Chương 67: Chapter 67: The Song of the Little Bird (2)
It seemed that Nyx managed to successfully deliver her owner's message because on Wednesday evening, just before Halloween, Catherine found a short note tucked under her pet's collar stating the following:
31st October/ 14:00 h – to receive from Charmé Chic (7 Glimmering Grove, Hogsmeade). Password: Rosae loquuntur sine verbis.
'Roses speak without words… Let's hope what they have to say is something I would want to hear.' – thought Catherine as she threw the parchment into the roaring fire – 'Tomorrow's going to be quite an interesting day!'
The long-awaited first visit to Hogsmeade for the third-years looked quite promising. After a whole month of drizzle and cold weather, the sun shone brightly on the morning of the 31st of October. Groups of cheerful students gathered around the courtyard, handing Professor McGonagall their signed permission slips and swiftly heading towards the gates.
Dressed in black jeans, a Pink Floyd T-shirt, a leather jacket, and red Converse sneakers, with her hair pulled back in a ponytail, Catherine strolled alongside James, Peter, Sirius, and Remus. She was busy sorting out her plans for the day when Sirius elbowed her quite roughly.
"What the hell?" – she swore, glaring at him, irritated.
"You zoned out again." – was the unapologetic answer.
"It's hardly a reason to shove your elbow in my ribs." – said Catherine sulkily.
"I asked whether you think you would be able to speak in private with Slughorn during the party tonight?" – Sirius repeated as they finally found themselves on the road leading to Hogsmeade
"I'll try my best, but I can't promise you anything. He might favour me; however, I am not that useful to him, therefore he's usually preoccupied with people whose relatives are famous, rich or both." – answered the black-haired girl, frowning – "I'm starting to think I need to get him drunk or something."
"Then, tonight might not be your night, because Lord McMahon is gracing the party with his presence." – Sirius remarked sarcastically.
"He is?" – the young witch seemed a bit surprised.
"Yup, I overheard him talking about the party with his friend…that guy who always hangs out with him."
"Frank?" – Catherine guessed.
"That's the one!" – nodded Sirius.
"In any case, don't push too hard. We don't want anyone to find out what we're up to." – added James – "If you can't get Slughorn's attention, just enjoy the party. At least you got invited."
"I wouldn't have gone even if he had invited me." – shrugged Sirius a bit too casually.
Catherine smiled and threw her arm across the stubborn Gryffindor's shoulders.
"I, on the other hand, would have loved if you were there together with me."
Sirius' face brightened as he smiled back and then burst into laughter.
"You want someone to dress as the Phantom of the Opera to complete your costume, don't you, Flame?"
"Perhaps" - the girl replied, suppressing her own laughter. The notion of having friends still felt surreal, and it was even more remarkable how close they had become, understanding her reactions, tastes, and moods with an uncanny familiarity.
'They seem to know everything... except the truth about who I really am.' - pondered the young witch as her smile waned. The guilt of concealing her identity from the boys lingered, intensifying as their bonds deepened. The fear persisted that if they were to uncover the secrets she harboured, they might abandon her without a second thought.
The five friends finally arrived at their destination. Hogsmeade was buzzing with excitement as students of various ages were bustling around, engaging in lively conversations, exploring shops, and leisurely strolling along the vibrant displays in the windows.
"I need to stop at Zonko's." – announced James, glancing longingly at one of the stores where a huge crowd of students were gathered.
"Me too, but first – the Honeydukes?" – Sirius suggested.
"I would like to do a little bit of sightseeing." – said Catherine.
Eventually, the third-years settled their differences and split up with a promise to meet at noon in front of The Three Broomsticks. Catherine tucked her hand under Remus' arm and the two of them strolled together, enjoying the morning sun and fresh air, filled with delicious aromas from the local shops. They didn't talk a lot but still there was an atmosphere of perfect balance between the two of them. The black-haired girl was certain that her friend chose to accompany her because her plan was the only one that didn't require spending any money. She knew that the Lupin family was struggling with supporting their household and it always felt awkward when they were in a situation which involved buying anything. While Catherine, Sirius and James wouldn't mind one bit to pay for Remus, he usually just smiled sorrowfully and adamantly refused any offers for help.
