Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.
The Activity Faire
Between Flitwick's planning block, sixth-year charms classes, first-year charms classes, and YUP meetings, Flitwick quickly became the person I saw most frequently. I'm not complaining. It just wasn't a development I expected. And it was something that required a lot of adjusting. Not Flitwick himself. He was proving to be just as wonderful as always. No, the adjustment was specifically related to charms. Or rather, the amount of time I now spend thinking about charms.
During Flitwick's first planning block of the year, we sat across from each other in his office with his mahogany desk between us. Each of us sat in matching mahogany chairs. But Flitwick's chair had three cushions of different colors and patterns stacked on the seat so he could sit high enough to be able to use the desk comfortably. "Tell me, Weasley", he said as he held out a blue tin; offering me one of the white frosted cupcakes inside. "Why charms? What makes it preferable to you over other areas of study?"
I used the time it took to take a cupcake and to study the swirled frosting on top to come up with an answer. Why did I like charms? Why did I want to study it in depth? A better question; did I want to study charms in depth? I'm not sure if I ever decided. "I'm good at charms. It comes easier than the other subjects. I think I can-"
"No, no", Flitwick interrupted with a wave of his hand. "You have talent in charms because you like it. Not the other way around. Try again".
Exhaling through my nose, I did just that. Though it was difficult to see reason where I had never tried to find it before. "Okay. Charms is like cooking while everything else; transfiguration and potions are like baking. In baking, you have to be precise. Too much flour, not enough yeast, or if you don't bake it long enough or too much and your dish is ruined. There isn't much room for interpretation when reading a baking recipe. But in cooking, you can customize, experiment, and let instinct drive. Charms is like that. Sure, you can still cook something awful; have a spell with disastrous results. But the chance to create or discover something… delicious is greater. In cooking, in charms; there's room to be yourself. Imperfections and all".
Throughout my extended metaphor of an answer, Flitwick sat still with his hands folded under his chin. Only blinking on occasion. Halfway through, I started worrying if I was making sense. By the end, I was certain I sounded stupid. However, my doubts vanished when Flitwick unfolded his hands and pointed his right index finger at me. "There", He squeaked. "That passion. That is what you need to pursue a mastery. That is what you need to be a teacher. And that passion is what you'll learn to feed and harness these next two years". Flitwick was so excited that he clapped his hands together and offered me another cupcake. Even though I hadn't taken a bite out of the one I already had.
From there, Flitwick explained the course of study he was so proud of. Just like any class, I'd be given assignments; helping Flitwick with grading tests and essays, drafting lesson plans, preparing class materials, and tracking down citations for his own research. Unlike in my other classes, I would not have to sit for exams or write essays. In their place, it was expected I take charge of my own learning. Such as; tackling the reading list Flitwick gave me, asking every question that came to mind, and hunting down every answer. The end goal was in two years' time to be ready to run my own lessons, accept a teaching apprenticeship, and conduct my own research project.
It was daunting; looking two years ahead with big ambitions. But I left Flitwick's office with a cupcake to go; asking myself, 'why not?' The worst that could happen is failing, or learning teaching isn't for me. And then I'll just work for Fred and George.
That's what I kept telling myself as I tried not to become scared when studying Flitwick's list of suggested reading. I told it to myself as I worked on other classes' homework and assignments that were not charms related. I repeated it to myself as Fred, George, and I caused mayhem in the castle or when Adrian and I found quiet moments to ourselves. And I definitely thought it while dealing with anything YUP related.
Which leads me to where we are right now; occupying the entrance hall on the second Saturday of term, and trying to get everyone organized. It had been a race against the clock to get this event planned in time. First, we had to get McGonagall's permission to use the entrance hall during lunch for a school-sanctioned activity. Flitwick's involvement was probably the only reason we succeeded. Decorations had to be made and enough tables had to be found. The decorations took some time, but neither of the two tasks were hardships. Thanks to magic. The most challenging part was getting enough participants to justify the event.
