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Samantha arrived at her office, setting her purse in her usual spot. Rubbing her eyes and with a heavy sighed, she sat down in her chair. Multiple papers were in her desk, but before going through them, she got her tea.
An owl appeared in her window, and she instantly recognized it as Hedwig. She smiled and took a little snack from her cabinet, walking towards the bird
❝Hello, beauty❞ she feed the owl the cookie and took the letter. With a last pad on the back, she went to her sit and opened the letter.
Samantha sighed as she read what her godson was telling her. It broke her heart that many of his classmates were mistreating him. Even though Harry said it wasn't a big deal for him, she knew that he felt bad to some extent. Even if his best friend, Ron, wasn't talking to him.
What made her freak out even more, was the fact that he discovered what the first task was going to be about. Her heart was going to explode because of those dragons. The were beautiful creatures, but she didn't want them near Harry at all.
Grabbing a piece or parliament and her quill, she began to write her response to him. Telling him everything was going to be okay eventually, he was going to go through it and live, also, he had her permission to hex anyone who made fun of him. Obviously she was joking, and Harry would know it too; she just hoped he was okay.
Samantha stood up and tied the letter to Hedwig, and once the owl was rested and feed, it flew away. She returned to her seat and began to look through her correspondence.
Most of the papers was information within the department, nothing to worry about. She was going to start with her day until the picture of the newspaper caught her attention.
She never ordered the Daily Prophet, she wasn't subscribed like the rest of the wizard community. So having a copy in her desk made her confused.
Samantha furrowed her eyebrows as she grabbed the stack of papers, and her eyes widen once she saw the title. Reading the author of the article, she already had an idea of what was coming.
Teenage Tragedy: Harry Potter and the Triwizard Cup.
I'm here today at Hogwarts School with the twelve-year-old superstar Harry Potter. The tragic teenager who we all know for vanquishing the dastardly dictator, He Who Must Not Be Named, at age one.
"How do you feel about being entered into such dangerous game?" I asked.
"I'm quite afraid" Mr Potter answers, staring at his shaking hands "I have no idea what is in store and I do not think I'm prepared for anything that lies ahead. But I will try my hardest to get through and win" I take young Harry's hand in comfort and see a small smile appear in his face...
"How do you think your parents would feel if they knew? Would you say they've influenced you in anyway, even though they are no longer here?"
Poor Harry looks up, his eyes glistening with the ghost of his past as he thinks about his departed family.
Samantha was about to throw away the newspaper, anger rising in her, until she saw her name. She looked away, but eventually, she couldn't help it, and continued to read.
As he cleans away the tears rolling down his face, he flinches at the name of her supposed guardian.
"And what about your godmother, is it true that she is very harsh on you?"
Harry looked around nervously, as if at any moment he was going to get attack.
"She can be demanding"
I nod in agreement, remembering all those times I heard such foul stories of the woman we all know to be losing sanity along these years.
One of the reasons, my dear readers, people think twelve year old Mr Potter is rebellious it's because of Samantha Castle's bad parenting skills. From a close source, we know that she tends to be quite defensive if being approached or even smiled at. Maybe if the young boy's custody wasn't in the hands of a mental woman like Castle, he wouldn't seek danger...
Samantha scoffed, watching the picture they chose of her. It was the day she was going to the terminal to drop off Harry, she "looked secretive, not letting go of Harry's shoulder at any time, demonstrating how controlling she could be". She couldn't help but roll her eyes. Of course she looked secretive, there were people following her all times, and she was still worried about the death eaters appearances in the World Cup.
She sat back in her seat, watching with anger the paper. Am I controlling? she thought Maybe Harry's bad luck really comes from me.
Samantha shook her head. She shouldn't let the words of that woman get to her. She tried her best to raise Harry in a positive way, and if she was controlling in any sort of way, he would have definitely told her.
❝That little—❞
Samantha stood up, grabbing the newspaper with her. She exited her office and walked the corridors of the Ministry, where she was soon greeted by judging and curious eyes.
She was used to it though, so it didn't really bother her the stuff written about her, she was more angry to the fact that Rita had was spreading lies about Harry. Sam was a hundred percent sure he didn't say any word in that article. The woman didn't even got the boy's age right, for godric's sake.
Finding the newspaper impresor's hallway, she entered the room. Instantly, all the heads turn her way, and like robots, they looked at her from up an down.
Samantha walked in a calm way towards the colorful door, where plaques and flying quills guarded outside. As soon as she approached, the quills froze and turn in her direction. Moving them with her finger, she knocked twice.
The door opened, but instead of being greeted by the dyed blonde woman, a man came out. He cleared his throat and nodded as he quickly passed her, and she saw his shirt being badly button and his tie hanging loosely. She raised her eyebrows once she recognized him as one of the officials from the Department of Magical Creatures, but didn't she didn't say anything, it wasn't her business.
❝Samantha❞ a female voices called from inside the office.
