Chapter One: "Dilemma"
"I'm your piece of mind, fight for what you've made yourself believe," - Can't Hold On by Shiloh
"Will you hurry up, dear? We need to leave now!" Yelled a voice from downstairs. I turned towards my bedroom door as I closed my trunk.
"Coming, mom!" I yelled back, fastening the last strap. I picked up the trunk and exited my clean bedroom, grabbing my duffel bag full of Quidditch magazines, my book 'The Complete Works of Poe', and some gold for the trolley, swinging it onto my shoulder. My father stopped me before I reached the stairs, with a smile and a flick of his wand, my trunk took itself downstairs. At least until half way down when it dropped and thunked down the stairs.
I sighed, "You know dad, I don't understand why you think that's so funny." My father held his side laughing as my mother screamed from the bottom of the steps.
"I swear if you do that again - !" she just shook her head as she picked up the fallen luggage and took it outside to the car. My brothers Nikolai and Mihael followed behind her, their things already packed. I descended the stairway, my dad now calmed followed behind me.
"Aleksi! Come on, you don't want to miss the first train ride of the rest of your life!" My dad yelled jokingly towards the kitchen where my younger sister was walking out dragging her feet. It was her first year at Hogwarts and she was not looking forward to it.
"But daddy! I wanna stay here with you and mom." See? She is pouting and if I know dad – which I do – he is not going to fall for that.
"Just, get in the car," He mumbled, holding the door for us. I put my shoes on and stood up, taking the jacket hanging by the front door and slipping it on. Aleksi did the same and one by one the three of us left the house, getting into our fathers car, which was the only seats left available.
I helped Aleksi into the back of the car while I climbed into the front. My elder brother Yakov placed the last of the trunks in the back of our mother's car and climbed in with her and the other boys, driving out of the long winding driveway. My father followed just behind.
The car ride as always is quiet, except for the random sighs or sniffling coming from the back, to which I just ignored while dad just turned up the music. He was never good at handling emotional girls. Sometimes I bet he wished he had all boys.
Then dad turned the music down again, I just turned towards him, raising one eyebrow, "I was wondering, Tania, have you thought about maybe joining Quidditch this year? I heard that Ravenclaw is down a Beater." He asked as subtly as he could.
"No. I have no intentions of joining the team," I shrugged. I'm much too focused on studying, like I'd have time to study and play on the team.
"Well, you know, your brother Yakov thinks you'd be a perfect addition to the team, I'm sure he'd put in a good word for you." Dad said, turning in to parking lot at the train station, parking beside mom's car.
I opened the door as Aleksi ran out towards our brothers, "I'm sure he would." I smiled at my older brother. As much as I'd like to say we all have some sibling rivalry going on in the family, we really don't. The five of us get along very well, even with young Aleksi and her complaining. We look out for each other.
Yakov turned to look at us, questioningly, "Is there something you needed?" he asked. I just shook my head lifting my duffel bag onto my shoulder, walking towards the entrance, my dad dragging my trunk ahead of us. We all followed.
Nikolai was teasing Aleksi, telling her she'd better be careful or else she'd be stuck in Slytherin if she wasn't being nice to anyone. She started crying and mom scolded her son about being nice. It was like that until we got to Platform 9 and ¾. One by one we all entered, myself going after Yakov and Aleksi. We waited for the rest of the family, not really paying attention to our surroundings, which is until we heard Aleksi gasp.
Of course, she has never seen the station. I turn to look at her mouth hanging open, looking at the train whose steam was billowing out. I remember my first time seeing the enormous train, it was quite the shocker. I smile looking back at her, she continued to stare, but at least became aware of the people around her, she backed off a little, grabbing the back of my jacket.
The minutes flew by and we said our goodbyes, gathering on the train, Mihael and Nikolai left to find their friends while myself and Yakov tried to find a room for Aleksi to sit in. Opening one compartment we found some young kids.
Yakov cleared his throat and the kids jumped, most of the young girls blushed at him. "I was wondering if I could leave my sister with you, would that be alright?" he flashed a brilliant smile.
I just chuckled, elbowing him in the ribs, "Yes, Yakov, go ahead and charm the young girls," he just looked at me, oblivious of what his good looks did to girls, even the girls years younger then him.
He coughed, and turned, "Yes, well will she be able to accompany the three of you?" again trying to get an answer out of the shocked girls, they just nodded. Taking that as a definitive answer, I pushed Aleksi in front of me, showing them who will be joining them. I give her a nudge and she shyly walked in.
"Hi, I'm Aleksi Yuran." She introduced herself, looking at her shoes.
"My name is Rosalyn Burrows. I'm new!" one of the girls introduced.
"Samantha Jones, I like your name Aleksi, it's really different," another one, a blonde, perked up grinning, revealing a missing tooth.
"Jamina Reddy, it's nice to meet you," the third introduced, waving Aleksi over to the open seat beside her. Once she sat down and the four of them started talking about what houses they want to be sorted into, Yakov and Tania left the room. As they stood outside, Yakov turned to his younger sister.