The idea was simple and something I couldn't take credit for. This was all Cedric's brainchild; an event he aptly named, The Activity Faire. Our mission was the same as always; promote YUP and gain more members. And we'd do that by promoting other clubs and organizations at Hogwarts. We only had one rule. The groups presented in our event had to be welcoming to everyone. Meaning house-specific clubs and organizations were excluded.
Hogwarts' choir had a table. Causing Flitwick to split his time between helping them and helping us. The wizards' chess club had a table with two chessboards set up for anyone who wanted to try. The gobstones club wanted to do something similar, but they were vetoed because we didn't want the scent of putrid liquid to scare people away. Sprout was here to support the gardening club. The Weird Sisters fan club was softly playing music in one corner of the entrance hall. While open to all students, that corner of the room was shaping up to be predominately female.
The prefects, while not an organization open for people to join, were an exception and given a table. Mostly for the first years' sake, so they could talk to a prefect and learn which students they could go to if they needed help. Some of the prefects were taking advantage of this opportunity more than others.
Even SPEW was given a spot. Although, it was only being manned by Hermione as both Ron and Harry elected to represent YUP for this event. And, of course, YUP had a table. The most elaborate table with pamphlets the Patil sisters designed while Zabini stressed to ensure their grammar was correct. There were posters advertising future events we were planning in an attempt to create hype. We made sure every house was represented. And all our members had badges pinned to our robes to help us stand out. Fred and George had a hand in making them. With some fancy spellwork, the badges would light up like a neon sign every time someone said our club's name in their vicinity.
We also went to great lengths to make sure everyone was aware of who was responsible for the Activity Faire. On every banner, on every sign; sponsored by the Youth of the United Party was written in bold lettering. And thanks to our prime location, the entrance hall, the place everyone must travel through to get to the great hall, the activity Faire was impossible to miss. It was an introvert's nightmare. But it served our purposes perfectly.
"Holly! Holly!" Collin bounced up to me; dragging his little brother behind him. Not that his little brother minded. He was as much a human embodiment of a squirrel as Collin was. Waving to the fifth-year Ravenclaws I was talking with to excuse myself, I turned just in time to watch Collin skid to a stop right before he would have crashed into me. "This is my little brother Dennis", Collin introduced.
"Hi Dennis", I said to the shorter boy. The introduction wasn't needed. As a Gryffindor, Dennis and I have been sharing a common room, just like all Gryffindors, for the last two weeks. Dennis also knew me from his charms class. To Dennis, I was the older student who helped him with his wand movements and sometimes graded his homework. But Collin was so happy to have a family member in the school, I didn't have the heart to point this out to him.
"Dennis is going to join YUP", Collin shared; making the badges pinned to his and my robes light up.
If it wasn't for the age difference, Collin and Dennis could have been twins. That much was evident as both boys beamed at me with identical ear-to-ear grins. "That's great", I said. Although, it wasn't surprising. Collin and Dennis had been glued at the hips (as much as a third-year and a first-year can be) since the start of term. It was a dynamic that reminded me of how Bill and Charlie use to be before Bill discovered girls. "Have you met Quirke?" I asked Dennis; spotting the Ravenclaw first-year over by the gobstone club's table. "She's joining YUP too", I shared as the badges lit up. "You should go say hi".
The Creevey brothers didn't need to be told twice. They scampered off as soon as I pointed them in the right direction. Watching them go left me with a sense of exhaustion. Merlin, hopefully this isn't a sign I was becoming old.
Before someone else could grab hold of my attention or before I could get lost in my ponderings, Adrian slid up beside me. "How's the prefects' table?" I asked as we stood on the sidelines; just watching. A lot of students passed through to get to the Great Hall without visiting any of the tables. But most lingered. Whether to be polite, wave high to a friend, or because of genuine curiosity; who's to say? Still, the slowed foot traffic did give me a sense of success.
