CHAPTER 18: Victoria Sponge
January, 1996
Fifth Year
Daphne Greengrass looked at herself in the mirror for what felt like the first time in years.
There was nothing different. Her hair was the same, her eyes were the same… She was still the picture-perfect Slytherin the girl other girls wished they were. Blonde hair, sparkling eyes; but, something felt different.
No one else was in the dorm room. It was far too early in the year for many students to have returned to Hogwarts, and perhaps her solitude was something she'd designed herself, but she wasn't ready to unbox that quite yet. No, not yet. Maybe later.
She could hear the words echoing through her head. The words she didn't quite know if she regretted yet.
"I'm not this person."
"You make me reckless."
"I'm sorry."
She didn't know if she had made a mistake. She didn't know, couldn't know, and she wouldn't know for a long time. But she did know one thing, something a dear friend had told her long ago;
"To survive, sometimes you'd have to break your own heart."
March, 1995
Fourth Year
Boyfriend.
Madeline had a boyfriend.
The news had spread around Hogwarts faster than she could have ever imagined. It had started with the odd stare from unknown students, especially the mornings she'd decided to spend at the Gryffindor table, eating her breakfast next to her boyfriend. It soon escalated to hushed whispers and gossip, until eventually the entirety of Hogwarts was now well-aware of the innermost workings of her newly blossoming relationship. Or, well, whatever gossip they'd made up.
Madeline liked to think that nothing much had changed between herself and Fred. He was as affectionate as ever, if not more (which should be expected, really). They still joked and laughed easily, and she could still tease him about his lack of skills in Wizard Chess without feeling guilty. It all felt easy, like their friendship hasn't simply vanished in favour of romance, which was a refreshing feeling for once.
Fleur had, of course, been positively beaming at the news of the new couple. In fact, she had almost run up to Fred herself to congratulate him (thankfully Madeline had a strong grip and fast reflexes, and the girl did not go very far). Cedric had simply clapped her on the back proudly one breakfast, which Madeline found quite fitting. Daphne and Theo, of course, were happy for her, the former interrogating her for all the juicy details she seemed to be convinced Madeline was hiding.
And so, over the next few days, Madeline began spending more and more time around the Weasley boy. It had started with breakfast and lunch together at the Gryffindor table, under the watchful judgemental eye of Ron Weasley, escalating to shy kisses on the cheek to say goodbye. It felt comfortable, despite the awkward blushing and stuttering (from both of them, thank you very much).
But she liked him. She really did. She liked the way he could make her laugh, make her feel carefree and wild. He made her forget the looming future. The couple was by no means a favourite topic of conversation in Slytherin house, but Madeline didn't care. She wasn't just a Slytherin, after all.
It was yet again breakfast. She was sat with Fred, his arm resting around her shoulders as they all laughed along to Lee Jordan's story of how he met the twins (which was rather sweet, actually). Their classes started in just a half-hour, with Defence Against The Dark Arts first for Madeline.
She hadn't particularly been hating the class, unlike most of her peers. Sure, Moody had some… Questionable teaching methods, but at least he didn't make them all write essay upon essay of theory work.
Madeline was halfway through her second helping of pancakes when the school owls began swooping into the Great Hall. Madeline could spot Hedwig and Pigwidgeon too, both of which swooped down to the Gryffindor table with letters tied to their legs.
"Were you expecting mail Harry?" Hermione asked curiously, although there was an undertone to her voice that made Madeline's eyebrow raise.
"Yeah," Harry nodded stiffly, scanning the envelope before quickly pocketing the letter in his robe, "I'll read it later."
Madeline found the behaviour very odd, but then again, she wasn't exactly in the know-how with the Golden Trio. Sure, her and Harry were friendly, but she didn't quite know where she stood with Hermione just yet, and Ron was a whole other sto-
"George Weasley, explain yourself at once!"
"Were you expecting mail?" Ron joked to George as the Howler between his hands began screaming, lifting itself into the air.
"How DARE YOU not tell your father and I about your new girlfriend?!" Molly Weasley's voice howled. Madeline could feel her cheeks heating up in embarrassment, "And to find out from a gossip magazine! What kind of girl is she?! You're lucky I'm not dragging you home myself to explain-"
Hermione grabbed the Howler and pushed into her goblet of pumpkin juice, muffling the screaming. She smiled at Madeline sheepishly as the Howler continued to ramble on, Fred turning to face her quickly.
"So… That's your mum," Madeline observed lamely, "She sounds happy."
"I'll explain everything when we go home for Easter," Fred explained sheepishly, "I'm pretty sure she doesn't listen to that rubbish anyway."
"Pretty sure?" Madeline asked with a raised brow.
