Heron

Having already completed all the assignments he was given with ease, Orion headed for the entrance to the Undercroft. It was a large wooden clock. In Atticus’ books he explained that a simple charm would open it. No one else was around, so Orion took out his wand and flicked it. For a second the clock did not change in any way, which disheartened the boy. Before he could try again, however, the clock slowly began to open, revealing a secret passage. Once again confirming that there wasn’t anyone in sight, Orion headed down. After walking for a bit, he heard the clock closing behind him.

The Undercroft was as described in his grandfather’s books. A large room with four pillars, two on each side. On the left side of the room there was a small indent with a tryptic with pictures of a landscape on it. In front of the tryptic there was a pensive. The boy immediately ran up to it, in hopes he could still view whatever his grandfather had viewed last, but alas it was empty. It was wishful thinking that things would be the same way they were a century ago. Thankfully for the boy, there were tons of books scattered across the room. He collected them all into a pile and started flicking through them. Some were simply textbooks and guides on certain spells and creatures. The boy recognized some of the names of certain beasts, but others he had never heard of before. The more impressive books were ones collected by what he thought would be Atticus’ friends: Sebastian Sallow and Ominis Gaunt. Some of them were at least a couple centuries old. As he opened a book that had no title on its cover, Orion smiled at the familiar handwriting. This was a book his grandfather had written. It was not enchanted like the ones he had in his collection so far. This wasn’t a book about ancient magic, but rather a simple journal. It brought Orion much joy to have found something new to memorize. He spent two hours reading through several of the books, mainly the journal, before ultimately his stomach growled. He was still human, and he had to go to dinner, so he packed the books into his bag, casting a charm that would make them smaller and lighter. Opening the clock, he peered behind, making sure the coast was clear. This time, unfortunately, it wasn’t. A group of Slytherin students were hanging about.

“Corpus Obscuro” he cast as quietly as he could, turning himself invisible. The spell didn’t turn the target perfectly transparent, so he still had to tread carefully. Going past the group of students, he could overhear what they were talking about.

“Dorian told me there was an odd one amongst his first-years."

“Can’t be odder than Gryffindor’s. Potter is in there.” said a different boy.

“You talk just like that Draco Malfoy kid. “Potter”. It’s so funny how he says it.” said a third.

“I must warn you, that “Malfoy kid” isn’t just your ordinary cocky kid. His father has a high position in the Ministry.” said the first.

“You scared of him?”

“Of Draco – no, of his father – yes. My dad works under him. It’d be trouble for me, if I caused problems for him.”

"Don’t be such a wuss.”

“Don’t be careless.”

The group was then joined by a few other students from different houses, and they walked off. Orion also made a note to himself not to bother the boy. Both their parents were close, so he shouldn’t mess with him because that could cause them to punish him.

He made his way to the Grand Hall and noticed most other students had already gotten to dessert. He sat down at the Ravenclaw table and put some mashed potatoes and a piece of salmon on his plate.

“Quite the choice.” his house’s prefect sat opposite of him. “How was your first day?” he also chose to have salmon but garnished it with broccoli instead.

“Fine.” Orion continued looking down at his plate.

“I heard from a few other students that you had your moments. Good students always get attention, even if they don’t want it.” he chuckled “But don’t get nervous.”

“I won’t.”

“Hah. Some of my classmates have been talking about you too, you know. Well, not as much as Harry Potter. They were amazed you got the answer to the riddle before some of them.” he took a bite of his fish.

“It was easy.” finally Orion looked up at Dorian, to which Dorian smiled with closed eyes.

“You’d be surprised. Every year the first riddle is harder than the rest. It frightens the newcomers; makes them study a bit harder.” Dorian took another bite. “Tell me, are you doing what I told you to yesterday?” his head was bent down, but his eyes were fixed on Orion. The boy held his gaze just as intensely but did not reply. “You will find that relationships here are...of great importance.” he finally let go of what had become a staring contest and finished up his meal quickly. Taking an apple from a basket on the table, he stood up. “See you in the common room.”

Orion’s eyes followed the student as he was leaving the hall. Several other students stopped him to chat for a bit on his way out.

