Disclaimer: I do not own the Harry Potter series.


Chapter 7
The Seekers


OWL'S POST
Hogwarts Monthly: November

Potter Versus Chang: A Showdown
By Albus S. Potter

Ravenclaw faces the long unbeaten champions on the morning of the 9th of November. Gryffindor House holds a three year winning streak as champions of Hogwarts Quidditch. While they are far from Slytherin's outstanding six-year peat, Hogwarts' student body has no doubts that Gryffindor is more than capable to match that.

"Our current and future line up is much better than Slytherin's during their six-year winning streak," graduating Gryffindor student, Carson Thomas shared. "That's why we ended their peat and my house is on the road to establishing a new era of Hogwarts Quidditch."

Thomas refused to answer any questions concerning James Potter's recent scandal, and while some are curious as to why Potter has not received any punishment as of yet, it is certainly safe to say that Gryffindors are relieved to see Potter and his team undistracted and ready for their first match of the season. (Read more on page 3)


"I never thought I'd be so relieved to see the right headline article come out," Effie sighed, smiling down at her paper's latest issue.

"It's not horrible either," Andy said as he slouched on the armchair next to her. "Just admit publishing Quidditch related headlines receive way more attention than your precious Flobberworms."

"Bowtruckles," Effie corrected him.

Andy yawned. "Whatever."

The pair lounged freely in the Ravenclaw common room, enjoying the silent atmosphere. The rest of the house's students were most likely in class, and the seventh year's Charms class was cancelled due to the disappearance of their professor. Rumor has it that he left in a hurry late last night and has not returned ever since.

"What d'you reckon happened to Macmillan?" Effie asked.

"You can't believe what everyone's cooked up," Andy said with a roll of his eyes. "Bet he's just got the flu."

Before she could reply, Effie heard pounding steps down the staircase from the boy's dormitories. Her head snapped to face the ruckus in alarm, Andy doing much the same. Effie watched as Al stormed down first, face red and hands closed into tight fists. His usual neat and casual atmosphere was completely wrecked; his hair stuck up even messier than it normally was, his robes were crumpled, his tie was undone, and his bag was wide open, a large book threatening to fall out as he clumsily ran. Behind him, Dominique followed frantically.

"Al, wait!"

"Bloody hell, Dominique, have you gone mad?" Al shouted, not looking back. He managed to open the exit door wide but it magically closed shut before he could step out. He turned venomously to his older cousin, who stood motionless with her wand out.

"Please listen to me, Al," Dominique pleaded. "Your house is depending on you!"

"For the last time, no!" Al stubbornly replied.

Effie watched the exchange in shock. She glanced at Andy who was back in his original slouched position, eyes skimming through Quidditch Through The Ages as if nothing out of the ordinary was happening.

"But–"

"I don't want to play, Dom, and you know exactly why!" Al snapped, pulling his wand out.

Efie's eyes widened, thinking for a split second that he was going to curse his own cousin. Then with a quick wave, the door speedily swung open by itself, slamming on the common room's wall with a loud bang. Al stomped out and the door swung close behind him with an even louder bang.

The silence in the common room resumed. Dominique stood, speechless. Andy turned a page on his book, bored. Effie gaped, utterly confused (and impressed with Al's effortless nonverbal spell casting).

"What on earth just happened?" she finally asked.

"Dominique's been trying to get Al to play Seeker for us since three days ago," Andy drawled.

"And it's not bloody working," Dominique groaned, collapsing on the sofa next to Effie.

"I don't blame him," Andy said. "I mean, who would voluntarily play against James Potter in a game of Quidditch?"

"Complimenting James, are we?" Effie said. "That's a first."

"He's a lying cheat…" Andy tilted his head in thought. "With talent. Can't deny it."

"Believe me, Al can be just as good a Seeker," Dominique said. "He's just interested in more practical things. Like getting a real job."

"Oi!" Andy exclaimed.

"Sorry," she said, not looking apologetic in the least. Then she groaned once more, burying her head in her hands. "Mito's going to hate me."

"Doesn't he know you only talk to your cousins like once a year?" Andy snorted. "How's he expecting you of all people to convince Al?"

