Saturday morning started for Morgaine like any other day. She woke before the others, got dressed, and left the dorm room. Since there were no classes today, she let her friends sleep, except for an alarm charm that would go off in a couple of hours so they wouldn't miss breakfast.
"Good morning, Madam Pomfrey," she greeted the Hogwarts's nurse as she entered the hospital.
"Ah, Morgaine, and a good morning to you," the older woman smiled. "I see you're up and early."
"I'm pretty much of a morning person and not one who has to have a lie-in on the weekends. Or what was it that Morag called it? Hurkle-durkle."
"Ahh, good morning, Gemma," Madam Pomfrey called out to another student as she entered the hospital.
Morgaine also greeted the seventh-year prefect, Gemma Farley. The tall brunette with her hair put up immaculate school robes trimmed with green, over fashionable witch's casual wear gave her a professional look. According to the former Queen's friends, although not a politically powerful family, the older girl was considered one of the leaders of their house.
The Slytherin witch was also intrigued by the eleven-year-old Ravenclaw standing beside the school nurse. The girl wasn't even in her house, but somehow, her presence could be felt in the snake pit. And it wasn't just Malfoy's stumble the other day. The child of Narcissa Malfoy (née Black) should have known better than to claim something so publicly before confirming its truth.
Somehow, three different factions formed in the first years. Malfoy, who only Goyle and Crabbe followed, and reluctantly at that, was one. The second, Nott and Zabini, although willing to spend time in the common room with the boy, remained neutral. The girls, including Parkinson, which was a surprise, had formed a strong third group. Parkinson or Greengrass were the most vocal, but Gemma had a strong feeling that the little raven-haired witch was its true leader.
This was only reinforced when girls from different houses stopped for a quick hello. Madam Pomfrey was both amused and annoyed. Poor Morgaine appeared fondly exasperated. Finally, when Davis cheerfully skipped into the hospital, she asked her to pass the word that she would see them all at lunch.
"What was with the muggleborn? Gemma asked as the two started to clean the room.
Some students, especially first-year muggleborns, had been stopping by for their pixie flu and dragon-pox potions. It should have gone smoothly, as every new student should have visited a healer before school started, but that was often not the case.
"Oh, you mean Granger? Her parents didn't have her visit the healer stationed at Diagon Alley for some reason. Seems a few of those with her didn't either. Must have been especially busy that day, but not sure."
"No, she apologized to you for some reason."
Morgaine nodded. "My friends made plans for this Saturday for us to take a walk around the grounds, visit the usual sports and the like. I mentioned that the Wind told me it would be a nice weekend. Granger was, well, wouldn't call it rude but unbelieving what I said."
Gemma's interest was piqued quite a bit by that claim. "Your family has the gift?"
"All the women do to some degree. Useful when I need to tend to my witch's garden," she said with a smile, then sighed. "Granger needs to understand that magic is more than just wand waving and what can be found in some dusty old tome."
Before Gemma could form a reply, a raven suddenly startled her; for the creature to land gently on the first year's shoulder.
"Breuddwydion, you do know I'm working," Morgaine admonished her familiar, who unceremoniously dropped a letter into her hands.
"Silly bird," she murmured, slipping the letter into her robes and pulling out a small bag.
"Candied fruit?" she offered.
As the Slytherin witch slipped the dried fruit into her mouth, she realized she had seen this scene in a sculpture of a certain founder feeding her familiar.
"Morgaine Rheged," Gemma mused. "Aren't you an interesting person."
Morgaine was surprised at how many of her classmates joined their little outing. At first, she thought it would only be the girls in the library and maybe Granger if agreeable. However, every girl in their year decided to attend. Even two second-year Hufflepuffs, Emily and Alyssia, were included after Susan asked her for permission (which she didn't need) and offered to show them around. So, to the amusement and wonder of many, twenty girls headed off to wander the school grounds.
"So, you're not angry with us, right?" Tracy asked as the ponderous group moved toward the Black Lake.
Morgaine chuckled. "No, although it would be appreciated, unless you're not feeling well, of course, not to come in and talk to me during sick call."
"See, I told you," Pansy huffed. "Plus, you don't want to get on the bad side of Farley."
"She seems like a formidable witch," Sue said.
"Most definitely not one to trifle with." Daphne agreed. "Some people need to learn that."
