""
"BBBBEEEEEEBBBBBBEEEEEEEEEEEEE"
You know in films, where a couple sees each other for the first time in years, and they run towards each other, ready to hug and greet each other - right, got that image... GUESS WHAT? It's not really a practical way to greet each other, particularly on a busy station. So there I was attempting to get to Lily on the other side of the masses of people who decided that in front of me would be a good place to stand. I have news for them - it's not. I will push and shove to get through and I did, leaving a trail of destruction behind me. Finally I was out in the open, with space to run, but I should have known better. I fell over, probably because I'm clumsy or maybe because I have two idiots in my year that will trip me up it they get the chance.
So there I was on top of my trolley, groaning in pain, when I heard the shouting of my best friend, Lily, like a lioness stalking her prey, she ripped into those guys and I'm fairly sure the whole of Muggle London will know how much Lily hates James Bloody Potter. Come to think of it, I think Lily may have added the Bloody for effect but never mind, we weren't even at school, and Lily had already shouted at James. And that is what Lily would call a successful morning.
After recovering, we managed to heave our trunks on to the train. Lily was still fuming, so I let her know that this would be the year that Potter finally manage to get Lily to agree to a date. I said it, and ran. Some Gryffindor I am but before you judge, not many people can face an angry Lily. I could hear her chasing me, our footsteps pounding along the corridor. I checked the compartments as I ran, until I found our compartment. I dashed, ignoring the greetings, and tried to slam the door. Then someone ran straight into me knocking me on the floor, and preceding to sit on me, leaving me to beg for mercy. "Please Lily, pretty please with cherries on top."
"Fine, but don't say it again." she threatened.
I took a deep breath. "I think you may have crushed my pelvis"
I realised, fairly quickly that everybody seemed to find this hilarious. "What great friends I have. I get my pelvis crushed by some hephalump, and no body shows an ounce of sympathy. Great. Just Great"
"Oh Bee, you are clearly fine otherwise you wouldn't be moving much without a lot of pain...' said Ava, still chuckling.
"Yeah, well, you never know" I replied, sitting down in a huff.
When Lily had stopped laughing, she managed to ask between giggles how Ava and Fay how their holidays had been. Ava proceeded to let everyone know about the 'rather fetching' (her words not mine) guy she met on holiday, a muggle by the name of Tom. It was no wonder really, Ava Townsend was beautiful. Her mother is a Spanish muggle, and so she has luscious long chestnut coloured hair, brown eyes and a sunkissed tan that lasted all year round. Fay Rolman had curly blonde hair, and blue eyes - I always think she would look like Cupid's older teenage sister, if he had one. But anyways, Lily, the apple of Potter's eye, has red hair, big green eyes, a sprinkle of freckles across her milky white complexion. And then there was me. I have brown hair, brown eyes, freckles, pale white skin, long legs and due to the whole long legs thing, I'm also quite tall. Lily says I am an 'English rose'. Clearly, she is joking or trying to be nice, and clearly I am not fooled.
Fay let us know about her brother Matt's wedding. She showed us photos - wizarding ones. Fay's a halfblood, but has so many relatives, it is safe to use magic and none of her muggle relations would notice. Fay, other wise know as Cupid's older sister is a little bit ditsy, but determined and actually incredibly intelligent. Lily is pretty much the definition of the ideal Gryffindor - brave, kind, opinionated, and stands up for what she believes in, and not to mention, Lil seems to love following rules. Never understood it. Whilst Ava is funny, crazy but super intelligent and the mischievous one of the group along side myself. Once we started a prank war with the marauders. Let's just say despite our best efforts, we won the battle but lost the war. I reckon this year, with Lily's help, we could destroy those self-proclaimed Marauders, and I would go as far as to say, it would be easy. That's right, easy.
Fay continued to tell us about the wedding, and one of the many guys she met. Fay is hot, and so, as is destined to happen, boys are attracted to her. If she doesn't get flirted with when she walks into a room, then something is wrong, or all the boys there have already tried. And failed.
After about 5 minutes of conversation, Remus came to the door stealing Lily away on the pretence of a prefect meeting. I reckon that if Potter wasn't so infatuated by Lily, then Remus and Lily would so be together. In a parallel universe, that's how it would happen. After Lily's exit, Ava started up a game of exploding snap which I am proud to say that I won. Lily and Remus passed a couple of times patrolling, until she came storing in minus Remus.
