Hogwarts Story: Part 22
Feb. 7th, 2006 06:51 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
unforthWrote this last Thursday in class, finally got time to type it up in class tonight. I'd never get anything un done if not for class. :)
My perception of reality returned very slowly. Extended periods with no sense of awareness were punctuated by brief times where I perceived light or could feel the cloth on me. Finally, after some time, my eyes slipped open, and I lay, blinking, in the weak light of a cloudy late afternoon. I felt terribly weak and somewhat unwell. Noticing a glass of water next to the bed, I tried to reach for it but I didn’t have the strength.
A few moment laters, Merithe, who was a nurse at the infirmary as well as being a student at the school, came into view and she approached as she noticed that I was awake. She sat in a chair conveniently in place next to my bed. “How are you feeling?” she asked gently.
“Not to well,” I replied. My voice seemed small and timid, and I realized that I would grow very irritated with this general weakness very quickly. “May I have some water?”
“Of course,” Merithe smiled and helped me drink from the glass. “Also, you should eat this,” she added, passing me a piece of chocolate. “It will help.”
This confused me slightly, but I ate the chocolate nonetheless, and started to feel better almost instantaneously. Though I still felt weak, it was as if I had had something warm to drink, and the welcome feeling of heat spread throughout my body. “Thank you.”
Over the next couple of days, I recovered fairly rapidly. Many people came to visit me, including professors, several members of my house, and Marcus, who brought a smile to my face. Over the course of my conversations with them, I was able to start to figure out what had happened. The worst news by far, which brought tears to my eyes, was learning that more than 30 people had been killed when the tower had collapsed. The Headmaster had held a memorial service, and many people were wearing black. Merriment was in short supply. Not all was bad news, though. The WAP boys had successfully destroyed the air ships, which the muggles apparently call “zeppelins,” though several had been injured, and Guillermo Patil spoke angrily of pain bolts, though how muggles could have such a thing was unclear. The things that had attacked me – no one yet knew what to call them – had been driven off by the headmaster, who had been truly furious, more angry than anyone could remember seeing him before, at the assault on the students. Merithe told me that Professor Patroniu had probably saved my life, driving his sword into the thing that had me embraced, and that right after I fell the WAP boys and Professor Singh had come – someone had gone for help amidst the confusion, though I hadn’t noticed at the time. Much had gone on that I hadn’t seen, and there were many anecdotes of the heroic actions of various people, though by far the most talked about being that Katrina had kissed Maya – or perhaps Aya – Lunari to protect her from being “kissed” as I had been.
I was impatient to be free of the hospital. Thus, despite Merithe’s protests, I was on my feet soon. I grew tired easily, but I was determined to return to my normal schedule, to once again be at Quidditch practice, and to be prepared for the Hogsmeade visit that was to take place on the following weekend.
The days passed quickly. I felt stronger each day, and was pleased at how few people felt the need to tease me due to me embaressing experience of collapsing when kissed. The day of the Hogsmeade trip was bright and clear and perfect. I had a number of errands to run there, including one to the candy store for the Headmaster. With the galleons I had earned selling the love potion to Caius, I would be able to replenish my supply of ingredients and still have some money left over. As such, I entered the town in light spirits, ignoring the glare of Auror Weasley, who stood guarding the main gate, ready to go to extreme lengths to prevent any students from leaving the town with any products from Zonko’s Joke Shop. The town was full of students eating candy, playing with toys from the forbidden store, all chattering about the things they intended to do, excited to be free from school.
I stopped first at the candy store, picking up the cockroach clusters for the Headmaster. He had asked me to purchase the candy, and also to retrieve an item he had ordered, though I didn’t know its nature. I approached the witch behind the counter and explained to her that Headmaster Nigellus had sent me. She reacted with a smile, clearly expecting me, as she lead me without hesitation into a magically concealed backroom filled with a wide array of strange magical devices. Most looked dark in nature, and I didn’t pay them much mind, though an intricate music box caught my eye, and I examined it cautiously, for I knew that many items were very dangerous to those unfamiliar with them. The witch went digging through the items, warning me to be careful without actually paying me any mind, and soon returned with the headmaster’s package. I placed it in a pocket in my robes, for it wasn’t terribly large, and departed for my next errand.
