Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.
The Slytherin Consequence
On October 12th, I found myself occupying Slytherin table; twirling my wand in the air by its handle. On my left sat Adrian; his expression blank. Across from us were Ginny, Hestia, and Flora. They looked far more amused than Adrian; watching the green frosted cupcakes jump and jive around the tabletop in between our breakfast plates. Meanwhile, everyone else in our proximity tried to pretend we weren't there.
Still confined to the castle thanks to escaped psychopaths and due to a lack of funds, I had to get creative when it came to this day. The cupcakes did one last synchronized move; bouncing up and down in a straight line like they were doing the wave. "And… Happy birthday", I finished, drawing out the word 'and' until the cupcakes were stationary.
The three third-years politely clapped as Adrian offered me a droll look. "That wasn't necessary".
"Come on", I disagreed as I busied myself with passing out cupcakes. "I had to brave the kitchens to get these cupcakes. And yesterday, Flitwick spent his whole planning block teaching me his dancing cupcake charm. All for your seventeenth birthday".
"Oh, it's green tea flavored", Ginny announced after she took a bite into her cupcake.
Adrian sighed and shook his head. "Sweets for breakfast", he stated in disapproving disdain.
"A perfectly acceptable occurrence for birthdays", I interjected.
"There wasn't any need to make a fuss", Adrian countered; ignoring the cupcake I placed beside his hand.
"I know", I said, strengthening my gaze. "That's what makes it fun. Special. Something most blokes would thank their girlfriends for".
Exhaling through his nose, the corner of Adrian's lips twitched.
Accepting the cupcake, he leaned down and pressed his lips briefly against my right cheek. "Thank you", he relented. Aw, he can learn. Though he didn't immediately try the cupcake. Stubbornly, he placed it above his plate; adamant about having a well-rounded breakfast before indulging.
"Have you finished the homework for divination?" Hestia asked as I helped myself to a serving of scrambled eggs.
Ginny and Flora shook their heads, mouths too full to properly answer. "I don't understand why you're taking that class", Adrian said as he placed half a grapefruit on both of our plates. Ugh, this again.
"Luna really wanted to take it", Ginny answered after swallowing.
"And we wanted to have at least one class with her", Flora added once she had followed suit. "Most of our core classes are with the Hufflepuffs this year".
The conversation continued along this line as we busied ourselves with the morning meal. As we talked, no one mentioned or so much as glanced at the divided line drawn at Slytherin table. Following Montague's request for assistance and Adrian trying to explain this nonsense to me, the effects were almost immediate. Or rather, now that we knew about it, we were seeing it.
Marcus had been the head honcho of Slytherin house. That power was afforded to him as a member of the sacred twenty-eight and because of his father's standings in society. Which was a very polite way of saying there had been enough families too afraid to go against the Flints; allowing the Flints to gain a following.
"What we don't understand is why Ginevra wanted to take muggle studies", Hestia said as we ignored the other side of the table.
Ginny rolled her eyes. Seemingly tired of this topic. Like this wasn't the first time her friends had asked. "I was curious", she explained without offering her full thought process on the matter.
"Our dad was thrilled when Ginny told him. He loves muggles", I said, trying to normalize it. Although this wasn't the right place to attempt that. Nothing about Slytherin felt normal at the moment. When Marcus graduated, there was a shift in power. As the next person in Slytherin house with the most sway and title, Malfoy became the student with the most power. Or he would have been if it wasn't for the groundwork Marcus had done before he left.
The politics in Slytherin house was a direct reflection of what was happening out in the wizarding UK society as a whole. Where Lord Flint was slowly and determinedly staging a take-over; wrestling power and loyalty from the old ideologies to his new one.
At Hogwarts, the culture of Slytherin was shaping up to be the first to feel the brunt of Lord Flint's movement. With some of Slytherin sticking to what they knew (Malfoy and followers), others branching off into what Lord Flint was indirectly offering (YUP), and the ones who were not promising any allegiances at this time.
The arrival of the morning post was announced by the sound of dozens of flapping wings. A large grey long-eared owl flew down to Adrian and landed in front of him. While he was preoccupied with untying the parcel attached to the owl's leg, I slipped my grapefruit onto Ginny's plate. She gave me a look but kindly didn't say anything.
