Harry Potter belongs to J.K. Rowling, only the Archard family belongs to me. The French words/phrases will be italicized. Please review!


Chapter 8: The Morning After


Esme POV

When I awoke, I felt groggy. The amount of sleep I had gotten before and after my dream was not enough.

"Esme, are you feeling alright?"

I looked over to find Daphne looking at me oddly from the edge of her bed. I could tell she was worried, but there was nothing to worry about. Dreams happened all the time, I was bound to get a strange one every once in a while.

"I just slept restlessly last night. I will be fine after we get breakfast." Daphne and I hurried into the washroom to get ready before the others awoke. We were only half way done when they stumbled in.

"Mark my words, those two will surely have lost their House 100 points at least, for getting caught by Filch," Parkinson said in what seemed to be her default snooty voice, wrinkling her nose at the sight of her own reflection in the mirror.

"You're so right, Pansy," replied Bulstrode, handing the dark-haired girl hairbrush her before reaching for her own.

I swear Millicent Bulstrode had no thoughts of her own - I'd only ever heard her agree with everything Parkinson said, regardless of the topic. Though I couldn't decide if that was better or worse than Tracey Davis, who just mutely followed the other two around. She only spoke when she had too, and I honestly forgot the girl was there half the time.

Parkinson was soon standing behind me, tapping her foot and sneering, with her hair now neatly tucked behind her usual headband. "Hurry up, Archard! You're hogging the sink!"

"My, you sure have a lot of energy this morning." I packed up my supplies and left, biting back the rest of my not-so-nice response. I didn't have the energy to deal with her horrible personality this early in the morning.

I had started doing my own hair when Daphne exited the washroom giggling. "Honestly, I find the rivalry between you and Pansy amusing."

I huffed, dropping my arms and accidentally tossing one of my hair clips across the room, which sent Daphne into a new round of her attempting not to laugh. "She is not my rival of any sort. She could never hope to ever reach my level of perfection."

Daphne just continued to laugh as she gathered her things and I shuffled across the room for my butterfly pin, gliding as Maman taught me to prove my point. "Perfection, are you? Need I remind you I've heard you sing, and I have to say, a half deaf Kneazle carries a tune better than you can."

I made a noise of shock, purposely overplaying it. "Toi aussi, Brutus!" I couldn't hold it for long before I gave up and started giggling. Daphne joined me as we threw our bags over our shoulders and headed out of the room.

We were both laughing uncontrollably as we entered the Common Room. Theo and Blaise were waiting for us there, for once. Theo was looking at us with apprehension. "Please say that one of you actually said something funny instead of your usual ridiculousness."

We managed to stop laughing to smirk at him before cackling as if we were stung by a Billywig. He sighed in resignation, a hand thrown over his eyes dramatically.

Blaise smiled good-naturedly at the other boy. "You really shouldn't expect anything else from these two. It's a part of their charm."

Attempting to spare Theo from further teasing, the four of us left for the Great Hall, talking over the events of the previous night as we went. "How much trouble do you think Potter and Weasley are in?"

There was a beat of silence before Theo answered me, "Honestly, I don't think they will be in much trouble. They broke curfew yes, but I think Professor McGonagall will only take 50 points away each and maybe give them detention."

Blaise, tripping over a trick stair, recovered in time to comment, "And this early in the school year, points can easily be earned back, especially by the upper years who know how."

I felt a bit of weight lift off my shoulders, though I was still not feeling entirely awake. As soon as we dropped into our usual spots at the Slytherin table, I fixed myself my much-needed cup of tea. I nibbled on some toast as I drank, feeling much more awake already.

The Hall slowly began to fill up as the later risers trickled in, the chatter growing louder as the school finally started to wake themselves up. Among them was the rest of the Slytherin first-years. Draco had an extra skip in his steps this morning, likely excited to discover the results of his plan.

However, Draco's good mood soured when Potter and Weasley walked into the Great Hall, both looking perfectly cheerful. I was shocked at their good mood. Could it be? They did appear tired; had they managed to evade Filch after all? My thoughts were confirmed when Weasley sent Draco his own smug smirk, but besides that the two Gryffindor boys seemed to be in their own little world, leaning close together and whispering adamantly about something.

Draco seemed to withdraw into himself, ignoring the rest of us, as we quickly figured out that his plan to get the Gryffindors in trouble had failed. He didn't even respond to Parkinson's (many) attempts at consoling him. I couldn't help but feel a little sorry for him; after all, he had been so sure that his plan would succeed, but to have it fail was a blow to both his reputation among our Housemates and his own confidence in himself.

