Chapter Seven
By: Claidi
Callista has a damn scar. What can I say about it? Pathetic. It's not a snake, a lighting bolt. It was a star. Whatever. Harry's not the only one with the scar. I have a scar and Callista too. It was near her ear. Maybe it wasn't really a scar. Maybe it was a wad of earwax that happened to form a shape of star! But I'm not stupid enough to stick to that ridiculous denial. Callista has a scar…so what? I have a scar too and for all I care a star shaped thing just poked her neck. But what bothers me was the tarot card. Symbols. The tarot card. Maybe, maybe not. I usually have a good sense in Divination, whether it was crystal balls, tea cups, bowls of water…anything concerning Divination. But I sense that it was useless.
Speaking of tarot cards, that idiot Callista said I was a tarot girl. Really? Can't she say anything else? Evidently, good girls don't have the creativity to say good insults.
After the Quidditch competition, Madame Hooch said I would be a Chaser. She said I was the only one good enough. And besides, there's only one spot. I would go to tryouts next week with Malfoy. I was expecting this. During Quidditch, I relished the look on Ron's face when I snatched the Quaffle away from his grubby hands. And didn't Callista turn beet red when Ron winked at her? She might have thought that I didn't see her. Well I did. I have a sharp eye. And did I see Callista hug Harry? I didn't see it as a relationship. I see it. I sense it. And of course, I especially liked the frustrated look of Ron. I could laugh all day.
I walked alone to the Slytherin Common Room. Before Madame Hooch talked to me, I told Pansy and the others to go without me. I need time alone. I didn't go straight to the Common Room. I spent the rest of the day at the library. When I went out, I passed the halls then I saw Ron. His back was leaned against the wall. He looks mad. I pretended not to notice. I turned my gaze to a shiny armor suit. Then suddenly I saw a vision, a fight between people. It would lead to something…I couldn't see anymore. Some people see the future through shiny, reflective things. It was seldom, rare even. It happens to me sometimes. And I saw the future of Ron. I was near him and he glared at me. I glared back. I stopped infront him.
"Why are you glaring at me?" I asked him.
"Because I want to."
I looked at him. Then I saw something else. Anger.
"You're angry." I said. "I can see."
"What do you care?"
"Oh I care alright. Ron, do you think I don't know what's brewing in your mind? Well I know what's brewing in your mind."
"A mind reader. Just what I need."
"You're angry at Harry right? I did see it. I saw her hug him," I told him. I saw him turn red, "And they look like a nice couple." I taunted.
"Go away." Ron cursed.
"And you don't like it. Right?" I asked, "But I warn you, I see what would happen. And you won't gain anything."
I walked away, leaving him confused. Ron, Ron, Ron, he never thinks. Then I heard his footsteps. He was running. And he ran past me to the Gryffindor Common Room. I knew why. I saw Harry enter it before him. I walked slowly. When I passed the painting, I heard angry voices. I moved closer.
"I saw it with my own eyes Harry! Don't deny it!" I heard Ron thunder.
"Look Ron, it's not what you think it is!" I heard Harry's feeble reply.
I walked away. I didn't want to hear it. And I know the reason already. Callista. That trouble-making idiot.
The Slytherin Common Room wasn't far. I reached it. It was night and almost everyone was asleep. Malfoy was there. He was alone.
"What were you doing Lara?" he asked.
"Got news for you."
"What?" he looked at me gleefully.
"About Potter and Weasley."
"Tell me."
"They fought. I heard it. It was loud and I was outside their Common Room."
"Goodbye Potter and Weasley duo." Malfoy sneered, "You know why they did?"
"Of course. Do you think I don't?" I looked at him closer that we almost touched, "I know everything," I whispered.
He looked at me amusedly, "Then what did you know?"
I sat on one of the chairs. "The reason amuses me. And surely will amuse you."
"I could tell by the sound of your voice."
"They fought because of Callista."
"I saw her hug that scumbag Potter. Was that the reason?"
"Yes. Weasel has a little crush on Miss Beauxbatons."
"I should have guessed. She blushed when he winked at her."
"You saw it too?"
"Of course I did. Her face turned into the color of Ron's hair!" he laughed mockingly. I did too.
"I don't know what he sees in her. She knows nothing of anything." I took out my tarot cards. I noticed Malfoy look at it scornfully.
"You never get tired of that?" he asked me.
"Never. And I need to see Callista's future."
I shuffled the cards. Twelve times. Malfoy just watched. I drew seven cards. Faced down. I opened the first.
