Once they stepped foot inside the enchanting walls of Hogwarts, a wave of excitement washed over them. The air buzzed with chatter and laughter as students eagerly reunited with their friends, sharing tales of their eventful breaks. Amongst the lively crowd, Olivia, Jackie, Toni, Pandora, and Gwen found solace in each other's company, feasting on a mouthwatering spread of mashed potatoes, baked chicken, rolls, corn, and an array of other delectables. As they savored each bite, their conversations meandered from boys to the extravagant gifts they had received.
Lost in her own thoughts, Gwen absentmindedly twirled the charms on her bracelet, a delicate adornment that caught the attention of her companions. Their eyes sparkled with curiosity as they leaned in, unable to contain their intrigue. "Is it a gift from your father?" Jackie inquired, her voice brimming with anticipation.
Gwen shook her head with a mischievous smile, relishing in the suspense. "Nope, guess again," she teased.
Undeterred, Jackie persisted, "Could it be your uncle, then?"
Gwen's laughter filled the air as she revealed the truth. "Actually, it was Sirius who gifted it to me." The girls erupted in a chorus of giggles and delighted smiles, their friendship strengthened by the joyful exchange.
With the meal drawing to a close, Gwen bid her friends farewell, her heart brimming with warmth. Exiting the Great Hall, she embarked on a solitary journey towards her Ravenclaw tower, eager to pen a letter to her father and unpack her belongings. The bustling day had come to an end, and as the night grew still, anticipation for the upcoming classes loomed in the air.
Something had drastically changed. As she strolled towards the imposing Great Hall, she couldn't help but feel a wave of curious gazes, hushed whispers, and friendly smiles directed her way. Initially, she dismissed it as mere coincidence, but as breakfast unfolded, she realized that people had paused their conversations just to observe her. Even while she enjoyed her meal, their eyes remained fixated on her every move. Among the onlookers, a Hufflepuff girl with a mouth full of metal sat at the table, her eyes seemingly captivated by her presence.
Just then, Jackie, donning her school uniform, approached, accompanied by Pandora.
"Hey, there you are!" Jackie exclaimed.
Perplexed, she wondered, "Did I forget something?"
Jackie retrieved something from her robes and tossed it onto the table. It was a copy of "Sorcerer Weekly" magazine, featuring her Father on the front cover, clad in impeccably tailored black and blue robes.
Furrowing her brow, she asked, "When was this taken?"
Seating herself beside her, Jackie began piling food onto her plate. "It was during the break," she replied.
"You should see the centerfold," Pandora chimed in, pouring herself a goblet of pumpkin juice. Flipping to that page, she blinked slowly at the image of herself standing alongside her father at the top of the grand staircase during the ball. "You look absolutely stunning," Pandora complimented her.
Feeling a surge of gratitude, she smiled back and said, "Thank you."
Curiosity got the better of her, and she questioned, "Why didn't you tell us that you were invited to the prestigious Malfoy Winter Solstice Ball?"
"I didn't think it would be such a big deal, Jackie," she replied, gazing at the photo of herself, radiating joy and grace.
Pandora interjected, "It's quite a dull affair, really."
Gwen blinked, suddenly remembering that Pandora herself was a pureblood and hailed from one of the prominent families. She wondered why the Rosiers hadn't attended the ball.
Curiosity piqued, she inquired, "Why didn't you go, Pans?"
A mysterious smile graced Pandora's lips as she replied, "I can't stand the Malfoys."
Caught off guard by Pandora's unexpected response, all she could do was watch as Pandora gathered her books and departed from the Great Hall, leaving her and Jackie behind, along with the tantalizing magazine of gossip.
"Why is everyone giving me those curious glances?" Gwen asked, a hint of confusion in her voice. With a mouthful of scrambled eggs and beans, Jackie nodded in response. Setting the magazine aside, she closed it gently and looked up at her friend. "By the way, do you mind if I borrow this for a while?"
"Feel free to keep it. I've already devoured its contents multiple times," her friend replied, a mischievous smile playing on their lips.
Overflowing with gratitude, Gwen carefully slipped the glossy magazine into her petite bag, treating it as a prized possession. As their conversation about classes persisted, she relished every last morsel of her breakfast, savoring each bite as if it were her last.
Within a short span of time, Toni joined their table, her uniform in disarray, a clear sign of her tardiness. Gwen couldn't help but notice her friend's exhaustion, prompting her to comment, "You appear utterly spent. When did you return from your trip to Italy?"
Unfazed, Toni swiftly grabbed a plate and eagerly piled it high with food. "Right before I boarded the train," she replied, eagerly diving into her meal with an insatiable appetite.
"Perhaps a visit to Madam Pomprey for a rejuvenating potion would do you good," Gwen suggested, her mind drifting back to Logan's similar predicament at the start of the year.
