Scoti Alaw Prewett

Chapters

Shopping!
Summer Shenanigans and the Hogwarts Express
The Start of Term Feast
Day 1 Part 1 - Herbology and Transfiguration
Day 1 Part 2 - Boom
Day 1 Part 3 - Lows and Highs
The First Week - Tuesday and Wednesday, BORING!!!!
Thursday part 1: The Unforgiveable Curses
Thursday part 2: Come Fly With Me
Friday: Toil and Bubble, Boil and Trouble
Explosive Hijinxes!
The Quidditch Try-outs!
The Hogwarts Hawk 1
Scootaloo's Monday
Chaos Against the Dark Arts
Halloween
Quidditch 1: Gryffindor vs. Slytherin
Quidditch 2: Hufflepuff vs. Ravenclaw
The End of Term
The Christmas Holidays Part 1: K-I-S-S-I-N-G
The Christmas Holidays Part 2: Christmas Day or is it Hearth's Warming?
Week 1 Term 2: Banter and Basilisks, Pranks and Poison Joke.
Valentine's
The Hogwarts Hawk 2/Quidditch 3: Slytherin vs. Ravenclaw
Quidditch 4: Gryffindor vs. Hufflepuff
The Aftermath
All's Fair in Love and War
Scootaloo and a Dragon too
The Not So Calm Before the Storm
A Centaur's Song
A Matron's Lament.
One by one
Kidnap, Kiss, Transfigure
Exams Week 1- Parrots, Parties, Practicals, Pranks, Premonitions and a Puppy
DADA Practical Exam
Don't you open that trapdoor!
The Eye of the Storm
The B.F.A.Ts
THE RESULTS!!!
Recap and Reconciliation
Quidditch Finale: Hufflepuff vs. Slytherin
The Girl Who Lived
Introductions and Explanations
Sunday: Sweetie's Talk
Remember, Remember, the 4th November

Shopping!

The girls tumbled out of the fireplace one by one into the bleak, grotty run-down pub that hid the entrance to the main shopping district of wizarding Britain. Picking themselves up and dusting themselves off they waited patiently as Professor McGonagall came through after them. In almost no time at all she was leading them out the back of the pub into a small cramped courtyard that appeared to have no exit.

“Huh, so where do we go now professor?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“Just watch and see my dear.” Professor McGonagall explained cryptically before tapping a brick in the wall three times with her wand.

The Cutie Mark Crusaders stared dumbfounded as one by one the bricks seemed to move aside to reveal an archway on to a windy cobbled street.

“Welcome my dears, to Diagon Alley. First things first let’s get that big chest of gems you are carrying Apple Bloom to Gringotts.” Professor McGonagall instructed.

“I’d be mighty grateful if you could. This chest is heavy even for me.” Apple Bloom groaned under the weight of the chest on her back as McGonagall pushed her forward into the alley along with Sweetie and Scootaloo.

The girls stared at all the peculiar items that the shops in this narrow little street offered. Cauldrons, owls, trunks, robes, wands, brooms, telescopes, simply everything a young witch or wizard going too school would require. But they weren’t allowed to stop, oh no. They were pushed forward until they reached a massive snowy-white building that dwarfed all the other shops on the street. A funny little creature shorter than even them with weirdly long fingers and feet stood outside in a scarlet and gold uniform.

“That my dears is a goblin. They run Gringotts. Extremely clever and good with money, but also extremely unfriendly and short tempered. Please let me do the talking once we are inside.” McGonagall explained as they entered the bank.

Very soon they were in a vast marble chamber with a long counter in front of them. Countless goblins sat behind it dealing with all sorts of valuable items, from examining rare gems to weighing bars of gold and silver. Approaching a free teller Professor McGonagall explained.

“Hello there. Miss Prewett here has come to make an exchange and a deposit please. We’d also like to add two further names to the vault and have a key provided for them to. Scoti, your key if you please. Apple Bloom, the gems”

Scootaloo passed over her key to the goblin as Apple Bloom lugged the chest onto the counter. It groaned under the weight. Opening the chest, the goblin stared at such a large fortune for a moment in surprise before his stoic expression returned.

“That is an awfully large number of gems. It might take a while for me to value them all up and I’ll need the second opinion of one of my colleagues. For security reasons might I enquire as to where such a large fortune was acquired and why the need has arisen to utilise our services now.” The goblin requested.

“Certainly. Although Miss Prewett here was originally from the United Kingdom, she has been residing abroad for the past ten years where she met her two accomplices. It is Sweetie’s sister who has provided this rather large endowment so that they all may study at Hogwarts over the course of the next seven years and live in relative comfort whilst doing so.” Professor McGonagall clarified.

“So those two,” the goblin pointed a long spindly finger at Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle, “are foreign dignitaries needing to transfer their wealth into usable currency. Would they not be happier with their own vault each?”

“Having discussed the matter with them they have stated they are quite happy sharing one. It will also make it easier as we will not have to split the value of the gems three ways.”

“Okay, it will make things easier. I’m guessing you’d also like us to set up a direct transfer between their vault and Hogwarts to pay for their tuition.” The goblin asked.

“If you could, that would be most helpful.” McGonagall expressed graciously.

“Okay, if you could please follow Griphook he will take you to a waiting room. We will get an estimate of the gems values to you as soon as possible along with the two new keys.”

An hour later Scootaloo, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle each walked out of Gringotts with a large bag of galleons each whilst the latter two now possessed a key identical to Scootaloo’s tucked safely away in each of their robes. Scootaloo was still staring wide eyed at the piece of paper that showed the estimated amount her vault now held. Although the goblins could only estimate due to the multiple varieties of gems the chest held, rubies, emeralds, diamonds, sapphires, and so forth, the sheer volume of gems, 424 in total, combined with the sizes and rarity of some, put the estimated value at one million, four hundred and twenty six thousand, eight hundred and seventy two galleons, five sickles and twenty three knuts. And this was after the goblins deducted a ten percent transaction fee due to the large scale of the transaction. Overall, the vault now housed over one and half million galleons. Minerva felt sick just thinking about it. Almost all students required a grant from the ministry to help fund their Hogwarts education. These girls had enough galleons to pay for the full seven years for more than twenty students, that was nearly half of the entire first year intake currently. In a daze she led the girls to their next stop, Madam Malkin’s Robes for All Occasions.

They were approached upon entry by a small, plump witch who smiled warmly at them as they entered. “Minerva, it has been too long. What brings you to my little store. Please don’t tell me we have yet more abandoned or orphaned young witches and wizards?”

“Only one Malkin. This is Scoti Alaw Prewett, the last of the Prewett line.” She said pointing at Scootaloo before lowering her voice to a whisper. “I know this is going to sound like I’m loco, but she’s been in hiding in an alternate dimension these past ten years. A realm full of sapient horses or ponies as they prefer to be known as. Unicorns, Pegasi and working horses with super strength. The red-haired girl lifted up Hagrid one handed yesterday without breaking a sweat. Anyway, getting back to the point she and her companions have absolutely no clothes and will require a full wardrobe. Miss Prewett will also need a specialised wardrobe to incorporate her wings, including a fully aerodynamic flight suit. Seeing your face, I can tell this is a lot for you to take in, maybe we could show you what we mean in private?”

Madam Malkin looked at her for a second in complete surprise before replying, “if this was anyone else Minerva I’d be sure you were having me on, but I know you are not the one for jokes. C’mon we can use my office out back.” She turned and led her latest clients out towards the back into a small cramped office. “Imperturbable” She mouthed pointing her wand at the door. “There, now explain.”

“Miss Belle if you’d kindly remove your hat” McGonagall requested.

“Okay” Sweetie replied removing the head piece to reveal a six-inch protrusion from her head.

“Woah. That’s something you don’t see every day. And you said Miss Prewett has wings? This is just the challenge I’ve been waiting for.” Madam Malkin squealed like a little schoolgirl.

It was way nearly 11:30 by the time they made it out of Madam Malkins due to the numerous measurements she had to make with Scootaloo and the discussions surrounding what clothes the girls would like and require. As much as the girls had been enthralled by the measuring tapes and equipment that had danced around their bodies, nothing could compare to how excited Madam Malkin had been with Scootaloo and examining her wings. She had been enraptured in her thoughts over what she could design for the young girl and had stated that with her assistants’ help the clothes should be ready by the end of the following week at the latest.

The next stop on their tour of the alley was Trump’s Trunks and Bags, where the girls learnt the basics on how extension charms work in increasing the interior dimensions of an object whilst also decreasing the weight. Upon Minerva’s advice they opted to go for the deluxe student model which came with ten separate storage compartments to offer more space to divide up their belongings rather than the usual five, a much more advanced featherweight charm and would display their house colours once they were assigned to their Hogwarts house. They also bought similar style satchels to carry their books and equipment to and from classes as this would be easier than using their cauldrons.

From here the girls and Minerva made quick stops at Flourish and Blotts for all their required textbooks, Potage’s Cauldron Shop and Mr Mulpepper’s Apothecary, where they bought a potion making kit and bag, a number of other ingredients essential for first year potions class and quite a few glass phials. Minerva was taking no chances though considering what she’d heard about these girls so far in relation to chaos and accidents, especially after she’d spotted the girls glancing over Curses and Counter-Curses in Flourish and Blotts. It was also on this knowledge that she opted that crystal phials would just be wasted on them. They then had to make a quick exit from the apothecary once Sweetie Belle found the unicorn horns. She was absolutely furious, and Minerva had to get Miss Bloom to physically drag her from the shop.

Bending down on one knee and placing her hands on her shoulders Minerva looked deep into the tearful green eyes of the upset girl and spoke very softly. “I know that must have come as shock to you and I should have been more aware. I’m guessing from your reaction unicorns don’t shed their horns on a regular basis from where you are from.”

“No.” Sweetie muffled. “If you lose your horn it is permanent and irreplaceable and will likely result in you being unable to cast magic. It is why Rarity tells me to take extremely good care of mine. Losing it is the equivalent of an Earth Pony losing one of their legs or a Pegasus a wing and she told me that many ponies often can’t bare living with the embarrassment or shame of losing the part of them that makes them who they are. She said that over ¾ of ponies who suffer such an injury fail to adjust and live beyond a year. That’s what made me so angry. How could someone even think about stripping one of its horn?” The tears were returning once again.

Minerva hugged the girl before explaining. “Now, now, there’s no need for tears. For a start I can safely inform you that unicorn hunting or hurting such a majestic animal is strictly illegal and punishable by life imprisonment in Azkaban, a horrible place only the meanest of people go to, but let us not dwell on thinking about that place for to long. Now, as for the horns. Unicorns in our dimension are non-sentient and often live in herds in variable climates. As such they shed their horns at the end of autumn and grow a new one that is more durable for the winter climate and then shed it again at the end of winter/early spring so that they have one more suited to the summer months. Due to the magical properties and value of the horns, the herds are closely monitored so that the horns can be collected when they are shed. I won’t lie to you and will say that horns are also collected off dead unicorns but once again I will stress that no one in their right mind would ever harm such a majestic creature. Does that at least make some sense?”

Sweetie Belle nodded her head wiping the quickly drying tears from her face. “Thanks Mrs McGonagall. I’m sorry for acting the way I did. It was just an awful shock was all.”

“No, don’t be. Your reaction was completely understandable and as I mentioned it was partly my fault for not bringing up the topic earlier. If you’d like more information, I’m sure Hagrid will be willing to provide it and if it interests you Care of Magical Creatures will be an elective subject in your third year.” Minerva gave the girl a quick hug before letting go and looking around to see only one other girl standing next to Sweetie.

“Okay, thanks again Mrs McGonagall.”

“Good, glad that’s settled. Now Miss Bloom, where hast Miss Prewett disappeared to? We are on a tight schedule and have one more stop before our ice cream break. If I must go hunting for her it will make us late.” Professor McGonagall explained

“Oh, she’s just looking in the window of the broom shop over there” Apple Bloom informed her.

Scootaloo was enthralled by the intriguing instruments that the humans used to apparently fly. Not that she’d need one now her wings worked properly. Still, that Nimbus 2000 certainly was a beautiful piece of. She never finished her thought. Before she even knew what was happening the broom was up and banging on the glass. Almost demanding to be set free.

“How peculiar?”

“Gahhh!” Turning she came face to face with the Hogwarts Deputy Headmistress. “I’m sorry to wander of Mrs. McGonagall, something was just calling to me over here. Are you alright Sweetie, you seemed pretty upset when we left the Apothecary?” Scootaloo asked heading over to give the other girl a hug.

“Yeah, was just a bit of a shock, don’t worry. Minerva explained things and helped calm me down. Shall we head to our next destination?”

The broom banged on the glass more forcefully. Cracks were starting to appear in the glass.

Sighing Minerva grumbled, “I’m going to regret this, but Miss Prewett I think we are going to have to make a small detour. In all my years I’ve never seen a broom demand an owner as much as that one is right now. You have my blessing but will only ride it after you have undergone your basic training with Madam Hooch. Do we have”

Scootaloo was gone. Sighing once more Minerva followed the girl into Quality Quidditch Supplies. The broom had immediately flown of its own accord to the girl and was nuzzling her affectionately causing Scootaloo to giggle uncontrollably. The shopkeeper looked on perplexed

“Well bless my soul. In all my years I’ve never seen anything like it.” Was all he could murmur.

“I couldn’t agree more. That is why I’m willing to grant permission for her to purchase it.”

“Minerva McGonagall allowing a first year to buy a broom. There’s another first. Someone pinch me, I must be dreaming.” The shopkeeper uttered.

“I can assure you that you are not. As you can see this is a unique case and thus why I’m willing to allow such an exception. Now I do apologise but we are on a tight schedule. If you would be so kind as to package the broom we’ll pay and be on our way.”

“Of course, right away.”

Less than five minutes later a girl with a grin wider than that of the Cheshire Cat walked out of the shop hugging her latest purchase as if at any moment someone would attempt to pry it away from her.

“Wow, I’ve never seen her this happy before. It’s kinda frightening.” Apple Bloom remarked.

“Scoti, would you mind putting your broom away in your trunk so that we may continue to our last stop, thankfully it is only two shops down. Ahh, there’s Molly now.” McGonagall instructed exiting the shop behind the entranced child.

“Hi Minerva, how’s it. IS THAT A BROOM!” She cried looking at the item her niece was putting safely in her trunk. Minerva, I would have thought better of you than letting a first year buy a.” Molly scolded before being cut off by Professor McGonagall.

“You see those cracks in the window? They were caused by that broom trying to get to your niece. I wouldn’t have believed it neither if I hadn’t seen it first-hand myself. Also, the joy she expressed upon receiving it is more than worth the reprimanding I shall receive from Albus.”

“A broom caused that much damage.” Molly looked at the cracks in amazement.

“Yes, and do not worry. She will not be flying it until she has had her basic training. Sorry, but we are running just a few minutes behind. We’ve just got to pick up their scales and Telescope from Wiseacre’s. I’ll see to their wands after our break. We’ll be about ten minutes or so.”

“Wow, okay I concede. I’m hoping you’ve realised that considering the actions the broom has taken to be with her it will likely just fly with her if she’s is not allowed to fly it.” Molly deadpanned.

“I may have overlooked that.” Minerva admitted.

In the end Molly and a couple of the Weasley children joined Minerva and the girls in Wiseacre’s. Ron looked on gloomily as Mrs McGonagall picked out three sets of silver scales for the girls, stating how as they had the funds that silver was the better option as it produced more precise and accurate measurements than brass, alongside three brass telescopes. Molly herself opted to pick a brass set of scales for Ron, stating that he’d have to manage with Charlie’s old telescope. Upon hearing this the girls had attempted to intervene saying they’d quite happily pay for a set for Ron as well, but Molly had been adamant that no matter how kind their gesture was, she did not wish to accept their charity. As Molly and Minerva went to pay for the necessary items whilst the girls continued to peruse the assorted bits and bobs, knick knacks and trinkets that were absolutely enthralling them, the latter decided to intervene.

“Molly, I’m guessing you saw that trunk the girls brought with them. I am quite fine with telling you that they have more galleons than either me or Arthur are likely to earn in our lifetimes combined. I understand you have your pride to think of, but why don’t you at least let them get Ron his own wand after our ice cream. You know as well as anyone that hand me down wands don’t work nearly as well with the new owner.” Minerva expressed.

Molly harrumphed. “I’m sure that old wand of Charlie’s will work just fine, but I saw the look on his face when we bought Percy his owl for being made a prefect. You know I wouldn’t trade my life for anything, I love each and every one of them dearly, but it’s not always easy trying to support seven children. Purely as I know how important the wand is for the witch or wizard when casting spells I’ll concede on this matter, but don’t think I’ll accept any more acts of charity.” Molly finished sternly.

“Thank you, and I wouldn’t dream of it. Now shall we call the brood over and go get our…”

“DARKNESS IS COMING TO HOGWARTS. HE SHALL RETURN. TRUST NO ONE. BEWARE, BEWARE, BEWARE!” An ominous voice called out behind them. As they turned to see what the commotion was this time, they saw Ron, Ginny, Apple Bloom and Sweetie all staring and pointing at Scootaloo mouths agape as the latter was staring distantly into a crystal ball.

“Oh brilliant. Apparently, she’s a seer as well.” Minerva sighed. This was truly going to be an interesting year at Hogwarts.

The girls and the Weasley children were happily devouring their second ice creams outside Fortescue’s whilst Minerva and Molly discussed the afternoon’s plans.

“So, I’ll take the girls and Ron to Ollivanders to collect their wands whilst you Ginny, Percy, Fred and George go over to Ronan's Magical Supermart to do some basics shopping. Thanks again for offering to get the girls basic hygiene supplies, they didn’t particularly arrive with anything when thy dropped into my office yesterday. Oh, and that reminds me. We’ll need to pop into Scribbulus Writing Implements on our way over to Ollivanders. I’m guessing the girls are going to need a few lessons in learning to write with their hands.” Professor McGonagall stated.

“Minerva, you know I’d never turn away family and the stipend the school has provided us with is more than enough to pay for their upkeep over the next month. I’m just slightly concerned over their safety after that warning. Do you really believe You-Know-Who could return?”

“Who knows Molly, although I certainly hope not. We are only now starting to recover from the last one. I suggest for now we put it to the back of our minds and finish our ice creams before eight children demand a third.” Minerva laughed as she noticed the rapidly disappearing ice creams across from her although secretly thinking that the matter would most certainly be brought up with Albus upon her return to Hogwarts.

“Mum” it was Ron who piped up from across the table having finished his second double chocolate chip and salted caramel ice cream. “I thought you said you couldn’t afford me a new wand. Not that I’m not grateful but I don’t want to put you out. I know things are tough right now financially and I’m sure I’ll be able to cope okay with Charlie’s old one.”

“Ron, I’ll be honest with you. We can’t afford you a new wand, but your cousin and her friends have offered to buy you one and reluctantly I’ve decided to accept the offer. At the end of the day, I don’t wish to hinder your education through sub-standard equipment if I can help it, but you do also need to understand about budgeting and finances. Therefore, I’m only allowing them to buy you the new wand and nothing else. Okay?”

“Wait, is anyone else curious as to how these three young girls are able to pay for all this equipment? Not trying to be ungrateful, just curious is all.”

Just finishing her ice cream Scootaloo didn’t bother to reply, instead just passing Ron a piece of paper across the table.

Ron whimpered and all the breath left his body as he started making bizarre incomprehensible noises.

Sitting next to him and wondering what had got Ron all flustered Percy decided to peer at the piece of paper over Ron’s shoulder. His eyes nearly shot out of his head. “Woah” was all he could muster as Molly, wanting to know what had got her sons so flustered, levitated the paper across the table to herself.

“My word Minerva, you weren’t kidding. Girls, I wonder if you could do me one more massive favour.”

*
So, after a quick stop at Scribbulus Writing Implements where the girls ended up buying the majority of the stores colour changing ink along with stacks and stacks of parchment, it was five children, not four who ended up outside Ollivanders: Makers of Fine Wands since 382 BCalongside Professor McGonagall. Upon entering the children were all deeply mesmerized by the thousands upon thousands of little boxes that were stacked all the way up to the ceiling.

“Good afternoon,” a soft voice cooed, causing all bar Minerva to jump, as an elderly man with wide eyes appeared before them. “What an interesting assortment we have here. Two are definitely Weasleys, but the other three, I cannot get a fix. My oh my can it be, a Prewett? I thought they were all gone. This is certainly a joyous occasion although I’m still unsure on your two friends. They do not seem to be from these shores or anywhere I can pinpoint.”

“Garrick, it is good to see you again old friend. How’s business been?” Professor McGonagall enquired.

“Same old, same old, enough to keep me going. Something caught your eye young Miss? His attention had swiftly turned to Sweetie Belle who was aimlessly wandering the shop before one of the boxes shot of the shelf into her right hand. “Ahh, Holly, 8 ½ inches, unicorn hair core, slightly pliable. Something tells me there is someone of elegance, grace and decorum you look up to and wish to be like, but bursts of anger and impetuosity often hinder such aspirations. You are also extremely loyal and protective of those closest to you. Well that’s one down let us hope the rest of you can be just as easy.

In short time three more of the five children had their wands. Ron had been chosen by a 14-inch-long willow with a unicorn hair core whilst his younger sister had once again been chosen by a core of unicorn hair although hers was of yew wood and shorter than her brothers. Unsurprisingly Apple Bloom ended up being chosen by an 11 ½ inch Applewood wand with a Phoenix feather core, leading to Ollivander stating that she must be one with the purest and honest of hearts to possess such a wand. That just left Scootaloo, who was currently sitting next to a pile of discarded wands and a wake of destruction around her, including, but not limited to, a burnt bookcase, several broken vases and glass cases and numerous paperwork scattered all across the floor.

“Hmm, you are certainly a tricky one. I wonder.” Ollivander mused before disappearing momentarily. He returned with a small locked black case. “This is a very rare and expensive wand. It is extremely powerful and is best suited to those with a more flamboyant and dramatic style of magic. I think it would be perfectly suited for you. Cherry wood, flexible, dragon heartstring, 16 inches in length.” He uttered slowly opening the box. The wand shot straight into Scootaloo’s left hand and her hair literally set on fire. “I think we have a winner. Now as I can see the natural affinity between wand and owner, I’m willing to do that wand for half its asking price. It will still be 100 galleons. Will that be an issue?” Ollivander shuffled nervously not wanting to deny the girl her rightful wand but at the same time knowing that he had a business to run and think about to.”

“I can inform you that will not be a problem Garrick, but if you don’t mind me asking, just how powerful is that wand and should I possibly be looking at a dampener to prevent Miss Prewett from levelling the school to the ground?” Professor McGonagall queried.

Garrick let out a breath, thankful that there was no issue surrounding price. “I would strongly recommend against that as a wand of such power would likely dismiss such a spell put upon it and react badly. I’d suggest just monitoring her usage until she is capable of handling its power on her own. Such a wand requires extreme self-control and strength of mind.” Garrick explained.

“I understand. Miss Prewett, you are not to use your wand unless in the company of a Hogwarts professor or Mrs Weasley until I say you can do otherwise. Do I make myself absolutely clear?” Minerva said with authority.

“Yes, Professor McGonagall.” Scootaloo replied mournfully placing the wand back within its box and letting her mohawk return to its natural cerise colour.”

“Please don’t look so glum. This is just until you learn how to use it properly so as not to cause yourself or others harm. You’d feel awful if you accidentally hurt your friends because you failed to know how to properly wield your wand, wouldn’t you?”

Scootaloo nodded her head still looking downcast but understanding the importance of such safety measures. Still, her wand was totally radical and awesome, plus Professor McGonagall had let her buy that broom as well so she couldn’t be to disappointed. Slowly a smile returned to her face. Magic school was going to be awesome.

Their final two stops before re-joining Molly, the twins and Percy were Jebediah’s jewellery for a neck-chain and lockbox for their vault keys and Magical Menagerie’s where they picked up a cage, some toys and food for Wally. They were even allowed a quick stop at Sugarplum’s Sweets Shop whilst Minerva had a grown-up talk with Molly. Here they bought an array of weird confectionary including Chocolate Frogs, Every Flavour Beans and Cauldron Cakes. Finally, it was time for them to head back to The Burrow. It had been a long day for everybody, especially the girls, as their eyes were literally drooping by the time they got back into the Leaky Cauldron.

“Now girls. I’ll see you all in a month’s time. I expect during this period for you to spend a couple of hours a day on reading and going over your textbooks and a further hour of practicing your handwriting so that you will be at the same level as your classmates when you begin your studies. Molly has promised me that she will oversee and ensure you are keeping to this schedule as a minimum, otherwise she’ll be informing me and I can assure you I’ll have no problem removing your name from this year’s entry list. Do I make myself clear?”

“Yes, Professor McGonagall.” The Cutie Mark Crusaders all chorused as one.

“Good, now I wish you all an enjoyable remainder of the school holidays and I’ll see you in a month’s time. Miss Prewett, Arthur will also be discussing with you over the next few days your house’s seat on the Magic Council, but I’ll leave that for him to explain in further detail. I’ve a lot of work to catch up on that I’ve missed over the past couple of days.” And with that last of bit of information Professor McGonagall stepped into the fireplace and floo powdered herself back to Hogwarts.

*
“Yes Albus, Sybil, that’s exactly what happened. They were perusing Wiseacre’s and she came across a crystal ball. I was talking to Molly at the time so didn’t see what initially happened. I only heard what she said and when I turned around, I saw her transfixed upon the crystal ball stating clear as day. ‘Darkness is coming to Hogwarts. He shall return. Trust no one. Beware, beware, beware!’ Shen then collapsed into my arms and when she awoke a few minutes later she couldn’t remember anything after she looked at the crystal ball.” Minerva transcribed the events that occurred in Wiseacre’s through the floo in her personal quarters.

“It is clear to me that is a premonition of what is to come this year. What we must not do is try to alter it in anyway and simply go about the year as normal simply heeding the warning and keeping an eye out for any possible signs of his return or infiltration of Hogwarts. Remember that actively trying to alter the course of the future is like betting red or black on a roulette wheel, you’ve a 50/50 chance of a positive and a negative outcome.”

“Sybil, you cannot be serious. There are children’s lives at stake here. Albus, surely the stone would be better off kept in Gringotts.” Minerva expressed her opinion.

“Sorry Minerva, but Sybil is right. We cannot alter the course of destiny for fear of making a worse one. The stone and Harry Potter will both be arriving at Hogwarts this year. Sybil, you have my blessing to visit this girl. If she demonstrates any further interest in the subject or makes any further predictions, I will allow you a one on one session with her once a week during one of her free periods. Now unless there is anything else, I wish you all a good evening.” Albus stated.

“Although I’m slightly against this, I understand that it is necessary in the grand scheme of things. Have a good evening the both of you.” And with that Minerva disconnected the floo and headed for bed. It had been a long day.

Author's Note

1 minor edit, section in bold is added content.
Garrick let out a breath, thankful that there was no issue surrounding price. “I would strongly recommend against that as a wand of such power would likely dismiss such a spell put upon it and react badly. I’d suggest just monitoring her usage until she is capable of handling its power on her own. Such a wand requires extreme self-control and strength of mind.” Garrick explained.

Summer Shenanigans and the Hogwarts Express

Tuesday August 13th 1991 – The Burrow, Ottery St Catchpole, Devon

Scootaloo sat reading the textbook, Magical Drafts and Potions by Arsenius Jigger, in silence thinking over the past two weeks. It had mostly been divided into two parts apart from the few times she’d visited Diagon Alley again, including collecting the awesome clothes that Madam Malkin had made her, and the day she’d spent at the Ministry of Magic. It was here where she learnt about how wizarding Britain worked. Unlike back home, where the princesses took charge, here there were a lot more people involved on something called the Wizengamot or Magical Parliament who met once a month and voted on certain orders of business. It had been an enthralling day and she’d been introduced in front of the entire hall of wizards and witches. She’d also learnt that the one who had struck her mother down, Lucius Malfoy, sat on this parliament. It had taken all her willpower not to attempt to attack him right there and then. Lucius and Arthur along with several others had looked at her in shock though when he’d approached her in an apparent act of friendship only to be told that she didn’t deal with murderers and that the House of Prewett would never whilst she was alive have dealings with or support the House of Malfoy. She then spat in disgust at the floor in front of him and walked away. Arthur had decided it wise not to ask her about it as he could clearly see it was a sore subject for her. Thankfully she would not have to deal with the Magic council again until she was sixteen, with Arthur sitting as a proxy in her stead until that time.

The other days had been divided into two distinct parts. The first was flying and learning the game of quidditch in pretty much the entirety of her free time. Although she’d kept her promise to the professor in not flying her new broom, the broom had often demanded to join her in her early morning flights. The twins had also discovered that there was nothing in the laws of quidditch to state that you had to use a broomstick, just that you could not use artificial forms of flight, such as magically constructed wings or jet packs and so forth. Thus, she’d played using her wings and the beautiful flight suit Madam Malkin had made her. The twins had swiftly discovered that although her small form put her at a disadvantage in a number of positions due to the rough and tumble nature of the sport, her nimbleness and ability to dodge tackles and seemingly appear out of nowhere made her ideally suited to both the chaser and seeker positions. The twins had quickly informed her they hoped she was placed in Gryffindor as they most certainly did not want to face her in a real game.

Most of her time though had been spent with either her head in a book, quill in hoof, sorry hand, or both. Unlike Apple Bloom who had taken an instant attraction to Potions and Herbology and Sweetie who she often woke up to late at night to see observing the stars or had transfigured yet another object. The latter had already been classed as a Metamorphmagus and was often utilising her horn to attempt to change into yet another animal. Herself on the other hand had struggled, badly. Her writing had certainly improved although was still nowhere as neat as Sweetie’s or even Apple Bloom’s, but she just was not a natural book worm. The fact that Molly had flatly refused to allow her to use her wand and apply the knowledge she was learning practically until she was at Hogwarts had not helped either. Whilst her friends had already dismissed the books on their preferred topics and had made good inroads on the others, she herself had only just managed to get through the standard book of spells, although she still didn’t understand most of them, and the majority of Fantastic Beasts, due to the numerous intriguing pictures it contained, on her own. It was only thanks to her friends’ encouragement that she had managed to keep up with them on the others, just barely and only through twice as much studying. Even now, this book in front of her just seemed to be an absolute blur of words, diagrams, and numbers. Eugh, if she was struggling now, how would she cope at Hogwarts? What would she do if she was sorted into a different house from them and they weren’t able to help her? Was she really cut out for Magic School? Her schoolwork back in Equestria had barely been adequate even with her friends help. Lost in a sea of worry she barely registered the knock at her bedroom door and Molly’s head popping in.

“Not interrupting, am I?”

“No, Aunt Molly. Is Hogwarts really going to be this hard?” Scootaloo asked.

Molly chuckled. “Don’t you worry. Most students barely even look at a textbook before their first year begins, so you’re going to be fine. Professor McGonagall was just scaring you is all.”

“Yes, but both Bloom and Sweetie seem to be doing way better than me. Apple Bloom has already made several successful potions, whilst Sweetie seems to transfigure into a new animal daily.” Scootaloo groused.

“Ahh, but have they got the gift?” A voice echoed behind Molly. A scruffy brown-haired, middle aged woman with thick round spectacles pushed past Molly and into the room. “Apologies, my name is Sybil Trelawney, teacher of divination at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I’ve heard a lot about you Miss Prewett and have bought you a few gifts.” The woman preceded to pull out a crystal ball and two books from her bag, along with a bag of Bertie’s Every Flavour Beans and a pack of cards.

“Oh yay, more books. As if I wasn’t having enough trouble with the ones I already have.” Scootaloo deadpanned “and as for the beans. I worked out that more than half of them are disgusting flavours. Who in their right mind would want a ketchup flavoured sweet, let alone a soap flavoured one? The only decent thing I got from them was that I was able to win a few bets with the others, until they realised I was guessing correctly almost every single time.”

“Hmm, so you are telling me you can tell the flavour of the beans just from looking at them.” The teacher looked at Scootaloo intrigued. “Then what might this one be” she finished pulling a dark green bean out the bag.

“That would be cucumber.” Scootaloo instantly replied.

Trelawney passed the bean to Molly. “If you please, to avoid bias.”

Molly took the bean and tasted it before nodding her head.

“Okay, this one.” Another green bean similar in colour to the first.

“Mint” was Scootaloo’s response.

Another nod from Molly.

Two more green beans followed.

“Spinach and Sprouts.”

Molly nodded along again as Trelawney pulled one last bean out the bag. This one was dark brown.

“Trust me, you DO NOT want to eat that one. It’s horse dung.” Scootaloo replied with repulsion etched across her face.

Molly instantly backed away not willing to…

The bean was forced into her mouth and she immediately spat it back out again before fleeing the room desperate to go find something to get the vile taste out of her mouth.

“Hmm, think that’s enough proof.” Trelawney murmured walking over to Scootaloo and wrapping her arms around the girl and giving her a massive hug.

Scootaloo was left stunned and unsure on what to do next. Wait, was she crying?

“You don’t know how long I’ve waited for someone as special as you are. It is very rare to find someone who has such a naturally gifted Sight. You will do well and enjoy divination my dear. Now, let me show you a few other aspects of the course. Firstly, crystal gazing. This crystal ball, tarot cards and the textbooks are gifts from me to you, although you’ll find that the books will only take you so far in this subject. They are simply there to help guide you in understanding what you see in your visions, the cards, tea leaves and so forth, because mark my words young one, you are going to be something special and will see a lot. Now let us see what the crystal ball will reveal to us today…”

*
5 minutes later Scootaloo was pelting down the stairs at full pelt screaming for Aunt Molly who poked her head out of the bathroom with her toothbrush still in her mouth wondering what in blazes had caused her niece to become so frantic. The smell of smoke suddenly wafted into her nostrils.

30 seconds earlier

The fog had slowly dissipated to reveal a blaze of orange and was that Sweetie Belle? Oh no. Scootaloo didn’t need a second look to know what that meant. She pelted out of the room as quickly as she could.

*
Thankfully due to Scootaloo’s vision, Sweetie’s first attempt at potion making had not resulted in The Burrow ending up as little more than a pile of ash. Molly and the twins were currently dealing with putting the kitchen back together whilst the forlorn girl had been taken to St Mungo’s covered in itchy red boils by Percy and Apple Bloom.

“I can’t believe how a common cure for boils could go so wrong.” Ron exclaimed staring at the smoke still flowing out of the kitchen of The Burrow.

“At least it wasn’t any worse thanks to Scootaloo’s vision.” Trelawney said admiringly. “Now, shall we continue our lesson out here? You are more than willing to join us Ronald? You can never be too young to learn divination.”

“Thanks, but I’ll pass. I’d rather not know that the house I’m in is possibly burning to the ground.” Ron admitted walking off to see if he could help his mum or the twins with the fallout from Sweetie’s failed first potions attempt.

Scootaloo beamed happily. She had found her magical calling.

Scootaloo spent an enthralling afternoon learning about all manner of ways to predict the future, from crystal gazing to tarot reading, Heptomology and Palmistry to understanding how to interpret dreams and visions.

“Now it is almost time for me to return to Hogwarts, but first I’ve a form for you to sign.” The mysterious and scruffy teacher informed Scootaloo. “Divination is an elective class from your third year onward but I’ve been given special dispensation to take you on a one to one tutoring basis if you are willing to give up your Friday afternoon this year. Considering your natural affinity for the art I wouldn’t be surprised with a little bit of hard work you could be taking you exams by the end of year two or three. But this comes with the condition that you don’t fall behind in any of your core studies. So, would you like to continue our sessions upon your arrival in a few weeks?

Scootaloo pulled the piece of paper out of Trelawney’s hand and taking her quill in her other hand signed the piece of paper with no hesitation. For the remainder of the holidays she found that her studying had become just that little bit easier.

*
Besides Sweetie’s two day stay at St Mungo’s, the rest of the month of August amazingly went relatively without incident for the Cutie Mark Crusaders, to Molly’s relief. The only other shock Molly received was when Scootaloo came down stairs one afternoon to say she was going off to play quidditch with the boys but would be back in an hour with a couple of broken ribs from a rogue bludger, stating that there was no point avoiding the inevitable in case it led to something worse. Less than two hours later they were sitting in St Mungo’s. Aside from this though the remainder of the month went by without any problems and for the first time in the CMC’s history they’d gone a whole month without a tree sap related incident. As they settled into their beds on the final night of August Scootaloo laid awake for a while wondering what tomorrow would bring. She was unsure whether this was down to nerves or excitement or it could have been due to her ribs still aching from the accident a few days earlier.

“Hey, Scoots, you awake? I’m too nervous?” Apple Bloom called from the bed under hers.

“Yeah, same here. What house do you think we’ll be sorted into?” Scootaloo replied.

“I don’t mind as long as we’re all together and it’s not Slytherin. They sound like a bunch of meanies like Diamond Tiara.” A third voice called from a bed across the room.

“Yeah, I don’t think I’d cope not being with you two.” Scootaloo commented.

“Same.” Apple Bloom piped in. “I wonder how you get placed into your house? Personally, I like the sound of Hufflepuff or Gryffindor. Slytherin sounds like a bunch of meanies whilst Ravenclaw seems to be a bunch of eggheads only intent on studying and nothing else.”

“Hmm, you make a good point there Apple Bloom. I’ll guess will find out tomorrow how they sort us. Ravenclaw doesn’t sound that bad though.” Sweetie Belle argued.

“Says the Brainiac.” Scootaloo chipped in. “Sorry Sweetie but think I’d have to agree with Bloom on this one, Hufflepuff or Gryffindor.”

Before Sweetie could respond, Molly’s head popped round the door. “Hey girls, know your excited about tomorrow but it’s time for sleep now please.”

“Sorry Aunt Molly.” Scootaloo replied for the three of them as the door closed.

It took them a while but finally all three of the Cutie Mark Crusaders were snuggled deep within their covers dreaming of what was to come the following day.

