Chapter 38 : Blur
The rest of the Hogwarts year was a blur for me. A blur filled with moments of happiness. With Pari next to me, everything felt possible. Just thinking about her, brought a smile to my face. Some of the things I do remember from the year are –
The first time Mother met and interacted with Pari.
Mother came to pick us up at King's Cross Station when we came home for the Christmas holidays.
"Mother, I would like you to m-…" I started.
"You're the girl from the photos!" Mother exclaimed.
Pari smiled and let out her hand, "Hello Mrs. Malfoy. I'm Pari."
"Hello, Pari." She shook her hand. "I don't understand. How…are you at Hogwarts? I didn't know you go to the school."
I looked at Pari and then at my mother, "It's a long story. I'll tell you about it at home." Mother looked at me suspiciously. Before she could say anything I continued, "And Mother, this is Tama Home. He is Pari's friend. They both will be staying with us for the holidays."
Mother shook hands with Tama Home.
"Mrs. Malfoy! It's so good to see you." Pans and Daph hugged Mother.
"It's good to see you both. Let's go home then." Clearly, she wanted to know what was going on.
"So much happened with you over the summer and you didn't bother telling me?" Mother was close to being frantic.
"Mom, you can't expect me to come and tell you everything. I'm not a kid anymore." I defended myself.
She softened up a little. "I know, but it won't stop me from worrying about you."
"Exactly, the reason I didn't tell you anything."
She huffed out a breath. "So…a genie! Should I be worried or something?" When I told her, what Pari really was, she didn't believe me. For a moment she even looked scared.
"Not at all. She's really wonderful. Just give her a chance. She'll blow your mind. I've never felt this way before."
"And this friend of hers? He's not going to be any trouble in your relationship with her? Because it sounds like he's still pretty much into her."
"Tama Home is her family, Mother. I know, he loves her but he will not do anything to harm our relationship. He cares too much about her to do anything like that."
"Very well then. I will definitely try to get to know her. At least, your father will not complain about tainting the Malfoy bloodline." Mother joked.
Mother, Pari and I were in the parlour having tea. This was the most awkward silence in the history of awkward silences. Neither of us knew where to start.
"So…Pari, are your parents or any sort of family around?" Mother finally broke the silence.
"No, not really. Tama Home is the only family I have."
"How old were you when you became a genie?"
"Around 15-16." Mother asked her some more questions about her life and the conversation started flowing smoothly in between them.
"What are your hobbies and interests?" Mother asked.
"I like to read. I love music. Tama Home and I love to mess with Muggle technology." She said excitedly. "What are your interests and hobbies, ?"
"I like to bake. I like shopping. Occasionally, I like to read as well. In fact, my sister and I will be opening a café some time next summer."
"That is so cool." Pari said.
"You didn't tell me that." I told Mother.
"You didn't ask me." She smirked.
"Now, you won't tell me things until I ask you? What else have you been hiding from me, Mother?"
We talk about it some more. Then we talk about other things until dinner was ready. Initially, Mother was a little cold towards Tama Home. But by the end of the dinner, she was fussing over him like he was her second son.
Another good thing happened during the holidays. Pans had finally apologised her behaviour and Pari forgave her. They became friends like 'the slap' never happened.
Quidditch
Quidditch was going great too. This was the best season Slytherins had since I could remember! And we didn't even have to resort to fouls. We reached the finals and so did Gryffindor. I knew this was going to be epic. The game we played before the finals, they won. But it was not an easy win for them. We knew that Gryffindor's strength was Potter. Our strategy was to make sure that our chasers had maximum Quaffle possession and score. We really made them sweat and they made us sweat.
"So, guys, this is it! This is our chance to win the Quidditch Cup. We worked real hard to get here. Let's do this one more time!" The team cheered.
"The last time we played the Gryffindors, we gave them a tough match. WE'LL WIN THIS TIME!" Blaise shouted.
"And always remember that by chance we don't win, I'm still proud of the way each one of you played." I told the team.
"That's really sweet, Drake but we don't need that kind of a talk right now." Theo said.