The boy finished his meal only a minute after Dorian had left. Unfortunately for Orion, he had arrived too late for dinner. It was now seven fifty, so it wouldn’t make much sense going to the library to continue reading, since it would close at eight. Still, seeing as how the Grand Hall had been relatively emptied, he decided here he would get less distracted than in the common room. First, he took out his grandfather's journal, but realized that if he was to get disturbed once again, it would be better to have a textbook or a guide out. It was a good thing he prepared for that, since no more than 10 minutes after, a boy sat opposite him once again. Draco Malfoy was waiting for Orion to say something to him first, but the boy did not even take his eyes off the book.

"Hawthorne, were you actually satisfied with your performance in Charms class?" He began condescendingly. “Don't puff up too much! Even Crabbe managed to pull off that basic spell.”

Orion continued to remain silent. He liked the boy just as much as he liked his parents.

"Cat got your tongue?” Draco continued sarcastically “Or are you too scared to chat, just like when I visit your house?"

Seeing as how not replying might make Draco write to his father, Orion decided to at least look up. “What do you want?”

"Just wanted to see how my dear friend was doing." He continued with his sarcastic tone "I had expected you'd be sorted into Slytherin, just like both your parents. Seems you aren't as good as them."

While that remark would usually work on someone who hated their parents, and Draco had come to the conclusion that Orion did, it would take much more to provoke him. Instead of bursting out, Orion just looked at him with his head ever so slightly tilted.

“Hmph.” Draco was unimpressed “Daphne mentioned she saw you chatting with that mudblood Granger. Aren't you ashamed of yourself, mingling with such vermin and tarnishing your family's reputation? She must think she’s better than everyone, just because she answered some simple questions. Teacher’s pet.”

“I hope that wound from Herbology class hasn’t gotten infected.” Orion returned sarcastically.

Malfoy, who had been looking elsewhere turned his head to look at Orion with disgust. He stood up dramatically.

“Don’t get full of yourself.” he said emphatically.

Orion watched him also take his leave before returning to his book. After an hour and a half, he was one of only 4 people left in the hall. The other three were older students from Gryffindor who were giggling at something. A cat came into the room, followed by the caretaker Filch.

“Nine forty.” he said grumpily “Get going.” he turned back and went away.

The group of Gryffindors stood up quickly and left. Orion decided to finish his chapter before going. Once he was the only one left a house elf suddenly apparated at one of the other tables, thinking the Grand Hall was empty and ready to be cleaned.

“Master Atticus?” the house elf asked in a somewhat trembling from his age voice.

Orion’s eyes quickly looked over to the house elf who was now shaking his head, realizing he had confused people. “Deek does apologize, he thought you were somebody else.” he said.

The house elf was very old. Like most house elves he was wearing a simple cloth, tied around his shoulders. He had very bushy eyebrows, only a few strands of hair on his head, a few more around and in his ears and a short beard. Orion recognized that description and his name matched as well.

“Deek?” he asked the house elf.

“Uh...yes. Again, Deek does apologize for coming in so early. Deek thought the Grand Hall was empty.”

“My name is Orion Hawthorne. I think you know my great-great-grandfather; he was a student here a century ago, transferred during his fifth year.” Orion was excited to meet someone who knew his grandfather personally. Although he knew house elves could live long lives, he hadn’t expected Deek to still be around.

“Deek remembers him well, yes. He helped Deek take care of some beasts. Nasty poachers were all around Hogwarts back then. He helped get rid of them. Deek was most grateful for that.”

“Do you think you could take me to where he cared for them? I really want to see what he left behind?”

“Deek is afraid that master Atticus took most of the beasts away with him. Deek still takes care of a few. Deek can’t take you to the Room of Requirement that master Atticus had created, for the room changes to fit every person.”

“I see.” said Orion disappointed “Do you maybe have something that he left behind?” he packed his bag. He was still aware that he didn’t have much time before curfew.

“Deek does not possess anything master Atticus brought into the school.” the house elf looked confused for some reason. His age was getting the better of him it seemed. “Deek needs to...Deek needs to clean up now.”

Seeing the poor creature in such a condition, Orion decided to leave him be. He barely made it to the Ravenclaw dormitory in time. The rooms were relatively empty, only a few, mostly older, students were still awake. Among them was Terry who was still flicking his wand. Orion recognized that he was trying to get the spell they learned in Charms class right but was struggling. It was only a very minor mistake.

“Relax your wrist at the end.” he simply called without approaching the other boy.