Scootaloo had no idea where she was. Was this a dream. Mist swirled around her preventing her from seeing anything. Suddenly a grotesque face appeared from the gloom howling in agony. Scootaloo awoke with a start as the early morning sun shined through the curtains into the room. From somewhere the cockerel gave its early morning chant. Realising that there was little point in heading back to bed she crawled off the top bunk and jumped down to the floor, seeing Apple Bloom’s bed was already empty as she headed for the bathroom. Wiping her face with some cold water she tried to get the deformed monstrosity out of her mind. What in Equestria had that been. She’d have to look in that book of Dream Interpretations Mrs Trelawney had provided her with and then talk to her about it when she had the chance. Making her way back to the room she shared with Sweetie and Bloom she saw that the former had yet to rise and in a rather unladylike fashion was entangled within her bed sheets. With a wicked grin plastered across her face, Scootaloo headed back to the bathroom.

Molly and Apple Bloom stopped in their breakfast preparation as they heard a piercing shriek from upstairs followed by a rather loud and unladylike “SCOOTALOO YOU’RE DEAD” as said mentioned girl came racing through the kitchen grabbing a piece of buttered toast before shooting out the backdoor as a rather drenched Sweetie Belle emerged behind her chasing her outside.

“Well that was an interesting start to the day.” Apple Bloom commented.

“Indeed.” Molly agreed continuing with making breakfast.

“DUCKLIFORS” Came the cry from outside causing Molly and Apple Bloom to look at each other for a moment before racing outside.

“MISS BELLE. TURN HER BACK THIS INSTANT.” Molly cried in anger and disbelief. She was now regretting allowing Miss Belle to purchase those textbooks on advanced transfiguration.

“Can’t. Haven’t got that far yet in the textbook. Don’t worry, it’ll wear off in a few hours before we have to leave.” Sweetie smiled smugly before a lump of duck poo landed atop her sodden hair. “Oh, that does it.”

Thankfully Apple Bloom was quicker and had disarmed and wrestled her clearly aggravated friend to the ground before she could retaliate once more. Considering how much resistance she was giving to her; Apple Bloom wouldn’t have been surprised if Sweetie had attempted to turn Scoots into duck kebabs if she hadn’t intervened.

By now the entire house had been awoken by the disturbance and were once again making their way outside to see what chaos the girls had got themselves into this time.

“Huh, Ducklifors. That’s a powerful transfiguration spell most fourth years would have trouble with let alone a girl who hasn’t even begun her education. Remind me to avoid making her mad. What did Scoti do anyway?” Percy said, impressed by Sweetie’s ability.

“I think she gave Sweetie a cold early morning bed bath and then had the audacity to poo on her.” Apple Bloom replied. “Now anyone like to help me calm her down before we have duck kebabs on the breakfast menu.”

The twins fell on the floor laughing.

“That’s priceless. Wish I’d been there to see it.” One of them commented as Percy and Ron came to help restrain the irate girl as Molly came across and knelt in front of Sweetie.

“I can understand that was a nasty trick for Scoti to play on you, but you must never, ever, retaliate in such a way. Such actions will get you in a lot of trouble at Hogwarts and even expelled and none of us want that. Now come along and I’ll help you wash up.” Molly ended with a hug as she could see that Sweetie was on the edge of tears.

“Anaslifors” Arthur instructed on the duck that had now decided to pull a worm out the ground.

“Eww.” Scootaloo groaned spitting the worm out.

“AND YOU WILL APOLOGISE THIS INSTANT OR SO HELP ME I’LL SEND YOU TO HOGWARTS HUNGRY.” Molly shot her niece a death stare that Fluttershy would be proud off.

“Eeeep.” Scootaloo squealed. “Sweetie, you know I didn’t mean any harm by it and I am sorry. That was a brilliant revenge prank by the way and I’m sorry I pooped in your hair. I’ll come and help Molly wash it for you.” Scootaloo muttered her head down and looking at the ground.

Sweetie smiled wiping away the tears before pulling away from Molly’s embrace and heading over to Scootaloo giving her a friendly punch on the arm before embracing her with a hug. “Don’t look so down. I will admit it was a funny prank” she snickered before leaning in and whispering coolly in Scootaloo’s ear “just never do it again or I’ll make leeks sprout out your ears.”

Scootaloo had yet to even start her Hogwarts education but had learnt the most valuable lesson she’d ever get in her seven years of magical education. Never get on Sweetie’s bad side.

*
The early morning antics swiftly forgotten the CMC ate a hearty breakfast before making last minute packing arrangements whilst Wally made inappropriate comments behind them.

“That bird is so going to get us into trouble” Sweetie groaned.
“Oy, I have a name bitch.” Wally replied.

“Maybe so, but he’s also great company and an absolute sweet.” Apple Bloom responded giving the bird a pet before feeding him yet another cracker.

“You spoil him with anymore crackers he won’t be able to fly soon. Now c’mon girls, no time for dawdling, we need to get these chest downstairs, or we’ll end up missing our train.” Scootaloo interrupted heading for the door to the room they had called their own the past month.

After flooing to the nearest safe point, the girls and the Weasley clan, minus Arthur, had hurried into London Kings Cross Station. With Molly in charge she pulled the brood of children expertly through the station to a brick archway between platforms nine and ten. The girls watched in amazement as Percy ran straight through the wall followed by the twins.

“Now girls, who wants to go first?” Molly instructed.

She didn’t need to say anymore as Scootaloo went hurtling at the barrier, tumbling through onto platform 9 ¾ where a steam train similar to that she was used to back in Ponyville awaited her. A sign overhead said Hogwarts Express, 11 o’clock. Shortly she was joined by the others and another dark-haired boy with round spectacles on his face.

“Alright now girls. It has been truly wonderful to have you stay with us this past month. I really do hope you enjoy your time at Hogwarts this year and hopefully you’ll be willing to visit again sometime next summer.” Molly said with a hint of sadness in her voice bending down on one knee to her niece. “Thank you so much for mending my heart over the past month. You ever need me I’m sure Wally will happily carry a letter for you. Please come back to visit when you can. Your mother and father would be so proud of you.” She finished with a hug as a tear flowed down her cheek. “Now go before all the compartments are filled up and you two”, she pointed at Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle. “Keep my niece safe.” She finished pushing Scootaloo away.

“Yes mam.” Apple Bloom replied, before turning and lugging her trunk down the platform to find an empty compartment on the train. She was shortly followed by Sweetie and Scootaloo struggling with their own cases, the latter giving one last look at her smiling aunt waving her off.

The girls ended up sharing a compartment with the dark-haired boy with glasses and shortly they were joined by Ron who crammed in with them as everywhere else was full. To make it easier the girls had already dressed in their robes back at The Burrow with Molly placing a charm that meant the Muggles didn’t pay much attention to their weird dress sense.

“Finally,” Scootaloo groaned. She stood up and let her robe drop to the floor, stretching her wings out as she did so. “I thought I’d never get the chance to stretch my wings. My word I’ve got such bad cramp.”

Harry looked at the girl in astonishment. She had wings. Gorgeous bright orange feathery wings!

“Oh yeah, you’ll get used to that. She’s spent ten years in another dimension as a horse.” Ron deadpanned.

“Pony” Sweetie Belle admonished removing her hat to reveal her horn.

“Whatever. And those two are her best friends from said dimension. As you can probably tell, Sweetie’s a unicorn, Scoti or Scootaloo as she prefers to be called is now part Pegasus and Apple Bloom is an Earth pony with the strength of at least ten trolls.”

Harry’s mouth opened and closed like a fish gasping for air out of water. He’d seen a lot of strange things in the past month but this was by far the strangest. Alternate dimension? Sentient horses?

At that precise moment the door to the compartment opened and the twins appeared and saw the look on Harry’s face.

“Yeah, caught us by surprise the first time we saw them to. Anyway Ron, apparently Lee Jordan’s got a Tarantula so we’re heading down to the middle of the train.” One of the twins commented.

“She’s got wings.” Harry mumbled still in shock.

“Yes Harry, we can see.” The other twin stated. “By the way, I’m Fred and that’s George. And that’s Ron our brother. See you later then.”

“Bye,” chorused the whole compartment, minus Harry, as the twins slid the compartment door shut whilst Scootaloo folded her wings back up and took her seat between Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle.

“Are you really Harry Potter?” Ron blurted out as soon as the twins left.

Harry nodded, slowly coming to terms with the human Pegasus and unicorn sat across from him. He peeled back his fringe to reveal the lightning scar atop his forehead.

“So that’s where You-Know-Who? Ron questioned?

“Yes, although I can’t remember it, bar from a lot of green light.”

“Wow.” Chorused Ron who suddenly realized there were three perplexed faces staring across at them.

“Excuse me if I sound dumb, but who’s You-Know-Who and why are you so famous?” Sweetie asked what was on all three of the girls’ minds.

*
After a long explanation from Ron about the wizarding war during which he’d brought his pet rat Scabbers out to sit on his lap, Harry had bought a whole wagon full of sweets from the tea lady and a boy had entered enquiring about a lost toad, Scootaloo had switched seats with Apple Bloom so that she, Sweetie and the two boys could discuss which was the best Hogwarts House. Scootaloo meanwhile had resorted to reading The Dream Oracle by Inigo Imago to try and interpret the dream she had had the night before. It seemed to suggest that it was a warning of some kind but for what she couldn’t quite be sure. Before she could investigate further though a knock came at the door of the compartment and a girl entered with the toadless boy.

“Has anyone seen a toad?” She enquired. “Neville has lost one.”

“We’ve already told him that we haven’t seen it,” said Ron, but the girl wasn’t listening, her attention pulled to the book in Scootaloo’s hands.

“Huh, I’ve read a few extra books aside from our assigned ones, but I’m not sure I’ve seen or heard of that one. Oh, I’m Hermione by the way. Hermione Granger.” The girl stated. She had a wild bushy brown mane of hair, an overbearing tone of voice and large front teeth.

“I doubt you will. It is part of the art of divination, the practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown by supernatural means.” Scootaloo replied politely.

“I’ve heard about that branch of magic. Sounds like hogwash to me. There’s no science or skill behind it. It’s just a load of open-ended predictions that anyone could make and then hoping they come right. Anyway, you certainly don’t look any older than me and that course is only taught to third years. I read about in Hogwarts: A History.” Hermione stated pompously.

Scootaloo’s face went red with anger as the rest of the compartment stared at her in shock. She closed the book and took a few deep calming breaths before she spoke. Venom laced her voice. “Professor Trelawney believes I have the gift of the sight, thus why she is willing to tutor me personally despite my young age. If you’d like to make a small wager, I’ll happily demonstrate my talent.” She took the bag of every flavour beans from Harry’s pile of sweets and offered it to Hermione. “Take ten sweets and place them on the book.”

Entrapped by this strange girl’s confidence, Hermione pulled ten beans out the bag. Scootaloo then looked in the bag and mulling it over for a moment pulled out a slimy yellow one. “This is cats piss. If I can name the flavour of every one of the beans on this book, which you will then confirm by tasting them, you have to not only apologise to me and my teacher, but also eat this bean.”

“And what do I get if you get one wrong.” Hermione replied cockily.

“I’ll not only eat the bean, but I’ll give you ten galleons.” Scootaloo replied with a smirk. She pulled ten galleons out of her robes and placed them next to the pile of beans.

Before anyone could warn her Hermione had shouted “Deal.”

Five minutes later Hermione was legging it to the female toilet located on the train, hands covering her mouth. In amongst the chocolate and strawberry, toffee, liquorice and cola beans she’d eaten there had also been grass, cheese, soap, sardines, beetroot and jellied eels. Despite all of those though the worst by far was yet to come. She currently felt like she’d never get the taste from her mouth. It was vile, like those latter six combined into one and then made a thousand times worse. She didn’t make it to the bathroom.

Back in the cabin Scootaloo returned her galleons to her robe and opened her book up to where she’d left off, intent on making more sense of her dream.

“I would say that was mean, but it was totally deserved.” Apple Bloom commented.

Harry and Ron were in stitches after seeing Hermione’s face after eating each one of those beans, especially after she’d started with chocolate and strawberry followed by toffee. Sweetie didn’t seem to have a view either way. Scootaloo just wanted to get back to her book. She felt sorry for the poor girl but hopefully by teaching her a lesson she’d be a bit more respectful of other ponies, sorry peoples, feelings in the future.

It wasn’t long till the others were talking about their families and where they were, whether it be human or pony, as Scootaloo continued with her book. The answer to her dream had to be here somewhere.

“Ma and Pa sadly passed from a Timberwolf attack when I was two.” Apple Bloom had just started to talk about her family with a slight tear in her eye when the door to the carriage opened yet again.

“Oh, Boo Hoo. Look at the little cry baby missing her mummy and daddy” A pale boy with blonde hair sneered from the doorway of the compartment. “Anyway, onto more.” He didn’t get any further before Apple Bloom was up and in his face.

“I suggest you leave, before I do something I regret.” She growled.

“Oh, what’s the little cry.” He didn’t get any further as Apple Bloom picked him up off his feet and forced him against one of the corridor’s windows causing a slight crack to appear in it.

“You lucky I got some sense and really don’t want to be expelled before my first year has even begun, but you don’t scat right this moment with your two cronies we gonna have a slight diplomatic issue.” She spoke in a low tone dropping the boy onto the floor as Scootaloo reached the doorway first of everyone else

“Wait, are you that scumbag Malfoy’s child. I’ve already told your father the House of Prewett will have no dealings with murderers. Now as my friend said.”

“Fuck Off, fuck off.” Wally’s voice cawed from somewhere in his cage in the compartment.

“So, it was you who dared to spit at my father’s feet. You mark my words the lot of you, you’d better watch your backs. Nasty accidents can happen to people who insult the House of Malfoy. Goyle, Crabbe, we’re leaving.” The ugly blonde-haired Count Dracula look alike sneered from the floor as he slowly picked himself up and made a quick exit with his cronies.

“You certainly weren’t lying when you said she was strong.” Harry mouthed.

“That was nothing, although I’d suggest we try and steer clear of him from now on,” Ron spoke coldly. “His family were followers of You-Know-Who but quickly altered allegiances when he was defeated. Claimed they’d been bewitched. My father doesn’t believe one word of it. Says Malfoy’s father didn’t need an excuse to go over to the dark side.

“He was one of the ones who slaughtered my entire family. Laughed as my mother turned her own wand on herself to prevent him and his gang from torturing my whereabouts out of her.” Scootaloo’s head had lowered, tears starting to fall from her eyes. “So help me. I won’t rest till I have justice for my family.” She finished as an eerie silence broke out across the compartment.

After a short while it was Harry who spoke whilst walking over to give the clearly pained girl a hug. “I know exactly how you feel, but revenge won’t bring them back.” He hugged her for a while until Ron’s voice broke the touching embrace.

“Errm, sorry to break up this tender moment but I think we might be nearly there.” He pointed out the window at the slowly darkening sky as mountains and forests passed in the distance. “Would you ladies mind giving us a moment while we change into our robes?

Author's Note

Okay, hoping this one is now alright. Any errors at all let me know as I write for personal enjoyment rather than perfect grammar, thank you. Going to get last chapter I have currently written, which needs quite a lot of editing done tonight/tomorrow. I'm back at work from Monday after 2 weeks off but will attempt to target getting a chapter of this out every week, possibly 2. Enjoy, Sam.

The Start of Term Feast

As the train slowed to a grinding halt, the Cutie Mark Crusaders and the two boys pushed their way out onto a small dark platform. Their luggage had been left behind ready to be taken to the school separately. A cry of “First years over here” and a lamp hanging above the students directed the five to Hagrid who seemed delighted to see them all, especially Harry.

“Alright there young Apple, I think you’ve shown your friends enough.” Hagrid said to the young lady who’d carried him from the platform along a dark narrow path to the edge of an enormous black lake.

She lowered the behemoth of a man into one of the boats that was moored there and suddenly everyone’s attention diverted from the young girl to the mystical castle that rose from the other side of the lake. There were a lot of oohs and aahs from the children as Hagrid directed them four into a boat. The girls ended up with a snobby young boy in their boat called Justin who decided to tell them all about how he was supposed to go to Eton before his Hogwarts letter arrived. The girls had no idea what Eton was and just decided to nod politely whilst half listening to him prattle on as the boat magically bobbed across the water. After having to duck their heads as they entered a narrow pitch-black tunnel, they soon came across an underground harbour. From here, Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and the rest of the first years were directed up a flight of stone steps and through a massive doorway where Professor McGonagall was waiting for them and took them from Hagrid. After being directed through an enormous entrance hall bigger than the one in Canterlot castle, the three girls found themselves in a small empty chamber. It was here that McGonagall spoke to the students while the drone of many voices could be heard in the adjoining room next door.

“Welcome to Hogwarts. Before you may take your seats in the Great Hall and enjoy the start-of-term-banquet you will need to be sorted into one of four prestigious houses, Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin. These have produced some of the finest witches and wizards in the world although it is not just because off this that this ceremony is of such importance. Whilst you are here your house will be like your family. You will have classes with the rest of your house, sleep in your house dormitory and spend free time in your house common room. Each house is attempting to win the House Cup by collecting the most points from their triumphs throughout the year, a truly great honour. Beware though that rule-breaking will not be tolerated and will lose your house points. Good luck to each and every one of you in whichever house you are sorted into. You have a few minutes, so I suggest you tidy yourselves up before the ceremony begins, I’ll be back shortly to bring you in.” Minerva finished her speech turning and leaving the chamber.

“How do you think they sort us into our houses?” Apple Bloom asked Scootaloo the question on all the new students minds as she attempted to straighten her hair out with a brush from she’d pulled from her robes.

Scootaloo never got a chance to reply as Sweetie and a number of other students next to her screamed. The small anti-chamber had suddenly become full with bickering ghosts!

“New Students!” Cried one of the ghosts. “You three especially look like Hufflepuff material to me. My old house. you know.” He stopped in front of the three Crusaders with a broad smile across his face. “Fat Friar is the name and you in particular look like you would make an excellent addition to our quidditch team. Small, fast and nimble, excellent seeker material.” The ghost went on pointing at Scootaloo with a see-through white finger. “Been diabolical for years, bottom of the table five years running and only two wins in that time. Haven’t won the cup in twenty-eight years. Dreadful, truly dreadful, even the bookworms have been hammering us!”

“How many times do I have to tell you not to call my house’s students bookworms.” Another ghost of a beautiful young lady chided next to him.

“Students we are ready for you. You ghosts move along. We’ve a ceremony to conduct.”

As they floated away through another wall Scootaloo couldn’t help but overhear the Fat Friar discuss with another ghost which house would get the most students this year.

“Really hoping my House can get a few more newbies this year, haven’t even been in double figures past three years. Lowest total in over fifty years last year with only seven newbies, whilst Gryffindor had thirteen!” The Friar commented

Shortly the first years were shepherded into a line and back out into the entrance hallway before being ushered through into the Great Hall. Above her Scootaloo saw the night sky beaming down upon her as thousands and thousands of candles floated above lighting four long tables, two on either side of her. These were decorated with an array of fancy dinnerware, stuff she’d only a month ago dreamed would be available at Canterlot Castle. A couple hundred of faces stared at her and her companions as they walked towards yet another table at the end of the Hall which was parallel to the four but laid out across a stage. It was here where all the teachers sat and was upon this stage that Scootaloo, her fellow Crusaders and the other new students found themselves waiting in front of. Thankfully the eyes that bore into her slowly shifted their focus to something upon the stage, an extremely well-worn and moth ridden hat sitting on a stool.

Sweetie immediately thought Rarity would have a fit over the hat if anyone even thought about wearing it. Then, to her and all the first year’s amazement the cap twitched and a mouth seemed to open wide near its base as it started to sing a song!

As the ballad came to end and the hall quietened down from a rapturous applause that the hat seemed to milk as much as possible, Professor McGonagall stepped forward with a scroll and spoke.

“We shall be going in surname alphabetical order starting with Abbot, Hannah. Don’t feel shy, just go up, take a seat on the stool and put on the hat. It will determine which house you belong in after a short period.” Professor McGonagall explained.

After Hannah had been sorted into Hufflepuff Minerva called out once again, Apple, Apple-Bloom.

Gulping Apple Bloom took the seat as the hat fell over her eyes.

“Intriguing.” The hat whispered in her ear. “I’ve never had a being from another dimension before. Sentient ponies huh? Who would have thought it?”

“Says the talking hat.” Apple Bloom deadpanned.

“Good Point. Anyway, getting to the matter at hand you’d definitely not fit in Slytherin, let us just say honesty is not their strong point. Although you’ve intelligence and have the diligence to learn, I don’t think you’re quite Ravenclaw material. Similarly, although you are certainly brave at heart, you are to level-headed for Gryffindor. Hard working, fair and true of heart, sister of Lady Applejack, Element of Honesty, dedicated, could use a bit more patience but most importantly loyal to both her family and her friends. Yes, you will do well in HUFFLEPUFF!” The hat screamed.

Apple Bloom squealed in delight and she nearly flung the hat of in her excitement and happiness as she raced to sit opposite to Hannah who greeted her warmly. There wasn’t any time for her to talk to her new housemate though as Minerva’s voice once again called throughout the hall.

“Belle, Sweetie.”

Cautiously Sweetie took the stall hoping that she’d be with her friend but not feeling confident after the first two students went to Hufflepuff. Surely law of averages would be against her? She looked at Minerva, who smiled and nodded encouragingly. Well here goes nothing. She ignited her horn and placed her witch’s hat upon the floor. She felt it best to get this out the way so transfigured into her unicorn form, her robes and clothes sliding off her and onto the floor. She then lowered the hat on her head, which actually ended up covering her entire body. Darkness engulfed her.

“Err, hello.” She muttered

“My, aren’t you a cute one. Another sentient pony and a unicorn at that! I won’t make you wait. Although you are intelligent, I once again couldn’t see you settling in Ravenclaw like your friend. You are more the brains behind your friend’s schemes rather than the fearless leader, often forced along due to your loyalty and protective nature of them, thus Gryffindor would not be for you. You are no coward, but do not have the heart of a lion rushing head first into danger. Your intelligence and ability to plan and map out your friends’ escapades could make you a fit for Slytherin, but no matter how much trouble you’ve got into, not once have you sold your friends out to save your own skin or deliberately caused such trouble. No, sister of Lady Rarity, Element of Generosity, with loyalty as her hearts guide there be only one place for you, HUFFLEPUFF!” The hat screamed.

And as the friar cried in delight at yet another addition to his house the little unicorn levitated the hat of her and galloped to her friend launching herself into Apple Bloom’s hands. tears in both their eyes. Nobody in the Great Hall that day would forget that moment and never again would they see one of such heartfelt emotion.

It was McGonagall who broke the touching embrace. “Although I’m glad to see you happy with your house choice Miss Belle, please could you pick up your clothes and return to your human form in this side room.”

As Sweetie darted off levitating her clothes behind her, she didn’t think she could feel any happier than she did at that moment in time. Averages hadn’t won.

Shortly Sweetie returned to her chair next to Apple Bloom and opposite a girl with light brown plaited hair who introduced herself as Susan Bones. Apparently according to Apple Bloom, a boy named Terry Boot had been assigned to Ravenclaw whilst she was gone as well. Slowly the remaining spaces at the tables filled as twenty more children were assigned. Five went to Gryffindor, Lavender Brown, Fay Dunbar, Seamus Finnigan, the arrogant girl from the train Hermione and Neville Longbottom. The latter looked the opposite of brave of heart as he nervously walked off the stage with the hat still on his head and had to retreat to return it to the next student to barrels of laughter. The rest of the Gryffindors did not look overly pleased with their allocation so far in terms of personnel and numbers, with only Slytherin not outnumbering them. Apple Bloom, Sweetie and the two other girls were joined by the pompous boy Justin from the boat, much to the former twos regret, a long blonde-haired boy called Wayne Hopkins and a weedy long brown-haired girl called Megan Jones. Slytherin received five nasty looking pieces of work in Millicent Bulstrode, Vincent Crabbe, Tracey Davies, Gregory Goyle and Daphne Greengrass with the hat barely even touching their heads before it screamed the House’s name compared to the thinking it did for most the other House’s occupants. Ravenclaw seemed to swiftly catch up and challenge Hufflepuff as the House with the most students. Mandy Brocklehurst, Michael Corner, Stephen Cornfoot, Kevin Entwhistle, Anthony Goldstein and Su Li all joined Terry Boot and as the hat screamed Ravenclaw again for Morag MacDougal, that put them at eight students to Hufflepuff’s seven. This was not to last though as Ernest Macmillan became Hufflepuff’s third male addition. By now the Fat Friar was in delirium. Unsurprisingly the nasty boy Malfoy went to sit with his pals Crabbe and Goyle at Slytherin alongside Theodore Nott and Pansy Parkinson after Roger Malone and Leanne Moon became Ravenclaw’s and Hufflepuff’s ninth new members each.

“Here, what is this.” Cried a Gryffindor student. “Do we no longer exist?”

“Settle down.” Minerva called. Although she was a little worried about the lack of new students in her house even if that Hermione girl’s brains would surely earn them a hatful of points. Still though it seemed nothing looked like it was going to change as Padma Patil became Ravenclaw’s tenth new addition, but suddenly her Lions had something to cheer as Parvati Patel became Gryffindor’s sixth addition. Although Minerva was delighted at another addition to her Lions, she couldn’t help feel sorry for the poor girl and the dejected look on her face as she was separated from her twin sister.

Next up was Hufflepuff’s tenth addition, Sally-Anne Perks, continuing their fight for supremacy with the Ravenclaws. Then Minerva saw the next name on her list.

“Potter, Harry!” She cried, causing whispers and murmuring to once again break out amongst the crowd of students.

The murmuring slowed down and a deathly silence fell around the room as the hat fell over Harry Potter’s head. After what felt like an age the hat bellowed GRYFFINDOR! Causing the biggest roar of the evening as the Weasley twins yelled ‘We got Potter! We got Potter!”

Minerva sighed in relief, glad the worry over her House’s new additions seemed to have been quelled for now with Harry’s addition. Then she looked at the next name and sighed. This might cause another stir.

“Prewett, Scoti Alaw!”

Although less of a reaction than The Boy Who Lived, there were still a few hushed murmurs from some of the more informed older year members.

“Prewett, I thought the Death Eaters got them all bar Molly Weasley?”
“Wait, I thought they were wiped out?”

Slowly Scootaloo edged herself up onto the stage fingers crossed that she wouldn’t be separated from her friends. But before she sat though she let her robes fall to the floor and flared her wings out from behind her back. She wasn’t about to let Sweetie have to reveal her true nature on her own. The Crusaders stick together, no matter what.

Minerva facepalmed.

Once again silence engulfed the room.

“MERLINS BEARD, SHE’S GOT WINGS! WHAT A FREAK!” Cried a boy from Slytherin which was swiftly followed by the whole table breaking out into laughter.

Before Minerva could react herself a teacher in black robes with a hooked nose rose from the end of the table and spoke in a deadly tone. “Mr Flint, well done. The year has yet to officially begin and you’ve just cost our house twenty points. That was disgusting behaviour and I will not tolerate it in my house. If this wasn’t a very important year for you academically, I’d have you cleaning the potions lab every evening from now until Christmas. Still, you will report to the potions lab every evening for the next week where you will write ‘I will not discriminate against other students’ one hundred times on the chalkboard. I apologise Albus for that shocking behaviour and hope you find the punishment suitable.” The hook-nosed teacher stated before bowing to the headmaster and returning to his seat.

Boo’s rang out from the Slytherin’s table and Flint’s friends consoled him as Scootaloo held back her anger from the outburst and took her seat upon the stool letting the hat drop over her face.

“Ahh, how curious. One who is from our world but has been tainted by another. You are an even easier sort than your friends. You do not have the brains or tact for either Ravenclaw or Slytherin and it is often the lack of these skills that end you up in crazy situations with your friends rather than your bravery and daring.

“I’m unsure whether to take this as a compliment or an insult.” Scootaloo murmured

The hat continued as if it hadn’t been interrupted. “No, you idolise the one known as Lady Rainbow Dash, embodiment of the Element of Loyalty, and I can assure you that you are following in her shadow. Never have I seen one so committed to her friends. HUFFLEPUFF!” The hat cried once again causing the biggest roar of the night as Scootaloo removed the hat only to be overcome with a great sense of foreboding as her eyes focused.

“THE TIME FOR HIS RETURN NEARS. DARKNESS CLOUDS OVER HOGWARTS. DO NOT TRUST THE DARK ONE.” Scootaloo chorused in a trance like state before being encased in a shroud of white light and stumbling of the stool onto the floor. The next thing she knew Minerva was by her side as a Hufflepuff boy cried in the background.

“OH SWEET, SHE’S A SEER TO!”

“Miss Prewett, are you alright my dear?” Professor McGonagall stated with concern.

Slowly the nausea and dizziness were fading and Scootaloo was regaining her senses. “Yeah. The rooms still spinning a bit but I’ll be fine in a moment or two if you wouldn’t mind helping me up.”

Slowly with McGonagall’s assistance she made her way to the Hufflepuff table and squeezed herself in-between Apple Bloom and Sweetie who took over ensuring her well-being.

After the excitement of the previous two, the remaining eight students were all assigned without much fuss, the biggest highlight being when Ron was assigned to Gryffindor like his brothers before him had. Gryffindor and Slytherin both ended with ten students, the former taking on Sophie Roper and Dean Thomas alongside Ron, whilst the snakes took on Regina Runcorn and Blaise Zabini. Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw booth ended with twelve students, Sally Smith joining the girls in Hufflepuff as Oliver Rivers and Lisa Turpin joined Ravenclaw. By this point Scootaloo had regained her bearings and watched as the headmaster rose from his golden chair and spoke.

‘My, wasn’t that an intriguing opening ceremony. I can assure you all though that despite that ominous premonition by Miss Prewett you have nothing to fear at Hogwarts this year as long you follow these two golden rules. But Firstly, first-years, I am Albus Dumbledore, headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Now, you should all note that the forest in the grounds is full of dangerous beasts and is forbidden to all pupils. I think a few of our older students would do well to remember that as well.” His eyes flashed over the Weasley twins before continuing. “Secondly, the third-floor corridor on the right-hand side is out of bounds to everyone who does not wish to die a very painful death.” He finished as silence gripped the room for a moment. “Now that those are out the way I welcome you all back to Hogwarts for another year with a Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak! Thank you and enjoy the feast.” He sat back down as a huge cheer went up around the hall once again.

The three girls and a number of other first years though were to astonished at what had just happened to join in the rapturous applause. The empty dishes in front of them had become laden with food. Scootaloo and Apple Bloom had had no problems adjusting to a human diet over the past month, both had very quickly learnt that refusing food meant going hungry when growing up. They thus eagerly tucked into the food on offer, filling their plates with all kinds and varieties of meats, from roasts, to chops, to legs, thighs, sausages, bacon, burgers and so forth along with an array of types of potatoes and vegetables, before happily covering everything in gravy. Sweetie Belle on the other hand had taken a little longer to adapt to a human’s usual diet and was still reluctant in eating meat, preferring to stick with the assortment of vegetables on the table although she did let herself have a couple of pieces of bacon and a chicken leg. It was a jolly meal with the fat friar dancing merrily in amongst all the food as the Cutie Mark Crusaders started getting acquainted to their fellow new housemates.

“I know how you feel Scootaloo. My family have both Muggle and Magical heritage. We were considered one of the most powerful families up until the war. Voldemort literally wiped us all out. My grandparents along with my aunt, uncle and parents are all gone. Mother was the youngest member of the Order of the Phoenix. She got cornered. I won’t tell you what happened to her, all you need to know is the Longbottom’s rescued her but not before terrible things happened and I arrived nine months later. Sadly, her physical and mental wounds were to great and she passed away just shy of my tenth birthday, she was only 29. My remaining Aunt, Amelia, takes care of me now.” Susan Bones replied to the half Pegasus girl and her friends.

“Wow, that truly is terrible.” Apple Bloom murmured in between devouring another chicken drumstick.

“Agreed, my family were lucky during the war not to lose anyone.” Hannah added.

“Yeah, but mum told me in clarity before she passed not to waste my life in mourning. She wanted me to make her and the Bones family proud by becoming an Auror. So that’s what I’m going to do.”

“An Auror, what’s that? Sweetie asked.

“Magical law enforcement. Anyway, enough sorrow. This is a joyous occasion and I want to know more about you and Apple Bloom. Are you really from another dimension filled with sentient ponies divided into Pegasus, unicorns and Earth ponies, with royalty being a combination of all three and known as alicorns?” Susan replied in awe.

“And am I right in guessing after that show on the way to the docks, Earth Pony magic is strength, Pegasus magic is flight and unicorns their horns?” Hannah added

“Apple Bloom swallowed the remainder of her meal, a massive mouthful of mash potato and roast beef, before simply replying “Eeeyup” to the two girls.

“Wow, that is truly bizarre and you said you got to our world through this God of Chaos Discord, extraordinary.” Megan chimed in. She’d spent most the meal staring at the wings on Scootaloo’s back in between eating what was on offer. Now though she turned to Sweetie. “Any chance we could see your unicorn form again?”

A mischievous grin adorned Sweetie’s face as she turned towards Scootaloo.

“I hate you so much right now.” Scootaloo grumbled as a gaggle of girls squealed, ogled, hugged, petted and stroked the poor struggling Pegasus. “Ow, that hurt Megan.”

“That’s for pooing on my head.” Sweetie replied.

“Excuse me Miss Apple, but Cedric here laughed in my face when I told him about how you carried Hagrid all the way to the docks. Said it was impossible.” Justin interrupted with an older boy next to him.

“Oh, you want a demonstration then. Suppose I can give you some after dinner entertainment if you’ll just excuse me a minute.” Apple Bloom turned to Sweetie. “Any chance you can transfigure those grapes into cannonballs?”

“I can try.” Sweetie replied, pulling out her wand and channelling her magic through it. Without even the need for a spell four cannonballs appeared on the table.

“That was amazing.” Cedric uttered, staring in disbelief at what the girl had just managed to do without even uttering a spell. More was to come though.

She’s a Metamorphamagus or something like that, now as for that after dinner entertainment

In less than a minute the whole hall was transfixed on the small girl juggling four cannonballs like they weighed no more than a feather each. No one had been more relieved for the distraction than Scootaloo who had used it to sneak of with Sweetie so that she could return back to her human form and put her clothes back on.

As she came towards the end of her demonstration of strength Apple Bloom threw the balls high into the air catching each one easily as they came back down and placing them safely back onto the table, except for the last one. This she caught, before swivelling and hurling the cannonball at the speed of light into the wall behind the Slytherin table. As the Slytherins slowly rose from the defensive positions they had quickly taken, Apple Bloom stated sternly.

“Let this be a warning to you slime buckets, you ever insult one of my friends or housemates again I will hunt you down, drag you out the castle and chuck you into the lake out there. I make myself clear.”

“Woo hoo, a unicorn, a Pegasus seer and now a female Incredible Hulk.” The random Hufflepuff boy cried in glee in the background.

The Slytherins, especially Marcus Flint, looked at the girl nervously. She did not flinch. She was actually serious. They looked at the cannonball now embedded in the wall behind them. They very quickly decided they would get their fix on picking on the Ravenclaws and Gryffindors this year and rapidly nodded their response almost as a collective. None of them wanted a cold swim in the lake.

“Miss Bloom I will not tolerate you openly threatening my students.” The hook-nosed teacher’s voice chorused across the silence that now adorned the hall. “five points from Hufflepuff and if you ever go through with your threat I’ll personally see to your expulsion from Hogwarts.”

“I promise any acts would only be in self-defence sir. By making myself clear now I’m sure we won’t have any problems. Isn’t that right slime buckets” Apple Bloom cooed, curtseying politely to the teacher as more rapid nodding came from the Slytherin table.

“And another five points for calling my students names.” The hook-nosed teacher barked.

Apple Bloom glowered at him.

“Five more points. Do you wish to continue your insolence?”

“Wow. You must be Professor Snape. Cheery fellow aren’t you. Remind me to brew you some Ailhotsy Draught. Hmm, that might not be enough. Some Induced Euphoria Elixir might work but afraid I’m a little young to be making that. I could try though or Madam Pomfrey might have some.” Apple Bloom said innocently.

Every student looked at her like she was mad. No one in their right mind stood up to Snape unless they had a death wish. Most the teachers were trying to hold back giggles but failing miserably.

Red in the face Snape roared “Ten points for sarcasm and you’ll be joining me for detention tomorrow in the dungeons where we shall see where your cockiness gets you. I expect you to bring your cauldron.”

Apple Bloom sat back down refusing the urge to stick her tongue out at the horrible teacher. She didn’t want to lose her house even more points. As she placed her head in her arms and groaned another voice called out across the hall.

“Thank you for that delightful piece of after dinner entertainment. Forty points shall be awarded to Hufflepuff for your demonstration.”

Turning she saw the headmaster smiling at her with a glint in his eyes.

“Now, I feel it is time for some desert. Alka, Fidmong, Whomp.” He chanted as the remains of the feast disappeared to be replaced by an array of puddings just as Sweetie and Scootaloo were returning to the table to see Apple Bloom being mobbed by a hoard of their fellow housemates as their friend attempted to devour an apple pie.

“Huh, wonder what we missed?” Scootaloo stated to Sweetie as they tried to push their way through the crowd to the table and their friend.

Snape grumbled cross armed in his chair.

The girls yawned as the last of the puddings disappeared and Dumbledore rose once again to address the school.

“Two further announcements.” The headmaster proclaimed. “Mr Filch has asked me to remind you all that magic should not be used between classes in the corridors. Secondly, on behalf of Madam Hooch. Quidditch trials will be held in the second week of term. Anyone interested in playing for their house teams should contact Madam Hooch. Furthermore, first years. Your Heads of House will meet you in your common rooms to pass you your timetables before bed and answer any lingering questions you may have. Now, before we go to bed let us sing the school song!” he bellowed.

Many of the smiles on the teachers faces suddenly became very strained.

