So I hate to cross-promote another one of my stories, but as it has the character from this story (Vicki Hartwell) I thought I'd give it a mention. After seeing "Fantastic Beasts" I decided to write a OCxNewt Scamander story, and thought I'd throw Tom Riddle to make a juicy love triangle. The basis of the story is that Vicki acquires her grandmother's journal from her school days and then the rest of the story is in her grandmother's point of view.
One warning though is that it starts during Vicki's summer before seventh year so it's a tiny bit ahead of this story. There's no major spoilers but there are a few.
Roger Davies was not happy when he arrived to Arithmancy and noticed Vicki was not present. He knew how passionate his girlfriend was about the subject, she was even offered to partake in the Advanced Arithmancy classes at N.E.W.T. level which she declined over summer. He felt even worse when Professor Vector began the class and pursed her lips when she called out Vicki's name on the roll and received no response. Maybe he had forced Vicki to drop out of the subject purely so she could get away from him. They had gone from fighting because he didn't want to work with her in potions to her actively avoiding him and not wanting to see him.
However, Roger was the most displeased a few minutes after class started. Professor Vector was speaking to the class with her back to the door when he noticed Vicki silently peer in and wince when Vicki realised how late she was. But she was not alone. A flash of red hair was visible and Roger immediately knew it would have been one of the Weasley twins accompanying her. He noticed that she gave her new friend a quick hug goodbye as she knocked on the door awkwardly and stepped in.
"Yes? Can I help you Miss Hartwell?" Professor Vector snapped at her, and Vicki gulped as she was caught a little off guard. Two strict teachers one after the other was bad enough, but Vector was now the second that was reprimanding her, and Vicki wasn't used to this.
"S-sorry. I just had Transfiguration and Professor McGonagall asked me to stay back to speak about something." Vicki stammered out truthfully.
"That might be so, but why were you with that Weasley boy, hm?" Professor Vector wickedly grinned, making Vicki squirm.
She hadn't even realised how bad it looked that she had arrived in the company of someone who had a spare class. She also didn't expect Vector to have noticed, but here she was caught red handed, even though she was actually telling the truth.
When Vicki hung her head and did not respond, Vector spoke up.
"I know this is the first time you've been late to my class since you started taking it in third year but unfortunately coming late to class is not acceptable, especially as a prefect. I'm going have to give you some form of punishment." Professor Vector stated briskly.
Vicki sighed and just nodded her head. Professor Vector was probably the strictest out of all her teachers. Although McGonagall was a strict teacher, Vicki felt like it worked for her and there was something still likeable about her. She was also known as "firm but fair". Vector on the other hand was hard on her students and never seemed to relent. A lot of people didn't take the class due to how unfriendly Vector seemed, and the students who did dare to take the class weren't big fans of the teacher. Vicki had never had a big problem with Vector's teaching style as it was required to give students a big push in this subject, well, she had no problems with her until today. Even McGonagall would have relented if it were revealed a prefect was late due to having a few words with another teacher after class.
Although she felt this was unfair she did not speak up in protest. Vector was going to punish her anyway. It was either accept a small punishment now or create a scene and most likely end up with a bigger one.
"I'll even give you a choice, how about that?" Vector asked as if she were doing Vicki a favour "You can either choose to lose five points from Ravenclaw or you can complete extra homework due in two days."
Every Ravenclaw head shoot up at this revelation, and Arithmancy was mostly a Ravenclaw subject. Vicki had never lost a single point for Ravenclaw in her time at Hogwarts, she only gained them. She did not want to start losing points now and making all of her peers in her house hate her.
"I'd like to take the extra homework, please. I guess it doesn't hurt to get a head start at the start of the year to ensure I don't fall behind." Vicki decided out loudly.
Vector's lips thinned and Vicki couldn't tell whether she was pursing them out of anger or was trying to suppress a smile.
"Your enthusiasm would usually be commendable in other circumstances, but not when you've walked in late and have to do it as punishment. Now you may sit down so I can go back to teaching." Professor Vector stated.