"So, did dad ask you if you were thinking about joining the Quidditch team?" he motioned forward, the two walked down the crowded corridor. "I got a letter about try outs being held this week. You should go."
"Yes, and I don't want to be on the team," I remarked. "Besides, I didn't pack my broom. So I can't try out." I smiled.
"You didn't." He was frowning now, making his way in front of me and blocking my path, arms crossed. "Why would you do something like that, Tania? Really?"
I sighed, "You know me well Yakov. I just don't like the attention. I like being invisible. I don't get hexed by Slytherins as often as any other student and I certainly don't get distracted from my school work. This is the soul purpose of going to school!"
This fight had been going on for as I was able to join the team. I mean, I love playing with my family and friends during the summer, but to actually be on the House team was something I would not do.
"Good-bye Yakov, I'll talk to you later," I squeezed by him and continued down the passage way to a very familiar compartment. The one my friends and I ride in every year. Upon getting closer to it I see him.
Not just anyone, but the Captain of the Ravenclaw Quidditch Team, Roger Davies. He walked past me with out even the slightest bit of acknowledgment. It was only because he doesn't even know who I am. I turn just slightly to see him greet my brother on the way to their compartment. Even though Roger is in my year, him and my brother were very good friends and hung out with a few other guys on the team.
The team currently consists of my brother Yakov, Roger Davie, Cho Chang, Jason Samuels, and Jeremy Stretton. They seemed to be in need of one beater and one chaser. I knew that even if I tried out, there would be someone better then me.
I sigh and open the door to my compartment to be enveloped in a very tight embrace by my friends, who pull me inside.
As soon as everyone settled we began to chat about what we did in the summer. Of course we had written to each other but it had been about two weeks since we last sent a message. It was something we did since we realized we had nothing to speak of on our train ride.
"So, Tania, your sister is joining us at Hogwarts this year, isn't she?" Aleana Stewarts asked; her cropped blonde hair swung when she turned to me.
"Yes, that's right; Yakov and I found her a nice compartment with three young girls. They seemed pleased to have more company," I giggled, "Or perhaps it was my brother's presence that set off the looks a joy on their faces!"
Everyone began to laugh; Vivianne Franks was the first to recover, "Of course! He's always been a looker."
"Oh Vivianne, be careful with that! We all know that you have a crush on the boy!" Aleana hid a well placed smile behind her hand.
"Shush!" she shrieked, her cheeks coloured greatly and contrasted horribly with her mousy hair.
I smiled knowingly as the bickering picked up. I turned to the last member of our group. A bespectacled young lady sat across from me, seemingly reading her latest issue of 'Witch Weekly', but to the trained eye one can see her occasionally cast a glance over the top of the page towards her best friend.
"Well Tessa, are you going to speak to me or will you continue with those casual glances?" I asked smirking.
"Well Tania, since you now spoke to me there will be no need for my 'casual glances' is there?" she mocked. Tessa Edwards was a petite girl; she had short light brown hair that curled near her jaw line. She had atop her nose a pair of thick-framed glasses and her hazel eyes were focused on me behind them.
"How is your father doing? I suppose he's rather busy?" I asked, honestly curious.
"Oh you know, as busy as a Ministry member can be at this time, barely saw him all Summer." she frowned deeply, "So I stayed at my Aunt's house. At least my cousins gave me good company."
I sighed, "You know you could've asked to stay with me awhile? My parents wouldn't have minded."
"Yes of course because handling five children wasn't enough? Make a sixth one make them absolutely mad with all the crazy happenings! You and I, we are fine on our own, get us together and we can drive them up the wall! Yes, I'll definitely help you send your parents to St. Mungo's!" Tessa responded, her face was a picture perfect look of seriousness
I began to laugh uncontrollably, "Oh, yes please do! I tire of my parents!"
The laughter lasted the entire ride to school.
The Hogwarts Express came to a halt and everyone had left the train and entered carriages while the first years left with Hagrid. I watched as my sister Aleksi left with the three girls, smiling and laughing, at least until after the initial shock of our half-giant groundskeeper introduced himself.
Once sitting in the carriage, Aleana began to debrief everyone on her one week excursion to Italy with her boyfriend and his family. Aleana was dating a chaser for the Ravenclaw Quidditch team, Jason Samuels. Apparently, they had a lot of fun and she had picked us all up souvenirs and will be giving them to us on arrival to our room.
The carriage ride was somewhat quiet and peaceful, filled with idle chatter as everyone sat waiting to arrive at their school so the sorting and the feasting could begin. And I was starving!
The School came into sight, and as always I could feel a lurch in my heart. This place would always be considered a second home to me, no matter where I was in my life. Hogwarts was a massive looming castle with gables, towers and a crumbling brick exterior. The aspect of the school being old never truly crossed my mind, because I knew that - no matter how long it had stood here - it was an indestructable structure.
The carriage came to an abrupt stop, which caused us to grasp the edges a little tighter to stop us from flying into one another. Following the example of those around us, we all exited the safety of our transport to be met with Professor Flitwick who seemed to be overseeing our arrival this year. He waved at all of us, regardless of House and many greeted him kindly. I, too, greeted him with a smile and a small wave in his direction as Aleana, Vivianne, Tessa, and myself entered through the main entrance of the school and followed the current students to the Grand Hall.