I approached Zonko’s Joke Shop rather apprehensively. The store was mobbed with students, and people were coming and going chattering about the things they had seen, but I had no interest in such things. I had brought a love potion with me specifically for when I visited, for it was my hope to establish a business relationship with the owners, and I needed a demonstration piece. Potions, I reasoned, had a definite place in a joke hop, and if I could see them potions my market would become much larger than just Hogwart’s students. Ignoring my nerves, I made my way through the crowds.
Zonks himself was a debonair fellow, and he spoke extravagantly to the Lunari’s as I made my way towards him. Looking around, I was surprised to note that already he was sold out of many products despite the prohibition against his joke toys at the school. Pretty much the only product that remained was a large bin with a sign that explained that Zonko’s Joke Shop would pay students a sickle to test objects in the bin. There were scorch marks on the side of the bin, and I shook my head, thinking in amusement that even I was not that desperate. Finally, the Lunari’s left, and I approached the man himself, taking a deep, steadying breath.
“Mr. Zonks?” I asked.
“Yes,” he exclaimed. “How can I help you today? We still have some flower wands left.” He grabbed a wand in his hand and it turned into a flower with a poof as he offered it to me.
“No thank you,” I smiled. “My name is Delia Prince, and I’m a student at the school. I am fairly skilled at making potions, and I was wondering if I might be able to interest you in a business deal.”
“I’m listening,” and indeed, I was pleased to note that he did seem most attentive.
“I’m able to make love potions,” I passed him the sample I had brought, “as well as body swapping potions, shrinking potions, levitating potions, and more. I think the applications to such potions in a store such as your own should be obvious. I would be willing to sell them at very low cost, if you might be interested in buying large numbers.”
Zonks spent a few moments examining my potion closely, and then he nodded. “This is very good work,” he commented, and I flushed slightly with pride. “How much?”
Relived, I launched into the price list I had created, listing all of the potions I could make and how much each would be. The prices only really represented a small profit for me, but I knew that if he bought enough even a small profit would add up over time. “Send me an owl with your orders and I’ll send you the potions as quickly as I can.” I concluded.
“Agreed,” he declared enthusiastically, shaking my hand. “Here, have a galleon,” he handed me the coin, the price I had stated for the love potion that he held now, and pocketed the potion. I left feeling better than I had in a long time. Hand shakes were binding agreements, and this would represent a steady income. Happily, I thought about all the money I was going to make, I would have a profit, I’d be able to send some money home.
Pleased, there was a bounce in my step as I went to the pet store, ignoring all the troublesome animals that squeaked, squawked, and generally made a ruckus, to the glee of most the students there. Marcus had a pet hedgehog which he cared about a good deal, and I had thought to buy a toy for it. Increasingly, I was coming to feel that I needed to win his affections from this other girl, for I might never find another match that I would find so acceptable. Gifts seemed like a good start, so I asked the store clerk, who showed me a small ball that, he assured me, would be a sure success. I paid him, ignored his attempt to sell me knarl, and left to go find Marcus.
Locating him proved difficult, though, and after a fair while of fruitless searching I noticed that my fellow Ravenclaws were sitting at the Hogshead Tavern, smiling tolerantly as the owner offered them vast quantities of delicious looking food. Joining them, I was disgusted to realize that Katrina was there as well, and Dmitri was watching her as sif there weren’t a thought in his head. What was it about her? I wondered, and started to consider that it was magical. I had heard rumor that she was a half-veela; the effects vela had on men were well known, and if she were half-blood she might be able to do something similar. As I sat there, I began to consider how to modify a love potion to protect someone from her sway, for my instincts told me I would need it.
