Before I even start Victoire is pronounced Vic-twar, and Eowyn is pronounced Ay-win. Also Faolan is pronounced Foo-lan, but I don't really care how you pronounce that one because in my head I still pronounce it wrong, even though I am well aware of how it is actually said. Just be aware that it's Foo-lan.
"Don't forget," Professor Flitwick, the charms teacher and the Ravenclaw head of house, reminded us, "The Halloween feast is tomorrow and it is also the first weekend that third years will go to Hogsmeade." As if anyone could forget what with Albus constantly bragging about it. Rose is certainly exited too, but she is a whole lot quieter than my brother about it. I suppose all of the third years are happy to go to Hogsmeade. Albus and Rose promised to bring us back some Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans from Honeydukes. He also promised to buy me a sugar quill, which are one of my favorite sweets. I didn't tell him that James was going to get me a sugar quill as well. Professor Lepore dismissed us and the whole class practically tumbled through the door.
"Lily?" The professor called, "Lily could I see you for a minute?" Hugo gave me a questioning look and I just shrugged.
"I'll wait for you outside," he told me and then hurried out. I slowly walked back to our teacher. He looked at me for a few seconds.
"Lily, you got a bad mark on your last test," he told me finally, "Do you know why that is?" I thought back to our last test. It had been a test of learned skill where we had had to demonstrate what we knew. I remembered that my wand had been acting up that day.
"Its my wand! It gets all kooky sometimes," I tried to explain.
"May I see that wand of yours?" He asked. I handed it to him silently. He stared at it for a long while, turning it over and over in his hands. He then proceeded with some seemingly random tests. He tapped it on things, dropped it on the table a few times, tested the flexibility, and for a second there I was afraid he was going to put it in his mouth.
"It is a beautiful wand," he said, handing it back to me, "With thestral tail hair as its core you'd expect your wand to be reliable."
"How did you know what its core was?" I asked in awe.
"I can feel the different variations of powers in the core of a wand. The gentle hum of a unicorn hair, the strong buzz of dragon heart string, the melodic sting of a veela hair wand, the powerful beat of a phoenix feather wand, and the forceful bite of thestral tail hair. Your wand core is rare and powerful."
"So what's wrong with my wand, then?"
"I'm not sure," he said after a bit, "I don't think its you, but there is something." He was lost in thought for a while. My stomach growled loudly.
"Sir sorry to disrupt your thoughts, but may I go?" I asked uneasily.
"Yes you may go dear. If you would like to do some extra credit to make up for your bad mark, meet me in my classroom after dinner tomorrow." I hurried out of the room and met up with my cousin. Together we hurried off to potions and sat by Fin. We have a double class with potions, so the Slytherin first years are with us as well. Fin tries to pretend she is not pleased about that, but I know she is overjoyed to have her brother in the same classroom. Hugo, however, is not pleased at all. Professor Lofthouse hushed us and gave us our instruction.
"Today we will be making a wideye potion," he said, "does anybody know what it does?" Hugo's hand shot straight into the air. Professor Lofthouse pointed at him.
"It is a potion that prevents the drinker from falling asleep, sir," Hugo stated simply.
"Yes, very good," the professor said, but Hugo wasn't done.
"It can also be used to awaken someone from a drugging or a concussion. It is known to be an antidote for the Draught of Living Death. The ingredients include six snake fangs, four measures of standard ingredient, six dried billywig stings, two sprigs of wolfsbane and to brew you-"
"HUGO!" The tall professor shouted.
"What?" Hugo asked, oblivious. Lofthouse sighed.
"Who is the potions master?" He asked.
"You are," Hugo said sheepishly, causing most of the Slytherin students to snigger. His ears started to turn red under his curly hair.
"And?"
"I'm sorry for interrupting," the professor continued to stare at him, "Again," Hugo added. The Slytherin head of house sighed once again.
"Five points from Gryffindor."
"No," Hugo squeaked.
"Make sure it doesn't happen again, Weasley." Hugo nodded and his shoulders sagged. This happened far too often with Hugo, but no one has ever gone as far as to take house points away. His blue eyes revealed his distress at this.
"Anyways, you are going to be making this potion in pairs. Don't grab your friends. For Salazar's sake, Katherine! Stay in your seat!" Katherine is a Gryffindor, and even though our beds are close she doesn't talk to me. It was unfair of him to call her out when a bunch of Slytherin students were standing too. She sat down quickly, her long blond hair falling over her face like a curtain.
