Summary: Everyone knows the story of Harry's time at Hogwarts . . . but what was it like for the other students? Many other stories unfolded during those years . . . this is one of them.
Categories: General Fics Characters: None
Warnings: None
Challenges: Series: None
Chapters: 19
Completed: Yes
Word count: 21421
Read: 48934
Published: 08/14/12
Updated: 11/04/12
1. Chapter 1 by Samsijay
2. Chapter 2 by Samsijay
3. Chapter 3 by Samsijay
4. Chapter 4 by Samsijay
5. Chapter 5 by Samsijay
6. Chapter 6 by Samsijay
7. Chapter 7 by Samsijay
8. Chapter 8 by Samsijay
9. Chapter 9 by Samsijay
10. Chapter 10 by Samsijay
11. Chapter 11 by Samsijay
12. Chapter 12 by Samsijay
13. Chapter 13 by Samsijay
14. Chapter 14 by Samsijay
15. Chapter 15 by Samsijay
16. Chapter 16 by Samsijay
17. Chapter 17 by Samsijay
18. Chapter 18 by Samsijay
19. Chapter 19 by Samsijay
The train whistle blew again, sending owls a-flutter as young witches and wizards hurried around platform nine and three-quarters. Julia pointedly picked up her cat basket as her mother gave her little brother Mason another hug.
–We should go,†said Julia, –or we’ll miss the train. It’s already 10:45.â€
–Of course, of course,†said her mother. –Have a good term. Good luck, Mason!â€
Mason nodded. –Bye Mum. Bye Dad.â€
Dad smiled. –You two have fun.â€
–Come on,†said Julia, grabbing her brother’s hand to pull him along, and they slipped into the crowd, dragging their trunks. –Just leave your luggage here,†she told him when they reached the train. –Someone will pick it up and stow it on the train.†She showed the conductor their tickets, and they stepped on board.
–I can sit with you, right?†asked Mason. –Just this once?â€
–Yes,†Julia sighed. –Of course you can.†She kept looking in the compartment windows, checking for people she knew. If the people inside had been looking at them, it would have been clear that the two were related. Both she and her brother had wavy, chocolate-coloured hair and rosy cheeks, though his eyes were lighter than her own dark brown. She had been relieved when Mason had gotten his letter that summer. Both of their parents were muggles, so she hadn’t been certain that he would, and he would have been terribly jealous if he wasn’t magic too.
–There you are!†Another girl had just come down the corridor, a tall blonde with grey eyes. –We’re way at the back. Even Chelsea wasn’t early this time.â€
Julia laughed. –That’s something new.†Chelsea was notoriously keen, always early for everything from classes to meals.
Mason peered around her. –I don’t get it.â€
–Oh, yeah,†said Julia. –Grace, this is my brother, Mason. It’s his first year. You don’t mind if he sits with us, do you?â€
–Of course not! Nice to meet you, Mason.â€
–Yeah. Same,†said Mason, looking back at the floor.
They reached the compartment soon, and were greeted by Chelsea and Willa. Julia introduced her brother again as the train chugged away.
–Ah. I remember my first year . . .†Willa started, looking off into the distance.
–Please!†laughed Grace. –Don’t even go there.â€
Chelsea pushed up her glasses, blue to match her eyes. –I agree with Grace. Much more important to think about now. For instance . . . who got the prefect badge? One of us must have!â€
Julia grinned and pulled the shining badge out of her bag.
–Of course,†Grace smiled. –Who else would it be but Miss Top of the Class, I can’t wait till fifth year so I can tell off little kids Julia?â€
–I never said that!†Julia protested. –And I’m not top in every class. Defense Against the Dark Arts, for instance . . .â€
–Did you hear who’s teaching this year?†Willa asked.
–No, but I hope they’re a better teacher than Lockhart,†said Chelsea.
–That wouldn’t be very hard,†said Julia.
–But they can’t be any better looking,†Willa sighed, twirling her blond curls around her finger.
–I don’t see why I can’t have a cat,†said Mason. Julia looked over, startled, and saw that he had let Snowy, her fluffy white pet, out of her basket, and was teasing her with a bit of string.
–Maybe when you’re older,†she shrugged. –I just got Snowy last year.â€
–Well, I just hope we have a nice, quiet year,†said Grace, changing the subject as the train chugged over a bridge.
Julia nodded. –Me too.†Ever since Harry Potter had come to Hogwarts two years ago, there had been an unusual amount of trouble, particularly last year. She’d been on edge for months, terrified that she might be attacked by what had turned out to be a basilisk. Admittedly, Harry and his friends had always solved the problems, an admirable feat for three kids, and they really weren’t to blame, but she couldn’t help but think it was better before they came. Still, she couldn’t really see what could go wrong this time around. The Daily Prophet had been full of warnings about the escaped murderer Sirius Black, but they would be safe at Hogwarts. Hogwarts had to be safe.
Then the train shuddered to a halt, and the lights flickered out. Someone screamed, possibly Mason.
–Does this normally happen?†he squeaked.
–No,†said Grace. –Never.â€
Julia reached for her wand. Hawthorn and phoenix feather, smooth and solid, it didn’t banish the feeling of cold that had begun to creep over her . . . but it could make it less dark. –Lumos,†she whispered, and the dark was slightly diluted by a small white light. The silence stretched on. She felt strange, sad . . . and it really was chilly. She gripped her wand tighter. Snowy mewed. There was the sound of compartment doors opening and closing, and a strange rasping noise . . .
She stumbled back as a hooded figure looked in, a horrible, tall thing making that awful rasping sound. Her worst memories seemed to be drawn out of the back of her mind . . . and then it was gone, the door was shut. There was a sound from nearby, a hint of silver light. A few minutes later, the lights flickered back on, and the train began to move again. Everyone was very pale. Mason was shaking, so Julia wrapped him in a hug.
–It’s okay,†she whispered. –It’s gone now.â€
–A dementor,†said Chelsea. –They guard prisoners in Azkaban. But why was it here?†Her glasses were still slightly frosted.
–Must be because of Sirius Black,†Julia replied, letting her brother go. –He escaped from that Azkaban, didn’t he?â€
–Yeah,†said Grace. Willa petted Snowy. They passed the rest of the ride in silence, all too shaken to say any more.
By the time they were sitting in the Great Hall, all of them felt a lot better. The warmth of the candlelight was far removed from the chill of the Dementors. Julia fiddled with her blue and bronze scarf anxiously. It hadn’t blocked out that unnatural cold. There had been more of the awful things, just outside, and she already seriously doubted that they would have a quiet year. The Sirius Black situation must be worse than she’d thought, if someone believed that even Hogwarts needed extra security.
The buzz of many conversations died down a bit as the first years filed into the hall, led by Professor Flitwick instead of McGonagall. Mason was near the end of the line, gawking up at the enchanted ceiling. He nearly ran into the girl in front of him when they stopped, but still continued to look around.
The sorting hat waited at the front of the hall. Professor Flitwick began to read out names. –Andrews, Sarah!†A small and nervous-looking girl put on the hat.
–Hufflepuff!†the hat declared.
So it went on, name after name. Then, finally, –Rowland, Mason!â€
Mason jumped a bit, as if he hadn’t been expecting it, and hurried up to sit on the stool. There was a pause . . .
–Ravenclaw!†cried the hat.
Mason grinned and hurried over to Julia. –Good job,†she whispered. –Go sit with the other first years. You’ll have to get to know them eventually.â€
Mason nodded and continued on down the table. The last child was sorted. Julia ran through her mental tally of new Ravenclaws, frowning. Surely there couldn’t only be two boys, Mason and one other? There had been a lot of girls, though, and the houses could never be perfectly balanced.
Dumbledore had stepped up to speak, and the hall went quiet. Julia thought she knew what he’d be talking about, and sure enough, he was warning them about the dementors. They seemed like horrible things . . . and he was asking the prefects to make sure no one got hurt! That meant her. She’d better read up on them, make sure she knew what the danger really was.
Then he was introducing the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Lupin. He looked rather shabby, but that didn’t really mean anything. Lockhart had looked great, but he’d been an awful teacher. Next, a new Care of Magical Creatures teacher! She’d forgotten Professor Kettleburn had retired.
–Rubeus Hagrid,†Dumbledore announced. The Gryffindors cheered. The Ravenclaws were rather stunned.
–Him?†Chelsea exclaimed in a whisper. –But he’s . . . he’s not really a proper wizard, is he?â€
Julia shrugged. –I suppose being good at magic isn’t really necessary for that class. And he is gamekeeper. He probably knows a lot about animals.†Still, there had been all sorts of interesting tales floating around about Hagrid over the years . . .
–Well, at least it shouldn’t be boring,†said Grace briskly as the food appeared.
–Finally,†Willa sighed, digging in. –They really do have the most excellent food here . . .â€
No one disagreed. Before long, the food was gone, and it was time for Julia to start with her prefect duties. She got up, making sure her badge was on, and headed down to where the first years were sitting, nearly running into Connor, a gangly Ravenclaw in her year.
–Oh! Are you the other prefect?†she asked. He just nodded. He’d never been particularly talkative, preferring to keep his head safely in a book. –First years!†Julia cried. –Follow us up to the tower!â€
They got up in a mass, tripping over each other and the benches. –Good,†she said. –This way.†She led them down a side passage, about six or seven girls whispering behind her. She glanced back and saw Connor trying to keep Mason and the other boy from falling behind. He didn’t look like he was going to be making any announcements, so she kept on talking.
–Ravenclaw tower is on the opposite end of the school from Gryffindor Tower. There are a few shortcuts . . .†She pushed past a tapestry, the others following. –Once we get there, you just climb the stairs and knock on the door. We don’t have a password like other houses, but a riddle that you’ll have to solve. Sometimes it can be tricky, but don’t worry. You can always get some help from any of your housemates that happen to be around.†They came to the staircase then, and began the long, winding ascent. Several other Ravenclaws were crowded around the door, discussing the riddle.
"What was the question?" Julia asked.
"What flies forever, rests never?" a fourth year recited.
–I know!†said one of the seventh years, also a prefect. –Wind,†he said, and the door opened. They all hurried in before it could close again.
Julia heard several hushed exclamations from the first years as they looked around the common room. Even by night, the view from the many windows was quite stunning, and the circular room, with its many bookshelves, tables, and blue chairs, had always seemed very inviting to her.
"This is the common room," said Julia. "You'll be able to spend lots of time here, doing homework, or just spending time with friends and getting to know all your housemates. You can do pretty much what you want here, as long as you're following school rules, so don't be afraid to be yourself. And yes, we do have the best view in the school," she finished. The first years nodded, still looking around distractedly.
–Umm, well, boy’s dormitories are this way,†mumbled Connor. –You two, follow me.â€
Julia turned back to the girls. –Yes, and girl’s dormitories are up the other side. Look for the door that says first years.†Most of them nodded and headed up. One or two were still looking out the windows, but hopefully they’d heard. She headed up to her own dormitory, where Grace was busy arranging her collection of magical flowers.
–That one’s new,†Julia noted, pointing to a pink one.
–Yes, it is,†Grace smiled. –It glows in the dark, see?†She waved her wand, and the lights went out, leaving only a faint pink glow.
–Hey!†Chelsea protested. There was a loud thunk, probably Willa tripping over something.
–Oh! Sorry!†Grace waved her wand again, restoring the light. Julia laughed and started unpacking her things. It was good to be back.
Julia’s first week back at Hogwarts was very busy. She had a full schedule, as always, and was eager to get right back to work. She always seemed to forget things over the summer, and it was important to study a bit before they got too much class work. She also had her prefect duties, which, beyond escorting first-years up to the dormitories, she realized she really didn’t know.
–There was a meeting on the train,†said Connor. –I guess you weren’t there.â€
Julia groaned. –I forgot! My brother was there, and we were in a rush, and then there was the . . . the dementors.â€
Connor looked at the floor.
–Well, do you think you could tell me what I missed?†Julia prompted.
Connor muttered something about not really being the best one to say. She stared at him, and eventually he became uncomfortable enough to mumble, –Well, um, if you know the rules you really just let Professor Flitwick or someone know if people break them. And, um, we do night patrols. Every second Monday.â€
Julia nodded. –Thank you.†Then she left, before he melted into a pool of embarrassment. She wasn’t sure she’d ever heard him say so much in all her previous years at Hogwarts put together.
Most of their classes were much the same as last year, though the teachers were already warning them about their OWLs. Julia wasn’t too concerned, at least not yet. She always did well on tests. Chelsea, on the other hand, went into a panic at once.
–I’d better start studying,†she said. –Making notes.â€
–We haven’t learned anything yet,†said Grace, confused.
–They could test us on previous years as well!†Chelsea protested. –Could you imagine failing?â€
–I’d rather not, thanks,†Willa muttered.
Of course, there were the two new teachers. Lupin seemed like an excellent teacher, though Defense really wasn’t Julia’s thing. It frightened her, mostly . . . she wondered if he could tell her more about the dementors. Better to try and find a book, she decided.
Hagrid’s teaching skills, on the other hand, were a bit more dubious. He explained to them, first and foremost, how to open their books.
–Stroke the spine,†muttered one of the Hufflepuffs. –Great, if it doesn’t eat you first.â€
Julia smiled. The Monster’s Book of Monsters was certainly a fascinating sort of book . . . although she did admit that it would be better if it was a little less vicious. However, Hagrid seemed rather dejected, and didn’t seem to have much planned.
