Backfire

Holland woke up feeling the best she'd ever felt in a long time. She was more than ready to bring her already-packed trunk to King's Cross and start her fourth year in Hogwarts. She dabbed a tiny coat of tinted balm on her lips dipping a finger in her favorite lipstick and rubbing her index finger to mix it with the balm. She stepped away a bit from the mirror, studying herself for a moment before deciding that she was satisfied with how she fixed herself. She then took one last gander at her tidied up room before closing the door. She trudges down the stairs of her home, giggling at how loud the sound of her trunk was against the household's carpeted stairs, greeting her parents that were preparing their last breakfast together for a while.

"Good morning, darling." Her mother Imelda sings while tasting the spoon she was using to fry the eggs on a pan. It was a beautiful, sunny day in the Avery household. The kitchen radiating nothing but yellow and positivity as the sunlight shone through the windows, illuminating the already bright room even more. The Averys resided in the wizarding world, but peculiarly lived a muggle lifestyle, not wanting to be so reliant on the convenience of magic for everything.

"How are you feeling, my favorite child? Ready for another year of magic, I see!" Rufus Avery, her father chortles. The two were more than supportive and protective of their only child. Being two of the most powerful aurors of the wizarding world, their charms and power known to be extraordinary. Holland lived most of her life inspired and heavily influenced by their determination and unstoppable ambition. And even though the Averys were known to be the "Two Most Ferocious Wizards"—named so after catching their 25th dark wizard in one year—they were still one of the most carefree and enthusiastic pair a wizard would ever meet.

Holland made her way to the round, marbled dining table to kiss both of her parents. "I don't know how we'll be able to make another year without seeing you each day, Holly-polly." Her father admits sadly, Holland powered through a potential wince at his chosen nickname, deciding to focus on how sad her father was. "I will write to you guys as much as I can! And maybe Teagan can even bring you guys a chocolate cauldron or two." Holland suggests, talking about her owl. Her parents' favorite delicacy was the chocolate cauldron, it being one of their mostly purchased sweet back when they were students at Hogwarts, themselves. Holland tied her hair up in a ponytail before grabbing a plate and assembling a breakfast from the set her mother had beautifully prepared.

"Don't forget to write back to Nymphadora, darling." Imelda reminds before seeing her daughter nod. She was talking about the woman who'd been eyeing a position as an auror. Her and Holland had become fast friends, Nymphadora, who'd rather be called Tonks and had reluctantly agreed to be called Dora by Holland, had talked to Holland about numerous things especially since the two had a similar, muggle-involved lifestyle as Tonks was a halfblood, having a muggle father and a pureblood mother.

"Any advice for my fourth year?" The fifteen year old munched on a pancake, looking around the wonderfully bright kitchen that she knew she'd be missing once more for the next 9 months. The kitchen had mostly white furniture, counters, chairs, and tables being white marble, with flowers and curtains being yellow. "What should I be expecting?" Holland asks excitedly, the food in her mouth changing the enunciation of her words. Holland wiped her lips and smiled in excitement for another wonderful year at Hogwarts.

Holland's first year at Hogwarts was marvelous and everything she was hoping the rest of her life studying at Hogwarts to be. The rest of her life in Hogwarts was exactly that until she befriended Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger. Forming the friendship certainly wasn't easy, their first year Holland did everything she could to befriend specifically Ronald Weasley. She had high hopes of having some sort of connection to his brother George, a boy Holland had fallen for the second her eyes had landed on the twin who had been sniggering behind a corner, hiding from a fuming Filch whom he'd pranked by collecting toilet seats and lining them up in the middle of the hallway.

As a Slytherin, Holland was definitely not somebody the trio were interested in befriending. How could they? Holland's entire house despised Harry and his friends, after all. By the end of their first year, they all despised the entire Gryffindor house as they took the House cup when it's been the Slytherin house's for seven years. Who could say she'd be any different?

