September 9

I met up with Wen and we headed to History of Magic. Wendelin Hastings was my best friend, even though she was in Ravenclaw. She and I had met at the start of our second year and since then had been joined at the hip. (We actually did have a mishap our 4th year during transfigurations…Madam Pomfrey had to move two beds together in the hospital wing.) After listening to Binns drone on for what seemed like days, for those of us who even managed to stay awake, we headed to our second period, charms.

We each took our seats, quills ready. Professor Flitwick proposed a question.

"What charm could a witch or wizard use, if a muggle were to witness magic? "Anyone?" He eyed the room for any hands.

Theodore let out a loud laugh. "Something funny, Mr. Nott?" He shook his head.

I taped the thin end of my quill against the table. The best answer was obvious but I didn't want the attention or credit; I could see it in Wen's eyes she knew the answer. I waited, praying her hand would fly up. But she was too scared to give it; too frightened to be wrong.

Her intelligence had always been one of great strength but her lack of self-worth was her weakness. When she was alone or among a few set friends, her wit and originality came to life.

"No one?" Professor Flitwick asked once more. I gave in. Raising my hand, I answered "A memory charm; the incantation being 'Obliviate'".

"Very good! Ten points to Slytherin." A few of my fellow Slytherins gave me a cheer. Miles patted me on the back. Professor Flitwick went on to describe the effects and dangers of memory spells.

"Tonight do you and Patricia want to go to Hogsmeade?" Wen leaned over and asked. I nodded. For the past year my roommate, Patricia, Wen and I, had unfailingly made a weekly attendance there. It was routine and no one could break it; not even Albus Dumbledore could stop us.