"Three, two, one," Parker counted, grinning evilly. Just as she finished, a series of loud shouts erupted from the boys dormitories. It took only moments from when the shouting started for four angry boys to come down. All of them were covered in chicken feathers and honey.
"Keowen," Jeff yelled furiously.
"Yes," Parker said pleasantly.
"We know it was you, so don't even try and deny it," Orion growled.
"Okay, I won't," Parker said grinning, "It was me. Of course, I had the help of my lovely co workers, Nicci, Kylie, and Dani."
"I had nothing to do with this Parker," Daniella began.
"Well, of course you did Dani," Parker said grinning, "I never would have found the perfect way to get the buckets to hang if it weren't for you."
"You tricked me into telling you," Daniella said.
"That I did, but wasn't it you who told me that we should never waste knowledge? I just did what you said and put that knowledge to good use."
"You call this good use," James shouted.
"I would," Kylie said.
"It is at least entertaining use," Veronica said grinning.
"Oh, yes, very entertaining, Winters," Shane said angrily, "We're all busting up laughing."
"I'd say everyone one is," Veronica said, gesturing around the common room. It was true. Everyone in the room was laughing.
The boys blushed lightly. "We are going to get you back for this," Orion said coldly.
"Hey, I thought we were nice this time," Parker said, grinning, "This stuff washes right off."
"You better hope it does," James said. He and the boys turned and stormed angrily back up the stairs.
"Happy Halloween," Kylie shouted after them.
"I love Halloween," Parker said grinning, "All the glorious tricks..."
"And all of the candy," Veronica said smiling.
"I hope you two remember that those things happen in the Muggle holiday," Daniella said softly.
"Well, the candy part does," Kylie said, "But the tricks are in both." Daniella groaned quietly.
"Well, enough about Halloween," Veronica said, "We can talk all about the good stuff after classes are over."
"I suppose," Parker groaned getting up, "Where to?"
"Charms," Veronica said, as they left the common room.
"I heard we're doing Summoning Spells today," Daniella said smiling.
"We could use those for some good pranks," Parker said thoughtfully.
Daniella groaned. "Is that all you think about?"
"That and food," Kylie said laughing.
"Don't forget kicking Slytherin butt," Parker said as they walked into Charms.
"Isn't that the truth," Veronica said grinning, "I think you scared dear Amelia."
"Someone needed to."
"Just like someone needs to teach you four a lesson," James said.
"Is that what you plan on doing, Jamie?" Kylie asked.
"Maybe not today," James said, "But sooner or later, yes. And don't call me Jamie!"
"Emphasis on the sooner," Orion said.
"As for today, we already have plans," Jeff said grinning.
"Do you?" Parker asked, "And you're going to do it without your other little friend Bryant?"
Veronica glanced around. Parker was right. Shane was no where to be seen. "Where is he anyways?"
"He was able to get the feathers off, right?" Kylie said smiling.
The boys looked around and frowned. "He was done before we were," Jeff said, "He left down here early."
"I'm sure he'll turn up," Orion said, turning back to the girls.
"When he does, we can start to plan our revenge," James said grinning evilly.
"We're scared now," Parker said looking bored.
"Sit down boys," Ginny said, as she entered the room.
"You will be, babe," Orion said quietly, before the boys took their seats, "Trust me."
"Who's missing?" Ginny asked, glancing around.
"Shane is, Professor," James said.
"Do you know why, Mr. Potter?" Ginny asked, while writing something down.
"No," James said.
"Hmmm," Ginny said, staring suspiciously, "Well, okay. You will tell him to come see me, though. Today is a very important class."
"Yes, Professor," James said.
"Good," Ginny said smiling, "Now everyone grab your wands. Today we are doing Summoning Charms. The spell is Accio. Does everyone have that?" She waited and then smiled. "We will be summoning pillows, to keep everyone from getting hurt. Pair off into groups of three or four and grab a box of pillows."
"So," Parker said, after the girls grabbed their box, "What do you think the boys are up to today?"
"Something terrible and rude," Daniella said softly while shaking her head.
"We know that much. And you better watch it Dani, or people might actually think you dislike somebody."
"I bet it is some prank on the Slytherins," Kylie said.
"Yeah, and they are definitely going to do it at the feast tonight," Veronica said.
"What do you bet they have Bryant setting it up right now?" Parker said.
"You must be right," Kylie said, "It's exactly something James would think of."
