Holly sighed. It had been a long day, and it wasn't over yet. She still had potions class with the Slytherin's. She could handle them, several of them she had known since she was little, but she didn't boast that. She had had brief conversations with people, but mostly, she stayed by herself. She glanced at the giant clock she could see from the common room. It was time for potions. She sighed, then bent down to gather her things. Her fingers brushed against the letter from father, flinching. She was lucky he hadn't sent a howler. She climbed out of the portal hole and out onto the corridor. She watched as other groups of kids pass her, and sighed. She wasn't surprised people hadn't noticed her. She wasn't exactly sociable during the feast, and those that noticed her knew that she was supposed to be in Slytherin and shunned her. She walked through the door into Snape's dungeon, and sat down. A few students were there, including Draco Malfoy. When he saw her he opened his mouth to speak, but then his favourite target came into the room.
He started to stand up, but Harry and Ron (who she had met during the feast) were quickly pushed aside by Hermione Granger. Malfoy smiled again, pleased to have so many people to taunt. Hermione sat down next to Holly.
"You're Holly. right?" She asked, starting to get out her things. Holly nodded.
"And you're Hermione, I know." Hermione opened her mouth to reply, but Malfoy cut her off.
"Look at this, to social disgraces sitting together to lick their wounds." He said, sauntering over to them. Holly smiled faintly.
"You weren't so healthy yourself last June." Holly said, watching Draco start to scowl. "As I recall..." She didn't get to finish, because Snape came into the room. "Everyone get seated now. Today we will be working on Greeners Potion, one that will give who ever uses it a little boost in plant care. Get out your cauldrons."
Chapter 72: Cassandra SerenityThe morning light streamed in from the window closest to Cassandra. Its golden rays where warm and refreshing as they passed over Cassandra's closed eyes and pulled her from her restless sleep. The air was crisp and a chill hung in it as Cassandra slipped from under her warm covers. Grabbing her night robe Cassandra pulled it tightly around her visibly shivering body. Moving to the window she saw a glorious day starting to dawn. The trees in the forbidden forest were changing their colours and its canopy was like a brightly lit fire spreading before the castle in colours of red, orange, and yellow.
It was hard to imagine that it had already been two months since she had first come to Hogwarts. Cassandra now thought of this as a sort of home away from home, its grey stonewalls becoming as familiar as soft white ones at Tranquillity Grove. However, some things were different from home. Cassandra now had friends to share her time with. Magenta, Daniel, Alondra, Sebastian, Erin, Harry, Ron, and his brothers, there were more of course, but these were her close friends. The ones she would turn to if she needed something.
There was also Panthe, Orest, and Quistle whom Cassandra had spent many nights with since coming to Hogwarts. Their company was special and though Cassandra thought of them as friends, they were also more than that. They were her confidants. When she couldn't sleep at night or the world just seemed more than she could take. Cassandra would turn to her small friends who always had gentle words for her. Some things Cassandra just wasn't sure the others could take while Panthe, Orest, and Quistle seemed to understand on a level she would never have expected.
Also Cassandra had learned that she had a cousin, Ray, whom would be staying the summer with her and her family. Cassandra has shared a few letters back and forth with the boy, who was about the same age as Cassandra, and though she had known of Ray's existence her grandmum had said they would likely never meet because of Ray's father. That had also changed now and Cassandra was both excited and scared at the same time. Ray seemed nice enough from his letters, but Cassandra had doubts as to whether Ray would understand this new family of hers.
Ray was an average boy going to school, though which school and where Cassandra had no idea, he liked sports, charms, and potions. At the same time Ray had suffered some terrible blows in his life recently. Being abandoned by both her mother and father for no reason, Cassandra still couldn't understand two parents so willing to give up their only child. However, if it wasn't for his parents Cassandra would never now being getting to know Ray.
Still in the back of her mind Cassandra was worried about Ray. Would this seemingly nice boy understand the situation with Cassandra's mother? Would he turn out to be a great friend and family member Cassandra could turn too? Would Ray like her for who she was and not just because they were now family? So many questions flittered through her head whenever Cassandra thought about this new family member. None of them would really be answered until Cassandra met him and Cassandra knew that. Still she feared that first encounter for all the things that could go wrong with it.
Thinking passed her family and its worries, Cassandra made her mind look at other things. She had also learned since coming to Hogwarts that she had a raw talent for magic. It wasn't something that she learned from a book, though she did study and read a lot, but it was something that was part of her. Magic seemed to flow out of her and though it was exciting, at times it scared her too. Cassandra sometimes felt that it took all the ability she had to control the magic that was coming out of her.
Trying hard not to stand out too much for fear of being ridiculed, Cassandra would often do spells wrong on purpose to making sure that she didn't seem above the rest of her friends or fellow students. This little game of hide the magic was saddening, but necessary she had deemed. She saw the way that everyone picked on Hermione, who was also very talented with magic, and didn't want to be treated that way as well.
Cassandra pushed the thoughts from her mind. There was nothing right now that she could do about her fears or about the magic that was in her. Magic was part of her, just as it was everyone else in this school. If they could all deal with it then so could she and maybe she could help out by not letting Hermione be the only one who was picked on.
It was Halloween morning and the castle was a buzz with excitement over the feast that would be going on that night. To add to the excitement Professor Flitwick had said that today they would be learning how to make things fly. Cassandra loved Professor Flitwick, he was funny and nice, but most of all he was a wonderful teacher. Charms, most certainly, had to Cassandra's favourite subject. Perhaps it was because charms came so easily to her or maybe because she liked giving old things new life. Either way charms was her favourite subject and by the far the subject she was best at.
"Now, don't forget that nice wrist movement we've been practicing!" squeaked Professor Flitwick, perched on top of his pile of books as usual. "Swish and flick, remember, swish and flick. And saying the magic words properly is very important, too – never forget Wizard Baruffio, who said 's' instead of 'f' and found himself on the floor with a buffalo on this chest."
Looking around the room slowly at the other pairs Cassandra noticed that Hermione had been paired up with Ron. Ron was a nice guy, but he had a habit of coming off a bit abrasive at times. Cassandra could almost hear his distain as she watched him talking with poor Hermione.
Pulling in her courage, Cassandra decided that today would be the day that she let her real abilities show though. Maybe then Ron and other first years would stop picking on Hermione for always being so good. If there were two good students they could equally be hated and Hermione wouldn't have to suffer it all alone.
Cassandra had been paired up with Magenta for this lesson and both of the girls where chatting lightly as they each looked at their feather. Magenta seemed a bit apprehensive at first about trying to make things fly. Cassandra on the other hand was very excited about the prospect. Flying was one of Cassandra's favourite things and giving a feather flight would be a bit like flying herself she thought.
"Well, you want to try first?" asked Magenta in a very pleading sort of way.
"Alright, I'll give it a go" Cassandra replied as she grasped her wand tightly and thought of poor Hermione always being teased.
Pointing her wand at the feather that was sitting between them, Cassandra spoke the words "Wingardium Leviosa!" At the same time she swished and flicked her wrist in the manner that Professor Flitwick had instructed them. Actually doing, as she was known instead of altering it so that it wouldn't work like she normally did.
Across the room Hermione Granger was doing the same motion and speaking the same words. Both girls feather began to flout up to the heavens and hovered there, about four feet above each of their heads. Professor Flitwick was very excited that not only had one student gotten it work on their first try, but two had.
"Oh, well done!" cried Professor Flitwick, clapping. "Everyone see here, Miss Granger and Miss Serenity have done it!"
The class turned to see both girls levitating their feathers high into the air. Hermione had an air of superiority about her until, that is, she noticed that she was not the only one to have made their feather hover in the air. As Hermione looked over at Cassandra, Cassandra gave her a small smile of praise, hoping secretly that this would stop everyone from always talking so badly about the remarkable girl. However, Hermione turned her head sharply in the other direction at Cassandra's smile. The action made Cassandra wonder what she had done to upset the other girl. She had only been trying to help, but now it seemed she had upset the very person she was trying to help.
