Year 2: Triple the Trouble
Chapter 16: February 2013
As February arrived, Victoire found herself falling into a routine. Every morning she awoke, showered and got dressed. Then she, Brianna, and Kara went down to the Great Hall for breakfast. The days passed slowly, with class after class, broken up midday by lunch. After last period, the girls would work on their homework in the library until dinner, and after dinner they would sit up in the common room playing exploding snap or else they would paint their nails in the dorms. It was predictable and it was boring.
"I want to do something different," Victoire announced one day in the middle of a game of exploding snap.
"What do you mean?" Kara asked.
"We do the same thing day in and day out," Victoire said. "I want to do something different."
"What kind of thing?" Brianna asked.
"Well I don't know," Victoire cried, throwing up her hands in frustration. "Just something different."
"You could join a club," Kara suggested.
"Ugh, clubs are so lame," Victoire shook her head. "The only people who join clubs are people who are trying to make friends because they're too lame to do it on their own."
"What about people who actually have an interest in what the club is about?" Kara asked.
Victoire refused to concede her point.
"Well if you don't know what you want to do, then I don't know what you expect us to do," Brianna said.
"I've got it!" Victoire exclaimed. "Let's have a snowball fight!"
"A snowball fight?" Brianna asked skeptically. "You want to go outside and throw snow at each other?"
"Oh come on, it'll be fun!" Victoire said. "More fun than sitting around up here playing exploding snap all night."
"It's already seven o'clock," Brianna pointed out. "And it's the middle of winter."
"I think the winter thing might be kind of a key part of having a snowball fight," Kara pointed out.
"Aw, come on Bri," Victoire pouted. "Curfew's not for another two hours."
"Fine," Brianna conceded. "But if you guys hit me in the face, I'm going to be really upset."
Excitedly, Victoire ran up to the dorms to throw on her winter gear, her friends following a few steps behind her. It would be pretty cold outside this late in the day, so Victoire made sure to wear an extra-thick sweater as well as a hat, scarf, and mittens. She thought about wearing her winter cloak, but decided against it – she wouldn't have much mobility for running and diving if she were wearing a cloak.
As soon as they were ready, the three girls trooped down to the Entrance Hall and pushed the front doors open, descending into the Entrance Courtyard. They headed towards the lake, making sure to stop before they got too close lest they accidentally slipped on it's icy surface. They gave themselves ten minutes to each build a wall and start forming snowballs, and then the fight begun.
Victoire threw the first snowball, lobbing it into the air and aiming for Kara. Unfortunately, Kara dove and the snowball landed on the ground at her side.
"Come on guys, you've got to participate," Victoire said when her friends both cowered behind their walls. She stood up and took a few steps forward, hands on her hips. "If you're just going to hide back there, we might as well just go back in – "
She wasn't able to finish her sentence because at that moment, she was bombarded by snowballs coming from both sides.
"Oh, it is on!" Victoire cried, running back to her wall to load up on snowballs. She tossed a snowball in Brianna's direction, missing by a fraction of an inch. Then she waited a minute and while Kara was distracted, aiming a snowball at Brianna, she launched one in her direction, hitting her right in the shoulder.
As they continued throwing the snowballs, some Hufflepuffs from their class passed by and saw the fun.
"Hey, can we join in?" Maya Watson asked.
"Sure!" Victoire called back, abandoning her wall to the Hufflepuffs and diving behind Kara's. Suddenly, the game had turned into Gryffindor vs. Hufflepuff and it quickly became clear that the Hufflepuffs were winning.
"Hey!" Brianna called out suddenly, when she noticed her sister Savannah and some friends passing by. "Come join in! We could use some help on our side!"
Savannah and her friends hurried over and began forming snowballs for Kara to lob over the wall. She had the best aim of all of them and by far was hitting more of their opponents than the rest of them.
"Hey, can we play too?" Some passing third-year Ravenclaws asked.
"Sure, the more the merrier!" Victoire called out.
The Ravenclaws claimed Brianna's now abandoned wall and the game once again became three-sided; Gryffindor vs. Hufflepuff vs. Ravenclaw.
"You guys are having a snowball fight and didn't invite me?" Teddy asked, coming up on the Gryffindor side with a bunch of his buddies. "We saw you through the window."
"Sorry," Victoire apologized. "We didn't know it would get this big. If you're in, try and hit some of the Ravenclaws, they're beating our pants off."
A few minutes later, a group of Slytherins came over and quickly built a fourth wall, joining in the fun. More students started trickling out of the castle to see what the commotion was and more and more students, even the seventh years, started to play. The small walls that Victoire, Kara, and Brianna had originally built suddenly became whole fortresses. It seemed like the whole school had come out to participate. Victoire could even have sworn she saw some of her Professors join in for a minute to lob a snowball or two.