Toni contemplated the idea, shuddered involuntarily, and let out a disheartened groan. "I might just skip my classes and surrender to a day of blissful slumber," she contemplated aloud.
Jackie let out an amused snort. "Just make sure Olivia doesn't catch you, or she'll drag your arse straight to class."
Toni pondered this proposition, shivered at the thought, and let out a resounding sigh. "I despise it here," she muttered, a mix of frustration and weariness evident in her voice.
Jackie and Gwen laughed while Toni just banged her head against the table.
As she entered her first class of the day, she made her way towards the middle of the greenhouse and casually placed her book on one of the numerous tables. Lily Evans stood at the front of the classroom with the Gryffindor girls, while Severus stood with the other Slytherin students on the opposite side.
It was quite interesting, and not at all strange, considering that Severus was like Lily's devoted puppy.
Having preconceived notions about people based on their Hogwarts house always struck her as a foolish idea. However, due to the reputation that had preceded certain families, and their tendency to be sorted into Slytherin, she couldn't help but form opinions about those in that house.
"Gwen!" she heard a grinning Logan calling, accompanied by another Hufflepuff boy she didn't recognize at first.
A smile stretched across her face. "You seem to have grown taller over the break," Logan chuckled as he placed his book next to hers.
"It seems you've grown too. What? An inch taller?"
Gwen scoffed, "An inch is still something."
"Hi Gwen," Aero, the other Hufflepuff boy greeted nervously, as he too had experienced a growth spurt.
"Hello Aero, it's nice to see you again."
"Have you already studied anything from our textbooks?" Logan asked, picking up his own book.
Gwen picked up the lime green book with the intricate herb patterns on the cover. She opened One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi to the first chapter, which was about Mandrakes.
This will be a breeze.
Amidst the excitement of the new term at Hogwarts, Gwen felt confident in her knowledge of mandrakes. She had spent the break reviewing them with Remus. As she entered the greenhouse, she couldn't help but notice the confident stride of Logan and Aero, already engrossed in their reading. Toni and Jackie strolled alongside each other, arm in arm, unfazed by the glares from the Slytherin girls. They made their way to the front, undeterred. The classroom gradually filled with students, with Professor Sprout being the last to arrive.
With her earmuffs around her neck and gloved hands, Professor Sprout began the lesson. "Alright, students! Open your textbooks to the first chapter, as today we will be diving into the fascinating world of Mandrakes."
Gwen's gaze wandered, and she couldn't help but notice the absence of four Gryffindor boys. It didn't take a genius to figure out that they were skipping class.
"Who can enlighten us on the wonders of a mandrake?" Professor Sprout asked, and Gwen's hand shot up eagerly. Sprout called on her.
"Mandrakes, also known as Mandragora, are not just ordinary plants. They possess incredible healing properties and are a crucial ingredient in the Mandrake Restorative Draught. They have the power to reverse petrification, curses, and even transfigurations, returning individuals to their original forms," Gwen confidently explained. "But beware, their cries can be fatal to those who hear them."
"Ten points to Ravenclaw," Sprout rewarded her with a smile. "Remember this, for I shall assign a two-page essay on mandrakes as homework. And now, please don your earmuffs."
Logan couldn't help but lean towards Gwen, whispering, "You're absolutely brilliant."
"Thank you," she replied, a hint of pride in her voice.
As Gwen leisurely made her way to Charms class with Professor Flitwick, she savored the fact that class had ended early. However, her tranquility was disrupted when she witnessed a careless Slytherin who had neglected to wear their earmuffs, causing them to collapse unconscious. Professor Sprout dismissed the class to attend to the situation, taking the student to see Madam Pomfrey.
Just as Gwen was lost in her thoughts, she heard Lily's voice calling out her name. She turned to see Lily running towards her, clutching her books tightly.
"Hello, Lily," Gwen greeted with a warm smile. "I thought you were with Marlene and Mary." They resumed walking together, catching up on their morning activities.
"I wanted to walk with you. We missed our chance to meet up this morning," Lily explained.
"Oh, Jackie, Toni, and I went to visit Madam Pomfrey before class," Gwen shared.
Lily's sudden hesitation caught Gwen's attention. She tugged at her house robe, causing them to halt. Lily's normally vibrant demeanor had dimmed, and Gwen silently vowed to rectify it.
"Lily, is something bothering you?" Gwen asked, concerned. She was determined to help her friend, no matter what.
"I need to talk to you about something," Lily replied, her eyes scanning the corridor. Aware of curious onlookers, they walked slowly to create the illusion of heading to class.
Rolling her eyes, Gwen grabbed Lily's hand and steered her towards an empty classroom nearby. Once inside, she closed the door and cast a silencing charm, ensuring their privacy. The strange behavior of others made her suspect eavesdroppers.
"What's wrong?" Gwen asked, her voice filled with genuine concern.