"What is his bloody problem" she screamed before slamming the door shut, scaring a couple of first years who walked past.
"There I was patrolling with Remus and he jumps out on me, proclaiming his so called love for me and asking me out. I had to resist the urge to punch him or hex him or something. He is SO insufferable. And then he throws at me this big bouquet of Lillies, no doubt his attempt at romance. But no he misses, and hits some poor innocent 2nd year. So I helped the girl up and stormed off, after telling him how big a prat he was in what I am assured by the girl was an array of very colourful language." She breathed out in anger. We all sat there shock. "I didn't even know it was possible to say that much in one breath." Fay exclaimed. I laughed and then fairly quickly every one was laughing.
"Oh Lil, and there you were thinking this year, he might back off, I guess that's a no!" I managed to say giggling.
"Oh very funny Bee" she retorted.
"Come on Lil, see the funny side of it..."
"No. He was being a bully again, purposely or not and I don't know how any of you can stand him."
"Well, in fairness, most of us can't" Fay replied diplomatically.
"Well I'm fed up of his schemes and I can't stand his attempts to grab my attention. He's so pathetic, and I would rather go out with the Bloody Baron than him."
"Wow. That's a bit harsh Lil. The Bloody Baron is quite ... errr... bloody." Ava managed before cracking up laughing again and even Lily had to stifle a laugh.
And so there we were, sprawled out around the apartment howling with laughter when someone entered the carriage.
"So Ladies, how are we?" said an arrogant drawling voice.
"Black" I said, my eyes narrowing.
"Now, now Bumblebee, play nice."
"Can you get lost please. We're really not in the mood." said Ava tiredly.
"But I thought I spend some time with my favourite 6th year Gryffindor girls." he drawled back.
"We are the only 6th year Gryffindor girls." Fay replied after a brief pause.
"Exactly." he said with a wink at Fay.
"Urgh, would you just go away Black. None of us are interested in your flirting." I said glaring at him.
"I'll have you know I am a great flirt." said Black affronted.
"That may be, but we are all immune to said 'good' flirting, and would love it if you would piss of right about no." I bantered back.
"Fine. Got to find Prongs anyway. Let him know his favourite flower doesn't seem to be angry.
"Well you can let him know that I think" she said shouting, but before she could get out a few of her well chosen insults, he had already left the carriage.
"Thank goodness for that. Why are those two so annoying?" Ava question before opening up her magazine and becoming engrossed in the article '5 easy spells to tame your hair'. Lily sat down suddenly, grabbing out her bag her transfiguration textbook, and settling down for some light reading.
"Well looks like its just you and me, Fay." but she replied "Sorry Bee, I'm going to have a nap. I was out last night and I'm quite tired."
I smiled, deciding I would also take a nap seeing as everyone was being so boring.
It didn't seem like long before I was shook awake by Lily ordering me to get changed into my robes.
"Yeah, Yeah" I mumbled, attempting to roll over. I had completely forgotten I was curled up on a train seat, and so I fell off.
"BLOODY MERLIN" I shouted as I hit the floor with a bang.
"I think she's awake now." laughed Fay and Ava laughed before helping me up.
"Come on. We're only 10 minutes away." I stood up quickly, shocked. I thought I had fallen asleep for about half an hour, not the entire train ride. I quickly threw on my robes, adjusted by make up, and grabbed my bags as we entered the station. We all trooped out of the train laughing at Ava's impression of Lily earlier. I spotted Hagrid calling the first years, and the older students piling into the carriages further up. It always confused be how they were drawn. Lily reckoned it was some kind of animal whilst Fay suggested some kind of enchantment.
"Either way, we aren't going to get to that feast, discussing the carriages." I said grabbing Fay's arm and dragging her into the nearest carriage. Lily and Ava hopped in, shutting the door, and the carriage began to move. I zoned out whilst Lily and Fey discussed their NEWT classes this year. I felt something poking me in the side. I ignored.
"Bee" I heard Ava whisper. I ignored her.
"Bebe!" she whispered again.