"I have the names of Gryffindor students a box, Slytherin students will pull a name and that student will be your partner." The entire class groaned. Lofthouse at our discomfort and displeasure. He's only doing this for his own amusement. With that a small black box started floating toward the Slytherin kids. The first girl, May Adair, hurriedly grabbed a folded piece of paper and opened it.
"Uh, Rosier?" she called. A few whispers started up. Hugo leaned close to me.
"I don't remember that last name being called at the sorting. Rosier as in the Rosier, one of the original deatheaters," he whispered. Fin tentatively stood up. Her grey eyes seemed slightly upset. I couldn't tell if she was disappointed that she doesn't get to be with her brother or if she was upset about the thoughts of her surname.
Next it was Christina Parkinson, she closed her eyes and pulled one out. She looked at it and then groaned aloud.
"I got Weasley," she muttered distastefully. Hugo groaned as well and trudged over to their cauldron. The box continued floating down the line of Slytherins until all of the Gryffindor students had begrudgingly gone with their partners. Except me, of course. The last Slytherin to reach into that box was Faolan. He didn't need to, it was obvious who his partner was as I was the only Gryffindor left.
"Potter," he said and gave me a small smile. We both walked off to our cauldron and started our brew. It was slightly awkward at first. I mean, we knew each other and all, but we had only properly met once. Mind you, that one time had been super fun. Finally Faolan broke the awkward silence.
"You have a right to detest those that share the same surname as I. After all, more than a few from the Rosier family has gone dark. Don't worry though," he gave me a quirky half smile, "We're not that closely related. Evan Rosier is like my third cousin twice removed. I've never met him, he's been in Azkaban since the war ended."
"I don't mind it. You are not defined by the actions of your family. My dad has drilled that into our heads."
"Your father sounds amazing," I was used to this phrase, but not in the way he had said it. Most people say it in a fawning "you're so lucky that your dad is a famous and rich wizard" kind of way. He had said it in a "your dad sounds like a genuinely nice person regardless of status" sort of way.
"So what about your family?" I asked him, adding the billywig stings.
"My folks are all right," he sighed, "My mother is Scottish and my father is from England. I've been told I have a wonky accent because of it," I had noticed that, "My family is strictly pureblood oriented which can be a bit of a bother. Fin and I, well, we are the only kids. In a huge house it gets awfully lonely. It has always just been Fin and I," I tried to picture any of the large estates I knew ever being lonely. I couldn't. The Burrow is always bustling with activity and my own house is never quiet, what with my two brothers and Teddy.
"I could never imagine being lonely in your own home. My family is all so close it would just be kooky. Especially during winter holiday," I told him. Some of my fondest memories are of the whole family all together in the Burrow wearing hand knitted sweaters with our first initial on the front.
"One thing I do not enjoy is Christmas holiday," he screwed up his nose and continued, "My father is closely related to the Malfoy family, so we get to spend Christmas with them." Ooh, that's tough.
"My uncle Ron completely and utterly detests the Malfoys."
"They aren't all that terrible. Scorpius is a fine bloke, but we have some cousins who are completely batty!"
"I have a feeling you'd like my family," I jumped as the mixture belched green smoke, "Is it supposed to do that?" I asked warily.
"I feel like we've been doing it right, but I dunno." I shrugged and Faolan took over the mixing.
"Your family seems so close. Its like the polar opposite of mine," he admitted.
"Maybe you and Fin will have to come over at some point in the winter holiday." Faolan looked completely shocked. I suppose it was right of him after all I barely knew him, but Fin and I had become great friends and by default he was my friend too.
"Weasley you're doing it wrong!" Came a shout from the corner of the room.
"I am NOT!" My cousin responded angrily, "Maybe if you would bother reading the instructions instead of being such a useless bag, you'd know I'm right!"
"I'm right and I'm putting the wolfsbane in right now!" Parkinson shouted as she grabbed a fistful of wolfsbane(way more than the two sprigs needed) and threw it in before Hugo could stop her. Hugo quickly took a few large steps back. Just in time too, the cauldron spewed its boiling liquid right onto Parkinson and into the space where he had just been.
"Its all Potters fault!" She wailed whilst clutching the spot on her leg and arm where she had been burned.
"No its not! I warned you against this! It hadn't been properly mixed!" Lofthouse hurried over to where Parkinson was wailing. After looking her over for a second he shouted.
