A/N: Hi, everyone! How are you all today? All the activities from my university have been cancelled due to the corona virus pandemic. So I'll be spending the next two weeks home, working on my thesis and writing some more. Don't forget to wash your hands really well and avoid crowded places. But let's head to today's chapter, shall we? Leave a review or send me a message so I know what you think. Any comments, critiques or concerns, feel free to contact me.
* Thanks to Anna Melany Jupiter Black, on Amino Harry Potter, for Ravenclaw's chant.
Chapter Fifteen - Party Planning
Raise your hats and your glasses too
We will dance the whole night through
We're going back to a time we knew
Under a violet moon*
Shortly after Charlie's noteworthy victory that has put Gryffindor in first place, November 19th arrives and, with it, my chance to change the score. Through the changing room's windows, the rain starts to pour.
"All right, witches," I say to my team, my broom in hand. "We trained hard for this. We practiced and we sweated and are more than prepared for this. Whatever the result of today's game, I want you to know that I'm greatly proud of every single one of you and that it's an honour to play by your side."
"We won't disappoint you, boss," Link says, winking at me.
"Don't call me boss," I say, pushing him affectionately. "Now let's go and kick those badgers' arses!"
"Aye, Captain!" Andre says, throwing a fist into the air, excitedly.
I grin, guiding them to the pitch. It isn't the best of days for a Quidditch match. The sky is of a scary shade of grey, polluted with angry clouds that cry a vicious rain. As soon as step foot on the damp grass, we get soaked. I'm thankful for the flawless bun that Rowan made for me. If it wasn't for it, with the rain hitting my face with rage, it would be hard to fly with whips of wet hair striking my face. Despite the unfavourable weather, I feel more than prepared.
In the centre of the pitch, Madam Hooch waits for us. "I know the weather isn't convenient," she says. "But be aware that I'll be watching. No funny business under my watch, am I clear?"
We nod, gathering on formation and climbing on our brooms. My Silver Arrow seems to tremble in my hands, excited for a flight. I watch as Madam Hooch grabs the Quaffle and throws it high into the sky. It's hard to see anything through the curtain of the heavy pouring shower. When the game starts, it's like playing in the dark.
Liam is the first to get the Quaffle – agile and precise – and he flies over the other team's chasers and rushes towards their poles. I circle the pitch, squinting in the rain, trying to find the speck of gold in the middle of the greyness. The storm hits my face like a thousand cold needles, making it extremely hard to keep my eyes completely open. I can barely hear Keith's voice – a mumble in the distance – and his comments about the rain go unnoticed under the rumbling thunders.
A swishing sound announces the arrival of a Bludger cutting the rain. I can't see who sent it, so I just dodge is as fast as I can, feeling the whisper of wind that it leaves behind. I take a deep breath, leaning forward to move away from the players. Talbott asked me not to get injured and I can't have to luxury of spending weeks at the hospital when there's so much to do. So I'm careful to fly away from the mass of black shadows that move in the centre of the pitch. I fly towards Ravenclaw's poles, watching Link grab the Quaffle before it crosses the goal and throw it to Vicky, who's flying nearby. She flies away like a hawk and is engulfed by the rain.
"What's the score?" I ask him.
"Don't worry, Captain," he says. "We scored forty points already and they didn't even get the chance to score at all."
"Keep up with the good work, Link! You're an excellent keeper!" I shout before flying away from him.
I circle the lawn one more time with my heart drumming fast in my chest. I have faith in my team and I know they are insanely great players. However, I can't erase the feeling of doubt and fear of not being good enough. They are not failing me and I cannot fail them like I did last year. I lean forward, squinting while telling myself that I will not allow us to lose.
My body feels stiff under the rain, but it doesn't prevent me from dodging another Bludger. This time, I hear the gasps coming from the bleachers. I stop in the air, allowing myself to catch my breath, when I finally see it. Flying right next to Jame's head: a glimpse of gold.
I lean forward, rushing towards him. The adrenaline runs inside my veins, throbbing in my heart.
"JAMES, DUCK!" I shout.
He look at me with surprise in his wet face. He swiftly turns upside down, hanging like a sloth from a branch. I reach out, feeling my fingers wrap around the cold wet ball. It struggles in my grip, but I hold it tightly.
"AND ATHENA LOCKHART GRABS THE GOLDEN SNITCH!" Keith shouts. "RAVENCLAW WINS!"