"She has a subscription," Ron pointed out as Hermione fished out the drowned Howler from her goblet.
Madeline looked at Fred in amusement as he kicked Ron's leg under the table. She shook her head playfully, patting his arm, "It's alright; I mean, she's got the wrong brother and all, but the article is rubbish. I'm not worried."
Okay, maybe she was a little worried about what her boyfriends mother would think of her, but only a little.
"Really?" Fred asked.
"It'll be fine," Madeline stated, fully turning back to the table and taking a sip out of her glass of water, "Gossip dies down, right?"
"Miss Bisset, a word," Mad-Eye Moody announced as the class began packing away their quills, "I'll write you a late note for your next lesson."
Madeline looked up at the Professor in surprise, but nodded in understanding. She couldn't fathom what he could possibly want to speak to her about, but quite frankly, she wasn't about to argue with Moody.
Neville looked at her with worry as he packed his parchments away. Even Daphne and Theo turned to look at her in confusion. All Madeline could do was shrug at her friends as she too began packing her stuff back into her satchel. However, she didn't stand up like her classmates. She watched as they slowly filed out of the room, Pansy and Crabbe cackling loudly about a remark Draco had made.
Moody limped over to her desk, moving a chair to the opposite side of her desk. He sat himself down soundly, his magical eye focused on her (unsettlingly so, Madeline thought).
"I may be new to teaching, Miss Bisset, but I'm no idiot," Moody started bluntly, "You have an aptitude for this class that is rare to see in students your age."
"Really?" Madeline blurted out, her eyes widening in surprise. She'd always been clever, but not to this extent.
"You resisted the Imperius curse skillfully, and your essays have been rather impressive," Moody continued. He spoke not to praise her, not by any means, but to simply state the facts he believed in. Madeline knew this, "Have you considered a career as an Auror?"
"Me?" Madeline couldn't help but laugh, "Absolutely not."
Moody leant back, thinking, "I understand your family come from a rather… Particular line of work."
Madeline nodded stiffly, "The tradition would be to enter a profession in the Ministry, or something equally as high-ranking and non-practical."
Moody nodded as he unscrewed the top of his flask, taking a large sip of the mysterious liquid. Madeline had started wondering what exactly he was drinking, but she'd also heard a rumour that Moody was paranoid to the point of preparing all his food and drink himself, including his meals for Hogwarts.
"You're a talented witch," Moody continued to observe, "And you seem to be rather close with Potter."
"He's a friend," Madeline agreed, confused.
"Do keep an eye on him, will you?" Moody continued, leaning forwards, "Between me and you… I have a strong suspicion that someone might want him dead."
"What clued you in?"
"Again; I'm no idiot, Bisset," Moody continued, lowering his voice, "I was in the meeting with your mother and Dumbledore prior to your transfer. I know the whispers and the rumours circulating, and I'm sure you're aware of them too."
Madeline knew what he was talking about. The whispers of the dark ages returning, of another war. A notion left unspoken in high society, because words were not needed for the knowledge to travel. You could feel it in the air sometimes; the fear and worry. And Madeline had been ignoring it. And here was Moody, making her face it.
"You're going to have to make a choice one day, Miss Bisset," Moody continued, pulling out a late note from his coat pocket, "Keep your eyes and ears open, especially around Potter. You never know who might be lurking around the corner, and a witch with your talent is a powerful ally to have."
Her conversation with Moody left Madeline shaken for quite a few days.
Plainly, Moody had heavily suggested that he believed that something dark was coming, like her mother had. And, he'd also heavily suggested that she should protect Harry Potter because, in his words, she was a 'talented' witch.
"Talented my ass," Madeline huffed as she stomped up to the Owlery a few days later.
She found herself in the Owlery a few days before the start of the Easter holidays. She'd received confirmation from her aunt that she was more than welcome to stay with her over the break, and has just sent an owl to her mother to inform her of this. Although the winter was still upon Hogwarts, it had since stopped snowing so heavily, meaning that Madeline had forgone her Slytherin scarf that morning in favour of Fred's green sweater.
She was busy feeding a couple of the school owls, knowing that most students probably didn't use them so close to the holidays. She pet Hedwig's head fondly, a small smile on her face. Yet, it was also a chilling reminder of the fact that Harry Potter was definitely in danger, and she didn't know what to do with this information. Should she warn him? And if so, of what exactly? Were the other champions in danger too?
"Whatcha doing?"
Madeline jumped at the sound of the young girls voice, Hedwig swooping out of her little alcove and to the other side of the tower. She spun around to face none other than young Evie Sterling, the very Slytherin that Madeline had stormed the Gryffindor Tower for before the Yule Ball.
