Friday February 11th, 1994
As the bell rang for the end of charms, Melissa left class feeling somewhat isolated from the rest of the students. It was the Friday before Valentine's weekend, and romance was in the air! It was obvious by the seating arrangements in this first class, as Slytherins and Ravenclaws are generally the type to date amongst their own or between their two houses. Couples barely paid attention to the lesson, all smiles and giggles and hand-holding underneath desks. It seems that even the spectre of O.W.L.s wasn't enough to dissuade romantics from their holiday.
That was different for those that weren't coupled in class, or coupled to begin with. As the students split away to their electives, the non-couples that were on their way to arithmancy got into heated discussions about the material learned in Charms. Melissa listened with half an ear as Garrick, Jacqueline, Rachel, Alex Sykes and Roger Davis got into heavy talks about the technicalities of syllables and wand movements. Truly, this bunch is perfect for a class like arithmancy.
When they arrived, Sykes left immediately to join Vance at her desk. Subconsciously, the four others sat near each other to continue their discussion, oblivious to the change. The rest of the class filed in, and Melissa blinked blankly at the remaining desks. There were empty desks in the back, sure, but there were two tables with one empty seat remaining. One with Cedric, and another near the window with Strickland (with the boy glaring at Sykes as he gave a chaste kiss on the back of Vance's hand.)
Yeah, no. Too much drama for me.
"Hey, Ced. How's your prediction tree going?"
Cedric looked up, broken out of concentration. He looked mildly confused as she slid into the neighbouring chair. "It's mostly finished. I just have an odd variable I need to ask Professor Vector about, then it'll be perfect."
"Awesome! Glad to hear it."
Silence fell between them. Melissa pulled out her parchment, quill, and ink, arranging everything needed for class today.
"...Can I ask you a question?"
She lessened her expression into one of seriousness and intrigue. Melissa then turned to face him so he could see it. "What's up?"
"In your opinion," he started nervously, "for this weekend, would it be better to ask out someone from our team, or someone else?"
"Mmm." If this boy-
"Don't worry," He said quickly, "I know that-, that is, Adrian explained everything- about why you-" he winced over his own words, "I'm not asking you out again."
Ah. Good boy. Still have no idea why he likes me in the first place. She gave a shallow, understanding nod. "Willamina or Roberta?"
"Roberta," he answered. "Her or Juliet. What do you think?"
Melissa pondered it for a moment. Truthfully she barely knows either girl. She's getting to know Roberta better, what with them working together. As for Juliet, all she knows about the girl is that she's more of the 'Friendship' Hufflepuff archetype than anything else, and that she's Kirley Duke's cousin.
"If things don't work out, Juliet is less likely to try to kick your ass during the contest; while with Roberta it could mess with our cohesion. If things do go well, you and Juliet are more likely to go easy on each other; not that that matters considering her group isn't much of a match. Meanwhile if things go well with you and Roberta, that can be a distraction and a hindrance to the team. So I'd recommend asking Juliet, first."
It was fun watching Cedric as he grew increasingly aghast at her character breakdown. When she finished, the poor boy had to practically drag his jaw from the floor. "I wasn't asking for you to answer as a Slytherin!" he whispered.
Melissa grinned. "You're the one who revolved the question around the defence contest."
Cedric slid into a facepalm. "You're unbelievable."
"But not wrong," she added.
The boy gave an exasperated sigh, refusing to give her quip a response. He dropped the matter entirely, going back to read over his arithmancy project. Melissa grinned to herself, suppressing a snicker. If that answer didn't end the boy's crush in its tracks, she'd eat her hat!
Jacqueline stayed behind after class, so Garrick escorted Melissa back to the common room to drop off her books before lunch. This afternoon she'll have Potions and DADA, followed by her tutoring session with Professor Torerro-Ramirez. It was a lot of work, but at least she won't need to lug around textbooks for these hands-on lessons.
As she arranged her satchell, Jacqueline walked into the room holding a bouquet of flowers in her hand.
Melissa grinned. "Oo, looks like someone's got a date this weekend!"
"WHAT?!" Jacqueline jumped in surprise. Then she looked down at her flowers in realization and relief. "Oh, these? No, they're my birthday gift to Lucy."
"Flowers? As a birthday gift?" Sure, Jacqueline.
Jacqueline nodded with a smile. "It's… our 'thing' as you would call it. I buy her plants for her baking projects, and she buys me plants for potions."
Oh, that is adorable! Still suspicious, though. "That's sweet. And it's her birthday this weekend?"
"Today, actually. I'm just going to put these in stasis until the party." She moved to do just that.
"Nice," she said. Then her tease returned, "That doesn't explain why you panicked just now."
