Laughter is the Best Philosophy
Author Note: Am I Joanne Kathleen Rowling? Nope. It's not mine, then. More flying, more pranking, and more mishaps from comic relief-type characters await. The road to happiness at Hogwarts is always filled with a few bumps, as our heroes are about to realise.
'Meda's eyes snapped open - today was the first practice that Lily Moon II had comissioned. Sneakily, she crept down to the Quidditch field once she got dressed, the Cloak being a big help in doing so.
"Excellent timing." Lily grinned.
"Early to bed, early to rise. I do both." 'Meda replied.
"So I see." Lily smirked. "Where are the others?"
"Don't know." 'Meda laughed as she kicked off into the air. Lily bit back a laugh at her Seeker's energy.
"Andromeda, come back!" she called when the other team members turned up. 'Meda did a loop-the-loop and Feinted back onto the ground.
"It that your signature talent?" fourth-year Chaser David Belby asked. 'Meda nodded and beamed.
"Oh yes, Miss Potter here's our secret weapon." Lily II said with pride. 'Meda beamed - if possible - even wider. The team started murmuring. "Enough. Let's just get in the air and practice, to hone our skills." the Captain commanded.
"You're not related to Oliver Wood, are you?" 'Meda chuckled.
"No, why? I mean it would great to be related to a Harpies legend, but why?" Lily II pondered.
"Because you're acting the same way he did when he practiced with his Hogwarts team." 'Meda called in her Captain's direction as she zoomed about for the Snitch.
"Oh, really? I feel humbled." Lily II declared, snorting with laughter.
"You should if half the stories my dad's told me are true. And if I ever meet Oliver again I'll tell him someone's looking to follow in his footsteps. He'll love that."
"Whoa, back up." David Belby hollered, braking dangerously in mid-air and then flying upwards to he could talk to 'Meda. "You haven't-"
"I have met him in person, yes. Why do Phillip and I always get this kind of reaction? Thank goodness my middle name is mostly unknown." she whispered to herself. But David overheard her.
"Why? Oh of course, Phillip Boot must be Demelza Boot's son. And why is your middle name such a big deal?" he questioned, excitement in his voice.
"David, please." 'Meda tried to reason, strain entering her voice.
"Belby! Don't tire out our weapon!" Lily II half-joked.
"Oh, just a weapon now, am I?" 'Meda half-joked back, catching her Captain's sense of humour.
"Of course not, Andromeda. But with such fierce rivals we need to train you." Lily II declared.
"With rivals like Dominique Weasley, I agree." 'Meda mused absent-mindedly, setting up a game plan in her head. "Listen Lily, hover down. I've got a strategy to beat Hufflepuff in their matches against us when the time comes..." Later on, 'Meda ached from practice.
"You missed breakfast!" Joan exclaimed as her friend walked into the Great Hall just as the last of the stragglers were walking out.
"Practice, Stellacain, I thought you'd figure that out." 'Meda exhaled. "Plus I racked my brain - which, contrary to what you believe." she continued, laughing. "Does have it's uses."
"Haha. I never doubted your intellegence." Joan smiled.
"Where is the blue-eyed devil of our crew?" 'Meda pondered.
"Sleeping."
"Have you tried to get him up?" 'Meda asked scandalously.
"He won't move. Plus the boys in his dorm were a little iffy about me being in there." Joan sighed jokily.
"Oh for Merlin's sake..." the silver-eyed girl muttered. "...déjà vu."
"When have you gone through a situation like this?" Joan asked.
"Back in May, when you were ill." 'Meda half-smiled.
"I see." Joan said. "Well, Andromeda Ginevra Potter, let's go and fetch the third member of our posse."
"I'm with you on that, Joan Eleanor Corner. Let's go!" 'Meda exclaimed, both girls laughing near-hysterically as they raced off to the Ravenclaw dorms. Joan was just about to speed up the boys dorms' staircase, but 'Meda held up her hand.
"Just wait. I feel a prank coming on. Follow my lead." the brunette girl giggled.
"Oh no." Joan giggled in response. "Oh MERLIN!" she continued, as 'Meda whispered the details of the prank into her ear.
"I know. Good, isn't it?" 'Meda grinned. The pranking duo crept up to the boys' dorms.
Phillip was the only one left in the second-years' dorm, blissfully unaware. 'Meda donned the Cloak, and Joan slid underneath the bed.
"It smells underneath here, 'Meda. Are you sure about this?" Joan whispered with a strained giggle which communicated a clear message - boys.