–I heard something went wrong, in a third year class,†whispered Willa.
–You heard right,†said Tanner, a Gryffindor, rather close to Willa’s ear.
–Yeah,†laughed one of the Weasley twins (Julia could never tell them apart). –A little git of a Slytherin got hurt.â€
–The man should be glad!†chimed in the other twin.
Julia rolled her eyes and decided to just look through the book. Clearly this class was going to be nothing more than boys flirting with Willa, as always.
Julia saw very little of her brother until late of the week. She and her friends were sitting near the fire. Julia was looking at a book on dark creatures. Grace was working on her Charms essay. Willa was watching some sixth year boys play Exploding Snap.
–You should be studying,†Chelsea told her, looking up from one of her old textbooks.
–I am,†Willa muttered absently. –I am studying human behaviour. Maybe I’ll write an essay for a science journal. ‘The habits of young and attractive wizards’ . . .â€
Julia rolled her eyes, then frowned as she finally stumbled upon an entry about dementors. She leaned in closer to read it.
Dementors are some of the foulest creatures to walk this earth . . . their greatest danger lies in their ability to suck out the soul of a victim . . . the only way to repel a dementor is by use the of the Patronus Charm.
Julia bit her lip. This wasn’t right. Creatures like that shouldn’t be allowed in a school. The Patronus charm was extremely advanced, and she doubted very many students knew it. And she would have to be patrolling at night, with no teachers around. What if someone was being attacked, and she was the only one there to help them . . .
–Whatcha reading?â€
Julia jumped, dropped the book, and turned around to see her brother grinning behind her.
–Gotcha! I scared you, didn’t I?â€
Julia sighed. –How are you, Mason? Are you liking Hogwarts?â€
–Oh, yeah, it’s excellent,†said Mason brightly. –Really excellent. Only we haven’t learned any actual magic yet . . .â€
–Well, of course not,†Julia stated. –Soon, though, you will.â€
Mason nodded vaguely, distracted by someone coming up behind him: a thin, pale boy with hair that fell into his eyes and a huge grin.
–Hullo, Miss,†he said, in a thick Irish accent. –You must be Mason’s sister.â€
–Yeah,†said Mason excitedly. –This is my friend, Sam. His parents are wizards. He’s never even heard of video games . . .â€
–I have a broom, though. I really wish first years could try out.â€
–Sorry,†Julia shrugged. –It’s just the way it is.â€
–Oh, and I’m going to be getting a chimpanzee,†said Mason.
–What?†Julia stared at him. –No, you’re not.â€
–I am! There’s a company that mails them in . . .â€
–Mason, that’s awful.â€
–No. It’s brilliant. Only five galleons. And they treat them good!â€
–A chimpanzee is not an approved school pet,†said Julia in her best prefect voice. –Only owls, cats, rats, and toads are allowed.â€
–And chimpanzees,†said Mason. Sam laughed. So did Grace, as the two younger boys walked away, whispering conspiratorially.
–Your brother really is a riot, isn’t he?†she giggled.
–Oh, yeah, a real laugh,†Julia scowled. She picked up her book, then set it back on the table. She’d read what she needed to know. She headed up to the dormitory. Maybe a little sleep would clear her head.
End Notes:
Hey everyone! Thanks for reading so far - there's lots more to come! Please review if you have anything you want to say, it would mean a lot :)
However, try as she might, Julia just couldn’t get to sleep. Voices ran through her head as she stared up at the ceiling. Dementors are some of the foulest creatures to walk this earth . . . there was a meeting, on the train. I guess you weren't there. And then, bizarrely, Mason. I’m getting a chimpanzee.
She sighed and checked the time. Half past one, and she was still wide awake. She knew, as a prefect, she shouldn’t be wandering the halls at night. No, absolutely not. Still, she wanted to take a walk, maybe talk to the Grey Lady. She hadn’t done that yet this year. The Grey Lady rarely spoke, but she often made time to say a few words to Julia, and what she did say was often just what Julia needed to hear.
Her mind made up, Julia crawled out of bed, put on her blue dressing gown over her pajamas, and padded out of the room, careful not to wake anyone. The common room was empty. The windows showed the reflection of the moon on the lake. Carefully, she eased open the door. –Lumos,†she whispered. The stairs were darker than the rest of the tower, and, as she had learned from experience, easy to fall down if one wasn’t careful.
Although she tried not to wander too much at night, she could never really help but enjoy the quietness, the strangeness of the deserted school. It was slightly marred this time by fear of the dementors . . . but she would stay well away from the doors. Of course, there was also guilt. She was a prefect. She shouldn’t be breaking the rules. Still, she already had, now. No use turning back.
She made her way to the Grey Lady’s favorite haunt without running into whichever prefects happened to be on patrol, or any teachers. Then she waited until the ghost of a beautiful, dark-haired woman appeared.
–Julia,†said the ghost.
–Helena,†Julia replied, inclining her head in greeting.
The ghost looked at her for a moment, reading her face. –You are concerned about the dementors.â€
–I suppose. It just . . . it doesn’t seem right, having them here.â€
–Perhaps it is not, but there is little you can do. Do not worry overmuch. The dementors affect those who have great horrors in their past the most. You do not, I trust?â€
Julia shook her head. Some loneliness and ridicule, yes. No one had really accepted her before she came to Hogwarts. Moments of fear, of course, and moments of confusion, from back before she knew the strange things she did were magic. But no great horror.
Well, except for one memory . . . but it was fuzzy, and no one spoke of it, no one believed she had been old enough to recall . . .
The Grey Lady’s gaze softened, the corners of her mouth turning up slightly in her version of a smile. –It is not wise to worry beyond necessity. Now, you should go. It is late.â€
Julia nodded. –Thank you,†she said, but the ghost was already gone.
She headed back the way she had come, wand light slightly dimmed to avoid attracting attention. She gazed off into the dark, feeling less concerned, but still guilty. All she really needed was to get back without meeting anyone . . .
–Going somewhere?†two voices chorused, and she spun around, resisting the urge to shriek. She scowled when she saw who it was.
–Fred and George.â€
–I prefer George and Fred,†said one of them. –If you don’t mind.â€
She shook her head, exasperated. The Weasley twins were in her year, but she had always chosen not to give them much notice. Just a couple of silly pranksters, funny at times, but not worth her attention.
–It’s Julia, isn’t it?†said the other twin - Fred, maybe?
–A Ravenclaw,†said George (she assumed it was George).
–A Ravenclaw prefect.â€
–Now what would a prefect . . .â€
–Be doing out of bed this time of night?†maybe-Fred finished with a grin.
–I . . . I could ask you the same thing!†she stammered.
–Ah,†they said together, coming up on either side of her, –but we’re not prefects.â€
She stepped forward, better to glare at them. –Of course you’re not. I can’t report you tonight, because . . .â€
–You’re breaking the rules too?†She had no idea which twin spoke. It was simply ridiculous.
–You know, Fred,†said George - he had to be George, or else they were messing with her - –It really is a shame when pretty girls become prefects.â€
Julia blushed in spite of herself. They were definitely messing with her now. No one ever said she was pretty.
–Yes. Sucks all the fun right out of them,†Fred continued. –And then they could become Head Girl . . .â€
–What’s wrong with that?†asked Julia indignantly.
–Well, our brother Percy . . .â€
–Is Head Boy . . .â€
–And he’s a prat,†they finished together.
Julia sighed again. –I’m leaving,†she said, –and I’d better not catch you two out at night again, or you won’t get off so easy.â€
They shrugged. –Such a shame,†sighed one. –All the fun’s gone already.â€
–You know what, Fred?†said George. –I think we have an obligation to this poor girl.â€
–I agree,†said Fred. –After all, she’s only just become a prefect. We may be able to save her from becoming a prat yet.â€
They turned back to Julia, who was still staring at them. –Well?†they grinned together. –Weren’t you leaving?â€
With a glare to freeze fire, she whipped around and headed back towards Ravenclaw tower. The nerve of those two . . .
She realized, too late, that they hadn’t actually said what they were doing out so late. But then again, neither had she.
End Notes:
Obviously, I don't own Fred and George. They, and any other canon characters that may be mentioned, were invented by the great JKR :)
Julia was sitting in History of Magic, taking notes from the textbook. She’d slept well for a few nights now, but no amount of rest could give her the energy to listen to Professor Binns talk. She found the subject interesting, but she had discovered years ago that the only way she could pass on her own was to learn it by herself. Grace sat next to her. Perhaps once she’d been trying to listen to the lecture, but now she was tracing flowers on the table, her long, straight hair hiding her face. Out of the whole class, only Chelsea seemed completely alert. The Gryffindors, in particular, were paying no attention at all . . .
She quickly looked away from that side of the room, but it was too late. The Weasley twins had caught her eye. She focused in on her book, trying to read the next paragraph on major dragon attacks. A piece of paper slid onto the table next to her, shaped like . . . a dragon. Her curiosity got the better of her. She reached out to touch it, and it melted back into an ordinary sheet of paper, written in a quick and sprawling hand.
Lesson one, today at four in the corridor by McGonagall’s classroom.
George
Julia sighed, annoyed. She didn’t need a pair of troublemakers to teach her how to have fun. She had loads of fun. Reading books counted as fun.
Grace pushed back her hair and looked towards the paper. –Who . . .â€
Julia pulled the paper away and tucked it in the pocket of her robes, next to her wand and a spare quill. –It’s nothing,†she whispered.
Grace looked over her head, though, and spotted Fred and George looking at them. One of the winked lazily. Willa noticed, and went very red. Grace raised her eyebrow, first at Willa, then back at Julia.
Julia propped up her book in between her and her friend. –I’m very busy studying, Grace. You should try it.â€
Grace sniffed. –I don’t need to study. I’m a brilliant Ravenclaw and I ace all my tests without trying.â€
–No, you don’t, actually,†Julia muttered in reply, starting to write again. –Remember that one Potions exam . . .â€
–In my defense, I did not know the test was that day.â€
–But if you don’t need to study . . .â€
Chelsea whipped around. –Quiet!†she hissed. –I’m trying to listen.â€
Julia looked down and read over the notes she’d just written. They had very little to do with dragon sightings. She crumpled up the paper, and started again.
- -
Much to her own surprise, Julia found herself waiting outside the Transfiguration classroom at four o’clock. Naturally, no one was around. A feeble prank, really, luring her here for no reason. Not at all up to their usual standards.
Suddenly, there was a loud, shrill sound from behind her. She shrieked and jumped, looking around, but saw nothing. The sound continued, echoing off the walls. –Turn it off!†she shouted. –You guys . . .â€
Professor McGonagall stepped out in to the hall. –Miss Rowland! Whatever are you doing?â€
–Can’t you hear it, Professor?†Julia gasped . . . but the sound had stopped.
Professor McGonagall looked around, but also saw nothing. –Perhaps you should have your hearing checked, Miss Rowland . . . but as a prefect, by all means tell me if you find the source of the disturbance.†She stepped back into her office and shut the door.
As if on cue, Fred and George came around the corner, one of them practically falling over with laughter.
–You two!†Julia gasped, fuming. –I should report you right now . . .â€
–Ah, come on,†said one twin.
–Just a little joke,†laughed the other.
She looked down, and spotted a small black object. She picked it up. It was smoking slightly, seemingly broken. –And what’s this?â€
–That . . .â€
–Is a Startling Screamer.â€
–Our own invention.â€
–Simple spell to trap the noise inside . . .â€
–A bit of a delay, setting it off, so we’re not spotted . . .â€
–And only the person it’s nearest to will hear it.â€
–That’s . . . actually, that’s very clever,†Julia remarked, surprised.
–We thought you might appreciate it. Wit beyond measure and all.â€
–It’s still in the works, of course.â€
–Only lasts about a minute before it breaks.â€
–We’re hoping to improve it . . .â€
Julia tossed the small object in her hand. –You know, I should still report you.â€
They remained silent, two identical faces hiding smiles.
–I’ve already let you two off once!†she protested.
–Ah,†they said together, coming up on either side and marching her down the hall, –but we haven’t broken any rules.â€
–Magic in the corridors!â€
–As if you’ve never done that,†one of them snorted.
–Everyone does,†said the other.
–Causing a disturbance . . .â€
–Technically, you were warned,†said the twin on her left.
–No . . .â€
–Surely a clever girl like you would’ve known we’d pull a prank!†said the twin on her right in mock astonishment.
Julia broke away from them. –Fine! I’ll let you two off one more time, but just this once!†She stalked off down the hall, but hadn’t gotten far before she paused and looked back at them. –It looks like the noise spell is stronger than the shell. If you reinforced it somehow, maybe it would last longer.†Then she hurried away, without waiting to hear their response.
Author's Notes:
Over 1000 views now, thank you all so much! :)
Julia forced herself to walk back to Ravenclaw Tower. Already she knew she should’ve turned the twins in. Ten points, probably, would’ve been all they’d lose, and Gryffindor always seemed to have too many points for all the trouble they caused. Probably because of rubbish prefects like her . . .
She knocked on the door. –What needs food, though water’s its demise?†it asked.
She paused. –Fire, of course. That’s an easy one.†The door opened to a fairly quiet common room. There were lots of people on the lawn below - it must be a nice day. Maybe she could just head outside until supper instead . . .
