Chapter 54- Upheaval in Slytherin
February 1996
Saturday February 4th Hogwarts
Dear Guinevire Tudor,
I trust this letter finds you well, and that you were not severely injured in the dramatic events that took place over the winter holiday. Your spells were of great assistance during that time, and I was even more impressed that they were based on void magic. Void magic is a very rare branch that most witches and wizards are painfully unaware of. To that please accept these gifts in gratitude for your help, and as an apology for vanishing during the battle.
Agravain
"So that idiot survived," Tracy muttered looking at the letter. "But he's not that much of an idiot if he knew I was using void magic." She could only look down in shock at the old book bound in vellum she held in her hands.
On the nature of the void
This should assist you in further probing the nature of the void. While knowledge of void magic has been lost in the modern day the great philosophers of old were aware of the power of emptiness.
"Finally some real reading material," she said, placing the book securely in her trunk before looking at the final gift, a large soft package.
"What's that….." Hermione's voice said softly as her coke bottle glasses edged up over the top of the sketch book she was doodling in.
Tracy's head snapped to the side glaring at the offending voice. "My god, can you be any more pathetic you fat mudblood turd." "And just what do you think you are doing," Tracy said.
"Drawing," Hermione squeaked, ducking behind her sketch book.
"Oh please like you can draw anything," Tracy said marching across the room.
"Can to," Hermione mumbled.
'Give me that," Tracy said, ripping the book out of Hermione's hands.
"Hey," Hermione protested as Tracy danced away suddenly stopping as she looked at the picture on the page.
"She's actually pretty good." A rather good sketch of a beautiful teenage girl, in exquisite clothes wielding a sword. The girl's long orange hair blew behind her as she raced into battle.
"What the bloody hell is this," Tracy snapped glaring at Hermione.
"A picture," Hermione said softly.
"I know that," Tracy said. "But who is this picture of?"
"I dunno," Hermione said softly.
"You don't know," Tracy said, rolling her eyes. "Did you spend your break leering at women and girls you pervert?"
"I'm not a pervert," Hermione snapped.
"You are what I say you are," Tracy hissed, lashing out with her leg striking Hermione in the thigh sending her crumbling to the ground. "Now get out of here you pervert," Tracy said, throwing the book at her.
"Not a pervert," Hermione thought as she limped out of the dorm before Tracy switched to her wand.
"Tracy again," Liz asked, watching Hermione limp out of the dorms.
"What's it to you, scrawny," Hermione said.
"You really need to stop that," Liz said, walking over to her.
"Or what you'll beat me up to," Hermione said.
"No, you'll catch more flies with honey, and it's about time I did something about Tracy," Liz said looking towards the 5th year girls dorm.
Sylvia paled as Liz walked across the common room towards the dorms. "Marcus," Sylvia yelled, running over to him. "You need to find Mathew right now," Sylvia said.
"Huh, what's up," he said, pulling off a pair of headphones, Victoria's latest song emanating softly from them.
"Liz is going to confront Tracy," Sylvia said.
"Shit, she doesn't have invisible air," Marcus cursed.
"She what!" Sylvia yelled.
"She gave it to Victoria during the Chimera attack to drive off the dementors," Marcus said, jumping out of his seat.
"She's going to get killed," Sylvia said racing after Liz.
"Bloody hell," Marcus hissed, making a beeline for the male dorms.
"Please make it in time," Sylvia thought as a loud thump echoed out of the 5th year girls dorm room.
"You call that a Protego maxima," Tracy said as the force of her spell slammed Liz against the wall.
"How….." Liz gasped one hand against the wall as her trembling legs struggled to keep her up right.
"It's called talent, something you used to have," Tracy laughed.
"I'll show you talent," Liz growled. "Strike air hammer of the wind king," Liz yelled, launching a gust of wind from her wand that ruffled Tracy's clothes and blew her long light red hair out behind her. Liz's eyes dilated slightly as the true power of the spell failed to materialize. "But I cast it correctly, even without Invisible air it still should have done something."
"Come now you can do better than that," Tracy laughed.
Placing both hands on her wand she clamped her eyes shut in total concentration. "STRIKE AIR! HAMMER OF THE WIND KING!" Liz screamed the blast of air doing nothing to stop Tracy as she stepped right through it.
"Nice try but we both know the truth," Tracy said with a grin as she looked down at Liz as she sank to her knees. "Invisible air is no longer yours to command, little girl," Tracy said, slashing Liz's long hair clean off with a slash of her wand. "Now how about some glasses to complete the look," Tracy said pointing her wand at Liz's face.
"Earth make dome," Sylvia screamed, pushing all the magic she had to place a protective barrier between Liz and Tracy.
"And what do you think you are doing," Tracy growled.
"What I have to," Sylvia replied, matching Tracy's glare.
"So you think you can stop me," Tracy growled.
"No, but I don't have to stop you," Sylvia said.
"So you're buying time," Tracy said, sending a weak spell to test Sylvia's, causing her to jump to the side.
"Yes," Sylvia said, replying with a spell of her own that Tracy deflected.
"And who do you think can stop me," Tracy said.
"Matthew Krylieght can block a Chimera so he should be more than enough for you," Sylvia replied, matching Tracy's glare.
"You're bluffing," Tracy replied.
"You attacked his closest friend and the girl he's likely to marry someday. Are you saying he won't come," Sylvia stated as the spells increased in frequency and power. "She's strong."
"He'll be expelled," Tracy growled, blasting Sylvia off her feet.
"Earth make wall," Sylvia yelled, creating an earthen barrier to block Tracy's next spell, a black arrow that screamed danger. Said arrow cut through the barrier screaming towards Sylvia, clamped her eyes shut waiting for the explosion of pain. Only to hear a loud clang, as the spell impacted something hard.
"You were saying," Mathew said standing between Tracy and Sylvia, shield in hand.
"That you would be expelled for entering the girls' dorms," Tracy said.
"It will be your word against mine, and FYI the anti peeking spells were not updated and as an adult my entry was not flagged.
"Touche, Mr. Krylieght," Tracy replied, pocketing her wand as she left. "But a word of advice: you can't be everywhere at once."
"He doesn't have to be," Sylvia said as Mathew helped her up.
"Good luck," Tracy laughed. "Liz is neutralized but Sylvia could be a problem down the road, she's stronger than your average 4th year."
"I need to get stronger," Sylvia thought, wishing she could smack that smirk off Tracy's face.
Sunday February 5th Hogwarts
"Liz what happened," Cho called out walking over to Liz the next morning her long blond pigtails missing shorn away at the top of her neck.