"Alright, curfew's in ten minutes, time to rap it up!" Hogwarts' Head Boy eventually called out. Everybody groaned. "Sorry," he apologized. "Mr. Filch locks the doors at nine sharp and I know none of you wants to be trapped outside all night.
Reluctantly, everyone started trooping back inside, dripping wet from all the snow. Victoire was completely soaked, having at one point been his with seven or eight snowballs all at once.
"That was really fun," Brianna admitted as they climbed up the stairs to Gryffindor Tower.
"I told you we needed to do something different," Victoire smirked. "And you wanted to play exploding snap all night." She shook her head mockingly.
"Hey, I can admit that I was wrong," Brianna said, holding her hands up in surrender.
"It was a lot of fun," Kara agreed. "Maybe we should make it a Hogwarts tradition – you know, every February we all go out and have a big school-wide snowball fight."
"Yeah, maybe," Victoire shrugged. "For now I think I'd just like to put on some dry clothes and maybe take a hot shower."
"Oh, yes please," Kara sighed just at the thought.
"Gillyweed," Brianna muttered when they reached the Fat Lady. The portrait hole swung open and they entered the common room.
Victoire hopped in the shower almost the minute they got upstairs and tossed her soggy clothes down the laundry chute for the house elves to take care of. They would be receiving a lot of wet clothes tonight, she thought. When she finally curled up in her warm bed, she was content. It had been a fun evening.
VvVvVvVvVvV
Soon Valentine's Day arrived, and with it, many of the older students started acting strange. Everywhere in the halls, people were holding hands and kissing. It made Victoire a little uncomfortable sometimes. In honor of the occasions, the ceiling of the Great Hall had been enchanted so that small pink and red confetti was falling from it, but disappearing before it reached the students' heads. Little chocolates were scattered across the tables, even at breakfast time, and Victoire had discovered a candy heart next to her head on her pillow when she'd awoken that morning.
"What's so special about Valentine's day anyway?" Victoire muttered as she and her friends tried to make it to Herbology while avoiding as many kissing couples as they could.
"I think it's sweet," Kara said. "It's a day to celebrate love!"
"Yeah, but can't you do that any day?" Victoire asked. "Why does everyone have to be all ooey gooey and lovey dovey at the same time?"
"One day you'll be in love and Valentine's Day won't seem so silly," Brianna assured her.
Victoire scoffed. "I doubt it," she said. "I'm never going to be one of those people that can't make it five seconds without seeing her boyfriend, or can't make it to class without kissing him."
"Alright," Brianna allowed. "That's fine. But maybe for some people, they like being with each other all the time."
"It just feels so orchestrated," Victoire shrugged. "Just because it's Valentine's Day, everyone's suddenly so much more in love than they were yesterday. It's ridiculous!"
"Come on," Brianna rolled her eyes. "Let's just get to class."
Classes were no more fun than any other part of the day. In Herbology, Professor Longbottom thought it would be fun to learn about plant reproduction and germination. Victoire was pretty sure he'd missed the romantic parts of Valentine's Day, because germination definitely wasn't all lovey-dovey.
In Potions, Professor Abbott-Longbottom introduced them to different types of love potions, but wouldn't let them come too close, because the smell could be overwhelming and she didn't want any accidents happening.
Defence wasn't much better than Herbology. Professor Leftbridge taught them some harmless defensive jinxes they could use if ever they found themselves dealing with someone too clingy on a holiday like today. Victoire was pretty sure it wasn't even Defence class anymore – how was a clingy girlfriend or boyfriend comparable to 'the Dark Arts'?
Only in their final class of the day did they do actual work, and Victoire was pretty sure it was because Professor Binns had no idea what day it even was, let alone what year. They talked about the International Confederation of Wizards for the hour-long period and then they were dismissed.
"I'm so fed up with this day!" Victoire exclaimed as they returned to the common room. "Everywhere we go, everything's about love, love, love!"
"What's got you so bitter?" Brianna asked.
"I don't know," Victoire shrugged.
When they got to the common room, they decided to play a few rounds of exploding snap before getting started on their homework. Just because it was Valentine's Day didn't mean their Professors had eased up on their workload. Kara and Brianna ran upstairs to find the deck and Victoire chose a good spot to play where the carpet was nice and soft.
"Hey Teddy," Victoire called out to the boy emerging from the boys' dorms. "We're about to play exploding snap. Grab Billy and we'll deal for five."
