The rest of the summer passed by in a similar fashion. The focus list in the reception room grew and shrank as we pushed through the second year and, in a few courses, third year curriculum in our note-taking. Every now and then the endless practice got to be too much and, stir crazy, the seven of us had escaped onto the streets of London. We went to museums, zoos, different Muggle and wizarding monuments, anywhere we wanted. We took off for birthdays, letting Blaise, Neville, and then Harry decide what we would do for the day. I don't think I'd ever seen anyone appreciate a birthday cake as much as Harry when he spotted the messy red and gold snitch cake Hermione had thrown together in an attempt at domestic spellwork.
The end of August came around too early for anyone's taste but we could all agree that we would start the year more than prepared. Well, we weren't quite prepared without one last trip into Diagon Alley.
Who would have guess that Gilderoy Lockhart, arrogant narcissist that he was, would set seven of his books as textbooks for his class?
I was more than pleased to arrive as late as we did at Flourish and Blotts, which had been the absolute last article on our itinerary. Though it hadn't exactly been a plan of mine, I was not disappointed to hear that Gilderoy Lockhart had been at the bookstore until nearly five o'clock signing books and taking pictures. With Lockhart gone, there were no middle aged witches fluttering about the store and slowing us down any more than necessary as we tracked down our books. It also meant that there was much less attention on me as I all but bullied Ron into letting me buy his books, telling him that he could pay me back later. Of course I'd reject it, but he could always cash in a reasonable favor if he cared to. I wasn't going to let a fraud like Lockhart financially ruin a good and decent family because he's selfish.
For the last day before term, Sebastian and our parents were back in town. Despite his exhaustion at the long journey- apparently it had been three portkeys involving Customs at every stop- Bass was full to bursting with stories about his time in the States. As he relayed aspects of his trip there and the various summer courses he'd taken, I couldn't blame him for his enthusiasm.
As far as education goes on an international level, the United States had Great Britain thoroughly beat. Instead of choosing classes as you went like we did at Hogwarts, schools in America compared more closely to a university. Students there were educated earlier, starting at age eight, and by the time they were fourteen they were expected to choose a few different career paths that they could pursue through classes lending directly to those fields. While he'd been there, Sebastian participated in a sort of crash course for the American Ministry equivalent of Aurors, lovingly referred to as the Wizard Cops. He'd gone through intensive training both physically and mentally that, according to the numbers, caused mental breakdowns in almost forty percent of recruits. The survivors of the ridiculous training were the best of the best, however, and the United States was one of the safest countries, at least magically, despite its size thanks to its selective military police.
When Sebastian finally calmed down enough to ask us how our summer went, I was happy to announce that we had something tangible to show him. As he went over the finished notes for first and second year, leafing through the temporarily incomplete notes for third and fourth year, I allowed myself to bask in the warmth of his proud smile.
"I've got to say, Cor," he said as he lowered the last of the third year potions material, which I had only just begun. "I didn't think that this group would be good for anything. You're playing the game better than me."
"Thank you, Sebastian... It means a lot," I smiled warmly. It truly did. I could deal with Damien being against me so long as Sebastian and my Corps was at my side.
With all of our last minute preparations seen to, the Corps was ready to leave Palace Street in time for a leisurely stroll to Victoria station to catch the Underground, with our luggage nicely stowed away thanks to a few well-practiced shrinking charms, to King's Cross St. Pancras station. All in all, no wrestling with luggage, no odd looks from the Muggle populace, and no hassle.
Getting onto the platform had been a bit trickier, I'll admit. For some reason, when Harry and I tried to get through the portal, the brick wall had been just that: a brick wall. It really made no sense; we'd come with plenty of extra time and it wasn't like there was any reason for the portal itself to not work for us. Stepping off to the side and calling Naia, however embarrassing it was for so small a task as taking us onto the platform when we were just yards from it, was the simplest solution and easily accomplished.
I love when plans go accordingly.
I really loved being the rallying point for Slytherin. Even after a whole summer of being away, it felt good to see that my house didn't forget that I had brought it home last year. We won the Quidditch cup thanks to a great team that I had been a part of and we'd won the House cup because of my dedication to the Corps. Thanks to that prestige, Slytherin house was no longer a crowd of potential enemies willing to throw me under the bus for a chance at the limelight. Now, instead of divided and vulnerable, the house- or at least the second and a great deal of the third years- were united under me. Even Pansy Parkinson had given me a nod of acknowledgment before returning to her conversation with the third year next to her.
