Chapter Text
In the big wizarding world, there are many families obsessed with the idea of pureblood: The idea of a family free from any muggles. Claiming that a pure lineage could make them superior to others. Most of them reject so-called half-blood or muggle-born wizards, a conservative opinion even in the years around 1890. Since most of society accepts them as one of their own, they are. And if they didn't, it would cause even more harm than accepting them.
Another unspoken norm among those pureblood ideologists is their fascination with the dark arts. Whether a simple curse that makes the victim be in pain forever and may or may not lead to death or the three unforgivables. It would even go so far that the young children of those families are forced to learn such spells. A cruel prejudice that spoke the truth more than it should.
The Gaunt family is one of the finest examples of true pureblood ideology. A family so inbred that there is not a single member in full health. They were so unshakable with their opinion on pureblood that, for the most part, they even started rejecting the more respectable families, pureblood or not.
Many speculated that it is the brain damage of Salazar Slytherin that still haunts their souls. Feeding them all those ideas of a good and respectable family, or at least how they believe a family should be, a family free from any kind of non-magical person.
The Gaunts consist of two strict parents who lack love for their own two children.The youngest rejected the use of dark arts and is, because of that, treated like an outsider, even worse he is treated like they treat muggles, horrific and wrong. The oldest did not reject them, instead he stepped down and lived with the burden of being a user of the dark arts forever, whether he liked it or not was not important. At least from an outside perspective, they remained a somewhat respectable image.
They own one manor; it used to be two, with around five house elves.
There are, of course, other members of the family, but they will never hold the same relevance than the head of the house. The firstborn male carries on the bloodline. It was a practice introduced quite recently to mass society, though it looks like more rule-oriented families practiced it this long ago thinking it would give them some advantage over the other families.
Women are expected to sit at home looking pretty with their pregnant bellies. Making doe eyes as the man comes back home to dinner, ready for his every need.
Of course, not every woman in the world accepts this, especially working-class women. That would be a key word: working-class women. Because, of course, no one expects families with rather short incomes to not use every resource they have. Besides, they are below the aristocratic high society. Therefore, they barely cared about women who were working.
In the end, it all spirals down to one thing purebloods want and crave. They want to have power. Owning the most magical ability in the wizarding world, being the crème de la crème of wizards and witches. Shaping the rules and rights to their own liking.
Controlling every person that crosses their paths, wanting people to idolize them. Seeing them as greater than Merlin himself.
But among all those power-hungry families, there may never be a family to earn a reputation that exquisite. Not a single family would be able to live up to a lineage full of powerful wizards that shape the opinions of others by their mere existence.
Except for one.
A pureblood family by accident and not choice. Always coincidentally falling in love with a ‘full’ wizard or witch. Clear of any birth defects caused by continuing to marry close family.
Luminara.
An ancient family that is known for their peculiar family rules and immense ability in the children that are born from them.
While most are born with one or maybe two abilities, like legilimency or a knack for a subject like spellcasting, the Luminara seem to exceed in every aspect. Never was it known for a Luminara to just own a singular ability; five seems to be the minimum.
Why not a singular pureblood ideologist family is interested in them is quite simple. The peculiar rules they live by. Or their lack of interest in social events. They hide themselves like boggarts behind their manor walls and eccentric gestures.
The head of the house is not necessarily firstborn but chosen by a ritual duel among the members. It is not important to be part of a blood lineage, as long as you are married to one.
Another thing that scares outsiders off is the mysterious aura that surrounds them. It is capable of making you feel uneasy the second a Luminara steps into the room. Their entire existence swallows the attention of everyone around them.
It is rumored that some people got so overwhelmed that they had to vomit.
Being part of such a family would be of no benefit unless they are powerful enough to go against a Luminara or are able to change the ‘No care’ attitude of the family. Since all Luminara's are atelophobic, this was a task doomed from the start.
