"Again!" – ordered Duke McMahon as his son struggled to catch his breath.
Greg McMahon brushed aside a few damp strands of hair from his eyes and rose to his feet. He wasn't certain if his face was wet from sweat, tears, or the copious water splashing around due to his imperfect control over the element. Perhaps it was a combination of all three. He couldn't pinpoint when he had tumbled to the ground, but the sharp pain in both his knees confirmed it was anything but a gentle fall.
"You're attempting to draw water from too many sources simultaneously." – spoke Edward – "Don't force the water; instead, yield to its flow, and it will come to you naturally as you are the lowest point of power."
"It's overwhelming!" – gasped Greg, still panting – "I feel like I'm drowning!"
"It will subside with time." – the aristocrat reassured him, understanding that his words offered little solace to a young Elementalist grappling with the enormity of his elemental power.
"At least I'm not throwing up anymore." – said the boy sarcastically and squatted next to the shore of the Black Lake, splashing some cold water onto his face.
The vast expanse of water lay tranquil and enigmatic, mirroring the nascent crescent of the moon with a serene grace. No waves disturbed its surface except near a secluded area, where a lonely, naked rock jutted about fifty metres into the water.
Some time earlier, a group of merpeople had emerged there, and they didn't seem in a hurry to dive back into the depths of the lake. Instead, they chased each other, splashing water with their silver tails, and talked with their screeching raspy voices, most likely commenting on the two Water Mages using the lake to practice elemental magic. Greg thought that the merpeople living in Britain had very few similarities with their cousins, the Sirens, who preferred warmer waters, with their brightly coloured fish tails, as well as eyes and hair in various shades of pink.
The boy had encountered a Siren just once, during a stay with his grandfather, who had taken him to the seaside in the South of France in search of rare flowers. It was a sight he would never forget. Only his grandpa's swift reaction prevented the boy from willingly venturing into the sea and disappearing beneath the water. Many years later, the young lord still dreamt of the Siren's voice, calling upon him. He couldn't even recall her features, but the enchanting call remained forever etched in his memory.
"Come on, son!" – the Duke encouraged him – "I know you can do it! Let the water come to you and guide it to form a sphere. The currents will tell you which way. Just feel them!"
Greg closed his eyes for a moment, opening himself to his element and feeling the rush of tremendous power pulsing through his veins. The boy could hear and sense his own heart, beating in an increasingly erratic rhythm. Taking a deep breath, the young wizard managed to slow down his pulse and regained control. When he opened his eyes, they were emitting a bright blue light, and he focused on the water around him. It was truly mesmerising how different the world appeared once his senses were sharpened by the soul of the water. Every droplet of liquid around called to him, and Greg knew he could shape it into any form he desired.
Simultaneously, the persistent and crashing might of the flows, invisible to everyone but Water Mages, quickly overwhelmed the heir of the McMahon family. Nevertheless, the boy stretched his arm upward and guided the water around to form a sphere. He did succeed for several seconds, but then he was unable to stop the upcoming torrents, which disrupted the delicate balance of the sphere, resulting in a large volume of water splashing over the young aristocrat.
'At least I didn't fall to the ground this time.' – thought the boy, perfectly aware that the gleaming eyes of his father proved he diverted most of the water flows that his son extracted but couldn't control.
"This time was an improvement!" – the Duke concluded – "How do you feel?"
"A bit sick." – answered the boy honestly – "But I can give it another try!"
"You shouldn't overexert yourself." – the older wizard cautioned – "An Elementalist needs to know their limits. Besides, the wind is not favourable at the moment."
"The wind?" - Greg asked, puzzled, following his father's gaze toward the castle. Someone was walking through the grounds in their direction. While Edward was allowed by Dumbledore to be in the school, it would have been bothersome if they needed to explain why the Head of House McMahon was hanging around the Black Lake at night.
"The wind is always favourable for those who know how to become one with its spirit!" – Marquis Carsilion Egbert's melodic voice emanated from the dark.
"How very profound of you, Carter!"- the Duke teased his best friend, having sensed his presence five minutes earlier – "Is that how you spend your evenings now – eavesdropping on people?"
"As you know perfectly well, I am not in the habit of eavesdropping." – said the Marquis, stopping next to Greg and offering a sympathetic pat on his drenched back – "However, I can't help it if I happen to overhear certain things. Air Mages have surprisingly good hearing."
"Yeah, big surprise – manipulating air to capture sound waves. It's the oldest trick in the book!" – chuckled Edward.
"Jealous, are we?" – Carsilion smirked.
"I'm a married man, my friend!" – laughed the Duke – "The less I hear, the better!"
"There is a grain of truth that." – the other wizard agreed with a smile – "I am yet to express my gratitude to your wife for the lovely Howler she sent me several months ago. There are still burn marks on my desk."
"I'm not foolish enough to come between you and Louisa." – said Edward, shaking his head.
"Well, if you ever did, it might prove to be quite enjoyable." – purred the Marquis with a sly smile.
"Ahem, you do realise I'm still here, right?" – Greg interrupted the two wizards – "And I'm dangerously close to start throwing up again!"
"Suit yourself! Your Defence Against the Dark Arts assignment on the Reductor Curse is due tomorrow, regardless of whether you're sick or not." – grinned Carsilion, clearly amused by the fourth-year's disgruntled expression.
"Greg's making excellent progress." – Edward said with a proud smile – "I am confident he'll complete his basic training in three years."
"That's quite a rapid pace." – remarked the DADA Professor, sounding a bit concerned.
"We don't have much choice. We need Greg to be adequately prepared for whatever may happen to our family in a few years." – the Duke stated earnestly – "Speaking of which, has Dumbledore started teaching Catherine elemental magic?"
"The Headmaster is not one to provide detailed reports on his activities, Edward." – Carsilion scowled – "I suggest you inquire with the student, rather than the teacher."
"You asked and he didn't tell you, did he?" – the other man surmised after a quick glance at his friend's sulky face.
"His exact words were: Air cannot understand Fire but can only nourish it."
"What is that supposed to mean?" – exclaimed the Duke.
"Who knows." – shrugged the Marquis – "They have always said that Dumbledore is a genius, but this brings little consolation to those of us who need to deal with him!"
"Catherine seems perfectly fine to me." – Greg chimed in – "If they had started her training, I would assume she wouldn't appear so… unaffected."
"Greg does have a point, Edd." – nodded the DADA teacher – "From what I've seen, she's in a remarkably good health and spirits, evident from her constant bickering with Slytherins."
"Merlin! Is she still doing this?" – the Duke moaned – "We've warned her numerous times about drawing so much attention to herself!"
"Unfortunately, this ship has already sailed. Everybody in the school knows her by now." – remarked Carsilion – "I must admit that it's usually not her who initiates these conflicts. We do face issues with Slytherins and their treatment of Muggle-borns."