"Oh nothing, just time for a change I guess," Liz said nervously.
"This does not look like a change," Cho said, feeling the roughly cut hair while her eyes scanned the Syltherin table.
"It's fine," Liz said softly.
"This is not fine," Cho said.
"Good morning Cho," Sylvia said. "How are you feeling Liz?"
"Thank you for the other day," Liz said softly.
"Sylvia what happened," Cho asked.
"Tracy made her move for control of Syltherin," Sylvia said.
"Oh no," Cho said, noticing that Tracy seemed to be the center of attention at the Syltherin table.
"Yes, and while I couldn't do anything to save your hair, I am glad nothing worse happened," Sylvia said.
"It's ok," Liz said softly.
"Come on Liz, let's go check on Neville," Elizabeth said, pulling Liz along.
"Hey, wait," Liz protested as she was pulled along.
"Ok, what happened," Cho asked as they headed for the Ravenclaw table.
"Tracy was bullying Hermione and Liz went to put a stop to it," Sylvia said.
"Without Invisible Air is she crazy," Cho said.
"Well she is still an 8th year student, so that…" Sylvia said as Cho shook her head.
"She was using it as a source of power, instead of her own strength," Sylvia said.
"Yes, her ability has dropped dramatically since giving it to Victoria," Penelope said, joining them.
"I suspected as much," Sylvia said.
"Either way, how did you stop Tracy," Penelope asked.
"I didn't, I just stalled her with several earth walls until Mathew arrived," Sylvia said.
"Mid level elemental manipulation and you're only in third year," Penelope said.
"Unlocking my element helped," Sylvia replied.
"Hot dam, that's not even brought up until 5th year and even then it's only theory," Cho said.
"Speaking of elements, while not explicitly color coded, they do tend to follow a pattern," Sylvia said.
"That's true," Cho said. "Why are you asking?"
"Have either of you seen a black elemental arrow spell," Sylvia asked.
"No, I can't say I have," Penelope. "But I'm only familiar with the Empedoclean element system of clear wind, red fire, brown earth, and blue water."
"Same, but add on Wuxing, which has green wood, red fire, brown earth, orange metal, and blue water," Cho added.
"And we've all seen Johanna's light blue ice spells," Sylvia added. "But I can't find black anywhere."
"Well you came to the right place," Penelope said.
"Yes, the Ravenclaw love of puzzles is well known," Sylvia said.
"As are the Syltherins for being some of the most interesting around," Cho said.
"Personally I blame Johanna," Sylvia said.
"Also accurate," Penelope said.
"The real question is what is going to happen to Syltherin now," Cho asked.
"That remains unclear, Liz ruled with an iron fist, but she had rules and standards. She could walk the walk, and talk the talk, but Tracy is relatively unknown," Sylvia said.
"I thought she was part of the 5th year power trio with Pansy and Hermione," Penelope asked.
"True, but she typically followed Pansy's lead and Hermione was more of a hanger on and after a few clashes with Johanna they came to a mutual agreement during their third year to leave each other alone for the most part," Sylvia explained.
"Killing a basilisk tends to do that," Penelope said.
"True, the real question is what Pansy decides to do," Sylvia said. "But enough about Syltherin dorm politics," she added.
"Spoilsport," the pair chuckled.
"What I live it," Sylvia replied. "It's nice to get away from it once and a while."
"True," Penelope said.
"So what can Ravenclaw do to ease your frustration," Cho giggled.
"Well, if you're offering," Sylvia said.
"We are," the girls said.
"As of now the only earth spells I can do are walls and barriers, which only get me so far," Sylvia said. "Next time I will be ready Tracy."
"So you'd like to learn the bullet and arrow spells," Penelope said.
"Yes, I've read about them, but the explanations do not include the spells," Sylvia said.
"If it's a spell you need, you came to the right place," Cho said.
"But she'll want the English version," Penelope said.
"Right," Cho said, looking across the table. "Hey Michael," she called out.
"Yes," he replied.
"You're covering elemental arrows," Cho asked.
"Yes," Michael said.
"Excellent," Penelope said, clapping her hands. "Could you give Sylvia a hand."
"Sylvia who," Michael said.
"Johanna's friend Sylvia," Penelope said.
"Coming," he said, jumping up. "Excuse me coming through, sorry," he said, making his way down to them.
"Michael, meet the one and only Sylvia Stingray," Cho said, moving to the side.
"She's cute," Michael thought looking at her smiling face.
"He's cute," Sylvia thought.
"Sylvia, meet Michael. He's a 6th year student who went on a date with Johanna last year so you know he's one of the good ones," Penelope said. "And Michael Sylvia is a 4th year student who is looking into elemental manipulation, specifically the bullet and arrow spells."
"Which element," Michael asked.
"Earth," Sylvia replied.
"That is one of the more advanced elements, when it comes to projectiles," Michael said.
"Why is that," Sylvia asked as Cho and Penelope made room.
"Air, and water are the easiest bullets because we draw in and enhance the elements from the air instead of straight up conjuring them," Michael explained.
"That makes sense, but what about lightning, human's don't generate electricity," she asked.
"I will help you on this one," Penelope chimed in. "Our nervous and muscular systems generate faint electrical impulses that carry messages around the body or signal our muscles to move," Penelope explained. "In reality it is a bit more complicated than that, but you get the idea."
"Where did you learn that," Cho asked.
"I helped tend to the injured in Vaduz, and well I think I want to go into medicine," Penelope said as they turned away again.
"Ok, and fire," Sylvia said.
"It only takes a small spark to generate a big flame, so while you are conjuring flame it is a small amount that you can then make grow," Michael said.
"I see, and we can't do that with earth," Syvlia said.
"Exactly and earth is….." Michael said.
"Really heavy,'' the pair said in unison.
"Jinx!" they both blurted out blushing as they avert their eyes from each other. Silence reigned as they listened to the din of the dining hall until Sylvia finally spoke up.
"So I need to put more power into the spell," Sylvia said.
"Yes, and you'll need to practice conjuring as well," Michael said.
"They haven't covered that yet," Sylvia said.
"I can show you some stuff," Michael said.
"Really," Syvlia said, grabbing his hand.
"Sure, no problem," Michael said slowly turning red.
Tuesday February 6th Hogwarts
"Class, who can give me a spell that would be effective in combating Imps," Professor Lupin asked.
"Phoenix flash firestorm," Harry replied.
Lupin frowned. "Harry, that is not a real spell, try again," he said.