Sam turned and saw Rita, who was giving her an exaggerated smile while fixing her hair.
❝May I come in?❞ Samantha asked, interlacing her fingers with the copy of the newspaper still in her hand.
Rita looked down at the newspaper and her smile twitched for a second before giving her another big smile.
❝Of course❞ her voices went up a pitch, nodding at the woman in front of her.
Samantha glanced behind her back before entering the office, closing the door with delicacy. Rita moved some things around, placing them in order. She waved her wand, having two cups come to her.
❝tea?❞
Samantha shook her head, she knew better than to drink in the ministry, even if it was tea. She knew the tricks and doings of the people around her, and one step to being stronger than them was to act oblivious of their actions until needed.
❝What is it that you want exactly?❞ Rita asked, raising her eyebrows at her ❝do you perhaps want to have an interview for the tragic moment you're going through—❞
❝Oh no, the tragic moments in my life are none of your concern❞ Samantha smiled, tilting her head ❝I just came to ask why you had to invent Harry's interview instead of presenting what he truly said❞
❝I don't know what you're talking about❞ Rita shrugged lightly, giggling.
Samantha chuckled drily, shrugging lightly as well ❝I understand that this is your job, and you're trying to make everything as dramatic as you can, but please, don't do it when it comes to my kid❞
❝I think people deserve to know the truth of what is happening in the life of that poor boy❞ Rita smiled ❝I don't see any exaggeration❞
Samantha raised her eyebrow ❝I do❞ she nodded, looking around the room. The painting and pictures of Rota herself stared back at her ❝Just please don't spread lies about him or me, that's all I ask, my reputation doesn't have to be enforce by your assumptions❞
The brunette smiled and turned around, placing the newspaper in the desk. She walked towards the door, but before she could opened it, a hand came from behind, preventing her from leaving.
Rita looked at her angrily, but Samantha kept looking straight, not giving her the satisfaction of seeing any sign of intimidation ❝I don't know what you think you're doing—❞
❝I'm not doing anything❞ Samantha shook her head, turning to see the woman ❝Like I said, I simply came to ask you not to spread lies, that's all❞
❝You think you're so much having that murderous boyfriend of yours and that halfbreed around you all the time that if you think you can come to attack me—❞
❝Attack you?❞ Samantha almost laughed, looking at the woman up and down ❝I think you think too much of yourself, Rita❞ she moved her hand from the door, turning the knob around ❝have a good day—and oh, if I hear you say half breed or murderous once again, I won't be so polite next time❞
Samantha walked out of the office, hearing the sound of heels behind her. Many heads turn and stopped what they were doing just to see the reporter losing control.
❝You're a bitch!❞
Gasps were heard around the room, and Samantha stopped in her tracks. Slowly, she turn to the woman who had her fists clenched and gave her a smile, which unnerve her even more.
❝Thank you, so are you❞ Samantha nodded at her and turn around, the smile still tactic in her face.
She exited the hallway and went into her own floor. The first thing she had to do was write to Harry, hoping he doesn't accept another interview with the woman.
Maybe Samantha did wrong in provoking the woman. She knew that more lies were going to eventually be spread, and it would just be the start of another never ending gossip, but she couldn't say it didn't felt good.
The best thing that came out of the situation was that she didn't stayed down, she had done that enough times. Stepping up for yourself and loved ones should never be a crime, no matter how hard the consequences were.
Samantha walked with her head low, carrying the bag with her hands holding it tightly. Her cloak was firmly covering any sort of trace of her body, but she still couldn't help but feel uneasy.
She arrived at the marked spot and looked around, hoping her eyes could detect any threat.
Once the silence remained steady, she sighed and put the bag down. However, before she could raise her wand to start the incantations, arms were wrapped around waist.
Instantly, she gasped and raised her forearm to hit the person with her elbow, but the person ducked down and managed to catch avoid the hit, but not completely, as it lost balance and fell backwards. Just as she was about to repeat her actions in a lore defensive way, a voice called, causing her to stop her actions.
❝Sammy, it's me❞
Samantha eyes widen, and put down her fist. She kneeled down and opened her mouth in regret.
❝I'm so sorry, Sirius❞ she shook her head, taking his face into her hands to make sure she didn't hurt him ❝I'm really really sorry—❞
Sirius chuckled, putting his hand on top of hers ❝It's okay Sammy❞ he smiled and took her chin, giving her a quick kiss ❝At least I know you can defend yourself without your wand❞
❝Why did you do that?❞ she shook her head, hitting him lightly on the chest ❝You scared me❞
❝Hey, I wanted to be romantic!❞ Sirius pouted, catching her wrists with a smile.
❝Yeah, because surprising me in the middle of forest at night it's totally my perfect date❞ she rolled her eyes, pushing him back to the ground. He had other plans, and instead of letting her go, he pulled her next to him, causing her to laugh.
Sirius turned, smiling wide ❝I've missed you❞
❝I've missed you too❞ she smiled and they both leaned over for a kiss.
