CHAPTER SEVEN: 𝐅𝐀𝐂𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐁𝐎𝐆𝐆𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐒
▬▬▬❦▬▬▬
We marched back at the Great Hall after Harry and I changed into new dry clothes. It isn't good to wear clothes that are wet, said by Hermione herself, because we're going to get sick.
The trio asked me what fell out of my bag, which was my phone. I told them that it was just a technical thing that were used at Ilvermony, which doesn't really work at Hogwarts, or maybe.
My mouth watered at the sight of our lunch, this is a dream come true. We sat at the Gryffindor table, as Ron and I quickly served ourselves with food.
"Merlin, both of you eat like wolves! You must protect your teeth!" Hermione gaped at us as Harry stifled a laugh.
"We're at Hogwarts, Hermione. Anything could be worse than a toothache. Besides, your teeth is already so perfect, but ours isn't so it's fine. And mind you, who could ever refuse food? It's like asking for a death wish." I said before putting mashed potatoes in my mouth, remembering that Hermione's parents are dentists.
"Well, you're right about my teeth being perfect.. Don't you dare laugh at me, Harry!" Hermione slapped Harry on his shoulder as he couldn't hold his laughter anymore.
"Fine, sorry." Harry ate opened his book while Hermione read a book, as usual. We looked at the entrance of the Great Hall as Draco and his goons walked inside, going straight at the Slytherin table.
Ghosts began to enter the Great Hall, which I'm still not used to seeing.
"Does it hurt terribly, Draco?" I heard Pansy ask, I looked at the girl, and oh boy, she looks fine. Too bad her appreance is probably the opposite of her personality.
"It comes and it goes. Still, I consider myself lucky. Madame Pomfrey said another minute and I could've lost my arm. I can't do homework for weeks." Draco said, making Harry and I snort.
"Listen to the idiot, he's really laying it on thick, isn't he?" Ron scoffed.
"At least Hagrid didn't get fired." Harry looked at us in assurance.
Yet, but you'll save the day, I thought.
"Yeah, but I hear Draco's father's furious. We haven't heard the end of this." Hermione turned to us.
"He's been sighted!" I saw a student in our table ran up to us.
"Who?" Ron asked.
"Sirius Black!" I realized it was Seamus who was talking. He put a newspaper on our table as we peeked on it.
"Dufftown? That's not far from here." Hermione spoke, worry was evident in her tone.
"You don't think he'll come to Hogwarts, do you?" Neville looked at us with fear, his hands slightly shaking.
"With dementors at the entrance?" Bem spoke up.
"Dementors? He slipped past them once. Who's to say he won't do it again?" Seamus was close to panicking based on the information we got.
"That's right, Black could be anywhere. It's like trying to catch smoke. Like trying to catch smoke with your bare hands." Bem told us. I almost laughed.
Dude's got only a few lines but he managed to make it all dramatic.
I looked at Harry who had worry in his eyes, staring at his godfather's face on the newspaper, he's clearly not handling the news very well.
The trio and I packed our bags for our next class with Lupin.
"It's going to be fine, Harry. Don't worry." I assured him as the worry on his face was still there. We were almost out of the Great Hall until we passed by Draco on the Slytherin table.
"Harry Potter, on his way to save the day once again along with two mudbloods, and a blood-traitor. Birds of the same feather, alright." He smirked, earning a laugh from his friends.
"At least Harry has done something for Hogwarts, unlike you who's always flaunting about your blood status everywhere you go." Hermione fought back.
"Oh, the mudblood can talk. I wonder if the other one does, be careful, I wouldn't want mudblood spit on our table." Draco turned to me, disgust written on his face.
"Clearly, you don't know me that well. And I can talk, I have a mouth, you see. Based on your arrogance earlier, you shouldn't have been sent to Madame Pomfrey, you could've been sent to St. Mungos instead, apparently you take things way too seriously through your head, which is why your arrogance and your narcissistic self would make you go crazy. A cut won't make you die, dumbass." I sneered at him as I pulled the trio with me, out of the Great Hall.
"Bloody hell, I still don't know how you could manage to be that brave infront of Malfoy." Ron turned to me with amusement in his eyes.
"Well, damn, I didn't know where that came from too.. but I tend to be sharp tongued sometimes, he's taking that pureblood thing seriously that it makes him act like an asshole. He's not a king and Hogwarts is not his kingdom. We should always humble that little brat."I told them as Hermione smiled at me.
"I left something in the dorm, I'll catch up with you guys later." Hermione walked on the way to the Gryffindor common room.
"Thanks for the standing up for Malfoy." Harry held my hand as we walked to Remus's classroom.