"This is truly misfortunate, but what does it have to do with Catherine?" – asked the other wizard.
"Uhm, you do remember she presents herself as a Muggle-born, don't you?" – the Marquis answered, entertained by the sudden realisation reflected on his friend's expressive face.
"They treat her poorly because of her alleged blood status…" – the Duke finally mumbled, prompting both Carsilion and Greg to nod affirmatively – "This is horrible! You are a teacher! Can't you control your students?"
"What kind of fairy tale are you living in?" – snapped the Professor – "You are well aware of what's happening in the Wizarding society! The fact that the Council pretends it's nothing is mostly due to certain Houses' considerations about whether they should align with that person preaching against Muggles and Muggle-borns! All of this is reflected here at Hogwarts! It's not easy to tackle. Much of it occurs without our knowledge, and when we do find out, it's often too late to take action. Just this week, I had to deal with two Muggle-born girls who were victims of severe curses, one of which could be classified as dark magic, warranting criminal proceedings! And I still have absolutely no idea who cursed them or how to find the culprit!"
"I'm sorry, brother!" – the Duke apologised, placing his hand on his friend's shoulder – "I'm aware you would never allow anyone to be harmed under your watch, especially my daughter. You know I trust you more than I trust myself! I just don't want my girl to be bullied, especially for something as stupid as blood status!"
"I know." – the other wizard replied – "Actually, she hasn't really been bullied about it lately. First, because she and her friends are typically quick with their responses. But what concerns me is that the Slytherins themselves seem to be avoiding confrontations with her, particularly, and the reason for this troubles me greatly."
"Well, I'd assume they've learnt she won't tolerate their bullying." – said the Duke with a hint of pride.
"This hasn't deterred them in the past." – the DADA teacher's brow furrowed in thought – "However, I couldn't help but notice a shift in their behaviour, which, to the best of my recollection, began towards the end of last year. It appears to coincide with a sudden surge of interest from a particular senior Slytherin."
"I beg your pardon?" – chocked Edward – "She's only thirteen, for Light's sake!"
"I'm well aware of that, and that's precisely what makes it so unusual." – Carsilion nodded – "A wizard like Lucius Malfoy is constantly surrounded by the most beautiful young women in the school, arguably much more suitable for him. They're closer to his age, which does make a significant difference in case of teenage girls, and among them, there's a good number of pure-blood witches, which is not the case with Catherine, as far as he knows."
"Wait a second!" – Edward shouted, his face flushed entirely as the conversation took an unexpected turn, forcing him to confront the possibility of someone being romantically interested in his daughter – "Malfoy, you said? The son of that bastard Abraxas Malfoy, who would sell his whole family if it meant a chance to lick the shoes of Adrian Borealis?!"
"The very same." – confirmed the Marquis – "And I assure you that his son may even surpass his father in terms of ambition and ruthlessness. Slytherins… they seem to have this secret internal society, with only a select few students allowed as members, and Lucius Malfoy currently holds dominion over it, subsequently over the entire House of Slytherin."
"Then why, in the depths of the ocean, would he be interested in my daughter?!" – growled Edward, who was seriously considering marching to the castle and ending that 'puny little pure-blood piece of shit' with his own hands.
"I honestly have no idea." – admitted Carsilion reluctantly – "It's not as if Catherine is considered one of Hogwarts' beauties among her classmates. She is just a regular girl with a fiery temper. I don't know; perhaps that's what attracts him… But I can assure you that I pay close attention to every interaction they have. It's likely something temporary, and it will probably pass once he's out of the school. Besides, he's dating one of his fellow Slytherin girls, Narcissa Black. I'm sure she will divert his interest away from Catherine."
"Not likely." – mumbled Greg, who had been standing there, listening intensely to the two wizards.
"What do you mean, Greg?" – asked the DADA teacher suspiciously – "Do you know something more about this?"
"I don't believe Lucius Malfoy is attracted to Catherine as a… girl." – said Greg, carefully choosing his words – "There are rumours about his… preferences, and she definitely doesn't fit his… type. The reason he's so fixated on her is that last year, Catherine discovered she can speak Parseltongue, and he happened to be there to witness it."
"What?!" – both men exclaimed, stunned.
"I don't know why he keeps hovering around her, and I can definitely feel there's something sinister in his behaviour, but at least it's not of the nature you think… well, I hope it's not!" - admitted the fourth-year.
"Wait a second!" – the Duke finally managed to collect himself – "What do you mean she speaks Parseltongue? To snakes? That's a rare ability, even in our family! Why didn't she tell us? Why didn't you?"
"From what I know, Malfoy had an argument with Catherine, and he conjured a snake. It was then that she realised she could speak to the snake and ordered it to not to attack. Apparently, it was the first time she had encountered a snake in real life. As for why she didn't tell you, I'm not sure myself. What I do know, however, is that I've put a lot of effort into building some sort of relationship with my sister. I wasn't about to blow it up by snitching on her." – said Greg, his face filled with emotion, before adding – "The only reason I'm telling you now is because I'm concerned about Malfoy and what he might do. I believe you should be aware of the real reason behind his actions."
Edward McMahon drew a deep, calming breath. This ordinary training session turned out to be far more intense, bringing forth a host of unexpected problems he hadn't anticipated.
"Okay, at least now we're aware and can act accordingly." – he tried to sound calm and reasonable – "But seriously, why are we so unlucky?! Carsilion, I want you to ensure that Malfoy boy stays away from my daughter, or I'll personally take care of him, and I don't give a Knut's worth what's going to happen after that! If the Malfoys hold Salazar Slytherin and his heritage in such high regard, I'll demonstrate what a descendant of Slytherin is capable of, things they haven't even seen in their worst nightmares!"
The Marquis shivered involuntarily. He had rarely seen Edward in such a state, not more than three times in total. While his friend was usually good-spirited and non-confrontational, there was a darkness deep within him which could be more destructive than a tsunami. Carsilion knew that he needed to be extra cautious and diplomatic because those were not empty threats, and Mr Malfoy was in grave danger.
"Leave it to me!" – said the Professor, carefully trying to steer the conversation away from the hot topic – "It's normal to experience setbacks now and then. What's crucial is for everyone to remain calm. Continue your work with Greg, and I'll keep an eye on Catherine. Try to distract yourself: go to Paris with Louisa, buy yourself another one of those antiques you like, or even better, make sure the new batch of elf-wine is ready to be securely transferred to bottles!"
"Don't try your teacher's tricks on me! I know you're attempting to defuse the situation! How dumb do you think I am?" – Edward growled, pouting his lips – "Although, I do need to take care of the wine this week. I've devised a new system against the forest fairies!"
"Excellent!" – exclaimed Carsilion, barely containing his laughter.