Despite their drooping heads the girls had managed to make it back to their common room, which was located near the kitchens in the basement. After stopping in front of a stack of barrels and watching intently as their prefect demonstrated exactly what they would need to do to gain entrance or suffer the embarrassing fate of being doused in vinegar, they found themselves crawling through a passageway into a large, low-ceilinged circular room decorated with all kinds of flora, magical and non-magical. Small circular windows were situated high up in the walls whilst comfy looking sofas were dotted all over the place and the portrait of a cheery, portly witch hung above a cosy fireplace. To the girls it looked like the perfect place to call home for the next seven years. In amongst all this beauty the small little witch with grey hair they had seen with Molly Weasley on their first day in Britain stood with the biggest smile on her face imaginable. The girls instantly liked her.

“Welcome, welcome, don’t be shy young ones. It is so good to have so many new additions to my house. Oh, but where are my manners. I am Professor Pomona Sprout, Head of Hufflepuff. Now I won’t deny we haven’t won the House Cup since 68 and our Quidditch team haven’t won the cup for even longer.

“Don’t worry Professor Sprout. Me and my Nimbus 2000 will rectify that and give you something to cheer about.” Scootaloo dropped her robes and darted into the air and despite the low ceiling managing to impressively do a few corkscrews, barrel rolls and loop de loops before coming to a perfect landing in front of the other students to a massive cheer.

“Yeah, we’ll make you proud Professor Sprout.” Susan cried.

“Hufflepuff forever.” Shouted Apple Bloom.

“We’ll turn the tide for you.” Megan Jones commented

“Hufflepuff will be number one.” Sally-Anne yelled.

“Pomona, Pomona, Pomona.” The chant started and soon, wondering what all the commotion was about every Hufflepuff student was cheering and chanting for their Head of House.

A tear rolled down Pomona’s cheek. No matter how much the members of other houses, including the ghosts, teased her, she really couldn’t ask for anymore from her students. Soon though she realised that the students really did need to be getting to their dorms and decided to call a halt to the current proceedings.

“Thank you. Thank you all. Settle down please.” She called and slowly the crescendo of noise died down so she was able to speak to them all. “You really are the best students any Head of House could ever ask for, but we must all really be getting some sleep. First years, please collect a timetable from the table. Miss Prewett, you have a slightly different one so please collect it from me, thank you.”

As the majority of students retreated to their dormitories for the night, the first years eagerly grabbed their timetables wondering what they’d contain. Scootaloo looked at hers intriguingly.

“Now. You may notice that there are a number of free periods on your timetables. Don’t think that this means you’ll have time to relax or skive off. Let me warn you now that those who think they can just breeze through their first year at Hogwarts soon realise the error of their ways although not usually soon enough and they end up struggling to pass their first-year exams. I expect you to be spending those periods studying either in here or the Library.” Professor Sprout stated sternly. “Now as chance will have it, your first lesson will be Herbology tomorrow morning in the greenhouses out the back of the school. As such, rather than you getting lost on your first morning I’ll collect you from the Great Hall after breakfast tomorrow. I’ll also take this moment to inform you that you shall be sharing your lessons with the Gryffindors this year.

A cheer went up around the room.

“Better them than the Snakes. They looked like a mean bunch.” Wayne remarked.

“Not after Apple Bloom put them in their place!” Ernest replied.

“Probably be to scared to turn up to the lessons if we had to have them with them!” Susan quipped.

“Yes, well please don’t go provoking any of the other houses further please. I’d hate for any of you to lose us any more points, especially in the first week.” Professor Sprout replied. “Now off to bed with the lot of you. I can see many of your eyelids are beginning to shut already. Due to the unexpected high number of girls this year, Miss Moon, Perks and Smith will be sharing with the three second year girls. Your trunks have already been brought in for you. Miss Fairweather if you’d please direct them to their sleeping quarters” Professor Sprout ended turning to leave and retire for the night herself.

The first years were swiftly marshalled through the underground tunnels to their sleeping quarters, with each student having their own four poster bed with their trunk already in position at the end. Wally was thankfully snoozing under a wing as they entered.

“Ooh, a parrot. That’s a unique pet. Especially one that looks like a pirate!” Hannah commented.

“Please, don’t wake him, he has a terrible language problem, although unsurprising as Discord gave him to us.” Scootaloo sighed stripping down to get ready for bed.

“Oh my word, I can’t wait to hear.” Hannah cut of suddenly upon seeing the image of a crystal ball with a lightning bolt in the middle of it on Scootaloo’s hip. “Woah. Sorry to look, but is that a tattoo on your hip?”

“What?” Scootaloo looked at where Hannah was pointing before replying groggily. “Oh no, that’s just a cutie mark. When a pony in Equestria finds their special talent, the magic inside of them reveals itself in a picture of said talent on one’s flanks. I guess a human’s hips are the equivalent of that. Me and the girls have been trying to get ours for ages without success. I’d rather not recall the number of times we’ve ended up covered in tree…” Scootaloo’s voice trailed off as the realisation dawned on her and her eyes shot open.

“3, 2, 1” Sweetie Belle deadpanned casting a silencing bubble around her friend with her wand as a thankfully now muffled cry erupted from her.

“I GOT MY CUTIE MARK!!!!”

“Wow, that was loud. It should be impossible for us to hear anything from her whilst she’s in there.” Sweetie stated impressed.

“That’s all well and good Sugarcube and I know it’s a big thing, but I think I speak for all of us when I say we’re mightily tired right now. Is it possible we can celebrate in the morning over breakfast please?” Apple Bloom yawned, emphasising her point, whilst climbing into bed.

The Half-Pegasus girl was darting around her prison in glee. “Oh yeah. It is kinda late”, she admitted, suddenly realising her own tiredness as her eyelids drooped once more.

Sweetie dropped the bubble around her friend feeling that it was now safe to do so and headed to her own bed. “Night everyone.”

“Night” all the other girls chorused.

Scootaloo went to sleep that night happier than she’d ever been in her life before.

Meanwhile, across the school in Albus Dumbledore’s office a heated conversation was being held.

“If the premonitions are to be taken seriously Albus, it is clear to me that there is a traitor amongst us who is aiding the Dark Lord and who has already infiltrated the school, either as a student or a member of the faculty. From the break in at Gringotts, it is almost certain that they are after the stone for one reason or another.” Professor McGonagall stated.

“Agreed, but there is little we can do at this current time. Even with the few clues these premonitions have given us there are still too many people at Hogwarts to possibly work out who it is. Furthermore, the stone is adequately protected and even if anyone attempts to retrieve it, they will likely find their attempts futile or suffer enough resistance that we are able to confront them before they can get away with it. Finally, as Sybil mentioned previously, any attempt at altering the future could just as likely lead to a negative outcome as a positive one. If we act to soon the traitor could flee and wait for another time to catch us off guard. No, right now we simply must sit back and wait, whilst being on guard and prepared for the intruder to make their next move.” Albus replied.

“Hmm. Although yet again I don’t like it, you make some valid points. Alright, we’ll wait. I wish you a good night Albus.” Minerva conceded before turning and departing the office.

As soon as she’d departed Albus went to the floo in his office. Although it had been cryptic, combined with a snippet of information Hagrid had let slip he now had a pretty good idea of who this traitor was. It was time to play one of his cards.

“Severus my dear friend. I’m guessing you are already aware what this conversation is going to be about and what I’m about to ask you to do.”

Author's Note

Yay, now I can go back to writing more at last!
So, how will the girls get on on their first proper day? Find out next time!
And don't ask how hard it is to get a table in a story on fimfiction!

Day 1 Part 1 - Herbology and Transfiguration

Scootaloo awoke the next morning to something poking at her face. Opening her eyes she saw Wally eating bird seed of her face while five guilty girls laughed their heads off at the end of her bed.

“C’mon sleepy head. We don’t want to be late for breakfast.” Apple Bloom said as Scootaloo shooed the bird off her face.

“Okay, okay, what time is it anyway.” Scootaloo yawned trying to wake herself from her sleep coma.

“7:30, we’ve all been up for half an hour or more but decided to let you rest a bit longer. Unfortunately, a certain parrot couldn’t wait any longer for his breakfast and thus we decided to solve two problems at once.” Apple Bloom replied.

Wally stopped his preening on his perch for a moment. “You’re fucking welcome.” He cawed, happy at his mornings work and to be fed at the same time.

“You weren’t kidding about the language problem.” Hannah said chuckling.

“Just wait till you see him deliver a letter.” Scootaloo laughed pushing her way out of bed.

She headed for her trunk to collect some items before heading to one of the two bathrooms the girls shared to wash and prepare herself for her first day of classes.

“3, 2, 1.” Sweetie mouthed to the other four girls.

A high-pitched squeal erupted above the sound of the shower running in the bathroom followed by “It wasn’t a dream; I really have my cutie mark!” before a rather startled and flustered Maddie Fairweather came bursting into the room.

“What’s all the commotion. I heard screaming?” She managed to utter out in between gasping for air.

“Sorry Maddie. Scootaloo had an unexpected but nice surprise last night and she’s still kind of excited about it.” Another squeal escaped the bathroom. Apple Bloom ignored it, continuing her explanation. “Back in Equestria, once we find out our specialist talent our magic displays it through an image on our flanks or in human terms our hips. It is a big thing to happen where we are from, like a coming of age moment. Scootaloo’s appeared last night, I’m guessing when she made that latest prediction on stage. She only found out when she undressed for bed.”

“Okay.” Maddie looked at them confused for a moment trying to process the information. “So, it is like a tattoo of what you are good at. What is she good at then?”

“Hers is a crystal ball with a lightning bolt in the middle of it. She’s already had trances like the one last night and been able to predict a few things through her crystal ball and so forth. Professor Trelawney has also already told her she has The Sight and put her on a fast track divination course. The lightning bolt is a typical flying type cutie mark for Pegasus ponies which often refers to being able to fly with speed, daring and generally just being an absolute lunatic with no fear of anything.” Sweetie Belle chipped in.

Maddie was massaging her temple. “So, you’re telling me that we’ve got a first-year student with the power to predict the future and who is also a natural at flying. Remind me to have a word with Professor Sprout at breakfast. We need to get her on our quidditch team. Anything else I should know?”

“Sweetie here is a Metamorph something or other. She can transform anything through will power alone.” Apple Bloom stated casually.

“Cunt!” Wally cawed.

“Oh, and our parrot has a language problem.”

Maddie rubbed her forehead some more. She was getting a headache. She’d had to work flat out for the past four years to get to the level she was at in magic and here were two first year students who had yet to even start their educations and yet were still probably more powerful and better than she was or would ever be in her lifetime.

“Donkey Rapist!” The bird cawed again.

“Err Maddie, you alright?” Sweetie asked seeing the girl was still massaging her forehead.

“Yeah, I’m fine. The term you were after was Metamorphmagus Apple Bloom. Don’t think there is any chance Scootaloo could see what are on my O.W.L.’s at the end of the year do you?" Maddie chuckled.

The girls were sat eating a hearty breakfast from a wide variety of items on offer at their table. From cereals to toast and an assortment of cooked items, fruit and lots more washed down with fruit juice, water and for the older students tea and coffee. Wally had accompanied them perched upon Scootaloo’s shoulder, the girl having the biggest, creepiest grin that any of the other girls had ever seen. It frightened them. It frightened them a lot.

“Creepaloo, mind scaling it back a bit. I know you are happy but it is a little unnerving and putting me off my breakfast.” Megan said.

“Sorry, I’m just so happy right now!” Another squeal escaped her lips startling Wally and causing him to drop the apple he was eating.

“Fucking cow.” The bird grumbled.

“Oh, did I make you drop your apple. Will a grape or two make up for it?” Scootaloo chimed giving the bird an affectionate scratch under the beak whilst passing him the peace offerings.

Wally trilled happily as Scootaloo went back to eating as much as she possibly could.

A cough startled the girls and they turned to see their head of house with Maddie behind them.

“Miss Fairweather here explained to me of the unexpected development last night. I believe congratulations are in order Miss Prewett. Apparently, it is quite an honour back in your home country. I’ll see if we can arrange a small party in the common room tonight after Miss Apple returns from her detention. I’m hoping she has learnt her lesson after yesterday’s outburst.” Professor Sprout said merrily before finishing with a stern glance at the red-haired girl who suddenly stopped wolfing down food and tried to hide under the table.

“I said I was sorry.” She mumbled sheepishly.

“Yes, well, I’d also like to say something that I didn’t get a chance to last night. Five points to Hufflepuff for your loyalty and selflessness towards your fellow housemates.”

“Wow, thank you professor.” Apple Bloom said gratefully, poking her head out from under the table.

“Yes, well now if you’d all be willing to finish your breakfasts we’ll head to the greenhouses.” The professor stated just as the doors to the Great Hall slammed open.

“Where is she?” a voice called over the din of students chatting with each other causing numerous heads to turn towards the disturbance.

“Professor Trelawney, what a nice surprise. Did you finally decide to join us for breakfast?” Dumbledore said calmly before continuing his breakfast.

“Apologies to disturb you Albus but the cosmic forces have spoken once again to me of a momentous occasion.” The professor explained approaching Scootaloo. “Is it true you bare the mark of a true seer.”

Scootaloo stopped devouring the last of her breakfast to look at her divination professor, a proud smile beaming across her face.

“Great, Creepaloo is back.” Megan sighed.

“I believe so, it’s a crystal ball with a lightning bolt in the middle of it.” Scootaloo admitted.

“May I see?” Professor Trelawney enquired.

“Err, I’m not sure that’s a smart idea right now.” Pomona tried to interject but Scootaloo had already stood up and was showing the mark on her left hip to Sybil who was entranced by it. Wally had opted to jump onto the table and look for some more fruit when the girl had stood up. To Pomona’s relief thankfully the girl wasn’t revealing to much skin. By now Dumbledore and Minerva had come over to see what all the commotion was about.

“Apparently, back in their world when a child reaches a certain age and discovers what they are best at a magical tattoo of that skill appears on both their hips. It seems that having been living there for so long there, their magic has implemented itself on Miss Prewett. Her cutie mark as it is called appeared last night after her latest premonition, a crystal ball with a lightning bolt in the middle of it. Aside from being a naturally gifted seer my house might actually have a chance of winning something this year with my new quidditch seeker. I might actually win one of those cases of fire whiskey at last!” Pomona rubbed her hands in glee.

Minerva face palmed whilst Dumbledore stood next to Trelawney, who was ready to burst with happiness and examining Scootaloo’s left hip intently.

“How very intriguing. I am now very glad we were able to offer you early tuition in divination. It is clearly going to be your calling. What of your friends, have they got their marks yet or do they show any talent in areas where they may get them?” Dumbledore said fascinated.

“No sir, although I’m a Metamorphmagus and can transfigure myself and numerous others and objects through will power alone, as well as having mastered a number of higher-level transfiguration spells. Apple Bloom seems to really enjoy Herbology and brewing potions.” Sweetie replied politely.

“Hmm, intriguing.” Dumbledore mused noting that Trelawney had now decided on hugging the life out of Miss Prewett. “Due to Minerva’s workload I’ll be taking your Transfiguration class this year. Would it be possible to see one of these spells you’ve learnt.”

“Well if you are sure it is okay. I haven’t tried this one but I might as well give it a go.” Sweetie Belle said nervously as she pulled her wand from her robes.

“Okay, feel free to take your time.” Dumbledore replied calmly.

Sweetie stood up directing her wand at her chair before taking a deep breath ‘Evanesco’ she chanted and the chair vanished. ‘Woah, it actually worked, cool.”

Minerva stared at her open mouthed. That was the most difficult spell fifth years took for their O.W.L’s. Most couldn’t manage disappearing more than a mouse. This first year girl had just made a whole chair vanish. Suddenly the girl seemed to be encased by a bright white light that blinded the entire room. Slowly it faded and the girl stood shakily opposite her.

“Wow, what just happened.” Sweetie asked wobbling slightly.

“I think you should check your hip.” Dumbledore stated smoothly.

Sweetie lowered her dress slightly to see a set of letters printed upon her hip. “Huh, the basic transfiguration formula, neat.” She said calmly before initiating a squeal so high pitched that any non-magically reinforced glass shattered in the room.

Dumbledore was glad he’d had the sense to reinforce the windows with magic. Although he’d certainly have to check them over after that outburst.

“Very intriguing,” the headmaster muttered to himself with a smile as Sweetie and Scootaloo danced like a couple of maniacs in amongst the tables. “Two down, one to go.”

“It’s just not fair. Now I’m the only one without a cutie mark.” Apple Bloom sulked as they followed Professor Sprout to the Greenhouses out the back of the school. “And to top it all off, whilst you are off celebrating, I have to spend however long with Snape the snake.”

“Cheer up Bloom, I’m sure the party won’t start without you. Now come on, let’s enjoy our first day at magic school.” Scootaloo said trying to cheer her friend up.

“Right, no more talking first years. We are here.” Pomona had opted to collect the first year Gryffindors at the same time as the Hufflepuffs to make things easier. “Now, for your first year we shall be having your classes in this greenhouse. It is of the utmost importance you do not attempt to enter any of the other greenhouses as they contain a wide array of dangerous plants that could quite easily injure or worse, kill you. If I find any of you even attempting to access one of them, you’ll be on the first train home. Do I make myself clear?”

“Yes, Mrs Sprout.” The students answered as one.

“Good, now space yourself out and we shall begin.” Professor Sprout waited a moment before continuing. “A lot of you may be thinking right now how can looking after and learning about a load of plants be considered magic? Would anyone like to hazard a guess?”

Hermione and Apple Bloom’s hands shot up into the air followed nervously by Neville’s.

“Alright you three, let’s hear what you think. Starting with Miss Granger. Please provide me with one reason.”

“Many plants provide the basis to an assortment of magical potions, such as Moly which is a key component in Wiggenweld Potion, a healing potion most commonly known for being the antidote to the Sleeping Draught and the Draught of the Living Death.”

Pomona looked at the girl impressed. “Excellent Miss Granger. Ten points to Gryffindor. Miss Bloom anything to add?”

“Some plants can be extremely dangerous, such as Devil’s Snare, which tightens around and suffocates its victims. By knowing what they look like we know how to avoid them or at the very least deal with them. Devil’s Snare hates bright light and fire.”

Pomona looked equally impressed. She certainly had a few bright students this year. “Equally impressive Miss Bloom, ten points for Huffflepuff as well. Anything you’d like to add Mr Longbottom.”

“To assist in the up keep of the plants will require us to learn numerous spells.” He stuttered.

“Very good. Five more points to Gryffindor. Ultimately plants have two major roles in magic, either as an important potion ingredient or through magical properties of their own, which can often be dangerous and will happily kill an unwitting victim. On the other hand though they could also save your life, such as Dittany. As you go through your years in Herbology you will be allowed into more Greenhouses and able to tend to some of the more unruly ones, such as venomous tentacular in your sixth year if you continue past O.W.L level. Anyway, once you know how to take care of it properly any plant will happily be your friend. The only way to understand a plant though is through knowledge and although practical experience will assist, your first year will mostly be spent learning your core text book by heart so that you know how to take care of each plant and what they are used for. There will be occasions where I’ll also be teaching you spells to assist in a plants care or to help protect you from more dangerous ones. Anyway, now that the introductions are out the way, let us begin. This is Moly.” Professor Sprout explained.

Apple Bloom looked enthralled, Sweetie was intrigued, Scootaloo attempted to look interested.

After their introductory potions lesson the girls spent their free period in the enormous library, revisiting all the plants Pomona had shown and talked to them about. Most of these Apple Bloom and Sweetie were already aware of and had already memorised, thus they spent much of it assisting Scootaloo who was bored to death with all the studying and feeling her head was about to explode from all the knowledge she’d had forced upon her.

After this they spent their break period exploring the castle and finding out where Class 99 was. They were also joined by Wally, who, having been barred from Herbology had taken a flight around the castle and had now decided to perch himself on Apple Bloom’s shoulder. With two minutes left they finally found it on the first floor of the South Tower.

“Ahh, glad to see you found our classroom.” Professor Dumbledore mused coming up behind them. This caused all three girls and parrot to jump.

“Old Bastard” cawed Wally as the girls regained their composure.

“And you’re a peg-legged Grumpernickel” Dumbledore retorted back.

“Touché” the bird replied flying off to find a perch in the room before settling down to have a nap.

“Alright professor, so what are we going to transform first?” Scootaloo enquired eagerly.

“I like your enthusiasm Miss Prewett, but I can assure you that transfiguration is a science and requires particular skill and finesse to be able to master alongside a lot of hard work. Now come along, to begin with I’ll introduce you to the four types and the five exceptions before we go on to talk about the transfiguration formula and alphabet. Once we’ve mastered this in a couple of weeks, we will start of small by turning matches into needles.” Dumbledore strolled into the room where a number of other students were waiting, having also managed to locate the classroom on time.

Scootaloo’s face dropped.

“My brain hurts and I think my wrist is about to fall off from all the notes I’ve taken!” Scootaloo whined as they left Transfiguration and headed to the Great Hall for Lunch.

“Don’t worry Scootaloo, I think a lot of us are feeling the same way.” Megan Jones replied, leading to several nods of approval from the other first year Hufflepuff girls.

“I thought it was rather interesting and informative.” Sweetie chipped in.

“Says the girl with the transfiguration formula tattooed on her butt.” Susan quipped.

“Oh, hah hah, very funny.” Sweetie replied sticking her tongue out at Susan.

“Let’s not fight now girls please.” Apple Bloom pleaded.

“Us, fight? You’d send us through a window if we even tried.” Susan laughed.

“True, although right now you might get away with it as I’m more interested in filling my empty stomach!” The aforementioned stomach growled.

“Right, we need to get to the Hall ASAP before Apple Bloom becomes Hangry.” Hannah added.

The girls broke out into a fit of laughter over this as Apple Bloom scowled.

“I do not get Hangry.”

“You sure? Remember that time one of Miss Cheerilee’s classes, she was our old teacher, overran and you replied to one of her questions,” Scootaloo jumped in.

“Please don’t” Apple Bloom whimpered.

“Please do.” Megan giggled.

Scootaloo pretended she hadn’t heard either of them. “And I quote: I don’t bucking care. I want to go home and have my bucking lunch you old nag. I can confirm Apple Bloom certainly didn’t get her lunch that day.”

The Earth ponies face had gone as red as her hair as she tried to bury her head in her hands. “I hate you sometimes,” her muffled voice eked out as scores of laughter reverberated around the corridor.

“She didn’t,” Hannah said as she got her laughter under control.

“She did,” Sweetie confirmed. “Got her a week of detention, being grounded and late lunches that one.”

“Please, don’t embarrass me more” The scarlet faced girl pleaded.

“Pfft, okay then, how would you girls like to hear about some of our failed cutie mark crusades.” Sweetie giggled as both Scootaloo and Apple Bloom groaned.

“So, there we were just emptying the last of the taffy into the mixer when Scoots tail gets caught and we end up as a massive three pony ball of hairy taffy. Applejack had to shear our coats and manes off like sheep, took a whole moon for them to grow back! We were the laughing stocks of the whole town. Rarity had a fit when she saw me.” Sweetie exclaimed.

The worst part was it was the start of autumn. Apple Bloom’s granny made us each a horrid knitted jumper that we had to wear to keep warm which just added to the embarrassment. They were horribly itchy to.” Scootaloo added as the girls around the table struggled to keep the sandwiches they were eating from coming back up.

“Stop, please stop. I don’t think I can take anymore. I can’t wait to see Sweetie in Potions class. How can someone get a restraining order put against them from all ovens?” Hannah chortled.

“Trust me. You don’t want to know how bad that week was. Amongst the horrors she cooked were a bunch of were-cupcakes. Don’t even ask.” Apple Bloom put her hand up to stop any further enquiries. “Anyway, you’ve heard our embarrassing tales before Hogwarts, only fair you tell us some of yours.”

Hannah, Susan and Megan looked at each other nervously.

Author's Note

On the plus side three new chapters, downside my editing skills likely haven't improved. It is also very hot her in the UK right now and I've struggled to concentrate all day but I wanted these put out for the one or two people who are actually enjoying reading this and making my day, these are for you! Let me know again if any mistakes!

Day 1 Part 2 - Boom

“Well, when I was four, I drew over a number of family portraits with crayons, like all kids do. Dad wasn’t happy when he found me and saw I’d added an orange moustache and green glasses to his portrait along with ‘I’m a poopy head.’” Hannah admitted, her cheeks turning red as she and the rest of the gaggle of girls walked back to classroom 99 for Charms.

The girls started to giggle.

“It gets better. He made me so upset I managed to cause a magical outburst.”

“No way.” Susan interrupted.

“Yes way. As I ran off crying the portrait levitated of the wall and slammed over his head! He wasn’t sure whether to be delighted that I had magic or ground me for a month!” Hannah chortled as they entered classroom 99 for the second time that day. “Thankfully it was the former.” She finished.

“Ah, good to see you’ve joined us girls. Please take a seat.” A very small man said in a squeaky voice from the front of the classroom. “I do believe that is everyone.” He did a quick count. “Yes 22, perfect. I am professor Flitwick master of charms here at Hogwarts. Now I’ve some good news for you in that unlike many other subjects this year, charms will mostly be practical. You will still be needed to study the theoretical side of charms including the types, history and effects of certain charms, but the main purpose of your first year in charms is to ensure you are able to perform the basics by the end of year through correct wand movements and pronunciation whilst also gaining an understanding of your wand. To begin with I want you all to make a note of these five important pieces of information from the board.” He turned pointing his wand at the board which stated:

1. Charms or enchantments are the backbone of magic. They are a magical spell that adds specific properties to an object or living being.
2. Charms differ from transfiguration in that they add certain properties to an item or living being whilst a transfiguration spell will change the composition of the item or being into something utterly different.
3. Charms last longer than other spells and will often need a counter spell to remove the addition you have made to the item or being. Long lasting charms are often referred to as bewitchments.
4. Poor pronunciation of the incantation, lack of concentration, incorrect wand movement and a damaged or burnt out wand can all lead to charms failing and even backfiring.
5. Hexes, curses and jinxes are all classed as Dark Charms.

After a brief pause where every student hastily wrote down the notes from the board Flitwick continued. “Today we shall be getting to know your wands before attempting to perform a basic Wand-Lighting Charm and Wand-Extinguishing Charm, which you will continue to practice and read about for this week’s homework alongside reading the history of charms section in your standard book of spells. Now please place your wands on your desks so we may examine them.

Professor Flitwick came across the young girl’s wand and didn’t know whether to be awe struck or alarmed.

“Miss Prewett isn’t it?” He stammered examining the cherry wood creation very carefully. “This is a very powerful wand for one so young to wield. I am a little surprised Ollivander sold you something so powerful or that you could afford it. Until you have mastered it you are not to use it outside of my classroom or that of one of the other professors. Something of this magnitude can be highly dangerous in the wrong hands. I expect you to come by my office after flying every Monday to continue your practice and ensure you don’t fall behind your classmates, understood?” Professor Flitwick instructed.

“Yes sir.” Scootaloo replied less than enthusiastically.

“Good. Now, on the positive side it is a beautiful specimen and once mastered you will be a very powerful witch alongside your apparent Seer capabilities.” He said with a smile on his face before moving onto Apple Bloom’s wand. “Why am I not surprised your wand is made of apple wood” he laughed.

“Right, now that I’ve inspected your wands and informed you of their capabilities and how to look after such delicate instruments, let’s have some fun! I want you all to point your wands out in front of you like so and repeat after me, Lumos! Okay, let’s begin.” And in almost an instant Professor Flitwick saw a ginormous ball of light heading towards him. Taking evasive action, he ducked behind his desk as the ball of light cannoned into the wall behind him setting it on fire.

“Oops, my bad.” Scootaloo uttered sheepishly.

“Aguamenti” Filius cried trying to quell the flames before they got out of hand. Unfortunately, they were spreading to fast. “Everyone out he cried. Convene on the training grounds.” He instructed as he fired another spell at a bell in the corner of the room.” Alarms across Hogwarts sounded.

Sitting in his office Dumbledore used his magic to determine where the alarm had gone off and uttered to himself. “Hmm, 1st Year charms class, interesting.”

Minerva had cast a similar spell whilst hurrying her fourth years out the building. “The South Tower? But only first year charms is going on there, it shouldn’t.” She stopped mid-sentence. “I knew letting her have that wand was a bad idea.” She sighed, re-directing herself to the South Tower having safely seen her fourth years escorted from the building.

Half an hour later and through the accomplishment of the majority of the staff, the South Tower had just about managed to be saved. It would though require significant repairs.

“So, you’re telling us Flitwick that this amount of damage was caused by a first-year girl’s first attempt at Lumos. That despite the magical wards and safety spells in place she managed to set fire to the South Tower with magic that resisted our attempts to quell it and nearly led to its destruction along with the rest of the school.” A slightly flustered Snape deadpanned beating the last of the fire out of his robes.

“Correct,” Flitwick stated dusting soot of himself. “It was not her fault though. She has been chosen by a highly powerful and unpredictable wand. Flexible, 16 inches in length, cherry wood, dragon heartstring.”

“What. Who in their right mind allows an untrained first year have such a thing!” Snape bellowed.

“Unfortunately Severus, the wand chooses the owner and we have little say in the matter. All we can try and do is guide and assist them in using such a powerful vessel to channel their magic.” Minerva interjected whilst putting a fire out on her hat.

“The look on your face tells me everything I need to know. I’m holding you responsible for this debacle.” Snape growled highlighting the still smoking tower in front of them which, as if on cue, collapsed into a pile of rubble.

“Oh great.” Snape grumbled.

“Now, now, let’s not play the blame game. Accidents happen. The main thing is none of the students were hurt. Although it will take time the South Tower can be rebuilt and classes can be accommodated elsewhere in the meantime.” Dumbledore said taking charge. “Now I’m suggesting we let the students have the rest of the afternoon off so that we can assess the damage. Madam Hooch, to avoid the first years getting in anymore trouble could you continue with their planned flying lesson. Now, before we do anything else, I must pay a visit to a very distraught young girl.”

“I DIDN’T MEAN TO!” Scootaloo wailed for the umpteenth time into Apple Bloom’s shoulder tears flowing down her cheeks. “They’re going to take my wand of me and expel me for sure.” She blubbered.

“There, there Scoots, we all know you didn’t mean it. I’m sure you won’t get into any trouble over an honest to Celestia accident.” Apple Bloom continued to attempt to console her distraught friend.

All around them on the training fields students clumped together in groups whispering about what might have occurred and constantly looking over at the first years. They’d been astonished when the South Tower had collapsed in the background.

Percy and numerous other prefects were currently getting the lowdown from Sweetie Belle. Although teachers had originally accompanied the students, they had slowly disappeared one by one due to the arising emergency in the South Tower. Even Hagrid had been required leaving the prefects and the upper years in charge.

“You’re telling me that despite all the wards and counter measures in place, a first-year student destroyed the South Tower with their very first attempt at a spell and not only that but one of the most basic, innocent, innocuous and safe spells imaginable!” Percy exclaimed in astonishment.

“Hey, it was an accident, but yeah, that about sums it up.” Sweetie Belle replied to the stunned prefects.

“Sweet Jesus, remind me never to get on her bad side.” Percy replied.

Fred and George, having attached themselves to the edge of the posse had burst out laughing.

“This is better than any of the pranks we managed in our first two years!” One managed to get out in-between fits of laughter.

“Way better.” The other twin commented.

Suddenly all the murmurs died down as Dumbledore and the rest of the faculty emerged upon the training fields all looking slightly worse for wear and a bit frazzled.

“Ahem. Silence please.” Dumbledore called applying the voice amplification spell upon himself. “Due to an unfortunate accident in a first-year charms class today classes are suspended until third period tomorrow except for first years. Please use this time to study either in the library, your common room, dormitory or the Great Hall. Mr Flint and Miss Apple, Professor Snape still wishes to see you for your detention this afternoon. Please also be aware that access to some southern parts of the castle are now currently strictly of limits for the time being. Any temporary room changes for your classes shall be provided to you shortly. That is all. You may now return to the castle. First years, your lessons will restart in twenty minutes. Thank you once again for your calmness and swift evacuation of the castle.” Dumbledore turned and walked over to the still distraught first year being consoled by her friend. “Miss Bloom may I have a moment with Miss Prewett.

Apple Bloom gave him a scathing look. “It wasn’t her fault. You make her feel any worse and you know where you are heading.”

Dumbledore chuckled. “Do not worry, I just wish to have a polite talk with her. I understand it was purely an accident with no ill will meant. I certainly don’t want a swim in the lake.”

“Okay. Scoots, I’ll be just here for you in case you need me. Oh Wally, there you are.” She finished as the slightly ruffled and soot covered bird settled on her shoulder.

Scootaloo sniffled as Dumbledore lowered himself to her eye level.

“Do not worry dear you are most certainly not in trouble so please dry those beautiful eyes of yours.” He said levitating a small handkerchief up to Scootaloo’s face as the girl continued to sniffle.

“Y-you aren’t going t-to take m-my wand and expel m-me.” She stuttered.

“Good heavens no!” Dumbledore exclaimed. “In all honesty, between you and me, it’s nice to have a bit of excitement round here once in a while.” He whispered in her ear making her laugh. “That’s what I want to see, a smile back on your face. This was purely an accident, as I can easily tell from your reaction. As I'm sure Ollivander has already explained to you, the wand that has chosen you requires exceptional self-control and strength of mind, the latter I believe you already obtain in abundance but the former will be something that will take time to acquire. You are most definitely not to blame for this incident and will not be punished because of it. Now could you tell me, how long have you had your wand for and how many times have you used it prior to today.” Dumbledore enquired.

“I’ve had it for a month but after what Minerva said about its power Molly wouldn’t let me practice with it until I got to Hogwarts. This was my very first spell.” Scootaloo explained looking a little sheepish as she wiped the last of tears of her face.

“I see. Well that partly explains what happened. I’m guessing you’ve been a little frustrated by this.” Dumbledore pressed eliciting a nod from the girl before he continued. “You see wands are somewhat sentient. They respond to how we are feeling and can react unpredictably because of this. I’m theorising that although you may not have meant it to your underlying frustration and desire to use your wand caused a huge magical build up inside of you which released itself through your wand when you attempted to use it for the first time. Combined with the wands natural power and your lack of experience and control this caused the spell to be magnified greatly. No matter what anyone else says to you, from now on I want you to use your wand on a regular basis and if feeling emotional for any reason at all to come visit me or your head of house. We would not want any repeat incidents would we.” Dumbledore chuckled as he finished his explanation.

“No sir and thank you for cheering me up.” Scootaloo smiled warmly at the headmaster.

“My pleasure and trust me when I say that you will be a very powerful witch one day. I expect you to be practicing that spell tonight, but first could you do a favour for me. I heard from Professor McGonagall that she’s given you special dispensation to have a broom this year but refused to let you fly it until you’ve had some basic training. I think someone who has flying as one of their special talents will have little need for training, especially considering the brooms affinity to you. I believe there will be little chance of you coming to any harm and I really want to see your ability in the air with those wings. Think you are okay in showing me. If you like, let’s call it your alternative punishment for this unfortunate scenario.” Dumbledore said with a warm smile.

Scootaloo beamed and shot of. This was going to be awesome!

Half the school stood on the training fields watching in awe as the girl danced majestically through the air performing all manner of tricks with her broom. What was amazing was sometimes they’d do a trick together, whilst sometimes individually in perfect harmony with each other. It was truly breath-taking.

“Wow, we might actually have a chance of winning a quidditch game this year.” The random Hufflepuff boy exclaimed.

“Pfft, with her on the team we have a shot at the title!” Cedric exclaimed excitedly.

“Alright Miss Prewett, I think that is a good enough demonstration. Fancy coming down and letting your classmates having a go please.” Dumbledore called.

Minerva did not look pleased next to him. “After everything that just happened, this is how you deal with her. Like we need any more incidents today.”

“I knew she didn’t mean any of it. She was truly devastated over what happened and needed cheering up. And really Minerva, she’s a Pegasus, they are masters of the skies. I knew handling a Nimbus 2000, especially one so infatuated with her, would be no trouble. I think this demonstration has also been very good for the school’s morale.” He replied calmly looking up to see the girl and her broom writing I’m sorry with the clouds up above. “Isn’t that nice. Such a sweet young girl.”

Scootaloo then proceeded to grab hold of her broom before diving at ridiculous speed towards the ground. A circle of cherry red exploded outward from the young girl as she seemingly impossibly managed to pull up and do one more lap around the lawn to slow herself down before landing perfectly.

“Huh, a sonic boom, how extraordinary.” Dumbledore murmured to himself as Minerva stared at the beautiful sight slack jawed.

“Was that okay for you professor Dumbledore sir? Broomy really is thankful that you let me ride him after so long. I couldn’t have asked anymore from him. Could I boy?” Scootaloo asked as the broom affectionately nuzzled her like a dog. “Okay, okay, down boy.” She giggled.

“That was truly wonderful Miss Prewett. I can’t remember seeing anything so beautiful before in my long life. Thank you so much. Twenty-five points to Hufflepuff.” Dumbledore cried as a tear rolled down his cheek

The girl blushed as the Hufflepuffs roared in delight and came over to congratulate her.

Minerva was still staring open mouthed in astonishment at the slowly vanishing cloud in the sky. What had she just witnessed? The girl had just defied every law of magic imaginable!

“Alright. Settle down. Madam Hooch, whilst we are here shall we see what the other first years are capable of?” Dumbledore ordered.

Unsurprisingly, the remainder of the flying lesson did not go without any further incidents. Apple Bloom ended up having an actual argument with her broom which in retaliation scooped her up and then proceeded to dump her in a hedge, from twenty feet in the air. Somehow though she managed to stagger out of said bush with barely a scratch on her bar from being a little bit dazed. Just to be on the safe side though she was taken for a check-up in the infirmary. She was followed into the infirmary by Neville Longbottom who seemed to have no broom control at all and was abruptly flung into a wall, breaking his wrist. The Irish boy Seamus’ broom literally exploded in his face before take off sending splinters of wood everywhere including one into the poor boy’s eye leading to a third student off to the infirmary. Thankfully they managed to keep it to just three students being admitted to the infirmary. Some of the students barely managed to get off the ground on their first attempts such as Miss Granger and Miss Moon and they seemed grateful for it, being much happier on the ground than in the air. Others seemed happy for the break from their textbooks for a little while, enjoying the freedom the brooms offered. Thankfully to Madam Hooch’s relief no students attempted any of the hair-raising stunts Scootaloo had. Most surprising was Harry’s natural flying ability which had Gryffindors quidditch captain Oliver Wood and Professor McGonagall deep in discussion.

