My name is Violet Lyons, contrary to what you might hear. A very obnoxious boy by the name Teddy Lupin made it his life goal First Year to make sure I was addressed by any other name besides my own.
The names he suggested to students were: Lanky Lyons, Vast Violet, Invisigirl, and Vapid Violet. Not very original (or very good), but highly effective.
His lovely attempt to make me unknown has succeeded, and he and his group of troublemakers walked gracefully to the peak of irresistibility. I may sound a little bitter, but as luck, or my friend Lexi would have it, I am now going to blow Lupin's tiny brain out of the water.
Alexis "Lexi" Verte is my best friend. She's a muggle, but we're as thick as thieves. We've been mates since we were in dippers, and I trust her with my life. When I told her of magic and how I'd be disappearing for 10 months out of the year, she said "Alright." without a second thought.
Anyway, Lexi gave me a much-welcomed makeover this summer, which will hopefully stun the boys, especially Lupin. Lexi's makeover wasn't a "Make me slutty" makeover; it was a "Discovering your inner beauty and making it shine" makeover. I have to say, I'm rather impressed. I actually look like what a seventeen-year old girl should look like!
I never took much consideration for my looks the past few years, but I managed to make myself presentable. Now with my new haircut and new sense of style I think this year will go along perfectly. Now all I have to do is get Lupin to wish he had never proclaimed me an outcast.
"Vi! Are you ready to go?" My mother called from downstairs. I looked in the mirror at my new haircut once more, before grabbing my bag and trunk and descending to the living room.
My mother was dressed in muggle attire, as usual, and had a happy, comforting smile on her beautiful face. I had always admired my mother. Despite my father running out on us, she had never had let that bring her down. She was probably the most independent woman I had ever met.
"Are you excited for your last year at Hogwarts?" My mother asked, while we walked outside to the car. I opened the trunk of car and lifted my trunk inside it.
"Sure." I answered, shrugging. I was sort of excited, but only because I wanted to finally get my revenge on Lupin. I doubt my mother would approve. My mother laughed lightly as she got in the car. When I got inside the car, Mother had started the car and backed out of our driveway.
The ride to the station was relatively quiet, besides the radio playing. I was thinking so deeply about my revenge plan, I didn't realize we had arrived at the station.
"Vi!" My mother snapped her fingers in front of my face, causing me to jump.
"Sorry! What happened?" I asked, startled.
"We're at the station." She replied, with an amused smile on her face.
"Oh, right!" I unbuckled my seat belt, and got out of the car. My mother had already gotten my trunk out of the car, so we both walked onto the platform.
"This will be the last time I get to run through this wall." My mother said nostalgically as we approached the wall in-between platforms Nine and Ten. I smiled, took my mother's hand, and ran through the wall onto Platform 9 ¾.
I looked around at all the families saying goodbye to their children, some parents crying. It made me smile to see how much parents cared about their kids. I turned to my mother, who took me in a loving hug.
"I love you, Sweetheart!" My mother exclaimed whist hugging me.
"I love you too, Mom!" I hugged back with the same amount of enthusiasm. Despite my mother being a Muggle, she accepted the Wizarding World like a new member of the family. I was always thankful for that, after hearing stories if peoples' parents proclaiming their children "freaks of nature" after receiving their letter from a silly school named Hogwarts.
As we let go of each other, my mom smiled and patted my cheek, "Be good!"
I stifled a laugh. "Aren't I always?"
My mom simply smiled, and took her hand from my cheek as I turned to get in the Hogwarts Express.
As I walked onto the familiar train, I was once again reminded of my friendless existence. I had plenty of acquaintances, but none who honestly cared about my well being. I sighed, and then sat down in an empty compartment, as usual. I took out my idea book; I wrote down any idea that would pop into my thoughts. It could be an invention, a story, or perhaps a prank to play on Lupin (I had only begun to write the pranks just recently). Any idea I had ever thought was in this book.
Once the train left the station, I was delightfully surprised at my peaceful solitude. Every year, Lupin and his gang would single me out and tease me relentlessly. As this thought crossed my mind, however, I heard the familiar voices of the Debauchers. That's what Lupin's band of merry men called themselves, as if they were gang of sorts. I never understood it, and probably never will.
As the voices got closer to my compartment, I hid my idea book, just in case. Lupin peered into the compartment across from mine, and then turned his gaze to my rather empty compartment. He smirked, but it wasn't the smirk of a boy up to no good; it was a smirk of flirtation.
You have got to be kidding me.
Lupin opened the compartment door and strolled casually in, three other boys following obediently.
