When Isaiah and I arrived at the top of the quidditch stands, I noticed Tracey and Daphne sitting together a couple of stands away. I mumbled something about needing to talk to someone and ran away from Isaiah before we could approach the rest of the S4. I felt too awkward about lying to Isaiah to be able to see all of the S4 for the time being. The guilt of lying was eating me away and making me too anxious to even imagine being around them.
Tracey and Daphne waved at me, gleeful that I had joined them in observing the match. The crowd was buzzing. We didn't just have Slytherin and Ravenclaw students coming to observe the match, we also had students from other houses coming to support their friends or follow along the quidditch season.
Draco Malfoy's blonde hair was blending with the snow below. He was standing with his broom along with the other Slytherin Quidditch members. The Ravenclaw team was at the other end of the pitch. The rivaling teams were slowly marching to the center to meet with Madam Hooch. The crowd cheered, students chanted, called the names of their friends who were playing and encouraging the quidditch players. Millicent Bulstrode who was two rows ahead of us was chanting "FLINT! FLINT! FLINT!" in a deep roar.
A few quidditch players, namely the Slytherins, waved at the crowd, prideful. Notably, Malfoy was posing arrogantly and though I was too far to see his face clearly, I could just tell that he was smirking as he always did when his ego was stroked.
The quidditch match began. Ravenclaw chasers were immediately in the lead. Despite Slytherin's knack for aggressive playing, the Ravenclaw chasers were more agile as they swifted avoided bludgers and shovings coming their way.
"Thirty points to Ravenclaw! They are in the lead by thirty points!"
The Ravenclaw seeker, Cho Chang, seemed to be avoiding Malfoy who was trailing behind her. Malfoy was following her around as if unconfident in his own seeking skills.
"Pathetic Malfoy," I mumbled, shaking my head.
The match went on and Ravenclaw was up to sixty points while Slytherin hadn't even scored yet. If Malfoy did not catch the snitch soon, Slytherin would soon have no hope of winning. I could see Adrianna Pucey struggling to defeat the Ravenclaws: they were just too good, and Adri's fellow chasers weren't exactly as strategically-minded as she was. Meanwhile, Miles Bletchley, the Keeper, looked like he was losing his mind over all the scores Ravenclaw was getting.
Cho Chang flew around, scouring over the pitch, but apparently, still no sign of the snitch yet. At this rate, I wouldn't even worry about the snitch if I were her, seeing as Malfoy cowardly tailed behind her.
"FIND THE SNITCH YOURSELF, MALFOY!" I bellowed. He spun around to face me, fuming.
"SHUT IT, BLACKWOOD," he bellowed back, and I laughed.
"RAVENCLAW SCORES WITH ONE HUNDRED POINTS!" the commentator exclaimed. "If Slytherin doesn't catch this snitch soon, they'll lose to Ravenclaw's fantastic chasers!"
I knew that the commentator, Lee Jordan, was slightly biased against Slytherin and so, naturally, he rooted for Ravenclaw, but I still couldn't help but laugh at his enthusiasm.
"Pucey has the quaffle. She narrowly dodges a bludger! And she scores! Slytherin has scored their first ten points against Ravenclaw's one hundred points — and we're back with Ravenclaw in possession of the quaffle. It's not looking good for Slytherin one bit—"
The game seemed to be speeding up now. Ravenclaw continued scoring with ease against Bletchley while Cho Chang—
"It appears Ravenclaw's seeker has spotted the snitch! This may be over for Slytherin—"
But Draco Malfoy, being the conniving bastard that he was, was not letting Cho Chang catch the snitch. Having an advantage with his Nimbus 2001 while Cho had a Comet 260, Malfoy zoomed in the same direction as her, catching up to her rather quickly.
"And the seekers are side to side!"