Vicki only sent a curt nod. The classroom was only half full as Arithmancy was not a popular subject. Even with lots of choices she scuttled next to Roger. She felt ashamed and weak, and wanted to sit next to somewhere she felt safe and comfortable. At the moment that was next to Roger.
He smiled wildly as he grabbed her hand under the desk. She gave him a squeeze back and she sent a smile his way before she let go. She would have loved to have kept holding his hand, but she was fearful Vector would catch the two and dish out a harsher punishment to Vicki.
The class seemed to drag on. Vicki had been scribbling away taking as many notes as possible when the bell finally rang. Vector called out the homework to her students (and also made sure to mention to Vicki she had to do double the amount of problems as everyone else) and the students all scurried away from the classroom, wanting to get away from Vector.
"On behalf of the Ravenclaw house, I want to thank you for taking the homework instead of the points lost." Roger joked as the two began to walk to the Charms classroom.
"Oh, shut up, I'm a prefect too, I'll thank myself later. Besides, how are we supposed to beat Gryffindor this year. Every point counts." Vicki responded, feigning annoyance but instead she was giggling towards Roger as they walked side by side.
"It's so annoying. First Slytherin couldn't give anyone a break but now it's Gryffindor every year with the most house points. I hope in the upcoming Triwizard Tournament this house champion is from Ravenclaw but even if it's a Hufflepuff I'll be satisfied." Roger agreed.
They began to make idle chit-chat as they made their way to charms. Professor Flitwick was her favourite teacher. As their head of house he had a big soft spot for his Ravenclaw students but he was still a nice teacher to all of the students, no matter what house they were in.
Vicki could have walked into his class half an hour late with no explanation and he wouldn't have bat an eyelid as long as it didn't happen regularly. However Vicki was still a bit shaken by what happened with Vector and definitely wanted to arrive on time.
Roger and Vicki continued to chat as they walked into the charms classroom. Without even thinking, Vicki followed Roger to his seat and placed her books down, taking the seat next to Cedric that Roger had purposely sat close to, as he anticipated their close circle of friends (the 'popular group') would sit around Cedric.
"Hey Vicki," Cedric greeted brightly, and Vicki swore she could see his enthusiasm drop but then he attempted to pick it up again "Hi Roger. Have you two made up? I've heard you both have."
"Sure have." Roger answered as he gave his girlfriend a peck on her cheek, making her smile.
Cedric and Vicki began to briefly chat about their potions homework. Vicki mentioned she found it very challenging but had completed it. Cedric was only halfway through but was finding it easy enough.
Not too long before class was to start, Stephanie came bounding in.
"Switch. I want to sit next to Vicki." She barked at Roger.
Vicki only sent an apologetic smile to Cedric and slid her books down, letting Roger pick up his own and place them at the table she was just seated at as she slid in Roger's vacated seat.
On the other side of the classroom Fred and George were seated with Lee, as well as fellow Gryffindor Quidditch team members Alicia Spinnett and Angelina Johnson. Fred had taken a few quick glances at the large group but looked away quickly when he noticed each time that Vicki had not even acknowledged his presence.
"It's the first time I've seen that lot together this year, knew it was only a matter of time before they came together again," Alicia stated in apparent disdain before taking a sarcastic tone "the cool kids"
"Some of them are alright." Lee shrugged as he took out his Charms textbook.
Fred once again couldn't bring himself to verbally defend Vicki to Alicia. This time it wasn't because he was afraid he would look too eager. This time it was due to the fact that once again it appeared Vicki had forgiven Roger based on the two stealing kisses from each other.
He did feel a bit better however when Vicki noticed for the first time he was in the classroom. He was expecting a smile and a wave, but instead what he got was so much better.
"Hey Fred, George and Lee!" She shouted loudly and gave an enthusiastic wave.
Fred laughed and gave her a wave back, happy to see Roger's scowl when she gave attention to the twins.