A GIRL
A RIVAL
SYMBOLS
TWO BOYS
EVIL
LOVE
DESTINY
I gasped when I looked at it again.
"What's wrong?" Malfoy demanded.
"It's almost the same."
"What do you mean it's almost the same?"
"It's almost the same as mine! A girl, a rival, symbols, two boys, evil…" I said frantically, "Destiny."
"How do you explain that?"
"I don't have the LOVE card. She doesn't have the FRIEND card."
"And what does that mean?"
"We share the same future. Well a few bits of it."
"That is strange."
"Coincidence." I lied. "Not true."
"Well, anyway, I'm going to my dormitory. Good night Lara."
He left. I was alone once more. I was afraid that the cards would whirl again and hurt me. Maybe not. It was Callista's future, not mine. They could break the glass infront of her for all I care. I lied to Malfoy. I know this wasn't a coincidence. But even if it wasn't, I was ready to forget about it. I gathered the cards and placed them back at the packet. I heard a meow. I turned and saw Thestral. I scratched her chin. She purred and sat on my feet. I saw five owls silhouetted against the moon. They entered the open window of the common room and each gave me an envelope. They perched on top of the fireplace because Thestral hissed. She hated it when she wasn't the one to give me my mail.
I opened the first letter.
Lara,
Lara how could you? How could you reply to Everett? And because of that he kept bragging about getting a letter from you! And you know that almost every boy wanted to receive at least one letter! And the others are green with envy. I heard that Jonathan actually punched him! I think it is true because I saw Everett walking around with a face full of concealer to hide the black eye! I also heard (may I remind that this is a random act of gossip) that Everett would frame your letter! Boys! They are so overreacting.
Speaking of boys, I have been dating a boy. You know him. It's Elijah. You know him! He was once our classmate! And you know him because he followed you around for one day. I know he had a major crush or infatuation on you before. But not now. He accepted the fact that you would be gone from Durmstrang and decided to forget you. He went to me. Yes, to me. The other boys were also jealous of him. Who wouldn't be? If any boy would date anyone from our clique, it means he is to die for. Elijah is to die for…green eyes, blond hair…dreamy! And the other girls were jealous of me too! Well not Naomi, Felicity, and Abigail. Because they are part of our elusive clique. And they are already dating some boys. Naomi to Luke, Felicity to Robin, and Abigail to Nicholas. Stephen, Jonathan, and Everett remain ever so loyal to you. The other boys are too but not as much as they! You should have seen their faces when they realized you weren't here! It was a mixture of shock, fury, denial, and sadness. I swear I thought they would cry! It looked really funny, I guarantee.
The new headmistress Lora Spellinda was better than Karkakoff. She gave us more things about the Dark Arts. And anyway, how's your Divination? I know you are still doing those tarot cards, crystal balls, teacups, bowls of water, and other things. I believe you are a true seer. Remember the day you predicted that Karkakoff would stop being headmaster? Very impressive. How did you do it? I remember that you saw it through a crystal ball. The Divination teacher, Professor Cassandra, was sad that you left. She said to me that you were the only true seer in all of Durmstrang.
This letter is very long. I will stop now. I hope you reply!
Sabina
Ps
Naomi, Felicity, Abigail, and me send our love. We miss you sorely
Pps
Expect a letters from Stephen, Jonathan, and Everett.
I smiled. I missed my friends. I should visit them during the Christmas holidays. I got some writing materials and wrote my reply.
Sabina,
I miss you sorely too! Hogwarts is all right. But it would be better if Callista de Laplace, Harry Potter, and Ron Weasley weren't there. They were my enemies. It isn't abnormal. A girl or two would always be angry with me. Maybe because I'm better than her.
Tarot cards. I am still doing tarot cards. And something peculiar happened to me. I was doing tarots last night. I drew the very rare card. The DESTINY card. Yes, the DESTINY card. When I drew it, it spun, whirling and whirling atop me! Then suddenly, strong wind brushed past me! It was impossible because the windows were closed! Then the glass broke, and came flying towards me! I was wounded, yes, I was. Bloody even! My uniform was bloody; my skirt was torn! I was sent to the hospital wing. The nurse there was great and cured me, leaving no trace of a tiny scar whatsoever. I didn't know why it did happen! Sabina, I didn't know why it happened. Dark Arts? Maybe. But we didn't learn anything about windows exploding at your faces. I recovered and almost forgot the accident. I guess it was an accident. I don't know. I just want to tell you because something strange is going to happen. To me anyway. But I don't mind. Isn't this what I wanted all along? A strange, mysterious, exciting life? It is what I want. I don't want you to worry. I feel perfectly fine.