Someone grabbed her from behind, trying to surprise her, but she’d seen their reflection in the window. –Grace, what do you want?â€
–What’s going on? I have to know!â€
–You don’t have to know . . .â€
–Yeah, actually, we do,†said Willa. –It’s only fair. You should be warned before you start hanging out with those Weasley twins . . .â€
Julia sat down on the soft blue couch with a sigh. –I’m not hanging out with them. I just . . . ran into them, and now they’ve decided I need to be bothered.â€
–Yeah, well that’s how they start,†said Willa. –But don’t go thinking one of them fancies you. They’re Gryffindors. Totally unattainable. Never pay you any attention if one of their own is around . . . not to mention they’re identical. Terribly confusing.â€
–Had some lovely experiences, have you, Willa?†said Grace, raising her eyebrows.
–Only time she’s ever been wrong about a guy. Too ashamed to speak of it, even to her friends,†said Chelsea, still seemingly absorbed in her Divination book.
–How . . .†Willa started.
–I know stuff,†said Chelsea cryptically.
–We have to watch out for her,†whispered Grace.
Chelsea laughed, looking up. –Just deductive reasoning, Gracie. Nothing to fear. I’m going down to dinner.â€
None of the others bothered to follow - the meal wouldn’t even start for another half hour, and being early meant you had to wait longer for dessert.
–It’s not like that,†said Julia. –They probably just want to get on all the prefects’ good sides, now that there’s some of us in their year.â€
–I guess so,†Willa sighed. –Still, I’m putting this conversation on file . . .â€
–Don’t you dare!†The time Willa kept track of anything was when she thought it may have something to do with romance.
–Here, you can use my quill,†said Grace.
–You two are being ridiculous,†Julia started.
–Ridiculous things are fun,†said Mason.
Julia looked at him seriously. –Quit sneaking up on me,†she told him. –It’s very rude.â€
–It’s very rude,†he mocked. She drew her wand. –No! Don’t hurt me or I’ll levitate you!†he squeaked.
Julia laughed. –Funny thing, I was just about to levitate you.â€
–I just was wondering when the post comes,†said Mason. –My chimpanzee should be here soon.â€
She stared at him. –It comes at breakfast. Did you seriously order a chimpanzee?â€
–Of course!â€
–Mason! Filch won’t let it in! Not to mention you’re nowhere near responsible enough . . . I’m writing Mum and Dad.â€
–You have a pet!†Mason protested. –Besides, the chimpanzees are all fully trained and very smart! They look after themselves! I’ll keep it in my dormitory. Sam won’t mind.â€
–Mason, it’s not allowed.â€
–You don’t know that,†he said, bouncing on his toes. –Nope, you don’t. I’ve never ever heard of a rule saying mail order chimpanzees aren’t allowed . . .â€
–Mason, don’t be ridiculous . . .â€
Someone came up from behind and threw a handful of powder over her head, obscuring her vision. She heard footsteps running away, and someone with an Irish accent saying, –I did it! Just like you asked!â€
–Brilliant, mate!†said Mason, and by the time Julia could see again, the two boys had hurried up the stairs towards their dormitory.
–Five points!†she shouted after them. –I’ll make sure of it.â€
Grace clapped. –Very prefect-y. You take points from Fred and George too?â€
–Of course,†Julia lied. –Why wouldn’t I?â€
- -
Julia found that she had trouble sleeping again that night. It figured. Everything just had to happen at once . . . but she wouldn’t go wandering. Not this time. She was going to be a good prefect now. She rolled over, and tried to calm her thoughts.
She woke up suddenly to daylight and something furry near her face. –Snowy,†she mumbled, –I told you not to . . .†She opened her eyes and cried out, waking the others.
Grace shrieked. –Julia, there’s a monkey on your head!â€
–Where did it come from?†Willa cried, pulling up her blanket. –It’s too early for monkeys!â€
–Get it out!†said Chelsea.
Julia sat up. The monkey (a chimpanzee, in fact) moved over to look at her cheekily. –Oh, I think I know where it came from,†she said darkly. It scampered over to climb the curtains. She put on her dressing gown and picked it up, then headed down to the foot of the boy’s staircase. She was about to shout when Mason came running, trailed by Sam.
–Oh, good! You found Parker!â€
–Parker?†said Julia, puzzled.
–Yeah. The chimpanzee! He came this morning, special post right to my window!â€
–Mason!â€
–What’s all this commotion?†The three of them turned around to see the tiny Professor Flitwick looking at them tiredly. –Is that a chimpanzee?â€
–Yessir,†said Mason eagerly. –Can I keep it?â€
–Well, Mason, you know chimpanzees aren’t approved pets,†said Flitwick gravely.
–But he’s used to magic! He was raised by wizards!â€
Julia detected a hint of a smile on the Head of House’s face as he said, –I really shouldn’t make exceptions, but if you can keep it under control . . .â€
Mason cheered. –Come on, Sam! Let’s make a chimpanzee house! Thank you, Professor!†The two boys hurried away.
–That was really nice of you,†Julia remarked to Flitwick.
–Ah, well, one must make exceptions every now and again. Just don’t tell the others.†With a smile, he headed back to his office.
Julia looked down, and saw her cat Snowy. Carrying him with her, she sat down by the always-lit fire and waited for the rest of the house to get up.
The next time Julia found herself out at night, it was on her second patrol with Connor. The first one had been exceptionally boring. Each of them had taken half of the floors, walked through all of the main hallways, then went back to sleep. It was a bloody waste of time, in her opinion. It wouldn’t be that hard for anyone out and about to evade them.
–I’ll take the top floors this time,†she told Connor. He just nodded. She headed upstairs, her wand lit.
Her mind wandered as she strolled down the hall, listening for people more than she was watching. A mouse scampered along the wall. With all the cats around, surely there shouldn’t be mice . . . but perhaps all the cats were like Snowy, begging for food instead of actually putting in the effort required to catch anything. Snowy was rather frightened of mice and all other things that moved, aside from people.
Next, she thought about her Ancient Runes homework, and how intolerably dull her thoughts must seem to anyone reading her mind. Not, of course, that anyone would be doing that. She couldn’t remember if it was possible or not, mind-reading. She wondered of Care of Magical Creatures would ever get more interesting. She had been certain that Hagrid would have more interesting animals in his care than salamanders and flobberworms.
There was a noise behind her, and she stiffened. She turned, but no one was in sight.
–Filch is in his office?†said a voice that was becoming all too familiar from around the corner.
–Of course. Lazy old git wouldn’t be out of bed at this hour. Anyone else around?â€
–I’m checking. I think . . . wait . . .â€
Two redheads came around the corner, as Julia had expected.
–Fancy seeing you here again,†one of them said, folding up a large piece of parchment.
–So late at night,†sighed the other.
–I’m on patrol,†she said stiffly.
–Ah, of course. Saw some other Ravenclaw downstairs.â€
–Snoring like a dragon. Didn’t even blink as we went by.â€
–Connor,†Julia sighed, annoyed. –I should wake him up.â€
The twins grinned. –Yes, save him from his terrible ineptitude,†said one.
–Such a tragedy, that he get a rest . . .â€
–You probably push him around all day long . . .â€
–Poor boy . . . has he ever actually taken a point? I’ve never heard a word from him.â€
Julia glared at them. –He doesn’t say much. And before I go . . .â€
–I think she’s going to try and get us in trouble, George,†whispered Fred conspiratorially.
–I think she is,†George agreed. –We could try out those stunning puffs . . .â€
–A bit harsh, perhaps. An old-school dungbomb . . .â€
–Stop it!†Julia cried. –You’re out after curfew, doing goodness knows what . . .â€
–Why, only a harmless prank!†said Fred, pretending to be offended.
–Nothing at all to concern you,†said George.
–I’ll report you,†Julia said, her voice shaking a bit. –I will! And . . . I’ll take that parchment!â€
Fred whisked the paper out of her reach. –We’ll keep the parchment, I think.â€
–Do report us,†said George as he and his brother set off down the hall. –We deserve punishment, rotten boys like us.â€
–Don’t forget that partner of yours, Connor,†Fred winked. –Wouldn’t want some other girl to pick him up.â€
Then they were gone, and Julia just stared. Why . . . the nerve . . . she just . . . –I will report them,†she whispered. –Absolutely.â€
She headed downstairs to find Connor. She’d had enough patrolling for the night. Sure enough, he was sleeping against the wall. For goodness sakes, if he couldn’t stay up for just an hour . . .
She looked at him for a moment. He had darker skin than her, but a sickly look in spite of it. His black hair was cut short, and his arms and legs were too long. She shook his shoulder. –Wake up.†He opened his eyes.
–I’m sorry,†he said, scrambling to his feet. –I didn’t mean . . .â€
She was about to snap at him, but she stopped herself. She was mad at the twins, and no one else. –It’s fine. It’s late.â€
He shook his head. –It wasn’t that. I thought I saw someone . . . maybe . . .†He caught her eye, and suddenly became shy again.
–You were cursed?†Julia finished. He nodded. –But who . . .â€
He shrugged and turned in the direction of Ravenclaw tower. Julia followed, an awful suspicion growing. Fred and George had passed Connor, and they’d talked about some sort of stunning thing . . . Connor stumbled, and she caught his arm automatically, getting an almost-smile as thanks.
She didn’t want to think that the twins would attack someone. It didn’t seem right, somehow. Connor hadn’t really been hurt, but still . . . She would report them. No reason why not. They’d broken the rules.
She had to report them, and that was that.
A notice was posted in the Ravenclaw common room the next day, about a Quidditch meeting. Tryouts had been back in September, and Willa and Grace were still sulking about not making the team.
–I cannot believe Cho beat me again,†Grace moaned. –One year, I got, when I was only twelve, and then they were like nope, you’re not good enough to be Seeker anymore.â€
–At least you got beat fair and square!†Willa cried. –That stupid Roger Davies should not be biased against me just because . . .â€
–You broke his heart? Used him to get another boy to notice you?†Julia said innocently.
–I was young and stupid!â€
–That was last year,†Grace pointed out.
–Whatever,†said Willa, flopping down in a chair. –The point is, I’m ten times better than those two little boys he has as Beaters put together.â€
–See, this is why I don’t play Quidditch,†said Julia, taking out her library book - ‘Enchanted Forests - Magical Creature Reserves of Britain’. –So much drama.â€
Grace laughed. –You don’t play Quidditch because you’re rubbish at it.â€
Willa giggled. –Remember in the first year?â€
–Her broom got away on her,†Grace hooted.
–I can fly now,†Julia snapped. –I just need to hold on with both hands.â€
–Yeah, or else you might just slide off . . .†Grace collapsed to the floor, still laughing.
–Glad I’m so amusing,†Julia muttered. She opened the book. It was bookmarked with a slip of paper ripped from a list of school rules. She knew she had to report Fred and George. She should go to Professor Flitwick’s office right now.
Maybe later.
- -
She left potions class the next day in a good mood. Despite Snape’s habit of ignoring the members of his class who weren’t in Slytherin, she’d finally managed to brew a perfect Strengthening Solution. However, her smile faded as she headed down the hall. There was an awful lot of shouting going on. She turned the corner.
A chimpanzee was swinging across the rafters while Mason leapt up and down. –Parker! Get back here! Parker . . .â€
Sam was trying to levitate the monkey, but seemed to be having difficulty focusing. A lot of people were watching. Then, much to Julia’s dismay, the twins turned up. It was only a moment before they manage to lure the chimp down, using only a banana.
–There you go,†said one of them, handing Parker back to Mason. The chimp chomped happily on his snack.
–Thanks!†said Mason. –I . . .â€
–Mason!†Julia pushed through the crowd. –I thought you were keeping that in your dormitory.â€
–I was! He got out. I’ve been chasing him all over . . .â€
–Yeah, pets are a little tricky to keep in one spot,†said one of the twins.
–You should probably feed him,†said the other.
–Don’t you two encourage him!†said Julia.
–I do feed him!†Mason protested.
–We’ll tell you where to get food,†one of the red-heads continued. –But later, not in front of your sister.â€
–Yup, so move along, all of you,†said the other. –Get to class.â€
–Right,†said Julia. –You too, Sam.†Sam looked up, his eyes hidden by his hair.
–I was talking to the girls, miss.â€
–Talk to them in class. Go on. You too, Mason.†Finally, they’d all cleared out . . . except for the twins.
–Aren’t you going?†Julia asked.
–Heard you reported us,†one of them grinned.
–You deserved it! Attacking Connor . . .â€
They looked puzzled. –We didn’t attack anyone.â€
–What about those stunning somethings . . .â€
One of them chuckled. –We haven’t actually tried those yet.â€
–Gotta get on that.â€
–We told you, though.â€
–He was sleeping when we got there.â€
She looked at them. They didn’t seem to be lying. –Someone knocked him out. A sleeping spell, not a stunning spell, which is kind of strange. You didn’t see anyone?â€
–No, I don’t think so. Fred?â€
–Nobody,†Fred confirmed.
Julia shrugged. –Okay.†So they hadn’t done it. It was kind of a relief, somehow. They weren’t bad people, just jokers. They’d even helped Mason out. –I really should get to class.â€
George smiled. –You know, there’s a Hogsmeade weekend at Halloween.â€
–Yeah . . .â€
–You still seem pretty prefecty . . .â€
–So?â€
–So you probably should come for a drink with us. Continue your lessons.â€
She rolled her eyes. –I’ll think about it.†The bell rang. –Drat! Which corridor is this . . .†She spotted a tapestry and ducked behind it, into a narrow way that would hopefully get her to History of Magic before everyone was asleep. As she headed down it, she heard the twins keep talking.
