October twenty-ninth, Evening after lights out, Hogwarts Castle
The starry sky, it simply amazes with its magnificence. As soon as you stare at it for a short time, you are already drowning in its beauty. Each star, be it a dwarf or a stellar giant, is a tribute to history; each of them has seen much more in its lifetime than any of us. Sometimes you don't even think about it, because what are stars to us? Just "fireflies" in the sky, but this is far from true.
Even in the Stone Age, people identified the stars with something mystical, with something beyond our understanding. And I can understand them. Even in our time, in the "heyday" of science and reason, we cannot understand exactly what these stars are? What are they made of? Why are they in space? And why exactly the way they are? And I'm not talking about the theory that stars are burning gas, plasma, etc., no. We cannot reliably know what they consist of, as well as everything around.
But let's leave this science and return to the example of the beauty of this sky. Above the castle it was incredibly clear, unshakable, not a single cloud could reach it at that moment. The stars themselves in this sky created abstract figures, visible to each person differently. You look at them and draw a picture that only you understand; many will understand it, but not one of them will be able to thoroughly disassemble and understand your drawing. No one has ever, it was, is and will be. Perhaps this is a reflection of magic? Or maybe not.
And it was at that moment that a figure sat on the open platform of the tower and watched this sky. There was no way to figure out who it was. No face, no figure, nothing was visible. Only the outlines and those are vague.
With its legs dangling, the figure watched the sky. And in her head pictures were drawn that were so beautiful and unique that you couldn't put them into words. After all, as we already understood, no one can do this. Is not it?
Or maybe I'm wrong...
*****
The night air blew on your face, and the stars in the night sky illuminated this world. Somewhere out there, in a dense forest, he lives his own life, understandable only to him. Some are hunting, some are running away, some are hiding, and some are just watching. All this happens in him.
Despite him, the castle, which was located away from the forest, was sleeping. At least most of this castle. As with any rule there are exceptions, so there were those in the castle who did not sleep.
These were both teachers and staff, represented by: Snape and Filch, and students: the prefects and me.
What can you think about during a short break? You can write a separate book about this, and believe me, it will find its reader.
Beautiful weather, just right for summing up the past two months of my life and study at Hoag on the eve of the first major event of this year, which will entail a whole tangle of coincidences and adventures. At least I hope so.
Perhaps I should start from the beginning, with my daily life in the castle. And it wasn't much different from my life during the first two weeks at Hoag. All the same lessons, the same visits to help out rooms, all the same faces. And so on for two months.
No, don't think I'm complaining, I assure you, I like it. The very fact of being in the place of dreams of many millions of people is incredible. The fact that I can learn magic is another important fact.
During this time, my circle of friends did not expand in any way; all this time I only communicated with Nev, a couple of people from senior years, and with teachers. This is me not taking into account random conversations. They are not valued against the general background. In principle, this circle was completely enough for me. I try not to even cross paths with Harry Potter and his "friends." I certainly don't want to be one of his friends and be drawn into the games of my superiors.
But still, one significant conversation took place during these two months. This was about half a month ago.
October eighth, morning after breakfast, corridor of Hogwarts castle.
Walking down the corridor from the Great Hall to the dungeons for potions class, I talked with Nev.
"Listen, Nev," I say to the boy in a serious voice. "You're doing great at brewing potions, there's no need for you to worry."
"It turns out, huh," his lips slowly spread into a sarcastic smile. - Of course, you're right about this, but don't forget that you cook them, and I'm only involved in preparing the ingredients. And this is not the same thing, Col. You know that yourself.
"Yes," a slight nod of the head. "And I also know that preparing the ingredients is at least fifty percent of the success when brewing potions." And you already know this very well. If you want, we can switch roles in this lesson. How do you like this idea?
"No, no, no," frequent waving of his arms and his face, filled with imaginary horror, created a surreal picture that made you want to laugh. "I won't get close to the cauldron within the radius of Avada's spawn, so don't even think about it."
"Ho-oh, that's how it is," I drawled. "You're not coming," I'm sure, at that moment the devils were dancing in my eyes. - Oh, poor Miss Bones. But at school there may be a rumor about the unrequited love of one particular person for this girl. What will other children think of her? Ah, youthful romance - it's wonderful.
"No," my message reached the addressee, at least his pale face speaks about it. -You don't dare do that. Not you.
"Of course not," his face began to take on color, but alas and ah. "But no one denies that right at this moment someone is hearing us." For example, Patil, my devilish smile simply "teared" my face.
- No-no!
"Ha-ha-ha-ha," it seems that every person in this castle heard my laughter. Nev looked so comical at that moment.
So, making fun of each other, we went into the dungeons. True, this did not last long. Three representatives of the green-silver faculty came to meet us. And this procession was led by Draco Malfoy himself.
Approaching us, they stopped not far from us. We also stood in place. We stand silent.
