"I still feel quite bad for Harry. It's Halloween, and he can't leave." Lilyanna Maxwell – a sixth year Hufflepuff, who Madelia was sitting next to in the Great Hall – had been rather emotional for most, if not all, the morning. Although her and Madelia had met on the train and spoken for the first time in more than a month, she noticed she held sympathy in her eyes at all times. Today was no exception.
"I suppose he'll be fine," Mimose reasoned, smiling softly. "I'm excited to return back to Hogsmeade, though. This is my last year to visit."
"I'll miss you," Selena said. "You were my first friend here."
"Oh, I'm not going anywhere," Mimose replied with a soft laugh.
"But it won't be the same." They sat in silence quietly eating for the next few minutes until a familiar purple-eyed girl bounced their way.
"I'm so excited for today! Maddie, you will absolutely love Honeyduke's! I can't wait for you to see the town!"
"I personally think she'll love either Scrivenshaft's Quill Shop or Tomes and Scrolls. I know I always have," Lilyanna said with a bright smile. "It's a nice bookshop. That's where I buy many of the books that aren't required here."
"Boring," Zoey sang, buttering a piece of toast. "I prefer Honeyduke's. Oh, I've been craving their Exploding Bonbons."
"I can't stand those things. I don't like candy that explodes in my mouth!" Selena added.
"You'll have to visit Three Broomsticks, of course," Mimose stated. "They have wonderful butterbeer, it warms you right up."
They continued their excited chatter for a few more minutes before breakfast ended and they headed outside. Flitwick was waiting there, informing the 3rd years of the rules of visiting Hogsmeade. Madelia listened as well, but her excitement soon became distracting and she was taken from them by Zoey. Filch was standing nearby, glaring at the students as Mrs. Norris sat at his legs. Madelia thought of Floy, her tabby cat – she often used her in Transfiguration and afterwards, she wanted nothing to do with her. It wasn't until night fell and the temperature outside became quite cold that Floy curled up next to her in bed with the attitude gone.
Soon enough, the students had loaded up into carriages to head into town. Madelia tapped her foot in excitement next to Violet, who was reading another book quietly, and Zoey, who was babbling about everything. Soon, the town came into view and the girls stepped out of the carriage.
Madelia loved the look of the town – it reminded her of a place her and Remus had once lived in a few years prior.
"I think I'll go to the Three Broomsticks first," Mimose announced with a smile. "Anyone care to join me?"
"I will," Selena said brightly, linking arms with the girl. "I would love a butterbeer."
"I suppose I will as well. I need to review my list of books to look into, after all," Lilyanna reasoned, leaving the other three to shake their heads.
"We'll see you guys later," Mimose shouted as she tightened her scarf around her neck. "Happy Halloween, and please, Zoey, stay out of trouble!"
"My vote is Honeyduke's first," Zoey stated proudly. "I think you would love it, Maddie. Then we can visit any shops you'd like to see, and if there's time, I'll take you to the Shrieking Shack."
"Shrieking Shack?" Violet asked, raising an eyebrow as Zoey bounded excitedly towards the store. "It really isn't much to look at."
"It's only the most haunted house in all of Great Britain!" Zoey waited impatiently outside the store as Violet and Madelia walked to her. They stepped into the store and all three looked around in amazement.
Madelia loved the displays of candy and the shelves stocked to the brim with candies. Zoey was attracted to a section of chocolates while Violet continued to browse disinterestedly.
"Maybe the chocolate roses are good," Madelia said, pointing to several on display. "I think I'll try one."
She plucked one from the display and held it in her hands before following Violet to the lollipop section.
"I take it you like Hogsmeade?" Violet asked, twirling around an acid pop. "I did when I visited for the first time last year."
"I do. I think I should buy my dad something, though. He . . . He hasn't been feeling well," Madelia said, thinking about him. She knew he was becoming more irritable with each day that passed, with each night that brought a bigger moon.
"Professor Lupin? Well, I suppose he'd love chocolate," Violet said with a soft laugh. "Maybe a chocolate cauldron. My aunt used to buy me one every Easter."
"That's sweet," she said with a bright smile. Violet's own was missing the happiness, but it didn't look upset.
