The Gryffindor Common Room offered a comforting oasis, radiating warmth and joy that starkly contrasted with the bleak and chilly October weather. Students of different ages were engaged in various activities, such as playing exploding snap or wizard chess, completing their homework, or simply chatting and laughing with fellow classmates and friends. In the glow of the roaring fireplace, Catherine was sitting comfortably on the red plush carpet, absentmindedly playing with Nyx. The Kneazle was bouncing around, trying to catch the white feather that Catherine was moving lazily with her wand, clearly enjoying its playtime.
The young witch, however, was hardly paying attention to her familiar. Instead, she was musing about all the preparations for Slughorn's party. Regrettably, Snape turned out to be right about human transfiguration. It was incredibly complicated, but the main problem was the lack of time. The party was less than a week away, which was not nearly enough for the Gryffindor girl to figure out how to change both her hair and eye colour. Furthermore, the looming threat of a mistake which could ruin not only the costume but the whole event for her, forced Catherine to swallow her pride and order a wig and blue contact lenses from a Muggle store in London called Glam Depot.
The dilemma with the dress, however, proved a bit more complicated. The third-year was quite particular about what she wanted and wasn't certain if there would be ample time to order something tailored to her specific idea. This was especially challenging as it necessitated a fitting. The only viable solution was for Catherine to send a message to her mother.
Duchess Louisa McMahon possessed an incredible sense of style, glamour, and drama, making her one of the top designers of her generation in both the Muggle and the Wizarding worlds. Furthermore, she was the person who knew her daughter's measurements best, regularly buying clothes for her. The issue was that Catherine had been strictly instructed not to send any owls to her parents unless it was an absolute emergency, and the young witch somehow doubted a clothing necessity would fall within that category. Her other option was to request Greg to send a message on her behalf, but he was incredibly difficult to encounter without being surrounded by a lively company of friends at all times. The last thing she wanted was to ask him to speak privately and reignite all the rumours about the two of them from last year.
'I could try dragging him into the girls' bathroom again, but if anyone sees us there together in there, it's going to be a horrible disaster. It's foolish to take such a risk twice, just to get the dress I want.' – thought the Gryffindor girl, absentmindedly rubbing Nyx's ears.
The Kneazle purred happily, earning a smile from its owner. Suddenly, Catherine's jade-green eyes lit up. She swiftly stood up, grabbing a piece of parchment from the nearby table. After half an hour, the young witch hid the detailed note under the collar of her pet, letting it roam freely in the Common Room, much to the horror of quite a few students.
'I guess I'm lucky that there are just two people that Nyx likes in the Gryffindor Tower. This could prove to be a great way to send Greg messages when I need to.' – thought the girl, her eyes following the black tail, disappearing behind the door leading to the boys' dormitories.
It seemed that Nyx managed to successfully deliver her owner's message because on Wednesday evening, just before Halloween, Catherine found a short note tucked under her pet's collar stating the following:
31st October/ 14:00 h – to receive from Charmé Chic (7 Glimmering Grove, Hogsmeade). Password: Rosae loquuntur sine verbis
'Roses speak without words… Let's hope what they have to say is something I would want to hear.' – thought Catherine as she threw the parchment into the roaring fire – 'Tomorrow's going to be quite an interesting day!'
The long-awaited first visit to Hogsmeade for the third-years looked quite promising. After a whole month of drizzle and cold weather, the sun shone brightly on the morning of the 31st of October. Groups of cheerful students gathered around the courtyard, handing Professor McGonagall their signed permission slips and swiftly heading towards the gates.
Dressed in black jeans, a Pink Floyd T-shirt, a leather jacket, and red Converse sneakers, with her hair pulled back in a ponytail, Catherine strolled alongside James, Peter, Sirius, and Remus. She was busy sorting out her plans for the day when Sirius elbowed her quite roughly.
"What the hell?" – she swore, glaring at him, irritated.
"You zoned out again." – was the unapologetic answer.
"It's hardly a reason to shove your elbow in my ribs." – said Catherine sulkily.
"I asked whether you think you would be able to speak in private with Slughorn during the party tonight?" – Sirius repeated as they finally found themselves on the road leading to Hogsmeade
"I'll try my best, but I can't promise you anything. He might favour me; however, I am not that useful to him, therefore he's usually preoccupied with people whose relatives are famous, rich or both." – answered the black-haired girl, frowning – "I'm starting to think I need to get him drunk or something."
"Then, tonight might not be your night, because Lord McMahon is gracing the party with his presence." – Sirius remarked sarcastically.
"He is?" – the young witch seemed a bit surprised.
"Yup, I overheard him talking about the party with his friend…that guy who always hangs out with him."
"Frank?" – Catherine guessed.
"That's the one!" – nodded Sirius.
"In any case, don't push too hard. We don't want anyone to find out what we're up to." – added James – "If you can't get Slughorn's attention, just enjoy the party. At least you got invited."
"I wouldn't have gone even if he had invited me." – shrugged Sirius a bit too casually.
Catherine smiled and threw her arm across the stubborn Gryffindor's shoulders.
"I, on the other hand, would have loved if you were there together with me."
Sirius' face brightened as he smiled back and then burst into laughter.
"You want someone to dress as the Phantom of the Opera to complete your costume, don't you, Flame?"