"Christ, you scared me," Madeline huffed, hand on her chest as she caught her breath.
"Sorry," Evie laughed, leaning back against one of the wooden pillar, "Preparing for the holidays?"
"Something like that," Madeline sighed, "Its like it was only yesterday we were preparing for the winter break. It feel like time is flying, you know?"
"With your new boyfriend?"
"Shut up," Madeline laughed. Over the last few months, Evie had opened up a lot from the former shy girl she had once been. She was growing up to most definitely become a force of nature, Madeline thought.
"Are you sending a letter home?"
Evie began blushing, rubbing the back of her neck, clearly embarrassed, "My parents are Muggles, so they don't really understand the whole 'owl' thing. I try not to send too many letters; trying to ease them into it."
Madeline nodded understandingly. Or well, she knew she couldn't truly understand how it felt to be muggle-born, but she could try. It wasn't something she believed Evie should be ashamed of, not at all. Besides, Evie held her own with her classmates without needing to grow up with magic.
"Technology doesn't work in Hogwarts, does it? " Madeline asked, recalling Hermione's words in the Gryffindor common room.
Evie shook her head, "I wish. Phones would make things so much easier."
Madeline nodded, rolling her eyes, "And pens. Quills are seriously outdated. Although you kind of have to appreciate the whole academic allure of it."
Evie laughed, "Honestly, imagine how much more we could get done with a pen?"
"It would blow McGonagall's mind."
The two Slytherins laughed heartily. If anything, Madeline was glad she knew enough about Muggle technology to be able to talk about it with Evie. It meant that the young girl wouldn't feel completely alone in Slytherin.
The two were interrupted by someone clearing their throat. Madeline turned to the entrance of the Owlery to find none other that Cedric Diggory, clad in his Hufflepuff tie and robes, with a stack of letters in his hands.
"Funny seeing you here again, Bisset," Cedric teased, walking to her and nudging her playfully, "Arguing with the owls?"
"Not this time," Madeline joked, turning and gesturing to Evie, "This is Evie, by the way; she's in first year."
Cedric nodded to the girl, ever-so charmingly, "Nice to meet you."
Evie didn't replied. Madeline looked at the girl in concern, noticing her flushed cheeks and wide eyes, and oh, she realised. She has a crush.
"Nice to m-meet you," Evie eventually managed, nodding shyly and tilting her head down, hiding her face away from the boy.
Cedric didn't seem phased, and Madeline realised he probably had quite a few first-years fawn over him. After all, he was the original Hogwarts Champion, and Madeline could appreciate that he was attractive (but once again, not her type).
"I-I need to go pack," Evie rushed quickly, moving to the entrance of the Owlery as quickly as she could, "I'll see you later, Madeline!"
And with a final shy nod to Cedric, the girl rushed down the steps of the tower and away from the two friends.
"She's shy," Cedric observed after a few moments. He made his way over to his owl, stroking the feathers of the bird as he began tying the letters to it's legs.
Madeline shrugged, "She'll grow out of it, I think. Who are you sending all those to?"
"My family," Cedric smiled, "My dad is coming to see the final task."
Madeline's eyebrows raised, "Is he allowed?"
"He's insisting," Cedric shrugged, turning to Madeline, "Are you going back to France for the break?"
Madeline nodded, "I know it's only a week, but my aunt has… Insisted on seeing me."
Cedric nodded understandingly, "I mean, you've had a pretty full year."
"And you haven't?"
"Touché," Cedric smirked. He grew serious after a few moments spent in silence, "How are you holding up, though?"
"What do you mean?"
"I read the article," Cedric continued slowly, "And, uh, I can't imagine you're exactly happy about it. If it's any consolation, I made sure the Hufflepuffs used every copy we had of Witch Weekly as firewood."
"I appreciate that," Madeline shrugged, "But it's not like I can Obliviate everyone to forget it. Gossip dies out eventually."
"Yeah, but I know how you feel about your family values. I know you don't believe in all that blood-purity stuff," Cedric supplied.
Madeline bit her lip. Her mind drifted back to that conversation she'd had with Cedric after he'd put his name in the Goblet. Merlin, it felt like years ago. A lot had changed since then, including Madeline herself
"Cedric… Do you remember when I said my mum would rather see me marry a Muggle than a Death Eater?"
Cedric raised his eyebrow, "…Yes? Vaguely?"
Madeline sighed, looking him in the eyes, "I don't think that's true anymore."
Madeline didn't know what she'd expected from the Hogwarts Kitchens, but it was definitely not what she'd imagined.
