Chapter 2: So What

The following morning, Olivia went to breakfast with Emma, meeting Liam and some of his sixth – year friends on the way to the Great Hall.

"What do you think of the new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher?" Emma asked, looking up at Olivia for she was several inches shorter.

Olivia shrugged. "I really wouldn't know. We haven't had any lessons from him, so it's hard to tell right?"

Emma nodded, her big dark eyes looking thoughtful. "I heard that he's involved in the Auror Program, as an expert in duelling or something."

"He'll be more than capable then," Olivia muttered distractedly. She wasn't a morning person, especially when she hadn't had her coffee yet. While Emma's friends Troy Harrison and Andrew Fenn, both on the Gryffindor Quidditch Team piled up their plates with food, Olivia drank her coffee and ate some toast. McGonagall quickly came around handing everyone their timetables.

"Rats, we only have Defence Against the Dark Arts on Thursday and Friday," Emma said grumpily. Olivia didn't reply, still needing to wake up and poured out a second cup of coffee.

"Second cup already, Oli?" a voice said to her right. Liz had come over from the Ravenclaw table and sat herself next to Olivia, reaching for a platter of pancakes. Her deep brown hair, cut into a wavy French carré just above her shoulder, looked flawless. Olivia's hair on the other hand, was still tousled from sleeping.

"Mmmh."

"Good morning to you too," Liz sang cheerfully. "How's your timetable?"

"First double period Charms, then Herbology and double Transfiguration," she said with her mouth full. Liz looked mildly disapproving at her lack of lady – like behaviour.

"Great, we'll have Herbology and Transfiguration together. Care to be partners in Herbology?"

Olivia nodded gratefully. She was a complete disaster at Herbology, whereas Liz was a genius at it. You wouldn't say she was one for the dirty work, judging on her clothing and appearance, but she had a real gift with it.

"Gotta run, first period potions coming up," Liz said with a grimace. Olivia groaned emphatically and waved her off.

Charms was one of the easier classes, therefore Olivia had no particular problems with the subject. Professor Flitwick had started their lesson explaining the importance of OWL's and urging them to study very hard, even giving homework on their very first day. Herbology was no different, with the young Professor Sprout looking unusually stern. She then set them to work on a Fanged Geranium. Thanks to Liz' watchfulness, Olivia only received 3 minor bites.

Smelling strongly of mooncalf dung, the Gryffindors went to their common room for a quick shower before hurrying off to lunch. Olivia ended up sitting in the Great Hall next to Lily, whose friends appeared to still be in the shower.

"Had a nice holiday?" Lily asked conversationally. The two girls didn't know each other well, but since they slept in the same dorm they were on speaking terms. Olivia shrugged.

"Was okay. I went flying a lot. How was yours?"

Lily looked a bit uncomfortable at this. "Fine, I guess."

Only then Olivia realized that Lily didn't get along well with her sister, so her summer must've been a bit awkward. Quickly wanting to change the subject, she asked the first thing that came to her mind.

"Do you think the OWL's really are that bad?"

Lily looked grateful for the change of subject, and responded eagerly. "Definitely, our whole future depends on it! I'm already getting nervous actually." She suddenly gave her an analyzing look. "You're not really the nervous type, are you?" she asked thoughtful. Olivia chuckled at this.

"That may be the understatement of the century," she said laughing. "I almost never get nervous about anything. Not even a Quidditch Match, or exams."

"That must be wonderful," Lily sighed. "I can get almost sick with tension sometimes!"

"It's not always that good really," Olivia said slowly. "Sometimes the right kind of stress can make you work harder and everything."

"True enough. Still, I would kill for a few hours of peace during exams. I think the only ones who're more immune to stress than you are Potter and Black." She nodded her head to the group of friends sitting a few metres from them.

"Where you talking about me, my dearest Evans?" James Potter asked eagerly, clearly having listened to their conversation.

"We were discussing the most effective way to get rid you," Lily responded icily.

"I proposed sending you on a date with Alecto Carrow," Olivia added drily, looking across Lily's shoulder at James. James looked indignant.

"Wright! You're supposed to be on my side, we're on the same team!"