Magenta saw the little scene and gave Cassandra a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, she just doesn't like coming in second or even tying for first" remarked Magenta. Magenta was right of course and Cassandra knew that she had really not done anything wrong, but she spent the rest of the class a bit depressed at the thought of hurting Hermione's feelings.
Cassandra was very shocked when Hermione didn't show up at their next class. Where could she be she wondered. A look of despair washed over Cassandra as she thought more and more about the scene in Charms earlier that day. I just know I shouldn't have done that. I should have just kept up with the way I had been doing things she kept telling herself. I tried to help her, but I've only made things worse. This seemed to be the mantra that was playing in her head as Cassandra continued on with her day.
As classes ended and everyone was getting ready for a lovely feast, word of Hermione made its way to Cassandra and the news was not good. Parvati told Cassandra that Hermione had spent all day crying in the girl's bathroom. The idea of having made Hermione cry all this time was very disturbing to Cassandra. If it hadn't have been for Magenta who was almost physically restraining her from leaving the Great Hall, Cassandra would have been tracking down Hermione right now.
Chapter 73: Alondra BrachoThe Halloween Spirit was flowing all throughout Hogwarts. Magical, floating Jack-o-lanterns hovered high above the halls, classroom corners, and even in the common rooms. The house ghosts were dressed in their best attire and had invited other ghostly guests to tease and fly around the Great Hall and corridors. Gryffindor Tower certainly was happily celebrating the arrival of the witching hour.
Alondra smiled lightly to herself as she walked down the crowded halls to her next class. She couldn't help but giggle at the booing and laughing of the friendly ghosts. She shifted her book bag from her left shoulder to her right and juggled a couple of books in her arms, when suddenly a cackling jack-o-lantern danced about her goofily, weaving around her hastily. Alondra gasped and was shaken up a bit at the initial shock, but then laughed heartedly at the now singing jack-o-lantern.
"Happy all Hallow's Eve, young witch!"
Alondra, being ever so curious, tried to reach out and touch the jack-o-lantern that hovered in front of her. However, it began to spin like a top, faster and faster until finally it began to hover high above her. The sudden rapid movement surprised Alondra and she dropped the books she had been holding all around her. She scowled lightly annoyed at the playful jack-o-lantern, now grinning at her from above. Alondra quirked a delicately arched eye brow at it and placed her hands on her slender waist, tapping the tip of her shoe on the ground rapidly.
"Oh, very funny...Jack-O! Now look at what you made me do," Alondra argued playfully with the laughing pumpkin. Alondra shook her head and knelt down to gather her books, her golden locks spilling about her as she did. She pulled some strands of her hair behind her ears and reached for her 'Quidditch Through the Ages' book when suddenly a slightly larger and firmer hand touched her small delicate one. Alondra gasped and pulled her hand back automatically. She looked up and a pair of hazel eyes seemed to smile at her.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to frighten you. I just noticed that the pumpkin up there caused you to spill over your books and I figured you might need some help," the handsome boy told her kindly. Alondra smiled brilliantly, but a light crimson blush adorned her pretty features shyly.
"Thank you, that's very kind of you," Alondra replied as the boy stacked up the books in a pile next to him. He looked to her once more and extended his hand.
"I'm Cedric Diggory, by the way." the kind boy introduced himself. Alondra shook his hand politely and giggled lightly.
"Oh, how silly of me! I'm Alondra Bracho, it's very nice to meet you, Cedric." Alondra replied warmly, Cedric flashed her a winning smile.
"You too, Alondra. Tell me, where are you off to right now?" Cedric asked admiring the younger girl's intense caramel gaze.
"Oh, Charms actually! With Professor Flitwick," Alondra told him, curious as to why Cedric had asked. Cedric only smirked at the curious tone in Alondra's light voice. He then picked up the books into his arms and Alondra quirked a curious brow at the older boy.
"Don't worry I'm not taking your books away, Alondra. Let me walk you to your class, give your arms a break," Cedric offered then and Alondra beamed.
"Thank you again, Cedric. You really are quite the gentleman, you live up wonderfully to your house qualities. Oh, I noticed on your wizard robes the Hufflepuff patch," Alondra pointed out excitedly and happy to meet someone not in Slytherin. Cedric laughed at Alondra's bubbly enthusiasm. She was very pretty, but very cute and child-like at the same time. He was looking forward to getting to know her better; unaware that Alondra was surprisingly thinking the same thing.
"Just swish and flick...And remember, enunciate...Wingardium Leviosa!" Professor Flitwick instructed and Alondra smiled at the tiny professor's contagious enthusiasm. Alondra attempted to perform the spell as best she could, but her feather only rose a few inches from her desk. She blew a breath at her bangs; Lavender Brown sat at her side as her partner. She was twirling her wand mindlessly between her fingers, eyeing the feather cautiously. She obviously seemed bored with the lesson at hand. Lavender looked to Alondra and half smiled.
"What's wrong, Lavender? Don't like the lesson today?" Alondra asked her lightly, Lavender shrugged casually and flipped back her full, rich, brown ponytail.
"It's not that, it's just I'm sure Professor Flitwick will not be half way through the lesson when little miss 'know-it-all' demonstrates it perfectly. So why bother?" Lavender replied absently. Alondra furrowed her brows, confused at her answer.
"Who's Miss 'know-it-all'?" she inquired hesitantly. Lavender nodded and her eyes looked in the direction of Hermione Granger. Alondra bit the inside of her cheek.
"She always seems to out due even the professor's demonstrations! She's done it since the first day of school, it's getting exhausting." Lavender added, setting her wand down and folding her hands neatly on her lap. Alondra was about to protest and defend Hermione's obvious brilliance when Professor Flitwick beamed happily and called everyone's attention.
"See here everyone, Miss Granger and Miss Serenity have done it!" the tiny professor exclaimed. Lavender rolled her eyes and Alondra smiled proudly at her two friends. Hermione and Cassandra's feathers hovered high above all their heads in a sort of dance. Lavender mumbled something incoherent and Alondra shushed her abruptly. Magenta who sat next to Cassandra clapped happily for her friend, and everyone else joined in acknowledging the two girls skills.
Alondra noticed Cassandra, trying to shush the enthusiastic Magenta's happy clapping for her. Cassandra smiled lightly and had a light pink blush on her soft features. She even smiled sweetly at Hermione from her seat, but Hermione straightened her shoulders and looked away from her, a frown on her face. Alondra frowned herself and felt badly for Cassandra who was now looking to her hands sadly. Alondra didn't understand Hermione's reaction. Cassandra hadn't tried to upstage her or anything; they were both simply brilliant with the craft.
"I told you Hermione was a know-it-all and now that Cassandra is one too, well, it's going to be longer classes from now on to see who's the better witch," Lavender piped up and Alondra rolled her eyes getting annoyed at Lavender's antics and thinking of asking Professor Flitwick for another partner at the end of class.
"You were great today, Cassandra! You handle a wand pretty well," Daniel piped up, as they all sat in the Great Hall eating the magnificent Halloween banquet. Cassandra smiled shyly and nodded taking a sip of her fruit punch.
"Thank you, Daniel. To be honest I didn't know the spell would work that well. I just figured I'd give it a try," Cassandra replied softly, Magenta smirked.
"Yea, right! I knew she would get it on the first try, you've got talent Cassandra!" Magenta added biting into her chocolate cake. Cassandra giggled, and Daniel grinned shaking his head. Magenta smiled and then turned to Alondra who had been ravishing into three slices of different flavoured cakes.
"Hey, Alondra. I noticed some older Hufflepuff boy walk you to Charms today. Do tell who he was and what's going on, Alondra?" Magenta teased her light-heartedly.
Alondra almost spilled over her glass of punch at Magenta's mention of Cedric. She hesitated to answer and played with the charms on her bracelet. She had received the charm bracelet that morning, a gift from her brother Jason. It was white gold with little bobbing skull heads, bats, pumpkins, ghosts and witches heads charms. She had worn it with pride and enthusiasm all day, and now it seemed more interesting than answering Magenta's question.