Once we arrived at the Grand Hall all of us sat at our corresponding tables. I was always hesitant, being the closest House to Slytherin in that room, which meant I refused to have my back to them. The year just started and - as I'm aware that they wouldn't hex anyone so early or with so many witnesses - I never took my chances. Tessa and I sat facing Aleana and Vivianne. Several younger students sat around us. Further down the table I could see my brother sitting with his roommates and, of course, the Quidditch team. I sat back and enjoyed the sorting as much as I could.
I sighed, "The only person I care about being sorted is Aleksi! Oh, why does our last name have to be Yuran? Why not something with an 'A'? Ridiculous."
"Oh, I'm sure it'll be soon, just be patient!" Tessa encouraged.
Several minutes passed and it came to the end of the alphabet. "Waters, Michelle." A small girl with an upturned nose sauntered to the stool and threw herself on the seat. She looked annoyed but nervous, having so many people watching. The sorting hat deliberated. "Slytherin!"
A round of applause came from the table across from me. I shivered involuntarily.
"Yuran, Aleksi." I turned to watch my youngest sibling slowly approach the stool and lower herself into the seat. Much gentler then she usually was. I realized just how vulnerable she was being new. The hat spoke to her and announced, "Hufflepuff!" I sighed. Sad that she wasn't in my House so that I may be able to watch over her, but she seemed happy and I saw why. The three girls she sat with on the train welcomed her to her new table and the entire group began to chat quickly.
At least she wouldn't be alone. That was all I asked for. Dumbledore's speech was short and the normal things it usually was about. He spoke of the Forbidden Forest, Filch adding more things to the list of banned items, welcomed new and old students, and (of course) Quidditch. The food appeared and we all fell into a silence while we gathered our food and began to consume it.
I caught myself glancing towards the Hufflepuff table in hopes Aleksi would look as happy as she did to begin with. She looked pleased to be with her friends. Perhaps I'm just being a little nosy, maybe even overprotective. I was lost in my thoughts and didn't notice my friends looking to me expectantly.
"Tania! Quidditch tryouts are in three days! Please tell me you finally decided to join this year?" Aleana whispered, leaning towards me from across the table.
I placed my head in my hands, "You too? For the last time, no."
A collection of objections and sighs of irritation was heard from my three friends. I ignored them successfully and stuck my fork into the remaining roasted potato on my plate. Just as I was about to take a bite out of my potato a commotion shocked everyone in the vicinity. The voice that yelled out made my heart rise into my throat.
"You must!" Roger Davies yelled, jumping up from his seat. I turned to look at him, hoping he didn't somehow hear our conversation. To my relief he was looking straight at my brother, who only gave a relaxed, albeit nervous smile to his younger Captain. "Tell me, who is this fantastic Beater you speak of?" He finally asked, a little quieter this time, after realizing what amount of attention his outburst caused.
Yakov shook his head apologetically, "Sorry mate, I can't tell you, it's a secret."
"A secret? Honestly Yuran, why bring up this guy if you refuse to tell me who he is!" Roger was desperate and agitated now.
I let out a breath I didn't know I was even holding. 'He thinks this fantastic Beater is a male? Well if that isn't sexist - I'm well aware, Yakov, that you are talking about me.' I thought bitterly.
I wasn't being conceited, because Yakov always told me I was a 'fantastic Beater' so to go as far as to say my brother wasn't – in a way- 'painting a pretty picture of me' was ridiculous.
Although, I know he never says anything unless he has a plan behind what he speaks of.
At the corner of my eye I noticed Roger had sat back down and was begrudgingly stabbing at the piece of meat on his plate sending glares at the older Ravenclaw that sat beside him. He said something in a hushed tone so I could not hear, his team seemed to stiffen slightly and a look of pure horror struck there faces. Roger dropped his fork on the plate with such a clatter and left the room quickly as to not attract any more attention.
"What was your brother thinking? Provoking Roger like that? Does he not know he's a right git when it comes to Quidditch?" Vivianne said in quick succession. It was so quick I barely caught what she said.
I was watching my brother look quite nervous about whatever Roger just told him, his friends seemed to be talking to him.
"I'm not sure," was all I could manage to get out. Something about the look on Yakov's face unsettled me. Like somehow I would be screaming at him for doing something so stupid.
As the feast came to a quick end, the prefects were called to bring all the first years to their respective new homes. I followed quickly behind my friends as we headed to the Ravenclaw Tower. We gave our answer to the door and began to crowd into the already over stuffed Common Room. I followed the three girls as they ran up a spiral staircase towards the Girls Dormitories. We hurried past the newest batch of first years as prefect Penelope Clearwater explained about whose dorms were whose. I gave Penelope a curt nod as we passed; she briefly smiled back and continued her explanation.
Upon reaching our door near the end of the hall we hurried our way into the richly decorated room. Four poster beds with our blue and bronze décor were spread lavishly around the room. The small fireplace in the center of the room was set ablaze. The fire and our luggage being the only evidence of the Hogwarts house elf's presence left in the room.
