Something was poking me. I felt a jab in my side and groaned, pulling the blankets off my head. I could feel my hair sticking out in all directions and the dry trail of drool. I yawned, sitting up and stretching. "Hm…what? I'm up," I muttered groggily.
"Ah, the ghoul has finally woken." Evelyn smirked from where she was straightening her tie.
"Ugh," I groaned. "What time is it?"
"6:30," Violet answered with a giggle.
"When does our first class start?"
"When breakfast ends at nine," Isabelle said in her no-duh tone.
"Right," I stated, lying down again and pulling the blankets back over my head.
I felt someone tug them down and let out an exasperated sigh. "Yes?"
"Why aren't you getting up?" Violet asked, a curious expression on her face.
"It's too early," I moaned, my eyes still closed.
"Don't you have to get ready?" she prompted.
"It doesn't take me that long," I retorted. "I can do it in twenty minutes." I could still feel their eyes on me. "Alright, fine. I will see you down there shortly."
I slid out of bed, hissing when my feet touched the cold floor. Action resumed around me once they saw me heading to the bathroom. I shuffled to the sink and splashed cold water on my face. A little more awake, I looked in the mirror. My hair looked as if a three-headed dog had licked it. Fantastic.
I quickly brushed my teeth and ran a comb through my hair. After patting it down with water and brushing it a few times, it finally settled into the lush curls that Evelyn had charmed last night. My makeup was done already courtesy to Violet's everlasting charms. When I hurried back into the room, everyone was gone, but I spied my uniform already spread out on my bed. Isabelle.
I pulled it on, noting that it was a little tighter than I was accustomed to and the skirt two inches shorter than yesterday. Instead of being exactly at my knees, it now swished along my thighs. I laughed and quickly put on my tie, foregoing the sweater. I knew it would be much too hot for that later. I slid on my Converse, shoved my books in my bag, grabbed my wand to slide in my robe pocket and was out the door.
I stumbled my way to the Great Hall, still half asleep if I was being honest. I yawned a few more times as I sat down on the bench at the Ravenclaw table. "Morning," a third year greeted me. I grunted an unintelligible response. The food was already steaming on the table and people were eagerly scooping in onto their plates.
I wasn't much of a breakfast person save for the Starbucks I drank every morning religiously. "Do we just wish for the food we want and it appears?" I asked the third year.
He laughed before answering, "No, the only reason it suddenly appears on the table is because McGonagall doesn't want the House Elves to have to carry it from the kitchens. It is just easier that way."
I straightened, thinking. No Starbucks. I wouldn't survive the school year without it. "Where are the kitchens?" I asked him suddenly.
"Um…underneath us? In the basement? You have to tickle the painting of the pear," he explained hesitantly.
I was already gathering my stuff and heading there. "Thank you!" I called over my shoulder. I quickly strode out of the Great Hall and down the corridor. I had spotted the Hufflepuffs using a magical doorway near here to get to the common room yesterday. I was so distracted that I didn't even notice him until I was tackling us both to the floor. Again.
"We have got to stop meeting like this," I huffed, scooping up my bag and extending my hand to him.
He brushed it aside snidely. "We wouldn't if someone would pay attention to their surroundings." I shrugged. If he didn't want my help, fine. I began making my way to the painting again. I was a woman on a mission. "Wait! Where are you going?" he called to me. "The Great Hall is that way."
"Thanks, I know that Captain Obvious," I retorted. "I need to go the other way to the kitchens. Why are all you Brits such morning people?"
He jogged over to me, curiosity sparking in his eyes, which were grayer this morning. "What could you possibly need in the kitchens? All the food is in there." He pointed to the Great Hall again.
"Yes, I know," I replied. "I'm in Ravenclaw for a reason genius. The particular food I want is not there, however, so I am going to find it. Now, thank you for pointing out everything I have already gathered, but I really must be going." I saluted him and then practically skipped to the painting. I didn't need to look over my shoulder to tell he was shaking his head in a mix of confusion and amusement.
