As the arrival of students from Durmstrang and Beauxbatons drew near, Peri's mind was consumed by one pressing thought: obtaining a contraceptive potion. Despite having made them at Ilvermorny, she had never used one herself. But she wanted to be prepared for foreign guests and potential opportunities. In secret, she attempted to concoct the potion in the potions classroom at Hogwarts, but her efforts were quickly interrupted by the sharp voice of Professor Snape.
Her gaze shifted to the window as dark clouds rolled in, foreshadowing an impending storm. The atmosphere mirrored her own inner turmoil and unease as she recalled her botched attempt at creating the potion earlier that day. The scent of brewing potions still hung heavy in the air, a reminder of her failure and the ever-present danger of being caught breaking school rules.
Peri stood before the cauldron, its contents bubbling and releasing a distinctive scent into the air as she meticulously added each component. A looming presence crept up behind her, casting a heavy shadow over her figure. Despite the tension in the room, she maintained her composure, fixated on her brewing task at hand.
"Ms. King," Snape's voice sliced through the air like frost as he peered at the simmering potion.
Her grip on the stirring rod tightened subtly as she continued to mix, internally hoping that he wouldn't detect the specific ingredients sourced without his consent. "Professor," she responded in a hushed tone.
His gaze shifted from the cauldron's contents to her face, analyzing her expression as she deliberately avoided meeting his eyes directly. "Do you understand the nature of this potion you're concocting?" he inquired.
"Yes, sir."
"And who is it intended for? I am informed of Ms. Porter and Mr. Weasley's disciplinary measures for their conduct on school grounds."
Turning to face him now, frustration etched across her features, Peri rebutted firmly, "Hallie and Fred were not engaging in any misconduct. They were merely exchanging flirting, nothing more. If given space, they might develop something..."
"Because they were apprehended," Snape interjected sharply.
"Do educators here not have other responsibilities besides prying into students' affairs?"
"We must mentor and safeguard students while nurturing their academic growth. However, this doesn't negate that Ms. Porter is only fourteen and may not be emotionally prepared for such interactions." Snape's piercing gaze left hers momentarily to inspect the brewing potion before returning to lock eyes with her again. "So this elixir is for yourself, then?"
Peri remained silent, pivoting away to resume her work without acknowledging his question.
"I cannot permit you to proceed," Snape declared with a swift gesture, causing the cauldron's contents to vanish instantly. "Should you genuinely require this potion, seek authorization from Madam Pomfrey at the hospital wing."
Irritated by Snape's interference, Peri snatched up her bag and stormed towards the hospital wing, muttering, "I was aiming for discretion."
"You're just fifteen; contemplating such matters should be far from your thoughts," Snape's voice trailed after her down the corridor.
"This is my body and my decision," Peri shot back defiantly. "And sometimes you need the potion for more than sex." She made her way towards medical assistance.
"Peri, dear," a soft voice called out, gently tugging Peri from her reverie. "You took the potion at Ilvermorny, so I'll allow you to have it now. Just remember to adhere to the instructions precisely, or else..."
Peri nodded in acknowledgment.
Engrossed in her task, Madame Pomfrey scribbled diligently on Peri's extensive medical record. The file chronicled numerous skirmishes at Ilvermorny that had left Peri with a trail of injuries. Passing over a dark brown bottle, Madame Pomfrey offered a nod. "I'll expect to see you back here in a month."
Peri rose from the creaky wooden chair, her muscles protesting the sudden movement, and crossed the cramped office to the door. With a soft creak, she swung it open, revealing Hallie standing on the threshold with her knuckles poised mid-air to rap against the wood. The shift in Hallie's expression didn't escape Peri; anxiety melted into raw fear as she glimpsed the small vial clutched tightly in Peri's palm. "Peri... what's wrong?" Hallie's voice wavered, her eyes fixated on the ominous container.
Peri's fingers delicately cradled the vial, its glass cool against her skin as she carefully slipped it into the depths of her robe pocket. "I'm not unwell," she reassured, her voice soft yet stubborn, "just a potion. I assure you, I'm perfectly fine."