Magenta and Cassandra laughed at her reaction and shook their heads. Magenta had on an enchanted pin clasped right below her Gryffindor patch on her wizard robes. It shimmered with a picture of a laughing witch and black cat and then blurred out and in bright green letters said; "Yes, I am a witch!". And she had managed to sneak on a orange shirt beneath her wizard robes that read "Shake Your Booo-ty!". Alondra giggled it was a cute and unique Halloween shirt. Cassandra was wearing an enchanted hair ribbon that seemed to change shapes, first the clasp had been a skull in the morning, in the afternoon it had been a bat, and currently it was a broom.
"Oh, Cedric...well he-" Alondra began to say, when Magenta gasped.
"Oh did you hear her Cassandra, 'Cedric'..." Magenta joked, and Alondra couldn't help but smile and playfully shove Magenta away. Cassandra grinned.
"Well, it'd be quite the dilemma if you didn't know his name and he did walk you to class," Cassandra said, Alondra giggled nodding in agreement with her.
"You met Diggory?" Katie then asked Alondra from down the table, obviously over hearing their conversation. Angelina laughed loudly and Katie stifled a giggle. Alondra was going to reply, rather annoyed at their obvious teasing when suddenly Professor Quirrell burst in to the Great Hall panicked and screaming.
"Trolls! Two trolls in the dungeons! Thought you oughta know," he managed to yell and collapsed dead away. Time seemed to stop for a few seconds as his words sunk in to everyone. Suddenly, the hall echoed with the screams of the terrified students. Everyone scrabbled to their feet and began to run to the exit when Professor Dumbledore's voice boomed over them.
"Silence! Everybody will please not panic," he instructed and Alondra had to cover her mouth from screaming out in agony as hundreds of panicked student's voices painfully filled her mind. She began to tremble and felt herself grow really cold and pale. Her eyes darkened into a dark brown, suddenly a roll of thunder and lightning boomed outside. She hazily noticed Professor Dumbledore's eyes stare right at her.
Professor Dumbledore then instructed the Prefects to take their houses up to their dormitories immediately. Alondra then shut her eyes tightly as she heard the different Professor's thoughts and orders enter her mind as well. Someone then took a light hold of her arm. She managed to open her eyes and turn.
"You okay?" Daniel asked curiously, Cassandra and Magenta were by her sides instantly looking to her concerned.
"Oh, yea. Yea, I'm fine...thanks for asking," Alondra replied softly, Magenta nodded and Daniel shrugged, but Cassandra looked to her almost pondering her answer and the truth behind it. Cassandra absently played with a red strand of her hair between her fingers.
They quickly hurried to catch up with their house group, when suddenly Harry and Ron stopped abruptly causing Daniel, Magenta, Cassandra, and Alondra to slam into them roughly.
"What did you stop like that for!" Daniel demanded, annoyed as he steadied himself.
"Hermione! She doesn't know about the trolls...she's-" Harry was going to say, but Cassandra answered for him, "In the girl's bathroom!"
Everyone looked to them confused and suddenly very worried, Daniel shook his head.
"Why is she in there anyway, Halloween stunt or something?" he asked curiously. Harry and Cassandra were about to answer when Alondra closed her eyes and moaned in pain, putting a hand to her hand.
"She's been in there all afternoon crying...a couple of incidents earlier seemed to have upset her," she supplied suddenly, they all turned to her even more confused.
"How did you know that, Alondra?" Magenta asked for everyone else. Alondra bit her lip and hesitated.
"Uh, well, I heard N… Neville tell you lot earlier," Alondra managed to say and again Cassandra eyed her cautiously. Alondra avoided her gaze and the questions she seemed to ask Alondra with her mind.
"Well, we'll go look for her. You lot head on up to the common room or Percy will really get suspicious as to where our little group went," Ron told them hastily, Harry nodded and the two best friends were about to leave when Daniel stopped them.
"Hold it, Batman and Robin, we're going with you," Daniel answered for the girls and himself. Ron and Harry looked to them questioningly.
"Look, you said it yourself...there are 2 trolls...we'll hold them off and you two go get Hermione," Cassandra piped up, drawing out her wand.
"You're certain?" Harry asked, Daniel, Magenta, Cassandra and Alondra nodded in agreement. Ron grinned and the 6 young wizards and witches ran down the corridors to the bottom chambers of the castle. As they came down a dark and dimly lit hall, Alondra came to an abrupt halt. Daniel stumbled into her, he scowled.
"Not again! Alondra, what?" he asked while flexing his shoulder. Harry and the others had been in front of them and they turned to run back.
"Why'd you stop?" Magenta asked confused and noticed Daniel shaking out his arm.
"Ask her," Daniel responded. Alondra then blinked rapidly and shook her head, putting a hand to her temple.
"Hermione...Hermione is just down that way. She's in trouble...a troll is in there! We have to hurry," Alondra informed them worriedly. Cassandra and Magenta gasped as Harry and Daniel gaped.
"What!" Ron exclaimed loudly and instinctively took off in the direction Alondra had mentioned. Harry called after him and quickly followed him. Daniel, Magenta and Cassandra were about to go do the same when Alondra stopped them.
"Wait!...They can handle it, we need to stop the one in the boy's bathroom," Alondra told them and took off in the opposite direction rapidly. Daniel blinked then looked to Cassandra and Magenta beyond confused.
"How'd she know all that?" he asked, Cassandra and Magenta looked to one another. Magenta sighed and shrugged as she ran after Alondra. Daniel then eyed Cassandra, as if expecting her to have figured it out.
"I wish I knew too, Daniel. We'll ask later, come on we have to hurry," Cassandra called over her shoulder and both took off after Magenta and Alondra. Cassandra then couldn't help but giggle at Daniel's exasperated sigh.
"Girls!" he mumbled annoyed.
"Odds bobs, that thing is big!" Magenta gasped, as the four Gryffindor's took in the Troll's enormous form.
"Ew, Ew, Ew!" Alondra squealed, as she noticed some drool slide out of the big, slouchy, green and dumb looking Troll's mouth.
"Alondra, pull yourself together! We have to find a way to knock this ugly thing out. Daniel, any ideas?" Cassandra called as she dodged a swing of the Troll's club.
"Spread out!" Daniel instructed and each of them took a corner, surrounding the Troll as best they could. Cassandra immediately pointed her wand at the Troll and Alondra followed suit. Daniel and Magenta looked to one another and grinned mischievously.
"Wandless fight, do you reckon?" Magenta asked playfully, Daniel nodded pulled up his wizard robes sleeves.
"Cassandra, watch out!" Alondra yelled, as the troll swung at Cassandra.
"Wingardium Leviosa!" Cassandra chanted and the club briskly flew out of the troll's hand. The troll being a below average knowledge creature, seemed to stare at his grip as to where his club might have gone. Cassandra waved her wand towards Magenta and Daniel, and the Troll angrily looked to her and charged. Cassandra gasped and Magenta reacted quickly and pulled Cassandra out of it's path. Both girls tripped on some loose tiles and fell to floor. Alondra called out to them, but then noticed the club floating above her. With a wave of her wand she threw it in Daniel's direction.
"Daniel, catch!" Alondra cried loudly, Daniel jumped high on his fast legs, stumbled but caught the club swiftly. He began to run around the troll, with the club teasingly. Alondra was amazed that he could actually carry the heavy club since he was so small.
"Hey, you brainless loon!" Daniel yelled, as the Troll roared and stared at the little boy steadily. Magenta and Cassandra managed to get to their feet and Alondra ran over to them.
"You ok?" Alondra asked hurriedly, looking to them concerned. Magenta rubbed a red impending bruise on her knee and Cassandra rubbed her back.
"A bit bumped, but ok. Thanks for that Magenta," Cassandra said lightly and smiled thankfully. Magenta grinned.
"You're welcome...just don't freeze up like that again," Magenta teased playfully and the three friends laughed.