'Thank the Light, he still hasn't discovered it was me, not the fairies, responsible for that accident twelve years ago!' – thought the Marquis, before saying aloud:
"Don't forget to bring me a few bottles when the wine is ready. I believe I have only three left in the storage here. I should ask the house-elves to double-check, as I intend to gift one to Minerva. Let's hope she'll stop treating me like dirt and become friendly again!"
"I will send you wine, but I think you might need something stronger!" – chuckled the Duke.
Unnoticed by the two wizards, a mischievous glint sparkled in the Gryffindor fourth-year's blue eyes as he carefully listened to every word of their conversation.
'It seems I can finally make my little sister happy!' – thought Greg – 'I wonder what she really needs the wine for. It's probably better if I don't know. Once I get the bottle from the Kitchens' storage, it's no longer my problem!'
The second half of November passed rather uneventfully for Catherine. She found herself torn between her academic commitments and her 'private projects,' which were increasingly consuming her time. Amidst this balancing act, the young witch managed to prepare the Bacchus Bliss Elixir on the following Saturday while also instructing Hagrid in the art of sponge cake baking. To her relief, the potion turned out exactly as expected, in stark contrast to the unfortunate creation resembling granite that the Keeper of the Keys produced. ю
However, Catherine's other pursuits didn't yield favourable outcomes. Despite her persistent attempts, her efforts in healing remained unsuccessful. Another session with Dumbledore offered little promise, leaving Catherine feeling increasingly frustrated. While the Headmaster remained unfazed, the Gryffindor's growing anger mirrored her disappointment in the face of her futile endeavours.
'Wasn't I supposed to have a terrifying amount of power due to the fucking demon?' – she mused, irritated, abandoning her attempts to heal her injured finger – a lingering reminder of last week's Potions mishap – 'I can't heal myself, I can't make the damn quill levitate… and on top of that, there's zero information about that witch Phyria in the Library!'
Indeed, despite the many hours spent, scouring through the vast collection of tomes within the Hogwarts library, Catherine had yet to uncover any reference to Phyria, and the mentioning of Fire Mages in general was scarce. While the Restricted section was always an option, and a very tempting one, the black-haired Gryffindor preferred not to resort to another clandestine midnight expedition unless absolutely necessary.
'It's nearly impossible to slip in undetected, anyway. Especially since Thorne is stuck to me like a Bowtruckle to a tree!' – thought the young witch, annoyed, and glanced at her wristwatch – 'I don't understand what's with these people lately! I don't have a single minute for myself! If it's not Thorne, it's Malfoy, or the Slytherin harpies, and if they are not around, Greg is!'
The third-year rose from her seat, meticulously packing her notes into her already brimming schoolbag alongside a hefty tome entitled 'A Guide to Concealment Charms' by Professor Percival Blackwood. She marched through the familiar corridors of Hogwarts, arriving at the Ancient Runes classroom with plenty of time to spare. Retrieving her dictionary and textbook from her bag, along with two rolls of parchment, a bottle of ink, and her cherished eagle quill, she settled into her desk.
After a swift review of her assignment—a peculiar translation of an ancient poem about the unlikely love between a wizard and a Siren—Catherine stifled a yawn. Half-heartedly, she extended her hand above her quill, a habitual gesture rather than one of genuine expectation.
"Wingardium Leviosa!" – she enchanted clearly. To her utter astonishment, the quill ascended roughly thirty centimetres above the desk, lingering in mid-air for a fleeting moment before gently descending to rest upon the wooden surface."
"I can't believe I finally did it!" – the young witch murmured, still trying to comprehend the magnitude of her success.
"You know, one of the first signs of madness is talking to yourself." – Snape's raspy voice snapped the black-haired girl out of her trance.
"I'm not talking to myself!" – she hissed, furious when she realised her face was flushing.
"Tell it to your stupid grin." – retorted the Slytherin boy, as he settled into the seat beside Catherine. She merely pursed her lips, lifted her head defiantly, and proceeded to ignore him for the remainder of the lesson.
Severus felt a pang of disappointment. Pausing at the door, he had noticed the Gryffindor witch already inside. Witnessing her wandless magic left him unsettled. Try as he might to convince himself that Catherine Plantier was merely an arrogant Mudblood with average abilities, her display of power shattered that illusion. While he could dismiss her Potions success as luck or Slughorn's assistance, the wandless spell, performed when she thought herself alone, defied explanation.
That's why he decided to disregard the clear ethical conundrum and instead, hope his unpleasant remarks would goad the girl into a duel. It was exactly what he needed, but, simultaneously, he didn't want to be the one to draw his wand first, being painfully aware that Lily would not look lightly at it. Regretfully, Catherine simply ignored him, engrossed in checking her homework. Frowning, Snape followed suit, stewing internally over his failure to provoke the Gryffindor.
'If it were Black or Potter, it would have been a done deal by now! What's wrong with her? I know she's not afraid, so what could it be?' – thought the black-eyed boy – 'Too bad! At least she usually duels fair and square, unlike her friends who can't face me unless they are in a group of three!'
Catherine spent the class blissfully unaware of Snape's thoughts; otherwise, she would have likely granted his wish immediately. The young witch was too elated to pay him any attention, and eagerly anticipated finding a quiet spot to practice the spell once more. As soon as Professor Oakenscript dismissed the students, she dashed through the door.
The girl was still practicing in the Gryffindor Common Room when Sirius, James, Remus, and Peter returned from dinner that evening. After the initial success, there were several fruitless attempts, but the last two times were successful again, and Catherine was over the moon with joy.
"I told you she was busy doing some kind of homework!" – said James, rolling his eyes behind his round glasses.
"Flame, why did you skip dinner?" – asked Sirius, irritated.
"Dinner?" – the young witch blinked, confused.
"Yes, dinner!" – the boy snapped – "You remember? That thing that happens at the end of the day, when we get food inside our stomachs, so we don't starve."
"Very funny!" – Catherine shook her head – "And I'm not doing homework. Look! Wingardium Leviosa!"
The boys stared at the quill, levitating above the low table, conveniently moved in front of the fireplace.
"You did it!" – exclaimed James with adoration – "Now teach me how to do it!"
"Hold your Thestrals!" – Sirius interrupted his friend – "I'm not saying this is not remarkable magic! It truly is! But you can't skip meals because you're engulfed in a spell or a potion, or Merlin knows what kind of crap! Next time, I'll drag you downstairs myself, whether you like it or not!"
Catherine's green eyes flashed dangerously, but she swallowed her sarcastic remark because the care on Sirius' face was so sincere, she felt completely helpless. Instead, she smiled at him and patted the space next to her on the carpet.
"I promise, I'll try to be more careful! Come take a seat! We have a lot to discuss, and I locked Nyx upstairs, so she won't be bothering you."