A brief pause hung between them before she inquired with genuine concern, "Are you feeling alright?."
A flicker of worry crossed Hallie's features as she admitted, "I need a potion too...Katie mentioned it to me. She mentioned that Fred may hold more than romantic inclinations towards me."
Peri's grip tightened around the vial concealed within her pocket, realization dawning on Hallie's true intentions.
"Hallie..." Peri began, her words trailing off abruptly as Madame Pomfrey materialized behind her, having stowed Peri's medical record away.
"Ms. King, you're free to resume your studies," the matron announced before glancing over her shoulder and striding past Peri to Hallie, "Ms. Porter, I am ready for you."
Peri stood anxiously outside the Hospital Wing doors, her heart pounding with worry. As she waited, her cousin unexpectedly appeared. "Peri?" Pansy's voice held a hint of concern as she addressed her. It was a rare moment of direct communication between them since their official introduction two months ago.
Looking up from the ground, Peri's mind was consumed by troubling thoughts about her younger sister possibly being involved in intimate activities at just fourteen years old. Despite engaging in similar behaviors, she couldn't bear the idea of her sister following the same path.
"Pansy?" Peri's voice quivered slightly as she spoke up.
"Why are you out here by the hospital wing?" Pansy questioned.
Peri furrowed her brow in confusion at Pansy's question. "What do you mean?"
"You're standing outside the hospital wing," Pansy clarified, concern evident in her tone. "Are you okay?"
With a slight nod, Peri replied, "Yes... why do you ask?"
"We may not see eye to eye," Pansy began softly, choosing her words carefully. "But we share blood ties. I may not always approve of your choices, but I still care about my family. Besides our grandparents and parents, we only have each other. We don't have to be close, but I can't help but worry if you're in trouble."
Peri gave a slight nod, her lips curling into a grateful smile. "I may not share your beliefs, but I value our concern for each other," she acknowledged.
Pansy reciprocated the sentiment with a nod before strolling away, leaving Peri with a soft sense of contentment. Despite their familial disparities, knowing her cousin cared warmed her heart.
As Pansy disappeared, Hallie emerged from the Hospital Wing's double doors. Peri swiftly reached out and halted her progress. "Hallie Ann!" she reprimanded firmly.
"Peri..." Hallie mumbled, avoiding direct eye contact.
"You're only fourteen!" Peri's tone held a mix of exasperation and concern.
Hallie retorted sarcastically, "Oh really? Must have missed quite a few birthdays then."
Rolling her eyes at Hallie's quip, Peri pressed on, "What were you thinking, getting a potion like that?"
"I could ask you the same question…but you have been sleeping around too."
She eyed her sister, "This is not about me, and I have not done that since Ilvermorny."
"And this is my business. I have a sixteen-year-old who loves me. I love him, and he…I believe he loves me. We have not said anything about liking each other, but he is handsome."
Peri's eyes narrowed in disbelief, "Two months, and you think you're ready to be intimate with him? You can't rush into something like that with a virtual stranger. He has not even asked you out."
"He takes me to get butterbeer when we go to Hogsmeade or sit by the lake enjoying each other."
"But that is just being friends. I do that with George and Draco."
Her sister bristled, retorting sharply, "This isn't one of your casual flings. I want a real relationship with him where I am sure you only want to sleep with George, Draco, or both. Which you know sleeping with Draco will upset Holly."
A flash of anger crossed Peri's face as she warned, "I don't sleep around anymore."
"Don't act like you're above me. We may share a sisterly bond, but we're not even blood-related. You don't dictate my choices. This is my life," Hallie declared before storming away. Peri stood in frustration, watching her sister's departure before stomping to her dorm room.
