We Will Shine {Book 6 in the Star of Gryffindor Series}

Chapter 40 - The Clouds Begin to Part

I stopped after a few feet. Why was I obeying this voice in my head? I had detention. I couldn't just leave.

Just leave, the voice whispered. I suddenly couldn't remember any reason not to.

I was vaguely aware that I was walking across the entrance hall, towards the Great Hall. I was vaguely aware that someone was reaching for my arm, asking where I was going, but I shook them off. I needed to do something. I didn't know what. It was very important, though.

I was in the Great Hall. The noise of students still eating and enjoying dinner was a distant rumble, hardly penetrating the peace in my head. I watched my feet take me to the Slytherin table, towards a blonde girl sitting near the end. That was someone I knew. My cousin, right? What was her name? Kara? No, Ciara. It was Ciara. And now she had noticed me, and was asking me something. From miles away I heard her asking if I was all right.

Now, raise your wand, the voice told me.

I froze. I can't do that, I thought back. That's my cousin.

That's no one, the voice snapped. Raise your wand.

No, I thought, even as my arm started to rise. I fought against it with all my willpower, but the voice seemed to be winning. I could see Ciara's face if I focused hard enough, staring at me with a confused and worried expression. Why wasn't I confused? Why wasn't I worried?

Cast Expulso, the voice said.

I don't want to.

Do it.

No!

Now!

I. Don't. Want. To.

Yes, you do! Was it struggling? I couldn't tell. My mouth was opening. I didn't want to do this.

"Expulso."

In an instant, the fog in my mind flew away, in time for me to watch Ciara block the spell, watch her disarm me, watch her stare at me in shock.

"What the hell, Astra?" she whispered

I was shaking. I was going to cry. I opened my mouth, then closed it again. People were starting to stare. I'd almost just murdered my cousin. What was wrong with me?

Ciara glanced around, then grabbed my arm and pulled me out of the Great Hall. There was Haverna, standing at the doors and staring at us, completely baffled. I brushed past someone on my way here. Had it been her? This wasn't looking good.

"What's going on? Astra, you're supposed to be in detention."

"Professor, could you give us a minute?" Ciara asked. She glanced at me, but I was too disoriented to even care enough about trying not to get detention. "Please? Can't she make up her detention tomorrow?"

Haverna considered us for a moment, then sighed. "I suppose."

"Thank you," Ciara said, before pulling me away.

She led the way as we twisted and turned through corridors, then finally she pulled me into a small hidden passage. "Astra, I think you were under the Imperius Curse." Her tone was slightly desperate. "I've seen you like that before."

I nodded, though I didn't know why. "I... Yeah. I guess..."

"Who did it?"

I shook my head. "I was alone, Ciara."

"Whose voice was in your head?"

I don't know! I thought. I just shook my head.

"Has this happened before?"