"You lot better behave," there was more than a hint of threat in his voice, "While I take poor Miss Parkinson here to the infirmary. Nobody touch your cauldrons until I get back!" The unspoken threat hung heavily in the air and the room was cast into complete silence. I hate silence, so I did the best thing I could think of in the situation. I looked around the room and then I slowly and tentatively reached out and poked my cauldron. Several students laughed when they realized what I had just done. In a matter of a few minutes Gryffindors and Slytherins alike were all laughing and poking our cauldrons. I really don't know what James is always going on about. They're not really a bad lot. Except for Malfoy and his goons, I mean. Lofthouse rushed back into the classroom.
"Did anyone touch their cauldrons?" He asked menacingly. Nobody moved, spoke, or even breathed. He sighed.
"Class is dismissed early today." I wasn't sure what to do with the remaining time between now and lunch so I decided to go for a bit of a walk. The air tasted fresh and crisp and the leaves that had blown in from the forest crunched underneath my feet. I noticed that the whomping willow had recently shaken its leaves. Out of the corner of my eye I heard something rustling in the leaves. I turned just in time to see a black cat slip into the trees of the forest. Someone's cat must've slipped outside! I should probably retrieve it for them. They must be worried. I know how Albus would feel if his beloved ferret, Eowyn, was missing. (Once again Ay-win) Which of course has happened many times before, so often that my mum charmed her collar so that Albus will always be able to find her. My brothers are nutters.
The fact that it is the Forbidden Forest won't stop me. Being forbidden has never stopped anyone in my family before. As soon as I fully entered the forest after the ebony cat it darkened considerably. Despite that lack of leaf cover the branches over head were still considerably thick. I shivered, without the sun warming me it was awfully chilly. I should probably be getting back soon. I hope I find this cat. A saw a bit of movement up ahead, so I rushed towards the general direction. I suddenly found myself bathed in sunlight in a clearing. In the centre of the clearing looked to be an old fire pit. The cat was standing near the middle with its little head and tail held high. It had sleek black fur with speckles of ginger on its legs and underside. It fixed me with its golden eyed stare and then bolted for the direction of Hogwarts. How odd… Well, I don't have time to keep looking for it. I hope it finds its way back safely. With that I rushed down to lunch.
There was a lot more food than usual at lunch. I bet you could feed a country with all of this pumpkin themed food. Even our cups were enchanted to look like gourds. It's a great thing that Halloween is on a Friday this year, because that means that fun will last all weekend without school to interrupt. I took my place across from Fin, with Hugo to my left. I'm glad that Hugo and Fin get along well because they are both great friends.
"Hey Lily! Did you know that muggles dress like witches and wizards on Halloween?" Hugo asked me as I sat down.
"Don't be silly," I replied.
"It's true I've seen it!" He insisted.
"Why should I believe you, hmm?"
"I've seen it," he repeated, "When I was eight and Rose was ten, Mum and Dad took us to Grandma and Grandpa Granger's house near Halloween." Grandma Monica and Grandpa Wendell treat us Potter kids as if we're their own. I've never been to their house because they live in Australia, but they visit on Holiday.
"They called it "trick-or-treating" and it was really fun. All of the muggle children dress up as monsters, witches, princesses and stuff of that sort. The best part is, if you knock on someone's door they will give you a sweet, even if you don't know them. Muggle candy is really good, by the way. Although it doesn't have any fun effects," he explained. Fin's eyes were wide.
"I've never had the chance to learn about muggle traditions," she breathed, "That's so weird!" We laughed and ate pumpkin related things until it was time to go back to class. Our next class is History of Magic, so it's basically nap time.
Finally, after some particularly boring lessons, the time of the feast rolled about. My brothers had told me about the feast and it sounded marvelous. I met up with Fin and Albus and we both headed off towards the great hall. The hall is magnificent. There were orange and black streamers, jack-o-lanterns floating about, black candles, bats, cats, and other such amazing decorations. I can't believe I thought there was a lot of food at lunch today. A lot doesn't even start to describe it. Headmistress McGonagall gave a little speech and then we all tucked in.
"I heard the ghosts are going to do some synchronized floating," Fin exclaimed, taking a sip of pumpkin juice, "and the Frog Choir is going to perform!" I knew about the last thing because Victoire was in the choir. (FYI the Frog Choir is not a choir of frogs. Sometimes they have frog accompaniment, but its just an advanced choir of talented students.)
"I followed a cat into the forest today," I said casually.
"Aren't you afraid you'll get caught?" Hugo asked me.
"No, and I didn't think you were either!" He sighed.
"Yeah, you're right, but I wouldn't want to go into that forest."