Jacqueline froze, the flowers dropped from her grip into a conjured vase. A pause fell, followed by a droop of her arms. Jacqueline sighed and fell into a sitting position on her bed. "Roger Davis just asked me out to Hogsmeade."
"...Did you say yes?" A downcast nod was her answer. "You don't seem happy about it."
"I- I panicked," Jacqueline confessed. "I answered without thinking."
"Well, you have time to think about it now." Melissa walked over and sat beside her. "So, what's going through your mind?"
"I'm… confused," she answered. She let out a heavy breath, "I'm being ridiculous. Davis is intelligent, and- handsome- I suppose. I've wanted to find romance for so long, but- I don't know- maybe I'm still not ready? Like what you're going through?"
"I have a feeling," Melissa answered slowly, "that we're waiting on different things."
Jacqueline blinked, confused. "How do you mean?"
This may be a hunch, but… "Would you feel more comfortable spending time with friends, instead? Say, with Lucy? I need to grab some things for Monday and could use your expert opinions. I can distract Davis while you and Lucy sneak off together."
A flicker of a smile brushed Jacqueline's face. It brightened her with an innocent glow. "That sounds nice."
"Alright, let's do that, then." She patted Jacqueline on the back, then stood up. "I'm just going to grab a couple things, then I'll be ready to go to lunch."
"Alright. I'll meet you in the common room." Jacqueline gave her a smile. "And thanks, Melissa, for listening."
"Anytime."
The door closed with a smile between both girls.
That night, Roger Davis was struck by a nasty feather-sprouting hex. Poor lad ended up stuck in the hospital wing all weekend, unable to make it to his date. Quel dommage!
Saturday February 12th, 1994
As they waited for Lucy near the entrance, Melissa gazed around the growing crowd with mild interest. There were dozens of anxious students standing on their own, fidgeting in place or double checking their clothes and hair. Slowly, singles merged into doubles, though nervousness lingered for those that were on first dates. One of those nervous few, she noted, was Ron Weasley - who had been attempting to smooth over his ill-fitting robes to no avail. The same could not be said for his date, as Lavender cheerfully took him by the hand and led him out to the carriages. Their departure revealed another Gryffindor standing in wait, and Melissa couldn't help the urge to approach her.
"Got yourself a date, Granger?"
Granger flashed an emotion that lay somewhere between a glare and a blush. "Justin asked me," she answered.
"And are you happy he asked you out?" Ugh! Why am I caring to ask?!
Hermione sputtered before answering. "Of course! We're friends and- Yes, it is exciting; but I have three more essays to complete, and I missed arithmancy the other day, and-"
"Child, chill," Melissa's expression was flat, and she flexed her fingers into claws to prevent herself from facepalming. "Granger," she spoke slowly, "you have a time machine around your neck. Just go on the date, then walk into a bathroom stall and turn back to finish your essays."
Granger gasped, aghast, clutching at the necklace beneath her shirt. "Professor McGonagall said to only use it for classes. I can't abuse its power!"
Her mind froze. "Have you… Have you only been using it to attend classes this entire time?"
"Of course!" Granger answered hotly. "I just said that!"
A collection of words strained and died in her throat. Oh, god, it all makes sense! Melissa looked down as she said, "That's why you're going to burn out!" The words came in a whisper of realization, as if speaking to herself. She looked up to meet Hermione's eyes, "Kid, you have been doing 29 hour days without extra food or sleep, and cramming extra homework into a normal night at the same time; that's way too much for anyone to handle!"
"I manage just fine," Granger sniffed. "And it's no different than your own schedule."
"Ah, no. Because One- my extra classes don't include homework, and Two- I'm not a crazy overachiever. I give myself breaks and sneak a load of naps and food from the house elves to keep myself afloat." She gave an odd laugh. "You know what, forget about the galleons, I'm giving you an easy out. Use the damn time-turner, Granger. Take a nap. Take breaks. Abuse the shit out of it before you keel over from exhaustion. You desperately need it."
Granger's expression was stubborn, even as she thought it over. "I'll do what makes sense."
"I hope you will." If not, well, at least the money will be earned in protest. She glanced over the girl's shoulder and made a nodding gesture. "Your date's here. Try to have fun; and, remember, you literally have all the time in the world for it."
Melissa took her leave, returning to Jacqueline- who was now talking with Lucy, Kenneth, Merton, and Jason Adams. She greeted them, and learned fast that they were hoping to hang out as a group instead of the normal festivities. The news came as a relief, and she eagerly followed after them as all six squeezed into a carriage and headed out for Hogsmeade.
Sunday February 13th, 1994
The Hogwarts kitchen was a flurry of activity!