"Who do we have here?" A taller boy, with dark hair behind Lupin asked.
That's Drew Corner: one of the finest boys next to Lupin. Or so I've heard from the girls in my dormitory. The other two boys weren't extraordinary, but they did have an aura around them. The decent looking blond was Rupert Hartington, while the stout, shorter fellow was Johnny McMaggins. Rupert was the moral of the group; he always made sure he mentioned his concerns before ultimately joining in on their pranks. Johnny, on the other hand, was the almost too willing part taker. I'm pretty sure that the boys keep him around only to hear him complement them.
As the rest of the boys took their seat, Lupin stood before me, with an amused expression, "I don't believe we've met." he took my hand and lifted it up to his face to kiss. I blushed, only a little, since I had never had a boy kiss me anywhere before. It was definitely not because Lupin was in any sense of the word, attractive.
Pulling myself together, I managed to remember my plan.
"Ah, but I do believe we have." I said with amusement.
Lupin's expression didn't change, "I think I would remember meeting you, Gorgeous." He winked. "Is there a name to go with that lovely face?" Oh he's laying it on thick isn't he? I don't look that different for Merlin's sake. I thought he was dating Victoire… Those two are always on and off, but I digress.
"Well most people know me by, Lanky Lyons." I watched with pleasure as Lupin's face of amusement changed to horror. He dropped my hand like it was on fire.
"Lyons?" He shouted angrily.
Johnny almost laughed, but covered it up with a cough.
"Like hell you're Lyons!" Drew exclaimed with slight amusement in his voice.
I turned my gaze to Johnny, "I should know who I am, shouldn't I?"
"You can't be Lyons, you're-" Rupert began, but I cut him off.
"Attractive? No longer lanky or vast?" I suggested spitefully, standing up looking directly into Lupin's blue eyes. He looked incredulous; he wasn't sure what to say or do anymore. I felt accomplished.
"Well, if you lot are done gaping at me like a school of fish…" I left the compartment, letting out a breath I didn't know I was holding in. My heart was beating wildly; I had never had the guts to stand up to the Debauchers. I smiled, steadying my breath and continued down the hallway and spotted a compartment with only one girl inside.
I knocked, and slid the door open, "Could I sit with you? Everywhere else is full."
The girl, who had the most beautiful long brunette hair I had ever seen, looked up with a dreamy expression on her face. Somehow this expression didn't make her look insane; it made her look even lovelier.
"Of course you may." She smiled, closing the book that was in her lap.
I smiled and took a seat across from her.
"I'm Felincy Longbottom." She smiled, holding out her hand. Oh! She's Professor Longbottom's daughter. I took her hand and shook it, "I'm Violet Lyons."
"That's a lovely name." Felincy said in her dreamy voice.
"Thanks." I smiled, "Yours is too. So what are you reading?" I asked glancing at the book on Felincy's lap.
"100 Ways to Catch a Billywigg!" She exclaimed. "My house was swarming with them this summer. They are quite useful in potions."
"Are they? I've never seen on before." In fact I had never even heard of one before.
"Seriously?" She looked outraged. I smiled at her seriousness, and nodded. She proceeded to rummage in her school bag, and took out a jar. I looked on in amazement, "Whoa..." I breathed, taking the jar and looking at the many creatures in the jar. They couldn't have been bigger than my fingertip, and flew so quickly I almost didn't believe I was looking at real creatures.
Felincy looked on excitedly, before I gave her the jar back.
"Aren't they lovely?" She asked, while stuffing the jar back into her school bag.
"They are certainly interesting, to say the least." I admitted. They reminded me of bees; I hate bees. I've never been stung by a bee, nor to I intend to anytime soon. My mother had been stung once and it looked painful. Too painful.
After this introduction, Felincy and I continued to talk. We talked about our favorite classes and favorite teachers. Despite Felincy's placement in Ravenclaw, we seemed to be on the same page about most of our favorites.
"Oh! It looks like we'll be arriving at Hogwarts soon!" Felincy exclaimed, looking outside. I also saw the familiar landscape moving quickly past the window.
Felincy stood up, "I'm going to go get dressed in my robes."
"I probably should too." I said, also standing up. I was comfortable in this compartment, and I wasn't sure if the Debauchers were out looking for me. I don't doubt that they had a new prank for this term, and I'm quite positive it revolves around me. Taking a quick breath, I strode from our compartment to the changing areas. Again, luck must have been on my side because none of the Debauchers seemed to be around. I quickly changed into my Gryffindor robes, and returned to Felincy's compartment. I could see the castle from the window and felt giddy for the new year. My last year at Hogwarts was about to begin… and I'm not quite sure I'm ready.
