Their second day at Hogwarts proved to be much calmer and more interesting. Transfiguration had been a breeze; accept for having to endure the glares of Millicent Bullstrode and her cronies. They did well at keeping their tempers down and ignoring her for the most part. They stayed quiet and earned an approving nod from Professor McGonagall for their work in class. Herbology proved challenging till they started to associate the British names for familiar plants and weeds. Their afternoon was then split between Advanced Potions and A Study of Magical Beasts. Potions gave them a bit of trouble, especially since they were still trying to learn all the terms, but they thoroughly enjoyed the large professor, Hagrid, who taught about Magical Beasts. They ignored Draco's grousing and warnings that the beasts were dangerous and jumped right in when Hagrid brought out some Bulgarian Blow Weevils. The soft furry little critters were about the size of Hagrid's large fist and made a funny, giggle-like sound when you petted them.
Having seen how the twins were enjoying them, Draco decided to try his hand and they found out what the 'blow' was for in their names. The weevils, when they felt threatened, blew out an extremely noxious gas that had the rest of the class running for cover. Placing a clothespin on his nose, Hagrid walked over and took the beast from Draco and sent him to see if Madame Pomfrey could do anything about the stench. Class was dismissed and most of the students raced off to enjoy the free time before dinner. The twins hung around to help get the critters back in their crates.
"Tha's right kind a ya girls to stick about, but I can handle these lil bugars on me own. Go an get some fresh air." He hadn't noticed that the girls were wearing rebreathers. "Well now, aint that right clever of ya." Bailey held up her wand and motioned for him to remove the clothespin. Hagrid waved his large paw of a hand. "Naw, tis okay, smells not dat bad."
The girls exchanged quizzical looks, but shrugged their shoulders. They finished getting the weevils back in their crates, taking the time to pet and tickle each one as they got them settled.
"Well, we'd best hurry or we'll miss dinner. Thank ya girls for stickin about back der. You sure have a good hand for handelin creatures. Dem weevils sure liked ya."
"They are really cute and cuddly and like you said, as long as you handle them carefully, they're as gentle as lambs."
"Dat dey are! So, you girls must be plumb excited about tomorrow."
"What's tomorrow?" asked Lake.
"Why the first Quidditch game of the season. Hufflepuff's favored to win over Gryffindor, but I thin Harry can do it, even wid a green team."
"What's Quidditch?" inquired Bailey.
"Whas Quidditch?" Hagrid looked very surprised at the question. "Why, jus the best wizarding game ever played. Ya see, der's seven members on a team an it's played wid three kinds a balls and each team has three goal posts. Da beaters go affer da bludgers, while da chasers try to score wid da quaffle. Da keeper guards da goals an da seeker, well seeks da snitch."
"The beaters do what to the chasers?"
"Who bludgeons whom with a waffle?"
"Waffles? Who said anything about waffles?" Hagrid let out a hearty laugh. "Best ya come out to the Quidditch Pitch tomorrow and see fer your self. Well, ya girls best be hurrying along. You'll wanna get cleaned up a'fore dinner."
"That was a very interesting class Hagrid. We look forward to learning more." The girls bobbed their heads in thanks and raced each other the rest of the way to the castle.
The next morning the great hall was abuzz with excitement as the students filed in for breakfast. Lake and Bailey tried to find a quiet place to sit along their table, but soon found themselves surrounded by Draco, Crabbe, Goyle, Millicent and her friend, Pansy Parkinson. Draco dropped to the seat beside Bailey and reached across her plate to snag an apple from the bowl.
"So, just to show that there are no hard feelings for the other night, I'd like you two to join us at the game. We've got great seats already reserved and you'll be able to see the whole match. It will be great to watch Potter get beaten, especially with that miserable team he's put together. With Weasley for a Keeper, the Hufflepuffs will murder them."
"I don't know," said Bailey hesitantly, "we should probably stay in and get busy on our reports. Don't want to leave them till the last minute."
"Everyone will be down watching the game. You really don't want to miss it," said Draco in a pleading voice.
"Fine, if it will shut you up," said Lake with a huff. "Now, can we eat our breakfast in peace?"
Draco smiled triumphantly as he waved the others toward their usual spot at the table. "I'll see you two in a bit."