She merely smirked, then packed her bag and waved at Lily. She wanted to go to the library before Transfiguration, and she got about 15 minutes left. Trying to ignore the piercing stare the librarian, Mrs Pince gave her, she entered the library and went to the Charms section.

"Non – verbal spells, where are you…" she muttered to herself. A few books immediately sprung from their shelves, landing on a nearby table in a neat stack. After a moment of initial surprise, she went over to the table. Why didn't I discover this earlier? One of the books looked promising: 'An introduction to non – verbal spells' by Sophocles Demaclus.

She decided to take it with her. They didn't have to learn non – verbal spells until their sixth year, but she was strangely fascinated by the ability to perform spells without muttering the incantation. And when Olivia was interested in something, she tended to get really absorbed in it. Quickly running to the Transfiguration classroom, she put the book in her satchel.

*

"OWL's are the most important part of your career as wizards," Professor McGonagall barked sternly, looking around the room daring anyone to disagree with her. "Your marks will determine the courses you can take on NEWT level, and therefore will determine what job opportunity you can pursue. In the course of the year, each of you will receive career counselling from your Head of House. More information on that subject will follow."

Her gaze rested on Sirius and James for a few moments, who had been whispering suspiciously during her explanation. Remus had been taking notes while Peter seemed distracted by a bee on the far left window.

"Now, one of the most essential skills for a witch or wizard, is the mastering of Vanishing Spells. These spells vary in complexion depending on the object or animal you're attempting to Vanish. You will start with Vanishing snails, as invertebrates are easier to Vanish than for example mammals." She flicked her wand and a complex looking chart appeared on the blackboard. "You will copy this chart, then start practicing on the snails. I do not expect any of you to master the spell on your first try, but achievements will be rewarded."

As the students took notes, McGonagall walked between the desks, reprimanding the occasional distracted student and finally conjured a snail on every desk.

"The spell is Evanesco. You have studied the theory, now attempt to Vanish your snail, and do so with the utmost concentration!" She stood in front of her desk, hands behind her back and watched the students through her rectangular glasses. All around Olivia her classmates were uttering the spell, but nothing really seemed to happen. Liz was already prodding her snail impatiently.

Turning to her own snail, which was greenish brown and rather slimy, she whipped her wand and muttered the spell. The snail mere withdrew one of his eyes, as if to mock her. Frowning slightly, she rolled up her sleeves and said the spell with a bit more force. This time, the snail seemed to have lost its colour and become transparent. Wondering if this was a step in the right direction or merely a coincidence, she looked over to Professor McGonagall, who immediately came over to her desk.

"Very good miss Wright, you're heading in the right direction." She nodded approvingly. "5 points to Gryffindor."

"Evanesco!" James voice rang through the classroom, and his snail Vanished entirely. Lily, who was sitting a few places ahead of him, grumbled. James always had a knack for Transfiguration, so nobody was really surprised that he'd mastered the spell so quickly. Sirius also managed to Vanish his snail after a few times, causing McGonagall to reward them with 10 points each. By the end of the class, a few other students including Remus and Liz had managed to make their snails transparent.

"I require a 3 foot long essay on the conjugation and use of Vanishing Spells by Friday," McGonagall barked when the students gathered their things. "No excuses!"

The 5th years didn't look pleased as they left for the Common Room. Liz agreed to meet Olivia in the Library in half an hour, and Olivia found herself walking behind the Marauders as they made their way up to the Common Room.

"We've got Charms homework, that Fanged Geranium drawing for Sprout and now McGonagall too!" Peter exclaimed in his squeaky voice, looking already stressed out. "I'll never make it through this year."

Sirius and James merely laughed, clapping their friend on the back. "Course you will Pete. If you follow our lead, you'll ace all your OWL's," Sirius said with a grin. Peter didn't look reassured at all.

"Don't worry, I'll tutor you," Remus said in his calm manner, which caused Peter to relax a little bit.

"Wright, I didn't know you had a knack for Transfiguration," Remus said, turning towards Olivia.

"I don't," she said confusedly. "Probably just got lucky."

"Nah, you seem to do all right most of the time," James interrupted.

"Maybe, but with you and Black being the princes of Transfiguration, no one's going to notice that," she said drily, raising one eyebrow.

