The air around the castle the next week was one of extreme relief. Third year and above looked forward to their first Hogsmeade weekend of the term, which was a nice break for them, from nearly two solid weeks of studying. Breakfast was an enjoyable affair for all, except for the first and second years being left behind. The Slytherin table was rather subdued as usual, though there was some feeling of curiosity about. "Remind me what, in Merlin's name, Wellington thinks she is doing …" Narcissa wondered aloud, narrowing her icy blue eyes at Charna Wellington, who seemed quite the center of attention at the Gryffindor table, of all places. Sirius black leaned over, and whispered something into Charna's ear. Narcissa rolled her eyes. "My stupid cousin will fall for anyone that has half a brain and a bit of looks …" she sniffed this last bit imperiously of course, because she was unaware of the fact that Charna was one fourth veela, and was currently using her powers on the boys at the Gryffindor table to get what she wanted. At least to some Slytherin's pleasure, Lily Evans looked rather angrily at Charna, who was stealing the spotlight of James Potter as well. One by one, the Slytherins filed out of the Great Hall, only to wait around in the Common Room.
There was an eruption of laughter, as apparently Charna had told a very funny joke. She leaned over toward Sirius Black, a few of her blonde curls brushing his shoulder. A flush rose almost instantly in his face as she whispered in his ear. James noticed this of course, and readily pointed this out to Remus Lupin, who dissolved into a fit of laughter. Apparently they were more accepting of Slytherins, especially if said Gryffindors were oblivious to the fact that the particular Slytherin in question had partial veela powers. "So tell me, Sirius. You must be rather smart, you know … how do you get into Hogsmeade?" She drew away, surveying the rest with an interested look. She felt Sirius lean over toward her again.
"There's a passage on the fourth floor, behind that giant mirror - just whisper the password 'founder,' and you're in. Hope to see you at the Three Broomsticks in a bit," he muttered hurriedly, flushing again as he smiled at her. Charna stood, much to the displeasure of several of the males there, though secretly the happiness of several females, Lily Evans included. "I'm terribly sorry, but I have a load of homework to get on with, and the common room devoid of third years' racket is the perfect time for it. You all have made great company for me - maybe I'll join you again," Charna declared, winking discreetly at Sirius before she left the Great Hall, a satisfied smile curling around her mouth. "I just don't like her. There's something odd about her …" Lily Evans muttered, after Charna had left. "Mmm?" Sirius responded, still watching her as she opened the door to the Great Hall. All the while, this entire scene was overseen by Dumbledore, who began to pick up on the odd aura about Charna Wellington.
The Slytherin common room was devoid of older students, and most first and second years, except for 'the social elite,' as they referred to themselves, had gone to the library for a bit of studying. Severus Snape, who took an interest in nothing, waited expectantly. Narcissa and Bellatrix Black reclined on a couch. Alexander Avery and Antonin Dolohov stood by Lucius Malfoy, who was standing directly in front of the door to the common room, his stormy gray eyes narrowed at the door. Charna's two female companions, Courtney Parkinson and Annette Deimos were busy chatting with Claudius Lafayette, Anatole Zabini, and Romulus Stevens. They were all tense and expectant; more than one time the conversations broke off, as all were listening for the sound of footsteps from the other side of the door. Then at last, at long last, the sound of hurried footsteps filled the common room, as Charna Wellington entered it, with a satisfied smile on her face.
Lucius Malfoy stepped forward. "Well?" he said, raising an eyebrow at her, as she stood, all eyes on her, still as tense and expectant as ever. "Got it," Charna replied simply. "Ladies, gentlemen … grab your cloaks and follow me," Charna ordered, though it wasn't necessary. All of the social elite were already donning their cloaks. In unison, they stood as Charna led the way out of the common room. "Where is it? I'm tired of walking," Alexander Avery complained, as the group had a bit of a break after five minutes' walking, while they all stood on a moving staircase.
"Shut up Avery," Charna snapped. "And we're here, anyway." She gestured silently to the mirror. "I have no idea how this opens, so I would suggest that you stand back for a few seconds while I give this thing the password." Charna stepped closer to the mirror. She noticed that there was the smallest gap between the wall and the mirror frame itself, so small that only very keen eyes standing directly at the groove would even notice it. She bent toward it, her lips almost touching the gilded frame. Her lips moved, as she whispered the password. All of a sudden, the mirror vanished. Where the glass had been, a dark tunnel was revealed, much to the awe of those present. "Shall we?" Charna inquired, gesturing to the tunnel. "I don't know how long this thing will stay open, so we should all hurry."
The tunnel was wide enough for two to walk together, and that was the manner in which the Slytherins filed in, one after the other. As soon as they were all in, the passage behind them closed. The tunnel was suddenly pitch black, all light and sound from the castle removed. "Lumos," someone muttered, and the rest followed their lead. The tunnel was fairly straight, though it was bumpy in places, so all of the Slytherins proceeded with caution. The sound of water dripping from the walls serenaded them as they walked further on, into unknown depths. After twenty minutes or so, the passage leveled out. There was the sound of a thump, as Alexander Avery walked headlong into a solid surface. "They call you a wizard, Avery. Have the brains to use your wand, next time," Lucius Malfoy lectured his fellow, while his hand grasped the door knob- Avery had run headlong into a door.
With the turn of a knob, the first and second years admitted themselves into Hogsmeade, and what they considered freedom. Once again, Charna Wellington was held in high esteem for acquiring the password to the fourth-floor mirror. "Brilliant, Wellington. Bloody brilliant," Antonin remarked, staring in awe at their surroundings.