“How’s she doing?”

Scootaloo jumped for a moment before realising it was Apple Bloom next to her. “Shouldn’t you be in the infirmary?”

“Madam Pomfrey did a quick once over and then let me go. Said I had a few scratches on me but nothing major. Takes more than a little fall to hurt an Apple and besides she had more important things to deal with after Neville and Seamus arrived. Fears the latter may lose his eye, or at least the sight in it. Was touch and go when I left.” Apple Bloom explained.

“That’s just dreadful. Poor lad. Hope he’ll be alright. I suppose it wasn’t too bad your fall, just looked it. Think the broom was more fed up with you rather than actually wanting to cause you any harm. As for Sweetie, she’s doing just fine, Madam Hooch is just calling them back in now. Let’s go see how her landing is.”

“Sounds good and”

“INCOMING” Sweetie cried before barrelling into her friends.

“I suppose that’s one way to land.” Apple Bloom groused from the bottom of the pile of girls. “If you don’t mind, I’ve a detention to get to.”

Day 1 Part 3 - Lows and Highs

Apple Bloom nervously opened the door to the dungeons.

“You are late.”

“Apologies, had to go back to my common room to get my cauldron and then work out where the dungeons actually were sir.” Apple Bloom admitted.

“Hmm, I shall be lenient this time.” Snape growled. “Now you’ve a choice to make Miss Apple. You can take the cowards way out and join Mr Flint at the second blackboard over there and write ‘I will not talk back to and disrespect my teachers’ 100 times at which point you will be free to go as long as I feel you’ve learnt your lesson. Alternatively, you said you’d like to make some Induced Euphoria Elixir. On that desk there are all the ingredients you will need to brew said potion amongst some others to throw you off the right path. Make the potion correctly I’ll not only let you go but I’ll return the twenty-five points I took from your house last night. Fail though and I take a further twenty-five points and you clean the potions lab for the rest of the week. So, what is your choice to be Miss Bloom?”

“Apples are no cowards.” She muttered as she placed her cauldron down on the table.

“Now from what I remember reading there be seven stages to a perfect Euphoria elixir.” Apple Bloom said to herself before starting her work.

Snape watched on in awe unable to believe what he was seeing. Without any instructions an untrained first year girl was somehow making one of the most difficult N.E.W.T level potions. It was simply impossible, but here she was muttering to herself, choosing every correct ingredient and not making even one mistake.

“Trying to trick me with hedgehog quills were we, sneaky.” The girl retorted. “Now stir four times anti-clockwise before adding a sprig of Peppermint to counteract the side-effects. I believe it was you who found that one out from what I remember reading. Really, four types of mint, that’s sneaky even by a snake’s standards.” Sighing she sniffed each mint carefully in turn before deducing the one she required to make the potion perfect before noticing the wide selection of beans laid out in front of her. Looking up from her work she gave Snape yet another glower “I really hate you. Just wanted you to know that.” Before going back to her work.

“The feeling is mutual Miss Apple.” Snape uttered with contempt.

“Now, the number one golden rule of potions is that they all require a magical component. So here goes.” Apple Bloom pulled out her wand and tapped the cauldron three times. “Adortos” She chanted causing a white light to shoot out her wand and strike the surface of the sunshine-yellow potion three times. “Thanks friend” she said to her wand before putting it away.

“You talk to your wand?” Snape looked at the girl a little concerned.

“Of course, you must respect your tools, especially a wand like mine with a Phoenix feather core. If I don’t treat it right, polishing, maintenance, thanking it for a job well done, it would more than likely get unhappy at me and refuse to work, which it would very much be in its right to do! I certainly wouldn’t like to be expected to do a job without getting at least a thanks or a nice meal at the end of it or a nice soft bed to have a nap in. The same can be applied to your wand. You shouldn’t expect it to work for you without offering anything in return and all it really wants is a bit of polishing and checking once a week for any damage, to be kept in a secure place when not being used and to be thanked for its work. I don’t feel that’s asking a lot in all respect for what we ask for in return.” Apple Bloom explained.

“Well that is certainly an intriguing take on wands Miss Bloom, although it does make some sense. Now, shall we see if you’ve succeeded or failed in your task.” Snape said emotionlessly, although in truth he had a new found respect for this first year. So many students failed to treat their wands properly nowadays leading to all sorts of accidents. “It certainly looks correct, but maybe we should test it just to be sure. Mr Flint, how would you like to earn yourself a reprieve.”

Marcus gulped, but when he outlined his choices, there wasn’t really one. He was already getting cramp in his wrist and had barely written half the lines required and this was only the first day of five. Sighing to himself he walked over and took the beaker Snape held out to him.

“So, let me get this straight. You not only let a first-year girl with no prior experience attempt to make a highly complex potion designed for N.E.W.T level students that could quite easily have destroyed even more of the castle if it had gone wrong, you then inexplicably opted to test it on Mr Flint here.” Madam Pomfrey stated angrily.

Said boy was beaming happily in a bed in the infirmary. “I feel like singing, may I sing again please, pretty please.”

“NO!” Madam Pomfrey, Professor Snape and Apple Bloom all shouted as one.

“Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t report you for abuse of power.” The Matron snarled.

“For one, he had a choice. He opted to cut corners in relation to his punishment without thinking of the immediate consequences. Thus, although unconventional, I believe it will have been a good lesson learnt for Mr Flint in the long term. Secondly, I observed Miss Apple brewing the potion for its entirety and would have stepped in if necessary. I would also never have allowed it to be tested on anybody if I felt it had been brewed incorrectly or would cause any serious harm. Yes, there has been a little more singing than I would have liked but overall a very good first attempt. Do you question my expertise as a potions master Matron?” Snape finished with just a slight hint of malice.

“Humph, it was still highly unethical and Dumbledore will be informed.” Madam Pomfrey grumbled.

“Don’t worry about doing that, I’ve already informed him. Although I was tempted to test the girl, it was he who asked me earlier today to test the girl after understanding she had an affinity for potions. Although I’m still a little confused as to why the cauldron has an apple on it?” Snape replied smugly as Madam Pomfrey scowled at him.

“And I told you snake face that I’m an Apple. No matter what are cutie marks represent there is always an apple on them somewhere. May I go now? I’ve a celebration I’d like to get to if you wouldn’t mind.” Apple Bloom replied impatiently.

“I suppose a deal is a deal Apple Butt. Twenty-five points to Hufflepuff and you are free to go. I look forward to seeing you in class tomorrow.” Snape finished with a smirk.

This caused Madam Pomfrey to stare at him in shock. Never in all her years had she felt that the potions professor was actually capable of any emotion. It unnerved her greatly and she felt it best to just get back to treating Mr Flint.

“Thank you.” Apple Bloom said sweetly turning and skipping for the door before turning her head and sticking her tongue out at the professor and uttering “I’m looking forward to it to snake face” in that same innocent toned voice.

For the first time in a long time a warm smile graced Snape’s face.

Whilst Apple Bloom had been in detention, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo had opted to remain outside on the training grounds.

“Are you sure this is a good idea after the last time?” Sweetie Belle said nervously.

“It is what Dumbledore told me I had to do to prevent any further accidents. So here goes.” She took a deep breath to calm herself before pointing her wand out in front of her. “Lumos” she chanted and ever so faintly a glow appeared at the end of her wand. Scootaloo positively radiated with happiness at her success. “I did it, I did it” she cried.

Sweetie smiled at her friend “Excellent, now repeat after me.” She held out her own lighted wand and chanted “Nox” at which point the light disappeared.

“Nox” Scootaloo chimed. The light at the tip of her wand dispersed and she stared at it in awe and amazement.

“Very good Miss Prewett. Dumbledore informed me of the likely cause of the incident. I am glad to see you practicing and showing a genuine interest in your studies. I look forward to seeing you in class again on Thursday.” Professor Flitwick stated having taken a break from assessing the damage caused by the accident earlier in the day.

The girls jumped in surprise at the sudden intrusion on their practice before turning to the smiling professor.

“Thank you, sir.” Scootaloo managed to stammer. “Do you still wish to see me after classes on Mondays?”

Taking a moment to think Flitwick replied. “Thinking about it, I don’t think that’ll be necessary. Your two friends Miss Belle and Miss Apple seem level headed and sensible enough. I entrust them to watch over your practice and inform me if any more accidents should occur. As I say to all my students though, the door to my office is always open outside of lessons if you require any further guidance. Now, if you don’t mind, I must return to sorting out the mess from earlier.

Scootaloo’s face went red. “You know I’m truly sorry for that.”

“I know you are and please don’t worry about it. I am looking forward to the challenge of ensuring you fulfill your potential of becoming a very powerful witch and seer Miss Prewett that your parents would be proud of if they could be with us.” Flitwick said wistfully as he shuffled off back towards the remnants of the South Tower.

Scootaloo just stood as a still as a statue for a moment letting a tear once more escape her eye. She vowed then and there she would do everything she could to make her parents proud of her no matter how much work it would take.

“Hmm” Pomona mused wondering what exactly she could do for the two girls. Banners and balloons decorated the ceiling, a table was set up for food and drinks and some singing flowers were happily practicing some songs. Still she felt some things were missing

“Looks like some human requires my help!” A chirpy voice said in her ear.

Having lived through the wizarding war Pomona was not someone who got surprised easily but even she jumped at the sight of the pink abomination that rested on her shoulder.

“Merlin’s beard, who, what, where, how?” Is all she could manage to stammer.

Pinkie Pie giggled jumping of her shoulder. “Name’s Pinkie Pie, Equestria’s number one party planner extraordinaire. My card.” She pulled a pink card out of her mane and handed it to the startled witch who just looked at it dumbfounded. “My Pinkie sense told me something big was happening to the girls today and I quickly deduced it must be their cutie marks!” She said with glee. “So, I simply travelled through time and space to come and throw them the best Cute-ceañera EVER. I was just sad I couldn’t bring the girls families but the trip would have likely turned their brains to mush. Oh well, photos will have to do.” The pink abomination finished by pulling out a camera and photographing the still to stunned for words Pomona. “Now, lets stop with the goldfish impression and get to work. We’ve a lot to do before the girls arrive!”

“Hey girls, wait up!” Apple Bloom cried, running to catch up with her friends just as they were about to enter the dormitory.

“Apple Bloom. How’d it go?” Scootaloo immediately pressed for answers.

“Well, on the positive side I regained the points I lost last night and sent that nasty boy who called you a freak to the infirmary.” The girl replied.

“Wait, what?” Sweetie interjected.

“Nice and that’s 105 points we’ve earned for Hufflepuff in two days. Might have just set a new record.” Scootaloo added. “Now, care to explain?”

“Snape the snake said I had to either write one hundred lines or attempt to make the extremely complex potion I said he needed to consume yesterday. If I did it correctly, I’d regain the points I lost yesterday and be free to go. Get it wrong though and I’d lose another twenty-five and have a week of detention.” Apple Bloom explained as they started to crawl along the passageway to their common room.

“Please tell me you stuck it to him.” Scootaloo replied.

“Of course, and Flint might have been our slightly unwilling test subject.” Apple Bloom said smugly.

Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle exploded with laughter and Apple Bloom had to pause for a moment in the cramped passageway to allow her two friends to recover.

“I don’t think Snape could believe it when I managed to make the potion correctly. The only downside is I now have a cauldron for a cutie-mark, which I’m not sure he is impressed by or totally annoyed about. He certainly didn’t appreciate the apple on it.” Apple Bloom finished with a grumble.

The two girls in front of her once again broke out into raucous laughter at this. After a few minutes of attempting to compose themselves it was Sweetie who finally spoke.

“Oh my goodness, what a riot! He’s probably been waiting for a Potions prodigy for eternity and then when he gets it, rather than one of his own students he gets a smart mouthed Hufflepuff with a temper and attitude to rival his own. Oh, this is just priceless.” She finished with yet more laughter.

Apple Bloom pouted. “Thanks. No, well done or I can’t believe you got your cutie mark. Can we please just get a move on, it’s stuffy in here.”

“Sorry. I’m sure I speak for both of us when I say that we are truly happy for you right now, although you do have to admit it is funny.” Sweetie responded.

“Okay, I concede it is a little funny, now please move.” Apple Bloom chuckled a little. “Let’s just hope I don’t end up throwing him in the lake!”

“Scootaloo, ten galleons Snape ends up in the lake by the end of the year.” Sweetie giggled as they started to move.

“You’re on, but I’m going on Snape taking Apple Bloom with him.” The Pegasus replied.

“I hate you guys.” Apple Bloom grouched, “but if neither of us end up in the lake you both owe me ten galleons each,” she finished as the girls made it to the end of the passageway.

“SURPRISE!!! Happy Cute-ceañera!!! A cry erupted alongside a party whistle as they were abruptly covered in way too much confetti.

“Pinkie Pie?” Apple Bloom said confused by the sudden appearance of Equestria’s number one party planner.

“The one and only.” The pink pony chimed.

“How did you get.” Apple Bloom started but never finished as Sweetie interrupted her.

“It’s Pinkie Pie. I think it is better just not to ask.” The girl stated before going over and picking up the small pony and giving her a big hug. “You came all this way to throw us our Cute-ceañera. You are simply the best. Are Rarity, Applejack and Rainbow with you?” She finished with a smidgen of hope looking around.

“Afraid not, don’t think their minds could cope with traveling through time and space, but I’ll be sure to show them the photos.” Pinkie giggled pulling out a camera. “Right then. Firstly, let me see those cutie marks.

The party was legendary. From food and drinks such as a rain cloud spewing a never-ending stream of chocolate milk down on a chocolate fountain to dancing along to the music the singing plants happily bellowed throughout to an assortment of party games including magical pass the parcel and charades. Even Dumbledore appeared at one point and did a merry jig with Pinkie Pie before joining in in an impromptu conga line. Professor Trelawney also dropped by to and doted more gifts on Scootaloo, books entitled Thirty Obscure Ways to Predict the Future by Cassandra Trelawney, Axinomancy by Lars Arbor and Xylomancy by Selina Sapworthy alongside some twigs and a beautiful axe with details carved into the wood, including her cutie mark, alongside significant etchings in the blade. Professor Sprout was slightly alarmed by this last gift but Sybil refused to let her take Scootaloo’s gift from her saying that Axinomancy was a highly reputable way to predict the future. Pomona preyed they could get through this year without a student getting beheaded. Sybil also spent a far amount of time enraptured by Pinkie Pie and her abilities, often lost in conversation with the pink pony.

Professor Sprout had been overjoyed upon seeing Apple Bloom's mark and had guffawed heartily at the tale she had to tell on how she'd got it. Finally though, as the clock ticked past nine and the girls’ heads drooped it was time for Pinkie to say her goodbyes and as suddenly as she had appeared, she disappeared to the shock of Professor Sprout.

“I don’t think I’ll ever get used to her.” She mumbled mostly to herself.

“Trust us. No one does. The only way to define Pinkie Pie is Pinkie Pie.” Scootaloo replied before yawning.

“No matter. Come along now. I think we have all had a long day and could do with some sleep. This will certainly be a day that lives long in all our memories.”

And with that the girls were ushered to their dorm where they washed up and got ready for bed.

“As Rainbow Dash would say, today was totally awesome.” Scootaloo yawned, the accidental destruction of part of the school totally forgotten about.

“Agreed.” Five girls chorused before all six soon found themselves drifting off to sleep, dreaming about what tomorrow would bring.

“Anyone else curious why Pinkie called us out to one of my barns so late?” Applejack asked dreary eyed having been awoken by gummy biting her back right leg. Said alligator was still attached to said leg. “Or how to get an alligator off your leg?”

“No idea darling. I was working late when a letter popped through my door. She could really do with using a lot less confetti.” Rarity grumbled puling yet another piece out of her hair.

“Same here. To both.” Twilight replied. “And sorry Applejack, only Pinkie has managed to get him off me.”

“At least yours didn’t land on your face whilst flying.” Rainbow groused, her left hindleg in a cast. “This won’t be off for a month at least!”

“Oh my.” Fluttershy whimpered. “Angel passed me mine as I was doing the late-night feeds. He has his faults but can be super helpful at times.”

They stood for a few minutes more in the pitch darkness wondering what was going to happen next before in the distance they heard the town clock tower chime twelve times.

“Well I don’t know about you lot but I’ve got to be up in five hours so I’m heading for bed.” Applejack said yawning to emphasise her point.

Spotlights suddenly blared on behind them illuminating four white boards in front of them covered in photos. At the top of each was one word which ultimately spelt out Cutie Mark Crusaders Cute-ceañera!

“What in Celestia?” Applejack shouted dazed momentarily by the lights.

Rarity walked up to the first board and took a look at one of the photos before squealing in delight. Thankfully, there were no windows in the vicinity.

“What in tarnation has got you so worked up Rares.” A tired and crabby Applejack huffed walking over to see what had got her friend in such a state.

Rarity pointed at a photo on the board.

“Whoa nelly. So, they finally did it. I’m proud of you little sis.” Applejack spoke with emotion dripping off her voice as a tear rolled down her eye. “Buck work, I’m going to get a keg of our reserve cider. Tonight, we celebrate. I’ve no idea how you did it Pinkie, but thank you” she murmured before turning to head off.

Twilight looked at her friend astonished. Applejack never flouted her work, but then the words on the boards finally registered with her. “Pinkie, explain now.” She commanded.

“Well, you see..” And thus, a five-minute explanation began.

“And so, each of them has a special talent related to the magic in this other dimension. Sweetie can Transfigure or change her appearance like a changeling.” Pinkie said nearing the end of her explanation.

“What’s a changeling?” Dash enquired.

“You’ll find out in episode 26 although that might be sooner now with Discord sending the Crusaders away.” Pinkie hummed whilst Dash just looked at her completely perplexed and opting to put it down to Pinkie being Pinkie. “Anyway, Sweetie’s Cutie Mark represents the basic formula to be able to transform herself or others. Apparently, she’s even turned Scootaloo into a duck for pouring cold water on her whilst she was sleeping. That story was hilarious, I’ll come back to it later.” She said noting Dash was suddenly laughing at the prank gone wrong. “Now, Apple Bloom’s talent is potions.”

“I thought she’d been spending more time with Zecora before she left.” Applejack interrupted having stopped in the doorway of the barn to listen to Pinkie’s tale. Cross dimension travel, alternate worlds, weird mythical creatures. Crazy some of the things she’d heard and read about this past month she thought to herself before continuing on her way to get the keg of cider.

Scootaloo’s like most Pegasus is flight related but she also has the power of divination.” Pinkie continued.

“Way to go squirt.” Rainbow hollered before once again turning to Pinkie with a perplexed expression on her muzzle. “Wait, what is divination.”

“Simply put she can see and predict the future through magic. Most likely a power she got from being blessed by Discord.” Pinkie clarified.

“Whoa, so cool. That’s my girl.” Rainbow shouted in glee before doing a loop the loop and being caught by Twilight in her purple aura before she could land.

“You brain dead idiot. You want to make your leg worse!” She snapped angrily lowering the Pegasus gently to the ground.

Rainbow looked at Twi sheepishly and thankfully was saved any further rebuttal by the returning AJ with a trolley laden with a barrel and some mugs.

“Alright, sleepover time girls. I’m sure Pinkie’s got some cards we can play with in a little while.”

“Sure do Jackie!” Pinkie exclaimed, pulling a pack of cards out of her mane.

“Brilliant. First though, I’m going to get me a better look at some of these photos.” Applejack said proudly before pouring herself a mug of cider.

Big Mac drank his coffee at the kitchen table wondering where his little sister was. It was unlike her to be late up. Sighing he decided to go investigate and found her bed peculiarly empty with a note on her sideboard.

He opened the door to the barn and looked at the carnage inside. Passed out mares, empty jugs and playing cards were dotted everywhere. What in Equestria had got into his sister he wondered. Not once had she ever broken into their reserve cider stash except for family gatherings. Noting the pictures on the whiteboards he walked over, carefully avoiding a pile of vomit, reading the words labelled above before seeing a group of peculiar bipedal creatures celebrating. Having heard of the bizarre tale of where his other sister had disappeared to it did not take long for him to work out what had happened and he soon came to the group shot of the three proudly displaying their marks.

“Good on you sis.” He remarked smiling before back tracking carefully out of the barn and deciding he would let Applejack have the day off. Her and her friends could help catch up tomorrow.

“Eugh, my head. Where am I?” A voice above interrupted his thoughts and he looked up to see Rainbow Dash sticking halfway out the front wall of the barn.

Sighing, Big Mac went to fetch a ladder.

In the Canterlot Castle Gardens, Chaos chuckled in its stony prison.

Author's Note

There really are some bizarre ways to tell the future, https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/ways-to-tell-the-future/catoptromancy. Hope you enjoyed there first day, things will speed up from here just wanted to lay some foundations for the major subjects.

The First Week - Tuesday and Wednesday, BORING!!!!

Sadly for the Crusaders, after the excitement of Monday, Tuesday proved to be a bit of a let-down. The excitement of finding out their History of Magic teacher was a ghost was quickly extinguished when his voice droned out across the classroom…

“Now today we shall be learning about the Gargoyle Strike of 1911.” Professor Binns monotone voice sounded across the classroom.

Even before the end of the first sentence Scootaloo was asleep. Apple Bloom tried her best but quickly zoned out as she often did when Granny Smith waffled on for too long. Within ten minutes most the class were fast asleep. Only Hermione and Sweetie Belle seemed able to avoid the sleep-inducing droll of the professor’s voice and both Scootaloo and Apple Bloom were extremely grateful they were able to copy the latter’s notes in the library in the free period that followed.

Following their morning break, they then had to deal with their first Potions lesson where Snape the snake informed them that this would be their theory lesson for the week, often in preparation for the practical session at the end of the week. He then gave them an introduction to the subject involving the importance of potions, the effects they can have and the ten vital steps to a successful potion. These included clean equipment, correctly functioning equipment, correct ingredients, follow the recipe, timing, ageing, stirring techniques, bottling, using the correct incantation, and most importantly competence in your own ability and skill. He then went on to talk about what they would be brewing Friday, a cure for boils and set them their homework, which was preparation for their first potions attempt. By this point Scootaloo was near breaking point from boredom and swiftly left the classroom to go for a fly. Her two best friends accompanied by Hannah, Megan and Susan followed her and sat in the grounds watching the breath-taking acrobatic display whilst going over their notes from the previous lesson and preparing for Friday.

After this, the horde of Hufflepuff first years made their way to lunch where Scootaloo exclaimed. “I swear if I have to listen to one more boring lecture I’m going to scream.”

The girls all looked at each other a little worried before Apple Bloom piped up.

“Don’t worry Scootaloo, next up is Defence Against the Dark Arts. I’m sure that’ll be a little more interesting. Plus, remember you need knowledge to brew potions. Wouldn’t want any accidents now, would we?”

“You forgot one important detail Apple Bloom: Sweetie Belle. If there is a potion lab left by the end of the week it’ll be a miracle.” Scootaloo deadpanned.

“Says the girl who blew up the south tower.” Sweetie Belle snidely replied.

“Touché. Although I am really looking forward to this next class.”

“WHAT IN TARTARUS WAS THAT!!!” Scootaloo screamed. “It was worse than history. Sweetie, please tell me you understood some of th-th-that. Oh, sweet Celestia I’ve caught his stammer.” Scootaloo exclaimed.

“I’ve no idea what we just spent fifty minutes witnessing. Girls, any help?” Sweetie replied.

Five girls shrugged their shoulders.

“Right, that’s it. Girls, to the dormitory. It is time I wrote a letter.”

Being over one thousand years old very little shocked the Princess of the Sun, although a one-legged, one-eyed parrot shouting Fat Cow needs to lay of the fucking cake would do the job just perfectly, especially after several nights with little sleep. After having blasted a hole in the castle wall in a moment of sleep-deprived insanity a letter dropped upon her muzzle.

Dear Princess Celestia,

We do hope you are well and apologise in advance for Wally’s bad language. I just wanted to inform you that Magic School is going well although we’ve found some of the teachers a little lacking in their abilities, most notably in Defence Against the Dark Arts. We were hoping that you would be kind enough to release my adoptive father and see if he’d be willing to tutor us in such a subject. I know he really wants me to succeed but without his help I’m unsure how we can possibly do so when such a subject is taught by a nervous quivering buffoon.

Yours faithfully,

Scooti Alaw Prewett

Hmm, interesting Celestia mused. Not only could this help to reform Discord, this could also help in getting rid of him for a few months and giving her some much-needed peace and quiet. The consistent late-night chuckling and bird choirs were really eating into her sleep.

Scootaloo walked gloomily into the Great Hall. She’d been kept behind for nearly half an hour after falling asleep in Astronomy theory. Professor Sinistra had not been pleased especially when she’d apologised by saying that she couldn’t help it after so many awfully boring lessons today. It had also cost Hufflepuff ten points. Sighing she squeezed in next to the girls as they all waited for dinner to appear.

“So, how’d it go?” Apple Bloom enquired.

“She totally hates me.” Scootaloo groaned.

“Yeah you were rather rude to her.” Sweetie added.

“Well I’m sorry that I’ve been stuck in three boring lessons already today and couldn’t stomach a fourth. She’s also given me extra homework because of it instructing me to write a five-hundred-word essay on the importance of astronomy before tonight’s practical. I’ve half a mind to skive off but don’t want any more trouble in my first week.” Scootaloo complained.

“Oh, I am sorry that some of the teachers are not meeting the chaotic standards you expected. Nice job on that tower yesterday by the way, truly chaotic. And I hear congratulations are in order, someone finally got their cutie mark.” A voice sounded from behind Scootaloo before the sound of party poppers followed by confetti reigning down upon her occurred. The girl swiftly turned around and hugged her adoptive father. “Discord, you came.” She mumbled her head buried in Discord’s chest.

To avoid permanently scarring the minds of some of the humans the draconequus had taken the form of a middle-aged humanoid male with slightly tanned skin and black hair with a hint of white. He wore a white shirt and brown suit with yellow patches with pink polka dots on the elbows. To top it all off he had a pink tie with yellow polka dots.

“Yes. I wasn’t exactly given much choice. Celestia stated it was either this or being turned back to stone and sent to the moon for a thousand years or more. I think I kind of made her cranky with all those midnight bird choirs I orchestrated.” Discord chuckled.

Scootaloo guffawed. “Yes, that would do it. Would you like to join us for dinner?”

“I’d be delighted, but first I’d better introduce myself before the scowling man behind me does something he regrets.”

“Explain yourself and how you got through the wards and protections.” Snape growled; wand raised at Discord’s back.

“It’s okay professor.” Apple Bloom pitched in. “This is Discord, Lord, Master and God of Chaos. After a frankly disastrous Defence Against the Dark Arts lesson Scootaloo sent Princess Celestia a letter. He’s come here to tutor us on the subject.

“Hmm.” Snape considered his position for a moment before lowering his wand. Even he knew going up against a literal God would not end well for him. Thankfully at that moment Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall strode into the room.

“Huh, looks like we’ve an unexpected guest. Anyone like to explain?” The headmaster said cheerfully trying to hide his surprise at the sudden intrusion.

At this Discord turned and shook Dumbledore’s hand. “Ah, Albus Dumbledore, a pleasure to meet you. Name is Discord. I have many titles as Apple Bloom here just pointed out but think the most important one is God of Chaos. Princess Celestia received an unfortunate letter in relation to one or two of the girls’ teachers and thus she has hired me to take on their Defence Against the Dark Arts tutoring. I hope you will have no problem with this.” Discord explained quickly handing the dumbfounded headmaster a letter.

Scootaloo giggled.

Dumbledore read the letter in astonishment before turning his head back to the new arrival. “I’m guessing you are properly trained to take on such a position.”

“Just a moment.” He snapped two of his fingers and copies of The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection and The Essential Defence Against the Dark Arts appeared floating in front of him.Putting a pair of glasses upon his nose he took one of the books and flipped through it at break neck pace before doing the same with the second one.

“Incredible.” Dumbledore murmured.

“Yes, that seems like a good place to start. Although they are young, I think we will start by looking at the three unforgivable curses, on a theoretical basis of course, and possible ways to combat them. You can never be too young to learn of the dangers of such power. Alongside this we will also look at dark charms and how to combat them, whilst also possibly exploring the beneficial use of these. Curses and Counter-Curses (Bewitch your Friends and Befuddle your Enemies with the Latest Revenges: Hair Loss, Jelly-Legs, Tongue-Tying and much, much more) by Professor Vindictus Viridianwill be of particular help here. Yes, these may not be the most ethical approaches to teaching the subject and they may be young but you never know when or where dark magic will spring up and they certainly will not play by the rules. Thus, an unprepared student is a dead student and looking around I don’t feel we have enough to spare right now.”

Dumbledore and Minerva stared at him mouth agape, shocked at his blasé attitude. Snape looked at the new so-called tutor with disdain. Discord just continued his basis for the curriculum.

In between all this we will study dark creatures and how some of these spells and others can combat such creatures. This will likely cover the majority of the first two years of the course and part of three I would suspect. As we head into the third year and I feel they are proficient enough I’ll add the concept of duelling to the curriculum although I may introduce this sooner if the girls are ready. In years four and five we will likely revisit what they have learnt over the course of the first three years in preparation for their O.W.L’s and if I feel they are ready will introduce them to some of the more advanced aspects of the course, teaching them the unforgiveable curses and seeing how they combat them alongside some of the more gruesome dark creatures out there. I feel that should suffice for an explanation.” Discord finished shutting a notebook that had appeared from nowhere.

Minerva still had her mouth wide open. Dumbledore looked at the new addition impressed. Snape continued with his death glare.

Folding up the letter the headmaster spoke. “Fair enough. You’ve provided a very detailed and thorough explanation of your knowledge and how you plan to apply it. Although I trust Quirrell’s ability and qualifications for the post I cannot stand in the way if a parent/guardian feels such teachings is not adequate enough and hires a personal tutor. So be it, would you like some dinner and then we shall see to your living quarters. Oh, and will it just be the three girls you shall be tutoring?”

“Although I have only been tasked to tutor them, I’m quite happy to tutor any of their friends as well.” Discord explained.

Every first year Hufflepuff looked at Scootaloo pleadingly.

The girl laughed. “Think you can tutor twelve of us?”

“Thirteen including myself, what a delightfully chaotic number. I’d be honoured.” Discord chimed. “And remind me to take a look at the damage my charge caused yesterday, I’m sure I’ll be able to sort out the damage she caused.” Discord cackled.

Dumbledore wasn’t sure whether to be grateful or worried.

Soon after dinner Discord stood in front of the pile of rubble with Dumbledore that used to be the South Tower. “Hmm” he mused. “Yes, that should do it.”

He pulled out his wand, dogwood with draconequus hair 13 inches and 13mm in length rather bendy. Muttering some words, he flashed his wand at the pile of rubble and to Dumbledore’s amazement the tower reappeared, albeit a little crooked. Wandering inside he found stairs to nowhere, slanting floors, a classroom where the gravity had completely disappeared and he floated onto the ceiling, another classroom that had books flying all around. As he explored more and more of the rebuilt tower, the eccentricities of the tower grew more and more. There was a door which led straight into a brick wall, another classroom which transfigured him into a pony and back again once he left and so much more. Dumbledore loved it. It was pure honest chaos and totally what Hogwarts was all about. Nothing dark or dangerous he had previously been fearing.

“I love the improvements.” He commented as they left the newly rebuilt tower, I think I’ll rename it the Discord tower. Yes, that suits it perfectly.”

Discord chuckled, “I knew you would. Shame that misery guts Snape won’t be teaching here.”

Dumbledore laughed. “Oh, he would just love that. Sadly, I don’t think I could move the Potions lessons just for comedy value alone.”

“Hmm, well you know that Miss Belle has a restraining order against her for ovens back in Equestria and her first attempt at a potion nearly led to the Burrow being burned down?” Discord quipped.

Dumbledore looked at him for a moment before sighing. “I really wish you were joking. Oh well, at least if the Potions lab suffers damage we know where we can place some of the lessons until its fixed.” Dumbledore ended with a good hearty guffaw and was soon joined by the God of Chaos.

Somewhere in the bowels of the dungeons Snape shuddered suddenly and unexpectedly.

“Miss Prewett. Do you wish to fail Astronomy?” Professor Sinistra sighed coming across the girl fast asleep and drooling upon her telescope.

“Huh, what, uh oh. Crap, I’m in trouble again aren’t I.” Scootaloo summarised jerked awake from her slumber.

“I read your essay. How can you not see the importance of stars and our solar system aside from it being a tool in your Divination studies. The sun provides us with heat and light, the moon effects the tide and gravity. The stars guide us when darkness surround us. The universe around us provides us with life and a vast ocean to explore and understand. And that’s before you consider the beauty of the night sky. How can you not see that?” She tried to explain to the girl.

Scootaloo was fast asleep once again.

Sinistra sighed. Unfortunately, there were some students you just could not help no matter how much you tried. At least Miss Prewett’s two friends seemed to be greatly enjoying the class and were constantly in discussion about the stars and planets positions. Two out of three wasn’t bad Sinistra thought to herself.

Despite Scootaloo sleeping through much of Tuesday all of the girls slept in till ten the next morning before heading to the Great Hall for a late breakfast.

“So, what have we got first today? Scootaloo asked with a yawn before picking up and nibbling a piece of toast.

“How can you still be tired?” Megan exclaimed. “You slept through most of yesterday’s classes.”

“Pegasi. What you expect. Her role model is even worse. She’s either doing something extraordinary and insane or being incredibly lazy.” Sweetie Belle interjected.

“Hey, I’m not lazy and I actually had a very good night sleep thank you.” Scootaloo argued. “So, what delights do we have today?”

“We start with History of Magic fourth period.” Sweetie Belle paused as the groans chorused round the table.

“At least Scootaloo can get even more sleep.” Megan joked.

“Ha ha, very funny. I didn’t see you staying awake yesterday either.” Scootaloo retorted.

“Of course not, you were fast asleep.” Megan jested.

Scootaloo was about to retort back when Sweetie coughed politely.

“Apologies, what else we got?”

“Transfiguration fifth and Herbology seventh.” Sweetie finished.

Megan laughed. “Anyone want to take a bet Scootaloo will fall asleep in the lot?”

“Hey, I resent that. Anyone else need to finish their homework for Transfiguration?” Scootaloo continued trying to change the topic. Several girls raised their hands.

“Awesome, shall we get started then.”

After the chaotic nature of the past two days Wednesday actually managed to pass quite peacefully. After almost all the students took a nap in History, especially as some were still tired from being up so late the night before, they did a bit more studying for Transfiguration over lunch before Dumbledore again went over the four types, five exceptions and transfiguration formula, although this time he applied the knowledge to a number of demonstrations. Scootaloo had to admit seeing a desk turn into a pig was pretty cool. Still, unlike Charms which seemed to be pretty instinctual, there seemed a lot of science and precise preparation in order to make a transfiguration occur correctly making them a lot more difficult. The whole transfiguration alphabet they’d had a brief intro to in their first lesson also seemed very confusing. It was an alphabet devised as a generic language for the transfiguration research committee to breach language barriers and was now used widely across the magical world for magical texts and research papers. By also marking the correct shapes for each letter out with one’s wand, there was a greater chance of a successful spell due to the greater concentration this required. Still, as Dumbledore had explained, this method came with numerous flaws in that it was a lot slower than just saying the incantation due to having to precisely draw each symbol correctly in the air and that one small mistake would not only mean the spell would not work, you’d also have to start over once again. Although helped by Apple Bloom and especially Sweetie, Scootaloo knew she was likely to struggle in such a subject.

After a short break the girls were back out in the greenhouse again where Professor Sprout started to show them how to take care of some of the more sedate plants and continued to inform them of their uses, which Apple Bloom continually found fascinating and asked many questions. This seemed to please Professor Sprout a lot although she was a little concerned with Scootaloo’s feigned interest that she could see right through.

After this the Crusaders found themselves in the Great Hall where they went over Sweetie’s History notes, assisted Scootaloo with her Potions homework and continued practicing the Lumos spell in-between dinner.

Finally, after sending Wally off with a letter for their sisters it was bed time once again. Sweetie was a little concerned with the wide grin that Scootaloo had upon her face.

“Might I ask why Creepaloo has returned?” She enquired.

“We have double Defence Against the Dark Arts with Discord first thing tomorrow. It’s going to be awesome.” She squealed with glee floating several feet of the ground.

“Ahh, I see.” Sweetie replied a similar grin appearing on her face. She had to agree, it certainly would be interesting.

Applejack and Rainbow were sat snuggled on the couch, the latter now with both left legs in cast after Monday night’s antics. Suddenly, just as Applejack leant in for a kiss that darned parrot flew out of nowhere perched upon her hat and vomited a letter upon her lap.

“I’ll never get used to that.” Applejack grumbled.

“Lesbian Whores.” The parrot chimed.

“Or that.”

Rainbow Dash just giggled. “Well he’s at least half right and I’m sure we can make the other half true to. I know you don’t like liars.” She gave her marefriend a sultry look.

“Get a room and a dildo” Wally piped in. “But get me some fucking crackers first you whores.”

“I hate that bird.” Applejack groaned her orange coat suddenly becoming tinged with red as Rainbow fell of the sofa in a laughing fit. She rolled open the scroll.