The highly anticipated 30th of October had finally arrived, and the students stood outside in anticipation of their foreign guests. Suddenly, a hush fell over the crowd as they caught sight of the Beauxbaton students arriving in a magnificent flying carriage being pulled by a dozen winged horses, each standing tall and regal like an elephant. The students gasped in awe at their beauty, Peri standing with her housemates as they watched the graceful creatures glide in for a landing. "They're breathtaking," she whispered.
"Indeed," Draco agreed, his eyes following the path of the winged horses towards Holly.
Curious, Peri followed his gaze and couldn't help but tease him, "Will you go for her already?"
He tore his eyes away from Holly and looked at Peri with a pained expression, "You know I can't."
"Then be discreet, Draco," she urged, knowing how strong his feelings for Holly were and hers equally to him.
The excited chatter of the Hogwarts students slowly faded into a hush, all eyes turning towards the grand entrance to the castle where the Beauxbaton carriage had just arrived. The carriage, adorned with intricate gold detailing and pulled by magnificent winged horses, glided gracefully to a stop near the entrance. As the doors swung open, an imposing figure emerged - the headmistress of Beauxbatons herself. Despite her towering stature, she exuded warmth and kindness with her gentle smile and twinkling eyes.
Following closely behind her was a man whose appearance seemed at odds with the grandeur of the headmistress and her carriage. His shabby chic clothing and weary expression gave him an air of humble charm, but his demeanor also gave him a sense of strength and wisdom. A shock of light brown hair fell messily across his forehead, framing a face that was both handsome and weathered. As she gazed upon him, a sense of recognition washed over her - she had seen him before in holiday cards sent to her family.
Remus Lupin.
Overhearing a student's question about his identity, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of excitement. She had heard her mother speak fondly of him as he had attended her wedding to Richard. However, he rarely visited as he resided in the French countryside with his godchildren - the children of Sirius Black. Remus was now living with their mother while their father served time in Azkaban. Although last Peri heard, Sirius was on the run. Remus had taken a break from his duties to teach at Hogwarts for a year before returning to France to care for the children. Though she didn't know them personally, her family received holiday cards yearly. As she watched Lupin converse with Dumbledore, she couldn't help but wonder about his relationship with the children and how they were coping without their father.
Her gaze swiftly found the two siblings among the crowd. The boy bore a striking resemblance to their father, with his unruly curls of deep black and piercing grey eyes that mirrored Sirius Black. He entered the world in June 1981, merely four months prior to his father's apprehension. His name, Remulus Noir, but he went primarily by Remi, stood out as a blend of his late uncle Regulus Black and his godfather Remus Lupin, creating a distinctive moniker that echoed both loss and protection in equal measure.
His sister, who shared similar features, had followed the theme of her lineage before her: astrology-based names. Her name was Cressida, although, to most, she was called Ida. Their father wanted to remove any trace of his family, while their mother, who believed in family values, kept the tradition of astrology names but changed the last name to have a connection to her French ancestors.
As the students, Remus, and the headmistress disappeared into the warmth of the school, she couldn't help but feel a pang of envy. The thought of her parents waiting inside to greet them with refreshments at the Welcome Feast made her heartache.
A magical sight greeted her when she turned back to face the lake. Slowly emerging from the depths was a long, ebony pole, followed by the magnificent ship it belonged to. Gleaming against the moonlight, it had a hauntingly beautiful skeletal structure. The misty lights dancing in the portholes added to its otherworldly aura. Its headmaster and students disembarked as it anchored down, their silhouettes outlined against the shimmering water.
The headmaster greeted Dumbledore before presenting Krum, who stood proudly below on the hill from which they were all watching. Excitement bubbled in the students as they caught a glimpse of him, eagerly awaiting his arrival at their school.
The grand hall was bustling with conversation and laughter as the students settled in at their house tables for dinner. After the official introductions of the schools, everyone eagerly awaited what Dumbledore had to say.
With a calm yet commanding tone, he began, "Now that everyone is settled in and sorted, I'd like to make an announcement."
The room fell silent as all eyes turned to him.