"I'm sure. Now when I give you the code word, fire the water." 'Meda whispered back invisibly - Joan couldn't have seen her even if she wasn't wearing the Cloak anyway, being underneath the slats of the bed.
"Isn't that slightly oxymoronic?" Joan hissed. 'Meda sighed playfully.
"Levicorpus!" she cast, lifting Phillip by his ankle. He mumbled in his sleep.
"Aguamenti!" Joan said, dousing the hovering boy in water, then ducking back under the bed silently. 'Meda flipped Phillip back onto his bed with a whisper of Liberacorpus, still invisible. The resulting thud of his body seemed to finally wake him up.
"What-" he mumbled drowsily. 'Meda started hissing under the Cloak, and Joan rose up from under the bed like a snake charmer's prey.
"Augamenti!" she repeated, resulting in another water splash.
"Joan?" Phillip pondered. "Hang on, surely you can't be the full brains behind this prank." he clocked on. Joan huffed. "Andromeda Ginevra Potter, come out from under that Cloak!" the Boot child demanded. A laugh from nowhere, and 'Meda appeared.
"Why is it always me?" she continued to laugh.
"Because only you would be fiendish enough to wake me up like this. You could have tried other ways." Phillip protested.
"I tried, but your dorm-mates kicked me out after I shook your shoulder and punched it." Joan pointed out.
"Ah." Phillip proclaimed.
"Now there's only one thing to do." Joan continued.
"Which would be...?" Phillip pondered.
"Retreat from this... odourous dungeon of smells!"
"What about the Potions room? That's actually in the dungeons."
"The Potions room is lilacs and roses compared to this." 'Meda fake-complained, taking a big fake sniff.
"Well scarper, then. Leave me to get ready in peace." Phillip laughed.
"That's if you don't miss lunch." the girls whisper-chorused, walking away, as an 'Oi!' sounded between them. The next day, Rose flopped down onto the Ravenclaw table.
"I don't think that bargain will be upheld." she half-sighed.
"Why?" 'Meda pondered, curious as ever.
"Because I rule at Beating! Bludgers and players alike are at my mercy!" Raymond called, striding forward next to Rose.
"He just had a practice." Rose said in an undertone. 'Meda held her head in her heads.
"Now look what you've done!" Joan exclaimed.
"All I can say is both 'Meda and I have inherited paternal talents." Raymond half-smiled.
"Is that so?" 'Meda said sneakily, facing Raymond now and looking him straight in the eye. "In that case, I bet you three Sickles that no Bludgers cross my way in the Gryffindor-Ravenclaw match." she grinned.
"You're on." Raymond shook her hand firmly.
"I never lose Quidditch bets." 'Meda smirked confidently.
"Aye aye, Captain Potter." Phillip saluted, just like he had in that summer friendly.
"Be quiet, you." 'Meda elbowed him. "Although, the last time you said that, funnily enough, was when Louis mentioned our bet we'd made in February." she mused.
"You made a Quidditch bet with Louis?" Rose asked, interested. The triad shared a smile, thinking back to that day in February.
"Not a Quidditch bet, but a bet nonetheless, and if Louis ever loses, I get twenty Galleons." 'Meda laughed.
"An ongoing bet?" Raymond asked, interested as Rose now.
"Yep. But 'Meda's special power probably won't-"
"Shush, Paisley!" 'Meda hissed. Rose's eyes bugged out.
"You never told me about anything like that." she said slowly, making sure she'd heard that right.
"I don't tell people." 'Meda quipped off-handedly, her silver eyes turning bright as she looked at Phillip.
"Oh dear, the agitated eye-shine. I better run." he mumbled.
You will win that bet with Cormac, 'Meda. Those three Sickles will be yours very easily the first Andromeda's voice rang out in 'Meda's head.
"Aha." 'Meda said, putting her hand to her head. "You have no chance, McLaggen." she beamed sneakily.
"What's with the surname stuff?" Rose and Raymond chorused.
"Just trust me, you'll crumble on our bet." 'Meda beamed, winking.
"But how do you know? Is it a gut feeling?" Joan queried.
"More a feeling in my head." 'Meda tried not to chuckle as she said that. Joan shared a knowing smile.
"Uh!" Rose pouted.
"Right you three, I'm going to get this one back to the safety of Gryffindor Tower before her hair frizzes out with anger." Raymond chuckled, Rose pouting as he said that and dragged her away.
"Did you really get a psychic message?" Phillip pondered. 'Meda nodded, beaming, twirling a lock of her black hair around her finger.
