chaos ~ fred weasley

41. la lune

The night air is brisk as I walk to Hagrid's hut, huddling further into my jacket as I rap on the door. I'm about to finally do my detention, and I was glad to see Hagrid would be taking charge of it instead of Filch or someone even worse. In my head, thoughts are only swirling around about two things—one being finally pranking again, and the other being the Yule Ball. I know it's silly, but I'm excited for the ball. Is this what happens to people who love someone? Yuck.

"'Ello, Venus," Hagrid says as the door flies open. I crane back to look at him and he smiles kindly, stepping outside of the small house to join me outside. "We'll be potting Mandrake seeds this evenin', unfortunately."

"Mandrakes?" I repeat, remembering one of my Herbology classes at Ilvermorny where we had to pot the screaming plants. "Do they scream as seeds?"

Hagrid chuckles and shakes his head. "I wish that were so, Venus, I really do."

**

That's how I end up in the Herbology greenhouse covered in skunk fumes.

Hagrid explains before we go in that when the seeds have yet to be planted, they tend to release a few gases as a natural reaction. He also says that has something to do with fertilizing the soil which makes them grow so fast, but I'm kind of more focused on the fact that seeds release gases. He warns me it smells, and he is right—it smells exactly like the skunks in North America, but ten times as strong. Even behind the protective goggles my eyes still water, and I use a Reaper—a small, hedgehog-like animal with spines that turn into cotton-like balls if you tame it—to protect my nostrils from the smell, but somehow it manages to waft in.

I hold the small, acorn-sized seed away from my face as it squirts out a dolloping of gas and turn to Hagrid with an unamused look on my face. "this is not fun, Hagrid," I tell him indignantly as I stuff the seed into the soft soil.

"Ah," he says with a shrug as he vaults a seed delicately into the pot, "it's not so bad if ye've got the right attitude."

I roll my eyes with a chuckle, turning back to the task at hand. Hagrid coughs a little, and while at first, I think it's due to the putrid gas, I realize it's to try and get my attention. "Yes, Hagrid?"

"I, uh... Well, I just wanted to say thank ye for helpin' Harry. I've known 'im since 'e was a little'un, ye see, and I know it's real nice to see he's doin' alright in this competition." Hagrid leans in conspiratorially and says, "I think Sirius Black is somewhere close by as well. Watchin' over Harry. I ain't seen 'im, but I think he's around. I know he'll appreciate all yer help too."

I nod, feigning a smile as my heart sinks into my stomach. I understand him being thankful for my help, but knowing Sirius is out there somewhere counting on me too?

Just as I think it's too much to handle, Hagrid leans closer and says, "to be honest, Venus, I think yer Remus is out there with Sirius too, watchin' over both you an' 'arry."

I freeze, looking up a little. "Y-you think so?"

"Listen, I may not look like I know much, but I know you were real upset when Remus up an' left last year. From what I could tell, I doubt he'd'a left like that if he had much of a choice. Plus, real late at night, out in the forest? You bet I hear some howlin' and barkin' alright."

I step back slightly, thinking it over. Am I really surprised? I guess I'm more relieved that Remus is okay, although I doubt he's much taking care of himself if he and Sirius are sticking around to look after Harry and I. His pressures as well as Sirius and Hagrid's are suffocating, but I'm calmed by the fact that Remus even wants to stress about me.