Disclaimer: See the top of chapter 1 & 2. I don't own Harry Potter or its characters.
Warnings: AU. Mentions of sexual behavior. Teenage humor. Mature themes. Violence in later chapters. Some foul language. Romance. Creature violence.
Bloodlines: Heritage Year
CH. 9&10: SUNDAY AT HOGWARTS
THIS IS NOT A NEW CHAPTER! THIS IS ONLY MY BETA'S CORRECTED VERSION AND I ACCIDENTALLY DELETED THE OTHER INSTEAD OF REPLACING IT! SORRY!!!
Long live Sundays!
And, not just the kind you can eat either. The very mention of the word brought warm chills to Lily's heart. Some people abhorred this day. Bad memories such as the droning of a reverend, wet kisses from plump Aunt what's-her-face, or burnt turkey to look forward to at the end of everything brought Sunday to a standstill. Plus, Sunday meant the next day would be Monday-the dreaded beginning at the weekly work routine. But, Lily wasn't thinking about that. No. When she put her mind to it, the young witch could become a master of self-deception. If anything minor bothered her, anything at all, she refused to even acknowledge its existence.
For instance: the suit of armor leering at her from the wall. Minor.
The Entrance Hall was virtually empty. Unless you count Nearly Headless Nick and Peeves the Poltergeist-two Hogwarts resident ghosts-as people, the massive place could be deemed void of human life. It was rather odd to Lily since she was arriving later than usual to breakfast. But, she didn't much think of it. You could never be late on Sunday! It was practically an edict from Heaven! No, siree.
I used to think maybe you love me, now baby I'm sure
and I just can't wait till the day, when you knock on my door
Lily's love for Sunday didn't begin at Hogwarts. It had always been a day that no one in her family missed out on. On Sundays, the Evans joined fellow Londoners at Hyde Park to soak up the sun and grumble about unpredictable summer showers. Mr. Evans, who enjoyed his Sundays off, would read some classic, macabre novel beneath a tree paying no mind to passing female admirers. Mrs. Evans spent her time keeping away said admirers by showering her amused husband with affectionate hugs and kisses. Even Petunia-the little tart- could be found in a good mood. But, mostly because she tanned in a bikini top (far from dad's sight) and flirted with snooty private school boys. And Lily?
Well, the redhead could easily imagine herself sitting on a corner, playing guitar for loose change in her infamous "beggar child" outfit. An hour later, she would go off to play (terribly) at tennis or rollerblade before joining her family for their picnic luncheon. And when cold Christmastime came, the Evans simply stayed indoors for caroling and decorating.
A sad smile graced Lily's face as she sang. Those were happier times.
Now every time I go for the mail box, gotta hold myself down…
Instantly, the thought was brushed aside. You weren't allowed to be sad on Sundays either. Especially on ones like this! The cool air of fall just managed to get by the fading heat of summer. Much cooler than yesterday, but Lily preferred it this way. She'd take the feeling of goose-bumps on her skin any day over hot sweat. Plus, it allowed the redhead to indulge in another benefit of the weekend. Muggle clothes: a freedom of choice all magical folk take for granted. Lily hugged the white cowl-neck sweater against her upper body. It was like wearing a piece of home!
The giant oak doors to the Great Hall were closed. Strange. Usually, this time of morning they weren't. Hesitating for a moment, she then shrugged. Oh well! What happens will happen…
No possible force or being-not wind, not fire, not the Marauders, not vonArrow, not N.E.W.T. Prep homework, not even a damned earthquake-held the power to ruin a Sunday for Lilyanna Evans.
'cos I just can't wait till you write me, you're coming around…
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"As all of you know, for thousands of years, both Hogwarts and Durmstrang have co-existed harmoniously as two of Europe's finest schools pertaining to magical education. We professors and headmasters can and will teach you the necessary skills to become upstanding wizards and witches. However, not all of the burden can be left up to us. It will be up to each of you to seek the need for improvement, to nurture and feed your souls and interests, in addition to applying yourselves to your studies. All of you possess diverse origins and backgrounds, but our mission is the same: to help each of you become the very best you can be!" She paused to eye the disinterested crowd, rendering swift judgment to those who weren't paying attention or sleeping while standing up.
"Many of you will enter the workforce. Some might fight evil. And, some of you young ladies and gentlemen will be carrying on your family name. Speaking of which, I highly encourage for all to attend monthly etiquette seminars held in the Astronomy Tower. Now some of you may roll your eyes now, but bad table manners have broken up more households-in all circles-than infidelity. Alongside magic spells and potions, boys must learn to become chivalrous gentlemen and girls into ladies who walk on-,"
BOOM!
I'm walkin' on sunshine…wooooah!
I'm walkin' on sunshine…wooooah!
I'm walkin' on sunshine…wooooah!
And, don't it feel good? Hey! All right now!
And, don't it feel good? Hey! All right now…
Lily pocketed her wand gleefully while singing her favorite Sunday song at the top of her lungs. Every eye-Hogwarts and Durmstrang alike-was on her as she bounced toward the Gryffindor table. Many were grateful. The speech had been going on forever. It was if time held no meaning and their attention had dropped them into a barren wasteland to wait for a vulture merciful enough to end their misery.