"Did you use a Hair-Growth charm on your hair last night?" Joan asked, suddenly baffled by the twirl.
"No." 'Meda said, confused by Joan's question. "My hair's always come down to just past my shoulders."
"Must be my imagination." Joan shook her head.
"I joked that your grandmother's voice could tell you where the Snitch is, but who knew a similar situation would actually arise?" Phillip queried.
"Merlin deals fate oddly." 'Meda said as the triad got up to wonder around on that mild October day.
"Definitely." Joan hummed. "Hang on." she paused once they'd reached the third floor, taking a break in their conversation. "Do you hear that?"
"Hear what?" Phillip asked.
"Time for my stealthy skills." Joan whispered, her hands feeling along the wall. "Aha!" she exclaimed as she put her ear to a tapestry that hung on the wall. There came a whisper of an incantation.
'Colovaria!' Carly Simon's voice rang out.
"Carly, come out of there. You can't try spells in the dark." 'Meda almost-laughed.
"Could you Alohomora this tapestry open then? I wanted to do this practice secretly."
"Silly Carly. We can hear you, you're just merely muffled. The tapestry doesn't 'lock' itself." 'Meda definitely laughed this time. Carly huffed from the inside. Joan pulled the woven cloth partly from its hinges. Phillip laughed as Carly walked out. The Gryffindor student's skin was now green. "Hmmm." 'Meda mused thoughtfully, although trying to not crack a smile. "Where's Professor McGonagall's office?"
"First floor, Defense tower. Why?" Carly asked.
"Miss Simon!" the very authority figure in question's voice sounded. Carly jumped. "What's going on?" McGonagall asked, a shocked expression on her face. 'Meda donned a look of innocence - she had Potter blood, and therefore could never be too careful around her Transfiguration teacher.
"Pr-professor I d-don't understand-" Carly stuttered.
"We were just getting to that." Phillip mumbled.
"Indeed, Mr. Boot. Or would you like to explain why Miss Simon is now green?" McGonagall queried.
"WHAT?!" Carly yelped. McGonagall conjured up a mirror and handed it to her student. "Eek!" Carly squealed.
"How did this happen?" the Scottish woman pondered, looking at 'Meda - she was Harry's daughter, after all.
"From what we can deduce, Carly was practicing the Colovaria charm. In the dark." While Joan and Phillip were nodding along to this statement (while trying to hide their smiles), Carly's skin went back to normal with a flick of McGonagall's wand.
"While I am sure that Professor Flitwick would appreciate the Charmwork, I encourage you not to practice it in the dark, Miss Simon. And personally, I think you would look good with green hair." McGonagall almost-smiled.
"Harry, Ron and Hermione must have installed a sense of humour into her." Joan whispered.
"I heard that, Miss Corner." the Transfiguration teacher said briskly, walking away.
"Oops." Joan mumbled.
"That's what you get for testing teachers." Carly said.
"No kidding." 'Meda replied drily. "This time, your shinanigans attracted staff attention."
"Oh, of course. Last year with the Felix Felicis. How come you didn't go all strict now?" Carly asked.
"You weren't doing anything wrong this time." Phillip proclaimed.
"I was curious." Carly stated. "You three should understand that, being Ravenclaws."
"Such a feeble excuse." 'Meda half-groaned.
"Hey." Carly pouted. "Bravery or curiousity, which wins out here?" she continued to pout.
"Well..." 'Meda mused, thinking back to the end of February, when she'd caught Carly in wrong-doing. "...both in your case at the time."
"Exactly!" Carly triumphed.
"You won't get away with this!" Phillip laughed. Carly raised her eyebrow.
"We know it was you who threw those snowballs at Rose Weasley and Raymond McLaggen." he continued. Carly squirmed.
"I was doing it in jest, I swear. Scorpius Malfoy was the one who had a dark side to his attack. I think Rose is cool. Even if I tease her." the Gryffindor smiled.
"Good." 'Meda said.
"Why did you want green hair?" Joan asked.
"Curiousity." Carly replied.
"Not a closet Slytherin deep down, are you?" 'Meda laughed. Carly shook her head.
"I love nature." she proclaimed.
"Fair enough." 'Meda grinned.
"Knowing you and one of your many secrets, you'd probably think that was fair." Phillip chuckled.
"Phillip Boot, one more word of you, and you will be punished." 'Meda smirked. Phillip snorted.
"Yeah right, 'Meda. Need I remind you that Joan and I are older than you?"
"Ah." 'Meda stopped still.
"Got you!" Phillip chuckled.