"I do not talk to them once a year!" Dominique exclaimed.

"Funny because I haven't even seen you address Molly Weasley once," Andy said, "and she's in our year."

"She happens to be in Hufflepuff as well," Dominique snapped. "I can hardly see her around."

"Dom, she's Head Girl," Effie said exasperatedly. "She loiters around everywhere."

"Well, she's a bratty little know-it-all and I'd rather avoid her forever, thank you very much!"

Andy smiled patronizingly. "And that just proves my point."

Dominique groaned. "Alright, alright. I'm horrible to my cousins, aren't I?"

"Only for good reason," Andy assured her.

"I suppose," she muttered. "You can both try being me once and let's see how well you can handle them. Always comparing themselves to me like everything's a bloody competition. It's so much easier to ignore them rather than listen to their whining."

Effie had a gist of what she was talking about, but she realized she never actually heard about her family situation from Dominique herself. Lily and James mentioned it a few times, but even after spending six years together, Dominique still never thought it necessary to mention her dysfunctional relationship with her own cousins. Effie never got too curious either seeing as her best friend managed to avoid most confrontations with her family successfully throughout her Hogwarts life, making it difficult for Effie to truly understand what was going on between them. She always just assumed Dominique was not a family type of person.

Andy's eyes flickered to Effie's direction, and the pair met gazes filled with the same curiosity. Looking at Dominique's brooding figure, she realized it was not the time to interrogate her about her family problems. It was not like she would be willing to share anything detailed anyway. Effie knew she needed to catch Dominique in a good mood for that.

"Any word from Lily, Effie?"

Effie jumped, tuning back to reality. "What?"

"Any word from Lily?" Dominique repeated.

"No," Effie muttered.

Ever since she made up with Dominique, the blonde decided to think of all the possible ways Lily managed to snap photos of her brother in the Slytherin common room. Some theories included disillusionment charms and James' invisibility cloak, but Effie insisted disillusionment charms were only taught in fifth year (and Lily was currently in her third) and was unconvinced that Lily would be able to take James' invisibility cloak without him noticing. Yet, Dominique plowed on, convinced the female Potter was the culprit. Effie was not so sure.

Thinking back on Lily and James' argument, the redhead seemed confident in her answers, but the way she spoke made her seem too defensive. Effie's gut told her it was the jealousy and bitterness against her brother that made her sound that way, but she could not help but investigate. Deep down, she supposed she believed Lily when she said she did not do it, but if she was telling the truth, Effie was going to run out of ideas.

Unfortunately for Lily, news spread immensely quick throughout Hogwarts, and the theory that it was James' own sister who sent Effie the pictures escalated. Dominique generously informed her that Lily was currently outcasted by her own house for her apparent betrayal, but Effie could tell even if she was not told. Lily was now rarely seen during breaks and Gryffindors whispered lie after lie through the classrooms and halls that it was almost impossible for Effie to avoid the topic. The feeling of guilt (now she was especially familiar with since the start of the year) bubbled in her stomach, but she could not think of any way to help. The less rational side of her considered Lily deserved the treatment, but Effie tried to bury that voice deep in her thoughts.

"Has James spoken to you at all since then?" Dominique asked a bit warily.

Andy's head snapped up.

Effie frowned at her. "No, but there's no need to look so concerned. He's been busy, and there's no reason for him to approach me anyway. We already confronted Lily."

Dominique gave her a look close to pity. "I thought you'd at least become friends after all that. Though I suppose it's not all that surprising. He is rather… odd."

Trying not to let the thought bother her too much, Effie merely shrugged. She did not want to admit that James did get her hopes up with a possible friendship. It was much easier to be indifferent and convince herself that it was bound to happen all along. James said he never had one real friend in Hogwarts, and why should Effie believe that she would be the first?


To the shock of the entire Hogwarts student body, Al Potter agreed to play as Seeker for Ravenclaw on the morning of the match itself. The news erupted during breakfast. Gryffindor's Quidditch team walked in together clad in scarlet and gold. Their house table erupted in cheers as they took their seats. Ravenclaw's Quidditch team followed soon after, Chang high fiving housemates as he skipped down the aisle. The hall exploded into whispers once everybody realized that within the group of seven, Al briskly walked with his head down and shoulders slouched.