The kitchens were easy to find and I couldn't help but commend the Hufflepuffs for founding their common room in such an ideal location. House elves were bustling among the commotion when I walked in. A few of them stopped to glance at me when I cleared my throat.
A tiny elf with a pink shirt clearly made for a toddler scurried over. "How may I be helping you miss?" it squeaked, eyes wide and eager.
"Oh, well I—" I stammered. "I am a transfer student from America. Over there we have this drink that I really love. It isn't served in the Great Hall and so I was hoping I could make it here. I have the recipe memorized."
"What is the recipe miss? Twinkle will be helping you," it replied.
"Oh, it's alright. I can make it myself," I quickly told it and then cringed. I saw its big, brown eyes begin to tear up. I hurried to backtrack. "Well, um…you can make it if you really want to. I just know you are busy and I wouldn't want to be a bother."
"Miss is no bother at all! Twinkle is happy to help!" it exclaimed. "What will Twinkle be making?"
I sagged in relief. Disaster averted. "Oh, okay cool! I would kill for a double-chocolate chip Frappuccino right now."
All the noise in the kitchen stopped. At least thirty pairs of eyes were now on me, wide with terror. Crap! What did I say? What did I say? I thought in a panic. Then it dawned on me.
"Oh! Oh no! I didn't mean that! I would never actually kill someone! Ever! It's just an American expression? Wait! Do you guys have expressions? What am I talking about, of course you do! I am such an idiot!" I rambled on, progressively making the situation worse.
"Please miss, don't hurts us," Twinkle begged. "We will make miss her frap-ah-cheese-no."
I almost giggled at that, but then replied, "Oh no! I wouldn't hurt you; I swear! I am sorry for saying that. I didn't mean it!" Then, because I didn't know what else to do, I threw myself at Twinkle, wrapping her in a hug. "I'm sorry, I totally didn't mean that."
"What is going on in here?" a voice said in shock. I turned, still clinging to Twinkle and took in Stella's open mouth and blinking eyes.
"Hi…Stella. What…um…what brings you here?" I asked sheepishly. She placed her hands on her hips.
"Why are you trying to suffocate that poor house elf?"
"I wasn't, I was just—" I tried to explain. Stella walked over and gently removed my arms.
"There you go," she cooed to Twinkle. "I am sorry about my friend. She doesn't know how to behave herself." I winced.
"I just wanted my Starbucks," I explained weakly. She gaped at me as if I was the dumbest person alive.
"So that justifies trying to kill a house elf? I know you are cranky in the morning, but this is a low blow, even for you."
"I wasn't trying to kill it," I argued, my cheeks growing hot. "I was hugging it. I accidentally said something that made it upset and I didn't know what to do so my first thought was to hug it so I did and then you came in and I still don't have my Starbucks and I had to get up early this morning and—"
"Okay, dude, take a chill pill," she told me in a soothing voice. "Now, you just wait here and I will get your Starbucks."
My shoulders sagged and I nodded. What in the world would I do without Stella? Strangle house elves apparently. She came back a few minutes later with two mugs in her hand. I could see whip cream and chocolate swirls on top. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!" I said reaching out my arms.
She held up her hand. "I think you have given enough hugs today," she warned, but laughter sparkled in her eyes. I laughed, too.
"You are probably right." We turned to head out of the kitchens when I whirled around. "Thank you!" I called to the house elves, who I am pretty sure, all turned scarlet with embarrassment.
"Misses can come back any time!" Twinkle told the both of us. We grinned and waved as we glided out of the kitchen.
"I took care of everything," Stella told me. "Starbucks will be available for you every morning from now on."
"Bless you. You are an angel," I moaned as I took a greedy gulp of my drink. It was just as good as I remembered.
"We should probably get to class," she reminded me. I took a few more sips of my drink before vanishing the mugs back to the kitchen. "What class do you have first?"
"What day is it?" I questioned.
"Tuesday."
"Then…Ancient Runes with Professor Boot."
"Yes! I do too!"