Lily leaned against a desk, leaving her books abandoned. "Do you know what a mudblood is?"
Gwen froze, her heart sinking.
"Where did you hear that word?" she inquired, her brows furrowed.
Lily explained the conversation she had with Severus after his attack on Sirius in the Great Hall back in October. Anger welled up inside Gwen as she listened. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Why had Severus lied to Lily about the meaning of the word? Mudblood refers to magical children born to non-magical parents. Why would he twist it to mean something else?
Deciding to confront Severus later, when her anger had subsided, Gwen suspected that his newfound alliances with his housemates had fueled this sudden prejudice.
"You mustn't use that word ever."
"What does it mea–"
Gwen cut her off, a hint of disdain in her voice. "That term is used to describe magical children born to non-magical parents. It's not exactly a polite phrase, as it implies inferior lineage."
Understanding washed over Lily's face, quickly replaced by anger and then tears streaming down her cheeks. She swallowed hard, hating to see her friend cry, especially knowing how deeply she had been hurt by that word.
Lily held Gwen tightly, allowing her to cry on her shoulder, the sound of her sobs echoing in the otherwise silent classroom.
After dropping Lily off at her house with instructions to take a calming potion and rest until dinner, Gwen set out to find the raven-haired Slytherin. As she walked away from their house, she came across the four boys she hadn't seen all morning.
"You were looking for us?" James, her cousin, asked, noticing her departure.
"Jamie," she began, her tone serious. "Leave Lily alone for now."
Her cousin, unaware of the gravity of the situation, opened his mouth to crack a joke before Sirius placed a hand on his shoulder. "She means it."
Remus interjected, concern evident in his voice. "Is everything okay?"
"It's a private matter," Gwen replied, wanting to keep the details to herself.
"We'll give her space," James nodded.
Smiling gratefully, Gwen left the boys behind and continued on her way. Sirius, however, couldn't help but watch her as she walked away. James and Peter continued toward their house, leaving Remus standing with Sirius.
"You know, whatever it is, she forgot to scold us for skipping our first day of class," Remus observed, his gaze fixed on Sirius, who continued to watch Gwen disappear around a corner.
Sirius hummed in response.
Noticing his friend's preoccupied state, Remus frowned slightly. "You're staring at her."
Sirius grunted, still transfixed by the direction she had gone.
"So I guess you do have feelings for her beyond friendship," Remus said bitterly.
Snapping out of his daze, Sirius missed the bitter tone in Remus' voice and only felt his face flush at the mention of a crush on the young Ravenclaw.
"I have no idea what you're talking about," he snapped, turning toward their house, intending to retreat to the dormitory and study the charms notebook Gwen had made for him over the break.
Remus chased after him, refusing to let the topic go. "You and I both know that your attachment to her is more than just friendship."
Sirius swallowed hard, quickening his pace in an attempt to change the subject. But Remus was relentless and wasn't going to let him off the hook.
"Gwen is my best friend," he stated firmly. "You're reading too much into things."
Rolling his eyes, Remus retorted, "Just admit that you have stronger feelings for her."
Clenching his jaw, Sirius ignored Remus as he whispered the password to the Fat Lady and stepped into the common room, leaving Remus glaring at him in the hallway.
Stepping into the courtyard, a surge of determination coursed through her veins, propelling her forward. Her eyes immediately landed on Severus, engrossed in a conversation with Lucius and Mulciber. Time seemed to accelerate as the older boys bid their farewells and vanished into the castle. With unwavering resolve, she locked her gaze onto Severus, narrowing her eyes with intensity. She marched towards him, unbothered by the potential spectacle she might cause.
"How dare you?" Her words sliced through the air like a whip, causing Severus to snap his head towards her. His book slipped from his grasp, thudding onto the ground. "Who do you think you are, uttering such words about her friends? How dare you use that word in her presence?"
Severus stood frozen, his eyes widening and his mouth agape, lost for words.
"What...?"
Her anger surged, fueled by his feigned ignorance.
"Did I stutter?"
Severus blinked at her, his response sluggish.
"I hadn't meant to say it..." His excuse was feeble, and they both knew it.
"I don't care if you meant to say it or not. Let me make this crystal clear: keep your mouth shut about your prejudices," Gwen declared, locking eyes with him.
Severus furrowed his brows. "Is this because I'm spending time with people from my own house? I already had this conversation with Lil-"
"I couldn't care less about who your friends are," she whispered harshly, getting inches away from his face. "If you ever make Lily cry again, I will ensure you pay dearly for it."
As Severus parted his lips to utter a response, the words escaped him, for she swiftly pivoted on her heel and strode away, leaving him speechless.