The pair of Gryffindors passed many tempting stores and cosy establishments, quickly catching up on the latest romantic relationships blooming at Hogwarts.
"I can't believe that Isabeau Branstone is dating Jasper Holloway!" – Catherine giggled as they passed by a small coffee shop with many secluded booths.
"You don't know if they are dating." – commented Remus when they stopped in front of the post office to observe the parliament of owls.
"Yeah, they just decided to have a cup of coffee as friends in a place named Sweetheart Sips!" – chuckled the black-haired witch – "It's just weird because she used to date Alaric Thistlewood last year, and he looks so much better than Jasper."
"Perhaps love is not solely about looks…" – mumbled the boy – "…I hope."
Imperceptibly, they had arrived at the edge of the village, where the road meandered through numerous small hills before vanishing into the nearby mountains. In the distance stood a solitary, weather-worn structure—the sole human creation amid the wilderness that lay ahead. Remus drew in a sharp breath.
"This is the place, isn't it?" – asked Catherine, gently squeezing her friend's arm.
"Yes, this is the so-called Shrieking Shack. Dumbledore started the rumours that a violent gang of ghosts had moved in recently. And I did make sure to provide evidence for his claim." – explained the boy miserably.
"I know it's very difficult for you, Moony." – Catherine whispered softly – "But it's going to get better once we become Animagi, I promise you."
Remus frowned and looked anxiously at his friend.
"This is not going to work. I'm not even worried that I may hurt you. At this point, you messing up the transfiguration is the real danger. Please, stop this! You had your fun investigating; just let it go, Flame!"
"There is no chance in hell I give up on improving your full moon experience!" – the young witch stated decisively, looking around cautiously – "Some Ravenclaws are coming this way; let's head to the pub."
Remus sighed deeply as they walked back towards the centre of the village. During the trip, Catherine was playing anxiously with the tip of the ponytail, her determination to figure out the Animagi potion, growing stronger and stronger.
They reunited with Peter, James, and Sirius, spending two happy hours sipping butterbeer and eating warm cinnamon rolls at The Three Broomsticks, planning the best way to use the items James had bought from Zonko's.
At two o'clock, Catherine bid her classmates goodbye and headed towards Glimmering Grove, a short, paved street, perpendicular to High Street, renowned for its luxury stores. Charmé Chic was a fairly sizable shop at the beginning of the street. A small crowd of witches was gathered in front of the window, daydreaming as an enchanted mannequin danced wearing a splendid jade green dress made of shimmering silk. The gown cascaded down in a graceful A-line silhouette, its sweetheart neckline adorned with ethereal lace, gracefully framing the wearer's collarbones. The bodice showcased of meticulous craftsmanship, featuring a combination of carefully placed crystals and sequins that caught the light with every step. A slender silk ribbon cinched the gown at the waist, creating a perfect balance between opulence and refinement. The mannequin also wore a pair of silver stiletto heels, their gleam complementing the radiant aura created by a few levitating crystal balls.
"It's from the latest collection by Sorcerié." – explained Sabina Avery, a sixth-year from Slytherin – "I read that the theme of the collection was the Ball in the Forest. It's going to be the central motif for the annual Halloween Gala organised by the McMahon family. They say it's one of the most elegant events one could attend."
"Well, if Lavinia's love potion works, she may attend one of these soon enough!" – chuckled Drusilla Rosier, a dark-haired fourth-year who always wore a sullen smile.
"Shut up, Dru!" – snapped Lavinia Nott, and tossed back her long, wavy, sun-kissed brown hair.
Catherine was well-aware that Lavinia was considered as one of the blooming beauties of Hogwarts, and even the older boys were competing for her heart. However, it seemed that she was rather ambitious. The small details, such as love potions being forbidden at Hogwarts, apparently didn't bother the Slytherin witch.
