Mail day
Time passed fairly quickly before the holidays. Lirum continued to study every manor if serpent they could when they were alone, which they almost never where. As the twins had taken their role as Lirum’s escorts a bit extreme and followed them into the boys bathroom. They’d found it rather awkward having company, and taken to using the girls bathrooms for the time being.
“Are you really using the girl’s bathroom to avoid us now?” Fred asked posting up on one side of the door to the out of order bathroom.
“You never used it before.” George insisted awkwardly on the other side.
“Well if I could’ve had privacy in the boys bathrooms then I would’ve!” Lirum argued, pushing the door open.
“But what if somebody asks why you're in there?” Fred asked not to let Lirum in.
“Tell them I’m using the toilet.” Lirum answered, trying to enter again.
“But what if a girl comes?” George whispered, his turn to stop them from entering the bathroom.
“Then the toilets are broken.” Lirum shrugged attempting to make their way past the boys.
“Then why are we outside?” The twins asked together.
“Because I’m using the toilet, as I would be the only one in there and therefore most comfortable.” Lirum explained trying to go in again.
“But what if people ask why the girls toilet?” George insisted, blocking Lirum from entering the bathroom once more.
“Most of the student body can’t tell what I am! So no, nobody’s going to ask. They’ll just think they finally got their answer.” Lirum answered, attempting to push past.
“But-“ Fred interrupted, stepping in their way again.
“Would you stop arguing if it where ladylike?” Lirum asked exasperated, need to relieve themself clouding their filter.
“If what, where what?” Fred choked. Shocked and flushed from Lirum’s outburst.
“Are you happy now? Can I go in?” Lirum said, throwing their hands up.
“So you can…” George questioned skeptically.
“I will add Learn the Unforgivable curses back to my list!” Lirum said, pushing past the twins and into the bathroom only to hear a startled yelp from a stall.
“Myrtle? Is that you?” Lirum called out to the bathroom alone, hearing whispering from a closed door they saw three sets of feet underneath it.
“I swear to Rowena, if that’s you three hiding in a bathroom stall together I’m going to hex you all.” Lirum said only to hear the tell tail click of the door latch unlocking.
“We weren’t doing anything!” Hermione shouted, stumbling out of the stall Harry and Ron in tow.
“You know what? All I have to ask is that you don’t get yourself killed. I have to use the loo.” Lirum said, flinging open a stall behind them.
“So, you’re not going to ask?” Ron said not quite believing what he’d heard.
“No, and you’re not going to tell me, or let me see whatever it is that you’re definitely not supposed to be doing. Because if you do I’ll have to tell Percy and honestly none of us want that. Now please shut it and let me have this fleeting moment of peace.” Lirum said, slamming the door shut on them. After Lirum left the stall, ignoring the second years altogether.
“I have so many questions?” Hermione said aloud.
“I do not have answers.” Lirum said washing their hands.
“Are you really not going to say a word?” Harry asked, stepping forward.
“Harry, there is a fifty foot long snake petrifying people and the only place I’m allowed a moment to myself is in this bathroom. Do me a favor and take this advice to heart. Sometimes we have to do what’s best for us, the greater good can bugger off.” Lirum sighed, turning the water off only for it to keep dripping. “But please try not to get yourselves killed.”
“Why would we try-“ Harry started again.
“Harry last year you smuggled a dragon, Snuck into the forbidden part of the castle to complete dangerous tasks and fight a teacher, as a first year!” Lirum put it plainly. “And now as a second year there is again a Fifty foot long serpent slithering around-“
“The monster in the chamber of secrets is a serpent?” Hermione asked under her breath looking deep in thought.
“Did you not read about the chamber?” Lirum asked, looking at the second year girl.
“Have you actually seen it or just read that?” Ron asked, arms crossed.
“Saw it with Neville. How’d you think I know how long it is?” Lirum answered, tired of the kids' questions.
that’s why he’s been so scared even though he’s a pure blood!” Hermione realized.
“Are you alright in there?” George asked, followed by Fred. “Are you arguing with Myrtle?”
Lirum sighed and walked back to the hallway. Now not even the bathrooms would be safe. It was just about dinner time though and they’d been determined to enjoy it. The fourth year trio found their seats without issue, and watched as the other students poured in. Neville arrived with arms full of little trinkets on strings.
“Neville, you know you don’t need those right?” Fred started looking at the second year.
“Yeah you're pure blood, aren’t you?” George followed.
they're not for me! Look,” he said. As he dropped the pile of talismans he’d bought into the Ravenclaw table.
“What is all this?” Lirum asked, looking at the pile of junk in front of them.
“Their talismans and charms to protect you. Like our nargle charms.” Luna said, lifting hers with a soft smile.