Draco's brooding continued through the rest of breakfast and it was affecting the atmosphere of our part of the table. Everyone was uncomfortable, and no one was able to alleviate the tension. Daphne and I shared a look and quickly finished eating to hurry off, neither of us wishing to remain in the brooding bubble any longer.

We made our way out of the Hall and down the corridor toward our first class of the day. There was still quite a bit of time before our class, so we weren't in any sort of hurry. It must have been a combination of our slow pace and the empty corridor that let him catch up to us so quickly.

"Esme wait up a second!" Both Daphne and I turned in surprise to see Potter running up to us, his tie unpinned and his dark hair in wild disarray. When he reached us, he glanced at Daphne before his gaze settled on me, catching his breath from his sprint down the corridor. "Can I talk to you for a second?"

I kept my face devoid of my feelings – confused as to why he was there but still angry at his clear disregard for my warning yesterday. "Whatever you have to say can be said in front of Daphne."

He hesitated for a moment before he continued speaking, "About yesterday…I just wanted to say that- "

"Let me stop you right there, Potter." I felt my anger spike as I interrupted him, adjusting so we were face-to-face. "Whatever you are about to say, don't. We haven't spoken in weeks and now you suddenly want to talk to me after you realized that I was right all along? I will not alleviate any sort of pity or guilt you may be feeling, have a good day."

With that I turned and stormed off, Daphne not far behind me. I really didn't want to hear any sort of bragging or even an apology, if that was where he was heading. I was tired of waiting around for Potter to get his feelings sorted out; if he truly did wish for our friendship to continue, then he must approach me willingly and on his own, not to talk about any sort of incident between our Houses.

"Esme, your hair is starting to spark. You need to calm down."

I jerked to a stop, feeling Daphne run into by my back on accident and realizing that she was right. Now that I was removed from my thoughts, I felt how my magic was churning. I closed my eyes, breathing in and out slowly until I felt it settle. Then I turned to my friend who was watching me with a worried expression. "I apologize for my lack of control."

"Stop. Esme, you do not need to apologize. I am concerned though, about what just happened…Do want to talk about it?"

"Non, it truly is nothing at this point. I'm fine now."

Daphne stared into my eyes for a bit before she nodded, and we continued on to our first class. I really was fine at this point. Yes, I was still feeling angry, but the feeling was no longer overwhelming and my magic was calm, no longer churning beneath my skin. I did feel ashamed for losing enough control for my hair to spark – that hadn't happened in years, not since I threw a tantrum as a child and completely lost control. I refused to let it happen again.

Classes passed uneventfully, though Granger was even more insistent to answer every question than she was before for some reason – if that was actually possible. (Theo and I had a theory that if she were to answer something wrong she might actually wither away). Too soon for my liking it was time for Herbology, my least favorite and worst class thus far.

I honestly couldn't understand where I was going wrong with that class, especially in the practical part. No matter what I did, I couldn't seem to complete the tasks that my classmates could, so much so that I was actually failing the class right now. Theo recommended that I'd get an older student to help me since studying with him and Daphne hadn't been working so far, but I didn't want to ask someone from our House because that would be admitting that I was failing at something. I needed to maintain my image, after all. Asking someone from another House was even worse, plus besides my siblings, I knew no other older students who could possibly tutor me.

I didn't want to ask any of my siblings either because I didn't want to be dependent on them, and if I admitted that I was having trouble, they would talk to our parents out of concern, which was simply out of the question. Here at Hogwarts was the first real separation I had from my siblings, and I was determined to prove that I could stand on my own. Despite my feelings on being independent, I missed my siblings. I hardly ever saw them in the corridors, and I was always focused on my immediate surroundings during mealtimes, especially since we were spread across the large Hall.

It was when Professor Sprout was handing back our assignments from last week that a solution I could accept presented itself. I had received another low grade (it no longer came as a surprise at this point) when I looked across from me and saw that Neville had received a perfect score. Oh! I could ask Neville to work with me. Not only would he be able to help, but I doubted he would spread around that I needed help. Not to mention, this would give me an excuse to talk with him. We would have to meet in secret though. Between both our Houses, there were a number of people who wouldn't take kindly to Neville helping me.

As the lesson ended and we were all leaving the greenhouses, I noticed Neville walk off alone from the other Gryffindors (and the other students too). I quickly turned to Daphne. "I need to take care of something for a bit. I'll meet you and the others later in the common room."