"Beatrice Florence Hartley. Look at me right now." she whispered furiously. I turned my head slowly, to see Ava looking at me, suppressing giggles. She unfolded her hand, and in the middle, a huge black spider was sat. I was about to scream, but upon realising it was a fake, I rolled my eyes and whispered across to her "What?" She proceeded to levitate the spider until it was hanging over Fay's head. Ava and I, being super sly and sneak and all, sat watching the spider, until Lily let out a small scream and gestured to above Fay's head. Fay slid across the chair, grabbing whatever she could find, and hitting the spider with it.
I was in fits of laughter. After eventually convincing Fay that it was fake, and that it wasn't really 'a man-eating black hairy spider', the carriage had stopped, and we all bundled out, still laughing whilst Fay strode on ahead with impossible grace. We all followed after her, entering the grand entrance hall, then the Great Hall. The great hall was surely a sight to behold. The candles floating in the air, the night sky ceiling, the gleaming goblets and plates that were spread out along the tables. The teachers were spread out along the top table, chatting as the student upon student enter the Great Hall taking seats along the house tables. We walked passed the Slytherin, Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw tables taking seats about half way down the Gryffindor table, giving the Maruaders a wide berth.
"So, Defence Against the Dark Arts" Lily began
"I reckon its that teacher to the right of Slughorn. The browned-haired, chubby fellow." Ava said nonchalantly.
"Ah yes. That would make sense." replied Lily, ever eager to know the new teachers.
We sat chatting for a few minutes greeting other, before silence overtook the hall as Professor McGonagall led a line of nervous looking first years to the top of the hall. Professor McGonagall placed a three-legged stool in the centre, laying a old frayed hat on top.
"Urgh, I hate the sorting hat's song. I know that Gryffindors are brave, Slytherins are sly, greedy, manipulative and arrogant and Ravenclaws are clever. I know this, so why do I have to be told it every bloody year." complained Ava as the hat broke into song.
"Well, the first years don't know, do they?" Lily replied gently.
"I guess, but it does get annoying the 6th year you hear it."
"Well just think, only 1 more sorting hat song left." I said absent-mindedly
"Oh don't say that" Lily replied "It makes me upset to know we finish school in less than 2 years time."
"Well, we'll just have to make the most of it" said Ava smirking conspiratorially.
"What do you mean Ava?" Fay questioned curiously.
Before Ava could reply, there was tumultuous applause, presumably the song had finished. McGonagall began to call out names
"Artela Hamish"
A boy walked forward, visible trembling, slid onto the stool, and a few moments later the Hat shouted "Ravenclaw!"
"Bramson Delilah"
"Gryffindor!" We cheered loudly for our newest first year who looked relieved and made her way over to the table.
"Cidwell Kayla"
"Hufflepuff!"
"Cromlet Jack"
"Ravenclaw!"
"Dago Septimus"
"Slytherin!"
And the sorting continued, our table cheering loudly for the new Gryffindors, until Dumbledore, the school's slightly mad but nevertheless incredibly intelligent headmaster, got to his feet.
"Instead of making a long and most likely boring speech, I shall just tell you to dig in." and the dishes in front of them magically filled with food.
"Urgh" I groaned "Why did you let me eat so much?"
"So I can't tempt you with anymore trifle" Ava taunted chuckling at my misfortunate.
"Urgh" I mumbled before collapsing on the table.
Before Ava could reach for the trifle and wave it in front of me, the food promptly disappeared thankfully. Dumbledore stop up and once again gave out notices about banned objects, warned people to stay away from the forbidden forest etc. I quickly grew disinterested at the warnings, but laughed when he stared straight at the Marauders at each new warning or notice. Soon after he sent us up to bed, and so we scrambled out of the hall, whilst Lily disappeared to lead the first years.
We all rushed out the masses of stairs to the common room and then up into our dormitory. We quickly got ready for bed and we all sat on our respective beds, as we waited for Lily to
arrive.
So I know it sounds stupid, but its a tradition. Every first night, we all make a bet on who we are most likely to get with before the end of the year, and the others make a bet on someone else who you are likely to get with. Then every Halloween night at the party the Marauders throw, you have to complete a dare with the person, the others have chosen. At the end of the year, whoever's predictions are right, gets paid in sweets. Thus, every year, Lily picks James so we can't and she will never get dared to do anything involving James.
So, as Lily turned up, and got changed as we were discussing who we would choose.
Ava goes first: "Toby Hall". We all nod and exchange glances - I can definitely see that happening.
Lily goes next: "Potter" - no surprises there really.
