4. Amaryllis Selwyn

It was the morning of our first Hogsmeade weekend and I have come to find that I am low on tea. Alicia, who after our pick-up game, constantly asked me questions about my mother's tea brand, Serenitea, had gotten one of the last few packs. Although, it was my own fault for offering it to her as I was eager to make friends with anyone in my house that would give me the time of day.

It didn't bother me, however, knowing that we were heading to Hogsmeade where Madame Puddifoot served excellent tea. I never admitted to anyone that her tea had a slight edge over my mother's in the flavor department, which is just me following my mother's lead, of course. Although, it didn't give the same effects as what only my mother's brew can give. Her charms were by far the best in the tea industry.

--

Greeting us just outside of the castle was the spectacle of Malfoy trying to make his way up in the school's social rankings. Except I think he would rather call it 'Hogwarts's leagues of dominance'.

"That broomstick of yours is quite impressive," Malfoy mused. "May I have a look?"

"Sure," beamed the first-year Hufflepuff. I assumed she was a muggleborn, but that still doesn't explain how she hasn't caught on to the stigma of Slytherins since they were mostly terrible from the start.

But still, I must admit that even I was caught off guard. I didn't think Malfoy was capable of any form of deception. I guess that's my mistake for letting House Black's decision of disowning my mother cloud my judgement. Here I was thinking he was just a git.

"Ha," Malfoy triumphantly shouted as he clutched the Nimbus 2000. "You idiot... Yes, this will do until father has- ack!"

The Hufflepuff struck him with an impressive Stinging Jinx that left both of Malfoy's hands swollen. She picked up her broomstick and flew away, cackling almost.

I heard a smack that I can only assume was Adrian's palm against his forehead. That detail was the only thing that kept me from laughing. Aaron, however, had no read of the room or most probably just ignored the fact.

"Well, what are the two of you waiting for," Malfoy demanded, looking between his two henchmen, Crabbe and Goyle, both of whom were still yet to learn a proper spell.

The two large boys then took off after the witch, each in a clumsy sprint, picking up stones along the way to chuck at her. That right there did manage to break my resolve, although Adrian has parted from us by then and was now on his way to Malfoy as the three of us tried to follow behind him, but couldn't as we succumbed to our amusement, meeting the grass with our palms and knees and almost missing Goyle getting hit with a Tripping Jinx. This year's batch seems to have potential.

We watched as Malfoy dismissed Adrian with a wave, the gesture was obviously well practiced on house elves, before strutting away confidently before he had to duck another Stinging Jinx.

"Did you tell him to stop picking on Hufflepuffs," asked Aaron.

"Of course not. I'm not an idiot," said Adrian, clearly not in the same mood as the rest of us. "I told him if he was going to be a bully, not to be pathetic at it."

"You shouldn't encourage bullying at all, Adrian," said Cho.

"Yes, well, Jack is no longer a Slytherin and that leaves me with myself and he is my cousin, so I at least have to try to bond with him."

I shook my head. "No, you don't."

"You don't have any cousins, Jack. You don't have a say in this," Adrian retorted.

I was more than ready to respond to that. Except I never openly claimed Malfoy as my cousin and after his display just now, I don't think I'd ever. Luckily, I did have a cousin I liked. "I have Tonks."

"Yeah, well, I have Malfoy."

"Hard to argue with that," I digressed.

"Either way, Adrian. You should turn him away from being so brutish and instead, set an example."

Aaron laughed at the fact that Cho considered Malfoy to be brutish. "He's like a malevolent fairy."

I laughed.

That seemed to amuse Adrian, but still, we went straight to Hogsmeade to further distract him from his evil, fairy-like cousin.

--

"Hey, look, it's my sister. Hey, sis!"

We were by the Three Broomsticks when Aaron saw his sister, who was quite fetching but off limits. Especially since Adrian called dibs in our first year.

Maya Wilkins waved from where she stood, by a local street gambler. She was ridiculously claiming the man to be 'some sort of magician' and therefore 'cheating'.

"You still fancy my sister," Aaron asked so casually.

Adrian's face grew red, ignoring his accusation.

"Well, you might be in luck. She had dated Wood when he was in his third year," Aaron teased.

"Wouldn't she also have been a third-year at the time," claimed Cho.

"Well, yeah, but they broke up the very next term, so I'm sensing a pattern there."

Adrian shoved him away, muttering something about Aaron being immature before coming to walk beside me. I watched with a smile as his scowl faded into a grin.

He shook me by the collar of my sweater, "Look who it is!"

