Between the knight, Magenta, and Cassandra, even Daniel's nearly inexhaustible appetite for combat had been exhausted. As he and Cassandra left the fighting stall, he wondered, "I wonder if you can do magical duels as well."
In response, the suit of armour picked up one of the wands that were attached to the wall and walked toward the middle of the floor. "There's your answer," an amused Alondra said.
"Ah," Daniel said. "Thank you, Sir Knight, but I'll take a break now." The knight lowered its wand and returned to its place.
Daniel took several chocolates and a butterbeer, which he drank down in nearly one gulp. It wasn't as strong as real beer, but there was something of a buzz to it. "Ahhhhh."
"Finally tired of fighting?" Erin said, looking up from her book.
"It has been known to happen," Daniel said. He noticed that Cassandra was eyeing him. "What's up?"
"Where'd you learn how to fight like that? I've never seen anyone with your speed."
Daniel weighed the advantages of telling her, then decided to. "I grew up at a boys' home in LA," he replied. "It was a rough place. For one thing, there weren't enough beds. So, each night, the small kids would all go to bed at their bedtime, and when the older ones' bedtime came, they'd pull the weaker ones out of bed and make them sleep on the floor."
"Did they do that to you?"
"Most of the time, yes," Daniel said. "But they paid for it. I can manage with a sword because I'm quick, but I'm really nasty hand to hand."
"I heard," Cassandra said. "Alondra has an old friend here. He was sorted into Slytherin, but she says he's a good guy. He saw the little squabble you had with Malfoy and his goons."
"Yeah," he said. "Size two pewter cauldrons. Useful for potion-brewing and self-defence." He eyed Cassandra. "You handle that sword pretty well. Far better than I do."
"You got hits in," she reminded him.
"Because I'm fast and strong for my size, and have been in lots of fights. But I've only held a blade a few times. You and Magenta both have genuine skill."
"We also have longer arms and more bulk," Cassandra said pointedly. Daniel was very powerful for his size, but a 64-pound body would only hold so much muscle.
"They taught us a few things at Moor Castle," Magenta said, still working on her drawing. "Just the basics, but I've practiced a bit."
"Well, I need to," Daniel said. "But not right now. He eyed the brooms. "Those look like fun, really."
As he selected a broom and began experimenting with it, he pondered the four girls below him. Since his third-grade year, he had not had a lot of contact with females his age. They were nice kids. Erin was quiet and liked to read, but there was a sweetness about her. Magenta was feisty and tough, and had seen tough times, like him. Alondra had a kind of sadness to her, as though she had lost a friend, but she still got out there and lived. And Cassandra… she had a unique ability to foster trust. Daniel had not expected to find himself telling anyone about the situation he had grown up in.
It would not be easy for him to put the past three miserable years of his life behind him. But somehow, he realized that he was in the right place to do it, and had the right people around to help him.
Slowly, he got the hang of the broom, circled it cautiously around the room about 70 feet above the floor, and then tried a couple of swoops. The wind from the ride helped to dry the copious amount of sweat from him. Finally, he eased himself downward for a landing. There was more butterbeer there, and chocolates of every description, and a lot of those Quidditch books looked interesting. And maybe after a bit of reading, he would see if that knight could handle a wand.
Chapter 52: Erin StephensErin quietly watched the others. Magenta had more or less challenged Daniel to a duel, and Erin smiled as he stumbled backwards in surprise after Magenta's first blow. Erin looked at the book in her lap. It was a book on famous Quidditch strategies. She sighed peacefully and leaned back into the enormous squashy armchair. There was a cosy fire nearby, and she relished its cheerful warmth as she started to read about Jeremiah MacLeod and the amazing Faldorf Free Fall.
Erin looked up as she turned a page. Magenta was staring out the window, lost in a world of charcoal pencils and parchment. Cassandra was still immersed in 'Quidditch Through the Ages', and Daniel had given up his swordplay in favour of some tiny, life-like figures whom he was trying to coax into battling with each other. The sun had changed positions, and Erin was certain they had been locked away in this curious room for much longer than they had realized. She closed the book and stood up, stretching as she did so. She really wanted to grab some lunch and then go outside for a while. Perhaps she'd go for a swim in the lake, or take a look at the Quidditch pitch.
She opened her mouth to say something to the others, and then changed her mind. They were all so absorbed in their respective activities, and she didn't want to disturb them. She opened the door softly. Daniel looked up and she gave him a little wave to let him know she was leaving. He nodded and turned his attention back to the little figurines who were now, much to his consternation, dancing.
Erin slipped out the door and closed it quietly behind her. She smiled as she walked down the hall alone. She loved this place. She was, she decided, absolutely supposed to be a part of this wonderful world. Dark Lord or no Dark Lord, the wizarding world just felt like home.
She passed several students as she made her way into the dining hall. She looked around for someone familiar to eat with, and felt her stomach tighten as she realized that none of the people seated at the Gryffindor table were people she knew. There was a girl that Erin recognized as a fellow first year, but she was sitting alone at one end, looking rather upset. Erin decided it might be better to leave her alone. She made her way to the other end of the table where twin boys, whom she recognized as Ron's older brothers, sat talking excitedly with the boy she had sat next to that first night at the start of term feast. Her ears perked up as she passed, and she turned around.
"Hey, were you guys talking about Quidditch?" she bit her lip as they turned to look at her, but forced herself to relax and smiled as they scooted down to allow her into their conversation.
"Are you a fan?" said one of the twins.
Erin raised one eyebrow and replied, much to their surprise, "Is Peeves obnoxious?"
"I'm Erin. Stephens. From Northumberland. Are you Ron's older bothers?"
"Fred—"
"And George."
