The Surprise Announcement
Exams were fast approaching, and the thought of actually taking tests in some of his subjects almost drove the thought of the missing Book of Necromancy, and what Bel could be doing with it, out of James's mind. Three weeks before exams were scheduled to begin, James trudged up the steps to the Astronomy Tower, surrounded by some of the Slytherin and Gryffindor first years. Victoire had made him stay up half the night yesterday to help her study Defense Against the Dark Arts, which consisted of either holding flashcards, or being blasted repeatedly into a pile of cushions. James honestly couldn't decide which activity was worse.
After an eternity, the steps of the tower finally ended, and flattened out into the platform. The telescopes were set up on the roof, which was good, as Professor Sinistra never lectured and held a practical class at the same time. James felt that marking down star positions was slightly less boring than listening to the Professor drone on about constellations and Signs of the Zodiac. However the Professor looked distinctly excited, which was definitely depressing. Sinistra never looked excited unless something that James would consider very bad was about to happen. Such as extra homework.
Sure enough, she clapped her hands for silence, and addressed the class. "As some of you are no doubt aware, something very special is about to happen next week. There will be a triple conjunction of the planets, on May 11th, when Venus, Mercury, and Jupiter come together in the night sky. Your exam will be to observe and record the interaction of the planets, that night…"
At this point James's hand shot into the air. Professor Sinistra looked surprised, but nodded for him to continue. "Sorry Professor, but exams aren't until June. How are we supposed to observe the conjunction thing for the exam?"
"Excellent point, Mr. Potter!" replied Sinistra, not deterred in the least. "Because of the rarity of such a special event, I have obtained special permission from the headmistress to make a slight alteration to the exam schedule. The Astronomy exam will be the week of the conjunction, so we all can have the experience of watching the event!"
At this the entire class groaned. Bel slumped in her seat, and muttered, "Exams three weeks early! It isn't fair! How can she do this to us?" Scorpius only continued to glare at the ecstatic professor in disgust.
Cat had buried her head in her arms, and was whispering "I'm doomed," over and over again. She wasn't very good at astronomy, and had counted on an easy exam for the first years. This was far worse than anything she could have imagined.
Of course, Professor Sinistra did not notice her students' distress, but continued to babble happily about the many useful magical things—that nobody actually did—that could be gleaned from knowledge of planetary conjunctions. They were not even able to retreat behind their brass telescopes. The air grew colder as time crept by…as if through stinksap syrup. When everyone had frozen solidly to the stone benches, Sinistra looked up at the sky and started. "Stars, look at the time! Where did my hour and a half go? Hurry down to your dormitories. Please try to make it before curfew!" As she dismissed the class, a flick of her wand sent the telescopes back into their cases and stacked them neatly in the supply closet.
Bel, Cat, and Scorpius hurried down into the castle, immensely grateful for the warm air that soon greeted them. An angry buzz of conversation started as soon as their teeth stopped chattering long enough to form words. Not a single person was pleased, in fact, most felt that the situation bordered on cruel and unusual punishment. Others thought it counted as Pulling an Umbridge, and should be a firing offense. The commiseration continued all the way down to the dungeons, and became even louder when the first years from other sections learned of the situation.
The next morning, James stumbled sleepily down to the Great Hall for breakfast, only to find that he was not the only one who had had a nasty surprise yesterday. Teddy and Victoire had beaten him there, and Teddy was busy ranting something about Trelawney and planets. "Divination has been absolutely ridiculous all year, but this takes the cake! The conjunction thing from Astronomy—I assume Sinistra bored your class with it too—well Trelawney is even more obsessed with it. She actually thinks that it's going to cause some sort of disaster for everyone! She wants each of us to keep a detailed report of every bad thing that happens for the entire week! She will then "interpret our individual signs" and reveal to us what the planets are warning us of! It is the silliest thing she's ever had us do, and we once had to look for signs in flesh-eating slug tracks!"
James grinned grimly, as Teddy ground to a halt. "You think that's bad? Wait to you hear what Sinistra cooked up for us first years. She is moving the exam up three weeks. I didn't even think she could do that! Even worse is the fact that Sinistra is making the first years do it. It should be N. E. W. T. level if it's for an exam!"