That all changed one day during their second year, when Draco Malfoy decided to outwardly call Hermione Granger a 'mudblood'. Privileged as she was, Holland was a Pureblood. Even then, she did not seem to have any care for those whose parents were wizards, and those who had parents that weren't, and she definitely did not accept the idea of being so against wizards who come from a family of muggles at all.

It was a wonderful day at the courtyard, Holland was sitting in the sun and trying to understand her Transfiguration notes before she overheard some dispute going on between the quidditch teams of Slytherin and Gryffindor. And then she heard it, mudblood. Her eyes immediately land on the brightest witch of their year, the girl fuming and fighting off tears. Holland sprang to her feet, ready to take action as she trotted on the damp grass on the way to the scene.

"Sod off, Draco. Who even gave you the idea that being pureblood meant a wizard would be so great at everything? You've clearly proven that wrong." Holland asks as she rolled her eyes, tired of Draco's entitlement. She knew she was the only person who could embarrass Draco like that, for some unknown reason. The two were definitely friends, but one seemed to be very submissive to the other and it showed. The Gryffindors laugh at this, and Holland swore she saw Hermione stifle a giggle next to Ron who was smirking in satisfaction. Holland felt her knees go weak when she saw Fred and George laughing, as well. It was right then and there the trio realized that they could find a friend in a Slytherin, after all.

"Listen, I was totally wrong to have been giving you the cold shoulder our entire first year. We've definitely started on the wrong foot. I really appreciate what you've done for me." Hermione politely rambles on, eyes filled with tears that never fell since she had been called that foul word.

"I've seen your work. I watch you in Charms sometimes," Hermione admits timidly. "You're just as bright as I am. I think you and I could be great friends, if you'd let me," She offered hopefully, making Holland smile. Holland had grown fond of the trio, secretly wishing to be their friend. To hear such words from Hermione, it was easy to say Holland will definitely keep those words and would request to have it engraved on her tombstone.

"Of course, no problem with me at all. I'm Holland Avery." Holland giggles, putting her hand out to shake. The trio were more than welcoming to Holland, even invited her to Hagrid's hut right after the dispute for a quick chat. After meeting the half-giant, Holland had definitely managed to find a name she could add on to the list of her favorite things and people in Hogwarts. George Weasley being the first, and chocolate cauldrons right after him.

"Malfoy wouldn't know what hit him if you hadn't spoken up! I was just about ready to curse the daylights out of him." Ron confesses, already warming up to Holland. The four were crowded in the sofa Hagrid had in the middle of his hut, and they were enjoying a cup of tea Hagrid had generously given them all.

"If you did get to curse him, I'm not sure it would end very well. Haven't you seen your wand recently?" Hermione raises her eyebrows at the taped up wand that Ron was holding.

"Blimey! What happened to your wand?" Holland's eyes widen at the sight. Ollivander was an exceptional wandmaker, you'd have to have the power of a giant to break a wand.

"It's a long story," Harry and Ron mutter at the same time. Ron and Hermione had been very open and chatty, Harry somehow seeming quite timid towards Holland. Holland didn't take this personally, assuming he was a shy lad.

"Wait, I just realized. You're Holland Avery, right?" Hermione exclaims, clearly familiar with the girl's parents.

"I get that we've just started talking, but we've known her name for over a year, Hermione." Ron scratches his head. Hermione gave him a look that said, 'stop speaking'.

"Fourth year was the most difficult year for Defense against the Dark Arts for me. I had the worst professor, though. So you better pray for the best professor to ever teach," Imelda playfully points the wooden spoon at her daughter, the sun hitting her beautiful cheeks, adding a sparkle to the blush she'd worn as she smiled at Holland.

"There's always been a new professor for it each year. Never got one that taught it properly, in my opinion." Holland rolls her eyes. The first teacher being a man that actually had been sharing a head with He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, and the second one was an absolute fake. The third one was perfect, he just happened to be a werewolf. Holland sighed in disappointment. She had really liked Professor Lupin, not even caring that he was a werewolf. He had the perfect personality to be enticing during class. Holland had a short attention span, so she appreciated it very much.