I claimed my usual bed at the far right of the room and sat down, rolling my shoulders gently.
"How exciting! Our sixth year at Hogwarts!" Aleana squealed, she reached her trunk and began to pull it apart, taking out textbooks, clothing and other commodities.
"Oh I know, I'm most excited for Apparation Exams! When was that again?" Tessa asked eagerly, she pulled out several of her current repertoire of reading material. It seems she is into Muggle authors at this time.
I just smiled as I pulled my wand out of my pocket, a quick swish of my wand and my belongs unpacked themselves onto my bed in an orderly fashion, I stood and began to manually put my clothing and other belongings away. "Oh, I believe Apparation Exams are after Christmas break. That is at least what Yakov told me. Oh, and be sure you have twelve Galleons handy."
A loud gasp was heard on the other side of the room, "Twelve? Oh dear, I'll be asking my parents for that amount at Christmas time, and that is all I'll get!" Vivianne complained.
"Oh, hey everyone! I found your gifts!" Aleana shrieked. I turned to watch her pull out three small boxes only to drop them when Vivianne literally ran at her.
"What did you get us? Let us see!" Vivianne asked, her smile was contagious as Tessa and I joined her.
Aleana picked up all three boxes and sat down on her bed facing us, she opened the first box and we all saw the beautiful silver chain with a circular pendant on it. She was looking at the pendant, seemingly reading what looked like an Italian word on it.
"This one is yours Viv," she opened the second and gave it to Tessa and the last one she gave to me.
I took the opened box from her and peered at the pendant only then realizing I had seen a similar one before. Aleana seemed to be wearing a fourth necklace which – compared to ours – was very much the same.
"It's so nice! Thank you, oh I wish I would've gotten you something, it just doesn't feel right," Tessa spoke up.
Aleana just dismissed this with a wave of her hand, still smiling at us.
"I, too, appreciate the sentiment, Aleana," I said, "Although, I'm curious what the inscription means. It seems to be in a language I'm not familiar with."
Aleana laughed, "Well, you see, mine says, 'dolce' which means sweet. Viv, yours says 'eccitato' which means excited. Tessa's says 'disponibile' meaning helpful. Lastly, Tania, yours says 'pudico' which is modest. They are all Italian words describing your best qualities that I admire."
I couldn't help but smile at this. "You certainly picked the right word for yourself; this is certainly a very sweet thing to do for sure."
This comment caused Aleana to blush profusely, "Well you see, Jason actually suggested that word for mine."
"Awe! That is so cute! Have I ever told you how adorable the two of you are?" Vivianne gushed at her; she grabbed Aleana's hands and squeezed them tightly to her heart. Aleana pulled them back laughing at her actions.
I walked back to my bed, placing my new gift on my bedside table next to a pile of leftover candy from the train ride over. We all completed our unpacking and sat on Tessa's bed. It was only quarter past nine and none of us felt the least bit tired. We decided to speak of the prospects of this year.
Vivianne decided to start, "So, did you see Stephan Benoit? Is it possible he got more attractive or am I imagining things?" Stephan Benoit is a seventh year Ravenclaw and one of my brother's roommates. I can agree that he is a very visually appealing young man – he's tall, has amazing blonde hair and the most gorgeous blue-hazel eyes anyone has every seen, but there is one thing I refuse to tell Viv about him that would probably hurt her thoughts of him. He was a downright rude, perverted git!
"Of course we saw him; you pointed him out when he walked past our compartment on the train!" Tessa laughed, unenthusiastically. She, too, knows about him.
Aleana chose this time to speak up, "So, does anyone think that our resident meek and modest Ravenclaw, Tania Yuran will finally land herself a man?" Everyone began to giggle while I sat there with - what I hoped was – a look of indifference. It is well known that I have never had a boyfriend, while each friend of mine has had at least two in the past. It seems I have been deemed as 'unlikable' to men. Was it my looks? Or was it my personality? Or maybe my intelligence scared people away? That last one should not count. I'm in Ravenclaw and although I get good grades in my classes, it isn't surprising. Yet there are other people who get better grades and some of them aren't even in Ravenclaw.
"Why must you bring up my lack of feminine charm?" I laughed, trying to make a big joke of the subject.
"It isn't your lack of feminine charm, it's more of – oh how do I say it?" Aleana started, she luckily didn't have to finish, and I knew where this was going.
"It's your lack of social interaction with the opposite sex." Tessa stated simply, a slight smirk on her otherwise peaceful neutral face.
Vivianne nodded and there was a resounding, 'yes!' from Aleana. I just shook my head.
"Just because I don't speak to them doesn't mean they can't come talk to me! Besides, we are at school and –" I couldn't finish.
"School is for studying." They all finished my sentence. I just sighed, was I that predictable?
Tessa leaned forward, "That is always your excuse for doing anything! Besides guys do talk to you, but you always steer the conversation towards school! That bores boys beyond comprehension! Talk about them. That's what they want!"