"Where's Daniel?" Magenta suddenly questioned, and Alondra pointed over to where Daniel was still taunting the troll with it's own club.
"Come on, you nasty bloke!" Daniel laughed as the troll growled exasperatingly and charged at Daniel again at full speed. The ground beneath them shook and caused the girls to fall over.
"Daniel, watch out!" Cassandra called worriedly getting to her feet once more. Magenta's usually bright metallic blue colored eyes were now round with worry and concern for her friend. Alondra grabbed her head and flinched, she tried to stand but her ankle hurt.
"Ouch... Cassandra, Magenta make him reach down...as if to grab you and then get Daniel to strike his head!" Alondra told them, Cassandra nodded and Magenta beamed.
"Watch this!" she exclaimed and ran up behind the Troll. Cassandra bit her lip and had her wand at ready in case anything went wrong.
"Daniel, hey! Let him focus on me for a little bit and then whack him good," Magenta said and then picked up a loose tile and threw it the Troll's head. Daniel furrowed his brows as if wanting to object but nodded. The troll whirled around and looked to Magenta curiously.
"Hi! Can you catch me?" Magenta laughed and twirled around teasingly. The Troll grumbled and swiftly went to reach for her, everyone stood in shock at his sudden movement and Magenta tried to run but he managed to take a hold of her by her waist.
"Magenta!" Daniel, Cassandra and Alondra called at the same time. Magenta wiggled in the Troll's grasp and began to cough loudly. Alondra tried to stand up quickly, but she stumbled into a faucet. Cassandra ran toward the Troll with her wand aimed, and Daniel called to her to stop.
"No! Stay where you are, I got this!" Daniel called and swiftly ran in front of the troll, he swung rapidly and at full force the Troll's knee then his stomach. Daniel stumbled back but stood his ground. Cassandra gaped and Alondra gasped.
The troll cried out loudly in pain and dropped Magenta from his hold, Magenta squealed as she hurdled down but the pain of the floor hitting her body never came and Magenta heard a distinct, "Umf!" from beneath her. Magenta gasped.
"Daniel! Oh, Daniel I'm so sorry!" Magenta said worriedly as she got to her feet after having landed a top of Daniel's little form. Cassandra ran over to them and with one swift motion of her wand, the club hit the troll's head with a loud thump and his eyes locked. Alondra laughed happily and clapped as the Troll stumbled back and fell back a top the boy's stalls with a loud crash.
"Nice going, Cassandra!" Magenta cheered and gave her a quick hug. Cassandra laughed shyly and shrugged.
"Thanks, but we all did a nice job! It was teamwork that helped us knock him out," Cassandra stated and Magenta smiled. Daniel coughed loudly.
"Excuse me, can you guys help me up? I think Magenta crushed my legs," Daniel piped up and a small smile formed on his face. Magenta rolled her eyes but both girls helped him up. He dusted himself off and looked over to the troll proudly.
"Not bad, I thought Halloween would be a snore," Daniel mentioned and they laughed.
"Thanks for catching me by the way, Daniel. Though I'm sure you didn't mean to," Magenta joked and Daniel shrugged grinning. Cassandra looked about them and furrowed her brows.
"Where's Alondra?" Cassandra asked.
"Alondra?" they called loudly, and slowly Alondra made her way to them. Limping a bit on her left leg.
"Bravo! That's the most fun I've had in months!" Alondra giggled and they turned to her and smiled.
"Well, we make a good team," Cassandra replied and they nodded agreeing. Alondra then gasped and quickly made her way to the door. She put her ear against it and bit her lip. Cassandra, Daniel and Magenta ran up to her.
"What's going on?" Daniel asked, Alondra put a finger to her lips telling them to hold their questions for a bit.
"McGonagall, Quirrell and Snape are out there...they're scolding Ron, Harry, and Hermione right now down the hall. We have to get out of here quick if we don't want to be next," Alondra told them and swiftly opened the door. The four Gryffindor's looked back to the troll and smiled happily to one another and then made a swift dash for the Common Room at Gryffindor Tower, they laughed loudly all the way.
"I cannot believe, we actually are getting away with that!" Magenta beamed and the others nodded rapidly as they climbed the stairs three at a time.
"Happy All Hallows Eve!" Alondra piped up a little breathlessly and they chuckled mischievously to themselves as they stumbled into the Common Room happily, out of breath, and with a closer friendship in full bloom.
Chapter 74: Rachael JonesRay released her swing from top bar, twisting in the air three times before landing on her feet, taking only a small step backwards.
"Bugger," she swore to herself. She had been coming to her gymnastics lessons for the last few weeks, Professor Snape would collect her three days after class, and for five hours on Saturday mornings.
"That was better Ray," said her instructor, "you need to try that dismount again, you're slightly over rotating."
Ray quickly got herself ready to try again, chalking her hands, and adjusting her pads, before climbing back up onto the top bar, swings fully around a few times before completing her dismount again.
'Its funny' thought Snape, 'she is scared deathly of heights, even sitting in the stands at the Quidditch pitch, but she has no problems sending herself flying around on the bar'
"Perfect," said the instructor. "Your on target for the competition in the new year, now go get out of here," the instructor said fondly.
"Seeya tomorrow Becky" Ray called to her instructor heading towards the changing rooms, quickly changing into her school uniform minus the robes. She ran over to where Professor Snape was sitting.
"Ready I presume?" he said in a tone that made you think he was scraping something unpleasant from his shoe. Ray giggled, her instructor Becky was walking past as Snape asked, and Becky pulled a face at his tone.
"Yep, I'm starved, I don't want to miss out on dinner," she said still giggling.
Snape stood and lead Ray towards the door, stopping just outside and handing her the portkey Dumbledore had arranged to take her to and from her gymnastics classes.
"Portus" he said, and they were gone.
Later that evening, Ray sat in the Slytherin common room, it was well past midnight, and she was attempting to do her homework for Potions, it had taken her hours to catch up on the homework she had neglected to do because of her Gymnastic practices. She had already finished both her Charm and History of Magic Essay, but Snape had assigned a particularly nasty essay in the last class, and it was due in the next day.
"Hey Mudblood," Malfoy jeered coming from the boys dorm room. "Where were you this afternoon?" he sneered. "Off to play daddy with Snape huh," he suggested waggling his eyebrows suggestively.
Ray blushed the colour of her hair, seemingly adding fuel to Malfoys fire.
"I'm not sure what Snape would want with a feral little Mudblood like you, maybe he just likes the young ones and you were a willing subject," he sneered, stroking her cheek before pulling his hand back and slapped her hard. He then pulled her already complete work from in font of her, and threw it in the fire, before returning to where he came from, smirking.
Ray clutched her hand to her face and cried.
Chapter 75: Sebastian StirlingSebastian once again sat at his desk, quill in hand and a frown on his face.
Dear Mother and Father,
It's been a month or so since I last heard from you both. I hope everything is all right. I'm doing quite well, actually. My classes are going by smoothly, but Defence Against the Dark Art, or DADA as all kids here call it, is my favourite class of all. Professor Quirrell has taken a liking to me and is always praising my work and telling me I have tremendous talent. Proud of that father?
Professor Snape teaches Potions, and he tolerates my potion's making handicap quite well. Draco Malfoy says it's because I am a Slytherin and he is our Head of House. I remember that he also questioned me on my last name, and mentioned that he knows you father. He remembers you from your own Hogwarts days. Between us, I think Draco and I are his favourite students by far. A plus in my book, I guess. I know for sure now the power that comes with being a Stirling and a Slytherin.
Father, again I'll ask of you to please reconsider the request you made to me in your last letter. I just can't bring myself to do it, father. Please, reconsider. I hope you will, because Alondra was the first friend I ever made. At times it feels like she's the only friend I'll ever have.
Mother, I miss you terribly. However, please don't worry about me. I'm fine, really I am, the Slytherin's aren't that bad of a group. Again, the name Stirling and Slytherin title have helped so that no one messes with me. Write to me mum, please. Remember that I love you. I love you both.