We entered the pitch just as the Gryffindor team enter the pitch from the other side. Madam Hooch was standing at the centre of the pitch.
"And…here we have the teams! For Gryffindor we have – Weasley, Thomas, Weasley, Robins, Peakes, Coote and Poootter!" I heard Terry Boot announce.
"And for Slytherin we have – Nott, Zabini, Pucey, Greengrass, Goyle, Harper and Mallllfoy!" I heard Susan Bones announce.
"I have to tell you all that both the teams have had a spectacular year." Boot said.
"The last time, both the teams played, it was a nail biter until Potter caught the snitch and won the game for Gryffindor." Bones said.
"Not this time." I thought to myself. After that I tuned the announcers out.
"Best of luck, Drake. I love you." I heard Pari's voice in my head. I spotted her in the Slytherin stands and smiled at her.
"Alright, I want a fair game from all of you. Let's get this started." Madam Hooch said. We all got on our brooms.
"This is it, people. The game we've all been waiting for." Bones said.
"Madam Hooch has set the bludgers free. She's let the Golden Snitch fly away. She's taken the Quaffle in her hand and she's thrown it in the air. She's blown the whistle." Boot said.
"And Pucey has the Quaffle. He's passed it to Greengrass. Zabini, Pucey, Greengrass," Bones announced.
"Robins is trying to intercept the quaffle. Coote has sent a bludger towards Greengrass. Pucey's got the quaffle, Weasley's intercepting. Pucey has thrown the quaffle towards the hoops but Weasley has blocked it and passed it to Thomas." By now, I can't figure out who's announcing.
"Slytherins are clearly trying to tell us that they've chosen a attacking strategy for the game."
"Thomas, Robins, Weasley, Robins, Weasley, Thomas, Zabini, Pucey, Greengrass, Weasley, bludger sent to Weasley by Harper, Zabini, Pucey, Zabini and he scooores!"
"Ten points to Slytherins!"
I started looking around for the snitch. I knew that the others have it under control for now. I saw Potter speed up towards the other side of the pitch and I followed him as fast as my Nimbus 2001 would allowed. I caught up with him.
"This time you're not getting it Potter."
"You wish, Malfoy!"
We tried to get ahead of each other to catch the snitch but it flew away faster. So, we both lost the snitch for the moment.
I had to know what the score was.
"Bludger to Thomas by Goyle. Greengrass has the quaffle. Zabini, Pucey, Greengrass, Pucey, Greengrass, Zabini, Greengrass and she scoressss!" Boot announced.
"Slytherin lead 70 – 30." Bones announced. Wow! When did they score all those points? But at least they were following the plan. We decided to keep a huge margin in between our scores so even if Potter caught the snitch, it wouldn't matter to us.
The match went on for another half an hour. Neither Potter nor I spotted the snitch in this interval. The others were playing the match like it was the Quidditch world cup. Goals were being scored like it was the easiest thing in the world. The score was now 160 – 90. We were still in the lead.
I spotted the snitch behind Potter. I didn't want to give him any sign. So I made it look like was casually trying to spot the snitch. When I was a little close to him, I sped up, he figured it and turned around to go after the snitch as well. Both of us were neck to neck. We were pushing each other to distract the other. After chasing it for a while we lost it again. We had a few more incidents of chasing the snitch but the snitch seemed to be adamant to not get caught.
Two hours into the game and still no snitch. This was getting frustrating.
"This is the longest game played on the Hogwarts pitch. The longest match before this was played for one hour forty eight minutes and fifty three seconds." Bones announced.
"This is also the highest scoring game till now played on the Hogwarts pitch. And Greengrass scores yet again. Slytherin lead 340 – 180." Boot announced.
"At this stage, even if Potter manages to catch the snitch, Gryffindor may not win the match." Bones said. "Looks like Malfoy has spotted the snitch. He's off! Potter right behind him."
"If Malfoy catches the snitch, this will be the first win for them with such a high margin against any team."
"That's right! The highest margin in any game played in this school till now. It'll also be the worst ever defeat Gryffindor has ever faced. If Potter catches the snitch, they'll at least lose with a smaller margin."