Terry looked to see who had given him advice but could only see Orion going down the stairs in the archway. “Scintillara” he cast again, this time following the tip he had just received, and beautiful sparks came out of his wand. He clenched his fist in victory and sighed a breath of relief. For the next few minutes, he just sat in his chair, rubbing his eyes. He had been going at this for almost two hours at that point. As he entered the bedroom, he looked towards Orion’s bed in order to thank him, but he was already fast asleep.

“Did you finally get it?” asked Silas who was lying on his bed.

“Hm?...Oh, yeah.” Terry replied a bit sadly.

“Nice.” said Caspian. “I’m really sorry I couldn’t tell what you were doing wrong. Glad you got it, though.”

“Yeah.” Terry repeated quietly. Before he fell asleep that night, he made a mental note to thank Orion in the morning.

-----------------

The next day Orion had once again left earlier than everyone. He had immediately gone to the library and had picked the most isolated spot so he could read his grandfather’s journal. All the events that he had read about in Atticus’ other books were related only to ancient magic, little in them mentioned his life at Hogwarts. The boy already knew his great-great-grandfather had transferred during his fifth year. He also knew that this was usually the case for people who could sense and use that rare type of magic. So far, he was the only known exception, given he still couldn’t cast any of the spells he had read about, he could only slightly detect their usage. Atticus’ books were such examples. To every other wizard they were just blank books. Orion’s grandfather who had gifted him the books when he was five, told him that he knew there was something special about them and knew that someone in the family would one day find out what it was. Not being enchanted, the journal could still be read by anyone, that’s why Orion made it a mission not to let the book into other people’s hands. There was no one else so early in the library, so he didn’t have much to worry about. Occasionally, Mrs. Pince, the librarian, would go around him, putting books on some of the shelves.

“I must say,” she began on one such occasion “I am glad to see first-years so invested in the school’s books.” she placed a one in front of an empty spot and the book slotted itself into it. “I hope I will continue seeing you in the upcoming years.” The boy just smiled emptily.

Classes before lunch were similar to the ones they had had the day before. In Charms, Professor Flitwick was glad to see that everyone had mastered the spell and even made everyone do it simultaneously like a choir, which made him chuckle. He really enjoyed magic. During Herbology, Professor Sprout continued teaching on the plant they had learned about, this time going into greater detail on its applications. She was particularly happy with the performance of the boy with long front teeth, Neville Longbottom. Despite his stuttering, even Quirrell kept a good pace with the material. As promised, he gave the students their first assignment. It was to draw a detailed picture of the Glimmerwing Moth and to put a short description next to the drawing. He said that the students would have to make such projects every two weeks, which for some students was bad news.

“I’m really bad at drawing.” complained a girl from Gryffindor.

“Really? I quite enjoy it.” replied a Hufflepuff girl. “I can help you, if you want.”

Today Orion decided to have a quick lunch before heading for the library. The other three Ravenclaw boys joined him.

“Is either of you good at drawing? I’m dreadful at it.” Terry said with incredible similarity to the Gryffindor girl.

“I’m not awful at it,” Caspian said, putting some rice on his plate “but I’m no Karuzos either.”

“Who?” Silas raised an eyebrow. Tery also didn’t recognize the name.

“He’s the one who illustrated The Tales of Beedle the Bard. Surely, you’ve heard of him.” explained Caspian.

“Oohhh. I thought I’d heard the name before. My mom always used to read me that book.” Silas lightly tapped his forehead.

“My dad read me Muggle stories.” joined Terry “Mom also found them very interesting, said it really helped her understand Muggles better. We have tons of books at home, more than magic ones!”

The three turned towards Orion with an expectation, but realized he was most likely not going to contribute to their conversation. To their surprise, he did.

“Mine used to make them up every time.” there was a reminiscent tone in his voice. The trio was stunned and before they could say anything, Orion had already stood up.

“He...he talked.” Terry said in awe, as he looked towards Silas who after a second let out a laugh.

“Can’t believe it.”

A lot of students were struggling to keep awake during History. With full stomachs and such a boring teacher, it seemed a perfect combination for an hour's nap. Two students really tried hard but succumbed to their natural instincts. The heads of three more would periodically fall down, before they startled themselves back awake. A boy from Slytherin had decided that the class was unnecessary and had skipped it outright. Professor Binns didn’t care to note his absence.