Dear Applejack, Rarity and our families,

Our first couple of days at Hogwarts have been extremely interesting and busy. We arrived late on Sunday evening upon a train entitled the Hogwarts Express and shortly found ourselves in a massive castle with a huge hall where we were sorted by a talking hat into our houses. We were all a little nervous but were extremely happy and relieved once we were all sorted into the same house, Hufflepuff, yippee. The other houses are called Gryffindor, Ravenclaw and Slytherin. Anyway, after a massive feast we went to our house common room where we met our head of house Professor Sprout who is also the teacher of Herbology and who gave us our first-year timetables. Aside from Herbology we also are taught Potions, Transfiguration, History of Magic, Defence Against the Dark Arts (DADA), Astronomy, Charms and the basics to flying on broomsticks in our first year. I think the most important and exciting thing to happen across our first few days, as I’m guessing Pinkie has already told you is that we all got our Cutie Marks in these areas!!! Scootaloo’s represents flight and being able to predict the future, thus she has an extra class called Divination, mine is in transformation magic and Apple Bloom’s is in potions, although the Potions professor is a mean old bloke who has already given her one detention. We’ve ultimately been enjoying a lot of these lessons, although some we have found a little tedious or difficult to comprehend, and are having a great time so far. Thanks a lot for freeing Discord to teach us DADA. We could barely understand the professor assigned to us due to him stammering and stuttering so much. He also assisted in fixing one of the school’s towers after Scootaloo had an accident on her first day when she attempted her first magic spell and accidentally, I must stress, caused it to collapse. It is now a lot cooler to and has been renamed the Discord tower. Today we studied transfiguration whilst books flew all around us! Anyway, hope everything is well in Equestria,

Sweetie, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo.

Applejack stared at the letter in complete an utter shock causing Rainbow’s laughing fit to finally come to a halt.

“What’s wrong?” She said with a worried look upon her face.

“You know how I thought Mayor Mare was being a bit unfair at wanting to keep the girls away from Ponyville as long as possible?”

“I remember you absolutely blew a gasket at her.” Rainbow replied.

“I owe her an apology. One day, one day.” Applejack murmured still shocked by what she had read.

Rainbow took the letter from her marefriend’s hooves and quickly skimmed over it before falling into another laughing fit. Slowly as she managed to get control of herself, she managed to eke out “oh that’s priceless. More importantly though what will it be my dear, twenty bits, the lacy underwear photoshoot or the Macintosh 3000.”

Applejack face hooved. “Why’d I ever take that bet.”

“I’ll be upstairs love.” Rainbow said in a smug tone hobbling to the door.

“Fucking lesbians.” Wally cawed. “And where are my fucking crackers?”

“Oh, can it.” Applejack retorted heading for the kitchen. It was going to be a long evening.

Author's Note

Apologies if this chapter seems a little condensed and rushed. I need to push things on a bit and then Thursday spilled to nearly 10000 words :rainbowlaugh: . Anyway Defence Against the Dark Arts with Discord will not end well...

EDIT: WHOOPS, FORGOT THE LAST PART. Yes, I'm an AppleDash shipper, sees story suddenly receives 100 dislikes :rainbowlaugh:

Thursday part 1: The Unforgiveable Curses

Author's Note

WARNING: THIS CHAPTER CONTAINS DARK THEMES AND A LOT OF EMOTIONS, NOTHING TO BAD BUT SORRY IN ADVANCE FOR THIS.

Thursday part 1: The Unforgiveable Curses

The first year Hufflepuffs sat at breakfast the next morning going over the days schedule when Discord approached them wearing a garish rainbow coloured suit.

“Ahh, all here I see, perfect. They have provided me with classroom 104 in the Discord tower for our lesson. Are we ready to learn?”

Scootaloo gave an eager nod standing up whilst the rest of the table quickly finished what they were eating before joining her.

“Excellent, come along then.”

It was upon entering the newly renamed Discord tower that the first year Hufflepuffs came across their first shock of the morning as a huge slobbering Werewolf came barrelling towards them. Rather than deal with it though Discord just stood aside and watched his newly acquired class. Whilst most cowered back in fear, Scootaloo stepped forward as Apple Bloom looked like she was preparing to charge the beast.

Pulling her wand out his adopted daughter cried “Homorphous” and the werewolf abruptly disappeared.

“Excellent, ten points to Hufflepuff for your bravery and knowledge Miss Prewett.” Discord praised the girl who positively beamed at him.

“Can you even give us house points?” Justin quipped, slowly getting over the shock and fear induced by the sudden appearance of the werewolf.

“I’m the God of Chaos, of course I can.” Discord laughed before becoming deadly serious once more. “Now here is your first and most vital lesson in Defence Against the Dark Arts. You must learn to expect the unexpected. This is more important than anything you will find in any textbook and failure to acknowledge this will almost certainly lead to your downfall. A werewolf won’t say how do you do before they maul you. Your enemies won’t stand in front of you and warn you they are about to use the killing curse; they’ll sneak up behind you and stab you in the back. I hope none of you will have to encounter the creatures and spells we will be going over across the next five years of your education, but it is better to prepare you just in case. An ill prepared witch or wizard is a dead witch or wizard. I hope this demonstration has proven that and will provide the necessary incentive for you to study diligently in learning how to defend yourself against such atrocities. Now come along, we have a lot to learn today.” Discord took off with not even a glance behind him.

Scootaloo literally bounced behind him followed cautiously by Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom. The remainder of the class stood staring at each other for a moment, still a little stunned at what they’d just witnessed.

“Well if it’s a choice between utter chaos and possible death before the end of the year or Professor Quirrell, there’s only one logical option.” Wayne said shrugging his shoulders and following the three girls.

Nodding their heads in agreement the rest of the class soon followed.

After navigating the maze of stairways and corridors the newly rebuilt Discord tower now contained, the small contingent of students and teacher came across the room they required.

As they entered Ernest squawked “what on Earth” as student after student floated weightlessly up to the ceiling where an array of desks awaited them along with a chalkboard at the front of the classroom where Discord waited.

“Take your seats please and I shall begin.” Slowly the surprised bunch of first years sat themselves down, allowing Discord to continue. “Good, now as you are probably aware, I am professor Discord, Lord, Master and God of Chaos.” He exclaimed as his name appeared upon the chalkboard. “You are all here because you felt your Defence Against the Dark Arts lessons needed a little more excitement and chaos, something which I will most certainly provide over the next five years. First of all, I’d like to get to know my students, so let’s have a quick name and an interesting fact about yourself session. We will start with Scootaloo and go around the room.”

After every student had stated their name and an interesting fact about themselves Discord continued his introduction to the subject at hand. “Thank you to all of you for that little bit of insight and information. I can already tell we will have a most exciting time together over the next five years. To begin I’d like to inform you of the five core areas we shall be covering over the next five years.” He snapped his fingers once again and five bullet points adorned the chalkboard.

1. The three unforgivable curses and ways to combat them.
2. The three types of dark charms, using these to your advantage, and ways to combat them.
3. Dark Creatures and how to deal with such foul beasts.
4. Magical Duels.
5. Preparation for O.W.L.S

Overall, this will be done through both theoretical and practical means, utilising the information across four key text books, two of which I believe you already obtain, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander and The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection by Quentin Trimble. Copies of the other two, The Essential Defence Against the Dark Arts by Arsenius Jigger and Curses and Counter-Curses (Bewitch your Friends and Befuddle your Enemies with the Latest Revenges: Hair Loss, Jelly-Legs, Tongue-Tying and much, much more) by Professor Vindictus Viridian are on each of your desks now.” He snapped his fingers and the books appeared to the amazement of the children in front of them.

“This is going to be radical.” Scootaloo said with glee, flipping through the last book that Molly had refused to let her buy a copy of.

Justin’s hand shot up.

“Yes” Discord said intrigued.

“Is it ethical and wise to be teaching us dark charms?” The boy asked.

“I refer you back to our first lesson downstairs. Your enemies will not play fair or have a moral code of conduct. They will almost certainly be trying to kill you and unfortunately to survive such meetings you may need to stoop to their level and perform a few underhanded tricks. And before one of you ask, feel free to practice some of these curses on your fellow students, I am the God of Chaos after all.” He finished with a sly smirk. “Any more questions?

Scootaloo rubbed her hands with glee while Sweetie Belle buried her head in her hands thinking about how many points their house was going to lose. The rest of the class were unsure how to react to their teacher’s brutal honesty although some smiled at the fun they could possibly have with such curses. Nobody opted to ask another question so Discord moved on to their first topic of study.

“Excellent. Now I have already stated one of the three unforgivable curses, the killing curse or Avada Kedavra as the incantation goes. It may horrify some of you to know that that is the kindest of the three curses as death is immediate and painless. Anyone wish to harbour a guess at the other two and what will happen if you ever attempt to use any of these on another human being?”

After a while of blank stares around the classroom Scootaloo’s hand shakily raised into the air, the sudden change in her mood clear to everyone’s eyes.

“Ahh, Miss Prewett again. Go ahead, Discord encouraged.”

“The other two are the Cruciatus Curse which inflicts extreme pain upon the intended victim and the Imperius Curse which manipulates the mind of the victim to do the caster’s bidding. Use of any of these on another individual will result in a one-way trip to Azkaban.” The girl uttered morosely.

“Excellent once again. Now let us examine each one a little more closely.” Discord praised before turning to back to the chalkboard.

As the Hufflepuff first years left the Discord tower they tried to get their heads around what they’d just learnt.

“Why would anyone ever use such spells” Sally-Anne muttered. “Murdering people, hypnotising and making them do your bidding, torturing them. It’s just disgusting. I’m glad these people get sent to such a horrid place as Azkaban, they really do deserve it.”

“Agreed” Several others murmured.

“Yeah, sadly for some of us it came a little too late for our families.” Scootaloo said mournfully looking over at Susan who’d also been hit hard by the lesson that had just passed. “Let us hope none of us are forced into the option my mother had, suicide or extreme torture and forced loyalty to the Dark Lord. We can only hope he stays gone although if he dares rear his ugly head, I’ll send him to Tartarus myself.

“Only if I don’t get to him first.” Susan said coldly.

“Girls can we please change the subject. I know you two are hurting and we just had a really serious lesson and all but do we really need to dwell on it? How about we take our minds of things and go take a breather for a little while. We’ve got a free period next and been studying really hard anyway this week. Maybe now would be a good time to have an explore of the castle or pay a visit to Hagrid.” Apple Bloom interrupted.

“Sorry Bloom, that lesson just brought up a lot of bad blood is all and was a real eye opener. A tour of the castle sounds wonderful to clear my mind. Who wants to join us?” Scootaloo apologised still looking a little downcast.

In the end the Crusaders were joined by Susan as they took a walk around the grounds of the castle to try and clear their heads after such an intense and down to Earth lesson.

“Wow, the castle really is huge isn’t it? Apple Bloom stated admiring yet another tower.

“That it is young Miss. There are parts even I haven’t explored.” Hagrid said wistfully approaching the young girl from behind and causing her to startle in surprise. “Now, what are you doing out here anyway, shouldn’t you all be heading to class right now?” The behemoth of a man enquired.

“We’ve a free period and needed some time to clear our minds. Professor Discord taught us about the unforgiveable curses this morning in Defence Against the Dark Arts.” Sweetie Belle explained.

“WHAT!” Hagrid bellowed angrily. “What teacher in their right mind would teach those to first years? I’ve a good mind to go knock some sense into this tutor of yours. I know Quirrell is a bit of a buffoon, but at least he knows what material is appropriate to teach.”

“Yes, but what if He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named returned tomorrow and attacked the school or something else dangerous occurred. I understand my adoptive father’s techniques are a little unorthodox, but I can vouch on his behalf that he only does so for our own benefit. Yes, this morning’s lesson brought up some painful memories but it was probably the most valuable and important lesson we’ve had so far.” Scootaloo argued refusing to look the giant in the eyes as more tears started to fill hers.

“Right, to my shack with the lot of you for some tea and cake, I’m not taking no for an answer. Although I don’t agree with it, I understand your reasoning young Miss and won’t interfere further. I will not however stand aside and ignore a student who is clearly in a lot of pain.” Hagrid replied with a defeated sigh.

“Thank you.” Scootaloo spoke softly, “that sounds wonderful.” She forced out a chuckle.

“And there you have it Mr Hagrid sir, the whole story.” Scootaloo finished, sipping her tea and petting Fang who had dropped his head upon her lap. Tears stained her cheeks.

The other three girls stared at her. Until now Scootaloo had never revealed to anyone in detail just what Discord had shown her in that memory orb. To have seen and witnessed the use of such dark and despicable magic first hand as it wiped out almost your entire family. To see it used to force family member against family member while those in control just stood by and laughed. To see the excruciating pain etched across the faces of those you never got a chance to meet. To see your mother turn her own wand on herself as others watched and laughed. And during it all, all you could do was nothing but watch and cry. For many such memories would be too much to handle and led to an indefinite stay at St Mungo’s, but their friend had taken these upon her shoulders and continued as if normal and seemingly unaffected.

Apple Bloom and Sweetie could hardly come to comprehend how Scootaloo had managed to repress such memories. Susan though shared her pain. Although she’d never witnessed such spells, the ten years she had had with her mother had shown her enough the devastation they could cause.

Rage boiled inside Hagrid. Right then and there he wanted to get a hold of Lucius Malfoy, snap his back across his knee and then leave his paralysed husk at the mercy of Acromantulas in the Forbidden Forest. He pushed the thought deep down inside of him and took a deep breath. Now was not the time. He walked over to the poor girl and pulled her into his arms in a massive hug.

“I’m here for you lass. Hagrid isn’t going anywhere.” And just like that the tears came again. Slowly, one by one, the girls came over and joined in the hug.

“We’re here for you Scoots.” Apple Bloom comforted.

“Cutie Mark Crusaders forever.” Sweetie Belle added.

“I know your pain.” Susan consoled, her own memories leading to her own tears.

For nearly five minutes they stayed like that before Hagrid saw the time.

“My, my, would you look at that. If you don’t get a move on, you’ll be late to your next class and we wouldn’t want old Hagrid to get in trouble now would we.” He forced a chuckle.

“No sir.” Apple Bloom remarked letting go of the giant man alongside Sweetie and Susan. Hagrid kept a hold of Scootaloo who had absolutely exhausted herself emotionally and now somehow managed to fall asleep in his arms.

“Girls, if you don’t mind, I think Scoti needs a bit more time. Let your teacher know she’s suffered some emotional trauma and Hagrid has taken her to see Madam Pomfrey, okay.” He said softly.

“Okay, although I’m not sure Binns will even notice she’s not there.” Apple Bloom replied.

“I feel truly sorry for you to have to listen to that old fool rambling on.” Hagrid grimaced.

“Will Scoots be okay?” Sweetie asked concerned.

“She’s a tough nut. I’m sure she’ll be just fine given some time. It’s remarkable she’s kept it bottled up this long without cracking. I know more than a few witches and wizards who would have broken down at what she witnessed. Now come along you must hurry; you don’t want to get me in trouble!” Hagrid reiterated urging the children out of his shack. “Remember though that you ever need me my door is always open. I just hope it can be in better circumstances next time.” He finished closing the door behind him quietly so as not awake the girl he was cradling in his other arm.

“Well, that was abrupt. Poor Scootaloo, I can’t believe she kept all that to herself for the past month.” Apple Bloom said sadly.

“Can’t blame her though. I don’t particularly like talking about my mum. She could be perfectly fine one moment and the next she could become so distant and aloof. The day she died I didn’t know whether to grieve the loss of my mother or cry in joy and relief that her suffering had finally come to an end.” Susan said distantly.

“Wow, I’m truly sorry.” Apple Bloom replied. “You ever want to talk about her you know we are here for you.”

“Thanks. I may take you up on that offer sometime. Right now though I think we’d better hurry before we are late!” She said picking up the pace as they desperately tried to make it to their next class on time.

Back in Hagrid’s hut the giant stood at his fireplace, still cradling the girl in one arm.

“Albus, sorry to disturb you. Can you meet me in the infirmary and pick up professor Sprout along the way please. I just found out some important information that both of you need to be informed about.”

“Of course old friend, I’ll meet you there as soon as possible.”

Hagrid pushed the door open to the infirmary and strolled in

“Rubeus, what brings you to my” she stopped mid-sentence as she saw the girl cradled in his arms. “I wondered how long it would be.”

“You knew?” Hagrid exclaimed in surprise.

“I knew there was something she was withholding from me during her medical but didn’t feel it right to pry knowing that these things are often best left till the person feels ready to talk about them. Please lay her on the bed over there and then if you wish to explain I’d be most grateful.” Pomfrey enlightened.

Hagrid lay the girl down on the bed where she squirmed restlessly for a moment before falling silent.

“I’ll reveal all once” he never finished as just at that moment Dumbledore and Professor Sprout walked in.

“Rubeus, what is the meaning of this. I was in the middle of teaching my third years.” Professor Sprout stated indignantly.

Hagrid put his finger to his lips and shushed “not so loud” pointing at the girl on the bed.

“what has she done this time.” Pomona sighed.

“Nothing, it is what she has seen that we need to be concerned about.”

“What do you mean? Pomona asked confused.

“Her tutor started their Defence Against the Darks Arts teaching with highly advanced and in my personal opinion inappropriate information this morning.” Hagrid started before Pomona interrupted.

“What information?” Pomona demanded.

“The unforgiveable curses.” Hagrid deadpanned.

Pomona barely kept her surprise and anger in check. “I see” was all she opted to say.

“Although slightly unethical, the Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher has always had control over what the curriculum shall be for their students. I understand why Professor Discord may have felt it necessary to cover these immediately. I’m guessing though there is more to this situation and why we are here?” Dumbledore added his thoughts

“Yes, you all may wish to take a seat for this. It seems before she arrived in our world our newest professor showed Miss Prewett a memory orb containing explicit details of her family’s demise. And there were a lot of them. Today’s lesson brought these memories bubbling to the surface.” Hagrid continued.

“How explicit?” Dumbledore pressed.

“If I said that it started with her paternal great uncle betraying her grandparents and using the Cruciatus Curse to torture the location of where their daughter, son and granddaughter were hiding out of them, has a middle where her father and uncle have the Imperious Curse thrust upon them and duel to the death, and ended with her mother committing Avada Kedavra on herself to prevent capture and torture from death eaters. Oh, and this is just the tip of the iceberg along with the fact that all she could do whilst witnessing such travesties was cry and do absolutely nothing. I am just amazed how her mental state survived such information. This poor girl has literally witnessed hell and when she hits her full potential, I certainly wouldn’t want to be in Lucius Malfoy’s shoes.”

Pomona had turned white as a sheet and sunk into a chair promptly provided by Madam Pomfrey, who equally was looking a little pale.

“The poor girl.” Was all Professor Sprout could stammer.

“I see.” Dumbledore mused. “What does Lucius have to do with this?

“He apparently led the group of Death Eaters that attacked the McKinnon’s estate where they were hiding. Obliterated the entire family. I never believed that hogwash of a story that he was under the Imperious curse himself during the war and I think this event just adds more fuel to that fire. Why don’t I start from the beginning instead of giving you little snippets of information.” Hagrid replied a little exasperated.

“I see, that would explain why she was so rude to him at the council meeting when she was introduced. Yes, please do, I would like to hear everything, unless our new found friend would like to reveal himself and provide me with the memories,” Dumbledore stroked his beard deep in thought as he levitated a chair over and took a seat.

“They said you were a powerful wizard. I had no idea you were that powerful old man.” Discord said popping into existence in front of everyone. “Apologies to pop in on everyone but I sensed my charge was suffering an emotional imbalance and wanted to check it out and ensure she wasn’t accidentally leveling more of the school. I can assure you though that Scoti made her choices and it was only fair I abided by her will.”

Hagrid growled with anger “you’ve scarred the poor child for life.”

“She made her choice. And having her not know the fate of her family or the ones who might wish to cause her harm in future would have been better? I think not dear sir. Yes, her story is a tragic one, but it is one she unfortunately needed to know to answer the questions that yearned within her for ten long years alongside ensuring her future safety in a world that is rife with danger.” Discord explained.

Hagrid grumbled but remained quiet.

“I understand your reasoning and logic Professor Discord and applaud you for having the nerve to teach our students about such dangers at such a young age. Now if you don’t mind, I wish to see the memories this poor girl has had to watch.” Dumbledore commented calmly but with authority.

“As you wish.” Discord said as he pulled the orb from his jacket and handed it to Dumbledore. “Just press your nose to the glass orb and so it shall be. Someone of your power should be fine but you may experience some backlash once you return.”

Before Dumbledore had a chance though professor Sprout appeared out of nowhere and touched her nose to the orb, followed by Madam Pomfrey.

“Huh, that was unexpected. I love it!” Discord exclaimed.

Shrugging his shoulders Dumbledore followed his staff into the unknown.

“Fancy a game of cards till they return?” Discord oozed to Hagrid making a table and two stools appear out of nowhere.

“You’re on!” Hagrid replied.

Scootaloo heard distant talking and decided to snuggle deeper into the bed. Wait, bed? That didn’t seem right. She shot bolt upright and wiped her eyes trying to gather her senses as the haze of sleep clouded her vision. Slowly the most peculiar site unfolded in front of her, Hagrid and Discord playing Go Fish on two small stalls and the smallest table imaginable.

“Got any threes?” Hagrid’s gruff voice rang out.

“Go fish” chortled Discord.

“Dangnabbit” The half giant groaned taking a card from a pile on the table before cheering with glee as he slammed four threes down on the table. “Huzzah, I may win yet!”

It was at this point Scootaloo saw the orb on the floor and the three magicians staring blankly into space. She was furious.

“How could you?” She said barely above a whisper, tears streaking across her vision.

Two heads turned to look at the now awake girl.

“Looks like someone’s awake” Hagrid observed.

“How could you share something so private without asking me?” She pointed at the orb. “I thought I could trust you.” Scootaloo roared at Discord, leaping up from the hospital bed and racing for the door.

Flipping the table over and sending cards everywhere Hagrid barrelled after the upset girl.

“C’mon now Miss, please don’t be upset, he was only trying to help.”

“Wingardium Leviosa” she screamed with a swish and flick of her wand. Hagrid hadn’t even seen her pull her it out till the last moment. He had no chance of dodging the incoming spell.

“Oh crap.” He muttered making a desperate lunge for the girl as he started floating.

“Let go of me” Scootaloo cried as she struggled to free herself from Hagrid’s grip.

“Not until you calm down and be reasonable.” Hagrid demanded. “Discord, any chance you could get us down?”

“Nah, I’m enjoying the show. Although you could remove your clothes as they are what are actually enchanted not yourself.” Discord replied sipping a tall glass of chocolate milk and munching yet more popcorn that had appeared from nowhere.

“Git.” Hagrid grumbled, suddenly feeling slightly nauseous and dizzy from all the spinning around in the air.

A pool of vomit landed atop the motionless headmaster.

Discord just laughed, watching the show unfold. Ah chaos, how he loved it.

Dumbledore awoke to the most peculiar of sights. Firstly, he gagged at the smell of vomit that seemed to now cover him. After quickly casting Scourgify he found the source of said vomit as Hagrid orbited above trying to keep a struggling eleven-year-old from breaking free. Thankfully, said eleven-year-old was starting to tire and had resorted to weakly pummelling the gamekeeper’s chest as more tears streaked her face.

“Sorry about that sir, she kind of caught me by surprise and somebody else hasn’t been much help.” Hagrid glared at Discord.

“God of Chaos, what do you expect.” He replied holding his hands up in a guilty as charged pose while shrugging his shoulders.

Sighing Dumbledore pulled his wand out. “Finite” He called causing Hagrid and his catch to fall at speed to the ground. Thankfully, a pile of five mattresses had appeared from nowhere to break their fall.

“Of course, I wouldn’t want anyone to get hurt.” Discord said innocently, his wand having appeared from nowhere.

“Dear Lord. That was horrific. That poor child. I wouldn’t wish viewing those atrocities on my worst enemy let alone a child.” Pomona interrupted, coming around from the dizziness induced by the memory orb’s effects and generally feeling quite sick from what she’d witnessed.

Madam Pomfrey coughed and pointed at said, now awake, child.

“Oh my goodness. I’m so sorry.” Pomona tried to explain. Scootaloo just held up a hand and stopped her.

“How could you? And without even asking me how I’d feel first. I understand Discord, but the rest you. I thought I could trust you, all of you. You are just like the workers back at the orphanage pretending to be your friend because it was their job. Then as soon as something better came along, bam, they were gone. The information in that orb was private and personal and mine alone to see.”

“No” Pomona interrupted her students lament, bending down on one knee immediately in front of Scootaloo, look deep into her eyes. “This is certainly not something you should have to bear alone, nor would I have let you if I’d known sooner. I don’t care how mad you are at me right now, that was something I had to see. Albus.” She turned her head towards the headmaster. “I’m invoking rule 99 and wish to seek Lucius Malfoy removed with immediate effect from his position as Head of the School’s Board of Governors, return and refuse all future donations from the House of Malfoy, and ensure any attempt at accessing the grounds be met with hostile force due to him being a clear threat and danger to the safety of the students of Hogwarts. You can either accept this request or take this as my immediate notice of resignation.” She turned back to Scootaloo and hugged the too stunned for words girl before whispering in her ear. “Remember what Hufflepuff’s stand for the most, loyalty. In a battle against all odds, we’d rather stand and die together than abandon our comrades and live alone. Now let me wipe those tears from your face.” The Herbology professor said pulling a rather grubby looking hanky from her robes.

“Pomona, please. You are being un.” Dumbledore never finished.

“I second said motion and if not acted upon with immediate effect will also be looking elsewhere for work. There are plenty of other schools and hospitals looking for a matron of my experience and expertise.” Madam Pomfrey stated, leaving Dumbledore with a look of bewilderment upon his face.

“Third.” Hagrid interjected. “No way do I feel comfortable living at Hogwarts knowing that such a man holds such a key role of power.”

By now Dumbledore couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Sighing in defeat he uttered, “so it shall be. I agree with your terms and a letter will be issued to all twelve governors. They shall not be happy, but will accept it once I inform them of the situation I am faced with.”

Scootaloo had lost count by now of the number of tears she had shed so far this day, but she didn’t mind these ones. Throughout her life she’d been let down by so many who should have been there to look after and nurture her. In the end she’d become aloof, refusing to trust or befriend anyone resulting in acts of aggression and hostility as well as being bullied constantly. No family wanted her, the socially distant freak of a Pegasus who couldn’t fly and didn’t have a cutie mark. She refused to talk to her Social Worker or Councillor, never turned up for psychiatrist appointments, played hooky from school and simply sat alone atop a grassy hilltop for hours wondering what was the point in going on? She’d gone to Diamond’s Cute-ceañera that fateful day for one final cupcake before ending it all by jumping in front of the five o’clock from Canterlot. Fate and chaos had had other ideas. Apple Bloom and Sweetie entered her life and provided her with a purpose. For the first time in her life she had friends, no family. Although still troublesome and often disobeying curfews, the orphanage noticed she’d at least returned to class and was at least attempting to learn. They were also pleased that she’d at last made some friends. Then Discord turned up, adopted her, and showed her the tragic demise of her family. There had been more than a few nightmares since, but she didn’t wish to burden her ‘almost’ sisters with her problems. No, she had been afraid, afraid they would abandon her like so many before them, thinking she was weak and nothing but a cry baby. Yet here she was, staring at three adults who were willing to put her well-being ahead of their own and not back down. Finally, for the first time in her life she felt she really had some adults she could trust. Aunt Molly, Professor’s Flitwick, McGonagall, Trelawney and Sprout, Madam Pomfrey, Hagrid, headmaster Dumbledore and even Discord. She finally had a family. A weird disjointed magical family, but a family of people she realised she could trust and openly lay her heart to. No, these were tears of joy.

Thursday part 2: Come Fly With Me

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Friday: Toil and Bubble, Boil and Trouble

Apple Bloom sighed adding 4 horned slugs to the cauldron before removing it from the fire.

“Where are those Porcupine quills Neville?”

“Right here” the boy uttered passing her the quills.

“These are hedgehog quills. How many times do I have to tell you that porcupine quills are the long ones or are you just that much of an idiot?” Apple Bloom spat angrily.

Neville cowered back in fear as Scootaloo handed Apple Bloom the porcupine quills. “Hey, lay of Bloom, that wasn’t very nice. We’re trying our best.”

“BEST! BEST!” Apple Bloom roared before hurling a glass vial against the wall the wall of the small room they were using beside the infirmary as a makeshift potion’s lab whilst the real one was decontaminated. “I’ll hurl Sweetie into the lake when she’s out of the infirmary.” She then started to cry before wailing “I just want my lunch!” and getting back to the task at hand.

Neville and Scootaloo looked nervously at each other.

3 Hours Earlier…

After entering the potions classroom, the students had sat in pairs at the desks available. Scootaloo and Apple Bloom had quickly paired themselves together which led to Sweetie giving them a traitorous look before she searched for other willing victims, sorry partners. Ultimately, after none of her fellow Hufflepuffs sacrificed themselves she had been forced to team up with the Longbottom boy from Gryffindor just as Snape marched into the room.

“Good morning class.” He said in his usual monotone.

“Morning professor Snape.” The class replied.

“Today we shall be conducting the practical we prepared for on Tuesday working in pairs at our respective desks. There will though be one alteration to this.” Snape’s head turned to Apple Bloom and Scootaloo. “Due to Miss Bloom’s natural affinity for potions she shall be working alone so that her partners don’t decide to try and coast their way through my lessons. Miss Prewett you can work in a three with Longbottom and Belle.” Snape concluded.

Scootaloo’s eyes widened. “Sir, if you don’t mind, could I work alone or if not come back for detention instead.”

Snape looked at the girl like she’d gone insane for a moment before Scootaloo clarified her reasoning pointing at Sweetie Belle who gave her friend a death glare in response.

“Don’t you know that girl has a restraining order against using all ovens in our homeland after causing thirty-four incidents in a week and that her first attempts at a boil removing potion not only ended with her in St Mungo’s for two days, she also nearly burnt down the Weasley’s home! Who knows what will happen today? I’d rather have a week of detention than go anywhere near her with a cauldron!” Scootaloo exclaimed

Snape’s eye twitched as Neville looked at the girl as if she had grown all three of the heads on a hydra. In fairness to the boy, most of the class had similar expressions plastered on their faces. Having had enough chaos for one week without his potion’s lab being disintegrated as well, Snape quickly came to a solution.

“Fine, Miss Prewett you will partner Mr Longbottom. Miss Belle, please come up front and sit behind my desk. I will be your assistant today and if needs be for the future until you can master the basics of potion making.” Snape concluded.

As a mightily relieved Scootaloo went to sit next to Neville, Sweetie Belle stuck her tongue out at her friend as she passed her on her way to the front of the classroom.

“Okay, now that that is sorted, shall we begin. You’ll find the recipe on page twenty-five of your textbooks along with it being on the blackboard.” Snape droned moving to watch over Sweetie’s shoulder causing the girl to shuffle nervously.

Amazingly, the lesson had gone without incident. The Longbottom boy had nearly added the porcupine quills before taking it off the fire but thankfully Miss Prewett had stopped him just in time. Aside from that it had been a rather pleasant first practical lesson in Snape’s eyes and definitely one of the better ones compared to previous years with all of the student’s potions looking the correct shade of pink. That was until he returned to Sweetie’s cauldron. Snape looked at the concoction with a look of unhidden horror. He’d watched the girl like a hawk since she’d begun and only turned his back for a moment to review his other students’ attempts. How? How had hers gone from perfect pink to blacker than the cauldron it resided in in the blink of an eye.

“What did you do?” Snape growled ominously.

“Nothing. I took it off the boil, added the quills and stirred. Wait did I mix the echidna and porcupine quills again? No, definitely not, I triple checked them. I’m also sure I stirred it the right way. I’m sure it’ll be fine.” The girl with a broken nose squeaked out slightly deflated before raising her wand in defiance.

“STOP” Snape cried.

This caused a number of the students to turn from their own potions and look towards the front of the classroom in curiosity. Apple Bloom instinctively dived behind her desk. Scootaloo did the same pulling a stunned Neville with her as the spell reverberated around the room.

“Remedium”

As the fallout from the supposedly innocuous boil cure subsided, the two girls and Neville appeared from their hiding places to howls of agony as every other student and Snape writhed on the floor in excruciating pain, now covered in horrible black boils. Sweetie had somehow turned an innocuous boil potion into dark magic.

“Don’t touch anything where the potion has landed. Follow me. We need to seek help immediately.” Apple Bloom had commanded tip toeing from the room nimbly avoiding the writhing bodies.

Scootaloo opted for a safer option. Lifting Neville up, she fluttered to the exit doorway which had thankfully avoided contamination.

“Damn, you need to leave off the sweets Neville” Scootaloo wheezed as Apple Bloom opened the door and exited the classroom.

“No time for rest, we need to find a teacher fast and then get Madam Pomfrey.” Apple Bloom ordered.

Having found nobody on their way, the two girls and a still rather dumbfounded Neville had entered the infirmary, Scootaloo shouting at the top of her lungs to get the Matron’s attention. A rather flustered Madam Pomfrey had appeared from out the back and after a brief explanation she had raised the alarm.

It had swiftly been deduced after a test on Professor Snape that a substantial amount of the correctly brewed boil removal potion worked at nullifying the pain and boils whilst dittany removed the black marks that were left upon the skin afterwards. Unfortunately, it had taken Madam Pomfrey’s entire store to cure just Snape who’d been so exhausted from the ordeal he’d fallen asleep in his hospital bed straight afterwards. Madam Pomfrey had sought assistance with the arrival of a doctor and two further nurses from St Mungo’s, but they didn’t keep a large amount of the potion in storage and what they had had only been enough to cure Mr Potter, who like Snape fell asleep immediately after being cured.

This had meant Apple Bloom and her two lackeys, along with the entire 6th and 7th year N.E.W.T classes were now frantically attempting to brew as much as possible from what they could obtain in makeshift labs setup in rooms next to the infirmary. With the potions lab now under quarantine and being disinfected by a hazmat team, who were investigating how such a potion could have gone so badly wrong along with how they could avoid such an occurrence happening again, Apothecaries across Diagon Alley and beyond had been wiped clean of snake fangs, dried nettles, horned slugs, porcupine quills and dittany. The potion had already been classed as ‘The Unforgiveable Potion’. More importantly though, Apple Bloom had been forced to miss lunch.

As Neville and Scootaloo cowered in a corner whilst Apple Bloom applied the finishing touches to yet another batch of boil cure, a tapping came from the door and Dumbledore poked his head in.

“How’s it coming along and why are you two cowering in the corner?”

“Please, bring her something to eat. She’s gone totally insane!” Scootaloo exclaimed.

“Maybe if someone learnt the difference between a hedgehog and porcupine, I wouldn’t be so tetchy.” Apple Bloom retorted.

“I don’t think that warranted destroying a perfectly good glass vial then threatening to throw your best friend in the lake, before breaking down and weeping for a whole minute over missing lunch. I that wasn’t bad enough, you then continued making the potion whilst casually singing a jovial song about how you are going to cut Sweetie open and harvest her organs for use in an array of potions. And you are wondering why we are cowering in this corner.” Scootaloo responded giving Dumbledore a pleading look that clearly said ‘please get me the hell out of here’.

“Oh, it wasn’t that bad.” Apple Bloom retorted

It was Neville who stepped forward and nervously stammered “And I’ll hack, hack, hack and chop, chop, chop till her legs come right of. Oh, and as the blood sprays everywhere, I’ll set up jars and collect it for use in some of the foulest potions known to man! I don’t know what was worse, the gruesome detail, the awful lyrics, or her singing.” He finished before hiding behind Scootaloo as Apple Bloom gave him a look that reeked, you’re dead.

“I’ll get some sandwiches, drinks, crisps, fruit and cakes sent up straight away.” Dumbledore said wide eyed. “Miss Prewett, I don’t believe Professor Trelawney has any classes right now. I’m sure she wouldn’t mind you arriving a little early.” Dumbledore didn’t even see the girl dart out of the room she moved that quickly. Interestingly, Neville had also disappeared with her. “Huh, sorry you’ve lost your two assistants. Now, once again. How’s the latest batch coming along?”

“Don’t worry, they weren’t much help anyway.” Apple Bloom replied sticking a cork on yet another glass vial. “There, that’s another batch done and should cure one more student. I’ll set this cauldron up again and by then the second cauldron should be ready for the second part. Might take a little longer without those two but at least I won’t have to double check every ingredient they hand me.”

“Excellent! This’ll leave just five more students to heal. No need to set up that other cauldron again, I’m sure the other teams will be able to produce the remaining four batches, just focus on the cauldron already boiling. I’ll be back shortly.” Dumbledore pronounced with joy as he took the crate of vials of the table and headed back for the door.

“And don’t forget those sandwiches unless you want a one-way trip to the bottom of the lake.” Apple Bloom said, a hint of malice lacing her voice.

Dumbledore shuddered and gulped nervously. Quickly turning, he raised his wand and after saying a few words a whole array of food appeared on the table where there was space.

Apple Bloom’s eyes widened in delight.

Dumbledore closed the door behind him to the sounds of a wild animal devouring its pray. Even at his age, you could still learn new things. Today he had learnt that if you valued living, never get between Apple Bloom and her meals or food in general. With that vital piece of information stored safely in his mind, he headed back into the infirmary.

Scootaloo headed for the North Tower. After saying goodbye to Neville, who had snuck out with her and once again thanked her massively for saving him from being a victim of the boil Pandemic, she had headed back to her dormitory. After saying a quick hello to Wally, she’d grabbed all her divination equipment from her trunk and then attempted to locate the North Tower. After a bit of guesswork, she finally managed to locate it along a long narrow hallway and up a narrow spiral staircase that ended on a landing that lead to nowhere? Huh, had she taken a wrong turn? Looking all around she finally found the entrance, a circular trapdoor on the ceiling with a brass plaque adorning Sybil’s name and profession. Fluttering up she banged on the door three times before returning to the landing. After a little while the door opened with a slow creek and a silvery ladder descended onto the landing.