"Perhaps" - the girl replied, suppressing her own laughter. The notion of having friends still felt surreal, and it was even more remarkable how close they had become, understanding her reactions, tastes, and moods with an uncanny familiarity.
'They seem to know everything... except the truth about who I really am.' - pondered the young witch as her smile waned. The guilt of concealing her identity from the boys lingered, intensifying as their bonds deepened. The fear persisted that if they were to uncover the secrets she harboured, they might abandon her without a second thought.
The five friends finally arrived at their destination. Hogsmeade was buzzing with excitement as students of various ages were bustling around, engaging in lively conversations, exploring shops, and leisurely strolling along the vibrant displays in the windows.
"I need to stop at Zonko's." – announced James, glancing longingly at one of the stores where a huge crowd of students were gathered.
"Me too, but first – the Honeydukes?" – Sirius suggested.
"I would like to do a little bit of sightseeing." – said Catherine.
Eventually, the third-years settled their differences and split up with a promise to meet at noon in front of The Three Broomsticks. Catherine tucked her hand under Remus' arm and the two of them strolled together, enjoying the morning sun and fresh air, filled with delicious aromas from the local shops. They didn't talk a lot but still there was an atmosphere of perfect balance between the two of them. The black-haired girl was certain that her friend chose to accompany her because her plan was the only one that didn't require spending any money. She knew that the Lupin family was struggling with supporting their household and it always felt awkward when they were in a situation which involved buying anything. While Catherine, Sirius and James wouldn't mind one bit to pay for Remus, he usually just smiled sorrowfully and adamantly refused any offers for help.
The pair of Gryffindors passed many tempting stores and cosy establishments, quickly catching up on the latest romantic relationships blooming at Hogwarts.
"I can't believe that Isabeau Branstone is dating Jasper Holloway!" – Catherine giggled as they passed by a small coffee shop with many secluded booths.
"You don't know if they are dating." – commented Remus when they stopped in front of the post office to observe the parliament of owls.
"Yeah, they just decided to have a cup of coffee as friends in a place named Sweetheart Sips!" – chuckled the black-haired witch – "It's just weird because she used to date Alaric Thistlewood last year, and he looks so much better than Jasper."
"Perhaps love is not solely about looks…" – mumbled the boy – "…I hope."
Imperceptibly, they had arrived at the edge of the village, where the road meandered through numerous small hills before vanishing into the nearby mountains. In the distance stood a solitary, weather-worn structure—the sole human creation amid the wilderness that lay ahead. Remus drew in a sharp breath.
"This is the place, isn't it?" – asked Catherine, gently squeezing her friend's arm.
"Yes, this is the so-called Shrieking Shack. Dumbledore started the rumours that a violent gang of ghosts had moved in recently. And I did make sure to provide evidence for his claim." – explained the boy miserably.
"I know it's very difficult for you, Moony." – Catherine whispered softly – "But it's going to get better once we become Animagi, I promise you."
Remus frowned and looked anxiously at his friend.
"This is not going to work. I'm not even worried that I may hurt you. At this point, you messing up the transfiguration is the real danger. Please, stop this! You had your fun investigating; just let it go, Flame!"
"There is no chance in hell I give up on improving your full moon experience!" – the young witch stated decisively, looking around cautiously – "Some Ravenclaws are coming this way; let's head to the pub."
Remus sighed deeply as they walked back towards the centre of the village. During the trip, Catherine was playing anxiously with the tip of the ponytail, her determination to figure out the Animagi potion, growing stronger and stronger.
They reunited with Peter, James, and Sirius, spending two happy hours sipping butterbeer and eating warm cinnamon rolls at The Three Broomsticks, planning the best way to use the items James had bought from Zonko's.
At two o'clock, Catherine bid her classmates goodbye and headed towards Glimmering Grove, a short, paved street, perpendicular to High Street, renowned for its luxury stores. Charmé Chic was a fairly sizable shop at the beginning of the street. A small crowd of witches was gathered in front of the window, daydreaming as an enchanted mannequin danced wearing a splendid jade green dress made of shimmering silk. The gown cascaded down in a graceful A-line silhouette, its sweetheart neckline adorned with ethereal lace, gracefully framing the wearer's collarbones. The bodice showcased of meticulous craftsmanship, featuring a combination of carefully placed crystals and sequins that caught the light with every step. A slender silk ribbon cinched the gown at the waist, creating a perfect balance between opulence and refinement. The mannequin also wore a pair of silver stiletto heels, their gleam complementing the radiant aura created by a few levitating crystal balls.
"It's from the latest collection by Sorcerié." – explained Sabina Avery, a sixth-year from Slytherin – "I read that the theme of the collection was the Ball in the Forest. It's going to be the central motif for the annual Halloween Gala organised by the McMahon family. They say it's one of the most elegant events one could attend."
"Well, if Lavinia's love potion works, she may attend one of these soon enough!" – chuckled Drusilla Rosier, a dark-haired fourth-year who always wore a sullen smile.
"Shut up, Dru!" – snapped Lavinia Nott, and tossed back her long, wavy, sun-kissed brown hair.
Catherine was well-aware that Lavinia was considered as one of the blooming beauties of Hogwarts, and even the older boys were competing for her heart. However, it seemed that she was rather ambitious. The small details, such as love potions being forbidden at Hogwarts, apparently didn't bother the Slytherin witch.
