Clementine sat next to Violet at the Slytherin table for breakfast. Christmas holidays were just days away and everyone was in the holiday spirit.
"I just love Christmas time!" Clementine smiled giddily, hugging Violet in excitement. Violet coughed slightly on her bacon as Clementine squeezed the air out of her. "I'm so sorry Vi! Are you okay?" Violet pounded at her chest with one hand, and held up her other to keep Clementine at bay as she continued to cough.
Soon Violet was able to respond, "I'm okay Clem. Easy with the random hugs while I'm eating okay?"
Clementine blushed, "Yeah, of course, I'm sorry. I just love Christmas. The decorations, the lights! Oh the lights! When I was a kid my parents used to drive around neighborhoods aimlessly just looking at all the colored lights. Lights aren't quite the same in the magical communities, but the candles witches and wizards put out are beautiful. And the music!" Clementine continued to ramble on and on about how much she loved Christmas. Violet smiled dreamily at Clementine as she talked. Lost in the emotion of her words, enjoying the way her eyes lit up as she spoke. It was obvious Clementine was recovering from her ordeals from the endless chatter she was spewing at the usually quiet Slytherin table.
Minerva looked between the two of them. Internally gagging at the two girls sitting across from her. They had been this way for a couple weeks now, oblivious to anyone but themselves. Violet making goo goo eyes at Clementine as she went on and on and on about whatever the heck she was talking about that day. She knew she shouldn't use the chocolates laden with a potion that she had made in class... knew she was risking Violet never trusting her again but the thought of being able to finally eat a meal in silence again was worth it at this moment. Minerva was happy that Clementine was feeling better, but she forgot just how boisterous a healthy and happy Clementine could be. Minerva was doing it, it was worth the risk.
"Happy Christmas!" Minerva yelled suddenly, pulling a box of chocolates from her bag and sliding it across the table to Clementine.
"Ohhhh, thanks Minerva, you didn't have to do that!" Clementine opened the box, grinning at the treats within.
"Um, Clem, do you think that's a good idea?" Violet looked warily at her girlfriend as Clementine picked a chocolate out of the box.
"Of course. Minerva's been nothing but nice to me for weeks now. She saved my life Violet. She's not going to poison me..." Clementine laughed as she threw the chocolate in her mouth.
"If you gave her another love potion Minerva I swear..." Violet looked nervously from the brunette to the red head and back again. Clementine continued to chew on the chocolate, her eyes widening in suspicion as she swallowed.
"My throat feels funny... Minerva I can't believe you-" Clementine suddenly went silent. Her mouth continued to moving but no sound was coming out.
Minerva chuckled as she held a hand to her ear, "What was that Clem? Can't hear you. Is it possible you finally ran out of things to say?"
Violet growled, "Minerva what did you give her?"
"Relax... it's just the 'shut it' potion we made in class a week ago. Makes the person who eats it mute. It'll wear off in about twelve hours..." Minerva shrugged, taking a peaceful bite of her waffle.
Clementine's face looked enraged as she stood from the table, waving her arms around, mouth moving wildly but no sound coming out. Minerva ignoring it all as she continued to eat.
Violet stood, "You're pushing your luck Minerva." She glared at the chuckling red head and took Clementine's hand, pulling her out of the great hall and out of the castle, into the cool morning air. Clementine crossed her arms grumpily over her chest, continuing to speak words that no one could hear.
"It's fine Clem, you just have to get through today and you'll be back to normal." Violet smiled at her disgruntled girlfriend, trying to cheer her up before glancing at her watch, "I'm sorry Clem, I have to get to class. Good luck today. I'll see you at lunch." Violet pecked Clementine on the lips before dashing back into the school.
Clementine's eyes widened, wanting to call out to Violet, ask her to stay but not being able to get the words out. Students began rushing out of the school, leaving Clementine frowning as she turned toward her Herbology class.
