Gideon went to bed without a word to Dorian or the other boys that evening. Filled with guilt, and dread for the next day, he had a rough night’s sleep. When the morning arrived, he didn’t feel as though he had slept at all.

As he rose for breakfast, Gideon could feel his panic rising to the surface. He sat on the edge of his bed looking out of the murky window, focused on his breathing, and practiced being calm and stony-faced. He knew that if he couldn’t do that convincingly; he was never going to get away with lying about the lounge fire.

Gideon took one last deep breath and silently followed the boys up to the Great Hall. He steeled himself as they reached the stairs to the Entrance Hall and told himself over and over, you can do this! As they passed through the door at the top of the stairs, Gideon’s veneer almost cracked when an unexpected voice interrupted his thoughts.

‘Gideon?’ it said quietly.

Gideon turned to find Ruby Williams; her arms folded over her book bag while leaning against the wall behind the door.

‘Ruby?’ he asked, pulling away from the group as they went in for breakfast. ‘Is everything okay?’

‘Oh, yes, I’m fine,’ she muttered. ‘A-are you okay, Gideon?’

Gideon didn’t know how to answer that right now, so he answered in a way he thought Ruby would appreciate, with a mumble and an ambiguous head nod, then followed up by asking, ‘Why? Were you waiting for me?’

In a typical Ruby fashion, she responded in much the same way, which in spite of his mood, Gideon couldn’t help smiling about.

‘Breakfast?’ he suggested.

‘Uhm,’ she replied simply.

It occurred to Gideon that the odd, quiet girl was a calming influence. Gideon noticed the Student Lounge doors were closed as they passed and hoped Ruby would still want to be friends after the morning’s revelations. As they reached the Great Hall and prepared to head their respective tables, Ruby stopped in her tracks.

‘If you ever want to talk…’ she proposed.

A little surprised by the shy girl’s bold gesture, Gideon smiled and nodded in reply before they separated. As he sat down at the table, Gideon didn’t feel like eating but he forced himself to take a piece of toast, convinced a prop might help make his act more believable.

Much of the room was already engaged in whispered conversations, and a few dirty looks were being shot in Gideon’s direction. They couldn’t hurt him, though, not with the imaginary force field he was projecting in his mind’s eye.

Professor Dandridge soon rose from her seat, much to the surprise of most students. A talk from the headmistress wasn’t standard breakfast routine, especially not two days running. Gideon was expecting it, of course, and tried to feign a look of mild confusion.

‘Good morning,’ she said. ‘I’m disappointed to have to report that after being open for such a short period, the new Student Lounge was subject to arson last night.’

Gideon concentrated all his energy on watching the headmistress and tried to ignore the movement in his peripheral vision. However, the faces of those closest to him were undeniable. Gio was staring at him with disgust, Eoin looked baffled, and Dorian appeared hurt.

The sound of whispers filled the room, but after the previous day’s events, nobody tested the headmistress’s patience by saying anything audible. Still, Gideon felt sure that many people would have relished the opportunity to call him out.

‘Thankfully,’ Professor Dandridge continued, bringing a halt to the whispering, ‘the fire was extinguished before too much damage was done. However, the lounge will be closed indefinitely while our investigation continues. I remind you all that if you have anything to report concerning these fires, please relay it to your Head of House at the first opportunity.’

Gideon returned to his piece of toast as though it were something special and tried to ignore the looks that he was now getting.

‘He was out late. We should go to Professor Voronov!’ he heard Vinny urge the other first-years a few seats down.

‘Where were you last night, Gideon,’ Sasha enquired.

‘Sasha!’ Dorian chastised half-heartedly.

‘What?’ she replied innocently. ‘With his track record, people are going to ask. He might as well answer.’

The girl was right, and Gideon could see that even Dorian wanted to hear Gideon’s response, though, he seemed to be having an inner struggle.

Gideon shrugged casually and told them, ‘I went for a walk. That’s not a crime, is it?’

‘No,’ Sasha replied, ‘but arson is. At minimum it’s against school rules. If you’re lying, you could get Slytherin into a lot of trouble, you know.’