'I need to warn Greg.' – the Gryffindor thought – 'What a bunch of skanks!'
Catherine reached the two marble steps in front of the store, grasped the golden handle, and entered. Gasps trailed behind her, but she didn't turn around. The Gryffindor girl walked directly to the counter, where an elegantly dressed young witch with long red nails was smiling courteously.
"I…there should be a dress for me." – stuttered the third-year, feeling a little intimidated by the fashion consultant witch, who assessed her from head to toe in a manner of seconds.
"Do you happen to know your order's password?" – asked the woman.
"Rosae loquuntur sine verbis." – Catherine spoke the words, written on Greg's note.
"Natura nihil frustra facit."* – answered the consultant, bowing her head, and disappeared behind a black wooden door, just to return shortly after, carrying a bag with the Sorcerié logo – "Would you like to try it on?"
"No, I'm fine." – Catherine quickly responded – "Is it paid?"
"Of course!" – beamed the witch – "Would you like to see our latest accessories?"
"No, that would do. Thank you very much!" – nodded the girl and left the store. Once outside, she was greeted by a wave of 'aws' and excited screams. The crowd had grown a little bit, and everyone looked with curiosity at Catherine and her bag, although some of the looks were far from friendly.
"How could you, of all people, get clothes from Sorcerié?" - Sabina Avery asked abruptly, her hazel eyes, squinted with suspicion as if she were trying to detect some kind of fraud on the Gryffindor's part.
"Well, I have money they want, and they have clothes I want. It's really not that complicated." – answered Catherine, savoring the irritation clearly visible on Sabina's face, evident by her trembling lower lip.
"Don't try to be wise, Mudblood!" – hissed Lavinia Nott – "We all know you can't just buy dresses from Sorcerié unless you have a password. That's why they are so damn expensive."
"Then, I guess I have a password." – said the Gryffindor witch with a sly smile – "Do you have one yourself, or are you hoping to receive it after you give Greg McMahon the love potion?"
Lavinia's face became bright red, and she immediately drew her wand. The rest of the girls stepped back in fright. Catherine remembered hearing that Lavinia was quick with her spells, but she felt fairly certain she could beat her in a duel.
"What are you doing?" – Greg's voice came from behind Catherine, prompting the young witch to quickly turn around. Her brother was standing a few metres away, accompanied by Frank Longbottom and Benjy Fenwick from his class, as well as Zephyr Sterling and Rowan Fawcett from Ravenclaw. His ocean-blue eyes sparkled with anger, and Catherine was surprised to realise how tall he had grown in the recent year. Even more surprising was the fact that his anger was actually directed towards Lavinia. The third-year felt a warm sensation spreading through her heart, along with the stunning revelation that she could rely on her big brother for protection.
Apparently, Lavinia was also surprised, torn between the desire to appear kind, gentle, and ladylike in front of her crush and the longing to put the sassy, arrogant Catherine Plantier in her place. Eventually, she smiled joyfully and lowered her wand.
"Lord McMahon! What an incredibly fortunate coincidence! We were just talking with Drucilla and Sabina about inviting you for tea and using the chance to practice our French. It's such a rare opportunity to converse with someone so cultured and refined, as well as being a native speaker!"
Catherine almost burst into laughter seeing her brother's face. He used to make the same grimace when he was little and their mother insisted he finish the Brussels sprouts that he loathed.
"I don't accept random tea invitations, especially from people who cause scenes in front of stores and behave like peasants during their first time in town." – he answered deliberately slowly, emphasising every word.
Lavina's face was now completely pale, and angry tears were forming in her eyes. She turned around and briskly left the narrow street, almost running along the stone pavement, while her fellow Slytherin girls attempted to catch up with her.
Greg walked past Catherine and causally whispered without looking at her, trying not to alert the gossiping group of witches who were now discussing how the Slytherins were once again humiliated by a single Gryffindor girl.
"You should watch your back, Flame. I can tell this is not over."
"I know." – Catherine whispered back and added – "And you should watch out for what you put in your mouth. Love potions don't have a taste."
After the unpleasant encounter in front of Charmé Chic, Catherine went to Madam Puddifoot's tea shop where she met Alice Fortescue, Marianne Trundle, and Tabitha Meadows. They formed a cheerful group, occupying one of the central tables, completely covered with finger foods and baked goods. Steam wafted from a big orange teapot that reassembled a small pumpkin.
The Gryffindor girl felt a bit out of place in the overly decorated room, filled with ribbons, lace, and glitter. She also noticed that all of her Hufflepuff classmates were wearing dresses and even had makeup on. Catherine glanced at her jeans and t-shirt, reflected in one of the ornate mirrors hanging on the walls, and shrugged helplessly.
'There's nothing I can do now, anyway. I guess Gwyneth had a point in calling me a tomboy.' – she thought gloomily, taking the only available spot around the table, facing the window.
The Hufflepuffs didn't comment on Catherine's outfit. In fact, they proved to be very pleasant company. The black-haired girl already knew and liked Alice, a kind soul with a bubbling personality that quickly made her everyone's favourite person. Marianne was sharp and witty, gifted in Charms, and famous around the school for creating incredibly elaborate hairstyles. This had quickly elevated her popularity among the older female students, with whom she was already on a first-names basis. As a result, Marianne also knew the juiciest gossips, especially regarding Hogwarts' love life and romantic rivalries.