And to boys…I never had any interest with the boys here in Hogwarts. There were good-looking ones but they were all just to good and reminded me of Callista's minions. I never cared anyway. But I do have friends here. Pansy, Janice, Vivienne, and Yasmine. But I would never forget you! Of course not! I also have a seemingly close friend too. His name is Draco Malfoy. We are close and that we agree on almost anything.
By your letter I see that a lot has happened during my short absence. I'm sad I'm not there. By the way, I would Chaser in the Slytherin team. Slytherin is my house. And as usual, I'm the only girl in that team. What is wrong with Quidditch and girls?
Well thanks for the letter and say hello to Professor Cassandra. And regards to Naomi, Felicity, Abigail, and of course, my regards to you.
Lara
I called one of the owls. The white one. Her name was Blanca. It was Sabina's owl. She flew down and patiently waited as I tied the letter to her leg.
"Give this to Sabina." I whispered to her.
The next three letters were from Everett, Jonathan, and Stephen. Just as Sabina said. They were all disgustingly scented. I never liked perfume. It makes me dizzy. I grimaced. I didn't read them. All of them contained the same crappy poetry and trying hard prose. I did take a look at it in case something interesting was in it. Nothing. I didn't care about it. I threw the letters at the fireplace and watched them burn. It gave of a smoky scent in the air, mixed with nauseating perfumes. I shooed the other owls away. I opened the last letter.
It didn't look like one actually. It was a note to be precise. It was small and written in thick bold letters. Whoever wrote this was in a hurry. But the handwriting wasn't the matter. It was the contents.
you know that something would happen…
and something will.
you were destined for it
you can't stop it
but i'm sure you wouldn't want to stop it in the first place
and i'm sure you would want it to happen
i know you have power
determination
but do you have enough of it?
you want more
you want to know more
see more
do more
and you will, precious lara
and you will…
Amusing. But it read my mind. I do want to see more. Do more. This note is rubbish. Nonsense! The joker who sent this note is nothing but pathetic. I crumpled the note and threw it at the flames. I watched it burn. Turn into ashes. When it was nothing more than smoke, I went up to the girls' dormitory to sleep.
The next morning, I saw Callista sit with Parvati Patil and Lavender Brown instead of the usual dynamic duo. And the dynamic duo was apart also. Harry and Ron were seated far apart from each other.
"Looks like you'll have a lot of fun today Malfoy." I told him.
"Nothing can make it better." He replied.
Classes were next. My first class was History of Magic. I do not know why they let a ghost teach. I don't know why they let it drone about dates and events. Let him go to heaven and give him some damn peace. I could have snored during History of Magic. But I realized, if I did, I would be missing a lesson: Rise and fall of The Dark Arts. It was interesting and at the same time, stupid. The ghost of a teacher is afraid to say Voldemort's name. Now he kept on referring him as You-Know-Who or He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. It ended, much to my relief. Pansy, Janice, Vivienne, Yasmine, and I walked the halls of Hogwarts. We saw Callista. She was walking alone. I saw Ron. He wasn't far, nor was he near. Perfect. "Callista!" I called her.
I went infront her. Pansy and the others were coming.
"Go away Lara," Callista told me.
"But I can't Callista. Not before I say what I should."
"Lay off."
I looked for a sign. Ron was nearer. He was looking. My cue.
"Callista!" I said rather loudly, "I heard that you and Harry are already steady!" I said Harry louder than the others.
Callista glared at me with such fury. I felt stinging pain at my hand. My scar hurts again.
"I can't believe it Callista! And you and Harry look too good together! Lovebirds, that's the word to describe you! Everybody knows that you are already dating! I heard that the two of you would go to Hogsmeade together! And of course, without the Weasel."
Ron brush passed me. I saw Callista look at him. Ron looked angry. Good.
"And I wouldn't be---!"
Callista came to me and landed a stinging slap ion my cheek. That was the last draw. I glared at her.
"You shouldn't have done that!" I reached for her hair. But she ran away. But before that I saw tears. Puh-leaze. She ran to the opposite direction, sobbing and sniveling on the way, I warrant.
"Lara are you okay?" Janice asked me.
"Did you get her?" Vivienne demanded.
"I'm alright. And sure I got her. I few strands of her hair that is." I showed them my hand. Three black strands of hair lay on the palm of my hand.