Sirius blushed, realising his friend had accurately interpreted his worried glances around the room. He cleared his throat and quickly sat down, determined to demonstrate that he wasn't afraid of some overgrown pussycat. James, Remus, and Peter, all made themselves comfortable, pulling out various books and assignments they were supposed to finish. However, in reality, Sirius unfolded the familiar parchment, and they all began quietly discussing some last missing details before proceeding with the necessary enchantments.
Catherine consulted Professor Blackwood's book before drawing her wand and tapping the parchment.
"Glyphis Revealo!" – she commanded, and the map's outlines shimmered with faint silver light – "Now, speak the password and touch the map with your wand."
Sirius complied immediately, grinning as he lightly tapped the parchment.
"I solemnly swear that I am up to no good!"
Remus sighed audibly, though his exasperation was drowned out by James' laughter and Peter's giggle. Catherine decided to pretend she hadn't heard. She threw a quick glance at the book and back at the map which was no longer glowing and appeared just as it was before the spell. The young witch rose her wand again.
"Obscurio Secrete!" – she said, and the map began to glow once again.
Sirius didn't need to be told twice what to do. He tapped the map with his wand for a second time.
"Mischief Managed!"
The lines on the parchment vanished instantly, leaving it blank. Sirius smirked, glancing at his friends' focused expressions.
"Lady and gentlemen, we are officially in the map business! Now we need just a few more enchantments before casting the Homonculous Charm and have all our journeys around the castle secured!"
"Yeah, just a few! Most of which we haven't even figured out how to do yet!" – James teased his best friend.
"We will!" – Sirius answered confidently – "What's the Library for?!"
"I would say for finishing your Transfiguration homework and avoiding detention." – Remus chimed in mercilessly.
"Fuck!" – swore Sirius, jumping as if a whole swarm of Glumbumbles was chasing him – "I forgot detention with McGonagall!"
"When did he get detention with McGonagall?" – asked Catherine, confused, as she watched Sirius dart through the portrait hole.
"Yesterday!" – Remus replied, annoyed – "Honestly, am I the only one paying attention?"
"Yes, Moony!" – chuckled James and ruffled his friend's light brown hair – "You're such a good boy, I wouldn't be surprised if you become a prefect one day!"
The work on the map had to be set aside as the third-years found themselves inundated with assignments before the end of the term. By early December, a thick blanket of white snow enveloped the school, prompting everyone to bundle up in their warmest attire to stave off the biting cold. Yet, despite the frosty weather, the students remained eager for their final visit to Hogsmeade before Christmas
"I need to buy something nice for Tuney." – remarked Lily as she and Catherine wandered the village streets, pausing at various shop windows adorned with festive decorations for the upcoming holidays.
"Perhaps something from Honeydukes?" – suggested the black-haired girl.
"Unlikely, she's not one for sweets or treats." – the other witch replied, shaking her head.
"What a strange person." – Catherine mused, halting in front of the Mystical Threads Boutique where an array of sparkling robes were on display, advertised as 'the perfect choice for an enchanted New Year's Eve.'
"In any case, we need to hurry up and be done with our shopping before we turn into human icicles. Would you care to join me for a butterbeer at The Three Broomsticks?" – Lily asked, adjusting her scarf.
"I'm meeting the boys there, so if you don't mind them, we can go now." – the other girl replied, smirking at her friend's distorted expression – "Or if you prefer, come with me to Charmé Chic so I can pick up my dress for Slughorn's party."
"Another Sorcerié dress?" – asked Lily, beaming when Catherine nodded affirmatively – "Your parents must be very wealthy if you can afford those."
"They are." – the black-haired witch said gloomily – "And they would give me any amount of money, as long as they don't need to spend time with me. Anyway, I want to show those Slytherins that Muggle-born or not, I won't allow them to bully me in any shape or form!"
"I don't know if this is going to prevent bullying, but they most certainly envy you." – the red-headed Gryffindor commented as they reached the secluded street where the luxury boutiques of Hogsmeade were located – "Regardless, Slytherins do seem to avoid you lately. Is it because of Malfoy?"
"What do you mean because of Malfoy?" – asked Catherine a bit too hastily.
"Well, it's rumoured that he forbade Slytherins from attacking you in any way, plus I see too much of him around to be a mere coincidence. It's strange, considering he's dating Narcissa Black. What does he want from you?" – Lily finally posed the question that she was contemplating upon for quite a while.
"I honestly don't know! I think he just enjoys bothering me. I can't think of any other reason." – the black-haired witch lied.
'He said I had his attention… What's that supposed to mean? He knows I speak Parseltongue, but it doesn't explain why he keeps following me. It's like some kind of a sick chase… Honestly, I'm going to be so relieved when he leaves the school!' – thought Catherine as the two Gryffindors entered the shop.
Any thoughts about the Slytherin Head Boy disappeared from the girls' minds as they delved into the world of high fashion. Lily was gazing dreamily at a mesmerising yellow ball gown when Catherine emerged from the fitting room, wearing Louisa McMahon's latest creation.
She was wearing a knee-length dress, crafted from a rich, vibrant red velvet fabric, which appeared both soft and comfortable Its A-line silhouette gracefully flared from the waist, ensuring effortless movement, particularly ideal for twirling on the dance floor. A refined touch was added with a rounded neckline delicately trimmed in scalloped lace, juxtaposed by whimsical flutter sleeves of sheer fabric, softly ruffled at the shoulders.
The dress was adorned with subtle, shimmering sequins, scattered across the bodice, catching the light with every movement, and adding a magical sparkle that was perfect for a Christmas party. Completing the ensemble, a slender velvet ribbon adorned the hem, providing texture and contrast while enhancing the holiday allure.
"You look positively festive!" – Lily giggled, circling around her friend to admire the dress and the matching red velvet ballet flats – "Perhaps we can weave some golden ribbons into your hair? They're all the rage this season!"
"I'm not sure about that." – said Catherine, casting a critical eye in the mirror – "With my straight hair, I think it would look rather odd. Those ribbons seem to suit only wavy or curly hair."
"We can arrange that if you wish." – suggested the other witch playfully.
"Keep your wand away from my hair, Lily Evans!" – the black-haired girl replied, chuckling – "It's the only beautiful feature I have!"
"Don't say that, Daisy!" – Lily said earnestly, embracing her friend – "You are absolutely lovely!"
"Coming from the reigning Beauty Queen of our year!" – Catherine teased, relishing the blush that spread across Lily's cheeks – "Don't worry, Your Majesty! I'm perfectly content as your humble lady-in-waiting!"
However, the good mood of the two Gryffindors didn't last long. As they left the shop, carefully carrying Catherine's dress packed in a bag adorned with the Sorcerié logo, the small crowd outside the window erupted into murmurs. Attempting to navigate through the students, the third-years found themselves halted by none other than Volumnia Travers, whose expression conveyed a mixture of disgust and superiority. Standing closely behind her was Tullia Parkinson, mirroring her classmate's disdainful expression.