Victoire looked downright gleeful that she had escaped both Trelawney and Sinistra. "Didn't you know? She doesn't have any N. E. W. T. students this year. She got everyone through their O. W. L. s all right, but no one wanted to continue. They all dropped it!"
James first felt grim satisfaction that Sinistra had been abandoned by her students, and then, a twinge of guilt. The professor simply couldn't understand that not everyone wanted to stargaze in their free time.
Victoire, seeing James's face, continued. "The professors aren't the only ones acting oddly because of this conjunction thing. Some of the students from my year are treating it almost like some sort of holiday. It seems some of the old families have odd ideas about conjunctions and other stuff—eclipses, transits, and equinoxes—things like that. They still believe that they actually have an impact on magic."
Teddy looked confused. "I thought that stuff died out centuries ago. I mean, sure the moon does things to potions, but the other stuff was just made up to confuse the muggles. If they thought that wizards danced buck naked under the full moon, they wouldn't bother to look for broomsticks and cauldrons."
"My mum says that such things are still used to some extent in France, for complicated spells and things. But over there it's mostly a luck thing. But this conjunction is special. For one thing, it's Venus and Mercury—the most powerful—and Jupiter's in the mix too." She stopped short, as a gleam had appeared in James's eyes. She knew that gleam. The last time she'd seen it, she'd spent the following week in detention for being out of bounds.
James leaned forward, feeling pieces start to come together in his mind. "So the conjunction-it's used in old spells, right? Spells from before the Statute of Secrecy. Spells like the ones in the Book of Necromancy! I wonder if there is a reason Bel took it this year? Some dark spell that has to be done using the conjunction?"
Teddy shook his head stubbornly. "I've hit my limit with the conspiracy thing, James. I'm with you that Bel is up to something. I'm with you that she took the Book of Necromancy from the Restricted Section that night. I'm even with you that she somehow is Voldemort's daughter. But if she is actually planning to use the conjunction to do something, that's our problem solved for us. Half the spells in that book don't work- they even tend to blow up in your face. That's why there are so few copies left. Just two. The one in the Department of Mysteries, and the one that used to be in the Hogwarts library. And the one from the Department of Mysteries is missing even more pages then the Hogwarts copy. Any spell that uses the conjunction has got to be in the blow-up-the-caster category. I say we sit back and watch the fireworks!" Teddy leaned back in his seat, a smug expression on his face, confidant of having the last word.
James looked back and forth between his friends, Victoire nodding vigorously, relieved to finally have someone in her corner. "I still say that whatever she's planning will happen during the conjunction. But I never said I thought it would work. I mean the thing is called The Book of Necromancy, and even if there are other spells in it, necromancy has never worked. But if we caught her trying it, she'd be expelled!"
The Great Hall had been emptying for some time, but they hadn't noticed, being so caught up in their argument. They were forced to notice when Professor Toran yelled at the hundred or so students still eating and procrastinating to get a move on. Their argument would have to be continued at another time.
The day passed quickly, although James doggedly restarted the argument again at lunch. However, after rehashing the same points several more times, and ending in a stalemate, he gave up and allowed his friends to finish their meal in peace. A grueling afternoon of Transfiguration and Potions followed lunch. Both teachers had increased the pace of classes in the last few weeks, on the theory that it was never too early to start preparing for exams. Finally, James found himself walking back to the Great Hall for dinner, starving again. When he arrived, he was surprised to find the tables empty of food. This only happened when McGonagall wanted their attention for an announcement of some sort. Ugh, these tend to last forever, James thought, and I bet it's about exams. Great way to end my day.
Sure enough when all the students had crowded into the hall, and the oak doors had closed, McGonagall stood up and walked to the podium in the center of the dais. "I have an announcement to make about the next Hogsmeade weekend three weeks from now. It primarily concerns first and second years. After much deliberation among the staff and Governors, it has been decided that younger students may visit Hogsmeade if accompanied by an adult guardian."
The hall erupted in cheers from younger students, and annoyed grumbles from older ones. Hogsmeade had always been their special right.
