Friday 21st December 1973
Black Manor, Derbyshire, 10:00
Sirius sighed loudly and let his shoulders slump. He was bored. Bored and tired and the day hadn't even started yet. Bellatrix wasn't due to arrive until half eleven. That was an hour and a half from now. And he'd already been here for an hour because mother and Uncle Cygnus were related so that made them just as important as Narcissa. Apparently.
All it had meant so far that Sirius and Regulus were standing around, not allowed to get in anyone's way or distract anyone. It was stupid. Regulus wasn't even good company because he just disappeared off somewhere as soon as their parents disappeared to wherever adults did at weddings. Hmpf. Fine brother he was. Abandoning him like that.
This was not worth getting out of school early for. It just wasn't. His tie was too tight, his shoes rubbed the back of his heels and if someone fluffed his hair one more time... It was just an uncomfortable experience overall, okay? He definitely wasn't going to be getting married if he could help it. Not if this was what he had to go through. Nothing was worth this. Well, maybe the food. Things like this always had good food, right?
One of his (many, many) aunts clucked at him and gave him a disapproving look. He automatically straightened himself up and held his head high. Just like he had been trained. Like one of those stupid dogs on the Coat of Arms.
Suddenly, mother reappeared looking more than a bit manic. You'd think that she was the mother of the bride with the way she was carrying on.
"Where is your brother?" she demanded.
"Dunno, do I look like his keeper?" Sirius sulked.
That was probably not the best tone to take with his mother as she now looked like she wanted to slap him. Her hand twitched and everything. But a red cheek was not conducive to the "Perfect Wedding" so it didn't happen.
"Mind yourself," was what he got instead.
In a sharp tone but at least it wasn't a shriek. Which was amazing if you took into account how stressed all the women in his family seemed to be. He now understood why some of his Uncles broke out the fire whiskey already.
Speaking of Uncles, he really hoped Uncle Alphard came. He was always stirring things up and making things livelier. It was good fun to watch how many outraged looks he could get from people.
But that probably wouldn't happen. Not today. See, this was the first big wedding for the current generation of the Black Family, after all. Pointedly ignoring that there should have been one a few years ago but, if anything, the Blacks were experts at ignoring things that didn't suit them. And an eldest daughter escaping their clutches to marry a mudblood definitely didn't suit them.
"Why are you here?" he was scolded instead. "You should be with Rudolphus and Rabastian."
"You told me to stay put! And why me and not Reggie?"
"Regulus," mother emphasised, "will be joining you. As soon as I can find him"
Well, at least that was something. If he let himself be found anyway.
"In fact," his mother continued, "He's probably there right now because he, unlike some, knows what to do."
With a sigh, Sirius started to walk to the room where the second star of the day was staying. Why he had to be there, Sirius didn't know. Okay, he was in the wedding party and all but it wasn't like he liked Rudolphus. Sirius doubted that anyone did. There was just something about him that but Sirius on edge. Like the man had to be watched. Which could be said about most of the Black Family so that was saying something.
At least with all the faffing about for the wedding Sirius hadn't been dragged into father's study for a "lecture" on his behaviour. With any luck, he wouldn't. Between this and Yule his parents should be very busy and too tired to deal with him. He could just fly under the radar. Well, it was hopeful thinking anyway.
Speaking of wedding faff, he had arrived at Rudolphus' door.
'Knock knock'
Sirius had a very brief hope that it wouldn't be answered but that thought was quickly dashed.
Rabastian poked his head around the door and then looked disdainfully at him.
"Oh, it's you."
"Nice to see you too," Sirius said sarcastically, pushing past him to get into the room.
"Gryffindor has made your manners even more atrocious," Rudolphus said lazily.
"Don't encourage him," Rabastian snapped.
"Why not?" the groom drawled. "It's amusing."
"You don't have to see him in school."
"I'm right here, you know?" Sirius had to point out.
Not that he wanted to be here. There had to be a hundred other things he'd rather be doing than sitting around with these two. Especially when Rudolphus was primping and preening. He just didn't look good. Not that he would want a thirteen-year-old telling him that. Oh well, not his problem.
Regulus chose this moment to reappear without knocking. Or saying anything beyond a brief "Hello".
"Where have you been?" Sirius asked.
Regulus gave him a shifty look.
"Nowhere."
Yeah, because that was an answer.