A little nervously Scootaloo ascended the ladder into a strange and dimly lit little classroom. Twenty small, circular tables were crammed inside, surrounded by armchairs and pouffes. A fire was burning under the mantelpiece and giving of a peculiar perfume aroma as it boiled a large kettle. The curtains were closed and small lamps dotted all over the place provided the room with its only light. Countless divination paraphernalia dotted the walls. In amongst it all sat the shaggy brown-haired woman with her trademark thick spectacles in a winged armchair drinking a cup of tea from a teapot on a table next to her.

“Welcome, welcome my dear. The crystal ball informed me you would be arriving a little early. My, my, what a stressful day you have had. Please, have a seat and we shall begin.” Professor Trelawney spoke warmly highlighting the empty chair across from her.

Scootaloo took the proffered armchair and sunk into its comfortable embrace, letting the worries and anxieties of the day melt away. She sighed in contentment.

“Excellent, I am glad to see you are comfortable. Now let me go over what we shall be studying this year. Usually I mainly only cover one form of divination a term, especially to my younger students, due to its difficulty. With your natural gift though I feel we can easily cover two. We shall cover the basic third year course of Tessomancy, Palmistry, Fire Omens and Crystal-gazing alongside two other more advanced and lesser known forms, Axinomancy and Xylomancy. To begin each lesson though, I will ask if you have had any more visions, signs, dreams or anything that might indicate the future to come.” The tutor explained to her pupil. “Any questions?”

Scootaloo shook her head.

“Excellent. Now, aside from that vison at the Start of Term Feast which Dumbledore has already informed me about, is there anything else you’d like to talk to me about before we begin with our first lesson properly.”

Scootaloo thought for a moment remembering the dream and nodded her head.

“Oh?” Professor Trelawney looked at the girl a little worried.

“It might be nothing but after the prophecies I feel it could be a warning of what’s to come.”

Trelawney looked at the girl fixated, silently urging her to go on.

“It was the night before we arrived at Hogwarts and the second warning occurred. When I finally fell asleep, I dreamt of mist all around me and then suddenly a grotesque face howling in agony appeared from the gloom. That’s all I remember as I awoke with a start. Although it has obviously been a super busy week, The Dream Oracle suggests that this was a warning of some kind. I believe the face was You-Know-Who and he has returned and is being abetted by someone in the school.” Scootaloo claimed.

Trelawney looked at the girl for a moment wondering how much she should say. “I won’t deny your fears seem well grounded but I can assure you that you are one hundred percent safe here at Hogwarts. All your professors are well versed in an array of magic and quite able to defend you in case anything happened. Still, shall we see if the tea leaves are able to shed any more information on the topic?” She finished pouring Scootaloo a cup from a large silver teapot and offering it to the girl on a small saucer.

Despite the tea and coffee being off limits at breakfast to the first years, Scootaloo had still managed to sneak a few cups in here and there after becoming acquainted to the taste over the summer after Professor Trelawney’s visit. After savouring the taste for a moment, she quickly finished her cupful. She then swilled the dregs in her cup three times with her left hand, tipped it upside-down on the saucer to remove the remaining tea and then took a look at what remained. She didn’t even bother to consult Unfogging the Future, already knowing the majority of basic symbols and their meanings of by heart. Over ten minutes, her face slowly paled as she took in more and more information from the cup. Trelawney looked on in concern.

“This is bad, very bad.” Was all Scootaloo could muster in a deadly serious tone before lowering the cup gently upon the table.

Sybil grabbed the cup immediately and over time her face paled to. “The vulture, the cross, the gun, and knives. This is bad, very bad.”

Scootaloo nodded her head morosely. “It is clear to me that evil and unrest are rising and await my future. This ultimately will lead to a significant trial against a powerful enemy that will result in a violent death which will cause me great suffering and wounds, possibly mental and physical, that end in pain and dismay. Unsurprisingly the vulture flies suggesting this will be a tragedy that causes me sorrow and tears.”

“Although I would often praise such an outstanding and highly accurate assessment of the leaves, I believe this time we both wished that this was not the case. I think it is best if we take a break from tea leaves for today. Although I rarely leave my tower as the chaos of the main school clouds my inner eye, I feel we both need a break and some fresh air after that ominous prediction. Come along now and bring your axe.” Professor Trelawney commanded heading for the trap door. “Let us see if Hagrid has finished setting up what I requested.”

Scootaloo followed her willingly, still reeling from the ominous prediction.

They arrived upon the training fields just as Hagrid placed the last of a number of tree stumps onto one of the edges of the fields.

“Ah Professor Trelawney, I hope this will prove to be satisfactory, although what you want all these tree stumps for is beyond me.” Hagrid stated.

“Ahh, it is so me and my protegee here can practice the ancient art of Axinomancy.” Trelawney replied.

“Axino what?”

“Axinomancy, a form of divining the future through throwing an axe or hatchet into an object, i.e. the ground, a tree etc., and then interpreting a number of factors, such as the quivering of the blade, the time the axe takes to fall over, etchings on the blade, the direction of the handle and so on and so forth, to predict future events. A second method is to heat a correctly etched axe head in an open fire and see which of the etchings glows the brightest.” Scootaloo explained.

“Excellent, I am glad you’ve been studying the gifts I bought you. Shall we proceed and give our friend a demonstration?” Sybil complimented, getting a beaming smile from Scootaloo in return.

Hagrid looked at the two of them completely befuddled.

“Watch Mr Hagrid sir and I’ll show you.” Scootaloo said taking the axe from her bag. She took two steps focusing on one of the stumps and threw the axe from a good thirty feet or more. A loud thump demonstrated that it had found its mark.

“Incredible” Hagrid mouthed as he followed the two women who were proceeding to inspect the axe.

“So, first of all, you see how the axe has embedded itself into the wood up until that etching.” Scootaloo pointed out pulling out a book from her satchel. “That suggests immediate danger. I think it be wise if you sat down Hagrid sir.”

Hagrid thought it best to go along with this peculiar charade for now. Moments after he’d seated himself on the grass though a call of ‘lookout’ screamed across the training fields and a rogue bludger flew past where Hagrid’s head had been a moment before. He stared at the girl in bewilderment as George Weasley flew past.

“Sorry about that. Practicing for try-outs next week.” He said guiltily before quickly flying after the bludger.

“Hmm, yes.” The girl and her tutor hadn’t even bothered to pay the boy on the broomstick any attention as they continued their inspection of the axe and its analysis.

“Look at the way the axe handle is leaning and pointing in the direction of the lake. Hmm.” Professor Trelawney mused.

“Yes, and I’m pretty sure the blade quivered ten times before it came to a standstill” Scootaloo mused thinking it over. A thought suddenly occurred to her and she counted the fingers out on both her hands and then repeated the feat over again. Sighing she muttered to Hagrid “is this the stump of an Apple Tree?”

Hagrid looked at the girl astounded by her observation and knowledge. “Why yes, it was one close to my hut that got hit by lightning a few years back and hasn’t produced fruit since. How’d you guess that?”

“Oh, just a hunch. I think we’ll be fishing something or someone out the lake before the Christmas holidays arrive.” Scootaloo replied in resignation. “Now, would you like to try Hagrid sir?” The girl finished pulling the axe out of the stump.

After a few more attempts that included a warning to Hagrid that somethings are to good to be true and that alcohol would be his undoing, to which Hagrid had replied as being hogwash and had quickly tried to change the subject, Professor Trelawney had opted to end the lesson for the day, simply asking Scootaloo to continue her diligent studying into the two forms of divination they’d looked at for homework before giving the girl a great big hug and letting her go on her way.

Scootaloo had decided to head back to the great hall for dinner where Apple Bloom greeted her at the currently rather sparse Hufflepuff table.

“Hey Scoots. How’d the lesson go?”

“It went well, but the problem with divination is that the answers are not always those which you hope for and seek.”

“Huh?” Apple Bloom queried.

“The tea leaves showed a future heralded with danger, death and emotional trauma. No point in worrying over it though, what shall be, shall be.” Scootaloo sighed in defeat.

Apple Bloom stared at her; worry etched across her face. “That doesn’t sound good, like to talk about it some more?”

“Not particularly, except that you’re going to chuck somebody into the lake before Christmas, I wonder if it’ll be Sweetie? How’s she doing by the way?” Scootaloo tactfully tried to change the subject.

“Don’t think you can change the subject that easily.” Apple Bloom chided, “but I’ll leave it for now. I know you’ll talk about it when you’re ready. Sweetie’s out like a light and no, that was purely hunger talking, I’d never really do that to her after everything else she is going through right now. She was the last to be treated and totally exhausted by the time they cured her. I don’t expect her to come round till tomorrow morning at the earliest. They are hopeful though everyone will make a full recovery. Madam Pomfrey is already having to force Snape to remain in his bed for the remainder of the day at least.”

“Thanks Bloom and that’s great to hear. Poor Sweetie, I hope we can be there for her when she wakes up. She’s going to be devastated over what has happened and I feel really bad after we teased and laughed at her over her broken nose.” Scootaloo admitted gloomily.

“Agreed.” Was all Apple Bloom muttered in response before shovelling a spoonful of mash potato into her mouth.

The remainder of dinner was a quiet and sombre affair with both girls worried about their poor friend and the trouble she would likely be in once she recovered. Finally, as dinner came to an end, Apple Bloom tried to lighten the mood forcing a chuckle.

What’s so funny.

“That you’re about to take a dip in the lake.”

“WHAT!” Scootaloo cried.

“Well, I said Sweetie wouldn’t be taking a dip, I said nothing about you and I’ve got to ensure your prediction comes true! No time like the present.” Apple Bloom pressed rising from her chair and grasping her friend in a tight hug before she could make her escape.

“This is a joke, right?” Scootaloo questioned nervously as Apple Bloom carried her from the room. She’d given up squirming, having no chance to out muscle the Earth Ponies heightened strength.

“Nope.” Apple Bloom grinned wickedly marching out the front of the castle and onto one of the connecting ramparts before unceremoniously hurtling the startled Pegasus-girl over the side towards the lake below.

A number of students had followed the two girls out of the school wondering what was up and looked on open mouthed as Apple Bloom nonchalantly threw her friend off the rampart towards the lake fifty odd feet below.

“Miss Bloom, what in tarnation?” Professor McGonagall stammered.

Apple turned to the professor and said confidently, “don’t worry, she’ll be back.”

As if prompted the Pegasus rose up behind Apple Bloom. “When I said I’d predicted that you were going to chuck someone in the lake, I did not mean me” she chortled.

“Hmm, looks like I forgot about your wings.” Apple Bloom said with mock surprise. “And maybe you should be more specific next time with your predictions. Didn’t say it wasn’t you.” She added sardonically before pelting it trying to get as much distance between herself and Scootaloo. Unfortunately, a mass of students now stood between her and the safety of the school behind her and thus she was forced to go across the rampart to another part of the school.

“Like, you can get away from me.” Scootaloo mocked the Earth pony’s feeble attempt as she zoomed across and pinned her pray down.

“Eeep” Apple Bloom said sheepishly as Scootaloo grinned wickedly at her.

“Now, I wonder if someone is ticklish.”

Apple Bloom’s eyes widened. “No, please no.” She pleaded in vain as Scootaloo plucked a feather from her wings and started tickling her prey with it relentlessly.

“Mercy.” Apple Bloom whimpered in between fits of giggles.

“Will you attempt to throw me in the lake again? Scootaloo questioned.

“No, no, please just no more tickling.” Apple Bloom pleaded once more.

“Okay, I think you’ve had enough.” Scootaloo got up off Apple Bloom before pulling the other girl to her feet. “Shall we go get a start on that Herbology homework? Could really use your help once again with it.”

“Sure thing, dunderhead.” Apple Bloom replied pulling Scootaloo into a friendly headlock and giving her a noogie before the girls wrapped arms round each other and headed for the Hufflepuff common room, their worries over Sweetie forgotten for at least a few hours.

“What just happened?” The random Hufflepuff at the front of the crowd of startled spectators asked.

“I’ve no idea” was all McGonagall was able to reply with, deciding to put this incident under kids will be kids in her brain.

The two girls made good inroads on their Herbology homework with Apple Bloom helping Scootaloo go over and understand quite a fair bit of what they’d covered so far.

“Thanks for this Bloom. I’m trying, I really am. I’m sorry for not being as smart you or Sweetie.”

“Coming from the girl that can predict the future and memorise almost any spell and cast it pretty much perfectly after a few attempts. Not to forget your unbelievable flying ability. Just because you may not have book smarts like me or Sweetie doesn’t mean you aren’t smart in your own way. You just prefer a more practical approach is all and once you become fixated with something not even me or Sweetie can catch your attention. Don’t think I haven’t noticed you sneakily reading those Divination and DADA textbooks after lights out. It’s probably why you sleep during so many classes.” Apple Bloom finished with a smirk.

“Ah.” Scootaloo chuckled nervously. “You noticed that and you really think I’m smart?”

“Of course. Now let’s stop with this sentimental mush and get on with our Astronomy.” Apple Bloom demanded as Scootaloo groaned and rolled her eyes.

Five minutes later Scootaloo was snoring loudly in the armchair across from hers as Apple Bloom tried to concentrate on studying her notes and a textbook professor Sinistra had supplied to them written by herself and simply entitled The Planets of our Solar System. She was failing miserably. Sighing she closed the book and looked over at her best friend. It truly amazed her how she could struggle so badly in one subject but excel magnificently at another. Placing the book and her notes back into her saddle bag she went over and shook Scootaloo.

“Five minutes more.” She grumbled.

“Okay, I’m going to have a shower and get an early night.” Apple Bloom yawned.

Scootaloo’s eyes opened and she replied yawning. “Sounds good, I’m getting cramp in my neck sleeping here.”

“You’ve been asleep two minutes.” Apple Bloom deadpanned.

Scootaloo shrugged her shoulders. “Can still get cramp.”

Apple Bloom rolled her eyes and headed for their dorm, Scootaloo following in her footsteps.

As the girls lay in bed going over the day’s events in their minds Scootalo decided to clear her mind.

“Hey Bloom, you still awake.”

“Yeah Scoots.”

“I know I’ve said it a lot recently but I truly mean it when I say you and Sweetie mean everything to me. I honestly can’t thank you two enough for everything you’ve done for me. You’re the best friends any pony or human could ever ask for. You two are family to me.”

“Feelings mutual Scoots. You and Sweetie are like sisters to me. Although Applejack’s been amazing, the fact there are more than eight years between us along with the fact our parents are gone means she’s been more like a mother than a sister to me and acts like it a lot of the time to. The last couple of years with you girls has been truly unbelievable. Family for life.”

“Family for life.” Scootaloo said with a smile before yawning. “Let’s hope Sweetie feels better tomorrow.”

“Hopefully. Night Scoots.”

“Night Bloom.”

Unbeknownst to the two girls, across the school in the staff room a meeting was ongoing to determine Sweetie’s fate. Professor Snape, looking even paler than usual, had even managed to make it, against Madam Pomfrey’s advice.

“She should be expelled and sent back to wherever she came from.” The potions teacher bellowed angrily. “We were lucky she didn’t kill anyone.”

“Now Severus, I understand your feelings but it was a genuine accident. She honestly didn’t mean to cause any harm. Furthermore, think of the diplomatic implications.” Dumbledore countered.

“You’re not the one who ended up in the infirmary! Those girls have caused more chaos in a week than in ten years since the war ended. Destruction of the school, threatening and endangering fellow students, disrespecting teachers, need I go on? If one of them has to stay for diplomatic reasons I suppose the red haired one can. She seems the most level headed of the lot.”

“You’re just saying that cause she’s a natural with potions and Apple Bloom has a name.” Pomona retorted angrily. “From what I’ve heard Sweetie Belle is excelling in every other subject and I think we can all agree that all three of our unusual acquisitions this year will turn out to be exceptionally powerful witches.”

“Yes, after her unfortunate accident on the first day, Miss Prewett and Miss Belle as well are both progressing extremely well and already seem to have mastered Lumos and Wingardium Leviosa. The latter is supposed to be the next two weeks’ worth of charms lessons!” Filius chipped in.

“Thank you Filius for your support and that just further highlights my next point. Along with the diplomatic implications, with us still recovering from the fallout of the Wizarding War we simply cannot afford to lose any of these three girls right now.” Pomona explained.

Snape was furious. “So what? You just want to give her a slap on the wrist and let her get away with nearly murdering myself and the majority of her classmates? What more does one of them have to do to get expelled! At the very least I want that girl out of my potions class. I don’t care how unorthodox or unfair it is, I will not allow her back in the potions lab again whilst I’m the Hogwarts Potions Master.” He roared.

“Severus, if you do not calm down, I’ll send you back to the infirmary.” Dumbledore stated firmly, taking control as Pomona looked ready to punch Severus’s face in. “Although I understand it was an accident, the girl did endanger the wellbeing and safety of her fellow students. She also did not heed her teacher’s warning when instructed and recklessly progressed with the potion. Thus, I’ve little choice on the matter.”

“Albus, no. You can’t seriously be thinking of expelling the poor girl. She’s suffered just as much as the rest of the class because of this accident.” Pomona protested.

“Please let me finish. I’ve little choice on the matter in terms of that a suitable punish must be issued. To begin with forty points shall be deducted from Hufflepuff for reckless use of magic and endangering the lives of her fellow students. Secondly and reluctantly the girl will be removed from the Potions tract immediately. Furthermore, if she ever attempts to brew another potion on the grounds, she will be expelled immediately without debate. I simply cannot risk her endangering any students lives further. Does anybody wish to challenge my verdict?” Dumbledore said firmly looking across at Pomona and then Snape, daring either to challenge him.

There were some hushed whispers amongst the teaching cohort as Pomona sighed.

“I respect your decision Albus, even if I don’t 100% agree with it. You do understand though that this will leave Miss Belle with even more free time on her hands?”

“Yes. I realise that, which is why I’ll be teaching her some more advanced Transfiguration spells and concepts fortnightly. I wouldn’t be surprised if I tested her on the first-year curriculum now and she ended up scoring 100%.” Dumbledore replied with a laugh.

“Yes, that seems like a very sensible idea.” Pomona replied satisfied.

“I also accept your verdict. I understand that she did not mean any malice in what she did and as such feel the punishment you have come to is just and fair.” Snape grunted, internally relieved simply to be rid of the girl from his Potions class.

“Excellent, anybody else have anything else to say on the matter?” Dumbledore pressed.

There was a round of head shaking.

“In that case I consider the matter dealt with. Once the girl is well enough Pomona can you please bring her to my office so that I may talk to her about her punishment.”

“Of course Albus.” Pomona replied.

“Now if nobody else has anything else to say I will call this meeting to an end and will let you all be on your way to enjoy the remainder of your evening.” Albus commented hoping he’d still have some time to read the Evening Prophet with a cup of cocoa in his favourite armchair before bed.

Perfectly timed the door opened and Sybil came bursting in.

“Albus, we need to have a word about Miss Prewett.”

Albus sighed heavily wondering if he’d ever catch a break again.

Author's Note

Apologies fell asleep this afternoon editing and then went over to grandparents for dinner so little later than planned but hope editing is okay. I think we've all learnt now never to make Apple hungry oh and finally, WANT TO PLAY A PART IN THIS STORY? WANT TO BE THE HUFFLEPUFF QUIDDITCH CAPTAIN? Then tell me, what two things did Scootaloo work out from the blade quivering ten times? First correct answer gets the part!

Explosive Hijinxes!

Apple Bloom awoke the next morning to find every other bed empty except her own. Being a natural early bird from her time growing up on the farm she was surprised that Scootaloo had awoken before her, especially considering her natural affinity to sleep. It was only as her sleep addled mind came to its senses that she saw the hastily scrawled note on the other girl’s just as hastily made bed.

Apple Bloom,

Gone for a Fly with Wally and Broomy. See you at breakfast,

Scoots.

“Huh.” Apple Bloom mumbled before getting herself ready in more relaxed fitting clothes seeing as it was the weekend and there were no lessons for two whole days!!! She chose a pair of denim jeans and a loose-fitting shirt before diving head first into a hoodie to keep the Scottish autumn weather at bay as she quickly brushed her teeth before heading for the training fields.

The sun was just peeking over the tip of the horizon as she made her way out onto the training fields. Peering through the gloom she could just make out a shadowy figure up above gracefully gliding through the cold and clear morning sky. She stood there for a while, just watching as one of her two best friends defied all known laws of physics to dance majestically in the still morning air above her along with the backdrop of a slowly rising sun.

“She sure is something. Cocoa my dear.” Hagrid mumbled with admiration, suddenly appearing as if out of nowhere next to Apple Bloom.

With the quiet surroundings though, Apple Bloom had felt the Half-Giant’s footsteps approaching from the Earth beneath her feet and this time barely reacted aside from a “thank you” and taking the offered mug of steaming hot cocoa in her icy cold hands, instantly warming them up. After taking a sip she added, “it seems almost unbelievable to think just over a month ago she couldn’t even lift herself of the ground let alone perform such beautiful art.

“Aye. It’s a despicable monster who uses curse like Cruciatus and Turpitudinem on anybody, let alone a mere infant!” Hagrid responded, disgust etching his voice. “I’m just glad to see that despite all the hardships she has been through and had to see, she is still trying to be the best witch she can possibly be. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, her parents would be mighty proud of her.”

“That they would be, that they would be.” Apple Bloom agreed sipping her cocoa.

The two stood and continued to watch Scootaloo in silence sipping their cocoa from time to time as the girl in the sky above continued her beautiful morning dance.

A little over half an hour later Scootaloo and Apple Bloom were sitting in the Great Hall happily devouring a massive fried breakfast each. The older students were looking on in astonishment and wonder at how the two girls were able to consume so much and where they were putting all the food that they were consuming. The only moment their attention diverted was when Wally consumed a whole pineapple, in one mouthful.

“How is that even possible?” The random Hufflepuff boy commented.

“I’ve no idea, but I suggest we grab something before they eat it all.” Cedric replied.

“Good point.” A fifth-year girl, Melody Song, chipped in.

After devouring the entirety of the first year’s breakfast rations between just the two off them, Scootaloo and Apple Bloom headed straight away for the infirmary to check on their friend. They heard her before they saw her.

“I didn’t mean to!” A high-pitched squeaky wail pierced the corridor outside the infirmary.

“Well, at least we know she’s awake. I guess we better see if we can help.” Scootaloo said bolting for the entrance to the infirmary, Apple Bloom close behind.

The former opened the doors to two nurses trying to control a clearly distressed Sweetie who was writhing and howling like anything.

“Miss Belle, you need to calm down or we will have to sedate you.” One of the nurses pleaded as the girl struggled to get free.

Apple Bloom and Scootaloo wandered over to their friend to see if they could assist.

“Hey Sweetie, you better do as they say. I didn’t come to visit you to watch you sleep.” Scootaloo giggled.

The two nurses stopped what they were doing.

Sweetie stopped struggling.

One of the nurses turned to the two girls. “Sorry girls but we are not accepting visitors right now. We understand that you are concerned about your friend but she needs to rest and relax without any disturbances.”

“Let them stay, please. Just for a little while. I’ll be good, I promise.” Sweetie sniffled from the bed; her tear streaked face clear for anyone to see.

The nurse stared at the sudden change in her patient’s attitude unsure what to do next.

“Oh Sweetie, you’ve really made a mess of yourself. Of course, no one blames you for what happened, except maybe Snape the snake but that’s to be expected. Now let me wipe those tears off your face.” Apple Bloom attempted to calm her friend down, nudging the other nurse out the way and grasping her friend in a hug, patting her back softly as she cried into her shoulder.

“I’m sorry, I’m so sorry.” Sweetie blubbered. “I just really wanted to prove for once and all that I could actually cook something without it going disastrously wrong. How was I to know a sprig of chocolate mint for decoration would cause it to go so badly wrong?”

“Hush now, we know you didn’t mean to cause any harm.” Apple Bloom cooed rocking her friend gently. “Right now, we just want you to get better. You’ve been through a harrowing ordeal and need to rest. Forget everyone else, we’ll deal with them when we need to.”

“They are going to expel me, aren’t they?” Sweetie sniffled.

“They dare and I’ll go with you.” Apple Bloom stated resolutely.

“Me to.” Scootaloo added smiling at her two best friends warmly. “We’re family Sweetie, and family sticks together no matter what.”

Slowly the tears subsided and Sweetie returned the smile to Scootaloo as Apple Bloom wiped her face with a tissue.

“You really mean that?”

“Of course.” Scootaloo said cheerfully. “You girls mean the world to me and a lot more than some crummy old magic school!”

“Besides, I know the Exploding Potion and I’m sure they wouldn’t want to have to rebuild half the school. We’ll be fine.” Apple Bloom chipped in.

All three girls burst out into laughter as the two nurses, who’d been unsure what to do during this sudden interruption and been staring dumbstruck at the three girls for the past few minutes, looked at each other nervously.

“Leave them be. I’ll take it from here.” A third newcomer spoke from behind them.

Turning, the two nurses saw the head of Hufflepuff Pomona Sprout.

“Woops.” Apple Bloom said guiltily, turning her head towards her head of house, her cheeks flushed red.

“I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that last bit Miss Bloom.” She deadpanned. “Although I will be doing a check of your belongings this evening just to be on the safe side.”

“Sigh, I’ll save you the trouble. The twelve vials are locked in a secure briefcase under my bed.” Apple Bloom admitted sheepishly. “I’ll collect them for you after our visit here. I can assure you they are being kept at the right temperature and there are numerous safety measures to prevent any accidents from occurring.”

Pomona looked at the girl in astonishment. “You have twelve vials of Exploding Potion under your bed?”

“Yes. After Scootaloo’s first premonition, I felt it best to be safe than sorry. Plus, they make awesome fireworks when used correctly. I’m guessing I’ve another week of detention in store for me?” Apple Bloom sighed in resignation to her fate.

“No, just Monday, although you must have some powerful magic on that case for it to have successfully got through the wards surrounding Hogwarts as anything considered dangerous would not be allowed through. I will be confiscating it though and passing it over to Professor Snape for analysis.” Pomona concluded.

“That might not be the safest idea. The case itself can only be opened with a drop of my blood and a voice command from myself. Even then, the potions are protected individually and any attempt at tampering will make them explode. Just one of them would be enough to level the potions lab.” Apple Bloom confessed, her friends now also staring at her in complete and utter surprise that her friend had an arsenal of explosives under her bed.

After this latest revelation Pomona was lost for words for a few moments on what to say. Sighing, she conceded defeat. “You shall present the case to Professor Snape in detention Monday who will analyse the potions with your assistance, okay?”

“Yes Professor Sprout” Apple Bloom muttered gloomily.

“Excellent, now I’d like to get back on track as to why I’m here. Ultimately, I just popped by to see how the majority of my first years are recovering from the newly named Unforgiveable Potion.”

Sweetie Belle’s face went scarlet.

“Seeing as you are awake Miss Belle I might as well inform you that Headmaster Dumbledore will see you in his office tomorrow.”

The girl looked at her head of house with fear etched across her face. Apple Bloom hugged her friend tightly scowling at the professor.

Sighing, Pomona felt it best not to leave the girl to anxiously wait another day for her punishment. “Do not worry, you will not be expelled from the school entirely. For the safety of your fellow students though you will no longer be permitted to take Potions and if you attempt to brew or assist in brewing any potion on the grounds, you will be expelled immediately without debate. Forty points have also been deducted from Hufflepuff, although I’m sure a bright student such as yourself will win these back over the course of the year. These are the punishments that have been set and I’m sure Dumbledore will talk to you in more depth about them tomorrow. For now, I’ll let you have a further thirty minutes with your friends then I expect you to get some rest. Do I make myself clear?”

Sweetie nodded her head remorsefully with yet another sniffle.

“Excellent.” Pomona said walking to the edge of the bed and sitting down on the other side to Apple Bloom. Looking at Sweetie with a warm and kind smile and taking her hand in hers she explained the decision. “I’m sorry I could do no more for you, but this was the best outcome we could possibly have hoped for in this situation. I’d like to also say that you seem like an extremely intelligent and talented student and that rather than dwell on what has happened, please use it as a stepping stone to focus on the future and your other subjects to become the best possible witch you can be.”

Sweetie lifted her head up and forced a smile. “Thanks Professor Sprout. I’ll try. I truly am sorry over what happened.” She squeaked.

“I know you are.” Professor Sprout replied leaning over and giving the girl a quick hug before getting up of the bed. “Now I must look over the other students. It seems Miss Moon has just woken up across the way. I’ll collect you either from here or the Great Hall after breakfast for that meeting tomorrow.” And not waiting for a response the Herbology Professor walked away to check up on the other first year Hufflepuffs in the ward.

“Well that was an enlightening five minutes.” Scootaloo was the first to speak with her usual wicked grin. “Now Sweetie, how about I tell you what happened after your little accident yesterday and what happens when you make Apple Bloom hangry.”

Apple Bloom looked at Scootaloo with wide eyes, her face going scarlet once more.

“And so, when I told her about the prediction, she attempted to make it come true by hurling me off the Ramparts!” Scootaloo finished with a flourish, now sitting where Pomona had been, as Apple Bloom’s head had buried itself deep within her hands.

“Please stop.” She mumbled as Sweetie looked at her in astonishment for a moment before bursting out into laughter once more.

“Obviously somebody did not factor in my wings and I swiftly had her pinned in a tickle attack in retaliation.” Scootaloo snickered. “After that we just made a start on some homework before bed.”

“Oh my word girls. That’s priceless. Thanks so much for cheering me up.” Sweetie replied gratefully.

“No sweat.” Scootaloo said with a smirk before hearing a polite cough behind her.

“Girls, although I’m extremely happy you’ve cheered Miss Belle up, I feel it is time she had something to eat and then some rest if she wishes to be out of here by this evening.” Madam Pomfrey explained.

Sweetie’s stomach rumbled in response having not eaten since the day before causing her to blush profusely.

The other two girls looked at their friend for a moment before breaking out into laughter once more. After quickly getting themselves under control they gave Sweetie a quick hug before standing up ready to go.

“We’ll hopefully see you this evening at dinner.” Apple Bloom said her goodbye.

Scootaloo’s attention though had turned elsewhere. “Err, yeah. We’ll see you at dinner.” She said walking past Madam Pomfrey to another bed across the infirmary.”

“Huh, where’s she of to? Sweetie Belle quizzed as Apple Bloom looked at Scootaloo just as perplexed.

Across the infirmary Scootaloo stopped at a bed. “Err, hey, sorry about this whole debacle. Sweetie really didn’t mean anything by it. I hope you are recovering well. Anyway. Madam Pomfrey is kicking me and Bloom out, so I just wanted to give you this. I found it whilst out flying this morning.” She blurted quickly placing a rose in a glass of water that sat on the sideboard next to the girl’s bed.

Hermione set the book she was reading down along with the spoon she was eating her breakfast with. “Errrm thanks and seriously don’t beat yourself up about it, it was an accident. I’m honestly feeling a lot better and should be out in the next hour or so. Madam Pomfrey just wants to make sure I have no lingering side-effects of the potion. A couple of us have ended up vomiting up black gloop. Thanks for the rose, it looks beautiful.”

“No Problem. Now I’d better skedaddle before Madam Pomfrey literally throws me out.” Scootaloo replied bashfully, rubbing the back of her head before turning to go as the Matron glared daggers at her.

“Hey Scoti”

“Yeah” Scootaloo turned her head around.

“Any chance of another flight once I’m out of here?”

“Sure. I’ll see you on the training fields 6am sharp tomorrow morning.” And without waiting for a response she hastily made her exit from the infirmary.

The rest of Saturday went past uneventfully until dinner. After exploring the castle for a few more hours Apple Bloom and Scootaloo returned to the Great Hall for Lunch and then their Common Room where they played some exploding snap, did some reading and practised a few basic spells. Scootaloo also took a nap. It was at dinner where they earnt a shock as Sweetie Belle pounced upon them and pulled them both in for a hug.

“Hey girls, Madam Pomfrey said I could go as long as I take things easy for the rest of the weekend and report back to her if I feel at all lightheaded, dizzy, or nauseous.” Sweetie squeaked.

Scootaloo tried to hold back a laugh but couldn’t help a snort coming out. “Sorry Sweetie, but I don’t think I’ll ever not find your current voice funny! Ow.” Scootaloo exclaimed receiving a whack to the back of the head. “Okay, I deserved that.” Scootaloo admitted rubbing the back of her head.

“So, what do you want to do this evening?” Sweetie squeaked, sitting down next to her friends and taking a plate from a stack on the table before filling it with a selection of food items that were available.

“No idea.” Apple Bloom mumbled through a mouthful of food.

“Yeah, there’s not much to do around here. I’ve already had a flight this morning, we’ve explored the bulk of the castle, played exploding snap and done some reading.” Scootaloo added in a bored tone.

This time it was Sweetie Belle’s turn to break out into laughter. The other two girls along with a number of the other first years who had been discharged from the medical wing looked at her puzzled. Finally, she managed to squeak out the reason why.

“I’m sorry, but Discord hands you a whole book of magical pranks and yet you find yourself bored on your time off. How about we go practice some on the training fields after dinner?” Sweetie suggested.

A wide creepy grin appeared once again on Scootaloo’s face.

“Oh great, Creepaloo’s back. Can we just go five minutes without causing more carnage?” Apple Bloom groaned as Snape the snake appeared from nowhere behind her.

“Miss Bloom. I’ve just had a rather surprising chat with Professor Sprout who has informed me that you are keeping twelve vials of Exploding Potion underneath your bed. I expect you to bring these immediately to the Potions Lab after you have finished eating. You are lucky you are not my student otherwise you’d be suffering a month’s worth of detentions at least for such reckless and dangerous behaviour. On the other hand, I will applaud you in being able to make yet another difficult and advanced level potion and for being able to contain them in such a way that they made it through the wards surrounding the school.” Snape droned in his monotonous droll.

Every first year Hufflepuff bar her two best friends stared at Apple Bloom as if she had turned into an Acromantula. Apple Bloom hid her face in her hands before mumbling, “never mind and yes sir, I’ll bring it to you at once.”

“See that you do. I’d rather not be kept waiting.” Snape grumbled before leaving the students to the remainder of their dinner.

“So, like to tell us what all that was about?” Hannah asked with a smirk.

“I think it’s quite self-explanatory, Apple Bloom has twelve literal bombs underneath her bed.” Susan quipped. “Fair play on getting that grump to at least give you some praise though!”

“Is no one else at all worried over what this girl has had stored under her bed the last week!” Justin exclaimed.

“Not really. She’s a potions genius and if we were in any danger the wards would have prevented their entry onto the grounds.” Susan replied calmly before continuing. “Now Apple Boom, would you like to explain why you have twelve bombs under your bed?”

Nine heads turned inquisitively towards Apple Bloom, who was still trying to bury her head in her hands.

“Err, I’m guessing you won’t accept for emergencies as an answer” she mumbled.

“Nope.” Sweetie replied for everyone.

Apple Bloom took a deep breath lifting her head out of her hands. “Fine, I was curious if I could make one and before I knew it, I had twelve vials of the stuff and no idea what to do with them. Thus, I stored them safely and brought them with me in case of an emergency, especially with all Scootaloo’s predictions on He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named possibly returning in the near future.” The girl admitted guiltily, her cheeks scarlet.

After a moment of silence, it was Justin who responded. “Just how explosive are we talking?”

“I’d say one would be more than enough to destroy our dorm, twelve could probably obliterate a fair chunk of the school.” Apple Bloom confessed. “Don’t worry though, I’ve got them properly stored away so there won’t be any accidental explosions.” She finished with a forced smile returning to finish her dinner as quickly as possible so as not to make Snape even more angry at her.

The other occupants around the table looked nervously at one another for a moment before wisely deciding not to press the matter further, returning to their own dinners before they went cold.

After dinner, the first year Hufflepuffs returned to their dormitories where they parted into their friendship groups for the evening. The girls of the first-year female dormitory had all gone and gathered the book on curses that Professor Discord had provided for them before heading for the training fields. The exception to this was Apple Bloom who had pulled an innocuous brown briefcase wrapped in chains and a peculiar lock from underneath her bed before saying a hasty goodbye and heading off to find Snape in the dungeons.

“So, in summary I’ve a meeting with Dumbledore tomorrow to discuss my punishment for yesterday although I’m already aware what it shall be. Hufflepuff losing forty points, expulsion from Potions classes and made aware that if I dare attempt make another potion on Hogwarts grounds I shall be expelled, no exceptions.” Sweetie Belle finished her explanation to Meghan, Hannah and Susan as they made their way out onto the training fields.

“That Sucks. We all know you didn’t mean anything by it. It was just an accident.” Meghan replied receiving nods of agreement from the other two girls.

“Yeah, I know, but I understand where Professor Sprout is coming from. I’m just glad I did none of you any permanent harm!” Sweetie replied.

“Locomotor Mortis” The cry came out of nowhere interrupting the girl’s discussion as the spell hit Sweetie.

Sweetie’s legs instantly bound themselves together causing her to fall flat on her face in a pool of muddy rainwater as a well-known cackle of laughter reverberated around the training fields.

“Scootaloo you are so dead.” The girl muttered with contempt, her horn lighting a pale green.

Snape examined the crystal blue liquid in the vial with a look of awe and wonder. For one of the few times in his life a mixture of emotions brewed and boiled uncontrollably inside him. He was amazed and astonished that a novice eleven-year-old girl had managed to brew such a potion, let alone so perfectly. A vial of such well-crafted Exploding Potion would easily fetch fifteen galleons in Knockturn Alley and she had twelve, each just as well-made and preserved as the previous one. On the other hand, this also worried and concerned him. What other advanced and dangerous potions could she brew? The last thing he needed was her spiking any student or teachers drink with Draught of Living Death or something similar. He was also angry at the girl for her recklessness in attempting to brew such a potion and the danger she put herself through and then her housemates by storing it under her bed! Despite all these emotions bubbling within him it was the same scalding monotonous drone which came out of his mouth.

“Miss Bloom, I congratulate you on your craftmanship and knowledge to be able to brew such fine potions of exquisite beauty.”

