Romance Awareness Month - You can hear your soulmate's thoughts.

Hogwarts Birthday Jenga: "Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same."

Psychic Day: write about someone reading minds.

That boy is an utter ass, Helena thought, one eyebrow raised in disdain.

One of her fellow Ravenclaws, she didn't know his name yet, seemed to be having trouble following the instructions in their Potions class. As a result, his cauldron had blown up, drenching half of the class in the process. Professor Salazar was currently berating the boy, warning him that there could have been severe consequences, had there been something other than boiling water in the cauldron.

The stupidity of certain persons never ceases to amaze me. She shook her head, returning to her own Hiccoughing Solution. Her Potions partner snorted, causing her to look at him sharply.

Could he hear me? she wondered, before dismissing the thought. Impossible.

Improbable, but not impossible.

The foreign thought invaded her mind, belonging to an unknown voice. Helena started, almost slicing her thumb off in the process. A few heads turned as she banged the table, but they soon went back to their own work.

Her heart beating in her throat, Helena turned to the boy next to her. He was staring at her with his pale blue eyes, a hint of amusement colouring his features. Noting his green robes, Helena set her jaw. She wasn't sure what kind of magic he was using, but it wasn't very nice. And if he wasn't a Ravenclaw, then he was a rival, probably trying to copy her thoughts for a better mark.

It is impolite to read the thoughts of a lady without her permission, she thought, imitating her mother's haughty tone when speaking to someone of inferior intellect.

And how wouldst thou know? the teasing voice responded. Is this a common occurrence with thee?

I know enough about Legilimancy to know that it is not right, she replied, trying to concentrate on her potion at the same time.

The boy snatched up the spoon and started stirring, but Helena had already seen the shudder that he had tried to mask. So he was familiar with Legilimancy. Helena wished that she knew more on the subject, but her mother had said that the magic was too advanced for an eleven year old.

For thy information, the boy said snidely, changing the subject. Thy potions are of such an abhorrent state that I would not wish to copy thy work even if I wanted to.

Then why art thou reading my thoughts? Helena asked immediately.

There was a short pause.

I do not know… the boy admitted. I do not mean to, but thy voice rings in my mind as clear as a bell.

And thou art not a natural Legilimens? Helena probed.

The boy's expression turned sour. If I were, then I would do anything in my power to be rid of that accursed power.

Helena was seized with curiosity at the venom within his words. Still, she knew better than to pry.

What is thy name? she asked instead, trying for a friendly approach.

The boy hesitated before replying. Septimus. No need to introduce thyself, I know that thou art Helena, daughter of Rowena Ravenclaw, founder of Hogwarts.

This time it was Helena's turn to grimace. If we are to be friends, then I would advise thee to refrain from mentioning my relation to my mother.

Why ever not? Septimus asked, bottling their potion. It was by no means the best of the lot, but it was passable.

Helena hesitated, wondering how she could explain her feelings. It's complicated.

Say no more, Septimus met her eyes, placing a hand on her own. I know how it is to have a trying family life.

Helena smiled. She had only just met this boy, and whilst the thought communication could be a bother when she wanted some privacy, it could also have its advantages. They could always research the topic and find a way to create a barrier when they did not wish to intrude. Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.

Thou art poetic, for a Ravenclaw, Septimus noted. Helena frowned. She hadn't meant to think that so clearly. But my feelings are the same, he added quickly. Whatever this strange connection is, I'm glad it happened with a person such as thou.