It was late October and every last fifth year at Hogwarts was overwhelmed with the workload – essays were submitted every day, surprise quizzes were normal, and every free period was spent studying. Save for a pair of twins, everyone was normally studying or working on homework. Madelia didn't mind, as she was used to Remus assigning her homework even before Hogwarts.

Today was no different – several fifth years sat in the Great Hall with piles of books around them. Madelia sat close to Zoey, who was muttering over a potions essay due the next day. Zoey sounded like she was on the verge of a mental breakdown and she felt bad. The bags under Zoey's eyes were apparent.

"I don't think the professors understand that sleep is a basic human need," she said, sighing in aggravation.

"Think of it this way: Halloween is coming soon, and I've heard great things about the feast," Madelia reasoned. Zoey shook her head.

"I doubt it. I don't even think Saturday's trip to Hogsmeade can make me feel better."

"Hogsmeade?"

"Yeah, the neighboring town. Haven't you been there before?" Madelia set down her quill and looked across the table at her friend.

"I just started school here, Zoey."

"Oh, that's right. It's a nice place to get away, I suppose. I personally love the Three Broomsticks – the butterbeer warms you right up. You're going, right?"

"I'm not sure. I need to talk to my dad about it."

"All he has to do is sign a permission slip. I'm almost certain Flitwick has said something to him," Zoey reasoned. "I think you should go. You would love Honeyduke's. They have amazing –"

"What're we talking about, ladies?" Zoey sighed deeply, holding her head in her hands as she looked at her book. Fred was smiling brightly and Madelia swore many of the fifth years glared his way because of it.

"I have enough work to do, and I don't need you coming between it. It's hard enough to focus without you pestering me."

Fred held a hand to his chest, feigning betrayal.

"I'm hurt, Maye-Flower. How dare you assume I'm here to pester you? Why, I might as well send you a Howler!"

"Be my guest, and step in line," Zoey said with an eye roll. "I'm sure when my mum sees my grades, she'll send one my way."

"I doubt that," Madelia said, a soft smile on her face. "You haven't gotten any Trolls."

"Still, they could be better. I just can't focus . . ." She paused, glaring at Fred and his twin across from her. "Especially with you two around."

"We're fun people," George retorted, raising his eyebrows. "In fact, we came to offer a trip to the kitchens."

"The kitchens indeed, Georgie. I'm rather craving some Pumpkin Pasties."

"I could go for a Cauldron Cake. I haven't had one in a long time," Madelia said. "I just need to finish this essay. I only have a foot left to write."

"Why don't we go now?" Fred asked.

"Free period is halfway over," George added. Madelia shook her head as she continued writing.

"When I'm done," she said.

"Such a Ravenclaw," George laughed, and Madelia had a small smile perk her lips. "How long will this take?"

"Not long. Now please, be quiet." She paused, then reached out to snatch George's wand with her free hand. She held it tightly without looking up from the essay. "I saw that. Leave Professor Snape alone."

"Should've let him jinx the sleazeball," Zoey mumbled, glaring in the direction of Snape. "He has it in for your dad, Maddie."

"What?" Madelia paused for a moment, looking at Zoey and waiting for an explanation.

"He does. Don't you see the glares he sends Professor Lupin? I think he lusts after his teaching position." Madelia shook her head, wondering back to the first day they were at Hogwarts. She had seen that glare many times before but never thought much of it. Snape tended to glare at everyone, and she never let it bother her.

"It's true that Snape's wanted nothing but the Dark Arts position," Fred pointed out, and Madelia went back to writing. "I don't think he has a problem with Professor Lupin. That's just his face, little duck."

"If you call me that one more time, I will hex you into oblivion." Madelia held back a soft laugh and focused on her essay. She felt George looking over her shoulder, but said nothing.

"You should work on your handwriting," he said, and Madelia rolled her eyes. "You make it difficult to cheat from."

"Very funny," Madelia said, and finished a paragraph. "I'm almost done. Zoey, are you going?"

"I really need to finish this," she groaned, resting her head against the palm of her hand. "Could you bring me back a Cauldron Cake, though?"