McGonagall held up her hands for silence, waiting until the noise had died back down before continuing. "I would like to remind all students, especially older years, that Hogsmeade is a privilege, attendant on good behavior. To first and second years, remember that this is a trial, and if there are any…incidents…this privilege will be revoked just as quickly as it came. I would advise you to write to your parents, as they will need to inform your Head of House directly relative to their plans. Any questions can be addressed tomorrow to your teachers. Mr. Filch also asked me to remind you that several items available at the Hogsmeade branch of Weasley's Wizard Wheezes are prohibited. An extensive list can be found on his office door. That is all." When she had returned to her seat the tables filled with food, and the hall with noise.
Teddy was conflicted. On one hand, his friends would now be able to join him at Hogsmeade. He was certain that they would be able to scrape up one adult between them. If nothing else, Uncle George would "supervise" them from the joke shop. On the other hand, he hadn't gotten to go before third year; they shouldn't either. Victoire and James felt no such qualms. They were busy planning all the places they were going to explore with their newfound freedom.
"Shrieking Shack!"
"The Three Broomsticks."
"Forget that, The Hog's Head!"
"Don't forget a refill from Uncle George, maybe I could even skive off the Astronomy exam and take it at a normal time!"
Teddy shook his head. Better resign myself to the inevitable, he thought.
Bel was not nearly as sure that one of her guardians would come to take them to Hogsmeade. Would Uncle Lucius even count, she thought. McGonagall said adult guardian, but she also said parent. I'll ask tomorrow… Bel glanced at her friends. Cat looked distinctly glum. "Come on Cat, even if nobody comes to take us, it's not the end of the world. Basically only one more year and we can go on our own."
Cat slumped down, looking miserable. "You'll probably be fine Bel, since you're basically adopted by the Malfoys, and don't have parents. On paper, I actually have parents, even if they never do anything. They wouldn't care if I went or not, and might not bother to read my letters until it was too late. If Thorne is difficult about it, Uncle Lucius won't be able to do anything about it."
Scorpius laughed. "Remember, Grandfather got back on the Board of Governors a couple years ago. They'd let him take you, and the teacher's aren't stupid. They know where you live. Besides even if your parents ignore letters from us, they won't ignore Grandfather. No one does. We won't leave you behind."
Cat brightened, and said, "Really?"
Bel kept her thoughts about the likelihood of them going at all to herself. "Promise. Either we all go, or we all stay here." Dinner ended more quickly than usual-it seemed everyone wanted to write home as quickly as possible. It was unusual enough to write about, even to the older students. Bel was surprised to find letters already waiting for them when they arrived back at the common room. One was on her pillow, and she saw it when she went back to her room to change out of her robes after dinner. The letter was the normal gold on black from home, and it was sealed with the Malfoy crest. What was unusual about it was the location. She had no idea how it had been delivered, but she had long since given up trying to question how Uncle Lucius did anything.
When she was ready to return to the common room, she met Cat at the door, and was unsurprised to find her holding an identical letter, also unopened. They hurried back to meet Scorpius. Their friend had not been as patient, and was already reading his copy. The two girls sat down opposite him on the dark green sofa, and ripped open their envelopes. It was written on creamy parchment, and sure enough, was from Uncle Lucius.
Dear Belladonna,
Tonight the announcement as to the new Hogsmeade Weekend policies was made by the Headmistress. I was aware of the development for some time, and have already made the necessary arrangements. Aunt Narcissa and I will be chaperoning you, Catherine, and Scorpius. Unfortunately, neither Scorpius's parents, or Catherine's parents will be joining us. Aunt Astoria and Uncle Draco send their regrets, and Aunt Astoria asked me to "wish you all a good time." The arrangements have already been cleared with Professor Thorne. We will arrive at Hogwarts at 7 o'clock sharp. Please be waiting at the gates.
Uncle Lucius
She looked up from reading her letter, and saw Scorpius was also done with his. She switched with him, and saw the exact same thing, with a couple of the names switched. Bel handed the letter back, and glanced at Cat's. Again, an almost identical copy. "Nice to know he cares so much about each of us to say such personal, caring things. At least they're showing up to take us."