I release a loud, victorious shout, raising my hand to the rainy skies. The water pours along my face; a reminder of the taste of victory. I rush to the ground, climbing off my broom and meeting my equally soaked mated in a proud, cheerful hug. Link's head comes from between my thighs, lifting me in his shoulders, hopping up and down.
"CAPTAIN! CAPTAIN!" they shout, making my heart rejoice.
"THE EAGLES ARE HERE!" I hear a chant coming from the bleachers. "OUR SIGH IS CLEAR! CLEVER TO THE CORE! WE WON'T BOTE! THE CUP IS FOR RAVENCLAW! CAW CAW CAW!"
I let out a guffaw, happy and victorious. Link descend me to his arms and places a kiss on the top of my head. He lifts a fist to the air.
"TO THE BEST CAPTAIN EVER!" he shouts.
"CAPTAIN! CAPTAIN! CAPTAIN!" they chant again, making me blush furiously.
Even under the rain, soaked and cold, the taste of victory doesn't cease being warm. I follow my loving mates out of the pitch, leaving pools behind us, to the changing rooms to a much-deserved shower. We continue commenting the game and chanting happily, and the thrill of bringing the victory to Ravenclaw continues to burn in our hearts. I find the comfort under the warm shower water and change into dry clothes, being suffocated once more by my team's warm hugs.
"We're going to win the Cup this year!" Andre says, excited.
"Charlie Weasley is nothing compared to you!" Penelope says, messing my hair.
We gather in a group hug and I close my eyes in their embrace. Inside of me, my heart drums victorious.
"You're the best team ever," I whisper.
By the end of the month, with the proximity of the next full moon, Cecil Lee starts to get active again, walking behind me in between classes and trying to convince me into joining the Unity. He doesn't try to recruit me near the Transfiguration classroom, unfortunately, because Professor McGonagall seems to be the only professor he truly respects.
Or fears.
"Miss Lockhart, I think you'd be pleased to know that my superiors are truly delighted that you are helping with this quest," he says to me, on Friday, when I'm walking to a Potions lesson.
"I am not helping with this quest," I say, not interrupting my stroll.
"Of course, they do know your father and his impeccable job at the Ministry," he continues. "A young daughter, working for the Unity… What a pride it must be!"
"I don't think my father would find werewolf hunting suited for his daughter," I say, firmly. "Not when she made clear that she plans on becoming an alchemist."
"Oh, clearly you don't think alchemy is more exciting than hunting dangerous beasts," he says. "I mean, your cousin is a remarkable wizard and has been capturing werewolves so skilfully. He is truly a prodigy."
I stop, turning around to face him. "My cousin?"
Cecil opens a smile. "Yes! I'm quite a fan of young Gilderoy. He's outstanding, you know. Strong, brave, and handsome… Not to mention, very, very clever!"
I chew the inside of my cheeks, feeling waves of annoyance running through my veins. "I think you're delusional, Mr. Lee."
"I was just talking to the Headmaster this morning about how wonderfully useful you'd be to the Unity. The students whisper about your accomplishments and tell what a great witch you are. Well, if you're half as talented as Gilderoy, I'm sure you'd be an excellent add-"
I clench my jaw. "Don't compare me to my cousin," I hiss. "Mr. Lee, I think I already made myself clear that I do not wish to join your werewolf hunt. If Fenrir Greyback is still on the loose it's because you failed your job. I am not going to risk my life and the perspective of becoming an alchemist in order to do your job."
"Now, now, Miss Lockhart," he says, surprised. "No need to be so-"
His voice fades. His eyes move towards something behind me, above my head, widening startled and fearful. I turn my head back lightly, looking from over my shoulder to the tall, imposing figure that stands behind me. A grin of satisfaction rushes over my lips before I regain my composure and turn back to Cecil Lee.
"Have a nice day, Miss Lockhart," he says to me, turning on his heels and leaving.
It takes all of me not to laugh. I turn around, staring at Professor Snape, who's eyeing the path Cecil Lee is following with an arched brow. After the man disappears around the corner, his onyx eyes meet mine, slightly amused.
"You seem very pleased with yourself," I say, placing a hand on my hip and smiling impishly.
"I would be more pleased if you were on your way to class," he says, adamantly.
"I am on my way to class," I reply. "Why aren't you there?"