“Dear Marcus told me that you had found little in Professor Tremens’ office,” she smiled sweetly at me. “Such a pity! Poor, poor professor.” I gritted my teeth slightly, thinking about the file and diary now hidden in my dormitory.
“Yes,” I answered briskly. “It was disappointing.”
“Tell us about it,” Celestine sounded concerned, and I felt a little bad about my brusque attitude. “I would like to know what we’ve learned so far.” The other Ravenclaw’s made sounds of agreement.
“Alright, I’ll go find Lycia, and we’ll talk about it,” for Lycia wasn’t there, and I was happy for an excuse to get away from Katrina. If I was lucky, she wouldn’t be there when I returned.
Heading out, I went to look for Lycia, but my searching was unfocused as I was lost in though. Increasingly, I was concerned that I was competing with Katrina. Her smug attitude towards me, the way she behaved around Marcus, the way she affected the men around her, all had me terribly concerned, and I thought grimly that I was at a distinct disadvantage in dealing with her. However, the more I thought on it the more I became convinced that, aside perhaps from creating a counter agent for her beauty, I should limit my counter measures to the completely mundane and honest. It would make my victory so much more real and meaningful. And if I was wrong, and she wasn’t my competition, I would be none the worse off for it.
Near the edge of town I stumbled upon Marcus, who was heading some place looking purposeful. I called his name to get his attention, and stopped with a smile.
“Ah, Delia!” He waited for me to catch up with him. “How are you feeling? Are you having fun in Hogsmeade?”
“I’m quite well, thank you,” I smiled back. “You’re being kept busy, I notice.”
“Yes,” he sighed a bit sadly. “I have not gotten to visit a single shop.”
“That’s too bad,” I said apologetically. “If you need anything, I could pick it up for you.”
“That’s alright,” he said, making an effort to sound more cheerful. “There’s not much I need, and I’m sure I’ll get a little time.”
Smiling, I pulled out the hedgehog toy. “I,” I paused, blushing slightly, feeling rather self consciously. “I know you have a pet, I thought he might like this.” I passed him the ball.
“Thank you,” he exclaimed happily. “Yes, I think he’ll like this very much.” The hedgehog stuck it’s head over Marcus’ shoulder, and it sniffed the ball as it was offered. I know little about animals, but it seemed pleased, batting at the ball with one paw. “Thank you,” Marcus said again.
We both stood there, and I felt a little foolish. Marcus fidgeted slightly, and I was about to excuse myself when he spoke again. “Delia,” he said, his voice gentle and friendly. His tone brought a smile, and a slight blush, to my face, much to my surprise. “I was wondering if perhaps I might interest you in having dinner. With me. I know a place in the castle where we could meet.” He looked apologetic. “It is rather clandestine, I fear, but I would very much like to spend some time with you.”
Blushing more deeply than I cared to admit, I smiled as warmly as I could. “I would like that also,” and I was shocked to realize to I truly meant it.
He smiled also, blushing slightly himself, and we parted ways.
I head back towards the Hogshead in the heart of town, a bounce in my step, a broad smile on my face. In truth, I was grinning like an idiot. I went right back to the tavern, feeling immensely pleased with myself and happy in a way I couldn’t quite describe. I had a date with Marcus. How wonderful! I settled at the table where my friends sat. Katrina, thankfully, was no where to be seen.
“Is Lycia coming?” asked Elaina Sly.
I had, of course, completely forgotten to find her. “Oh,” I stammered slightly. “I couldn’t find her.”
“You look very happy,” said Dmitri, who sounded incredibly depressed.
“I have a date with Marcus,” I couldn’t contain my delight. “Don’t tell Katrina.” A small, overly rational part of me wondered what I was so excited about.
“That’s great,” Celestine said with enthusiasm. “Don’t mind Dmitri, he’s sad because Katrina said she wouldn’t go to the ball with him.” I was immensely pleased to note the distaste with which she said Katrina’s name.