The twelve members of VATIC worked in a fast-paced assembly line to arrange this year's gifts. The first years were in charge of adding the chocolate, flowers, and other flavourings to the melting pot. Harry was in charge of said pot, directing the other three in their quantities and ensuring that nothing burned as the chocolate melted at a precise temperature. Next were Tracey and Merton, who magicked the liquid into moulds and used carefully-controlled cooling charms to set them. When ready, Dean and Stephen popped the chocolates out of the cupid-shaped moulds and cleaned up their appearance so that they looked as good as they tasted. Luna would then take the moulds for cleaning, while the chocolates moved on to the most magically-draining section of the line-up. Melissa casted the animation charm, with Kenneth immediately setting stasis charms so that the cupids wouldn't try to fly away. Once that was done, Parvati assembled the cupids onto tomorrow's rolling trays, but also moved between other parts of the line to help the others, as needed.
It was hectic work. The sort that even the house elves couldn't help but admire from afar (despite their grumbling protests that students should be leaving kitchen work to kitchen elves). The work took hours to complete, but they did complete it. When the last cupid was shelved, and the last mould was cleaned, the group veritable collapsed onto stools. The lot of them panted and smiled, grateful to have the job complete.
"That was a lot," Annabel said between breaths.
"Yeah," said Stephen. "This was almost as crazy as last year."
Tracey groaned, "We are not talking about last year!"
"Amen!" Melissa added.
"Still," Harry grinned, "you gotta admit that this feels amazing!"
"You're right," Astoria took a breath, "I had my doubts, but making something myself… It's surprisingly fulfilling."
A round of hums and agreements answered the statement.
Dean was the next to speak. "This was kind of fun, too. I think I might try baking at home."
"Huh," Harry uttered, "I haven't baked at home in ages. Not since I lived with my aunt."
"Maybe we can try something together?" Dean offered. "Make a party out of it."
"A party sounds lovely!" Luna crooned.
"Go bigger," Stephen said teasingly, "we all start our own bake shop."
"Oh, that would be fantastic!" Parvati gasped. "Can you imagine making Valentine chocolates for a living? We could make other sweets, too. Oh! Or wedding cakes! I bet witches would love to buy magical wedding cakes!"
"Probably." Harry looked up in thought, "I wonder how much Tonks and Remus spent on theirs? I can ask them."
"Tonks and Remus?!" Melissa shot up in her seat. "When did they get married?"
"Last weekend."
"I thought they were waiting until she graduates auror training?"
"She already did. Passed her exams on the 31st and got sworn in a couple days later."
"And I'm just finding out about this now?!"
Half of the group laughed, though they were all out of the loop, too, but by virtue of not knowing who Harry and Melissa were talking about.
"They're my family, Melly."
"Yeah, yeah, whatever. I'd still like to know when people get married on a Magdalene schedule!"
Harry looked shocked, but then burst into laughter, falling off of his stool in the process. He was still laughing as he crawled back up the stool, then leaned on it for support. "A Magdalene schedule?!" He doubled over onto the seat. "I have to tell them that. That's hilarious! So they were going to get married no matter what?!"
Melissa answered in a straining tease. "Different reasons to rush, but yes! Are they good, though? Like, you know…?"
"Yeah," Harry softened to a chuckle. "Yeah, they're good. Uncle Sirius mentioned that Remus is happy, if nervous; and Tonks was practically all over him during the reception."
"Glad to hear it," Melissa said with a grin. "But next time I want to be invited to a Marauder wedding!"
Harry rolled his eyes. "Your entire family is already on the guest list, Mel. You're fine."
"Just making sure." She rocked in her seat. "That's a party I don't want to miss!"
Monday February 14th, 1994
Breakfast on Valentine's Day was a hoot!
Well, for most students, anyways. For Harry, there was just a lot of owls hooting.
"Help!" the boy squeaked as more birds landed on top of him (the table area around him was already occupied by other owls.)
His neighbouring friends got to work on opening packages. Meanwhile, across from him, Ernie tried to shoo one off of his plate, only to get bit in the process. "Buggering birds!" He glared over at Harry. "Why are there so many?!"
"How should I know?!" Harry cried. He maneuvered to untie a letter one-handed from the owl perched on his arm. "It's not like I've done anything different this year."
"You are older now," Lily answered unhelpfully. "Older girls might feel more comfortable sending you letters this time."
"Doesn't help that you didn't ask anyone to Hogsmeade, either," Megan added. "So everyone knows that you're single."
Kevin chuckled. "That's the same with half our class, thou-whoa!" He ducked as a wing slapped him in the face.
One of the untiers, Sally, glanced at a newly freed parcel in confusion. "Does anyone know a 'Gretchen Pussett'?"
A mumbling chorus of "No" answered that question.
"How about Lileas Gow?"
Another batch of No's came, followed by Ernie commenting, "Wait, I know her. Though she's not at Hogwarts yet. She's only ten."
An awkward silence fell on the third year Puffs, though wings continued to flutter and owls hooted loudly with impatience.