"He was talking with the House Elves in the kitchen," Rudolphus answered.
Regulus looked up and gave him a sharp look but Rudolphus was completely unconcerned. Rabastian looked disgusted and Sirius was just confused. Why would you go and talk to the House Elves? It wasn't like Regulus was sorting out the food or decorations so there was no need to.
"I wasn't!" Regulus retorted but Sirius knew he was lying.
"Whatever," Rudolphus said with an eye roll.
Sirius pulled a face at his little brother making him laugh. Just like old times.
"Oh, grow up you two."
Monday 24th December 1973
Potter Family Library, 16:00
James fumbled with the pages of a stupidly large book and scribbled down what he read onto a very untidy looking piece of parchment. It was full of similar scribbles. In fact, he had even started writing vertically down the sides. He could just go over to the cupboard behind him but that took far too much effort and time away from his reading. He didn't think he had to read too much more of this book anyway. He'd get more parchment when he got up for another book.
A stream of light suddenly made its way across the shelves. It dazzled him briefly.
"James? You in here?"
"Over here, mum!" James called, not looking up from his book.
"It's getting dark and the hot chocolate is ready," she told him, hustling over to the soft armchair he was curled up in.
"Huh?" James looked up and realised that the light in the room had changed quite dramatically. "Oh, wow."
She smiled at him and shook her head.
"Yes, wow. Are you still doing school work? You need to take a break Jimmy."
"Something like that," James replied, rubbing his eyes.
Why was it when you were interrupted that you realised how long you'd been reading? He'd felt fine before but now he could feel his eyes ache and there was a crick in his neck. Not to mention the cramps in his fingers.
Mum reached over and shut his book decisively.
"Well, it can wait until after Christmas."
"Sounds good," he agreed, stretching.
He had been in the same position for far too long. His head was spinning with way too many facts as well and none of them were making much sense at the moment. The perils of too much studying and not enough breaks. He didn't know how Ravenclaws did it.
"Did you say something about hot chocolate?"
Thursday 27th December 1973
Evans Home, Cokeworth, 10:30
Lily watched Petunia hurry away from the breakfast table with more than a little curiosity.
"That's the third letter since the start of the holidays," Chryssie said in amazement.
"It's from her boyfriend," Lily said with a grin.
"Tuney has a boyfriend?" Chryssie asked in amazement. "Since when?"
Lily shrugged. She didn't know. Petunia never told her anything anymore but she knew what those giggles and blushes meant; she'd seen enough of them from the older girls at Hogwarts. Even some from her own year!
"Don't pester her, you two," Rosemary warned them, turning around from the sink.
"Yuck," Chryssie said with a scrunched-up nose. "Why would I want to ask her about her boyfriend? Gross."
Rosemary chuckled. "You'll want to, someday."
"No, thank you."
That got her another chuckle and then she turned to Lily, "You too, young lady. I want no teasing from you."
"Who, me?" Lily asked in as innocent a tone as she could muster.
Rosemary gave her middle daughter a stern look.
"I mean it Lily Enid. A first relationship is special."
Oh, the middle name was used. That meant business.
"Yes, mum," Lily sighed.
Rosemary gave her a long look before being satisfied with her response.
"Good girl, now come help me with the dishes."
Lily bit ger tongue to stop herself complaining that it was Petunia's turn. Apparently, love got you put of such things.
Friday 28th December 1973
Slytherin Year Boys Dorm, 14:00
The coins in his money pouch jingled cheerfully together in the most satisfying way. Mainly because he actually had money in said money pouch, something that hadn't happened in all the three years he'd been at Hogwarts.
It turns out that there was quite the market for potions at Hogwarts. Prank potions (though, frustratingly, none matched what the Marauders could pull of), hair care solutions, skin balms. All easy to brew. And all something people would pay very nicely for as long as he kept it under the normal market price.
It was also a much better job than cleaning or stocking shelves. Much less dirty and more rewarding. This way, he earned money and got to brew more. Sure, most were somewhat inane potions but maybe once he got himself a bit of a reputation, people would want him to brew more interesting ones.
The thought of that put a smile on his face. Then he shook his head. He couldn't forget about the whole point about brewing other people's potions. It was to earn money for his potion. He was nearly there. He had wanted to get enough money to buy everything all at once so as not to spoil their freshness or worry about storage. That, and he tended to get impatient when everything was nearly ready so he was trying to spare himself of that. Not that it was working, he was really itching to get brewing.