"Slow", Adrian answered; crossing his arms. "At least, for me. Those stopping by seem only to want to talk to Diggory". I hummed to show as I was listening; watching as Neville and Bulstrode talked up YUP to Susan Bones. "Lord Flint would be thrilled if Amelia Bones' niece joined", Adrian as quietly once he saw what I was looking at. "Any footing we can gain in the ministry will help", Adrian said; quoting our leader. Not that it's advisable to tell that to Lord Flint. He's annoying enough without pointing out that we wouldn't be organizing like this without him.
"I think it was the pamphlets that did it", I shared. "Bones seemed to really like it when she visited YUP's table". The badges on our robes lit up.
Adrian nodded. "The Patils and Zabini did a good job. No other club came as prepared as ours", he observed.
I shrugged; agreeing with him but also recognizing that the other tables didn't get as much time to prepare as we had. "Never took Zabini to be such a stickler for grammar. Though I'm not sure why. Thinking about it, it matches his personality. And the minutes he takes down for meetings are always meticulous".
Shifting his feet, Adrian made a subtle change in topic. "What do you think about Zabini?"
Instinctually, to continue the flow of conversation, I opened my mouth. But interpreting Adrian's question had me pausing. Why was my boyfriend asking me what I thought about a fourth-year boy? Suspicion had me answering carefully. "He's alright; decent and reliable. Although, he's hard to read and it wouldn't kill him to smile more".
"Yes", Adrian agreed, sounding like he was having a long thought. "He could be a good match for Ginevra".
Not expecting this line of thought, especially from someone who shouldn't have any say in the dealings of my little sister, I gave Adrian a bewildered stare; tuning out the rest of the event as I waited for an answer.
Either misreading my expression or reading it correctly and not caring, Adrian explained, "The Zabini family is one of wealth with international resources. But their reputation is lackluster due to the rumors circling Madame Zabini. As a member of the sacred twenty-eight, Ginevra marrying Zabini will boost their social standing. Especially, after the United Party is successful. And with both your families being founding members of the United Party, it's almost ensured they'll share political alliances".
Somewhere around the part where Adrian mentioned social standing, I snapped back to myself. "No", I said a little loudly.
"I thought you said you liked Zabini", Adrian said with a frown.
"It doesn't matter if I like Zabini or not. We're not having this discussion. Because we're not going to play matchmaker for my little sister". By Merlin! Just thinking of the bat-bogey hex Ginny would unleash on me if she ever found out I had meddled in something so personal as that…
"It would be an advantageous match", Adrian continued.
"No", I repeated. Maybe I should sic Sirius on him to get Adrian's head straight. Because there's no way, not even in high pure-blood snobbery, that thinking about who your girlfriend's little sister should marry is normal. Good grief, maybe Adrian spent a little too much time drowning in Regulus' body before fully reincarnating as his current self. What the hell is he thinking?
Adrian dropped the subject. But it wasn't clear if he would have done so by choice. Our attention got redirected without our consent. There wasn't a loud commotion or a heavy silence that took over the room. It was more instinctual as Adriana and I fell silent and turned to YUP's table where a group of three people were lingering where we least expected them to.
Manning YUP's table was Neville and Bulstrode. Standing across from them with the table in between was a first-year Slytherin. And crowding behind him were Crabbe, Goyle, and Malfoy. "Careful, Baddock", Malfoy sneered over the first-year's head while Bulstrode scowled and Neville nervously fidgeted. "This isn't the sort you want to be seen associating with. I would never be caught dead in their club".
Nearly hidden by Crabbe's oversized frame, we couldn't see Baddock's face. But his response clearly expressed his confusion. "But Montague said-" He wasn't allowed to finish.
"Montague is Baddock's mentor", Adrian shared as Malfoy cut off the first-year; referencing something specific to Slytherin house. Something I only learned about when Ginny was a first-year Slytherin.
"Montague's become as bad as Longbottom here", Malfoy said as he waved an aggressive hand in Neville's direction. From Neville's side, Bulstrode visibly bristled. "Befriending blood traitors and talking to mudbloods and half-bloods like they're his equals".