Finally, the moment Terry dreaded came. It was time for their Potions class. The classroom was located in the dungeons, so it was hard to tell whether the boy was shivering from fear or the colder environment. The room itself was another reason why someone might be shaking, it was filled with jarred fangs, eyeballs and other animal parts. Some were even filled with whole ones. The lack of sunlight coming from the windows only helped give the room an eerie feeling.

“Creepy.” commented Silas, but he seemed to be intrigued by all this.

Unexpectedly, the door of the room opened and closed with a loud bang as a cloak burst into the room. The cloak was carrying a thin man with sallow skin and a large, hooked nose. His black shoulder-length hair framed his face and matched his equally dark, cold eyes.

“There will be no foolish wand-waving or silly incantations in this class. As such, I don't expect many of you to appreciate the subtle science and exact art that is potion-making. However, for those select few...” Professor Snape took a glance around the room, stopping at Draco, “...who possess the predisposition, I can teach you how to bewitch the mind and ensnare the senses. I can tell you how to bottle fame, brew glory and even put a stopper...in death.”

“Quite the poet.” Silas whispered so quietly the teacher couldn’t hear him.

“Then again,” he began, switching his gaze from Draco to Harry who was writing something down, “maybe some of you have come to Hogwarts in possession of abilities so formidable that you feel confident enough... to not... pay... attention.”

Hermione, who was sitting next to him, gave Harry a nudge.

“Mr. Potter. Our... new... celebrity.” Snape came closer to where Harry was sitting. “Tell me, what would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?” Harry didn’t seem to know, Hermione did so she raised her hand quickly. “You don't know? Well, let's try again. Where, Mr. Potter, would you look if I asked you to find me a bezoar?”

"I don't know, sir.” replied Harry. There was both a tone of disappointment from not knowing and annoyance that Snape was targeting him.

"And what is the difference between monkshood and wolfbane?”. Orion noticed the trick in the question. Hermione was now struggling to control her hand.

"I don't know, sir.”

"Pity. Clearly, fame isn't everything. Is it, Mr. Potter?”

“Clearly, Hermione knows. Seems a pity not to ask her.”

The room laughed for the exception of Caspian, the orange-haired boy who was always with Harry, Terry who was now even more scared of the professor; and Orion.

“Silence.” Snape commanded and in a flash the room was dead silent. “Put your hand down, you silly girl. For your information, Potter, asphodel and wormwood make a sleeping potion so powerful it is known as the Draught of Living Death. A bezoar is a stone taken from the stomach of a goat and it will save you from most poisons. As for monkshood and wolfsbane, they are the same plant, which also goes by the name of aconite.” he then stopped “Why aren't you all copying this down?” he added seeing as everyone was petrified, except the Slytherins. “And Gryffindors, note that five points will be taken from your house... for your classmate's cheek.”

Everyone quickly dipped their quills in ink and started noting down what the teacher had said. Orion thought this was unneeded, but after Snape’s eyes met his, he mimicked what the others were doing to not get attention. Throughout the rest of the class, Snape critiqued everyone. He had put everyone in pairs and given them the task to follow a recipe for a simple potion that cured boils. Orion was in a pair with a girl from Hufflepuff. The same girl that had a Muggle mother.

“My name is Hannah Abbott.” she introduced herself.

“Ori-” started the boy.

“Almost everyone knows who you are.” stopped the girl. “Some of my friends really want to meet you.” she said, looking at said friends.

“Do not get distracted!” Snape snuck up on her. He glanced at Orion menacingly, but the boy just returned his look with no emotion. This was the second time Snape failed to intimidate him. He slowly moved towards a different pair while making sure to keep an eye on this one.

Despite Orion having brewed a better potion, Snape was delighted only with Draco’s. A group of boys, Neville and Seamus, managed to melt their cauldron with the liquid they had prepared. Boils started to appear on Longbottom’s face, since a portion of their brew had landed on his skin. With a flick of his wand, Snape made the liquid disappear.

“Take him to the hospital wing.” he ordered.

“There goes Mrs. Sprout’s wish.” murmured Caspian.

“Silence!” Snape managed to hear the comment this time.

By the end of the class, Snape had scolded and berated Harry at least fifteen more times and praised Malfoy twice as much.

“While we might disagree on which day of the week is best, I think we can all agree Friday’s will be the worst. Double Potions is a death sentence.” said Terry on their way out.