"I suppose I should get something for my brother, too. He's so difficult to shop for. I know he doesn't like much candy, though," Violet said, and began picking at a hangnail absent-mindedly.
"Maybe chocolate, too?" Madelia asked with a laugh. "We'll work it out together."
Violet's smile brightened as they joined Zoey at the chocolate section. Her arms were full of different candies.
"Nice to see you join me," Zoey said, examining a chocolate bird. Madelia scanned the shelves before spotting the chocolate cauldron Violet had been talking about. She plucked one from the shelf and held it tightly. Violet, however, seemed to be struggling more. "Violet, you look like a mess."
"I can't decide what to get my brother!" she exclaimed. "He's so difficult."
"Can't be as difficult as passing Snape's class," Zoey snorted with an eyeroll. "He gets on my nerves so often, it's a relief I haven't hexed him."
"No," Violet said quickly, and both girls raised their eyebrows. "Unless you have a death wish, or want to scrub cauldrons the rest of your life."
At last, Violet picked up a box of chocolate blueberries before walking to a different section of the store, the only sound of her departure the tinkle of her star earrings.
"Well, that was weird," Zoey muttered. "Violet is a strange girl."
"I think she likes Snape as her teacher," Madelia reasoned. "In fact, I think he's her favorite."
"I can't understand why. Must be a freak thing." Madelia shrugged as she examined different types of chocolate. She didn't like how Zoey often spoke of Violet; the younger girl was one of Madelia's favorite people. "Hey, Maddie?"
"Yes?" Madelia glanced up.
"Do you ever wonder about – oh, it's nothing." She raised an eyebrow at her friend.
"Wonder about what, Zoey?"
"It's nothing, I'm sure."
"I don't think it is. Please, tell me?" Madelia smiled again as Zoey sighed in defeat.
"Have you ever fancied someone?" Madelia blinked, then looked at her friend.
"I think everyone does, yes. Do you have one?" Zoey nodded without meeting her eyes. "Well, may I ask who it is? Or would you like me to give you my guess?"
Zoey hesitated and a small smile appeared on Madelia's face.
"I can't stand him, but at the same time, he always makes a point to talk to me," Zoey said with a shake of the head.
"Fred, I'm assuming?"
". . . Yes."
"I figured."
"What?"
"I could tell from the moment I first saw you interact with him on the Hogwarts Express. I'm no dummy, Zoey. Maybe he likes you back."
"I can't really picture that."
"I can. And I'm serious," Madelia replied at Zoey's skeptical look. They noticed Violet still waiting in line and decided to join her. After paying, the trio began their tour of Hogsmeade once more. Violet insisted they stop by the quill shop for a new set, and Madelia asked to spend time in the bookshop. She didn't buy anything, due to lack of galleons.
On their way to the Three Broomsticks a few hours later, however, they were greeted by none other than the twins. Madelia was the first to notice them as Fred threw a dungbomb close to Zoey's feet. She gasped and jumped aside before glaring at the laughing boy.
"Not funny." She stomped ahead of them, but Madelia noticed the flush of her cheeks, and knew it wasn't from the cold weather.
After butterbeers and a quick visit to the Shrieking Shack, the girls decided it was time to head back. The three of them loaded into a carriage with a few 4th year Hufflepuffs and headed towards the school. Madelia ran her candy up to her dorm to change clothes and kept her chocolate cauldron in her bag as she left. She was excited for dinner as she knew it was highly anticipated.
When Madelia stepped into the Great Hall, she had to stop for a moment to look at the hundreds of jack-o-lanterns, the dark ceiling full of flying bats, and bright orange streamers hanging. Madelia sat down at the Ravenclaw table before looking for her dad.
She found him speaking with Professor Flitwick with excitement, which surprised her as he usually didn't feel well this close to the full moon. She turned back to the food on the tables, mouth watering as she took at all the different options. She settled on the turkey.
By the time dinner was over, everyone was in a pleasant mood and Madelia had spent most of the night laughing with many people at her table. Most of the people had flooded from the room when Madelia remembered the chocolate cauldron in her bag.
"I'll meet you in the dorm," Madelia said, breaking apart from Selena. "I bought my dad a chocolate cauldron. I'd like to deliver it before we go to bed."