No sooner had he left than a flurry of owls came swooping into the hall. Some carried parcels in their claws or beaks, while others had pieces of parchment tied to their legs. They watched as the students whooped and hollered as they caught packages dropped practically on their heads or pulled letters from home off the delivery owl's leg. As soon as the owls had delivered their packages and posts, they quickly swept back out of the hall and a semblance of order was restored. Most of the students started moving out of the hall, taking their posts and other treasures out onto the commons where they could enjoy the morning sun as they read through greetings from home and shared treats sent by loving parents.
Lake and Bailey were just finishing their meal when a tottering old barn owl flew in from the rafters. It glided on unsteady wings as it headed for the girls. Bailey squeaked as it flopped, rather than landed on the table in front of them, sending the bowl of fruit clambering to the ground. Lake reached out to gently right the poor beast. It held out its leg and squawked in agitation. She pulled the piece of parchment off its leg then picked it up and settled it on its feet. Bailey helped steady it as she held out a piece of bacon in payment for the owl's services. The bird picked it gently from her hand and tossing its head up, swallowed the slice in one gulp.
Lake had unfolded the parchment and was reading it over.
"So?" queried Bailey as she offered another strip to the old owl. "Who would be sending us a letter?"
Lake's grin spread from ear to ear. "You'll never guess."
"Come on, just tell me," pleaded Bailey.
"Your friend, George" said Lake teasingly.
"George? No way, let me see that." Bailey reached for the letter, but Lake held it where she couldn't get it.
"Yep, he says that he never wants to see you again. He and Fred both say that the other day was the worst time they had ever had being out with a couple of girls."
Bailey could tell by the glint in her sister's dark blue eyes that she was lying. "They did not, you fibber. Now let me read it."
"You're no fun," pouted Lake as she passed the note to Bailey.
Bailey waved her sister off as she began to read.
Dear Bailey and Lake,
We wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed your visit to Diagon Alley. Though it was brief, we had fun. We've discussed the idea and would love to add your 'Loves me nots' to our collection as well as 'Deathmints'. We can see them both being big sellers. We will of course give you full credit for design and ample compensation for your contributions.
Next Saturday is the last one in October. Traditionally, the students go down to Hogsmeade for the day. We will meet you outside of Honeyduke's and go to the Three Broomsticks for lunch. We'll discuss terms then.
Looking forward to next week,
Fred and George
"Oh, I can't believe we are going to get to see them again so soon," sighed Bailey as she clutched the paper to her chest. "What's Hogsmeade?"
"Someplace you won't be going."
The girls turned to look up into the sallow face of their uncle. "Uncle Severus, we're sorry, we didn't see you come up."
"I'll take that, if you don't mind?" He held out his hand and waited for Bailey to place the parchment in it. "Who sent you a message?"
"Fred and George Weasley, sir," answered Lake. "We had discussed some ideas for their shop and they wanted to meet with us next week to go over them."
"Didn't I tell you to stay away from them?" Even though his tone was even, they both noted the flash of anger in his dark eyes.
Bailey started to protest, but Lake nudged her in the shin. "We won't do anything to disgrace or upset you uncle."
Severus Snape's eyes narrowed suspiciously. He had dealt with students for far too many years to accept this as their final word on things. "So, were you two planning to go watch the game?"
The girls shared a sigh. "Yes, Draco is saving us seats. But if you would rather, we could sit with you uncle. I'm sure Draco would understand."
"Yes, well maybe that would be more prudent," and Snape nodded. "Meet me in the entryway in five minutes. Make sure you have your cloaks and scarves. It can get a bit blustery out on the Pitch."
"Yes Uncle Severus, we'll hurry and get our things." The girls pushed up from the bench and Bailey even placed a kiss on her uncle's cheek before dashing off.
Snape was wiping at the wet spot on his cheek when Minerva McGonagall stepped up beside him. "Welcome to the joys of parenthood, Professor Snape. And like it or not, that's what you've become."
"Please, don't remind me," said Snape as he glared at his peer. "So, as a parent, as you so aptly put it, how am I to handle this?" He handed McGonagall the confiscated piece of parchment.