"Look at that!" – Volumnia nearly howled, squinting her pale blue eyes – "I suppose this wasn't such an exclusive establishment after all, seeing they allow the likes of you to enter freely!"
"At least we were inside, unlike some who seemed glued to the window!" – Lily retorted, a smirk playing on her lips as she observed red spots appearing on Volumnia's face. The crowd formed a tight circle around the two Gryffindors and the two Slytherins, forcing them to confront each other.
"It's not as if you could afford anything in there, Mudblood!" – Tullia hissed, then gestured towards Catherine – "And while she may have the money, it's not enough to disguise the stench of her impure blood!"
Before Catherine could respond, she heard a raspy voice emanating from somewhere behind her.
"Crescere Ungulum!"
What unfolded next was a bizarre blend of amusement and horror. The smug countenances of Volumnia and Tullia swiftly paled. They exchanged panicked glances, but before anyone could react, Tullia let out a piercing cry of pain, collapsing onto the cold pavement to hastily rid herself of her shoes. The scene was both grotesque and mesmerising; her toenails sprouted at an alarming pace, slicing through her socks, and curling ominously.
Amidst the mixture of laughter and gagging from the onlookers, Volumnia had little choice but to follow suit, albeit attempting to flee—a futile effort, given the length of her rapidly growing toenails.
Meanwhile, Catherine managed to tear her gaze away from the spectacle and scanned the surroundings for the culprit. She caught a fleeting glimpse of someone darting into a nearby alley.
'Well, I suppose I should consider myself fortunate that Snape didn't test this curse on me first.' – thought the girl, a smirk playing on her lips as she observed Volumnia, now reduced to tears of humiliation. – 'I fail to understand what his classmates' problem is with him – he's a true Slytherin, no doubts about that!'
"All set!" – announced Catherine as she emerged from the girls' dormitory, adorned in the splendour of her velvet red dress, and carrying the bottle of elf-made wine her brother promptly provided, having requested no briefing on its usage.
"You look treS chic, as the French say!" – Sirius attempted a compliment.
"Well, that's not exactly what they say, but nevertheless, thank you!" – Catherine smiled graciously.
"Did you put you-know-what inside?" – asked James, scanning the nearby students.
"Yes! Let's hope I'm charming enough to do the rest!" – said the young witch – "Lily's coming. Wish me luck!"
The two girls departed from the Gryffindor Common Room, making their way towards the Dungeons where the Christmas Party was underway. The festive atmosphere permeated the castle, even reaching those not invited to the infamous Slug Club party, stirring up early Christmas cheer.
"Why are you carrying this bottle of wine?" – Lily asked curiously as they crossed the Entrance Hall.
"I thought I should bring Slughorn a Christmas gift since he was so kind to give me one for my birthday." – the other witch replied with a twinkle in her green eyes, although her friend didn't seem to notice.
It appeared that the Potion Master had spared no effort for the Christmas Party. The largest dungeon had been transformed into a dazzling ice cave, with living fairies fluttering around, their delicate wings reflecting the silver light emanating from dozens of luminous orbs suspended in midair. A clever spell released a flurry of snowflakes every half an hour, adding to the enchanting winter ambiance.
In place of the usual house-elf servers stood beautiful ladies, wearing elegant silver robes, their long blonde hair gleaming with an ethereal glow.
"Are these Veelas?" – gasped Lily in awe.
"Highly unlikely," – answered Catherine, attempting to get a better look at one of the enchanting servers passing by with a tray of brie and cranberry filo parcels – "I believe they are just regular witches whose appearance had been altered to resemble Veelas."
"How can you be so sure?" – asked the red-headed girl, her suspicion evident in her tone.
"Firstly, Veelas wield fire magic; they are not very fond of snow. Besides, convincing them to serve at Slughorn's party would be a challenge." – explained the other witch, choosing not to mention the fact that if they were indeed Veelas, all the men around the dungeon would have gone insane by that point.
"They're still stunning, though, aren't they?" – insisted Lily, helping herself to a chocolate-dipped orange slice offered by another 'Veela' passing by.
"True." – agreed Catherine – "Slughorn has certainly spared no expense. I imagine it's because of all the esteemed outside guests he's invited."
The party was indeed unusually crowded, thanks to the Head of Slytherin's invitation of numerous successful former students. From high-ranking Ministry of Magic officials to renowned singers and internationally recognised inventors, it was clear that Slughorn had a knack for identifying and collecting those with exceptional talents, integrating them into his Slug Club family.
"I'll go find Slughorn to give him the present." – declared Catherine, attempting to navigate her way through the throng of chatting and laughing wizards and witches.
Finally, she spotted her teacher who was talking with a few wizards clad in expensive-looking robes. Steeling herself, the girl took a deep breath and approached them with a warm smile.
"Ah, Catherine, my dear girl! How delightful to see you! - Slughorn exclaimed, his voice filled with genuine enthusiasm - "Gentlemen, allow me to introduce one of my brightest students, Catherine Plantier—a Muggle-born, if you can believe it!"
As the Potion Master proudly made the introductions, Catherine scanned the faces of the men before her. "Horatio Yaxley, Head of the Goblin Liaison Office at the Ministry of Magic; Barnabas Rowle, Head of the International Magical Trading Standards Body; and Silas Greengrass, soon to be appointed as Deputy Head of the Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes. All esteemed alumni of mine, of course!"
"Now, now, Professor, that's still a confidential information!" – Greengrass interjected with a chilly smile – "But I suppose Miss... Plantier, was it? She doesn't pose any threat, considering her bloodline. Don't misunderstand—I have nothing against Muggle-borns. I simply mean that there's no one for her to spread this information to..."
Catherine maintained her composure, focusing on the task at hand despite Greengrass's offensive remark and the disdainful glances from the other men. With a polite smile, she nodded to each of them in turn.
"Pleasure to meet you all. Sir, I want to express my gratitude once again for the invitation, and I'd like to extend my best wishes for the holidays. I hope you'll accept this small token of appreciation. It's elf-made wine from the cellar of Duke Edward McMahon. Acquiring this bottle was quite a challenge, but I knew you'd appreciate it."
"Merlin! What a splendid gift!" – Slughorn exclaimed, eagerly reaching for the bottle – "This is an incredibly rare find! I can hardly wait to taste it! Silas, we must raise a toast to your new position! Catherine, please, join us! You need to tell me how, in the name of Slytherin, you managed to get this bottle!"
"It's a truly fascinating story!" – the black-haired replied with a smile – "I'd be happy to share it with you, Professor, but for now, please enjoy the wine! I'll be nearby, and we can chat later."