"Ethereal crystal prison," Harry said as Lupin shook his head.
"Third time's a charm," Lupin said as a few students began to snicker.
"Absolute zero," Harry said. "Crystal Ice palace winter wonderland," he said quickly.
"Those are not spells," Lupin said.
"Yes, they are and I saw them," Harry protested.
"And where did you see them," Lupin said.
"During the attack on Lichteinstein's winter festival. And I have yet to find them in any book," Harry said.
"That just makes them dark magic," someone said.
"Yeah," a few more chimed in. "And what's the deal with them blocking the obliviators anyway? Are they trying to destroy the statute?"
"Questions about the statute aside there are two other options," Neville chimed in.
"And those are," Lupin said.
"Family magic," Neville said.
"Or," Lupin said.
"New original spells," Harry said.
"Impossible," Draco snapped.
"Impossible or not it was what I saw," Harry replied.
"And we all know you are delusional," Draco said.
"Need I remind you that you were there Draco and did you or did you not see Victoria Grunberg create a song to cancel out the cry of a banshee," Marcus said. "And remember I was there too."
"And so was that monstrous Gorgon the Greeks on a leash," Pansy added.
"Anna Matou is not a monster," Neville and Marcus said.
"That beast vaporized a chimera, a class XXXXX magical beast, only a monster can take down another monster," Draco said.
"I've met Anna Matou and she is not a monster," Neville said.
"You've met that beast," Pansy said.
"Yes, and I would say you are far more monstrous than she could ever be," Marcus said looking directly at Pansy.
"How dare you," Pansy shrieked.
"If the shoe fits," Marcus replied.
"I don't think you know who you are dealing with," Draco said.
"How about we find out," Neville said as Tracy raised her hand.
"Yes, Tracy," Lupin said.
"Professor Lupin, while this is clearly not part of today's lesson, perhaps this might be a good time to go over the procedure for honor duels in a supervised environment" Tracy said.
"Tracy, those are not common," Lupin said.
"True, but that depends on the person and right now we have several members of the nobility as well as several highly respected families," Tracy replied. "And it would be better for this argument to be settled in a controlled environment rather than blasting spells in the hallway." "Not to mention I can look like the rational party right now, and if Draco wins I look good for setting this up, and if he loses well his faction loses some support. Either way I win." She thought leaning back with a slight smile.
"Yes, I see your point," Lupin said. "Now in a standard honor duel the parties will agree on the terms and conditions in the presence of a mutually agreed upon observer or observers. In this case we are all observers. Typically the wronged parties are the ones who duel, but decorum dictates that Pansy is allowed to appoint a champion in her place should she wish to do so," Lupin explained looking towards Pansy.
"Draco," Pansy replied.
"Now for the conditions, the first to fall will be considered the loser of the duel," Lupin said. "Also you may choose your seconds and their role is to ensure the duel is carried out properly."
"Vincent," Draco said. The boy glanced towards Tracy who nodded her head slightly.
"Neville," Marcus said.
"Then duelers and seconds come to the front," Lupin said.
"Harry, you weren't wrong in what you saw, and Neville is correct," Marcus said as he squared his shoulders off looking directly at Draco. "Don't blow up, don't blow up, don't blow up."
"I am going to enjoy this," Draco's grin grew as Lupin called the start of the duel. Marcus placed both of his hands on his wand as Draco lashed out. "Depulso!"
"Thunder saber," Marcus yelled a crackling yellow blade of electricity erupting from his wand deflecting the spell.
"Impossible," a number of students gasped. "We haven't covered it. McGonagall said thunder swords were impossible."
"So you made a fancy sword so what," Draco said before firing off several spells each one deflected save for a glancing bludgeoning charm that knocked him to the side.
"This is more draining than I thought," Marcus thought, still on the defensive deflecting or blocking Draco's mix of stunners, bludgeoning, and banishing charms. "He's not moving much so I can try that, but I'll only get one chance." Shifting his foot back Marcus inhaled, locking his eyes on Draco as the air around him crackled. "Lightning strike!" Marcus yelled, flashing forward faster than anyone, including Draco, slamming his blade into Draco's abdomen with an explosion of lightning. With a scream of pain Draco fell to the ground before Marcus dropped to one knee.
"He used lightning to force his muscles into overdrive. It's not reinforcement or mana burst, but the result is the same. It looks like he can't control it well or it has a self shock drawback," Tracy thought while watching the display.
"You can make original spells," Harry muttered as Neville and Vincent moved to help.
"Professor, I believe that is a tie," Pansy said as the others began to snicker at Draco's blond afro.
"While it is true both of them fell, Draco fell first which makes Marcus the winner," Lupin explained. "Now it is within the right of the second to avenge the loss," he said as the bell rang. "But that is not an option for today." Lupin finished.
"Marcus you might be a snake, but I've never seen Draco's hair look better," Ron called out.
"I don't know if I should be insulted or not," Marcus said, an arm slung over Neville's shoulder as he limped out.
"That's Ron speak, for he hates Draco more than you, and he thinks you did a nice job," Neville explained.
"Marcus was that family magic," Harry asked.
"No," Marcus replied.
Harry was stunned by his words, creating your own spells was possible but all save a few professors even talked about it. "You mean you created that spell all on your own,"
"I wouldn't say that Victoria, and Perenelle Flamel helped," Marcus said. "But it still needs a little work," he said, wincing as they made their way up the stairs.
"Come on we're going to be late," Ron said, grabbing Harry's arm.
"Marcus is still," Harry said.
"Do you really want to lose points on account of a snake," Ron said.
"No, but..." Harry said his thoughts conflicted as he thought of all the people he saw injured, hurt, or scared in Lichtenstein and how everyone just pitched in. It didn't matter who the person was if they needed help others stepped up. He swore he even saw Prince Charles rolling up his sleeves and helping out. Plus Mrs. Grunberg's words lingered with him especially as he headed up the stairs with Ron. "No, I'm making my own choices." Stopping halfway up the stairs he looked back at Neville and Marcus. "Ron, tell McGonagall we will be late," he said walking back towards them.
"Harry what the hell, he's just a snake!" Ron yelled.
"Haven't you guys heard of levitation charms," Harry said.
"Yes, but the best solution for cramps is to walk it off," Marcus said.
"Right,'' Harry said, taking Marcus's free arm.
"What made you change your mind," Neville said.
"A chance for house points helping another student," Harry said sheepishly.
"It's a start," Neville and Marcus thought, sharing a look.
"Do these cramps have anything to do with your thunder saber spell," Harry asked.