Minerva tried not to laugh as she read what she perceived as an innocent note. "They're teenagers, Severus. At this point, the more you try to hold them back, the more they'll find ways to break free."
"They may be teenagers, but they're under my protection. I don't think they realize just how much danger they are in. Cavorting about in Hogsmeade is too dangerous, especially with the Weasel twins." Snape snatched the paper back.
Minerva placed a consoling hand on his shoulder. "You should tell them, Severus. They are asking questions. They deserve to hear it from you, rather than stumbling across the information. Dumbledore and I will be there to help if you'd like."
"I appreciate the offer, but I'll handle it when I'm ready." Their conversation was interrupted by a very distinct set of screams. Severus rushed out of the hall and was nearly bowled over by Lake and Bailey as they ran headlong down the hall. Following behind them was the grey, blobish form of Peeves, singing merrily:
Riddles, Riddles everywhere
I know who you are, do you?
Once there was one, now there are two.
So what are we to do?
Riddles, Riddles everywhere,
Questions all the same,
Why do Death Eaters hunt us?
Who's He-who-must-not-be-named?
"Enough Peeves," shouted Snape as he leveled his wand at the poltergeist and fired a warning shot into the air.
The obnoxious ghost seemed to waver for a moment, considering his options. However when Professor McGonagall appeared in the hall as well, he quickly disappeared through the wall.
"What… was… that?" stammered Lake as she clung to her uncle. Bailey wasn't even able to talk as she shivered and clung to Snape's arm.
"That was just Peeves, one of the many ghosts that haunt the school. He's rather annoying and obnoxious, but generally harmless," answered Snape as he resisted the urge to push the girls off of him. "If you have your things, we'll head out to the Pitch." He placed his hands in the small of the girls' backs and nudged them toward the door. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught the look that Professor McGonagall cast at him and he leaned back to whisper to her. "I know, I know. This evening after dinner, I will sit down with them."
As they took their seats with their uncle, the girls caught Draco's questioning stare. They shrugged and pointed to their uncle, indicating that they had to sit with him. They were surprised to see the teams enter the arena riding on broomsticks. Each team flew past the Professors' box and saluted before they proceeded to the center to line off for the beginning of the game. The twins were amazed and astounded by the agility and ability of the teams as the game began and the players rocketed off in every direction.
"How do they stay on the brooms?" Bailey asked.
"And how do they make them fly?" added Lake.
Snape glanced at them, the annoyance plain on his face. "You mean the two of you have never ridden on brooms before?" The girls shook their heads. "Well, we'll have Madame Hooch remedy that. Now, be quiet and watch the match."
The girls nodded and tried to follow all the activity out on the field. There were people flying everywhere it seemed. Slowly though, they began to get the gist of the game. There were three people on each team who jockeyed to try and get the large, stationary ball through one of the opponent's hoops. While two people from each team used bats to smack two wild balls about and distract and dissuade the other team. One person guarded each set of hoops. The ones they had trouble figuring out though were the one person from each team who seemed totally oblivious to what else went on with their team. They seemed to fly off at odd moments, chasing the wind as it were. They puzzled over it for some time, till Bailey spotted the small, golden ball that darted about on delicate, feathery wings. She got Lake's attention and pointed it out to her. They spent the rest of the match watching the ball dart about, just avoiding being caught several times by the Hufflepuff Seeker. Finally, with the score quite close, they saw Harry go into a deep dive on his broomstick and snatch the odd little ball out of the air. A loud cheer went up from the Gryffindor section as the announcer gave the final score. The twins started to cheer, till they saw the glaring scowl on their uncle's face and stopped.
"Cheering for Gryffindor is a bad thing, huh?" asked Bailey as she laid her hands in her lap.
Snape just nodded as he rose and motioned for them to join him. They followed him out of the arena and back up to the school. Snape gave them a wistful look; as if there was something he wanted to say but instead sent them off to their dorm to work on their homework.
As they were walking toward their dorm, they suddenly found themselves surrounded by Gryffindors. Harry and his team were at the center as the students cheered for the winners. Lake and Bailey caught Harry's eye and waved. He waded through the crowd, pushing several first and second years gently out of his way to reach them.
He was beaming as he made it to them. "So, what did you think?"
