Hey, I'm back! Wow, two chapters in one go? I'm on fire! This is a rather favourite chapter of mine since we get to see more of the twins' interaction with other students and professors.
As usual, a good review would be nice :
Hogwarts Grounds, Hogwarts, Scotland
7:30 AM | November, 1994
If all the meals were like this throughout the year, Audrey was sure she'd gain more pounds than she'd like. Baskets of hot bread, plates of sliced sausages and fried bacon, heaps of fruit and vegetables and all sorts of jams and butter were scattered all around the table along with other dishes. Breakfast was simply heavenly, and she applauded the host school for including food from all over Europe. Taking her last bite of the churros, she set her fork down before chugging the magically refilling water.
"They're turning me to a pig." Emily whined as she took a bite out of the pumpkin pasty. "I can already foresee the scale getting heavier."
"You're not alone in that matter." Rose, a seventh year delegate, said as she leaned back and patted her flat tummy. "This will probably turn into flab by the end of this whole tournament."
At the other side of the hall were the Durmstrang boys, who were too busy eating to come up with any conversations. They were pleasantly surprised by the food and decided to savor breakfast before they went on the tour of the castle.
They all met at the grounds half an hour after breakfast, excited to finally see more of the castle. Of course, while each student of each school would probably say their school is more beautiful, they simply can't deny that Hogwarts is truly a sight to behold. It looked like a medieval castle, about seven stories tall with high, pointed towers and a very large landscape encircling the building.
"Ah, good morning everyone! I sure hope you had a fulfilling meal. The entire castle awaits us today!" Albus Dumbledore said happily, a twinkle appearing in his blue eyes. He reminded Michael of Merlin as he took in his ensemble - a long, sweeping beard, half moon glasses perched upon his crooked nose, and purple robes with tiny, silver stars dotted all across it. Who knew the most powerful wizard in the world would dress like that? While Dumbledore looked eccentric, there was something about him that just screamed wise and kind. It must be his warm smile, or the mirth spilling through his eyes. He would probably be the stark opposite of Michael's own headmaster, Igor Karkaroff. While Karkaroff's presence made everyone stand a bit straighter with fear, Albus Dumbledore carried such a lighthearted aura that made everyone feel at ease. This caused Michael to smile a bit, already liking him.
The tour started with a trail that led them to a giant hut, made up of large rocks and chunks of wood. It housed the friendly half-giant Hagrid, the keeper of keys and grounds of Hogwarts. Maybe him and Madame Olympe will hit it off, Michael thought as he gazed at him. He seemed rather nice, and if he could possibly make use of a comb and maybe even have a good shower, then Madame Olympe can probably look his way. Oh, and probably have a change of clothes, Michael added as an afterthought, knowing how vain Madame Olympe can be at times. The pen of the Abraxans was a few feet away from his humble home, and he could be seen tending to them. Offering a quick introduction, the group then set off. They were then led to a vast lake that stretched as far as their eyes could see. Professor Dumbledore had told them that due to the cold weather November brought, this lake was bound to freeze sometime soon. A very large octopus tentacle made an appearance, shooting up to the sky and waving a hello. From there they roamed the outskirts of the forbidden forest where Professor Dumbledore reiterated that it was off limits. Before they left, a centaur caught Michael's eye, bowing to him before galloping away.
After the extensive tour of the majestic grounds, they were ushered inside. Since it was a Friday, the students were all in their classrooms which left the hallways quite bare. According to the headmaster, their next stop would be their future classrooms.
From the entrance hall, they went down to the chilly dungeons that contained the Potions classroom. They were greeted by a pale man clothed with black robes, which also matched his quite greasy hair. It's not that Michael's judgmental or anything, but what is up with the people here needing a shower? Albus introduced him as Professor Severus Snape, the Potions Master. His obsidian eyes looked at them with nothing but seriousness, nodding his head as a greeting. Maybe he and Karkaroff can be besties, Michael thought jokingly. Looking around, the classroom itself was pretty dim. Its sources of light were simply torches and small windows, along with bubbling cauldrons. Their next stop led them to the hospital wing which was located on the first floor. It was manned by the Matron, a mediwitch named Poppy Pomfrey, or as the students know her, Madame Pomfrey. She seemed kind enough, though was terribly busy when they came. So all she could do was smile and say a quick hello, hastily reminding them to come whenever they feel under the weather. On the way upstairs, they saw a group of third years headed by Professor Pomona Sprout, the teacher for Herbology. She was a short woman wrapped in gardening gear, with a big, warm smile on her face. With a promise to make Herbology as easy as possible, she and her group went off to the greenhouse they visited earlier.