"Is that Al Potter next to Andy Jefferson?"

"I can't see his face but you can tell from the hair!"

"Potter vs Potter? I can't believe I even thought of skipping the match!"

Seated by the end of her house table, Effie was shellshocked. It was as if the whispers grew louder after each passing second, suddenly giving her an overwhelming feeling to cover her ears. Dominique appeared as well, taking the seat opposite her and looking all too happy with herself.

"How did you do it?" Effie asked suspiciously.

"What, with Al?" Dominique said. "I told him I'd send a letter to his mum."

"And what on earth would that do?"

"Aunt Ginny's all about house pride! If she knew Al was abandoning his own house at their time of need, she'd have a fit! I mean, he hasn't got any legitimate excuse to decline. None he can tell Aunt Ginny, anyway."

Effie frowned at the implication but didn't say a word. She returned her attention to her house's Quidditch team sitting together by the center of the table. She watched as Andy practically inhaled his breakfast and beside him Al stared down at his empty plate looking green. Her eyes shifted daringly towards the Gryffindors, focusing on another messy-haired Potter who sat quietly with his laughing teammates. His gaze was locked on his brother, looking almost confused. Effie turned away, not exactly liking where this day was going

As time passed, the Great Hall emptied and the students gathered by the Quidditch Pitch. Effie and Dominique took their places on Ravenclaw's side, directly opposite Gryffindor. The atmosphere of the area thickened greatly with excitement, Effie's housemates huddled together in their groups as they attempted to predict the final score. Dominique was doing much the same next to her, blabbering on about Al's skill and how he was the only one who could match James in the entire school. She was confident it would be a Ravenclaw win, but Gryffindor would be able to match up points through their Chasers.

Effie merely nodded at everything she said, hardly understanding a word of it. Her real attention was was on the pitch, eyes scanning the area. The professors were only just arriving, and she could pinpoint Callahan within the group. He wore his usual jaded expression, what looked like a Muggle band t-shirt, and washed up jeans. Effie thought she saw Professor McGonagall give him a disapproving look at his outfit (seeing as she and the rest of the adults wore their teachers robes). Once the professors were seated, Effie noticed her Charms professor was still absent. He had been gone the past three days.

"Good morning, Hogwarts!" a voice boomed throughout the stadium.

Effie jumped and Dominique finally stopped talking incessantly next to her. The source of the greeting was a mousy-haired Gryffindor called Declan Finnigan, whom Effie almost missed sitting with the professors. He sat next to Professor Longbottom, gripping a microphone in his right hand.

"Today's match is Gryffindor vs Ravenclaw and we're just about starting! On Team Gryffindor, we have Wood, Weasley, Mackenzie, Campbell, Corner, Reeves, and Potter!"

The Gryffindors cheered at the top of their lungs. Potter and his team walked out in their personalized scarlet and gold uniforms, holding their broomsticks by their sides.

"And on Team Ravenclaw, we have Jefferson, Goldstein, Chang, Weasley, Stubbs, Faraway, and Potter!"

Effie hollered together with her housemates, offering enough support for her best friend and his team. Dominique was an absolute frenzy next to her, hopping up and down as she yelled as loud as she could. If her hands were not gripping so tightly on the rails, Effie would have been worried she would fall off the stands.

"The captains have shaken hands…. and the game has begun!"

The players flew determinedly around the pitch, each of them in position. The Quaffle was thrown up and Wood snatched it under her arm. The blonde-haired Gryffindor sped towards Ravenclaw's Keeper, Callum Faraway, with her two fellow Chasers circling around her. The three exchanged intricate passes, effortlessly dodged Bludgers, and Fred scored.

"Ten points to Gryffindor! Weasley with an excellent shot!"