No, he wasn't going to think of that right now. What he should be thinking about was his Christmas homework that he had let fall by the wayside - to busy brewing and reading up on the Potion. So, he would have to get stuck into that.
Well, Severus glanced at the Potions text he'd managed to persuade Slughorn to let him get out of the Restricted Section, maybe later. Just one chapter of this and then he'd get to it.
Monday 31st December 1973
McKinnon Farm, 19:00
Marlene was munching away at her incredibly thick turkey and ham sandwich. Leftovers were almost as good as the Christmas Dinner itself. Especially when layered between homemade bread. Her mum's homemade bread to be exact. Nothing better.
"Mmm," she said blissfully.
"Having an experience there?" Ciaran teased.
The sandwich was so good that she didn't even feel the need to retaliate. Ciaran gave it a longing look.
"Give me a bite."
"What? No!" she retorted, turning away to protect it.
"Come on."
"Get your own!"
"I just want a bite!"
"Yeah, right."
It never worked like that. The person either took way too big a bite than was polite or just straight up stole your food. Neither of which was going to happen to her.
"Marly!"
"Bog off!"
Ciaran leaned over the table to try and swipe it off her but she was quick and jumped off her seat.
"Ha!"
She waved her sandwich tauntingly at him. He ran around the table to try and trap her. Which worked, he managed to grab her but he wasn't getting her sandwich! Marlene shoved the last of it into her mouth and swallowed the whole thing as one.
"Too slow!"
Ciaran cursed loudly.
"Good to see some things really don't change."
Both McKinnons looked up at that very familiar voice and grinned.
"Patrick!" said Marlene, wiggling free and tackling her older brother in a hug. "I thought you were staying with Jackie's family until the end of the week!"
"Are you complaining?"
"Never!"
Patrick was supposed to be celebrating New Year's with Jacqueline Potter's family as she had celebrated Christmas with them. The two were quite the item these days. It was sweet and incredibly soppy to watch. At least Jacqueline was cool, unlike the girls Kevin brought home every now and then.
"Why are you home?" Ciaran asked as they all disentangled themselves from each other.
"Well-"
'Crack'
They all ran to the window only to see their oldest brother, Kevin.
"Have you told them yet?" He asked as he walked into the kitchen.
"Wipe your feet!" Teagan scolded, coming in from the hall. "And told us what?"
"You haven't told them yet?" Kevin asked incredulously.
"I haven't had a chance!"
"Told us what?" Marlene asked impatiently.
Teagan carefully looked at them and then a massive grin spread across her face.
"Did you-?"
"Yep," Patrick replied.
"And she-?"
"Yes!"
"No way!" Teagan squealed and jumped on him. "Oh, congrats! I'm so happy!"
Patrick spun her around like she weighed absolutely nothing with a stupid grin of his own on his face.
Marlene looked between her still flushed-faced brother and her now squealing sister, feeling very, very confused. She looked up to Kevin, hoping for some sort of explanation from her eldest brother but he was looking inexplicably chuffed and pounding Patrick on the back, congratulating him. What in Merlin's name were they on about?
"Can someone tell me what's going on?" she asked irritably.
It felt like she was the only one not in on a joke. Even Ciaran looked like he knew what was going on with his stupid cheering and bouncing around the kitchen like a mad person.
"I proposed to Jackie," Patrick finally managed to get out, breathing still somewhat constricted by Teagan's bear hug.
Marlene practically felt her eyes bug out from her head at that piece of news.
"Seriously?"
"Uh huh."
"And she said yes?" Ciaran teased, only to get a smack round the back of his head from their mum.
"Of course, she said yes!" Kevin said for Patrick.
Patrick nodded, words beyond him at the moment. His eyes were shining though.
"She said yes," he repeated in a dazed voice. "She said yes!"
"Yay! I get another sister!" Marlene cheered.
"What? Am I not good enough for you?" Teagan demanded.
"Jackie's cooler."
"Why I ought to-"
"Girls!" their mother scolded before turning a beaming smile back on their brother, "Oh, Pat, I'm so pleased."
"Are you not?" Dad asked.
"Still in shock she said yes," Patrick admitted sheepishly.