Your son,
SEBASTIAN
Two letters arrived the next week, one from his father and one from his mother. His father rarely wrote to him these days, so Sebastian prepared himself for a scolding as he opened the letter hesitantly. Saving his mother's letter for comfort to read last.
Sebastian,
I thought I made it clear to you to stay away from that mudblood! Draco Malfoy has informed his father, who in turn informed me that you still meet up with this silly girl in private! Boy, I will not reconsider. You are a Stirling, a pureblood, a Slytherin, and she is nothing more than a weak Bracho, a mudblood and a Gryffindor no less! We are to high class for her and her pathetic family.
Do as I say, Sebastian, or don't expect to have a good holiday. Yes, all the those gift requests will be dismissed and you will not be home for the holidays either. Don't even think of running to mummy about this because Diana has been warned against disobeying my wishes. Besides, she happens to agree with me on this. Again, stay away from that Bracho girl, Sebastian. It's best for everyone. Make me proud, son.
Your Father.
My dearest,
I'm delighted to hear school is going well for you. I miss you too, my beloved. The house is dead silent without your mischief or laugh. Darling, promise mummy, you will do as your father says. I know it will be hard, you and Alondra have been friends since you were toddlers, but you know better than to disobey your father. Be a good boy and remember that mother loves you very much! I anxiously await to hold you in my arms and bathe you in kisses soon.
All my love,
Mum.
Sebastian scowled angrily, crumpled up his mother's letter and threw it in the blazing Slytherin Common Room fire, along with the torn up letter from his father. As he watched the paper burn, he narrowed his eyes angrily and felt hot angry tears come to his eyes. Angrily, he wiped them away and turned his back away from the fire.
"Even my mum agrees with father now. Why do I have to stop being Alondra's friend? I just don't understand...but mum is right. I know better than to disobey my father. I have to carry out his wishes, as painful and as difficult as they will be. I can no longer keep putting it off. I'm sorry, Alondra, but our friendship must come to an end...and soon."
Sebastian took a deep breath and ran up to his dormitory for some well-deserved sleep. And in the dimming Common Room fire, the letters continued to burn, but one distinct phrase still stood out...'It's best for everyone'.
Chapter 76: Cassandra SerenitySitting in the darkened common room with only the light of a softly burning fire to read by Cassandra studied the advanced charms books she had taken from the private room so many weeks ago. No one had yet asked for it back and its pages always seemed to call to her late at night when she couldn't sleep. She had already learned some wonderful charms from it including the banishing charm, the cushioning charm, confudus charm, engorgement charm, and summoning charm. It had taken her a few nights to learn some of them while others had come much more quickly like the summoning charm.
Tonight, however, Cassandra was studying a rather hard one that she might not be able to learn for several weeks, The Disillusionment Charm. It was mostly used to hide the magical nature of things like magical animals so that muggles wouldn't see them, but Cassandra wondered if it could also be used for other things. Giggling at the thought of how much the two Weasley twins had rubbed off on her, she shook her head.
Fred and George were great fun to be around. She had seen and talked with them several times now since their first meeting here in this very common room. They had even invited her along on one of their "missions" as they so often called them. She had refused, of course, for fear of being caught. The two boys had both looked at her and laughed joyously at her. She guessed they still remembered her teasing them from the first night they had met and didn't think of her as the cautious type.
Secretly Cassandra had wanted to go out with them, but something inside her was holding back and she really didn't know where it came from. She had never pulled back from adventure as a child. She was the one who had nearly frightened her grandmum to death by disappearing into the forest around their home at the age of only two. With wild animals both magical and mundane her grandmum had nearly stopped dead in her tracks when Cassandra had come playfully running from the forest a full four hours later with a deer and unicorn right behind her.
Still something had made her say no, and the reasoning behind it was still a mystery to her. Maybe she would take them up on that offer if they asked her again. Just as she was thinking this the portal door swung open and both Fred and George came stumbling into the room, falling into a pile on the floor.
They were both out of breath and giggling like mad as they lay there sprawled across the floor like two rag dolls. Cassandra couldn't help, but laugh at the two of them like that. Her laughter made both boys look up quickly with a start. At seeing it was only Cassandra they both smiled and worried expression that had taken them over faded quickly.
"It's only you," said Fred as he tried to detangle himself from his brother.
"Oh, thanks!" replied Cassandra in a falsely hurt tone.
"Oh, you know what he means," said George as he finished pushing his brother off of his robes. "We're just glad it wasn't someone else" he continued another smile pulling at the corners of his mouth.
"And what have you two been up too tonight?" Cassandra asked with a better than average guess in mind.
Both boys looked at each for a moment a silent communication, that Cassandra had become accustom too with the two of them, taking place. "Oh, nothing," said Fred with a smile broader than the grounds of Hogwarts plastered across his face.
Raising her eyebrow she looked from twin to twin knowing certainly well that something was going on. "Are you trying to tell me that you two" she motioned from Fred to George and back again. "Are completely innocent for the first time in your lives?"
All three of them fell into laughter over that one. Neither boy could keep a straight face as they pulled up chairs next to Cassandra. A wild and excited look flashing in their eyes told Cassandra that they were most defiantly not innocent now, nor had they ever been.
"We saw it!" said George in a hushed tone, the excitement of their adventure still radiating in his voice as he spoke.
"Saw it?" asked Cassandra with a puzzled expression.
"Yeah, we saw it!" continued Fred. "The reason why the third hall corridor is forbidden this year," his voice trembled with enthusiasm.
"Oh?" Cassandra's expression perked up in an instant.
"Yeah!" the two boys said as one.
"And?" Cassandra prodded them.
"A dog," remarked George.
"A big dog!" replied Fred.
"A dog?" Cassandra repeated in a questioning voice. "Why would they forbid us from going near a dog? Even a big dog?"
"Well it's got three heads!" Fred said as if Cassandra hadn't been listening to them at all.
"And it's the size of the whole corridor!" continued George before Cassandra could interject.
Cassandra's eyes got wide at the realization of what the boys were saying. A dog, the size of the corridors of Hogwarts was living in the third floor hallway. Not just any dog, but a dog with three heads! Cassandra felt speechless as she thought about this. Why in the name of Merlin would the school have a dog like that, let alone have one lose in one of the hallways? She thought to herself.
George looked at Cassandra with a bit of strange expression. "You ok Cass?" he asked. "You look like you might pass out or something."
"Err" she began before actually remembering how to talk. "No, I'm alright." she finished as she shook her head a little to clear out the cobwebs.
Giving her best playful smile she looked up at the two boys. "And you got away from that thing!" she said in almost disbelief.
The two boys started laughing again. "Just barely," said George as he showed her the back of his robes.
A large rip that started about midway down the back ran the length of the robe. Cassandra could see that the edges were still wet with saliva and a lump seemed to form in her throat. They could really have been hurt this time.
"George" Cassandra began a truly worried expression on her face. However, neither of the two boy's faces showed any sign of worry or even of fear. They were laughing and merry just as they always were. Cassandra shook her head; they wouldn't change even if she did try to lecture them.
"Hand it here" she said as she held her hand out. George gave her a quizzical look before doing as he was told. With a quick word and swish of her wand the long rip began to mend itself. In a moment it was as good new and Cassandra handed it back over to George who was smiling softly at her.
"Thanks Cass" he replied as she handed him back the robe, a softer than normal tone in his voice.
"So, when are you going to come out with us Cass?" questioned Fred, a wicked looking grin sliding across his lips.
This is my chance she thought. "Anytime you're ready for me," she said as boldly as she could.
Fred and George both looked at her with a questioning glance before excitement lit up their faces. The corner of their lips pulled up into bright smiles and the brown of their eyes dancing with delight. It looked as though they were so excited they might jump on her at any moment and torture her with hugs or tickles. Instead they began to laugh, still watching Cassandra with a certain fascination. I guess they didn't expect me to say yes she thought to herself before she was overcome with her own laughter.