"Really?" – she asked, surprised when Catherine shared the news about Isabeau Branstone and Jasper Holloway – "This is even weirder than you think because I personally heard Isabeau referring to Jasper as 'that ugly boy with the huge ears.' I remember that last year, Odette Edgecombe was teasing her because they had been playing Truth or Dare, and Isabeau had been dared to kiss Jasper."
"Maybe he turned out to be a great kisser." – giggled Alice, earning a disgusted look from Marianne.
"Or she just got to know him better." – suggested Tabitha. She was the quietest of them all, usually preferring not to take an active part in lively conversations. Instead, Honney T, as Hufflepuffs referred to her, sat there listening carefully with her mesmerising smile, making everybody feel special when she looked at them.
'No wonder they consider her the leader of the third-years in Hufflepuff. As they say, still water runs deep.' – thought Catherine, smiling back at Tabitha.
"You know who I want to get to know better?" – asked Marianne with a twinkle in her eyes – "Your friend Sirius."
Catherine chuckled with the rest of the girls, but a slight pang of irritation hit her. She acknowledged that objectively Sirius was growing into a handsome, talented, smart, rich, and athletic young man from a well-known family. It wasn't surprising that girls around the school were taking notice. However, a weak voice inside the Gryffindor's head insisted that his attention belonged to her alone.
"You know him best, Catherine. Do you think he would be interested in going out with me sometime?" – asked Marianne hopefully.
Catherine paused for a moment, pondering the best way to answer this sudden question, when Alice came to her rescue.
"Don't be daft, love! Sirius Black has eyes only for one girl, and it's visible from a broom a hundred metres up in the air!" – she winked at Catherine, who blushed heavily.
"We're just friends." – the young Gryffindor witch explained to the skeptical group of Hufflepuffs.
"Don't mind us, Flame!" – said Tabitha eventually – "We're a bit nosy, but we don't have bad intentions, you can rest assured! After the way you defended Grace, Hufflepuffs will always have your back!"
"It was nothing, really." – Catherine insisted, finishing her tea – "However, I've noticed that Slytherins are becoming more and more daring in their attacks against the rest of us."
"It's not only them, though." – said Alice in a low voice, glancing around – "It may seem like it's Slytherins against the rest of us, but it's only because they are the loudest and have many people who would like to clean the school from Muggle-borns. Unfortunately, I know for a fact there are people from other houses who also support this madness."
"Do you have any proof?" – asked the Gryffindor.
"Not really. These are just things people hear being rumoured about. Nobody is stupid enough to openly proclaim such a stand because they may end up being expelled. However, the acts speak louder than words. I'm sure that teachers know about it, but even they are attempting to sweep it under the rug, disguised as a particularly bad case of House rivalry." – explained the Hufflepuff witch while her classmates were nodding in agreement.
Catherine found herself lost in thought, trying to understand the seriousness of what was happening at Hogwarts. She felt ashamed that she had been so focused on her own worries and hadn't paid attention to the broader Wizarding society. Sirius' warning reverberated in her mind with unmistakable clarity.
'If there's indeed an organised movement advocating for a Wizard-led order, with intentions to dominate Muggles, it's only natural that its influence would extend to Hogwarts students from diverse backgrounds. Some of their families might be supporters. The situation could escalate, especially if violence becomes a means to an end. It transcends the simple rivalry between Gryffindor and Slytherin. I've been such a naive child!' – Catherine thought, her excitement for the upcoming party diminishing abruptly.
It was already getting late, so she excused herself, thanked the Hufflepuffs for the lovely time and the treat, and left with a promise to have another outing in the near future. The black-haired Gryffindor was walking absentmindedly among the students, crowding the High Street, already eager for enjoying the Halloween feast. She felt like it had been ages since she was thrilled like them. The conversation at Madam Puddifoot's had left a profound impression, and Catherine couldn't help but gaze at the faces of passing wizards and witches, wondering who among them harbored ill intentions toward their Muggle-born classmates.
'It's not only a matter of principle, though.' – the young witch thought, frowning – 'For everyone here, I'm also Muggle-born, hence, they would not hesitate to come after me or attempt to harm me! Why isn't there a place where I can truly feel safe? This is exhausting.'
"Knut for your thoughts" - Sirius said, casually draping his arm around Catherine in a manner reminiscent of their first meeting on the Hogwarts Express. This time, however, she felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for his presence. Tilting her head, she briefly rested it against him, cherishing the comfort of his closeness.
"It seems these Hufflepuffs really drained your energy." – James chuckled and took the Sorcerié's bag from his friend's hand – "I'll carry this for you."
Catherine smiled appreciatively and walked in silence, surrounded by Peter's enthusiastic blabbering about the new line of firecrackers expected to be released, the buy-one-get-one-free offer at Honeydukes, and James' joke that cracked up the stunningly beautiful owner of The Three Broomsticks, Madame Rosmerta.
"To summarise, you didn't miss a lot." – chuckled Remus, walking by Catherine's left side and smiling softly.
"Don't encourage her, Moony!" – Sirius scolded him jokingly – "It's bad enough she's going to attend that stupid party and not enjoy the feast with the rest of us, The-Not-Worthy-of-Slughorn's-Attention!"
