Heron

She drew a circle on the dirt and from the shape rose a smooth stone that she gently picked up.

Then she threw it as hard as she could at Robert.

"Why are you here?!" Valeria said angrily.

"Didn't have anything better to do." casually answered Robert who had dodged the rock and was now playing with it. "Also thought I might be able to provide a... different viewpoint every now and then."

"No one wants your opinion!"

"I wouldn't be so sure. Right, Orion?"

Orion didn't answer, but made sure he got the 'Don't get me involved'  look across.

"Ok, first things first," began Valeria, trying to calm herself down, but still keeping a side eye, "Let me tell you about my experience. I was around fifteen or sixteen, can't remember exactly, when I first saw the Traces. We were on a family trip to Machu Picchu; I felt it in my feet - a sudden jolt of energy, like I had stepped on a burning piece of wood."

"Was it the site?" asked Orion.

"Funnily enough - no. It was a very very small piece of metal that was sticking out of the ground. My family dug it up and it turned out to be some sort of medallion."

Orion was now interested and wanted to examine said medallion.

"They took it from us and put it in a museum, though I am not even sure which." Valeria disappointed, "I didn't really care for it much at the time, but a few months after, I accidentally made the earth beneath me soft as.... a pillow?" she wasn't sure what the best simile was, "I was about to fall and panicked. Slowly after, I continued to experiment and after a while I got good at it." she paused. "I never needed an incantation, though. Did you?"

"Nope." Robert shook his head, "My story is pretty diffe-"

"Whatever the case," Valeria interrupted, "we've already told you it's unique to everyone. Whenever I perform it, I always think of that burst in my feet. Tianyu, for another example, says he always thinks of the feeling of swimming, since he "discovered" it while diving."

"I-" Robert again tried to join in.

"What about you?" Valeria asked the boy.

Orion looked at Robert who was sulking like a child denied attention. "My grandpa gave me some of grandpa Atticus' books. They were my first 'Trace'."

"Aha!" exclaimed Robert in such a sudden change of emotion that it made Valeria jump, "It was books, then. Maybe that's why you're so focused on an incantation, you channel it through words...or something...I don't know." he progressively lost more confidence as he continued to unravel his idea.

Valeria, however, nodded slightly with a concentrated face, "That's not such a crazy idea, Robobo."

Robert gained the lost conviction back.

"So, I guess that settles that. Orion, your task for the next five minutes will be too, erm, figure out a new incantation or something. We'll be right back." the pretty lady patted Orion on the shoulder.

"Why, where are you going?" 

"For a smoke." the two said in unison.

"You smoke?" 

"Of course, mate. We also drink, sometimes do drugs-"

"ONE birthday!!" Valeria said embarrassed.

"Two actually, we had some on mine as well."

"You put them in the cake, I didn't know!"

"What are you getting so red for?" teased Robert, "Just a bit of weed. The more embarrassing stuff is the mastu-"

A loud smack echoed throughout the chamber, as Robert's nape changed colour.

"He's only thirteen!" Valeria's face was the same hue.

"Twelve, actually." corrected Orion.

"So? Perfectly natural for kids his age." Robert rubbed his neck. "Ouch. We also shi-"

Another smack.

"Defecate," Robert corrected in a mocking way, "pee, dream of se-" this time he stopped himself before receiving another slap, "of girlfriends and boyfriends. It's life." he said, as though it was something profound. "Forget about that; smoke! Smoke!" he urged Valeria.

"Before you go, though," Orion stopped the two, "how was the medallion connected to your use of ancient magic?"

"It wasn't." Valeria returned bluntly, "It was just the first time I experienced it. I know it was ancient magic, because it was the same as the energy coming off your grandfather's books, this chamber, other things..."

"I see." Orion said and watched the two exit the chamber.

He couldn't come up with a single spell throughout the rest of the lesson.