Chapter 77: Magenta ColdrenMagenta sat in the Quidditch Pitch and watched as three scarlet figures zoom around the field on their broomsticks. They tossed the quaffle around, ducking and swooping and diving. Magenta had an itch to join them. Chaser had always been her favourite position. She sighed wistfully and returned to writing her History of Magic essay, due in two days.
She looked up again when she heard someone shout.
"Hey, you with the pink hair!" called a black haired girl. She had a regal air about her. Magenta recognized her as Angelina Johnson. She eased her broom down a bit until it hovered just off the ground. She hopped down and was followed by her companions, one a sweet looking blonde with dark eyes, named Katie Bell and the other looked much like the first, dark haired and dark eyed. If Magenta was right, this was Alicia Spinnet. They all were very pretty, and, judging by their robes, were the chasers on the Gryffindor Quidditch team, Angelina Johnson, Katie Bell, and Alicia Spinnet.
"Hey, we're trying to train up for the first game. We need another player. Can you fly?" asked the first one. Magenta nodded. "Can you play a chasers position?" she questioned. Magenta squinted up at the girl, the sun was behind her. She couldn't quite see her face.
"Yeah, I used to play all the time." she said.
"Good, go get a broom, we need fourth, we're gonna play two on two." said the blonde.
Magenta stood and walked over to the broom shed. She emerged with one of the school brooms. She walked to the center of the field, mounted, and kicked off the ground.
Suddenly, Magenta was being carried up, up and up at the mercy of the November winds. She let the breeze caress her face and basked in the feeling or glorious freedom the air gave her for a long moment. The faint late fall sun shone upon her, making her warm despite the nippy autumn air.
She was brought back to reality when she heard someone calling her. Magenta whipped her broom around and caught the quaffle just in time. She saw the blonde rushing at her, and quickly took action.
Magenta dived out of the way and then swooped back up and began to race towards the opposite goal posts. She dodged Katie again, then Alicia. She realized she was playing as a partner to Angelina. She saw Angelina racing beside her and quickly passed the quaffle, she caught it, then dodged Katie, threw it back to Magenta, who sent it soaring through the hoop.
The better part of the next two hours was spent with the four girls zooming around the Pitch, passing the quaffle and switching up teams and such. At the end, they were all quite winded and were sore from all the flying. They all flopped down on the grass, their broomsticks discarded in a heap near by.
"Hey, I never caught your name," said Angelina, staring up at the sky as the other three were.
"Magenta Coldren." Magenta answered, absently fiddling with a piece of grass.
"Well, Magenta, you're a hell of a chaser." said Katie, giggling a bit. Magenta chuckled.
"I used to play at my old school, and back in D.C." she commented.
"D.C.?" asked Alicia.
"Washington D.C., I live in America."
"Oh."
"Magenta, do you know Alondra Bracho?" asked Katie.
"Yeah... she's great." said Magenta.
"I know. She's a real sweetie, isn't she?" Magenta, Alicia and Angelina all made an agreeing noise.
"She's a real looker too," said Magenta. Angelina giggled.
"True, but you're not so bad yourself, Magenta." she comment. Magenta went a bit pink.
"Ditto, to all of you." Magenta replied. "Do you three know Erin Stephens?" she asked.
"Yeah. She's a nice kid. Very pretty as well." said Alicia. The other all made another agreeing noise.
"Hey, Magenta, who are those two you're always hanging out with? The redhead and the boy with the long hair? Magenta smiled.
"Cassandra Serenity and Daniel Smith. Daniel is another American, like Alondra. Cassandra's from up north, I think. She's great as well, and very pretty. Really smart too. Daniel is... cool. He's real brave, and a hell of a fighter. Strong for his size," said Magenta.
"So, Magenta, you fancy him or something? You're always with him and Cassandra." commented Katie.
"Daniel? Nah... He's not repulsive, but I'm not too interested in boys yet," said Magenta. "As far as I'm concerned, boys are like... entertainment. Beat 'em a 'male sport' and they get all grumpy. What babies." she said, causing her companions to break out in giggles, which she couldn't help but join.
"Well, I really have to go, I have a truck load of homework," said Magenta, pushing herself up off the ground. The others followed suit.
"Well, Magenta, it was great talking to you. See you around!" called Angelina as Magenta jogged back over to the stands to retrieve her school things.
"I like that kid." said Angelina as she, Katie and Alicia made their way back up to the castle.
"I do too," said Katie and Alicia in unison. They all giggled and continued up to the school, all wearing a broad grin.
Chapter 78: Alondra BrachoIt was the dawn of a new day, the sun was just peeking over the horizon and the cold morning air was cool and strong.
Alondra sat under her favourite Oak, dressed in her school uniform and wizards robes, but also with a burgundy flannel blanket wrapped around her for warmth. Her long golden locks were spread about her in a spun gold shawl. Her caramel eyes were misty and seemed far away from the then and there.
She was busy day-dreaming about her hometown, her beloved Harmony and how much she missed it. Especially now with Fall in full bloom, Harmony was the place to be for rainbow colored leaves to adorn the streets. She especially missed her family, her mama's joyful laugh, her father's deep eyes full of warmth and wisdom, her older brother Jason's heartfelt advice and overprotective nature, and finally her little brother Ethan's happy gurgles. Alondra sighed deeply and snuggled deeper into the warmth of her blanket.
"Alondra? Blimey, what are you doing here?" a Scottish brogue called from behind her. Alondra turned her head and there stood, Oliver Wood, dressed in his gold and scarlet Quidditch robes holding a broom at his side. His dark hair ruffled in the wind and his chocolate brown eyes looked pleasant yet concerned.
"Hi, Oliver! I was just...thinking, about my hometown, family, and well lots of other things," Alondra replied and smiled as he sat down next to her. Placing his broom at his side and looking at her closely.
"Uh huh, lot on your mind, eh? Care to share? You look like you could use some advice," Oliver piped up. Alondra bit the inside of her cheek and nodded.
"It's like you read my mind!... err, I mean, I was just thinking how much I miss my older brother Jason because of that very reason. He's 6 years older than me, but he never let that come between our special bond. He's my mentor, my confidant,...I'm surprised I haven't lost it without his advice here," Alondra confessed heartedly. Oliver looked to her kindly, but then furrowed his brows curiously.
"What about that bloke, err, you know the Slytherin. Aren't you two close?" Oliver inquired, and Alondra giggled softly.
"Oh yes, Sebastian. Well, he's my best friend... my partner in crime! He was the first friend I ever made and I don't know what I'd do without him, he's my constant support. But I try to get him to trust me with his secrets like I have trusted him with some of mine. Yet he still doesn't want to open his heart to, but I don't pressure him...in time I know he'll realize I'm here for him like he is for me...He's a little childish in that area... Oh, Oliver, I'm sorry I'm babbling! I'm sure this is pretty meaningless to you," Alondra said shyly and a soft pink blush invaded her delicate features. Oliver chuckled and smiled warmly to her.
"No, no. I appreciate that you're willing to talk so openly to me, really. But Alondra something has been nagging at me and well, I have to ask you," Oliver said.
"Oh, well, sure! Please go ahead,"
"Why are you more often than not out here alone. I mean I know you have plenty of friends here. Err, Cassandra, Magenta, Daniel, Katie, Angelina, the twins, Harry, Ron and even Hermione! And me, of course! You do know we're here for you, right?" Oliver mentioned and a warm feeling rushed over Alondra at the mention of all her wonderful friends. She gave him a dazzling smile and nodded.
"I know, Oliver. And believe me when I tell you how lucky I feel to have you all as my friends...but, well, you're gonna think I'm mad. Every time I'm with my friends...I just feel, well, SO inferior to them." Alondra confessed heartedly.
"I don't understand. They make you feel this way?" Oliver questioned concernedly and for a brief second, Alondra thought she saw the same brotherly protection that she had seen time and time again in Jason's eyes, in Oliver's just then.
"Oh, no! No, of course not. They're all so kind and considerate towards me... even Hermione. Don't laugh! Honestly, my insecurities come to me from me. As bizarre as that sounds," Alondra sighed.