I gave off my own smirk, "Am I supposed to take dating advice from someone whose longest relationship was only three months?" That caused the other two to laugh.
Tessa's face coloured slightly, but to think she didn't have a well thought out retort, I was mistaken. "Well, it's more then you could say!"
"Oh, touché!" I giggled.
We talked a little bit more when there came a knock on the door, Tessa jumped up and answered it. There stood Penelope Clearwater, with a small smile on her face.
"Hello!" the three of us whom were sitting on the bed said as she took a few steps into the room.
"Hello girls, I just came in to pass a message on to Tania. Your brother wishes to speak with you, he's downstairs." She said, her gaze directed at me, waiting for me to do or say something. I just got up from the bed and walked towards the door.
"Oh, of course! Thank you for passing on the message, Penelope." I said. She just nodded and said her good-byes while she walked towards her own room.
As I reached the doors I quickly pulled on a small jumper while waving to my friends. "We'll continue our conversation when I come back, or continue as you are, I don't mind."
As I closed the door I began to wonder what my brother needed to speak to me about. He usually can wait till I see him the next day, but I decided it must be to speak to me about Aleksi, perhaps to reassure me about how she will be okay in Hufflepuff. After all, as much of a pest our two younger brothers combined are, they'd still watch out for her since they, too, are in the house.
I descended the stairs, looking around to try and find my brother. There were a few couches below the first landing where the Quidditch team usually gathered to speak of future games and practices, but he was not there. I began to look on the landing. I loved this landing the most, it was a loft of sorts and offered a good place to study when I refused to sit cooped up in my room or it was either after curfew or too crowded to go to the library.
I was surprised to see Yakov sitting at a table in the loft all by himself. He waved at me, still an ever-present look of nervousness from what Roger had said to the team was still etched on his face. I waved back and made my way over, sitting across from him, I began to question his purpose of asking me to meet with him.
"How is everything? Your friends are not being pushy are they?" He joked, but I still couldn't miss the crease in his brow. There was something bothering him, I know it!
"Everything is good, settled in quite well like every year. And my friends are not being pushy." I answered his questions, "Now tell me what's bothering you, Yakov."
He sighed, "It's that obvious something is wrong?" I nodded, "Well, since you asked, I'm in a bit of a problem, you see and you can help me."
"Oh?" I quirked my brow, "What would this be pertaining to? Not about Roger's outburst I hope."
He was silent.
"I knew it! You know, of all people, Roger is not someone you want to upset in anyway! What did he say." I leaned forward expectantly. What ever this is, it won't be good.
"He says I'm off the team -"
"What? How could he terminate your position on the term? You are one of the best Keepers in the school and he decides to do something like that!" My outburst caused a few second years nearby to jump at their table.
Yakov waved his hand at me to calm down. "No, you didn't let me finish. He said I'm off the team if I didn't bring this 'fantastic Beater' I know to the tryouts. And as you may well know, I was talking about you."
Everything went silent, I sat back in my chair as he stared at me, expectantly. I didn't know what to say. Then I finally gathered my composure. "Well, I know you can find something else to occupy your time."
He just stared at me. A look of disappointment on his face, "You won't help me? Your own brother?"
"You brought it on yourself. I told you I wouldn't join!" I crossed my arms across my chest.
He sighed, "Tania, please. Our dad would be so disappointed if I'm unable to play and you could've helped me stay on the team."
I swear, there was a glint of mischievous intent in his eyes and with that, I knew. "You planned this didn't you? You knew I'd feel obligated to assist you with this problem, because for you to let slip the whole 'fantastic Beater' thing is something you wouldn't of let happen if you truly intended on protecting my identity."
"You caught me. And that is why you are in Ravenclaw." Yakov smiled his brilliant smile. "So? Will you?"
I just sat there looking at him impassively. "No. Besides, I don't have my broomstick and God forbid I use yours." And with that, I got up from my seat and left him there calling my name. I ignored him and rushed up the steps towards my dorm, upon entering I noticed everyone was in bed now so I grabbed my own pajamas and got dressed, brushed my teeth and combed my hair. I gladly climbed into my sheets and laid there for hours before falling into a listless and uncomfortable sleep.
The four of us woke up the next morning to the sun's rays peaking through the curtains. We all silently got ready, one by one taking quick showers, doing our hair and makeup and picking out and putting on our uniforms. I was the last to get ready and as I began to adjust my blue striped tie Tessa broke our morning silence.
"So Tania, what did your brother have to talk to you about last night?" She asked.
I was quiet for a little longer. I smoothed out the pleats in my skirt and turned to the remaining three girls in the room.
"You would like to know wouldn't you?" I said quietly, sighing, "He told me about what happened with Roger Davies and the Quidditch team. Well, it really has to do with him."
They were all looking at me expecting for me to continue, but when I hadn't said anything and began to avoid eye contact they became suspicious. "And?"
I grabbed my shoulder bag with a few writing utensils and some of my textbooks. "Roger has decided that if my brother doesn't bring the person he spoke of to him to the try outs he will kick Yakov off the team." I thought they'd be shocked, but they began clapping excitedly.