This silencing potion came at the worst time possible. Louis had just relinquished the title of quidditch Captain back to Clementine. She had scheduled a practice for the team that night on the pitch so that she could meet the new Chaser, Duck's replacement on the team. His name was Russell she was told, he was a 6th year and she wanted to see how he fit in with the rest of the team. Today was the last chance they could meet before school holiday and her first time back with the teams since the game against Slytherin, she was dying to get back on the pitch, there was no way she was going to postpone this practice until after break. She was doing it voice or not.
"Now class, please get into pairs." the Herbology professor instructed.
Clementine grinned and called out to Sophie across the room. They usually sat together but Sophie was late to class and had to sit at a different table. Clementine Frowned when no sound came out, a Hufflepuff boy named Omar shyly asked Sophie to be his partner and she agreed. Clementine mouthed all the swear words she could think of as someone tapped her on the arm.
"Wanna be partners?" the person asked, Clementine turned to face her, immediately noticing the Head Girl badge gleaming on her robes. It was Sarah, a Hufflepuff girl in her same year.
Clementine smiled awkwardly, not knowing what else to do, she nodded. Sarah cheered and clapped in glee. "Oh thank you Clementine! I've always looked up to you!" Clementine gave her a thumbs up. "I felt so bad when they gave me your Head Girl badge. I didn't want to take it. I didn't Clementine, you have to believe me. Do you? Do you believe me?" Sarah gripped Clementine by her sleeve, shaking her arm rather roughly. Clementine gritted her teeth as she nodded again. This was going to be a loooong class.
Professor Reggie handed plants to each group. "Now today class, we're just trimming the dead leaves off these plants to get them ready for the winter and collecting the poisonous pods. Please wear your gloves and goggles." Clementine put on her equipment, waiting for Sarah to do the same, but she just kept talking.
"You're really nice to talk to Clementine. Gryffindors always seem so cool and unapproachable and you're still cool but you're so nice too." Sarah continued talking as Clementine steadily worked on the plant.
Professor Reggie came around, checking everyone's work. "Pick up the pace girls..."Clementine looked at Sarah exasperatedly and pointed at the clippers, urging her to get to work, but she just kept talking. Clementine quickened her pace to get the work done for the both of them.
Clementine was more than ready to leave by the time class finally ended. Ripping off her gloves and goggles she hurried to her next class. Waving a hasty goodbye to Sarah, grateful to get away from her, but Sarah took it as permission to follow and continue their one sided conversation. Clementine looked away in frustration, having forgotten that Sarah was in her next class as well. Sarah interpreted Clementine's silence as enjoyment of her company and spent the entire next class talking while the teacher was giving instructions constantly drawing unwanted attention. Garnering several "Be quiet ladies" and losing several points for both Hufflepuff and Gryffindor despite Clementine's efforts to silence her.
People glared at Clementine as the class ended for losing their house so many points but she couldn't defend herself and so headed for lunch resigned. Clementine weaved through students, trying to lose Sarah in the corridors but she managed to stay in sight.
Clementine grinned when she noticed Violet already sitting at the Slytherin table and practically ran to her. Hoping Sarah would be too intimidate to follow her there. "Hey Clem, how's the voice?" Violet asked with a chuckle. Not seeming upset at all anymore at Minerva's shenanigans. Clementine folded her arms, glaring at her girlfriend. Violet laughed, pulling her down onto the bench next to her.
"You ran so fast, I almost didn't see where you went!" Sarah smiled as she sat on Clementine's opposite side.
Clementine looked pleadingly at Violet as Sarah kept talking. Violet smirked at the brunette as she held her palms together begging.
"Hmmm, I'll get rid of her... if..." Violet said quietly, pausing to think for a second, Clementine rolled her eyes in frustration but motioned for her to spit it out. "if you..." Violet leaned in and whispered in Clementine's ear. She raised an eyebrow as Violet spoke, nodding slightly in agreement. Violet grinned and turned toward Sarah.