"Ah Wright, you read my thoughts," James said lightly, climbing through the portrait hole. "See you tomorrow at Quidditch training?"

Olivia saluted him, walking up to her dormitory to drop off her books. She packed a few scrolls of parchment, her Eagle feather, Transfiguration book and the book on non – verbal spells in her satchel to take with her to the Library. It was still warm for the time of the year, so she loosened the top buttons of her shirt and pulled up her hair into a loose ponytail.

I still have time to go the kitchens before meeting Liz, she thought to herself. She could kill for a cinnamon muffin right know. Heaving her satchel over her shoulder, she left the dormitory and descended the spiral staircase. Dodging a Dungbomb gone astray, she climbed out of the portrait hole and took a longer but secret route to the kitchens, not meeting anyone on her path.

The house elves were as happy as ever when they saw her entering the kitchen.

"Miss Wright, a great pleasure it is!" Nettie, the house elf in charge of pastries squeaked.

"Nice to see you too, Nettie." Olivia grinned. "You haven't got any of those cinnamon muffins, have you?"

"Of course miss, we knows they're your favourites!" A couple of house elves came running towards Olivia with a platter stacked with cinnamon muffins. She ate one on the spot, and wrapped some in a napkin to take with her to the library.

"Thanks Nettie! I'll see you soon!" she shouted over the sound of dishes boiling and pans clanking.

"Good day miss Wright!" Nettie managed to squeak. Olivia grinned to herself when she climbed the great marble staircase on her way to the Library. House elves always got you in a good mood.

Seeing as Liz wasn't there yet, she took their usual table by one of the big windows and opened the book on non – verbal spells. Picking at a cinnamon muffin, she began to read.

Non – verbal spell casting is a difficult and advanced branch of magic, nevertheless it is a skill that each witch or wizard should master. The non – verbal spell has many advantages such as a surprise effect, and in some cases even a stronger result than when the spell would have been uttered verbally. However, the mastering of the ability to perform non – verbal spells has proven to be easier for one wizard and more difficult for another. This phenomenon has different causes.

Firstly, some wands are more sensitive to non – verbal spells than others. If you have difficulty with performing non – verbal spells, you may want to look up the characteristics of your wand for it may not be suited for this kind of magic. Secondly, a very important aspect is the character of the witch of wizard in question. Extravagant, loud and attention – seeking wizards often experience having trouble with casting non – verbal spells. The reason behind this is that those spells require a certain subtleness and an organized mind, characteristics mostly described to introvert witches or wizards. However, those who are insecure about their own abilities and generally nervous types, may also experience difficulties.

Thus, the ideal non – verbal spell caster is a wizard who is calm, secure, and self - controlled and possesses a certain strength of thought. In some cases, the wizard can find that his or her spells cast non – verbally is stronger or more accurate than when it would be cast verbally, although that is rarely the case. It is certain however, that some incantations in general benefit from being cast non – verbally. Advanced protective enchantments for example and spells which affect the mind, but also certain curses and jinxes. It is through a process of trail and error that the wizard must learn what works for him, and what not. In the following chapters, the process behind casting non – verbal spells will be explained as well as common mistakes and difficulties.

Olivia closed the book and started thinking. According to this explanation, she shouldn't have any real difficulty with casting non – verbal spells. Of course, practice was very different from just the theory. She was intrigued by how some wands were more adapt to non – verbal spell casting than others. Making a mental note to read up on the subject of wandlore, she returned to her book.

The key to mastering non – verbal spells is to start off easily. Try casting your basic charms, forming the words in your mind with a certain force and determination, but not speaking them out loud under any circumstance. It will be difficult not to bend to the temptation of uttering the spell out loud, but this is the only way to learn.

"Oi, Olivia, what're you reading?" Liz had appeared to her table, and tried to read the book over Olivia's shoulder.

"Just something about non – verbal spells," Olivia said, quickly stuffing the book in her satchel.

Liz rolled her eyes. "Is this one of your strange projects again? You get all obsessed about one certain thing or skill and then you want to learn everything about it."

"What's wrong with that? Doesn't hurt you, does it?" She smiled cheekily.

"No but it's bloody irritating! Last year it was perfecting your Shield Charm with those additional enchantments, and before that you taught yourself Mermish!" Liz exclaimed exasperated.