"You could say that," Marcus said.
"Is it similar to what Johanna does," Harry asked.
"Honestly, I have no idea because I don't know how she does what she does," Marcus said. "But since when have you cared?"
"Let's just say Lichtenstein changed things," Harry replied.
"I think Lichtenstein changed a lot of things," Neville replied as the trio continued in silence slowly limping up the stairs.
"You three headmasters office now!" Mcgonagall barked glaring at them from the top of the stairs.
"Or not," Harry sighed.
"For the record these two had nothing to do with it," Marcus said.
"Professor as minors we are allowed to request to have an adult present for any meeting with the headmaster," Neville said.
"I will be present," McGonagal replied.
"Then I request Olga Marie Animusphere," Marcus said.
"She is not an adult," McGonagall said.
"Actually she is until the Ministry raises the age of majority," Marcus said.
McGonagall narrowed her eyes, looking more and more like a cat ready to strike. "And who informed you of this?"
"Mathew Krylieght," Marcus replied.
"Mr. Krylieght is in enough trouble at the moment," McGonagal hissed. "And that is besides the point. Headmasters office now," she barked, marshaling them down the hallway.
"What did Mathew do this time," Neville asked.
"He did what he always does," Marcus chuckled.
"That makes sense," Neville replied.
"I don't get it," Harry asked.
"You saw Mathew in Lichtenstein, if he gets serious his shield stops everything," Marcus said.
"He stopped the Syltherin chaos?"
"No, he doesn't have the support for that," Marcus said. "But he can at least keep it from hurting his friends."
"If you need anything," Neville said.
"Between taking down Draco, being the girlfriend of a popular singer, and on the quidditch team I should be alright," Marcus said.
"Is that before or after you caused your entire body to cramp," Harry said.
"Hahaha," Marcus groaned.
Section Break
"Marcus what did you do this time," Olga sighed.
"Used an original spell to taser Draco during an honor duel after Harry asked about the spells Fleur and Johanna used in Lichtenstein," Neville explained.
"Ugh, not this again," Olga groaned.
"Again," the boys asked.
"Yeah, I got an earful for dropping a few meteors on the Chimera," Olga said. "So don't worry I've got you covered," she said as the door to Dumbledore's office opened.
"Ms. Animusphere I was not aware of requesting you for this meeting," Dumbledore said.
"You didn't, but Marcus requested an adult so here I am," Olga replied.
"You are not an adult," Dumbledore said.
"True I haven't graduated yet, but I am over the age of majority so here I am," Olga said. "Now what seems to be the problem," Olga asked.
"I wish to discuss the danger of experimenting in spell creation, and the nature of the spells Johanna used to defeat the imps," Dumbledore said.
"Sure it's tricky but with proper supervision it's no more dangerous than practicing quidditch and you don't require supervision for that," Olga replied.
"Be that as it may, to be experimenting at such a young age is rather dangerous when they should be learning the fundamentals," Dumbledore said.
Olga turned to look at Professor McGonagal. "Professor McGonagal, do you cover the fundamentals of elemental manipulation?"
"Yes, as you well know those subjects are covered during the first few years of Hogwarts," McGongal replied.
"I was just being thorough," Olga replied. "And Marcus in broad strokes, what is thunder saber?"
"Well it's basically a lightning lance that isn't sent towards the target," Marcus said.
"That should not have caused you to limp down the hallway," McGonagal said.
"I believe that would be a variant of beast magic," Dumbledore said.
"I prefer the term self enhancement," Marcus said. "But lightning armor is way cooler."
"And it is dangerously foolish you could have given yourself a heart attack," Dumbledore said.
"Are you more concerned with my health or with the fact that I can do something you've never seen before," Marcus replied.
"I am simply concerned that your experimentation might cause harm to others, like your…." Dumbledore said before Marcus exploded with rage.
"You leave my baby brother out of this," Marcus snapped.
"You see Harry, this is why experimenting is dangerous; it can have a negative impact on the mind," Dumbledore said. "I shudder to think what exposure to those spells in Lichtenstein might have caused."
"I saw her pray before casting those spells in a church to protect people. There is a purity to her magic unlike anything else I've seen before," Harry thought of that night.
"You are dangerously close to insulting my friend's headmaster," Neville said.
"Professor, why do you fear what it is that you do not understand," Olga said.
"I am trying to look after the health and safety of my students," Dumbledore said.
"Then seeing as Marcus is perfectly healthy we are done here," Olga said.
"Mr. Flint could barely walk. I would hardly call that perfectly healthy," McGonagal said.
"It was just some leg cramps," Marcus said as McGonagall glared at him.
"Not like you've had to deal with cramps for a few decades though," Marcus and Neville muttered.
"Well I never," McGonagal gasped.
"Olga chop," Olga yelled, slamming the blade of her hand down on top of their heads. "Argh seriously how the hell the two of you have girlfriends is beyond me!"
"Now I really am injured," Marcus whined holding his head.
"Oh shut up, I barely tapped you," Olga said, dragging them out of the room, Harry following hot on her heels.
Saturday February 17th Hogwarts
"Does anyone else feel like a pretzel doing this," Elizabeth asked as she pulled her foot up behind her head while her other leg lay flat on the mat she was using, her knee bent 45 degrees.
"Sometimes," Sylvia replied, holding the same position. "But it will be worth it in the end."
"You know you never did tell us what sport you plan on picking up," Anna said.
"Yes, you just do yoga, some dance, and gymnastics, on top of some general training," Belle said.
"That's because it's a little difficult to practice my sport right now, but I do hope to be ready in time," Sylvia said.
"Ready for what," Belle asked.
"The magical summer Olympics in Atlanta," Sylvia said.
"Well you're certainly aiming high," Elizabeth said.
"Go big or go home," Sylvia chuckled, shifting positions.
"But which event," Anna asked.
"Well the new one of course," Sylvia said.
"The Magical Grand Prix," the others gasped.
"Yes, I hope to gain enough skill in freestyle inline skating by the British trials in June," Sylvia replied.
Anna and Belle shared a look. "We would come and cheer for you," Anna said. "But, we have already made other arrangements for the summer, but we will be cheering for you." Belle added.
"Where are you going," Sylvia asked.
"Given the rise in animosity towards the forgein students, and those perceived to be forgein we thought we might do a little exploring to see what these places are really like," Anna said.
"It's gotten that bad," Sylvia asked.
"Depends on the year, and the house," Belle said.