Like this one time when Bernard Luminara was head of house and feared that the family line ends with him. He felt that he had to put an article in every newspaper about how he is looking for a wife. Because if he could not even do such a simple task, how could he call himself Luminara? It would mean being not good enough for the family - imperfect.
Ever since the newest head of house, this task has been deemed even more impossible than before.
Not only did she rarely leave for any events, but the power of Cassidy Luminara was said to be like an army of the best aurors from the last five centuries combined. Not only did her powers make her impossible to reach, but her endless charm made it hard for a proper man to even approach her.
Why she even cared to claim the title of head of house is to this day rumored. After all, no one knows what goes on behind closed doors. Before she took over the house, it was never a thought that occurred to anyone. A true troublemaker, she has rejected the traditions of the family ever since she got sorted into Slytherin rather than Ravenclaw. Being the first to break the tradition in every aspect of Luminara history.
“I heard she got greedy after her sister's death.”
"Oh, she totally blames the widowed husband for her sister's death.”
“I believe she wanted only custody of the twins. Eating their magic to get stronger, at least that is what I heard.”
“Maybe the Slytherins finally rubbed off on her.”
—--------------------------------------------------------------------
Standing in the middle of the street, two figures are waiting patiently for Professor Fig to arrive. Silence surrounds them; no one cares enough to start a conversation to pass the time. Instead, they remained as still as a lamp in the streets, staring into the air.
Ever since they turned fifteen, after five years of believing they were squibs, magic started to flow through them. This was a surprise for everyone in the family, including the two and their aunt.
It was one afternoon where both were occupied reading in the library, in some hasty romance books, of course. Suddenly, the levitation charm from the chandelier threatened to stop working. It would have crashed the long wooden table if it were not for their magic stopping the crashing downfall. After the initial shock, being able to recover rather quickly, they stormed off to tell their aunt about what had happened.
Shortly after this little incident, their Hogwarts letter arrived, and Professor Fig was sent to teach them the basics. It turned out rather quickly that they only needed to learn how to use a wand since their knowledge about every magical subject seemed to even surpass that of Figs. Not in every part, for they also lacked the maturity and wisdom of experience.
“Ah, there you two are,” Fig said as he approached the young Luminara twins. Like usual, the twins stood straight and in an oddly noble manner. Even outside their home, the aura surrounding them was immense.
Castor smiled with appreciation as he looked over at the kind professor. “Yes, we waited for some time, but no harm was done.”.
Puck eyed Fig. had an unreadable expression. Not a single muscle seemed to twitch, like a marble statue that had one specific expression carved into it. Puck decided to stay silent for the most part, even when Professor Fig was so kind, teaching the two with the patience of a saint. Nevertheless, she appreciated the professor immensely, and at some point she decided he was pretty brave for lecturing their aunt (even though he only did it because Cassidy was once one of his students). Because for as long as she can remember, no one dared to question their aunt, let alone lecture her.
Because of her attitude that is.
“Let me quickly check the carriage, and then we just need to wait for someone.” With these words, Fig started examining something on the carriage, for some reason.
With a side eye from Puck, she told her brother everything he needed to know about what she thought at this moment. Her gloved hands held each other tightly.
Castor gave Puck a gentle nudge: “Don't be like that; I am sure this is going to be quite the adventure." He leaned his head down a little to whisper something in her ear, making sure Fig wouldn't hear, “Give this a chance; mom would hate it to see you like that.”.
Pursing her lips before sighing, she gave a shrug as an answer for her brother. That was all he needed to know, telling himself it must be the twin telepathy they share.
“I must admit, I have never seen anyone take so quickly to secondhand wands, let alone such brilliant minds." Fig returned to the twins, praising them like all those times before. “Even your aunt wasn’t as skilled as that in her younger years, and as you know, she is incredible.”.
A laugh escaped Castor's lips at this bold statement: “Don't let her hear that; I am certain Cassy would bite your head off for that.”
"Certainly,” Fig agreed. Remembering the time she covered for a group of Slytherins that burned the Gryffindor table.