Dominique was not wrong when she said Gryffindor's Chasers were exceptional. Their newest recruit, second year Felicia Wood, was beyond amazing, feeding glorious assists, dodging Bludgers as if it were her day job, and even scoring a few points herself. Apparently it was expected considering her father was the famous Oliver Wood, ex-Quidditch star and current Head Coach of Puddlemere United. At least, that was what Effie understood from Dominique's endless Quidditch facts.

However, Gryffindor did not dominate like they usually did. Effie felt a rush of pride when Ravenclaw put up a fantastic fight and it ended up being a great game to watch, even for Quidditch newbies like her. Andy was Ravenclaw's leading scorer and just second to Fred overall. Chang and Della Goldstein constantly offered their assistance, successfully executing smart plays throughout the match.

Half an hour in, neither Potter had seen the Snitch. When the Chasers were becoming a bit too repetitive for her taste, Effie would follow both Seekers with her eyes. James flew in circles around the pitch, hazel eyes in deep focus. Al pretty much avoided whatever direction his brother went, going as far as completely stopping in midair and swiftly flying the opposite way whenever he and James somehow flew towards each other. It did not seem like the most efficient tactic to find the Snitch, but Effie did not think Al was very determined to spot it anyway. If anything, he wanted to get the game over with.

"Al is such a bloody wuss," Dominique muttered when the young Potter once again successfully avoided his older brother in the air.

An hour in, the Chasers were beginning to get sloppy. Fatigue was evident in their catching and throws, but they flew on, taking any chance they could get on goal. The Beaters were a bit more energized as they continued to swing their bats with considerable force. James did not even look like he broke a sweat, and Al was sweating profusely from all the panic flying he was doing to avoid James. The score was a hundred and ten to eighty in favor of Gryffindor, and Effie looked almost as nervous as Dominique, who had probably eaten halfway through her nails in anxiety.

Then it happened. Al, who was in the process of flying as far away from James as possible, suddenly whipped his head to his left, eyes wide in alert and grip tensing on the handle of his sleek broom. Effie was initially confused by the sudden change of expression then Dominique began screeching next to her.

"The Snitch! Al's seen the Snitch!"

As if on cue, Al raced for the golden ball that would finally end the match. In the speed he was going, Effie could barely catch a glimpse of his clear figure. James was not too far behind him. The stadium quickly caught up with change of scene, all attention fixed on the pair. Even the rest of the players hovered still in midair, watching the spectacle with wide expectant eyes.

"Al's Potter's seen the Snitch! Al Potter's seen the Snitch!" Declan commentated in disbelief, looking almost worried. "James Potter isn't too far behind! He's catching up quickly! Sweet Merlin, what an excellent flier!"

"Are all Quidditch commentators this biased?" Effie managed to say despite the stress.

"Only the Gryffindors," Dominique replied, not tearing her eyes away from the Potter Seekers.

"Bloody hell!" Declan suddenly exclaimed, ignoring Professor McGonagall's disapproving looks. "Al Potter's putting up a fight! He's getting faster!"

Effie felt herself go pale, gripping the railing in anxiousness. James caught up fairly well, but Al was calm under pressure, urging his broom even quicker. The Potters flew closer and closer to the ground, the Snitch leading the way. Al's arm was stretched out, the golden ball only a few inches away. James lagged the slightest of margins behind, but if Al decided to take a lunge, he would win the game.

"Al, bloody grab it!" Dominique exclaimed, pulling at her hair. "Just one more reach!"

Then suddenly, about a meter away from the grass, Al drew his arm back and abruptly pulled his broom up to a stop. James immediately swooped in on the Snitch but crashed violently on the ground. His body rolled limply a few times before he settled on his back, scratches visible on his face and his left arm abnormally bent. Yet, his lips formed a small smile and his right arm was extended horizontally to his side. He slowly opened his palm, revealing the Golden Snitch.

For a second, the stadium was deathly silent, then Declan Finnigan ecstatically yelled, "James Potter's caught the Snitch! Gryffindor wins!"

A roar of cheers erupted from the Gryffindors, students clad in scarlet and gold sharing hugs in elation and relief. Their Quidditch team rushed to their Seeker with grinning faces. James remained unmoving on the ground but beamed as soon as his teammates surrounded him. Slowly they helped him up, Fred offering him enough support to stand.

