"Is it really ethical to make each house sit together?"
This is how one conversation between Mauve and Dumbledore started over the summer time. As most of these began, Mauve voiced her inkling. The instruments around the circular room whirred and whistled, they rocked and jumped, but did not distract Mauve this time.
Dumbledore looked at Mauve over his spectacles, his bright blue eyes sparkling. "That is one question that has always been one of mine also. If I could change it I would, but the students are ones of routine. The only way to change them would be with a great example. One that would be impossible with the group of students we have now. You're welcome to try and change it any way you can think of. If anyone could change these students it would be you and your friends."
I think I will do just that, she determined. And once Mauve decided to do something, she put her all into it until it was accomplished.
Step one, show the students how members of each house can interact together peacefully.
Step two, allow them to get used to having other students at their house table.
Step three, watch as they follow the example.
Step four, bask in victory.
The storm was getting worse. The trees now waved back and forth with the wind that howled like a werewolf during the full moon. The carriages rolling through the mud were being battered by the rain, which came down by the bucket full.
As the carriages stopped as close as they could go to the castle doors young people spilled out. A few unfortunate ones slipped in the mud, once up and running the merciless rain wiped all traces of the wet dirt off of them.
Out of one carriage stepped two identical red heads, a tall girl with bright purple hair, and an exceptionally tall brunette who could be related to the girl. A short girl came out of the same carriage and narrowly missed splattering into the mud thanks to the brunette.
They hurried into the castle, the short girl needing to be saved again. Once inside they were targeted by a mischievous poltergeist who dropped water balloons on their heads, forcing them to run once again into the Great Hall.
Mauve watched the drenched students walk in with minimal giggles seeing students who disrespected her. She went to stand next to the door to perform drying spells on the incoming students, to save the house elves from unnecessary work.
When her group of friends came in she almost didn't recognize them in their drenched look. Once she did however a chain of hugs commenced, only when Mauve was sure they were dry. She quickly told them of her master plan, to unity the houses, and suggested they all sit together to start the plan as fast as possible.
Kara and Jeremiah seemed hesitant, but agreed when the rest did. They decided on the Hufflepuff table, as they would be most welcoming. They chatted until the first years came in, when the Hall became silent.
The sorting itself was slightly more interesting than the last year because of the drenched appearance of the first years. Most looked smaller than usual, except one boy who was wearing a coat much too big for him.
The sorting was soon over, and the feast was filled with plenty of English foods as usual. Last year Mauve had had to ask Dumbledore what each dish was, as she was used to food in the states and had never heard of pumpkin juice or treacle tart. This year was better, at least she recognized the foods this year.
"So, when are we going to be clued in to the great secret?" Fred asked with his mouth full.
Mauve raised her hand to block out the image of his mouth and answered, "what secret?" aloofly.
"Oh come on, we know you found out where Dumbledore has been going, or you would still have that wrinkle in your forehead." Jeremiah at least had the courtesy to swallow before speaking.
"You're waiting is over." They all looked up, anxious. Mauve slowly took a bite, chewed and swallowed. George pretended to pull his hair out in aggravation. "Dumbledore is planning on telling the school after the feast."
They all had a particular look of disappointment and anxiousness. Lee muttered "tease" and they all tried to finish their food quickly. More pestering ensued, but was stopped when the plates were cleared.
Dumbledore informed them of the items not allowed at Hogwarts, which Mauve was sure most were in the Weasley's trunks. Then he followed up with horrible news for Quidditch, which got gaping mouths all around. Finally he was getting to the point when the doors burst open.
The man who stood in the doorway was a sight. Mauve had known Dumbledore had gotten a teacher the others had questioned him about, but she didn't think he would pick someone like him. Ever inch of his face was marred by scars, to the point where you couldn't imagine him without them. One of his eyes was larger than the other, and moving independently of the other. With every other step a sharp clunk sound would appear, as if her were wearing a metal boot. Or a metal leg Mauve thought.
He walked up to Dumbledore, in no hurry it seemed even with all the eyes in the Hall on him. They shock hands and shared hushed words, then the man sat next to Dumbledore. He was announced as Professor Moody, followed by Dumbledore and Hagrid attempting to start an applause, but failing.
Whispers started, accompanied by Fred mentioning that Moody had complained about a disturbance at his house just today. Mauve was about to scold him for dropping the Professor in Moody's title, when Dumbledore started talking again.