Someone apparating near their little meetup caught their eye. It was a man who was a bit on the chubbier side—not exactly fat, but definitely more to carry. He was wearing round glasses. His clothes contained a red bowtie and a brown coat.
Fig seemed enthusiastic to see the stranger. “George! Glad my cryptic description of our location thwarts you from finding us”. He eagerly shook George's hand.
“I've apparated to more vague locations than this,” George laughed, seemingly happy to see Fig. When he looked over to the twins, he was greeted by an equally interested Castor.
“Castor Luminara, this is my sister Puck,” he introduced them both, extending his hand to shake with George.
“A Luminara"? How interesting,” George said, accepting the handshake. “My name is George Osric.”
Not a spark of interest could be found in Puck when Osric arrived. With the most noble fashion she could muster up, she turned around and went into the carriage, escaping for a fleeting moment of loneliness.
All three men watched her disappear with her quick steps. Castor felt the urge to apologize for his sister again, but was stopped before he even managed to say a word. Fig and Osric thought it was best for their conversation to be held in the carriage, so they followed Puck quickly after.
With no real reasoning behind it, Castor felt determined enough to squeeze himself beside his sister and Fig. The space was small and barely made it comfortable for three people to sit beside each other.
Fig didn't say anything on the matter, reminding himself he would argue with Castor for the whole ride to Hogwarts if he started now.
His sister was too tired to argue with her brother, even though it would take less than five minutes to get him to sit on the other side.
As the carriage reached above the clouds, Fig and Osric continued their conversation from earlier. With great interest in this secret matter, Castor joined them in their conversation whenever there was a chance. Puck, on the other hand, preferred to stare out into the clouds, taking quick glances whenever an interesting word or topic was brought up.
“May I ask why exactly Elezar is with such famous people? Not that he doesn’t deserve it; it just sounds rather odd." Osric.
“Oh, we are new students." Castor.
“New?” Osric again.
“Yes, none of the faculty in Hogwarts ever heard of someone starting this late. And since the other students had already practiced for four years, the headmaster asked me to let them catch up faster.” Fig.
After that, Osric falls into a pit of praising everything out of Professor Fig; he deserves it, though. Only when Puck heard the paper did her attention fully turn to Osric. Ignoring the flash of dark color in the cloud.
RANROK GOBLIN REBELLION
Making it her first obligation, Puck read the article with great interest. She remembered her aunt talking about this once with someone visiting from the ministry. She couldn't sleep and eavesdropped through the crack in the door.
“She gave me this.”
It was a sort of cylinder-shaped container. Silver and pretty to look at. It looked like a papyrus roll with a glowing symbol adorning it. Though it probably was a container with unknown luggage, the glow was light blue and came out like smoke from the symbol.
“Huh, what do you think it is, Professor?” Castor asked, looking over at Fig. He never saw anything like that, not even in a book. Not a single crevice of the metal cylinder looked familiar.
“What is that glow?” Puck asked, leaning closer. Silvery-blue eyes scan the symbol, glowing brightly in a light blue.
“What glow?" they all asked in unison.
Fig handed her the metal roll, her slender fingers grabbing the cold metal in a gentle manner. Soft touch, like it would bend under any pressure.
What happened after the container was opened was fast and, quite frankly, not the best thing.
A dragon, bigger like any animal he ever saw before, ripped the carriage in two. The wood splittered and the baggage was falling to its demise. The side where Osric was sitting was thrown away with the mouth of the dragon. There would be close to no chance of Osric surviving this.
The three, still unharmed, tried with every strength they found in their adrenaline pumping body to hold onto the last remnants of the carriage. Though it didn't take long before they were forced to jump off the no longer stable carriage. The glowing container with the key was right below them, they quickly grabbed the key and were sent to somewhere else.
Puck woke up in a delirium. Her vision was spinning and cloudy. Heart hammering in her hollow rib cage, deafening her hearing. She felt sick in every inch of her body, like she imagined what it must be like right before dying a gruesome death.