"Yeah I heard Hannah Abbot and Ron Weasley tearing into some of the Hufflepuffs over their disgusting food. And some of the Ravenclaws are concerned about people stealing the secrets of Hogwarts," Anna explained.
"I'm surprised that their dorm leaders are putting up with it," Sylvia said.
"They can't be everywhere at once," Anna said.
"And if you say something enough times," Belle said.
"The illusory truth effect," Syvlia said.
"What's that," Elizabeth asked.
"The simple version is if you say a false statement enough times, a subset of people will begin to believe it is the truth," Sylvia replied. "It is a cornerstone of propaganda and has been used by politicians and leaders for centuries.
"When did you get so smart," Anna said.
"I dunno, but I am Sylvia Stingray, genius inventor extraordinaire, and champion freestyle skater," Sylvia giggled. "But anyway it's interesting that we're not seeing much of that in Slytherin."
"I mean we have a few from the magical colonies, but they're of British descent so they are mostly ignored," Elizabeth said.
"And they are under our umbrella of protection," Anna said as they continued their morning routine.
"I would say that it is more Mathew and Marcus at this point," Belle replied.
"Not for much longer though," Elizabeth said.
"Agreed," they all said.
"But Marcus taking Draco down a peg helped," Sylvia said.
"That really happened," Anna said.
"Yes, I got the story from Neville," Elizabeth said.
"The wild card is still Tracy," Sylvia said.
"Tracy," the others said with a look of disbelief.
"Yes, while she was the one to take down Liz, it wasn't very public, but everyone knows that she did. It is curious that she hasn't tried to capitalize on it yet. She's not part of the quidditch team, or our group," Sylvia explained.
"Isn't she part of Draco's cliche," Belle said.
"Not exactly," Sylvia replied. "It's true she's been a close friend of Pansy's since first year, but she's been rather quiet and distant as of late."
"She's been chummy with Vincent and Gregory though, and their families have been Malofoy allies for years," Elizabeth said.
"True, but she's also been mingling with people from the other factions as well," Belle said.
"Perhaps she's waiting to see which side wins out," Anna said.
"A good possibility but she'll need to watch out for Vainsley," Sylvia said.
"You don't think," the girls said.
"In Ravenclaw the smartest reigns king, the friendliest holds sway over Hufflepuff, the bravest in Gryffindor, and sadly it's not the most clever, but the most powerful reigns supreme in Slytherin," Sylvia said.
"Wouldn't that be Mathew," Anna said.
"His defense is near perfect, but he lacks offensive spells, and the traditionalists will frown on his right hook, not to mention Mathew isn't that kind of person," Sylvia said.
"Too bad Johanna, Victoria, and Millie aren't here." Elizabeth sighed. "They would have made the best big sisters."
Section Break
"Hello Liz," Vainsley said to the skinny blond as she entered the 7th year dorms.
"Vainsley," Liz said, shuffling towards her bed.
"We need to talk," Vainsley said, walking towards the much shorter girl.
"About what," Liz said tilting her head up to look at Vainsley.
"Why are you not performing your duties," Vainsley replied.
"What duties," Liz asked, taking a step back as she looked at the other 7th year girls.
"Why your duties as maid of course," Vainsley replied.
"What are you talking about," Liz said, her voice trembling as fear crept into her voice. "Without invisible air I'm defenseless."
"You see you are by far the least developed of us," Vainsley said.
"And we've seen your performance in class," another girl added, holding up one of her more recent quizzes covered in red marks.
"Then there is the matter of your new schedule," a third said, holding up a piece of parchment.
"What new schedule," Liz said, marching forward.
"This one," the girl said, holding it up.
"Hey give me that," Liz said as the girl held it out of reach but close enough she could see her name at the top. "Give it," she cried, jumping for it only for the girl to dance out of range.
"Hahahaha," the girls laughed as Liz tried and failed to get the parchment.
"Accio schedule," another girl, one of the more neutral ones, finally said, snagging the parchment out of the air before throwing it at Liz.
"Just get this over with," the girl said as Vainsley glared at her.
"You know as well as I do that technically you are not the head girl of Slytherin, and I have studying to do," the girl said ignoring Vainsley's glare.
"I'll deal with Tracy soon enough," Vainsley hissed.
Liz Tuttle on account of your substandard academic performance and very questionable use of magic during the Lichtenstein affair, I have no choice but to reconsider your current standing at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry . While you might be chronologically 18 years old, you have neither the physical, mental, or spiritual maturity a girl of your age should display. In light of these facts I have no choice but to move you back to 1st year so that you might have a second chance at learning how to be a proper witch.
Albus Dumbledore
PS- an investigation has been made into determining if you are in fact chronologically 18 years of age
"No, no, no, no," Liz's thoughts raced as she stared at the parchment. "This can't be happening," she muttered. "This is a nightmare. My karama can't be that bad, I've been trying…" Eyes locked on the parchment she began to hyperventilate as the girls surrounded her pressing in from all sides.
"Haahahahaha, I was expecting a few remedial classes but busted back to first year, just how stupid are you," Vainsley laughed looming over Liz.
"I am not stupid," Liz protested looking up at the girls as they surrounded her, hemming her in looking all the more taller as she gazed up at them. It felt like she was literally shrinking away as closed in leaving her no room to escape as she was stripped.
"Hahaha she really does look like a firstie," several girls laughed.
"Shut up," Liz screamed as she tried and failed to escape their grip.
"And we have the perfect outfit for you to introduce yourself to your new roommates," Vainsley said, holding up a maid outfit.
"You don't have the authority to do that," Liz shrieked, her voice cracking. "No, not the maid outfit, not the maid outfit," she thought but her weak body could do nothing as she went catatonic as she was given the same punishment she had inflicted on Johanna, Millie and many others.
"Says you," Vainsley said as Liz was stuffed into the outfit, an act of the utmost humiliation for the former Marchiqueness and leader of Syltherin. "Now march," Vainsley said, shooting a stinging spell at Liz, making her jump as the tears poured down her cheeks.
Syltherin house like all the other houses had separate male and female dorms with those separated by year. In Slytherin the individual years were connected to a long hallway arranged from 1 to 9 with the first years closest to the common room. The dorms connected to the hallway horizontally such that each bed had a line of sight to the door. So it wasn't a surprise to see girls walk by. What was surprising was to see a crying sniffling Liz in a maid outfit being marched down the hall. Liz's watery blue eyes met Sylvia's, her mouth moving silently as if to say help me.
The sharp crack of a book slamming shut startled the girls who were present. "Everyone stay here," Sylvia said looking at the other girls.
