Chapter 38- Mistakes
October 1994
"There is no place for silly little mistakes in ancient runes, it is so much more than just waving a wand," Professor Babbling.
"Astoria!" Marcus called out.
"Yes," Astoria squeaked.
"So um, I was wondering if you could, maybe help me again," Marcus asked, holding up a letter.
"Another letter," Astoria said.
"Yes, I want to invite Victoria to Hogsmeade, but I don't know how…." Marcus said.
"Then just ask her you big dummy," Astoria said.
"I know, but she's like all…." Marcus said.
"Like what," Astoria asked.
"Do you think he will figure it out," Millie whispered.
"I dunno, maybe, eventually," Hermione shrugged as they watched the pair.
"So, what's it like having a sister," Millie asked.
"Millie I…." Hermione said only for Millie to stare at her. "Oh right…. I will admit it was a bit surprising at first, but Victoria is fun to be around, and lightens up the mood. Not to mention she is way more outgoing than me. Plus, it's nice having someone else my own age around. Don't get me wrong my parents are great, but you know…"
"Exactly," Millie replied. "And you know I've been thinking."
"Thinking about what," Hermione asked.
"Well you went and got yourself a sister, and I think it's time I did the same," Millie said.
Hermione groaned slapping her forehead. "Millie I'm not sure that's how it works…."
"Why not it worked for you," Millie said.
"Millie, Astoria…." Hermione sighed.
"Is taking after you more and more these days, it's only a matter of time until it's official. I just need to find the right one first," Millie said. "Hhhhhmmmmm…. Who do you think…."
"I can't believe you are doing this," Hermione said.
"But it's what you did," Millie said.
"Ugh…. Mach, dass es aufhört," Hermione groaned slamming her head on the table.
"Johanna, whatever Millie did please don't freeze her head before I can get some snacks," Liz said.
"Hu… Liz," Hermione said looking up.
"Oh sorry, Hermione, I thought you were Johanna there for a second," Liz said.
"No worries it happens, Johanna was helping Hermione with a color changing charm," Millie said.
"I see," Liz said. "Anyway, any chance I could get a snack before practice, I'm starving after missing lunch."
"Sure, I know there is no cafe today, but I can whip up something quick," Millie said.
"Great," Liz said following Millie.
"What the heck," Hermione said, using a mirror to check the top of her head, where the root and the first inch or so of her hair was a vibrant silver. "Weird," she whispered. "I thought I washed all of the dye out earlier."
"So why did you miss lunch," Millie asked as they entered the dorm kitchen.
"I had to see several professors," Liz said.
"Is something wrong," Millie asked.
"No, nothing like that, I just needed some clarification on some classwork," Liz said.
"I see," Millie replied.
"Yeah, with the school now running for 9 years, the last three are a real kick in the pants. It's lots of advanced work," Liz said as Millie began pulling things out.
"That must be hard on top of your dorm duties and cheerleading," Millie said.
"You have no idea," Liz sighed.
"Probably not," Millie said, as her knife flew into action quickly slicing through a tomato.
"No, you wouldn't, your mom didn't make a fool of herself," Liz said. "Twice… ugh, and I'm the one paying the price for it, Liz are you a maid like your mom, why don't you waitress like your mom, argh stupid annoying little jerks," Liz groaned.
"I see," Millie said, putting several slices of bread in the oven.
"And she expects me to be the best, while dealing with the crap she puts on me," Liz sighed. "And what's with all this theoretical work, just tell me how to do the spell, I don't care how the spell actually works. I need to do magic, not understand it."
"I do understand the sentiment, but wouldn't knowing the theory help in performing the spell, and tweaking it," Millie said chopping up some herbs and throwing them in a bowl with the tomato's olive oil and vinegar. "I mean that's how Johanna is able to do some of the spells that she does."
"I guess," Liz said as Millie put the mix, she made on the now toasted bread presenting it to Liz. "Millie this is just tomatoes on bread, and hardly something that would count for lunch.
"It's a Bruschetta and Italian dish, and I didn't think you would want something heavy," Millie replied.
"Are you calling me fat," Liz growled her large chest bouncing slightly.
"No," Millie said. "It's just that we have cheer practice soon and…" Millie stammered.
Liz sighed. "Right, sorry about that…."
"No problem," Millie said. "So is it good."
"Very," Liz said after taking a bite.
Break
"Judging by the looks on some of your faces, the secret is not a secret any longer," Professor Lupin said, putting a hand on the large box that sat on his desk.
"We're not really going to be playing with dolls," Ron groaned.
"Is there a problem Mr. Weasley," Lupin said.
"Professor, how is playing with dolls going to teach us anything about defense," Ron said as several boys nodded in agreement.
"These are going to help you learn how to think strategically during a duel or other forms of combat," Lupin replied.
"Professor," Tracy called out raising her hand.
"Yes, Tracy," Lupin replied.
"Why would that matter if you have the more powerful spell," Tracy said looking towards Hermione.
"Oh…. I see…. I was warned this might come up," Lupin said as the students began to whisper.
"Professor I don't mind," Hermione said standing up.
"I don't either," Daphne said.
"Really you want to tell everyone how Lady Greengrass hit you so hard it blasted your clothes off leaving you naked in the garden," Pansy said.
"Miss Parkinson," Lupin snapped.
"That actually happened professor," Hermione said.
"Dang wish I could have seen that," some of the boys whispered.
"Oh, come on like there is anything to see," Ron said.
"Shut up Ron," Harry growled.
"Um, the part they left out is the first half of the duel," Daphne said.
"Ah I see," Lupin said.
"Oh, come on that wasn't anything special," Tracy said.
"Tracy, I think you and I are remembering that duel very differently," Daphne said.
"And you're just going to tell everyone what happened to her," Tracy hissed.
"She is my mother, and yes," Daphne said.
"I can't believe you," Tracy growled.
"Hermione, would you mind telling us why Mrs. Greengrass had to use a rather powerful spell to knock you out," Lupin asked.
"Well, you'd have to start at the beginning for that. See some stuff happened and I found myself facing Countess Greengrass in a duel, and I'm only a 4th year in defense," Hermione said.
"And what was going through your mind at the time," Lupin asked.
"Lady Greengrass is an older, more powerful witch, with years of dueling experience, but she is a classical duelist which meant that my one advantage…." Hermione said.
"Like you had an advantage," Tracy snapped.