Being the well-mannered person he insisted on portraying, Adrian chose to read the accompanying card before opening the parcel. "Did Auntie write anything interesting?" Flora asked as Adrian tucked the card back into the envelope.
"Just the normal well wishes", Adrian replied as he turned his attention to the parcel. It was a small square box wrapped in brown paper. Watching Adrian open a present was like watching a snail race. He was so slow; taking care to unwrap the paper without tearing it.
By the time Adrian finished and was pulling off the lid of the box, I had finished my eggs. From the box, Adrian pulled out a silver pocket watch by its chain. The metal was blemish free and glinted in the light. On its cover was an embossed coat of arms. "Father made this", Adrian said with an upturn of his lips as he opened the cover to look at the clock face. It had roman numerals instead of numbers. And the hands looked like arrows missing from a quiver.
"You're a man now", I said; smiling at Adrian's pleased expression. And not at all jealous that my cupcakes hadn't provoked a similar response.
In the great Slytherin divide of 1994, the traditional side (Malfoy's side) would have outnumbered its opposing force (our side) if it wasn't for the fact that the opposing side extended outside of Slytherin house. Following Montague's request, we came up with a plan of action. A simple one that only involved two parts. Part one: if you were in Slytherin, ask for help when the need arose. Part two: if you are in one of the other three houses, be an ally. Or at least, that was the plan in a nutshell. In actuality, there were a few more steps. One was about being seen having fun and looking unbothered while socializing with our Slytherin club members. Another was about inviting non-YUP members to join in. But that had more to do with overpowering 'the traditional way' than protecting our Slytherin friends.
Still, it wasn't perfect. The only support we could give was outside of Slytherin territory. Their common room and dorms might as well have an open-season policy at this time. Some were still untouchable. Like Hestia and Flora. Which they took advantage of to extend protection to Ginny. Others, like Montague and Adrian, were too old or too experienced for a target to effectively be painted on their backs. Their influence they used to try to shield the younger students in their house. Namely, Baddock as he got to endure the worst of it. Though the person who probably was the most uncomfortable was Zabini; having to share a dorm with Malfoy and his goons.
"Zabini thinks Nott might be amendable to changing allegiances", Adrian said one lazy Saturday morning as we lounged as a group in the transfiguration courtyard. The leaves had changed color and the air had become crisp to the point that anyone venturing outside needed to wear a scarf and maybe a hat. But knowing that once winter was here it'd be hard to catch much sunlight, we were taking advantage of the day.
Adrian and I occupied one of the stone benches. Me, with a charms book I checked out from the library while he read the Daily Prophet. Playing near the fountain, Hestia and Flora were teaching the first years how to lose at gobstones while Ginny and Luna gossiped nearby. Fred, George, and Lee were on the other side of the courtyard with the fourth years, including all houses; trying to get some game involving a fanged frisbee up and running.
Wrinkling my forehead, I looked up from the dry and mind-numbing text about how food freshening charms were invented. "Why?" I asked, tilting my head away from my book so I could see Adrian. Unlike me, he hadn't looked away from his reading material. "Isn't Nott's father…" I trailed off. Not thinking it wise to claim that the Nott family were huge You-Know-Who supporters out in the open.
Having finished with the sports section, Adrian turned a page in his newspaper. "He is", Adrian answered; not needing me to finish to know what I was asking. "However, Zabini believes Nott's sensibilities differ from his family".
Closing my book on page twenty-five (it was a very boring book), I turned towards Adrian. "How did he come to that conclusion?"
Adrian did not put down his paper. "Just a few comments Nott made". The skin between Adrian's eyebrows creased. "It's too soon to expect a change. Though perhaps with the right introduction…" Adrian's eyebrows shot up. "Holly, did you know about this?"
Why would I know about conversations between Zabini and his friends? "No, I don't know what Nott said to Zabini".
"Not that", Adrian corrected as he folded his newspaper to a specific page. Holding it out so we could both look at it at the same time, Adrian pointed to a printed image. One that continued the faces of two people we were very familiar with. Standing center in the frame was Lord Flint; wearing his most charismatic smile as camera flashes briefly illuminated his features. While Percy stood behind his right shoulder; awkwardly adjusting his glasses and smiling sheepishly.