"Oh, I can't actually," Teddy said, his face flushing. "I – I'm meeting someone."
"Who?" Victoire asked with a frown. "Billy?"
"N-No, not exactly," Teddy stammered.
"Then who?" Victoire demanded.
"I sort of… have a date," Teddy revealed.
"Oh!" Victoire exclaimed, realization dawning on her. Of course he would. It was Valentine's Day and Teddy was fourteen. Of course he would have a date. "Well have fun then," Victoire said as he made his way to the portrait hole.
"Maybe I'll catch up with you later," Teddy said.
"Yeah, maybe for dinner or something," Victoire agreed.
"Well, actually, we're supposed to have dinner together," Teddy said.
"Okay, then maybe after dinner," Victoire amended. "Or not. Whatever."
Teddy nodded. "Have fun playing exploding snap," he said.
Victoire smiled and watched him climb out the portrait hole. For some reason, she was suddenly feeling very grumpy. She wasn't jealous – she wasn't. She just didn't like the idea of Teddy going out with some girl. She liked always having him around to play exploding snap and ask advice from when things were tough. Knowing that he was off with someone else made her feel like she was being left behind.
"Found them!" Kara said victoriously, waving the deck of cards in front of Victoire's face. "We thought we'd lost them, but turns out they were under a pair of Brianna's socks the whole time."
"I don't really feel like playing anymore," Victoire muttered, standing up and heading over to one of the tables. She spread her Transfiguration books out to finish the assignment that was due the following day. "Let's just do some homework. Maybe we can play later."
VvVvVvVvVvV
"So did you have fun?" Victoire asked when Teddy returned to the common room later that night. Kara and Brianna were up in the dorm reading that month's Teen Witch, but for some reason, Victoire had felt compelled to wait up for the boy.
"Not really," Teddy shrugged, flopping down with Victoire on the couch she was sitting on. "She was nice enough, but she was kind of boring."
Victoire hated herself for it, but she felt glad to hear it. "I'm sorry," she said, trying to sympathize.
"I didn't really want to go out with her," Teddy admitted. "Billy was going out with her friend and thought it would be fun if we all went on this big double date. But then he and his girl ran off and left us with nothing to talk about."
"That's pretty lame," Victoire said. "Billy shouldn't have done that."
Teddy shrugged. "It's no big deal. It's not like I'm going to go out with her again or anything."
"Good," Victoire said. "You shouldn't. Not if you didn't like her."
"Thanks," Teddy smiled. "So how was exploding snap?"
"Oh, we didn't end up playing," Victoire admitted.
"Why not?" Teddy asked.
"We have this huge Transfiguration assignment due tomorrow and after you left I remembered that I hadn't even started," Victoire lied.
"The assignment my grandmother assigned last week?" Teddy asked skeptically. "The one you were working on yesterday?"
"No, a different one," Victoire invented.
"Huh," Teddy puzzled. "I didn't know she'd given you another assignment."
"What are you, my father?" Victoire joked nervously. "You're keeping tabs on my homework assignments now? That's a little weird, you know."
"No, it's just that I have dinner with my grandmother in her quarters once a week and she never mentioned this big assignment," Teddy said.
"If the only topic of conversation you and your grandmother have to talk about is what homework she's been assigning, you've got problems, my friend," Victoire informed him.
Teddy laughed. "Yeah, good point," he said, dropping the topic. "You got any plans tomorrow afternoon?" he asked.
"No, why?" Victoire wondered.
"I want to make up that game of exploding snap I missed out on," Teddy said. "Four o'clock, in the common room. You bring Kara and Brianna, I'll bring Billy. What do you say?"
"You're on," Victoire smiled.
VvVvVvVvVvV
Dominique,
Things are good here. I'm doing well in most of my classes. Astronomy is a bit of a struggle, but don't tell papa or he'll owl the Headmistress and ask her to get me a tutor. If it gets serious, I'll just ask Teddy to help me out like when I was failing Charms. Oh, did I ever mention that? Don't tell papa about that either!
I received an interesting letter from Molly the other day. She claims you stole her copy of A History of Magic when you spent the afternoon at her house? Why would you steal a book as boring as that one? Trust me, I've read it and you do not want to read it before they force you to next year for class.
Nothing much else is new over here. Brianna still can't stand Raina's pet kneazle, but at least Ricky's not tearing up her clothes anymore. Caitlin's becoming insufferable with all this flying practice she's been doing down at the pitch during free fly time. She's convinced she's going to make the team next year and whenever Claudia Cloude is around in the common room, she's always sucking up to her. It's sickening.