–Nothing like a girl who knows her shortcuts, right, George?â€
–Nothing like a girl who can play Quidditch, more like . . .â€
And then the sound was gone.
- -
–I’m so glad I started a file,†said Willa. –This is going to be hilarious.â€
–It’s not a date!†Julia protested. –There’s two of them, for goodness sakes!â€
–Double date,†Grace grinned. –They said something about Quidditch players, so they can’t mean you . . .â€
–That wasn’t . . . I didn’t . . . It’s not a date!†Julia stammered.
–You tell them,†muttered Chelsea, taking notes.
–What is that you’ve been reading?†Julia asked, leaning over. –It doesn’t look like a set book.â€
–Like you only read school books,†she snorted, hiding the title with her arm.
–Don’t change the subject,†said Willa. –So, you’re going out - not on a date - with the twins. Now, what will Connor say?â€
–What?†Julia and Grace looked at her.
–Nothing,†Grace guessed. –He doesn’t talk.â€
–What do you mean, Willa?†asked Julia.
–He’s been caught up on you ever since you woke him up.â€
–He hasn’t!â€
–He’s been looking at you. That’s the most a shy guy like him would do . . .â€
Julia glanced quickly across the room. –He’s working on Divination stuff. Not looking at me.â€
–Such a thrilling romance,†muttered Willa, taking notes with her massive pink quill.
–This is ridiculous,†said Julia sternly. –I’m going . . .†The clock struck eight. Too early to sleep, too late to go outside. She sighed. –I’m going to sit here and ignore everything you say.â€
–Ooh, snappy comeback,†Grace laughed. Julia ignored her. It was going to be a long night.
Julia woke up early on Hallowe’en. The sun was shining in through the window. It looked like a perfect fall day. A gentle breeze was blowing leaves across the grounds, and not a cloud was in sight.
She threw her pillow at Grace. –Wake up,†she said. Grace moaned and rolled over. Julia sighed. –It’s morning,†she said, but everyone was fast asleep. She started moving stuff around in her wardrobe. She could wear Muggle clothes today. Jeans, maybe, and her striped Ravenclaw sweater . . .
–You can’t wear that,†said Willa. Julia jumped.
–I thought you were sleeping. Besides, it doesn’t matter what I wear because . . .â€
–It’s ‘not a date’. Fine. Have it your way,†Willa rolled her eyes. –Rise and shine, everyone!
Soon, it was time to go. Chelsea had stayed back - –I have stuff to do, is all,†- but Julia, Willa and Grace left together. It was great, just getting a change of scenery. The village was bustling with people, and the little shops were colourful and inviting. –Let’s go to Honeydukes,†said Grace eagerly. –Right now.â€
–Right! We should,†said Julia. –I promised Mason I’d bring him some sweets.â€
They did quite a bit of shopping, and by lunchtime, they had already been almost everywhere. –I guess I should go to the Three Broomsticks now,†said Julia half-heartedly. –See if they’re actually there . . .â€
Sure enough, when she stepped into the Three Broomsticks, there was nary a redhead in sight. She ordered a Butterbeer and some lunch anyway, and sat down alone.
–Ah! Told you she’d be here!†said one of the twins, coming up from behind and sitting down at Julia’s table. The other twin followed, digging out money like he’d lost a bet.
–So, what’s the lesson?†Julia asked as the boys ordered their own Butterbeers.
–Talking. Without sounding like a prefect,†said one of them.
–He’s Fred,†said George. –In case you were wondering.â€
–Thanks, that helps . . .â€
–So, I heard you whining about Care of Magical Creatures,†George continued.
–It’s just dull now, is all. I think magical creatures are fascinating, and I wish we would study something more interesting . . .â€
–You don’t want interesting, not with Hagrid,†Fred snorted. –Unless, of course, you like terrifying things.â€
–They’re not so bad, though, monsters,†said George. –Just not something girls are usually into.â€
Julia laughed. –You two would know, wouldn’t you? I suppose you were stocking up on more joke stuff at Zonko’s . . .â€
They gave her identical stern looks. She sighed.
–But I’m not being prefecty, so I won’t call you out on it. Better?â€
–Excellent,†said Fred.
George reached into Julia’s Honeydukes bag. –Can I have this frog? Thanks.â€
They sat for a while, and Julia was surprised at how easy it actually was to have a conversation with them. Eventually, though, the topic came around to Harry Potter.
–I just think it was nicer before he came,†she said.
–He’s a good kid,†said Fred. –It’s not like he asks for mad stuff to come after him.â€
–Cracking Quidditch player too,†added George. –I don’t suppose you play?â€
Julia ignored him. –I’m not saying there’s anything wrong, but nothing bad happened the first two years . . .â€
–Third year wasn’t bad,†said Fred.
–And where would you be if he hadn’t gotten rid of that basilisk, huh?†asked George, getting annoyed.
–He saved our little sister,†Fred added.
–I’m not saying he’s not a hero!†Julia protested. –It’s just strange, isn’t it?â€
A few other Gryffindors walked in.
–That’ll be Angelina and Alicia,†said Fred. –Lee too, by the looks of it.â€
–Right,†said George. –See you, Julia,†he added as the two got up, but he didn’t sound very enthusiastic. Then they went off to see their friends, leaving her alone again.
- -
After dinner, Julia was still fuming, although the food and ghostly entertainment had cheered her up a little bit.
–Something must have happened,†said Willa. –Come on, Julia. Tell me!â€
–We just talked. And then they left, just because they can’t take hearing other people’s opinions . . .â€
–Well, you might have been a little mean about Harry,†said Grace cautiously.
–Don’t you take their side! Willa was right the first time around. Those two are nothing but trouble.â€
–So, Chelsea, did you do that ‘stuff’?†asked Willa, hurriedly changing the subject.
Chelsea blinked. –What?â€
–That stuff that you stayed back from Hogsmeade, the greatest place we can get to while in school, for,†Willa prompted.
–Oh, that. Umm, yeah,†Chelsea mumbled.
–Maybe Chelsea has a secret boyfriend,†said Grace slyly.
–No!†Chelsea protested.
–Can you prove it? Do you have an alibi?†said Willa dramatically.
–No, but that doesn’t . . .â€
Julia tuned them out and tried to think about the candy she’d bought, and what Mason might like. He’d really liked the Tooth-Flossing Stringmints she’d brought home last year, and the Peppermint Toads. She’d give him those, and keep some Pepper Imps for herself.
They had just reached the common room entrance when Professor Flitwick came out of the door, most of the house crowded behind him. –Downstairs again, girls, back to the hall . . . no questions just now, head downstairs . . .â€
So, extremely confused, they moved down with the crowd. Julia found Mason, who had his chimpanzee clinging to his hair.
–I don’t know what’s going on,†he said before she could even ask. Then, conspiratorially, he added, –Sam thinks maybe the ghosts ate someone.â€
–That’s ridiculous! Ghosts don’t eat people!†Another idea occurred to her, but she didn’t voice it - had the dementors got someone?
–Then why’s Sam afraid of them, huh? He’s not even afraid of snakes. He says he would have finished the basilisk off right away if he’d been here last year . . .â€
–That’s a load of rubbish, Mason. You know that. It was just good luck that those kids killed it in the end.â€
–Nuh-uh. It was Harry Potter who did it. He’s like, a wizard superhero.â€
–Hardly. Just a very lucky kid . . .â€
Finally they reached the Great Hall, where the rest of the school was waiting. Flitwick moved at once to help close the doors, while Dumbledore spoke. However, he didn’t explain, just said they were searching the castle, that they all had to sleep in the hall, that the prefects should guard the doors . . . and then all the teachers were gone. Julia moved towards one of the doors, but stopped. She had to see what was going on first.
She spotted one of the twins, forgetting she was mad at them, and ran up to him. –What . . .â€
–Someone attacked the . . . the entrance to our common room. They’re saying it was Sirius Black . . .â€
–But how’d he get in?â€
–No one knows.â€
Julia nodded. She’d noticed as he was talking that one of his teeth was a bit crooked. –Which one are you? Which twin, I mean.â€
He cracked a smile. –George. Now go guard the door. We’re all depending on you to keep us safe and sound . . . you’d better keep that Connor kid awake.†Percy started shouting, and George grinned wider. –Well, go on, or bighead boy over there will be after you next.â€
Julia nodded, smiling, and headed over to one of the smaller doors, near Connor. So now she could tell the twins apart, if she looked close enough. More important, though, was the question everyone was still whispering about despite Percy’s efforts. How had that criminal, Sirius Black, gotten in, past all the dementors, past the school enchantments? And, a question far less people were asking, why? Why would he risk his freedom just to sneak into a school, then not even do anything but attack something around Gryffindor tower - a portrait, probably, since attacking a door seemed odd.
–What . . . what do you think happened, Julia?†said Connor, the starlight from the ceiling mostly hiding his blush.
She shrugged, still preoccupied. –I don’t know. Maybe he knows some spells that helped him get around the security. Anti-dementor stuff - patrona-whatsits or whatever. Everyone was in here when he came in, probably, so no one would have seen him.â€
Connor nodded but didn’t say anything else. The ghosts floated around, discussing the various theories people had. Even the Grey Lady was there, but she just looked, giving Julia a long stare as if she was trying to help her think. Some of the prefects started to look sleepy as the night wore on, but Julia was wide awake, her mind buzzing. It had been a very long day, and it seemed that maybe it would never end at all, that maybe they would just remain here forever, all together in the Hall under the stars.
The following week was dominated by a tangle of rumours about Sirius Black, until Julia thought she would scream if she heard his name one more time. Everyone was safe, and really, there was no reason why it would have been Sirius Black. Whoever had first said it was had probably been too scared to think straight. Enough was enough.
To make things worse, the teachers seemed to have decided to give them all an exceptional amount of work, with the ever-present reason being that their OWLs were mere months away. No one really seemed to care much yet. It seemed so far off. Only Chelsea was already studying, finding more and more excuses to keep her head in a book. Even Defense Against the Dark Arts, which Julia had been starting to like just a little, was far from fun. Snape was filling in for Lupin and had made them review things they’d learned about years ago, like werewolves. Finally, the weather was miserable, and the Weasley twins were so busy training for that weekend’s Quidditch game that they didn’t even think to set off some fireworks or something to lighten the mood. She would have suggested it herself, had she not been a prefect.
It was Friday night when Mason and Sam started pestering her. She was playing Exploding Snap with Grace when they sat down next to her.
–I like exploding cards too, miss,†said Sam.
–Yes,†said Mason, imitating his friend’s Irish accent, –I like explosions a lot.†Parker was sitting on his shoulders, picking through his hair for bugs.
Julia sighed, trying to pay attention to the game. Grace had a habit of cheating if she saw that her opponent was distracted. –What do you two want?â€
–Are you going to the Quidditch game?†asked Mason. –We are. I’m so excited, Sam’s told me all about it . . .â€
–Yes, miss, I have,†said Sam eagerly.
–You don’t need to call me ‘miss’,†said Julia absently.
–So, are you coming?†asked Mason.
–Probably not. Willa and Grace are still bitter . . .â€
–I’m not bitter!†Grace protested. –I just don’t think Cho . . .â€
–And Chelsea will probably think that having everyone down at the pitch will create ideal study conditions, so she won’t budge,†Julia finished.
–Please,†said Mason, batting his eyelashes. –It would be so much more fun if you came too!†Sam tried to imitate his friend, but just looked like he had something stuck in his eye. Parker grunted.
Julia laughed. –Oh, fine. I’ll come. Maybe I’ll even manage to drag the others out.â€
So, despite the howling storm, all of them ended up heading down to the pitch on Saturday morning. They’d opted to dress neutrally, not cheering for one side or the other. Had it still been Slytherin playing, they would have sided with Gryffindor, but now that Hufflepuff was playing instead, the choice was more difficult. It seemed unfair to Julia that the already unspectacular Hufflepuffs had been forced to play under such short notice, especially in this weather. They struggled against the wind until finally they managed to get some seats near the bottom - the worst view, but at least it was somewhat sheltered.
–I don’t see why we couldn’t have stayed inside,†said Chelsea, pulling her scarf tighter around her head to try and block the rain.
–The boys wanted to come,†Julia shouted over the wind.
–So?†said Grace. –I’m freezing!â€
–Oh, it’ll be fine,†said Willa, using her binoculars to scope out her latest crush as the teams came out. –That Cedric Diggory’s a real dream, don’t you think?â€
No one heard her. Sam was cheering loudly, decked out in his Ballycastle Bats robes, and Mason was following his lead. –This is brilliant!†he cried as the players took off.
However, it soon became clear that everyone was struggling just to stay on their brooms, let alone score. It went on and on, everyone getting steadily colder. –And that’s another ten points to Gryffindor . . .†said Lee Jordan, his voice hard to hear over the gale. –Up seventy to thirty now, and Hufflepuff has the Quaffle . . .†The rain got heavier, and lightning flashed. Gryffindor were up fifty points when they called a time out, and everyone was hoping that the game would end soon, even Sam. It really didn’t seem safe, playing in this sort of weather, Julia thought as the red-clad players took off again. Quidditch was never cancelled for something as trivial as weather, though. They’d just have to keep playing, and hope one of the Seekers would manage to spot the Snitch soon. Then, Cedric spotted it . . . the chase began . . . but the crowd quieted suddenly as the air grew even colder.