“I don’t think it’s that bad.” said Silas, putting his Potions book in his bag. “Don’t you find it interesting how we can make such elixirs? And the one he mentioned, Draught of the Living Dead, I really want to learn how to brew that one.”

“Why?” asked Caspian, taking a step back.

“Seems like it could come in handy.”

“Creepy.” Terry and Caspian said together. Then Caspian turned to Orion, “That girl, she seemed to like you.”

“Don’t they all?” it sounded like Silas was complaining.

Orion just raised his eyebrow and continued alone.

“Dense.” said Terry, once there was enough distance between them. “Even one of the fourth-years asked me about him. Seriously, if only they knew how annoying he can be.” He then felt a surge of guilt. He still hadn’t thanked him for yesterday.

Astronomy felt like heaven for the students now. Even the boys were glad to be there after what Snape had just made them go through. Once class ended, and their teacher once again reminded them that the next day’s lesson was at midnight, Terry ran up to Orion who was again heading for the library and tapped him on his shoulder.

“Hey....um...thank you...for yesterday.”

Orion just looked at him, acknowledging that something had occurred, and continued on his way.

“Yesterday? What did he do?” Silas questioned Terry.

“He...uh...helped me. With Charms.” returned the boy.

“Hahaha. As if....oh, you’re serious.” Silas noticed Terry wasn’t joking. “Guess he’s not all that bad.”

Caspian smiled at the short exchange.

Orion only spent an hour in the library, deciding it was probably better to read in the Undercroft. When he arrived there, something felt odd. While the room looked the same as it had the day before, it almost felt like there was a strange presence in it. The room didn’t feel safe. Orion thought he even heard hissing coming from somewhere. While looking around for the source of the sound, which only grew louder and louder, he heard the clock above open. He quickly cast the Disillusionment Charm and hid behind one of the pillars closest to the exit. The steps the person who had entered was making were those of an older person.

“I thought there would be more in the room.” said Quirrell with not a single stutter.

While Orion really wanted to know how and why Quirrell had gotten there, he only had about ten seconds before the clock closed. He couldn’t exit after, since the second sound would make Quirrell suspicious. The boy made a pebble in the far corner move and make some noise, directing Quirrell’s gaze towards it. In the brief moment he managed to create, the boy escaped the room.

Why was he there? Was Quirrell a descendant of the Gaunts or was he, like Sebastian Sallow, granted access by one of them? No, the teacher was far too young to have met any of the Gaunts who were now a lost family name. To Orion’s knowledge the last of their blood died more than fifty years ago. Could there have been something written about this room in a book he had? He couldn’t come to an answer. The hissing sound also bothered him. Did the professor speak Parseltongue? The chances of him being a Parselmouth with no direct connection to Salazar Slytherin were almost non-existent. As he was walking towards the library, where he would have to do all his reading from now on, unless he found the Room of Requirement (the Undercroft was no longer available), he ran into Hermione who was also headed to the library. They exchanged a look, Orion’s being as emotionless as always. He did not want to have to walk together with her, so he turned around and headed for his common room instead.

“Rude.” he could hear her say behind him. Perhaps she had thought he was avoiding her, which he was, but only on principle.

When he entered the dormitory, he made way for the Ravenclaw library. While it was much smaller, it would still probably be the best place to read. On the staircase, however, an older student interrupted him.

“Excuse me.” the girl began, “What’s your name?”

Orion didn’t know why she would care for his name but answered reluctantly.

“Orion Hawthorne.” he continued climbing, while she followed behind him.

“Tell me, how did you come up with the answer to the riddle so quickly?”

“The same way you would come up with an answer for any question.” he thought the answer was quite easy.

“Well, obviously, but you were very quick. Had you heard it before?”

“No.”

“Listen, my name is Amara Whitewood. I’m a fourth-year. Please, if you have any questions, I’d be more than happy to help you.”

Orion stopped, “Are there any benches on the balcony?” he asked, finally turning towards the girl, which made her smile.

“Of course.” she said, “Do you want me to take you there?”

“Yes.”

A minute later, the two of them were at the top. The view was indeed breathtaking. On a good day, you could probably see a lot of the highlands. That day, however, the weather was not so friendly, and Orion couldn’t even see the Quidditch pitch. Even so, the view was gorgeous.

“Brrr. I’ll be back in a second, let me just grab my scarf, it’s quite cold, isn’t it?” she said, going back through the door.

