Chapter 3: Explosive Connections

It had been two weeks since Madeline's arrival at Hogwarts, and thankfully, it seemed that the buzz around her transfer had sufficiently calmed down.

Sure, she still received some wary glances from the younger students, but she'd perfectly managed to blend into the sea of silvers and greens that was Slytherin house. She didn't stick out like a sore thumb anymore, and she was most certainly living up to her houses' honour, going as far as becoming perhaps one of Snape's most able students (never good; Snape would never admit that).

Her classes had been relatively stews-free so far, Professor Moody having realised exactly how shaken Neville had been, and deciding to take things a little slower with the boy in the room. Daphne and Theo had helped her catch up with the little material she wasn't familiar with, because although her mother had been an excellent teacher, Hogwarts also had many areas of study (and they really hadn't covered Divination all that much during her homeschooling).

However, in the last two weeks, Madeline had met her fair share of… Characters. Some were much more pleasant than others, but some… Well. She would have to make up her mind about them.

Madeline had thought that her little disagreement with the Golden Trio would earn her negative points with the Gryffindors, but it seemed that the trio had kept their mouths shut. Or at least, had omitted the part where she had borderline-yelled at them. Not her proudest moment, but she didn't like to live with regrets, either.

It was a Wednesday afternoon, and Madeline had found herself cooped up in one of the alcoves of the Hogwarts Library, finishing off yet another Potions essay. Daphne had been far too preoccupied with taking a nap than helping her with homework, and Theodore preferred studying in the common room, leaving her pleasantly alone for the first time. The silence of the library helped Madeline concentrate, but it also let her observe. For example, she knew that a particular Hufflepuff boy in a year below her was madly in love with his best mate purely by the way he boisterously laughed at all of his mates jokes. She'd noticed how many Hogwarts students loved to complain about homework, and how many Slytherins really did not enjoy the library.

She'd seen Hermione on her way into the library, frantically scribbling on parchment upon parchment and barely lifting her eyes off the papers. She'd also spotted Neville, who had offered her a small shy smile, engrossed in a thick Herbology book in the corner of the library. She didn't recognise any of the other students by name, nor did she feel a need to sit with Neville, so she made her way to the little alcove between two large bookshelves, seating herself at the small wooden desktop.

Potions had been her best subject so far. It all made sense; how different ingredients affected potions, the brewing… It was simple, easy even. But she wanted to impress Snape, and she most definitely wasn't going to do that if she didn't write killer essays. Her mother had quite literally taught her better than that.

It had been only half an hour, however, before she became distracted.

It had started with a snicker. Small chuckles echoed quietly through the other side of the tall bookcase, but Madeline had ignored it, assuming it was just some silly juvenile couple. Hushed whispers came next, becoming more frantic, sometimes even argumentative. It was only when she began hearing small explosions that she truly became distracted, and somewhat concerned.

"Bloody hell," she muttered, catching glimpses of the conversation.

"It's unstable."

"That's the point!"

Surely someone wasn't trying to brew something in the library.

Madeline found herself sitting up, leaning forwards towards the bookshelf. She pulled a few books out, peering through the small gap onto the other side.

A set of twins, both with ginger hair and red ties, were hunched over a small plate of small round yellow sweets. One twin had their wand pointed at them, while the other was flicking through an outdated potions textbook, gesturing at the page. It was an… Interesting sight.

"Well they won't work if they explode your hand, will they?" the twin with the textbook said, flipping through the pages.

"Well there's no way we can get Erumpent horn," the twin with the wand explained, "So how are we meant to trademark Weasley's Exploding Bon Bons if they don't even explode?"

Madeline raised her eyebrow. Weasleys? More of them?

The twin with the textbook groaned, shutting the book and jumping off the desk, "I'm going to ask Hermione."

Madeline paused for a moment, debating with herself. Eventually, she turned back to her own potions textbook, flipping through the pages of her Asiatic Anti-Venoms book. She picked up the textbook once she found the right page, pulling herself out of her chair and making her way around the bookcase, into the small alcove between two other bookcases, where there now remained one twin.