He shows me the branches of ghost orchids he's carrying. "Went fetching some. Heard some howls along the way."
"The full moon is close."
He looks away, contemplative, but his eyes quickly return to me. "Do not attempt anything suicidal."
"Like hunting werewolves in the Forbidden Forest?" I say, pretending to be baffled. "Oh, I thought I was being successful in hiding my thoughts."
"Not funny," he says. "It is almost time for class. Do not be late."
"I'm never late," I reply, watching him turn around and head to the dungeons.
My eyes follow the place where Cecil Lee disappeared. A smirk flashes through my lips with the thought that he has someone else to fear now. If anything, he seemed more frightened in the presence of my dear Potions professor than of standing in front of Professor McGonagall or talking about Fenrir Greyback.
Oh, the delights of being pupil to someone so intimidating.
Having werewolves still on the loose only seems to add to Penny's distress. Not only she's spending every free time by her sister's side, but she's also talking to Badeea, trying to find a way to free them. However, not even the magical expertise of the beautiful Badeea Ali is enough to lead them to an answer. The only way I know how to help – given that I'll only meet the strange man in Knockturn Alley in a few weeks – is by brewing Penny several flasks of the calming potion, which seems to keep her at ease. She tried to hide her dismay when I tell her that I'll try to find the Marauder's Map by Christmas, flashing me a comprehensive grin, but I know that she wishes that things could be solved faster.
I wish that they could too.
"I'll be spending the holidays here," she tells me. "I couldn't possibly leave Bea."
"What about your parents?" I ask her.
"They'll be coming too," she says. "They're furious, you know. Both at me and at Dumbledore."
"Why are they furious at you?" I question, shocked.
She shrugs. "I should have kept an eye on her. If she was under my watch…"
"It would had happened anyways, Penny," I say. "We cannot hold onto each other and be safe from these curses. The Vaults are merciless."
She sighs. "I know. Still… I simply cannot forgive myself. Bea should be enjoying her magical education… She should be getting in trouble and learning cool magic. Instead, she's trapped in there… Each day that passes feels like another failure."
My heart aches. Once more I'm being faced with the fact that if I was any stronger… any faster… I could be putting an end to this curse and freeing Beatrice and Badeea. Instead, I'm delayed by so many variables that is hard to know what to do.
"At least you're doing something," Rowan tells me that night. "Unlike Rakepick, who's just a massive ball of nothingness."
I cross another day at the calendar. We'll return home on December 23rd and, hopefully, I'll be able to sneak into Knockturn Alley after Christmas. I grasp at my quill, trying to relax the tension in my shoulders, and end up clenching my jaw instead. This Vault seems to be so much harder to find than the others… There are ghosts and maps and mysteries and so many unanswered questions that make my head sting. When I finally lay down to sleep, my mind is throbbing.
I dream of Cecil Lee, who turns into a werewolf under a disco ball and begins giving me a lecture about what a formidable creation of nature my cousin is and what a failure I am for not being able to put an end to this Vault. When I finally wake up, I'm deeply annoyed.
Despite the never-ending affliction that is taking over the castle and, consequently, my heart, Dumbledore seems to be the least one worried about the happenings. When I'm heading to Hogsmeade with Talbott on the very next day, he can be seen around the school with Cecil Lee, talking about what seems to be very amusing topics.
"Your eyes are a little sunken," Talbott says, caressing my cheek. "Didn't you sleep?"
"I did," I tell him. "But dreamt about Cecil Lee all night long."
"What a buzz kill," he says. "You were supposed to be dreaming of me."
I brush my nose against his jaw. "And you were supposed to be recruiting me into the Vampire Unity."
He gulps. "Good thing Barnaby's uncle didn't kill your sassiness."
I chuckle, enjoying the carriage ride next to him. The day is clear and chilly, and Talbott wraps his arms around my shoulders to keep me warm. In the carriage in front of us, Rowan and Charlie are making out furiously, sharing the vehicle with an obviously disgusted Merula and an extremely embarrassed Ben.
"Get a room!" I shout, watching them separate with flushed cheeks.
Rowan looks at me and sticks her tongue out, opening an amused smile shortly after. I giggle, resting my head against Talbott's chest. The drumming of his heart makes me forget about Cecil Lee momentarily.