“Well, I’ll go get Lycia,” and I left again. I found her without much difficulty, and we both headed back to the Hogshead to confer about what had been found in Professor Tremens’ office. Lycia needed to finish a few errands first, so I took the opportunity to buy the potion ingredients I needed from the general store before returning to my friends.
Once we’d gathered, I explained out the situation, but I was still happy enough that I must have seemed more than a little strange, talking so cheerfully about such grim happenings. Near the end of our discussion, Katrina came back, and soon her smug behavior prompted me to leave again. Elaina Sly followed me out.
“Congratulations on your date,” she said, though it was clear that that wasn’t the main reason she was approaching me. “Are you going to the ball with him?”
“Oh no,” I said, trying to sound casual. “I’m going with someone else, he already has a companion for the ball.” But he wants to go out on a date with me, I thought, and then berated myself for how smug I felt about it.
She and I spoke for some time after that. Initially, she sought help, for apparently her parents had arranged a marriage for her, a problem I had a great deal of sympathy for. I promised to help as best I could, though I wasn’t sure that there was anything I could do. From there, we learned rapidly that we had much more than that in common, for we both were Ravenclaw’s from very pureblood, Slytherin families, and indeed had had many similar experiences. We passed the afternoon wandering through the stores, talking and joking about things. She cheerfully bought me a beautiful enchanted flower at the general store, which sprouted into chains of blooms when placed in my hair, telling me to wear it to my date. Over all, it was as much fun as I’d had in a long time.
Eventually, evening began to fall, and it was time to leave Hogsmeade. As we were heading out, though, Katrina came up to me. “So Delia,” there was a mean edge to her voice, “I thought you should know that I am going to the ball with Marcus.” She sounded very smug, and there was a cruel grin on her face. I couldn’t help but suspect that Dmitri, who was clearly smitten, prompted by the rampant stupidity that Katrina seemed to induce in the men around her, had spoken about my date. “Who are you going with?”
“That,” I replied, trying to sound flippant and unconcerned, “is none of your business.” And Elaina and I left without another word. I felt, I must admit, terribly pleased with myself. The day had truly been an all around success.
My perception of reality returned very slowly. Extended periods with no sense of awareness were punctuated by brief times where I perceived light or could feel the cloth on me. Finally, after some time, my eyes slipped open, and I lay, blinking, in the weak light of a cloudy late afternoon. I felt terribly weak and somewhat unwell. Noticing a glass of water next to the bed, I tried to reach for it but I didn’t have the strength.
A few moment laters, Merithe, who was a nurse at the infirmary as well as being a student at the school, came into view and she approached as she noticed that I was awake. She sat in a chair conveniently in place next to my bed. “How are you feeling?” she asked gently.
“Not to well,” I replied. My voice seemed small and timid, and I realized that I would grow very irritated with this general weakness very quickly. “May I have some water?”
“Of course,” Merithe smiled and helped me drink from the glass. “Also, you should eat this,” she added, passing me a piece of chocolate. “It will help.”
This confused me slightly, but I ate the chocolate nonetheless, and started to feel better almost instantaneously. Though I still felt weak, it was as if I had had something warm to drink, and the welcome feeling of heat spread throughout my body. “Thank you.”
Over the next couple of days, I recovered fairly rapidly. Many people came to visit me, including professors, several members of my house, and Marcus, who brought a smile to my face. Over the course of my conversations with them, I was able to start to figure out what had happened. The worst news by far, which brought tears to my eyes, was learning that more than 30 people had been killed when the tower had collapsed. The Headmaster had held a memorial service, and many people were wearing black. Merriment was in short supply. Not all was bad news, though. The WAP boys had successfully destroyed the air ships, which the muggles apparently call “zeppelins,” though several had been injured, and Guillermo Patil spoke angrily of pain bolts, though how muggles could have such a thing was unclear. The things that had attacked me – no one yet knew what to call them – had been driven off by the headmaster, who had been truly furious, more angry than anyone could remember seeing him before, at the assault on the students. Merithe told me that Professor Patroniu had probably saved my life, driving his sword into the thing that had me embraced, and that right after I fell the WAP boys and Professor Singh had come – someone had gone for help amidst the confusion, though I hadn’t noticed at the time. Much had gone on that I hadn’t seen, and there were many anecdotes of the heroic actions of various people, though by far the most talked about being that Katrina had kissed Maya – or perhaps Aya – Lunari to protect her from being “kissed” as I had been.