"You're not going to get anywhere with charms and spells," Madeline explained politely, gesturing to the plate of bonbons, "You should try a blend of African Red Pepper and Bursting Mushrooms next time you brew the coating for them."

The Weasley's eyes shot up to the girl, widening as he realised exactly who was talking to him. She didn't miss the flicker of his eyes down to her tie, "What?"

"The mushroom makes it explosive, the pepper controls it, while still giving it a kick," Madeline shrugged, leaning back against the desk and placing her textbook in front of him, crossing her arms, "It's all in the books, if you look at the right ones, that is."

The twin scanned the book, raising his eyebrows and looking back up to the girl, "How'd you figure that one out?"

Madeline shrugged, "It's pretty easy once you learn the different properties of different ingredients. I thought they'd teach you stuff like this in this place, but clearly… Not."

The twin grinned, leaning back in his chair with his hands behind his head, "Well, looks like the rumours are true."

Madeline raised her eyebrow in a challenge, "What rumours?"

The boy's grin seemed to stretch, but surprisingly, it wasn't cocky in the slightest, "You're not just a pretty face."

Madeline's eyes widened. She hadn't expected that. Usually, she'd have a snappy reply ready, but instead, her hands grabbed the textbook off the table before the boy could see her blush, spluttering, "You're welcome, by the way. Don't kill anyone with those things, will you? I'm not interested in being an accessory to a crime."

Madeline hastily spun on her heel, stalking away from the boy. He'd instantly stood up, calling out one last thing.

"The name is Fred, by the way!"

She stopped, biting her lip. Allies, that's what she needed. She plastered a small smirk on her face, turning back to the boy, textbook clutched to her chest. She was only a few feet away from him, rolling her eyes at his goofy grin.

"Madeline Bisset."

It took a surprisingly long time before Madeline found herself running into the one and only Draco Malfoy, the self-proclaimed Prince of Slytherin.

She'd heard all about the boy from Daphne within her first day in Slytherin. Spoilt, arrogant, and with a smugness that could only come from money. He most certainly wasn't bad looking, unfortunately, but Daphne had already painted the picture of a spoilt little brat for Madeline to feel any attraction.

And of course, she knew about the Malfoy family from her own family. They were as powerful as her own family, the only difference being in the Malfoy's unashamed beliefs in blood status, while the Bissets kept their opinions to themselves.

She'd managed to escape having to actually speak to the boy until a few hours after the Neville incident in DADA.

Madeline and Daphne had only just walked through the common room door, engrossed in an animated conversation about the Quidditch world cup. Neither had noticed Malfoy sat by the large Slytherin fireplace, sat with the few friends he'd kept around. The two girls had every intention to go to their dormitory so that Daphne could properly explain the Quidditch leagues to Madeline. That is, until Malfoy decided to interrupt their conversation.

"Bisset," the boy called loudly, catching the attention of everyone in the common room as he stood up in all his cocky glory, "We were just talking about you."

Madeline raised her eyebrow, the happy grin that had been on her face moments before replaced with a defensive scowl, "And who are you to be talking about me?"

"Malfoy. Draco Malfoy," the boy replied with no attempt to shake the girls' hand, "You should know the name."

"Should doesn't mean want to."

"Nice one," Daphne muttered.

Draco rolled his eyes, "We all agreed that it's embarrassing they let you into Slytherin."

"Well, the Sorting Hat let you in, so clearly it doesn't have very high standards."

Madeline retorted almost instantly as she heard some of the Slytherins' laugh, staring the blonde boy down arrogantly. Malfoy, however, wasn't very impressed with her sharp tongue.

"We don't want a filthy blood traitor like you in here," Malfoy spat, "Sympathising with Longbottom? Pathetic. Is it because you can't get any friends of your own?"

"It's not pathetic to have empathy," Madeline retorted.