A small teacher clad in a dashing tuxedo called Filius Flitwick taught the subject Charms atop stacked books. It made Michael smile, noting how cheerful and happy he looked upon meeting them. Sending them off with a wave, the guests continued their tour. A rushing professor stopped to greet them, introducing herself as Professor Rolanda Hooch. She taught flying lessons and was actually on the way to set up for her first-year class. Her eyes lingered on him and his sister, Michael noted, before she sped off once again. The next person to be introduced was someone Michael was already familiar with, especially after last night's sky disaster. The one who sent a spell towards the ceiling was Professor Alastor Moody, and it was amusing how much his surname suited him. Turns out, he was a prominent ex-auror, which apparently meant a dark wizard catcher. With only one real eye and the other a mechanical one, it added terror to the already tense atmosphere. Michael definitely would not want to get on this man's bad side.
Upon meeting with the other teachers and exploring all of the floors and rooms of Hogwarts, they were now left with one last room. Pushing the wide, double doors open, the guests were left gaping at the extraordinary room. Each classroom was different, from its decor, to the size and even the atmosphere. This room, however, has got to take the cake. It was fairly larger than the others, decorated with cages containing various creatures, along with several shelves filled with books, and blackboards decorated with formulas written in chalk. The high domed ceiling sported a fossil of what looked like a winged creature.
"Professor McGonagall, good morning." Albus greeted, smiling at the familiar lady who teaches the class. Michael easily recognised her from yesterday's feast. She was the one seated next to Professor Dumbledore, the one who had a peculiar expression upon seeing him. However, she seemed to have gotten over it now, for she only gave him and the others a nod. Like before, she wore robes of green and a black, pointed hat sporting a brown feather on the side. Now that Michael could see her closer, he could almost deduce her to be very strict, yet quite… motherly? Her green eyes, which almost looked like he was staring at his own, met each and every one of theirs as she welcomed them to her space. "This is the Transfigurations classroom, and by far the biggest one."
"This room has your name written all over it, Auds." Fleur whispered to his sister. A proud grin began to spread on his face before he could even stop it from appearing. Everybody in Beauxbatons knows that Audrey was a prodigy, especially in certain subjects such as Transfigurations. The two professors watched as his sister nodded, her eyes taking in every nook and cranny of the room.
"I take it you like Transfigurations then, Ms...?" Albus asked, not sure what to call her. Audrey turned to him and smiled.
"Kensington. And yes, I do love Transfigurations."
"Head over heels for it." Victoria said, shaking her head. "She's been at the top of our year ever since we started- top marks and nothing less!"
Look at her blushing like a wussy first year, Michael thought with a snicker as he took in the embarrassed state of his little sister.
"Well, I mean no pressure, but I do hope to see great things from you Ms. Kensington." Minerva said, looking at the suddenly shy girl through her glasses.
"I'll endeavour to do my best, Professor." He would rather have his sister be confident and show the Professor what she can do- probably wandlessly transfigure a student into a raccoon or something- but Michael knew that dramatics were more of his expertise than Audrey. If he could, he would've boasted about her skills already, butting in the conversation and regaling them of his sister's talents. But instead, he chose to keep quiet- the last thing he wanted was his sister hexing him into the next few weeks. And she was quite talented at doing that too.
"I'm afraid we've kept you long enough Professor, thank you for your hospitality." Albus said, smiling at Minerva who nodded. The class then said their goodbyes to their guests before focusing on their class once more.
The headmaster brought them back to the Great Hall where Madame Maxime and Highmaster Karkaroff waited. The two were supposed to come with their students for the tour but unfortunately were caught up with the arrangement of their class schedules. Michael could bet Karkaroff was just being his petty ass self and simply didn't want to mingle with such 'common' people. Madame Olympe thanked Professor Dumbledore for the tour, and as usual, Karkaroff settled on a nod. What a pompous piece of arse, Michael thought. With that, the Hogwarts headmaster bid them goodbye and left the room.
"Enjoyed ze tour?" Olympe asked, noting the amazed look left at her students' faces. "Hopefully you will not get lost on Monday, hmm?"
"Yes, do try not to stumble like buffoons on your first day." Karkaroff grunted.