I was impatient to be free of the hospital. Thus, despite Merithe’s protests, I was on my feet soon. I grew tired easily, but I was determined to return to my normal schedule, to once again be at Quidditch practice, and to be prepared for the Hogsmeade visit that was to take place on the following weekend.
The days passed quickly. I felt stronger each day, and was pleased at how few people felt the need to tease me due to me embaressing experience of collapsing when kissed. The day of the Hogsmeade trip was bright and clear and perfect. I had a number of errands to run there, including one to the candy store for the Headmaster. With the galleons I had earned selling the love potion to Caius, I would be able to replenish my supply of ingredients and still have some money left over. As such, I entered the town in light spirits, ignoring the glare of Auror Weasley, who stood guarding the main gate, ready to go to extreme lengths to prevent any students from leaving the town with any products from Zonko’s Joke Shop. The town was full of students eating candy, playing with toys from the forbidden store, all chattering about the things they intended to do, excited to be free from school.
I stopped first at the candy store, picking up the cockroach clusters for the Headmaster. He had asked me to purchase the candy, and also to retrieve an item he had ordered, though I didn’t know its nature. I approached the witch behind the counter and explained to her that Headmaster Nigellus had sent me. She reacted with a smile, clearly expecting me, as she lead me without hesitation into a magically concealed backroom filled with a wide array of strange magical devices. Most looked dark in nature, and I didn’t pay them much mind, though an intricate music box caught my eye, and I examined it cautiously, for I knew that many items were very dangerous to those unfamiliar with them. The witch went digging through the items, warning me to be careful without actually paying me any mind, and soon returned with the headmaster’s package. I placed it in a pocket in my robes, for it wasn’t terribly large, and departed for my next errand.
I approached Zonko’s Joke Shop rather apprehensively. The store was mobbed with students, and people were coming and going chattering about the things they had seen, but I had no interest in such things. I had brought a love potion with me specifically for when I visited, for it was my hope to establish a business relationship with the owners, and I needed a demonstration piece. Potions, I reasoned, had a definite place in a joke hop, and if I could see them potions my market would become much larger than just Hogwart’s students. Ignoring my nerves, I made my way through the crowds.
Zonks himself was a debonair fellow, and he spoke extravagantly to the Lunari’s as I made my way towards him. Looking around, I was surprised to note that already he was sold out of many products despite the prohibition against his joke toys at the school. Pretty much the only product that remained was a large bin with a sign that explained that Zonko’s Joke Shop would pay students a sickle to test objects in the bin. There were scorch marks on the side of the bin, and I shook my head, thinking in amusement that even I was not that desperate. Finally, the Lunari’s left, and I approached the man himself, taking a deep, steadying breath.
“Mr. Zonks?” I asked.
“Yes,” he exclaimed. “How can I help you today? We still have some flower wands left.” He grabbed a wand in his hand and it turned into a flower with a poof as he offered it to me.
“No thank you,” I smiled. “My name is Delia Prince, and I’m a student at the school. I am fairly skilled at making potions, and I was wondering if I might be able to interest you in a business deal.”
“I’m listening,” and indeed, I was pleased to note that he did seem most attentive.
“I’m able to make love potions,” I passed him the sample I had brought, “as well as body swapping potions, shrinking potions, levitating potions, and more. I think the applications to such potions in a store such as your own should be obvious. I would be willing to sell them at very low cost, if you might be interested in buying large numbers.”
Zonks spent a few moments examining my potion closely, and then he nodded. “This is very good work,” he commented, and I flushed slightly with pride. “How much?”