With that, the Gryffindor witch made her way back to where she had left Lily, a smirk playing on her lips as she observed the disbelief etched on the faces of the Ministry officials.
'I suppose they'll also get to experience the effects of the elixir, but there's nothing I can do. The goal justifies the means!' – determined the black-haired girl, casting a last glance at the Potion Master who was engrossed in pouring himself a goblet of Duke McMahon's wine.
At this moment someone bumped into Catherine, and she ended up practically falling on top of the person, sitting in one of the plush silver armchairs, strategically placed around the dungeon. This allowed for more private conversations, shielded from the rest of the room by light muslin curtains adorned with delicate snowflake patterns.
"I'm terribly sorry!" – she apologised, hastily standing up and fixing her dress whose colour was now matching the young witch's face.
"You could stay a bit longer if you'd like, Little Bird!" – purred Lucius Malfoy, a playful smile gracing his thin lips.
Catherine's jade-green eyes widened with a mix of astonishment and an instinctual urge to flee. Yielding to that instinct, she turned on her heel, intending to leave, but found her escape thwarted as the Slytherin's strong grip seized her wrist and pulled her back, nearly forcing her onto his lap.
"Not departing so soon, are you?" - Malfoy's tone held a hint of amusement – "Cissy's occupied with one of her cousins, attempting to garner support for his upcoming re-election to the Wizengamot. It's bound to take some time; poor Graffias has never been much of a charmer."
"I wasn't aware we were on such friendly terms." – the Gryffindor girl retorted coldly.
"I wouldn't exactly call it friendship." – Malfoy replied with a smirk – "More like a master-and-pet relationship."
A tremor passed through Catherine's lower lip, her complexion paling as anger simmered in her eyes. Even her hair seemed to crackle with static electricity from the magic building within her. Slowly, she reached for her wand, freezing in place when she heard the Head Boy's hearty laughter.
Standing up, he approached the young witch, forcing her to look up to maintain eye contact. His smile appeared genuinely intrigued.
"You're quite the source of entertainment, Little Bird! However, I must warn you that my Slytherins may not heed my wishes to leave you be for much longer. Stay vigilant, as I can't control them indefinitely, especially after incidents like the one in Hogsmeade."
"Firstly, I don't recall asking for your protection!" – hissed Catherine – "And secondly, what do you mean 'incidents like the one in Hogsmeade'? It wasn't me who cursed Volumnia and Tulia!"
"That I know. Unlike my fellow Housemates, I'm also aware of the identity of the real perpetrator." –Lucius replied calmly – "But I have no intention of revealing it, and even if you do, they wouldn't believe you."
"I'm not afraid of a bunch of snakes!" – the girl exclaimed, lifting her chin defiantly.
"And I thought you were smart." – Malfoy shook his head – "Only fools and Gryffindors fail to recognise when fear serves as a good surviving mechanism. But I suppose there isn't much difference between the two. The world is changing, Miss Plantier! Choose wisely who are your friends and who are your enemies, if you wish to have a place in it!"
The seventh-year strolled past Catherine and melted into the crowd, disappearing in an unknown direction. After a brief moment of reflection on what had just occurred, the black-haired girl resolved not to let the Slytherin's words bother her.
'He's clearly trying to get under my skin! I can't decide if he's simply deranged or some sort of twisted sadist... I'd better find Lily before he shows up again!'
However, things didn't go as planned. Lily was indeed found, however, she was no longer alone. Catherine immediately recognised the lanky silhouette next to her, therefore she swiftly changed her direction and headed towards the podium where a few witches and wizards were playing violins and Sylvan strummers - a guitar-like instrument crafted from enchanted wood found deep within the boreal forests.
There, the young witch enjoyed some peaceful alone time, immersing herself in the excellent music and sampling the various delectable treats being circulated by the faux Veelas.
"Ah, there you are!" – the sudden, ecstatic voice startled the girl, who turned around to see the beaming Professor Slughorn, his eyes strangely unfocused and dreamy.
'I suppose he consumed enough of the Bacchus Bliss. Now or never!' – Catherine thought, putting on her most charming smile.
"I was just enjoying the wonderful entertainment you provided us with, Sir!" – she said, motioning towards the musicians – "I hope you were able to have some rest and enjoy the evening after all the hard work for organising such a remarkable event!"
"It was indeed a lot of work!" – sighed the Potion Master – "But seeing my dear students together makes it all worthwhile! These gatherings also give me the chance to catch up with those who have already flown from Hogwarts. They've all become highly successful witches and wizards, and it means the world to me that they took the time to attend my little soirée!"
"You're too modest, Sir! You're everyone's favourite teacher, and if I may say so - an inspiration to many of us!" – Catherine said, fully immersed in her role, even managing to coax a tear down her cheek.
"You're such a sweetheart!" – Slughorn exclaimed – "And so thoughtful! That wine was the finest I've ever tasted, but of course, one would expect nothing less from the cellars of a prominent aristocratic family! I must remember to send my regards to the Duke through Greg. But I'm simply astounded you managed to acquire such a rare gift!"
"The most challenging part was sneaking it into the school, if I may confess to bending the rules, Professor." – the young witch remarked, flashing a mischievous smile.
Slughorn giggled, thoroughly entertained by his student's confession. "I'll pretend I didn't hear a word of it. After all, it wasn't intended for you or your classmates, so technically, it doesn't quite breach the rules if we consider their spirit rather than their letter."
"I knew you'd understand, of all people!" – Catherine choked back a bit, her expression one of utter adoration – "That's why I have such a passion for Potions! Not only do you teach us the practical skills we need in everyday life, but you also encourage us to be adventurous and pursue true knowledge. It's a shame not all teachers share your open-mindedness!"
"Some of my colleagues do adhere to a stricter curriculum, indeed." – nodded the Professor – "However, remember, you can always come to me with any questions you may have! I'll do my best to answer them to the fullest extent of my knowledge. I like to think I have a broad understanding of various fields, if I may say so myself."
"Truly, Professor?!" – Catherine gasped a bit theatrically, though Slughorn was too enchanted by the elixir's effects to notice – "That means the world to me! Especially after this week, Professor McGonagall nearly gave me detention for inquiring about the properties and ingredients of the Animagi Potion! We were studying animagi transfiguration, and I wanted to grasp every detail, not just fragments!"
"Oh, my! You likely struck a chord with Minerva!" - Slughorn chuckled knowingly – "She's quite sensitive when it comes to animagi, likely because of her own hardships with the transfiguration. From my experience, she might not fully appreciate a naturally curious mind."
"Exactly, Professor! Despite her being my Head of House, I feel a closer bond with you" - Catherine agreed with a bright smile - "In hindsight, I should have sought your guidance from the outset! Undoubtedly, your theoretical knowledge surpasses even that of Professor McGonagall, notwithstanding her firsthand experience."