Orion didn’t feel that cold and so did the boy who joined him after Amara had left.

“My, my, I tell you to get friendly with your classmates and you’re already getting flirty with the fourth-years.” Dorian placed his hand on the balustrade. “I must say, you have chosen a good spot for your first date.”

“I just wanted to come read here.”

“In the cold? There’s a fireplace down there, you know.”

“Do you want anything?” Orion wanted to be alone.

“Well-” before Dorian could continue the girl had returned. She was carrying an additional scarf “Ah, Amara. I’m sorry, but could I have a word with him in private?”

“O-of course.” she said, closing the door behind her once again.

“Seems like you are getting a present.”

“I won’t be taking it.”

“I know.” Dorian chuckled. That was the last time he smiled during their conversation. “Where does the clock lead?” he asked with a serious expression.

“What are you talking about?”

“I know you somehow opened it; I also saw Quirrell enter. I told you that I know a lot of people.”

Orion closed the book he was reading.

“Can’t you just check yourself?”

“I wouldn’t be asking you, if I could. No matter what I do, it won’t open for me.” Dorian was now standing in front of Orion. Although he was taller, it wasn’t by much, but enough to look down at him. “So I ask again, what’s in there?”

“Nothing. It’s just an empty hidden room.”

“How did you even know about it? I’ve been here six yea-” Dorian was getting heated, but Orion just grabbed his bag and walked past him.

“I’ve told you all I know.” he lied, opening the door. The girl was standing close to it, she smiled once the door opened, but then got disappointed when Orion walked past her, too. She looked at Dorian who had magically gotten his smile back.

“What happened?” she asked him.

“I’m sorry. I told him it wasn’t a good idea to stay out here in the cold.” he said and noticing this upset her added, “Don’t go chasing the first-years, Amara, it’s not a good look.”

Orion didn’t want to remain in the common room, so for what felt like the thousandth time he went to the library.

“So, you still came.” Hermione said when she saw him.

“Yes.” he walked past her table and sat in his spot.

“What are you reading anyway?” the girl had followed him.

“I’m studying.”

“No, you are not,” she confidently denied, “at least not for what we are studying in class. I’ve seen you; you don’t even pay attention and yet you do everything the teachers ask you to, perfectly.”

“Aren’t you the same?” he didn’t want to take out a book while she was here, it would only lead to more questions, he thought.

“Well...yes, but that’s only because both my pare-,” she stopped abruptly, “I just had to prepare more than you.”

Orion didn’t delve further. “So, do you want anything?” he was getting sick of asking that.

“As I asked, I want to know what you are reading?” she insisted.

Seeing as how there was no easy way out of this, besides leaving, which at this point he really did not want to do, he took out one of the more basic looking guides which he hadn’t read yet.

“Frostbound Bestiary: Chronicles of Icy Enigmas by Thornwick Frostwillow.” Hermione read the cover. “Where did you get this? I’ve asked Mrs. Pince to suggest me some books before the fourteenth century, but she told me the only ones they had were in the restricted section.”

“If I give it to you, will you leave me alone?” it was between this and telling her he had bought it himself, only one would probably lead to “Where did you buy it from? How much did it cost?” and so on.

“Um...I....sure.” Hermione couldn’t resist such an offer. She started flipping through the book as she was standing.

Orion raised both his eyebrows at her, which was his way of saying that she should follow her end of the deal.

“Fine.” she said, only briefly taking her eyes off the book.

Once she was gone, Orion finally sighed at the peace he had struggled to obtain all day. At this point he didn’t even feel like reading.

------------

Wednesday classes felt incredibly like the ones on Tuesday. Professor McGonagall made sure to test every student individually on the task she had set them, after which they continued with the next chapter. Students who were falling behind only got more work to do with each lesson. In addition to the new spell, they had learned in class, they now also had to learn the opposite spell from the previous lecture.

“Ugh, McGonagall is ruthless.” cried Terry. “But at least she’s not Snape.”

“I bet you can’t wait to meet him after lunch.” teased Silas.

“I can’t wait for Astronomy.” countered the boy.

“What do you find so interesting about the stars, anyway?” asked Caspian.

“I don’t know. At least it’s got nothing to do with magic. I just find it fascinating just how big the universe is and.....” for the next 10 minutes Silas and Caspian could not shut Terry up.