Tracey sniffed dramatically. "Not my fault she has no sense of humor,"
"Sorry," Susan soon joined them. "I figured it would be okay if we escorted Salley-Anne to the hospital."
"Did you disturb Morgaine too?" Lisa asked.
"Too?" Hannah looked surprised.
"Glad I wasn't the only one," Tracey chirped. "Seems we all had the same idea."
Salley-Anne whispered, "Madam Pomfrey did look a little annoyed."
The former Queen gave her a smile. "It's not your fault. You had an actual reason to be there."
The rest of the girls just giggled.
Weather permitting, the Black Lake or Lochs was a popular place for Hogwarts students to congregate. Already, dozens of witches and wizards were outside enjoying one of the last few days of pleasant weather. One group of boys was even trying their hand at fishing while a couple of others were skipping stones. However, most students leisurely walked around the lake or sat by its shores.
"I heard all sorts of creatures swim in it," Mandy leaned over.
Emily nodded. "The merpeople can be a bit unfriendly, but definitely avoid the kelpie."
Fay Dunbar, one of the Gryffindor girls who joined, said, "So, not a place for swimming?"
"Can't even see the bottom. But you're right, Lavander, it is pretty here," Eloise Midgen, another Gryffindor, nervously pointed out.
"I know, right," the bubbly blonde grinned. "Thanks for inviting us, Morgaine. I was surprised you all wanted to spend time outside since you always seem to be in the library."
"We are at school," Lisa said.
Tracey then asked. "When do you do your homework?"
The four Gryffindor girls looked at one another and giggled.
"Usually at the last minute, unless your Granger, then she spends all night revising it," Lavender explained.
"Oh," Parvati, Padma's sister, whispered. "Thanks for inviting her, Morgaine. I know she's a bit of a clever clog. Goodness knows why she isn't in your house."
"So, where to next?" Susan then asked Alyssia, who had been speaking to Sally-Anne and Hermione about the plants found in the Black Lake.
Deciding on what to visit next, the group began moving towards the path that would take them around the lake and close to the Forbidden Forest. For the most part, the girls moved within their houses. The Gryffindor and Slytherins were on the opposite side of Morgaine, while the Hufflepuffs seemed to wander back and forth. The older girls walked to the front, pointing things out like the Grounds Keeper's home, its little garden, and the two entrances the students used to safely enter the forest.
"I was told that in our third year, the Professor for Care for Magical Creatures brings out different animals to study," Emily said.
"My sister says there are unicorns," Alyssia squealed in excitement, which was picked up by most of the girls, and it didn't matter which house.
Morgaine broke away from the group and moved a little closer to the forest. She could feel its age; many of the Yew trees probably existed in her time. However, there was also something sinister, as if a sickness had spread through the lush woods.
"Be sure not to enter," Emily called out.
The Sorceress wasn't listening upon recognizing a field of plants growing on the forest's edge. One that some poor, unexpected students would curse themselves if they came in contact with. Slipping on her calfskin gloves, she pulled out her short seax, a beautifully gilded knife given to her as a present from her late husband.
"What's going on, Morgaine?" Daphne asked, looking at the blade.
Tracey, who had been close, ran forward. "Oh, those are big blackberries."
"Not ones you want to eat," the former Queen stopped her, then quickly crossed into the forest, kneeling next to a three-foot-tall bushy plant with broad oval-shaped leaves. Moving her knife around, she cut off one of the deep-purple fruits, studying it.
Emily frowned and then approached from behind. "Merlin, that's a lot of nightshade."
"You recognize it."
"Yeah, herbology is one of my best subjects," she looked around. "Does it normally grow like this?"
"No, it doesn't," Morgaine replied before moving to another plant.
Fay pointed at the berries, looking concerned. "Aren't those poisonous?"
"Yes, but it can also be used in potions," Morgaine explained. "Good for all sorts of ailments, such as pain relief to stomach issues. You'll even find it's one of the main ingredients in Witches Relief."
"Really," Padma said interested.
"What's that for?" Sally-Anne asked.
Parvati answered, "Menstrual cramps."
"My mom said that her great-grandmother used belladonna to use it to make her pupils bigger or something," Lavender said.
Mandy made a face. "Why?"
"It was considered attractive," Lavender smiled.
"I think I'll pass sticking a poisonous berry in my eyes, thank you very much," Tracey chuckled.
Hermione bit her lip in concern. "Are we going to get into trouble? Weren't we told to stay away from the forest?"