Severus stood rooted to the spot, a shiver of fear and guilt coursing through his very being. Gwen, known for her calm demeanor, rarely succumbed to anger or allowed situations to affect her so swiftly. However, witnessing her friends' vulnerability and fear had stirred a deep determination within her. She was willing to go to extraordinary measures to ensure their smiles and laughter were restored once more.
Severus groaned.
He should have known that Lily's words would eventually reach Gwen's ears, leading to a thorough explanation of the meaning behind that mysterious word and why it was strictly avoided in conversation.
Frustrated, he raked his fingers through his disheveled hair. As he retrieved his fallen textbook from the floor, he realized that he owed both girls an apology. And the sooner he delivered it, the better.
What options did he have? Lucius and Mulciber had taken a peculiar interest in him lately. They allowed him to accompany them, occasionally inviting him to hang out in the common room, and even once penned a letter to him. If he wanted to deepen his bond with these new friends, he couldn't afford to be caught conversing with Lily. Not in her current state. His own housemates relentlessly teased him for his association with the fiery-haired girl, making his school life a living nightmare.
He found himself in a truly perilous predicament. Raised in a household where his pureblood witch mother had defied convention and tied the knot with his muggle father, he became a magnet for relentless scrutiny and condemnation. Amidst a sea of witches and wizards who placed utmost importance on bloodline, his very existence seemed to invite constant judgment and criticism.
The young Ravenclaw had dedicated the past two hours to immersing herself in the library, her anger still bubbling beneath the surface. The thought of returning to her dormitory had only fueled her frustration further, so she sought solace in the realm of books and knowledge. Although her fury had subsided somewhat, she remained deeply unsettled and bewildered by his preoccupation with blood status.
"Victory!" James exclaimed, tearing her attention away from the textbook that lay open before her. A mischievous grin adorned the faces of the troublemakers as they made their way towards her, their confidence palpable. Only Remus appeared to be absent from the group.
Intrigued, Gwen couldn't help but inquire, "Victory in what?"
They had convened at the secluded corner of the library, a spot where she had sought refuge behind towering stacks of books.
With a mischievous twinkle in his eye, James leaned in closer, casting a quick glance around to ensure their conversation went unheard. He locked eyes with Gwen, a sense of purpose emanating from him.
"We've discovered a solution to Remus's furry predicament," he declared.
Arching an eyebrow at her cousin, Gwen couldn't help but wonder what ingenious plan he had concocted within his brilliant mind. "Please, enlighten me."
James leaned even closer, his gaze shifting to their surroundings to confirm their privacy. Satisfied that no eavesdroppers lurked nearby, he spoke with a grave tone.
"We'll become illegal Animagus." he revealed.
Sirius chimed in, "James came up with this plan before the Christmas break, and I insisted we inform you before proceeding any further."
"We're underage, Jamie" Gwen responded promptly, closing her book and gathering her belongings. "We can't become Animagus without the Ministry of Magic finding out."
James smirked mischievously. "Then we'll become unauthorized Animagi." Gwen's head snapped towards him, her narrowed eyes a mix of shock and realization.
"No one would aid us in breaking the law," she retorted, swiftly rising from her seat. "We'd end up in Azkaban."
"But, my dear Gwen," James said, casually draping his arm around her shoulders, "one of our parents happens to be an illegal Animagus, don't they?" Wide-eyed, she smacked him on the back of his head with her book, simultaneously shocked and aware that he was right.
"Don't you dare utter that aloud, you fool," she huffed, but then deflated, recognizing the truth in his words. "But you're right. My father would assist us in the process."
Peter interjected, curiosity evident in his eyes as he turned towards Gwen. The others grew equally intrigued by her father's decision to defy the law.
Gwen sighed, sinking back into her seat. She believed they deserved to know the truth. "After the Global Wizarding War, my grandfather taught my father the ways of becoming an Animagus. He feared the resurgence of another war, given the prevalence of pure-blood ideology. When my parents married to safeguard themselves, my father aided my mother in becoming an Animagus as a precaution in case conflict erupted again. As a pure-blood family, we could escape to the Muggle world and conceal our identities if necessary."
"Why didn't he simply register?" Peter asked, prompting the others to sigh at his occasional sluggishness.
"Let me enlighten you," Sirius nonchalantly explained, reclining further into his chair. "The Ministry keeps tabs on registered Animagi. If another conflict were to emerge, and they were to uncover the identities of those who are officially registered, the consequences would be absolutely dire."
Peter's understanding finally clicked into place. "Oh," he uttered, his eyes widening in realization.
Gwen, her back facing the boys, gripped her bag of books tightly, her body tense with determination. Suddenly, she whirled around on her heel, confronting them head-on.
"I shall compose a letter to my father without delay," she declared firmly, swiftly pivoting to leave. However, before she could make her exit, she halted and turned back to face the trio.
"Should you dare to skip another class, you will discover yourselves waking up in the depths of Black Lake, along with Remus," she warned sternly.