Charms, Herbology, DADA and Potions went the same way they had the days before. Flitwick was overjoyed anytime anyone did anything with their wand, Sprout helped every student with their reports, Quirrell was still stuttering to Orion’s surprise, who was expecting him to hiss, and Snape took fifteen more points away from Gryffindor. Once it was time for the midnight Astronomy class, everyone went to the top of the Astronomy tower and set their telescopes. As he was setting his, Orion saw Hermione already using hers. It was pointing to Rigel, the brightest star in the constellation he was named after. The slight night breeze blew her fuzzyy hair.

“Ahem.” Silas nudged Orion with his elbow.

Orion looked at Silas, then past him. Professor Sinistra had just finished helping a student set up their telescope.

“You need to be glad.” she began “Unlike yesterday, today we are blessed with clear skies, this will make it much easier to view the things I have prepared to show you.”

They spent the class looking at specific stars that were said to have been very important. A lot of the students were sleepy and kept yawning, but Terry was full of energy. He was quite disappointed that the class was shorter than regular and complained on the whole way back how unfair it was that they were taking such an interesting activity away from students who wanted to pursue it.

“....and yet we get double Transfiguration tomorrow and double Potions the day after.” he said, changing into his sleeping clothes.

“Those subjects are more important.” said Silas.

“And why would that be?”

“You need them to become an auror.” the darker boy said.

“So, what? That’s not the only profession there is. Also, don’t aurors have less work with...You-Know-Who gone and all that?” Terry still couldn’t say the title confidently.

“That doesn’t mean there aren’t dark wizards or witches.” Caspian joined them. He was doing his final three buttons. “If you must know, I want to be an auror. What do you guys want to do?”

“You do? Isn’t it dangerous though? I’d much rather just continue studying and researching.” answered Terry “What about you, Si?”.

“I don’t know yet. There’s still so much time until we graduate anyhow. You’ll both probably change your minds before we do.”

“No, I don’t think I will.” Terry tucked himself.

Caspian looked towards Orion, “What about you, Orion? Is there anything you’d like to do after you graduate?”

Orion knew his grandfather had been an auror. He had continued to deal with the poachers Deek had mentioned and had tried to cleanse the Ministry of the corruption in it. All this work meant he had very little time to continue studying ancient magic. The few books he had written had taken him seventy years to complete.

“Explore.” replied Orion and also tucked himself under his blanket.

-----

The whole of Thursday Silas and Caspian couldn’t stop giddying with excitement over getting to fly. In fact, they were so excited that even professor Binns could not calm them down.

“I’ve been waiting all day.” exclaimed Caspian once their ghostly professor dismissed them.

“It is quite weird though, isn’t it? I would have thought that we at least had to wear some safety gear.” said Terry, referring to the fact that they were still in their robes.

“Safety gear? We won’t be playing Quidditch.” said Silas. “Although it would be great if we did.”

“It sucks first-years aren’t allowed to join the teams. I’m definitely gonna join next year.” Caspian proclaimed proudly.

“It’s the captain’s decision whether you even get on the team.” Terry reminded him, which saddened the boy. “You have to be better than everyone else in the tryouts. And you don’t even know how to fly yet!”

“I’ll get better with each week. I’ll definitely make it. Ooh, by the way, can you give me any tips before we get there, Orion?” Caspian looked into the pale eyes.

“Don’t fall.” Orion said bluntly. He had ridden his first broom when he was seven, back when he was still afraid of heights.

“Good one.” said Silas sarcastically.

The lesson took place outside the castle, just down a small hill there was a flat patch of grass. There were brooms waiting for them, already split into two sides. Draco Malfoy was surrounded by his ever-loyal group of Slytherins and was boasting at the fact he already knew how to fly.

“If it wasn’t for that stupid rule, I’d already be on the team.” he sighed.

A woman with short gray hair and hawk-like yellow eyes arrived, preventing him for showboating any further. This was their flying instructor, Madam Hooch.

“Well, what are you all waiting for?” she barked. “Everyone, stand by a broomstick. Come on, hurry up. Stick out your right hand over your broom,” she instructed once everyone was in position, “and say, “Up!”.”