"Malfoy is very close to the snitch. Potter is trying his best to get closer."
"Potter, Malfoy, Potter, Malfoy…"
"Slytherin scores again. Pucey scores again. 350 – 180!"
"The seekers have not lost sight of the snitch. Potter is closing in on the snitch and HE HAS CAUGHT THE SNITCH! 150 POINTS TO GRYFFINDOR!" There was a loud cheer from the crowds.
"SLYTHERIN WINS! FINAL SCORE 350 – 330!"
Okay, so I didn't catch the snitch against Potter once again but we won! We won the Quidditch! Truly the best match, I ever played!
N.E.W.T.s and end of Hogwarts
After Quidditch, it was then time to put all my energy into N.E.W.T.s . And studying with Pari is no easy task. Merlin, can she be annoying while studying! She had a very strict scheduled prepared for me. Though, it was supposed to be for both of us, she didn't have to study as hard. Photographic memory! Pari can be such a show-off sometimes. But she did push me and it was good for me.
She would stay up at night with me when I would pull an all-nighter. She preferred if I studied during the day rather than night. She would explain topics I didn't understand. Pari and Tama Home read through the seven years worth of portions in one year.
Our first exam was the Theory of Charms. The practical exam was after lunch. Three hours before the exam, Pari said the most unexpected thing to me. "Shut your books."
"What?"
""Shut your books."
"There's still three more hours. I need to study. I don't have photographic memory like you."
She gave me a blank look. "Enough of studying! If something had to go into your head, it would have already gone in."
"Interesting! So, what do you suggest I do for the next three hours?" I mocked her.
"Take me on a broom ride." She smiled.
"Are you crazy? Are you trying to get me to fail in Charms?" I was questioning her sanity now.
"See, I've this theory. It's always best to go into an exam hall with a fresh mind. Do something else. After freshening up your mind, remember all the things you've studied."
"That sounds…let's see…how can I put it nicely? It sounds unconventional." I wanted to say ridiculous.
"Try it for charms and see if it works for you. If it doesn't, you can continue to study until the last minute for the rest of the subjects."
I was unconvinced. "Okay."
We went for a broom ride like she suggested. I felt good. But then, I feel good every time I ride a broom. When we got back, I got ready. We still had an hour and a half before the exam began. Pari and I started discussing the subject. We asked each other questions on various topics. This is fun, I had to admit it. Just before we were allowed to enter the great hall, I saw everybody's noses buried in their books. All except Pari, Tama Home, Blaise, Theo and I. Now I understand why Blaise and Theo shut their books a few hours before the exams.
Normally, I'm nervous during exams. But this time, I was calm and collected. When I saw the question paper, I was able to recollect the answers without much difficulty. Writing the exam was like a cakewalk.
After our exams were over, the O.W.L.s began for the fifth years. Once, O.W.L.s were over, the exams for the rest of the school began. Since, we didn't have much to do once the exams were over, we would spend most of our time out of the castle. Summer had just begun, it would have been a crime to spend time indoors.
One such morning, we all were sitting by the lake. When I say 'we', I mean my gang of friends and their respective others from other houses. Greg and Millie, Ad and Trace, Daph and Potter, Pans and Wealsey, Theo and Weaslette, Blaise, Lovegood, Tama Home, Hermione, Pari and I. When the four founders built this school, they would have never thought that one-day a group like ours would exist.
"So, what are you all planning to do after we get out of here?" Pari asked.
"I'm joining Tutshill Tornados as a beater." Greg told us yet again. The final match had scouts from various league teams in audience. All of us got offers from various teams. The match was so good that there was article about it in the Daily Prophet.
"I'm joining Puddlemere United as a chaser." Ad said.
"I got an internship under Weldana Scotzi, my favourite designer." Pans shrieked excitedly.
"I'm going to study magical law." Daph said.
"Same here." Trace said and they both exchanged a high-five!
"I'm going to be working under Emerald Cattermole, the herbologist." Millie told us.
"I'm confused, if I should join the ministry or study magical law? I was sure about joining the ministry but after hearing Daph and Trace mentioning to study magical law, I'm not so sure." Hermione sounded confused.