On the other side of the pitch, Effie never felt more disappointed. The entire Ravenclaw side was speechless, unable to comprehend what just happened. None of it made any sense, and Ravenclaws did not accept anything nonsensical. Al was so close, but he drew back. All he needed to do was make one more reach, but instead he abandoned the Snitch completely.

Effie was in a state of shock, and even once most of the Ravenclaws managed to snap out of the trance, she still could not find the will to speak. Effie was sure Dominique was not much different even without looking to check. She probably looked even worse.

"He probably thought slamming right into a patch of earth was bloody reckless," a Ravenclaw not too far from Effie theorized.

"Or maybe he thought his brother would crash before catching the Snitch and he would have the chase all to himself?" another Ravenclaw mused.

The murmurs increased and Effie almost laughed. It was all too Ravenclaw that it was almost funny. They would not be able to accept any reason until they decided which would be the most logical one although there seemed to be one particular reason that was missing from the choices. Nobody thought Al did not even want to catch the Snitch in the first place, but Effie had a gut feeling that this was the true cause.

Effie turned her head to check on Dominique, but the blonde was not looking as distraught as she should have been. Instead her eyebrows scrunched concernedly at something on the pitch. Effie followed her line of sight and saw Chang with his team, walking briskly towards Al, who was standing not too far from the celebrating Gryffindors. Chang looked furious, eyes dark as night and an ugly scowl on his pale face. His black hair fell messily over his forehead, casting a shadow over his deathly gaze.

"Come on," Dominique muttered, grabbing Effie's arm and sprinting down the stands.

By the time the pair of them reached the edge of the large pitch, Chang was already standing before Al, the rest of the Ravenclaw Quidditch Team lagging behind him.

"Which bloody team are you on?" Chang was shaking, right hand twitching to reach for something in his robes, presumably his wand.

Effie and Dominique stood mere meters away, and worry immediately took over the latter's pretty face. She took a step forward, but before she could raise her voice at her boyfriend to get him to calm down, someone shuffled into the scene.

"Hey, leave him alone," James Potter said, confidently standing on his own despite his broken arm (which was hanging on a conjured sling) and the countless bleeding scratches on his exposed skin. His teammates stood uneasily behind him, eyes shifting between one captain to the other.

"I'm sorry, but this is a team issue," Chang spat. "Shouldn't you be off celebrating? Or did you finally find an ounce of decency in you and realize cheaters don't deserve to win anything?"

"Oi, you shut your mouth!" Fred said furiously, whipping his wand out.

"I'm just here to say you shouldn't talk to my brother that way," James said calmly, pulling Fred's arm back.

Al's green eyes flashed, and as he said, "I don't need your help!" in a clipped tone, Louis pushed his way through his teammates and went face to face with the older Potter whilst yelling, "Cut the crap!"

"Louis!" Dominique exclaimed in shock.

"Don't you see you're the last person any of us would want to see right now?" Louis hissed. "You and your sneaky little tactics. It's even worse that everyone bloody knows about it and here you still are, Captain's badge pinned to your chest, winning a match against us, and celebrating like you deserve it!"

"I didn't cheat against you!" James raised his voice, nostrils flaring.

"You could be lying for all I know!" Louis yelled back. "Don't you bloody see? Nothing you say is going to make me believe you because you're as untrustworthy enough as it is!"

Dominique joined the scene, attempting to hold her brother back. "Louis, that's enough!"

Effie was glued to her spot, petrified by the growing intensity. When Louis refused to step back, Andy reached forward and managed to forced him away from James.

"He's not worth it, Weasley," he muttered. "Calm down."

"No, no, I'd love to hear what else he has to say!" James seethed, shaking in rage. "Go on, let him speak!"

"Oh, I'll show you what I've got to say!" Louis attempted to shake Andy's grip off but the seventh year would not budge.

"Quit baiting him, Potter," Andy snapped. "Just run along and be happy with your win, alright? You've got no reason to be here."

"What if I want to be here, eh?" James laughed, looking half mad.