But, the stern-looking witch at the podium didn't seem too amused. Minerva McGonagall was a tall, bird-like woman with ramrod straight posture. Her loathing of rule-breaking and more importantly rule-breakers was infamous. So much so that it became a way of Hogwarts life to hear some poor soul being berated for "letting your hair down" or "forgetting to bring your book because you obviously think I'm Flourish and Blotts!" The Deputy Headmistress was the epitome of discipline and gave off an aura that she was definitely not one to cross. One even felt by the new students.
Oh, yes. Professor McGonagall was indeed the anti-Evans. And, Durmstrang-the poor fellows-had absolutely no idea what chaos was about to ensue.
"Miss Evans."
Lily continued onward, obviously not hearing the clipped, nasal voice over her air guitar playing. Instead of sitting down like a normal wizarding being, the redhead grabbed the end of the table with both hands before hopping onto the bench feet-first then plopping her- to the boys' delight-shapely bottom down. A harmonious laugh filled the Great Hall.
"Ten points Treth!" She chirped loudly across the chamber. Everyone watched as a once mournful-looking Hufflepuff boy waved back languidly while removing a sheet of parchment. Using a luxury eagle feather quill, he noted the score and then glared at Lily with his big olive green eyes.
"What's wrong?"
He blinked pointedly.
"I'm beating you! By how much?"
The third-year tilted his head upward.
"The Great Treth Hallow admitting his defeat! By a whopping fifty points? Oh, this is going to be a great day! Yup!"
He glared harder.
"Don't worry sweetie. I still love you." Lily replied with a wink. "Even if you are a sore loser. You should let yourself go more. Uh…not that you actually go anywhere like-you know-Honeydukes instead of history class or sneak off to the Astronomy Tower to miss a Transfiguration quiz you forgot to study for. Ooh…that reminds me…"
Treth snorted loudly.
"What do you mean I'm a bad example? I am a Prefect! Ten points from Hufflepuff!"
A new voice broke through the conversation. "And, I will give back those ten points to Hufflepuff in addition to taking ten points from Gryffindor for your tardiness, Miss Evans. Then, I will need to subtract thirty points for disrespect of school property. Another thirty for interrupting my welcome to our guests. Forty for sticking gum under my desk Friday-don't tell me it wasn't you. Another forty for your loudmouth conversation across the hall. Sixty points for routinely skipping class and, yes Miss Evans; I do expect you to make up that quiz."
Sirius Black choked on his pumpkin juice as the Gryffindors around him moaned in disbelief. 210 points! What was wrong with the woman? She was their Head of House, for Merlin's sake! All eyes in the Great Hall turned toward the four giant hourglasses that had been moved behind the teacher's table. The 150 gemstones the Gryffindors had racked up so far vanished in an instant. Then, to add to their pain, the counter at the top didn't stop at zero. Soon, a big, glowing -60 was in plain sight. Lily giggled nervously as her fellow lions turned rather nasty glowers in her direction. Of course, the Slytherins thought it all hilarious.
"How dumb can you get?" muttered Richard Parkinson mockingly to Lionel Zabini under his breath.
"At least she's gotten easier on the eyes. Some mudblood bloke will marry her."
Professor McGonagall cleared her throat. "What do you have to say for yourself, Miss Evans?"
"Um…go Gryffindor?" The redhead shrugged. She never did care about the point system. To her, it was just a meaningless game to keep up house rivalries and school spirit. Lily snorted. She didn't even go to Quidditch games anymore. Not after that time she got clobbered with an I-Love-Potter sign.
"Miss Evans, do you notice anything different around you? Besides Durmstrang."
Lily glanced around. Everything looked the same from what she could tell. The Great Hall was filled to the brim as per usual. Nothing appeared out of place. Emerald eyes scanned the teacher's table. Dumbledore? Check. Flitwick? Check. Slughorn? Check. Vespers? Check. A black-haired woman Lily had never seen before….
"We have a new Defense against the Dark Arts teacher!" she cried woefully. "But, I liked Professor O' Malley!"
"O'Malley," McGonagall replied forcibly "is in his office. This is Isabella Grinnet: our new Magical Melodies teacher. But, back to my original question Evans. Why are you out of uniform again? This is the fourth time this year."
Lily gaped in outrage. "Professor! We're always allowed to wear muggle clothes on the weekend! That's preposterous-,"
"Unless your Head of House puts a notice on each and every bedroom door to not do so on the following Sunday."
"Then…that would be a problem. But, I didn't-,"
The older witch snorted. "Detention."
"See the-,"
"Thirty points from Gryffindor."
"You're not-,"
"Forty."
"I'm trying to tell you I-,"
"Fifty."
"Can I even say-,"
"SHUT UP EVANS!!!" cried the Gryffindor table unanimously. Their horror was reflected in the blazing -110 on the ruby hourglass. James slammed his head down on the hard wood, causing a blistering pain to scatter through his brains. They would never win the House Cup at this rate! Damn Evans! Why did she have to be so cute and stubborn about everything? He peeked up in surprise. Cute? Evans wasn't cute! Hazel eyes rolled. He really needed to get laid.
The thick tension between McGonagall and Lily was broken by a flurry of morning post. Owl post that is. The young witch sat down with a tired sigh. That woman was always on her case…Bloody hell! It didn't help that Lily was almost failing her class either. Transfiguration was her worst subject, made harder by McGonagall's authoritarian teaching method and vast amounts of homework. And, she'd only skipped class once not "routinely" to help Professor Utska with his barn of fascinating creatures. Lily asked McGonagall all the time to put her in regular Transfiguration instead of advanced and always got the same answer:
"If you put that determination of yours to work every time you fail Evans, we wouldn't have a problem."