"I'm sure you'll get plenty of attention even if you don't attend the party." – said Catherine, recalling Marianne's interest in the grey-eyed Gryffindor.
"It's not fun without you there." – shrugged Sirius which made Catherine blush again, as she remembered what Alice said about Sirius having eyes only for her. For once, however, this thought didn't make her jump and try to run away from him.
'I can't believe I'm the jealous type, wanting my friends' attention solely focused on me!' – the young witch thought and shook her head in frustration.
"There you go!" – said Lily, while adjusting Catherine's honey-blond wig in the third-years girls' dormitory. Their peers had left for the Halloween feast a while ago and the two witches had plenty of fun doing their makeup, hairs and dressing up.
Lily had crafted a pair of beautiful silver wings coupled with a modified Glitter Spell that transformed her into a true forest fairy. This enchanting effect was complemented by her delightful knee-length green dress and matching ballet flats. Eager for a more whimsical appearance, the red-headed girl insisted on employing a Hair Curling Spell. Catherine, however, firmly refused to practice an unfamiliar spell on her friend's lavish hair. Undeterred, Lily bravely attempted it herself, achieving mixed results. While the hair did curl up, the locks looked somewhat artificial, disturbing the overall natural aesthetic the witch aimed for. In a last-ditch effort to salvage the costume, Catherine gathered Lily's hair into a bun, leaving a few curls out, and surprisingly, the outcome exceeded expectations.
Thanks to the wig, the black-haired Gryffindor avoided a similar experience. While it was peculiar to see herself as a blonde, the novelty of pretending to be someone else for the night brought certain enjoyment. The dress her mother had made for her also played a significant role. Lily took a good fifteen minutes to calm down after glimpsing the bag from Sorcerié. Once Catherine donned the dress, she acknowledged that her friend had a point. Louisa McMahon's interpretation of Christine Daaé's attire featured a white, form-fitting sleek bodice with lace details and V-shaped neckline which flowed seamlessly into a floor-length, A-line skirt, creating an ethereal silhouette. The dress boasted several sheer panels and subtle cutouts along the sides and the back, offering a hint of contemporary flair without compromising the overall gracefulness. A pair of lace boots completed the look, though Catherine sincerely regretted not asking for flat shoes, as the boots had a heel of at least seven or eight centimetres, making walking very difficult for the inexperienced third-year.
"You look stunning!" – Lily complimented her friend while Catherine was focused on placing the blue contact lenses into her eyes.
"Thanks, Lils, you too… ouch! I think I'm ready!" – the young witch concluded, looking critically at her reflection in the mirror.
The two Gryffindors headed towards the Dungeons, following a luminous path, framed with orange and black candles which started from the Entrance Hall. Catherine glanced at the Great Hall, full of noise and laughter and briefly felt unhappy for not being there with her classmates, enjoying the food and feeling at ease, instead of plotting how to trick the Potion Master and navigate among people she couldn't stand and who pretended she was not even there.
'It's all for Moony's sake! Get yourself together!' – Catherine scolded herself, took a deep breath and entered the biggest dungeon, festively decorated for the occasion.
In the dimly lit chamber, living bats dangled from the ceiling, their presence accentuated by the elaborate cobwebs that adorned the space. Countless candles, bathed in signature orange and black hues, clung to the walls, casting a flickering glow that painted the room in an eerie ambiance. It seemed Slughorn had secured some of Hagrid's praised pumpkins, as a pair of impressive specimens, intricately carved, stood sentinel on either side of the long table. The table itself groaned under the weight of a tantalising array of dishes, ranging from delectable pumpkin pastries to the fiery allure of Dragon Dumplings. House-elves, donned in whimsical costumes, wondered among the students, presenting an assortment of beverages on silver trays.
Professor Slughorn stood majestically by the entrance, draped in luxurious indigo robes adorned with intricate golden embroidery. Atop his head, a grand turban showcased a sparkling opal at its centre. Completing this extravagant ensemble, silk slippers peeked out from beneath the flowing robes, adding an extra touch of opulence to his exotic appearance.
"Welcome, my dear girls!" – exclaimed the Potion Master upon spotting the two Gryffindors – "What a beautiful fairy you make, Lily! And Catherine looks completely unrecognisable as… um… Queen Guinevere?"
"Christine Daaé." – Catherine corrected her teacher dryly.
"Oh, but of course! Silly me! Lacking your Phantom, aren't you?" – Slughorn chuckled at his own joke – "You know, there's a piano somewhere around here. I ordered it for Miss Malfoy, who had informed me she would be dressed as a Siren and wanted to sing for us, but you should also honour your costume and perform as Christine! They say she had an enchanting voice!"
"If this will make you happy, I'll gladly sing for you, Sir!" – Catherine replied with a charming smile, earning a questioning look from Lily.
"It's going to be perfect entertainment for the evening! It's always so much fun when students fully embrace their characters! I simply adore Halloween!" – gushed the professor. He waved at one of the house-elves and began providing detailed instructions on where to place the piano and how to arrange the lights around it.
"What are you doing?" – Lily whispered – "Do you even sing well?"
"I'm not sure. I've never sung for anybody." – the other girl replied, smirking at the utter shock on her friend's face.