"Oh, I can't wait to watch you try out! You'll do amazing." Vivianne squealed, her smile only succeeded in making me uncomfortable.
Aleana looked at me, "Tania, what's wrong? Are you not excited?"
I bit my lip in discomfort and braced myself with their reaction, "You see, I decided I would not be going to the tryouts."
"Of course you did. Have you no compassion for your poor brother?" Tessa asked as she walked towards the door opening it. She gestured for us all to follow.
As I walked towards her I shook my head. "Does my brother have to compassion or respect for me? He knew what telling him about the 'fantastic Beater' would do, besides if I even did for some reason or another show up to the tryouts I'm sure Roger would be sorely disappointed."
We made it to the Main Hall and sat down at the table. It was nearly eight o'clock which meant breakfast will last another forty five minutes before we all are to go to our first class of the year. It also meant that soon the fake sky above us would be filled with owls carrying letters, parcels and the Daily Prophet subscriptions. I made myself comfortable and began pulling a muffin onto my plate and cutting it in half. I ate it slowly, satisfied that on the way here I was able to direct the conversation elsewhere from my refusal to tryout for the Ravenclaw Quidditch team. We were now talking about why Jason and Aleana weren't sitting together.
"Jason said he wanted to catch up with his friends, and I wanted to do the same, is that so bad?" she laughed.
"Of course not, Aleana, we just think the two of you are so adorable!" Vivianne smiled. "I wish I could find someone like him, you are so lucky!"
I chuckled, "Well, first things first you must find a boy who can keep up with you. You can't even sit still!"
Tessa gave me a knowing look which meant she agreed with my statement. I went to reach for my drink when there was a lot of fluttering above our heads and before I knew what was happening, a large package fell right in front of me causing many people around me to jump and shriek in fear. I looked up in time to see my dad's owl, Barnes, fly off through the window and then back to the ridiculous package. I didn't even have to unwrap it to know what it was. I suddenly looked down the table at Yakov and the rest of the team, they were all looking at me and talking to my brother. He just had that look which meant 'got you!'
"I am extremely upset right now." Was all I managed to get out, looking back to my wrapped up Cleansweep Seven.
I suppose my expression made my friends worried, because they began tapping my arm, "Will you be alright?"
"No." I said simply. I continued to stare at the offending piece of property. My friends tried to get my attention, but it was too late. "Just – let us not talk about it now." I didn't even want to look back at the team. If anything, Davies may already know.
Everyone ate silently, occasionally offering me looks of sympathy, understanding and – at one point – annoyance. I sat stark still until Professor Flitwick came around handing everyone their schedule. Today was a Wednesday so according to my schedule I have Divination first, followed by Ancient Runes, Transfiguration, Lunch, Free Period and Care of Magical Creatures. I decided to take my package to my room and head off to Divination, so with out saying good-bye to my friends I walked out of the room and towards theRavenclawTower.
Once I finished dropping off my Cleansweep Seven I arrived back in the nearly empty Common Room to see Yakov standing there waiting for me. I went to quickly walk past him, but he grabbed my arm lightly and stopped me.
"Tania, talk to me. You have had this blank look on your face since the package dropped." He said with sincere worry.
"I'm not mad at you. I'm just kind of disappointed in you." I looked at him and he cringed. We both understand disappointment is worse then anger. "I feel like you have no respect for me! I told you I don't want to join the team and you do this? You asked dad to send my Cleansweep didn't you?" He didn't answer. "Didn't you?"
"Yes, I did, but I did this for you. Don't deny the fact you love Quidditch. You are so focused on study and school oriented things you don't even seem like you are having fun anymore. Can't you do this, not for me, but for yourself?" Yakov looked bothered, but he walked away before I could respond to what he just said.
I, too, left the Common Room and began my way towards Divination. All the while I thought about what my brother said. It is actually a very well hidden fact that I have a passion for playing Quidditch, I loved flying through the air with the wind blowing my hair all over. I loved it's fast paced plays and brutal manoeuvres. It made me forget everything else that was going on in my life. I've always tried being a Seeker, but found no skill in it. A beater is where I was meant to play not only because of me being somewhat good at the position, but it got out all of my aggression. Was I really making a terrible mistake, deciding not to play? Would I really put my brother's position on the team at risk not going?
My thought process ceased when I saw Tessa waiting for me, I gave her a quick smile hoping she'd take it that I'd be alright. She smiled back and we walked in the classroom and sat down at a table together. I noticed that there was a small amount of us in the class, which is understandable since it isn't a very popular N.E.W.T. course to take. There was ten of us. I realized me and Tessa were the only Ravenclaw members in the room. Which I don't really mind.
I began to get comfortable when Professor Trelwaney arrived. "Welcome, class, to Divination. I knew I would see your ten faces in this room!"
Why she had to add the last part was beyond my comprehension, but I decided to ignore the comment. She began describing what this year's curriculum would look like and set us up with a simple task for today, which would be reading tea leaves. I didn't mind that because I haven't had a cup of tea for quite some time. Tessa and I both brewed our own tea and began to drink the liquid leisurely whilst speaking to one another.