Apple Bloom nearly fell of her chair in shock at the compliment. She had thought she was in for yet another lecture and stern talking to.

“But,”

Ahh, here we go. The girl rolled her eyes expecting the worse.

“Your actions were extremely reckless and dangerous. You could have killed yourself through simply making one small mistake, let alone the danger you selfishly put your housemates in without them knowing.”

Apple Bloom looked down at the floor in shame. “I’m sorry” she squeaked barely audible. “I was just curious is all and I did take precautions.” She held up the pin prick on her finger indicating how only her blood could unlock the chain that had been wrapped around it. “And there was the voice command in place to, not forgetting that they have been stored at sub-zero temperature to avoid them accidentally becoming volatile and exploding. Even so, just in case I ensured I bought an indestructible briefcase to house and contain them in the off chance they exploded.”

Snape stared at the girl for a moment, unsure what to say. The girl really had thought of everything. He sighed in resignation. “Be that as it may, you still could have caused serious harm to yourself or a fellow student through improper use or simply by removing them from the case. Still, as you are not my student, I will not punish you further. You also seem to be a respectably level headed student, especially compared to your two friends, and I understand curiosity got the better of you on this occasion. We were all young once.” Snape actually smiled.

Apple Bloom shuddered.

The unnerving smile disintegrated and was replaced once again with a grave snarl. “Remember though that curiosity killed the cat and I am going to make it clear to you right now that I will see to your expulsion if you dare make such a dangerous potion again, at least without my observation. I mark homework here every evening for two hours after class and during the final three periods of Friday. You may come and brew whatever you fancy during these times if you so wish.”

Apple Bloom looked at him in surprise for a moment before stuttering “Thank you sir, I’ll definitely take you up on that offer.”

“That pleases me. It is rare that I come across a student so exceptionally gifted in the art of Potions and rarer still to find one willing to nurture their gift with the time and dedication that it requires.” Snape said with barely a flicker of emotion. “Now, I shall store these safely here in the dungeon for the time being and you are free to go, as long as you can tell me what the Antidote to Common Poisons contains?”

“A Bezoar, two measures of Standard Ingredient, one pinch of Unicorn Horn, two Mistletoe Berries. You’ll have to do better than that Snakey, I’ve pretty much memorised Magical Drafts and Potions and Advanced Potion-Making.” Apple Bloom replied cockily before sticking out her tongue.

Snape actually managed a chuckle. “A deal is a deal. I hope to see you back here soon.”

“Of course.” Apple Bloom said gambolling from the room. She’d only gone three steps from the classroom before she realised, she’d just agreed to spend a portion of her free time with Snape the snake. She must be going insane.

Back inside the classroom Snape swilled the vial in his hand one more time before placing it carefully back into the briefcase with its brethren, closing it and locking the chain securely around it. The first thing he had demanded when the girl arrived was to add him to the security measures she had on the case. After muttering a command, a portrait on the wall slid to one side revealing a safe. Numerous security measures later he placed the case safely within alongside some of the more dangerous ingredients and potions he owned. Earlier in the day he’d even managed to repeat that stupid girl’s Unforgiveable Potion safely after hearing from Professor Sprout the girl had added a sprig of Chocolate Mint to the concoction for decorative purposes. Absolute idiot he thought before closing the safe and returning to his desk where he took out a photo alongside a bottle of Campbell’s Finest Old Whisky and a glass. Pouring himself a drink he whimpered with a tear in his eye,

“She reminds me so much of you Lily.”

Apple Bloom walked out of the school onto the training fields to see Scootaloo and Susan both encased in bubbles, with leeks sprouting out the former’s ears and the latter’s face being a swollen mess. Sweetie was now struggling to stand, her legs seemingly locked together, and her broken nose was now accompanied by a set of antlers and a black eye. All five girls were covered in bumps, cuts, bruises and red marks that looked like burns. Unsurprisingly Discord was sitting nearby in a sun lounger drinking chocolate milk with the goofiest grin imaginable plastered across his face.

“Ah, Miss Bloom, just in time. I was about to declare Sweetie’s team the victors but it looks like a new player has entered the arena. Can she save Team Prewett from the brink of defeat I wonder?” Discord cooed in that annoying voice of his.

“No, just no, I’m having no part of these shenanigans.” Apple Bloom stated fiercely, turning around and heading back towards the castle.

Sweetie smiled and nodded at Meghan and Hannah

“Stikkende” All three said in perfect unison.

Three beams of white light hit Apple Bloom in her back sending her tumbling into the turf where she got a face full of turf, the bright white light blinding her temporarily. “Yowch!” She mumbled whilst spitting out a mouthful of dirt. A smirk crossed her face as she pushed herself from the ground and turned to face all three girls, her eyes like two molten pits of lava. “Oh, it is on.” Apple Bloom charged.

Meghan didn’t even hear a spell as she found herself buried up to her neck in the ground.

“Locomotor” Hannah never finished as Apple Bloom appeared in her face and lifted her off the ground.

“I may not know or be as good as you lot at casting magic, but that doesn’t mean I can’t whoop your arses. Now, do you yield?” Apple Bloom said without emotion as a wand poked into her back.

“Oh, dearie me, naïve as always my dear Apple Bloom. If you don’t mind.” Sweetie never finished as Apple Bloom swung around sending Hannah crashing into her.

“Finite Incantatem” Apple Bloom cried, pulling out her wand and hoping it would understand the urgency of the situation and cast the spell.

Scootaloo’s bubble popped.

“Titillando” she immediately cast just as Sweetie was about to cast her own jinx on Apple Bloom.

Sweetie instantly dropped to the floor and lost control of her wand as purple hands engulfed and started tickling her relentlessly.

“I yield, I yield.” She squeaked out amidst fits of laughter.

Her head spinning Hannah looked up too see two wands pointing at her or was that because everything was spinning right now. “I yield” she conceded before passing out.

“I guess that just leaves Miss Jones.” Scootaloo chirped with joy.

Meghan scowled at them defiantly from her prison. “Never!”

Scootaloo gave the girl the creepiest, freakiest smile imaginable. “Brilliant, Apple Bloom needs to catch up on the jinxes we’ve studied anyway. I think we’ll start with the hair removal jinx.”

Meghan’s face palled. “You wouldn’t dare.”

“Cal” Scootaloo started.

“I yield!” Meghan exclaimed instantly.

Discord snapped his fingers and everything went back to normal. Well, almost everything. Although he reversed the spells and any additions the girls might have suffered from, antlers, leeks etc., the physical wounds the girls had suffered were still there for everyone to see and to teach the girls a valuable lesson on the dangers that such magic could cause. Susan’s face still looked like a chewed-up toffee and Hannah was still passed out on the floor.

Anyway, in full black and white striped uniform, he appeared between the three victorious girls, microphone in hand.

“And the winners, by knockout, tickling and incapacitation, Team Prewett.” He yelled. Lifting all three girls arms high in the air to rapturous cheers of triumph.

“Still bored?” Was all Apple Bloom said to Scootaloo once the cheering died down.

Author's Note

Sweetie: I've been told to take it easy. Let's have a mock battle :facehoof:

Answer to previous chapter's question: Hufflepuff has 10 letters in it. After writing I also realised that Apple Bloom has ten letters to. This may seem very vague and cryptic but a lot of predictions from Harry Potter are!

Also I hope one Melody Song is alright in me inserting her in a cameo here. Poor girl is going to have fun on Tuesday! :rainbowlaugh:

The Quidditch Try-outs!

Compared to the previous week, Monday thankfully proved to be a quieter affair. The Hufflepuff first years continued learning about unique magical plants and fungi in Herbology, went over the transfiguration alphabet in greater depth and proceeded with their practice of Lumos and Wingardium Leviosa in Charms. After the chaos of the previous week’s flying lessons Madam Hooch had opted for a safer way to start the second week, showing the students the location of the school’s broom care stations along with how to properly care for them. This included actions such as how to properly polish a broom and how to identify loose and bent twigs and then how to trim these twigs down properly. Scootaloo in particular had been enthralled by this lesson, wanting to keep Broomy in tip top condition.

Tuesday started with a bang, well an overly excited Pegasus waking everyone up at 5:30am with squeals of joy.

“Scootaloo it’s way to early for this, please go back to bed.” Hannah groaned.

“Who can sleep. Today’s the day.”

Four girls instantly shot up in their beds.

“Is she sick?” Meghan immediately asked.

Scootaloo looked around the room perplexed. “What?”

“Well what else would make you willingly sacrifice and turn your back on sleep?” Meghan clarified dreary eyed through the darkness that encased the room.

Four girls nodded their heads.

“Maybe Discord is planning to help her blow up more of the school?” Apple Bloom joked.

“I hope not.” Susan deadpanned

“Girls.” Scootaloo tried to interrupt.

“Maybe Professor Trelawney has planned something we don’t know about?” Hannah groaned. “Can we please just go back to sleep.”

“Girls.” Scootaloo tried again.

“You are all wrong, it is the Hufflepuff Quidditch trials today. Now can we please go back to sleep.” Sweetie said gruffly rolling over in her own bed and trying to go back to sleep.

“Girls.” Four sets of eyes finally turned to look at Scootaloo. “Yeah, what she said. I’m going to get some early morning practice. Anyone want to.” A pillow hit her in the face. “Guess not.”

With that, Scootaloo grabbed her freshly laundered flight suit and headed to the bathroom to get changed before grabbing Broomy and proceeding to the training fields.

There were quite a few grouchy and tired faces at the Hufflepuff table at breakfast that morning after their wake-up call earlier that morning. Scootaloo was still bouncing like an utter loon, barely able to sit still for a minute even after an hour of flying that morning.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen her so excited or energetic before?” Meghan said as a yawn escaped her.

“You should see her back home when she sees Rainbow Dash.” Apple Bloom sniggered receiving a glare from Scootaloo. “Don’t worry though, it won’t last, we’ve History first thing remember.”

“Good point.” Meghan concurred. “I’m looking forward to a little more sleep myself” she finished with yet another yawn.

“I think we all are.” Susan added to several nods from around the table. “Now I suggest we quickly finish up or we’re going to be late. It’s 8:35 already!”

This exclamation suddenly jerked the girls awake and to their senses. After quickly devouring what remained of their breakfasts, they swiftly headed to their first lesson of the day where they just as swiftly fell asleep as Professor Binns prattled on about some guy named Emeric the Evil. In their free period afterwards in the library Scootaloo and Apple Bloom learnt from Sweetie Belle he was some Dark Wizard from the Middle Ages who once possessed the Elder Wand and terrorised the South of England for a short period before being slaughtered by Egbert the Egregious. In actual fact, it was Apple Bloom who copied and went over what Sweetie had recorded from Binns as Scootaloo had fallen asleep once again as soon as Sweetie had started talking.

“Didn’t take long.” Apple Bloom groused trying to filter Scootaloo’s snoring out and concentrate on the information they’d received from the previous lesson. It was at that precise moment a devilish thought crossed her mind. Getting up, she silently went over to her sleeping friend with a quill and a pot of black ink in her hands.

Scootaloo couldn’t understand why the other students in the corridors were giving her strange looks and sniggering behind her back. After being woken up and told by Sweetie it was break time and they were going to get a drink of water before parting ways, Scootaloo had been rather unsettled by all the students that now seem interested and were staring at her face. Finally, she opted to dart into one of the many girls’ lavatories that were dotted throughout Hogwarts. It was here she saw the black glasses and moustache that had been painted on her face. Quickly washing her face with soapy water to get the ink off she had dashed back into the hallway only to find Apple Bloom and Sweetie had vanished.

Muttering venomously under her breath, Scootaloo had headed for the Potions lab.

Apple Bloom had wisely opted to sit next to Hannah during Potions while Scootaloo sat alone due to Sweetie’s absence.

“Good morning class.” Snape droned upon entering the room. “Today we shall go over our theoretical knowledge of the boil cure before practising it one further time on Friday. Hopefully, with the removal of a certain student there will be no more accidents this week.” He added with a sneer. “Next week we will be moving onto the Forgetfulness potion. I will remind you about this Friday and will expect you to be well prepared for our theoretical lesson next week. Failure to do so will result in points deductions for your house. Now, back to the boil cure, Mr Potter, what’s the first ingredient you add to your cauldron.” Snape demanded once again targeting Harry.

Harry gulped looking at the Potions Professor nervously.

Snape the snake had been on fine form, the girls were just thankful to come out of the lesson having lost their House only five points, thanks pretty much to Apple Bloom and Scootaloo’s knowledge. Gryffindor on the other hand had ended up losing fifteen points during the lesson, although Snape had been quite surprised by the ‘idiotic boy’ Neville’s knowledge of the potion and had actually praised the boy for once.

“My wrist hurts.” Meghan grumbled, rubbing it where Snape had slapped it with a ruler when she hadn’t been paying attention and was doodling on her parchment.

“I’m not surprised. I think we all winced when Snape did that. Unsure what’s got into him today but he seemed crueller than usual.” Apple Bloom pitched in.

“Didn’t think it was possible.” Susan added.

“True.” Apple Bloom paused for a moment. “Wait where’s Scoota” she never finished as she felt the ink dripping through her hair.

“Woops, so sorry there Apple Bloom, I seem to have dropped my ink upon your head.” Scootaloo said with feigned innocence as Apple Bloom looked up to see her floating above.

“Oh, you are so going in the lake.” Apple Bloom growled as the now partially black-haired girl shot after her friend who had quickly attempted to make herself scarce.

“Did I miss something?” Meghan asked a little confused.

“Oh yeah. Apple Bloom said to me that Scootaloo had fallen asleep again in the library after History while they were copying Sweetie’s notes down. The little minx then decided to draw a moustache and glasses on the sleeping girl, who didn’t notice for ten minutes after waking up. Finally, after so many people stared and looked at her funny in the hallways she went into a bathroom and looked in a mirror. Unsurprisingly, by the time she came out Apple Bloom and Sweetie had scarpered.” Hannah explained, causing an explosion of laughter throughout the first years.

“Now you mention it, me and Justin remember seeing that on Scoti’s face when I passed her in the hall during break. It was hilarious!” Wayne said, before laughing some more upon unearthing the memory.

As the laughter subsided, the Hufflepuff first years slowly disbanded into their usual groups and went their separate ways, occasionally chuckling at the memory of seeing the angry girl chase after her friend. Life sure wasn’t dull in Hufflepuff!

At lunch Apple Bloom pouted, her hair still a mixture of red and black. Sweetie roared with laughter as Scootaloo informed her of the revenge prank. The latter was still thinking of a way to get her other friend back as Sweetie went on to describe in ridiculous detail her time with Dumbledore, explaining how they’d gone over the basics of a switching spell. Much to everyone’s amusement she then proceeded to switch the apple Apple Bloom was about to tuck into for an orange.

“What is this, tease Apple Bloom day?” Apple Bloom grumbled picking up the apple again only to find it turn into a pear before she could take a bite. “One more time. I Daring Do double dare you.” Her voice calm, collected, but dripping with unhidden rage.

Apple Bloom picked up the Apple for the third time and went to take a bite, the orange returned. She hurled it with all her Earth Pony strength across the table at Sweetie who barely had time to react. Amazingly she was only forced of her seat by the force of the projectile, most people would have been sent flying halfway across the room.

“Ow.” Was all the unicorn girl moaned from the floor as several spectators looked on in astonishment to see if she was alright.

“Huh, getting better. I remember when a misdirected buckball sent you hurtling fifty trots into a tree!” Apple Bloom giggled.

“Don’t remind me, I still have the scars.” Sweetie winced from the floor before gingerly lifting herself up.

“With you two around, I don’t even need to bother with revenge pranks, you do it for me!” Scootaloo chuckled before returning to her lunch.

Sweetie sat back down intent on finishing her own lunch as Apple Bloom gave her a impish grin from across the table. As Sweetie returned the gesture, Wally decided to make an appearance, crash landing on the table and sending food everywhere!

“Crazy bitch, crazy bitch, crazy bitch.” The one-eyed bird cawed, dropping a knife on the table before vomiting up a letter to go with it. The bird then proceeded to pass out.

“What on Earth?” Sally cried, now covered in bread, lettuce, tomatoes and crisps among other things.

The food that now adorned her did not bother Sweetie though in the slightest. She was to engrossed in looking at the seal on the letter that lay in amongst the carnage that previously was their lunch, it was Rarity’s.

“Mummy” she whined with dread.

Fifteen minutes later, and after a quick stop in a bathroom to clean up, the Hufflepuff first years were hastily making their way to the Discord tower for their second DADA lesson with the apparent God of Chaos. Sweetie hadn’t spoken a clear word since opening the letter, simply staring straight ahead of her, her mouth mumbling incoherent gibberish as she blubbered like a fish. Apple Bloom had been forced to carry the frozen girl on her shoulder as nothing they did worked in relieving Sweetie from her stupor.

The other girls were currently reviewing what the letter had contained to cause such a reaction.

“Woah, that’s a lot of curse words.” Scootaloo exclaimed. “Not sure who’s worse, her or Wally.”

“Fuck off.” Wally squawked.

“Well to be honest, I’d go with Miss Rarity Belle for pure malice and insanity. I mean just look at this section to begin with. Let me get this fucking straight young Miss, if you ever do something so stupid or reckless again, I’ll chop of both your forehooves, hands, whatever and shove your horn where the sun doesn’t shine. Do I make myself absolutely fucking clear? I’ve had enough of your bullshit shenanigans and along with your parents am still paying off the damages and compensation caused from the Great Baking Disaster last year. I’ll grind you into paste if you create me anymore debt or maybe I’ll skin you alive and make a dress from you to clear it. Not to mention the unsettling way she goes from complete psycho to normality at the flick of a switch. Following that section up with, On the other hoof, I’m glad to see you settling in well at your new school and having so much fun. Just don’t cause anymore trouble if you know what’s good for you. Keep working hard, all the best and hope to see you soon, with lots of love, Rarity. That’s just unnerving how she goes from crazy nutjob to loving sister to crazy nutjob in the blink of an eye.” Susan finished her analysis to several nods of agreement from the group.

“Hey, don’t talk about my sister that way.” Sweetie argued from Apple Bloom’s shoulder suddenly coming out of her stupor.

“Ah, brilliant, can I put you down now? You are not the lightest load by any means.” Apple Bloom said bluntly before indignantly dumping the other girl on the floor.

“You calling me fat?” Sweetie grumbled from the floor as she slowly pushed herself up. “Yeah she’s a little bit of a drama queen but she loves me really.” She said nervously dusting herself down.

“I agree with Susan. How many cats does she own?” Meghan interjected.

“What’s that got to do with anything?” Sweetie bemoaned as they continued navigating the bizarreness of the Discord tower to class 104.

“I’m wondering if we can class her as a crazy cat lady.” Meghan replied with a chuckle which also saw Apple Bloom and Scootaloo let out a snort of amusement. “I’m guessing by those two’s responses she at least owns one cat.”

Sweetie Belle pouted crossing her arms and refusing to reply.

“Yep, Sweetie’s sister is a crazy cat lady.” Meghan jested to a round of giggles. Even Sweetie gave up her defiance.

“I think even calling her that right now would see some gruesome punishment considering the mood I’ve put her in. I just hope she calms down before she can think of a suitable punishment for my potions mishap.” Sweetie managed to say as the laughter slowly subsided. “That knife might very well be needed!” She exclaimed to more giggles.

“You ponies sure are a curious bunch.” Justin expressed his feelings on the matter being discussed.

“That they are young sir, that they are.” Discord chortled popping into existence in front of them as they neared the entrance to Class 104. “Crazy cat lady, drama queen and psychotic nutjob sure do suit Miss Rarity Belle well.”

“Hey!” Sweetie exclaimed. “That’s my sister.”

“Would you claim any of my accusations to be false?” Discord queried looking at the girl and waiting for a response.

Sweetie thought for a moment. “Good point.” Was all she managed to eke out.

“Excellent, now shall we proceed with our discussion and investigation into the Unforgiveable Curses? Thanks to Miss Belle we even have an Unforgiveable Potion to talk about to!” Discord explained ushering the children into the classroom where they promptly floated to the ceiling. “Oh, and Miss Bloom, loving the dye job.”

Sweetie Belle had gone bright red in embarrassment once more.

Apple Bloom gave Discord a look that clearly said ‘don’t push your luck.’

Apart from Sweetie’s embarrassment, the lesson itself went along without much incident, focussing on topics such as ways to become more resilient to pain, possible ways to determine someone is under the Imperious curse and how to tell if your drink might have been spiked by the Unforgiveable Potion. Discord continued to be in his unusually sombre and serious mood throughout the lesson although did occasionally throw in the odd act of chaos to lighten the mood, such as when he demonstrated the Imperious Curse on a group of mice and got them to perform a highly entertaining version of the Can-Can. Thankfully, the lesson provided the first year Hufflepuffs with just the distraction they needed to get over the disturbing letter that Sweetie had received at lunch from her sister. The girl herself pushed it to the back of her mind as she headed to the library to recap last week’s Astronomy lesson with Scootaloo and Apple Bloom. It was here they bumped into Hermione, Harry and Ronald who were doing likewise. Scootaloo was particularly happy to see the girl had quickly made friends with her fellow housemates after her intervention the previous week.

“Hey, mind if we join you?” Scootaloo requested.

Ron looked like he was about to argue, but Hermione was quicker.

“Sure, pull up a seat. Six heads are better than three! I’m guessing you’ll also be going over last weeks Astronomy?”

“Yeah.” Scootaloo groaned.

“I’m guessing you are not a fan.” Hermione giggled in reply. “Although I think that was obvious from you sleeping through the majority of both lessons last week. If you like I’ll give you a hand and try and make it more interesting and easier to understand.”

“Thanks.” Scootaloo replied pulling up a chair at the end of the table next to Hermione. “I’m not sure how you could though? It all seems rather pointless to me. I just want to try and get through the lesson without another detention so that I can get to the Hufflepuff Quidditch try-outs on time this evening.”

“Oh, so it’s the Hufflepuff try-outs tonight. We went along to the Gryffindor try-outs last night to watch Ron’s brothers, over half the house turned out to either try-out or watch, it was a real spectacle.” Hermione chirped.

“Woah, sounds epic.” Scootaloo replied impressed, her excitement for this evening growing once again. “No chance you’d give me some clues as to who will get picked?” Scootaloo tried pushing her luck.

“No chance, you’ll just have to wait till Friday like everybody else. Now, lets start with this Astronomy.”

Scootaloo groaned once more.

She tried, she really did, but it took barely ten minutes before Scootaloo was banging her head on the table.

“I give up!” She wailed.

Hermione chuckled, “it’s not that bad.”

“It is.” Scootaloo protested defiantly. “Why would anyone willingly learn this? I see no practical implications? Its just pointless facts and figures!”

Hermione chuckled once more. “Don’t let Professor Sinistra hear you say that or she’ll have a fit and probably put you in detention for a week.”

“In all honesty, if my Divination studies didn’t depend on it, I’d probably just play truant.” Scootaloo grumbled.

“I thought you were trying to steer clear of trouble for five minutes? I’m sure you’ll get it, sooner or later.

She didn’t. By the end of their study session Scootaloo was more confused and lost with Astronomy than when she began. The lesson itself went even worse. Despite her best efforts she was once again kept behind for not paying attention after failing to answer a question surrounding gas giants and was currently awaiting her inevitable fate as the students around her filtered out the classroom. As Professor Sinistra closed the door behind the final student she approached Scootaloo and sat at the desk in front of her.

Sinistra sighed. It was the usual yearly lottery all over again. No student ever came to Hogwarts to learn Astronomy. It was merely a necessity to be able to learn what most students classed as actual magic in their other classes. Thus, whereas those classes consistently needed to do little to secure the interest of the first-year students, for her it was often an uphill battle and was ultimately why, aside from History of Magic, Astronomy had the poorest O.W.L results out of any core subject studied at Hogwarts and retention onto N.E.W.T level. Simply put, most the time she was lumbered with students who would rather be in bed than studying the night sky. It took most of her time and effort just to get them to an Acceptable level by their fifth years and she was lucky if those with Exceed Expectations and Outstanding grades for the year reached double figures. She had pleaded on numerous occasions with Albus that the subject should be made an elective, but to no avail. Thus, this meant that on rare occasions she ended up with students she knew instantly, no matter how much time and effort she put in, were a lost cause and nigh impossible to achieve anything with. Two years ago, it had been the Weasley twins, who had nearly succeeded in persuading the entire Gryffindor and Hufflepuff factions that year into boycotting the subject. Thankfully, she’d quickly bargained with them to avoid such pandemonium from occurring. In a little over two years’ time, they’d receive an anonymous gift and each pass their O.W.L with an A. She’d hoped it would be at least another five years before another appeared, but, unfortunately, she’d not had a winning ticket this year and now had a rebellious half-Pegasus girl with a cerise mohawk sitting in front of her.

“I’m going to keep this brief. I applaud you for at least trying, but I can clearly see Astronomy is not the subject for you and you are going to get nowhere from studying it. I’ll deal with Dumbledore and your head of house. Please leave the textbook on the desk before you leave. Thank you.” Professor Sinistra explained before jumping of the desk and turning to head back to the front of the classroom.

“W-w-what?” Was all Scootaloo could stammer.

Aurora sighed once more turning back to face the wayward pupil. “You are a bright pupil in your own way Miss Prewett but Astronomy is clearly not for you and I won’t be forced by bullshit Hogwarts bureaucracy in forcing you to continue studying it. I’d rather you spent the time studying those subjects which you can actually succeed in. Thus,” she never finished as Scootaloo wrapped her arms around her and pulled her into a crushing hug!

“Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!” The Pegasus girl screeched before releasing the Astronomy professor and bolting for the exit with only a quick turn of her head and one final thanks.

Scootaloo almost missed Sweetie waiting outside the classroom for her she was in such a delirium.

“I’m free” she cried pulling the rather alarmed Sweetie into an impromptu dance whilst continuing saying those same two words over and over again.

Back in the classroom Aurora smiled. Yes, Albus would grumble at her for once again shirking her responsibilities, but she was more than willing to accept that in knowing that she’d done the right thing once again for the student in question.

“So, you’re telling us that she just let you drop the subject then and there, no argument, no lecture, nothing?” Hannah said in disbelief.

Scootaloo just replied with a quick nod of her head, to busy guzzling her dinner to offer any more of a reply. After Sweetie had managed to calm her down and was able to get some form of rational explanation from her, they had headed off for an early dinner. On their way to the Great Hall Sweetie had explained that Apple Bloom would see them out on the field later, stating that she was heading back to the Potions lab for some further practice. Scootaloo hadn’t really paid much attention though, still buzzing over the fact she’d not have to sit through one more Astronomy class ever again. Upon entering the Hall they’d found Meghan, Hannah and Susan already waiting for them at the Hufflepuff table.

“From what she told me; it was Professor Sinistra’s idea. Apparently, she came straight out and told Scootaloo that it was clear she wasn’t going to get anywhere with the subject so might as well make use of the time studying subjects she could actually succeed in. Said she’d even deal with Professor Sprout and Dumbledore to.” Sweetie explained.

“Yes, I’ve just had rather an enlightening conversation with a certain Astronomy professor regarding Miss Prewett.” Professor Sprout interrupted approaching the first years at the table. “Apparently, although Pegasi are supposedly masters of the sky, they are pretty abysmal at studying it.” She glowered at Scootaloo who abruptly stopped guzzling food and whimpered. “I have though agreed with Aurora’s request reluctantly as I do feel a less congested schedule will benefit you.” The glower turned into a warm smile and Scootaloo relaxed once more letting out the breath she was holding in. “This does though come with two clauses.” Scootaloo held her breath once more. “Firstly, you’ll spend seventh period on Tuesday with me in the Greenhouses with the first year Slytherins and Ravenclaws. Don’t think I haven’t noticed you already slacking off in Herbology. No Hufflepuff has ever failed at Herbology during my tenure as head of house and you will not become the first if you don’t wish to find a Venomous Tentacula at the end of your bed.” Pomona said deadly seriously.

Scootaloo gulped seeing the deathly stare of a disapproving grandma bore a hole deep into her soul. She may seem to be a pottering old fool, but that was all for show. You most certainly did not want to get on the wrong side of Professor Sprout.

“Secondly, I expect you to spend the extra time on Tuesday evenings practicing your Quidditch with your fellow teammates. I’ve no doubt you’ll be our seeker for this year and hopefully many more years to come. I am predicting great things from you on the pitch this year and am pinning my hopes on you turning our houses fortunes in the sport around. And on that note, I look forward to seeing you out on the training fields shortly.” The Herbology teacher finished abruptly, not waiting for a response as she shuffled off to speak to Dumbledore who had just entered the Great Hall.”

“Is it just me or does she scare you gals as well sometimes?” Meghan blurted out what was on everyone else’s mind.

“She’s got an army of deadly plants at her disposal and could probably quite easily dispose of anyone who gets in her way without anyone else proving it was her. Yeah, I definitely don’t think we should ever get on the wrong side of our head of house. Scootaloo, if I was you, I’d certainly start ensuring you are paying more attention in Herbology if you want to live till year two.” Susan inserted her view on the topic of discussion.

“Eeep.” Scootaloo muttered, quickly gulping down a banana for desert as Wally, who’d flown in during the meal, wolfed down an apple. “Thanks girls, I think I got the message. Pass Herbology or face Professor Sprout’s wrath.”

After a quick stop to change and collect her broomstick, Scootaloo along with the four other first year Hufflepuff girls made their way to the training fields.

“Alright, lets play some Quidditch!” Scootaloo thundered as she walked out into the low evening autumn sun.

As her sight slowly returned to her from the blinding light, four, not forty, bemused faces looked back at her.

“Err, where is everyone. The try-outs were scheduled for six o’clock right?” Scootaloo said, her confident demeanour suddenly evaporating.

“Oh, you have got to be fucking kidding me. No, just no. That’s it, I quit.”

Scootaloo turned to see the voice of the newcomer. It was an older girl, probably fifth or sixth year and she was currently being denied her exit by a pleading Professor Sprout.

“Please Melody, I’m sure this year will be better, just give us a chance.”

“Chance? I’m supposed to be training a Quidditch team, not babysitting a bunch of younger years. We’re going to get annihilated.” The new girl, Melody, chimed.

“I’m sure it won’t be that bad, come, just see what we have on offer this year.” Pomona tried vainly. “Remember what it means to be a Hufflepuff, loyal to the very end.”

“Oh yeah, where the fuck is everyone else from last year or anyone for that matter from the upper years? Where were all of you during the summer I spent in therapy recovering from all the teasing and bullying I suffered last year? What was our record again? Played 3, won 0, drawn 0, lost 3, for 100, against 1820. We broke a one-hundred-year record for heaviest defeat, twice, and with this lot at your disposal I’m going to find the Weasley twins right now and place a bet on that record getting smashed once again. No extra Herbology credit is worth this indignation.” The irate girl finished, ripping off the captain’s armband before nearly pushing poor Professor Sprout over in her haste to return to the castle.

Pomona Sprout sunk to the ground in defeat, tears streaming down her face. The first house in Hogwarts history to be unable to field a Quidditch team in the Inter-House Quidditch Cup. The latest in a long line of embarrassments she’d suffered in her twenty-year tenure as the head of the Hufflepuff house. Maybe it was finally time for her to find a suitable Herbology apprentice and hang up her apron for good. Fate had other ideas.

“Right you motley lot. You see our poor head of house over there. If ever she needed a bunch of loyal Hufflepuffs to stand by her side in the face of overwhelming adversity, now is the time. Who’s with me?” Scootaloo thundered once more, picking up the discarded captain’s armband from the floor and pulling it up and over her left arm.

Silence engulfed the field for a moment before the four older students started chanting wildly “HUFFLEPUFF, HUFFLEPUFF, HUFFLEPUFF!” and were soon joined by the first years that had accompanied Scootaloo.

Just when Professor Sprout was at her darkest ebb, a hand reached into the darkness and plucked her back into the light.

“Come now Professor, we’ve a Quidditch team to arrange.” Scootaloo smirked as she helped her head of house to her feet alongside Sweetie Belle.

Wiping her nose with her grubby sleeve Pomona sniffled forlornly. “Thank you, Miss Prewett, but even you can see we are a little short on players.”

“Nonsense. You two names and positions.” Scootaloo pointed towards two second year girls.

“I’m Heidi Macavoy, she’s Tamsin Applebee. We usually play as Chasers. We’re not the best, but wanted to see if we could help our house after seeing how badly we were decimated last year.” The girl spoke nervously.

“Excellent.” Scootaloo swiftly moved over to one of the third years. “Cedric am I right? Think you can assist in getting these two girls up to some standard where we don’t embarrass ourselves in front of the entire school?”

“Err, possibly?” Cedric replied taken aback by the first-year girls sudden and rapid takeover of the whole situation.

“I’ll take that as a yes. I’m counting on you Cedric.” Scootaloo commanded.

Cedric actually saluted. “I won’t let you down captain!”

“I’m sure you won’t.” Scootaloo attempted to hold back a giggle at the boys over exaggerated response. “Now, Beaters.” Scootaloo turned her head to the final third year boy. “You look like the kind of boy dragged along by his friend against his will.”

The boy nodded his head, at a loss for words by this first year girls abrupt rise to power.

“But like any boy your age, I’m guessing you’d love a Nimbus 2000 to call your own.”

A smile widened across the boy’s mouth. “Now you speak my language. Names Anthony Rickett. Give me a bat and I’ll try my utter best to keep those Bludgers away from our other players.”

“Brilliant.” Scootaloo’s head turned towards her group of friends, a look of pure unhindered madness spread across her face. They all took one step back. All bar one.

“Shit.” Susan grumbled.

“Susan, thanks so much for volunteering.”

“No, just no.”

“You’ll get your very own Nimbus 2000.” Scootaloo cooed seductively.

“I’m listening.”

“You can wilfully hurt Slytherins without any repercussions.”

Susan cackled maniacally.

Everyone else shuddered.

Pomona stood stock still staring wide eyed at the girl for a moment before shrugging her shoulders and rubbing her hands in delight. The girl would make a wonderful beater.

“Okay, Pomona, think you can teach them the basics? Oh, and I’ll need you to sort out an order for six more Nimbus 2000s and arrange for them to be delivered to the school. We need every little bit of help and advantage we can get. Obviously, I’ll pay for them and once the year is up, every one of you shall be free to keep them.” Scootaloo explained rapidly.

The other five children stared at her as if she’d gone mad. How could she afford five more Nimbus 2000s and more importantly, why would she give them willingly to people she’d only just met?

Slowly, a smile appeared across Pomona’s face. “I think a teacher accompanied trip to Diagon Alley can be arranged for Saturday morning.”

“Excellent, that only leaves one more position to be filled, our keeper.” Scootaloo turned her head knowingly towards Sweetie Belle.

“Sigh, I thought you might have noticed. Of course I’m in you dunderhead. You just had better catch that snitch ASAP before it becomes redundant.” Sweetie finished by giving Scootaloo a quick noogie.

Upon being released Scootaloo surveyed her rag tag team. It would take a lot of hardwork and effort over the next two months, but she’d do her utmost in getting them ready for their first match. “Right as Sweetie has already worked out, my plan is simple. We need to win three games of Quidditch to win the cup. As long as we keep the oppositions score less than one hundred and fifty points above ours and I find the Golden Snitch three times, we win. Simple.”

This resulted in a round of nods of agreement from her teammates.

“Awesome. Now, if you haven’t got one, go borrow a broom from the broomshed and then split into your assigned groups. Sweetie you’re with me for shot practice. We reconvene here in an hour and will put what you’ve learnt and practiced to the test. Its time to see what we’ve got to work with.” Scootaloo commanded.

Nearly two hours later the players on the newly formed Hufflepuff Quidditch team returned to the ground, bruised, battered and absolutely exhausted. It had been a testing session for all those involved.

“Alright, yeah we’re a little rough around the edges, but with some hard work and dedication I’m sure we can match whatever the other houses throw at us this year. Sweetie, you made some incredible stops throughout, well done.”

Sweetie took to collapsing on the floor in exhaustion and simply stuck her thumb in the air in response to Scootaloo’s praise as Apple Bloom checked on the girl to ensure she was alright.

“Anthony and Susan, you’re getting there. Keep remembering what I said and believing that bludger is Snape’s head. Whack it with as much strength as you can!” Scootaloo continued her report.

The two players in question nodded their heads vigorously in acknowledgement.

“Cedric, Heidi, Tamsin, we’re only one session in and already I’m seeing some really amazing teamwork and plays from you three. Great job at integrating yourself with the girls Cedric.”

“Thanks! He’s taught us a lot already!” Tamsin quipped.

“Now, I’m going to be brutally honest with you, we are going to severely lack the strength, talent and experience of the other houses teams. They are more than likely going to play and bully us off the field. Thus, we shall be having three sessions, not two, a week to try and bridge this gap, find out what our strengths are, and to generally help us become more unified. Alongside Tuesday evenings at six and Thursday evenings at eight I expect to see you all out here 6am sharp Monday mornings.” Groans rang around the group. Scootaloo ignored them. “Remember that each of you are receiving a Nimbus 2000 for your participation this year and in return I expect your utmost dedication and commitment to the cause. We shall make Professor Sprout proud. Now, hit the showers, enjoy the rest of your evening and I’ll see you all Monday morning with the new brooms. Team dismissed.”

And on that final note, the hotchpotch of Hufflepuffs disbanded and headed back to their common room, leaving just the Crusaders and Pomona Sprout on the training fields.

“Realistically, how much of chance do we have?” Pomona asked her new Quidditch captain.

“In all honesty, it’s hard to tell right now. Sweetie really surprised me with her keeping and I think you’d be hard pressed to find anyone better in our house. Cedric is also a great addition and he’ll help the two girls massively as they are still very much learning the game. On the positive side Heidi and Tamsin are very in tune with each other and work very well as a team. They are still very rough around the edges but the raw ability is there, all we can hope for is that they are fast learners. Our beaters are my biggest worry. We’ve two complete amateurs who barely know what they are doing. If we can’t get them up to scratch very, very quickly, we are in for some bumpy and painful games this year, which definitely won’t assist me in getting to the Golden Snitch first. Finally, I’ve no clue what the buck I’m doing right now. I’ve barely been playing the game for a month myself and have no idea what the job of team captain actually means? Do I need to look at drills, tactics, team bonding exercises and so forth or are we seriously just winging it and putting everything on my shoulders to find the Golden Snitch before we are totally annihilated!” Scootaloo finished breathing rapidly as the reality of the situation she’d put herself in dawned on her.