'It doesn't matter if I am a good or a bad singer. All that matters is that Slughorn's going to be pleased with me, fulfilling his request.' – thought Catherine – 'Plus, I don't think I'm that bad. Mom has a beautiful singing voice and often perform for guests at her parties. Dad plays the piano, so how bad could I be at singing? It's enough if I'm decent, and unless I'm completely deaf, I think I can sing well enough.'
"Are you going to be singing, oh blond girl I would have never recognised?" – someone asked behind Catherine's back. She turned around to find a raggedy wizard, wearing black makeup and long black hair, his hand casually toyed with the strings of a decidedly badass-looking guitar. Only his smile was vaguely familiar.
"Frank? Who are you supposed to be?' – laughed the girl, relieved there was at least someone around she could talk to, besides Lily.
"Are you kidding me? I'm Rigel Stormrider, the lead guitarist of Nebula Nexus! I thought all the witches were crazy about him" – said Frank, sounding a bit disappointed.
"I'm sure most of them are. I'm from a Muggle background, that's why I didn't recognise him." – Catherine tried to console the gloomy musician – "You know Lily, right?"
"Yeah, of course. I've spent many delightful hours being demolished by this Fairy Queen in every game they have ever invented, from wizard chess to Spellbound Bazaar." – chuckled the fourth-year Gryffindor.
"You're exaggerating, Frankie!" – said Lily and her wings fluttered, spreading glitter around the floor.
"Not in the slightest!" – Longbottom refused to give up – "Between you and Greg, I appear like a complete loser. Speaking of the devil…"
Greg had finally managed to make his way through the guests in the dungeon and spent a good thirty seconds staring at Catherine's dress.
"Close your mouth, pal! We're all impressed by Plantier's outfit!" – giggled Frank, patting his classmate on the back and winking at Catherine.
"What is your costume?" – the young witch asked, attempting to defuse the uncomfortable situation.
"I'm dressed as a Muggle." – answered Greg, frowning at Frank, who appeared to be completely clueless regarding his friend's irritation.
"How very convenient." – commented Catherine, glaring at her brother's ensemble - blue jeans, Ralph Lauren t-shirt and grey YSL blazer, combined with Converse sneakers. The girl had to admit he did look dashing in a very casual way, evident by the many glances directed their way.
"I must say, you pull off the Muggle appearance quite convincingly." – smiled Lily, delicately removing some glitter that had landed on Greg's sleeve.
"And the two of you look remarkably similar now with the matching blond hair and blue eyes!" – laughed Frank, shifting his gaze between Catherine and Greg who stood side by side.
"Nonsense!" – the two of them exclaimed simultaneously, exchanging quick, panicked looks.
"All this eye makeup might blind you, Frankie." – chuckled Greg somewhat forcefully. – "Come, Lily, I wanted to introduce you to Amelia Abbott. She's one of the most gifted Arithmancy students in years. I told her you also found the subject fascinating! Please excuse us."
"Jeez, he's so weird these days!" – sighed Frank, watching Greg walk away – "Not to mention he disappears somewhere once a week and refuses to tell me where he goes."
"Unless you aim to become his girlfriend, I don't see why he should tell you." – Catherine remarked mercilessly.
"See? You're both so snappy!" – moaned Frank dramatically – "But, for your and Lily's peace of mind, I want to make it clear that I'm not into him in that way. I prefer someone a bit more light-hearted, and if possible, without beard stubble."
Catherine nearly burst into laughter, but it caught high in her throat as Narcissa Black entered the room. Adorned in all black with dramatic dark makeup, a generous array of accessories transformed her into a truly convincing Queen of Spades. However, the Gryffindor girl was taken aback by the person leading the Slytherin witch under his arm. Narcissa's escort was a tall, slender blond wizard, draped entirely in black, his face obscured by a pristine white mask. Even from the other end of the dungeon, Catherine could discern the piercing eyes and the commanding aura that defined Lucius Malfoy.
'Why, in Slytherin's name, is he the one to dress up as the Phantom of the Opera?!' – thought the young witch, frustrated. She quickly excused herself before Frank and headed to the snacks table, where she grabbed a cauldron cake and a glass of fruit punch from the tray of a passing house-elf.
"I'm sorry!" – Catherine apologised to the handsome 'vampire' she accidently bumped into while trying to get away from the crowd – "Sirius?"
"He wishes!" – retorted the boy, his voice far less melodious than Sirius'. Upon closer inspection, the Gryffindor girl realised the 'vampire' was also shorter than her friend, and his longer hair turned out to be a wig.
"Oh, you must be Regulus!" – the young witch exclaimed, hesitant about how she should behave toward a Slytherin who also happened to be her best friend's brother.
"I don't know if I must be, but I most certainly am." – the boy replied with a completely serious expression, further confusing Catherine. However, her confusion was short-lived as someone roughly pushed her aside. She would have fallen to the ground if it weren't for Regulus, who promptly seized her arm, steadying her with a firm grip.
Lavinia Nott, dressed in a green medieval dress and wielding a long staff adorned with carved snakes, cast a disdainful gaze upon the Gryffindor girl and let out a condescending huff.
"Regulus Black, I thought that at least you had some common sense not to engage with the likes of this!"