'I need to warn Greg.' – the Gryffindor thought – 'What a bunch of skanks!'
Catherine reached the two marble steps in front of the store, grasped the golden handle, and entered. Gasps trailed behind her, but she didn't turn around. The Gryffindor girl walked directly to the counter, where an elegantly dressed young witch with long red nails was smiling courteously.
"I…there should be a dress for me." – stuttered the third-year, feeling a little intimidated by the fashion consultant witch, who assessed her from head to toe in a manner of seconds.
"Do you happen to know your order's password?" – asked the woman.
"Rosae loquuntur sine verbis." – Catherine spoke the words, written on Greg's note.
Natura nihil frustra facit. – answered the consultant, bowing her head, and disappeared behind a black wooden door, just to return shortly after, carrying a bag with the Sorcerié logo – "Would you like to try it on?"
"No, I'm fine." – Catherine quickly responded – "Is it paid?"
"Of course!" – beamed the witch – "Would you like to see our latest accessories?"
"No, that would do. Thank you very much!" – nodded the girl and left the store. Once outside, she was greeted by a wave of 'aws' and excited screams. The crowd had grown a little bit, and everyone looked with curiosity at Catherine and her bag, although some of the looks were far from friendly.
"How could you, of all people, get clothes from Sorcerié?" - Sabina Avery asked abruptly, her hazel eyes, squinted with suspicion as if she were trying to detect some kind of fraud on the Gryffindor's part.
"Well, I have money they want, and they have clothes I want. It's really not that complicated." – answered Catherine, savoring the irritation clearly visible on Sabina's face, evident by her trembling lower lip.
"Don't try to be wise, Mudblood!" – hissed Lavinia Nott – "We all know you can't just buy dresses from Sorcerié unless you have a password. That's why they are so damn expensive."
"Then, I guess I have a password." – said the Gryffindor witch with a sly smile – "Do you have one yourself, or are you hoping to receive it after you give Greg McMahon the love potion?"
Lavinia's face became bright red, and she immediately drew her wand. The rest of the girls stepped back in fright. Catherine remembered hearing that Lavinia was quick with her spells, but she felt fairly certain she could beat her in a duel.
"What are you doing?" – Greg's voice came from behind Catherine, prompting the young witch to quickly turn around. Her brother was standing a few metres away, accompanied by Frank Longbottom and Benjy Fenwick from his class, as well as Zephyr Sterling and Rowan Fawcett from Ravenclaw. His ocean-blue eyes sparkled with anger, and Catherine was surprised to realise how tall he had grown in the recent year. Even more surprising was the fact that his anger was actually directed towards Lavinia. The third-year felt a warm sensation spreading through her heart, along with the stunning revelation that she could rely on her big brother for protection.
Apparently, Lavinia was also surprised, torn between the desire to appear kind, gentle, and ladylike in front of her crush and the longing to put the sassy, arrogant Catherine Plantier in her place. Eventually, she smiled joyfully and lowered her wand.
"Lord McMahon! What an incredibly fortunate coincidence! We were just talking with Drucilla and Sabina about inviting you for tea and using the chance to practice our French. It's such a rare opportunity to converse with someone so cultured and refined, as well as being a native speaker!"
Catherine almost burst into laughter seeing her brother's face. He used to make the same grimace when he was little and their mother insisted he finish the Brussels sprouts that he loathed.
"I don't accept random tea invitations, especially from people who cause scenes in front of stores and behave like peasants during their first time in town." – he answered deliberately slowly, emphasising every word.
Lavina's face was now completely pale, and angry tears were forming in her eyes. She turned around and briskly left the narrow street, almost running along the stone pavement, while her fellow Slytherin girls attempted to catch up with her.
Greg walked past Catherine and causally whispered without looking at her, trying not to alert the gossiping group of witches who were now discussing how the Slytherins were once again humiliated by a single Gryffindor girl.
"You should watch your back, Flame. I can tell this is not over."
"I know." – Catherine whispered back and added – "And you should watch out for what you put in your mouth. Love potions don't have a taste."
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