Maybe it was my imagination because I was always under the impression that this was an illegal move, but it looked like Malfoy had nudged Chang so that she'd staggered ever so slightly to the side, giving him the upper hand. And—
"Slytherin catches the snitch! Slytherin wins narrowly with a score of 160 points against Ravenclaw's 140 points. Congratulations to our winner. Judging by the total points, it seems that Gryffindor still has the chance to win the house cup after all. Seeing as Slytherin's chasers failed to beat Ravenclaw's chasers, it's looking like a promising win for Gryffindor — oh, sorry, Professor. Many congratulations to Slytherin for a spectacular job! Please promptly make your way back to the castle. We will see you in the quidditch pitch in a couple more weeks for the next match. Is that better, Professor?"
I couldn't help but laugh as Professor Flickwick scolded the Gryffindor commentator for being so being biased and distracted in his commentaries.
"Brilliant!" Tracey said gleefully. "Now, we don't have to worry about Ravenclaw having a higher score on the house cup points."
"We just have to win against Gryffindor and the cup is ours!" Daphne said, beaming.
"I'm assuming this win warrants a Slytherin House Party in the common room again?" I said, semi-asking, semi-saying.
"Blasted! We've got prior commitments, remember? With Hermione and Padma?" Tracey said, her grin melting.
"Oh," I pursed my lips to the side. "Let's find Padma, then. Surely, she's at the quidditch match seeing as she's in Ravenclaw. Maybe if we hurry we can spot her."
"Salazar," groaned Daphne. "Who caaaares! Just be late to your study date. I'm hurrying up to the party before the quidditch players come back. We should totally make it a surprise for them."
"Daphne!" Pansy scurried over to us. She was previously sitting with the Carrow twins not too far away. "We must throw a surprise party in the common room for Draco. He won us the game. Let's hurry before the players get out of the changing rooms."
And the two hurried around the stands asking Slytherins to pass on the message about the surprise party.
"Whatever happened to getting Pansy away from Draco?" Tracey laughed as the blonde and the brunette scampered off the stands.
"Maybe Daphne has ulterior motives," I shrugged. "I say, we find Padma, then Hermione, and we work on our assignment sooner."
"Not interested in a Let's-Praise-Draco-Malfoy Party?" Tracey teased, smirking with amusement.
"Mayhaps," I said. "But really, we can't postpone this assignment. Hermione did say she had a tight schedule."
"Whatever you say, boss," Tracey shrugged. "Now how can we find Padma?"
"We could ask some Ravenclaws," I proposed.
And off we went. Many Slytherin students were hurrying off the stands for the surprise party, which made it tricky to not get trampled on, but Tracey and I managed to make it just fine at the bottom of the stairs. Across from us was the entrance to the Ravenclaw stands, where many Ravenclaw students were traipsing out.
"Blimey, we'll need luck finding her," Tracey said.
"Wait, I think that's her..." I said, pointing at a Padma Patil standing by the stand entrance idlly.
Padma wore a really long winter coat, covering her knees. She had a red scarf on and a beige hat on.
"Padma!" I called as Tracey and I neared closer to her.
"Erm," she seemed a bit amused. "I'm Pavarti. Padma's at the lavatory. I'm just waiting for her here in the cold like the wonderful sister that I am."
"Oh," I said, feeling slightly like an idiot for not realizing sooner that this girl was not Padma, but rather, her identical twin sister, Pavarti, who was in Gryffindor and not in Ravenclaw. "I apologize for the confusion. Do you mind if we wait for her with you? We have a group assignment to work on."
"I reckon it's for Arthmancy?" Pavarti said with a smirk. "Gods, I know I'm glad I didn't take that class. I dunno what Padma was thinking."
"Yeah, I don't know what I was thinking either," I joked. Tracey snorted next to me.
"I'm Tracey Davis, by the way. Don't think we've ever formally met," my friend said, extending her hand. Pavarti shook it and smiled.
"Pavarti Patil, as you may have guessed," she said, smiling.
"Maeve Blackwood — though, I'm sure you already knew this," I said to the Gryffindor girl.
"Of course. We've met briefly at the Gryffindor table that one time," Pavarti said. "You know, both Seamus and Dean still won't get over it. A Slytherin dares be nice. How uncalled for."
"You'd be surprise," Tracey said.
"Sorry for the wait. There was a bit of a line."
Padma had returned from the lavatory. She had a lime green hat on with a blue scarf, and her winter coat was the same as Pavarti's.