The younger of the Black brothers blushed and immediately let go of Catherine's arm. Cursing her shortsightedness for not practicing walking on high heels before the party, the Gryffindor girl collected herself and attempted to leave, but Lavinia used her staff to block her way.
"I am not done talking to you, Mudblood!"
"Too bad because I am done talking to you. Now, kindly remove your cane."
"It's a staff, you idiot! I'm Morgana le Fay!" – shouted the Slytherin witch.
Catherine burst into laughter – the irony of the situation being a little too much for her to handle.
"I'm not sure if there are any portraits of Morgana left in the world but I'm certain she didn't look like a dyed Bichon Frisé."
Lavinia hissed angrily while Regulus covered his mouth, trying to disguise his laughter as a coughing spell. This distraction worked long enough for Catherine to escape. She squeezed through the crowd and found a relatively dark and empty corner where she could finally finish her cake.
The young witch had just taken another glass of punch when she noticed something dark in her peripheral vision. Severus Snape, dressed entirely in black, and wearing a simple, hand-made domino, was standing right next to the Gryffindor girl, and, for her horror appeared as he wanted to speak with her.
"I'm sorry but my daily limit of tolerating up to three Slytherins had long been exceeded." – Catherine said, attempting to leave. However, Snape was having none of it. He quickly reached out and caught the girl's wrist.
"I am not in a mood for your smart mouth, Plantier! I want to speak with you about something important." – the boy declared, his black eyes burning behind the mask.
"Aww, how could I refuse such a polite request!" – Catherine smirked, snatching her hand away from Snape's surprisingly strong hold – "What would you like to talk about? The weather? Our latest Ancient Runes assignment? Or perhaps how many of your Slytherin pals would not limit their hatred toward the Muggle-borns solely to words?"
"Oddly enough, the third option." – answered Snape, causing Catherine to raise her eyebrows in surprise – "I want to know what happened between Lily, Volumnia Travers and Tullia Parkinson."
"Oh? I'm sorry to disappoint you, but this is a bit of old news, since it happened more than a year ago." – said Catherine, taking a sip from her glass. While she sounded confident, there was something about Snape's proximity that unnerved her. It could have been the fact she didn't have her wand in her hand or perhaps the heat radiating from his glare. Regardless, the young witch wanted this conversation to be over sooner rather than later.
"I don't give a damn when it happened!" – hissed the Slytherin – "I want to know if Lily was hurt and how!"
"I don't know what had happened to her before I entered the girls' bathroom. By the time I appeared, they had taken her wand and locked her up in one of the cabins. I haven't witnessed anything but verbal abuse." – Catherine explained drily.
"How dare these wenches touch her?!" – growled Snape in a manner the Gryffindor had never heard before – "I explicitly warned them to stay away from Lily!"
The girl had to admit that the young wizard did look scary at that moment, and she certainly wouldn't want to be in Volumnia and Tullia's shoes. That's why Catherine was also surprised when she heard her own low chuckle.
"I don't see anything funny!" – snapped Snape furiously – "Is it that amusing for you that someone you claim is a close friend of yours had been mistreated because of her blood status?"
"No, what's amusing is your complete descent into delusions, Snape." – said the witch, her currently blue eyes locked into Snape's black ones – "Even if we disregard the simple fact, you behave the same way as your classmates towards everyone who's Muggle-born but Lily, I had at least hoped that your analytical mind would not allow you to be such a bloody hypocrite!"
Snape opened his mouth to protest, but Catherine wasn't holding back any longer, her eyes flashing despite the contact lenses.
"You've asked if I found what happened to Lily amusing?" – continued the Gryffindor girl – "I can't quite recall if I did because your friends beat the shit out of me as if we were common Muggles! They split my lip, gave me a black eye and a few bruised ribs, and eventually left me to writhe on the cold wet floor! Does this answer your question?"
Snape lowered his eyes. While he was more than certain he hated Catherine Plantier, the tone of her voice troubled him greatly for some reason. Frantically thinking about what he should say, their conversation was abruptly interrupted by the slightly tipsy Professor Slughorn.
"Ah, Catherine, there you are! Severus, my boy, what a lovely surprise to see the two of you together! Unfortunately, I would need to steal your lovely lady for a while!"
"She's not…" – Snape tried to protest while the Potion Master was practically dragging the fuming witch across the room towards the grand piano, placed on a little podium. The young wizard sighed and looked around, his mind busy with planning a suitable payback for Volumnia and Tullia, until his gaze stopped upon Lily, stunning in her sparkling fairy outfit. Seated on a small ledge in the wall, she was laughing heartily, clearly enjoying herself, accompanied by Greg McMahon of all people.
Snape ground his teeth, enraged. He couldn't stand the aristocrat. For him, the fourth-year Gryffindor represented everything Snape was not. Greg was handsome, athletic, and rich. Everyone loved him and competed for his attention. To add insult to injury, his blood was purer than anyone else's in the school, and the worst part was that Lily seemed to enjoy spending time with him quite a lot.
A sudden gust of wind knocked back a few chairs and a house-elf, causing some commotion. Still, Professor Slughorn was quick to appease the guests, cracking a joke about naughty ghosts and grumpy poltergeists fancying this particular night for their shenanigans. He then motioned everyone towards the improvised scene, where Catherine was standing in her astonishingly white dress and golden hair, bitterly regretting her ill-conceived decision to trade her public humiliation for the Potions Master's goodwill.