Lily sighed. She would never understand the mind of a teacher. It was dangerous territory. But, never mind that. Today was still Sunday. No event or being in the universe could ruin it for her. The redhead brightened at the thought. House points were no big deal to her and sure Potter and his gang of demonic minions would pull prank punishment, but nothing she couldn't reverse or get over. And, McGonagall's detentions were indeed nasty, but survivable. The smell of disemboweled frogs only lasted for two days.
A bright smile erupted over Lily's face as she poured a gallon of syrup over her waffles. Yup, this was going to be a great day all-,
"Ouch!"
A small, square yet hard package fell on her head. As Lily rubbed the sore spot, a Horned Owl perched atop one of the teenager's shoulders, nibbling affectionately on her ear.
"Hullo Romeo."
The owl hooted in reply before stealing a sausage off his master's plate. Lily swatted at it. Greedy beast! It was all her dad's fault the bloody bird was so spoiled. Mr. Evans had been the one who gave him a "nice, strong, manly name" when she'd first wanted to name him Mr. Cuddlesworth: a respectable name by any eleven year-old girl's standards. Dad was also the one who feed him too much, petted him too much, and trained him to hoot the alphabet.
Lily smiled sadly as she petted Romeo's feathers. She hadn't received anymore dark visions lately. The thought both relieved and worried her.
"Juliet! Don't hoot at him!"
James swatted at his female Horned owl when she began to make "come hither" noises at Evans' bird. What was wrong with her? She'd been doing that since they got back at Hogwarts! It wasn't decent for a bird of her stature. Juliet came from the finest breeding houses in England. Her pedigree was longer than a mile and full of owl war heroes. What did she want with Evans' ruffian?
Lily tempted her owl with more sausage as he tried to fly toward them. "Potter, can you please control your owl?"
"It's not my fault your bird seduced mine!"
"My Romeo? Seduced? Seduced! Is that what you think?"
"That's what I know! Why else would she be interested?"
"Don't make me laugh, Potter! Your little Juliet would be lucky to be with my Romeo."
"I'll have you know my Julie is considered quite the catch herself!"
"Oh, so now you're shagging anything with feathers now!"
Hazel met emerald in a silent battle of wits. Finding out that their beloved pets were impossibly in love gave Lily and James even more reason to duke it out. They argued like this almost every morning. Albus Dumbledore chuckled from the teacher's table as the two star-crossed owls flew out of the Great Hall side-by-side without their owners noticing. Ah! Young love…of all kinds.
"Keep out of it, Black!" snarled the redhead. "And Potter, keep your feathered harlot away from Romeo."
Lily huffed while opening her new letter. Hopefully, a letter from home would help salvage her Sunday.
Dear Lilyanna,
Oh boy.
It has come to our attention that Halloween is an important time for people of your kind. Naturally, we expect you will represent our family in the best means possible. Please accept this gift in lieu of a forgotten 16th birthday present. Our apologies for letting it slip our minds, but that does not excuse your temper tantrums or bad behavior. Your professor has informed us of your continued absence from her etiquette program. A program that we and your mother agree will be beneficial towards your education. Do not disappoint us Lilyanna. Your poor mother is having a hard enough time already with your father running off. She doesn't need to worry about you or any misdemeanors.
Your grandfather and I have recently purchased a fine house in Mayfair. Petunia enjoys it and your mother is getting used to being in better surroundings again. We expect you will as well. Your rooms are currently being decorated in red, gold, and brown. Those are your Griffin colors, are they not? If you have a problem with this, I'll be sure to contact the interior designer. Did you know that Petunia has found a wonderful man? His name is Vernon Dursley and he just left university. We find him acceptable and are quite sure he will establish himself in some grand way. Come Christmas, we expect for you to bring home a boy for our attentions. A girl of your charm and character shouldn't have too much trouble. You have been fortunate enough to inherit the Evans good looks so do not disappoint us.
Also, your grandfather and I have decided it would be better for all of us if you didn't mention your father until this incident is solved. Not only at home, but at Hogsville as well or whatever that school of yours is called. The whole world doesn't need to know your father's a villain.
Our Loving Regards,
Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Evans.
"INCENDIO!"
Everyone gasped or screamed in horror as a fire sprouted in front of a crying redhead. Quickly dousing the burnt letter with a water charm, she hurriedly grabbed all her things and sprinted toward the giant oak doors. Lily cursed as she collided with someone in blood red robes.
"Vatch it!" A gruff, foreign voice replied before softening. "Oh, you are okay?"
"Never better." She mumbled sarcastically while picking up her fallen quills, parchment, and other useless junk. The foreigner tried to call Lily back, but all he saw was a glimpse of red hair that was soon followed by a tiny, green-eyed boy running as fast as his little legs could carry him.
"Hey Moony, I got a present for you! Got this beauty all the way from Paris! Forgot about it with all the excitement going on around here…"
Sirius let out his naturally bark-like laugh, throwing his head back doing so. Reaching into the knapsack beside his bed, he pulled out a long, roll of paper that was tied in the middle by a colorful purple and orange ribbon. The messy-haired boy on the four-poster bed next to Sirius chuckled amusedly. The twinkle in James' eye told him he knew exactly what the gift was. That's right, Remus remembered, all the big pure-blood families go to Paris for summertime.