"D'you think we should approach Vicki about our proposal after class, or should we do it another time?" George quietly asked Fred when Lee was submerged into a conversation with the two girls.
"I think we should approach her when she needs it the most." Fred smirked.
The next morning Vicki arose yawning. She had stayed up fairly late in the Ravenclaw common room with Roger and a few of their friends. She had refused to spend the night with him despite his constant begging. Therefore she was up quite late and felt very groggy. She looked at a clock she had put on top of her wooden bedside tables and realised if she got up now, she'd have time to dash to the prefect's bathroom and have a quick shower to wake herself up before breakfast.
She bundled her school uniform in her arms and crept out away from the rest of her sleeping dorm mates and made her way into the common room.
Even though it was fairly early there were already a few Ravenclaws up and dressed. A few were lounging around chatting with their friends whilst a few others were scribbling away at homework. Vicki for a moment wondered why people would voluntarily get up early but then scampered out when she realised she was one of those crazy people.
Although the Common Room had a few people, the school corridors were fairly empty. Students (aside from prefects and those with permission) were forbidden from being out of their common rooms between the hours of six o' clock in the morning and nine o' clock in the evening. Although it was now past six the school was deserted as the school didn't start serving breakfast until seven thirty and even then no one really went down until eight.
"Hey, Vicki." Vicki heard behind her.
She winced as she hadn't spoken to this person since their confrontation a few days ago and although she was far from angry, she felt awkward about it and didn't know what to say.
The lack of sleep also didn't help, as well as the fact she felt insecure being seen in her silly pink and black pyjamas with bed hair and no makeup.
"I'm surprised you recognised me like this." Vicki joked.
"Of course. You still look great," Graham Montague stated but then cleared his throat awkwardly "So, how have you been?"
"Yeah... I've been good. Classes are busy. I got told off by Vector the other day straight after I received a warning from McGonagall about something else. It was strange." Vicki responded as she felt the awkward feeling begin to melt away.
"Wish I was there, sounds like a laugh. Anyway, sorry about the other day. I'm terrible at apologies but I really am sorry. It's just been hard, I was meant to take over the Slytherin captaincy this year for Quiddich and I guess my stress and bad moods got the best of me. I'm sorry." Graham said to Vicki, doing his best to look at her in her eyes to show how sincere he was being.
Vicki smiled slightly at her friend as she started to feel a little bad. She hadn't considered how upsetting the cancellation of Quiddich would have been on her friends. She almost thought it was funny as far as Roger was concerned as she had been mad at him for majority of the week. Fred and George Weasley as well as Cedric Diggory had been in good spirits about it due to the Triwizard Tournament taking its place. She had forgotten that some players may still be unhappy despite the tournament and she was glad that Graham was comfortable enough to share these deep thoughts with her.
"Hey, no biggie. Old news, right?" Vicki smiled pleasantly at him.
"Great. Well I'd love to speak with you properly but I need to run. Come seek me out today, we'll hang out." Graham said in an excited manner to Vicki as he happily bounced off into the other direction.
Vicki shook her head and laughed as she gave the password to get into the prefect's bathroom. She absolutely hated conflict and was really happy she was able to resolve the one she had going with Graham. Now she was on good terms with both Roger and now Graham she felt everything was back to normal in her life.
Vicki made the most of her time in the bathroom. Although she was dead tired she jumped into the humongous pool-sized bath and took advantage of all the luxurious perfumed products available. A few prefects came in and out during that time as it was a peak time (morning) for the bathroom, but Vicki always made sure she stayed clothed in the bath.
After getting out and putting her clothes on in a shower cubicle she used her wand to dry and straighten her hair. She then put on her makeup and left the bathroom looking fresh as a daisy. She still however felt a lot more tired than she looked and was cursing that she couldn't have a coffee, that was the one thing that would bring her up again.