"Awesome! We should totally sit by each other!" I told her excitedly. We began making our way up the stairs and to the classroom. When we got there, we immediately sat in the middle of the second row next to each other.
"I am so glad to see some house unity going on," Professor Boot remarked with an easy smile. "Welcome to Ancient Runes."
"Where were you?" Evelyn asked as she plopped down in the desk next to me. "I looked everywhere. Some third year said you ran out this morning."
"I needed something," I told her, blushing at the memory. "Oh, by the way, Evelyn, this is my best friend Stella. Stella, this is my roommate Evelyn."
They smiled at each other and began to chat as Eve asked her how she liked Hufflepuff. I sat back with a satisfied expression. I loved when my friends became friends. "Thinking about leaving, I hope," a deep voice said near my ear. I jumped, startled, and glared as Bromley sat right in front of me.
"Seriously, are you stalking me now or something?" I spat, gritting my teeth. "Because I am pondering getting a restraining order."
"Where's the fun in that, Buttercup?" he retorted smoothly with a chuckle.
"Don't call me Buttercup," I snarled. "Jerkface," I added for good measure.
"Woah, I can feel the sexual tension coming off of you two in waves," a handsome boy noted. He had short, brown hair and tan skin. He was more muscular than most guys I had seen at Hogwarts so far, and he was leaning in to give Evelyn a kiss. What. The. Actual. Heck. "Hi beautiful," he whispered lovingly to her.
"Stay out of it, Newcastle," Bromley warned venomously.
"Easy. I was just pointing out the obvious. Besides, I can't have you picking on my best girl's roommate, now can I?" the boy clucked.
"Yeah, so shut up," I spoke smugly, folding my arms across my chest.
"Oh, I like you already," the boy chuckled. "My name is Emmett. What's yours doll?"
"Wren Dawson," I replied easily. "Delighted to meet you."
"See that?" Emmett bragged to Bromley. "She is delighted to meet me." He waggled his eyebrows, a grin on his face. Bromley just scowled and turned to face the front of the classroom. "Don't mind this git. He just has his knickers in a twist right now. Luckily, I am gentleman enough for us both." So this was Evelyn's infamous boyfriend. I could see now why she snogged him silly; I internally laughed.
"Attention everyone!" Professor Boot yelled, reining the class in. "I am Professor Boot and this is Ancient Ruins for sixth years. I hope everyone had a wonderful summer because we are going to start our learning immediately. I want everyone to turn to page seven and we shall begin today's lesson."
I smiled at the sound of ensuing groans and the flipping of dry, crisp pages. I practically lived for school. My thoughts were interrupted when a folded paper landed on my desk. I opened it and scowled.
You better watch out Buttercup. Your bodyguards won't always be here.
Jerkface, I thought. I pulled out a parchment of my own and scribbled furiously. To everyone else, it would look like I was eagerly taking notes. I folded it in the neat shape of a swan that fluttered gracefully onto his desk, unfurling itself. He quickly read it and then it burst into a small flame, all evidence disappearing.
I'll certainly keep that in mind, Calloway. However, I think we both know you're threats are…what do you Brits say? Oh, right, all mouth and no trousers. Better luck next time.
Game, set, match.
I was thrilled when Bromley quickly gathered his supplies and left the class without another word. He could certainly dish it out, but he lacked the stamina to take it. Such a sore loser.
He, along with Emmett, Evelyn, Stella, Skylar, and Violet, were all in my next class, Care of Magical Creatures. I was once again pleased when he kept to himself. I appreciated a man who knew his place. The rest of us chatted and I was happy to see that Stella and Skylar easily fit in with my newfound group of friends. Seeing Skylar and Emmett share witty barbs with one another was the new highlight of my life.
The rest of us girls were giggling as Violet and Evelyn interrogated us on our opinions of the male specimen at Hogwarts. "Where is your boyfriend, Vi?" I asked randomly. "I have yet to meet him."
"Oh, he is in Gryffindor. I will introduce you when we have lunch next."
"So, anyone caught your eye?" Evelyn whispered, elbowing me in the ribs.