The feast was spectacular, as it usually is at the beginning of the school year. Headmistress McGonagall addressed all the rules we usually hear at the beginning of term, and made an announcement directed at the Debauchers.
"All students should remember that elaborate pranks to embarrass the staff or fellow students will not be tolerated. If any student is found using Dungbombs, Canary Creams, Portable Swamps, Ton-tongue Toffees, or any other Weasley's Wizard Wheezes product will find themselves in detention for a month." Headmistress looked directly at the Debauchers who were all nudging one another. Professor Merryweather, the current Potions Master, began to laugh, but quickly began coughing to excuse himself.
"Ahem. Now first years, it is important that you…" Headmistress McGonagall continued.
Keeping my gaze towards the Debauchers who were also looking in my direction. Rupert moved his finger across his throat, smiling. I rolled my eyes in response. It was amusing that Lupin was so upset at our meeting on the train, though I do have to admit that I am a little worried about what prank they could be planning. I'll have to check my food with a charm to make sure none of the "delights" from a Skiving Snackbox find their way into my meals.
"… Prefects will take you to your common rooms. If you get lost along the way, just ask myself or any number of the staff for assistance. And so, this concludes the first meal of the year! Please go to your dormitories, we don't want to assign any detentions the first night." She once again took a moment to glare at the Debauchers.
Everyone got up from their tables in a rush. I could hear many of the girls near me talk of the Debauchers, and their plans to "snag" one of them this year. I smiled sighing; I was never one of those girls to obsess over a boy, especially a boy who had no future investments. The Debauchers were all like that; they cared about the girls for a moment, and then moved on. It shouldn't bother me that much since it hardly effects me, but they're mistreating women! Us women have to stick together against such treatment! … Then again, the girls who flaunt themselves to the Debauchers aren't the kind of girls who would share my opinion.
As I walked towards the Grand Staircase I took note of how many students there were this year. I also noticed that I didn't spot Lupin's constantly unusual hair color upon those stairs. I casually glanced behind me, and thankfully didn't see him or his crew tailing me.
"Oi! Lyons!" A voice in front of me exclaimed. I turned to see Drew Corner through the crowd, to which I turned back around and kept walking.
"Wait up!" He pushed his way through the students and caught up to me.
"What do you want Corner?" I asked with as little concern as I could muster.
"Well," He began smugly, "I think it would be a good idea if we went to Hogsmeade together."
I looked over at him, almost missing a step on the stairs. I had never been asked out to Hogsmeade so my first reaction would have been "YES!" However, in this situation, I was not at all trusting of this boy. "Pardon?" I finally replied, still flabbergasted.
"Hogsmeade, with me. Some butterbeer perhaps?" He continued to smirk, and cocked an eyebrow at me.
Just as I was about to respond with a thousand reasons no, another voice interrupted. A very familiar voice. "Corner! Who are you talking to?" Lupin's voice sounded too close for comfort.
Drew's smirk faded, but the amusement continued to shine through his blue eyes.
Not that his eyes sparkle, or anything.
Lupin finally appeared at my left, sporting a teal-blue hair color. Ridiculous. "Lyons?" he asked in that disgusted tone he reserved for my name. Drew, who was at my right stayed silent, but began to smile. Was that the prank? To ask me out?
"Why the hell are you talking to her?" Lupin asked Drew, incredulous. We all stopped walking, to the dismay of many students trying to get to their dormitory.
"Maybe, instead of being a dick like you Lupin, he was trying to be nice." I said, not hiding my grin, deciding to play into the game Drew was playing.
"Ha! You're dafter than I thought, Lyons." Lupin chuckled as if he was enlightening a young child. I was fuming, but trying to hide it. It wasn't working too well; I could tell by the smug expressions on their faces.
"Aw, so you do think about me outside of these pleasant encounters." I smiled, feeling quite witty. Lupin stared at me appalled I could suggest such a thing, whilst Drew stifled a laugh.
"You'd like that, wouldn't you, Lyons?" Lupin bitterly replied. I noticed that teal-blue hair of his was gaining some red steaks.
"Obviously, you do." I snapped. Lupin looked completely gob smacked at my retaliation.
Drew climbed the stairs quickly, as if he knew that Lupin was about to blow a fuse. I wasn't sure if I should take Drew's hint and leave as well, but Lupin was already rushing up the steps, yelling at me, "You're going to get it Lyons!"