"No, that makes perfect sense. Tell me about it, Alondra." Oliver offered warmly, Alondra hesitated and Oliver chuckled ruffling her hair playfully. Alondra laughed joyfully.
"Come now, Alondra. Think of me as, Jason! Like you were talking to your older brother," Oliver boasted a bit.
"Really?" Alondra inquired.
"Yes. You know, kiddo, since you walked into our train the first day of school...I knew there was something special about you. I'm serious, you were so kind, bubbly, friendly, and not to mention patient! Don't laugh, kiddo! I'm very serious. I mean I know what the whole school thinks...'Oh look there's Wood, that Quidditch obsessed bloke. He doesn't think about anything else'," Oliver confessed and mimicked the last part. Alondra stifled a laugh.
"Well, I know for a fact that's not at all true! You've got plenty of other things on your mind," Alondra said playfully. Oliver quirked a brow.
"Really? Like?" He questioned intrigued.
"Well, I've seen the looks you give Snape, McGonagall...Erin," Alondra teased heartedly. Oliver gaped at the younger blonde girl, amazed at her observations.
"See, I knew it! If I recall correctly though, you never talk about anything else but Quidditch with her. You need a new topic, her eyes or her smile? And I have to admit Oliver, I could've sworn I saw chemistry between you and Katie on the train..." Alondra added sneakingly. Oliver hesitated to answer, he noticed Alondra could be very sneaky and playful when she wanted to be and that brought a smile to his face.
"Okay! Enough about me. So, are you going to consider me as your brother and tell me what your insecurities around your friends are or not?" Oliver piped up and Alondra laughed giddily.
"Fine! Consider yourself my older brother... I just hope you can put up with me," Alondra warned playfully.
"Oh, I think I'll manage. I don't have any siblings so be prepared to be very overprotected," Oliver said grinning.
"Been there done that!" Alondra exclaimed and they both laughed loudly. Alondra then turned to face him, and removed her blanket from around her shoulder to drape over her legs and Oliver's.
"This could take a while, so you'll need to keep warm," Alondra joked and Oliver smirked pleasantly. He nodded for her to proceed.
"Okay, well, I feel very inferior to my friends. They're all so unique and strong in their own ways. I mean take, Magenta...she's hip, pretty, feisty, brave, smart...she intimidates you at first, but she has a big, big heart! Oh, and Cassie, I mean when doesn't she have a warm smile on her lovely face? And have you seen how brilliant she is in all subjects and how handy she is with a wand! And Daniel, he's courageous, playful, loyal, and defensive of us all! I mean you should've seen him on Hallo-... err, I mean...He's just genuinely a very nice boy. Erin," Alondra then added wiggling her eyebrows. Oliver stifled a smile and slapped her leg playfully. Alondra squealed.
"Hey! I was only going to mention that she comes off as quiet and shy, but she's quite energetic, sporty, and spontaneous! She's just very much fun to be around," Alondra concluded the summary of her friends. Oliver sighed and smiled.
"You have great friends, kiddo."
"Yea, I do. And like I said...they've got nothing to with my insecurities. They always make me feel good about myself, but I'm the one that feels I'm not good enough for them," Alondra told him heartedly, a light frown on her face.
"How do you mean?" Oliver asked confused.
"I'm weak! Not to mention, muggle born! I'm spacey, careless, not to mention clingy. I hide behind others and not have the nerve to face my fears and insecurities head on. Jason always scolded me for that, I always hid behind him in Harmony... and now I tend to hide behind Magenta, Daniel and Cassandra! Plus, I'm just plain strange...there's certain things about me I don't even understand," Alondra sighed heavily.
"Alondra, would you listen to yourself? Merlin! Do you have any self-appreciation?" Oliver said heartedly. Alondra paused and looked to her hands timidly.
"Alondra, you need to stop thinking these things about yourself! You're a terrific lass! You're kind, bubbly, girly, smart, sensitive, gifted at singing...Yes! We've all heard you at some point and your voice is amazing. Not to mention you're pretty as hec, kiddo! Which, of course that little detail will make my older brother role more difficult. Since I'll have to knock those blokes away from you," Oliver stated warmly and patted her back softly.
Alondra laughed joyously and suddenly flung herself at Oliver and hugged him tightly.
"Thank you, Oliver! Thank you for listening to me and making me feel better about myself. Are you sure you don't have any siblings? Especially girl siblings?" Alondra piped up happily and Oliver laughed. He got to his feet and offered her hand. She thankfully took it and got to her feet as well. She dusted herself off, picked up her blanket and folded it neatly. She then turned to Oliver and gave her trademark dazzling smile.
"Breakfast, little sis?" he offered Alondra and she nodded happily. She slipped her arm through his and as the two friends, now considering each other family walked to the Great Hall, Oliver and Alondra saw Cedric Diggory walk up to them.
"Hey, Wood. Hi, Allie!" Cedric greeted them politely. Oliver quirked a brow and noticed a mysterious gleam in Cedric's hazel eyes as he looked to Alondra. While Alondra seemed to smile sweetly and at him and a faint blush adorned her cheeks.
"Hi, Cedric! How are you?" Alondra greeted him right back warmly. Oliver breathed deep and smirked.
"Diggory," He nodded casually and turned to Alondra.
"I'll see you inside, kiddo." Oliver told her, patted her arm softly and with a nod at Cedric disappeared behind the doors of the Great Hall. Alondra stifled a giggle at how well Oliver was handling his 'big brother' role. Cedric also seemed intrigued at the usual stiff and arrogant Quidditch captain's friendly demeanour just then.
"So, is there something I should be aware of between you and Oliver, Allie?" Cedric questioned hesitantly. Alondra smiled softly and shrugged, poking Cedric's arm playfully. He grinned at her.
"Did I forget to mention that Oliver is my older brother?" Alondra remarked teasingly and laughed joyously at the stunned and confused expression on Cedric's handsome face.Chapter 79: Daniel Smith
Harry Potter gave his fellow first year a dirty look. He had trouble forcing down a few pieces of toast, while Daniel was halfway through a huge pile of eggs, bacon, toast, kippers, and fruit. A large porridge bowl lay next to his plate, completely voided. The smaller boy, knowing exactly what he was thinking, grinned saucily at him. "You gonna eat that toast, Potter?"
"Get stuffed, Smith," Harry said, less than good-naturedly.
"Thanks, dude, I intend to," Daniel said.
After finishing breakfast, he joined the rest of the male players in the locker room. There were four of them, one for each gender and one for each house playing. The Slytherin's had only one girl on their team this year, a burly seventh-year. It was whispered that she held onto the Keeper spot not because she was good, but because she threatened to beat up any boy who tried to take it from her. All of their other players and reserves were in the boy's room.
The Gryffindor's were a bit more balanced. All three starting Chasers were female. The other players were boys. Daniel was between the twins, cheerfully swapping zingers.
Fred eyed Daniel in his uniform. "You look good, kid. Like a Beater, only smaller."
"Yeah, yeah," Daniel replied. "At least I'm not tall and skinny like you. Tell me, if you sit still too long, do people hang their hats on you?"
"Oh, that's cute," George said. "I like you, kid, I like you a lot. And so, tomorrow at noon, you may climb me."
"Cool," said Daniel, grinning nastily. "I'll bring my ice-axe."
General laughter all around. Despite their insults, the three respected each other. Daniel was awed by the twins' seamless teamwork, and they were equally amazed by how effective he was, despite the fact that he weighed only 45 percent as much as the average beater did.
"It's time," Oliver Wood said in his Irish brogue. "Ready, Harry." Harry nodded, eyes wide. "How 'bout you, Danny-boy?" Wood added.
Daniel nodded. He usually preferred to be called by his full name, but for some reason, he liked Oliver's nickname for him. Maybe it was the way his Irish brogue made it sound. "Ready when you are."
"OK. You know where you're supposed to go, right?" Daniel nodded again. "All right, then."