When he announced the Tournament coming up Fred exclaimed loudly, already knowing what it was. During the explanation from Dumbledore Fred, George, and Lee put their heads together, basking in what was going to happen.
"So that's where Dumbledore's been going - to talk to the other schools headmasters." Jeremiah exclaimed with a smile, no doubt it had been bothering him as much as it bothered Mauve when she didn't know.
"You're not going to be happy, but you better start listening." Mauve muttered over to the hundred trio before Dumbledore mentioned the age restriction.
When Dumbledore finished with his speech and allowed everyone to go to their dorms Fred and George started plotting ways to get past the age restriction. Mauve split into a secret corridor that would lead her straight to her office before the twins could notice, so as to avoid their questions.
The only way Mauve avoided Lee, George and Fred the next morning was by handing out the schedules for the students. Thankfully, not all her friends were worried about the age restriction. Kara, April, and Jeremiah were all seventh years and thus of age.
During their free period Mauve, Kara, and April talked mostly about the tournament. Being it the first day Mauve didn't have anyone to help.
"Well my family would expect me to enter so I don't really have a choice." Kara mentioned seeming disgruntled.
"But still, wouldn't it be awesome if one of us won? All those Galleons and the glory, it'd be like a dream come true." April had a dreamy look on her face.
"For you two maybe, because I'm faculty I'm not allow to enter. Plus it's going to be dangerous." Mauve tried to reason with them.
"Why, what do you know about it?" April sat straighter and stared Mauve down in anticipation.
"I don't know anything about the challenges. All I know is that they are trying to make it less dangerous, but this whole competition is meant to be dangerous to find the best champion. All I can hope for is that someone doesn't die." Mauve had a bad feeling in the pit of her stomach about this competition
A few days later Mauve was walking down to the kitchens to get a snack when she was picked up and slung over someones shoulder. She saw George walking behind the kidnapper and started hitting Fred in the back.
"Oww, stop hitting Mauve, it's just us." Fred tried to wriggle out of the way, which was impossible considering he was the one carrying her.
"Precisely." Mauve continued with her attack until Fred stopped walking. She smiled, thinking he was about to put her down when she heard him say "Balderdash".
"Don't you dare bring my into that common room slung over your shoulder Fred or you'll regret it." Mauve hissed, her professional reputation was on the line. The twins chuckled and thankfully Fred let her down. "Now what was the point of kidnapping me?"
They looked at each other and shrugged. "It was easier." George motioned to the open entrance to the Gryffindor common room, "after you."
Mauve rolled her eyes but obliged, once inside George led her to a table next to one of the walls. It was a bit away from everyone, and Mauve was curious about what they were going to talk about.
The three seated themselves around the table and Fred said he had to go get the 'papers'. "What's going on?" Mauve voiced her confusion.
"You know how we told you Ludo ripped us off? Well, we're trying to contact him and get him to give us our winnings. We figured you could help us not sound threatening."
"Because you're so nice, and don't have a threatening bone in your body." Fred rubbed at the middle of his back, where Mauve had hit him. "You sure we can't find anyone else to help us? Maybe someone a little less damaging?" He sat and glared at Mauve when she didn't seem apologetic.
"You got what you deserve, kidnapping me like that. Now, lets see what you have so far." Fred handed her the papers and she quickly read them over.
Ludo Bagman,
The money you gave us was fake, so we were wondering when you-
Ludo Bagman,
You know the money was a fake, we know the money was a fake. So how about you fix it?
Ludo Bagman,
If you don't pay up with real galleons we'll set loose a-
"Wow, you have some hidden aggression towards him don't you?"
For the next hour Mauve worked with them on what they could change in the letter and how they could write diplomatically. They went their separate ways feeling accomplished.
Weeks passed, Mauve started getting regular students in for help again, which this year surprisingly included her seventh year friends. Kara wanted help finding what she would do once Hogwarts was over and true to her letter, she asked what types of jobs were open in the states.
April was in the same predicament as Kara, except she didn't want to get away from her family. She wanted to become a vet but was confused as to how to help the animals with magic without the muggles noticing.
Jeremiah also needed help finding a job after Hogwarts and didn't even know where to start looking - he wanted to do everything.
Mauve had her hands full with helping those three and also any students that needed help, so much that the time passed incredibly quickly until Beaubatons and Durnstrang arrived.
I had a lot of fun with this chapter so I hope you enjoy it. Thank you so much for the reviews, they were and always are an amazing inspiration. :]