"What are you doing," a girl asked.
"The right thing," Sylvia said, grabbing her wand.
"I can't let you do that," a girl said.
"Expelaramus," Sylvia said, disarming the girl as she walked by. "I wasn't asking permission."
"Interesting it seems someone is making a move," Tracy thought observing from the doorway of the 5th year dorms.
"Earth make wall," Sylvia said, creating a stone wall on the far side of them.
"What do you think you are doing," Vainsley growled.
"The better question is what do you think you are doing," Sylvia said.
"What does it look like, Liz has been demoted to first year, and she is being given the proper punishment for her failure," Vainsley explained.
"A fellow member of Slytherin is in need of help and this is your response, some member of Syltherin you are," Sylvia replied.
"Who are you to lecture me on Slytherin," Vainsley growled.
"Just another student who is done letting you do as you please," Sylvia said.
"I will make you regret this," Vainsley said, pulling her wand.
"Probably," Syvlia said. "But I held my own against Tracy, and you're not Tracy."
"That is true," Tracy thought observing the pair, especially Sylvia's defiant stance and her body ready to move. "You might be a problem in the future, but you are playing into my hands right now."
"Of course not, I am stronger," Vainsley said.
"That remains to be seen," Sylvia said, causing more than a few to gasp.
"Excellent, now no matter how this fight plays out, it will drive Vainsley to confront me," Tracy thought, smiling at the good news.
Vainsley struck first, firing off a quick bludgeoning charm that Sylvia ducked by dropping into a spread. The brunette retaliated with an expelliarmus that Vainsley batted away. The stunner clipped her as she sprung up disorienting Sylvia as her mud bullet missed clipping Vainsley's hair. "You'll pay for that," Vainsley growled a lance of magic forming in front of her.
"Earth make wall," Sylvia cried out.
"Ballista excusso," Vainsley yelled, the lance shattering Sylvia's wall before slamming into the end of the hallway.
"Note to self look up that spell immediately," Tracy thought, impressed by the spell.
"Mud bullets," Sylvia yelled, peppering Vainsley with balls of mud as she hid behind a shield.
"That crazy bitch," Tracy growled, recognizing the wand movements. "Protego maxima," she hissed, throwing the shield over the doorway as she ducked back inside.
"Crepitus," Vainsley growled, firing the spell at Sylvia's feet.
"Earth make stone dome," Sylvia yelled. "Please make it in time." In a flash the stone floor grew up and over the impact point encasing the spot just as the spell went off. A loud boom and thud sounded. "Use a bigger one next time," Sylvia said before a follow up spell disarmed her.
"Don't be stupid next time," Vainsley said as the stone wall crumbled. "This is what happens when you defy Syltherin, now move it shrimp" Vainsley said, pushing Liz along as Sylvia lay slumped against the wall.
"You won the battle but the war is far from over," Tracy thought as several of the girls who saw the battle were starting to give Vainsley some questionable looks about nearly being blown up.
Section Break
"What the bloody hell….. Sylvia!" Elizabeth yelled, discovering Sylvia half conscious laying against the wall of a destroyed hallway.
"You know Johanna never told me how much being blown up hurts," Sylvia groaned.
"What happened," Elizabeth asked.
"Vainsley made her move," Sylvia groaned as Elizabeth helped her up. "And booted Liz into the 1st year dorms."
"She can't," Elizabeth said.
"She can, because Dumbledore is questioning her age and is within his right to move her into a different class or year if he so chooses," Tracy said.
"Why tell us this?" Sylvia asked.
"No reason," Tracy said. "But you know that's two duels you've lost without serious injury, you might not be so lucky a third time."
"Is that a threat," Sylvia said.
"Not at all, I think it is admirable that you not only stood up to me, and now to Vainsley," Tracy replied.
"Get to the point," Sylvia said.
"I would be more than willing to let bygones be bygones, and help…" Tracy said.
"No," Sylvia replied.
"You haven't even heard my offer," Tracy said.
"I don't need to hear your offer Tracy Davis, you have nothing I could want," Sylvia replied, returning Tracy's glare with a steely eyed look of her own.
"Fine," Tracy huffed. "But be forewarned by taking offensive action, you have now painted a target on your back," Tracy said.
"Sylvia stood up to Tracy, but she's only a 4th year," Hermione whispered while watching the exchange. "Why? How?"
Monday February 19th St Hilde's
"Johanna congratulations on making the medal stand," Padma said as Johanna returned to school.
"Danke," Johanna replied. "I still can't believe it myself."
"Can I see it," Padma asked.
"Sure I can get it out later," Johanna said.
"Why not now," Victoria said.
"Well you see…." Johanna stammered.
"You're still wearing it," Victoria said with a smirk.
"Victoria!" Johanna whined. "How did you know?"
"Because we're sisters and I know my sister," Victoria chuckled.
"You're really still wearing it," Parvati chimed in.
"Yes," Johanna sighed, shoulder slumping as she pulled it out from underneath her sweater. "I was just so excited I couldn't take it off. I mean I medaled, I actually medaled. Sure it's only third."
"At the European championships. I would say that is pretty darn good," Padma said.
"True, but I am going to beat Natasha and Jessica one of these days," Johanna replied.
"So all things considered, did you get a chance to relax and have some fun," Parvati asked.
"Ja, even if the press were a total pain in the ass," Johanna said.
"Did mom threaten to shove a camera up someone's backside again," Victoria laughed.
"Nein, es war papa," Johanna said.
"Papa," Victoria gasped.
"Er nahm die britischen Paparazzi nicht allzu freundlich auf," Johanna said.
"Keine Überraschung da," Victoria said.
"Anyway, how is the work on the magical magnetometer?" Johanna asked.
"We've had trouble testing it," Padma said.
"What seems to be the problem," Victoria asked.
"The sample rate is only 1hz but given the size of what we're looking for that shouldn't be a problem. The same goes for the bandpass, but again we're looking for a large fluctuation in the magnetic field. This means the resolution is crap but the real problem is the temperature," Padma explained.
"The temperature," Johanna said.
"Sis, it's going to be over -50 degrees up there," Victoria said.
"Das ist etwas kühl," Johanna said.
"Understatement," the others said, rolling their eyes.
"Then there is the transportation problem," Parvati said.
"Transportation problem, aren't we using an airship," Johanna said.
"Which is using magical magnetic levitation throwing off the measurements," Padma explained. "And non-magical airships can't reach the jet stream."
"That is a problem," Johanna said.
"Got any ideas," Parvati said.