"She did," Daphne chimed in.
"And that was," Lupin asked.
"Beast magic," Pansy said. "Hermione is part beast and used the innate magic of beasts to enhance her abilities."
"Beast magic, she's a half breed," several students began to whisper.
"It wasn't beast magic, it was family magic you dolt," Parvati said as more than a few heads wiped in her direction.
"You are defending a snake," Ron hissed.
"Shut up Ron," Lavender said.
"What Hermione used was family magic and it is something called sudrdheekaran a form of wandless magic that is considered a lost art in Indian magical circles," Padma said.
"In France it is called amélioration magique. It is said that this is what allowed Saint Martha to tame the Dragon Tarasque," Millie said.
"Prove it," Tracy said.
"She doesn't have to prove anything you were there and you saw it first hand," Daphne said.
"She had her wand then, if it is truly wandless magic then she can face me right here without her wand," Tracy said.
"I hardly think this is the time or place girls," Lupin said.
"It's fine with me," Hermione said.
"This is the perfect way to see which is more important, strategy or power," Pansy added.
"Yeah, this way we can see what she can really do," several students added.
"Alright," Lupin said. "We do have time for a short duel."
"Just don't destroy the castle this time," several more students said.
"I didn't destroy the castle, just Myrtle's Bathroom," Hermione snapped.
"Liar," Tracy snapped.
"I was there, and she did do a number on Myrtle's bathroom, but it was for a good cause," Neville said.
"Hermione no gems," Lupin said.
"Ich werde sie nicht einfrieren oder in die Luft jagen," Hermione said.
"Right, but just to be safe," Lupin said.
"Fein," Hermione said, handing them and her wand to Millie.
"But first let's hear how they will be approaching the duel. This spell will prevent you from hearing your opponents speak," Lupin said, casting a spell on Hermione who nodded. "Go ahead Tracy."
"Hermione has a preference for dodging over blocking spells so I plan on using a barrage of powerful AOE spells to take her down. I will end the duel before it even starts," Tracy said.
"A classic but effective method to start a duel. Many professional duelers use a similar approach on fast moving opponents," Lupin said, casting the spell on Tracy and removing it from Hermione.
"Tracy is most likely going to start with a barrage of elemental darts or arrows," Hermione said.
"And how do you plan to counter them without a wand," Lupin asked.
"Dodging," Hermione said.
"And any shields she might cast," Lupin asked.
"I'll figure something out," Hermione said with a shrug.
"Alright then, let's get started," Lupin said, canceling the spells and calling the girls forward. "Now no spells beyond 4th year," Lupin said as the girls squared off. "Now bow," Lupin said as the class watched as Tracy began to smirk, gripping her wand tightly while Hermione's eyes slowly turned from brown to an icy blue. "And begin."
"Fulgur telum," Tracy snapped, flicking her wrist, launching a series of lightning bolts towards Hermione. "Dodge that," Tracy hissed, making sure several were aimed above Hermione's head.
"Wow," Harry gasped as Hermione twisted and turned around the bolts, as if she was dancing.
"Stand still," Tracy hissed as Hermione continued to slip between her spells.
"Make me," Hermione replied.
"Fulgur virga," Tracy yelled, lashing out with a whip of lightning from her wand. The spell passed harmlessly over Hermione as she leaned into a back bridge. Twisting her wrist Tracy directed the spell downward just missing Hermione as she flipped back onto her feet. Swinging her leg up high Hermione caught the whip on the small heel of her shoes before driving it to the ground.
"I've got you now," Tracy exclaimed.
"Rubber doesn't conduct electricity," Hermione replied as the sparks of static electricity splashed harmlessly against her foot as several students clapped.
"So what," Tracy hissed tugging on the whip, failing to move Hermione. "Let go," Tracy growled, channeling a larger pulse of magic down the lightning whip at Hermione.
She watched the pulse quickly race down the crackling magical whip. "Ok," Hermione giggled just as the pulse was about to reach her foot, throwing her leg up, launching the whip into the air.
"What!" Tracy screamed as her wand was nearly ripped out of her hand as she was jerked forward as Hermione raced forward. "Protego," Tracy cried out hastily, putting up a shield as Hermione approached. Only the expected strike never came as Hermione leapt into the air spinning over Tracy's head. "I've got you now…." Tracy yelled before a foot slammed into her back launching her into her still active shield shattering it as her body fell to the ground with a heavy thump.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry," Hermione said bowing rapidly as a number of students cheered.
"And the winner is Hermione with an impressive display of acrobatics, and 10 points to Slytherin for both of our duelers" Lupin said.
"Shut up," Tracy growled, slapping Hermione's helping hand away.
"Now, let's see what we can learn from this duel," Lupin said as the girls returned to their seats.
"What is there to learn, Tracy literally got her but kicked," Seamus said.
"Could you have done better," Lavender whispered, shutting him up.
"It doesn't matter if you won or lost, there is always something to learn from a duel," Lupin said, leveling his eyes at Seamus.
"Yes, Sir," Seamus replied, sitting a little lower in his seat.
"Good, now let's start with Tracy, what did she do right," Lupin said.
"Nothing, she lost," Vincent said as others nodded in agreement.
"Not true," Lupin said. "Her strategy of using a barrage of spells to take down her opponent quickly is an effective one, but there was a flaw in the strategy."
"She left too much space between the spells," Harry said tentatively.
"Exactly, 5 points to Gryffindor" Lupin said. "Had she been more focused with her barrage it would have left Hermione with less room to maneuver."
"It also would have helped if she was in better shape," Lavender added.
"I am not fat," a sweaty red-faced Tracy snapped.
"Denial is more than just a river in Egypt," several students whispered.
A blank look appeared on Professor Lupin's face as he took a step back. "Physical abilities are just as important as magical ability in dueling, but this class isn't the place for that. Now who can tell me what Hermione did wrong," Lupin said hopefully.
"Her entire plan was based on reacting to what Tracy did," Millie said.
"And what is the problem with that plan," Lupin asked.
"Had Tracy put more thought into her spells she could have directed Hermione to where she wanted her to go, controlling the fight," Daphne said.
"Exactly, 5 points to Slytherin," Lupin said.
"So dueling is like chess," Ron said, cocking his head to the side.