"I always enjoyed this class. It always provides us with something interesting and amusing all the while being a very simple subject to take." I commented.
Tessa just smirked, "Well of course. Let me see, let us make a prediction, who's tea leaves will she freak out over today?" While I looked around the room I began to think of the prospective people.
There were the Weasley twins who sat in the back meddling around with their crystal ball, nearby was their friend Lee Jordan sitting with Angelina Johnson. He seemed to be goofing around and she didn't seem, too pleased. Next I looked at two nervous looking Hufflepuff student's whose names I wasn't particularly familiar with. I saw a seventh year Hufflepuff Cedric Diggory sitting with a younger Hufflepuff girl with curly hair. She seemed to be admiring the Quidditch captain and has apparently not taken a sip of her drink. Then there were two Slytherin students, Flint and Montague sitting there looking like idiots. They hadn't even started brewing the tea.
"I'd like to see the Hufflepuff girl, Cindy, I believe her name is, get a 'Trelwaney freak-out' but it doesn't seem that will be the case with her not drinking her tea." I sighed.
Tessa laughed as she took another sip of her tea, "Indeed, but I think the Weasley twins would be most amusing as well, they always have interesting ways of handling situations." I didn't say anything just nodded.
"Alright everyone has drunk their tea? Now let me come around and see the results." Professor Trelwaney announced. Her bugged eyes traced the room eagerly.
Tessa and I trailed her every move, we heard her scold the Slytherins for not doing anything how she was impressed with the prospect of fortune and fame with the Weasley twins. She announced that Lee and Angelina's were indecipherable and the two nameless Hufflepuffs were 'confusing'. I had lost hope of a freak-out once she got to our table she just looked at Tessa's saying it showed she would attain greatness this year. Then she got to mine. I had looked at it and honestly didn't have the creativity to visualize anything in it.
"Now this is interesting! You will be faced with a life or death situation and you must make a choice which will ultimately cause a loss either way! A sacrifice will be made on your part!" She was starting to scare me. Not because I believed what she was saying, but more because she began to get very pale and seemed to be having difficult time breathing. "You poor child! Someone will die!"
And at that she fainted.
The rest of the morning went by uneventfully. I had received some schoolwork to do for Ancient Runes, basic deciphering review and an essay on Transfiguring components due next week. I was sitting at the table with Tessa talking about Divination class while we waited for Vivianne and Aleana to come. The both had decided against their best judgement and decided to take Potions. As much as I wouldn't of minded taking the class, I simply could not stand Snape. Worst teacher ever.
"So, why do you thinkFlintand Montague were even in Divination?" Tessa asked, "They don't seem like the most spiritually inclined people."
That made me chuckle, "Oh I'm pretty sure they thought it'd be an easy course, but then again, if they haven't realized they actually have to do something in order to pass they're in trouble. EspeciallyFlint, he needs to graduate. This time for sure!"
"Oh! That's right the stupid git didn't graduate last year did he?" Tessa began to laugh again, I only smiled as I saw Vivianne and Aleana finally approached and joined us. They both grabbed a sandwich that was placed out in front of them and began to eat with out a word.
"So how is old Snape? Does he miss us?" Tessa joked. They both looked at her with a pathetic look.
"Oh Merlin, Tessa, Tania, you both are so lucky you aren't in the class! I swear, out of twenty students in the class, eight of them were Slytherin! I feel bad for the three Gryffindor though, they probably got thirty points deducted today already!" Vivianne explained.
I shook my head, "It's a shame that Snape has to be so difficult towards them. Just because the House's are polar opposites. Gryffindor and Slytherin."
"Yes. Good and Evil." Tessa said seriously. I snorted with laughter.
While we relayed how our morning had been going I hadn't even thought about the occurrence from breakfast until I saw my brother sitting with his roommates where the Quidditch team usually sat. I began to get a terrible feeling in the pit of my stomach.
The decision is something that, as much as it pains me to admit, I compare to Trelwaney's 'prediction'. I am faced with a situation that can cause a loss either way. If I attempt to join the team, I sacrifice my identity; if I don't my brother will lose his position on the team. It is a moral dilemma.
But unlike the prediction there is a very good chance neither of us will die in either decision.
"So, Tania? Have you made a decision yet?" Tessa asked. My three friends were looking at me a little apprehensively. I had since calmed down on the subject and was able to give them somewhat of an answer.
"I'm still unsure. I'm not happy about what he did, but I don't want him to lose his position. We spoke again this morning and he raised a very valid argument. I won't make a final decision until it gets closer to the try-out day, though."
"Which, by the way, is when?" Tessa asked, obviously satisfied with my more understanding demeanour.
"Saturday at nine. It last's till lunch-time. My brother told me about when he tried out. It basically took two hours and the Captain was able to give everyone an answer by the time it was lunch." I shrugged, taking the last remaining bite of some kind of salad I had piled onto my plate.
The three of them nodded and started to pack their things. I just sat their watching them all pack. I had a free period next and thought that I would get a head start on my Ancient Runes homework. It was a simple task to do, but it was a large amount so the hour long free period would probably be enough so that I would not have to do it later in the evening.