Two meters from the scene, Effie stood with her eyes wide in alert. She recognized the tone in his voice except it was in extremes. She knew his temper was rising significantly, and this time he sounded angry, hurt, and misunderstood all at once. It was the way he talked to Lily when he confronted her about the article except the intensity multiplied by a hundred. She wanted to tell James to stop talking before he said anything stupid, but she could not find her own voice.

"This is enjoyable, you know?" James continued, voice cracking. "People pointing out every single one of my mistakes as if they're so bloody perfect themselves. News flash, Louis, I know you've cheated on every Potions exam you've had since first year because you can't deal with the fact that you're piss poor in one of your subjects. I've seen Chang injure Slytherins before matches because he's insecure with his own team." His eyes glinted dangerously at Andy. "And what about you, Jefferson? If you're so bloody perfect, why is it that the girl you've hung around with for six years still doesn't love you back?"

Effie could almost hear the snap in Andy's consciousness before complete fury took over his actions. Before anyone knew what was happening, Andy had released Louis, lunged forward with his enclosed fist, and decked James right on the nose. Gryffindor's captain stumbled a few steps back, nose deformed and bloody. A second later he was swinging his uninjured arm forward and catching Andy in the jaw.

Two groups immediately came forward to hold both boys back. Effie was holding on to Andy's shoulder. Dominique gripped James'. Chang used his entire body to shield Andy from inflicting more harm and getting himself into even more trouble.

"What is the meaning of this?"

The big crowd that Effie only just noticed scurried away, non-Quidditch players running back into the tunnels and to the castle. Some insisted on staying but took steps back to separate themselves from the troublemaking party. Effie released Andy's shoulder as soon as she spotted her furious Headmistress approaching him and James with the rest of the faculty lagging behind her.

Her mind felt completely blank and she could not feel her legs. Only when she felt a familiar hand on her arm did she relax, turning to her right to see Dominique giving her a pointed look. She pulled on Effie's arm and they both took a few steps back to let the Headmistress take care of the issue.

"Two of my best seventh year students," Professor McGonagall said in a clipped tone, eyes clouded with disappointment and disapproval.

Effie glanced at James and not surprisingly, guilt was etched on every centimeter of his face. He had wiped some of the blood from his broken nose, but his skin was still coated by red, almost matching the scarlet of his robes.

"I'm sorry, Professor," he muttered.

Andy did not say a word but looked rather guilty as well, glaring at the grass around his feet and kicking the soil in frustration. He almost looked completely normal if it was not for the forming bruise right by his chin from the impact of James' counterpunch.

"Do not give me any more reasons to take that badge away from you, Potter." Professor McGonagall peered at him dangerously over her spectacles.

"I'm sorry," James said once more. "I–I lost my temper. It won't happen again."

"Where are your Heads of Houses?" Professor McGonagall called.

Professor Callahan appeared to her left and Professor Longbottom to her right.

"Take these two to the hospital wing and give out the necessary punishment." Then she looked down once more at the two boys. "See to it that this does not happen again. Quidditch is a game of discipline and good sportsmanship, and I do not tolerate any kind of fighting on my grounds."

She stalked off and Effie felt herself breathe, almost as if she was holding it the entire time she was there. Next to her, Dominique closed her eyes and took deep breaths. Effie watched as Professor Longbottom hurriedly escorted James out of the pitch, his head down in shame as he walked. She could not help but recall her discussion with Fred Weasley a few weeks ago. He had been wrong. James Potter had his limits after all.

"Andrew Jefferson, you stupid boy!" Dominique suddenly screeched, marching towards Andy who still stood in the same position, Professor Callahan standing next to him. Effie followed hesitantly. "What were you thinking, punching him like that? Or were you thinking at all?"

"I, for one, believe Mr. Jefferson is incapable of doing so," Professor Callahan snickered childishly.

Dominique shot him a piercing glare. "Professor, with all due respect, please do shut up."

Effie gasped, whirling her head around to check if any other person of authority was present. To her relief, the rest of the faculty left with the Headmistress and even the students were stalking off to the castle, leaving the four of them standing on the same spot. And much to her surprise, Professor Callahan actually did what he was told.

