The Holiday Break
Finally, the break arrived and found Caitlyn and Vi lounging in the Gryffindor common room by the roaring fire. They were indulging in some sweets that Caitlyn’s parents had sent her for the holidays. Vi was sitting with her legs over the edge of the soft armchair, and Caitlyn was sitting on the floor leaning up against it. Vi was reading her Defense textbook, finding that she loved everything about the class. Caitlyn, however, was pouring over a book she had found on the Care of Magical Creatures. She was very much looking forward to taking it next year.
“I’m bored,” Vi whined as she slammed her book closed. She sighed, and dramatically brought the back of her hand to her head before peeking to see if she had Caitlyn’s attention.
“Well, it is almost time for lunch. Shall we see what the house elves have prepared?”
“House elves?” Vi cocked an eyebrow. “There are house elves here?”
“Well of course,” Caitlyn explained. “Who do you think does all the cooking and cleaning?”
Vi pondered. “I guess I just never thought about it. I’ve never seen one.”
Caitlyn hummed in thought. “Yes, well that is the mark of a good house elf after all. You know, never be seen or heard unless called upon.”
Vi choked. “So slaves?”
Caitlyn sat in thought for a moment before humming. “Yes, I suppose so.” She seemed to be rattled by that revelation, sitting deep in thought for a moment. Well, as deep as an eleven year old could process as far as the injustices of the world. After a tick she stood. “Shall we go have lunch then?”
Vi shot up and the two of them made their way down to the Great Hall. In the hall, the house tables were pushed to the side and were replaced with one long table in the middle. With the majority of the student body away for the holidays, there was no sense in them sitting by house. Caitlyn and Vi took their seats beside a first year Hufflepuff named Finley that they both recognized from classes.
“Hello, Finley!” Caitlyn greeted brightly. “How are you?”
Finley grinned and answered brightly in a thick Irish brogue. “Hullo! I’m doin’ well, Caitlyn. How’re you two?”
“Very well, thank you.” Caitlyn returned his smile before turning towards Vi. “Shall we–?” The question died on her tongue as she looked over to Vi who sat with half a turkey leg sticking out of her mouth.
“Yeah, we should eat,” Vi answered Caitlyn’s unfinished question with a bright smile.
“Do you always talk with your mouth full?” Caitlyn failed to hide the disgust.
Vi shrugged. “I’m always hungry.”
At her words, Finley turned to them. “Ya know, there’s a way to get food whenever ya want it?” His eyes twinkled with mischief, and Vi’s lit up with wonder. Caitlyn, however, looked apprehensive.
“Really?” Vi’s eyes near bugged out of her head.
“Yeah, sure Lanes. I can show ya if ya want?”
“Wicked,” Vi grinned mischievously.
Caitlyn, however, was unconvinced. “That sounds like it would involve breaking a lot of rules.”
Finley took another bite of his potatoes and chuckled. “Well, sure, but everyone in Hufflepuff does it. The professors kinda turn the other way.”
“Hmm I don’t know… Is it really a good idea?”
“C’mon Cait! I won’t complain about being hungry as much if we do this.” Vi gave Caitlyn her best doe eyes.
“Ugh fine, but if we get caught I’m blaming you.”
Vi smirked. “Wouldn’t have it any other way.” She turned to Finley. “Alright Irish. What’s the plan?”