"Sarah, I think Gabe is calling you." Violet leaned forward so she could look around Clementine as she spoke.
"He is?" Sarah stood up and wandered away in the direction of the Hufflepuff table, leaving her bag behind. Violet piled some food on a tray and picked it up.
"Hurry, let's get out of here!" Violet said urgently, nudging Clementine and quickly exiting the hall. Clementine stared after Violet in surprise, grabbing her and Violet's school bags and following the blonde out with a silent laugh. They ran outside to the grassy grounds before Sarah could find her way back to them.
They kept running until they found a quiet spot on the edge of the lake. Violet dropped to the ground, setting the tray behind them, breathing heavily as she tried to catch her breath. Clementine fell down, rolling around as she soundlessly giggled so hard she was shaking and clutching at her sides. Violet couldn't help but laugh along as she watched. A snort escaping as she laughed, causing Clementine to laugh even harder. After a few minutes of uncontrollable laughter, the two gasped for breath, tears leaking from their eyes.
"So you made a new friend huh?" Violet asked, the two laying side by side on the soft grass, taking shuddering breaths. Still trying to fight off another wave of uncontrollable giggles. Clementine sat up and rolled her eyes with a shrug. "Yeah, I've met Sarah before, she can be a bit... overzealous." Clementine nodded in agreement, holding up her hand and moving her thumb up and down in mock speech. Violet sat up, shaking her head with a chuckle, "She does talk a lot... remind you of anyone you know?"
Clementine put her hand to her chest, trying to look as offended as possible. Violet smiled a response, "Let's eat."
Clementine, still looking mildly offended reached for some meat, placing it between a roll to make a sandwich. Violet did the same and they sat together eating. Listening to the sounds around them, birds chirping, the splash of water as a creature would leap out of the lake and dive back in.
"I'm sorry Minerva slipped you another potion. I'm sure it's frustrating not being able to talk." Violet said, breaking the silence. Clementine shrugged, taking a sip of the pumpkin juice Violet had managed to bring out, handing it to Violet for a sip. She took it gratefully. "I don't think Minerva meant any harm. I think stuff like this is her way of showing that she cares? Though I think she cares about you a little more than I would like..." Violet admitted, staring hard at the ground.
Clementine took her hand, drawing Violet's eyes back to her face. The Gryffindor pointed to her heart and then to Violet's, smiling sweetly at her Slytherin girlfriend. "Yeah Clem," Violet grinned, "I love you too." They sat in silence a while longer, Clementine caressing Violet's hand with her thumb. "I hate to admit it, but the quiet is kind of nice." Violet smirked, waiting for Clementine's reaction.
Clementine lowered her eyebrows and pouted, she pointed to her lips before shaking her head no and folding her arms. "What? You're not going to kiss me anymore?" Violet said surprised. Clementine nodded smugly, arms still folded.
Violet leaned in close, her cheek brushing against the brunette's as she whispered in her ear, "hm, we'll see about that." Clementine looked shocked as Violet picked up the tray and her bag and carried it back into the school without another word.
That evening after classes Clementine headed to the quidditch pitch for practice, wondering how she was going to do this without words. She unlocked the broom shed, dragging out the trunk with all the balls before grabbing her broom.
The broom handle felt comforting in her hands. It seemed like ages since she had flown. She mounted her broom, hoping to take a quick flight first but Louis came barreling down the hill. He wrapped her in a hug.
"Captain!" Louis yelled, holding tight, crushing Clementine's broom into her side but she couldn't tell him to back off. "I'm so glad I'm not the Captain anymore! Too much pressure for me."
Clementine smiled as she was released, giving Louis a pat on the back. "Ah," he said, "Violet warned me that Minerva put you under some kind of silencing spell, this will be fun." Clementine glared up at the boy just as the rest of the team arrived.
Russell was with the group, looking nervous but happy to be there. Clementine reached out and shook his hand, mouthing words and swearing when nothing came out. She slapped Louis and pointed at herself.