"Well you've certainly made an entrance, haven't you?" Malfoy smirked, "All high and mighty? Perhaps you'd be a better fit as a Gryffindork."

"What do you want, Malfoy?"

The boy shrugged, "Just wanted to make everyone very clear about where you came from, Dearborn."

Madeline froze.

Dearborn had been her father's family name. Her mother had decided to change back to her maiden name after his death, to ensure no Death Eaters came after them. No one had used that name in years, not in front of Madeline. It was practically banned in her home, because although the Dearborn family had been a very prestigious family, Caradoc Dearborn had never fallen in line with their beliefs. In fact, he had been a perfectly ordinary wizard.

"What, nothing to say?" Malfoy smirked, taking a step forwards, "My father told me all about your family. How you father-"

Now, Madeline prided herself in being a composed upperclass lady. However, some things set her off. Draco Malfoy was one of those.

Madeline saw red. Before she knew what was happening, she speedily stepped forwards and held her wand tightly, pointing it up under Draco's chin. The tip of her wand dug into his skin, rage rushing through her blood.

"If you ever dare say a single word about my family again, I won't hesitate to hex your ass out of Hogwarts," Madeline hissed, stepping back slowly, "You shouldn't mess with a Bisset."

Malfoy looked the girl up and down, as if unfazed by her threat, "You should know better than to mess with me. After all, that's what happened to your father, didn't it?"

Madeline refused to waste any more breath on the boy. Instead, she grabbed Daphne's arm and pulled her up towards their dormitory, the girl having watched the entire encounter with stupor. They were halfway up the stone steps when Daphne finally spoke.

"You guys have undeniable chemistry."

"Shut up, Greengrass."

"No, seriously! I had chills."

It was her first Saturday morning in Hogwarts before any of the Golden Trio attempted to speak to her.

She'd decided to sit by the lake and write her mother a letter, opting to send it off early so it would arrive by the next week (she had no clue how long it would take an owl to fly to France, but she suspected it wouldn't be an overnight affair). Breakfast had only just started, but she wasn't hungry, nor was she in any rush to sit with the Slytherins. They were still a little uneasy after her short confrontation with Malfoy, which she understood; most people didn't want to get on his bad side.

Despite the fact that he was a bratty, snobbish little prick.

The sun shone on the lakes still surface, the September chill having not quite settled in just yet. With her quill in hand, she began elegantly writing on a piece of her fanciest parchment.

Dear Mother,

I apologise for not writing sooner, but just to reassure you; I'm settled in and still alive. I'm a Slytherin; I'm sure Dad told you all about the different houses. I'm sure you didn't expect any different (after all, I am your daughter).

Hogwarts is very different from home. No cooking could ever compare to your own (or more like the cooks). The classes are strict, and the Professors a little… Odd, let's say. It's a little weird living with so many people, but it's not awful. How's grandmother? I'm sure she's itching to throw another one of her events. I wonder how she'll cope without an eligible bachelorette to parade around.

Madeline paused her writing. She missed her mother, terribly so, but she knew why she'd been sent to Hogwarts. It was for her own safety, of course, but a part of her wondered if she should be protecting her mother, too. But of course, phrasing that in a letter could never hold the same importance as saying it to her mother herself.

"Hey."

Madeline looked up. In her haste to write the letter, she hadn't noticed the one and only Harry Potter standing in front of her, hands buried in his pockets sheepishly.

"Can I help you?"

"I didn't mean to interrupt you," Harry began, "I can go if you want, but I uh, wanted to apologise."

Madeline set her quill down, watching the boy thoughtfully, "What for?"

"It wasn't right for anyone to assume anything about you because you're a Slytherin," Harry admitted, "I know what it's like to have people assume things about you. I should've said something."

Madeline paused, but eventually nodded, "I get it, it's fine. I've already been here long enough to understand why you'd think that."

Harry looked to the floor sheepishly, "Slytherin doesn't exactly have the best reputation."

Madeline snorted, "Yeah? With a git like Malfoy as the self-proclaimed leader, I can't imagine why."