The team, save Daniel, headed for the field entrance. As a reserve, Daniel would not go on with the starting team. Rather, he discreetly headed up into the stands, lugging his used Comet 240 with him. The Comet was not in the same league as Harry's Nimbus 2000, but it was a serviceable ride, and it offered good stability. The broom dealer in Hogsmeade, eager to sell McGonagall on the Nimbus 2000, had offered to throw the Comet in for a mere five galleons if she bought the Nimbus. McGonagall, being Scottish, couldn't resist that.
As the team reached the gate, he heard Wood's voice: "Scared, Potter?" No audible response from Harry. "Well, I was scared my first time."
"What happened?"
"I don't really remember. I took a bludger to the head two minutes in, woke up in the hospital a week later."
Daniel laughed to himself. "Great, Wood. Way to build his confidence there."
By the time he was up in the stands, the fourteen players were swirling around the stadium, accompanied by Madame Hooch. Most of Daniel's class still took lessons with her, though Daniel was exempted: it was agreed that he got enough flying in during practice.
The Gryffindor's were a cheering, jostling mass in their part of the stands. Although most of the teachers were in a separate box, Hagrid was among Daniel's housemates, dressed in red and gold along with the rest of them. He had been a Gryffindor in his Hogwarts days. Across the pitch were the Slytherin's, and Argus Filch among them. Filch had never attended Hogwarts and had no preference for any house, he just always favoured the side that his arch nemeses, Fred and George, were NOT on.
Magenta had seated herself next to Daniel. "Pretty exciting, huh? Your first game."
"Well, I'm just a reserve," Daniel said. "For me to get in, Slytherin has to cheat, Fred or George has to be hurt, and Madame Hooch has to see it." That last part was the tough one: the Slytherin's frequently cheated, and people got hurt quite a bit, but they were very good at doing it when Hooch's back was turned.
"Still, you're in uniform," Magenta said.
"We're looking for a spare Chaser," Daniel said. "And I heard Angelina and the others talking about how good you were."
"Yeah, right," Magenta said. "I heard Madame Pomfrey is on a first name basis with you. Last week, a broken arm. Week before that, cracked ribs."
Before Daniel could reply, the game began, and there was no point in trying to communicate, it was too loud and chaotic.
The Gryffindor's began strongly. They were a young team: one fifth-year, four-thirds, a second, and a first. However, Wood knew how to play to their strengths, speed and agility. The Gryffindor's scored two quick goals, with Wood keeping the goal clear. However, that infuriated Slytherin Chaser Marcus Flint, who looked like one of his grandparents might have been related to one of the uninvited Halloween guests. He swiped a Beater club and used it to knock a Bludger at Wood, knocking him silly. Had Hooch seen this, she would have called a penalty and permitted a substitution, but she had not.
With Wood gone, Slytherin began to run up the score. It got worse when two of the chasers slammed Angelina into a pillar. This was considered legal, and Gryffindor had no spare Chaser anyway.
Daniel eyed the cheering Slytherin's with distaste. How, he wondered, could they condone such dirty tactics? Among them, he noticed the young gymnast he worked out alongside in the morning. She looked decidedly apprehensive. Not surprising, she had once (during their few actual conversations) told him that she didn't like heights. And the stands were, after all, a good ten meters above the pitch.
Suddenly, a fight erupted at the other end of the pitch, involving Fred, George, Marcus Flint, and a couple of other Slytherin's. Nearly everyone was watching this. Daniel, however, had seen the Snitch flutter past. Harry was close by. He looked up at Harry, to see if he had noticed. And he had. He leaned forward to go for it, and. . . .
The broom went out of control, shaking and jouncing in the air.
Harry was nearly flung off outright. He managed to hang on, but the broom went on jouncing and shaking. Daniel didn't bother to look to the stands; he kept his eye on Harry as his teammate fell off sideways. Then he was holding on with two hands. Then one hand slipped off. And then…
Determinedly, Daniel leaped astride his broom and shot skyward. An eighth player on the field was a penalty at least and could even cause a forfeit. But he understood that some things matter more than victory.
Harry was holding on with his last ounce of strength when he heard a voice below him. "Potter!" He looked down and saw Daniel, hovering below him. He dropped down to Daniel's broom, and the two of them shot back to the stands. Daniel sat down in the sub box and tried to look nonchalant. His charade was not necessary; Madame Hooch was far too busy breaking up the squabble below.
Up in the stands, Hermione sighed in relief, putting her wand away. She had not liked the idea of having to hex Snape. Behind her, Professor Quirrell stared at the two boys in the stands, a look of pure venom in his eyes.
Wood, looking dazed, flew over. "Potter? What are you doing here?"
"I... uh, I lost my broom," Harry said, pointing. Whoever was jinxing the broom had lost interest in it when Harry dropped from it; it lay abandoned on the pitch.
Oliver pulled his wand. "Accio, broom." Harry's Nimbus sprang into his hand. "Here. Go do your job!"
Harry did just that, returning to the air. Daniel kept him under close watch, but there was no further trouble with his broomstick. He caught the Snitch a few minutes later, the final score being 200-100, Gryffindor was victorious.
Back in the locker room, Daniel changed out of his red robes. Most of the players were headed for the shower, though he had no need for one: his fifteen-second flight had not caused him to sweat much.
As he buttoned up his white shirt (as mentioned, he had no decent clothes other than his school ones), he felt a tap on his shoulder. Harry, still in his sweaty and grass-stained uniform.
Daniel nodded to him. "You all right, Potter?"
Harry nodded. "Thanks to you."
Daniel gave him a smile. "Don't sweat it, dude. You'd have done the same for me."
As he left the locker room, he ran smack into a very severe-faced Professor McGonagall. "Mr. Smith. Madame Hooch might not have noticed your little display of rule breaking, earlier. However, I did."
Daniel said nothing.
"I'm certain you knew the rules of the game, and yet you chose to break them." Daniel started to reply, but she interrupted. "Therefore, I have no choice but to award twenty-five points to Gryffindor."
Daniel nodded. "I see," he said. "All right, Professor. I've learned my lesson."
"Good," McGonagall said, and walked off, clearly trying very hard not to grin.
Chapter 80: Erin StephensErin smiled softly to herself as she read the letter from her mum. She had been a little worried that her mum would have forgotten her birthday, as she was so far away. She should have known better. At breakfast she was thrilled to receive a long letter from her mother, and a promise that something special was on its way to her. She had no idea what the mysterious present might be, which lent an air of excitement to the day, despite boring lessons and taunting looks from certain slimy Slytherin boys.
November 17th. Erin's 12th birthday. She did not expect much; her birthdays had always been quiet affairs, and she had not even mentioned it to her friends at Hogwarts, so she did not expect any presents or special attention. She had dressed in her favourite Quidditch T-shirt—the one she had been wearing when she first met Oliver.
Oliver made the day special to her; despite the fact hat he did not know it was her birthday. Whenever he was near she felt a thrill of excitement run through her... her stomach would flip-flop with every smile he turned her way, and she knew that her feelings for him were not simply those of a friend. But how he felt, she knew not. Erin had next-to-no experience with boys, and the things she thought might indicate interest might just as easily indicate indigestion. But regardless of how he felt, the days were better with him to talk to, to walk to meals with, to fly with.
Erin opened the letter from her mum and skimmed it once more. She was so home sick today! Nobody told her how hard it would be to be away from home on her birthday. In the letter her mum had scripted out what they'd be doing if she were at home. Though it was probably meant to make her feel happy, it only made her miss home even more. She sniffled, swiping at some tears that dared escape, despite her noble attempt at bravery.
She snuggled deep in the big squashy sofa pillows on the couch by the fire. The common room was mostly empty now, and Erin felt herself slipping into a comfortable half-sleep. She allowed the dreams to claim her, and was unaware of the hand that moved a stray lock of hair from her forehead before lifting the letter from her hands.
When she awoke some time later, she clumsily made her way up the stairs to her bed, completely oblivious that anyone had touched her, or that anything had changed.