So maybe Holland had a soft spot for him, but who wouldn't? When she'd find out he was leaving, she spent a good half hour sulking in the train on the way home. Holland expected no teacher-student relationship, she had just turned fourteen at the time, but she would never forget the rush coursing through her as she and her friends ran around school chasing around a murderer and a follower of You-Know-Who, having the professor pull her behind him protectively whilst he got riled up, angry, and very serious. Holland had never felt so cared for, she had never felt such a rush, as if she were a heroine and as if she were in her own muggle fiction love story. Despite having lives on the line, she loved every second of it.

"Well, you could always just read the book on your own," Rufus suggests, knowing very well that's what his daughter had already been doing for the past three years. Holland blinks, ridding herself of the inappropriate thoughts she was having about her former professor.

"Wouldn't hurt to do what you've already been doing, right?" Holland jokes dully, cleaning up her plate as she had already finished eating. Rufus and Imelda both watch their daughter in awe as she quietly opened her trunk to make sure she was not about to leave anything behind. She really had grown up so fast, and they couldn't have asked for a better daughter.

"Listen, love. About the World Cup, your mother and I know you really wanted to go—" Her father said as he winced in what seemed to be regret, Holland was invited to watch Bulgaria and Ireland play against each other during the summer break. Her parents were very busy and well known aurors, to let Holland be out in such an open and public place was definitely like painting a bull's eye on her blouse. They couldn't risk anything with their only daughter.

"No, I totally understand. It's nothing major for me. I understand." Holland politely cuts her father off, not wanting to talk about it anymore. She didn't exactly take it very well at first, ending the night with a good weep in her room as she couldn't see her best friends whom she'd spent months not seeing. Rufus was ready to continue on the subject, Holland inwardly sighing in relief as her mother prevented him from doing so.

"Honey, you two best be leaving. The train leaves in 30 minutes." Imelda hurries the two out the kitchen, already beginning to stack plates and tidy up the remains of their breakfast.

"I love you, mum." Holland kisses her mother's cheek. And with that, the two were off.

-

"How was it? I want every detail." Holland asked Draco. The three were in a closed cabin, the windows frosty and ice cold, rain was heavy and creating violent sounds against the roof of the train. The express had about half an hour or so to go until they arrive at Hogwarts.

"Holly, I'm glad you weren't there. The night ended with the place being bombarded. They think followers of You-Know-Who are returning. Your parents were right for not letting you go." Pansy Parkinson says, after shooting a sideward glance at the white-blond who seemed to not want to comment anything on the subject. Holland knew just why she seemed to be checking on Draco, as he wasn't exactly keeping it secret that his parents were death eaters.

Holland scoffs in disbelief. "You were there, too? It's as if everyone except me really did get to go!" Holland whined.

"Are you daft? Did you not hear what Pansy said?" Draco asks in incredulity. He was usually cautious with how he spoke to his friend, but Pansy had a point. Holland could have died out there. Draco wasn't the best with expressing his feelings, but he was very protective over Holland. He lived under every command of his father, and was always rewarded with the best of things with the fortune the Malfoys had. But as the years his and Holland's friendship had developed, it seemed Holland was the only person he could actually put before his father.

Holland was surprised. Not at the fact that Draco had spoken to her like that, but at what she realized Pansy had said. "Is that true? My parents would have told me, they wouldn't have even let me come back this year." Draco seemed to have lost the will to continue looking at Holland when she said this, as he averted his eyes and chose to stare at the frosted windows instead.

"It's true," Pansy answered, not explaining any further. At this, Holland knew she had to talk to Harry and the others. Holland took a bite an another giant gummy worm, and reached for her messenger. Pansy and Draco shared a look, already knowing their friend was about to ditch them for the blood-traitors, once more.