"Doubtful about that Sir, but we sure will try." Michael said with a grin as he accepted his schedule, the others trying their best to hide their laughter. They'd be completely dented in the head if they thought for one second that no one will get lost on Monday. The castle was seven stories high for Merlin's sake!
"Oh, Mr and Ms Kensington, please stay." Olympe called, not bothering with the curious look upon the twin's faces. They looked at each other, pointedly asking the same question,
What did they do now?
Arithmancy Classroom, Hogwarts Castle, Scotland
12:45 PM | November, 1994
"I told you it's the other way!"
"I did tell you I was not sure." Michael said defensively, the word buffoon floating in his head as he said so.
It was already Monday, and true to what her brother said yesterday, it was doubtful that they wouldn't get lost. Audrey and her friends barely made it in time for their Charms classes that morning, and thankfully Professor Flitwick was more than understanding. Afterall, it wasn't their fault all of the blasted corridors looked alike! Thank Merlin that was the only class she had that morning. They all went back to their carriage and took a nap, catching up on the sleep they obviously didn't get last night since they were too busy gossiping at three in the morning. When lunch rolled around, the ladies felt more energised than before. Now, Audrey and her friends, at least those who took Advanced Arithmancy, were on their way to their respective classroom. If they can find it, that is. Again, they encountered a little trouble finding their way but thankfully, a third year kindly led them to the right path.
Taking their seats, Audrey found herself alone since Phillip and Michael obviously opted to sit together. No one from her group took the subject, since it was apparently the most boring subject to date, and so they were in different classes at the moment. But since the tables and chairs that they have were a bit small, she was actually thankful she can hog all the space to herself. Just as she was about to take her stationery items out, a voice pierced her peaceful bubble.
"Excuse me, is this seat taken?"
Ah frick, she spoke too soon. Hiding her irritation, Audrey composed her expression into that of nonchalance before looking up.
There in front of her stood a tall boy, probably her age, with light brown hair that seemed as if he just ran his hand through it. His grey eyes looked at her kindly, matching the smile that was placed on his lips. The uniform he wore was mostly black, but was accented by black and yellow colours just like his tie. What was the house with that colour again, Audrey asked herself. Powderpuff? HuffPuff? Blinking, Audrey remembered she hadn't answered his question. He was probably beginning to feel awkward standing there, so she shook her head no in response.
Wait, why does he seem familiar?
"Mind if I sit here?"
"No..." She muttered, making space so that he could sit comfortably. The boy dropped his shoulder bag at his side of the table before sitting beside her. Cursing the lack of space, Audrey scooted away to make sure they weren't pressed together. Staring at him for a bit, she still can't shake the feeling that she'd seen him before. "I know this is weird to ask, but have we met before?"
The guy chuckled, turning to his right to face her. Nodding his head, he explained,
"During the Quidditch World Cup, Minister Fudge introduced you and your family to us. I was with someone named Arthur Weasley." He said, watching as the girl before him scrunched her eyebrows and pouted a bit before a look of realization crossed her features. Her blue eyes began to widen, her mouth forming a small 'o' as she snapped her fingers.
"Oh! You were with the redheads!" Audrey said, finally remembering. Yes, she did remember meeting a rather large family at the Minister's box. They seemed like a nice bunch, and Audrey was left wondering if she would encounter any of them again now that she was in Hogwarts. "I'm sorry, this is awkward, but your name must have slipped off my mind."
In her defence, she met almost a hundred people that night.
"Cedric Diggory." Cedric introduced himself warmly, his thick British accent seeping through as he offered her a hand to shake. With a smile, she slipped her smaller ones into his and shook it. Audrey was certain they already did this before as well.
"Audrey Kensington," Audrey said, a bit embarrassed that she forgot his name while he remembered hers. "It's nice to meet you again, Cedric."
"I actually didn't think we'd meet again." He said honestly, letting go of her soft hands and letting it rest upon the wooden table.
"I was also wondering if I would meet you guys here in Hogwarts, so I guess, we're even."