"In a manner of speaking yes," Lupin said. "But unlike chess, your opponent's abilities will not be clearly defined in a duel. That is why being able to react, and being able to plan are both important elements in defense. This is where the dolls come in, each doll has a unique set of abilities a number of which will be known to many of you. However, I highly doubt that you will know all of them. Additionally, some of the battles will involve multiple dolls, which means you have to figure out how your dolls synergize with each other and how they can handle different opponents."
"Will we be allowed to use our own dolls for these battles," Millie asked.
"Yes," Lupin replied, making Millie smile.
"Won't that give people with 4 and 5 star dolls an advantage," Lavender said.
"Yeah," Pansy chimed in.
"No, because type moon has provided the school with a copy of each doll currently available. Additionally, it is not the rarity of the doll that matters but how you use them. You will find that certain dolls synergize with each other better than others. Lastly these will not be turn based battles but active so you can act while your opponent is activating a skill," Lupin explained.
"Does that mean we can use our magic to decrease skill cool downs, and charge noble phantasms faster," Daphne asked.
"Yes, those are things you will need to be aware of," Lupin said. "However, you will be limited to only seven dolls for the duration of the tournament, and I will be making different environments for the battles so I suggest you choose your team wisely," Lupin said checking his watch. "In fact, why don't you take the rest of the period to review the rules and choose your teams. Once you have picked your team you need to register it with me." Lupin said, handing out a packet to the students before slumping down in his chair with a sigh of relief.
"Who are you going to pick," Millie said excitedly.
"She is only a caster but Ilya is great for when you want an enemy to take an energy beam to the face," Hermione giggled.
"I'd better make sure I have Jeanne around then," Millie replied.
"You're going for a stall team," Daphne said, joining them.
"Not exactly," Millie replied.
"You got her didn't you," Hermione said. Millie's smile just grew even bigger, as she slowly nodded her head. "A tank and a single target nuke that is going to be difficult," Hermione grumbled.
"But you'd better hope no one has a moon cancer," Hermione said.
"I think Parvati has one," Daphne said.
"I do," Parvati said, joining them.
"It's not a moon cancer but Hercules can make short work of the Avenger class, and everything else," Daphne boasted.
"But Berserkers take double damage from everything," Millie said.
"Hercules has guts," Daphne said.
"True but didn't Astoria beat him," Hermione said.
"I'm still calling shenanigans on that, I mean really a foreigner class," Daphne grumbled.
"Which one does she have," Lavender asked.
"Abigail Williams," Daphne said as the discussions continued.
"Ugh, can you believe all this," Pansy sighed sitting behind the group.
Quiet," Tracy hissed as she began taking notes.
"What are you doing," Pansy asked.
"Taking notes," Tracy said softly.
"Why…." Pansy asked.
"Because they are currently talking about the dolls they will be using for the tournament," Tracy said.
"And you actually care," Pansy said.
"I refuse to be made a fool off again and knowledge is power. If I know who they are going to use, then I can figure out countermeasures against them," Tracy said.
Break
"Good morning Professor Babbling," the class sighed as the Runes Professor entered the classroom.
"Good morning class," Babbling replied as she looked over the rather sedate looking class. "What's got all of you so down in the dumps today," she asked, writing a series of runes on the board.
"More translating…" Daphne groaned.
"It's how we start every class," Hermione replied.
"Still boring," Daphne said as they got to work.
"Times up who has the translation," Babbling asked. "Padma."
"Today, learn, magic," she said hesitantly.
"Excellent work, and yet today we are learning how to cast magic using runes," Babbling said as the class erupted into cheers. "Now, quiet down, the reason we worked so hard on learning the basic runic alphabet and how to translate it is that runes can be used to cast magic."
"We know, that's why we took the class," a number of students said looking at Hermione.
"Why is everyone looking at me," Hermione muttered.
"Ah yes how could I forget," Babbling said, smacking her forehead. "Would you care to give us a demonstration, Hermione."
"Mich," Hermione squeaked slowly, turning red.
"I think everyone has seen or heard of your use of runes in your figure skating," Parvati said.
"Oh…" Hermione said.
"Hey, I can use runes to," Daphne protested
"Hermione's going to give a demonstration awesome, I bet it's going to use ice, maybe she can show us how she helped take down the basilisk…." the class said, breaking out into whispers.
"That is if you are up for it," Babbling said.
"Sicherlich, aber könnten wir es vielleicht nach draußen bringen," Hermione said softly.
"..." Babbling just stared at Hermione. "Sorry, I don't understand German."
"Es tut uns leid….." Hermione squeaked. "Sorry….. yes , I can do that, but could we maybe take it outside."
Babbling looked at the clock, and then out the window. "That's a great idea, it's a nice day out so we will have the rest of the class outside." She said as the class erupted in cheers.
"Ugh, I don't see why we have to go outside for a stupid demonstration," a girl with strawberry blond hair grumbled as they walked outside.
"You never like anything, Marietta," one of her fellow Ravenclaws said.
"I do too," Marietta replied.
"Bullying Luna doesn't count," another one added.
"You actually like that schizo loonytoon," Marietta said.
"Stuff a sock in it, Marietta," they said leaving her.
"That wasn't very nice," Tracy said, approaching her. "I have met Luna Lovegood, and I agree with your assessment that she is a certified loon."
"Finally, someone who agrees with me," Marietta said. "Even if you are a snake."
"And what is wrong with snakes," Tracy said.
"They eat bird eggs," Marietta stated.
"And yet birds eat snakes," Tracy said.
"True, we are natural predators of each other," Marietta said.
Tracy looked at her for a moment, taking in the girl's appearance and trying not to get jealous of the skinnier girl. "You are not wrong… However," Tracy said pausing as a stray thought drifted through her mind.
"Yes…." Marietta said looking at Tracy.
"I prefer to think of us as keystone species," Tracy said. "Remove either one of us and the whole ecosystem falls apart."
"Interesting, I never thought of it that way," Marietta said.
"Just some food for thought," Tracy said as Hermione prepared her demonstration.
"What rune will you be demonstrating for us today," Babbling asked as Hermione walked in a large circle and her wand pointed at the ground marking it with chalk.
"While I think it is perfectly fine, some of you might find it a bit chilly and since we didn't know we would be going outside, I thought I would make a warming circle," Hermione explained.
"I don't think Hermione understands what cold is," Parvati said as she started to shiver.
"To do that I will be using kenaz for fire, anuz for air, and gebo for balance, while the circle directs the heat over the entire area inside the circle," Hermione explained.