That got him a round of laughter from everyone. This was definitely a long time coming. Those two had been going out since they were fourteen and sixteen. That was years. Without a single break. Except for what distance forced between them, obviously. But it was amazing what living on two separate islands did for your determination to improve your Apparition.
"Where is she?" Mum asked, as if she was suddenly just realising that Jacqueline wasn't there. She stood on her tiptoes to see around Patrick. "Did you not bring her?"
Patrick shook his head.
"And why not?"
"Please tell me you didn't propose and come straight here when she answered?" dad groaned.
For good reason, that was something her brothers would do.
"Of course not," Patrick said in an offended tone. "I proposed this morning and was with her until I came home to let you lot know. She's doing the same with her family."
Mum nodded in acceptance.
"Good."
"Her parents want us all over for the new year," he added.
That made mum shoot up like a firework went off behind her.
"And you're only telling me this now?" she yelped.
"Well, yes?" Patrick said hesitantly.
"That give us no time to get ready!"
"Ma, you don't need to really get ready. It's not going to be a party or anything. Just her parents, sister and us."
"What are you talking about? Of course, we need time to get ready. All of you need baths and I need to lay out everyone's clothes and then-"
The five McKinnon children watched as their mother practically flew up the stairs to get their outfits sorted. Doors banged in the silence and they all looked at each other. It was better not getting in mum's way when she got like this.
"So, when's the wedding?" Marlene asked eagerly, getting back to more important topics.
She loved weddings. Not so much the dressing up and the waiting around but the company was always great and the food even better. Also, the dancing a merry making went on for ages and was always loads of fun.
"Not for a while," Patrick answered. "We want a longish engagement. Jacqueline wants to establish herself in the Ministry first and I want to build our own house. All that takes time."
Sounds like you're being sensible about it," dad said approvingly.
"Get your arses up here and in the bath!"
They all looked up from the ceiling.
"She does know that we only have one bath, right?" Ciaran asked.
"I'm first!" Marlene shouted, bolting for the door.
That, of course, started a stampede for it. No one wanting to be last.
Tuesday 1st January 1974
12 Grimmauld Place, 09:00
Regulus watch through the bars of the bannisters as Sirius trailed into their father's study. Now that all the business of the season was over, father could, well, go over what improvements they needed to make. Mostly what Sirius needed to do. Which was apparently a lot if you listened to mother.
Regulus wondered if anything would be said about Sirius taking Muggle Studies. Their parents knew about it, of that he was sure. The whole of Hogwarts did after all. But they hadn't taken any action. No trips to the school. No Howlers. Nothing. It was all rather odd.
"Is Master Regulus be wanting anything," Kreacher suddenly asked from behind him.
"Oh, hello, Kreacher. No thank you."
Kreacher looked at him with those big eyes of his and then looked at father's study door.
"Is Young Master Sirius being dealt with now?"
"Yes. Father didn't look best pleased."
Kreacher sniffed disapprovingly, his whole nose moving with the action.
"Bad Master Sirius, he be doing things that Mistress isn't happy about."
"No one's happy about it."
Regulus still didn't understand why Sirius wanted to understand take Muggle Studies. Or even why he was in Gryffindor. He just seemed to take pleasure in upsetting people. Upsetting everyone. It just wasn't right.
Especially since their parents had been so happy recently. Well, maybe not happy but pleased. From Bellatrix's wedding to this curious man that father had been talking about (Ruddell or something), they had been very pleased. The Black family got some positive publicity (the masses ate up a good wedding) and there was a man properly pushing the pureblood agenda. Things were great.
Then Sirius had to go and spoil it.
Orion's Study
Sirius was trying hard to keep staring right ahead. To not let his gaze drop to the floor. Father would not be pleased if he did that and he already was displeased enough. His cheeks were stinging from the two slaps he'd already received for "impertinence".
Father was currently standing in front of him, shaking his head.
"Sirius, Sirius, Sirius, what do I have to do to demonstrate that your current behaviour is simply unacceptable."
Sirius had to bite his tongue to stop himself from asking just how his behaviour was unacceptable. He was acting like any other teenager in his year. With better marks than most of them. And his Professors liked him. Mostly. But of course, that wasn't enough for Father. It would never be enough. He could act exactly like Saintly Regulus and still be acting inappropriately. It wasn't fair.