Relived, I launched into the price list I had created, listing all of the potions I could make and how much each would be. The prices only really represented a small profit for me, but I knew that if he bought enough even a small profit would add up over time. “Send me an owl with your orders and I’ll send you the potions as quickly as I can.” I concluded.
“Agreed,” he declared enthusiastically, shaking my hand. “Here, have a galleon,” he handed me the coin, the price I had stated for the love potion that he held now, and pocketed the potion. I left feeling better than I had in a long time. Hand shakes were binding agreements, and this would represent a steady income. Happily, I thought about all the money I was going to make, I would have a profit, I’d be able to send some money home.
Pleased, there was a bounce in my step as I went to the pet store, ignoring all the troublesome animals that squeaked, squawked, and generally made a ruckus, to the glee of most the students there. Marcus had a pet hedgehog which he cared about a good deal, and I had thought to buy a toy for it. Increasingly, I was coming to feel that I needed to win his affections from this other girl, for I might never find another match that I would find so acceptable. Gifts seemed like a good start, so I asked the store clerk, who showed me a small ball that, he assured me, would be a sure success. I paid him, ignored his attempt to sell me knarl, and left to go find Marcus.
Locating him proved difficult, though, and after a fair while of fruitless searching I noticed that my fellow Ravenclaws were sitting at the Hogshead Tavern, smiling tolerantly as the owner offered them vast quantities of delicious looking food. Joining them, I was disgusted to realize that Katrina was there as well, and Dmitri was watching her as sif there weren’t a thought in his head. What was it about her? I wondered, and started to consider that it was magical. I had heard rumor that she was a half-veela; the effects vela had on men were well known, and if she were half-blood she might be able to do something similar. As I sat there, I began to consider how to modify a love potion to protect someone from her sway, for my instincts told me I would need it.
“Dear Marcus told me that you had found little in Professor Tremens’ office,” she smiled sweetly at me. “Such a pity! Poor, poor professor.” I gritted my teeth slightly, thinking about the file and diary now hidden in my dormitory.
“Yes,” I answered briskly. “It was disappointing.”
“Tell us about it,” Celestine sounded concerned, and I felt a little bad about my brusque attitude. “I would like to know what we’ve learned so far.” The other Ravenclaw’s made sounds of agreement.
“Alright, I’ll go find Lycia, and we’ll talk about it,” for Lycia wasn’t there, and I was happy for an excuse to get away from Katrina. If I was lucky, she wouldn’t be there when I returned.
Heading out, I went to look for Lycia, but my searching was unfocused as I was lost in though. Increasingly, I was concerned that I was competing with Katrina. Her smug attitude towards me, the way she behaved around Marcus, the way she affected the men around her, all had me terribly concerned, and I thought grimly that I was at a distinct disadvantage in dealing with her. However, the more I thought on it the more I became convinced that, aside perhaps from creating a counter agent for her beauty, I should limit my counter measures to the completely mundane and honest. It would make my victory so much more real and meaningful. And if I was wrong, and she wasn’t my competition, I would be none the worse off for it.
Near the edge of town I stumbled upon Marcus, who was heading some place looking purposeful. I called his name to get his attention, and stopped with a smile.
“Ah, Delia!” He waited for me to catch up with him. “How are you feeling? Are you having fun in Hogsmeade?”
“I’m quite well, thank you,” I smiled back. “You’re being kept busy, I notice.”
“Yes,” he sighed a bit sadly. “I have not gotten to visit a single shop.”
“That’s too bad,” I said apologetically. “If you need anything, I could pick it up for you.”
“That’s alright,” he said, making an effort to sound more cheerful. “There’s not much I need, and I’m sure I’ll get a little time.”
Smiling, I pulled out the hedgehog toy. “I,” I paused, blushing slightly, feeling rather self consciously. “I know you have a pet, I thought he might like this.” I passed him the ball.