"Yeah, we're ickle Ronniekins brothers."
"Wanna hear some embarrassing stories about him?" They grinned, and Erin couldn't help laughing at the impish gleam in their eyes.
"Tempting though the offer is, I'd really like to talk about Quidditch."
"Smart girl! I'm Wood. Oliver Wood, actually." She shook his hand and he added, rather proudly, "I'm captain of our house Quidditch team. Do you play?"
"I love to fly. I have a brilliant Comet 290 at home; 'course I had to leave it at home." She made a face, which earned her looks of sympathetic understanding from all three of her lunch companions.
"I have never really played, because I grew up without many friends my own age. But My dad played for Gryffindor—chaser—when he was at Hogwarts. And I've always kept up with the games through the Daily prophet."
She looked down at her shirt, which was a muddy, red colour and featured a faded Puddlemere United logo, and shrugged.
"Guess I'm a bit addicted."
"Don't tell us your favourite team is Puddlemere United?" quipped Fred (or George; she still wasn't certain which was which) with mock horror and a sideways look at Oliver.
Oliver just rolled his eyes and smiled.
"Like I said—smart girl!"
Erin grinned and filled her plate with food.
They spent the next half-hour debating Quidditch teams.
Chapter 53: Alondra Bracho
"Quien es ese hombre? Que me mira y me accompaña...Una niña inquieta, una historia ciertaaaaa...Nadie me lo quita, siempre sere yo su amiga," Alondra sang to herself softly in spanish as she wistfully, shut the book she had been reading contently and smiled to herself mysteriously. She hugged the book to her, and looked over at her busy companions. Each of them had their own thing going on.
Cassandra seemed enthralled in reading 'Advanced Charms and Spells for the Curious Mind. She twirled her fiery red locks between delicate fingers casually. Her deep eyes dancing over the words on the page hastily. Alondra giggled, she knew Cassandra would probably have made an excellent Ravenclaw, she was very bright indeed. And she definitely looked very content sitting there, almost free of burdens her eyes tended to hide at times, still Cassandra was a very lively and curious girl, Alondra could tell. And she would make a great friend to share secrets with.
Alondra then noticed that, Magenta seemed focused on showing some unexpected and hidden talents with a sword and self-defence. Her dark, magenta streaked mane spiralled around her almost whimsically as she practiced with Daniel. Magenta was sweet, but she certainly had a feisty air about her, that no one seemed to mind at all, in fact it made her only more interesting to befriend, and she had been the first person Alondra talked to when they were sorted...it was like a little bond of a blooming friendship. Alondra knew, Magenta would be a friend to make her face her fears and ease her worries.
Alondra smirked playfully and turned to look at the only boy in the room, she couldn't believe Daniel had actually put up with all of them for so long a while. Daniel seemed so serious and reserved, and when she has first seen him, Alondra admitted to herself that she felt very intimidated. Especially after what Sebastian had written of his fighting skills. She was glad she was able to see this side of him though, he had laughed and smiled as he made complex moves to demonstrate his defensive skills. He was a nice boy, Alondra could tell. And yet, he seemed like he still had some things to sort out before his full friendly and carefree nature shone.
And Erin, had left a little while ago. Erin too was a friendly girl, very sweet but very timid and quiet. Alondra frowned she wished she would've stayed a little longer to get to know her a little better too.
Sighing, Alondra pondered on whether or not taking her favourite found book with her. She didn't want to seem rude in just taking it, she wanted to ask someone for permission. But who could she ask? Not Cassie, Daniel, Magenta, Erin, or herself knew who had invited them in the room in the first place. Alondra bit her lip nervously, and exhaled heavily. She tapped her fragile little fingers on the hard-bound cover and pondered about it for a few minutes.
"I'll take it...but if I'm ordered to give it back, I will...I just love it so much, the pages, the illustrations, the words...I have to show Sebastian, and soon! He loves roses as much as I do," Alondra concluded confidently and shyly got to her feet and walked over to Magenta.
"Having fun?" she asked animatedly.
"Loads!" Alondra beamed and Magenta grinned.
"I'm glad, whatcha got there?" She then asked, Alondra shrugged casually and showed her the book.
"Oh, a book I've just fallen in love with..." Alondra replied softly.
"Sounds good," Magenta commented.
"Yea, but listen I have to get going...I'll see you all later at the common room, then?" Alondra asked, hopefully. She had really enjoyed spending time with them all today, and hoped there were more fun adventures to follow.
"Sure, see you later then," Magenta nodded, Alondra giggled.
"Bye!" Alondra called to all of them, Cassandra, Magenta, and Daniel turned.
"Later," they called.
Alondra walked contently to Gryffindor Tower, when suddenly her owl, Artemis, flew before her and dropped a letter on her head. The letter bounced off her locks and fell by her feet.
"Arty! What's this? Is it from mama or papa?" Alondra asked, curiously as she kneeled down to pick it up. Artemis hooted loudly and shook her fluffy white neck. Alondra furrowed her brows and slowly put her book down, she hesitantly opened the letter and she instantly recognized the handwriting.
"It's from Sebastian!" Alondra exclaimed happily, and Artemis chirped contently. Alondra reached for her fluffy little friend and cuddled her lovingly.
"Oh, thank you, Arty! You're the best, girl. I love you," Alondra said happily and stroked the owl's white feathers tenderly. Artemis chirped once more and nibbled her fingers affectionately. Artemis then shook herself off and took off in a flash. Alondra turned her attention back to the letter.
Persephone,
Meet me by the fountain A.S.A.P..
Seb
Alondra bit her lip and quickly gathered her book in her arms and took off hastily to the assigned location.