"Hi, Padma. We thought we'd start on our Arithmancy homework sooner than later," I said. Padma nodded happily.
"Sure! I've been looking forward to it, actually. Oh, and congratulations for the win," she said.
"Thanks!" I said at the same time as Tracey.
"Shall we get going?" Pavarti said, sounding slightly impatient. She had both of her hands stuffed into the pockets of her coat and half her face buried in her scarf.
The four of us followed the long trail of students still marching back to Hogwarts. We were mainly surrounded by Ravenclaws now because most Slytherins had hurried back to the Common Room for the surprise party. When we reached the library, we parted ways with Pavarti who promised she would tell Hermione to meet us immediately if she found her in the Gryffindor common room.
"Your sister is quite nice," I said. "Very different personality from you, I'd say."
"You have no idea," Padma giggled as we trekked down the library aisles.
We were hoping to run into Hermione so we wouldn't have to wait for her to come down from her common room. We weren't sure where Hermione was, though all four of us had ultimately agreed last class to meet in the library at two O'clock. It was one O'clock at the moment.
"We really could have gone to the party and then left after half an hour or so," Tracey said when we couldn't find Hermione and sat down.
"Party?" Padma repeated, cocking her head to the side curiously.
"Slytherin is hosting a house party right about now because of the victory," I said, shrugging. "But we're not missing out on anything, if we're being frank. Slytherins have parties all the time."
"That I will agree with," Tracey said with a laugh. Padma looked surprise. "Yeah, we even have a curfew at eight O'clock because one time we got caught partying by Snape."
"And I gather that does not stop the Slytherins from throwing parties?" Padma asked, amused.
"Nope," I said. "They just figured out how to perform a silencing charm so Snape does not hear anything outside of the common room. And I suppose, on those days, the prefects simply pretend to have taken attendance — because yes, Snape wants attendance taken to be sure that all Slytherin students are back in the common room before curfew. I got a detention with a prefect once for breaking that rule."
"That sounds like a hassle," Padma said. "I cannot even begin to imagine Ravenclaw house hosting parties that often. I don't know. I suppose we're just more reserved, in general."
"That's unsurprising," Tracey said. "Though I would argue that not all Ravenclaws are the quiet and reserved type. I know I've met some rowdy ones."
"Oh, you definitely mean McNamara and Lemire, don't you?" Padma said with a giggle.
"Absolutely," Tracey laughed. "I reckon if I weren't a Slytherin, I'd be a Ravenclaw. My mum was a Ravenclaw."
Though we were in the library, we were sat at the furthest seating areas from Madam Pince, so it would be surprising if she could hear us giggling and chatting.
"Hermione should've been a Ravenclaw," Padma said suddenly. "I mean, I see the bravery and chilvalry in her, but I know for a fact that Rowena would have wanted her very badly."
"Maybe if the founders were still alive, we would have witnessed Godric and Rowena quarreling incessantly to have Hermione in their house," I said, and we all laughed at the idea of that happening.
"What's so funny?"
Hermione appeared out of nowhere. We all jumped, and I yelped at her sudden appearance. But alas, now that Hermione was here, it was time to work tirelessly on our Arithmancy homework.
A few days passed and we were back to attending classes, and for me, brewing potions after class before running back to the common room for curfew. I'd taken the habit of skipping eating supper in the Great Hall and simply stealing food from the kitchens on my way to Myrtle's bathroom. This was just more time-efficient for me as I often struggled to arrive on time for Slytherin curfew.
Dobby was very happy to be seeing me so often, and I had to admit I was too. I noticed him wearing more and more weird combinations of clothes, namely socks, but he seemed happy. He was very proud of the very little money he recieved from Professor Dumbledore as payment for his work, and I wondered why the other elves did not feel that way.
"Mint thinks Dobby is a disgrace to elf-kind," an elf named Mint said, sneering at Dobby who apparated around the kitchen to get me what I needed.
"I dunno," I said, shrugging. "Perhaps he's onto something. Maybe you don't need to be mistreated by your masters to want a fair wage."