‘I’m not lying!’ Gideon snapped convincingly.

‘Of course, he’s lying!’ accused someone from the Ravenclaw table. Verity Swanson stood up, put her hands on her hips and declared, ‘He’s not going to be happy until someone gets hurt!’

‘Oh, put a cork in it, Verity!’ another voice said loudly before a large breakfast roll found itself magically lodged in Verity’s gaping mouth. The awkward moment was interrupted with laughter and the girl stormed from the room with two of her friends trailing.

Gideon smiled weakly as he made eye contact with Talia at the next table, who gave him a wink as she pocketed her wand.

***

The rest of the week was strange, even for Gideon. The usual whispers and furtive looks he would get were replaced by people avoiding eye contact or sharing the same space with him altogether. When students spotted him coming towards them, they would often change direction or cling to the walls of the corridors. The younger students in particular seemed terrified of him.

Gideon would find the whole thing hilarious, if he wasn’t now painfully aware that they had just cause to be afraid of him. The rumours about him, which Talia enjoyed sharing with Gideon, were getting more and more outlandish. Apparently, Verity Swanson was telling anyone who would listen that he was the lost child of You-Know-Who himself.

Then, there were the teachers. Unless Gideon was being paranoid, which admittedly was a distinct possibility, it wasn’t just his father keeping a closer eye on him. Professor Long appeared to be paying him closer attention during Potions. Professor Keane had done the same in Charms, although, it had been in her replacement classroom that Gideon had accidentally released a jet of fire, so perhaps that was to be expected.

Professor Voronov had held him back after Transfiguration. Gideon supposed he was about to be reprimanded for his unusual lack of progress in transforming a terrapin into a fruit bowl. His looked as if it had simply been turned upside down.

Instead, however, the professor had asked, ‘How are you, Mr Maxwell?’

To which Gideon lied, ‘Fine.’

Then, after one of the enigmatic man’s classic pauses, he followed up with, ‘Is there anything you wish to tell me?’

Gideon’s resolve had almost shattered right there. He wanted to come clean about what was going on with someone, and Professor Voronov had been supportive recently. Even so, he had bitten his tongue and shook his head silently.

‘Well, my door is always open,’ the professor had informed him peculiarly.

The strangest thing was his interactions with the Gryffindor boys. After running into them outside the Great Hall on the day after their fight, Scott and Sean had looked at him as if they were seeing a ghost. All the boys looked a little worse for wear actually, except for Greg who seemed disappointed to find Gideon alive and well.

Gideon put it down to the idea that their consciences had been bothering them. From that moment on, whenever they came into contact, the Gryffindors and Gideon ignored each other, even in classes. For Gideon it was mutually beneficial for them to do so, not to mention easier to get work done without their usual interference.

He suspected that for the Gryffindors, though, it was more a matter of avoiding mutual destruction. He also thought that other than Greg, they were showing clear signs of fearing him. Gideon figured that was natural. They were, after all, in the unique predicament of being the only people who knew what he was capable of, but unable to tell anybody.

As for his fellow Slytherins, Gio was ignoring him completely, like most of the house. Tim was significantly quieter than his usual introverted self, and Eoin seemed confused, angry, and unsure of what he would say if he did make the effort. As for Dorian, he had indeed stopped talking to Gideon again.

However, that was in-part due to the fact that Gideon was rarely in his presence anymore. He spent all his free time in the library, more dedicated than ever to finding answers. When he was around the boys such as in classes, whether aware of it or not, it was Gideon who was giving them the cold shoulder.

***

The atmosphere changed a little come Saturday, with the much-anticipated start to the Quidditch season. Everyone in the Common Room was eagerly discussing the first match: Slytherin VS Gryffindor. Professor Voronov even stopped by briefly to wish the team luck, and to ensure the rest of the house were heading down to the pitch to support them.

Seeing that Gio was pale and shaky ahead of his first-ever match, Gideon gave him a quick, ‘Good luck!’ as the boy headed to the passageway. Gio scowled at him in return and darted off with a renewed confidence, so Gideon considered it a successful intervention.