"Girls," Ginny said as she walked over, "Practice."
"Sorry," the girls chorused.
Twenty minutes later, the bell rang and the girls left. "I am so sick of class," Parker groaned, "Hurry up, Nicci."
"I'm coming," Veronica said, while cramming things into her bag.
"Nicci, dear," Ginny said, "I'm in a hurry. Shut the door when you leave, will you?"
"Sure, Mom," Veronica said, looking up, "Is everything alright?"
Ginny smiled nervously. "Everything is fine," she said quickly as she headed out the door.
Veronica stared after her. She was lying again. Veronica sighed. Maybe she isn't as honest with me as I thought she was, she thought. She grabbed her bag and headed toward the door.
"Nicci," Parker called again, this time from down the hall.
"I'm coming," Veronica called back. She reached over to pull the door shut, when she noticed something on the ground. "Now I'm dropping stuff, too. Just great." She picked it up and ran quickly down the hall to catch up with her friends.
"I am so glad classes are over for the day," Kylie said.
"Me too," Parker said, rubbing her stomach.
Veronica gasped as they entered the Hall. There were live bats fluttering below the enchanted ceiling, which now showed the storm raging outside. Lightning flashed every few minutes. Candles floated just above the tables, casting a rather creepy glow on the house tables. The normal house colors had disappeared and were replaced with black decorations. In the front of the hall, near the teachers tables, was a group of dancing skeletons.
"It's amazing," Daniella said quietly.
"Nice," Kylie said, looking around with awe.
"Yeah," Parker agreed, "Let's hope the food is just as good. I'm starving."
"What else is new?" Veronica asked, as they took their seats.
"Funny," Parker said, as the other girls burst out laughing.
"Speaking of funny," Kylie asked, "I am definitely ready to see what the boys cooked up for tonight."
"Me too," Parker said, "I haven't seen Bryant all day. This prank sure must be good if it took all day to set up."
"Well, here come the boys," Veronica said glancing at the doorway, "I'm sure the fun will begin any moment now."
James grinned when he saw the girls, and the boys quickly took a seat by them. "Have you seen Shane?"
"No," Kylie said smiling, "Why? Did you have him setting up your little surprise?"
The boys frowned. "No," Orion said, "We haven't seen him since this morning."
"Maybe he got sick," Daniella suggested.
"It'd have to be really bad to miss this," Jeff said skeptically, "But maybe..."
"We'll check the Hospital Wing after dinner," James said.
"Yeah," Orion agreed, "After all, we don't want to miss all the action. It should start about 6:45 and that's only fifteen minutes away."
Veronica stared at them curiously as they began to eat. I wonder what they're up to, she thought. It was clear that the other girls were wondering the same thing. They didn't have long to wait. Exactly at 6:45, the chaos began.
It started with a simple shout from the Slytherin table, but turned into many. Veronica watched in shock as the Slytherins began to turn into gigantic pumpkins one by one. She smiled as she watched Amelia slowly inflate and become bright orange.
Everyone in the hall was laughing, except for the teachers and the Slytherin table, of course. Veronica looked over at her mother, who was desperately trying to change back a group of Slytherins and having very little luck. Coach Weasley, on the other hand, was doing rather well. He seemed to be the only one who knew how to undo the transformation.
Twenty minutes later, all the Slytherins were back to their normal bodies, but everyone else was still laughing hysterically.
"What did you think?" James asked over the noise.
"We used some of my Uncle Fred and George's new products. They aren't even on the shelf yet," Jeff said grinning.
"I'll admit it," Parker said grinning, "It was one of the funniest things I've ever seen. I am definitely going to have to pay your Uncles' shop a visit."
"It's a great place," Orion said grinning, "Too bad Jeff's dad caught on..."
He stopped. Someone was clanking on a glass from the teacher's table. Veronica turned to see, an amused Sirius. "Attention everyone," he said, as the room slowly went silent, "Due to an interesting turn of events, we will be ending the feast a bit early. Ravenclaws and members of the School Quidditch Team please go to the Quidditch pitch. Your transportation to Japan will arrive shortly. I am sure you will represent our school well."
He stopped and glanced over the Ravenclaw table and then at the players, smiling. "And I would appreciate it if Mr. Potter, Mr. Black, and Mr. Jeff Weasley would stay and have a little chat with me." The entire hall turned to look at the boys, each of whom was smiling innocently.