It took a moment for the answer to dawn on Harry. It came as a shocked whisper, "The owl wards!"
"What?"
"I changed my owl wards over hols!" He'd smack his forehead if he could! "Dumbledore made it so that I wasn't getting any mail until Hogwarts, and even after that they only came from other students, but I changed that! I made it so that anything safe could come- from Anyone!"
Another pause followed. Then came a chorus of snorts and snickers.
Kevin started to talk, "So this is-"
"Everything, by everyone!" Wayne finished with a laugh.
"And we thought you were popular last year!" Oliver grinned.
Harry groaned loudly. The laughter and jokes continued around him.
-And more owls landed with a hoot.
That evening, the fluttering of wings continued. This time, however, it was in the shape of chocolate cupids. The animation spell gave them the ability to fly in small circles (far safer than their froggy counterparts), as well as give lovely, romantic sighs as they sprinkled sugared violets around their gifted targets. Their sighs were marginally obscured by the music that filled the Great Hall. Four musicians moved in time, dancing with their instruments to an unusual choreography. (Had anyone paid attention, they would have realized that the steps were perfectly aligned for the one-woman multi-percussionist among them.) As confused as the students were by the dance, an extra surprise came as a voice joined the music.
A voice from above!
Gasps and fingers moved pointedly as a spirit of flame flew above them. The voice, more lovely and soothing than any they've ever heard, sung from within the flames. It swooped in circles among the stars of the enchanted ceiling. Slowly, like a gentle comet, it dipped lower. With each circle flow, more students and teachers began to recognize its shape- the flames of a phoenix!
The phoenix dove closer, flying near enough to the tables that some children ducked on instinct. Others, though, were so enamoured by the song that they paid little mind to the flames. Instead, they felt drawn closer, enchanted as its wordless song spoke of love, in all its purity.
The circles changed to a spiral, the phoenix centering on the percussionist. The Great Hall watched, mesmerized, as the witch and phoenix waltzed down the aisle. They moved in near unison, working in a harmony none could grasp, yet resonated on some unknown, magical level. It only ceased when the pair reached the dais. Yet, even then, it was a spectacle to watch the flames fade just as the phoenix landed on the witch's shoulder. The song continued, voice high and strong as the instrumentalists finished their gift-giving. When their own cupids were exchanged, the music stopped at once; and the Great Hall rose in applause as all of VATIC made their bows.
As Melissa slid out of her outfit and into her seat, Amy spoke in hushed awe. "That was incredible! …I don't understand- how- is it real?"
Fawkes gave an odd trill, then Melissa answered teasingly. "Of course he's real. Everyone, meet Fawkes! He's Dumbledore's familiar."
The bird trilled in greeting. Meanwhile, the Slytherins jaw-dropped. "Dumbledore's-" Jacinth shook his head in shock, "Dumbledore's familiar?!"
"How- why is he with you, then?"
"Why not?" Melissa blinked innocently. "We are friends, after all."
"WHAT?!" Cassius exclaimed loudly. "You're FRIENDS with a PHOENIX?!"
Students that had previously lost their attention on the odd pair and hooked on those words with interest. Melissa acted as if she didn't notice. "Of course. He's the one that helped me heal after that whole demon thing."
"What?"
"From Discourse with Demons!" Jacqueline gasped. "Of course! But I didn't- We all-" She looked about helplessly.
"We all thought that was Lockhart spewing nonsense," Rusalka filled in. Others were shocked at how crass she said it, yet she answered casually, "What? We did. A phoenix that comes out of nowhere and helps Lockhart exorcise an evil demon? One that Melissa can understand because she's been blessed by angels? Can you blame us for thinking that's stupid?"
"That's fair," Melissa shrugged. "Dumbledore was confused by all that, too."
CCRRRRILLLL!
Melissa waved carelessly with her free hand as she looked at Fawkes. "Yeah, I know we explained that to him. It doesn't change that he was still confused by it, though."
CROO- SRILL!
Her expression fell flat. "You say that like I ever wanted anyone to know in the first place."
SQUAA- CROO- SQUAAWK!
"Yeah- but, come on! I tried. I had all those layers! He only got that chance because Snape turned my brain into swiss cheese, remember? That's not my fault!"
SQUAA- CRRILL!
Melissa rolled her eyes. "Agree to disagree."
The phoenix tilted in head. With soft, questioning trills Fawkes started to nuzzle Melissa's cheek. The gesture made Melissa sigh and she started to scratch under his chin. "I know. I'm sorry. Yeah, I love you, too, you immortal warbler."
Her classmates, and neighbouring students, shared disturbed looks as the conversation took place. Some, smartly, turned back to their own circles to slowly nibble at the enchanted chocolates. Beautiful as the phoenix is, some scenarios are just too bizarre to entertain.