---

The final morning of October was a particularly cold one, the grass was heavy with dew, the lake was covered in fog and the Whomping Willow had just had its last orange leaf fall gently onto the ground. But the weather, however cold, could not extinguish the excitement of most of the third years who had been awaiting this moment since summer - their first trip to Hogsmeade.

Though it was every Head of House's responsibility to collect the permission forms signed by each student's guardians, only Professor McGonagall was present at the time of departure, along with Filch. While no one else paid attention to this, probably thinking it was only natural for the Deputy Headmistress to make sure everything was in order, even more so with the dementors and the escapee, Orion found it odd; sure, she was handling business as expected of her, but every so often she would glance around, seemingly searching for something.

However, after the last few Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs trickled out of the castle, among which a glaring absence of Harry Potter, the Transfiguration teacher nodded in a satisfied manner to the caretaker that all was well and that they could proceed with the walk. 

Even though there were no cloaked hoods flying over the pathway that led to the village, some students would still frighteningly twitch every time a chilly gust of wind passed. Others were too busy speaking so fast they couldn't even notice the cold.

"I wonder if I could get something from Zonko's that would get past Filch on our way back." Silas said, half dreaming.

"I heard he enchants his bags so they look like ordinary supplies." said Terry.

"But wouldn't Filch also be aware of that?" asked Caspian.

"Maybe, but what can he do? He can't ask the other teachers to remove the enchantment for him; it's too many items." Silas said, though not in an insulting manner like Malfoy who, having overheard the conversation, had ceased the opportunity to openly discuss how much worse squibs were over a common worm.

Draco was then promptly called a worm himself by several Gryffindors, and the usual verbally abusive exchange ensued. Harry not being present was for the better as the insults only lasted five minutes and no wands were pointed, though that was largely due to Hermione's and several Hufflepuff students' interference.

At last, the beautiful wooden archway with the sign "Hogsmeade" greeted the group of students, which found itself dispersing into smaller crowds who joined the already present students and local witches and wizards into going to different stores. It was quite the change of atmosphere compared to the life at Hogwarts; it undoubtedly felt a lot more free and the liveliness of the streets resembled that of Diagon Alley, with the exception of the claustrophobic narrow pavements and leaning buildings. 

"It's quite nice." smiled Caspian, as he listened to the constant ringing of bells from the opening and closing of shop doors.

"It is." sighed Terry, "Where to first then?" 

"Zonko's!"

"Honeyduke's."

"Zonko's is better," argued Silas after hearing the difference in answer, "it would likely be more expensive, so we can choose what we want to buy and spend the rest accordingly." he tried to argue.

"Honeyduke's is much more reasonable," Caspian crossed his arms, "it's the morning so the sweets are going to be fresh and likely a lot of them will be bought out by the time we get to it. Plus we'll get to enjoy them while browsing."

"Ah, but you forget-" Silas tried to continue.

"I'm going to Zonko's first." said Terry who didn't have the patience to listen to the debate.

In the end the two others followed him; Orion wasn't interested in sweets nor the joke shop, so he went on his own to Scrivenshaft's Quill Shop, as he had run low on ink and the tip of his quill needed to be changed.

"Yes?....yes?" came a voice from somewhere deep inside the room, once the door closed.

It was quite similar to Aurendale speaking outside his portrait.

"Good morning." Orion greeted the counter which didn't yet have anyone behind it.

The store itself was on the smaller side. Perhaps that was the reason why it was also squeaky clean. A range of bottles, different in size, sat atop one shelf, on the one beneath - elegantly arranged quills, from the most basic ones to ones with exotic feathers, ends made of precious metals and stones, some were even enchanted and placed inside a glass panel. Parchment rolls took up most of the top rafts; even with them there was a large selection.

"Pardon me, boy, pardon me. Not many clients this early in the year....or I guess late....depends how you look at it." the shopkeeper came from behind the corner, holding a broom which he leaned against the wall. "What can I do for you?"