- Do you need something? – I asked a question. Yes, not culturally, yes, not according to etiquette, but I can do it. And all thanks to the previous conversation, or rather its ending. So my statement is most likely not entirely appropriate, I observe etiquette, but at the moment I am talking with a supposed "enemy".
— Good morning, Heir of the Longobotom Family and Mr. Wilson. Can you give us some of your time? — Draco's words, contrary to expectation, were not filled with pride. Was there uncertainty in his voice?
Having exchanged glances with Nev, I nodded my head and said:
- Why not, Heir of the Malfoy Family. Why not talk on this fine morning, right Nev?
"You're right, Kol," Neville confirmed my words.
Having said this, I headed to the nearest branch leading to an empty corridor. Everyone else followed me. I must note that no unnecessary questions were asked, which is undoubtedly good.
We didn't have far to go. Literally a minute later we found the right class. But during this time I managed to think about everything.
And what does he need from me? He definitely doesn't plan to insult me. He is not that good at hiding his emotions, at least I hope so. So there was something different here, something that unsettled him. At least that's what was visible on his face. He doesn't plan to attack either; in the course I have the reputation of being a very gifted child who knows how to use magic better than some aristocrats. He won't do it, that's for sure. What happened to you, Draco?
"Let's skip the empty talk about the weather and so on," I began the conversation, standing against this trio. "I'm sure you have plenty of other things to do, just like we do." I wouldn't want to be late for your dean's class, don't you think?
- Yes, you are right. "We also have our own things to do," Draco said, nodding his head.
- What.
He waved his hand at his escort, waited for them to move away, and then turned back to me.
- Calder Wilson, on behalf of the Malfoy Family and myself, I apologize for the words I said in our last conversation. I acted unbecoming of an aristocrat and a magician. Please forgive me again," all this was said with confidence and dignity in his voice, but his eyes betrayed his real feelings. He was out of sorts. And it seemed that he himself did not believe that he was saying these words.
The girls dance interestingly, in our case fairies. The heir of the Family apologizes to the Muggle-born. And the wording of the apology itself: from the Malfoy family. This privilege can only be given by the head of the Family, therefore, the Head of the Family is aware of our small conflict. Who told him this? Who reports on Draco's movements? Squires? I doubt it, they are not so high-flying birds, and besides, they are children themselves. But you shouldn't discount it. So who is it anyway?
"I accept your apology, Heir, and I don't hold a grudge against you," he couldn't hide his relieved exhalation from me, although he tried. - I hope this is all? Otherwise, I don't want to explain to Professor Snape about our lateness. I think the same for you.
- You're absolutely right. We don't want that either. I'm glad we came to a compromise. Well, have a nice day. We'll leave first.
No sooner said than done. He left us, and after him we left the office.
- How do you like Nev? — I broke the silence.
"I'm shocked, Kol," he replied. "Even in my worst dreams I couldn't imagine that Malfoy would apologize to anyone, let alone a Muggle-born." Sorry, no offense intended," he immediately explained.
- They don't take offense at the truth, Nev, but you're right, it was strange. I would say it's not entirely typical for the presentation of one of the richest families in Magical England," I fell silent and gave Nev time to think. - Oh well, he'll think about it later. We've gone off topic.
- Themes? What topic? - You would have batted your eyes, then maybe I would have believed that you forgot, but I'm sorry, I don't believe it.
- Oh, Nev. "I see your memory is shorter than that of a goldfish," I drawled. "But don't worry, the most important thing is that I remember this."
- Well, no need, Kol. "I'm not ready yet," he pleaded. - Let's do it another time, huh?
- No Nev, everything is decided. Today you are standing by the boiler.
- Eh, - and how much doom there is in the voice. I believe! But you can't break me.
- Ha ha ha.
So we continued our way along the corridor. We didn't meet anyone else on our way. But still, what did your father tell you, Draco? I'll have to keep an eye on you.
*****
This is the conversation I had with Draco. There are no consequences for me, I am still an ignored person from the green-silver side, but there have been changes. The attention in the eyes of their class towards me increased. True Slytherins will first observe and wait, and only then act. Nothing else happened from their side.
By the way, at that lesson Nev was still standing behind the boiler. He didn't do a bad job, even Snape rated it Above Expected, although he looked askance at us at the beginning of the work. So the devil is not as scary as he is portrayed.
What else happened during these months? Well, the cannon "duel" took place. The whole school talked about this, but naturally there was no reaction from the teachers. Only Filch and Snape glanced sideways at the participants in this action. It was as if everyone except these two had gone blind. This raises additional concerns about this situation.
By the way, communication with Crystal continues. It's like some kind of tradition, every morning, on weekdays, before breakfast, we talk about various topics in the living room. The topics are completely different, both about magic and the Muggle world.
True, I didn't stop meeting her in the corridors. It happens that you are going about your business, and she comes to a meeting and looks at you intently, but won't say anything. Only her eyes don't let me calm down. Everything seems to be in order, but no, something flashes in her gaze, which makes it creepy. True, I didn't figure out why exactly.