"The rest of you may return to your dorms or go for a walk. You still have another few hours before you need to be in bed." He smiled one last time. "Happy Halloween."
"Busted," Parker said jovially as they walked slowly from the Great Hall.
"Oh, I know," Kylie said smiling, "They are going to be in so much trouble."
"Maybe," Veronica said.
"Maybe?" Daniella repeated, "They played a terrible trick on the Slytherins and it could have been dangerous."
"Yes," Veronica said slowly, "but, there is no proof that they did it. Yes, there was the fact that the joke isn't on the market yet, but there are other Weasleys here."
"True," Parker said grinning. She stopped walking suddenly.
"What?" Kylie asked.
"I think we are going the wrong way," Parker said glancing around, "This doesn't look familiar."
The girls stopped and looked around as well. "The staircases must have moved again," Veronica said.
"I don't like it here," Daniella said quietly, "It gives me a bad feeling."
"Come on, Dani. It's not that bad," Parker started, but she was interrupted by Kylie's scream.
"What?" Veronica asked.
Kylie pointed slowly to the hall on their left. On the floor face down, was a body. Parker gasped. She had gone very pale. Daniella was looking like she was going to faint.
The girls walked slowly over to the body. As they got closer, they could see it was a young boy. Parker crouched down and flipped the boy over. This time, Veronica screamed. It was Shane.
"Shane," Kylie shouted at him. He didn't respond.
"Parker, your parents are doctors," Veronica said, as a wave of panic swept over her, "Do something!"
Parker carefully took his wrist between her thumb and two forefingers. "There's a heartbeat, but it's faint. He needs help. Kylie, you and Dani go get the teachers."
Kylie and Daniella stared. "Now!" Parker shouted. Kylie nodded, grabbed Daniella's arm and took off running. Parker carefully began to check Shane for injuries. Two minutes passed, but it seemed like eternity. Veronica was starting to shake. She fought to control it, but there was no use. How could Parker remain so calm?
"Do you think it was an accident?" Veronica asked trying to break the silence. Parker didn't have time to answer. Several figures rounded the corner at that moment, running at top speed.
Veronica saw her mother first and immediately ran to hug her. She also saw Professor Potter, Sirius, Professor Malfoy, Coach Weasley, and Professor Miller. All of them were looking worried.
Professor Malfoy bent down and took Shane's pulse. "I already did that," Parker said calmly, "He has a pulse."
Professor Malfoy ignored her. "We need to get him to the hospital wing now."
Sirius nodded. "Take him, Draco," he said, "Virginia can take the girls back to their rooms, and the rest of us will search for whoever may have done this."
"Oh, come now," Professor Miller said, looking frightened, "You don't think someone actually meant to hurt him. It was probably an accident..."
"You can rule an accident out," Parker said quietly.
"Why is that, Miss Keowen?" Sirius asked.
"Well, unless Shane was at the doctor less than two hours ago," Parker said slowly, "I truly doubt that he would have a needle mark on his arm." She carefully lifted the sleeve of Shane's robes and pointed. "They weren't experienced either. Look at how big the wound is, and how it bled. Any person with a medical background should be able to do a simple blood drawing. You can also rule out Madam Pomfrey doing it. She is too good to leave a mark like that."
"How do you know they were drawing blood?" Coach Weasley asked, "They could have been injecting something."
"Sometimes my father does charity events where he draws a lot of blood. I've been a few times. I can tell by the place and kind of wound. If they were injecting something the wound would most likely be on his shoulder."
Sirius nodded. "Virginia, take them to bed. Draco you know what to do. Everyone else split up and search."
Veronica had felt her mother slowly guide her through the hallways, but other than that, she didn't remember much. There was no talking, except for her mother, who was constantly telling them it would be okay. It felt more like she was trying to convince herself than the girls.
Veronica slowly changed into her pajamas. She was suddenly very tired. None of the girls talked, and Levinia and Annabel were already asleep. Veronica was glad. She didn't really feel like answering questions as to where they had been. She laid down quietly and let her mind wander to what had just happened.
She was worried about Shane. Then there was the fact that they didn't know who did it or why. Shane was a bit of a brat, but nobody really hated him enough to almost kill him. He'll be able to tell them who did it, Veronica thought to herself. It was meant to comfort her, but for some reason it hadn't. She sighed softly. She already knew this would be a sleepless night.