"Three runes and a circle that is very advanced," Babbling said.
"It is," Hermione said looking up from where she was carving the runes.
"Extremely," Babbling said
.
"Ok, I guess it just feels easier since I'm not doing it while skating," Hermione said pointing her wand at the circle. "Aktivieren Sie… ugh….. Komm schon," Hermione groaned glaring at her wand.
"Hahaha so much for your demonstration," Tracy called out. "I always knew you were a squib, runt."
"Silence Miss Davis," Professor Babbling snapped.
"I'm just saying…." Tracy said.
"10 points from Syltherin," Babbling snapped.
"I'd like to see you do better," Parvati hissed.
"It wouldn't be hard," Tracy smirked.
"Dummer Zauberstab," Hermione hissed putting her wand away and pulling out a diamond as everyone began to stare and a few began to mutter. "Aktivieren Sie," she said as the circle flashed a light red for a moment as the group began to feel warmer.
"Do we need to use diamonds to activate advanced runes," a student asked.
"Nein, my wand just doesn't like to cooperate sometimes," Hermione said softly.
"Amazing, 15 points to Syltherin," Babbling gushed examining the circle. "The anuz rune pulls air over the kenaz heating the air while the gebo controls the temperature and speed of the air flow, while the circle directs the heat, while the accents direct the air out the top of the area…" Babbling muttered examining the circle as Hermione tried to hide.
"Oh really," Parvati said.
"Shut up curry muncher," Tracy growled.
"That is what I do," Parvati replied. "You wouldn't happen to know where I could get a decent curry around here," Parvati added looking right at Tracy.
"Professor…." Marietta called out before the situation could escalate.
"Yes, right," Babbling said straightening up. "Today you will be practicing with the geþyll or air breeze rune," she explained drawing the rune in the air. "It is a rather simple rune that creates a small jet of air," she said, activating the rune sending a cool breeze over the students. For today you will be writing the rune in your notebook with your wand and then activating it. To activate simply say the rune, and it can be canceled with a finite. Now pair up and check each other's work."
"Hermione," Parvati and Daphne called out.
"Yes," Hermione said looking at the pair.
"Do you want to work together," the girls said in unison.
"Well this is new," Hermione said as several more of her classmates also chimed in..
"When did she get so popular," Marietta groaned as several of her housemates also asked to work with Hermione.
"She's not, but that display of hers was impressive," Tracy grumbled.
"True, but the trouble with her wand, and having to use a gem," Marietta said. "She probably staged the whole thing with Babbling."
"Possibly," Tracy said. "Either way, there is nothing we can do about it right now," Tracy added as she copied the rune and the notes about it floating in the air into her notebook.
"Ugh, then what do you suppose we do," Marietta sighed.
"Work harder, I refuse to let a stupid little mudblood show me up," Tracy said as Marietta moved to activate her rune.
"Wait," Tracy said pushing Marietta's wand away.
"What's wrong," Marietta asked.
"Your rune isn't drawn correctly," Tracy said.
"It is," Marietta said, taking a second look.
"It's not wrong, but it's a bit sloppy," Tracy said.
Marietta glared at Tracy before looking down at her rune and then over to Tracy's. "Fine, but does it really matter," Marietta said.
"Considering how much of a stickler Babbling is on penmanship, it probably does matter," Tracy said.
"And I thought she was just being a hard ass," Marietta said.
"That too, but do you really want to find out," Tracy said as Babbling called out.
"Daphne wait…." Babbling yelled.
"Geþyll," Daphne said as a large gust of wind exploded upward out of Daphne's notebook.
"Everyone get back," Babbling yelled as the gust turned into a small tornado.
"Windiger Schild," Hermione called out a clear zircon gem glowing faintly in her hand as twin walls of wind began battling with each other. Sadly, Daphne was caught in the epicenter tossed around by the growing tornado, her long hair ripped into the air as she tried to stay low to the ground.
"Eeeeekkkkkk my hair!," Daphne screamed as her own tornado began to pull her off the ground by her long hair. The golden strands were torn away as she desperately tried to hold on to them sucked into the growing tornado.
Babbling aimed her wand at Daphne's notebook. "Reducto," she yelled, shredding Daphne's notebook simultaneously, canceling the tornado.
"Eeeeekkkk," Daphne cried out before crashing to the ground long shimmering strands of hair landing around her.
"Daphne Greengrass of all the #%$% *)#$#%#%," Babbling ranted, marching towards her.
"Beeindruckend," Hermione gasped, recognizing some of the words, in the eclectic mix of swearing in several languages.
"What is she saying," Parvati asked.
"Um, she swears like a sailor," Hermione said softly as several professors quickly appeared.
"This is why I wanted a prerequisite for my class," Babbling said, picking the shredded remains of Daphne's notebook.
"What happened," Professor Meloi asked.
"A student did not properly draw the rune, channeled far too much magic into it and pronounced it wrong," Babbling explained.
"Thanks for stopping me," a wide-eyed Marietta said to Tracy.
"No problem," Tracy replied, still looking at Daphne who was a little worse for wear.
"I see that is a problem," Meloi replied, looking at near catatonic Daphne.
"I am sorry," Daphne said softly.
"I know," Babbling relented. "But I can't in good conscience allow you to stay in this class."
"What," a wide-eyed Daphne squeaked.
"Are you certain," Meloi replied.
"Yes," Babbling said.
"But…. But….. But…" a red-faced Daphne said.
"No buts," Babbling said. "Your knowledge of basic runes is adequate and you are a good student, but you are lacking in the basics."
"I am…" Daphne whispered as the students continued to stare.
"You lack the requisite magical control and finesse to safely use rune magic," Babbling said.
"But I passed Magic Theory," Daphne said.
"True, but you only had an A and this class should really be for students who have had at least an E," Babbling said.
"Oh…." Daphne said softly. "Um, Professor, what do I need to do to be able to stay in Runes?"
"At this point in time it is not possible. I cannot have you working with runes," Babbling said.
"But…." Daphne stammered.
"If you take 4th magic theory and get an E or better, I will let you test into 5th year runes next year," Babbling said.
"Ok," Daphne said as some students began to whisper.
"Professor, can I take Daphne inside and get cleaned up," Hermione said.
"I'm fine," Daphne said, struggling to regain her composure and hold back the tears.
