The boy noticed it during Potions class one day, them having paired up for one of the more complex brewing. A hesitation in his partners movements, a flinch when stirring with her left arm followed by a discrete rub before trying to get back to work.
"Daphne, is something wrong?"
She glanced over at him, before quickly looking away, almost guiltily, "No, no of course not."
But he would not be dissuaded so easily, especially when his gut told him to assume the worst. "Really, because it looks like you're hurt."
"Oh, no its nothing, just a bit of a bruise."
His suspicions rose, "When did that happen?" he inquired, before offering to take over for her actions, earning a nod of thanks.
"Sunday evening."
He nearly froze, "So after our study session?"
The Greengrass heiress' eyes widened, "N-no no I mean, well yes but it's nothing, I promise."
"Daphne," his voice was low, calm, and full of concern, "Did someone hurt you?"
The response was quick, far too quick for his liking, "No! No of course not I just… got hurt, that's all. It's nothing serious, I promise."
Harry nodded slowly and continued stirring. As he went to add another ingredient, while his partner read out instructions, he noticed the way Snape was looking back and forth between them.
****
Amaryllis watched in confusion as the opposing team began to tear itself apart. It was the first game back after the holiday break, Slytherin versus Gryffindor of course, and before it had even begun the arguments started on the other side.
She wasn't sure what the cause was. One moment Slytherin was floating into in the classic formation and the next one of the older girls was yelling at another over something about 'being in the wrong spot'.
Glancing over, she noticed the Weasley twins shrug in unison, apparently just as confused as she was, perhaps even more so. Harry had, naturally, told her about the situation at the party he had attended but to see it escalate in such a way was shocking to say the least.
Moments later a referee flew up to find out what the issue was, and several minutes after that the other team split into two groups before returning to the ground. The Gryffindors were even more confused until Madam Hooch flew over, disappointment clear on her face.
"The Slytherin team has refused to cooperate with each other due to 'irreconcilable differences.' The victory goes to Gryffindor on grounds of forfeit."
Amy frowned in almost disgust. Sure, she liked to win, really liked to win, but she liked playing Quidditch more. She didn't feel like they won anything if they didn't even get to play the game.
****
"May I sit?" Harry looked up from his book at his pseudo-cousin and gave her a quick nod, encouraging her to take a seat next to him. "Slytherins are starting to talk."
"Starting to?" he teased lightly but noticing her serious expression forced the same. "They have been talking all year, what's new?"
The girl glanced about before leaning in a bit closer, voice dropping in volume, "Before it was just about Riddle, now your name is coming up more frequently."
His eyes narrowed, "They think we are both attacking people?"
Marie quickly shook her head, "No, at least not from what I've heard it's just… the House is split, and the divide keeps widening. Right now, you are on Professor Riddle's side, which means to those who are on the other you are choosing her."
"I'm choosing" he seethed, "to not trust empty rumors and blind theories."
She didn't answer, merely watched him, stone faced and analytical eyes.
"And you? Where do you stand in all of this?"
Marie stared back for what felt like hours before giving her response. "I am a Slytherin, I wait until all the facts are revealed and the answer is obvious before making my choice." She stood, but then hesitated. "Although I am not sure the cause, I do know people are being hurt. Please be careful."
Harry nodded, "Yeah, you too Marie."
****
"Sorry Harry, it isn't anything you did I just… don't have time for lessons right now."
He nodded, watching as the girl quickly walked away, almost as if she were afraid he was infected with some disease. Such a belief wouldn't have surprised him though, at least not at this point. Every student who had asked for tutoring for had canceled in the past week.
All save for the Greengrass heiress.
He didn't blame them, with how things were going the boy-who-lived was almost convinced he had been cursed and didn't realize it. All the victims thus far had been connected to him in one way or another, it certainly put a feeling of dread over the second year.
Not everyone seemed to fall into that category, as his close friends and professors still greeted him the same as always, if a bit more concerned for his own wellbeing than usual.
When Amy had offered to walk him back to his dorms after Defense one day he had almost laughed, "I should be making that offer to you Amy, not the other way around." He argued before waving off her concerns. If there was anyone in their year, or the surrounding ones, that could take care of themselves it was him.
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