"I have to talk to my other friends about this," Holland says hesitantly. The two were never comfortable with the fact that one of their closest friends was a blood-traitor, but they still seemed to want to keep their friendship anyway. Holland knew better not to mention any of their names though, just to ease some tension and prevent seeing the scrunched up faces of disgust when she did.

"Enjoy the stench of blood traitor," Pansy snorts and Draco laughs with her. Holland left but not before giving the two a very endearing middle finger.

Her sneaker-clad feet trudged against the carpeted floors of the moving train, enjoying the sound of wheels rolling against the bumpy tracks as she walked. The curly haired witch knew that Harry and the others would keep their door uncovered, so finding them wouldn't be difficult. Holland had to subtly peak in each cabin to find her friends, mistakenly peering in too long in a cabin that had a particularly annoying golden boy in it.

"Hello there," His annoying voice chirped. He had actually put effort into standing from the window seat of their cabin to slide the door open and speak to Holland. What a git, Holland thought to herself.

"Diggory," Holland nods in a form of acknowledgement, about to keep walking when Cedric spoke once more.

"You're not alone, are you?" The boy had his hair unruly and his cheeks pink, sporting that signature boyish charm he had. Holland rolls her eyes and laughs at the boy's pathetic methods of trying to get under her skin. She faces him once more and realized he had about five other people with him, filling the cabin. Cedric was a very popular boy, after all.

"Don't worry. I'm not." Holland sneers.

"And why would you think I'd worry about you?" He jokes, somehow being the kind of boy to fire back such words but still manage to be polite.

"Oh, darling. With all the things I have in store for you, I'd be worried."

Holland's relationship with Cedric was quite an interesting one. The two were definitely not friends, but all Holland knew was, she absolutely despised the boy, and will keep hexing the daylights out of him for as long as they were both students of the same school.

Holland wasn't always this vindictive and vocal about the Hufflepuff. She had been quite subdued and quiet about her hatred, but she wasn't exactly the best as keeping that a secret, especially not from him. Cedric was never the type to fight back until an accidental transfiguration charm of his made its way to Holland, Holland immediately firing back then receiving detention. Holland could simply not let this pass, vowing to herself to reward the boy with little gifts every year to make sure he knew who he'd crossed.

-

"There you guys are!" Holland says in exasperation as she finally found the three Gryffindors. The three were quiet in the cabin, probably just relishing in the silence and passing time. Harry seated alone on one couch, Hermione and Ron on the other. Holland took a seat next to Harry, smiling at her friends.

"Where've you been?" Hermione asks, already in her dressed in her robes. Holland groans, knowing she should have dressed in hers before looking for them. She didn't think she'd take so long looking for her friends, nearing half an hour when she did.

"I was just catching up with Draco and Pansy. Lovely pair, let me tell you," Holland talks about the two as if the three had not already met the Slytherins. "And then they tell me that something quite alarming had happened at the world cup," Holland asked more than said.

"Oh. We were afraid you'd ask us about this," Hermione grimaces. Harry seemed to be uncomfortable, and Ron's eyes lit up.

"Let me tell you about Viktor Krum—" He begins and Hermione cuts him off.

"That's not what she meant, Ronald."

The three kept sending nervous glances to one other as they recalled the scary night. Hermione turned to grab something behind her, facing Holland once more with the Daily Prophet in her hands, showing Holland what had been on the news. It was an image of the dark mark, Holland's eyes narrowing.

"That's... That's his mark, right?" Holland asks nervously. Who could have done this? And why? The dark mark was to be conjured to be able to call out other fellow death eaters, followers of the You-Know-Who. Holland hoped it was just a call to other death eaters, not that it was any less alarming, but it was loads better than having it conjured to call the dark lord himself. Holland eyes Harry, wondering how that affected him. The boy was silent, staring out the window. Holland was quite alarmed to see him, not expecting him to have grown such a full head of hair. She places her hand atop his comfortingly, the boy jumping lightly, before giving Holland a brief smile and squeezing her hand a bit.

-

Holland was finally dressed in her robes, ready to leave the train when she felt two arms loop through either sides of hers. She screams as two pairs of arms pulled her back on the train she'd just jumped off of.