Veronica groaned loudly as she woke up for the fourth time. She glanced over at the clock. It was 5:30 a.m. She got up and looked around. Everyone was still asleep, as they usually were on Saturdays. Parker wouldn't be up until after noon especially since they were out late. She quietly grabbed her robes from her trunk and got dressed. She needed some fresh air.
Five minutes later, Veronica walked out the front doors of the castle. It was still cold. She shivered and headed toward the lake. A soft breeze pushed her hair into her face and sent a chill down her spine. She sat down on a rock at the far end of the lake and looked out over the water. The breeze was sending soft ripples across it.
She sighed loudly. Life was so complicated now. "So we meet again." Veronica jumped and turned around.
"Why hello, Tristian," Veronica said. For some reason, she was not surprised, nor disappointed to see him.
"Mind if I sit down," Tristian asked. Veronica said nothing, but he sat down anyways. "It's beautiful isn't it. The lake always helps me think."
"Yes, it is," Veronica said, gazing back at the water. They sat in silence for a while. Veronica turned to look at Tristian. He was still looking out over the lake. "How did you know something was bothering me before?" It had been bugging her for days.
He smirked, that annoying Malfoy smirk that Veronica couldn't stand. "I'm good at reading people," he said, looking back at her, "It's still bothering you, isn't it?"
Veronica frowned. "Have you ever had you parent lie to you and you know it's a lie?"
Tristian smiled humorlessly. "Every day of my life."Veronica frowned again. "By the look on your face, I can tell it isn't normal for you though."
"No, it isn't," Veronica said, "My mother never used to lie to me before, but all of the sudden she is. She keeps coming up with lies about her past and I don't know why. We have always been open with each other about everything. I mean, whatever it is, she could tell me. I wouldn't think of her any different. I just don't understand. I heard her talking about how her friends threw her out and called her a traitor..." She stopped suddenly. She hadn't meant to tell him that.
"Well," Tristian said, seeming not to notice, "Maybe it isn't something she is ready to talk about or..."
"Or what?"
"Or maybe she has never really been truthful with you ever and you just think she has. Maybe it was all a lie," Tristian said slowly.
Veronica sighed. She had been wondering that herself. Could her mother have been lying about everything?My father, herfamily, her entire life? "Life is just so much more complicated here," Veronica said, "First my mother's lies and then Shane..."
"Yeah, I heard he almost died," Tristian said without emotion.
"You sure don't seem to upset about it," Veronica said, with a slight chill to her voice.
Tristian smiled slightly. "I'm a Slytherin, what do you expect?"
Veronica frowned. "I don't know," she muttered, as she laid back on the rock and looked toward the sky, "Just not that."
Tristian laughed. "Well, you are just full of uncertainties, aren't you?"
"I know you are very irritating," Veronica sneered.
Tristian just smiled. Veronica watched the clouds. She was suddenly very tired.
Veronica groaned loudly as she opened her eyes. Her back was killing her. Why is my bed so hard, she thought. She slowly opened her eyes. She sat up quickly when instead of the ceiling, she saw the sky. She looked around for a few moments before she remembered what had happened.
She had been out on the lake talking to Tristian. She must have fallen asleep without noticing. That jerk could have woke me up, she thought angrily. She thought back on their conversation. The last thing she remembered him saying was slightly disturbing. "It wasn't an accident, though," Tristian said, "That I'm sure of. You better be careful, Winters. There is no doubt in my mind it will happen again and the next person might not be so lucky."
Veronica shivered and got up. She carefully picked up the cloak she had thrown off when she sat up. I don't remember bringing a cloak, she thought. She looked over it carefully. It had the Slytherin crest. Veronica frowned. It had to be Tristians. What was with this boy? Was he nice or was this some sort of joke?
Sighing, Veronica headed back to the castle. I wonder what time it is, she thought. It had to be close to ten judging by the position of the sun in the sky. Hopefully, nobody is up yet, she thought. She opened the door to the dormitories and sighed, relieved. Everyone was still asleep. She headed over to her trunk. She was halfway there, when Kylie's alarm went off.
Veronica eyes widened and she quickly ran over to her trunk and shoved the cloak in. "Morning," Kylie said, rubbing her eyes.
"Morning," Veronica said nervously.
"How long have you been up?" Parker asked, as she sat up. Everyone else was stirring as well.
"For a while."