"Levi-" "Protego!" 'Meda cast. The spell sent Phillip backwards into the space Carly had just occupied - the tapestry cloth was still 'open', but the impact 'closed' it. 'Meda paled. "Oh Paisley! What I have done? Stellacain, pull the cloth back!" she declared. Joan did as 'Meda said, then Miss Potter crouched into the space. "Oh what was the spell Ginny used? Oh, come on, brain... rennervate!" she waved her wand over Phillip's head.
"Does he need the Hospital Wing?" Carly pondered, mildly scared. What kind of Gryffindor are you, Carly? 'Meda thought - the silver-eyed girl wasn't usually edgy, but for once, she was going frantic too.
"Mmm." Phillip mumbled, opening his eyes. "'Meda?" he croaked.
"Sorry." 'Meda shrugged sheepishly, extending her hand. But then she saw the purple bruises on Phillip's forehead and the blood on his hairline. She paled.
"I can feel it, 'Meda. The blood. Can't you just mend it?" Phillip queried, trying to smile. 'Meda smiled sadly.
"The trail is too messy. Off to the Hospital Wing with you." she sighed.
"How many times am I going to end up in there?" Phillip groaned.
"Only twice so far." Joan chirped. Phillip glared at her.
"How long I am going to be a silent witness?" Carly asked, a smirk on her face.
"No longer, as your prediction was right." 'Meda said as Phillip slung his arm over her shoulders to steady himself.
"Uneasy legs." he reasoned as the triad headed to the Hospital Wing.
"Ah. What appears to be the problem? I swear, you and your friends are going to go down your father and his friends' road Miss Potter." Madam Pomfrey said. 'Meda explained the story guiltily. Madam Pomfrey shook her head. "Oh dear. Well let's take a look at the blood." she said, moving Phillip's hair back. "That's quite unpleasant. And I know what my reputation is like with students for this kind of thing, but I may have to keep Mister Boot overnight for this to fully heal him." the matron said. 'Meda and Joan nearly exploded with laughter - the look on Phillip's face was a mixture of complete disgust, horror and clear distaste for hospitals.
"We promise to give you some Chocolate Frogs once you break out of this prision." Joan said sympathetically, ignoring the edgy look from Madam Pomfrey, who huffed, her greying brown hair frizzing.
"I appreciate that." Phillip grinned. 'Meda and Joan walked out with a wave, and then stopped walking as the wing doors closed behind them. A brief glimpse at each other, and then they both cracked down laughing, sliding against the wall.
"Merlin! The look on his face!" 'Meda giggled.
"Poor Paisley!" Joan chuckled in agreement, nodding.
"I know. Should we convince Louis to buy him some Every-Flavour Beans as well?" 'Meda pondered.
"Why not? He'll need them. Why Louis is the gift-bearer?" Joan asked.
"He can get into Hogsmeade." 'Meda replied. Joan raised her eyebrows knowingly, almost reading 'Meda's mind.
"I know, I know, Stellacain." the Potter child said. "But as much as I love pulling the ocassional prank, I also know where the line is drawn."
"Awww!" Joan whined, sticking her tongue out.
"Nope." 'Meda smiled.
"Huh!" Joan huffed comically. 'Meda repeated Joan's facial gesture. "Oh that's mature." Joan reasoned.
"Laughter is the best philosophy." 'Meda smiled, her whole body shaking with supressed giggles, and her eyes were dancing. Joan ran her hand through her auburn hair and sighed comically.
"Whatever you say."
"I do say." 'Meda laughed, nudging Joan's shoulder. "You know, I have a sudden urge to fly. Wanna watch me practice my skills?"
"Sure." Joan smiled, a sneaky smile on her face. As soon as 'Meda got the Firebolt 10, Joan seized her chance. "Right, I need to do some reflex training." 'Meda said. Big mistake Joan thought - the broom was unguarded. She smiled, mounted it, and shot off into the air. "Stellacain!" 'Meda gasped. After a few hollers, Joan returned, leaving 'Meda to fly, both girls laughing.
AN: Is this a glimpse of a hidden talent for Miss Corner, or just a prank on the spur of the moment to get on 'Meda's nerves? Who knows? 'Meda's captain, Lily Moon II, is the niece of Lily Moon mentioned in the first book (only by surname), who was one of the original forty students in Harry's year in JKR's notes. In my headcanon, the second Lily Moon is the daughter of Lily Moon's unseen brother. Twists and turns are soon to come - Carly Simon won't be the only background character to get a dominant segment in recent chapters I have in my head.