He continued, "This castle will no longer be only your home this year but home to some exceptional guests as well." As he spoke, Peri couldn't help but feel a sense of curiosity and excitement wash over her. Suddenly, her mom stepped forward, catching everyone's attention. "I will allow Mrs. Banks to give the further introduction," Dumbledore announced before stepping aside and allowing Iris' mother to take the podium. Anticipation filled the air as Mrs. Banks cleared her throat and began her speech.
Cassie cleared her throat slightly, "I mentioned this at the beginning of September when everyone first arrived. Hogwarts has been chosen to host a legendary event. The Triwizard Tournament. For those who do not know, the Triwizard Tournament brings together three schools for a series of magical contests. A single student is selected from each school to compete. If you are chosen you will stand alone, these contests are not for the faint-hearted. I have been there to hand pick these contests," she paused, observing the students, "For now, please help me in welcoming the enchanting students from Beauxbaton Academy of Magic," the doors flew open, "And their headmistress, Madame Maxine, accompanied by Mr. Lupin."
The students all turned in unison, drawn by the entrance of the stunning young ladies and gentlemen from Beauxbaton. They walked in with grace and poise, their robes billowing behind them like regal capes. Behind them came a group of handsome young men, each one thinner than the Durmstrang students they had glimpsed earlier. These Beauxbaton males exuded an air of royalty with chiseled features and confident strides. One couldn't help but imagine them as fairy tale princes come to life.
The students and Karkaroff reached the front and greeted Dumbledore and Cassie as the Beauxbaton students had before them.
Dumbledore moved to the front, "Hogwarts! Let's entertain our friends in the best way we can. All stand!"
The entire student body stood up as the Hogwarts song filled the Great Hall; it felt cringe-worthy compared to the impressive displays by the Beauxbatons and Durmstrang students. While Beauxbatons students elegantly released colorful butterflies from their enchanted cloaks, adding a whimsical beauty to the air, the Durmstrang students showcased daring acrobatics and illusions reminiscent of a mesmerizing circus performance. Hallie couldn't help but feel that their house's traditional song paled compared to the enchanting butterflies and thrilling stunts around them.
The Beauxbaton students chose to sit at the Ravenclaw table while Hallie remained interested in Ida and Remi.
Peri shifted her focus towards the Durmstrang students, her gaze landing on Krum beside her. She extended a hand towards him and introduced herself with a warm smile, "Hello, I'm Peri."
Krum appeared lean yet exuded strength, his sinewy arms hinting at hidden power beneath his dark, olive-toned skin. His prominent nose arched gracefully above a pair of thick black eyebrows that mirrored the shade of his closely cropped hair.
Returning the introduction courteously, Krum replied, "Viktor."
She reached out to shake hands, but to her surprise, he lifted her delicate hand to his lips, pressing a gentle kiss upon it. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Peri," he murmured before releasing her hand with care.
Curiosity flickered in his eyes as he remarked, "Peri? Isn't that typically a boy's name?"
She responded effortlessly, "It's short for Periwinkle; I often get that misconception."
Although Krum's lips had only brushed against her skin for a second, Peri could still feel the warmth of his touch lingering on her hand. She wasn't used to such chivalrous gestures, especially from boys around her age.
"He must have been raised with traditional values," she thought, brushing off the fluttering feeling in her stomach. But she couldn't deny that his actions had caught her off guard and left a tiny spark of excitement inside her.
Krum's lips curved into a small smile as if reading her thoughts. "A pleasure indeed," he repeated, his accent making the words sound even more alluring.
Peri couldn't help but blush under his gaze. She quickly turned to focus on the rest of the Durmstrang students, hoping to distract herself from the intense eye contact.
From the Gryffindor table, George couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy as he watched Peri and Krum's interaction. He knew he had no right to be possessive over her, but since their first meeting, George couldn't shake off the feeling that Peri was someone special.
"I can't believe it," he thought, glaring at Krum. "He's stealing my woman."
Fred nudged his twin brother with a smirk. "Looks like someone's got a case of the green-eyed monster," he teased.