I would argue that Dobby's wage was less than fair, but he seemed very ecstatic about it, so I refrained from telling him about my thoughts on the matter just yet.
"Mint thinks Elves are meant to serve wizards. Mint thinks it is Mint's destiny to be at the servitude of wizardkind," Mint proceeded with a bow. I pursed my lips.
"I think you deserve better," I said.
"Miss Blackwood is most kind and respectful. Mint thinks Miss Blackwood is a good master. But Mint thinks elves must not be greedy. Mint thinks elves must serve wizardkind without asking for anything in return," Mint went on. I couldn't help but feel disappointed in wizards for how brainwashed elves were.
"Tell you what? I'll do some research on elf history, and I'll tell you if what you say about destiny is true, Mint," I told her. She bowed respectfully, and I nodded.
"Mint wishes Miss Blackwood the best in Miss Blackwood's studies," she said.
Dobby finally apparated.
"Oh, hello," I said. "I forgot I was waiting for you."
"Dobby has personalized Miss Blackwood's supper for tonight," Dobby said. "Dobby remembered Miss Blackwood loves pancakes with fruits and syrup. Dobby has prepared all of this without magic."
"Wow," I said, a bit dazed. "I'm stunned. This is very impressive."
And indeed it was. Although the pancakes' circular shapes looked slightly wobbly, the fruits were arranged very beautifully with the topping syrup.
"If there is anything I can do for you in return, Dobby, just let me know, alright?" I said, hungrily grabbing the plate.
"Dobby is grateful Miss Blackwood visits Dobby often, now. Dobby thinks seeing Miss Blackwood is good enough," he said with a wide smile. His googly green eyes seemed even wider somehow.
"You're so sweet," I said with a chuckle. "Well, thank you. I will definitely enjoy this wonderful meal you made for me."
I then parted ways with the Dobby and the other house elves in the kitchens and trekked to Myrtle's bathroom with a plate on one hand and a fork and knife in another.
"Oi, Blackwood!"
It was Fred Weasley, accompanied by George Weasley, as always. The two scampered towards me from the end of the corridor. They walked with me.
"How's that potion moving along?" George asked.
"Splendidly," I said. "It'll be ready on time for tomorrow, don't worry."
"Brilliant," Fred said gleefully.
"Remember, meet us at the Entrance Hall tomorrow morning—" George added.
"At six O'clock sharp. Got it," I said. "I've actually got quite a few brain cells left up there, don't worry. You two can count on me."
"By the way, Blackwood," George began, looking at my hands curiously. "What are you carrying all of that for? Didn't know they served pancakes for supper."
"I'm the exception, I guess," I said with a shrug. "I just want to get going with my potions, so I'll be multi-tasking. Eating and brewing at the same time, that is."
"Well, don't make anything blow up," George said in a fake stern voice.
They then scurried off at the opposite direction from where I was going. I smiled to myself as I imagined how funny the prank on Ivy Law was going to be tomorrow. She was in for a fun birthday.
When I entered Myrtle's bathroom, the first thing I noticed was a bright blonde head belonging to a boy sitting on his bum and looking out the window.
"Malfoy?" I asked tentatively.
"Hmm?" And he turned around. It was Wyatt Nye. I tried not to roll my eyes. "Oh, glad you're here and that the weird ghost isn't around, this time."
"What do you want?" I asked, sighing. Wyatt was going to ask for another potion, wasn't he?
I placed my utensils on my plate and drew my wand out to summon a large cushion to then put my plate on it — I wasn't about to eat directly off the ground.
"Don't worry, I haven't come to ask for more potions," he said, putting his hands up in surrender. "I've come to eat with you."
"What?" I said, baffled. "What do you really want?"
"Erm, nothing! Just erm, well," Wyatt struggled to get his words out. "Do you ever invite your friends in here?"
"My friends?" I repeated. "What's going on? Spit."
"Nothing! Just erm, well..."
"For Merlin's sake, Wyatt. Just get to the point."
"That girl I danced with," he said. "What's her name again?"
"Pansy Parkinson?" my voice suddenly changed to a more pleasant and gleeful tone. "Do you want to see her again? You like her?"