A huge group of dementors were gliding towards the pitch, looking more frightening than ever through the haze of rain. Willa, Grace, Chelsea, Mason and Sam all drew closer together, wondering if the players would notice. Julia felt paralyzed. They were the closest, down in this corner of the stands. Not everyone even knew, but already the icy fear gripped her heart . . .
She gave a small gasp and remembered, as if it was in front of her, the memory she’d repressed, the memory no one thought was real.
She was only two years old, playing with her toys, when suddenly the lights went out. She cried out as someone rattled the door. Her mom picked her up, her dad following as they hurried into the room, the small room no one would notice, and there was a crash, a flash of light as the front door flew open. They hid there, and her mom kept a hand over the little girl’s mouth to stop her screaming . . . the house was half-destroyed when they came out, as if by an explosion . . . her parents talked, they’d heard nothing like an explosion, but nothing was right these days, the news was full of strange things and they were lucky to have survived . . . burglars, perhaps, but nothing was taken . . . they called the police, but no one ever came. Soon it was like it had never happened, but she remembered, the girl, and it filled her nightmares . . .
Julia gripped the edge of the bench, feeling sick. So it was real. It had been Death Eaters, she was sure of it now. Idle muggle-baiting, most likely, or else they would have looked harder, and killed them with a single curse . . . absently she noticed that the dementors had gone, chased off by something silver - a patronus. A babble of talk broke out, something about Harry Potter . . .
–Julia! Julia, are you okay?†It was Mason, sounding scared. She should be brave, for him . . . the rain was clearing the fog in her mind, but she wished she was warm.
–Chocolate,†said Grace nervously. –It must have been the dementors. Do any of you have chocolate?â€
–Did any of you see Diggory catch the snitch?†asked Willa. –It was incredible . . .â€
–Don’t be so insensitive!†cried Chelsea. –Julia, let’s go back. Everyone’s leaving.â€
–I’m okay, Mason,†Julia whispered as her brother touched her hand. –Let’s go.†Still looking worried, her friends followed her out across the grounds, making sure she didn’t fall as she tried to forget all over again.
Julia spent the next couple of weeks in a daze, busy thinking. She wasn’t really sure why the memory disturbed her so much - it had been a long time ago. It didn’t matter. Still, the fact remained that it had shaken her, and she was more afraid of the dementors than ever. She hadn’t seen a trace of them on the grounds - rumour had it that Dumbledore was furious at them, and was keeping them by the gates and nowhere else. Still, fueled by an irrational fear that they would come to the next Quidditch game as well, she stayed back with Chelsea at the end of November when Ravenclaw faced Hufflepuff. Willa and Grace seemed to have regained their taste for the game, and had gone to watch with Mason, Sam, and everyone else in Ravenclaw house.
Julia was starting to wish she’d gone with them after an hour of oppressive silence, broken only by faint sounds of cheering from across the grounds. Chelsea had been reading her Transfiguration book the whole time.
–Aren’t you done that essay yet?†Julia asked.
Chelsea looked up, startled, and checked the cover of the book. –What - oh, yeah. I’m just doing some, er, reading ahead. You know, because it’s exam year.â€
–Right,†said Julia. As she looked back down at her Potions homework, she caught a glimpse of black on the red cover of Chelsea’s book. Curious, Julia looked back up, tilting her head, and saw that the cover was shimmering slightly. –Chels, what’s up with your book?â€
–It’s just my textbook,†she said, not looking up.
–No, it looks funny.†Julia got up. –Can I see this for just . . .â€
–Get your own!†Chelsea leapt to her feet, almost knocking over the blue armchair she’d been sitting in.
–I just wanted to look. Why can’t I?â€
–There’s nothing to look at.â€
–Then why can’t I see?†Julia asked, reaching for the book.
Chelsea held the book closer to herself. –You just can’t.â€
–Chelsea, you’re being stupid . . .†but just then, the door opened, and the common room flooded with people, dressed in blue, laughing and talking loudly.
–We won!†said Willa.
–I guess Cho’s good for something after all,†said Grace.
Julia laughed, and watched out of the corner of her eye as Chelsea quickly packed up her books. –I’ll come next time. Dumbledore wouldn’t let something like . . . before happen again. What was the score?â€
–Three hundred to twenty. We completely flattened them,†said Grace. –Wouldn’t it be cool if Ravenclaw could win the cup again? I mean, it’d be cooler if I was on the team . . .â€
–We spotted the twins,†said Willa casually as they all squeezed around a table, a little away from the crowd.
–Great,†said Julia. –Did anyone bring snacks in? I’m starving . . .â€
–Don’t you want to know what they said?†asked Willa, her eyes sparkling mischievously.
–No.â€
–Yes, she does,†said Grace, grinning. –Totally.â€
–They said they were worried about you,†said Willa. –Slightly. Apparently they like, dropped a dungbomb in the hall when you were around and you didn’t even go all prefect on them.â€
–They did what?†Julia gasped.
–They said they were slightly concerned about you. Isn’t that sweet?â€
–How could I not notice a dungbomb?â€
–You have been a little out of it,†said Chelsea.
Julia looked around the room, and saw all the people laughing and talking. She could hardly remember speaking to anyone since the last match. –Yeah. I guess I have been. Where’s Mason?â€
Grace frowned. –I dunno. Somewhere with Sam . . .â€
Julia cursed. –I just can’t take my eyes of that kid for a minute. I’ll be back soon.â€
She stalked towards the door, and could practically feel her friends grinning as she left.
- -
She finally found Mason and Sam down in the basement with Parker. –What on Earth are you two doing?†she asked.
–Nothing,†said Mason quickly.
–Can’t say, miss,†said Sam.
–You will say!†Julia protested. –There’s not even anything down here . . .â€
–We were getting food for Parker,†said Mason. –Fred and George told us where the kitchens are, but I’m not telling you.â€
–Mason . . . I’m sorry.â€
–Sorry for what?†he prompted.
–Sorry for ignoring you.â€
–You sure have been,†Sam sniggered. –We got detention all last week and you never even said a word.â€
–What?â€
–It’s a long story,†Mason mumbled. –See you later, sis.â€
And they hurried away, leaving Julia in the flicker candlelight. She felt awful. She was such a coward, letting her own fear hurt everyone else . . . Willa had said Fred and George were –slightly concerned†about her, but they shouldn’t be. What Gryffindor could ever care even a little bit about a cowardly Ravenclaw like her?
- -
Julia felt a bit better as December rolled around, bringing with it glittering frost and bright white snow. Unable to think of a clever solution, she’d simply spent extra time with her brother, and he seemed to have almost forgiven her. There was one more Hogsmeade weekend before the holidays. Maybe if she got him a really nice present, he’d forgive her faster.
The last weeks of school passed quickly. Chelsea had stopped spending so much time reading, and Julia couldn’t help but wonder if it had been because she’d seen the shimmering book cover. Something was definitely going on, but she didn’t want to deal with it now. She just wanted to go home for Christmas. She coasted by in her classes, willing the time to pass. She didn’t see much of Fred and George, but she did give them a stern telling off for setting off fireworks in the hall, and she was sure she saw them grin as she stalked away. Finally, there was the Hogsmeade weekend. She was just going to hang out with her friends this time. No complications, just Christmas cheer. And, much to her surprise, that was about how it went. They sat in their dormitory afterwards, packing and comparing the gifts they’d bought.
–Mason’ll love that self-filling surprise box,†said Grace. –That’s so cool.â€
–I know,†Julia smiled. –I kind of want one myself.â€
–Oh!†said Willa. –I want to give you guys your gifts now, or I’ll forget. Here . . .†She handed out packets of paper. –Boy files. You guys are all fifteen now. You’ve got to get studying.â€
Julia gave her a look. –This is the Fred and George file.â€
–Well, I wasn’t sure which one you preferred, so I just gave you both.â€
–Neither. I prefer neither of them.â€
Willa shrugged, smiling. –Keep it. You’ll thank me someday.â€
It wasn’t long before they were all on the train home. They got off at the station amidst all the hustle and bustle, and Julia and Mason were just about to go through the barrier when Connor waved her over.
–Go on, Mason,†she said. –I’ll just be a second. Prefect business, I expect.â€
Mason nodded, and she headed over. –Hey Connor. What is it?â€
He started to speak, but then stopped, looking exceptionally nervous. –I . . . I just wanted . . .â€
Julia was puzzled. Then she thought back, and Willa’s voice slipped through her head. He’s been caught up on you ever since you woke him up . . . A reckless mood came over her. She stood up on tiptoe, and kissed him quickly on the lips, before she could have any second thoughts. He stared at her, looking stunned. –Merry Christmas, Connor,†she said lightly. Then, feeling rather light-headed, she walked away through the barrier to meet her family.
Julia kept her head down when she got back to school, and hurried to her dormitory before very many people could see her. Her friends followed her in.
–Okay,†said Grace, –what’d you do?â€
–What? Nothing,†Julia lied.
–Murder?†Grace guessed. –Treason? Escape from Azkaban? It’s been done, you know . . .â€
–I do know, Captain Obvious. Who said I did anything?â€
–You ran through that room as fast as a spell,†said Chelsea, unpacking her Christmas gifts.
–I think I know,†Willa grinned.
–No, you don’t,†said Julia.
–Thought you didn’t do anything,†said Grace.
Julia fluffed her pillows and didn’t answer.
Willa grinned wider. –Don’t even tell us. I bet this time tomorrow we’ll have it figured out. Come on - let’s go to the common room.â€
–I’m really tired,†said Julia. –I think I’ll just go to sleep.â€
Grace came right up to her and stuck her wand into Julia’s neck.
–Ow,†said Julia, raising her eyebrows.
–Come with us or suffer the consequences,†Grace said in a deep voice, glaring menacingly, barely holding back a laugh.
–No,†said Julia.
Willa threw a book at her.
–Ow!â€
–You’re coming with us.†She pulled Julia to her feet. –Come on. Don’t protest.â€
Willa and Grace dragged Julia down the stairs, Chelsea trailing behind. They opened the door to the blue common room, and a babble of talk met them. Connor was across the room. He met Julia’s eyes and blushed. She tried to struggle back into the staircase.
–So that’s how it is,†said Willa happily. –Starting small. I like it.â€
Julia broke free and ran back to the dormitory. The others joined her with mock serious expressions.
–Well, what’d you do?†asked Grace, jumping up and down.
–Nothing,†said Julia, feeling red. They stared her down. –I kissed him,†she said quickly. There was a loud chorus of –WHAT?!â€
–You’re joking,†said Chelsea, her attention finally caught.
Grace started laughing. –Why?†said Willa eagerly. –How? Come on! Tell me!†Julia noticed apprehensively that she had whipped out her notebook.
–It was stupid. I shouldn’t have done it. I don’t know what came over me.â€
–Well, you could give him a chance,†said Grace thoughtfully. –I mean, he can’t be that bad . . .â€
–Yeah,†said Willa. –Do it. It would be a fascinating study . . .â€
–I can’t just lead him on!†Julia protested.
–You already have,†Chelsea pointed out. –What else can you do? Hide up here for the next two and a half years.â€
Julia started unpacking her trunk. –Yes.â€
- -
Julia couldn’t really avoid him, though. She tried. She spent unusual amounts of time helping Mason train Parker, which was actually quite amusing since he (her brother, not the monkey) had forgiven her entirely for her previous lack of interest. She spent long hours in the library. The dementors still made her feel all cold inside whenever she had to go anywhere near them, so she had decided to start researching the patronus charm. It looked really difficult, but she was a Ravenclaw - she’d give it a shot. Of course, she saw Connor in class, but he was still too shy to say a word.
Unfortunately, they had patrol together less than a week into term. –Well,†said Julia, –I’ll just take the top floors today . . .â€
–No.â€
She glanced up at him, surprised.
–You’re really pretty,†he said quietly. She smiled. Maybe Grace had been right. Connor may be a mousy sort of person, but she really didn’t know him . . . she let him kiss her. No harm, none at all. They drew closer together, then leapt apart as a loud bang sounded. A red-haired boy was standing in the hall - one of the Weasley twins.
–Whoops. Sorry about that - dropped a noisemaker.â€
–Right,†said Julia, trying to figure out which one it was. George, maybe? He was grinning as always, but there was a weird look in his eyes.
–Fred and I were just rigging some fanged Frisbees down the hall. You know, so they’d fly around . . . what’ll that be? Ten points from Gryffindor? Or twenty, because they’re banned?â€
Julia didn’t answer. George glanced at her hand, still clutched in Connor’s. He clicked his tongue. –And you two both prefects. Absolutely shameful.†He set off down the hall with his usual cheery gait, leaving them alone.
Neither Julia nor Connor said a word the rest of the night. They walked on in silence, him a little closer than she would have liked. She felt uncomfortable suddenly, like it was shameful. She shouldn’t be doing this. She didn’t really like Connor, not this much . . . but he had such a nice glow in his eyes when he looked at her. Just a little while longer . . .
- -
There was a Quidditch game that weekend, and Julia felt obliged to sit next to Connor. Throughout the week, the so-called –friendly teasing†had gotten almost unbearable. From Mason’s snogging noises to Willa’s note-taking . . .
