Astra

XVII - The Cat and Rat

"Black's not fool enough to try anything in Hogsmeade," said Ron. "Ask McGonagall if you can go this time, Harry. The next one might not be for ages --"

"Ron!" said Hermione. "Harry's supposed to stay in school --"

"He can't be the only third year left behind," said Ron. "Ask McGonagall, go on, Harry --"

"He won't be the only third year left behind, Astra's staying too!" Hermione exclaimed

"No, I don't think I will," said Astra, not looking up from her book.

"What? But I thought you didn't get your permission slip signed!"

"First of all, how did you find that out? Secondly, I don't need a permission slip. I've been sneaking out since first year," she replied boredly. Realizing that the Weasley twins were still in earshot, she added, "thanks to a certain map." Fred and George's heads snapped up immediately and Astra smirked.

"Wait, did you say a map?" 

"We lost that 2 years ago!"

"You didn't -"

"I did," said Astra as she turned a page in her book. "Next time keep your valuables safer." Fred and George simply looked at each other in shock and then did something that everyone was surprised by. They bowed to Astra and then said in fancy accents, "Well, then m'lady."

"You have proved yourself a master of mischief -"

"So we gladly let you have our map of mischief -"

"Because you are clearly it's rightful owner!" With that, they made their way to the other side of the common room and Astra looked up to see Hermione, Ron, and Harry staring at them. Ron was the first to speak up.

"Did you really get crowned master of mischief by the twins? How on earth did you do that!"

"Never mind that, Ron. Astra you can't sneak out! That's against the rules and what if you run into.. your father?!" Harry was still staring with his mouth open. Astra rolled her eyes and snorted.

"Please, do I look like I give a damn about the rules? And he won't come into Hogsmeade," she said even though she knew very well that he would try to get into Hogsmeade, and she would certainly try and meet him if he did.

"See, he wouldn't try anything in Hogsmeade! That's what I said," said Ron. Astra looked up in shock and so did the others because they never thought they would see the day where Ronald Weasley agreed with something said by Astra Black.

"Did you just... agree with me?" she asked.

"Ummm... yes?"

"Whatever, but I still don't think that you should go! It's not safe and you're not allowed to-"

"You know, I think I will ask McGonagall," said Harry, interrupting Hermione.

Hermione opened her mouth to argue, but at that moment Crookshanks leapt lightly onto her lap. A large, dead spider was dangling from his mouth.

"Does he have to eat that in front of us?" said Ron, scowling.

"Clever Crookshanks, did you catch that all by yourself?" said Hermione.

Crookshanks; slowly chewed up the spider, his yellow eyes fixed insolently on Ron.

"Just keep him over there, that's all," said Ron irritably, turning back to his star chart. "I've got Scabbers asleep in my bag."

At that, Astra looked up, looking between Crookshanks and the bag. Harry pulled his bag toward him, took out parchment, ink, and quill, and started work.