Every student began shouting. Only a few brooms went into their hands on the first time. Orion’s went to his without him even needing to order it. He was already familiar with this. He could not escape his teacher’s keen eyes, however. “Perhaps she’s an Animagus.” thought Orion. To Caspian and Silas’s devastation, Terry’s broom followed his instructions quicker than theirs. When everyone was ready, Madam Hooch made sure to go around and correct their grips. Harry and his friend, who Orion knew was named Ronald Weasley, were very pleased that their teacher told Malfoy he had been riding a broom wrong all his life.

“Now, when I blow my whistle, you kick off from the ground hard. Keep your brooms steady, rise a few feet and then come straight back down by leaning forwards slightly.” she said, making sure everyone was looking at her. “On my whistle – three – two –.”

Neville Longbottom’s nervousness was continuing to betray him, and he went high above before the whistle came.

“Come back, boy!” the teacher panicked.

The boy, as if out of spite, only continued to rise. Six – seven – ten – fifteen – twenty feet. The boy looked down, and suddenly Orion’s tip seemed quite helpful to Silas. He slid off to the side and began his rather unorthodox descent. Orion was waiting for their teacher to do something. Surely, this wasn’t something rare, but she was only looking at the boy frightened.

“Arresto mome-” Orion began to whisper but stopped. This height wouldn’t kill the boy he thought, and he had already gotten far more attention than he wanted.

Neville fell to the ground with a worryingly loud crack. Madam Hooch ran up to him, pushing away the students who had done the same.

“Broken wrist. Tch.” she was disappointed in herself. “Come on, boy – it’s all right, up you get.” she unsuccessfully tried to calm the injured boy. “None of you are to move while I take this boy to the hospital wing! You leave those brooms where they are, or you’ll be out of Hogwarts before you can say “Quidditch”. Come on, dear” she ordered the rest of the class.

As they walked past him, Orion saw the terrible look on Neville’s face and felt guilty that he didn’t help him.

“Did you see his face, the great lump?” Malfoy laughed once he couldn’t be heard.

“Shut up, Malfoy,” called a Gryffindor girl. This was one of two twins, Parvati Patil.

“Ooh, sticking up for Longbottom?” Pansy Parkinson from Slytherin began. “Never thought you’d like fat little crybabies, Parvati.” the rest of the Slytherins were clutching their stomachs from laughter.

“Look! It’s that stupid thing Longbottom’s gran sent him.” Draco bent down to pick up a Remembrall Neville had received a morning ago when they got their first share of mail.

“Give that back, Malfoy!” said Harry quietly. Everyone went silent as the two boys stared at one another.

This was infinitely more uninteresting to Orion who just sat down on the grass and started looking towards the Forbidden Forest. While the two boys were arguing and even started flying around, he noticed a flock of birds rising from the otherwise dense blanket of the trees. The location was somewhere deep in the forest. As if nothing had happened, the trees continued to sway just like the surface of the sea. Orion couldn’t enjoy the moment for much longer as loud applause began behind him. He turned to see that Harry was holding the Remembrall, Malfoy had a sour look and Professor McGonagall was wearing a face that looked angry but had a mischievous note in it. What was she doing here, again?

“HARRY POTTER!” she shouted. Only then did the others notice her. “Never – in all my time at Hogwarts – how dare you – might have broken your neck –.”

“It wasn’t his fault, Professor –” the other twin, Padma Patil tried to defend.

“Be quiet, Miss Patil –” the Deputy Headmistress continued angrily.

“But Malfoy –” tried to join Ronald Weasley.

“That’s enough, Mr. Weasley. Potter, follow me, now.”

Harry turned one last time, before being dragged away.

“Quite the actress.” Orion murmured quietly.

“Do you think he’ll be fine?” Caspian who hadn’t heard him asked.

“He’ll be more than fine.” Orion said simply, confusing the boy.

Madam Hooch returned after five minutes, which meant there were only ten more before class finished. Learning of the events that had occurred while she was gone from a Slytherin student who had proudly snitched but had made sure not to mention Malfoy’s part in the story, the teacher dismissed the class and hurried back inside the castle. On their way back Silas and Caspian couldn’t stop jumping from praising what Potter had done to the fact that they didn’t even get to go an inch off the ground.

“Aw, man, but that sure was a wicked catch.” said Silas. “It was like I was watching the Quidditch World Finals. Oh, man.”

Caspian had a sad look in his eyes. To the trio’s surprise, dinner’s most talked about topic was the fact that Harry Potter had become a seeker for the Gryffindor Quidditch team. Orion was surprised the news took more than an hour to reach everyone.