling her eyes, I'm sorry, I'm sorry-"

"No, it's okay. I can-" Parker grabbed her wand but it was too late...

A green spark was seen and then Cho was on the floor... Dead.

Nathan stretched as he walked over calmly, Tada~"

Parker backed up again,"What the fuck have you done?!"

"I just... Y'know, took care of business." Nathan stretched.

"You- You said you were going to knock them out! Not kill them!" Parker began to tear up,"You promised!"

"Hm... Do you really think they'd stop if we knocked them out? No."

"It doesn't matter, Nathan. It doesn't matter. You promised you wouldn't do anything.'

"Promises... Do they really mean that much?"

"Yes!"

Nathan's arms snaked around Parker's waist, Well... Are you going to tell anyone? Are you?"

Parker looked away from Nathan, trying to push him away.

"..What if I did?" She whispered.

"You've seen what I can do, Parker."

"I don't want to do this anymore Nathan." Parker sniffed.

"Look." Nathan sighed,"These guys... They'll be the last."

"There shouldn't even be a first." Parker looked at him, red puffy eyes looking for a hint of remorse.

Nathan's expression was still cold,"Parker, let's just go back to the castle. And hey, think about it. Won't Weasley be happier now?"

Parker nodded slowly, "... I guess."

"Now, come on."

"W-What about their bodies?

Parker looked over at the girls.

Nathan glanced back, setting down a piece of paper in between them,"They'll be fine, trust me."

Parker looked at the paper before she grabbed it, reading it.

'Cho and died because we had to hide our forbidden love for each other from a disapproving world'

"Forbidden love?- No one will believe this." Parker shook her head.

"They believed you had sex with Crabbe and Goyle. They'll believe this."

Parker closed her eyes and slowly got up.

"There. Now let's go." Nathan began walking.

*********************************

"Weasley. Surely you're happy about Hannah being gone." Nathan hummed as he caught up with her.

Erica tensed up,"Look, I may have hated her but never wanted her dead."

"She killed herself, are you going to blame the dead?"

"I'm not stupid, Nathan. I know you killed them, like you killed Pansy!" Erica pointed.

Nathan shrugged,"Even if it's true... What are you gonna do? Go cry to your scardy cat boyfriend?"

"Don't talk about him like that. Unlike you, he actually has a heart." Erica crossed her arms.

"You're both pathetic. All you do is cry to him, especially when you lost Parker. You know... She told me that she trashed that stupid scrunchie of hers. Said it meant nothing to her."

Erica clenched her fists,"You're lying."

"Am I? Have you seen her wearing it?" Nathan crossed his arms.

"It's p-probably your fault."

"I can't force her to do anything."

"Yes, you can and you do."

"Parker doesn't see it that way. She sees me as her all loving and all caring boyfriend, who protects her."

"You don't protect her, you hurt her!" Erica tried to hit him.

Nathan quickly pushed her to the ground.

"Just you wait until I tell her about this." He smirked before he walked off.

Erica shook her head as she got to her feet again. No. She wasn't going to cry anymore. She wasn't going to allow herself the right to cry anymore.

No one was around, she couldn't go to Neville cause he was in class. Erica had intentionally skipped class, she wasn't in the mood to see, well, anyone considering the circumstances.

She'd wait for him, talk to him. Figure out what she was to do. For now, she needed to be calm. Deep breaths. Just like Percy and Cedric and Neville had taught her. See? That's much better.

*********************************

Parker was trying to redecorate her room, it felt so empty.

"Parker, we need to talk." Nathan burst in.

"No." Parker stood on the bed as she put some fairy lights up.

"It's about Weasley."

Parker stopped for a second,"... Go on."

"She needs to go." Nathan shook his head,"She attacked me just now, spouting lies about us."

Parker turned to Nathan, jumping off her bed,"What? Erica wouldn't hurt anyone."

"Threw me to the ground and wouldn't stop kicking me." Nathan rolled up his sleeves to reveal bruises.

Parker slowly walked over and touched the bruises, "... I never knew your bruises could form so easily."