"First I learn that you deceived your mother and I about the subjects you were taking-"
"Only one!" Sirius burst out.
He hissed as a painful hex was directed at him. He was expecting that but he never got used to the pain.
"Yes," Father said dangerously. "But one is all it takes."
That was a little bit dramatic, surely? And all it takes for what? Loving muggles? He wouldn't go that far. They were interesting though. And really smart. But he still wouldn't put himself in the same category as Dumbledore and his cronies. Father was being ridiculous if that's what he thought.
"I can't unenroll you from that class. It wouldn't put a good image out at all."
That... that was actually a relief. Sirius had been surprised to discover that he was actually enjoying Muggle Studies. It was really interesting.
"But, hear this Sirius Orion Black, you will not be taking that subject after this year."
Well, that wasn't good. He wanted to keep in on. Like he said before, it was interesting and he was learning a lot. But maybe he should have been expecting something like this. He didn't really think that his father would let him continue doing it. In fact, Sirius was still amazed that he was currently allowed to do it.
"Then I come to understand that two of your so-called friends are mere half-bloods?"
Sirius was frankly quite impressed that it took his father this long to discover that. Lupin and Pettigrew weren't exactly pureblood names.
"I mean, that young Potter heir was bad enough but at least he has appropriate breeding. Even if his parents' leanings are inexcusable. But half-bloods, Sirius?"
Sirius wasn't entirely sure if that was a rhetorical question or not. He decided that staying silent would be the safest option.
'Slap!'
No, it wasn't. That cheek was definitely going to bruise.
"Answer me, boy!"
"Uh. Well-"
"Don't have an answer, do you? Are you deliberately trying to anger me? Is that why you are doing these things?"
"No! They're my friends!"
His father made a snorting noise. "Don't be ridiculous. People like those can't be friends. It's not beneficial to you at all."
"They're really nice and-"
"Nice? You don't get anywhere in this world by being nice!"
It seemed to get Remus pretty far. Sirius didn't know a person that didn't like him. He wanted to argue further about Peter and Remus more but Father had already moved on.
"Do you not understand how your actions reflect on the rest of our House? Our Family? They don't just affect you; you know."
Sirius rolled his eyes. It wasn't like he hadn't heard that a million times before. Miraculously, Father didn't see it. He was too busy lacing behind his desk.
"Now, more than ever, it is important to portray the correct image to the rest of the world."
But what if it wasn't the right image to portray? Did Father not ever think about that? What if everything they were doing was wrong? It couldn't be right, could it? And what did he mean by now? What was going on now that made their image be so important? For once, Father was the one that wasn't making any sense. The crazed look in his eyes didn't help either.
"Father, I-"
Sirius didn't know what he was going to say but it didn't matter anyway as his father completely brushed him off and continued with his pacing.
"I don't think you understand the path you're leading yourself down," father said to him in a threatening tone.
Sirius folded his arms and glared defiantly. He'd had enough of this.
"Maybe I like the path I'm on."
Then, his world went dark.
Jacqueline Potter's House, 11:00
James and Marlene laughed loudly as they pelted each other with snowballs. Most of the snow was too soft to make proper ones so they were really just throwing powdery stuff at each other. It was still good fun.
They been sent out to "enjoy the rare good weather" but they knew it was because the adults had celebrated a little bit too much the night before. Noise was definitely not their friend today. On the other hand, it was hers and James'. There was nothing more fun than running through the snow. Well, maybe pelting each other with snowballs but it was too powdery for that unfortunately.
Eventually, running through the snow tired them out. Marlene was sure they had spent more time falling into drifts and pulling themselves back up than actually running around.
Finding a tree nearby that shaded the ground enough to have no snow under it, James and Marlene decided to take a break. They panted heavily, trying to catch their breath, which was coming out in smoky puffs. Marlene remembered that when she was younger, she'd pretend her breath was smoke and that she was a dragon.
"Does Evans ever talk about me?" James asked suddenly.
Marlene gave him a weird look. Where did that come from?
"Yeah. To complain."
"Oh."
Marlene didn't know what else he was expecting. Lily told him and his friends off enough and she was always rolling her eyes at him. That kind of meant that she wasn't one of his fans.
"What about our pranks? Does she like our pranks?"
"She thinks some of them are clever," Marlene said carefully, knowing Lily would hate for that to get out. She thought most of them were pointless and downright silly. Time wasters basically.