“You encouraged this didn’t you?” Lirum asked the younger ravenclaw.
“Do you really think a pile of crystals rotting newts' tails and onions will help this situation?” Percy snipped from across the table, already annoyed by the twins who’d been terrorizing Ginny any time he was with Lirum.
“I just thought-“ Neville started looking defeated.
“Thank you Neville. They’ll keep me safe over the holidays I’m sure.” Lirum said, in an attempt to comfort the boy.
“You’re staying over the holiday?” Fred asked, shocked.
“Name a single year I haven’t stayed for the holidays Fred.” Lirum insisted.
“No, you can’t! You’d be here alone with a giant snake that’s out to get you!” George argued, turning in his seat to face them.
“I won’t be alone? Percy’s staying with me.” Lirum explained, casually surprised by the realization on the twins' faces.
“Percy?” They shouted together. “This is the first we’re hearing of this!”
“Do you believe I would let my friend stay here in danger by themself?” Percy said glaring at the twins. “I suppose we’ve both forgotten to tell each other something important.”
“You expect me to let you two spend a week together, alone in the castle?” Fred asked, looking dead at Percy. “On my bloody grave.”
“I suppose you should write mum then as I only wrote her for myself.” Percy said looking over the rim of his glasses. “Better hurry McGonagall’s already been round with the list.”
“Merlin help us, I am not leaving you alone with them. That might be more dangerous than the snake. I’ll write the letter to mum. We both know better then to let Fred do it.” George said as he pulled out a piece of parchment.
“You’ll be headed to the owlery to send that out right? Would you mind if I came with you?” Lirum asked while they watched George dig out a stubby quill.
“Why do you need to go to the owlery?” Fred asked.
“I’ve just been cooped up in the castle and thought it might be nice to check on Grayson. You know, before it gets too cold outside.” Lirum answered with a half truth.
“Well I guess that’s fair. I’ll check on him for you while I’m out. You should go back to your common room. It'll be safer. “ George said.
And so Lirum and Percy left another timid walk to the common room. Things had been quiet between them since their hogsmeade trip.
“Did you hear what happened in Snape's second year potions class?” Lirum asked, looking back at their Gryffindor companion.
“Second years covered in swelling solution? If I didn’t know better I’d have thought Fred and George were behind it. The explosion of fireworks in a classroom might as well scream their names.” Percy ranted, as they arrived at the tower.
“Are you sure Ron isn’t taking after them? He was in that class wasn’t he?” Lirum joked, as they walked up the last few steps of the tower waiting to be asked their riddle.
“I hope not, I don’t know if I can handle another one. Given after last year, the whomping willow, and the girls bathroom, I fear it may have already started. At any rate, I’ll see you in the morning, Lirum, sleep well.” Percy said, as he retreated down the stairwell.
The next morning became the next week as days bled into each other. Like every morning Percy waited at the base of the stairs for the two Ravenclaws to arrive.
“Good morning Percy.” Luna chimed, as the three met in their usual spot.
“How are you doing today, perce?” Lirum asked this time following the first year.
“I’m doing alright? Why is Luna leading today?” Percy asked confused as the first year strode right past him.
“Are you sure you want the answer to that?” Lirum asked, as they fell in line beside Percy.
“I suppose not.” He said, keeping time with the younger Ravenclaws.
As they neared the entry way they saw a horde of students gathered around the bulletin board.
“Percy? Have they decided to make an announcement about what’s going on?” Lirum asked, turning to the prefect.
“No. To my knowledge no school announcements were being made, nor any changes to the rules.” He answered, pushing his way towards the posted message, while Lirum followed his path.
“A dueling club?” Lirum read off of the parchment.
“Held at eight at night, with a monster on the lose petrifying students? There is no way staff approved this! We have to find the headmaster, and notify him immediately!” Percy said, turning to Lirum.
“That will not be necessary! Professor Dumbledore has granted me permission to start this dueling club, for exactly that reason!” Lockhart called to the prefect. Smiling and waving to the students whose attention were drawn to him.
“That is incredibly dangerous! To teach a few spells to students, and pretend like you’ve prepared them to fight an actual monster! They’ll overestimate themselves! What about when they’ve won a duel in your little club and go try and take on the real thing?” Percy spat, turning as red as his hair.
“I will be teaching them to defend themselves as I myself have done on countless occasions, you should see my published words for more details-or you there, I remember you from Flourish and Blotts haven’t you read all my works?” Lirum flushed they’d never been so embarrassed of liking a book before.
“Well I-“ Lirum started but couldn’t get a word in edgewise.
“Then you know you can trust me! You should pass on the word to your friend here” He winked and swished his teal robes around dramatically, almost posing. Lirum felt sick.