Cedric had all but dragged her away to the hidden entrance after her admission in the Owlery, clearly sensing she was in dire need of a hot chocolate, cake, and a friend that didn't live in the bed next to hers. There weren't many words exchanged between the two until they reached a painting of a fruit bowl just nearby the Hufflepuff Common Room entrance. Cedric didn't say anything, but tickled the pear in the bowl. It immediately began giggling, swinging the painting open to reveal the entrance to the kitchen.
The House Elves unsettled her, and she finally understood why Hermione had been so adamant to fight for her cause. She'd never had House Elves in France; her mother had insisted on paying chefs and maids if-and-when they needed the extra help. And to be honest, her family had more than enough money to employ the entirety of the Hogwarts staff for years without breaking the bank. But seeing Elves so conditioned to serve Witches and Wizards without payment… It didn't sit right with her. She made a mental note to bring it up the next time she saw Hermione.
The two friends sat underneath the canopy of the window, legs pulled up to their chests and out of the way of the Elves as they prepared for the next meal. One specific elf, Dobby, continuously checked up on the pair until Cedric promised that two mugs of hot chocolate and two slices of Victoria sponge were more than enough.
"So," Cedric began, blowing cool air over his mug, "What happened?"
Madeline sighed, leaning back against the wall, "I've been appointed as the next Head of The Family."
"And that's a bad thing?"
"It is if you know what it's implications suggest," she lowered her voice, ensuring the elves couldn't hear them, "Moody, Dumbledore, my mother… They all think something dark is coming. Moody kept me after class the other day, and basically confirmed everyones suspicions. And Rita Skeeter didn't exactly lie about my family past."
Cedric thought for a few moments, "So… You think that if He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named somehow returns…"
"That I'll be first in line for a brand new tattoo, to put it simply."
Cedric took a long sip of hot chocolate, "But you have a choice."
"Do I?"
"You always do," Cedric shrugged, "I mean, from what I've heard, you're not exactly someone who'll go down without a fight. So, design your own path."
"Easier said than done."
"You won't know that until you try."
Madeline knew he was right, with his unfaltering kind eyes and warm smile. Even in a serious situation, Cedric could still find the light at the end of the tunnel. Madeline decided then that she had to change the conversation, before he became involved in something he still had a chance to escape from.
"Do you know what the third task is yet?" she asked, taking a sip of her drink.
Cedric shook his head, "No idea; they won't tell us for a while, I think. Cho reckons it'll be something to do with character or determination, or something."
Madeline wiggled her eyebrows, "How's your favourite Ravenclaw doing?"
"She's fine, thank you," Cedric smiled, narrowing his eyes, "But what about Weasley?"
"He's also fine, thank you," Madeline mimicked.
"No juicy secrets? Scandalous hissyfits? Because I'm pretty sure you're the reason half of the girls in my year no longer believe in love."
"Not my fault," Madeline shrugged, "Although, I'm surprised I haven't received any major backlash from the Gryffindors. I mean, I'm in their common room more than probably allowed, and I eat with them sometimes."
"How's your house taking it?"
"Fine," Madeline sighed, "I mean, I've had the odd snarky remark from Draco or Pansy, or their goons, but most of them don't really care."
Cedric scoffed, "Wait until Quidditch season rolls around next year."
Madeline smirked, turning her head to look out of the kitchen windows. The grounds were still frosty, and if she squinted, she could spot a couple of students running around in the wintery grass. She didn't know how long she had left in Hogwarts, because although her family had allowed her to finish her studies here, she knew she couldn't truly hold that promise as certain. Not if Moody was right.
"Do you think it's true?" Madeline asked, eyes fixated on the glass, "That he'll come back?"
Cedric didn't speak for a few long moments. The only sound that could be heard was the Elves in the kitchens, running around preparing the food, and the gentle winds whizzing past the window.
Eventually, he simply held the slice of cake out to Madeline, a small smile on his face.
"I don't know," Cedric admitted, "And I'm sorry I can't give you an answer."
In that moment, Madeline realised that Cedric understood her. He understood how she tortured herself with the unknown, and he didn't judge her for the choices she might have to make one day.
Madeline accepted the cake with a smile, knowing in that moment that she'd made a friend for life. A friend she wasn't willing to let go.
A/N: I drank four coffees to get this chapter done.
It seems that a lot of people are worried about the little snippet I added at the beginning of Chapter 16, and what it means for the rest of the story.
Without spoiling anything, I can confirm that the snippet does not come anywhere near the end of the story. So don't worry, the story will have a happy ending ;)
I have already written scenes that are coming in later years of Madeline's life in Hogwarts, so I've began adding a few at the beginning of chapters, as I feel that the story is dragging a little in terms of this first year. I'm hoping to move onto Order of The Phoenix by the end of this year.