However, my moments of bliss last only until I bump into him, a few minutes after leaving the carriage. I'm strolling with Talbott right outside the bookshop when I see Barnaby's uncle walking towards me, accompanied by a much-chuffed Dumbledore.
"Miss Lockhart," Dumbledore says in his usual serene voice. "How are you this afternoon?"
I contain the urge to roll my eyes. "Very well, Professor. And you?"
"Oh, I must say I'm very well myself," he says, chuckling.
"What a delight to find you here, Miss Lockhart," Cecil Lee says, excitedly, apparently having forgotten Professor Snape's murderous stare. "I was just talking to the Headmaster about what a prodigy your cousin is."
"Yes, yes," Dumbledore says. "Young Gilderoy seems to be finding a loyal legion of fans for himself."
"Uh-huh," I say, trying to supress my irritation. "Mr. Lee, I hope you didn't come here to try and recruit me to the Unity again. I think Professor Dumbledore would agree that this is a very irresponsible act on your part."
Cecil looks at me and turns to look at Dumbledore, who's eyeing me with affection. If anything, the look upon his face makes me want to kick his shin.
"Actually, Miss Lockhart," Dumbledore says. "There's something I'd like to discuss with you."
I take a deep breath. "For the last time, sir, I will not be joining the Werewolf Unity."
He grins softly. "Of, that's not what this is about," he says. "I'd like to talk to you about Hagrid's birthday."
I blink a few times. "Excuse me?"
His grin broadens. "It's on December 6th. He'll be turning 60 this year, the dear man. I would like your help organizing a proper surprise party. He's quite fond of you, so I think he'd be very happy about it."
My mouth opens and closes several times before I'm able to form a sentence in my head. "Sir, I-"
"He recently lost one of his pets and hasn't been his typical, cheerful self," he continues. "He gives so much of himself, and does so much to help everyone at Hogwarts… I think he deserves the appreciation, don't you think?"
I run my fingers nervously through my hair. "Sir, even though I'd love to help… and I adore Rubeus very much… don't you think someone with… a little more free time… would be more indicated? Someone who's not dealing with detention, the Frog Choir, Captain duties and studying for the O.W.L.s?"
"You give so much of yourself too, Miss Lockhart," he says. "Much like Hagrid himself. Generous spirits, the two of you."
"Sir, I-"
"And I wouldn't dream of letting you do the job yourself," he says. "Perhaps your friends would enjoy helping with the party too. I realize you got yourself a very loyal squad. And I could help with whatever you needed."
Talbott and I exchange annoyed glances.
"The least we can do for Hagrid is to throw a fantastic party to show how much we appreciate him," Dumbledore continues.
"Sir, I-"
"She would love to help," Talbott says, stepping in. "I'm going to help her and I'm sure the rest of our friends will too. Don't worry about it, Professor."
"Oh, Mr. Winger, that's very kind of both of you," he says, opening a pleased smile.
"December 6th, you said," Talbott says. "That's a Tuesday. Perhaps we could… throw the party on December 4th? Then you'll have our undivided attention."
"That would be most excellent," Dumbledore says. "If you need anything, anything at all, please let me know."
He turns around, walking away with Cecil Lee, looking joyful and very happy with himself. I just stand there, my hands closed into fists, watching him stroll in his sky blue robes next to my cousin's number one fan. I hold my breath, not fully believing what just happened.
"Bubo, your eye is twitching," Talbott says, looking at me with concern.
"Oh. My. God!" I gasp, irritated.
"I'm sorry that I spoke on your behalf," he says, resting his hands on my shoulders. "But he wasn't going to accept a no for an answer."
"I know, I know," I say, grapping at his sleeves. "It's just… OH MY GOD!"
He wraps his arms around me, pulling me into a warm, soothing hug. "It's okay. We can do it. It's just a party, not a royal wedding. We can definitely do this. We just need to talk to everyone and invite everyone and handle the decoration and the food and the-"
"Tal, you're mumbling," I say, cupping his cheek.
He laughs nervously. "Perhaps… stepping in wasn't a very good idea. Perhaps we should've just… ran away."
I rest my forehead against his chest. "Oh my God."
"Duties never seem to end for you, my darling angel," he says in my hair. "Forgive me for speaking for you. It was a mistake."
"You meant well," I say. "Dumbledore can be so… incisive… sometimes. You were right. He wasn't going to accept a no. And… well… Rubeus is, in fact, a wonderful man. He deserves a nice party. Maybe it will be for the best."