"Alright, I'll wait up for you." Selena walked away and Madelia looked to the staff table. Remus was no longer in sight and she sighed, shaking her head. She knew the full moon was very close and he wouldn't want to be around many people.
The corridor was empty as she walked in the direction of the classroom. The only sound was that of her shoes against the stone floor and her light breathing. She focused on the sounds before she noticed others close to her. Madelia stopped, turned, and looked around. There wasn't anything suspicious in sight.
She continued again, but the clicking noises did not stop and she decided to keep walking until she had a good opportunity to turn around. She placed one hand on her wand before turning sharply, surprised by what she saw.
There was a shaggy black dog standing before her, staring at her with big eyes. She raised an eyebrow, but kept her hand on her wand.
"You shouldn't be here," she said, taking a step forward. "I don't believe dogs are allowed in Hogwarts."
The dog made no move as she stepped closer until she could kneel in front of the dog. She considered its light eyes with a gentle smile, then raised a hand to its nose. It sniffed her gently, then nudged her hand. She laughed lightly before scratching the matted fur behind the ears.
"You seem friendly." She smiled, giving it another pat. "I'm Madelia. Do you have a name?"
The dog stared at her, having no reaction.
"As friendly as you seem, I don't think you should be here, so I'd advise leaving," she said, withdrawing her hand. "I'm sure Filch wouldn't appreciate a dog wandering the halls."
As soon as she said the words, the dog's ears perked and it looked back. It sent one last look – a melancholy look, in Madelia's opinion – her way before running quickly out of sight. Madelia rose to watch it leave before hearing footsteps running down the hallway.
Her eyes went wide and she quickly hid behind a nearby statue as the footsteps turned the corner. She relaxed at seeing Remus.
"Dad?" Madelia asked, stepping out. "Dad, why were you—"
"Madelia, are you alright?" he asked, lifting a hand to her face. He looked gaunt and his eyes were panicked. "Where did you go after dinner? Did something happen?"
Her eyes widened and she raised an eyebrow.
"I was headed to your room to give you something," she answered honestly, and debated on whether to mention the dog. "I hid because I didn't know who you were."
"Madelia, you can't do that!" he said, sighing in irritation.
"Do what?" He paused and opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out. Instead, he wrapped an arm around her shoulders to lead her down the hallway.
"Something's happened," he said tiredly. "The Fat Lady that guards Gryffindor Tower fled her position."
"What? Why?"
"Sirius Black attempted to get into the tower." A chill went down Madelia's spine as if she had just been doused in cold water. She looked at Remus in surprise.
"But . . . how? How could he get in?" Madelia asked. Remus shook his head.
"I wasn't sure where you were. I was afraid something had happened." Madelia leaned against his side before pulling apart once she spotted confused students flooding into the Great Hall. "Go join your friends, Maddie. I'll find you later."
Before she could respond, he had walked away. Madelia, dazed, stepped into the Great Hall. She spotted Violet leaning against the wall with a raised eyebrow, surrounded by other Ravenclaws and Slytherins who looked skeptical.
"Do you know what's going on?" she asked as Madelia walked closer. "I've heard something about Gryffindor tower."
"Sirius Black," Madelia said, testing out the name. It felt strange on her tongue and she felt shivers as she remembered the front page of the Daily Prophet from months ago. She could remember the insane look in his eyes.
"Sirius Black?" Violet repeated, eyes narrowed. "But—"
She went silent as Dumbledore came into the Great Hall.
"The teachers and I need to conduct a thorough search of the castle. I'm afraid that, for your own safety, you will have to spend the night here." There was a murmur through the crowd, but Dumbledore continued by stating the prefects and Head Boy and Girl were to stand guard. Violet still looked confused, but her face was paler than usual.
Dumbledore went to leave the Hall, then stopped. He made the tables of the Great Hall move to the walls before summoning hundreds of purple sleeping bags.
"Sleep well." He left the Great Hall and the students began their excited conversations. Madelia picked up two sleeping bags and held one out to her friend, who took it with a soft thanks.
As they passed, Madelia noticed that Harry Potter looked thoroughly troubled. She felt bad for him, but made no move to introduce herself.
Violet pointed towards the middle of the Great Hall, where Zoey was currently lounging on four sleeping bags. She was staring at the starry ceiling and telling the story to Mimose and Selena.