It was a cold, crisp day. Ravenclaw vs. Slytherin - it would be a tough match. Sure enough, the two teams’ scores remained close for quite a while. Julia looked longingly over to where her friends were sitting with Mason and Sam. Sam was cheering as overenthusiastically as ever. Parker sat on Mason’s shoulder, wearing a tiny coat and toque their mother had knitted him for Christmas. If only she was over there . . . Connor kept trying awkwardly to pull her closer, and it was distracting her from the game.
–And Ravenclaw’s up 70 to 60!†said Lee Jordan.
Connor tried to kiss her. She pushed him away, watching intently as the players whipped around the pitch.
–130 to 60! Ravenclaw’s chasers are really on a roll now . . .â€
Connor seemed hurt. He tapped the bench, thinking.
–Can’t you just say something?†said Julia, annoyed. –It’d be faster.â€
–I . . .â€
There was a burst of cheering. One of Ravenclaw’s beaters had unseated the Slytherin keeper with a bludger. There was another burst of Ravenclaw goal scoring. –170 to 70!†Lee Jordan cried.
Connor shut up again and just stared at Julia. For a Ravenclaw, he seemed awfully dim, she noted. She glanced at the pitch just as yet another goal was scored, then another . . . but the seekers had caught sight of the snitch. They were racing, neck and neck . . .
–Julia,†Connor started.
‘I can’t do this,†she said suddenly. –I’m sorry, Connor. I really am. I just . . . I can’t . . .†There was a burst of cheering from the other side of the pitch.
–And Malfoy has the snitch. Slytherin wins!†Lee concluded.
–I’m sorry,†Julia whispered one last time. Then she ran away, leaping bleachers, so she wouldn’t have to see Connor’s hurt face.
Julia ran all the way back into the school and through the oak front doors. Then she froze - the entrance hall was full of fireworks in all colours. Red, blue, green, gold . . . they whizzed around over her head, whistling and popping. She stared up at them, startled.
–Preliminary testing,†one of the Weasley twins explained. –We’re thinking of a big display next week . . .â€
Julia just gaped, swaying slightly. It seemed wrong, all of it. –I’m a terrible person,†she whispered.
–No feelings here,†said the other twin, slapping her back. –Whatever you’ve done, I’m sure we’ve done worse.â€
–Unless you made Ravenclaw lose. Betraying your Quidditch team - that’s the worst.â€
Julia stared at them a moment longer. –You two are impossible.â€
She kept on running.
- -
She was lying face down on her bed when her friends entered. She turned her head slightly to look as Chelsea picked up a book, and Willa and Grace came to sit on either side of her.
–You really didn’t handle that well,†said Willa calmly.
–I thought you’d be able to put up with him for at least a month,†said Grace.
–Yeah, and now you owe me five galleons,†said Chelsea without looking up.
–I mean, I totally get it,†Willa continued. –Connor’s about the most boring person in this whole house. But you could have let him down easy. I have all sorts of papers you could have read . . .â€
–It was stupid,†said Julia. –Okay? I get it. I screwed up, a lot, and I’m too stupid to even be a Ravenclaw . . .â€
–I wouldn’t go that far,†Grace shrugged. –I mean, you are like, the top student in our class. No big deal or anything.â€
Julia sighed and rolled over to look at the ceiling. –I really will have to hide here now. You guys can bring me food, and my homework, and all that.â€
–Yuck. Homework,†said Grace, getting up to examine one of her plants over by the far window.
Willa rolled her eyes. –You’re being ridiculous, Julia.â€
–No.â€
–Yes.â€
–No.â€
–I’m not playing this game.â€
–Neither am I.â€
The room fell silent.
- -
Julia honestly didn’t want to leave the dormitory. She didn’t want to face anyone. She didn’t even want to talk to the Grey Lady. Why would the school’s wisest ghost care about a girl who’d done a typical teenager thing and been incredibly stupid?
Of course, she had to go to class, but she kept her head down. She felt like she’d been doing that too much lately. She hurried back to the dormitory as soon as she could. Grace followed her.
–I feel like such a coward,†said Julia.
–You are being a coward,†said Grace bluntly.
–You’re not supposed to say that. You’re supposed to say, oh, nonsense, you’re the bravest person there is.â€
–That would be a lie.â€
–What should I do, Grace?†Julia sighed.
–Face him. Go about your life. No one really knows you and they certainly don’t know Connor. You’ll be fine.â€
Julia didn’t answer. She knew her friend was right. –It’s really not that easy,†she said at last. Grace had picked up a book, though, and pretended not to hear. Julia sighed. –Fine. Tomorrow.â€
Grace smiled, and turned her book right side up.
- -
Julia wasn’t really sure if pretending Connor didn’t exist was brave, but she wasn’t letting it get her down. That had to count for something, right?
She’d been spending lots of time in the library, though, in something she actually was proud of. She wasn’t going to let those stupid old dementors bother her. She was learning the patronus charm. Day after day, she read advanced Defense Against the Dark Arts books, hoping that reading a ridiculous amount of information about the theory would somehow make the difficult spell easier.
–You’ll have to actually practice eventually,†Chelsea pointed out one day. She was still studying a lot.
–Eventually,†said Julia, shaking dust off of an immense old volume - ‘Defense Against Moste Darke Beings‘.
Chelsea glanced at the clock. –It’s almost supper. I’m going to go.â€
–Right.†Julia looked up briefly as her friend packed up her books, and caught that same odd shimmer on the covers of the books. She looked back at the pages of the ancient book she was reading, but didn’t see the words. A plan was forming in her mind. Chelsea was certainly up to something, and she was going to find out what. Not right now, though. Supper sounded like an excellent idea.
She set out down the hall, but was met by a horrible stench. She coughed and stepped forward. A chimpanzee came hopping towards her.
–Mason!†she shouted.
–Shh,†he said, coming around the corner. Sam followed, grinning.
–What did you do?â€
–Nothing! It was Parker.â€
–We trained him to drop dungbombs,†said Sam eagerly. –He’s very clever.â€
Julia stared at them. –Why would you do that?! You know I’ll have to report you two!â€
–But I’m your brother!†said Mason, as Parker leapt onto his shoulder.
–And I’m a prefect!†She coughed again. –Gosh, it stinks.â€
–That’s the point, Miss Julia,†said Sam.
–Congratulations. You’ve learned my name,†she said sarcastically. She patted Parker’s head and smiled. –I’ll tell Flitwick to go easy on you two. He likes you, for some reason or other. Just . . . no more dungbombs.â€
Parker reached into Mason’s pocket and found one.
–No, Parker,†she said.
–Yes, Parker,†said Sam.
–Er . . .†Mason said.
Parker dropped the dungbomb.
It wasn’t long enough before Julia’s next patrol. She and Connor didn’t say a word to each other. It was just like before, really, only now it was extremely awkward. At least he didn’t look at her. He wasn’t trying to make her feel bad, and that made it worse, because she knew perfectly well that she was in the wrong. Revenge made sense. Hopeless acceptance didn’t.
Tired as she was, she was happy to escape to the library after class the next day, get her mind off things by studying. She was leaving around suppertime when she ran in Fred and George.
–Why, hello,†said one of them. She was starting to get them confused again. They were just so alike . . .
–Long time no see, prefect.â€
–Getting up to all sorts of fun stuff, haven’t you?â€
Julia blushed furiously. –None of your business.â€
–Ah, don’t be mad. Have a toffee.â€
Julia took the brightly colored candy, then paused. The other twin had too excited a look on his face . . . –What did you guys do to this?â€
They sighed. –She’s just too clever, Fred,†said George, cuffing Julia on the shoulder.
Fred shook his head mournfully. –And us just wanting a test subject . . .â€
–Seriously,†said Julia as they approached the Great Hall, –what is it?â€
–Try it and see,†George grinned.
–I’d rather not, thanks.â€
–Probably for the best,†said Fred. –They’re still in the works.â€
–We call them Ton Tongue Toffees,†said George. –You can probably guess why. They sometimes have some other effects, too . . .â€
–Levitation, mostly,†said Fred. –Occasionally they start on fire if you don’t swallow fast enough. We should have them fixed soon, though.â€
Julia shook her head in amazement, still examining the seemingly ordinary candy. –How much stuff are you guys working on?â€
They grinned. –Not saying,†said Fred. –Can’t get the authorities in on it.†Julia raised her eyebrows, but didn’t reply.
–See you at the Quidditch game,†George added as they walked towards Gryffindor table. –You know, from a distance. As Gryffindor beats Ravenclaw.â€
Julia nodded vaguely. –Sure.†She sat down by her friends. –You want some candy, Grace?†she asked.
–Sure,†said Grace. She took the toffee, put it in her mouth, then promptly spat it out.
–Yuck,†said Willa, eyeing it with distaste.
–How dumb do you think I am?†Grace asked. –I saw who you were talking to.â€
–It was pretty close, though,†Julia laughed. –You definitely almost ate it.â€
Grace helped herself to some potatoes, and didn’t answer.
- -
The hype leading up to that Quidditch game really was incredible. The winner would have a sure shot at the Quidditch Cup, making it an indisputably important event. Both the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw teams were practicing constantly, and bets were already beginning to be placed. Julia was trying to ignore it, though - she thought she was ready to practice the patronus charm, and she needed to focus.
She found an empty classroom. –Expecto patronum. Expecto patronum,†she muttered to herself. She squared her shoulders and tried to think of something happy. Nothing really came to mind, so she settled for just feeling happy . . .
–Expecto patronum.â€
Nothing happened.
She tried again.
–Expecto patronum.â€
Nothing. Clearly, she needed some sort of memory . . . but what? She thought of her friends, laughing and joking. She thought of her little brother. Still, nothing in particular, but the string of fun times running through her mind was making her smile . . .
–Expecto patronum!†A thin wisp of silver smoke came out of her wand, startling her so much that it vanished almost immediately. She tried again and again, but she was back to nothing.
–I’ll keep trying,†she said to the wall. –I’ll get it eventually.â€
No one answered. She headed back to the common room, and entered, only to be almost mowed down by Grace.
–Cho’s injured! A goose flew at her and she hit the goalpost. Can you believe it? Maybe I can play!â€
–It’s an important game, Grace. Don’t you think . . .†Julia started, once she’d finished laughing about the goose.
–It would be better if the real Seeker played? I know, I know. And Madam Pomfrey will heal her right up, so that’s what’ll happen,†said Grace, sitting down dejectedly.
–We’ve been telling her,†said Willa.
–I like seeking,†Grace pouted. –It’s not fair. I want to play.â€
–Is seeking the proper term?†Julia smiled.
–Yes. Seekers seek.â€
–Sneakers sneak,†Willa added with a grin.
–Leakers leak,†Julia continued.
–Peekers peek?†Chelsea suggested.
Grace tried to retort, but was interrupted by Parker landing on her head.
–Dreadfully sorry, miss,†said Sam as he walked by.
–You don’t mind, right?†said Mason, heading towards the door. –I’ll be back eventually.â€
–What . . .†Julia processed the fact that Parker hadn’t moved. –We’re not looking after your monkey!†she shouted, but Mason had already gone. Everyone in the common room stared. The little blond girl, Lucy or Lana or something, stared quite a bit longer than everyone else.
–Kids,†Willa sighed.
- -
Finally, the day of the match came. It was a pleasant day for winter, sunny and not too cold. Cho had recovered, and despite the Gryffindor’s confidence in Harry Potter and his fancy new broom, Ravenclaw house had a generally optimistic feel to it that morning.
Julia, Willa and Grace were all ready to go when they realized that Chelsea was sitting in the common room reading, and didn’t look like she was about to move any time soon. –Aren’t you coming?†Willa asked. –It’s the big game!â€
–No,†said Chelsea, not looking up.
Willa shrugged. –Suit yourself. Come on, you two. I want good seats.â€
Julia followed them out, but her mind was racing. This would be the perfect chance to find out what Chelsea was up to, to solve the mystery of the shimmering books. All she needed was a good excuse to skip the game . . .
As they were crossing the grounds, she purposely fell to the ground. –Ow!†She sat up, clutching her ankle.
–You alright, Julia?†Grace asked.
Julia shook her head, face screwed up in pain. –I think I twisted my ankle. I should probably go to the hospital wing. You two go on . . .â€
–We should take you! You can’t walk . . .†Willa started.
Julia got to her feet, careful to keep one foot a little above the ground. –I’ll be fine. You guys don’t want to miss the game. Go on.â€
–Are you sure?†said Grace, glancing towards the pitch.
–Yes!†Julia insisted, so they turned away reluctantly. She pretended to limp until they were out of sight, then ran back up to the school.
When Julia got back to Ravenclaw tower, only a few stragglers remained, as well as Chelsea, who looked up.
–I thought you were going to the game.â€
–I need my cloak,†she said, thinking fast. –It’s chilly out. I twisted my ankle a bit coming up here, though. Could you get it for me?â€
Chelsea sighed. –Fine. Is it in your wardrobe?â€
–I don’t remember.â€
–I’ll look for it, then,†Chelsea said, shaking her head. –Wait here.â€
As soon as Chelsea had gone through the door to the dormitory, Julia picked up the book she’d been reading. The cover said –Intermediate Transfiguration†but sure enough, as she tilted it, it shimmered slightly. She glanced around. There was no one left in the room. She took out her wand.
