For the Yearly Events Thread [Character Collection] on the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry Forum.
Greta Catchlove (1960 - Unknown)
Greta had a great fondness for Lily. She truly did. But still, there were some times when she wanted nothing more than to perform a well-placed Silencio on her friend's lips. It had taken a few years, but Greta had gotten used to the sympathetic murmurs about one Severus Snape and she'd even grown to stomach the complaints about James Potter.
Now, in the girls' seventh year, things had certainly changed. The only words that Lily seemed able to find were, "James really is wonderful" and "Don't you worry about the war, Greta?". Neither, in Greta's opinion, made for particularly interesting conversation.
"Things are changing," Greta said, keeping her voice level. "But I hardly think there'll be a proper war. The Ministry wouldn't allow for that."
"I can't imagine the Ministry being very proactive about it."
"Well, someone will step in," continued Greta, dismissive. "You shouldn't worry so much, Lily."
Of course, she'd heard all the rumours. There was a dark wizard on the loose, collecting followers and dressing them all in black. And yes, some things had been happening. Even the Ministry's careful censoring of the Daily Prophet couldn't stop the grapevine from spinning tales for all to hear. Still, calling it a war seemed a stretch too far for Greta.
"And if someone did step in…" Lily sounded uncharacteristically hesitant. "Do you think you'd join them? If they were asking for help, that is."
Greta barked a laugh. "Join them? What would I be able to do to help?"
"You're brilliant at Charms."
"And terrible at everything else!"
"Greta!"
Greta only shrugged. "I don't think anyone would have any need for my food charms. Unless this resistance of yours is planning on defeating this dark wizard by the power of scones, that is."
"Your cheese scones would be very persuasive," responded Lily.
The two laughed, and Greta relaxed. The talk of war was over. And very quickly, Lily moved onto her second favourite topic: James Potter.
It was a conversation that Greta wouldn't think much of until just a few years later when the prospect of war was no longer a rumour, but a reality. And when James and Lily Potter were announced dead, Greta found herself replaying it over and over again, wondering if there might have been a different outcome had she only offered to help.