“I can’t believe I used to have a crush on that man?” Lirum whispered to themself in utter disbelief.
“Let’s go!” Percy said through gritted teeth. He grabbed Lirum by the wrist and pulled them into the great hall. “I can’t believe Dumbledore would approve that man to teach, let alone start a dueling club. What is he thinking? It’s as if he doesn’t care for the safety of the students at all!”
“It’s alright Percy, everything is going to be ok, right?” Lirum asked gentle hand on his back as he stopped at the end of the tables.
“You’re right, he must have some sort of plan or they would have sent the students home already.” Percy said before going to his seat across the Gryffindor table.
The great hall was full and bustling with life. Underground amulet trades, crazy conspiracies, and every day gossip could be heard from most students. That was until the flapping of wings sounded for mail day. Packages and letters fell across all the tables. The Weasleys had all been distracted by a letter from Molly, but Lirum, Luna and Neville had been distracted by a parcel that fell in front of lirum.
“It’s still a bit early for Christmas gifts isn’t it?” Luna asked head cocked at the neatly wrapped package.
“My grandfather tries to send them before it gets too cold and the owls can’t fly.” Lirum answered, as they tried to tuck the parcel into their bag as quickly as possible.
“Wait, but you always receive your Christmas presents after the Holiday?” George questioned, his attention being pulled back from the gryffindor table.
“Oh you’ve dropped your note!” Neville said diving to catch it before it hit the ground. Only to have Fred scoop it out of his hand before he could return it.
“George is right, you're hiding something, and I’m going to find out what your little secret is.” Fred said, breaking the seal on the envelope.
“Fred Gideon Weasley! Don’t you dare open that letter! That is private! You return that at once!” Percy snapped shooting up from the table.
“Guindelirum dear, I hope this letter finds you in good spirits. I know it’s still a tad early, but I hope you enjoy your present.” Fred read far too cheerfully and loud. Narrowly avoiding a swipe from Lirum, as they attempted to take back their letter. “I know you will not be returning home again this year- hey I’m not done!” Fred said, holding the note as far up and away as he could while still reading.
“That’s enough!” Percy shouted standing from the table and rushing to make his way around the long table.
“So, instead of asking, I’ll wish you a happy fifteenth birthday? I-I hope you’ll not spend it alone but surrounded by your friends at hogwarts…with all of my heart, grandpa.” Fred stared at the letter.
He reread it again silently with a look that said it had to be fake. Inspecting it closely as if looking for forgery. “It’s your birthday?” He asked after a moment.
“No, it’s not.” Lirum answered shortly, snatching back the letter.
“But it’s going to be!” Fred insisted, looking right at them.
“It’s always going to be someone's birthday.” Lirum said putting the letter with their belongings.
“That’s not what I meant and you know it! This is why you wanted to go to the owlery! So you could stop us from finding out! Well too bad! I’m going to find out!” Fred argued.
“Fred, please, I don’t celebrate. Just let this be.” Lirum pleaded.
“Tell me when it is and why you wouldn’t tell me and I will!” Fred argued again not knowing what he was asking for.
“Fred!” George said, pulling his brother back to the table.
“G-George, stop it! Don’t act like you don’t care about this either!” Fred said, attempting to shake his arm free.
“I do care, enough to know you're acting like a numpty!” George snapped trying to pull Fred back down.
“The letter was pretty clear! It’s got to be over holiday! That’s why he always sends their Christmas presents after! So they don’t feel wrapped into one!” Fred argued, causing Lirum to feel even more tense then they had received the present.
“You absolute git!” Percy bellowed, finally making it to the right side of the table and stepping between Lirum and Fred. “How dare you act entitled to anything in their life! They owe you nothing! Do you hear me! Nothing at all! If you say so much as another word on this I will be deducting house points for harassment! One more and I’ll be writing mum as well, if I don’t already!”
“George help me out here-” Fred started turning toward his twin.
“I did my best to stop you.” George said, turning back towards Lirum And whispered. “I’m truly sorry about them both. Fred for being an arse and Percy for the amount of attention this is about to receive.”
“Do you think we could just sneak out?” Lirum replied, whispering back.
“You know don’t you!” Fred shouted back at Percy. “You weren’t surprised at all to hear it was their birthday, and you knew they’d be staying for the holiday!”
“Honestly? Sneak? No, the only people who wouldn’t notice are them. Full sprint like you after the howler? Yes!” George said, reaching for their bag.
“They didn’t exactly tell me but I can do maths! Oh and put together context clues from actually having a conversation and listening to them! Instead of just demanding things from them!” Percy shouted back, a bit angrier than he should’ve been.
“I think you're my favorite.” Lirum whispered once more.
“Only because I’m the sane one Love.” He said as they made a mad dash for the door.