"Potter pushed the right buttons," Andy mumbled, refusing to look at anyone in the eye. "He knew what he was doing and I was stupid not to notice."

"You very well should feel stupid!" Dominique said harshly. "You shouldn't have let him bait you like that! That's not like you!"

"I told you, Dom, he pushed the right buttons," Andy said through gritted teeth, emphasizing each word.

For some reason, Dominique's expression softened and she took a deep breath. Effie watched the exchange in confusion.

"Well, you may as well pray Callahan doesn't give you anything extreme," Dominique said.

The three turned to look at the Professor, who managed to stay quiet since Dominique's snap. He boredly looked back, raising an eyebrow. Effie could now see that the print on his shirt featured four men walking on a pedestrian lane in single file and a large logo that spelled The Beatles.

"Professor?" Dominique said in the most respectful tone she could muster. "What punishment are you giving him?"

"Oh, I'm sorry, I was under the impression that I was supposed to… what were the words… shut up?"

Effie could have sworn she saw Dominique's left eye twitch.


Before dinner, Effie decided to visit the hospital wing. Dominique refused to see Andy because she wanted to avoid screaming at him again. It was still the day of the dramatic Quidditch match and Hogwarts was bursting with new gossip. It made Effie sick to see people so happy about the fight when those who were actually involved were anything but.

The main topic of interest for most people was James outburst on Andy and his succeeding reaction. Since the stories had gone from student to student, the exact words of James was basically unknown. Unfortunately, the gist was still there. Andy was in love with someone, and for some odd reason, James knew that someone did not love him back.

Effie found it odd that she did not know who the girl was. After all, they were best friends. He stayed with her when Dominique abandoned her at the start of the year. She told him everything, from her most shallow opinions to her deepest feelings about her family. She thought she knew everything about him, from his Muggle heritage to the feelings of guilt he harbored from the death of his older brother. Not even Dominique knew of the latter. It felt even more unfair that James knew about his feelings before Effie did, and she was damn sure Andy would rather get eaten by the Giant Squid that tell James Potter his secrets.

Feeling a bit crabby, Effie reached the hospital wing and just as she was about to open the door, it opened by itself and someone stepped out. Effie stopped just in time before she ran straight into him.

"Oh, sorry!" Al Potter said quickly then looked down at her. "Oh, it's you, Effie. Are you visiting James?"

"Andy, actually," Effie said. "He's in there."

Al blinked. "Is he?"

Effie nodded. "Yeah."

"Oh, well, you better go check then," Al chuckled. "I'm off to dinner. I'll see you around."

He sped off before Effie could say anything else. Shaking her head at his behavior, she stepped in and immediately the scent of disinfectants filled her lungs. Her mind registered the only curtained bed at the end of the room and wondered briefly if James was situated there.

"Effie?"

She jumped, swiftly turning to the call. She found Andy lounging on the bed nearest to the door, his face free of bruises and looking as alive as ever. His hair was a bit tousled, brown waves falling over his eyes. The look he was giving her was vacant, free of the usual happy glint.

"You're here to visit me?" he asked.

Effie blinked then frowned. "Of course. Who else would I come here for?"

Andy did not answer. Instead, he sat up and rested his back on the wall.

"I'm fine, you know," he said, not meeting her eyes. "Madame Gertrude just insisted I stay here for the night because apparently I was in huge amounts of stress." He rolled his eyes. "Like I didn't know that already."

"Well, you've got no choice then, do you?" Effie chuckled.

"S'pose not," Andy muttered. "Then tomorrow I've got detention with Callahan after dinner."

"How many did he give you?" Effie asked.

"Loads."

A wave of silence took over. Andy played mindlessly with his bed sheet, eyes staring vacantly at nothing in particular. Effie felt the awkwardness rush over her, beginning to think this was a bad time to visit her friend.

"Why did you get yourself involved?" Andy suddenly asked.

Effie blinked at the strange change of topic. "Involved in what?"

He gave her a pointed look. "You know what I mean. If this were last year, you would brush off this problem with the article as soon as Lily Potter gives signs that she's the one that sent it. I know you don't think Lily sent those photos and you're going to keep looking until you find out who it was. You've gone too far into the problem now and it's not like you. You've changed and you know it."