“Thank you,” he exclaimed happily. “Yes, I think he’ll like this very much.” The hedgehog stuck it’s head over Marcus’ shoulder, and it sniffed the ball as it was offered. I know little about animals, but it seemed pleased, batting at the ball with one paw. “Thank you,” Marcus said again.
We both stood there, and I felt a little foolish. Marcus fidgeted slightly, and I was about to excuse myself when he spoke again. “Delia,” he said, his voice gentle and friendly. His tone brought a smile, and a slight blush, to my face, much to my surprise. “I was wondering if perhaps I might interest you in having dinner. With me. I know a place in the castle where we could meet.” He looked apologetic. “It is rather clandestine, I fear, but I would very much like to spend some time with you.”
Blushing more deeply than I cared to admit, I smiled as warmly as I could. “I would like that also,” and I was shocked to realize to I truly meant it.
He smiled also, blushing slightly himself, and we parted ways.
I head back towards the Hogshead in the heart of town, a bounce in my step, a broad smile on my face. In truth, I was grinning like an idiot. I went right back to the tavern, feeling immensely pleased with myself and happy in a way I couldn’t quite describe. I had a date with Marcus. How wonderful! I settled at the table where my friends sat. Katrina, thankfully, was no where to be seen.
“Is Lycia coming?” asked Elaina Sly.
I had, of course, completely forgotten to find her. “Oh,” I stammered slightly. “I couldn’t find her.”
“You look very happy,” said Dmitri, who sounded incredibly depressed.
“I have a date with Marcus,” I couldn’t contain my delight. “Don’t tell Katrina.” A small, overly rational part of me wondered what I was so excited about.
“That’s great,” Celestine said with enthusiasm. “Don’t mind Dmitri, he’s sad because Katrina said she wouldn’t go to the ball with him.” I was immensely pleased to note the distaste with which she said Katrina’s name.
“Well, I’ll go get Lycia,” and I left again. I found her without much difficulty, and we both headed back to the Hogshead to confer about what had been found in Professor Tremens’ office. Lycia needed to finish a few errands first, so I took the opportunity to buy the potion ingredients I needed from the general store before returning to my friends.
Once we’d gathered, I explained out the situation, but I was still happy enough that I must have seemed more than a little strange, talking so cheerfully about such grim happenings. Near the end of our discussion, Katrina came back, and soon her smug behavior prompted me to leave again. Elaina Sly followed me out.
“Congratulations on your date,” she said, though it was clear that that wasn’t the main reason she was approaching me. “Are you going to the ball with him?”
“Oh no,” I said, trying to sound casual. “I’m going with someone else, he already has a companion for the ball.” But he wants to go out on a date with me, I thought, and then berated myself for how smug I felt about it.
She and I spoke for some time after that. Initially, she sought help, for apparently her parents had arranged a marriage for her, a problem I had a great deal of sympathy for. I promised to help as best I could, though I wasn’t sure that there was anything I could do. From there, we learned rapidly that we had much more than that in common, for we both were Ravenclaw’s from very pureblood, Slytherin families, and indeed had had many similar experiences. We passed the afternoon wandering through the stores, talking and joking about things. She cheerfully bought me a beautiful enchanted flower at the general store, which sprouted into chains of blooms when placed in my hair, telling me to wear it to my date. Over all, it was as much fun as I’d had in a long time.
Eventually, evening began to fall, and it was time to leave Hogsmeade. As we were heading out, though, Katrina came up to me. “So Delia,” there was a mean edge to her voice, “I thought you should know that I am going to the ball with Marcus.” She sounded very smug, and there was a cruel grin on her face. I couldn’t help but suspect that Dmitri, who was clearly smitten, prompted by the rampant stupidity that Katrina seemed to induce in the men around her, had spoken about my date. “Who are you going with?”
“That,” I replied, trying to sound flippant and unconcerned, “is none of your business.” And Elaina and I left without another word. I felt, I must admit, terribly pleased with myself. The day had truly been an all around success.
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