Other Gryffindors and Ravenclaws were there already, we put our bags on the side as Remus went inside the room and put a cabinet in the middle.
I already knew what would happen so I stood to the side. On the corner of my eye, the Slytherins went inside the room. We were startled when the cabinet began to move and make noise.
"Intriguing, isn't it?" Remus asked us as the cabinet was still shaking.
"Would anyone like to venture a guess as to what is inside?" Remus walked to the front of the room, next to the cabinet.
"That's a boggart." I said, the others turning to me. I mean, a little participation wouldn't hurt, right? If I would study for too long at Hogwarts, then I might as well get passing grades.
"That's a boggart, that is. Very good, Ms. Cullen."
I might as well steal some lines.
"Now, can anyone tell me what a boggart looks like?" Remus looked at us and none tried to make eye contact with him.
"No one knows." I almost yelped when I heard Hermione beside us.
"When did she get here?" Ron asked, making Harry look at her in confusion. Hermione shrugged at us then she continued to talk.
"They take the shape of whatever a person fears the most. That's what makes them so-" Hermione was cut off by Remus, making her sigh.
"I knew you could teleport where you wanted to, but, bloody hell, you gotta stop scaring me like that!" I whispered to Hermione, which made her laugh.
"So terrifying, yes, yes, yes. Luckily, a very simple charm exists to repel a boggart. Let's practice it now. Without wands, please." Remus instructed us.
"After me, Riddikulus!"
"Riddikulus!" The others spoke in chorus, including me.
"Very good! A little louder and very clear. Listen, Riddikulus!"
"Riddikulus!" We repeated.
"This class is ridiculous." I heard Draco spoke with so much despise, Goyle nodding at him.
"Very good! So much for the easy part, you see, the incantation alone is not enough. What really finishes a boggart is, laughter." Remus leaned on the cabinet as it stopped shaking.
I suddenly remembered watching that My Little Pony episode when I was still a kid, when Pinky Pie laughed at something scary. I also remembered Pennywise who was defeated by the losers' club.
"You need to force it to assume a shape you find truly amusing. Let me explain," Remus explained. He looked around the classroom before stopping on a student.
"Neville, would you join me, please? Come on, don't be shy, come on." We stepped aside as Neville looked frightened, he hesitated before walking in front.
"Hello. Neville, What frightens you most of all?" Remus gave him a small smile.
"Professor Snape." Neville whispered.
"Sorry?" Remus leaned a bit closer to him.
"Professor Snape." Neville spoke.
We all broke into laughter as Remus tried to control his posture.
"I feel bad for laughing." Hermione said, I chuckled.
"Professor Sniv-Snape. Yes, frightens all. And I believe you live with your grandmother."
I felt a bit sad for Neville, recalling what happened to his mother and father.
"Yes, but I don't want it to turn into her, either." Neville gulped.
"No, it won't. I want you to picture her clothes. Only her clothes, very clearly, in your mind." Remus explained, turning to the cabinet which shook once again.
"She carries a red handbag-" Neville started.
"We don't need to hear. As long as you see it, we'll see it. Now, when I open that wardrobe, here's what I want you to do. Excuse me," Remus walked to us and stood next to Neville. Making me see him closer.
Remus is too attractive for his age, I thought. Oh my god, I can't simp. I can only simp for Harry.
"Imagine Professor Snape in your grandmother's clothes. Can you do that?" Remus whispered to Neville, which I knew because I already watched this scene too many times.
Neville nodded as Remus pulled his wand.
"Wand at the ready, one, two, three!" Remus announced before opening the knob of the cabinet with his wand.
The cabinet opened, which made some students gasp as Snape went out of the closet. I saw Snape walk out intimidately.
"Think, Neville, think." Remus said, as Neville shook in fright.
"Riddikulus!" Neville immediately pointed his wand as Snape stopped walking, wearing Neville's grandmother's clothes.
The class immediately bursted into laughter as my stomach hurts from laughing.
"Blimey, I couldn't imagine Professor Snape wearing clothes other than his all black suit." Ron snickered.
"Wonderful, Neville, wonderful! Incredible! Okay, to the back, Neville." Remus who seemed to enjoy this very much, motioned for Neville to go to the back of the room.
"Everyone, form a line!" Remus announced, making others fall in line. I felt something shove me and saw the student behind me was shoved by Malfoy. I saw him smirk when he saw me furious.
"Piss off, Malfoy." I snarled.
"I want everyone to picture the thing they fear the most, and turn it into something funny." My plans to kill Malfoy vanished when I saw Snape looking around like a lost puppy, I snorted.