"If it's something ludicrous Padfoot, I don't want to see it."
"Oh, come on Moony!" Electric blue eyes rolled. "When have I ever given you anything ludicrous?"
"Let's see there was the Fanged Frisbee last year…the Exploding Eatable Dots that nearly knocked my jaw off…the suit of armor you charmed to give me a lap dance every time I went in the Great Hall…the Malicious Monopoly chess set that bit my fingers…and my birthday book: Discovering your Shag Flexibility: A Beginner's Guide."
"You might learn something if you read it!" protested Sirius. "Look here, you scoundrel! I'm just trying to help you out!"
"How?"
"Someone has to make sure you don't die a virgin."
Light brown eyes narrowed in annoyance before returning to the humongous book in his lap. According to James, he'd been married to it for about two weeks, but Remus couldn't help that the story was fascinating. A blush spread across his cheeks. James and Sirius would probably die of lack of oxygen from laughter if they ever discovered the title. They were still taking the mickey out of him about the last letter from his mum. "Dear Remmykins…" One would squeak femininely. "I just wanted to make sure my little bubble butt is well and that you have enough underwear for winter. I'm sending your favorite pair (the ones with the zooming planets) later on…"
What could he do? He was an only child…an only werewolf child. Where most parents might've abandoned their boy to Ministry confinement, his parents had kept him and cared for him ever since the Bite. He just wished they wouldn't coddle him so much. The sandy-haired lad glanced over at his friends who were leaned over the Map, plotting the course of their next infamous prank. He envied them! They had no idea how others treated him outside of Hogwarts. Yes. They'd encountered it occasionally, but they weren't living his life…the life of a creature.
He sat brooding until feeling a slight tap on his shoulder. "What?"
"What?! What do you mean what! Aren't you going to open your present?" cried James in mock outrage.
"No thanks."
"Come on Moony…"
"I don't feel like it. Maybe later."
"Pretty please, Moony!"
"Why do you-oh Merlin! Not the eyes! Don't do the puppy eyes!"
Remus turned to face his friends only to jump back from shock at the similarity between them. It was a mistake of fate that James Potter and Sirius Black weren't brothers. In fact, their quote about being brothers in every aspect except blood was well known around Hogwarts. They played, laughed, teased, and even on the rare occasion, fought like brothers. If the werewolf recalled correctly, the two were distant cousins so fate had made up its mistake in someway. But still…both were from renowned pure-blood families. Both were exceptionally powerful. Both aced tests without even lifting a page. (Remus had to admit that was more annoying than awing.) Both shared an innate love of pranks and no-good mischief. They both almost looked alike!
The werewolf groaned. Especially when they did those sad, huge puppy eyes…
"Give me the bloody gift."
Padfoot and Prongs whooped simultaneously, sharing a happy high-five. Remus sighed though feeling the laughter build up in his chest. After all these years together, he still wasn't immune to their methods of persuasion.
"You're going to love it, Moony," declared Sirius proudly. "Snuck all the way to Pigalle, we did! You don't know what we had to do…lying to Prongs' poor mum…sneaking out under cloak…exploring the unknown!"
He eyed his excited friends then the paper in his hands wearily. "Did you say Pigalle? Quelle horreur! Vous n'auriez pas dû aller là-bas. It's dangerous."
"Wow Moony! McGonagall's French lessons have really been paying off for you!" James appeared impressed. "Soon you'll be up there with the cream de la cream of society, mate!"
Both Padfoot and Moony stared at their grinning pal, realizing it was only by Merlin's grace and his parent's help that he had survived Paris. His French was terrible. The sandy-haired lad chuckled as he began to untie the ribbon. Then again, James' dad didn't like the French. He claimed the Potters were close cousins of the great wizard Wellington, who disguised himself as a muggle to defeat the dark lord of the time: Napoleon. Of course, Mr. Potter also believed that his son and Sirius were perfect, heaven-sent angels.
The parchment unwrapped to reveal a poster of a buxom, pink bikini-clad muggle girl whose glazed eyes stared up at him wantonly. Remus pursed his lips as the raven-haired boys gave another high-five behind his back.
Oh yeah…angels…
"What do you think, Moony? Nice, eh?" They cackled like hyenas before glancing over the picture. "Hey Wormtail! Wake up, you big lug!" Sirius withdrew his wand and shot a jet of water at the rotund figure next to them. "Come see what we got Moony!"
The poor boy woke up wet, sputtering, and sleepy-eyed. But, as he got his bearings together, a look of surprised delight possessed Peter's chubby face. Remus could easily understand it. Their two friends were the height of cool and, for some inexplicable reason, had been drawn to them of all people. To be included by people that would've overlooked you otherwise felt amazingly-
"A-a-awesome!" Peter wobbled toward them in a moldy sweater. "I-is it that b-b-book he asked for? Or those Anc-c-cient Runes trans-s-slation cards? Or-or…oh." A bright blush appeared across his plump face.
"I know! Isn't it great?" exclaimed Sirius, not noticing his friend's discomfort. "James and I thought she would be the Moony type."
He sighed again. "That's impossible, Padfoot. I don't have a type."
"Everyone has a type! She's perfect for you!" James snorted. He spoke as though Remus could just reach through and touch the girl. "Look at her: smart, mature, elegant, gorgeous…a real lady in the streets, but a freak between the sheets!"