I didn't have to guess who he was referring to. I immediately pushed him off of me, a bit harder than necessary, which was intended. I honestly didn't anticipate Aaron coming to his other side to catch him, but I was glad that I didn't have to expect any retaliation.

I spared a glance and sure enough, Amaryllis Selwyn was standing at Maya's side, looking right at us, her green eyes like daggers despite the amused curl of her lips, which were tinted beige.

"Alright, mate," Aaron said, walking faster now. "That's a bit too far. She's a Selwyn, remember?"

"Just keep walking," said Cho, looking down as she brought her left hand up to block her face from view.

"Oh, she's not all that bad," argued Adrian. "She's just like you and I, Jack, an outcast in Slytherin."

Aaron: "I think she's more likely to cast everyone else out, mate, keep walking."

"Aaron, come here for a second," shouted Maya from behind us.

I looked back because I knew Aaron was a coward. But more so that I could get a second look.

"Keep walking," Aaron whispered. "She can fend for herself."

Selwyn wore a thick, navy blue coat that clashed well with her grey, baggy joggers. Her raven-colored hair was held in a long braid by a Slytherin-green ribbon, which was usual for her. Although, the sun gave her hair a deep purple undertone that was absolutely stunning. One of her knees bent slightly as she shifted her weight, tilting her hips. Her arms were crossed and she was definitely looking in my direction.

I looked away immediately.

It wasn't the first time she caught me looking, but I'm sure she thinks I was just another curious student like the rest. She was two years older than me and never really noticed my presence, but then again, I never tried approaching her. She carried herself with so much confidence that I didn't dare impose my company was welcome. Although, I am a bit older now and she is talking to Maya who was a Gryffindor, which is a first that I've ever witnessed.

Adrian's implications of her slowly sunk in as I now realize that I never really saw her so often around anyone in particular.

"I think she needs help," I insisted. Although, Aaron tightened his hold around my shoulder.

"It's fine, mate. I have other sisters," he replied.

I looked back once again and watched as Selwyn and Maya shared a look, laughing, before continuing to press the poor man for their money back.

"I think they're friends, Aaron" I said, a bit too loud, I think, seeing she glanced back towards us.

"Nonsense."

--

I regretted not backing Adrian's pitch to visit The Three Broomsticks last. Mainly because I saw her and Maya enter the pub.

We had just exited Tomes and Scrolls when I saw them go through the doors and I was too late to get their attention and invite them to watch the sunset with us, which I'm sure Maya wouldn't even consider, but it was worth a try.

"Are you sure they weren't friends prior to the start of this term," I asked Aaron.

He furrowed his brows in confusion. "Who?"

"Selwyn and your sister," I said, in a tone implying that it should have been obvious, although, not really. I just had to draw attention away from the fact that I was thinking about her still or I'll never the hear end of it and my sunset will be ruined.

"Not sure, honestly. Maya's well-connected, however, and she did say something about 'marketing herself towards students who had potential'. Whatever that means."

"I think she means to establish early relationships with others who she thinks will succeed later on in life," offered Cho.

He nodded, gesturing towards her. "Yeah, whatever that means." Cho punched him in the arm.

Adrian: "Well, she's definitely hit the nail on Selwyn. She's been the top of her batch for three years in a row."

"Yeah," said Cho, as if that was common knowledge. "After Esteban Calderon mysteriously died from 'Dragon Pox'."

Aaron: "Who's that?"

I was just as confused.

Cho studied each of our expressions before realizing that we were oblivious to whatever she was going on about. "Seriously? Ugh, merlin. Then why is it that you all find her so intimidating?"

"I don't," I said immediately.

Aaron: "Make a move then, you wuss."

Cho waved the air dismissively as if it would silence the two, who were giggling like little girls quite honestly. It didn't but I acted as if it did and made it clear that she had my attention.

"Esteban Calderon was the top student in each class during their whole first year and Selwyn was consistently behind him with the second highest marks. And over the summer, he supposedly died of Dragon Pox. My little sister had Dragon Pox once and she whined all through it."

Adrian: "You aren't implying that Selwyn had murdered him, are you?"

Cho smacked her lips. "I've said no such thing..."

"I wouldn't doubt it," said Aaron nonchalantly. "The Selwyn's are horrible. Even other wizarding families keep their distance, including the pureblood-fascists."

"Aye, which is why I find it interesting that she's so kind," said Adrian.

"And what brought you to that conclusion," I asked immediately.

I wasn't jealous. I was just mad that Adrian had gotten an interaction out of her before I could and he hasn't even told me about it. I wanted nothing more than to leave him in the forest after the sunset, knowing he'll be sound asleep if unbothered.