"Well, I'm not one to boast, but I did happen to write an article for the Journal of Magical Potions Research on the properties of the Animagi Potion." – the Potion Master proclaimed proudly and added – "However, it's a rather controversial subject. For instance, there are no books containing the potion's instructions in the Library. Fortunately, I had a volume with the recipe in my personal collection."
"I wish I could read it!" – sighed the girl, her gaze pleading as she looked at her teacher – "Would it be too much if I ask if you could lend me the book and discuss how to properly make it! It would be a true Christmas present!"
Catherine noticed a slight change in Slughorn's expression, as if his mind was wrestling with the decision. He recognised that this wasn't an ordinary request, nor was it information a teacher should readily share with a third-year student. However, the effects of the Bacchus Bliss Elixir were too potent, and after a few moments, his smile returned, and he chuckled merrily.
"What an excellent idea! It would be my pleasure to assist one of my brightest students. Let's head to my office, where I can find the book and explain a few key points during the brewing process. But let's keep this between us. Severus would be furious if he discovered you were conducting such advanced research, especially given your already turbulent relationship."
"Of course, Professor!" – Catherine assured him as they made their way to his office – "This is going to be our little secret!"
Severus Snape harboured mixed feelings about attending Slughorn's parties. On one hand, he despised the need to dress up, which always highlighted his poverty and subjected him to weeks of sarcastic remarks from his classmates. On the other hand, he recognised these events as valuable opportunities to network with wizards and witches of influence—an essential consideration for his future career. Being the son of a Muggle, his family had provided him with no avenues to establish connections. He knew nothing of his mother's relatives and doubted they would have supported his ascent in the Wizarding society.
'Otherwise, they would have visited Mom at least once over the years.' – he reasoned bitterly – 'Still, I wish she'd relent and at least reveal her maiden name... If she'd been sorted into Slytherin, maybe her pureblood lineage would satisfy those idiots and they'd leave me alone.'
"Sev? Where are you?" – Lily's sweet voice snapped him out of his self-pity.
"Sorry, got a bit distracted. What were you saying?"
"How flattering that you're thinking about other things while I'm talking!" – Lily complained, pouting slightly – "Anyway, I was just asking if you'd seen Slughorn when you went for the drinks?"
"Oh, yeah. He was busy parading Greg McMahon around like a prized pig for a group of Ministry men." – he answered, mentally noting that these parties weren't entirely unbearable since he got to enjoy Lily's company. Plus, being seen with the most beautiful girl in Hogwarts allowed him a moment of respite from the usual mockery.
"Nothing surprising." – chuckled Lily – "Poor Greg! Did you happen to see Catherine there too?"
"Not there, no." – Snape replied cautiously, preferring not to mention that he'd spotted the black-haired witch with Lucius Malfoy – "There are some quieter spots where we can sit and avoid the crowd. Shall we?"
"Alright." – agreed the Gryffindor, scanning the nearby guests, undoubtedly searching for any sign of her classmate.
Snape's plan, however, didn't unfold exactly as anticipated. Upon reaching one of the largest sitting areas tucked into a corner of the dungeon, he and Lily realised it had already been claimed by Evan Rosier, Isolde, Rodolphus, and Rabastan Lestrange, Aelia Greengrass, Thorfinn Rowle, and Ambrose Travers. They were engaged in lively conversation and imbibing what appeared to be wine, despite most of them being underage.
The atmosphere shifted dramatically when the group noticed Snape and Lily. The Slytherins' faces displayed a range of emotions, from disdain from Travers and Greengrass to outright mockery from the Lestrange siblings.
"Looks like tonight's entertainment just walked in, lads!" – Rabastan chuckled, rising to his feet.
Instinctively, Snape positioned himself to shield Lily, swiftly calculating how many of his fellow Slytherins he could handle before being disarmed.
"Oh, my!" – Aelia giggled – "No need to be so defensive, Snape. It's not like we're planning to touch that dirty Mudblood of yours. We're still eating after all!"
"Yeah, and it shows!" – said Lily sarcastically, her gaze fixed pointedly on a rather conspicuous stain on Aelia's light-blue dress.
"It's wine, you filthy Gryffindor bitch!" – screamed Aelia, furious that the other witch had noticed the misfortunate wine spot she had acquired earlier by gesturing a bit too enthusiastically while holding her glass.
"Whatever! I'm not planning to 'enjoy' your company any longer! Sev, are you coming?" – Lily asked, raising an eyebrow at Snape's indecision.
"I… I think, I'll stay here for now." – mumbled the young wizard quietly.
"Suit yourself!" – The red-headed girl replied tersely before turning on her heel and leaving.
'It's for the better!' – Snape tried to console himself – 'It's going to be much worse for both of us if they see how much I favour Lily. I can't put her in danger! This way it's just going to be a bit of mockery for me. I can soldier through!'
"Don't be so gloomy, Severus!" – Travers chimed in, patting his housemate's back seemingly in a friendly manner – "She's way above your league in terms of looks, but she's still a Mudblood! You can aim for something better. I mean, you clearly don't have the money to afford a proper witch from a good family, but at least seek out another half-blood!"
"Come on, Ambrose! Severus will think we don't like him!" – Rabastan intervened with a sly smile.
"I won't think that." – Snape replied flatly, though his thoughts were far from cordial.
'I bloody know that you don't like me, fucking bastard! You made that abundantly clear when you destroyed my only decent set of clothes while I was in the shower, claiming you mistook them for trash and were doing me a favour by getting rid of them!''
"Naturally, we, the older Basilisks, only want to guide our little snakes and ensure they stay out of trouble." – Lestrange continued with a satisfied smile, misinterpreting Snape's silence as submission to his authority.
"And what was that guidance besides humiliating Severus and destroying his property?" – Lucius Malfoy's voice startled them all.
Rabastan's expression quickly softened into a more pleasant demeanour as he turned to his classmate and friend, flashing a goofy smile. "Well, I did think I was doing him a favour! How could I know those were his 'good clothes'? It was a cultural misunderstanding between purebloods and half-bloods!"
"It's fine, Lucius." – Snape intervened, unwilling to prolong the uncomfortable conversation and wary that further intervention by Malfoy would only lead to more humiliation and pain when the older wizard wouldn't be around. – "I don't particularly enjoy dressing up anyway. I prefer my school uniform."
"Dressing up? When have you ever dressed up?" – Rodolphus Lestrange burst into laughter, ignoring the warning expression from his older brother.
"That's enough!" – Lucius's voice rang out above the laughter, causing all the Slytherins to quickly avert their gazes to the floor, unwilling to meet his eyes – "Severus, a word please."
The two wizards walked away from the rest of the Slytherins, and Snape couldn't shake the discomfort of being once again saved by Lucius.
"You do know that you need them, right?" – the seventh-year broke the silence – "After I leave Hogwarts, you'll have to stand up for yourself and earn their respect!"