"You came," Sebastian said whether or not surprise was hinted in his voice, Alondra didn't know. Alondra was a little short of breath, which was only normal since she had gotten there running at warp speed. Her delicate little hand reached up to brush away the golden bangs that fell in front of her eyes in a rather mused fashion. Her cheeks were a little more rosy then usual, the brisk autumn air seemed to have that effect on her skin.
"Of course I came!" Alondra replied, smiling warmly at him. Sebastian managed a small smile and motioned for her to sit down next to him. Alondra nodded and daintily sat next to him. Sebastian was nervously writhing his hands and Alondra quirked a brow.
"Is something wrong, Seb?" Alondra inquired a little worried. Sebastian turned to look at her and his eyes looked dark and brooding. Alondra swallowed nervously, what ever was happening it must have been serious, because Sebastian's eyes never looked to her that way.
"Alondra...there's something you have to know...something I should have told you in my letter, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it. But I have to now...before my d-...er..." Sebastian hesitated, Alondra then suddenly felt drumming in her head and a buzz in her ears. She put a hand to her forehead, and voices invaded her mind...
"She's right over there...you can talk to her, come on,"; "He's actually talking to her?"; "How could he!"; "Not another F!"; "I want to win 5 more points for Hufflepuff,"; "What Quidditch moves can get me the cup?"; "This school is oozing with pathetic mudbloods!"
The book Alondra had been holding, slipped from her hands and she covered her ears with her hands. She closed her eyes and furiously began to tremble.
"No, stop it! You're all too loud!" Alondra moaned helplessly, Sebastian looked to her stricken nervous about her shaking petite frame. He put his hands on her shoulders and shook her gently.
"Allie! Allie, what's wrong! What is it?" Sebastian asked in a panic, Alondra simply shook her head as more voices bombarded her mind.
"It's happened!" "It is time!" "I feel more alive each day," "All for you Milord!"
"Enough!" Alondra screamed loudly and furiously, in a voice incredibly different from her own. Just then there was a flash of lightning and roll of thunder in the sky. Sebastian looked to the sky confused and back to Alondra. The voices in her mind stopped all at once and she hastily opened her tear filled eyes.
"Alondra...what, what happened? Are you ok?" Sebastian questioned rapidly and worried about his friend's strange behaviour. Alondra removed her hands from her head and looked about her nervously...she suddenly felt really cold and she massaged her arms feverently.
"Seb...I have to go, I'm sorry. Look, we can talk some other time, ok? I'm so sorry," Alondra suddenly said and got up, Sebastian reached for her wrist and held it.
"Oh no you don't, Alondra! You're going to tell me exactly what happened. I was here, I saw you shaking and then you screamed in that strange voice. I'm your best friend, I think I deserve to know what's happening here," Sebastian said seriously. Alondra looked up to him sadly and threw herself at him, crying freely on his robes. Sebastian frowned deeply and gently wrapped his arms about her.
"It's ok, Allie. Don't cry," Sebastian tried to comfort her, yet he didn't even know from what. Alondra cried freely and clung to him for dear life.
"It's not ok, Seb. Something's going on with me, and I don't even know what it is! I'm scared, Seb. I'm so scared," Alondra mumbled, and Sebastian furrowed his brows concernedly.
"I'm here for you, Allie. I'll...I'll help you," Sebastian said, and Alondra found comfort in his words. Yet, Sebastian knew that he couldn't stay true to his word for long...but today he would comfort his best friend as if there was no tomorrow.
Chapter 54: Cassandra SerenityCassandra had watched as two of their little group had each left. Hoping that they were all right and wishing she had gotten to know both of them a bit better. Erin was quiet and Cassandra wondered if she would ever really get to know her. Alondra on the other hand had her quiet moments, but also had her cheerful and bubbly ones as well. All that was left in the cosy room were Magenta, Daniel and herself. Each of them pulled into their own little world for last few hours.
Magenta was still at her drawing desk, looking longingly out of the window as the sun slowly crept across the sky. Occasionally she would look down at the paper in front of her and start to move her hands over it. Cassandra was very impressed with the talent that Magenta had. She had never been that good with that type of art, but had always wished she could have been. The images in her mind would look very pretty put down on paper, but the ability to make that happen just was not in her.
Daniel was sitting at the other end of the couch. An open butterbeer in front of him and a book in hand, he was very immersed in the content of the book. Looking over Cassandra noted that it was a book about Quidditch. He looked happy as his blue eyes moved over each line of text, the corners of his lips curling into a small smile. The revelation that he had shared with her earlier was still fresh in her mind. Cassandra felt both sad and happy as she thought about it. She was sad that this nice boy had had such a hard life. However, at the same time she had to admit to herself that she was happy that he had felt sure enough in her and he had shared that part of himself with her.
Just as she was started to look away Daniel raised his eyes and caught her looking at him. His blue eyes had a questioning look in them as he stared back at her. Cassandra felt a flush of heat rise up in her and she knew that that rose colored blush she was famous for was moving up her face. Pulling her eyes back to the book in front of her Cassandra had a sudden urge to move away from the couch and quickly. Placing the wonderful book on the coffee table in front of her, Cassandra snatched up her wand and made her way over to the duelling area.
"Um, Sir Knight?" Cassandra tentatively questioned.
In response to her question the suit of armour, which had moved back to its normal place in the corner of the room, sprung to life once again. Clanking lightly as it made its way to the duelling area. Finally coming to rest at the other end of the duelling stage.
"I would like a wizards duel please" Cassandra said as she tightened her grip on her wand. Her voice was still soft, but had a slight waver to it that few would be able to understand.
Reacting to her command the Knight moved over to the wall of the room and removed one of the wands, which were hanging from it. Returning to the end of the stage it stopped, as if waiting for her to climb the steps first. Doing as she thought she should, Cassandra cautious moved up the steps and took a few steps towards the center of the stage. Following after her the suit of armour climbed the steps and took three steps towards the center of the stage.