I hope you're still well. Maman mentioned that you were feeling a little under the weather yesterday, but hopefully it's just a cold and you'll be back on your feet in no time.
Tell Louis I'll write him tomorrow,
Victoire
VvVvVvVvVvV
Victoire,
Don't worry, I won't tell papa about Astronomy or Charms. But if you have to go to summer school, I think he's going to notice.
I did not steal Molly's book, I simply borrowed it. Of course – I didn't really ask, so I guess technically it could be called stealing. I'm going to be starting Hogwarts next year and Molly was bragging about how she's already read through all the first year books and I realized how behind I was, so I thought I should get started now unless I want to be the only first year that can't cast a simple unlocking spell. I swear, I'll give the book back the next time we're over there.
I did have a cold, but I'm feeling much better now. It only lasted about a day and maman brought me soup in bed. Louis says he has it now, but I think he's just faking because he doesn't want to help me shovel the walkway. If he gets away with this, I'm going to have to do it all alone! I hate not being able to do magic. Maman could just charm the path clear, but she insists that we need to work now in order to later appreciate the gift of being able to do magic.
Grandma Weasley's been asking about you. You should send her an owl soon. Maybe send an assignment you did well on or something for her to put up in the kitchen. She keeps talking about how she used to do that with papa and his brothers when they did well on something.
Dominique
VvVvVvVvVvV
Dominique,
I'm glad you're feeling better. And don't worry, I'm not going to have to go to summer school. I'd ask for help before things got that bad.
Don't listen to anything Molly says. You don't have to read anything before starting at Hogwarts; I didn't and I'm doing fine. Molly's just crazy, probably because Uncle Percy is her father. Give her back her book and try enjoying these last months before you are forced to read boring textbooks all the time.
I sent Grandma Weasley my latest Potions essay. I got an O on it and I'm actually quite proud of myself. It was a tough essay. I was one of the only three people to get an O in the whole class. If you have a chance, read it the next time you're at the Burrow. Or actually, don't. It probably won't make much sense since you haven't studied potions yet.
Teddy says hi. He's started throwing ripped up pieces of parchment at me and I get the feeling he wants something so I'm going to end this letter here.
I miss you,
Victoire
VvVvVvVvVvV
"Truth or dare?" Brianna asked Victoire one Sunday evening.
"Dare," Victoire decided.
"Okay, see that fifth year sleeping on the couch?" Brianna asked. "I dare you to pull the pillow out from under his head."
"But then he'll wake up!" Victoire protested.
"Not if you do it really well," Brianna said.
Victoire got up and crept towards the sleeping girl. Carefully, she reached over and grasped the corner of the pillow in her hand and yanked up away, causing the girl's head to bang against the armrest, waking her up.
"What's going on?" she cried out, disoriented.
Victoire dropped the pillow and ran back to her giggling friends before she was caught.
"Okay, Kara, truth or dare?" Victoire asked.
"Truth," Kara said.
"What's your favorite subject?" Victoire asked.
"Charms," Kara replied immediately.
"That was a terrible question," Brianna complained. "We already knew that and it wasn't even interesting."
"Fine," Kara said. "You ask me a question then."
"I will," Brianna took the challenge. "Here's one; which teacher do you think is the most attractive?"
"What?" Kara cried. "I can't answer that, it's so wrong!"
"No it's not," Brianna disagreed. "You're allowed to find a Professor attractive. What you're not allowed to do is go out with one."
"Fine," Kara crossed her arms. "I guess if I had to pick, I'd say… Professor Longbottom." She flushed as she said it and avoided making eye contact with either of her friends.
"Oh, gross," Victoire shook her head, trying to forget her friend had said that. "He's friends with my Uncles and he's married to Professor Abbott-Longbottom. I so did not need to hear that."
"Sorry," Kara shrugged. "What else was I supposed to say? Professor Binns? Professor Flitwick?"
"Oh, that's so much worse," Victoire shook her head.
"Alright Victoire, truth or dare?" Brianna asked.
"Oh no," Victoire shook her head. "It's your turn. Truth or dare?"
"Truth," Brianna chose.
"Have you been using my special shampoo for the past few weeks?" Victoire demanded.
"How did you know?" Brianna demanded. "I've been charming it so that it doesn't feel any emptier than it should."
"It ran out this morning," Victoire replied. "And your hair has been much shinier recently."
"I'm sorry, but it's a really good brand," Brianna apologized. "Where do you buy it?"
"I'll have maman send me a copy of the owl-order form to give you," Victoire promised.
"That would be great!" Brianna exclaimed. "Thanks."
The girls played on for a while longer, but eventually, it was time to turn in. Life was good in Gryffindor Tower.