"Here, drink this; it's a wiggenweld potion.” Her unclear vision made it hard to make out where exactly the potion was held in front of her. Luckily, she was able to make out the vibrant green even with her hazy vision, and of course, Fig made sure to properly place it in her hand so she would not spill it.
Gulping down the sour-tasting mixture gave her exactly two reactions. At first, she felt absolute disgust at the weird taste of diptam, and the second was more pleasant as she started feeling better. The burning in her skin calmed down. The sore muscles relaxed, and the bruises lost their purplish color and turned back to the white of her skin.
With the charitable hand of her brother, she was able to get back on her feet without much effort. Taking in the surroundings carefully as her brain tried to wrap around the events from earlier.
“Where are we, Professor?” her brother asked, following Fig, who walked out of this little cave-like hole in the cliffs.
“Somewhere in the Scottish Highlands,” Fig answered, amazed and astonished.
The ocean splashed against the cliffs. The air felt cold and smelled exactly like their memories from far away—a salty breeze. In the distance are big ruins that just screamed they were the place of destination. Having no common sense of survival, the three agreed it would be best to explore the mystery of the portkey, especially Fig, who was eager to find out what his dead wife Miriam tried to hide from Ranrok.
Guided by their dear mentor, the twins started their way towards the ruins. On a walk filled with talking between Castor and Fig about all that happened and how some things connected to each other, Puck listened.
“What do you think that glow was? None of us could see it beside Puck, but I am sure it was there,” Castor questioned. Following Fig close behind as they made their way through the cliffs.
“I am not so sure,” he admitted.
“Let's just get this over with quickly,” Puck said, a rare uneasiness in her voice. Hands rubbing her arms.
Castor eyed his sister with worry written all over his face “Are you cold?” he asked and was met with glaring eyes. He actually could not remember the last time she was cold but it was the first question that popped into his mind.
“I'm more worried about what is about to come next” she corrected.
Normally Puck wouldn't mind a hike around cliffs with a breathtaking view. However she had to consider all the factors of why they were even stranded here and that made the whole ordeal rather unappealing.
—------------------------------------------------------
“We should keep this between us,” Fig said, with the others already in full agreement. Even though every part that happened felt urgent and he could sense the growing pressure in the twins, he had to admit one little thing: “But this is rather interesting.”
Standing outside of the great hall, they were able to listen to the distinct chatter of the students. Puck was rubbing her hands as she watched between Castor, who was just waiting to see what happened next, and Fig, who was peeking inside the hall.
“Castor…” Puck whispered, “Don't leave my side, please.”
The boy looked at her, his face already saying an apology. “I can't promise you the same house, but I would never leave your side, okay?”.
She inhaled deeply and nodded. After all, her mind was too busy processing everything that had happened since the beginning of summer. Hungry and tired was not an optimal state for the news of seeing ancient magic, a dragon attack, or Ranrok attacking you.
For the first time since their meeting, Professor Fig sounded more annoyed and perhaps disgusted than they had ever heard: “Phineas Nigellus Black, be prepared to meet the headmaster.”
A man with a green coat and a fine-looking mustache stepped outside; they had both met him before at a gathering of important people from the ministry and others like noble families and celebrities. Their family was still pieced together at the time, unlike now. Their mother wore this mesmerizing gown that looked like the night sky with all the galaxies and stars—a big skirt perfect for hiding from the view of others.
When they first met Black, Castor said, even before greeting him, that he was a man full of himself and they should try to avoid him. He spoke with their mother for a long time before their father broke off the conversation.
Black sounded just as annoyed as Fig; only this annoyance was laced with an arrogant undertone. “Fig, nice of you to join us." He took half a step closer. “The sorting ceremony is over.” They changed their minds. The arrogance was clear and not an undertone.
Every part of annoyance vanished as soon as Black took a quick look at the twins; the quick glance quickly changed to staring. Uncomfortably long did he stare at the twins, Taking in their well-groomed appearance and the silvery blue eyes that are a common trait for a Luminara,.