Scooting as close to Adrian as the bench would allow, our shoulders pressed together. "Why are they in the paper? What's the article about?" I asked as my eyes scanned the printed words. Though I answered my own question when I found the title. The United Party Makes Its Debut.
"Did Percy mention this to you?" Adrian asked once I fell silent.
"No", I answered as my eyes darted through the first paragraph.
In the middle of ministry strife and public fear as a result of the attack on the Quidditch World Cup, Lord Marius Flint of The Flint Law Firm announced his latest project. "Current events have shown that our society is more divided than we would like to believe. Division causes instability which is not the society I wish for our children to inherit. So, naturally, the only logical thing to do was to bring our people together", Lord Flint stated during an interview.
"No one sent any warning to YUP either", I added as I pulled myself out of the reading. "Did Marcus tell you anything?" Because really. Everyone in the inner circle knew eventually UP would be made public knowledge. Eventually, we knew YUP's activities would become associated with its adult counterpart. But we were never given a launch date. Or even an estimated timeline. Though a simple heads up would have been appreciated.
"Out of bounds!" Ron yelled from the other side of the courtyard.
"No, it isn't", Finch-Fletchley argued; talking loud enough that we could hear him over the sounds of Dennis getting slimed in the gobstone game.
"Marcus never hinted at a grand reveal", Adrian said. "My parents never mentioned this to me either".
"Neither did mine", I confirmed; reading and trying to puzzle these together at the same time. "It's probably safe to assume that if they didn't know, then Lord Flint didn't share his plans with anyone".
As we were informed by Lord Flint, The United Party is a political movement whose sole purpose is to build common ground and brotherhood between groups whose moral philosophy and ideology have clashed throughout our history. Based on current events, we assume Lord Flint refers to the difference of opinions circling blood status equality.
"Difference of opinions", I read; snorting in derision. "What a way to water down a looming threat".
"They don't know what's coming", Adrian reminded me; though most of his focus remained on the article. "Lord Flint mentions your brother. There", Adrian said as he pointed to a paragraph I hadn't gotten to yet.
When asked about his sense of responsibility to his cause, Lord Flint expressed, "The sacred twenty-eight were always tasked with a duty of acting as the pillars of our magical society. All these great and noble houses, not just my own, are meant to preserve our culture and traditions. However, over time, different bloodlines have garnered diverging philosophies about how to carry out this duty. Unfortunately, such discord in our leading families has weakened our society by isolating those of different viewpoints. A great part of the United Party's philosophy is to create and encourage a dialogue between these different viewpoints to overcome this weakness. For example, take my young apprentice, Percy Weasley. He is an exemplary wizard with a promising future who my law firm can only benefit from employing. Had either one of us abided by the division created by our opposing loyalties, we would have deprived ourselves of our own potential".
Lord Flint went on to explain that the United Party's purpose is not to create a singular ruling mindset. But rather to use our differences as a benefit to society rather than the hardship it is currently causing. Our interview with Lord Flint ended with him stating that the United Party is open to all who are interested in exploring the full potential of a unified people. More will come as this new movement progresses and develops.
Adrian and I finished reading and rereading at the same time. Looking up from the paper, our eyes met. What the hell were we supposed to do with that? My mind was turning slowly; trying to process everything. A YUP officer meeting would need to be called. Quickly, too.
People weren't stupid. Especially when they chose not to be. It wasn't a difficult leap to make that the Youth of the united Party was connected to the United Party. Of course, it wasn't something we were trying to hide. I'd actually be concerned if someone was unable to make the connection. But for all the new members, all of those who hadn't joined because of Flint's influence, YUP had been explained as a way to make friends in different houses. We'd have to make a statement or something before people start to feel like we were misleading them. Merlin, Percy. Was it really such a challenge to owl me before your boss spills the beans to a bloody news outlet?
"Something must have changed", Adrian reasoned as he pressed a closed fist against his chin in thought. "Something must have occurred to make Lord Flint believe announcing the United Party was wise".
"But what?" I asked; following his line of thinking. "There haven't been any Lockhart or Pettigrew sightings since school started. No word on Quirrell either".