"Stick to Quidditch, mate. Poetry isn't your forte."
"Come on Moony! There's got to be something you like about her! What about that bosom, eh? How can you not notice that?"
Both Peter and Remus blanched at the shocking question. "I haven't…you're supposed to get to know…I don't focus on that first!"
"Really? Because that's the first thing I look at!" crowed Sirius as James snickered beside him. After a minute, they quieted and began to squirm under Moony's stern, almost professor-like air. The teenage werewolf roughly rolled up the poster, not bothering to hide his smile as it tore apart.
"One day-rip!-you two are going to find-rip!-women that will whip you-rip!-right into shape!"
He continued tearing it up until nothing existed except for tiny pieces of confetti in his hands. Peter's terrified gaze and pitiful whimpers caused Moony to notice his nails had lengthened again. Claws. It only happened when he lost control-even when he was happy. Light brown eyes winced. A werewolf thing.
"Hey Moony…" Padfoot said soothingly. "Don't worry about it. It was just a joke."
Prongs nodded; his hazel eyes softened. "Yeah! We wouldn't have even thought about getting it if we knew it was going to upset you like this. We-We just don't want you to be lonely, Moony. You deserve great."
His shoulders had become tense with worry, but upon hearing their sentiments, Remus relaxed. "I…I'm sorry. Just you know…I don't like people being…" It didn't take long to find the right word, "degraded. People of my kind don't usually breed anyway."
Sympathy flashed across their faces and both began to shift awkwardly. It was definitely a strange sight to see because they almost always kept their cool, especially Sirius. Walking to class. Performing a perfect double-loop. Casting a prank. Sitting in detention. Under pressure. Constant composure was another tick on the never-ending list of what qualities Hogwarts witches loved about the Marauders.
"I-I-I know!" cried Peter in excitement. "H-h-how about we do s-s-something else?"
The atmosphere changed at once. It was now comfortable enough to breathe and silently understood that all was forgiven among them.
"That's the best idea you've had in years, Wormtail!" James replied teasingly.
"Hey!"
He caught the pillow thrown at him with ease due to his Chaser reflexes. "It's the truth. Want to go outside by the lake?"
"Why?" asked Sirius while leaning back, looking carelessly handsome as usual. "So we can watch you play wanna-be Seeker? Nah. I think a nice prank would do me good right about now."
Laughing hazel eyes met sparkling blue and one word passed through their lips. "Snivellus!"
Here we go again…
But, even though he tried to look disapproving, Remus couldn't stop a smile from anchoring on his face. Arrogant and wonderful Prongs. Haughty and loyal Padfoot. Cowering and friendly Wormtail. And, himself, a brilliant monstrosity. They might have been a bizarre bunch compared to some, but you could find no other group more willing to lay down their lives for each other. These were the boys who had become Animagi to keep him company during full moons. These were the boys who patched him up as much as possible before Madame Pomfrey came down to get him. They were always there with their goofy smiles and mischievous antics.
"Onward fellow Marauders!" James, their leader, declared gallantly. He swung his wand as though it were a sword and looked quite the picture. "To the dungeons, where evil lurks its greasy head!"
"Aye, sir! Wormtail! Our broadswords, ho! Brandish them in the face of evil!"
With that, Sirius ran off; his hard thumping could be heard following James' from the boys' staircase. The chubby boy blinked stupidly after his handsome friend before turning to Moony. The werewolf grinned. "Padfoot wants you to bring his wand."
"O-Oh! Why didn't he just s-s-say that then?"
He picked up a long, ebony wand that had fallen on the red carpet floor. His watery blue eyes analyzed the sandy-haired lad as he stopped in the doorway. "A-aren't you c-c-coming, Moony?"
The book snapped shut. "Don't I always? Someone has to keep you gits out of trouble."
CHAPTER 10
"Maddie, my love, are you okay?"
"Do I look okay, mum?!"
Madam Pomfrey frowned at her newest patient, making sure to add a little more armadillo bile than necessary into the goblet. Nothing dangerous, of course. Just enough so the chit would get a taste of her attitude. If there was one nuisance the nurse couldn't stand, it was spoiled witches! Wizards were tolerable once it was realized even they needed a good Pepper Up Potion after a Bludger knockout or cauldron explosion. However, witches could be nasty little blighters. And, girls like Madeline vonArrow were already quite a piece of work on their own.
The grey-haired witch glanced over a status chart. Everything looked well enough, but her patient had insisted on staying an extra day. She would've thought a pretty lass like her might've wished to go out and flirt with the Durmstrang arrivals. Madam Pomfrey chuckled. Minerva could preach manners and etiquette all she liked, but girls would always be girls and boys would be boys. Times were changing. Wasn't like the old days anymore…
"Nurse, will she be okay? She looks a little pale an-,"
"I assure you Priscilla that that girl is fine! I wanted to release your daughter yesterday, but she insisted on staying."
Madeline huffed angrily. "I am not fine! Do you see my face?! I look like one of those muggle x-ray things! There's no way I'm going out there like this."
It was true. Thin streaks of pale blue blossomed across her face, arms, and chest that were visible just under her tanned skin's surface. That was the one thing she couldn't explain. According to the girl, they had appeared right after she had been brought in yesterday by her friend. The nurse's nose scrunched. Speaking of which, vonArrow had yet to tell her why she had fallen unconscious and when asked she merely turned her nose upward and said it was none of her business. None of my business! Humph! There was no point in her being the school matron if the cause of accidents were "none of her business"!
