//------------------------------// // Memories // Story: Three Werewolves, a Pony, a Seer and a Skepticist walk into Hogwarts... // by SamuelK28 //------------------------------// Thankfully, Limestone’s and Lavender’s desk had been an easy fix for Professor Flitwick who, rather than be annoyed at what Lavender had done, had been impressed with Lavender’s ability to cast the spell successfully so quickly and on such a large object. Despite Limestone’s best attempts to return to attempting Spongify afterwards, maintaining her focus and concentration seemed nigh on impossible due to one after another of her peers following in Susan’s footsteps and losing their concentration resulting in one mishap or another. By the time he had dealt with the sixth minor fire in under half an hour Professor Flitwick had had enough and let the class go ten minutes early again. It became clear to Limestone as she and Lavender left that Leanne had still not forgiven Susan for her actions earlier. “Oh, come on Leanne, you know me well enough to know that if I say it was an accident, it was an accident,” Susan pleaded. “When have I ever broken a promise to you?” Limestone and Lavender both caught the wink from Leanne who refused to reply to her best friend’s pleas. “Hey, I saw that. Well, I guess if you’re not going to talk to me, you’ll have no reservations if I have a rematch with Teeth,” Susan said with a wicked grin. “We’ll try not to…” “You dare and you will find your bed in a thousand pieces when you get back to the dorm tonight,” Leanne interrupted and threatened. Susan’s smirk grew wider as she threw an arm around her friend and pulled her in for a hug. “I knew the silent treatment couldn’t last,” she said giving her friend’s cheek a playful lick. Leanne’s eyes went wide as her cheeks burned red. Susan let out a snort of laughter. “Damn, guess I couldn’t keep my promise after all.” * “Where did you get that?” the ginger haired twit from Gryffindor queried as Limestone mounted the broom Scoti had bought for her. “She bought it for me,” Limestone replied tersely pointing at Scoti. “And I hardly think such a reaction is justified considering your friend has one to.” “Yeah, but it’s a top-of-the-line model and Harry’s a Quidditch prodigy whereas you’re a…” Limestone cracked her knuckles. “I would suggest choosing your next words very, very carefully.” Ron gulped and said no more. “That’s what I thought. Anyone else like to question my broom or flying ability?” Everyone looked away. Even the troublesome blonde-haired brat from Slytherin had nothing to say for a change, although it did not pass Limestone’s attention that he glanced apprehensively in Teeth’s direction, the hellhound currently spread out on the grass enjoying the early autumn sunshine. “No, good,” Limestone said flatly and pushing gently of the ground. Madam Hooch had divided them into their houses for their first flight, or what was supposed to be their first flight in Limestone’s case, and had decided to start with Hufflepuff. Limestone could only presume she wanted to get the more troublesome students out the way first. “Outstanding Miss Pie. I see that private session with Scoti did you the world of good. Miss Bones, you are leaning just a touch too much to the left. That’s it, perfect. Mr McMillan and Mr Finch-Fletchley excellent.” Madam Hooch paused and counted the students that were with her and then spoke to everyone. “Alright, stay just in front of me and do one lap around the training fields then come into land. Understood?” “Yes, professor,” the Hufflepuffs said as one. And a moment later they were in the air. There were a few nervous moments but to Limestone’s surprise they all completed the assigned task without incident, much to Madam Hooch’s relief. Even more astonishing was the fact that, despite a few close calls, all their peers also managed to successfully complete their first flight leaving a broad smile on Madam Hooch’s face as she brought the Ravenclaws in to land. “Excellent all of you. Now, next lesson I shall be setting up an obstacle course and timing you all. These times will help me distinguish the more confident fliers from the more cautious ones. Due to the size of the class this year, I have decided to split the class in half. The more confident fliers shall be under the tutelage of Miss Prewett here whilst I shall focus my attention on those who need a little more encouragement and guidance. It is not the most ideal situation, I know, but it was either this or cutting your Flying lessons to one a week. And be warned, those of you who end up with Miss Prewett, don’t think you can take it easy or not listen to her instructions and guidance because she is a fellow first year student. She is an accomplished and extremely gifted flier who has already demonstrated her talent by passing her broomstick flying aptitude test at such a young age. Any disrespect shown towards her shall lead to serious repercussions including deferring your broomstick flying aptitude test until your second year. Do I make myself clear?” “Yes, Madam Hooch,” most of the class replied aside several Slytherins who muttered mutinously under their breaths. Madam Hooch glowered at them but took no further action as she proceeded to dismiss the class. After depositing her broom back into the broom shed, Limestone joined her dormmates and headed for their next destination. “But I don’t want to!” Susan griped as she was pulled along against