"I don't care about their respect. They are just a bunch of stupid kids!" – Snape snapped.
"Even if they are, those people all come from established pure-blood families, and most of them will occupy high positions in every aspect of life." – Malfoy explained, smiling at the sullen expression on the younger Slytherin's face – "You can't succeed in this world based solely on your talent, Severus."
"You're the only one who sees this talent anyway." – mumbled the black-haired boy, his voice barely audible.
"You can't just wait for others to recognise you! This is not the Slytherin way! You need to fight for what you deserve and what belongs to you by right!" – proclaimed the older wizard, his grey eyes flashing.
"I know, but it's going to be very hard once you're out of the school." – admitted Severus.
"I'll still be around. There are certain duties I may take from my father regarding the school, and I'm still going to stay connected with the Basilisks, so naturally, we'll see each other, especially if you manage to climb your way and become a member."
"I'll try my best." – promised Snape without much enthusiasm.
"I have faith in you!" – Malfoy assured him before adding – "However, you do need to make some sacrifices, Severus. You can't just go around snapping at your housemates, let alone attacking them for some insignificant things. And yes, I know it was you who cursed Volumnia and Tullia."
The black-eyed boy looked at the other wizard daringly. "So, what if I did? I had warned them to leave Lily alone, and they didn't listen!"
"That's the other thing." – Lucius frowned – "You should not demonstrate such favouritism towards a Mudblood. I know you like her, and maybe in the future, when you're properly settled and connected to a good pure-blood family, you can even have her. But this is not the time to showcase whatever relationship you may have with Lily Evans, my friend!"
"Isn't that a bit hypocritical, Lucius?" – Snape asked angrily, the very idea of not being close to Lily driving him insane with rage.
"What do you mean?" – retorted the Head Boy.
"I mean that the whole school's talking about how you're stalking this shameless, arrogant excuse of a witch Catherine Plantier!" – hissed Snape, his black eyes bravely fixed at his friend's face – "Just today, I saw her in your lap! How's that any different, if not worse? You have a girlfriend, not to mention you must be pretty sick to be attracted to someone like her!"
"Watch your mouth, Severus!" – Malfoy warned him softly – "I'll let it slide this time because you're clearly agitated. However, you may want to use your impressive spying abilities elsewhere. My private life is not anyone's concern. But for your peace of mind, I'll tell you that you're greatly mistaken regarding my interest in Catherine Plantier."
"You're too young to understand, but there are certain experiences in life which could bring you much more pleasure than sneaking kisses with someone and later engage in a sloppy intercourse. One day, I'll probably tell you more about this, but for now, just know that I adore the confusion, fright, and lack of control reflected on Miss Plantier's face every time she sees me. It gives me the utmost satisfaction to watch all those emotions playing in her eyes. She has such a reactive face! All her feelings are in clear view when you push her boundaries just enough. You'll understand better after a few years. I can see you have it in you. And no, I don't fancy playing with lanky, undeveloped girls in other ways. I have much better toys for that purpose."
Snape started at Lucius with his mouth agape. He wasn't sure that he understood even half of what he had just told him, besides the fact that the older wizard liked it when Catherine Plantier was confused and not in control. The third-year felt strangely uncomfortable, being surprised by such an honest outburst from Malfoy. While Severus wondered how to change the topic, his eyes fell on Professor Slughorn, looking a bit drunk, leaving the dungeon accompanied by none other than Catherine herself.
'What in Merlin's name is she up to now? Lucius could say whatever he wants; she's nothing but trouble. I've never met a more annoying person than Catherine Plantier!' – the boy thought, shaking his head.
Catherine emerged from Slughorn's office just past eleven, finding herself pleasantly surprised by the strength of the Bacchus Bliss Elixir. Not only had the Potion Master provided her with a detailed book containing the exact recipe, but he had also imparted intricate brewing instructions, leaving her brimming with confidence about successfully concocting the Animagi potion once all the necessary ingredients were assembled.
'And the best part is that he wouldn't remember any of this. Plus, I can keep the book!' – thought the girl and couldn't help but grinned widely.
"Where have you been?" – she suddenly heard when she exited the Dungeons.
Greg McMahon, dressed in impeccably tailored silk robes, was leaning against one of the walls, staring at her with clear annoyance.
Catherine met his gaze coolly. "I see no need to account for my whereabouts to you!" - she retorted, her tone frosty - "And what concern is it of yours to be prowling the corridors after curfew?"
"I know it's after curfew. That's precisely why I'm here—to ensure your safe return to Gryffindor Tower." - Greg replied tersely - "I wouldn't dare leave you to wander alone at night, especially after what transpired on Halloween."
His words stung, causing a twinge of guilt to prick Catherine's conscience. Clutching the Guide to Rare and Dangerous Potions tightly to her chest, she fell into step behind her brother, silently acknowledging his concern.
"Thank you for looking out for me." – she finally mumbled softly as they made their way down the corridor towards their Common Room.
Greg's surprise was evident, but he offered a reassuring smile in response. "I'm just glad everything turned out alright tonight. Did you acquire a new book?"
"Yeah! Slughorn gave it to me as some extra preparation for the upcoming lessons. The party was really nice!" – the young witch blabbered a bit too joyfully.
"It was fine." – Greg replied, a hint of suspicion colouring his tone.
"I'm not letting you in after curfew, you know?" – the Fat Lady interrupted them, prompting both Gryffindors to stare at her in disbelief.
"What do you mean you won't let us in?" – Catherine protested – "We know the password. It's Elderberry!"
"Correct! However, Professor McGonagall instructed me not to let anyone in or out after the curfew tonight because she suspected students would try to sneak to the party of Professor Slughorn!" – explained the portrait with a certain pride that she was given such detailed information by the teaching staff.
"That's unacceptable! I'm not sleeping outside!" – Greg's voice rose with anger – "Let us in this instance!"
The Fat Lady attempted to argue, but her eyes lost focus and she swung backward, allowing the surprised students to climb through the hole and finally enter their Common Room.
"What has just happened?" – Greg asked, bewildered.
"It's not the first time for me." – Catherine recalled – "During the Welcoming Feast, I left early and didn't know the password. I told her to let me in and she just did! I wonder what's wrong with her?"
"Perhaps it's because we're heirs of Hogwarts." – Greg suggested in a hushed tone, glancing around at the few students still awake, engaged in conversation and games – "I wonder if it works on other portraits as well?"
"We should test it!" – the young witch grinned.
"I've had enough excitement for one night. I'm going to bed. We can experiment another time." – Greg declared, dragging himself towards the boys' dormitory.
"Good night!" – Catherine bid her brother farewell. Then she waited several minutes, ensuring no one was watching, and darted towards the boys' dormitory herself, eager to share her triumph with her friends.