It was good to be on top. The only true concern I had at this point was getting to be a constant thorn in my side: Draco Malfoy. All throughout the Sorting, I couldn't help but notice how rarely Draco's eyes left Gryffindor's table. He seemed perfectly content loathing everyone who dared or was unlucky enough to meet his glare.
I didn't understand him. Didn't he have goals past hating Gryffindors? Didn't he have a dream to strive for or, at the very least, some sort of plan for the future? Judging by his behavior, he expected his name to get him everything he wanted in life. I hoped I'd be able to see his face when he discovered that that's not how life works.
Until Draco realized that the world did not revolve around him, he was going to be detrimental to me, a wild card thrown into my deck of cards. There were only a few ways I could fix that and none of them appealed to me. Marriage, even a betrothal contract, was not an option. An offer of partnership would never work between us; both of us would want to be in charge when there was only room for one leader. I could try my hand at convincing him to look at other wizarding schools but that seemed a bit drastic. I just needed him to grow up and stop being such a brat.
The feast was done before I even realized. It was only when I was being herded towards the dungeons that time caught up to me. Cursing under my breath for the narrowing window of opportunity, I retreated to the end of the parade of Slytherins were the first years were being led by the fifth year prefects, a boy named Callen Blake and a girl name Kirsten Meodia.
"Cal, Kirstie, can I have a moment?" I asked with a smile. Seeing me, Callen brightened as much as Kirsten scowled. Callen had been at the Quidditch tryouts last year, trying out for the role of chaser. He didn't make it but he was more than happy with the line up.
"Sure thing, Corinne. Alright, firsties, listen up. This is Corinne Wyncrest. Keep her happy and you stay happy, okay?" Caleb said, throwing a wink in my direction. I rolled my eyes.
"You make me out to be an absolute terror, Cal. Now what have I done to deserve that?" I asked, mock wounded at the implication. Dropping the fake hurt, I looked back at the first years. "I just wanted to take some time to talk to you a bit. I'm a second year and, like Cal said, my name is Corinne Wyncrest but you can all call me Cor. I just wanted to let you all know that if any of you are having any trouble, you can always come and talk to me, especially if it's school related. Last year I got some friends and I together and we started a club of sorts called the Corps. We wrote notes for every one of your classes and, if you are having trouble in class, you can come to any of us. We all wear one of these pins," I said, gesturing to the Corps pin on my robes. One of the girls frowned at it.
"Why is there a lion on it? And Gryffindor colors?" she asked suspiciously. I smiled back warmly.
"What's your name?"
"Lise Carmichael."
"Well, Lise, the pin is like this because half of the Corps is Gryffindor and half of it is Slytherin. I founded the group but, like any good Slytherin will tell you, you need good allies if you want to succeed. If you go to any of the Gryffindors in the Corps, they'll treat you just the same as I will because they know better than to think all Slytherins are evil."
"I think you've had enough time with them, Corinne," Kirsten interjected coolly.
"Okay, okay," I chuckled. I glanced back at the first years. "If any of you need me or just want to talk, feel free to find me. I'll either be in the common room or the library most nights. I know that first year is a little disorienting. Thanks, Kirstie. See you around, Cal." Taking the extra time to let my eyes linger on Callen for just a moment longer, I strode to catch up to Daphne, who was waiting with an almost predatory gleam in her eyes.
"You are going to have that boy wrapped around your finger." From her tone, I wasn't sure if she was proud of me or sorry for Callen. Probably both.
"Miss Wyncrest," Professor Snape called as he was finishing handing out schedules. I got out of my seat to collect mine but, before I could accept the piece of paper, Snape pulled it back.
"From what I understand, you expressed an interest in pursuing a mastery in the art of potions after your education here." Snape towered over me but, unlike the beginning of last year when I had been a borderline disappointment as a Slytherin, I was better adapted to life as a Slytherin. I was a gem in his collection.
"Yes, sir. My family was raised from obscurity through our potioneering. I'd like to honor that."
Snape studied me for a long time before passing my schedule to me.