Remus played an upbeat song which made it even more exciting. He called Ron as we cheered for Ron from the back.
He walked up infront of Snape who was still dressed up as Neville's grandmother.
"Concentrate, face your fear, be brave." Remus said, as Snape turned to Ron's boggart, which is a giant spider.
I heard Ron whimper in fear as I heard some Slytherins snicker at him. He shakingly grabbed his wand from his robe before chanting the spell.
"Wand at the ready, Ron." Remus reminded him.
"Riddikulus!"
Ron's giant spider began to have rollerskates on its tiny legs. The class laughed again.
"Marvelous! Absolutely, very, very enjoyable! Parvati! Next!" Remus announced as it was now Parvati's turn.
I saw her boggart, a snake, turn into a giant jack-in-the-box, which made the class erupt into laughter for the third time.
"And next! Step up, step up!" Remus called out.
It was supposed to be Harry, until I felt someone push me from behind. I turned for a quick second as I saw Pansy winking at me. I tried not to punch her face as Harry and Hermione looked at me in surprise.
"Ms. Cullen! Great of you to step up, wand at the ready, please!"
I gulped as it was my first time using my new wand. I grabbed it from my robe and waited for my boggart. Parvati's boggart turned into mine, which shocked the class, including me. I heard them gasp and whisper into each other.
In front of me, was me except that I was wearing Slytherin robes and I had such a hint of misfit in my face, but what bothered me was that, I had menacing glowing red eyes. I stared at it and felt like I was being pulled into another place.
Damn, I look hot.
I would've expected to see Trisha Paytas or that Veggie teacher on Tiktok. But seeing me looking high in the clouds might be better.
I snapped out of trance when Remus called me.
"Riddikulus!" I yelled as my boggart turned into a dancing Willy Wonka, it was the one from Tiktok. I laughed as the class also did the same, asking why the man looked so weird. The girls saying that he looked hot. I snorted as I walked to the back of the class.
"What was that all about? Why was your boggart, you? You looked evil, but wicked!" Ron said as Neville nodded to him in agreement.
"I had no idea what my boggart looked like, I was also surprised." I explained.
"You, in Slytherin? You're too much of a wimp to be in Slytherin." I turned to see Pansy chuckle along with Draco, Crabbe and Goyle. I frowned a bit after remembering that I was supposed to be in Slytherin if I didn't ask the sorting hat to put me in Gryffindor.
"Well, you're too much of a git to belong in other houses." I sneered at them.
"No wonder your fear is you turning evil, you're too scared." Draco commented next.
"I wouldn't be in Gryffindor if I was a coward, you ferret. If someone would be a coward in both of us, it would be you, 'It's killed me! It's killed me!'" I rolled my eyes after mocking how he was like earlier. I heard Neville and Ron control their laughter.
"How dare you, calling me a ferret, you filthy little mudblood! My father-"
"Will hear about this? Yeah, that's where you're good at, telling your father about things because you couldn't handle your problems like a man. Grow some balls, would you?" I scoffed before turning my back at them, watching Harry turn to his boggart.
I watched as Willy Wonka turned into a dementor. The others gasped, Harry froze.
Remus immediately stepped infront of Harry and turned the dementor into his boggart, the moon.
"Riddikulus!" Remus chanted, turning his boggart, the full moon, to a balloon, sending it back in the cabinet.
"Right, sorry about that. That's enough for today. Collect your books from the back of the class, that's the end of the lesson. Thank you, sorry!" Remus bid us goodbye as some groaned in disappointment they didn't get to have a turn.
We grabbed our bags and slung it on our shoulders.
The others turned to leave as I saw Harry who was still frozen. I walked up to him and held his arm, making him jump.
"Let's go, Harry." I pulled his arm as he was still shocked from earlier.
"Way to ruin the fun, Potter." I heard Draco holler from behind us.
"Ignore him." I pulled him as we caught up with Hermione and Ron.
"That was crazy! Also, your boggart, Nicolette! It's strange! And you definitely don't look good in a Slytherin robe." Hermione spoke as she fidgeted with her books.
Thanks for guilt tripping me once again, Hermione.
"I should've known they would make you their new victim when you talked back." Ron scoffed.
"It's fine, I can handle it." I grinned at them.
"Are you sure? I can't stand Malfoy and his stupid friends continuously make fun of you every day." Hermione gritted her teeth.
"I'm sure, don't worry." I assured them.
________
A few months has passed and I've been doing alright with classes. It was a surprise I was able to balance studying and stressing about why I was here.