"I'm afraid I can't help you there, Miss vonArrow. Do you think that minor earthquake might've had something to-,"
"It's none of your business!"
Priscilla vonArrow gasped at the savage tone in her daughter's voice. "Calm down, Maddie! Please…there's no need to get upset. Madam Pomfrey, are you sure there's nothing you can do about the marks?"
She narrowed her eyes. "Not if it's none of my business, no. As I've said a million times, Miss vonArrow, you're free to go! Drink this potion and be off with you!" The goblet was violently slammed down on the nightstand beside the blonde's bed as the nurse stomped off into the corridor. "If there is an emergency, I'll be in the Headmaster's office."
After Pomfrey disappeared, the witch sighed in annoyance. "I have to say your father is extremely disappointed in you Madeline. He's not happy."
"When is he ever?"
Madeline's arms crossed while her mother placed a hand on her cheek. The blonde jerked away. She had learned early on not to hold to much feeling for her mum. It wasn't as if you could trust Priscilla vonArrow with anything important. Silvery blue eyes narrowed in disdain. Her mother glared back with a hand at her throat, if only to display a thirty-carat diamond ring. It went with the large diamond earbobs and pearls that were better suited for evening.
"Don't talk about your father that way!" Her blue eyes scanned the room wildly, as if expecting something to jump out from the shadows. "You know he just got that seat on the Council! Then you had to go and pull something like this! It's being talked about all around the European Coven." She bit a fingernail. "He's furious, Maddie!"
"Then tell him to fix it!" Mrs. vonArrow huffed. "That's ridiculous! You can't fix something like this! The vonArrow name is a laughingstock, no thanks to you. We haven't even gotten through the trial."
"TRIAL! THEY'RE PUTTING ME ON TRIAL! THAT'S SO UNFAIR!"
The blonde kicked the sheets away while screaming in rage. Vials of Madam Pomfrey's expensive healing potions exploded on the shelves and inside the cabinets, causing much of the wood to be destroyed by acid. Several of the beds became turned over. Curtains fell from the windows. Glass panes cracked at the touch of loose magic and the Hospital Wing rumbled as Madeline howled like a werewolf on the prowl. Meanwhile, her mother simply inspected her fingernails, apparently unbothered even as a lamp flew at head. With the flick of an oak wand, it vanished into thin air.
"I say, are you done now?" She asked impatiently.
Now fatigued and aching, Madeline nodded.
"Good. You're lucky that didn't register as a Cry or else it would've been straight to Claustrum! Yes, you idiot girl! They can send you there! This whole affair is working on my last nerve, Maddie! Hasn't your Ocular told you anything?!"
"No…" The blonde's feet shuffled awkwardly. "Cecilia's useless."
"We'll have to fix that then. The British conclave has no mercy on its junior members. In fact, it makes everything worse because it reflects poorly on your Bloodline and your chances of making a fine match. There's only one way to smooth this over: Alliances! Alliances! Connections! Connections! That's how you make it in this world!"
Madam Pomfrey came striding back inside, humming an old folklore tune. Mrs. vonArrow immediately pasted on a brilliant almost blinding smile as the nurse shrieked at the catastrophe inside her precious hospital. Over the flying spells and whizzing bottles, the broomstick heiress almost didn't hear her mother mutter, "Treth Hallow."
"WHAT?!"
"You-heard-me," she gritted out. "Treth Hallow. You met them at the Potter's summer cotillion in Ireland. Remember those horrible twin girls? His Seer mother? The boy's a few years younger than you, but no matter. His family has borne some of the century's finest Oculars and is much respected-,"
"In a parallel universe! Hallow is the weirdest boy in school and he's friends with," The name with uttered with astounding venom. "Evans…"
"True. The Hallows are rather bizarre for humans, but their methods are the best. They only pair up with the most powerful of British Seraphiels and I hear they have been conversing more than usual with the d'Artois family in France…who is this Evans girl?"
A nasty scowl appeared on Madeline's face. "No one special. Just some filthy mudblood whom everyone adores!"
Mrs. vonArrow visibly relaxed, patting down her blonde bob.
"All the boys think Evans is so beautiful! Cecilia told me this morning about how those Durmstrang idiots were drooling over her-even though she lost like a million points for Gryffindor! Humph. If I'd know that was gonna happen, I wouldn't have bothered telling Ainslie to take the bloody sign off the door! Not to mention, all the teachers love her because she's so "brilliant", and "talented", and "oddly charming"! How can you be odd and charming?! It's so-,"
Priscilla continued on while ignoring her daughter's ranting. Madeline smiled, gasped, and frowned delicately in the all right places. A list of a dozen or so names was thrown at her- each secretly going in one ear and out the other.
"The Bariatinsky brothers, the Shuvalov girl, Yusupov is a must, and for Beauxbatons there are many, but I believe Antoinette Duclaires will suffice."
"That bitch!" cried Madeline woefully. "She's almost worse than Evans! At last year's Sanguis, she walked around like she's a bloody princess and tried to-,"
"I remember. Her father is practically the king over in France, and if there's one thing I know about girls from the gutter, it's that they raise their children up on a pedestal." The mother's sneer matched her daughter's to the last tooth. "But, your situation warrants a king's protection. Be kind to her. I mean it!"