Looking down the stage to the suit of armour in front of her, Cassandra wondered for a moment if this had been the smartest thing she could have done. Taking a long calming breath Cassandra raised her wand and placed her body in a defence position just as she had done when she had fought with Daniel. The Knight followed suit and stopped again, waiting. Taking the hint that she was to be the first to fire a spell she took a moment to consider what would be the best to use.
"Expelliarmus" Cassandra shouted as she lunged forward with her wand.
A bright blue light shot from the tip of her wand and streaked across the room to hit the suit of armour dead in the chest. Causing the Knight's wand to fly out of his hand and towards Cassandra's feet. A wave of relief washed over Cassandra as she scooped up the wand and moved down the stage to the Knight. Handing it back to the suit of amour she turned on her heel and went back to the other end of the stage.
Waiting for a moment before starting the next round Cassandra had a feel that this time would not be as simple. Before she could think of a spell to shoot at the Knight she saw a green colored light flying towards her. With a quick side step the spell just missed her and she crouched down while sending off her own spell.
"Impedimenta" Cassandra roared from her crouched position.
The Knight noticeably slowed in its movements giving Cassandra time to rise from her lowered position and fire off another spell.
"Diffindo" she yelled as another bright blue colored streak of light exploded from the tip of her wand.
A ripping sound filled the room as the spell made contact with the leg of the Knight. A visible gash in the Knights armour could be seen where the light had hit. The second attack had given the Knight enough time though to launch its own spell and Cassandra caught the very edge of the green colored spell that left her left arm feeling a bit heavy, like it was almost dead weight.
A determined look spread over Cassandra delicate features as she rubbed her left arm for a moment. The slowing spell was still working strong on the Knight and his movements were only half that of normal.
"Locomotor Mortis" Cassandra said with a commanding voice that might have startled those who were watching.
The legs of the suit of armour pulled together as one when the bright blue light hit the Knight, making the suit of armour a little unsteady of its feet. However, it had enough balance to continue on with the duel and shot another green beam of light at Cassandra. This time Cassandra had seen it coming, moving with a fluid grace she spun to the right as the spell moved past her to the left. The hem of her soft blue dress spinning out like a parasol while her scarlet colored locks whipping around her as she stopped.
There had been enough fun and games Cassandra thought to herself as she finished the duel with one more spell.
"Petrificus Totalus" she said with authority. Another bright blue streak of light ripping from her wands tip.
The blue light sailed across the stage and smacked the Knight directly in the stomach. In an instant the Knight was laying on the ground stiff as a board. All of its limbs where pulled up against its body and Cassandra smiled with a satisfied look on her face as she made her way down from the duelling stage.
Rubbing her left arm as she finished the last of the steps, Cassandra was surprised to find both Magenta and Daniel waiting for her at the bottom.
"Wow Cass that was really good" Magenta said as she smiled at her friend.
"Yeah, I didn't know you knew all that stuff" said Daniel as he looked at her with a bit of shock.
That same feeling of heat rising up in her washed over Cassandra again. She was sure she was blushing again, but felt this was a good kind of blush.
"Er, yeah" Cassandra stammered. "I don't sleep much so I practice a lot of spells at night" she said while finding something uninteresting to look at on the floor.
"Does you arm still hurt?" Magenta asked as she watched Cassandra rub it again with her other arm.
"A bit" Cassandra replied "But I'm ok."
"Well maybe you should sit down anyways" Magenta added a look of concern on her face told Cassandra not to fight her on this one.
"Alright, I'll sit down" Cassandra said as she made her way over the couch and found a comfy spot waiting for her. "How about one of you give it a go?" she added as she pulled her legs up behind her and rested her slightly stiff arm into the corner of the couch.
Chapter 55: Daniel Smith
Daniel's face darkened, a bit. "Well, I'm not much with a wand yet," he said. "I never held one until I was in Ollivander's last week."
"That's far from uncommon," Cassandra said. "Do you know Expelliarmus?"
"The disarming spell? I've seen it done, but I don't really know it."
"It's very simple. Just twirl your wand thus and say the spell."
Daniel twirled the wand. "Expelliarmus!" he shouted, but nothing happened.
"You didn't twirl it quite right. Like this," Cassandra said, demonstrating it more slowly.
"Expelliarmus!" Daniel shouted, and this time a beam of bright light exploded from the wand and struck the far wall.
"Excellent!" Cassandra said. Magenta nodded agreement.
Daniel tried the spell a few more times, until he could reliably get the desired effect. Then, legs trembling just a bit, he stepped onto the stage. "Sir Knight," he said. "I would like a wizard's duel, please. Disarming spells only."
Silently, the knight fetched the wand, then raised it and waited. Daniel mirrored its movements. "Begin," Cassandra said.
"Expelli. . . ." Daniel's exclamation was cut off by a blast of red light that tore his wand away. "Ow. That smarted."
Cassandra handed his wand back. "Try again?"
"Again, Sir Knight," Daniel said. Silently, the knight resumed ready stance.
"Begin," Cassandra repeated.
"Expelliarmus!" Daniel barked. The spell worked, but the knight evaded it. It loosed one of its own, and Daniel evaded it in turn, but fell off the stage, bumping his arm painfully on the floor. He spat several cuss words, then realized where he was. "Ooops. Sorry about that."
"It's all right," Cassandra said.
"We've heard it before," Magenta added.
"One more time," Daniel sprang onstage again. As before, the knight positioned itself, as before, Cassandra gave the command to begin. "Expelliarmus!"