"No," he said. "But I did notice that she keeps staring at me."
"And? Isn't that a good thing? Don't you like it when people look at you?" I insisted.
"No, not really," Wyatt said simply. "I'm just here to ask you...."
"Spit it out."
He grimaced.
"Do you know how to brew Amortentia?"
And I burst into laughter, my entire body shaking with amusement at that unexpected question Wyatt had thrown at me.
"Wyatt, you don't need Amortentia to get Pansy Parkinson to fall in love with you," I chuckled through my words.
"I don't want her to actually fall in love with me. Just temporarily," he said.
"You have the weirdest of ideas, Wyatt. I'm not letting you trick my friend. If you want her to like you, you're gonna have to do so without any trick — wait, you said temporarily? What are you on about?"
"Oh, forget it. It's stupid. I don't even know why I came to you in the first place. Bloody useless," he groaned and got up from the floor to leave.
"Wait, wait, Wyatt," I urged before he could leave. He bore his eyes into mine. "Just tell me what you're really seeking."
He shook his head.
"If I tell you, you have to promise not to tell any of the S4s," he said, his eyes poking into mine with a stern stare.
"I promise! They won't know about it," I said. "What is it?"
"Okay, well... I was thinking... I could pretend to get with Pansy Parkinson so that," and he mumbled something, "would notice me and want to be with me."
"Who? What? You mumbled just there."
"So that... Amirah... would find me interesting," he said lowly.
"You fancy Amirah? Our Amirah? Amirah Flowers?" I gaped, wide-eyed. Wyatt was flushed.
"Don't tell the others! Especially not Isaiah," he grumbled, hanging his head low. "I'm fairly certain he fancies her."
"Yeah, me too," I admitted.
"Well, can't you help me? With Amortentia?"
"Wyatt..." I sighed. "I won't do it. It's wrong. You can't use Pansy Parkinson like that. She might actually like you. It would hurt her if you did that to her. And Wyatt?"
"What?"
"You don't need Amirah Flowers to notice you by fabricating a fake relationship with someone else. I don't peg Amirah as the jealous type, and besides, I think that if you just keep being yourself, maybe one day she'll see value in that."
"You don't hate me? For fancying the same person as one of my best mates? Isaiah would hate me if he found out."
"Well, it's not up to you nor Isaiah to decide who Amirah likes. Girls aren't brooms you buy at the store. They aren't a first-come-first-serve purchase. They're people. She can decide who she has feelings for, and all you can do is hope it's you."
"You think so? You think she'll see value in me?"
"Maybe," I said. "But if she doesn't, there's no point dwelling on that. People don't often have control over whom they have feelings for."
"Like with you and James," Wyatt pointed out.
"I don't have feelings for James," I said, rolling my eyes playfully.
"Sure," Wyatt shrugged, not believing me.
"Well, in any case, Wyatt," I cleared my throat. "If Amirah does not like you for who you are, then there's no point. Don't play games. Don't play tricks. Just be you and be kind. That should be enough."
"Well, what if I'm not kind? Doesn't that go against the idea of being myself?"
"Wyatt, you are kind," I laughed, smiling at him earnestly. "You're very kind. Any girl would be lucky to be with you. Even if Amirah chooses Isaiah, or neither of you for that matter, that fact still stands. You're a catch, Nye."
And I playfully hit his arm.
"Sounds a bit like a love confession, there, Blackwood," Wyatt snorted.
"Okay, just because I'm complimenting you does not mean I fancy you, Nye. Don't be so full of yourself. Humbleness is a virtue, you know."
"Alright, alright, I hear you," Wyatt said, surpressing a smirk. "And erm... Thank you for, well, you know... being nice to me and all — Remember, don't tell anyone about this, or I'll, er... I'll be upset, and you'll regret it!"
"Yeah, yeah, obviously, I'm not telling anyone. Now, go back to supper," I urged. "I wanna eat mine, so... Bye, now."
"Goodbye, Blackwood."
Wyatt Nye left the girl's lavatory with his hands in his pockets, strutting confidentally as he left. I grumbled as I tried to recall the charm to reheat food seeing as my pancakes were cold now.