"Only one. Unfortunately, his personality is detrimental to his looks," I whispered back.
"Ah," she said with understanding in her eyes. "Brom can be quite the git, but he really is sweet once you get to know him." I snorted in disbelief. "I'm serious," Evelyn whispered vehemently. "He and James are the most loyal friends Emmett has. They were the only ones who would even talk to him at first when everyone found out his father had been a death eater."
That stilled me instantly, sobering the moment. Right. I had almost forgotten about the terrible events that had occurred twenty-three years ago. Even though it had happened an ocean away, it had set every witch and wizard in America on edge. If Voldemort hadn't been defeated, who would have stopped him from coming after us next?
I stole a peek behind me and saw Bromley staring at me with intense eyes. It took my breath away and I snapped back around. For a moment, I could have sworn I saw something…almost apologetic in his gaze. I shook my head. That was stupid. He may have been a good friend to Emmett, but he hadn't been even decent to me since the moment I had arrived. That had to count for something. Right?
"Brom is staring at you," Isabelle whispered in my ear at lunch an hour later. I glanced up from my soup, and sure enough, he was with that same intense expression as earlier.
"I wish he would just leave me alone," I mumbled, ducking my head. Some of the fire had left me after Evelyn's revelations during class.
"At least he is attractive," she chimed, pointing a spoon at him to prove her point. "It could be worse."
"Just because he is attractive doesn't mean it gives him a free pass," I almost shouted, slamming my silverware back on the table. Everyone turned to stare at me and my cheeks flushed with heat. "It just doesn't give him the right to be so rude," I argued, quieter this time.
"I know that," Isabelle soothed. "All I am saying is that at least when he is insulting you, you have something good to look at."
I huffed angrily. "Is that all you think about?" I accused, staring her straight in the eye. "Looks? I thought Ravenclaws were supposed to be smart. Didn't you guys just have a huge war over people being treated cruelly simply because of something as stupid as their blood? I'm not saying America is perfect, because we aren't. Heck, we are still dealing with people discriminating against others because of their skin color. My point is, no matter what you look like, no matter how rich you are, no matter where your magic came from, it never gives you an excuse to treat people as inferior. We are already so hard on ourselves, the last thing we need is someone telling us something we are already painfully aware of. Take it from someone who knows."
I stood up quickly, slinging my book bag onto my shoulder. Isabelle, Violet, and Evelyn were openly gaping at me. I knew I had the tendency for outbursts, I had even tried to reel it in, but in that moment, I wasn't sorry. Not at all. "I'm not hungry anymore. I will see you in potions."
I stalked out of the Great Hall, my blood boiling and eyes stinging as I felt everyone's eyes on me once again. Didn't anyone in this bloody school have anything else to do with their lives? I flung myself onto one of the window seats in the corridor, leaning my back against the sun-warmed glass. I closed my eyes, massaging my throbbing temples.
"Tough lunch?" Skylar said, moving my outstretched legs to place them on her lap. Stella came to sit beside her, gazing at me with sympathy.
"The toughest," I replied with a weak grin.
"I know you want to change the world," Skylar began. "It honestly shocked me when you weren't in Hufflepuff with us, but—" She trailed off, uncertain of what to say.
"But," continued Stella, "it isn't going to happen overnight. Not everyone is ready for change. I know it's frustrating; it's just something we have to take a day at a time. Sometimes…"
"Sometimes the world just isn't ready for the likes of us yet," Skylar chimed in finally, beaming. "We are too good, too smart, too fabulous."
I giggled a little as she struck a pose, looking like a Vogue model with pouting lips. "Feel better now?" Stella asked hopefully.
"You guys are the best," I replied, wrapping them in a group hug. "I seriously never would have made it here without you, either of you. Now go make the puffs proud. I have a potions class to get to." I shooed them playfully, watching them walk away, arms hooked together at the elbows. Those girls, I thought with a shake of my head. I heard the large bell clang throughout the castle and knew it was time to get to class. I wondered what else Hogwarts had in store for me.