The knight evaded and struck back. Daniel was ready. He deftly dodged the knight's spell and fired his second squarely at the center of the stage. The knight was at the left, and the spell would have missed. But the knight was designed to react like a human, and it did so, assuming that Daniel's second shot would be aimed where it was. Since moving further to the left would spill it on the floor, resulting in defeat, it moved to the right. Daniel's spell hit it dead center, and its wand went clattering away.
"Yes!" Daniel shouted, making a victory fist. A moment later, his eyes caught the clock on the wall. "Sh. . . I mean yikes! Lunch is over in ten minutes." He hurried over and grabbed his shirt and robe, putting the latter on inside out in his hurry. "Uh. . . thanks for inviting me. This was way cool," he said. "Let's do more exploring later, OK?"
"Oh, definitely," Magenta said. Cassandra nodded agreement.
Daniel raced down the stairs and into the dining hall, where he just managed to fill his plate with roast chicken and mashed potatoes before the platters on the table vanished. Thankfully, the food on his plate did not; the Hogwarts house elves knew better than to torment students in this manner.
Erin was there, talking Quidditch with two tall red-haired twins and a very handsome fifth-year. Hermione and Neville were both sitting alone, finishing their meals. Two more familiar faces were also close by: Harry and Ron. The two had finished lunch and were playing wizard chess. Harry was losing badly. Ron nodded at the new arrival. "Just made it, eh, mate?"
Daniel, mouth full of mashed potatoes, could only nod.
"Have you ever played Wizard Chess?" Ron asked.
"No, but I've beaten Chess master 3000," Daniel said. "A few times." The video game in question was one of the few that could be played on Morning Sun's decrepit computers.
"Good," Harry said. "After he finishes me off, you can have a go at him."
Daniel smiled. "Sounds like fun."
Chapter 56: Magenta Coldren"So, what do we do now?" asked Cassandra after Daniel had left. Magenta thought for a moment.
"Well, there is supposed to be an Owlery around here, I'd like to see that." she said. "Do you want to come?"
Cassandra shook her head. "No, I think I'll stay here, this book is very good..." she said, returning to the large volume of spells in her lap. Magenta smiled at her book worm of a friend.
"Well, okay, I'll see you later!" she called on her way out the door. Cassandra waved absently and then was entirely absorbed by her book.
Magenta began to make her way to Owlery. She climbed what seemed like endless flights of stairs before finally reaching the large tower that housed the messenger owls. She pushed open a large wooden door and stepped into the pitch-black room.
Inside, the only light was that of the windows high at the top of the tower, and the light that the open doors let in. She could hear the rustling of wings and the soft hoots of each owl. She could see the large, jewel like eyes of green and yellow peering down at her. She wandered a bit, her eyes adjusting to the dark surrounding quickly. It was actually a nice place to visit, despite the occasional screech and the knowledge of stepping on owl dung.
She was about to leave when something caught her eye. Two, small, green eyes peeping out from one of the corners. She walked over slowly, sensing the poor creature was a bit frightened. She knelt down in front of it and reached out a hand to stroke the animal.
Meow Magenta pulled her hand back. Meow? Meow. There it was again. She reached out her hand again and found herself stroking the unmistakable fluffy coat of a kitten. A low purring came from the small creature. After a moment, she scooped up her little friend and walked out into the corridor again.
"Now, how did you get in there?" She asked, looking at the kitten. In response, the kitten looked at her with an almost smug expression on it's small face. She checked to see if it was male of female, it was male.
He was a scrap of a thing, with a handsome coat of grey, brown and goldy-orange tiger stripes. Almost a tabby but not quite. He had green eyes and a lovely little face. She gazed at him, then spoke.
"I think I'll name you Socrates, but you need a nickname until you're older. Socrates is hardly fitting for a thing your size. How about..." she thought. He was very tiny, still very much a baby, probably barely a month old. "... Scrap. Yes, that will do. Scrap. It sounds nice. When you get a bit bigger, we'll change it, but until then, Scrap it is." she said. Scrap purred his agreement. Magenta placed him on her shoulder. He snuggled against her neck, his claws locked in her shirt to keep from falling. Magenta smiled and watched as he looked around curiously.
"Well, I think you need to eat something, I doubt you've had much moor than owl feed in the last few day, huh?" The cat meowed again. Magenta headed down to the Great hall with her new friend, feeling content.
Chapter 57: Cassandra Serenity
Cassandra was now all alone in the large room which she and her friends had entered into just after breakfast that morning. It was now much later, Cassandra could tell by the fact that the sun was now hanging lower in the sky. The light of the fire was bright and kept the area near her well lit, but the other areas of the room were beginning to fall into shadow.
Must be well passed lunch Cassandra thought to herself as she noticed the late hour. I wonder if I've missed dinner too?
Rising from her seat by the fire, Cassandra clutched the book she had been so engrossed in tightly to her. Moving across the room she looked out the large window which was no longer shinning bright with the warm suns rays. Instead the sun was hanging just over the horizon.
"Yes, I've missed dinner too" Cassandra mused. "I guess I better get back to the common room before I get in trouble" she said absently to herself.
I wish I could thank who ever lent us this room today though she thought before moving from the window. I'll just leave a little note I think she continued. Moving over to the note, which she had found upon entering the room she turned over the piece of paper. A pen she thought to self and was surprised to find a pen laying on the coffee table a few inches from her. That's odd she thought for a moment. I swear that wasn't there before Cassandra let the thought pass though as she wrote out a quick note to their special benefactor.
Dear Benefactor,
Thank you for the use of this wonderful room today. I know that each and everyone of us have enjoyed our time here. The thought you have shown to us is greatly appreciated and we can each only hope to be of some service to you one day.