Harry chuckled, "Not a fan?"

"That's an understatement," Madeline replied, a short silence following as she picked at the corner of her parchment.

"Are you writing home?"

"Uh, yeah," Madeline nodded, "I haven't really written to my mum since I got here."

"I should let you do that," Harry realised, "But really; none of us think any less of you because you're a Slytherin, you know? What you did for Neville was really cool."

Madeline scoffed, "It was nothing."

Harry shot her a small smile, "I think it meant more to Neville than you'd imagine."

Saturday also brought about her first interaction with the house of Hufflepuff.

She'd been in the Owlery at the time, trying to figure out which owl would take her letter all the way home. She hadn't brought her own family owl, opting to bring her after the Christmas break instead, in case Hogwarts hadn't worked out. It had taken a little while, but after some coaxing (and a lot of treats), one of the school owls happily agreed to take her letter all the way to Grasse.

"Things would be so much easier if Wizards used phones like Muggles," Madeline muttered to herself, tying the letter to the owl's small leg, "Who decided on owls anyway?"

The bird chirped at her.

"No offence," Madeline quickly corrected herself, "But surely you don't enjoy carrying people's letters around, right? Can't be a well paying job either - Merlin, I'm having a conversation with an owl."

A short chuckle broke Madeline out of her mutters.

She spun around to the entrance of the Owlery to find a brown-haired boy staring at her amusedly. He leant against the archway of the Owlery with his arms crossed, a kind smile on his face. She instantly knew he was a Hufflepuff by the bright yellow Quidditch jersey on his chest, and Madeline knew just enough about the sport to know the silver badge on his chest meant he was the Captain, too.

"Something funny?"

"Not at all," the boy replied, "Just glad to know that I'm not the only one who talks to the owls. Although, I do agree that cell phones would be much handier."

"Careful, they don't like that," Madeline joked as the owl hopped away from her and to the windowsill, taking off without a warning, "See? Told you so."

"I'll take full responsibility if an owl postal strike happens," the boy nodded, stepping into the owlery. It was then that Madeline noticed his own set of letters in his hand, all addressed and ready to send.

"The trick to getting speedy replies is giving them the right treats," the boy confided, pulling out a small bag of triangular shaped snacks from his Quidditch robe pocket. He made his way to one of the owl coops, making a tutting noise with his mouth until a small barn-owl poked its head out.

"A friend of yours?" Madeline joked, watching curiously as the owl rubbed it's feathered head against the boy's hand.

"Something like that," the boy laughed, opening the bag and feeding the owl a few of the treats.

The two students stayed silent for a few minutes, Madeline watching the interaction in fascination as the boy tied his letters to the owl one by one, explaining quietly where each one was going. Eventually, after the entire bag of treats, the owl set off into the sky at a rapid speed, with the promise of more treats on her return.

"I'm Cedric, by the way," the boy introduced himself, wiping his hand clean of owl treats before holding it out to Madeline, "You're new, right?"

"Fourth year," Madeline nodded, shaking his hand. She couldn't help but be a little apprehensive about how he'd just cleaned his hand, "I'm Madeline."

"Well Madeline, if you ever need any owl tips, I'll be happy to oblige," Cedric joked, "But I really should get going before practice starts. Don't be a stranger?"

"We'll see how the postal strike pans out," Madeline teased. Cedric chuckled, offering her a small wave before making his way out of the Owlery.

Cute, but not my type, Madeline decided.

The next time she saw Cedric was the following morning on her way to the Great Hall. It had been a brief interaction; a cheery 'Good Morning' on their respective walks to breakfast.

But of course, this didn't go unnoticed by Malfoy.

"As if Longbottom wasn't enough, she's only gone and made herself cosy with the Hufflepuffs!" Draco called as he pushed past her, a snooty dark-haired girl, Pansy Parkinson, chuckling by his side.

"Christ, put a sock in it Malfoy before I do it myself," Madeline called back as the boy walked away, Theo raising an eyebrow at the girl.