Once we said our farewells I waited till the table was magically cleared and set out my work. I didn't get far in my work when Charlie McQuaye sat across from me. His Ancient Runes book was placed on the table as well.
"I hope you don't mind, but I have a bit of trouble with the decoding and what-not, I was hoping you'd be able to help me?" He asked, his Scottish drawl was thick, yet understandable. Charlie is in the sixth year as well as a fellow Ravenclaw student, he's the only other person in our House that is taking Ancient Runes. We aren't best friends, but he is a nice bloke so sitting beside him in class, or helping with his work wasn't a problem.
"Of course I'd be able to help. Have you started the work yet?" he shook his head, "Alright neither have I. We'll start on the first page, and if there is anything you need help with you don't have to hesitate to ask!" I smiled.
He gave a grateful sigh, "Oh thank you Tania! I knew I lucked out when you happened to be in the class! I know you scored an Outstanding on your O.W.L. I only got an Acceptable!"
I smiled at him, reassuringly, "I'm sure you'll do fine in the N.E.W.T.s. And just so you know, my offer will stand all year. If you ever need help - I mean it - just ask."
It was five minutes until the official beginning of the class and I didn't notice another person approaching Charlie's side until I finally looked up. Out of the hundreds of students that could approach us, it had to be Roger Davies.
Now although we were in the same year, we never actually ever spoke to one another. I would take this move by him strange if it wasn't for the fact I was sitting with his roommate and also the fact he may know whether or not I could be a possible addition to the Quidditch team. I decided not to acknowledge him.
"Charlie, is it alright if I join the two of you?" He asked. His voice was smooth. It's not hard to imagine why girls fall for him so easily. I had to admit, he was charming in both looks and personality. And unlike some boys, he doesn't take advantage of that. If I could so rightfully say, he was rather oblivious to the power he has over the opposite sex.
"Of course mate! We're just working on our Ancient Runes homework." Charlie answered. He was obviously unaware of how uncomfortable I was with him there.
"Ancient Runes? I see. I dropped out of it this year. I found it to be, too difficult. The two of you must be rather good." He looked towards me as he sat down and felt my face heat up. 'Can't you just go away?'
"Oh, I'm not that good at it, but Tania, here is a genius!" Charlie commented offhandedly. I decided my avoiding eye contact must look suspicious so I looked up at both of them and gave a slight smile. Although my eyes didn't connect with either of them, I felt it was good enough.
"Genius is a relative term. I just have a fair understanding is all," I said quietly.
We all felt silent for a few minutes. The silence was only broken a few times when Charlie would ask me a question about what the meaning of one glyph or what two of them together meant. It was all fairly simple, to me.
"I have to be honest," Davies started, "I actually came here to ask a question."
I froze up. Just when I thought it might be alright he finally speaks of his true intentions of sitting with us! I braced myself for what ever it was he would ask. Although I had a pretty good idea.
"I was wondering if you could assist me with my History of Magic homework. I don't know who else to ask," Davies spoke, but it wasn't what I thought he would ask.
Was I becoming paranoid?
"You need help with History of Magic? And here I thought I was sitting with two geniuses. Of course I could help you out, I'm actually almost finished my homework I could help you now or we could work on it after dinner?"
"After dinner would work well for me, it won't take long. Besides, no one is perfect, I'm sure Tania has problems with one or two subjects." Davies stated, simply as if it wasn't a big deal. Although he said this to downplay his intelligence, and my annoyance with this boy combined with the fact he basically just insulted me (intentionally or not), I was offended.
"Yes, I suppose I struggle somewhat in at least one subject," I managed to verbalize a response without sounding offended. Apparently my 'admittance' shocked Charlie.
"Really? What subject?" He asked.
What subject? "Um, Care of Magical Creatures. I'm terrible with animals." Which wasn't a lie. I really was horrible with animals.
"What do you know?" Charlie said to himself. He was more shocked then he honestly should've been.
The rest of the free period went by in peace and quiet. I did manage to get my Ancient Runes finished and packed my things into my shoulder bag, glad that it was over.
"It was nice to see you two; I must be going now if I wish to make it to class in time." I said giving Davies and Charlie a small smile and a quick nod. They both returned the gesture and I made my way to Care of Magical Creatures. I refused to inform them which class, for fear of them making a joke after my proclamation of being inept to animals of all kinds.
Do you like Tania Yuran? Like my depiction of Roger Davies? How is Charlie McQuaye, Aleana Stewarts, Vivianne Franks, and Tessa Edwards? I tried to make Tania to be different then a lot of the Original Characters I have read about in the past. Does she seem real? Thanks for reading!
Author's Note - Well that was the end of the chapter. I hope you enjoyed this! I already have nearly 6 chapters written already. I am being patient, though, and attempting to make this a good story. I'll post Chapter 2 perhaps in a few days. I have to go over it. Leave a Review if you liked it or have any constructive criticism. Please no flames. I dislike Incendio!
Until next time! Cheers!