The snap of Cho's fingers pulled me out of my thoughts as a puzzled Adrian stood before me with a look of concern.

"Are you alright, Jack?"

"Yes, I was just wondering how you'd like the sunrise rather than the sunset."

"Sunrise? What?"

"Nothing, you were saying?"

--

The Halloween Feast was my favorite feast of the year. Some time ago, the muggleborns made it a trend to disguise themselves as different magical creatures for the night. Tonight, I was Snape.

He loved it. He didn't even give me the satisfaction of getting our points docked, which led me to believe his heart was touched in some ways.

Aaron wasn't prepared and wore a pumpkin around his head, which honestly might have bested mine. But I'm sure it was Buckets who would be winning Best Costume later on in the commons.

She wasn't wearing much at all, which was a sight to say the least. It was a shame since I was looking forward to winning my first house contest in Gryffindor, but I can't say I'll regret it. It is her last term after all, meaning it's my last chance to see her costumes which were always just as glamorous.

I felt a pang of guilt as Adrian would now be the only one wearing a costume on the Slytherin table, but that was until I saw Selwyn walk in.

She had dyed her hair green and had it up in two braids that poked straight out in opposite angles, forming a letter V atop her head. Her face was all white aside from the green lipstick that matched the green spirals on each of her cheeks. Alas, she wore an all white jumpsuit with the words "First Day Out" written in erratically scrawled lettering in the color red. She was beautiful.

Skipping down the walkway with a wide grin, she took her place next to Adrian.

It appeared to me that my anger was visible as Aaron had a few words to say in an attempt to comfort me.

"Don't sweat it, mate. Adrian's obviously the better choice."

I shoved him. He laughed.

"I'm sure the reasoning behind it was that they were the only two to wear costumes," he said.

"I'm just wondering why she decided to wear a costume this year. She hasn't done it before."

"Well, maybe... Hey, Maya!"

Aaron barely shot a glance in the direction of the Slytherin table, yet their sibling connection managed to carry the message through.

"She said she was inspired by Adrian and Jack last year and decided that this year, she would join them."

I almost regretted getting re-sorted for a second. I think I did actually.

I tried not to show emotion and simply nodded before immediately looking away.

Maya nearly won Best Costume last year, except Charles Weasley's head reigned victorious. The competition was settled after he followed one of the horseman ghosts around for nearly an hour.

Determined to win this year, she wore a costume that was almost as glamorous as Buckets's was. Which is why I couldn't look at her for too long. In respect to Adrian, of course. Clearly, he didn't have the same respect for me...

Or did he?

I watched as Adrian stood up from the table and eagerly crossed the Great Hall. He had a wide grin and his beaming eyes were fixed on me, which told me he was bearing good news.

"TROLL!" Professor Quirrell ran through the doors, nearly tripping on his step. "TROLL IN THE DUNGEON!"

I watched as Adrian waved him off and continue to make his way towards me. It seems a troll was winning their house's Best Costume tonight. A thundering applause came from the Hufflepuff table. The troll was probably one of their students.

I nodded my head up in regards to Adrian, whose grin only grew wider as he jabbed his thumb in the direction of the Slytherin table.

"Don't believe him," Aaron called out towards two Gryffindors running, who I failed to identify. "There's no troll in the dungeon! Trolls are scared of the dark!"

That statement pulled me away from my silent, long-distance conversation with Adrian.

"Do you ever pay attention in Defense," I asked.

"Well, have you met who taught it?"

I didn't argue any further, even though trolls were a first-year subject of the class. Adrian had arrived and I was excited to hear what he had to say.

"What's up, mate?" I asked in a neutral tone.

"Have you seen Selwyn?"

"You mean the girl in a white jumpsuit?"

"Yes."

"A green V poking out of her head?"

"Yes, that's her."

"Who's wearing twice as much makeup as Valentine Buckets?"

"Yes, yes!"

"Of course, I saw her! What did she tell you!?"

Adrian started slapping my shoulder excitedly and I couldn't hide the smile that crept on my lips.

"Get on with it, you idiot. What did she say?"

"She said she admired how you always wore a costume to the Halloween Feast and that you inspired her."

I looked at him, expecting more to his sentence, but he had nothing else to add it seemed.

"Is that all she said?"

"Well, she said we inspired her. But obviously, your name was the significant part."

Aaron was laughing, which was demeaning to my growing anger.

"You walked all this way to tell me that, did you?" I reviewed with him. I decided that now was the time to teach him about social cues.