Before ending the note she looked back at the book she had been immersed in most of the day.
I hope you will not mind, but I have taken with me one of the many wonderful books that are housed here. I will return it, but if you would like it back sooner please just let me know.
Signed
Cassandra Serenity and the Gryffindor First Years
Smiling to herself Cassandra felt good about her day. Though she had only really been snacking on chocolates and butterbeer she felt full of life. Taking one last look around the glorious room she breathed in a deep breath. She had had a wonderful day in this room with both good and new friends. Nodding her head in at the memories she picked up the book she had placed on the coffee table to write her note. Turning slowly she made her way to the door. Before stepping out the room she once again turned around and looked over the amazing room. It held some special place in her heart and soul now. She would never forget this place and she secretly hoped that she would be allowed to come back some day. With that she stepped forward out of the door and closed it softly behind her.
Without turning around again Cassandra made her way down the corridor. Never noticing that door she had just come from mysteriously faded away. It was only a short distance to the Gryffindor portal and Cassandra was sure she wasn't late for curfew so she didn't rush. The night air was brisk and she still felt warm from the fireside. Coming to the Fat Lady she said the password and entered into the common room.
Magenta was sitting in one of the armchairs near the fire, a small gravy and tabby colored kitten sleeping peacefully in her lap. Upon entering the room Magenta looked up with a smile on her face.
"Hey Cass" she said with a happy tone. "Where you been? You missed lunch and dinner" she said with a questioning look in her eyes.
"Oh, I've just been in the room" Cassandra really hadn't noticed the passage of time. "I guess I didn't notice the time until now" she added after a moment.
Magenta gave her a nod and Cassandra made her way over to an empty chair near Magenta. Her friend looked very happy right now and Cassandra could tell that some of it had to do with this new little one in her lap. Magenta noticed Cassandra looking at the kitten and gave her a board grin.
"I found him up in the Owlery," she said as she pointed at the little kitten. "I think he's been up there for a while though. He was starved when I finally got some food for him" she continued as she softly petted the little kitten.
"He's adorable" Cassandra said as she looked at the little kitten's chest slowly rise and fall while he happily continued to slumber.
Cassandra wished the Algy was with her just now, but he had been running around exploring the castle since they had first arrived. He was just as curious as she was and she knew that after a time he would return to being by her side at all times. However, she still missed him right now and that thought brought down her spirits just a bit.
Just as Cassandra was slipping into sadness another voice came up from behind her. "So you finally left the room?" Daniel questioned as he laughed lightly at her.
A smile broke out on her face as Cassandra realized that these people had a right to tease her they were after all her new friends. Friends Cassandra thought to herself. Real friends she thought as her smile broadened a bit more.
"What's that funny smile for?" Daniel questioned as he took a seat near the two girls.
Cassandra took a moment to respond, lost in her own thoughts for a few seconds before she realized that Daniel had spoken. "Oh, nothing" she said as she shook her head lightly, making her scarlet locks float around her softly.
Both Daniel and Magenta gave her a funny look as she continued to smile to herself. However, Cassandra was lost in the memories and thoughts of the day. She had real friends now, not that Rosie and the other house elves weren't real, but she had never had people her own age or her own species as friends before and the feeling of it made her very happy.
Chapter 58: Alondra Bracho & Sebastian StirlingAlondra sniffled heartedly, and Sebastian patted her back soothingly. He whispered soft, nonsense words into her ear, his mouth so close to her ear that she could feel his heated breath and it sent a shiver down her spine. Since either of them could remember, never had they held or touched each other so tenderly. After all, they were still with the notion that of the so-called, "Koodies". But not right now, they held onto each other as if fearing that if they let go their fragile bond would break.
Before that moment, they had never really been affectionate; Sebastian was always very distant, cold even. And Alondra always tried to get him out of that lonely wall he built around himself. A touch of her hand on the small of his back. A brush of fingers across the dinner table as she passed the rolls. Anything to make him feel at ease and comfortable. And it was working. She noticed that now, he was finally coming out of the cacoon he'd spun after the absence of his parents and he was letting her in. Sebastian knew Alondra always had an affect on him, be it humorous or serious. She had changed him...even just a tad. He held onto her tighter and ran a hand through her hair.
"Hey," he said, gently pushing her away so he could get a better look at her tear-stained face.
Girls weren't supposed to look good when they cried, Jason, Alondra's older brother had told him that. And he had noticed that Francesca, Jason's girlfriend was a horrible crier, her eyes got puffy and her nose would run, but not Alondra. He noticed how Alondra's skin glowed, her eyes got huge and her lips swelled and it caused his insides to flip flop at the picture of her.
But as it was, he just studied her and when a fat droplet fell off her cheek and he awkwardly wiped it away with his forefinger. Alondra breathed in deep, she seemed shocked at first, but then returned his smile.
"I must be a mess," she said softly, barely above a whisper. Over the early years in Harmony her Spanish accent had faded some, but at times like this she seemed to drawl out her words a little more. She puffed out her cheeks with a deep breath and stepped back.
"You look awful," he assured her with a sly grin on his face, "here, take this." He handed her his white handkerchief and she took it thankfully, dabbing the corners of her eyes slowly. She laughed then. A really good, gut laugh and then smacked him on the arm, playfully.
"You're so sweet! But nonetheless, thanks, for comforting me as best you could. Hec, I didn't even know you had it in you." She smoothed her hands over her face and wiped off the last remnants of her salty tears.
"Hey, why don't you come with me to get some grub?" Sebastian asked lightly, as Alondra put the handkerchief in her robe pocket. She looked up abruptly and grinned mischievously.