He was an older man, with fuzzy hair only above his ears and a large shining bald spot on top of his head. Despite his slight hunch, his eyes were crystal like, constantly scanning everything in sight. His hands always seemed ready to do something, as though rest was forbidden.

"I need to repair my quill." Orion said simply, carefully placing it in front of the store owner.

"Yes, yes, indeed, yes... A french dove feather quill, yes, quite tasteful. Let's see, indeed, a silver tip, hoh, you must have been writing a fair amount....yes, a fair amount, usually durable they are - silver tips. Let's see..." he went back where he came from, but returned after only a brief moment. "Good?" he showed a replacement Orion couldn't discern from his own. 

The moment of inspection didn't satisfy the hunched man.

"No, no, I agree, it is not quite as nice, let's see..." he went around the corner and back before Orion could say a word. "This perhaps?"

"Yes." Orion didn't bother to look this time.

"No...no." Scrivenshaft shook his head, "one must think about the ink, yes, the ink..." he went deep in thought, "how it flows, you know? Hah..." he chucked and went back.

This time he didn't return immediately.

In fact, he didn't return for quite a while, but Orion could hear boxes moving around, so instead of saying anything, he looked at the people walking beyond the window: a pair of girls, identical to each other - the Patil twins, walked and giggled, accompanied by both Ravenclaw and Gryffindor girls; Malfoy's bunch walked into the The Three Broomsticks; Neville Longbottom was just coming out of Dogweed and Deathcap, holding a large pot with a plant that wasn't in season so had no leaves. He tripped and fell, fortunately for him on his knees, so his purchase was untouched. Orion watched as the boy left the pot on the ground and dusted himself.

"There, this is the one." the voice distracted Orion who had just seen something dark moving some sixty feet behind the building of Dogweed and Deathcap.

"Yes." Orion agreed, once again without looking at the newest find.

"Yes!" exclaimed the bald man. "Yes!...ahem, will that be all?" he said in a completely formal voice.

Orion bought a few parchment rolls, and some ink so that he didn't accidentally run out of either and with that he headed out. Just as he got down the few steps that lead out of Scrivenshaft's, a girl, visibly not in the best of moods, stormed right in front of him. He didn't stop her, though once they both entered Tomes and Scrolls, she did.

"He makes me so angry sometimes."

Orion didn't say anything, he had an inkling as to whom she was referring to.

"He had just started to let go of the idea that Crookshanks ate his rat, but his two brothers mentioned it a minute ago as a joke, and now he's back on it." Hermione sighed heavily.

"You still haven't found him?" asked Orion.

"No." she said disappointedly.

"You should have an order for Orion Hawthorne." the boy told the clerk.

The selection of books available was already an impressive one, not much smaller than that of Flourish and Blotts. There were two floors available for visitors and one only those working at the establishment could enter through a small ladder.

"Here." Orion handed Hermione two books - Every Magical Beast Trial vol. 1 and vol. 2. 

For a moment the girl remained fixed in one spot.

"Thank you...." she said hesitantly, "but w-where did you get these, I couldn't find anything similar."

"I asked a person I know from the Ministry to look for something like this."

"Why?"

"You need help, right?" 

Hermione didn't seem like she wanted to admit it, but nodded lightly and accepted the books.

Orion's primary reason for coming to Hogsmeade was to get the package; however, after they left the bookstore Hermione and he went around together, neither spending much money - some was given at Honeyduke's, then a few sickles at The Three Broomsticks where they discussed schoolwork over some butter beer and then a bit more at, what Orion wasn't too enthusiastic when visiting again, knowing it would take a while - Scrivenshaft's.

Once they inevitably entered Zonko's, though, Ron, seemingly having forgotten their disagreement, eagerly invited Hermione to check out an abounded building his brothers had told him about.

That's where they parted ways.

--- 

The night feast was the same as usual. At this point, even the third years, though still considered "new", were enjoying watching the reactions of the first years more than the decorations themselves.