George scowled at him before focusing his attention back on Peri and Krum. He wasn't about to let some Durmstrang student swoop in and steal his chance with her.
"You are one to talk," George scoffed, his lips curling into a sly smile. "You won't even ask Hallie out officially."
"We are friends," Fred replied with a shrug, unable to meet his brother's teasing gaze.
"Yes, because friends take their friends on romantic picnics alone to the Black Lake and for butterbeer in a cozy corner of the Three Broomsticks." George's voice was filled with playful accusation as she leaned closer to him, his eyes dancing mischievously.
As the night went on, George watched Peri and made sure she wasn't spending too much time with Krum. He couldn't deny that there was a specific chemistry between them, but he refused to let that get in the way of his feelings for her.
At least it was not Malfoy.
Meanwhile, Krum seemed obvious to George's competitive stare as he eng conversed with Peri. He found her wit and intelligence intriguing and enjoyed the challenge of keeping up with her quick remarks.
Peri also found herself enjoying Krum's company more than she expected. She couldn't help but be drawn in by his charming demeanor and the mystery surrounding him.
Peri's farewell to Krum marked the end of the night. Each headed towards their homes. Amidst the fading darkness, a shadow seemed to linger, catching Peri's attention.
She turned her head to see George, his brows furrowed in concern. "Is everything alright?" The soft echo of his footsteps followed behind her as he caught up to her, his steps careful and precise on the stone floor.
With a forced smile, George replied, "Yeah, just feeling a bit tired, I suppose." His shoulders slumped slightly, betraying his nonchalant words.
Peri nodded understandingly, her eyes flickering towards the two paths before them. "Well, Gryffindor Tower is that way," she gestured towards the left. "And Slytherin Dungeon is this way," she pointed to the right.
George's gaze lingered on the group of Gryffindors walking towards their house. His heart raced with the desire to finally confess his feelings to the one person he had been admiring for so long. But as he opened his mouth, words seemed to fail him for the first time. The weight of his emotions made it feel like a lump in his throat prevented him from speaking. What was happening to him? He had always been quick-witted and smooth with words, but now they eluded him when he needed them most.
"Peri, you coming," Draco called from ahead of them.
Peri looked down the corridor toward her housemate, "Coming. Night, George."
"Night Peri."
Peri couldn't shake off the feeling of George's odd behavior as she returned to the Slytherin dungeon with Draco. She couldn't understand why he seemed so distant and closed off, especially after their enjoyable evening at the feast.
Draco, on the other hand, was utterly oblivious to any tension between Peri and George. He was too caught up in his thoughts, particularly about Holly.
"Peri?" Draco's voice broke through her thoughts.
"Hmm?" She looked at him questioningly.
"Do you think Weasley likes you," he clarified with a slight smirk.
Peri rolled her eyes playfully. "We are friends."
"And Krum?"
"He is handsome, and I wouldn't object to furthering anything, but I am not looking for a relationship.
Draco nodded in agreement before turning back to his thoughts.
As they arrived at the entrance to the Slytherin standard room, Blaise casually draped his arm over Peri's shoulder. His smirk was almost tangible, a mix of mischief and desire. Peri pushed his arm off, an amused look on his face. "Not looking for a relationship?" Blaise teased, "What about something more...casual?"
Peri rolled his eyes, "Is there something in the pumpkin juice that's making all your fourth-year classmates so horny?"
Draco joined in with a sly smile, "Perhaps it's just their raging hormones." The trio chuckled as they made their way into the dimly lit standard room, where the air was thick with the scents of firewood and old books.
With a sharp spin on her heel, she whipped around to face the group of boys. A flicker of confidence danced in her eyes as she spoke, "When you've grown a few more years and matured, then maybe we'll have something to discuss." Her words were laced with a hint of challenge, daring them to prove their worth.
"Until then, goodnight, boys."
"Night, Peri," they called after her.
She changed into her pajamas and settled into bed in her dorm, but she couldn't stop thinking about George. What could be bothering him?