"But, Seb, we're not allowed to have meals together in the Great Hall. You know that! I'm in Gryffindor and you're in Slytherin," She pointed out matter-of-factly. Sebastian laughed out loud and threw his head back mockingly.
"We've broken more serious rules than that, 'Sephone! C'mon, it'll be fun," Sebastian boasted and he noticed the haunted look in Alondra's caramel eyes disappear. She giggled joyfully.
"I don't do fun," She replied playfully and crossed her arms over her chest. She held her nose up high and turned her back to him. Sebastian smirked.
"I know, but it's gonna be tricky!" Sebastian whispered in her ear, and she bit her lip contemplating. She turned to face him once more and gave him a dazzling smile.
"Deal!..." Alondra exclaimed and they shook hands firmly. She suddenly flinched and heard a voice roar...
"25 points from Gryffindor and Slytherin for ridiculous means of breaking house rules!"
Alondra quickly let go of Sebastian's hand and Sebastian looked to her concerned.
"What? What is it, Allie?" Sebastian questioned and Alondra's eyes darkened a little. She shook her head and looked to her hands.
"Looks like we won't be able to pull off this prank, this time Seb," Alondra said and Sebastian furrowed his brows curiously.
"Why?" He asked uncertainly. Alondra sighed and shrugged, kneeling down to pick up her forgotten book which lay on the ground.
"We'll get in trouble. I just know it! I heard what sounded like Snape's voice reprimanding us. We can't get our houses into more trouble than they already are in, Seb. Maybe we can eat lunch together out here or something," Alondra replied looking to him quickly. Sebastian exhaled heavily and shrugged pompously.
"Yea, sure. Whatever, Alondra." Sebastian said and a tad annoyed, he started walking to the Great Hall. Alondra frowned and quickly caught up with him.
"Seb, I'm sorry. Really, I am, but please don't be cross with me!" Alondra asked quietly, Sebastian looked down at her caramel eyes and again that haunted look appeared. Sebastian unconsciously shivered. He hated that look on her face, so he half smiled.
"I'm not angry at you, Allie. Don't worry about it, we'll...we'll do this some other time. Believe me I understand, need I remind you Slytherin is in last place with points," Sebastian pointed out as they reached the entrance to the Great Hall. Alondra nodded and breathed in deep.
"Well, I guess...I'll...I'll see you later, then." Alondra piped up and Sebastian nodded, as he opened the door and Alondra slipped in before him.
Alondra quickly made her way to the Gryffindor table, and sat by Katie and Angelina who patted a seat next to them. Alondra smiled sweetly to both of them and daintily sat and instantly a plate full of goodies appeared before her. She turned and waved to Harry, Ron, and Daniel who were busy playing a game of chess. And she waved shyly back when the twins, Oliver, and Erin waved to her quickly. They seemed enthralled in conversation about something.
"Probably Quidditch," Alondra told herself and she happily put her book aside and began to eat the delicious food. She looked up casually, and noticed Sebastian laughing loudly with Draco Malfoy as one of Draco's cronies choked on some of his food. Alondra tilted her head to one side and noticed how comfortable Sebastian was beginning to look with his newly found friends. He no longer looked upset, but content as he laughed some more and ate his own food. Alondra nodded understandingly and took a sip of her pumpkin juice.
"Hey, Alondra! Hellooo?" Angelina called to her, Alondra snapped out of her daze and turned to the older brunette.
"Oh, I'm sorry, Angelina. I was dazing off again," Alondra replied shyly. Hermione looked to her from across the table and hid a smile in between bites. Alondra smiled.
"Well, I was only asking where had you been all morning? You know Quidditch practice will be starting soon, and you are still planning to take a few lessons from us right?" Angelina asked, as Alondra nodded rapidly.
"Absolutely! I'm really looking forward to see you all practice and learning a few things," Alondra replied.
"Great! Oh, which reminds me...do you own a broom?" Katie piped up, Alondra bit her lip and shook her head. Angelina laughed.
"It's no problem, Alondra. We can get you a loaned one from the broom closet. I'll ask Oliver, later." Angelina said and pushed her empty plate to the center of the table. Alondra did the same, only her plate was still half full. Katie looked to her curiously.
"Not hungry, Allie?" Katie asked, Alondra shrugged.
"No, not really," Alondra told them. Angelina and Katie looked to one another and giggled. Alondra quirked a brow confused.
"What?" she asked hesitantly. Katie grinned.
"Oh, we're just wondering if it had anything to do with your secret little meeting with Sebastian over there," Katie smiled, Angelina nodded.
"Tell us, Alondra. What's up with you and that Slytherin kid?" Angelina asked and Alondra gaped at their bold questions. The girls laughed again.
"Need she say more, Angelina?" Katie laughed, Angelina shook her head.
"Nope," Angelina replied and Alondra glared at them playfully, but beat red in the process.
Chapter 59: Daniel SmithBefore Morning Sun, Daniel had gone through five foster homes. The first had been intended to be adoptive, but it had gone awry when the couple divorced, and the mother could not cope as a single parent. At three and a half, he had been returned to the care of the state. He had been placed in the foster care system, which was riddled with bureaucracy and incompetence.
The fourth of the five homes had been the only good one that he remembered: they had been older folks, 60 and 54, who had been too old for the state to allow them to adopt him, even though both were in excellent health. It was that distinguished pair that had taught their foster son the habit of exercising regularly. He had stopped doing it in the disastrous fifth home, but regained it when he was declared unsuitable for further foster placement and consigned to Morning Sun. This was not because he liked the good feeling of being in shape, but because he had learned that to be weak was to be prey.