"I think I could do that, yes. I'll give it to you during Transfiguration." It was quiet between the girls for the next few minutes, with the twins talking amongst themselves. At last, Madelia was pleased with the essay she had finished, rolled it up, and placed it in her bag. As she did, she heard one of her books hit something solid and she looked into her bag. There was one of the memory potions from her trunk, glowing vibrantly to gather her attention.

"What's that?" George asked, taking the opportunity to snatch back his wand as she lifted the bottle.

"My medicine," was all she said, and looked up to notice Snape glaring in their direction. She checked the label on the potion and the handwriting was familiar to her, and she knew she had seen it before. "I need to take it soon."

"Medicine? For what? Have a secret disease you haven't told us about?"

"Do you have an abnormal case of sweaty armpits?"

"No, no, Fred. It's obviously for bowel control!" Madelia went red in the face and shook her head so quickly it made the twins laugh.

"Very funny. It helps my memory," she said, and stood up from the table. "So, where are the kitchens?"

"Follow us," the twins said together, standing to walk around the table. Madelia walked quickly to keep up as Fred pulled out the same worn piece of parchment from his pocket. Madelia recognized it.

"Is that a map?" she asked as they began to walk down a hallway.

"No, it's my charms homework." Madelia glared half-heartedly at George as she followed them.

"Professor McGonagall has class, Filch is on the fifth floor. No professors or other students in sight, I'm sure," Fred said, leading the way to the kitchens. "Should arrive uninterrupted."

"I've never seen the kitchens," Madelia said. "How did you find them?"

"A very special gift from the Marauders," George replied with the brightest smile. Madelia raised an eyebrow, but they said no more. When they were close to the Hufflepuff commons, they approached a painting of a fruit bowl.

"Tickle the pear," George said, pushing Madelia forward. She raised an eyebrow.

"That doesn't sound right."

"You won't regret it." She sighed, stepped forward, and ran her fingers over the pear. She jumped back as it giggled and a green doorknob appeared. Fred opened the portrait and stood aside to let Madelia through. She looked up at the high ceilings and the large room. It had five tables identical to those in the Great Hall. There was a large fireplace at the end of the room and pots and pans everywhere. Hundreds of House Elves bustled around the room. Some stopped to stare.

"The Weasley twins are back!" one cried, and several others rushed over with excited murmurs. Immediately, they began to shove various foods into their hands. Madelia smiled back at them.

"Just be kind to them, and they'll like you," George said, walking further into the hall. "Cauldron Cakes are over there."

Madelia nodded and walked in the direction, then sat on a free stool at the table. She smiled at the House Elves currently chopping vegetables.

"Ms. Lupin! Ms. Lupin!" She looked around in confusion as she saw no House Elves talking to her. A few were glaring around the room while others followed a certain House Elf bounding to a stool in front of Madelia.

A House Elf with large green eyes looked at her curiously and she assumed it was he who spoke.

"Oh, hello," she greeted. "May I ask how you know my name?"

"Drippy knows Professor Lupin, and Professor Lupin talks highly of you!" the House Elf spoke with a bright smile. Madelia was curious as to what Remus could be doing in the kitchens, but said nothing.

"Oh," she said, smiling slightly. "Well, it's nice to meet you. Just call me Madelia."

"As you wish, of course! Please, help yourself to a treat!" Madelia picked up a Cauldron Cake from a plate on the table, took a bite, and pulled out her potion again.

"It is, Ms. Lupin!" Madelia smiled softly at him, then uncorked the potion. She shivered as she downed the potion until the bottle was empty and it disappeared from her grip. Drippy watched her with interest.

"May I take one of these Cauldron Cakes with me?" she asked, nodding to the plate.

"Of course!" Madelia carefully wrapped one in a napkin and placed it in her bag.

"Thank you." She stood, glancing over at the twins. "A pleasure to meet you, Drippy - but those two need to get to class, as do I."

"You are excused, Ms. Lupin! Not that you need be! Please, take another cake!" She tried not to laugh as he shoved two more Cauldron Cakes into her hands. She placed them into her bag and began to walk away after sending him another smile.

"Maddie made a friend," Fred sang, linking arms with her.

"First one she's ever had, I'm sure," George added, joining her other side as other House Elves attempted to give them food.

Madelia scoffed, then said, "A better friend than you two, I'm sure."