Nathan sighed,"My skin is sensitive and her boots are heavy."

"... Sounds like another two people I know." Parker whispered and sat down, referring to themselves.

Nathan glared at her,"Are you with me or not?"

Parker didn't reply, she just looked to the side.

"Parker?"

"No." Parker shook her head.

Nathan was quiet,"No?"

"No, no! I'm not with you at all." Parker shook her head.

"Oh, so you're giving up now?" Nathan snarled, shoving her back.

Parker turned to him and pointed,"I've had enough, Nathan. I didn't want any of this! And I've realised now that- You're not good, you're fucking evil, you're just like my mother."

Nathan was taken aback. He hadn't... Expected this.

"Get- Get the fuck out of my room! Don't talk to me, don't try anything and especially don't go near my best friend!" Parker stepped forward.

Nathan glared at Parker and scoffed as he stormed out.

Parker took a few heavy breaths, oh my god. How did she just do that? It took Parker a minute to compose herself before she grabbed her green scrunchie from her drawer and ran to find Erica.

*********************************

Erica was sat outside an empty classroom by herself. Quiet. It was quiet.

"Erica? Erica!" She could hear Parker from the halls shouting. crying.

"Parker?" Erica looked up.

"Erica?" Parker ran into the room.

"Parker, what happened?"

"I think I think just broke up with Nathan. And I'm so sorry about all the things he made me say or do. He did it all- He did it Erica, he killed them. I'm sorry." Parker cried.

Erica tensed up but walked to Parker and wrapped her arms around her. There was still some part of her that... Felt it was a trap. Parker was quick to hug back though.

"I'm sorry- I needed to come find you. I-I have my scrunchie, I didn't throw it away." She pointed to it, shaking

"Shh... It's okay." Erica assured her as she lowered them both to the ground,"I won't let him touch you again."

"I'm sorry for all the nasty things I said... You're my best friend." Parker shook her head.

"And you're my best friend." Erica cuddled into Parker, she'd missed this.

"I don't know what to do." Parker whispered.

"Tell Dumbledore."

Parker looked up at her.

"Get him expelled, put in Azkaban."

"He'll kill me. Literally."

"Not if we're fast, he won't get us."

"When do we go?"

"Now."

Parker nodded slowly as she wiped her eyes.

"Better?"

"Mhm." Parker sighed.

"Great, now let's go." Erica helped her up.

Parker nodded and got up, holding Erica's hand as she smiled

"Thank you Erica." Parker smiled back as they walked.

*********************************

Erica knocked on Dumbledore's door after clining the staircase.

"What if he expels me?" Parker worried.

"He won't." Erica assured her.

Parker nodded slowly.

"Come in."

Parker sighed before she walked in,"Professor."

"Ah, Parker." He nodded to her,"Is something the matter?"

"I... I have information on the suicides."

"Oh... You do?"

Parker held her hands behind her back and nodded.

"Go on." Dumbledore edged closer in his chair.

Parker looked back at Erica before she spoke,"They weren't suicides... They were murders."

Dumbledore... Didn't look fazed,"Is that so?"

"It was Nathan Winters."

Dumbledore nodded slowly,"Professor Snape and I did have a feeling.."

"I knew about it all along Professor... I'm so sorry. I couldn't say anything."

Dumbledore's pale blue eyes studied her like a book,"I see."

"I didn't have anything to do with the murders." Parker shook her head,"He- He made me not say anything, Professor. But you- You can't let him remain here."

"Don't worry, I won't."

"Where will he go?"

"Far away."

"Thank you professor." Parker smiled,"I'm so sorry. If there's anything I can do, let me know."

"Just relax, Miss Black." Dumbledore shook his head,"Everything will be taken care of."

Parker nodded,"Thank you."

Dumbledore gave her his usual smile and a nod. Parker turned before she left and met Erica.

"He's sending him away." Parker smiled.

"Finally." Erica sighed

"He's gone." Parker held her arm.

"Forever." Erica added happily.