As we thought, the sounds of our friends and family enjoying the day continued throughout the courtyard; talking, laughing, and the sounds of running feet. "Do you think it has something to do with the Crouch trial?" I asked when racking my brains didn't stir up much. "But why wait until now? Lord Flint already made a statement about Crouch. Wouldn't that have been a better time to announce UP if that was his plan?"
Adrian didn't offer answers or guesses; still hypothesizing himself. "Maybe it is the tri-wizard tournament", he said after a moment. The wind blew past us; whistling in our ears, messing my hair, and rustling the paper Adrian held. "This year is unique. With the tournament taking place in Hogwarts, we'll have access to potential international allies. Maybe Lord Flint wanted to make us known before the other schools arrived".
It was a thought. But it was one that I questioned with squinted eyes. "Why would that matter?" I asked as I pushed some hair out of my face. This is what I get for not wearing a hat. "I mean, it's only the schools visiting and they won't be leaving Hogwarts. Lord Flint isn't going to have access to them. At most, they'll hear about UP either through reading or maybe from us…" What was there to gain?
The muscles in Adrian's hands briefly tensed; wrinkling the Daily Prophet further. That was my only warning he was about to tell me something I wouldn't want to hear. "I think if the Hogwarts champion is a member of YUP", Adrian said slowly; choosing his words very carefully. "Lord Flint will have a way to… spread his influence".
As had become my habit when trying to reign myself in, I blinked twice. "You think that's what Flint is doing? Because it sounds a lot like you've talked to him about this before".
Sighing, Adrian looked skyward; his expression pinched. "I shared my plans about entering the tournament with Lord Flint after he mentioned the tournament at a UP meeting". I didn't bother to wonder about how Lord Flint knew about the tournament before it was officially announced during the Hogwarts welcome back feast. Anyone with connections to someone in the ministry knew the tournament wasn't a well-kept secret. "I also mentioned there were others in our circles who would be interested. Montague, Johnson, and Diggory for example". Adrian returned his eyes to me; wary but determined. "Lord Flint pondered if having a member from YUP as the Hogwarts champion would be a way to reach more people. There will be press, as you well know".
My nostrils flared as I forced a rabid exhale. "You're still going to put your name into the goblet of fire. Even with Crouch Jr. back in Azkaban".
It wasn't a question, but Adrian treated it as such. "It's not going to hurt to take precautions", he said; eyes flashing in Harry's direction. The boy who lived was with the other fourth-year boys. He stood between a dumbfounded Terry Boot and a stoic Zabini, hunched over laughing as Fred and George played an impromptu game of keep away with Ron and the fanged frisbee.
"No", I agreed before returning a hard gaze to Adrian. "But getting singed by a dragon, drowned by grindylows, and attacked in an impossible maze will".
Adrian rolled his eyes. As if my fear was completely unfounded. As if my concern for his well-being was baseless. This bloody git! "I think you forget", Adrian said; leaning in to be heard by my ears only. "That I am… was a fully trained wizard. I'll be more equipped to handle the challenges than any other champion".
"If you're selected, you mean", I stated. Although, more for my benefit than his. "And that's without mentioning that the other contestants won't have a phobia for bodies of water. The other contestants won't have to constantly look over their shoulders; worrying that You-Know-Who might return".
Fear causes me to reach out and clasp one of Adrian's hands. It was a bit of an awkward grasp considering he's still holding the paper. Though Adrian didn't appear to mind. With his hand that I wasn't holding onto, he let go of the paper and rested it on top of mine. "The Hogwarts champion dies, Adrian".
Squeezing the top of my hand, Adrian's stone-like features softened. "Things are different now. We don't know what will happen".
Over by the fountain, Collin laughed good-naturedly at his loss in gobstones as Hestia and Flora helped the younger years clean off their now stained robes. Annoyance leaked into my emotional state. I know it's irrational to feel this way. But there was something about the contrast of everyone around us enjoying the day while Adrian and I discussed death that rubbed me the wrong way. "That's not as reassuring as you think it is". I hissed; determined to not bring attention to ourselves.
Ignoring me, Adrian kept talking as if I hadn't made any comments. "I'm not going to die", he promised me. "You won't let me".