2 September 2011

Highlands of Scotland

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

There are two things that people should know about me: Herbology is my favorite class, and I am always excited to make new friends. That is until the straight laced, blood purist, Slytherin girl beside me showed up, throwing an unexpected wrench in my class routine. I remembered her from the sorting hat ceremony, though I'd only seen her from a distance in classes we've shared in the past. She always appeared to be a prickly individual, though I never got close enough to actually talk to her until now. Needless to say, I am disappointed. She's pretty, and her round face gives off this innocence that clashes terribly with her cold personality. I wonder who pissed in her pumpkin pasties.

I felt my mouth tug downward as I leaned over slightly, trying to avoid being heard by Professor Longbottom, "Harsh. You kiss your mum with that mouth?"

It was supposed to come across as teasing, but the glare she shot me told me she didn't take it lightly. I repressed a shudder, a little scared of the hatred that boiled beneath her golden brown eyes.

"You'd do well to mind your fucking business," she spat, turning from me once again to focus on the lesson.

I tried hard to focus too, but my eyes kept drifting over to the girl whose name I still didn't know. She sat so straight, face devoid of emotion, neat cursive scrawled along her parchment. It was strange how doll-like her appearance was compared to her frigid personality. I wonder if it's a cover up. I didn't know much about the rich folk, but my mom did tell me a bit about the Second Wizarding War, and how many families associated with the house of Slytherin were blood purists who sided with Voldemort. Some families, even after all these years, still held the same view points, passing their prejudice on to their children. This girl beside me is most definitely the result of that. Although, it wasn't too late to help her change her mind. I am very good at problem solving after all.

When the professor allowed us to pair up into groups of three to start working on our project, I turned to Teddy and the dark haired Slytherin girl still hanging off his arm, "Partners?"

The girl nodded enthusiastically, but Teddy shot me a horrified look.

"I'm Liera Goyle!" She exclaimed, reaching her hand out to shake mine.

I returned to handshake with equal enthusiasm, "Wynn Sudrach, at your service milady."

Once we settled into our project, far out of the ice princess's earshot, I turned to Liera in full interrogation mode, "Your brunette friend from Slytherin, what is her name?"

"The girl you were sitting next to? That's Circe Rosier, my best friend since we were kids. Our Manor's are pretty close to each other."

I nodded, still not quite satisfied. "Is she always such…?"

"A bitch?" Liera laughed good naturedly, "Yeah most of the time. You get used to it though. Her grandmother is one of the few blood purists left. She was just raised wrong. I'm aware that she finds me pretty annoying, so I know she is only friends with me for the benefits that come with my family name. Rosier is a pretty wealthy, well-known family, but not many people like what they stand for anymore. I just hope one day I'll rub off on her. She lives a pretty sad life. She deserves better."

My eyes widened at all of the information Liera spilled, though I am not sure why I am surprised. She seems like a gossip. I appreciated the honesty nonetheless. It renewed a sense of vigor in me to help Liera in her quest to be an example to the misguided Rosier girl. Call me a hopeless optimist, but I believe everyone is capable of redemption, even if it meant defying gravity to do so. Which in Circe's case, it seems nothing short of just that. It is going to take a miracle to crack her shell, but I've said it before and I'll say it again.

I'm a damn good problem solver.

…

"You're not actually going to befriend Rosier, are you?" Teddy asked me as we made our way to Transfiguration.

I smiled brightly at him, "Of course I am! You know me Teds, always up for a challenge."

"Yeah, but the Rosier family fought alongside Voldemort. These people killed my parents," he shook his head, sighing. "Just be careful, okay? I don't want you getting mixed up with bad people and getting hurt."

I watched as his hair changed from blue to a dismal gray, matching his current mood. I understand his concern, but if our generation didn't encourage our peers to stop believing the way their ancestors did, then the world will never change.

"Come on Teddy, we are activists! We are never too young to create a positive change."

A crooked smile took over his face, hair changing back to his preferred blue, "You're right Wynnston. You're bloody right."

Almost retching at the sound of my full first name, I shoved him playfully before continuing on to our next class.

...

~Revised~