Cat nodded, still looking slightly crestfallen. "I know I should be glad to be going at all, but a part of me still expects my parents to show, even though they never do."
Bel was startled to see Scorpius shaking his head. "I don't think it mattered whether or not your parents, or my parents for that matter, wanted to come. Grandfather probably decided it would be a bad idea to bring so many ex-Death Eaters. It would scare too many people, and that's not the image he's going for right now. Remember the ice cream? I think for some reason my grandparents wanted to take us—impossible to guess why—but if they're coming, no one else is."
Cat looked slightly mollified, and Bel let out an inner sigh of relief. They would all go, and she wouldn't even need to beg Thorne to let her friend come.
James and Victoire were among those wrote home to their parents that night. With such a big family to juggle, it took a long time to plan things, and nothing was to be gained by wasting time. The adults probably wouldn't even write back for a couple of days.
The Potter family was sitting down to breakfast when they received the owl from Hogwarts. It landed in front of Harry, who narrowly managed to snatch it from the bird before either of his younger children could beat him to it. Albus and Lily were convinced that any letter from their brother belonged to them. At least if Harry or Ginny got letters first, they could edit them a bit.
"Read it out loud!" Lily shouted, her brother nodding vigorously, momentarily distracted from the orange they had been fighting over.
Harry quickly scanned the letter, and decided there was nothing incriminating about it.
Dear Mum and Dad,
I don't know if you've found out yet, but they decided to let first and second years go to Hogsmeade starting this year. The thing is, we've got to have an adult come with us. Victoire has already written to Aunt Fleur and Uncle Bill, and if they come, I can go with them if you write and tell Professor Toran it's all right. Or you could come, of course.
Thanks!
James
Albus and Lily immediately started clamoring that they should all go. Harry rubbed his head, where a headache was starting to form.
Ginny smiled at her husband, "You know, Harry, that's not a bad idea. If we went Bill and Fleur wouldn't have to…oh but I have a better idea. We could make it a real family reunion, we haven't seen everybody since Christmas. We could invite Ron and Hermione. Percy and Audrey are abroad, but George and Angelina might come."
"I'll write to everyone tonight, and see who wants to come. We can probably get the rabble to come to an agreement by Friday, and that would give us over a week to make the arrangements with Hogwarts. At least they are all in Gryffindor, so we only have to deal with one head."
Of course it took significantly longer than that to get everyone organized, and owls flurried back and forth between the families for well over a week. By the end, it had turned into something that was not quite a family reunion. Bill and Fleur had declined to come, but Ron and Hermione were quite enamored with the idea, and were planning to bring Rose and Hugo. George had been planning to be in Hogsmeade anyway to attend the shop during the influx of Hogwarts students, but Angelina had elected to stay home. Neville and Luna were also going to come down from the castle, and Oliver Wood was going to think about it.
The letter from home took long enough to arrive that James and Victoire were beginning to grow nervous, and Teddy was starting to gloat that he would just have to leave them behind. But three days before the start of the weekend, the Potter family owl swooped over the Gryffindor table during breakfast to deliver the long-awaited letter from home.
Dear James and Victoire,
I'm sorry this took so long, but making plans in this family is never as simple as it seems. Of course we will come so you can go to Hogsmeade, and I have already written to Professor Toran to take care of the official permissions and things. However, we will be bringing Albus and Lily with us. I know you love your siblings, but all the same, sorry James it was unavoidable. Victoire, your parents were not able to come, but on the other hand Dominique and Louis will not be joining us either. Also, Uncle Ron and Aunt Hermione will be bringing Rose and Hugo. Neville and Luna are planning to come, as well as your Uncle George, although he would have been there anyway to mind the shop. We can't wait to see you three again!
Love,
Dad/Uncle Harry
James read the letter and passed it to Victoire, grinning. Victoire quickly skimmed it, and also broke into a smile of relief. They were officially going to Hogsmeade. The rest of the week flew by, and even the Astronomy exam the night before Hogsmeade was not as awful as it would have been otherwise. James even thought that he had managed to scrape a passing score—watching three little lights creep closer together in the sky was not as hard as he had expected it to be.