"Study with us, it'll be fun." Trace said.
"Yeah, I want to study law because, I want to know the kind of changes the wizarding world needs in detail. Only if, we know what we're up against, will we be able to change it!" Daph explained.
"That's an excellent point." Hermione sounded like she had made her choice. "I'll apply soon. What's the last date for applying to the Law Academy?"
"Apply before the last day of Hogwarts. That should be sufficient. Anyways, we don't get our results until July end or the beginning of August. So, there's no rush." Trace told her.
"Enough of the law talk, Law Makers of the future! Drake and I going to start our own Potions brewing company." Blaise said. I nodded.
"I'm going to be an Auror." Weasley said.
"I'm joining culinary school. I'm also planning on renovating the Potter Estate and turning it into a hotel. I'm also going to re-build my parents' home in Godric's Hollow. Daph and I will be moving to Grimmauld place as soon as we leave Hogwarts." Potter explained his plans.
"Big plans Potter! I'm joining Healers' Academy. I've already been accepted, based on grades from the previous years. My application will be rejected only if I don't get good grades in the N.E.W.T.s ." Theo said.
"Don't worry, mate! I'm sure you'll get through." I told him.
"What about you, Tama Home? And you, Pari?" Hermione asked.
"Do I really need a job? Everything I need is a finger flick away." Pari said.
"I was thinking, we should go back to Genieland and get some work done." Tama Home pointed out to Pari.
"We? You mean you both need to go back?" I was not ready to lose her yet again.
"Relax, Drake! Not permanently. It's like a job, you can say. Free genies have some responsibilities towards the community. I'm just a call away." Pari told me. That is true. Ever since she has come back, I just have to call her and she appears.
"I can't believe you guys are discussing all this in front of Luna and I. We still have a year to go. You're making me jealous." Weaslette interrupted.
We then started talking about the years we spent in Hogwarts. I'm definitely going to miss this place.
The end of the year feast was as usual exquisite. The food was as always delicious. There was chatter all over the place. The ghosts kept floating in and out of the hall. This is how I want to remember Hogwarts as – a happy place.
After the feast, headmistress McGonagall stood up to address the students for the last time this year.
"Another year has gone by. And what a year this has been. I want to thank the staff for again making Hogwarts what it has been always – a school for quality magical education. I want to thank Mr. Filch for his efforts to make sure rules were not broken. Most of all, I thank all the students for choosing to come back despite the dark memories the war left here. I want to thank the head boy, Mr. Malfoy and the head girl, Ms. Granger for doing an excellent job at promoting house unity. You both make a great team." Everybody started clapping.
When we settled down, McGonagall continued, "I want to thank all the seventh year prefects for doing such a wonderful job. You all maintained decorum and set a good example for the younger students. I thank the other prefects as well. I wish all the seventh years good luck for the future, you all have great potential. You have the power to change the magical world. Make everybody associated with you proud and get all the success that you deserve. We will inform you via owl regarding the convocation once the results have been announced. "
"As for the rest of the students, we will be waiting for you to return next year and continue your education. With that said, I wish you all a safe journey back home tomorrow. Good Night."
There were shouts of 'thank you' and 'good night' all over the place.
The next day was really emotional. A lot of the girls were crying and hugging each other. I visited the Slytherin common room before I left. I went back to all the places, I liked in Hogwarts. I heard someone say that it was the end of an era. That is so true! This is the end of an era. The professors spoke all the seventh years in the morning before we all left for Hogsmeade station. They wished all of us 'good luck' and praised us for our work this year.
Standing on the platform in the Hogsmeade station, we all looked at the Hogwarts castle. We were all lost in our own thoughts. But nothing needed to be said. Silence was good enough. I never thought I would leave Hogwarts with so many friends. I never thought someone would profess her love for me in front of the whole school. I wrapped my hand around Pari's waist.
"You're going to miss being here aren't you?" She asked.
"It goes without saying."
Yup, two chapters in one day! Please read and review! Thanks for reading! Enjoy!
Neepa :-)