"Really? Which ones? Did she like the one with the bubbles and-"
Oh boy.
Thursday 3rd January 1974
12 Grimmauld Place, 14:00
Sirius was lying on his bed, trying not to move too much. His body still ached from his father's lessons. Not that he learned anything except that his father was displeased with him but that was quite normal these days.
The doorbell rang, interrupting him from his thoughts. He couldn't help but frown. Very few people used the front door. Normally those that did not have their Floo address. Which normally meant that they weren't that important. Especially when they weren't expecting any guests.
Sirius sat up and thought. They weren't expecting any guests, were they? Mother and Father certainly hadn't said anything, so who could it be?
Wincing as he stood up, Sirius had to bite his tongue to stop himself from groaning in pain. Maybe it hadn't been the best idea to not move for several hours - he was all stiffened up and now his muscles and his skin were burning.
Sirius edged carefully out of his room, careful to make sure that Regulus wasn't sneaking around like he'd been prone to recently. Nope, he didn't seem to be about. Now to just get to the stairs.
Whoever had been at the door had been let in. There were two distinct voices he could hear; Father's and another man's. He couldn't hear what they were talking about, of course not, not from away up here. Which is why he had to go downstairs.
Low murmurs came from the hall.
"I'm sure you understand our position."
"Of course, Lord Black. I was simply-"
Sirius edged a bit more down the stairs, just before the bend. He still didn't know who this new guest was. He just wanted a little glimpse-
"Come greet our guest, Sirius," father instructed, almost making Sirius fall down the stairs in his shock.
He caught himself and cautiously made his way down the stairs. He didn't recognise the man in the hall at all. He'd never been at any of his parents' parties or been at any Ministry events. Sirius would think he'd remember him, there was something about this man that was... striking. Memorable.
Nevertheless, his upbringing kicked in and he gave the man a shallow bow.
"Sirius Black, sir. It's a pleasure to make your acquainted."
The man's lips, which were incredibly thin, curved into something that could be called a smile. Barely.
"A pleasure indeed."
That voice sent a shiver up his spine.
"This is Mr Riddle, Sirius," his father introduced as the man had failed to do so himself. "He and I have some important matters to discuss and I thought that it would be best done over a meal."
Sirius nodded shortly. That was nothing strange or out of the ordinary.
"You and your brother will have an early dinner," father instructed. "Your plates will be in the kitchen at half four."
"Yes, sir. Thank you, sir." Sirius replied quickly, trying very hard not to fidget.
He really didn't want to remain in the Riddle person's presence any longer. There was something about him that just didn't seem right. Something about his eyes and the way that thin mouth of his curled into something hinting at a smirk.
"Let me bring you to the Parlour," Father said to Riddle. "My wife is there and -"
The two men disappeared through the door and Sirius let out a sigh of relief.
Saturday 5th January 1974
Smith Sett, 19:00
"Just what is this, young lady?"
Alice gulped. Young lady. That was never a good sign from her father. Especially when he was waving a bit of parchment around.
"That's my report, sir," she said quietly.
Oh, she hoped it wasn't too bad. Third Year was really hard. There was so much more homework and the magic was definitely more demanding.
"Indeed. Most of you results are good," father said, reading over her report again.
Alice sighed in relief. She had convinced herself that she had failed everything.
"Your highest marks are in Defence," he said is a disapproving tone, young ladies really didn't need to know much about Defence Against the Dark Arts in his opinion, "and Healing."
That was said in a much more pleased tone. Healing was important and necessary for her to know after all.
"You haven't disgraced yourself in any other subjects," he continued. "Your Charms grade should really be higher."
Alice nodded agreeably, just happy that he wasn't angry at her.
"Until we come to Ancient Runes," he announced, making her look up from staring at her feet.
Her whole body stiffened at that. How badly had she done?
"You got a Dreadful, Alice," her father scolded. "Smiths do not get Dreadfuls in anything."
No. No they didn't. Even if you were a girl. Education might not be as important to her as it would be for any of her boy cousins but it was still important for her to not fail anything.
"I told you taking Runes was a mistake."
He didn't need to rub it in. Alice sighed heavily as her father launched into a rant about biting off more than she could chew and how unladylike it was. Yes, yes. She knew that.
Going back to Hogwarts couldn't come fast enough.