Gideon put on his cloak and followed a large group of Slytherins down to the Quidditch pitch. There, they climbed the stairs of the many viewing towers. The view of the large stadium from so high up really had an impact. However, the recent change in weather was a lot more noticeable at that height. Gideon was unsure of whether he was shivering more from anticipation or the chilly wind that whipped by.

Despite being a big fan of the most popular wizarding sport, Gideon had only ever seen Quidditch played on the Telecrystal. Helping Anthony practice flying in the garden was as close as he had ever been to the real thing. Even though they were on bad terms, Gideon was looking forward to finally seeing his brother play.

His worries were all but forgotten as he watched the teams follow the referee out to the centre of the pitch. The referee, who was carrying the trunk that contained the game’s four balls, turned out to be Mr Wood. Gideon felt a small pang of guilt but saw that the Flying teacher had a new broom. The players gathered around him in a circle and mounted their brooms.

Mr Wood opened the trunk and took a hold of the Quaffle, the red ball that each team’s three Chasers handled with the aim of scoring points. Of course, they had to get it past the opposition’s Keeper first, and through one of the three goalpost hoops they defended. Then, Mr Wood kicked the trunk, releasing the two Bludgers and the Golden Snitch, which all flew around independently.

The heavy Bludgers attacked players while the tiny and extremely speedy Snitch avoided them. Each team’s two Beaters were responsible for protecting their team members by hitting the Bludgers toward the opposition with short bats. Each team’s Seekers, however, were tasked with catching the Snitch, ending the game, and claiming one hundred and fifty bonus points for their team.

Quidditch was a complicated and fast-paced game. After Mr Wood threw the Quaffle high into the air and blew on his whistle, the game began. The players and the referee launched into the air and rushed about the field to claim the Quaffle, man the goalposts, hit the Bludgers and locate the Golden Snitch.

A magnified voice from the teacher’s box began commenting on the game immediately, ‘And we’re off, ladies and gents! The Gryffindor team take possession of the Quaffle first and after a few passes, their chasers head up the field. Captain Anthony Maxwell is being pursued by the Slytherin chasers — he passes below to Christy Forbes — she hands off to Rose Weasley, who approaches the hoops — shoots — oh, what a save by new Slytherin keeper, Giovanni Romano! Looks like a good find for Captain Jago Hargreaves.

‘Speaking of — Hargreaves now with the Quaffle — he ducks a Bludger from one of the Stevens brothers and passes to Leo Chisholm — who makes a long pass to Lizzy Roth — but it’s intercepted by Forbes — Captain Hargreaves not standing for that, he’s taken it back off Forbes and heads off to the goals. Rose Weasley appears from below, makes a grab for the Quaffle — but Hargreaves dives — throws it upward — Chisholm catches, what teamwork! He’s got a clear shot, Chisholm takes aim — but Gryffindor keeper Hugo Weasley blocks!’

The crowd was filled with cheers, boos and gasps with every movement of the Quaffle. Gideon vaguely wondered if “the Stevens brothers” were related to Greg but that thought was quickly forgotten. He was so impressed with all of the players. Gio had made an amazing save and Anthony flew like a pro.

‘Wait, could this be? It looks like the two Seekers have spotted the Snitch already! We could have a winner before the first goal is scored! Slytherin’s star Seeker, Rebecca Page is ahead — yes, I see the Snitch! She’s closing in on it, but Gryffindor newcomer, Alex Grimsby is giving her a run for her money!’

Alex Grimsby! Gideon thought in shock. He supposed he shouldn’t be too surprised what with Gio making the team, but Gio was a Keeper and Seeker’s had to be particularly good flyers. That meant Quidditch was yet another subject that his rival excelled at. Meanwhile, Gideon couldn’t even hold a broom.

‘He’s gaining — blimey he’s passed her — he’s going to get the Snitch — OUCH — that looked painful — would you look at that! Grimsby is taken out by the infamous double Bludger attack of sixth-year Slytherin beaters, Albus Potter and Scorpius Malfoy! What a team those two are. It looks like Page lost sight of the Snitch, though.’