“Luminara?” He asked but never waited for his question to get a reply: "Oh, nonsense, of course you two are; every Luminara has those silver eyes.”
Puck got ready to argue with that, but Castor stopped her and nodded along with Black's bantering.
“Come on, you two! You need to get sorted.”
The two follow him into the great hall, nodding at Fig, who told them they would stay in touch.
Puck held the arm of her brother, clinging onto him for any kind of support. She was certain he would be the first to get sorted, and then she would have to stand alone on the little podium. But ever since that one night, they have never been separated.
"GRYFFINDOR!"
“RAVENCLAW!”
They certainly wouldn't spend the night together. There is no comfort in talking before bed. They would sleep in separate rooms in different parts of the building.
Puck didn't like the sound of that. Still having the same anxieties as every night.
—--------------------------------------------------------
The Ravenclaw common room was a sight to behold. Adorned with the beauty of the night sky in every corner and the smell of books and ink in the air, it was warm and welcoming, despite the cold colors.
Nonetheless, Puck didn't feel safe in this environment. With her journal on one of the tables in the common room, she starts sketching and writing out the events of the day. Everyone, besides someone on the other side of the common room, was fast asleep.
It was quiet. Or perhaps quiet was the wrong word, because you still heard the cracking of the wood in the fireplace and the scratching of her fountain pen on the paper. Even the breathing of the two awakened it from being completely silent.
Even if the new scared Puck, she will try to sleep once she finished her daily task.
In the Gryffindor common room, it looked like sleep would never be an option. Practically everyone was awake and talking to the new students and friends alike. Of course, the new fifth year was especially at the center of attention.
Castor was eager to please the people around him. Answering their every question and indulging in all sorts of activities like gobstones and occasionally beer pong.
He was not certain about how much he was allowed to tell, but he guessed at least telling about the dragon attack was fine.
“Yeah! I was pretty lucky that I didn't sit on that side of the carriage. Perhaps it was a sixth sense,” Castor told for the hundredth time of the night; he even started boasting. His chest puffed out as he theatrically told the story about the dragon attack and what a miracle it was that they survived.
The girls were giggling, practically clinging to Castor. The boys looked relatively jealous of how the girls melted into the sweet nothings Castor said.
In a moment of silence for Castor, a certain ginger walked up to him.
“Hello, welcome to Gryffindor. I'm Garreth Weasley.”
“Weasley? As in Professor Weasley?”
“Yeah, she is my aunt.”
“My deepest apologies for that. It must be tough having your aunt always on your case.” Castor sympathized with Garreth. He could relate to it in some aspect; having your aunt watch your every move could become annoying fast.
“You have no idea. Everyone always thinks I get more freedom, but it is the opposite.”
"Anyway, my name is Castor Luminara. It's a pleasure to meet you,” he says, extending his hand to shake the freckled hair of his fellow. And for the very first time tonight Castor felt as though his chest was pricked by thousands of needles.
"Yeah, I know. I overheard your talk about the dragon attack.
“I doubt it was hard to overhear.”
"Yeah, no, it wasn't,” Garreth laughed. “But I never thought I would ever meet a Luminara, let alone in Gryffindor.”
Castor smiled sickly and sweetly at that. “I had to make my aunt proud of being the odd one out.”.
“Your aunt?” Garreth asked, tilting his head, “Isn’t that the one who has a news article every other week?”
"Yup,” he nodded, his eyes scanning the room that was getting emptier with each minute passing. “But I digress. Let's talk about you; you just scream trouble, and I like that.”.
—--------------------------------------------------------
The next day, the twins met up with Professor Weasley. A kind witch that held the sorting ceremony for them both. She acted a lot like their mother in certain moments, a refreshing act compared to their aunt.
“The staff decided it would be best for you two to get this journal," she explained to them while handing them both a freshly bound book. It smelled of fresh leather, and the pages were a clear white with no aging. “You two will have the same classes, of course.”.