She smiled with this look in her eyes and a half-smile, similar to the expression Theo got when he knew something I didn't. "Alright, Esme." She giggled as she walked away.

I shook my head and hurried after Neville, checking to make sure none of the others were paying attention to me. Thankfully, the next corridor was empty except for a few older Hufflepuffs. I quickly caught up with him.

"Neville, wait! May I speak with you for a moment?"

He looked startled and nervous but stuttered out, "O-oh, you want to talk with me?"

I smiled at him. "I did say your name and there is no one else around here named Neville that I know of."

"R-right. Um…"

"Here, why don't we go into that alcove over there?" The alcove was tucked into a corner, making it seem more private, as it would hide us from people walking past. Also, it was empty at the moment.

Without waiting for his reply, I walked straight to the niche. After a moment I heard Neville moving behind me. I made myself comfortable on the bench, leaving enough room for him to sit down as well. When I looked up, however, he was just standing there, looking unsure and nervous.

"Are you going to sit down? I won't bite, I promise." I let out a small chuckle, but it faded awkwardly when he didn't join in.

He sat down carefully beside me without making a sound, avoiding eye contact and looking at something on the floor by his shoes. He would look me in the eye for a moment only to look somewhere else the next. Normally this would annoy me, but for some reason it didn't so much with him.

"I don't think we've ever been properly introduced. I'm Esme Archard." I decided to forgo any sort of hand shake, or Merlin forbid, any more of that hand kissing etiquette, so I simply smiled at him with a small head nod.

"I know, you walked in with me at the Sorting Ceremony." He flushed red and avoided my gaze again. I couldn't tell if it was nerves or if he was truly that shy. "Oh, I'm Neville Longbottom."

He almost seemed to brace himself. Hoping to put him at ease, I continued to smile and speak gently to him. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Neville Longbottom."

He finally smiled back at me, even if it was a little shyly. Silence fell again, though it was not as awkward as before.

"It seems so long ago that we first met on the train when you were searching for your toad. Now, we're already settling into life here at Hogwarts."

"Maybe…"

"Maybe? Is everything alright?"

"Oh, well…you see, um…"

"It's alright, you don't have to tell me if you don't want to."

We once again fell into silence. It appeared I would have to lead the conversation.

"I don't know about you, but I have been enjoying most of my classes. Though I could do without the flying lessons; truthfully, I'm, as you say, a horrific flyer. What about you? Are you liking your classes?"

"Oh…well, they're okay, I guess. I'm not so good with flying either…or Charms…or Transfiguration…or Potions either. I'm not really good at anything…" I barely heard him, he spoke so softly.

"That's not true, Neville. I've noticed how well you do in Herbology, unlike me."

"I'm doing okay, I guess."

I couldn't help but giggle. "You guess? Neville, you got a perfect score on our last assignment! That's beyond 'okay', that's wonderful!" He noticeably perked a bit at my praise. "In fact, that's what I wanted to speak with you about. Would you be willing to tutor me in Herbology?"

"Are you sure you want me to help you?" He finally looked up, confused. "I mean...th-there have to be better tutors, better than me…"

"Yes, I am. I'd rather have help from a friend than a stranger. You're my only hope."

"I don't know…"

"Please, Neville." I gazed pleadingly into his eyes.

"Okay…Um…would around this time tomorrow be okay? Every week, if you want." That last part brought a flush of pink to his face.

"Yes, it would. I can't thank you enough for agreeing to help me."

He became red-faced again. "I'm happy to help, Esme."

I stood up, still facing him with a bright smile. "I'll see you tomorrow then."

He stood up as well. "Y-yeah."

I nodded goodbye and left the alcove. I walked back to the Common Room in a much better mood than before, and to be honest I knew that Neville was the cause. I felt relaxed talking with him as I did with Daphne, Theo, and Blaise. I could tell that Neville was a good one and I did look forward to our future study sessions.

It took me awhile to walk to the dungeons, but thankfully I reached the Common Room without getting lost once (go me!). I walked through the wall only to be bombarded with Parkinson's annoying laugh from an emerald-green chair nearby.

"Oh, there you are Archard, got lost again?" she asked snootily.

Aannd there went my good mood.

"Not at all. My memory is too sharp to get lost anymore, unlike some."

"Are you calling me stupid?!" Her voice was slowly growing louder, and her face turned red as she started to screech.