"What were you doing?" Parker asked suspiciously.
"Well, I was..." Veronica began slowly, but Kylie interrupted.
"Who cares," she said, "Let's go check on..." She stopped and waited for Levinia and Annabel to leave the room to shower.
"Shane," Daniella finished quietly. Her face was still pale and she looked rather ill. Maybe Madam Pomfrey can give her something, Veronica thought worriedly.
"Yes," Kylie said, "Hurry up and get dressed everyone. We have to tell the boys and the Hospital Wing should be open by now."
Twenty minutes later the girls walked down the stairs into the common room. It was relatively empty except for a few fourth years and a seventh year, who was sleeping on the couch.
"They are probably still asleep," Parker said, looking around.
"Yes," Kylie said, walking toward the stairs to the boys dorm, "Let's go wake them up."
"We can't go into their dorm," Daniella said, looking shocked.
"Yes, we can," Kylie said, heading up the stairs. Parker followed.
Veronica looked at Daniella. "Come on. I think that under the circumstances, it will be alright."
Daniella nodded and followed Veronica up the stairs. The boys dorm was at the very top, and when Veronica reached it, Parker and Kylie were already inside, shaking the boys awake.
"What do you want!" Orion yelled loudly.
"Go away," James muttered, pulling the covers over his head.
"It's about Shane," Kylie said, over their shouts. The boys sat up immediately.
"What about him?" Jeff asked, rubbing his eyes.
"He's in the Hospital Wing," Veronica said softly.
The boys looked at her. "What for?" James asked.
"He almost died last night," Kylie said.
The boys just stared. "We're going down to see him," Parker said, "I suggest you do the same."
Parker looked over at Veronica and nodded. The girls left the dorm silently. They walked slowly down the halls to the Hospital Wing.
"Do you think he's alright?" Daniella asked quietly.
"I guess we'll find out," Kylie said, pointing at the door to the Hospital Wing. They walked in slowly and looked around. There was nobody in sight.
"What should we..." Veronica began, but stopped when she saw Madam Pomfrey exit her office.
"May I help you?"
"We're here to see Shane," Parker said.
Madam Pomfrey frowned. "Well he needs his rest..."
"Just for a minute," Kylie begged.
Madam Pomfrey sighed and pointed toward a room. "I've learned by now that there's no stopping a Potter when they want something."
Kylie smiled at her and the girls walked over to it. They walked in slowly. Shane was lying on the bed looking terribly pale and very irritated. He grinned when he saw them.
"Hello," he said, "I'm so glad you're not that old hag, Pomfrey. She's driving me mad with all this medicine she's trying to give me."
Kylie smiled. "How are you doing?"
"Fine," Shane grumbled, "But the old hag won't believe me. She insists on keeping me here another day."
"You don't look fine," Daniella said, "You look awfully pale."
"So do you," Shane said grinning.
"Yes, she does," Parker said, "But that's because we were the ones who found you practically dead out in the hallway last night. What happened to you anyways?"
Shane frowned. "I don't know. The last thing I remember was walking to Charms and then everything went black."
Veronica began to say something, when Madam Pomfrey bustled in. "I think that's enough ladies. He needs his rest."
"Don't leave me here," Shane begged loudly, "She's insane. She'll kill me with all these potions!"
The girls laughed, while Madam Pomfrey looked annoyed. "You are the worst patient I have ever had," she said angrily, "Now out girls!"
The girls left the room quickly. Madam Pomfrey wasn't someone they really wanted to cross. After all, she was in charge of their health. "Girls," Shane called dramatically, "How could you leave your dear friend to die? She's poisoning me, I swear!"
"Now you be quiet," Madam Pomfrey huffed, irritatedly.
The girls laughed and headed toward the Great Hall. "He seems to be doing well," Kylie said grinning.
"Yes," Daniella said softly, "I was worried about him."
"Oh, I think he'll be okay," Veronica said, placing a hand on her shoulder.
"That is if Madam Pomfrey doesn't poison him," Parker said smiling. They laughed.
"Nicci, Dani!" Parker shouted.
Veronica groaned and looked up from her homework, as Parker and Kylie bound into the dormitory. "Yes?" she asked, feeling slightly irritated.
"You won't believe it," Kylie said grinning broadly. Parker was beaming as well.
"What?" Daniella asked.
"Hogwarts won the Quidditch game!" Parker and Kylie practically shouted at the same time.