her will by Leanne. “Transfiguration sucks.” “Well, to bad. We’ve a whole lesson to catch up on thanks to a certain someone and a hellhound. And considering they are all joining us, it must have been an extra difficult lesson.” Susan groaned and tried to dig her heels into the dirt. “Stop being so stubborn,” Leanne lamented. Do you want a letter sent home to your aunt?” “Pfft, what’s she going to do. She’s not even my real guardian the witch. Hey, what are you doing. Put me down!” “Nope. If I must learn the Transfiguration alphabet then so do you. Now, quit your struggling or I will see if Scoti has any more of that itching powder left,” Limestone said ominously as she lifted Susan’s feet from under her. Susan froze and opted to simply place her arms across her chest and pout as she was carried unceremoniously to her extracurricular Transfiguration class by Leanne and Limestone, earning a fair few more peculiar looks along the way. “I am not even going to ask and instead just be grateful you got her here,” Professor McGonagall said as Leanne and Limestone came barrelling into the classroom, a prostrate Susan swinging side to side between them. They deposited her onto a bench and then waited until Susan picked herself up before placing themselves either side of her. “Hey, what is this?” Susan exclaimed. “Just ensuring you don’t even think about skiving off,” Leanne stated flatly. Susan groaned and slammed her head against the table. A moment later a cough saw her lift it ever so slightly. The sight that greeted her only made her feel ten times worse. “Today’s homework. You shall find the alphabet on the board and if you need assistance, I suggest you read the corresponding chapter in your textbook,” Professor McGonagall barked. “Enjoy.” And with that she left them to their work. Susan’s brain took in the thick wad of parchment and imploded. She let out another groan and hoped her friends would just let her die peacefully here. No such luck as her so-called best friend gave her an almighty slap to the back of the head. “Earth to Susan,” Leanne cackled. “Was that fucking necessary,” Susan swore rubbing the back of her head as she lifted it from the table. “Oh, most definitely,” Leanne cackled once more. “Now, where shall we… why do you suddenly look like you’ve seen a ghost?” Susan was staring intently at the page of squiggles. A tear suddenly slipped down her cheek. “Su, you okay?” Leanne enquired concerned. Susan sniffled and forced out a laugh. “Yeah, fine. Totally fine. Nothing wrong at all.” “Then why are you shaking.” “Shaking? Who’s shaking? I’m not shaking,” Susan clearly lied wiping the tear from her cheek. “Su, you know you are the worst liar ever so could you please just fill me in before I force it out of you one way or another,” Leanne pushed. “There is nothing to tell you, so can we please just get on with translating the spells,” Susan snapped back. “Wait, these are spells?” Leanne said confused looking at her sheet of gobbledygook. “Yeah, it clearly says so at the top of the sheet.” She pointed to a piece of gobbledygook at the top of the sheet. “Spells in this column, translation in this common,” Susan said testily before a cold shiver ran down her spine. “Miss Bones, might I enquire where you learnt to read transfiguration?” Professor McGonagall’s voice droned having overheard the conversation as she had walked away and immediately returned, her interest piqued by the girl’s knowledge. “It is neither a common language nor an easy one to learn, let alone master, especially at such a young age.” Susan glowered at the Transfiguration professor. “You know it is rude to listen in on people’s conversations.” “Say no more.” Another shiver ran down Susan’s spine as a smile, yes, a smile, crept onto Professor McGonagall’s face. “Like mother, like daughter, although I hope it is not just your mother’s temperament you’ve inherited.” And with that she walked off to go help a group of fifth years. “What did she mean by that?” Leanne questioned confused. Limestone let out a heavy sigh. “Professor McGonagall taught Susan’s mother when she was at Hogwarts and passed on some of that knowledge to Susan. Our homework jogged a happy yet painful memory for her.” Leanne stared across at Limestone. “How did you work that out?” “I listened,” Limestone replied bluntly. “Eugh, fine. It was a wet summer’s day when I was six and my mum taught me a supposed secret code she had learnt during her time as an auror. I was always enraptured by stories of her past kicking evil magicians’ butts and she would always use this to her advantage to make me behave. There, you both happy now,” Susan explained moodily as she dipped a quill in some ink and began translating the spells only for Leanne to pull her into a bone crushing hug. “Is that really necessary?” “Yes, yes, it is,” Leanne replied resting her head atop her friends. “You know you can’t hide anything from me, especially how much you miss her,” Susan sighed as her hand faltered on the page of parchment and the quill snapped in her grip as fur began to cover her hand. Not lifting her head up from her work, she mumbled, “I know but it doesn’t make it any easier to talk about her.” “And I won’t push you to, just know that I’ll be here when you’re ready to,” Leanne said softly as she slowly released her best friend. “And that is why you’re my best friend,” Susan responded as she reached into a pocket of her robes and pulled out another quill.