I smirked, moving closer to where she was standing. "You must need to get your hearing checked, Parkinson. I never used the word stupid nor did I mention you. I was simply responding to your question."

Pansy took a few steps closer to me. "You think you're so smart, but you can't even speak English properly! You always sound like you swallowed treacle. Ouh, waz itz thzat?

"I find it strange that you believe that you speak proper English when you sound like a whining duck every other word. Though I guess you can't help yourself, not after such an unfortunate accident?"

"What are you wheezing about now! I wasn't in any sort of accident."

"Oh, how awful," I said with fake sympathy, shaking my head with a tut. "To be born with that pug nose."

Her face flashed purple and she yanked out her wand, looking ready to fire off the few hexes that she knew. I reached for my own wand but was stopped by Draco's hand on my arm as he stepped in.

"That's enough, you two! Pansy put your wand away!"

She sputtered out, "B-but Draco! I can't let her talk to me that way!"

"You have embarrassed yourself enough. You almost used magic against another student, which is strictly against the rules. Just imagine how Snape would react!"

The mention of our Head of House had Pansy backing down completely. Just in time too, because one of the Prefects, Gemma Farley, barged into the Common Room, hand on her own wand pocket. "What is going on here?"

I smiled sweetly, the very image of calm, cool, and collected. "Nothing but a friendly debate. Pansy and I were discussing which Weird Sister was more talented and had a bit of a disagreement. Everything is sorted now, sorry to disturb you."

Farley focused on Parkinson before glancing at everyone else in the room. No one moved a muscle, to avoid giving anything away. It must have worked because Farley turned her gaze back to Parkinson and me. "Keep your petty arguments to a minimum. Our House has an image to maintain." Without waiting for any sort of agreement, she stormed out of the Common Room and back to the corridor from whence she came.

"Hmph. Come one girls, we've wasted enough time as it is." Pansy and her posse began to pack up their things to leave. "See you at dinner time Draco." Finally, that harpy and her lap dogs left and headed for the dormitory.

I walked over to where the others were sitting and squeezed in on the couch between Daphne and Blaise, both of which shifted to the side to make room. Theo was across the table in one of the plush chairs. Draco soon collapsed into the other chair. I noticed that for once his "bodyguards" were not with him. In fact, they weren't in the Common Room at all. Weird day, indeed.

Draco let out a deep sigh full of exasperation. "This day could not be over soon enough. First, Potter and Weasley somehow managed to avoid Filch and his mongrel pet. Then, Crabbe and Goyle managed to get detention after failing to do their assignments for the fourth time. Lastly, I have to deal with Pansy nagging and clinging to me every other hour."

"You could tell her to back off," Theo suggested, trying not to smile at the ridiculousness of it all.

Draco scoffed, "And risk her complaining to her parents? I will not risk embarrassing my Father. He and Pansy's father are a part of the same circle after all; you should know, Theo."

The atmosphere was uncomfortable, and I had no clue how to either fix it or change the subject. I also wasn't entirely sure what they were even talking about. Thankfully, Blaise was able to move things along. "You know, I heard from a little birdy that it wasn't just Potter and Weasel out past curfew, but Little Miss Know-It-All and Longbottom too."

"Who told you that and is that even true?" asked Daphne skeptically.

Blaise smiled cryptically. "Oh, ye of little faith; I have my sources."

Daphne raised her brow, waiting for him to explain further, but he fell silent and crossed his arms, his face splitting into a full-blown grin.

"Leave him be, Daphne. Trust me, Blaise is never wrong when it comes to gossip. Besides, he probably flirted it out of some poor unsuspecting second year."

I huffed. "Well, fortune must favor the foolish. I can't imagine any other way those four managed to not get caught by Monsieur Filch. It really was a well thought out plan, Draco." Just because I disagreed with it didn't mean that it wasn't well-executed (well, almost).

Draco turned away to look elsewhere, suddenly enthralled with the artistic murals that dominated the far wall. "Next time, they won't be so lucky. Those two will get what's coming to them soon, I'll ensure it."

I didn't doubt that Draco would try again to win the feud he had started with those two, and I wasn't too worried at this point. Yet… I felt this strong sense of foreboding; like something was coming. And I was fairly certain it was not going to be anything good.


Toi aussi, Brutus=Et tu, Brute (at least the French equivalent of the Latin phrase)

Non=no (opposite of yes)

Monsieur=Mr.


Please review and special thanks to my beta-readers: TheSparkler and evadnekapaneos!