Once they separated, they went over to the tree, leaning against it. He had his arms wrapped around her, and began to play with her hair.
❝Tough day?❞ he asked, looking down at her. She sighed, nodding lightly.
❝You have no idea❞ she shook her head, but she smiled at him ❝but I don't want to talk about it, yeah? I want to show you what I got you❞
❝Sammy, you shouldn't have❞ Sirius shook his head, smiling at seeing how exciting she got.
Samantha took the bag from their side and opened it, revealing all parts of things ❝I got you some clothes, winter is coming and I don't want you to be freezing❞ she pointed her finger at him, which caused him to raise his hands in surrender ❝I also got you more food, and...❞ she took out a journal from the bag, and he opened his eyes wide.
❝Is that—❞
❝Yeah❞ she smiled, nodding ❝I managed to get it, so now we can be communicating whenever you want❞
❝Thank you, Sammy❞ he breath out, giving her a kiss on the cheek. He took the journal, examining it as nostalgia filled him.
❝and a wand❞ she whispered, giving him the piece of wood. He furrowed his eyebrows, taking it ❝there's someone I trust that got it for me, I already tested it out, it's not a lot, but it's a replacement until we get yours❞
Sirius half smiled, nodding ❝You really shouldn't have❞
❝It was my pleasure❞ she smiled, leaning over to give him a kiss.
Samantha smiled and began to put everything back on the bag. Sirius went back to her hair, and if it wasn't because they were quiet, she wouldn't have heard the noise.
She froze, looking around the forest to try and find the source of the noise. It sounded like a leaf being crunch not to far away from them.
❝What are you—❞
Samantha turned to see him, putting her finger up to her lips, signaling him to be quiet. They both stood still, trying to hear for anything else, but to no avail.
She quickly closed the bag and they both stood up, putting up their cloaks to disguise themselves. She turned to him, but before she could say something, red flashes were aimed at them from a lot of directions.
Samantha gasped and managed to grab his arm, both ducking down. Her eyes were wide, watching as more flares were beginning to make their way to them. They began to ran in the opposite directions hand in hand.
They spotted a tree big enough for the both of them, and they hid there, trying to control their breathing. Samantha turn to him, looking at him sadly.
❝Leave!❞ she whispered, giving him the bag while they ran. He looked at her with the same desperation on his eyes.
❝Not without—❞
❝I'll be okay, but not you, go!❞ she repeated. She gave him a quick kiss and nodded ❝I love you, now go!❞
Sirius wanted to refuse, but at seeing her demeanor, he ended up nodding. Whispering something to her, he took the bag and muttered a spell, apparating from there.
Samantha let out a breath and she peaked from behind the tree, hearing the voices of people. From her spot, she saw multiple people looking for them, wands up in defense.
She rested her back against the tree and her hand went to the usual spot where she left her hand, but her heart stopped once she didn't fell the wood. Her eyes widen and she tried to look around were she was, knowing she might had dropped it on the way.
Soon enough, her eyes caught a glimpse of her wand a few meters away from her. Cursing under her breath, she realized she had to make a run for it in order to get it and leave.
Samantha counted to three and inhaled deeply, her heart was raising. With a last look at the men behind her, she began to run. The ruffling caught the attention of the people and started to run towards her, wands raised.
A flare missed her by inches, but she threw herself to the ground, managing to turn and grab her wand. Before having time to breath, she quickly apparated and thought of a safe place, leaving the scene.
Instead of appearing at her house, she fell down into the floor of Remus' living room with a thud. Finally, she was safe and she managed to exhaled deeply.
Not long after, footsteps were heard in the back of the house, where his bedroom was. Samantha sighed, resting her back against the sofa with her eyes close. They had been really close to getting caught.
❝Whose—❞ Remus spoke, raising his wand to illuminate the way, but he stopped, once he saw her laying there ❝Samantha!❞ Remus ran to her, kneeling. She opened her eyes and smiled tiredly ❝what happened?❞
❝We almost got caught❞ she whispered, passing a hand through her hair, his touch still felt vaguely ❝I'm okay❞
❝I thought you took precautions?❞ Remus asked, taking her waist to help her stand up. They walked to the sofa, and he quickly went to the kitchen to get something to drink for her.
❝Thank you, Remy❞ she smiled, thanking the cup from his hands.
❝They're going to be looking for you❞ Remus sighed, looking at her.
Samantha nodded ❝I shouldn't ask you but—❞
❝If someone comes here, I'll say you stayed the night, don't worry about it❞ he smiled, and she exhaled in relief, retuning the smile to him ❝come on, you need to rest❞
Samantha looked outside the window, sighing. She hoped Sirius was okay, and that he escaped. It wasn't fair that they had to meet in secret, and on top of everything, they had to live with the idea of getting thrown into prison.
She closed her eyes and passed a hand through her hair, thinking about all the things that could happened if they were really caught.
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