"Build one," Johanna shrugged.
"You want us to build an airship," Padma said.
"Nein, I want to ask the dwarves to build one," Johanna said.
"Hahahahaha it seems some things never change," Victoria laughed.
"Got that right," Johanna said.
"Hamen vaaraanasee mein hindoo maneeshiyon se poochhana chaahie," Parvati said.
"Yah sahee hai, vinam," Padma exclaimed.
"Translation please," Johanna said.
"Ancient mystical flying ship," the twins replied.
"So Dwarves, Fairies, Hindu mystics…" Johanna said.
"Oh and Perenelle, and Alucard," Victoria said.
"We should write to the Zeppelin family since they pioneered airships," Johanna said.
"Good call," Padma said.
"Time to write some letters then," Johanna said.
Friday February 23rd St. Hilde's
"Grunberg, Patils! My office now!" Fate's voice boomed as she barged into a classroom.
"Maybe we should have told her first," the Grunberg twins said.
"You think," the Patil twins replied as they followed the professor to her office.
"In our defense it seemed like a good idea at the time," the girls said as they discovered an eclectic group of individuals crammed into Fate's office.
"Would anyone want to explain why all of these individuals came here to meet with you," Fate said.
"Headmistress Fate already knows this but can we count on your discretion on what we are about to say," Johanna said.
"Certainly," Count Zeppelin said as the others nodded.
"The short version is that we have a theory on the location of Laputa," Victoria said.
"From anyone else I would say that you are on a fool's errand," Elaine said.
"Agreed, but I am also inclined to listen," Count Zeppelin stated.
"The Grunbergs have a knack for finding lost objects," Gimley chuckled.
"We think that Laputa, the lost city of the sky, is currently floating in the polar jet stream held aloft through magical magnetic levitation," Parvati explained.
"The power output would be astronomical," Zeppelin mused.
"True, but I can freeze a lake with only a few carrots. Imagine what a fully charged cullinan diamond could do," Johanna replied.
"You're going to use a magnetometer to find the magnetic distortions it causes, and an airship to carry it," Count Zeppelin said.
"Yes," the girls said.
"And since the jet stream is above the normal operating range of airships you need a custom model," Elaine said.
"Yes," Johanna said. "Can you do it?"
"Young lady, you have gathered a group as eclectic as it is skilled, but the real question is why should we do it," Zeppelin said, holding up a hand. "Yes, your family is quite well off, but this is a rather expensive proposition, and Zeppelins were once used for military purposes. This ship you would have us craft could be quite powerful on the battlefield."
Johanna turned to look at her sister and friends who nodded before turning back to the German Count. "Count Zeppelin, your great uncle once dreamed of trains in the sky carrying mail and passengers around the world. I see this as a revitalization of his dream," she said, holding up her hand causing him to pause. "Yes, I realize there is not much for airships in either world right now, but the worlds are inching closer together and within my lifetime I believe we will see a fully unified world. I don't know if you have ridden in a muggle airplane but it is not the most pleasant experience. Even magical airships can't match the speed of muggle planes, but they can not match their versatility or comfort. There are business opportunities for transit, freight, construction and sightseeing. By doing this you would have a significant leg up on the current magical airship models."
"You make a cogent argument Ms. Grunberg, but I have seen charismatic individuals in the past," Count Zeppelin replied.
"Grindelwald is a madman, and I am not him." she said, raising her wand. "I, Johanna Grunberg, swear on my soul the source of my magic that I want to use this new technology to help all the people of the world. Should it be twisted into committing heinous atrocities I will destroy them myself," she said, her wand glowing brightly. "We all will," Victoria, Padma, and Parvati chimed in a wave of magic brimming with purity of intent washed over the group.
The adults turned away from the glowing wands to look at Fate. "Don't look at me I had no idea they knew how to do a magical oath or that they would go that far."
"The purity of your convictions has swayed me Ms. Grunberg, but I have one final question, why do you seek the holy city of the fairies and what will you do when you find it," Count Zeppelin asked.
"We wish to return the fairies to their ancestral home so that they can protect it from those who would defile it," Victoria said.
"Victoria," Elaine gasped tears welling in her eyes.
"Called it," Gimley said, holding his hand out waiting for Count Zeppelin to place a number of coins in it.
Monday February 26th Hogwarts
"I hate my life, but I did make this bed, so I have to lie in it. I just didn't think it would be this bad. Is this what I put the old Hermione through." If Liz had thought things had gotten weird since last year, this was like having the rug pulled out from under her as the room flipped upside down. Nothing made any sense anymore, she was supposed to be a smoking hot blond bombshell, with the power of the storms at her fingertips. She gave that up to be a short scrawny little girl bereft of the grace and beauty she once had, her magical power a fraction of what it once was, but she was still an 18 year old young woman and an adult. Yet, here she was racing down the hallway a scant fraction of a fraction of her former self, a self that was growing weaker by the day it seemed if her panting was anything to go by. "I'm on the cheerleading team. I can't be this out of shape."
"You'd better not cost us points, dumbass," Merula Synde, a pureblood and the strongest of the Syltherin first year girls said to her as they entered class.
"I am not stupid," Liz protested.
"Then why were you sent back seven grade levels," Merula said, pushing her into the wall.
"Because I wouldn't tell Dumbledore what happened to Invisible air." "It's….. Complicated….." Liz muttered.
"Ha, I knew it, the classes were too complicated for a shrimpy little moron like you," Merula said, walking away with a flip of her hair as the warning bell rang.
"Not a shrimp," Liz muttered, adjusting her bookbag as she marched into class. "I'm 5ft tall, so while I'm really short for an 18 year old I'm really tall for an 11 year old…" she said, her voice dying as a Gryffindor girl walked by just barely edging Liz out in height.
"You were saying," Merula said looking back at Liz.
"I'm not a shortie….." Liz muttered slowly, taking a seat, missing the fact that the tall girl was wearing heels.
"A pleasure doing business with you," Merula said to the girl.
"You're welcome," the girl said.
"Though I have to ask, where did you get the cute shoes?" Merula asked.
"Marietta Edgecomb," the girl replied.
"Oh Tracy's friend," Merula said.
"Yes, she's really fashionable," the girl said.
"I know right," Merula said.
"But what's the deal with the new firstie," the girl asked.
"I heard she was caught trying to masquerade as an 8th year student," another girl said.
"Really, I don't see how she's no bigger than the rest of us," more students whispered.
"Not a shrimp," Liz muttered, sinking lower in her seat.