"You didn't think it would seem weird how you, all of a sudden, stood up from your seat and left after hearing what she said. Above all that, you walked over to me!" I smacked the back of his head. Aaron laughed. I'm surprised he didn't see it coming, honestly.

"Well, I wanted to tell you, obviously!"

"Now? You just had to tell me now?" I smacked him again. "Now, go look. Go ahead. See if she's looking at us right now. I bet my History class's essay she is."

He reluctantly looked up, smiled awkwardly and waved before his eyes shifted back towards me. "She isn't."

--

"I heard that you fancy Selwyn?" Said a voice so regal, so sophisticated, so...

I turned around, keeping in mind to not let my eyes fall. Buckets was standing in front of me with a smug smile, her friends, or should I say 'her entourage', behind her.

"Hello there, Buckets."

She laughed before responding, but it was more of a trill. "Oh, Mr. Black. It's Boo-kay. I thought we've established that in Ancient Runes last year."

It was Buckets. Her great-grandfather was Minister Buckets. Everyone knows it's Buckets.

"Forgive me, Miss Bouqet. I do not have the best memory."

Aaron waved sheepishly at her, which she kindly returned.

"I'll let you off with a warning since you're new to Gryffindor, hehe. Now as another warning," she mused, crossing her arms. "And, as you know, I don't have anything against those with impure blood. I'm not a fan of bigotry. Bigotry disgusts me. We can all coexist, imperials and impurities, right?"

I nodded. This was my usual response whenever we speak.

"But Selwyn, she's a wonderful gal, she could use some fashion tips, although I'm sure she knows that. But as wonderful as she is, she is only half imperial. Do you know what I'm getting at? I know House Black can be quite specific when it comes to their spouses."

I wasn't currently in the mood to explain my family issues, especially not with Valentine Buckets, so I deflected the topic, although with kindness.

"Well, even if I did fancy Selwyn, it wouldn't matter as much to my family as House Selwyn is matriarchal. Strictly at that. I've heard that no woman in their history has ever took on another last name."

"Really," she says, impressed. "Well, I must applaud them! I mean, if you think about it, history is such a long time."

I nodded.

Shortly after the revelation I provided Buckets with, she left with her entourage. I liked Buckets. She may be a bit of a bigot, but she wasn't foolish enough to show it. Above all, she was rather stunning.

"I didn't know the Selwyn's were matriarchal," said Aaron.

I shrugged. "They might be, who knows..."

--

"A troll, you say," I repeated, drawling out the word 'troll'.

First-years are known to lie, but it's quite telling that Hermione has never lied about a thing in her life.

"Yes," she exclaimed. "Of all things, a troll. How am I supposed to tell my parents that I've so far witnessed in my first term of Hogwarts a giant, three-headed dog and a troll?"

I sat back in my chair, my chin haughtily pointed upwards. "I wouldn't disclose that information with your parents."

"Well, I had promised to tell them everything and I'm positive this is something they should know about and why are you talking like that?" she asked, finally paying attention to my costume. She studied me from head to toe before her eyes found its way back to mine.

After a moment, I gave up. "I'm Snape."

"Ohhh." She clasped her hand around her mouth so tightly you'd think the man was around to dock Gryffindor fifty points if she let out even a giggle.

"I didn't realize," she said after a short breathing practice, which nearly put me to laughter.

The commons was quiet as it was midnight. I was alone reading a book on runes when Hermione came in with the Potter boy and Ron Weasley. It appears there actually was a troll and the three have been dealing with the encounter all night.

Harry and Ron went straight to the dorm and paid me no mind aside from Harry's usual split-second glare. And Hermione decided to chat after pausing at the stairway and glancing back at me. Her expression at that moment read guilt, although I have no idea why. Either way, I decided to fill her in on what she missed and also ask about the troll incident.

"Who won Best Costume?" Hermione asked, although it didn't seem as if she was curious at all.

"Valentine Buckets, I'm sure you've heard of her."

Hermione nodded. "What did she dress up as?"

"A house elf, apparently."

My laughter was cut short after I noticed Hermione's face remaining expressionless. I forget sometimes that she's a first-year muggleborn.

"It's funny because... House elves don't... You'd have to be there, honestly." I said, scratching the back of my neck.

"What's a house elf?" She asked, actually curious this time.

"House-elves are small creatures with pointy ears and creepy, wide eyes. They look terrible, but they're great. You'd love them. I wish I had one myself." After recalling what house-elves were essentially, I was silently grateful that only Hermione was around to hear my joke. I'm sure Buckets would have killed me had she have heard it.