"Did I miss something?" the boy asked, Daphne offering him a shrug.

"Our dear Madeline here has already made her first enemy," Daphne explained, dramatically wiping away a fake tear, "They grow up so fast!"

"Makes sense," Theo replied thoughtfully, "Malfoy isn't everyone's cup of tea."

"He's a twat," Madeline replied sharply, Daphne snorting by her side.

"To put it plainly… Yeah, I guess."

Before their conversation continued, however, Madeline caught sight of a familiar ginger-haired boy waving her over frantically by the entrance to the Great Hall. She raised her eyebrow, but gave the boy a short nod.

"I'll meet you in there," Madeline told her friends, "Please, feel free to hex Malfoy's eggs, or something."

"Tempting," Daphne singsonged, threading her arm through Theodore's and all but dragging him through the open doors. Madeline watched them go before she made her way over to the boy, who seemed rather excited to see her. How odd.

"Weasley," she greeted, "What's wrong?"

"You were right," Fred replied excitedly, "I mean, it took us a few tries, but the recipe is so much better."

Madeline shrugged, "Simple science would do the trick."

"Well, to say thank you; here," Fred presented dramatically, a grin on his face as he held up a clear bag filled with yellow bonbons, "The very first batch of The Weasley Exploding Bonbons!"

"Gee, what a treat," Madeline joked, taking the sweet bag gratefully, "Do they really explode?"

"Yup," Fred nodded proudly, "Bursting Mushrooms and all!"

Madeline's gaze fell on the Slytherin table, and particularly, Draco Malfoy, who was sneering about something with his little haggle of goons. She was just out of sight, being still on the outside of the Great Hall, but an idea hatched in her mind nevertheless. She turned back to the older Gryffindor boy, a smirk on her face.

"Say, Freddie," Madeline smirked, a mischievous glint in her eye, "How exactly do these work?"

The next morning, Madeline had managed to drag Daphne and Theodore to breakfast early, much to Daphne's protest. She'd picked a slightly different spot for her breakfast. In fact, she'd picked the spot that was usually occupied by-

"Out of my seat, Bisset."

Madeline looked up to find the silver-blonde boy staring down at her. Malfoy seemed far less amused than she was, but she stood her ground easily. No one messed with Bisset.

"It's just a seat Malfoy. Don't be a baby. I know that might be… Hard for you," she replied, turning back to her breakfast and picking up a glass of pumpkin juice. The boy, however, didn't seem amused.

"Move, or I'll make you," Draco pressed, Madeline rolling her eyes.

"Jeez, someone got out of the wrong side of the bed this morning," Madeline joked, "Alright, fine. Don't get your panties in a twist."

Madeline stood up, moving to the other side of the table and further down the bench, closer to the third years. Malfoy smirked, sitting down arrogantly.

"See? Wasn't so hard now was it?" he bragged cockily, his goons sitting on either side of him.

Madeline didn't reply, a cocky grin on her face. Instead, she watched as he picked up the same glass of pumpkin juice she'd prepared.

And watched it explode all over his face.

"I should've mentioned," Madeline called over the laughter of the third year Slytherins, "I like to start my Mondays a little more… Explosive."

By then, Slytherin table was cackling as they watched Draco stand up in a huff, Pansy Parkinson standing up after him. And she had to give the twins props… Malfoy was covered in pumpkin juice.

"Let me help you-" she began, patting his robes with a napkin. Draco shoved her away, turning to glare at Madeline.

"It's on, Bisset."

"Yes; the pumpkin juice is on you, that's the joke. Well done Malfoy," Madeline nodded, as Draco stormed away, Pansy chasing after him.

"That was amazing!" Daphne gushed, wiping real tears from her eyes, "How did you do that?"

Madeline's eyes met Fred's, who was sat at the Gryffindor table with the biggest grin she'd ever seen on his face. She turned to Daphne, shrugging innocently.

"It pays to have friends in high places."

Chapter reviewed and edited: 28/10/22