"Excellent, Tracy will be pleased," Merula thought with a smile watching Liz squirm. She was more than willing to help terrorize the Tuttle girl for some family revenge.
"Today we will be reviewing the measuring charm," Fitwick said as class began. "Would anyone like to demonstrate?"
"You might have demoted me Dumbledore, but you'll have to move me back after I ace these classes," Liz thought as she thrust her hand into the air.
"Yes, Miss Tuttle, this should be an old hat for you," Fitwick said.
"What would you like for me to measure," Liz asked.
"The height of the table," Flitwick said, moving to the side.
"Quae mensura," Liz said, aiming her wand at the table, her smile dropping as a series of question marks appeared above it instead of numbers. It would have worked if she was at her previous levels of power and ability but in her current state the details mattered.
Flitwick frowned as the girl failed with the rather basic spell. "Miss Tuttle, do remember that you point at one side of what you wish to measure on the first syllable, and the other end at the last syllable," Flitwick explained as the class snickered. "Now who would like to demonstrate the spell properly," he said before calling on another student who did the spell correctly.
"Excellent, 5 points to slytherin, now I want you to break into pairs and practice," Flitwick said.
"So let's see how tall you really are," Merula said, pairing up with Liz.
"I…. um.." Liz stammered looking for anyone else to pair up with but found none.
"Looks like you're stuck with me, shrimp," Merula said. "Now let's see how tall you really are Quae mensura," she said, aiming her wand at Liz. "4'10.5," she said.
Eyes bulged out of their sockets as her jaw dropped. "What! There is no way that is right," Liz screamed. The entire class stopped, eyes turning towards Liz, their chatter dropping off until it was so silent you could hear a pin drop.
"Is there a problem," Flitwick said, walking over to her, his glare enough to make her feel even smaller.
"No professor," Liz squeaked as her voice cracked shifting an octave higher.
"Then what seems to be the problem," Flitwick asked.
"I um well you see…" Liz stammered. "I think Merula did the spell wrong."
"Why do you think she did the spell wrong," Flitwick said.
"I am 5ft, and she said I am 4'10.5," Liz said pointing at Merula.
With a simple flick of his wand he summoned a long tape measure standing it up next to Liz. "I am sorry, but Merula did the spell correctly, you are indeed 4'10.5, which is perfectly healthy for a first year," Flitwick said. "Please do not disrupt my classroom with such nonsense again."
"But I'm 18," Liz thought.
"Merlin, you are such a little girl," Merula sighed.
"I'm 18 right," Liz thought as the class continued growing more conscious of the other 1st years that were as tall or taller than her. So wrapped in thought she missed the fact that Merula and her friends had on shoes with slight heels or thick soles.
Section Break
"How does she do it," Hermione thought looking at Sylvia who was studying in the common room which was seeing more spells flung back and forth as the different factions vied for power in the current Slytherin Civil war. Thus outside of tea time, it was rare to see people sitting in the common room, and yet there Sylvia was reading a book with her back to the wall. A brazen act given her defeats by Tracy and Vainsley and yet there she was sitting confidently with her back against the wall. The occasional spell splashing against a shield spell projected around her. "You'll have to do better than that Merula," Sylvia said casually, turning a page of her magazine. "So cool," Several more spells splashed harmlessly against the shield before the poorly hidden Merula left in a huff. "But she's just a 4th year, how is she so powerful, and pretty," she thought as she started to sketch.
"What cha doing," Sylvia said, snuck around the concentrating Hermione looking over her shoulder at the colored sketch.
"Eep," Hermione squeaked, throwing the sketch pad into the air only for Sylvia to catch it.
"Wow, she's actually really good," Sylvia thought, examining the sketch that looked like it could have been a photo, with how she took the time to add the individual bricks to the buildings in the background. What really drew her attention was the brown haired girl with blue-green eyes in the foreground. "Is this me, or is this the me Hermione sees me as." "Hermione, this is really good," Sylvia said.
"You think so," Hermione said, stunned by the first positive statement she'd heard in forever.
"Yes, so who taught you how to draw," Sylvia asked, handing back the sketch pad to Hermione who cradled it protectively.
"Self taught, but the Tepes family taught me the basics, oh and Lady Atriedes sent me some books" Hermione said softly.
"She still remembers that," Sylvia thought, eyebrows raising in surprise. "I was not aware that you knew the Tepes family?"
"It's fine, most people don't believe me," Hermione said, turning to leave, stopping when a hand was placed on her shoulder. "Please don't hurt me," she squeaked.
"What the hell did you do to her Tracy?" "I won't and I believe you," she said softly, leading Hermione back to where she was sitting.
"You do," Hermione said.
"Yes," Sylvia said.
"Thank you," Hermione said softly.
"You are welcome, now I have to ask am I the girl in the drawing," Sylvia asked.
"Yes, I'm sorry," Hermione said, hunching down in her seat.
"Don't be, it's a lovely sketch and you made me look so mature and pretty," Sylvia said.
"That's because you are," Hermione said.
"Hermione, I am not that pretty," Sylvia said.
"That's because you're an idiot," Hermione said softly.
"My grades are just fine, thank you very much," Sylvia said, crossing her arms as she glared at Hermione.
"That's not what I meant," Hermione blurted out, waving her arms defensively.
"Then what did you mean," Sylvia said.
"You are just like Johanna who didn't realize how pretty she was until it smacked her in the face," Hermione said, pulling out a small mirror.
Taking the mirror and enlarging it Sylvia finally got a good look at herself since the training had begun. "When did this happen," she gasped, noting the absence of a slightly crooked tooth, and her skin was acne free and her brown hair looked amazing.
"I dunno, puberty is just like that I guess," Hermione sighed.
"No wonder my clothes have been feeling snug recently," Sylvia said. "I knew it was coming and it still snuck up on me. Shifting realities indeed."
"And that's why I said you were stupid," Hermione said cracking the tiniest of smiles. "I know everytime I gain weight." "You know I have some stuff that might fit you," Hermione said.
Sylvia cocked an eyebrow at Hermione. "No offense, but you have clothes that might fit me," Sylvia said.
"A girl can dream, but I can not deny reality any longer," Hermione sighed. "I'm fat, ugly and stupid, and did a terrible thing to Johanna even if I don't remember what it was."
"I doubt this is a trick, and if this is Hermione trying to turn over a new leaf I do not want to crush it," Sylvia thought, closely examining Hermione. "Alright, but I'm only borrowing it until I can go shopping at Hogsmeade, ok."
"Sure," Hermione said.