"Only a basic understanding," she muttered guiltily. Liz raised her eyebrow.

"Really Olivia? You're going to defend learning Mermish just for the fun of it? Why aren't you in Ravenclaw again?"

"Well, I was a Hatstall," Olivia pointed out sagely. When she was sorted, the Hat had taken almost 6 minutes deciding between Ravenclaw and Gryffindor, ultimately choosing Gryffindor. The Hat had appeared a bit shaken and annoyed with himself after sorting her. It probably didn't like not being able to make a fixed decision. "By the way, you shouldn't judge me, you're a Ravenclaw! You're in the same house as Xenophilus Lovegood for Merlin's sake!"

"Fair point, but I exceed in all my classes, not only in some strange subjects that probably won't even be of any use in life," Liz retorted, suppressing a smile.

"Never been one for modesty either."

"Self – knowledge is the key to wisdom," Liz sang happily. "Now, I think we should start with that Transfiguration essay."

Olivia nodded, and the both of them set to work while the evening sun shone through the window. She had to admit it to herself, having a Ravenclaw as your best friend had its advantages.

Liz was smart in a way that she could organize her assignments flawlessly and was keen on scoring high marks, but regarding her emotions she was dramatic and an utter chaos. Olivia didn't care that much about her marks, but she was curious and liked to learn. As rational as she was in her mind and having the ability to manage and understand her emotions, her homework and assignments were a complete chaos. So, the two friends complemented each other almost perfectly. They managed to get the largest part of their essay lined out before dinner (roast beef with steamed vegetables and baked potatoes) which they attended together, Olivia joining Liz at the Ravenclaw table for a change.

"When do you want to go to the Light Room again?" she asked Liz with her mouth full of vegetables. The Light Room was a room Southern side of the castle, which was less frequently used. They had discovered the room in their second year and since then generally went there two or three times a month, to talk a bit. Last year they had included butterbeer in their meetings.

"Friday after dinner?" Liz asked, perfectly lady – like. Olivia nodded, but couldn't say anything because her mouth was too full. Liz rolled her eyes and pricked a baked potato on her fork, looking stern.

"One of these days Olivia, you will realise you look like a dim - witted goblin when you eat," she said, waving her fork.

"That's the day when you get tired of snogging in broom cupboards," Olivia said cheerfully. "In other words, not bloody likely to happen anytime soon." She gulped down her orange juice (pumpkin juice had never been a favourite) and stood up. "I'm going down the grounds to practice non – verbal spells. What about you?"

"Finish homework and get my beauty sleep."

Olivia raised one eyebrow. "Sounds exciting. See you tomorrow at breakfast?"

Liz nodded, and Olivia walked out of the Great Hall and strolled to her favourite spot by the lake. The sun was setting, sending its last rays of orange light over the treetops, illuminating the lake with a reddish haze. She liked this time of the day, when you could see the sky coloured with dark blue in the East and orange in the West. She bend down on the shore, looking for small pebbles she could use to Levitate. Having found some, she put them on a large rock in front of her and raised her wand.

"Okay, focus. Start off easily. Say the incantation in your mind." She took a deep breath, and thought with all her might, "Wingardium Leviosa!"

One of the pebbles gave a small twinge, but nothing else happened. "Bugger," she whispered. She concentrated harder and tried again. Now, the pebble floated for a few seconds before falling. Excitedly, Olivia gave a small smile. She had felt something, as if her mind was somehow speaking instead of thinking.

When she tried for the third time, she was able to Levitate the pebble for as long as she wanted. Glad with her improvement, she set back for the castle since it was getting darker. Olivia intended to practice by only casting spells non – verbally from now on. Sure, Wingardium Leviosa was a basic charm so it hadn't been that difficult, but if she wanted to cast stronger curses and enchantments she'd have to practise as much as she could. She couldn't really say why she wanted to learn non – verbal spells so badly, but then again in the past her little projects had also been quite random.

When Olivia entered the castle, she cast a quick Lumos charm and was happy to see it worked. She was getting the hang of this.