While she did try to engage him in a conversation regarding the subject he taught, it was impossible to make him focus for more than ten seconds. His main interest was providing entertainment for the party, and after he informed the Gryffindor girl that Valeria wanted to sing after her, the teacher swiftly busied himself with gathering his favourite students around and setting the enchanted piano, which played in synch with the singer without human interaction.
'The sneaky Valeria wants to make an impression by singing after someone mediocre.' – thought Catherine, glancing at the Slytherin witch wearing an airy pink robe, matching her enchanted coral hair and pink eyes, and finishing her Siren costume – 'I'll do my best to spoil her plan though!'
"Ladies and gentlemen, beasts and creatures, esteemed wizards and witches of old times, I'm happy to welcome you once again to our annual Halloween party! As always, let's revel in the magic of this special night with good food, drinks, and music!" – exclaimed Slughorn, standing up in front of the piano – "Before we immerse ourselves in the enchanting song of our Siren, Miss Malfoy, I'm pleased to announce that I've arranged for another one of our talented students to honour her chosen costume and perform as the famous Enchantress Christine Daaé! Lucius, my lad, you should promise not to steal her away before the end of the song!"
Catherine, engrossed in selecting her song, looked up and noticed Lucius Malfoy, a smirk playing on his lips, positioned beside Narcissa at the forefront of the small crowd encircling the piano. Biting her lower lip, the Gryffindor girl stepped ahead. Her head swam with dizziness, her feet ached mercilessly, and the sole source of her faint confidence rested in the dress she was wearing, which everyone in the room was gossiping about.
Catherine drew in a deep breath and began to sing. The enchanted piano gracefully followed her gentle, clear, and childlike voice, still reflecting her tender age. It was an old-fashioned, slow, and gentle melody that touched people's hearts. Titled 'Cage of Gold,' the young witch had always cherished the profound meaning and genuine emotions embedded in this musical piece.
Wings of enchantment, in the cage confined,
A yearning for the heavens, in every beat entwined.
Golden bars conceal, the magic deep within,
A bird in golden silence, where freedom dreams begin.
The final chords reverberated, sparking a torrent of applause and a jovial pat from Professor Slughorn. Wiping away tears with a silk handkerchief, he couldn't help but snuffle appreciatively. The flushed singer quickly bowed and exited the stage, leaving the disgruntled Valeria to try to surpass her performance.
Yearning for a breath of cooler air, Catherine wandered into one of the corridors leading deeper into the dungeons. The girl eventually halted, making an effort to compose herself by pressing her face against the cool stone wall in an attempt to find solace. Suddenly, she felt a warm breath gently caressing the bare skin of her neck, causing her to jump, and her entire body to break out in goosebumps.
"This was quite a performance, Little Bird! You really tempt me to lock you somewhere so you can sing only for me."
Startled, the young witch spun around abruptly, only to find herself uncomfortably close to Lucius Malfoy—much closer than she ever intended to be. She stood there, hypnotised by his grey eyes, glinting behind the Phantom's mask.
"You're taking this game a little too seriously, Malfoy." – she mumbled, trying to create some distance between the two of them.
"I take all the games I participate in extremely seriously, Little Bird." – the Slytherin chuckled, effortlessly closing the gap once again.
"I'm certain Narcissa Black is wondering where you disappeared." – Catherine almost whispered, her hand reaching under one of the layers of her skirt where her wand was.
"She should learn to share my attention." – Malfoy smiled indifferently – "On the other hand, it has been way too long since I had the chance to play with you and that wand of yours, you're so desperately trying to reach."
"If you're in a playful mood, Malfoy, I'd be more than happy to show you what my wand is capable of." – an angry voice, cold as ice, prompted both of them to jolt and look at Greg McMahon, standing just a few metres away, his wand pointed directly at the Head Boy. The initial rage on Lucius' face quickly transformed into a frozen smile as he bowed formally.
"Lord McMahon! What a pleasant surprise to finally see you attending one of the events, organised by our little circle!"
"It seems that I'd need to become a regular." – hissed Greg without lowering his wand.
"There's no need for such hostility, my Lord!" – Lucius' smile got wider, but it never touched his eyes – "It's a private joke between Miss Plantier and me, and I can assure you that it's perfectly innocent."
"In that case, you won't object if I take my fellow Gryffindor back to our Common Room?" – said the fourth-year, finally putting his wand away – "I'm afraid it seems that all the excitement exhausted her."
"Not in the slightest." – Malfoy replied, his lips pressed into a thin line – "I need to return to the party before Valeria finishes her song - the heavy duties of a big brother!"
Catherine didn't wait for the Slytherin to disappear from her sight but dashed upstairs, ignoring the pain caused by her boots. Greg sprinted after her and managed to grab her arm just before they reached the Entrance Hall.
"Don't even think about walking alone!" – he hissed in her ear – "Why do you always manage to get yourself in trouble?! I told you to stay away from Lucius Malfoy!"
"And I did!" – protested Catherine, while her brother was dragging her upstairs – "Unfortunately, the more I try to avoid Slytherins, the more I encounter them! I do start to feel like a tasty bird being constantly watched by a hungry snake!"
* Nature does nothing in vain.