Squinting my eyes, I took a step toward them. What was happening? Malfoy had always been open about his intolerance. But he never insulted a Slyterhin upperclassman before. From the way Adrian talked about his house, I thought stuff like that wasn't tolerated. However, Adrian grabbed my upper arm; stilling me. "Let Bulstrode handle it", he whispered in my ear. "I'll step in if needed. But this is a Slytherin problem".
I frowned; ready to protest. That concept, a Slytherin problem, went against the purpose of YUP entirely. But then Baddock, the poor kid, asked the most foolish and painfully innocent question he could in this situation. "What's a mudblood?"
Malfoy and his goons froze as Adrian flinched. Neville's face morphed into a profoundly concerned expression as I felt my stomach clench with unease. In the English-speaking wizarding society, there was only one group who didn't know what a mudblood was or what it represented.
Only Bulstrode wasn't pausing. As soon as Baddock asked his question, she was moving around YUP's table. "Nevermind, Baddock", Malfoy said, disgusted as Bulstrode reached the first-year's side. "This club is perfect for the likes of you".
If it occurred in a different situation, watching Malfoy and his friends taking one large step back like they were afraid of catching the common cold would've been amusing. Now, it just… It reminded me of the attack at the world cup. "What do we do?" I whispered to Adrian after the sudden realization that rushing in could make this worse… Well, not for me. And not for YUP. But for the first year. He'd still have to live in Slytherin house after this.
Adrian's face was pinched as he let go of my arm. "We'll have to take a stance; YUP and those of us in Slytherin", he thought aloud as we watched Bulstrode step in front of Baddock.
But Bulstrode didn't block Baddock from view before he asked, "Why?" His voice came out soft and unsure. Not at all like who he asked his first question.
"We don't target our own, Malfoy", Bulstrode warned before Malfoy could answer; her face glowering and her cheeks puffed out.
"You would like that, wouldn't you, half-blood", Malfoy sneered. "You and Davis. But I thought you'd be thrilled. Finally, Slytherin house has its very own mudblood. Someone who's lesser than you. Congratulations are in order, Bulstrode. You and Davis are no longer the worst Slytherins in the school".
"I'm going to get Flitwick", I decided as Crabbe and Goyle chortled at Malfoy's words.
But I didn't need to bother. As it turns out, it wasn't just Adrian and me acting as spectators. "Ah, here's the club I was most looking forward to seeing", Sirius said as he made himself known; standing behind Malfoy and his gang. "I wish we had YUP when I was a student", he said; making all the YUP badges in his immediate area light up. "That party you were allowed to host last year was a riot". With his back towards us, we couldn't see Sirius' face. But his tone was very telling. "Are you thinking of joining, Malfoy?"
Malfoy turned his revulsion away from the uncomprehending first-year and directed it at Sirius instead. "No, Sir", Malfoy sniffed; sounding like referring to Sirius in a respectful manner was physically hurting him. "I have better things to do with my time".
"Then best be moving on", Sirius said, using his thumb to point over his shoulder in the direction of the dungeons. "And stop wasting your time as well as their's. You are blocking the table for others who do have time to spare".
Malfoy's upper lip curled back into a sneer and his nose scrunched as if he'd just smelt something rotting. "Of course, Professor", he conceded. With one last baneful stare in Baddock's direction, Malfoy and his goons stalked off; pushing through clumps of younger students when the opportunity presented itself.
Adrian sighed as some of the tension left with Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle. "I was afraid of something like this would happen", Adrian admitted.
"What?" I asked as Sirius bent his knees to be eye-level with Baddock; having quiet words I couldn't hear. How was Adrian expecting a muggleborn to be sorted into Slytherin? How has there not been a muggleborn in Slytherin before now? It wasn't like ambitiousness was a wizardkind-only trait.
But Adrian didn't supply an answer. "I need to talk to Montague", Adrian excused himself; scanning the room as he searched for the seventh year.
"And then you're going to talk to me, right?" I called after him. "Because this sounds like YUP business". I didn't get a response. Meaning I was left with a new project to work on. One I'm going to call, 'what the hell is wrong with Slytherin?'