Effie sighed. "I want to help them. Dom's family is important to her."

"But it's not just about Dom is it."

She was shocked that Andy could read her so well, but she realized it should not have been too surprising. He has spent six years with her after all.

"I suppose it's not."

Andy continued to stare at her with that blank look of his. Something in his gaze motivated Effie to keep speaking.

"I guess I realized there's actual value in letting people in my life and helping those who don't really ask for it." Effie hesitated, looking down at her hands. "I never realized that closing myself off from the world has a great disadvantage. I had to learn about empathy for those I don't know the hard way. Being involved… Trying to help… It–It reminds me of what type of journalist I want to be."

Andy was silent but Effie finally saw something fill the dead look in his eye. She did not know what it was, but it seemed better than nothing.

"You're kind of amazing, Effie."

Effie released a puff of breath, her stomach dancing with butterflies. She chuckled shyly, blood rushing up her cheeks.

"Not really a big deal," she mumbled. "Most people learn how to empathize in first year."

Andy laughed lightly. "I suppose that's true. Anyway, you should really be off to dinner. I heard there's a big announcement tonight."

Effie frowned, about to ask him how he knew that. But Andy leaned back on his bed, signalling the end of their conversation. Effie decided to leave him be and said a quick goodbye before stepping out of the room.

The walk to the Great Hall was short but thoughtful. She tried not to think about her encounter with Andy too much but she could not deny that the conversation lifted a load of weight off her shoulders. By the time she reached the Great Hall, she was practically skipping to Dominique and grinning as she took the seat opposite her.

"Someone had a nice talk," Dominique commented with a knowing smirk.

Before Effie could ask her what she meant, Professor McGonagall approached the podium and effectively hushed the chamber without saying a word. This must have been the big announcement Andy mentioned in the hospital wing. Effie straightened her back as she prepared to listen.

"Good evening." Professor McGonagall's signature clipped tone echoed in the hall. "I do not wish to keep you from your supper for too long, but allow me to update you on the situation concerning your Charms professor."

Dominique gasped, sharing an alarmed look with Effie.

"As you all noticed, Professor Macmillan was not able to attend his Charms classes for the past three days. I apologize for not mentioning the topic sooner. I can imagine it has caused a scare amongst some of his students. Nevertheless, I am here to inform you all that Professor Macmillan is alive and well."

There was a collective sigh of relief from the students.

"However," Professor McGonagall said, "he will not be continuing his post as Charms professor due to personal reasons. I received a letter through owl this evening, informing me of his resignation. It seems he needs to be situated closer to his family at present time, and he cannot do that whilst he is at Hogwarts.

"That aside, we are pleased to inform you all that we have agreed with a current Professor to take up the post. He initially applied as Charms professor seven years ago after Professor Macmillan stated his retirement but as you know, he ultimately decided to stay for a few more years in the end. Instead I gave a different offer to the young man and he graciously accepted. Three years later, I promoted him to Head of House… Head of Ravenclaw House."

"No!" a male student that could have been Mito Chang yelled dramatically by the center of the table.

Effie could not agree more with the reaction. She shifted her eyes to the Muggle Studies professor, looking all too pleased with himself. Next to her, Dominique looked as if she was about to snap her utensils in half.

"Students," Professor McGonagall continued snippily, sneaking a glare towards the source of the outburst, "I present to you, Professor Damien Callahan, who will no longer teach Muggle Studies but Charms."


Author's Note:

Yay, a quick update because I was so motivated by your reviews of the last chapter! Thank you very much; you're all such lovely people. I would really appreciate it if you continue to drop helpful reviews.

A couple of review questions as usual:

1. Thoughts on my portrayal of Al?

2. Thoughts on my portrayal of Dominique? (She's gotten A LOT of screen time since she's back to friends with Effie)

3. Least favorite character so far and why?

And of course, overall thoughts on this chapter!

Till next time.

-Finner

Next chapter: First Charms class with Callahan, Lily returns, and Effie goes to Hogsmeade