After tying her Ravenclaw tie she decided it was time to head down to breakfast. It was a little earlier than when most students headed down, but there was nothing else to do in the mean time. Maybe her Daily Prophet subscription would be there for her and she could read that, if her owl Fez bought her mail to her early.
It was as she was walking down that she felt someone yank her into an empty classroom. She went to make a loud noise but a hand was clasped over her mouth. She went to fight her attacker but went still when she saw the two twins laughing at her. Fred, the one who had grabbed her, had let go once she had calmed down.
"Why on earth did you grab me like that? If you asked me to go with you I would have." Vicki giggled, not being too upset about her 'abduction'.
"Our way is more fun." Fred and George stated at the same time, giving a nonchalant shrug which Vicki wasn't sure whether it was done on purpose as part of the act or whether it came naturally to them.
"So, what's up anyway?" Vicki asked curiously.
"We're here to talk business." Fred responded to her.
"We believe there is a mutually beneficial arrangement that could be made." George added on.
Vicki didn't respond and only raised an eyebrow at the two twins. She wanted to play the part of a sceptic but she also had no idea how to respond. She was very amused at their antics but also a bit scared.
"What would we say if we could get you coffee." Fred asked her, a huge grin on his face.
"I would say 'good for you' in a sarcastic tone accompanied with a condescending pat on your shoulder. I can get my own coffee, the problem is that it's against school rules." Vicki responded to Fred.
"That's not our end of the deal. I believe it's only against school rules for students to make their own coffee. It's perfectly fine for students to consume it, should they be able to acquire it." George smirked mischievously.
"Sounds like a dodgy coffee drug deal," Vicki giggled "Surely you're not going to be doing this for cheap. What's your price?"
Fred and George looked at each other. Fred absolutely loved that Vicki was able to laugh along with them and bounce conversation off of them. He would find it hard to contain his obsession if she willingly agreed to get involved with one of their schemes, but considering she wasn't asking too many questions or reacting negatively, he could see she would most likely get involved.
"We need for you to write a letter." George said to Vicki.
"A letter? Please. I'd love to make a joke about your intelligence if you need me to write a letter but that's just cruel. What kind of letter? Letter of reccomendation? Do you need me to sneak a love letter to someone?" Vicki snorted.
"No!" Fred yelled almost defensively, his reaction even surprising his twin who jumped up in shock.
Fred clearly didn't want Vicki to think he was possibly involved with someone else. He knew it was silly as she was back together with Davies, but his 'no' came out automatically, he had no control over it. He sent one look to George, and decided to explain. There was no dancing around the issue, they would need to tell Vicki the full story to execute their plan.
"We need you to write to Bagman. He owes us a lot of money. We bet all of our savings onto the Quiddich World Cup and we won. However he only handed us Leprechaun Gold so it disappeared a few hours later." Fred explained to Vicki, with George nodding along.
"That's terrible!" Vicki gasped "Do you think he did it on purpose or got the Leprechaun gold mixed up with real Galleons?"
"We thought it might have been an accident at the beginning-" George started.
"-but now considering he is ignoring our letters, we think it's more sinister." Fred finished.
"So what would I put in the letter?" Vicki asked curiously, making it clear to the twins she was ready to help with their scheme.
"We basically need you to be an ally. Write him back from that one you showed us on the train. Get on his good side." Fred responded.
"Once you're on his good side we can go from there, maybe have you interrogate him on our behalf. It should be an easy task for you, he seems to have a bit of a soft spot for you." George added on.
"A bit of a soft spot? The pervert couldn't stop drooling all over her and tried to take advantage at the Cup. Creep." Fred snorted, but then nervously eyed Vicki as he was afraid of her reaction to his statement.
"Exactly. Oh, I'm definitely in. You suckers shouldn't have offered me the coffee card because I would have agreed to mess with Bagman for free. But too late, get me my fix." Vicki joked, holding out an arm for each twin to take.
Both of them grinned at each other as they linked arms with Vicki and headed out of the classroom. Both of the twins were over the moon that Vicki would be getting involved in their schemes.