They continued their little tour of the castle, stopping at the ‘Kings Cross’ of Hogwarts. They had a nice chat about the school and what to expect in classes. Though, when the witch started questioning the dragon attack, both Castor and Puck felt a shudder running down their spines. Castor gave a reassuring smile as he prepared himself for a little lie.
“No, only the attack.” He looked the professor dead in the eye, a strategy he often used after reading liars to try to avoid eye contact.
“Glad it was only that; I don't think I would be able to take more than a dragon attack,” Puck supported. The voice was calm and collected, with a tactical hint of relief in it.
It was clear she was not convinced by their lie, but she dropped the subject anyway. Letting the two go wander on their own after telling them that the school will provide for their lost luggage and they should find someone to accompany them to Hogsmead.
—------------------------------------------------------------
“The first class is charms with Professor Ronen." Castor said while looking into the book they got from Weasley, “It looks like our little ‘mission’ page is connected; it might be handy one day”.
The page they called lovingly “Mission page” seems to have a connection that both of them are able to see their task from each other at hand.
“It is a rather interesting journal. I wonder if I can fill it with everything we encounter." Puck agreed, and the journal was stuffed in her bag. The bag was an old leather one that was at least a decade old and used often. It stood out like a rotten apple with her neat and elegant school uniform.
“I am sure as long as it is filled with knowledge, it will be fine.”
“Maybe after classes I fill it out a little," she said, her hands holding the bag tightly against her body.
“You do that.” Castor grinned widely. “I can just copy it later.”.
Puck gave an annoyed grumble. She had the suspicion that her brother would try to avoid any work regarding their bonus tasks. But even if they both put no effort into it, they were confident in succeeding in the classes and OWLS with ease. It still rubbed her the wrong way.
Walking through the endless corridors of the castle was a tedious task. It was hard to remember where they even were, and asking for direction was an absolute no for both of them. It was like a magic labyrinth you tried to escape before starving to death.
Once they discovered that their little journal already had a map, it got easier, but not less of a workout from walking all those stairs.
Struck with great interest, the twins walk inside the classroom; most seats have already been taken. A big room that was decorated by the professor, for sure. They both looked around with big eyes, taking in the surroundings and the students. A grin was plastered on Castor's face as he realized he would like it here. Puck, as usual, looked indifferent with her facial expressions, but the worry crept up in her eyes when it dawned on her. They may not sit together because nearly every good table was occupied.
Her hands quickly went up to squeeze his arm, signaling her fear of him leaving her. Even if they were still in the same room.
“Here, behind you,” a voice rang from behind. They turn around to see a Gryffindor girl who, luckily, had two seats free beside her. Both walk up the small staircase, with Castor smiling at the girl. When Puck saw his smile, she realized something quickly: he already knew her from somewhere, probably the common room.
“Thank you,” he said, sitting down beside her while Puck sat beside him.
“Hello, I am Natty. You must be the legendary sister. Have you two met Professor Ronen yet?”
The moment they shook their heads, Puck felt a cringe creep up her spine, wondering what her brother had told her. A man cleared his throat to get their attention.
“Shall we begin?”
It was a funny-looking man who gleamed with excitement. He wore a blue robe with a hat that both the twins didn't know the name of. His hair was already white, and you could see all the wrinkles that had formed on his face. A fascinating reaction from the body as it grows older.
He apparently was not only funny-looking but determined to be funny for his students. Castor catched Puck, covering her mouth a few times, grinning to himself while watching his sister control her facial muscles. He never understood her in that part, the bad humor only sparking in Puck amusement rather than the entire class.
Standing opposite each other, the twins started, just like the task was said to be done, using Accio on the book to steal one another. Natty seemed very impressed at them both being able to use a spell they had never used before instantly. Most needed at least a few tries to even get the book half the way over to them.