We were already on the Gryffindor's common room as the others went ready for one thing; Hogsmeade.
Hermione excitedly pulled me in the dorms as we changed into winter clothing. I just wore a baggy hoodie and jeans along with a scarf.
We met back with Harry and Ron as we followed Minerva McGonagall to Hogwarts' entrance.
"Remember, these visits to Hogsmeade village are a privilege. Should your behavior reflect poorly on the school, that privilege shall not be extended again." Minerva explained.
I stood next to Harry, who, I knew, couldn't go to Hogsmeade because he didn't have a guardian to sign his permission form.
"No permission form signed, no visiting the village. That's the rule, Potter." Minerva finished talking as I saw Hermione and Ron have frowns on their faces, clearly feeling bad for Harry.
"Those with permission, follow me, those without, stay put." Filch walked and the students started to follow him.
"I thought if you signed it, then I could-" Harry started.
"I can't, only a parent or a guardian can sign. Since I am neither, it would be inappropriate. I'm sorry, Potter. That's my final word." Minerva patted Harry on the back as she turned to follow the students.
I walked back in the castle, waiting for Harry.
"Forget about it, guys. See you later." Harry bid goodbye to Hermione and Ron as they walked away.
Harry looked surprised I was standing there.
"I'm a transfer, remember? And I couldn't get my forms signed. Now c'mon, we can go to Hogsmeade next time." I turned my head and he followed me back to the common room.
We were almost there when Harry stopped and I turned to him.
"I'll go to Professor Lupin for a while. I'll be back." Harry told me and I nodded at him before speaking the password to the painting.
I decided to take a stroll on the Hogwarts' grounds, I wrapped my sweater tighter on me while I walked through the snowy path. It was quiet today, seeing as most students were either in class or in Hogsmeade.
I didn't realize I was going a bit far when I saw the dark lake a few feet away from me. My eyes widened before walking faster to see it. I gazed over the Black Lake, seeing the greenish water showing only the green hues and some of the strange creatures under it.
I wondered if I could've seen more if I went to my real house, the Slytherin common room just shows everything of the Black Lake and that made me curious.
I stood a little bit closer on the edge of the Black Lake, looking for the infamous Giant Squid. I haven't really seen it before, but I'm curious by how it looks like.
I stepped one step back when I recalled the times where some students would say they'd get pulled by the Giant Squid. Even if I was a surfer back in California, I am still scared from being dragged by a huge squid. I heard a popping noise, but I ignored it while I stared at the water.
I wonder how the Giant Squid would taste like if its cooked.
I squinted my eyes, trying to find a part of the Giant Squid, but I only saw nothing but the slight waves of the water. I was only staring at my reflection in the water, but remembering those thrill moments in movies where something would pop up, my heartbeat increased speed.
I heard a loud rustle behind me, making me scream as a hand wrapped around my arm quickly. Out of reflexes, I raised my arm before decking whoever it is on the face.
"Merlin's fucking beard!"
I quickly pulled my hand back when I realized who it was. George Weasley was now sporting a cut lip while he winced at the pain.
"Dude, you could've just said something instead of grabbing me like a maniac!" I gaped at him with an irritated look.
"The Squid's about to rise from the lake and was about to make you its new meal, I'm sorry for trying to save you." George rolled his eyes, wiping the blood on the corner of his lip with his sleeve.
"Are you actually going to save me or are you going to push me off?" I squinted my eyes at him suspiciously. George was about to speak, but I saw the hesitation in his eyes, a mischievous glint appeared for a second but I noticed it.
"I fucking knew it!" I gritted my teeth, deciding to smack him with the bag he was holding, George immediately grabbed the bag and stopped me from hitting him.
"I'm a prankster, what can you expect? And you hit me in the face, I could report you right now." George mocked.
"Why weren't you in Hogsmeade anyways? It's a surprise you're not there to set fireworks off a shop." I crossed my arms, squinting my eyes at him.
"Fred and I planned a huge stunt which ranged from Hogsmeade to here.. and that's all I'm saying because it's none of your business- and you ruined the prank. Are you still not over that Diagon Alley situation?" George huffed, grabbing his bag before beginning to walk away.
"Nope, I'm not letting you live through it. Also, what stunt?" I furrowed my eyebrows.
"It's a secret." George replied timidly.
"Just tell me! I wanna know how you prank people!" I repeated.
"No way in hell."
"C'mon, I'm curious! What's the prank?" I trailed behind him while I tried to keep up with his pace.
"I'm not telling you, a true prankster never tells his secrets." George shook his head while he walked towards Hogwarts.
"Tell me, I swear I won't tell anybody!" I poked his arm with my wand with a large grin.
