Abernathy didn't know if she could make it three whole months without getting in trouble again. She knew when they started fighting that they were going to be in a good deal of trouble, but this wasn't the sort of ultimatum she ever imagined hearing.

Aunt Veruca would have her ass for this. There was no way to smooth this one over with her usual charm. She'd never let AB live it down if she got expelled. Her dad would have a different approach, happy to have his daughter home and probably enrolled in muggle high school before she even made it back on the floo network and the train home.

AB's stomach started to sink at the thought. What would Sam think? How would her best friend deal with this punishment and the possible repercussions of this stupid, stupid mistake.

Ordinarily she'd think that having detention with Professor Fortis as the worst punishment ever, but the lingering threat behind it all was so much worse. "Yes headmistress," she replied in a voice that was hollowed out and pale.