The spark of their talent was not unnoticed by the professor as well. Reminding the twins about the importance of practice, especially if talent is gifted, and talent was gifted to them the moment they were born.
Puck was intimidated by the way Ronen built his lessons, in a good way. It was fun and charming in its own way. Heading outside for an Accio duel was the cherry on top of the first experience of a lesson in Hogwarts. A pleasant experience for both. A warm contrast compared to their aunt's way of teaching.
Castor was determined to win the duel. He had a lot of fun casting Accio before, so it was no surprise. What did come as a surprise was that he actually won, especially since Natty was praised by Ronen earlier and she was bloody good at pulling the balls just right. He only won because he played dirty by pushing her off the field.
Puck was sure the Gryffindors would become great friends. Pulling at the fingers of her gloves, she watched them while they chattered.
—-----------------------------------------------------------
Defense against the dark arts was taught by Professor Hecat. A name often mentioned by Cassidy, each word a praise to the woman. Even though every piece of information was shared sparsely, it did not stop the admiration the twins held for the stranger. Who would have thought they would ever get the chance to meet her?
As the pair entered the room, it was bustling with attention towards two boys dueling with each other. Someone from Slytherin and a boy named Leander Prewett. Leander was from the same house as Castor; he shared a dorm with him along with Weasley.
“Is that all you've got?” the Slytherin boy asked with a mocking undertone. With striking confidence, the boy casts Bombarda, which gets blocked by a protection charm. Though what struck most attention was that the charm got sent up to the huge skeleton of a Hebridean black that was hanging on the ceiling.
Before Leander was smashed and buried underneath the skull, most likely dying from the weight and fall, a levitation charm was cast. He hovered right over the kneeling Leander, who had shock written all over his face.
“Perhaps you’d be good enough to blast each other to pieces in your own time. I get new students every year, but I only have one Hebridean black skull,” Hecat said calmly as she walked down the stairs. What a sassy response. “It was a token from the great poacher raid in 1878. No doubt you heard of it.”
They read an article about it when they were five.
“Now you may be asking yourself how an old woman like me single-handedly took out the largest poacher ring in eastern Wales and lived to boast about it. Knowledge.”.
Knowledge is the pure substance of surviving. No matter how uninteresting or interesting, knowledge will pave the way to success in a world full of chaos and rules.
With a flick of her wand, the skull was placed back where it belonged. “To the wise, age matters very little.” Hecat’s words repeated in the heads of the twins like an echo.
“To the wise, age matters very little. Study hard and remember the things you read; it may save your lives.”
“Today we will review a spell that has saved me from death at the hands of dark wizards more times than I care to remember. Levioso," Hecat explained.
For an odd reason, Castor imagined her differently from what he saw today. An old-looking woman with a blue dress. She was just as sassy as Cassidy said, but he imagined her younger-looking. Like a raging fire that cannot be stopped even when you pour water on it.
Leanders face was contorted in that of irritation. It was clear he was not impressed by a mere Levitation charm being taught in a class like defense against the dark arts, and he was brave enough to voice it out loud.
He was quickly proven wrong by Professor Hecat before she let everyone practice the spell. She let him hover in the air before letting the class practice on a feather and a dummy.
Much like Castor, who enjoyed casting Accio in charms class, Puck enjoyed the act of casting Levioso.
“Very good, but the best way to practice is by dueling,” Professor Hecat said, looking around the class and pointing at two people to come forward. “We'll start with you two, Miss Luminara and Mister Sallow.”
It was the Slytherin boy from the first duel. He was surrounded by confidence, which Puck only interpreted as arrogance when she locked eyes with the boy; his eyes were warm. A deep brown that could make the stormiest storm calm down.
“Time for a proper Hogwarts welcome,” he said to her while walking to the other end of the room.
Puck stared at the boy beyond belief at this teasing. Her mouth slightly open, blinking and shaking her head, she got into position as well. She will make sure he eats his words.
“You can only use the basic cast, levioso, and protego; start.”