Of course, as was tradition by now, Silas tried to scare Terry with bat paper cut-outs that he made fly near the boy.

"What's happening over there?" asked Terry on their way back when he heard commotion coming from the path to the Gryffindor dormitory.

Indeed, quite a large forest of black robes had accumulated on the stairs in front of the entrance. Some were whispering, others discussed in loud voices, but every word carried worry and concern.

"It looks like every Gryffindor is out." said Silas before being moved aside by the shoulders.

"Step aside, please! Step aside! Prefect coming through." came the voice of Percy.

Not even a minute later a few teachers followed behind, among which - Dumbledore.

"What's going on??" asked Caspian impatiently.

Terry, who was trying to see through the many heads while standing on his toes, squinted then let out a gasp.

"The portrait... of the Fat Lady, it's been slashed."

"Prefects!" came the voice of the headmaster loud and clear, "Take the students to the Great Hall." He then turned and told the teachers something with his usual quiet and calm tone which Orion assumed to have been the same instructions he'd just given the prefects of Gryffindor. "If anybody sees the Fat Lady, they shall inform me immediately." he added.

"Ohoohoo, that's a tall task to ask of anybody." Peeves flew above everyone else.

"May I know the reason?" asked Dumbledore and though his gentle smile was, as always, present, the air about him seemed a little bit more serious than usual.

Though one to not discriminate who stood in front of him, even Peeves didn't joke and tease the old wizard. "Ashamed, headmaster, very ashamed she is. Hiding. I wouldn't be surprised if she's in the furthest painting from her own."

"Did you see her perhaps?"

"Oh, yes, running from here to there. Crying she was."

"And did she say who did it?"

"Hohoho, the man of the hour or perhaps the year, in fact - Sirius Black."

Before going to the Great Hall himself, Orion took a look at the frame. Three giant, deep slashes stood in the middle. The paper hung ominously loose, though it swayed lightly as Dumbledore walked speedily past it.

It took some ten minutes for everyone to gather. Peeves looked miserable; despite having every student for the night, he knew he couldn't pull any pranks at this time. Dumbledore showed no signs of worry when he explained what had happened and when he announced there would be a search throughout the castle. Percy and Penelope had to order everyone into bed, though even they weren't naive enough to assume that would stop the heated discussions.

"What's your theory?"

"He can turn invisible."

"How would the Fat Lady have known who did it then?"

"There's no one else who would try such a thing."

"But why Gryffindor's dormitory?"

"It's obvious, isn't it?"

"Maybe he used a disguise."

"A polyjuice potion?"

"Maybe..."

"Odd." Caspian whispered, "I didn't see Professor Lupin, I'd assume he would be the first to act, Dark Arts professor and all."

"Maybe he didn't wait for Dumbledore to give the order; he's not a head of house, after all." replied Terry, also in a quiet voice. "Or maybe he did...something else."

"You can't possibly be suggesting he helped Black?" Silas said in disbelief. 

"Didn't you hear what Snape wanted to say?" Caspian continued on.

"I did, but I also heard Dumbledore defend him, and I have faith in him." said Terry.

"You do?"

"Of course. What a silly question."

As always, Caspian was incredibly curious to know what Orion's thoughts on the matter were.

"I don't know how he got in. But all I know is, he isn't trying to hurt just any student, if any at all."

"What?" asked Caspian in a rather loud voice which prompted Percy's shushing (despite him being at the opposite side of the room).

"No one was harmed."

"Because we were all gathered for the Halloween celebration." said Terry.

"But there were still some students out in the corridors on their own. It's pretty obvious that he sneaked in with a purpose. He's hunting someone specific."

The three Ravenclaws all had a good idea as to who Orion was referring to.

"And what about the people that are always around him? Weasley and Granger?" asked Silas.

"I don't know." Orion turned in his bedroll which Dumbledore had summoned for everyone.

There was a sting in his voice when he said that.