"—and when we went up the stairs, it was blocked, and all we heard was Peeves telling us about Sirius Black!"
"I suppose you've heard?" Selena asked as the two girls sat down.
"Who hasn't in this hall?" Violet asked, then cringed as she heard Percy screaming for them to prepare for bed. Madelia laid out her sleeping bag close to Violet.
"Madelia, Professor Lupin was searching for you," Selena said, and all eyes turned to her. "Flitwick went to find him after he brought us here. He said something and Remus looked troubled before he ran off."
"He was worried about me, is all," Madelia said, although she knew that deep down it was more than that. She looked around the Great Hall as Percy Weasley continued to stalk up and down the hall.
"Zoey, I don't wish to alarm you, but there's a sleeping bag hovering over your head," Lilyanna said, and their heads glanced up as a sleeping bag dropped onto the girl's face. She yelped before rolling onto her side.
"Weasley!" she seethed, looking up at the sound of his laughter. "I'm going to hex him into oblivion, I swear it!"
"That's what you say every time, yet you don't do it," Mimose said with a raised eyebrow. "Just admit you want to snog him so we can all move on with our lives."
"No, I—"
"Yes, you do. Now, be quiet, and go to sleep." Mimose sunk into her sleeping bag as the candles dimmed until there was only a faint light from the ceiling. The group went quiet and Madelia looked up at the ceiling. She stared at the stars for nearly an hour, willing herself to sleep, but found it was almost impossible. Too many things were running through her head. Even as the prefects settled into bed and the professors stood watch at the doors, Madelia couldn't bring herself to sleep.
"You too?" Madelia jumped as she heard Violet's soft voice next to her. She had a small smile on her face. "I have a hard time falling asleep, too."
"Oh." Madelia flipped on her side, looking around the quiet hall. Zoey was snoring nearby and Violet rolled her eyes. "I just keeping thinking . . . I saw something rather strange, on my way to find Remus."
"What did you see?" Violet whispered.
"A black dog. It didn't seem vicious. It seemed quite friendly." Violet raised an eyebrow.
"It surely wouldn't be a student's."
"No, no . . . it just seems like an odd coincidence, doesn't it?" Madelia asked, and Violet propped up on an arm.
"There's too many coincidences around here - you should have been here last year, when all that chamber nonsense went on."
"What's-"
"-Miss Lupin, Miss Volkamenia." Both girls jumped, turning to look up at Professor Snape, who had quietly chanced upon their conversation. Mimose stirred near them, despite Snape's hushed, sharp tone. "It is past curfew. Go to sleep and avoid disturbing your classmates."
"Sorry, Professor," Madelia said quietly.
"Sorry," Violet echoed. "Couldn't sleep."
"Then perhaps it would be wise," he said quietly, "to invest in a sleeping potion."
The two met eyes and Madelia watched, before Snape turned his gaze from them, continuing his walk around the other students to make sure they were asleep. Violet watched him for several seconds until collapsing back on her side.
"I should have grabbed my sleeping potion before I came down here," she muttered, "I didn't realize we'd be spending the night here."
"Count sheep, I guess." Madelia laid back, staring at the ceiling. Violet remained on her side. "Violet?"
"Hm?"
"Is it true, what everyone says? You like Professor Snape?" she asked softly, and turned her eyes to look at the girl. Violet's gaze had fallen to her sleeping bag, face set in a frown.
"I . . . don't think he's as terrible as everyone says, that's all. That isn't to say I excuse his harshness at times," she explained, and closed her eyes. "Too many people see me as a freak for that. Well . . . that and I don't associate with too many people."
"I don't think that makes you a freak," Madelia said, and Violet's eyes reopened in surprise.
"I thought you were friends with Zoey."
"I am, but we're friends, too, aren't we?" Violet's face began to break into a grin.
"Yeah, we are." She glanced aside at where Professor Snape was scolding another group of Hufflepuffs that hadn't fallen asleep. "We should try and sleep before he makes his way here."
"Right, right . . . Goodnight, Violet."
"Sweet dreams, Maddie." Violet turned on her side and went quiet, and Madelia continued to look at the stars in the sky. Her mind fluttered over the memory of the black dog and her conversation with Violet before she finally fell into a restless sleep.