"That was amazing Harry," praised Lake, "How did you learn to fly like that?"
It was hard to tell if Harry was blushing, or if his cheeks were just ruddy from all the excitement. Before he could answer though, Ron had made his way through the crowd to join them. He clapped his friend on the back. "Harry's been flying for Gryffindor since his first year at Hogwarts. With Fred and George as Beaters and Oliver Wood as the Keeper, they were a pretty unstoppable team."
"Don't forget Angelina, Katie and Alicia," said Harry modestly. "We wouldn't have had a team without them."
Bailey seemed to perk up a little at the mention of the Weasley twins. "Fred and George were on the team?"
"Best beaters we ever had," piped up Ron.
"Yeah, somehow I can see them enjoying doing that," commented Lake as she shook her head. "Oh, speaking of them, maybe you could tell us, what is Hogsmeade?"
"That's the little village just outside of Hogwarts. Why?" Hermione had finally made her way through the crowd to join the others.
"Just curious," and Bailey tried to hide her blush. "We got a letter from Fred and George this morning and they invited us to meet them at some place called the Three Broomsticks next Saturday when the students went to Hogsmeade. Not that we'll get to go. Uncle Severus has already nixed it."
"Maybe we can work something out," and there was a very mischievous grin on Harry's face.
"Harry, don't do anything that will get them in trouble," warned Hermione. "You know how Professor Snape can be when he's angry."
"You mean we haven't seen him angry yet?" asked Bailey innocently.
All three of the Gryffindors shook their heads.
"Holy Shit!" exclaimed Lake. "Are we in for it then!"
"We'd love to stay and talk," said Harry as yet another of his housemates tugged at his arm, "but as you can see, our adoring fans await."
Hermione slugged his shoulder as she waved at the twins. "I'm sorry they're so rude. Maybe we can meet in the library tomorrow and talk. Or out on the commons, if the day is nice."
"We look forward to it. Oh, and congratulations boys on playing a good game," Lake yelled after them as the three were swept away with the crowd. She waited with her sister till the hall was clear before they proceeded down to the Slytherin common room.
They had barely made it through the door, when they were accosted by Draco. "Where have you been? Why didn't you come and sit with us? Who sent you the message this morning?"
"What is this? The Spanish Inquisition," snapped Bailey as she brushed past Draco.
He reached out and grabbed her shoulder, spinning her about to face him. There was fire in his beady eyes. "I asked you a question. Now I expect an answer."
Lake's face was a cold mask of indifference as she stepped between Draco and her sister. "Technically, you asked us three. Firstly, we were talking to Harry, Ron and Hermione. We stopped to congratulate them on a good game. Secondly, our uncle requested that we sit with him. If you have a problem with it, I suggest you take it up with Professor Snape. Thirdly, the message was private, marked for us. It's none of your damn business who it came from."
"Why, you rude little…"
Draco held up his hand to stay Pansy's retort. "You girls should stick with me. I can introduce you to all the right people. Help you make the proper contacts."
Bailey glanced at the group that ringed Draco. "Humph! We've seen your contacts, Draco and aren't impressed. I think we're quite capable of judging who the right people are."
Draco's eyes narrowed. "Well, we'll have to see what your uncle thinks of you associating with Potter and his Weasley friends."
Lake just rolled her eyes at Draco's threat. "Thank you, but I think we already know how he feels about it. But please, if it makes you feel any better, tell him. Well, excuse us, but we have a lot of homework to do."
"You do realize," baited Millicent as they walked away, "that the assignment for Professor Snape's class was only for the Gryffindors?"
Lake just waved her hand dismissively as she and her sister proceeded to their room.
Draco pointed to the couch and Millicent settled at one end. Draco stretched out as he laid his head in her lap. "Do you honestly think they will fall for that? They aren't stupid. You have written mine, haven't you?"
"Of course," said Millicent with a sigh as she stroked her fingers through Draco's white-blonde hair. "I wrote yours first. Two neat pages, just like you asked."
Draco gave her a smile. "No mistakes in the spelling and you double checked the punctuation?"
"With the correcto-quill you gave me." Millicent smiled brightly as she had remembered to follow all of Draco's instructions this time.
"Good! Now, what shall we do next week in Hogsmeade?"