–Aparecium!â€
Slowly, the red cover seemed to melt away, leaving a black one in its place. –Secrets of the Darkeste Artes . . .†Julia whispered, reading the cover. –But . . .†There were footsteps on the stairs. Julia tossed the book to the floor and got up.
Chelsea came back with Julia’s cloak. –Here. Have fun at the match.â€
–Thanks,†said Julia, nodding. –I will.â€
Chelsea smiled and moved back towards her chair as Julia headed back out of the tower.
- -
She headed back to the grounds, a vague idea of going to the game, saying that she’d walked it off, but she ended up stopping halfway to the pitch. She sank down by an old tree, head spinning.
Why would Chelsea be studying dark magic? What good would it do? Had she been secretly reading up on it all year? It didn’t make sense . . .
Maybe she was possessed. Maybe she was working for Sirius Black! But no, that couldn’t be . . . perhaps she’d read the title wrong. Surely Chelsea couldn’t be a dark wizard . . . what if she was on her way to becoming a Death Eater, just like the ones who’d come after her family that one night, so long ago? But that was ridiculous.
She should have left well enough alone. She was no good at Defense Against the Dark Arts, even now that they had a good teacher. She was a coward, not a hero, and Chelsea was her friend. There had to be a rational explanation, a way out . . .
She heard the distant cheering, but was still surprised to see people come flooding out of the pitch. She spotted Willa and Grace among the crowd, but luckily, they didn’t see her. She’d meet them upstairs in a few minutes, say she’d got her ankle fixed up.
The Gryffindor team came after the crowd, surrounded by friends and shouting a lot in a gleeful way. They must have won, then. Fred and George were in the middle, and Julia had half a mind to congratulate them, in a show of good sportsmanship, but the whole group passed her without anyone glancing her way.
Of course, why would they? Just a lone Ravenclaw, away from the rest of the school . . . why would anyone see her?
Connor passed along with a few stragglers. He saw her. He looked away again quickly.
What was the point of being invisible if the people you wanted to avoid could still see you?
Julia followed the stragglers back up to the school, thinking that, for such a sunny day, it really had turned out miserably.
- -
She was almost to the common room when she turned around. She had a real problem now - she had to figure out what to do about Chelsea. She could go talk the Grey Lady.
However, when she got close to where the ghost could be found, she heard another voice. Quietly, she peeked around the corner, and saw the blond second year, that strange girl with the staring eyes, Luanne or something, talking to the ghost. She didn’t seem upset; rather, she simply seemed to be having a conversation, like one would with a friend.
Julia slipped away. She felt better, somehow. Something about the younger girl . . . she hadn’t ever seen that girl really spending time with other people. At least she, Julia, had friends. If she really wanted help, she could talk to Willa and Grace. Maybe she wouldn’t, though. She could have misunderstood the situation somehow. Chelsea had never done anything wrong before. Maybe she was just doing research - Ravenclaws were naturally curious.
As she turned a corner, she spotted Fred and George, their arms loaded down with candy and Butterbeer. –Where did you get that?â€
They grinned. –Get what?†they said in unison.
She shook her head. –Fine. Don’t tell me.â€
–We won’t,†said one.
–Happy to oblige,†said the other.
She smiled. –Alright then. You should probably give me a little candy, though, to keep me quiet . . . I’m pretty smart. It wouldn’t take me long to figure out your little secret if I wanted to.â€
–Ah, prefects,†said one twin. –Believe they can do anything.†He tossed her a Butterbeer. –Here. We can probably spare this.â€
–Thanks.†She caught it just as they turned toward a shortcut.
–See you,†said one twin. –Told you Gryffindor would win.â€
And they disappeared. The sunset light filtered in through the windows down the hall. Julia took a sip of the Butterbeer. It made her feel warm inside, and it was funny to think how short a time it had been since everything had seemed like a hopeless mess.
However, Julia was still rather tense in the days that followed. She’d decided to watch Chelsea a bit longer before she said anything, just in case she really wasn’t doing anything wrong. However, rumour had it Sirius Black had broken into the castle again, for real this time, and the whole place was in an uproar. Security was being tightened everywhere, and several of the first year girls were nearly hysterical with fright, jumping every time a door was opened. Most people weren’t quite so nervous, but Julia knew that no one was quite at ease either.
–What do you think he wants at Hogwarts?†Grace asked one evening, hugging her pillow.
–I don’t know,†said Willa. For once, she wasn’t jotting anything down in her files.
–Well, he keeps breaking into Gryffindor . . .†Julia started.
–You don’t think it’s Harry Potter again?†Grace exclaimed.
–It’s always Harry Potter,†said Chelsea.
–That kid has the worst luck,†said Willa, shaking her head.
Julia nodded. –Yeah.†She picked up a quill and started working on yet another History of Magic essay. It was almost spring, and with their OWL’s getting frighteningly close, the fifth years were getting more work than ever. In fact, one of the Hufflepuffs has burst into tears when this particular essay was assigned. Professor Binns, as usual, hadn’t even blinked. Did ghosts blink? She couldn’t say she’d noticed . . .
–I don’t see why your mark’s so low in Transfiguration,†Willa said to Chelsea. –You’re always reading that book.â€
Julia jumped slightly. So did Chelsea. –I messed up one of my essays. Wrote it on the wrong topic. You know how much homework we’ve had . . . it’s completely mental, really . . .â€
Julia smoothed her papers, trying not to look like she was suspicious in any way. She could tell Willa and Grace what she knew, but it was really better not to. Nothing was necessarily wrong. It was much more important that she did her homework.
–Julia, do you know why the giant riots happened?†Grace asked. –They’re sort of mentioning it in the textbook, but I think I slept through that class.â€
Julia snorted. –You sleep through all the History of Magic classes.â€
Grace sighed and scattered her papers. –I’m going to fail all my OWLs. All but Herbology. And maybe Charms. And Defense Against the Dark Arts.â€
–So, yeah, all of them,†Willa laughed. –Totally.â€
–At least we don’t have Care of Magical Creatures homework. Can you imagine? List all the reasons this totally dangerous monster isn’t dangerous . . .†Grace laughed at her own joke.
–Maybe we shouldn’t be so hard on him,†said Julia. –He seems depressed. Something to do with that hippogriff, I heard.â€
Chelsea shrugged. She’d starting working on her charms homework, Julia noted. Willa’s comment must have shook her a bit.
Willa leaned in conspiratorially. –So guess who I kissed?â€
–Who?†Grace asked over-eagerly. –The whole school?†Julia laughed.
–No,†said Willa indignantly. –I’m not real proud of it - he’s just a fourth year, but he is cute . . .â€
Julia rolled her eyes. –We do have work to do, Willa.â€
Connor walked by. –Please stop talking,†he said, his voice quiet but not at all nervous. –Exams are coming up and people are trying to work.†And he walked away.
Julia was flabbergasted. Shocked into silence by the total bizarreness of Connor saying an entire sentence, they got to work.
- -
Unfortunately, they just kept getting more and more homework. Even Professor Lupin, who preferred hands-on work to written assignments, set them a short essay.
–Just to review what we’ve learned,†he smiled as the class moaned. –These tests are important! For today, though, we’ll be practicing some of those jinxes we’ve been learning. Now, remember, these are for defensive situations only! Try not to hurt each other . . . in fact, using shield charms would be an excellent idea . . .â€
Much more excited now, everyone paired off. Julia faced Grace, feeling nervous. This was what she didn’t like about defense; this was what scared her.
–Locomotor wibbly!†Grace cried. Julia dodged the spell quickly, not bothering with a Shield Charm.
–Umm . . .â€
–Furnunculus!â€
–Grace!†Julia dodged the spell just in time. Grace opened her mouth again, doubtless to try another hex. –Locomotor mortis!†Julia shouted. Much to her surprise, Grace fell to the ground, her legs stuck together.
Lupin smiled. –Not bad at all, Julia. Keep it up.â€
Grace said the counter-spell and stood. –Oh, it’s on now,†she warned.
Feeling a bit shaky, Julia nodded. –Right. Umm . . .â€
–Rictusempra!â€
–Protego!â€
And the game began again.
- -
In most classes, however, there was nothing but written work. By the time Julia left Ancient Runes later that week, she was distinctly disgruntled. Trying to balance her text books in her arms, she muttered, –Translate ten pages . . . as if I wasn’t busy enough . . . it’s not even Easter . . .†She wasn’t looking up as she made her way down towards the dungeons, and nearly screamed when someone pulled her around the corner. Her books fell to the ground.
–What . . .†She turned around. It was - who else? - the Weasley twins.
–Shut up. Wait for it, now . . .†There was a loud explosion, and a cloud of foul odour drifted down the main corridor.
–Now, aren’t you glad you didn’t go down that hallway?†the other twin smiled.
–I’m reporting you,†she said seriously. –You’ll get detention. I don’t have time for this.â€
–Ah, come on, Julia. Dungbombs are fun.â€
–Yeah! We still have some left.†He dropped one in her hands.
She glared at them. –I’m a prefect!†she protested.
–That you are,†said an oily voice behind them - Professor Snape. –I can’t imagine why you would keep such company.â€
The three of them were silent. Snape smiled. –Detention, all of you. I’m sure you’d agree that’s a fitting punishment, Miss Rowland?â€
–Professor, I didn’t . . .â€
–My office. This Friday, and you will all stay longer if you’re late for class.†He moved away.
–Git,†said one of the twins (Fred, she decided. Probably).
–Why didn’t you two tell him I wasn’t involved?†Julia protested.
–We’re not happy about it either, you know,†said George. –We’ve got Quidditch every day . . .â€
–Then you shouldn’t have set off Dungbombs in the hall!â€
–Your shouting gave us away, so you’re guilty. See you in detention,†Fred grinned.
Julia gathered up her books, and started thinking of hexes she could use on two particular redheads as she headed to class.
–Have fun in detention,†Grace grinned.
–Sure,†Julia grumbled. –Loads. I can’t believe those two framed me like that. And in the last week before the break!â€
–They got in trouble too,†Chelsea pointed out. –Maybe they wanted someone new to be in detention with.â€
Willa made kissy faces. Julia hit her. –I’m leaving.â€
–Without proper farewell?†said Grace. –It’s your first detention! You’re so bad now . . . so’s Connor. Telling people off left and right. You two should date.â€
–Shut up, before I hit you too,†Julia grumbled. –I’ll be back in a couple hours, I guess.â€
She felt rather depressed as she descended the spiral staircase, followed by several more staircases that led her to the dungeons. So much for her perfect record. What kind of prefect got detention? She would have to do something really good to make up for it. Probably figuring out Chelsea’s secret would help . . . after the break, though. No need to worry about that now.
She opened the door to Snape’s classroom. He leered unpleasantly from behind his desk. –You’re late, Miss Rowland. You will be putting a fresh supply of pickled slugs into jars. There will be no talking.â€
The Weasleys were already at the back of the room. She tried not to laugh as they imitated Snape’s serious face.
–Ready for detention, troublemaker?†George whispered (they had letters on their jumpers, so she could tell them apart. Clever). Julia glared at him, and reached into the barrel of slugs. She touched one, and drew her hand back.
–Girls,†Fred rolled his eyes. –Here, just levitate them.†He passed her a wand, and she took it without thinking. It turned into a rubber chicken. They burst into silent laughter.
–Quiet,†said Snape.
Julia handed him back the chicken and started moving slugs, grimacing at the sliminess. –You two could help,†she hissed.
–Now why would we do that?†Fred whispered.
–This is an excellent way to learn how not to be a prefect,†said George just as quietly. –Prefects don’t get detention.â€
–So getting me in detention was just another one of your ‘lessons’?†Julia asked, annoyed.
–Actually, no,†said George quietly.
–Happy accident, that,†said Fred.
–No talking,†said Snape, in a menacing voice.
George threw a slug at Julia. She squeaked. Fred laughed.
–Another sound and I personally ensure that you two have detention the day before the Quidditch final, and that Miss Rowland is removed from her post as prefect. That is enough.â€
They knew he was serious, so they continued their work in silence, Julia trying to stifle her laughter as the twins took turns imitating Snape’s bat-like demeanor. When she finally left an hour later, Julia couldn’t help but think that detention really wasn’t so bad. She’d have to avoid it in the future, of course . . . but it wasn’t so bad.
- -
The holiday was more homework than anything else, and Mason and Parker’s constant interruptions didn’t help. It was almost a relief to go back to class and hand in the many rolls of parchment she’d written over the past week.
There was less than a week to go before the Quidditch final, and the corridors were constantly blocked by Gryffindors and Slytherins fighting. Julia ensured that points were taken from several people from both houses, not wanting to be outdone by the newly outspoken Connor. It seemed that the Slytherins were the ones who usually initiated the fights, but plenty of Gryffindors had sent jinxes flying. Even in class, everyone was in a state of distraction.
Julia knew the chaos was perfect cover for her to try and trail Chelsea, but Chelsea never seemed to go anywhere. She never left class to go to the washroom, never went on unexpected walks. It seemed impossible that she could be doing anything wrong. The only suspicious thing was that her marks were slipping, something completely unexpected for a clever Ravenclaw. Her friends had other things on their minds.
–You really should figure out why he’s so chatty all of a sudden,†said Grace as they watched Connor tell off some first years for trying to duel each other.