"Oi! Wright!" a male voice shouted. She turned around to see her Quidditch captain Evan Hamilton approaching on her with a big grin on his face. He was rather burly from years of playing Beater, with short dark brown hair and kind dark green eyes.

"You know it's Quidditch training tomorrow?" he asked.

"Yes, right after dinner right?"

He nodded. "Since the team's still complete we don't have to organise trials. That is, if no one screws up."

Olivia gave him an amused smile. "Course not. And since I have a new broom, I'll be playing better."

"Which one did you get then?" he asked mildly interested.

"Nimbus 1000."

Evan looked at her in awe, his mouth slightly agape. "Bloody hell that's brilliant! We'll be unbeatable!"

Olivia smiled smugly. "One broom doesn't make that much difference. Anyway, are you also going to the Gryffindor Tower?"

He nodded, still smiling, and they chatted away talking about Quidditch and lessons the whole way up. He had become easier to talk to, she thought, much less serious. Maybe this year wouldn't be that bad at all.

She said goodbye to Evan in the Common Room, heading straight for her dormitory. Someone had set off some Dr. Filibuster Fabulous Fireworks, causing the Common Room to smell strongly of burnt hair. Since Lily was shouting to James Potter, the culprits were likely the Marauders. Olivia saw some small students, probably first years watch the scene with faces full of soot.

As she closed the door of the dorm, Lily shouting was muffled. Joan Ellery, her honey – blonde hair shining and perfectly in order, was putting on her nightgown while Mary McDonald was reading, her brown hair hiding her face. For some reason Emma seemed to be in a bad mood. Her short dark hair was sticking up in every direction and she put on her pyjamas with unnecessary force. Olivia didn't inquire, if Emma wanted to talk about whatever was bothering her she would.

Olivia kneeled next to her bed and got some strange – looking devices from her trunk: something resembling a small record player, and wooden headphones. She carefully laid the equipment on her bed and started looking through a book with spells. As the door slammed open, Olivia looked up to see Lily entering the dorm, still looking livid. Lily shoot a glance at Olivia's bed, then frowned.

"Muggle devices don't work here, you know. They go haywire because of all the magic in the air."

"I know that," Olivia said softly. "But I let them run on magic, not on electricity."

"Why do you keep a record player anyway?" Lily asked curiously.

Olivia shrugged. "I really like music, and I don't want to miss it when I'm not at home. So over the holidays I figured something out that might work." As she said this she took her wand from her pocked, checked the book and then tapped the record player. "Impigritas," she muttered. She didn't want to risk casting it non – verbally since it was important the spell worked.

Then she waved her wand to the needle of the record player, muttering "Paellego". The record player should now fuel on magic, and the needle should be able to read records. This only left dealing with the headphones. Olivia cast a basic Sonorus charm on the headphones, then added "Decresendo" to lower the volume to a pleasant level. Then she went through her records, and picked 'Kind of Blue' by Miles Davis. Lily had come over to her bed to watch her actions, and smiled when she saw Olivia's choice.

"I didn't know you listened to muggle music," she said happily.

Olivia smiled, looking up to Lily who was watching her with big emerald eyes. "I prefer muggle music over wizard's. Somehow they seem to be much more creative." And without any further ado, she put on her headphones and listened to the first song filling her mind. The song, called 'So What' was one of her favourites, sounding very laid – back and just generally cool. Lily watched her with a thoughtful, yet amused expression on her face and then went to her own bed, chatting with Joan.

Olivia took her Charms book from her bedside table, and started to read while listening to the music. She had finished two chapters by the time the album ended, and was therefore one lesson ahead of Professor Flitwick. It seemed like silencing charms would come up soon. Olivia placed her headphones under her bed, next to the record player so she wouldn't accidentally step on them in the morning. She sent her Charms book back in her trunk with a Banishing Charm, managing to cast it non – verbally though it landed a bit more to the left than she intended, crushing the cinnamon muffins she got earlier that day. With the theme of 'So What' still playing in her mind, Olivia fell asleep.


A/N: Thank you for reading! This chapter was mostly filler-ish and descriptive, but it felt necessary. The music mentioned in this chapter is the album 'Kind of Blue' by Miles Davis. All rights belong to the artist in question. The part on non - verbal spells is a mixture of information from the books, Pottermore, and my own imagination.