"I don't need their help, mother! This is so unfair! What next? Are they blaming me for those loose Cries in Paris too?!"
A red-faced and sour-looking Madam Pomfrey sped over from behind a curtain. She immediately began to shoo Mrs. vonArrow away, claiming that visiting hour was over and it wouldn't do to have her patient upset while loose doxies were lounging around. Madeline watched her mother gasp in horror. Flying vases she could handle, but Priscilla hated all creatures-magical and muggle-that weren't Seraphiels or wizards. However, the older witch muttered quietly under her breath and soon afterward a small explosion resonated from a far corner. The school nurse quickly fell for the distraction, screaming wildly in panic while running over to investigate.
"No. They say the French wardens still have no idea who made those." She frowned. "It was powerful, wasn't it? Too powerful…and for whomever it was to be unregistered…well the incident has caused the Orlovs to start making a fuss again."
"The Orlovs?" sneered Madeline. "Don't tell me. Their alleged granddaughter that no one else has ever met or seen apparated into Paris, Cried, and then disappeared without a trace? Please. Everyone knows that's just an excuse so they won't have to give up their fortune."
"Yes, it does sound ridiculous," agreed her mother. "But, to be on the safe side, it'll be best for you to keep a look-out. You remember what they say she looks like? Green eyes and red-,"
"OUT! OUT ALREADY! DON'T YOU REALIZE IT'S NOT SAFE HERE! GO! GO!"
With a flick of her wand, Madam Pomfrey floated a protesting Priscilla vonArrow toward the fireplace. She stood on guard like a soldier until the short, blonde witch reluctantly tossed Floo into the fire and stepped inside, vanishing loudly within moments. Madeline was quite happy to mutter a "good riddance" after her. The vonArrows may have been a loving family in the public eye, but once that eye turned away the love went with it. To be truthful, Madeline preferred it that way. It made her life all the more glamorous.
"AND YOU MISS VONARROW! I'VE HAD ENOUGH OF YOU! DRINK YOUR POTION AND BE OFF! BEAUXBATONS WILL BE HERE ANY MINUTE NOW!"
She stared at the steaming vial that had miraculously survived both earth-shaking onslaughts. Glaring at the nurse as she stormed off, the blonde took a gulp before choking on the terrible taste and the feel of smoke shooting out of her ears. Madeline threw the rest of the blasted substance on the floor, checked her appearance for physical proof that she'd indeed been hospitalized, and stalked off to join her popular friends. By the time Madeline reached the door, the witch had forgotten half the names her mother had told her. Not that she planned to do anything with them.
If asked, the sudden bout of amnesia could be blamed on the armadillo bile.
"Scammander says-shut up Treth! Humph. As I was saying, Scammander says this: from the darkest jungle to brightest desert, from mountain peak to marshy bog…I have visited lairs, burrows, and nests across five continents, observed the curious habits of magical beasts in a hundred countries, witnessed their powers, gained their trust and, on occasion, beaten them off with my traveling kettle…it's not fair. Why must the men have all the fun?"
A long, blissful yet troubled sigh escaped Lily's mouth as her emerald eyes watched a leaf as though it held the meaning of life. They sat in a tree that was within meters of the castle gates. The wind wasn't blowing, but the air was still cool. Magnificent shades of purple, pink, orange, and red blended together to form a brilliant sunset overhead. Both stared at it solemnly as Lily gave another sigh.
She'd done it again…blown up at nothing…ran her big mouth…ruined her Sunday…would she ever learn?
The redhead fidgeted uncomfortably. Her dad, before everything had happened, always warned her about losing her temper. In muggle primary school, she had almost gotten expelled for punching a little boy in the mouth because he made fun of her hair color. At home, pots and pans would fly around. One once accidentally hit Petunia in the head, which caused her to be rushed straight away to their dad's care. But, that was all accidental magic she had later found out when a wizard appeared at the door, waving a Hogwarts letter- the letter that literally changed her life. Still, the worst things she'd ever done happened when Lily was angry. A "volatile time-bomb" as Mr. Evans would say in his doctor voice.
Lily sniffed while wiping away a tear. That was easy for him to say…her dad was the calmest person she knew. He never got angry. Annoyed? Yes. But angry? No.
"Nemaha okay?"
A Sugar Quill was in direct eyesight. Lily's favorite sweet. As always at the sight of her best friend's sugary gifts, a beam managed to work onto her face.
"Nemaha will be okay. Thanks Treth."
The raven-haired boy nodded fervently. His green eyes studied hers as he leaned back onto his branch. That was another thing about Treth Hallow. He possessed a grace most boys his age couldn't copy. The branch he lay on appeared very thin and yet it supported the lad's weight as though he was lighter than a feather. Lily had dared him once to sit on a string she'd tied between two trees. Not only did he fall asleep; he also turned, yawned, and stretched to the point where Lily kicked him off in annoyance.
"I don't understand all the hype about me being a lady anyway," the redhead sucked on her candy, looking very much in deep thought. "As long as I'm not a slut, that's all that matters. I don't open my legs whenever some bloke talks to be like Hobgoblin or vonArrow."
Treth snorted in agreement.
"Hobgoblin flirted with you? That's disgusting! You're only a third-year! And, you like Amelia!"
He sighed impatiently.
"What do you mean I liked Amelia?! You-you said you thought she was cute and you walked with her at-,"
A mischievous grin appeared on his elfin face.