"Hello, beautiful." Two voices say in pure synchronization and Holland felt immediately sorry for not being able to give their cabin a visit on the ride to Hogwarts. She peered over the two redheads smiling at her, hairs also surprisingly longer than last year. She smiles back before hurrying off the train, a line of angry, impatient students behind them.

"Hello to the two most handsome redheads I've ever seen!" She jokes back, the two chuckle as they simultaneously tussle her head.

"It's as if we're not friends," Ron mutters to Harry and Hermione as the three hop off the train behind them. Harry grins as Hermione stifles a giggle.

"Ready for another year?" Fred asks, swinging their arms as they walk their way to the carriages.

"Definitely. Have anything you'd like to warn me about fourth year?" Holland asks, swinging hers and George's hands, as well. The three looked ridiculous, two 6-feet tall boys with a girl almost two feet shorter than them in between. Fred and George looked as if they were with some lost toddler.

"Fourth year was a stroll in the park!" George exclaims, confident that Holland had nothing to worry about. "A stroll in the park blindfolded, let me tell you." The three were walking their way to the castle, already bickering on how to start Holland's pranks on Cedric.

"We never got to tell you, but we actually went to the world cup with him," Fred shrugs as he informs his best friend about his holiday.

"Yeah, even travelled by portkey with him." George adds, then telling her about how they lot had travelled by holding onto a manky, old boot.

"You're joking!" Holland laughs, curious and imagining different scenarios of the three boys actually having a conversation.

"Didn't bother him at all." Fred shrugged, referring to Cedric knowing fully well that the twins were really good friends with Holland. "But it wasn't like we spent hours together, we simply travelled with him, is all. Let's not forget, it was him who stole the snitch from Harry last year." Holland wanted to respond saying that was exactly what a seeker was supposed to do against his opposing seeker, but decided against it.

"Speaking of the world cup, nothing bad happened to you lot, right?" Holland asks, remembering what Pansy had said.

"T'was a big scare, that was. Ron professing his love for Viktor Krum one moment, then fires and damned death eaters here and there!" Fred explains, recalling the tragic night. "It was the muggles that suffered the most, though."

"Blimey, Holly! We really wanted you to come watch with us, but I'm glad you didn't get to see any of th—is that a— is that a carriage?" He asks, pointing at a carriage being flown by six pegasi. The three were speechless watching the carriage fly over their heads.

"What was that about?" George says, fixing his hair. "That's definitely not something you see everyday."

The three grab their belongings and ride a chariot that moved on its own. And with that, they began moving towards the castle.

-
Hello, everyone! Welcome to my very fist finished fanfiction!!

Pretty weird I'd be so excited about it, but I've spent years on here writing and writing for each fandom I've been in, never being able to even move past around 5 chapters. It literally takes me months and years to try and finish, giving up in the end lol. What's so interesting is I think I've managed to finish plotting this out for a week, and spent a total of a bit over 3 weeks writing. This is so new for me, and I've poured my entire heart and soul into this. So there's a small bright light at the end of the tunnel of being on lockdown. Others are really out there fighting for their lives, and though boredom is an untidy and filthy monster that's difficult to defeat, I have to remember that at the end of the day, I'm so lucky. So now instead of studying tons and tons of transes and chapters for school, I'm here lmao. Productivity can also be stuff out school anyway, right? Lmao. ANYWAY, words are not enough for me to express how happy and excited I am to have people read this. I hope you all enjoy, I really do! I've tried to make this as accurate as possible, took me days on end pausing and playing the move for accurate lines and such HAHAHA. Anyway loves, it may seem confusing because there will be some scenes and other stuff that are from the book even though majority of the script is from the movie, just in case that matters to some. I'm rambling so much I just feel so anxious about this, I want nothing but for people to have fun reading this!

Okay, I'll stop rambling. Hopefully saying this for the last time, but I hope you all enjoy. All love, Gita x