"Alright everyone back to work," Babbling said, clapping her hands.
"Come along and let's get your schedule adjusted," Professor Meloi said.
"Yes, sir," Daphne said following along.
"What in the bloody hell was that," Marietta said, still shocked over recent events.
"Weakness," Tracy said looking at the stray strands of blond hair littering the ground and to Daphne as she walked away, her hair once considered a golden waterfall, looking more like a ratty bird's nest made out of dried straw. More strands continued to fall out creating a trail of gold as Daphne tried to tame her wild mane of hair as she walked.
"I'm just glad it wasn't me," Marietta said, touching her own hair as Daphne struggled to pull her ragged hair into a messy ponytail that did little to tame the wild strands.
Break
"Hey Daphne, what happened to your hair," one of her fellow Slytherins said as she entered the bathroom.
"I had a little accident in Runes earlier," Daphne replied.
"A little accident it looks like you lost a fight with gardening shears," one of them said.
"It's not that bad," Daphne shot back.
"If you say so," the girls chuckled.
Slowly letting her hair drop, Daphne was finally able to survey the damage. "Ok maybe it is kind of bad," she muttered looking at her dirty misshapen hair before taking a brush to it. "Ouch," she said, pulling on the tangled strands only for a few more clumps to fall out leaving it not just shorter but thinner with badly shaped layers. After a few more attempts she put the brush down as the pain became too great instead opting to wash it.
"It's just dirty, a wash and rinse will fix it right up," Daphne said to herself as she walked to the showers.
"Good luck with that,'' one of the older girls said, passing her.
"Thanks," Daphne said as she entered the shower letting out a sigh of relief as the warm water washed over her. The relief was short lived however as she found herself forcibly working the kinks and tangles out. After what seemed like an eternity her hair finally began to settle against her back, one side hanging lower than the other as she walked out.
"Looks like I am going to have to cut it," She groaned, twisting and turning to examine her hair which seemed to have lost some of its luster as well. With a sigh Daphne held up her wand, the tip wavering as she looked at her hair. "Long hair is the pride of a witch," she muttered. "No that's dumb, hair length has nothing to do with magical power," she said quickly slicing off the misshapen hair. "Much better….." she gasped examining her hair as it fell to just below her shoulder blades. "I didn't mean to cut that much," she sighed as she began to blow dry her hair.
"You got a little frizz going there Daphne," Pansy said walking in.
"I do not have friz," Daphne retorted as Pansy simply pointed to the mirror.
"Eek, I'm drying it too hard," Daphne squeaked, canceling the spell, her hair looking more than a little wavy with a number of strands out of place. "Come on, come on," Daphne groaned struggling to tame her hair before settling on a simple braid. "Much better," she said happy with the result before walking out past Hermione.
"Daphne, I'm so sorry about what happened," she said.
"It's alright, and it wasn't your fault," Daphne said softly.
"Still it was more than a little crazy, I'm just glad you're alright, how is your hair," Hermione asked.
"It's fine," she said playing with her braid.
"That's good, and it looks alot better than earlier," Hermione said.
"Thanks," Daphne replied.
"Alrightie then," Hermione said entering the bathroom.
Daphne couldn't help but turn and look at the long light brown hair trailing down to the small of Hermione's back before it disappeared through the door. "It's longer than mine?" she whispered.
Break
"Ugh, I was hoping the weather would clear up for the game today," Marcus said.
"It doesn't look bad, just a little overcast," Astoria replied as they ate breakfast.
"True, but the forecast is calling for rain," Marcus said.
Astoria shivered. "It's going to be freezing out there if it rains," Astoria said.
"And, I'm going to be flying in it," Marcus groaned. "Don't get me wrong I like flying and quidditch, but flying in the rain is never fun."
"I know," Astoria said as Valefor entered the great hall. "But it looks like someone has something for you."
"Who," Marcus asked as Valefor landed between them.
"Valefor," Marcus yelped, falling out of his chair as Astoria giggled. The large eagle simply turned to look at Astoria shaking his head.
"Hey he is not that bad," Astoria hissed.
"You have a package for me," Marcus said looking up over the edge of the table. Valefore squawked pushing the small package towards Marcus. "Right," he said, taking the package.
"So what did you get," Astoria asked as Valefor flew off.
"It's from Victoria," Marcus said reading the note attached to the top. "Heard you had a game coming up and thought you might need something to psyche you up for it," Marcus said before opening the small package.
"Oh…. what did you get?" Astoria asked.
"Um…. I have no idea…" Marcus said, lifting the box-like object out of the package.
"It's a Walkman," Mathew said looking over their shoulders.
"What's a Walkman," Marcus asked.
"It is a muggle device that allows you to listen to music, and it looks like you have the sports edition," Mathew said looking it over.
"But electricity doesn't work at Hogwarts," Marcus said.
"Ugh, that's not how it works," Astoria groaned, banging her head on the table.
"But…." Marcus said.
"Marcus does lightning strike the school grounds," Astoria said.
"Yes," Marcus replied. "But what does that have to do with electricity."
"Wie kann ein Junge gleichzeitig so süß und dumm sein?" Astoria muttered under her breath. "Ok, look, we control magic right?"
"Well yeah," Marcus said.
"Muggle have learned how to harness and control lightning. So if it happens at the school some muggle technology works as well. Magic only interferes with more complex devices that use a lot of electricity. A Walkman doesn't use that much," Astoria said.
"So it works," Marcus said.
"Yes it works," Astoria said, showing Marcus how to use it.
"Wow, you're like really smart Astoria," Marcus said as Astoria tried and failed to stop her reddening cheeks.
"You think so," Astoria said.
"Yes," Marcus said, putting the earphones in his ears. "Hey this is a recording of Infinia, man I wish I could have listened to it in person," he said. "What's this button do?'' he asked, pushing it.
"That's the fast forward button," Astoria said.
"Oh," Marcus said letting it go now hearing the end of the song.
"And this is the rewind button," she said showing him what each button did.
"So cool," Marcus gushed.
"So can you change the songs and stuff," he asked.
"Yes, they're tapes, and you can change them like this," Astoria said showing him how it worked. "But you only have one tape right now, and it looks like it has 3 songs," she said showing him the tape.
Infinia
Future Gazer
Judgelight
"A new song, sweet!" Marcus cheered. "Here pull it up and we can listen to it together."
"Ok," Astoria stammered.