When he saw her during the World Cup, he'd be lying if he said she didn't catch his attention. Audrey was beautiful, and anyone who saw her would surely agree with him. She looked the same as she did when they met at the World Cup, but at the same time, simpler- she looked like a regular teenager that Cedric can actually talk to. Not that she didn't look like that before! But during their first meeting, she was decked in an ensemble that was probably worth more than his family's house. The Minister of Magic was at their beck and call, and several security personnel flanked their sides wherever they went. It was obvious that approaching her was nearly impossible. Cedric can't believe he's actually thanking the Minister for Magic in his thoughts, for if it wasn't for him, he wouldn't even have met her or have known her name. He remembered, quite vividly, the way her hands were clasped in his, shaking it as they introduced themselves to each other. It was rather short and curt, and was probably made purely for the sake of politeness. Her smile didn't reach her eyes, Cedric noticed back then, but it didn't stop the butterflies that began fluttering around his stomach. Not to say that he had his eyes on her the whole night because he swore, he was watching the whole match and not the way she would pout when the Irish scored. Audrey mostly had an impassive expression on her face, as if nothing could faze her, and had conducted herself in such a graceful manner that it almost looked like she was of the nobility. But now, seated beside him in one of Hogwarts' age-old wooden tables as his classmate, Audrey looked simpler and more approachable - but no less beautiful.
He almost laughed at the way he used to think he would never meet her again because for the next class that they had, Potions, Snape partnered him with her.
"You again?" She joked, making him laugh.
Taking in the smile she had that was directed towards him, Cedric felt his stomach twist - but not in a painful way. No, this was quite… pleasant. Gazing into her blue eyes and watching it twinkle, Cedric only had one thought at the back of his mind as they began the lesson.
Looks like this year is his lucky year.
Staff Room, Hogwarts Castle, Scotland
5:30 PM | November, 1994
"Do you think they even know we have a meeting?" Rolanda asked for the tenth time, unable to hide the impatience in her voice as she tapped her foot. Severus found his eyes rolling at the hyper flying professor, wanting nothing but to put a silencing spell on his colleague no matter how wrong it was.
"Yes Rolanda, and we are to convene at 5:30 so they are not late." Pomona said, not once sounding exasperated like most of her colleagues at the incessant asking of Rolanda. Pomona, after all, was the most patient one out of all of the staff - save maybe Dumbeldore and Aurora.
It was Wednesday afternoon and the whole staff, along with Hogwarts' head boy and girl, were waiting within the staff room to meet the point person for each of the guest schools. It was Madame Olympe who suggested that a head boy/head girl counterpart was assigned both with Beauxbatons and Durmstrang. This would make things easier, since the two visiting Heads can't assure that they will be present anywhere, anytime. After all, they still have duties to attend to and paperworks to complete despite being away from their respective schools.
As soon as the clock struck at 5:30, a sharp knock was heard from the wooden door. Albus told them to enter, his eyes stuck on the door just like everyone else's, curious to see who their chosen student would be. The door revealed none other than the auburn haired boy, Michael, and the raven haired girl, Audrey. They greeted everyone in the room, smiling politely as they did so.
"Ah, Mr. and Ms. Kensington. It is nice to see you once again." Albus said, watching as the two teenagers took the empty seats in front of them. They still wore their uniforms, presumably coming from their last lessons of the day.
"To you as well Headmaster Dumbledore." Michael returned the sentiment with a smile. "We're afraid our heads will be late since they're caught up in some school matters. They will, however, come here as soon as their business is finished."
"Of course," Albus nodded in understanding. It wasn't easy to run a school, that he knows. Probably much so when you're doing it with a considerable amount of distance. "Shall we get started then? I'm afraid I'm quite excited for supper."
Michael grinned at that.
"You and I both, Headmaster."
After their tour, when the twins were called by Madame Olympe, they were informed that they will serve as their respective school's head boy and girl during their stay here in Hogwarts. They accepted, and were asked to attend a meeting with the staff and the other head boy and head girl of Hogwarts. Now there they were, nodding their heads to whatever they said.
It was still quite bizarre for Albus to see someone who looks closely like someone he knows- especially if that someone is himself and his wife. To see both of them together, seated side by side, threw him off further than it did when he saw them the first time.
"Here," The Hogwarts Head Boy, Cameron, handed both of them badges that they can seemingly pin on their uniforms. It had the respective colours of their school, pale blue for Beauxbatons and dark brown for Durmstrang. It was almost similar to their Hogwarts counterpart, and the only difference was that it spelled out their school underneath the Head Boy/ Head Girl title. "Whenever this lights up, either something has happened or we have to convene with the Professors."
"You can actually just yell my surname and we'll both be rushing to you." Michael said jokingly, watching at the corner of his eyes as the brown haired girl laughed. There was a sense of pride that coursed through him as she made her- and the others- chuckle. "Seriously though."
Diana, the head girl, could only grin. She had a feeling the two were fun to be with and that they won't have any troubles getting along.