"Still a no."
"C'mon, you're my favourite Weasley- and don't tell Ron- but can you share it? I promise I'll keep it a secret!" I kept on nagging with a beam on my face.
I heard a loud sound, realizing that George harshly dropped his bag on the ground while he had an irritated look on his face.
Before I could say anything, he placed his arms under my legs and back before carrying me bridal style.
"What the hell- put me down!" I tried to pry his hands off me, but I forgot he's a fucking Quidditch player and is really strong.
"You said you wanted to know the plan, right? I'll tell you the plan." George's irritated look turned into a smirk as he walked back on the path to the Black Lake.
"No- I meant for you to tell me! Not to feed me to the GIANT SQUID!" I shrieked when he began to walk faster, it seems like there's no stopping now.
"Fred and I planned to prank this curious Gryffindor boy who kept on prying his nose into our business to steal our ideas- but since you appeared and ruined the plan, you, my dear, will be the one to experience the results." George spoke while my eyes widened at what I heard.
"How the hell could I ruin your plan? I just wanted to see the Giant Squid for Pete's sake!" I said frustratingly while I kept on look for the Black Lake.
"You see, Fred was about to use the Hypnotizing Harmonica we got at Zonko's.. then he'll lead him through The One Eyed Witch's passageway, and he'll lead him here and he'll step on that little thing that pops- once I heard that sound, I appear and tie him over this tree branch where the Giant Squid would likely try to grab him." George stopped at the tree he was sitting from earlier.
"Are you trying to kill him?!" I gaped at him in horror, fully realizing that their capable of doing pranks as far as that.
"My dear brother and I do not kill, we just terrify them to death." George smirked, before he slowly walked to the water.
"You explained the plan already- can you stop with the demonstration?!" I shrieked when I can see the the water below me, I placed my arms tighter around him so when he decides to throw me in, I'll pull him with me.
Nicolette, you're so smart. The Sorting Hat's probably regretting that it didn't put you in Ravenclaw.
"No, love. A demonstration is required if I, one of the greatest pranksters of Hogwarts, tell a legendary plan to someone I don't know." George smirked while he adjusted his hand to throw me in.
"Oh, please. There are probably better pranksters in this school!" I blurted out, but I guess I made a wrong move when George only threw me a look.
I'm dead. Only a month and a few weeks in Hogwarts and I'm already gonna die.
"One, two.. THREE!" George swung his arm as I closed my eyes from the impact of the cold water.
But nothing happened.
I opened my eyes and saw George laughing hard, my quick heartbeat began to calm down but my patience are not gonna do it.
I only glared at him, pushing myself off his arms once he finally loosened his grip on me. George didn't stop laughing, probably laughing at my reaction earlier.
I only gritted my teeth in aggravation, before deciding to give him another good punch on his face. I swung my arm as hard as I could, feeling my fist connect with his cheek as he groaned in pain.
"Fucking hell!" George muttered, giving me an unexplainable look while he caressed his cheek.
"Watch your back, I'm not as weak as I seem." I gave him a smug look, before I turned on my feet and headed on my way back in the castle.
I shook my head, finally feeling myself calm down as I felt like punching another person in the face. I should've done this to my dad ages ago, but it was late.
Good thing I learned self-defense last year.
I went inside the quiet common room, heading up the dorms. Once I got in Hermione, Parvati, Lavender and I's shared room, I grabbed my phone and looked at it, realizing that it no longer have any battery left.
I decided to head to Dumbledore's office, hoping he's got some magic tricks up his sleeve and be able to make my phone work.
I walked up the staircase after saying the password and saw him staring out the window like he's in an emo moment.
"Welcome back, Nicolette. What is your reason for visiting?" Dumbledore greeted me with a smile.
"You see, Professor, I brought a thing with me when I got here. And I kind of need electricity to activate it.. can you do something about it?" I asked politely.
"Where is the thing? I suppose I could help you with that."
I took my phone and placed it on the table. Dumbledore took his wand, mumbled a chant and handed my phone back to me. I pressed the power button and I jumped in glee when it worked.
"Thank you so much, Professor!" I said as he just smiled at me, his eyes twinkling as usual.
I giddily went out of his office and headed back to the common room. I went up to the dorms and sat next to the window, I opened my phone and saw that my apps were working except for the messages.
I immediately went to Twitter and tried to send a message to my friend through DMs, I frowned when the messages began to fade. My timeline was also clear. I recalled Dumbledore saying something about time, this must be it. Thank God, the camera is still working along with my music.
The only time I was thankful for not using Spotify.