I looked around as a few of my fellow Gryffindors looked at me in shock. I pushed back my hair self-consciously, and started up the steps at a steady pace. The Debauchers were already angry with me because of the train, and I'm sure this little rendezvous was not going to ease their fury.
As I walked into the familiar room of red and gold, the chatter was almost deafening. Everyone was talking about their classes, and their summers, and anything else they could bring into the conversation. I looked around for the bulletin board, so I could find out what classes I had tomorrow. Hopefully I had at least one class with the Ravenclaws, so I could have Felincy to talk to.
The strong scent of butterbeer was overwhelming, though it did smell delightful. It reminded me of Hogsmeade. Approaching the bulletin board, I noticed a lot more flyers promoting Quiddtich; Perhaps I'll try out this year. I'm a decent beater. Finally looking over at the timetables, I sighed, relieved. I had Potions and Transfiguration with the Ravenclaws. This should insure that I would not seem like a total social outcast.
"Violet?" A very feminine voice asked.
I turned around to see a sweet looking girl, "Um, yes?" She looked like a first year, timid.
"The boys over there told me to give you this." She held out a small package, maybe the size of Klondike Bar. I looked over in the direction the girl had nodded, and saw the Debauchers, all smirking, sitting on the table. This should be good.
I smiled sweetly, "Thank you…"
"Stephanie." She finished for me, smiling.
"Yes, thank you Stephanie." I carefully took the package. She smiled and walked away, feeling accomplished. I walked past the Debauchers, and threw the package into the roaring fire. Naturally, it exploded into little fireworks that probably would have exploded in my face had I been stupid enough to open it. Dusting off my hands in triumph, I turned to see the Debauchers disappointed faces.
I walked over to them, "Seriously? You thought I would open it?"
Johnny was the only one to reply, "We figured you'd live up to your new nickname: Ludicrous Lyons."
Lupin looked at Johnny in an annoyed fashion (for reasons unknown to me), and then smiled, "I do believe we have a new favorite name for you Lyons."
"What's yours? Teddy 'the twat' Lupin?" I retorted, crossing my arms. Lupin jumped down from his sitting position on the table to stand, well, tower over me.
"You know, Lyons, I wasn't going to plan an elaborate prank to embarrass you in front of all of Hogwarts, but you've just changed my mind." He said in a low voice, scowling.
"Ooh, I'm scared." I said in an equally low voice. Our faces, despite his height, were nearly 6 inches apart. Noticing this, I became slightly flustered, but tried to conceal it.
"Teddy!" A shrill voice squealed. Both Teddy and I turned to see Victorie Weasley, standing with her hands on her hips. I never liked Victorie. She was always gloating about her Veela heritage. She didn't like me much either, but I never really understood why. It probably had to do with her alliance with the Debauchers.
"Teddy, who are you talking to?" She asked, while looking me up and down.
Lupin distanced himself from me, and turned to his on-off girlfriend, smiling. "Oh, nobody. She's nobody." He said in a bitter tone, not unlike the tone Victorie constantly used with me.
"Yes, I'm nobody." I agreed, with a sly smile. Now why would I need to be a nobody to Lupin when Victorie is around?
Johnny laughed, "Nobody- Ouch!" I looked to see Johnny rubbing his side, while Rupert looked on as if nothing had happened.
Drew slid off the table he was sitting on and put his arm around my shoulders. "She's a friend of mine."
I looked over at him befuddled. "Uh, wha-"
Drew interrupted, "Lyons here has been-"
"Lyons?" Victorie shrieked, before she began laughing. "She's not Lyons. Lyons looks like the giant squid."
Oh, so she does know who I am. Not only that, she dislikes me for her own reasons, not because of the Debauchers. How reassuring.
Drew noticed my face getting red out of frustration with her. "Well, look at her now eh?" He shook me, with his one arm around my shoulders. Victorie looked me over again, and then grabbed Lupin's hand possessively.
"Don't you have somewhere else to be, Lyons?" She glared at me, "Maybe somewhere you're accepted?"
I plainly smiled, "Right." I moved away from Drew, and excused myself from their little group, and thankfully no one tried to stop me.
She really irritated me. In fact, she irritated me more than Lupin. I suppose that was why they were "perfect" for each other. At least tomorrow I wouldn't have to withstand their highly annoying presence. Plus, tomorrow was Transfiguration; that class is my favorite.
I walked up the stairs to the Girls' Dormitory, glancing back towards the Debauchers and Victorie Weasley, all of whom were all staring right back at me. I have a feeling that tomorrow won't be as uneventful as I had hoped