"So cute," Liz cooed watching the pair.
"Really, you're ok with those stupid muggle devices," a boy said.
"Shut up Lev," Liz groaned. "If the device works then it is not against the rules of Hogwarts now is it," Liz said.
"Technically," Lev said. "But it is breaking the spirit of the law."
"That maybe, but it is not against the rules," Liz said.
"Oh come on, how can you let that muggle device stain the house of Slytherin," Lev pressed.
"Hey Lev," Mathew called out.
"What do you want squib," Lev said, turning towards Mathew.
"Shut up," Mathew said slamming his fist into Mathew's kidney. "And sit down," he hissed forcing him back into his seat.
"You bastard, that's…" Lev groaned holding his stomach.
"Not technically against the rules," Mathew said.
"Why did you do that you idiot. I don't need your help," Liz snapped.
"I know, but for some reason I find punching that jerk oddly satisfying," Mathew replied.
"You know he is going to hex the crap out of you later," Liz said.
"He can try," Mathew said. "Chaldea sent this new magical device they want me to try out," he said, holding up a small shield shaped charm.
"Fine, but don't come crying to me when it doesn't work," Liz said.
"You wound me Liz," Mathew chuckled.
"Yeah, yeah, now get moving we need to get ready for the game, idiot," Liz said pushing him along.
"Is that how you are supposed to flirt with boys," Hermione asked Millie.
"I dunno, and what are you asking me for," Millie replied.
"Because you have a boyfriend," Hermione said.
"I do not," Millie said.
"But Nevillie," Hermione said.
"Neville," Millie squeaked. "He's just a boy who happens to be my friend."
"But…." Hermione said.
"Anyway, what is the deal with Daphne's hair," Millie asked as Daphne arrived for breakfast, her normally perfect coiffed shimmering blond hair looking a bit darker, wilder and wavy, not to mention several inches shorter.
"Wow, I thought everyone knew by now," one of the girls said.
"Knew what," Millie asked.
Hermione sighed. "She had a bit of an accident in Ancient runes a couple of days ago."
"Created a tornado that shredded her hair," the girl said.
"I think she might have split ends now," another added.
"Yes, she had a little accident, but who hasn't had an accident performing magic, and it's nothing that can't grow back," Hermione stated.
"I know, but man it really does kind of look like a mop," the girl said as Daphne looked in their direction slipping a hair tie off her wrist and pulling her hair up in a messy bun/ponytail style.
"Well now it just looks like a bird's nest," another one said as Daphne frowned.
"Really," Hermione said standing up.
"But it does," the girls said.
"If you don't have something nice to say then don't say it," Millie added. "Come on we need to get ready for the game."
"Right," Hermione said as they left.
"Well I for one agree with you," Tracy said joining the girls. "And you didn't hear the biggest thing that happened."
"Really," the girls said, eager for more gossip.
Break
"On days like this I don't mind being the manager," Astoria said as the rain continued to fall as they looked out from beneath the stadium where the quidditch game raged on while the girls attempted to energize the crowd with their cheers.
"Afraid you'll make a fool of yourself butterball," Tracy said.
"No, I'm just not a fan of the cold, or the rain, and could you stop with the projection," Astoria said, turning back to watch the game.
"Ggggrrr, I am not projecting," Tracy growled clenching her teeth.
Astoria just shrugged doing her best not to look at the dementors that were roaming just outside the stadium.
"Ouch that is going to hurt," Lee Jordan said over the PA system before several players slammed into the ground.
"That looks bad," Astoria muttered, staring at the boys crying out on the mud covered ground as Madame Pomfrey rushed out.
"Meh, if they weren't prepared for it then they shouldn't have played the game," Tracy said.
"True, but that doesn't mean I can't show a little sympathy," Astoria said.
"Whatever, if they were any good then they wouldn't have gotten hurt in the first place," Tracy said, walking off.
Break
"Well it looks like this is going to take a while," Lee said as the crowd looked down at the injured players.
"So boring, and the rain is just killing my hair," Pansy groaned, pulling her rain soaked hair back.
"Ditto," Daphne said, fussing with her own hair.
"Yeah, but at least mine still looks good," Pansy said. "Your's looks like a wet dog."
"It does not," Daphne retorted shaking her head spraying the group with drops of water, as the strands only stuck out more.
"Pansy we are soaking wet in the middle of a rain storm, we all have wet dog hair," Hermione said.
"Yeah, yeah, but we make it look good," Pansy said as Daphne pulled the hood of her cloak up over her head.
"Shut up Pansy," Millie grumbled.
"What was that fluffy," Pansy said.
"Come on let's do some cheers at least it will keep us warm," Liz grumbled.
"Sounds good," Mathew said.
"Ugh…." Pansy groaned.
"This was your idea in the first place Pansy," Liz said.
"Yeah, yeah," Pansy sighed.
Break
"Look at this, the Slytherin Cheerleaders are braving the cold to keep everyone spirits up," Lee announced.
"Whatever," Tracy said, walking out of the stadium as a dementor floated by a familiar cold feeling passing over her. "What are you, why do you not scare me like the others," Tracy said to herself as the dementor paused, turning towards Tracy. "Wait you heard me," Tracy said looking at the dementor. The cloaked creature simply nodded floating towards Tracy. "Now the question is can you tell me what you are? The Hogwarts Library is surprisingly bare when it comes to you."
The nameless dementor simply followed as Tracy moved beneath a nearby tree for some shelter from the rain. "You can understand human speech, but you can not speak yourself," Tracy said, waiting for the dementor to respond. After a moment the creature slowly nodded. "Unfortunate, but I can work with this," Tracy said, putting a hand to her chin. "Are you a magical beast or being?"
Slowly the dementor shook its head.
"Interesting, are there other categories beyond human, magical beast, or being," Tracy asked.
This time the dementor nodded in accent.
"OK," Tracy said as she began to write down some notes.
"Do you have a means of communicating with each other and with humans," Tracy asked before the dementor nodded.
"As I thought," Tracy said. "Dementors have a tendency to swarm, do you have individual intelligence or it is a hive mind?"
"Both, so you have individual thoughts, but are also connected to each other," Tracy said as the Dementor nodded.
"Do you feed on positive emotions?" Tracy asked watching as the dementor shook its head. "Interesting that is not what the books say, but it makes sense since everyone feels fear, and sadness when you are around. Thus you feed on negative emotions?"