"Why not?" Fin asked with a challenging glint in her grey eyes.
"I don't have to tell," Hugo answered indignantly.
"You've led us on this long, spill it," I spoke through a mouthful of carrot cake.
"Well… there's spiders," he said slowly.
"Spiders!" Fin scoffed, "You're afraid of the-"
"Not so loud!" Hugo said urgently, "I'll have you know that my phobia is perfectly rational." I was about to reply when the candles dimmed. Ghosts started flowing through the walls and the hall quieted. Eerie music started to play as the ghosts did some formation gliding. They looked like a kaleidoscope of grey. It was pretty cool. One of the ghosts swooped through Fin. She sputtered and shook herself off as if she had just walked into a spider web. I shivered. I remember when the Fat Friar walked through me. It felt like little tendrils were all over me. Disgusting! The ghosts finished and it once again became loud.
Suddenly, out of the corner of my eye I saw a bright blue. I turned to see my Teddy.
"Teddy!" I shrieked and I flung myself over to him.
"Hey Lily," he said happily as he lifted me into a huge hug. I giggled with glee.
"Why are you here?" I asked still laughing.
"A little red haired bird told me that Victoire was having a concert."
"Hey Ted," Albus said, appearing at my side.
"Hey Al!" He greeted, ruffling his (already) messy black hair. Hugo appeared too.
"You came!" Hugo exclaimed happily. I'd guess that Hugo was that little birdie.
"Sure did."
"Hey Teddy, come sit over here!" Dominique shouted from her seat. Teddy smiled and headed over. I returned to my seat, which was right next to them.
"Who's that?" Fin asked as Hugo and I returned to our seats.
"Teddy!" I shouted to him.
"Yeah?" He responded.
"This is my friend Finella," I turned to her, "This is Teddy."
"Hey Finella," he said and stuck his hand out.
"Oh, you can just call me Fin," she responded and shook his hand.
"Well, hi Fin," he said with a grin.
"He stays at our house most of the time," I told Fin, "and he's dating my cousin Victoire."
"They're coming!" Dominique shouted. She has a thicker accent when she is talking louder. That happens with Victoire too. I noticed that when Victoire really shouted at Fred and James when they hexed her wardrobe. Sure enough the students were entering in their special choir robes. Victoire was stunning, her hair was like white gold in the candle light and even the old choir robes looked attractive on her. You could tell that Teddy thought so too. When he saw her, his eyes changed from dark green to violet. They started with the school song, then there were several Halloween related songs, a few of which were in different languages. Then there was Victoire's solo piece. It was a wordless song. Her voice flowed in a haunting melody that sent chills down my back. There was a hum of magic to her song. It didn't need words, it was music that could be felt. Then it ended. Most of the men still seemed transfixed. They seemed muddled and confused. They applauded and cheered long after the unaffected people. My family seemed unaffected, but Teddy was teetering in his seat, hollering and cheering. I scooted over to Albus.
"Uh… What's going on?" I asked him.
"The song of a veela can be quite powerful, or in this case, part veela," he explained as if it were obvious. A chant started up.
"Victoire! Victoire! Victoire!" Students and staff alike were shouting.
"So how come our family is not affected," I asked, eyeing Teddy's behavior.
"I suppose its because we are not physically attracted to her. She is our cousin after all."
"That makes sense," I agreed and scooted back. Dominique and Rose were trying to stop Teddy from clambering onto the table top. One by one they all came out of their daze. Most of the boys looked embarrassed and Teddy's hair was blushing ruby at the ends.
"That was certainly beautiful," McGonagall said when everyone had returned to their seats and all was calm once more. "Almost too beautiful," she winked at Victoire. Victoire's ears turned pink. The party continued as before.
"Hey gorgeous," Teddy said as Victoire joined us.
"Hey," she said as she gave him a kiss. His hair turned rose coloured for a single second.
"That was quite the song," he observed. She smiled her bright white smile and laughed.
"Yeah, I've never gotten a reaction quite like that," she laughed again.
"You should of seen how badly Teddy had it," Dominique giggled.
"We were doing our best to keep him off the table, but this boy of yours is a nutter," Rose added. Victoire turned to Teddy.
"Well you are my favorite nutter," she told him. Soon we were all sent to bed, but I couldn't fall asleep. The events of the day were reeling through my mind. There had been something eerily familiar about that clearing. I'd never been there before, but I have to go back.
Please Review
Extra note: Its AY-win, Vic-twar, and Foo-lan. (I know some of you are still saying it wrong)