Even if she had known any other spells, Puck would still try to use as little as possible. She had to feed her ego in some way, and if it included seeing an arrogant man fail, it would be most delightful.
The fact that it only took three minutes to defeat him felt like receiving an honor badge from Merlin himself.
Her eyes slightly squinted in delight over the victory, sparkling with a hint of pride. With her hands folded over each other, the fabric of her gloves itched. Sebastian walks over to her with an impressed expression, dusting off his robes.
“Not bad for a beginner. You give as good as you get,” he smirked, leaving her presence once he spoke his words.
A faint twitch on her lips appeared on Puck's face. Her chin held upwards as she watched the young man leave. She felt pride filling her hollow rib cage.
Quickly after, Hecat approached her with a pleased expression.
“I put you on the spot, and you rose to the challenge. Points to Ravenclaw.”
"Thanks, Professor,” Puck answered dutifully. “I'm glad I got a chance to practice.”
“If what I have seen today is any indication, we can expect great things from you." Hecat praised, “I am sure Miss Cassidy would agree; she did good raising you two after everything.”.
Puck sniffed her nose and nodded.
“I am certain you and your brother will surpass my demand for excellence from my students,” the professor explained with urgency. “A classroom duel is one thing, but battling dark wizards—or, more likely, goblins—is a different kettle grindylow entirely.”
The girl nodded in agreement. A cool gust of air crawled up her spine as she was reminded about what happened yesterday.
“So, I’d advise you to keep practicing whenever you can. Perhaps Mr. Sallow will have some ideas for you, Ms. Luminara." Professor Hecat added that she would reach out soon with extra assignments.
Being reminded that this was still a school in which they lost four years was a comfort she didn't realize she needed to hear. Her tense shoulders felt less like being dragged up by force. Clenched jaw falling back into the softness of skin.
As she stopped feeling like a cold, dead statue, she was able to take her surroundings in less like a burden but as a new chapter of her own biography.
When Puck looked for her brother after class she was unable to spot him, the only logical thought came into her mind that he might have already left. It was no surprise; he wouldn't like to stick to her when she starts filling in the journal, in silence. But she would lie if she would say she was not even a little disappointed.
Nevertheless, she took the words from her professor to heart and walked up to Sebastian Sallow, who was still in the classroom, to her relief.
Standing in front of the confident boy reminded Puck of something she didn't realize sooner; he intimidated her. Looking up into his eyes eased her fear with the comforting warmth his eyes spread.
Puck felt her voice stuck in her throat as she tried saying something. The undeniable embarrassment of this lets her body know what it should do.
“If I am honest, that was a lot of fun,” she told the Slytherin in front. Head high in confidence, face muscles as still as an untouched lake
He smirked. “That duel was quite something. Everyone’ll be talking about it.”.
“Certainly good practice.”
Sallow looked amused at Puck. “Practice? It felt more like I was dueling with an expert. Sebastian Sallow, by the way.”
“I know. Hecat said your name earlier.”
"Didn't expect a new student to be so deft with a wand. Must be running in your family, or this simply wasn't your first duel.”
“Does it also count when you fight your twin for the last cookie?" Puck tried keeping it lighthearted and putting the attention elsewhere.
Sebastian had to laugh; it sounded genuine and boyish. A lot like her brother used to sound.
“Be coy if you like, but I know better. Magic requires intention and talent.” She was definitely caught in her lie, but he seemed nice enough not to press further. “You know,” he started, her interest peaking.
“You might be perfect for a certain exclusive, unsanctioned dueling organization.”
Puck's heart stopped beating for a short moment. excitement traveling up her spine like thunder just hit her.
“Count me in,” she answered, a sparkle of mischief in her eyes. She looked up at Sebastian like a cat trying to catch your attention.
Pleased with her answer, he said, “Excellent. I knew I was right about you." He grinned, “If you want to get the most out of your time in Hogwarts, you're going to need to break the rules now and then.”.
That boy screamed trouble the moment those words left his mouth.