"You have been presented an opportunity, Miss Wyncrest. Do not think that your actions in my potions classroom last year went unnoticed. You have a talent for potions beyond your brothers' and I would see you cultivate it. Do not disappoint me."
"I won't," I promised. With a final searching glance, Snape turned and left, leaving me with a piece of parchment. I was studying the paper even as Daphne and Blaise came up on my sides, curious to know what the conversation was about. All I could do, however, was stare at stare at two blocks on my schedule that I truly did not expect.
"We have Transfiguration with the Ravenclaws first... What is it?" Daphne asked impatiently. Wordlessly, I pointed to the block before the paper was ripped from by hands.
"Snape has you assisting in his first year classes?" Blaise asked incredulously. "He might as well hand the first years to you on a platter, Cor."
"He said it was an opportunity," I murmured. "Cutting the animosity in first year... He's letting us mend the break between Slytherin and the other houses starting in first year, from scratch."
"Well, good luck," Blaise wished, looking me over appreciatively. "I don't think I've ever heard of a student assistant in the school. You might be the first."
"She'll do great," Daphne said to him with a nod. Nodding absently, I looked back at her. I needed to regain my traction. I could worry about not making a fool of myself in the privacy of my dormitory.
"We need our textbooks."
"Cor, we've got to talk about the team," Marcus Flint said, towering over me as I lounged in one of the black leather couches in the common room, casually flipping a black button that used to be a beetle into the air. I glanced up before moving my legs closer to me, allowing him to sit.
"What's up?"
"Lord Malfoy has made a generous contribution to the team," Flint began.
"And he wants Draco to be seeker?" I guessed wryly. Flint looked appropriately shame-faced. "I understand. I'll talk to Draco about it. We'll see how he does in the Gryffindor-Slytherin game. If he sucks, I'll step up and seek for the other two games. If he's decent, I'll stay as reserve."
"Are you sure?" Flint asked cautiously. I smiled knowingly at him.
"I figured that this would happen. Draco wanted the seeker position since the beginning of last year and he's used to getting what he wants. Have you told Bass?"
"Like I want to be the one to tell your wildly overprotective big brother that I have to kick you off the team because some spoiled brat's father donated seven Nimbus 2001s to the team?" Flint scoffed. "I would prefer not."
"I'll tell him," I chuckled. "And seven Nimbus 2001s? No wonder you couldn't say no. Even if Draco's a terrible seeker, that's..."
"I know," Flint said almost miserably. I grinned at him. Now he was going to be stuck with Draco as much as I was. "You're still coming to practices. I don't think I'd resist not hexing him otherwise. We have practice on Saturday the minute the sun's up."
"I guess I could deign to sit on the sidelines."
"You're the best," Flint told me in all seriousness, rising from his seat. I laughed again.
"Oh, I know." I resumed flipping my beetle button until Daphne came back from library where she and Hermione had been talking to the first years about Corps-iculum. She had a clipboard in her arms and a pen- which we discovered did work on Hogwarts' grounds despite the magical interference- tucked behind her ear.
"Hey," she greeted happily.
"I assume the notes went well?"
"Better than we expected, actually. Most of the forty-six firsties have placed orders for at least two lessons already."
"Hmm... I think we need to start looking into expansion. We have a solid group right now, but we just don't have the reach we need into Hufflepuff or Ravenclaw at the moment," I murmured thoughtfully. Daphne, taking a seat beside me, handed me her clipboard so that I could see the numbers. "Lots of potions and history."
"I think you're right but if we're adding people we need to be careful. You can get the lions to scout ahead in the others houses some," Daphne offered. I frowned thoughtfully.
"I'll look into it. I think our best bet is to start from scratch. I'll go with you the next time you meet with the firsties and take a look at them. We're looking for budding leaders that are willing to unite under the Corps."
"But not so headstrong that they can't take an order," Daphne said almost to herself. When I looked at her wryly, she laughed under her breath. "You're our leader, Cor. There's no doubt about that. Anyone in the Corps, except maybe Ron, will likely do anything you ask."
"Including you?" I asked jokingly.
"Including me," she replied more seriously than I expected. Even with the off-hand response, I was happy to hear it. Despite some rather nasty rumors at the end of last year, my goal was not to be a dictator.