–I’m not talking to him,†said Julia, blushing. –No way.â€
Willa nodded. –I totally understand. I need to transfigure myself into a flowerpot or something so I don’t have to see any of the fourth years. That stupid boy told all his friends what happened, plus some . . . it’s embarrassing.â€
Grace shook her head. –Whatever. Maybe Julia dumping Connor actually helped him. Toughened him up a bit.â€
–I hope so,†said Julia earnestly. –Really.â€
–Speaking of Julia dumping Connor . . .†Willa started.
–Can we not?†Julia asked.
–We are ALL going to the Quidditch final on Saturday. ALL of us. That means you, too, Chelsea.â€
Chelsea glanced at her, startled, and muttered something about homework.
Willa glared at her. –Homework is bad. Homework is evil. You will watch Quidditch, and that’s that. You need a break.â€
Chelsea smiled. –Fine. Quidditch. Saturday. Got it.â€
But when she thought no one was looking, Julia saw Chelsea frown anxiously, and she couldn’t help but be glad that Willa had prevented her from having to spy again. She wanted to see how this match went.
- -
It was a brilliant spring day, and Julia had never seen the Quidditch stadium so packed, or heard cheering so loud. It was clear that everyone but the Slytherins was cheering for Gryffindor. Why wouldn’t they be? Gryffindor was the better team. Today especially, the Slytherins looked prepared to rely more on dirty tactics than any kind of skill, having filled every position but Seeker with the largest people in the house. The game began, and turned bad almost instantly.
–Foul!†Sam screamed as Flint flew right into Angelina. A second later, Julia couldn’t help but laugh as Fred threw his Beater’s bat at the Slytherin captain. Grace shook her head.
–They’re been a bad influence on you,†she sighed.
That wasn’t the last foul of the game. The Slytherins continually attacked the Gryffindor team, and Julia was fairly certain that Lee Jordan calling them all cheaters wasn’t helping.
–They’re all going to be dead by the time this match is over,†Chelsea noted.
–This is brilliant!†cried Mason.
Gryffindor kept their lead, though. Everyone in the stands stood up to watch as Potter and that little Slytherin, Malfoy, raced for the snitch . . . but Malfoy had grabbed Harry’s broom, and they lost the trail.
–That’s cheating!†Willa shouted, hard to hear over the multitudes of people shouting the same thing. –That’s not even clever!â€
The game went on. And then . . . they’d spotted the snitch again . . . it looked like Malfoy was leading . . . but now it looked like Harry might be pulling ahead . . . and he caught it! Lee Jordan tried to announce Gryffindor’s win, but he couldn’t be heard over all the shouting in the stadium. Julia laughed at all the excitement, and laughed harder as Sam started jumping up and down.
–Yeah!†he shouted. –Wait ‘til we tell Parker about this one . . .â€
Mason did a little dance. –This is so cool!†he cried as Dumbledore handed over the Cup. –We should win next year . . . it would be so neat . . . let’s try out next year, Sam!â€
Sam didn’t hear him. He was busy watching the Gryffindors land, all in a heap, as people went running down towards the pitch. Everything was in complete disorder, and Julia couldn’t think of anything more fun.
The excitement of the Quidditch final didn’t last long, at least for the fifth years. The weather was beautiful and summer was coming, but all that meant right now was that their OWLs were nearly upon them. Every day at least one teacher reminded them to study, and people were starting to panic. A Gryffindor girl, Patricia, fainted at least once a week, and hardly a day went by when someone didn’t shout, hit someone, or at least burst into tears. Some other reactions - breaking out in boils, sprouting tentacles, and dancing around the classroom - had been blamed on the Weasley’s twins’ pranks, but even their mischief had soon come to almost a standstill. Rumour had it they were actually studying a little, but Julia wasn’t sure she could believe it.
The Ravenclaw common room was unusually quiet. Julia was trying not to worry too much. She’d never failed an exam - in fact, she usually got top marks. She’d worked out a schedule, and today she was studying Astronomy, then a little Defence Against the Dark Arts. She tried hard to focus. The clock ticked. Grace frowned over her Potions notes. Willa was torn between finishing a late Charms essay and going over her boy files. Chelsea was back to reading her fake Transfiguration book. Finally, one by one, they got up to go to sleep.
Julia still had facts running through her head, though, and awakened around midnight from a dream that she was supposed to be stunning the moon, which was leading around a bunch of werewolves who looked suspiciously like dementors. She glanced around the room, and froze. Chelsea wasn’t in her bed.
Silent as she could be, Julia got up, put on her dressing gown and slippers, grabbed her wand, and slipped back down to the common room. The door had just been shut. Being as stealthy as possible, she followed the shadowy figure down the stairs.
She crept along at a safe distance. It was definitely Chelsea, and she was carrying the book. They went way down into the dungeons, farther than Julia knew they could go, far away from everyone. She had the fleeting thought that this might be dangerous, if Chelsea actually was evil, but quickly squashed it.
Chelsea stopped in a large room, which was full of cages containing various small animals rustling about, some making small noises. Julia lurked by the door, and watched as Chelsea lit the torches with magic, then released a little rabbit. It stood still, shivering. There was a long pause as Chelsea consulted her book, then turned her wand over in her hands a few times, like she was nervous.
–Imperio,†said Chelsea, her voice serious. The rabbits eyes glazed over and it did a flip. Chelsea
smiled slightly, and lowered her wand. The rabbit hopped back half a step, staring. Chelsea raised her wand again, voice still steady. –Crucio.â€
Julia closed her eyes and pressed herself against the wall. She didn’t want to watch, she didn’t want to hear. These curses couldn’t be legal . . . in fact, she thought she’d read about them somewhere. Yes, she definitely had. But in that case, there was one more. She couldn’t help it. She peeked back in to look.
Chelsea was shaking now. So was the rabbit. –Avada Kedavra.†Then, to Julia’s immense relief, nothing happened.
–Chelsea,†she said, stepping into the room. I shouldn’t be doing this. I shouldn’t be doing this.
Chelsea whipped around. –What are you doing here?†Her eyes were wide. –What did you see?â€
–Those are unforgivable curses.†Julia stepped forward. I should be scared. Why aren’t I scared?
Chelsea was frozen, face terrified. She dropped her wand. It clattered across the stone floor. The animals flinched.
–Why are you doing this?†Julia asked. Her voice sounded strange to her, far away.
–I wanted to see if I could. I came across it, in a book, and I looked for more. I just wanted . . . to see.†Her voice was shaking. Even her body was trembling visibly. –I’ve been trying for months. I can’t kill anything.â€
–But why would you want to?†Julia was starting to be scared now. It wasn’t right. No one should want to use those spells. It was a Slytherin thing to do, not a Ravenclaw thing. Yet, really, were they so different? Chelsea didn’t answer. She was shaking so hard it looked like she was going to fall. A frog croaked.
What do I do? What should I do?
–If I report you, you’ll be expelled,†said Julia.
–Please,†Chelsea whispered.
–You can’t do this anymore, Chelsea! It’s wrong! Those poor animals . . .â€
–I wouldn’t use them on people!†Chelsea protested, her voice getting stronger. –I’m just learning! What’s wrong with that?â€
–You’re still hurting living things! You’re still doing stuff that’s wrong. It’s . . . can you imagine . . . if you know the spells, you could use them . . . why would you want to kill something, Chelsea?â€
–I don’t know.â€
The torches flickered.
–I have to report you.â€
–Please. I’ll stop. I promise I’ll stop.†She sounded close to tears.
–No one knows but me.â€
–Don’t tell, Julia. You don’t have to tell.â€
–I’m a prefect.â€
–I’m your friend.â€
They stood, face to face, one broken, guilty; one calm, still, uncertain.
–You have to stop.â€
–I will.â€
–You can’t do dark arts stuff. It’s wrong.â€
–I know that.â€
There was a pause that seemed to last for a million years, the silence pressing on them, urgent, absolute.
–You’re my friend,†said Julia. –I’ll make you a deal.â€
There was a flicker of hope in Chelsea’s eyes.
–I won’t tell,†Julia said. –I won’t tell anyone. But if I ever catch you doing these spells - if I see you down here - if I see you reading that book - I swear on my life I’ll get you expelled.â€
Chelsea stared. –It’s more than I deserve. Anyone . . . anyone else would have told.†She seemed close to tears.
–I trust you,†said Julia, and it was true. –Don’t let me down.â€
Then she walked away into the night, leaving Chelsea behind. Her heart was pounding, and not a single thought was left in her mind. She would think about it later. If she thought now, she felt like she would shatter, break into a thousand pieces. She got to the door to Ravenclaw tower, and it asked her a question.
–What is the difference between darkness and light?â€
Julia stared at it, mind still numb. –I don’t think there is one. Not really.â€
The door opened, and she stumbled back upstairs.
Julia buried herself in studying all week. She thought only of schoolwork. Nothing else existed but schoolwork. She wouldn’t let herself think of anything else. She had OWLs to pass, OWLs to get Outstandings in. And, best of all, no one thought it was strange. They were Ravenclaws. They were studying too, and if they weren’t, they had other things to occupy them.
The tests weren’t really so hard, she decided. Not really so much worse than other tests. People just got worked up because these tests were so important . . . not her. She didn’t feel anything anymore. She just studied.
Her last test was Charms. She did everything perfectly. –Well,†said Grace, as they left the hall, –it’s over.â€
Julia burst into tears.
- -
She felt better after that, even though she was alive again now and had to think. She’d promised not to tell, and she hadn’t had to. Willa and Grace had just decided that she had been too stressed, too overworked, and it had made her hysterical. It was kind of true, Julia supposed. The problem just wasn’t tests. It was Chelsea. It was whether she’d done the right thing.
She wanted to tell the Grey Lady, but she’d promised not to tell. She’d promised not to tell anyone, and in her mind, that meant living or dead. So she just mulled it over herself. She thought of Chelsea, who was almost silent now. Clearly, Chelsea was sorry. She didn’t really think Chelsea would do anything like this again. So she, Julia, must have done the right thing.
She hadn’t been scared. She’d been brave to confront Chelsea at all. She wasn’t keeping it a secret out of cowardice. She was keeping it a secret because she was strong enough. She knew that the rules said the right thing was to tell. For Chelsea to be expelled. But maybe the rules weren’t always right. The rules didn’t always matter.
That revelation made her feel stronger, put her at ease, and she smiled for the first time in days. She believed she had done the right thing, and that was all that mattered.
–Hey, Mason,†she said, heading down to the common room. –How were your first exams?â€
–Awful,†he said, moving a black piece on the checkerboard. –I can’t wait to go home. I mean, I want to come back next year, but I didn’t like the tests.â€
Julia ruffled his hair while Parker the chimpanzee took his turn. –I’m sure you did fine.â€
–I also did fine, Miss Julia,†said Sam, coming up behind her.
–Did you?†she asked.
–Of course,†he said. –I taught Parker to play checkers.â€
She laughed. –You two are great. Really. Parker’s going to be the smartest monkey ever.â€
It was with a light heart that she spent the last days before the summer holidays. She thought she should be guilty, upset, but she wasn’t. She didn’t want to be. And that was okay. In fact, as time went on, she was almost proud of herself.
–Hey, prefect,†said one of the Weasley twins. The other waved.
She grinned. –Hey guys. You pass your exams?â€
They shrugged. –Probably not.â€
–Anyway,†said one of them, –we’re going to be working on lots of new products over the summer.â€
–And, while we’re completely brilliant ourselves, George here thinks having a consultant would be a good idea.â€
–You won’t be a prefect during the summer, after all. So if we have some questions, a problem we can’t work out . . .â€
–We’ll send you an owl,†they finished together.
She laughed. –Alright. Sure.â€
Fred grinned. –Maybe we’ll send you some products to test, as well . . .â€
–Don’t you dare!â€
Fred laughed. George tilted his head, staring. –You seem different.â€
Julia shrugged. –Maybe I am. See you two next year. Don’t get into too much trouble.â€
They laughed. –Ah, but trouble’s what we do,†said Fred.
–Until next year!†said George, and they walked away.
Finally, it was the last day. The sun was shining. Mason and Sam had passed all their classes. She’d only just found out that there’d been a lot of other excitement around the school - Sirius Black had been caught but escaped again, and of course, everyone had their theories. It didn’t really seem important to her. The only thing that concerned her was that Professor Lupin had resigned.
–That’s too bad,†she said. –He was way better than the other teachers we’ve had.â€
–Apparently he was a werewolf,†Grace said.
Julia shrugged. –So what?â€
Willa had shook her head. –I think you’re still crazy.â€
Julia was pretty sure Willa was right. But as she wandered around the grounds in the sunshine, she thought of a spell she hadn’t tried in a long time - the patronus charm.
She took out her wand, and thought of her friends. She thought of Mason and Sam and Parker, and how they always made her laugh. She thought of Willa and Grace, and even Chelsea, because she felt like it would all be okay now. She thought of Fred and George, who she supposed were her friends now, though no one would ever have expected it. She thought of how she’d done the right thing, all on her own.
She grinned, and cried, –Expecto Patronum!†feeding every bit of happiness she had into it. A silvery bird flew out into the light. It was a small bird, but as it flew, it was proud and wonderful. She watched it head out towards the sun, amazed.
And she knew everything would be okay.
End Notes:
So this is the end! (for now ;) ) I'll probably go back and edit it at some point, polish it up, so any feedback on anything - characters, plot, whatever - would be great :) Thank you all so much for reading!
Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters and settings are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. No money is being made from this work. No copyright infringement is intended.