Tracy smiled as the dementor nodded. "However why is it that you do not affect me?"
Slowly the dementor extended a thin skeletal hand towards the stadium where Tracy could see Hermione cheering between a gap in the stands. "What does Hermione have to do with this," Tracy asked as before the hand slowly moved up pointing to the sky.
"Hermione and the weather," Tracy said. "What does that mean….." She wondered as a cold breeze blew across the school grounds. "Cold…." Tracy muttered as her eyes shot open. "Wait that's it… Hermione doesn't feel cold and has some weird affinity for ice…. Does that mean I have an affinity for you." Tracy exclaimed. The floating vision of death simply nodded before floating into the sky joining it's brethren as they clustered above the stadium.
Break
"Not good," Mathew said looking at the sky as a feeling of dread passed over the stadium.
"Dementors," Liz stammered as the beasts circled ever faster over the stadium.
"Not a dumb bimbo," Pansy muttered.
"No, why…" Daphne groaned falling to the ground as the beasts descended on the stadium.
"What the heck is going on," Millie forced out.
"Are they after something," someone said.
"Harry…." Hermione blurted out as a number of the dementors broke off chasing after the boy as he flew into the sky.
"We've got bigger problems," Mathew groaned.
"No shit sherlock," Liz hissed as she struggled to remain standing as the oppressive dementor aura bore down on the stadium.
Break
"Hey man are you ok," Marcus said turning towards Draco.
"Dementor," he said weakly pointing to the sky.
"What, sorry I couldn't hear you," Marcus said, taking off the earphones and Victoria's voice singing out.
"Dementors you idiot," Vincent said pointing at the sky.
"Hu, what's flying up there," Marcus said, turning to look freezing as he saw them. "Oh shit, Dementors!" Marcus yelled.
"How are you not affected," Draco forced out.
"I was just listening to…." he said looking at his Walkman. "Victoria's music!..." he said slamming the headphones on Draco.
"Ugh what is this…. Hey not bad…." Draco said slowly, feeling better.
"That's it," Marcus cheered, grabbing his broom.
"What are you doing," Draco yelled as Marcus raced for the announcers box.
"Marcus Flint, what are you doing," McGonagall yelled as Marcus leapt into the announcer's booth.
"Can you play this over the speakers," Marcus said, holding out his Walkman.
"Sure, but what is that going to do," Lee said.
"It's Victoria's music, it should help cheer people up," Marcus said.
"Mr. Flint," McGonagall said.
"Just do it," Marcus said as the dementors moved closer.
Break
"Our resonating wishes are starting to wake up, for our most treasured future. After surpassing our destiny of reuniting, my thoughts will shine brilliantly," Victoria's voice sang out over the loudspeakers. "Having entrusted my hope to my not-yet-found future, I continued searching for the true meaning of "strength. What's the point of "accepting the pain in plain view? You must know, as you keep running towards tomorrow."
"I know it's scary Luna, but I know you are stronger than this. You need to keep moving forward," Luna said to herself as the music played.
"Luna," Padma said struggling to stay upright as Luna slowly stood up.
"The coming-and-going scenery now flows away towards the front of the world that I'm grasping. Feeling with my entire body the signals pouring in, I now let go of everything," Victoria's voice washed over the stadium causing the dementors to pause.
"What's the plan Hermione," Millie asked as the dementors paused.
"It's like my sister said we keep moving forward," Hermione said.
"But we don't know the patronus spell to drive them off" Liz said.
"What's a patronus and who said anything about driving them off. Kristalleisgefängnis," Hermione said pointing her wand at a low flying dementor. The others gasped as a thin layer of ice began to form on the dementor. "What is with you," Hermione growled at her wand as the dementor shook off the ice.
"Oh great now you pissed it off," Pansy said as the dementor looked right at them.
"Kristalleisgefängnis!" Hermione said again as a few shards of ice shot of her wand.
"Not helping," Liz said.
"Shield of Galahad," Mathew yelled, expanding the small shield charm on his wrist to a full sized cross shaped shield that he slammed into the dementor forcing it back.
"Ok das macht es!" Hermione growled, tossing her wand aside and pulling out a small topaz gemstone. "Kristalleisgefängnis!" she yelled, throwing the gemstone at the dementor.
"What is that…." Liz said as the gem shattered on impact encasing it in a thick block of crystal-clear ice. "Fuck me…."
"Oh, that's what you mean," Millie said. "I can do that, Geyser," Millie said, blasting another dementor away with a jet of water from her wand.
"Just truth in my heart, I won't lose my way no matter when, because I'll always have my will. Without averting my eyes from the exposed truths, I'll reach the next stage to realize all," Victoria's song continued to carry across the stadium as the students and teachers began to move trying to force the dementors back.
"Great but what about them," Liz said pointing to the comatose boys floating on stationary brooms while Harry still raced around the sky.
"Mathew I'm going to need a boost," Hermione said.
"What are you crazy," Liz snapped.
"It's your funeral," Pansy said.
"Here," Astoria said, throwing Hermione her bag.
"Thanks," Hermione yelled back.
"Try not to break every bone in your body this time," Millie said as Hermione pulled out several gems.
"I was able to sense you as you chased from behind, but since when do you feel so close to me? Unable to hide my uneasiness, I looked up at the intimidating sky. Some day, I will get over my memories of getting hurt." Victoria's song continued.
"It's only dementors," Hermione said. "Flugel," she said, holding a crystal-clear diamond a torrent of wind swirling around Hermione causing the girls to look away as a silver color slowly took over her hair, while her eyes turned blue as her skin paled slightly.
"Johanna, what are you doing? Where is Hermione?" Liz said, blinking as the wind died down.
"Es geht ihr gut und ich bin gleich wieder da," Hermione said looking at Liz.
"Interesting," Mathew commented. "Do you still need a boost?"
"Ja," Hermione said, moving back.
"Johanna you get them down and I'll handle the landings," Millie said.
"Roger," Hermione said before she sprinted towards Mathew.
"Johanna what are you nuts," Liz yelled as Hermione raced toward Mathew.
"Hahahaha," Millie laughed as Hermione raced towards Mathew doing a handspring onto his shield before being thrown into the air, translucent blue wings sprouting from her back. The ethereal wings flapped once propelling Hermione to the stands. Lightly landing on the rails she leapt to the first player.