"…oh, you thought her bum was cute…." Emerald eyes flashed. "Blimey! This is exactly what I'm talking about Treth Hallow! Women are meant to be loved and respected as equals! Not like pretty little show dogs or-or brood mares!"
Treth gave an apologetic shrug.
Lily's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "Enjoying it while you can? You're still thirteen! I didn't even look at boys when I was your age…I thought they were, you know, "icky"." The redhead rolled her eyes. "I sound like an old bitty, don't I?"
His grin became rather wide and cheesy. She huffed.
"All I'm saying is that if witches were meant to be pining imbeciles we wouldn't have been given magic in the first place! It's the one thing I hate about this place. Everyone expects me to be this delicate little flower, which I'm not! You've seen what I can do, Treth! I'm sturdy and strong as a hippogriff! I'm not meant to sit around and-and be decorative!"
Lily spit out the last word as if it were a curse. While sitting, she began to bounce up and down heatedly on the branch below her. Her arms were swinging wildly, demonstrating the point not just to her friend, but to some invisible stranger in the distance.
"If I turned in an application to the Department of Magical Creatures at the Ministry, it would probably be thrown into the fire as soon as they see my gender! You know there are only four registered female magizoologists in Britain and two of them work abroad! I'd kill for a chance…it's my dream." Emerald eyes glazed over. "I want to open a magical preserve for endangered creatures…I don't know where yet, but it needs to be somewhere isolated and by the ocean…for the merpeople of course. Doesn't that sound lovely, Treth? Treth? Treth!"
He had pulled her back into the foliage while tucking her legs up and out of sight. A growling Lily made an attempt to slap the back of his head, but the boy easily dodged. Treth's green eyes were focused on the ground where hundreds of black-robed students were lining up and waiting impatiently. The redhead gave a sheepish grin. "Sorry."
For once, he ignored her to pull out what Lily estimated to be a very expensive silver heart-shaped locket dotted with brilliant sapphires. She was surprised he didn't mind being seen with it. Flashy hearts and gems weren't exactly the Hallow style. Creepy bats, glowing toads, and cackling pumpkins were more of their thing.
"What do you mean I'm nosey?!" The redhead quietly screeched as Treth hid the locket away. "I'm not nosey! I'm…merely more curious than necessa-,"
"Look! Look up there! It's a flying giant!"
"Stop acting stupid! It's obviously a dragon!"
Ambrosia Pinkerton corrected them. "Five points from Slytherin for verbal misconduct…it's a carriage by the way."
It seemed the saying that wizards can't help but to show off when getting together was true. Something dark and large, much larger than a hundred broomsticks, was hurtling across the multi-colored sky towards Hogwarts. Lily watched her classmates gasp in awe (she herself couldn't keep her mouth closed) as the object in the distance became larger, more defined. Soon, it skimmed over the treetops of the Forbidden Forest and swerved toward them. The blazing lights of the sunset hit it, revealing a gigantic, power-blue, winged horse-drawn carriage that was the size of a gigantic house.
As always, Pinkerton was right.
The carriage landed with a mighty crash that made tall Frank Longbottom jump back on his girlfriend's foot. Lily giggled as Alice emitted a loud shriek before pushing him off, teasingly declaring him a clumsy oaf. Hearing the carriage bounce upon its vast wheels, the golden palominos flapped their wings nervously as shadows moved inside. Lily, from the creature encyclopedia inside her mind, identified them as Abraxan-the strongest breed.
A set of steps rolled down by themselves and soon coming down them was a short, glittering woman she couldn't quite see. Following her were about two dozen shivering figures. Lily watched Dumbledore rush out to greet the woman, planting a gallant kiss on her hand. She called out to the people behind them and the redhead assumed they were students.
"This Heritage Year thing is going to be big, huh Treth?"
He nodded imperiously as all of Hogwarts' new guests paused beside their tree. Emerald and olive green eyes scanned the Beauxbatons crowd. Lily held back a groan as McGonagall burst into a speech: torture in the highest degree. Two minutes slowly passed by and already all of Beauxbatons, Durmstrang, and Hogwarts were fighting against sleep.
"My parents were right." She heard a brunette giggle in whispers, "Morpheus does have helpers everywhere."
A yawn came in reply from the blonde next to her. "So it seems…"
That voice! She'd heard it before! But from where? Lily crawled away from Treth who tried to beckon her back. The blonde was standing right underneath the two's hiding place and the emerald-eyed girl was determined to get a look at her. Making sure not to rustle too many leaves, she moved as quietly as possible onto the outer limbs.
Unfortunately for Lily, branches could only take so much abuse.
A loud crash reverberated throughout the area followed by shouts of surprise. Those close to the accident backed away while curious onlookers tried to catch a good glimpse of the chaos. Leaves fell from the broken tree onto the impact site- one falling into Lily's open mouth as she groaned in pain. The orders from the professors to move fell on many deaf ears, but in hers they sounded like the chimes of Big Ben. Wincing, the young witch rolled over to find herself staring down into very pretty yet annoyed aquamarine eyes.
"Uh…sugar quill?" Lily brushed the excess leaf off of it, grinning sheepishly.
YEA, I'M DONE! THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR PATIENCE! I KNOW ITS ALMOST BEEN A MONTH…DON'T FORGET TO COMMENT/REVIEW!