"We can do this," he says. "I hope…"
Having another duty inside my apparently never-ending basket of things to do just adds to my irritation, killing the buzz of spending the day with my boyfriend. Talbott and I have to put aside what we were planning on doing – which was making out in the woods near the Shrieking Shack – and find a way to make Rubeus's party happen.
We sit at the Three Broomsticks, making lists while drinking some Butterbeer, and the fact that we have just a week to prepare an enormous surprise party adds a pinch of anxiety to the sweetness of the drink. In a way, I'm glad to be able to do something nice for Rubeus. In another, I wish that just a nice book about magical creatures or maybe a hippogriff plushie were enough. Planning a party will take a lot of our time and we won't be able to do it ourselves.
After finishing the lists and the drinks, we meet Tulip and Tonks at Zonko's. As soon as we mention a party, they proceed to throw a bunch of extra fireworks to their baskets, promising us that the party will definitely be entertaining. I gulp with the thought of them releasing Fanged Frisbees during the ceremony, but before I'm even able to mention this, Talbott pulls me to Honeydukes, where we find the majority of our friends.
There's a new cauldron cake release – tiramisu flavoured – and Rowan has three boxes of it in her arms. She nearly drops them when we tell them about Dumbledore's idea.
"Has he lost his marbles?" she gasps. "Again? I mean, Rubeus is awesome, but who has time to do that much work?"
"I know!" I say, exasperated. "But of course he doesn't care if this is going to drown us in work. Are you going to help us, Row?"
She looks at Charlie, who flashes her a smirk. "Yeah, of course we're going to help."
I sigh, relieved.
"See, Bubo?" Talbott says, wrapping his arm around my shoulders. "We can do this."
I nod. "Of course we can," I say. "If we're going to be alive after it, it's a whole other story."
My darling Holly,
I hope things are delightful in Lockhart Gardens. I miss you deeply – more than words can describe – and can barely wait to see you again. However, in today's letter I come with a request.
My dear friend Rubeus's birthday is coming and we are planning a surprise party for him, on December 4th. I was wondering if you could bake something nice for us to offer at the party. No need to bake a lot, for we will be using magic to multiply it. If you are able to help us, I will be forever thankful.
I can't wait to hug you and squeeze you during the holidays.
All my love,
Athena.
We spend we week inviting absolutely everyone for the party, while trying to maintain some discretion so Rubeus doesn't find out. Tonks and Penny get in charge with inviting everyone from Hufflepuff, whereas Charlie, Ben and Bill invite everyone from Gryffindor. Barnaby, Liz and Merula get the task of inviting people from Slytherin.
"Not everyone likes Hagrid, but I think they'll come for the food," Liz tells us, scratching some names of a list.
"Well, Ravenclaw is taken care of," Talbott tells me. "Rowan and Tulip already took care of it."
"Good," I say, taking note.
"We are going to need some beverages," Liz says.
"Already taken care of," I say. "I spoke with Dumbledore and he already ordered a shipment of Butterbeer from Madam Rosmerta."
We crash on the seats around the fountain in the Courtyard, enjoying sometime of relaxation amidst the entire turmoil. I rest my head on Talbott's legs as he strokes my hair, looking beautifully tan and relaxed under the sun.
"Oh, no! My chocolate is all melted!" Rowan complains, opening a truffle that looks more like a tiny mud pie and shoving it in her mouth.
"Speaking of chocolate, what are we going to do about Hagrid's birthday cake?" Tonks asks.
I cover my face with my hands. "Ugh! I forgot about the cake!"
"Don't worry, Athena," Bill says. "Our mother is sending one."
"Ugh! Thank God!" I gasp.
"This whole party thing is overwhelming," Ben says. "Specially the part of inviting the ghosts. That was so-"
"Oh, are you afraid of some ghosts, Copper?" Merula teases, a mocking tone in her voice.
Ben blushes furiously, looking away with his cheeks burning in an intense sunset red. "No. I'm not afraid of ghosts."
"Oh, poor Copper needs me to protect him from the scary ghosts?" she continues.
If possible, he seems to get even redder. He gazes at Merula for less than a second before looking down at his hands, his lips slightly trembling.
"What are we going to do about the party's entertainment portion?" Talbott asks.
"We could ask Dumbledore to hire Lorcan d'Eath!" Rowan says, excitedly.