"This is our honorable Captain Clementine! Too mighty to speak to a lowly chaser like yourself." Louis introduced her as he held his hands out in her direction, dodging a slap she threw his way.
"Queen Clementine requests that you refer to her as Captain or Queen at all times. Please direct your questions to me because she is too important to be bothered with such trivial matters." Louis spoke, before running away laughing as Clementine attempted to hit him with her broom, glaring after him angrily. Poor Russell stood confused, not knowing what was going on.
"Sorry," Sophie spoke up, smiling as Clementine's broom finally made contact with Louis's shoulder, "My sister put a spell on Clementine this morning, she can't talk today. Hopefully it'll wear off soon..." Russell looked even more confused, but nodded. Clementine straightened out her shirt as she walked back to the group, Louis rolling around on the ground feigning injury.
Clementine shook her head at his antics and tried to get things back in track. She pointed at herself, Louis and Mariana, picking up the quaffle she handed it to Sophie and acted like she was trying to take it from her.
"You, Louis and Mari are going to be chasers against me, Russell and Becca?" Sophie asked, Clementine nodded and pointed at Ruby and then the goal posts.
"I'll defend the posts, Captain." Ruby agreed with a salute. Clementine put her hands on her hips and nodded at her team proudly. She released the bludgers, and everyone grabbed a broom, playing a 3v3 practice match in order to train up their new chaser.
Clementine grinned as she soared through the air with the quaffle. She rarely had the chance to play anything but beater and she was enjoying the novelty of playing a different position. She moved in to score, her teams goal posts had no keeper, easy shot. She hurled the quaffle only to have Sophie zip around just in time, snatching it from the air and zooming back towards her goal posts.
Clementine threw her hands up in frustration, catching a glint of sun reflecting from the stands. She glanced in that direction, finding Violet standing there smiling and cheering. A smile broke out on Clementine's face as she noticed Violet wearing her Gryffindor t-shirt.
"HEADS UP!" Louis yelled right before something collided with the side of Clementine's head, knocking her from her broom. She grabbed on with one hand, dangling briefly, catching the quaffle in her other hand. Unable to pull herself up one handed she dropped the quaffle to Mari as she flew underneath her. Mari flew forward quickly, scoring a goal as Clementine swung her leg over the broom pulling herself up.
They finished practice, landing together as a team, collecting the balls. Clementine wiped the sweat from her forehead, giving everyone a thumbs up and a pat on the shoulder to Russell, trying to indicate that he did really well.
Everyone headed back into the school but Clementine, who flew up to the spectator seating where Violet was waiting. She hovered in front of her momentarily, giving her a roguish smile and a wink.
"I'm getting Deja vu." Violet smiled as Clementine leapt effortlessly from her broom, landing in the stands and pulling her broom into her hand with wandless magic. Violet walked confidently toward Clementine, wrapping her arms around her shoulders. Violet was lost admiring Clementine's cheeks, red from her practice. The brunette smiling back at her, a joyful face that Violet feared she may never see again. The Gryffindor leaned forward, lips stopping a millimeter away from Violet's before she grinned and patted the blonde on the cheek, pulling back as Violet tried to close the distance. Violet frowned at being denied.
"What? You can't still be mad because I said I liked the quiet!" Violet said as Clementine folded her arms smugly. "I was just joking, I miss hearing your voice, I do!"
Clementine rolled her eyes as she stepped on the railing bowing to Violet briefly before stepping over the ledge and mounting her broom midair, flying off across the pitch. Violet watched in awe at first and then sadness at having been left behind. Violet sighed and started to turn toward the staircase when Clementine reappeared at the ledge, patting the back of her broom and smiling. Violet grinned, running toward the ledge and jumping on behind Clementine, knowing that the brunette wouldn't let her fall. The Slytherin girl wrapped her arms firmly around her Gryffindor girlfriend as she flew off across the castle grounds.