Fay goes next "Kieran Gethan". I smile. I always though they would make a cute couple.
I go last "Charlie Kirkwood". The others nod. Lily smiles but the others maintain their poker faces.
"And so, let us convene Lily and Fay and choose Ava's fling" I said in my best impression of the cool voiceover guy. Lily and Fay jumped on to bed, and I was hit with suggestion upon suggestion.
"What about Francis Verheul" Lily whispered, and Fay hurriedly agreed." They would be adorable" I whispered back. "True that. True that." We sighed as Fay whispered her catchphrase and then proceeded to let Ava know that we thought Francis was her knight in shining armour. She smirked, chuckled and then proceed to say in her voiceover man voice "Will Bebe and Fay convene at my bed to discuss Lily's fate."
We scrambled over, launching ourselves on to Ava's bed knocking her off in the process and sending a pillow flying at Lil. I helped Ava up until the pillow came flying back at me. Me and Ava caught each others eyes and then attacked Lily with the pillows. Fey was far ahead of us, already hitting Lily with the pillow. Lily started laughing as Ava started tickling her. "Mercy, please, Mercy" Lily shouted between laughs.
"Okay Lillian" I said sternly "if you promise not to listen in on our discussion."
"Okay" she sighed dejectedly.
We gathered on Ava's bed, and shut the curtains.
"Right, Potter is out. So let's brainstorm any other suggestions." Ava plotted.
"Err, I reckon we need a 7th year Gryffindor or Ravenclaw" suggested Fay
"Yep, that sounds good." I replied as we considered the possibilities.
"How's about Hamish Dield"
"Big, handsome Gryffindor 7th year, right?" Fay questioned
Ava nodded, and Fay smiled before pronouncing "Lily's fling is Hamish Dield" as she drew open the curtains.
Lily paused for thought, then broke out into a grin when she recalled who he was. "Good taste gals!" She laughed and we moved to her bed to discuss Fay's future love life. "Right, girls" Lily said conspiratorially "I think we should pick a bit of a challenge for our Fay."
"What about Paul Flobinni?" suggested Ava. Lily quickly dismissed it, claiming a Ravenclaw wasn't really Fay's style.
"Erm, Jacob Bointon - you know that fit Hufflepuff..."
Lily considered it. Ava nodded. We were awaiting Lil's approval. "Good Idea Bee", and so I announced to the room that the selected candidate was "Jacob Bointon" once again in my lottery man voice."
Fay giggled "I look forward to the challenge." She smirked, and winked at me before announcing the final selection for me.
In past years, I have had absolutely ludicrous picks, the downright impossible, with the result of 1 bet won my friends in 4th year.
Not going to lie, I was nervous. What if they picked someone I hated. Oh Merlin, if they picked
Josh Liedalm, I would just die. I disliked that boy massively every since he convinced Peeves to pick a student and follow them all day, clapping cymbals together. That poor, unfortunate student was me, and it didn't stop until McGonagall dealt with the both of them. I don't think my ears have recovered.
A sudden loud laugh shook me from my day-dreaming. This couldn't be good I thought as the curtains were pulled apart to reveal a smirking Fey, a howling with laughter Ava and a rather guilty looking Lily.
"Black" Fey said.
I froze.
Then I burst out laughing "HAHAHAHAH, nice one Ava. I really believed you for a second there." When I had somewhat recovered, I noticed they weren't laughing. "Come on then, who is it really?" I questioned.
Silence
"Oh Merlin" I whispered.
Ava was desperately trying to hold back her laughing, Lily was still looking guilty, and Fay was smiling. I laughed again, realising the hilarity of the situation I would find myself in come Halloween. And then everyone joined in.
By the end of our laughing session, Ava had tears rolling from her eyes, whilst Fay was doubled over in pain, clutching her sides. I had to admit that it was rather funny.
I decide now would be the appropriate time to seek revenge and continue the pillow fight from earlier. And so, I leapt on Ava slamming my pillow into her side. Her eyes narrowed. She grabbed her pillow and I felt a blow to my side as she reacted. Lily and Fay seemed to have joined in until I had no idea who I was hitting with my pillow.
Eventually, we collapsed on our beds, and fairly soon, sleep crept up on me and swallowed me, as I dreamt of the upcoming terror of Halloween night.
I'm fairly sure I will survive.
Fairly.