Gideon wasn’t sure what to think after seeing one of his nemeses taking two Bludgers to the chest. However, Alex quickly recovered from his tailspin and resumed flying.

‘Grimsby is okay, folks. At the other end of the pitch, though, it’s Maxwell with the Quaffle, he passes to — no, sorry he feints a pass to Rose Weasley, and he’s approaching the keeper himself. Wow! Hargreaves hangs and spins from his broom — there’s no telling where he’s aiming — yes! It’s a goal! The first goal of the match is scored by Gryffindor Captain Anthony Maxwell making the score ten points to zero.’

Gideon cheered wildly to the surprise of the surrounding Slytherins. ‘Err, sorry,’ he said in response to their glares, ‘that’s my—it was just a good shot. I was caught up in the moment.’

The match was incredible. It was one amazing play after another. The commentator could barely keep up with the action. Gideon couldn’t decide which team was superior. They seemed equally strong, which was why after half an hour the score was still a nail-biting fifty points apiece. However, as students noticed a blur of blonde and red diving toward the ground, a crescendo of passionate yells swept around the stadium.

‘Oh, my, what a dive! But where’s Page? She’s realised but she’s too far away! this could be it folks!’

Alex Grimsby was still diving, getting dangerously close to the ground, when he suddenly pulled out of the dive with one hand and brandished a fleck of gold in the other. The Gryffindor stands exploded into cheers.

‘He’s done it! New Seeker Alex Grimsby catches the Snitch and earns Gryffindor one hundred and fifty points. Gryffindor wins!’

Gideon was stunned by Alex’s incredible catch but as he perceived the boos, jeers and general disappointment around him, he was careful to simply clap politely.

‘What an amazing game, folks and what an opener to a great Quidditch season here at Hogwarts! Oh, thanks, Professor. I should add ladies and gents, that in the exciting last moments of the game, Jago Hargreaves scored his team one last goal, meaning Gryffindor won by two hundred points to sixty.’

***

Slytherin had lost the match, and by quite a margin, but Gideon found it difficult to be disappointed. He also found it difficult to understand his feelings for his brother. Gideon was beyond impressed with Anthony’s flying. He had definitely earned his Quidditch Captain’s badge. Maybe it was time they talked again?

Just watching Quidditch left people with such a high. Gideon wondered what it must be like to play. With nobody to discuss the match with, he walked back up to the castle slowly and eavesdropped on passing students.

‘Can you believe how good both teams were? We don’t stand a chance!’ A Hufflepuff boy had shared with his friend.

‘Maybe, but soon they will be in trouble. All the best players on both teams are close to graduating. Maxwell, Hargreaves and one of the Stevens brothers will be gone this year, and the year after, Weasley, Potter and Malfoy will, too! Meanwhile, we will have a solid team who know how to play together!’

‘The same can be said for Ravenclaw, though, can’t it?’

‘Oh yeah, I hadn’t thought of that!’

A group of first-years that were busy gossiping about the players.

‘Albus Potter, the beater, it’s that Potter’s son! And two of the Gryffindor players are the children of the Minister for Magic!’

‘Do you think we should try and get their autographs?’

‘Calm down, Sally! It’s their parents that are famous, not them!’

As Gideon reached the castle doors, he heard one final discussion about the Seekers.

‘I can’t believe Page got beat like that, and by a newbie!’

‘Yeah, I think Grimsby’s going to do well for us. I hear he’s a pretty talented wizard as well—earns us a good number of points.’

‘He’s cute, too!’

Gideon frowned. Alex Grimsby was becoming Hogwarts’ golden boy while Gideon had become persona non grata. He might be good at Quidditch too if he could figure out his problem with broomsticks.

Inspired by his jealousy, Gideon decided to act. First, he was going to figure out exactly what was wrong with him, even if that meant sneaking books out of the library’s Restricted Section. Once he knew that, he would find a way to deal with it.

Afterwards, he would start working on changing people’s minds about him and repairing his broken friendships. Gideon wasn’t going to let anyone ruin his Hogwarts experience, including himself.