Daniel's old home, if you could call it that, had no proper exercise facility. It had a vast asphalt area and a few playground fixtures, which were only in good repair because the California sunshine could not rust them. However, he had come up with a sort of obstacle course, using monkey bars, tunnels, jungle gym, slides, and the chain link fences. The older kids laughed among themselves at his little fitness ritual, but they also saw how amazingly quick and athletic it made him, and they chose safer targets for bullying.
In any case, he had discovered the Quidditch pitch, with its many stands and staircases, could be used the same way. After circulating up and down through all of the staircases and tiers of seats, he always ended the same way: clambering up the lowermost goalpost. It was a forty-foot climb, difficult even for him, but the view of the pitch once he was up there was a delight. He dreamed of the day when he could soar over that pitch on a broom of his own.
As he was sitting atop the hoop, shivering in his faded shorts and thin singlet, he saw a figure approaching. She was dressed in a Hogwarts robe over sweatpants and a T-short. Daniel squinted... the robe had a Slytherin crest on it. Mentally, he automatically went defensive.
She saw him, and paused, uncertain. He easily slid down the pole. "It's OK," he said to her. "I'm on my way out. So you won't have to put up with me or my icky muggle blood."
The girl glared at him. "Why does everyone think that just because I'm in Slytherin, I hate Muggleborns? My mother was a muggle."
Daniel was taken aback, and his hard-ass facade crumbled. "Oh. Geez. I'm sorry. I didn't know."
"No, you didn't. So maybe you should think before you just make an assumption about someone."
Daniel noticed the girl's odd accent. "You know, you don't sound like most of the others. Are you from outside of Britain?"
"Yes, I was born in Australia," the girl said. "I know where you're from."
"First Yank at Hogwarts since 1791," Daniel said. "The last one was the daughter of two Crown Royalists. Moor Castle wouldn't take her."
"They said you were in a fight. Slytherin lost a lot of points from it."
"It was Draco Malfoy. You know him? He's a first-year Slytherin, you've probably seen him."
The girl made a disgusted face. "I know him. Unfortunately."
"Yeah, I doubt he'd be happy having you around. He and his goons tripped me up outside Snape's room. I defended myself."
"I wish I'd been there to see."
Daniel nodded understanding. "Well, you know who I am, who are you?"
"Rachael Jones. Everyone calls me 'Ray'."
"You know a guy named Sebastian Stirling? He's in your house, but he doesn't have that attitude either."
"I've seen him around. Maybe we should hook up." She sighed. "I wonder why the hat ever put me in Slytherin."
"Didn't it tell you?" Daniel was surprised.
"No. It just said 'better be Slytherin!'"
"Well, that kind of sucks." Daniel considered. "Well, why don't you find the thing and put it on, then ask it?"
"I don't know where it is."
"I do. It's in the headmaster's office." He looked sheepish. "However, I know that that's on the third floor somewhere, but I don't know more. I've never been bad enough to have to see him."
"Oh. Well, maybe if I'm ever there..."
Daniel looked at the sky, which was turning pink along the horizon. "Well, I'm heading for the shower. Don't want to miss breakfast, after all." He paused. "I'm sorry for what I said. I'll try to be more open-minded about Slytherin's from now on."
"Tell your housemates to do the same, OK?"
"I'll do that," Daniel said, heading for the castle.
Chapter 60: Rachael JonesRay couldn't believe the nerve of him… Just because she was a Slytherin it didn't make her evil, did it? Her dad seemed to think so, so maybe she was. But then why didn't she fit in with the rest of the house? Maybe her dad was right maybe she was a disappointment.
She stood in the same spot for ages before pulling off her robe, she hadn't learnt the charms yet, but she still needed to do something to let everything out. She bent down and felt the ground, it was firm, but not hard, if she fell it wouldn't hurt too much.
She looked at her watch, she was due in to help Professor Snape in two hours, just enough time, she started her warm up by jogging around the pitch a few times. She puffed slightly when she finished her last lap.
'Wow a few weeks off really affects you' she thought to herself.
After her jog, she started warming up her joints, starting with her ankles, knees, and wrists. She then started to do some lunges before sitting down with her legs in a V position, and stretching to each leg, then straight down in the middle.
After stretching her groin, she flipped to one side and did the splits going right down on her right leg, before changing sides and getting about ¾ of the way down on her left leg, and finishing off going all the way down in the middle. All that was left was to stretch her back; she stood up and did several backbends, holding the position for longer each time.
Now that her warm up was finished, she stood up and started to practise her level 4 floor routine. Handstand into forward roll, front walkover, cat leap, round off, back flip crunch
"Ouch" she shouted when she landed on her backside, "not enough spin," she mumbled, getting up and stretching again quickly, before repeating the moves she had just done.
All to soon her time was up and she quickly grabbed her robe and headed into the dungeons to Professor Snape's classroom. She waited a few minutes before getting the courage up to knock on the classroom door, she was called in with an abrupt "enter" before being ordered to chop this, or slice that, she got the occasional, "I said powdered Miss Jones not ground"
"Professor?" she said tentatively, not wanting to interrupt him in a potentially dangerous time.
"Miss Jones," Professor Snape replied.
"Umm, I… I just wanted to thank you for sending me to the Hospital wing yesterday, so… Thanks," she said stuttering a little bit.
"I always have potions that need to be taken their Miss Jones," he said looking over to her to make sure she knew what he was offering her.
"Thanks you Professor," she added quietly.
The rest of the morning was spent in silence, carefully chopping, peeling, grinding all manor of potion ingredience for various classes. All to soon, Rays stomach let out a loud grumble, alerting Professor Snape and herself that it was lunch time.
"If you come to my office after dinner, I will begin to teach you some of the charms. Don't expect to get them straight away," said Professor Snape as he directed Ray out of the classroom so she could go and get some lunch.
"Thank you Professor," she said, before heading to the great hall.