Bel also thought that the exam wasn't that bad. In fact, it was quite easy. All Sinistra wanted was the positions of Mercury, Venus, and Jupiter, and a sappy essay about the importance of conjunctions to the wizarding world. In Bel's opinion the value was nil, but by now she knew to write what a professor wanted to hear. Even Cat left the tower happy. She had won her Gobstone match earlier, and was going to play in the semifinals—an amazing accomplishment for a first year, even one trained by Lucius Malfoy. For years Uncle Lucius had tried to teach Bel and Scorpius to play, but had eventually given up as they were both dismal at it. Cat, however, was his shining pupil. Bel had noticed that Cat always seemed to do better after a bout of Gobstones, and might have had something to do with the box of Wildfire Whizzbangs that had gone off in the empty Transfiguration classroom—the location that had been scheduled to house the match the day before—forcing it to be postponed to right before the Astronomy Exam the next day.
The exam had lasted until midnight, and Cat and Scorpius soon went to bed, while Bel curled up in the corner of the common room with a book on dragons. Since Christmas break, she had discovered that the library contained books that were interesting in their own right, not just because they promised to tell her secrets. In the last few months she had plowed through most of the magical creatures section, and was planning to start on magical history soon. Goblin riots sounded interesting. She was the only younger year left in the common room, and the older students had congregated on the couches by the emerald fire. Unfortunately, Jacob was one of them. She had never liked the Head Boy, even though he had been exceptionally nice to her. Perhaps that was why—he seemed only to be nice when he wanted something.
Jacob's girlfriend, Astrid, was complaining as usual. "Come on, can we please spend tomorrow together? We always used to, but you've just been too busy for me lately. It's our last Hogsmeade Weekend together, and you don't want to see me at all!"
Bel sighed inwardly. This would not end well. It never did when Astrid wanted something that Jacob wasn't going to give, and it seemed to be happening almost every week now. Last time she had set one of the tapestries in the common room on fire, and all the first and second years had had to run for it until Jacob had bothered to put it out.
"I told you, I already have plans for tomorrow, and you can't come. Just find something to do on your own for once!" Jacob replied, making a valiant attempt to remain calm.
Bel curled up tighter around her book, trying to remain invisible in the corner. It was shaping into a nasty one. Astrid was on her feet now, screaming shrilly at her boyfriend, and even the other seventh years looked uncomfortable.
"I can't believe you are just abandoning me like this! Is whatever stupid experiment you're working on in that nasty cave really more important than me? I hate you!"
One of Astrid's friends, a girl named Valis, tried to calm her down, taking her hand and attempting to lead her back to the dorms. "It's going to be all right, Astrid. You can come to The Three Broomsticks tomorrow with me and Cassie. We don't need any boys, we can have a good time all on our own."
Astrid pulled away from her friend, still screaming at Jacob. "I hate you, I hate you, I hate you! I'm going to burn your stupid cave to the ground, then you'll pay attention to me again!"
Bel saw Jacob shoot to his feet out of the corner of her eye as she peeked over the top of her book. "You will do no such thing, stupid girl! I have been working on "my little project" for over a year now, and you will leave it alone now that it's finished. And by the way, it is far more important than you will ever be, so stay out of my way tomorrow!" He stormed out of the common room leaving a ringing silence in his wake.
The peace did not last for long, and soon Astrid was being hauled out of the room, sobbing between her two friends. The few seventh years left soon after that, and Bel had the common room all to herself for a blessed hour, before her eyes were drooping too much to read the minuscule print on the thick parchment of her book.
Tomorrow I will see my first wizarding village, and actually get to visit the joke shop that Cat and Scorpius had been talking about for years, even if it is a pale imitation of the one in Diagon Alley. She climbed into her four poster bed, and fell asleep as the planets continued to creep closer together in the night sky, observed only by Professor Sinistra, who could only think that she would be robbed of the view of closest approach by the bright mid-afternoon sunlight the next day.
Full Text Chapters One through Seventeen available now at www. BelladonnaBlack .wordpress
Chapters will be posted every Sunday until completion