"Ugh, not this vampire nonsense again," Charlie says, rolling his eyes. "He's not that good-looking."
"You don't know what you're talking about, Baby Bear," she says. "Vampires are hot!"
I glance at Talbott, who's looking away with extremely flushed cheeks. If anything, it just makes him look cuter. I grab his hand and place a kiss on his knuckles. He looks at me with his gorgeous garnet eyes and winks. The simple gesture is enough to bring my heart into a frenetic race.
"Athena?" I look up, seeing Chiara Lobosca walking to us, playing with her necklace again.
"Hi, Chiara," I say. "How are you?"
"I'm okay," she says, looking a little out of place. "Hmm… can I talk to you for a moment? In private?"
I nod. "Sure. Guys, could you please ask Professor Flitwick is he can do that whole enchanted instruments band again? It would be awesome. I'll be right back."
Rowan continues to eat her melted truffles, talking about Lorcan d'Eath as I follow Chiara to the corner of the Courtyard, where the flowery vines pend from the rooftops. She looks extremely anxious, pulling at the hem of her long sleeved blouse. Her eyes look a little tired, with dark circles under them. Not at all like the girl that I met at Gryffindor's victory party. Now she just looks… tired.
"Is there something wrong?" I ask her.
"Hmm… no…" she says, nervously. "Well, a little bit."
"Is there anything I can do to help?"
She gulps. "I… Well, that's why I wanted to talk to you. I've heard you're one of the best potion makers in this entire castle."
I blush. "I wouldn't say I'm the best. My friend Penny is far more experienced and-"
"And she's spending all her free time with her sister," she says. "You don't have to be modest, Athena. People talk, you know? All my colleagues talk about how remarkable you are."
My eyes widen and I feel my cheeks getting all red. "What… What can I do for you, then?"
"I wanted to know if you could brew some Wolfsbane potions… for me."
I lift my brows. "The… werewolf potion?"
She nods.
"Why would you need it, Chiara? Won't you try to fight those werewolves, will you?"
She shakes her head. "I need to take before the full moon. I had a few spare ones that I brought from home, but I accidentally broke them. So I'm… sort of desperate."
I lose my voice somewhere inside of me. It takes me several seconds to be able to process a sentence.
"Are you telling me that… you are…"
She nods again. "Yes. That's why I thought I could face the werewolves at the Halloween party. I can get pretty strong when I transform… but that night wasn't a complete full moon…"
"Chiara, I-"
"You think I'm wicked, don't you?" she asks, tears forming in the corner of her eyes. "Cursed… dangerous…"
"I didn't say that."
"I really need this potion," she says, her voice trembling.
"Why are you asking me to brew it?" I ask. "Why not ask Madam Pomfrey… or Professor Snape?"
She shivers after hearing his name. "I can't… No one knows about this…"
My eyes wide. "No one? Not even your friends? How do you deal with it when… when you need to…"
She looks around, nervously. "I hide in the forest."
My jaw drops. "By yourself? Isn't it scary?"
She nods. "Deeply. But it's all I can do."
I bite my bottom lip nervously. "Chiara, I have never brewed this potion before. What if… what if I make it incorrectly and… something happens to you?"
"Have you done a potion wrongly before?" she asks.
I gulp. "No."
She smiles. "I don't mean to make you more nervous, but after hearing what people have to say about you in this castle… I have complete faith in you."
"You don't even know me," I say, nervously.
"I don't need to know you to trust you," she says. "You saved my life. That's all that matters."
"Chiara, I don't know…"
"Please, Athena," she begs, desperately. "I didn't know who else to turn to. This potion is far too advanced for me."
I run my fingers through my hair. "I… I guess I can try…"
She wraps her arms around me. "Thank you! Thank you so much! You are as incredible as everyone says!"
I blush as she lets go of me, a wide grin on her lips.
"Really… thank you."
"I'll do my best to help you. Just… just don't go chasing those werewolves, okay? They're not… they're not good people."
"Do you think all werewolves are evil?" she asks me, hesitantly.
I shake my head. "I don't. Just like not all ghosts are scary."
From where we're standing, I see Rakepick walking decisively towards the castle. My eyes follow her lean and red-haired figure as she steps harshly on the stone floor and disappears through a door.
"Just like not all teachers are here for us," I mumble.
* Under A Violet Moon, by Blackmore's Night.