"My yearning has awakened my strength, because there are people I want to protect. The coming-and-going scenery now simply runs up my chest, as my pain disappears in the wind."
"Sorry about this," Hermione said, pushing a catatonic Oliver Wood off his broom.
"Ok, Millie you can do this," Millie said to herself. "Floraison," Millie said, aiming her wand at the ground waiting as grass and flowers exploded out of the ground creating a large thick bed of grass to cushion Oliver's landing.
"What the hell," Oliver groaned, thrashing in the large floral bed he now found himself in.
"Here have some chocolate," Astoria said, running out to help as several more players fell safely into Millie's growing bed of grass and flowers.
"Oh, come on," several boys yelled.
"Hey it's better than being eaten," another shouted back.
"But the game," Oliver Wood said.
"Shut up and eat your chocolate," Astoria said, stuffing a piece in his mouth.
"Believe in Judgelight, piercing through even fate itself, I will create a new dawn by my own hands, with my strengthening courage and determined heart. I believe myself and precious emotion, I will smash all obstacles with my will!"
"Crap, crap, crap," Harry yelled as the dementors swarmed around him.
"Eispfeilfeuer," Hermione yelled firing a barrage of ice darts at the dementors.
"Johanna! What are you doing here?" Harry yelled looking towards the silver haired girl standing on a stationary broom.
"Wie sieht es aus!" Hermione replied jumping to a higher broom as the dementors charged.
"Note to self, learn German," Harry said looking towards Hermione for a moment. However, a moment was all the dementor's needed to move in front of him. "Crap baskets," Harry yelled as a skeletal hand reached for him.
"Hände weg," Hermione yelled as a glowing foot smashed into the dementor. "Hi Harry," Hermione said, landing on the front of his broom as she kicked the dementor away.
"Are all German girls as crazy as you," Harry said.
"Less talking, more flying," Hermione yelled as the dementors honed in on them.
"Right, hang on," Harry said, moving Hermione behind him as he raced off.
Break
"Not good," Mathew said as the dementor's kept coming. "Someone is going to get kissed at this rate."
"I thought I told you asshats to back off, Piercing sky shot," Luna yelled, firing a lance of silver energy at the dementors. "Really where is Atalante when you need her."
"Was that a patronus," Millie said as the dementor screamed in pain.
"What's a patronus," Luna said.
"Luna," Millie said.
"Hi Millie, nice work with the flowers," Luna said.
"Can you do anything," Millie said.
"Not without putting Luna in danger," Luna said.
"Nuts," Millie said.
"No seeds," Luna said. "Sun flowers to be exact," she said, placing them in Millie's hand.
"What good is a snack going to do," Liz said.
Millie looked down at the seeds, as a faint memory passed through her mind. The memory of one of the most traumatic and illuminating movements in her life. "Could it really be that simple," Millie said.
"They are the flying death, riders of the night," Luna said.
"I don't know if I can," Millie muttered.
"We made a vow in the light of a new beginning, that we'd pass judgment onto this boundless darkness. We feared that we'd drown in the swirl of loneliness, but still, we will not look back. The coming-and-going scenery now flows away towards the front of the world that I'm grasping. Feeling with my entire body the signals pouring in, I now let go of everything."
The image of the smiling blonde woman flashed through Millie's mind as she kneeled down. "No, I can do this, I am Millie Blustrode, and I am not dying here," Millie said, placing the seeds in the ground. " Germir," Millie said pointing her wand at the ground.
"What are you doing stupid," Pansy said as the seeds began to sprout.
"Great you sprouted some seeds now what," Pansy said.
"Grandir," she said, falling to her knees pushing her magic into the ground.
"Millie…. Oh My God!" Liz, Pansy and Mathew said as giant flower buds erupted out of the ground.
"Just a little more," Millie panted as the flowers rose into the air standing a full ten ft tall. "Now Floraison," she yelled as the buds bloomed. "And feconder," Millie said as the giant sun flowers erupted spreading pollen over the stadium.
"And just what is that going to do," Pansy said.
"Sunflowers are a representation of the sun, life, and happiness, which the dementors are highly allergic to," Luna explained.
"Great, impetus," Liz said, waving her wand as she blew the pollen out around the stadium.
"Impetus," Mathew said, joining in on the action causing the dementors to pause before slowly flying away.
Break
"Good job Millie," Hermione said as she saw the dementors back away from the stadium as a large cloud of pollen enveloped it.
"Crap," Harry yelled as they felt the broom ripped out from under them by the dementors.
"We're falling," Hermione squeaked.
"I thought you could fly with those wings," Harry yelled.
"Jump high yes, fly no," Hermione screamed as they fell towards the stadium.
"Crap baskets," Harry said.
"Well that is going to hurt," Pansy said.
"Not good," Liz said.
"Can't you do something," Daphne said looking at Liz and Mathew as Hermione continued to plummet to the ground.
"What about that rune you used in class," Millie said.
"I um, well I…." Daphne stammered running a hand down her hair.
"Well I already used this guy so what's one more," Mathew said, raising the shield over his head. "Transient wall of snowflakes," he roared slamming the shield into the ground.
"And what is that supposed to do," Liz said as Harry and Hermione seemed to glow for a moment as snowflakes blew across them as they fell.
"It's a shield that temporarily boosts their innate magical defenses," Mathew said as the pair slammed into the ground creating a small crater in the muddy ground.
"And one for the win," Luna said nailing a stationary dementor before the group let out a cry of frustration before flying off.
"Nice job Luna," Millie said.
"Thanks, but when I'm older I am going to have her teach me Tri-star mio amore and kill those stupid things," Luna said.
"Shut up loony," Pansy said.
"Go help Draco or something," Liz said pushing Pansy along.
"Bad landing strategy," Harry groaned.
"Ugh…... Agreed," Hermione added picking her head up off Harry's chest.
"Johanna," Harry said looking at the silver haze in front of him.
"Right glasses," Hermione said, handing him his glasses.
"Thanks," Harry said as his vision cleared.
"Bitte," Hermione said as Harry stared at her. "Um…... is something wrong…"
"You're really pretty," Harry said watching as Hermione began to blush slowly turned red the longer, he looked at her.
"Danke…." Hermione muttered looking away as the professors ran over.
"The headmaster would like to see you," McGonagall said.
"Not until they have been to the infirmary," Pomfrey said, cutting McGonagall off. "Their health comes first." she added silencing any arguments.