Morgaine stood up, ignoring the muggleborn. "Alyssia, didn't you say that the school has a groundskeeper? He should be cutting this back."
"Well, his idea of what's dangerous I heard is different from most people," the second year shrugged.
"I need a house elf," the former Queen said to no one in particular.
A sudden pop, then shouts from the muggleborns, caused her to look down.
"How may Buttercup help you, my lady?"
Ignoring the snickers from her friends, she said, "Can you please inform Madam Pomfrey, and Professor Spout that there is, well, I guess you can call it, an infestation of nightshade plants at the edge of the Forbidden Forest."
"Yes, my lady." And with a pop, the house-elf was gone.
"What was that?" Hermione squeaked.
"Brownie," Morgaine made a face. "Daphne, please keep anyone from following."
The blonde Slytherin gave her a small curtsey. "Yes, my lady."
"Funny," the Sorceress sighed, disappearing amongst the tall trees.
She returned in time to meet Professor Spout at the edge of the woods.
"Miss Rheged, you have something to show me?"
"Yes, professor, follow me." Morgaine then slipped her knife into a sheath before pointing out all the nightshade plants growing as far as the eye could see. "I am a bit concerned this hasn't been cut back."
"Oh my," the herbology professor looked around at the field of poisonous plants.
"Professor Snape and Madam Pomfrey could find use for quite a bit, but this is disturbing. Some students not knowing any better will make themselves sick or worse if these aren't taken care of."
"Well, I now have some interesting work for my OWL and NEWT students, but you are correct," Pomona frowned. "This is too much."
"Unnatural," Morgaine nodded.
"Fifteen points of thinking of your fellow classmates, then another ten for informing us, Miss Rheged," she whispered. "I would also make sure you put that knife away. You won't get in trouble for owning something like that, however."
The Sorceress nodded.
"Well, go back to your friends and enjoy the rest of the day. And thank you for pointing this out to me. It is indeed troubling."
The once beautiful days were in short supply while the girls learned magic, how to brew, and the history behind it all. Although rumors of what they discovered in the Forbidden Forest ran through the school, the staff made no announcement other than that the third-floor corridor and the Forbidden Forest were out of bounds for students again.
For Morgaine, she found little interest in the current magical classes, having learned to cast most spells long ago, even if they were a bit different. Still, she was incredibly thankful for Professor Flitwick, who assigned extra coursework well beyond the first years. However, what excited her the most was learning about the advances in the art of healing. Healer Eloise kept sending her books, which the Sorceress devoured at a fantastic rate, much to the amusement of her friends. Thankfully, Madam Pomfrey must have seen something in her and slowly gave her more responsibilities.
On an especially cold day in October, with the trees turning wonderful colors, the girls reluctantly retreated indoors; heavy rain thwarted their plans to enjoy a wonderful afternoon outside the castle. Tracey, who had an awful week fighting some of the boys, declared they needed to find a place for themselves.
The first-year girls had continued their ritual of walking around the Black Lake every weekend, although the excitement of finding a field of nightshade wasn't repeated. Their numbers were also diminished, with some witches having to do other things, especially the Gryffindor girls who flitted in and out of the group like bees, sometimes joining and sometimes not. But the core group from the library was always there, especially the Slytherin witches, who found it as a much-needed time away from the Snake Pit.
So began a search for the perfect empty schoolroom. There were many, long abandoned, as the magical population of Great Britain had diminished quite drastically in the last eighty years. But Morgaine, feeling a slight pull on her magic, discovered something between the Ravenclaw and Slytherin common rooms on the second floor.
"What did you find?" Lisa asked, noticing her friend standing in front of a portrait.
"Something interesting, I'm thinking," Morgaine replied before returning to study the painting, which depicted a raven-haired witch sleeping soundly in a field of pumpkins in the middle of a forest clearing.
Suddenly, the painting's eyes snapped open, causing the rest of the girls who joined them to squeal, disturbing a murder of ravens, unseen in the painting until now, to fly around before settling back on the pumpkins.
The painting's eyes widened when Breuddwydion appeared and settled on her shoulders. There was no mistake that the stately witch in the painting bore a resemblance to Morgaine as she studied each girl one by one before returning to the Sorceress.
Finally, she spoke. "Do you wish access to the room raven's child?"
"I do."
Then, a door appeared next to the painting.