“Shush” Professor Sprout embraced the overwhelmed girl in a hug in an attempt to calm her down. “You are doing a fine job. No, an unbelievable one. Now that the trials are over you have three simple duties, planning training sessions, organising our team and dealing with anything else that concerns the team or its members. As this is a huge responsibility for any student let alone a first year, I will assist you throughout.” She slowly released Scootaloo as the girls breathing slowed to a more normal pace. “Along with the armband, you’ll also be expected to wear these badges. One is for your school uniform; the other is for your Quidditch robes.” She pulled out two gold badges with a massive black C and the outline of a badger emblazoned upon them before handing them to the girl leaning in as she did so and whispering in her ear. “These along with the password Mint Tea Tree Oil will grant you access to the Prefects bathroom on the fifth floor. Why don’t I take you there now? You could probably use a good bathe after all the hard work you’ve put in today. Thank you so much for everything.” Pomona finished pulling away from the surprised girl with a beaming smile.

“A wash sounds lovely right about now. Shall we continue our discussion surrounding the team on the way. Girls, sorry to palm you off. I’ll see you back in the common room before you head off to Astronomy.” Scootaloo said to her two friends before walking off to the castle with Professor Sprout.

Sweetie stuck up her other thumb. “Sure thing, I’m just going to lie here for a while anyway.”

The bath had been utterly divine and was honestly the best bath she’d ever had. After changing into some clean pyjamas Professor Sprout had retrieved for her, the girl was just leaving when Maddie Fairweather caught her.

“Miss Prewett, what might I ask are you doing using.” She stopped mid-sentence as she saw the badge on the first year’s bath robe, her eyes bulging.

“Only five people turned up to the Quidditch try-outs. Long story short, I’m the new captain. Enjoy your bath, it is absolutely heavenly,” Scootaloo replied not waiting for a response as she headed back towards the Hufflepuff Common room. Seeing as it was now way past nine and curfew had come into force, the halls were practically empty and no one was able to question why she was in her pyjamas outside her common room. Just as she was nearing the entrance to her common room though an older boy jumped out her nearly startling her to death.

“Hello, hello, what do we have here then, A Hufflepuff out of bed after curfew. I hope you have a good reason young Miss. Wait, Scootaloo?”

“Hi Percy, its nice to see you to, although I’d rather you didn’t frighten me half to death. I’m just off to bed now. I was just using the Prefects bathroom after my first Quidditch practice. Here.” She unpinned her Captain’s badge and passed it to Percy.

The Prefect stared at it for a moment before giving her a mocking look “Oh this is a real nice forgery. My brothers give you this? There’s no way a first year can be the captain of one of the House’s Quidditch teams!”

Scootaloo looked at Percy for a moment unsure what to do next. After thinking for a moment, she simply decided to be honest. “You don’t believe me you are more than welcome to take me to Professor Sprout right now, but I doubt she’d want to be disturbed this late after spending the evening out on the Quidditch field. She’s also standing right behind you.”

“Oh, haha, like I’m going to fall for that one.” Percy said in a disapproving tone.

“Mr Weasley, I was just saying goodnight to my house and what do I find upon leaving, you abusing your powers and keeping my Quidditch captain from returning to her dormitory.” A stern voice uttered behind the Prefect, making him jump.

“Professor Sprout, it’s not like that at all.” Percy stammered unable to find the words to reply to the unhappy professor behind him. He quickly returned the badge to the girl.

“Thanks Professor.” Scootaloo said with a polite smile skipping past the Prefect on the way to the Hufflepuff common room. “Have a great night Percy.”

As she was entering the Common room, she couldn’t help but take a glance and giggle at Percy trying to explain the situation to Professor Sprout. As she clambered out of the other end of the passageway, she saw the rest of the girls musing over their Herbology homework from the day before in the Common Room. Hey Scoots, you joining us or heading to bed as you don’t have Astronomy tonight.

“The latter. I’m pooped. Have a great night girls!” And with that Scootaloo shuffled along to her dorm. After a quick goodnight to Wally, who was snoozing under a wing on his perch, she collapsed upon her bed and was out like a light within a minute.

Author's Note

This chapter was a right slog, not totally happy with it but done all the same. Few things I'd like to say quickly here.
1. Most importantly away 21st-27th September visiting family, thus there will hopefullly be one more chapter before a slight break in proceedings.
2. There are new Lego HP Minifigures out and Pomona Sprout is one of them!

The Hogwarts Hawk 1

The Hogwarts Hawk

Bringing you your weekly Hogwarts News

September 10th 1991 – Special Edition

1st YEAR NAMED HUFFLEPUFF QUIDDITCH CAPTAIN

Youngest Captain and Quidditch team in Hogwarts history
Original captain Melody Song sensationally quits due to lack of participants
Only FIVE students turn up for this year’s try-outs.

Poor Hufflepuff. We here at the Hawk felt things couldn’t get any worse for the House after last years shambolic 730-10 defeat to Gryffindor breaking the 100-year-old record Hufflepuff set in 1890 with a 650-20 win over Gryffindor. Then Slytherin beat them 670-30. Now it seems, after years of turmoil that has seen the house not win the cup in 28 years and win only 5 games in the past ten years out of a possible 30, the students have finally had enough and are turning their backs on the ancient tradition. Our anonymous inside source reported seeing Miss Melody Song, the only surviving member of last years so called Quidditch team coaxed by Professor Sprout to stay on as captain, immediately relinquish the role upon seeing only FIVE younger year students had turned up for the try-outs, siting Psychological Health. In all fairness, we don’t blame the poor girl. With the try-outs in disarray, first year student Scoti Alaw Prewett, the girl who has lived in another dimension for most her life, is half Pegasus, destroyed the south tower on her first day and most importantly has only been playing the game for A MONTH, stepped into the void to take control of the situation. In our honest opinion, we don’t see last year’s record lasting another hundred years. Besides their rookie captain and seeker, the team has been left with a pair of second year rookie chasers being marshalled by a respectable third year and two beaters who were drafted against their wills and have about as much talent, knowledge and affinity for the game as Professor Sprout, who is the one attempting to teach them. The only solace seems to be their keeper, who our inside source reported as ‘a total freak against nature’ and ‘I’ve no idea how a first year can be that good, honestly on par with Oliver Wood.’ Despite this, we only see doom and gloom for Hufflepuff once more this year on the Quidditch pitch. Heck, if they miraculously win the cup, I’ll happily not only step down as editor of this paper but allow their captain cast whatever spell she likes on me, Joanne MacGyver.

Scootaloo's Monday

Unsurprisingly, the rest of the week did not prove to be a quiet affair. On Wednesday Professor Sprout was fuming after vital information surrounding the Hufflepuff Quidditch trials were leaked and released in a Special Edition of the School Newspaper. She promptly gave the school editor, fourth year Ravenclaw Joanne Macgyver, detention for the rest of the term. This also meant that Scootaloo and her compatriots constantly had to bear witness to students whispering, joking and making snide remarks behind their back for the majority of the remainder of the week. Eventually, this led to the girls opting to barely set foot outside their common room aside from lessons, early morning flights and Sweetie getting the cast removed of her nose in the infirmary. Professor Sprout even had their meals sent to the common room feeling it was probably for the best that the girls were attempting to steer clear of trouble for once. After acquiring the new brooms on Saturday morning along with a gift basket of sweets and chocolates for each of her team, the following Monday the gaggle of Hufflepuffs convened upon the training fields at 6am sharp for their first proper training session.

“Alright guys and gals. I know the last few days haven’t been easy for any of us and I’m pleased you’ve all still turned up this morning.” Scootaloo began.

“Pfft, like we’d let them get to us. They’ll all be eating their words soon enough.” Tamsin interrupted.

“Personally, I can take it for a Nimbus 2000. The fellow third year boys scoffed when I told them you were buying every member of the team one. They are going to be so jealous.” Anthony smirked. “Also, I’d like to shut a few of those doubters up with a bludger to the face on the pitch. And thanks for the sweets.” He finished munching on a chocolate bar.”

“Yeah, lets show them what Hufflepuffs are really made of.” Susan cackled, hugging her new broom with glee.

“I want that newspaper editor to go home bald during the summer.” Sweetie growled.

“Or vomiting slugs.” Heidi suggested.

Looking around their misfit crew, both Pomona and Scootaloo smiled knowingly at each other. They were pissed at being written off so easily and weren’t going to go down without a fight.

“Woah, calm down Susan and save the anger for the match in a few months, that bludger nearly took my head off.” Scootaloo winced.

A cackle of pure madness was all she got in return. She’d unleashed a monster.

“Yow. Find somebody else to target you jerk.” She heard Tamsin grumble once again.

A second cackle of pure lunacy. Correction, two monsters.

Overall Scootaloo was extremely pleased with how the session had gone. Along with the rage and injustice her team were feeling over the newspaper article and teasing from their fellow peers, the quality broomsticks had seriously assisted in a marked improvement from last week. Professor Sprout had set up some makeshift rings and they’d started their training with a real simple training exercise. Herself and Sweetie would defend the hoops while Cedric, Tamsin and Heidi worked at attempting to score fifteen times in an hour. Susan and Anthony were simply instructed to direct the bludgers at whoever they felt like and were doing an unbelievable job at doing so. Sweetie and Heidi had both taken shots to the ribs, Cedric got caught on his ankle and Scootaloo herself had suffered a heavy blow on her arm guard. And that was just Susan’s hits, poor Tamsin had been targeted relentlessly throughout by Anthony and probably had more spots on her than a dalmatian right now. She could barely believe the remarkable transformation in her two Beaters from two simple actions. Her three Chasers were developing just as well, sending her zigzagging left and right as they constantly adapted their strategy to score goals. As an exasperated Sweetie saved yet another shot from Cedric Scootaloo looked at her watch and cried.

“TIME. Excellent work everyone. If you keep up with this work rate and enthusiasm, I’m sure we can surprise a few of the other houses this year. Heidi, Cedric, Tamsin, don’t feel bad about only getting thirteen goals, if that was any other keeper, you’d have easily scored twenty. Look after your brooms and I’ll see you all tomorrow evening.” Scootaloo bellowed through the crisp morning air.

“I’m going for a bath. I hate you Anthony, I really do.” Tamsin grumbled lowering herself to the ground and gingerly making her way back to the castle followed by Heidi.

Just another cackle was heard in reply as Anthony and Susan lowered themselves to the ground and walked off to get some breakfast, deep in conversation with each other.

As Scootaloo landed herself, she heard Cedric’s voice to her left.

“What we might lack in ability, we certainly make up for in team spirit.”

Scootaloo couldn’t help but smile once more and let out a laugh. “That we do Cedric, that we do.”

“So, shall we see what’s on the agenda today?” Scootaloo asked her cohorts at breakfast, before munching her fifth slice of toast while sipping a cup of tea. She’d no longer had to sneak them in after gaining a permission slip from Professor Trelawney allowing her to have tea at breakfast.

Meghan groaned. “Are you going to do this every morning?”

“Yes, yes I am.” Scootaloo smiled wickedly looking at the remnants of her cup to see what it had on offer today. “Oh shit. The bull, that’s not a good start. Bones, brilliant more misfortune surmounted with courage and antlers. So, I’m going to have a painful and misfortunate accident today that I’m going to overcome with courage and bravery. Sounds interesting.” Scootaloo finished cheerily. Her friends just stared at her. “What?”

“That does not sound like something to be cheerful about.” Meghan deadpanned.

“YOW” Scootaloo screamed as Madam Pomfrey plucked yet another spike from her buttocks. “I’m going to fucking kill him.” she screamed.

Despite her premonition and warning, all had seemingly been going fine in Herbology. All they’d been doing was repotting a number of various harmless plants. Then towards the end of the lesson Neville had disturbed a Puffapod causing it to release its spores on her. She’d become dizzy and disorientated and ended up tripping over their bag of dragon compost arse first onto a Spiky Bush. The pain was excruciating. Having the aforementioned spikes removed from said buttocks was ten times worse. The only thing keeping her sane right now was the excruciatingly painful things she was imagining doing to Neville in retaliation.

“YOWWWWWWWWWWWWWW” she howled once more.

“There, last one.” Madam Pomfrey sighed. Extracting the six spikes had been no easy feat and even with her vast expanse of knowledge nothing had been able to ease the poor girl’s pain aside from possibly resorting to using Draught of Living Death, which she definitely did not wish to have to do.

“Thank fuck for that.” Scootaloo cursed once more absolutely exhausted from the ordeal.

“I’m just going to apply some Murtlap Essence to ease the pain although I’d advise not sitting down for a little while.” Madam Pomfrey explained.

“Will I still make it to Transfiguration third period? We’re casting our first spell today?” Scootaloo pleaded

Madam Pomfrey thought it over for a moment. She’d have ideally liked to keep the girl in for the rest of the day for observation but knew she’d be utterly miserable if she did so and she’d already suffered enough for one day. “Well okay, but you’ll have to stand throughout and I want you back here by the end of the day so I can double check your buttocks is healing correctly.”

Scootaloo’s mouth curved into the biggest smile imaginable.

“Before I let you go though, my scans have revealed a small fracture on your right arm. You’ll need to drink some Skele-Gro before I can dismiss you and you’ll have to wear this cast for the rest of the week just to be on the safe side.”

Scootaloo’s face dropped. She remembered having to drink the vile liquid when she went to St Mungo’s to get her broken ribs checked out. It was vile and took her three attempts to swallow. Even Sweetie’s cooking was more appeasing. Her mind shifted from thinking about ways of torturing poor Neville to ways she could torture Susan.

Scootaloo darted through the Discord tower. Amazingly, it had taken Madam Pomfrey barely fifty minutes to do a full body scan, remove all the spikes, apply the ointment, administer the Skele Gro and apply the cast to her arm before releasing her. Scootaloo was sure the Matron could slow down time or something. Even so, she was still cutting it awfully fine in getting to Transfiguration on time and was currently flying through the Discord tower to be able to do so. That’s when she saw her friends just up ahead and sped up even more to catch up with them. As she landed just behind them, she felt her foot sink into the floor beneath her and a knowing click. At that same moment she realised she had misinterpreted the tea leaves that morning.

“Misfortunate accidents, not accident. I should have just stayed in the infirmary.” She sighed to herself as a barrage of custard pies headed her way.

“Miss Prewett, I’m surprised you made it. I thought you’d still be in the infirmary after your accident this morning. Also, I see you got caught by one of Professor Discord’s many pranks on your way here.” Headmaster Dumbledore tried to hold in the laughter but was failing miserably along with all of Scootaloo’s friends and now most of the rest of the class as well.

“Thanks, any chance of a little help.” The girl grumbled shaking of a piece of pie from her robes. “I’m just wondering what else is going to go wrong. Sometimes I really wish I could quell my curios mind.”

“Of course,” Dumbledore said pulling out his own wand. “Scourgify.”

The offending confections and goop that covered Scootaloo quickly disappeared and the girl was once more as clean as when she stepped out of the shower after Quidditch practice that morning.

“Might I ask what you meant when you said what else is going to go wrong before we begin todays lesson.” Dumbledore queried.

“Tea leaves this morning. I thought they predicted a painful and misfortunate accident today that I’m going to overcome with courage and bravery, when in actual fact it was painful and misfortunate accidents. So far I’ve fractured my right arm after an errant bludger caught it in Quidditch.” Scootaloo paused for a moment to glower at Susan who quickly attempted to turn her attention elsewhere. “Been stabbed in the butt six times by a damn plant and now been covered in custard pies. I can only expect that more will befall me before the end of the day.” The girl ended resigned to her fate.

Dumbledore thought for a moment. Maybe it would be wise to hold back on starting the practical side of Transfiguration till Thursday. He quickly dismissed the idea, it was just coincidence, nothing more and besides, the girl had already had multiple accidents occur to her. He was almost one hundred percent sure nothing else would befall her today.

In the end he opted to simply say “I see, how interesting.” And “now, shall we get on with today’s lesson?” The girls hastily took their seats as Dumbledore headed to the front of the class and began the lesson.

A little perplexed he saw that Miss Prewett was still standing. “Miss Prewett, if you’d be willing to take your seat please.”

“Apologies sir, not allowed to sit down for the rest of the day at least, Madam Pomfrey’s orders.” Scootaloo replied innocently too a round of giggles around the room. A red-faced Neville was trying to hide his head in his textbook.

Dumbledore mentally chastised himself for being so oblivious and then continued with the beginning of the lesson. “Settle down please.” He shouted across the classroom and then in a softer tone. “Of course, Miss Prewett, my apologies for being so inconsiderate and forgetful in light of your recent accident.”

“No problem.” Scootaloo said a little embarrassed.

Seeing the unwanted attention he was bringing upon the poor girl, Dumbledore quickly decided to change the subject. “Thank you” was all he said in reply before getting back to the lesson at hand. “Now that we’ve covered the theoretical basics of Transfiguration, we shall be spending the remainder of this term looking over three of the most basic Transfiguration spells. As I informed you in the very first lesson, Transfigurations have a lot more complex variables involved in them than Charms, as can be seen in the Transfiguration formula. As such, they require a lot more thought and planning to be cast successfully. This is ultimately why we will be spending so much time and dedication on just a few spells this term as it will take significant time and patience for you to perform and master each of them. Once you get the basics down though you’ll find casting any type of Transfiguration spell a lot easier. To begin, I’d like you all to look at the matches on your desk and concentrating really hard repeat after me, Acus.”

The overall excitement and enthusiasm Scootaloo had initially shown for the upcoming lesson soon deteriorated as time went on and no matter how hard she tried the matchstick just would not turn into a needle. Most the class were having similar problems aside from Sweetie who had almost immediately transfigured the match perfectly into a needle with barely any effort and had subsequently been rewarded with ten points for Hufflepuff for her efforts from Professor Dumbledore. She was now trying her hardest to assist her classmates but to no real avail. In front of her Apple Bloom was once again arguing with her wand while on her left side she saw Meghan with her head on her desk having all but given up on transforming the blasted match that lay on her desk. In fact, the only other student who’d had any success besides Sweetie was Hermione who was sitting next to her. Her match had slowly turned silver and pointy from so many attempts at the spell and she’d received significant praise for her efforts even if it had resulted in her voice becoming hoarse and croaky, much to Scootaloo’s amusement.

As the lesson neared its close though, Scootaloo refused to be outdone by her petulant and mocking match. With this morning’s premonition pushed to the back of her mind she looked defiantly at the match and roared “ACUS”.

A pile of five thousand matches now adorned the floor where her and Hermione’s desk once was. The latter girl promptly fell upon the floor in utter hysterics.

“Oh, for fuck sake.” Scootaloo grumbled, resigned to defeat on this occasion.

Having heard the loud roar Dumbledore had looked over at Scootaloo along with a number of her fellow first years. The teacher was just thankful the accident had been a misfortunate one and not a painful one on this occasion.

Scootaloo stared at the pile of wood that used to be her desk, Hermione was once again in stitches on the floor next to her. Today really wasn’t her day. During lunch she’d tried to put the matchstick debacle along with everything else that had happened to her today behind her and get herself mentally prepared to start anew in Charms. It had most certainly not gone to plan. After arriving back in Class 99 in the Discord tower Professor Flitwick had spent the first half of the lesson going over the latest Charm they’d be investigating over the next few weeks, Reparo, or more commonly known as the Mending Charm. Apparently, it had been devised by a witch in the 1700s and was used to repair damage caused to the Colosseum after a fight broke out over something to do with a broom race. In fairness, Scootaloo hadn’t been paying too much attention, being to over eager to make up for the disaster that had befallen her earlier in the day. This, she had realised way to late, had been the start of her downfall as she then missed important instructions on how to cast the spell correctly. Thus, while Hermione next to her had been able to easily master the spell in barely ten minutes, reforming her goblet perfectly from the glass shards on the table, Scootaloo had spent twice as much time just working out the correct wand movement and pronunciation from The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 1. And then, nothing, absolutely nothing. Over and over again she tried and over and over again the glass shards stared mockingly at her alongside Hermione’s perfect glass goblet. Patience running thin and with time slowly ebbing away Scootaloo had refused to be defeated and in one final huff of rage had bellowed the spell at the cursed shards. She should have learnt her lesson from Transfiguration. Anger gets you nowhere. Unfortunately, she hadn’t and that was why she’d now ended up with a bunch of kindling rather than a perfect glass goblet. Even Flitwick was snickering at her failed attempt.

“Good effort Miss Prewett, although the spell’s intended aim is to mend and repair broken items, not break even more.” The Professor commented in between sniggers.

After the day she’d had so far, that was the last straw for Scootaloo.

“Oh, so you find that funny, huh?” She hollered indignantly and before she was totally aware of what she was doing pointed her wand at her professor and cried. “Titillando”

Flitwick immediately fell to the floor in fits of giggles as tentacles engulfed and started to tickle him. The class stared at Scootaloo as if she had gone mad, the girl herself suddenly realising what she’d done.

“Finite Incantatem” Apple Bloom chorused attempting to bring the spell to an abrupt conclusion.

The tentacles vanished and slowly Flitwick dusted himself off and returned to his feet.

“Miss Prewett, Please see me after class.” Was all he said to her as she began to pack her things away along with the other students

Scootaloo groaned. Could today really get any worse?

After the class had filtered out Scootaloo stood behind her now repaired desk awaiting her fate.

“Don’t be shy, come forward child. That was an awful neat bit of spell work you did there.” Professor Flitwick said jovially from the front of the class.

“I’m extremely sorry sir, it has been a rough day.” Scootaloo said downcast staring at the floor as she approached the front of the classroom.”

“I understand totally and do not worry, I’m not going to punish you further, especially after I antagonised you. To be fair, I have to take my fair share of the blame. What I do want though is to have a quick chat with you to ensure you have learnt your lesson. Remember what myself and Dumbledore told you on your first day?” Flitwick explained perched atop a stack of books.

“Yes, my wand is very powerful, requires exceptional self-control and could be very dangerous in the wrong hands.”

“Good, also if should have a tough day like today and are feeling emotional?”

“To seek out one of the professors.”

“Excellent. Although your strength of mind cannot be questioned in your ability to wield such a wand, I do still have some concerns over your self-control. Even from just teaching you for a short period of time, I can tell you are a good student with a heart of gold who would never intentionally wish to harm anyone. Even so, you have an impetuous and impatient nature along with a fiery temper. Combined with the wand you wield; this is just asking for trouble and disaster and is something we need to seriously work on, because your overall power seriously frightens me. To stop beating round the Spiky Bush.”

Scootaloo glared daggers at him for that pun.

Flitwick just chuckled softly before going on. “Dragon Heartstring is probably the most powerful readily available magical core. This does come at a price though as it is often considered the most temperamental and accident prone of all wand cores, as you have borne witness to in your lessons today. Most concerning though is its affinity to the Dark Arts and ability to perform such spells. Yes, jinxes and hexes might be fun to play on your friends for a quick laugh, but even such minor dark magic can build up overtime and corrupt your soul if not properly managed. There is no doubt that you have the strength of mind to ward of the temptations of such dark magic, but even the purest of hearts can be led astray. What was once the casting of an innocuous Tickling Hex can soon become the killing curse on a best friend or loved one without you even realising what you are doing till it is too late. I saw so many of my former students corrupted by dark magic during the Wizarding War, and so many more perish because of their actions. I don’t think I could bare to see yet another turn and perform such heinous acts, especially one with such raw potential as yourself. Please Miss Prewett, promise me, promise me that no matter what your future holds you shall not be corrupted by such power. Always remember that with great power comes great responsibility and that you have friends and family that can help you through dark times.” Flitwick rambled on as the tears welled in his eyes.

Scootaloo had paid the utmost attention to the Charms professor throughout his speech. Only now did she shakily utter some words. “I promise sir and I will remember what you have said. On my life I promise I will never let the darkness take a hold of me and only try to bring joy, happiness and chaos into this world.” She finished resolutely.

“Thank you, you are free to go now my dear. I wouldn’t want to make you late for your next lesson” Flitwick replied with a sniffle as he dabbed at his eyes with a pristine white handkerchief.

“Are you sure you’ll be alright sir? I’m sure Madam Hooch wouldn’t mind if I was a few minutes late.”

“No, no. I’ll be fine and have to get a move on myself. I’ve a fourth years Charms class to teach halfway across the school!” He forced out a chuckle pushing the girl towards the door. I’ll see you on Thursday and please, remember what I said”

The door slammed shut in her face before she could even think of a reply. Slightly baffled, Scootaloo opted not to press her luck even further, deciding to simply heed her professor’s latest warning. Even so, she thought to herself as she wandered the halls towards the training fields, there wasn’t any harm with a little bit of mischief here and there, was there? And she had to know how to defend herself. Yes, she knew the unforgivable curses were despicable and, well, unforgiveable, but surely there wasn’t really that much harm in jinxes and hexes, otherwise Discord would most certainly have warned and forbidden her and her classmates from practising them. Heck, he most certainly wouldn’t have given each of the students a book on them, would he? No, of course he wouldn’t. Her mind in a complete kerfuffle, she exited the school onto the training fields.

Flitwick didn’t bother heading to his fourth years Charms class, instead he returned to his office. The exact same one where the unspeakable had happened in 1977. He set up his floo and was relieved that Albus was in his own office, seemingly sorting through a mass of paperwork.

“Filius, this is rather a surprise, don’t you have a class right now?” Dumbledore said with concern.

“That’s why I’m calling. I was hoping you could cover. Miss Prewett lost a bit of control in 1st year Charms and before she knew it cast the Tickling Hex upon me. Nothing major and thankfully one of her friends is already aware and capable of performing the General Counter-Spell. Still, I’ve just spent the majority of the afternoon break talking to her about self-control and how quickly dark magic can corrupt a person and turn them against those they love without them even really knowing it.” Filius ended with a sigh, shaking slightly.

“1977?” Was all Dumbledore said in reply.

“1977.” Flitwick replied with a nod of his head.

“Say no more. Take the afternoon off, I’ll find something to cover the class with. Hope you feel better soon” Was all Dumbledore replied with.

“Thank You.” Flitwick cut the floo connection before heading to his private quarters to acquire a jacket.

After the day she’d had, Scootaloo was in no mood to tempt fate further and her current injury kind of prevented her from riding a broom anyway. Thus, she spent the flying lesson at one of the broom care stations ensuring Broomy was well polished and had no out of place twigs. Afterwards she had made her way as promised back to the infirmary where Madam Pomfrey had checked her behind and applied some more Murtlap Essence.

“Wonderful, the wounds are healing nicely and you should be fine by morning, but I’ll need you to come in just make sure. Still, you might find sitting for prolonged periods of time this evening uncomfortable and I’d advise trying to sleep on your side or front tonight.” The Matron diagnosed.

“Thanks, for everything. After the day I’ve had I think I’m just going to try and have a quiet evening, if fate doesn’t try to intervene once again.” Scootaloo joked before turning and heading for the door to the infirmary.

“Please do, I’ve already lost count of the number of times you and your friends have been in here and it’s only the third week of term.” Madam Pomfrey sighed. “Oh, and one more thing, try not to get that cast wet.”

“Sure thing” Scootaloo called back exiting the infirmary.

Madam Pomfrey collapsed into a chair. Those girls would be the death of her one day.

Thankfully for Scootaloo it seemed that her streak of misfortune had come to an end. After being mercilessly teased over the day’s events during dinner by her friends, Apple Bloom had very kindly then offered to help her in going over the Forgetfulness Potion before tomorrow’s Potions lesson. As the clock ticked eight, she had pulled herself from one of the many armchairs that dotted the Hufflepuff Common Room and had headed to the fifth floor once more to utilise the privilege of the Prefect’s bathroom. After a luxurious bath and with the troubles of the day put behind her she didn’t notice the staircase she was on moving till it was to late.

“Crap. Just my luck.” Scootaloo grumbled to herself. “I wonder how long it’ll be till it moves again. My wings are still too wet to attempt to safely fly down. Oh well, might as well see if I can find another way down” she said opening a door onto a dark unlit corridor. “Hmm, well that’s inviting.”

Shrugging her shoulders, she made her way along the creepy cobweb filled corridor, her eyes slowly adjusting to the dim gloom, until she came across yet another door. It opened with a soft click and as it slowly opened Scootaloo poked her head through to see where this latest corridor would take her.

“Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr”

Scootaloo looked up as a massive glob of drool fell atop her head. Her face paled as she saw the great beast that loomed above her. What the fuck was a Cerberus doing in the castle? Then she remembered, the third-floor corridor on the right-hand side is out of bounds to everyone who does not wish to die a very painful death.

“Oh fuck.”

One of the heads lunged for her. She was quicker, slamming the door shut and hurtling back to the staircase. Thankfully it had once again moved and she was able to sprint at top speed back to the Huffepuff Common room and her dorm room. The girls stared at her as the door to their dorm room slammed open.

“Scootaloo, what’s wrong?” Apple Bloom asked.

“Stairwell, wrong turn, third floor corridor. Cerberus.” Scootaloo blubbered making little sense.

“What?” Sweetie said looking completely perplexed.

“The staircases moved while she was on them. Rather than being sensible and patient, as we all know Scootaloo isn’t” Apple Bloom began

“HEY!” Scootaloo interjected.

Apple Bloom ignored the interruption, “she went looking for another way down not realising the stairs had brought her to the forbidden section of the castle. That was until she encountered a Cerberus, at which point she probably pissed herself and fled back here.” Apple Bloom finished deciphering Scootaloo’s incoherent babble for her roommates. “Am I right?”

“All except the part where I pissed myself.” Scootaloo grumbled.

Apple Bloom giggled. “Obviously haven’t seen your trousers then.”

“What?” Scootaloo looked at her trousers, nothing.

“Made you look.” Apple Bloom giggled once more.

“Very mature.” Scootaloo deadpanned, unimpressed.

“Err girls, sorry to interrupt, but shouldn’t we be discussing the matter of a giant three headed dog being locked away in the castle?” Sweetie interrupted.

“Oh, that’s easy, the Cerberus back in Equestria guards the gates of Tartarus. Makes total sense that this one is also guarding something and seems the only logical explanation for having something so ludicrously dangerous in a school.” Apple Bloom reasoned. “What I’d like to know is what? Must be something pretty valuable to risk the welfare of the students.”

“Oh no, if you five want to go and become puppy chow, feel free to, but I’ve more important things to concern myself with. Now, if you don’t mind, I’m going too bed before something else happens to me today.” Scootaloo gave her opinion on the matter at hand, stripping off to her pyjamas underneath as she made her way over to her bed and jumped in.

The wooden struts supporting the mattress immediately gave way and with a mighty crash the girl and mattress fell to the floor.

“I hate Mondays.” Scootaloo grumbled as the rest of the girls broke out into raucous laughter.

Chaos Against the Dark Arts

After Scootaloo’s calamitous Monday, the Crusaders chaotic start to life at Hogwarts finally started to slow down as their studies, extracurricular studies in their specialist areas and Quidditch left very little time to get up to mischief. As the weeks turned into a month, they steadily, albeit slowly, made progress in their magical education and aside from Professor Binns droning on about the Magical Middle Ages, were thoroughly enjoying their first year at Hogwarts.

In Herbology, their knowledge of magical plants and fungi and what they were used for was forever expanding and Professor Sprout was constantly making them apply this knowledge practically to cultivate them in the greenhouse. She’d also shown them how to harvest the plants and fungi using the Severing Charm, although informed them that she would not be teaching them the charm till later in the year when they were a little more proficient in casting charms. In Charms itself, after mastering Reparo they’d moved onto a duo of spells that locked and unlocked objects and were now just starting to make headway with Spongify.

For Scootaloo and Apple Bloom Snape drove them hard in Potions. After the Forgetfulness Potion they had spent a fair part of the past month doing theory work surrounding topics such as the twelve uses of dragon blood, the different types of cauldrons that were available and what was contained in the standard potion ingredient. After what had felt like an age of solely taking notes, they’d just moved onto brewing their third potion, the Wiggenweld Potion. Although Sweetie had been initially down over her expulsion from Potions, she had soon gotten over it and regaled the other girls at lunch on Tuesdays about her time with Dumbledore. Both Apple Bloom and Scootaloo were envious of Sweetie and her ability as only with grit, determination and sheer stubborn will power had they along with their classmates transfigured their matches into something vaguely resembling a needle, before being allowed to move onto attempting to turn mice into snuffboxes. Sweetie had mastered both spells perfectly in less than ten minutes and as such spent most of the lessons trying to help her fellow Crusaders. For Sweetie and Apple Bloom, in Astronomy they moved onto studying the rest of the planets of the Solar System along with the constellations that adorned the sky above.

Scootaloo’s proficiency at both Axinomancy and Tessomancy grew, with the girl often spending breakfast making predictions from the tea leaves in her cup. Although the rest of the Hufflepuff first years had been sceptical and teased her to begin with, after numerous predictions came true, including Ernie breaking his leg after falling down some stairs, they now awaited her predictions with bated breath, hoping that the day wouldn’t bring doom and gloom with it.

One of the Hufflepuff contingents favourite lessons was flying and over the past month they’d all become reasonably capable on a broomstick besides Apple Bloom who still spent the majority of each lesson being bucked into bushes. Scootaloo often spent these lessons competing with Hermione to see who could do the most reckless stunt, much to Madam Hooch’s chagrin, while Sweetie Belle and the others either practiced Quidditch or raced each other around the castle. After the initial news leak, slowly the hubbub surrounding the Hufflepuff Quiddditch team died down and over the course of the next month Scootaloo saw vast improvements throughout due to the hard work and dedication of her teammates. She still had some concerns surrounding the team’s overall physicality and lack of experience, but they certainly did make up for these with spirit and skill. Her unusual family had once again grown.

Whilst Scootaloo and Sweetie were out training on the Quidditch field, Apple Bloom was usually down in the dungeons brewing some new creation with Snape’s guidance. More than one student had passed the Potions lab during the evening and shivered uncontrollably at the unnatural cackling that reverberated from within while others had sworn they had heard explosions. What monstrosities Apple Bloom and Snape were actually brewing nobody knew for sure as despite heavy questioning from her friends the girl remained stubborn and refused to reveal just what she’d been getting up to during her extra tuition.

With how busy things had been, it was to no real surprise that despite their initial intrigue the Hufflepuff girls had done absolutely nothing in response to realising they were sharing the castle with a Cerberus guarding some unknown priceless treasure. In all truth, besides sending the odd letter home and the occasional early morning flight, the girls just found themselves way too busy to even consider getting up to any chaos or mischief. Except that is, in Defence Against the Dark Arts. Unlike the other subjects, Discord pushed them relentlessly, with almost every lesson seeing them taught a new jinx or hex. From jelly legs to hair loss and sticking one’s shoes to the floor, they learnt them all as Discord stuck to his goal of adequately preparing them for the future. Even so, he did prohibit them from learning any curses, stating that these were the darkest of all dark magic that could corrupt even the most honest and noble witches and wizards. Furthermore, whereas the two lesser forms of dark magic could often be rectified, damage caused by curses was often irreversible and Discord clarified that if he found any student practicing them, he’d expel them from his class and seek for their expulsion from Hogwarts. Despite being extremely hard work, Defence Against the Dark Arts was probably the favourite and most enjoyed subject for the majority of the Hufflepuff first years and as yet another Thursday rolled round, they were eagerly discussing what Discord had in store for them next.

“I’m really hoping he shows us the Tempest Jinx.” Scootaloo cackled.

“Of course, you would.” Meghan rolled her eyes.

“Personally, I’m quite intrigued by the Tail-growing Hex” Apple Bloom added her opinion to the matter.

“The finger removing jinx sounds rather freaky.” Sweetie Belle added.

“The Ventus Jinx. Summoning a cyclone sounds utterly hilarious and it would be really efficient at taking out multiple enemies.” Susan quipped.

“Well, shall we go in and see what he has in store for us?” Hannah interrupted her friends’ discussion as they reached the door to class 104 in the Discord tower.

“Of course!” Scootaloo cackled like a maniac pushing the door open.

“You know, sometimes you frighten me Creepaloo.” Susan jested following her friend into the room alongside the other Hufflepuff first years.

“What in blazes?” Apple Bloom said what was on all the other students minds as rather than floating up to the ceiling as was the norm in the classroom with no gravity, they now found themselves in a forest.

The door behind them slammed shut and disappeared.

“Ahh, welcome, I’m glad to see you all made it. Today’s lesson is all about stealth and subterfuge and practically applying the spells you have learnt so far.” A voice reverberated softly around the room before the tell tell sound of Discord’s snapping fingers.

Scootaloo looked behind her to see everyone had the number 10 above them.

“It is very simple. You each have ten lives; your goal is survival. If you either lose all ten of these lives or become incapacitated in anyway during the next ninety minutes, you are out of the game. You’ll lose a life every time you are hit by a jinx or hex or a tree, as will probably prove to be Apple Bloom’s preferred weapon.”

“Hey!”

Discord ignored Apple Bloom’s interruption. “Tonight’s homework is a minimum two-thousand-word essay on jinxes, hexes and curses due next Thursday.” A sea of groans erupted from the first years. Discord ignored them once more. “Failure to meet this deadline will see you in detention with me next Thursday catching up and you will miss the Halloween feast.” Further groans. “Oh, and just to make things interesting and to ensure you are trying your best, the winner from todays lesson will be exempt from today’s homework assignment, the first to be eliminated however will not only have to come back for detention at the end of today, but will also see their essay increased to a five-thousand-word minimum. Good luck!” He clicked his fingers once more.

Scootaloo was alone.

Scootaloo darted from branch to branch swiftly and silently, constantly keeping an eye out for others below her. No way did she want to have to write a boring two-thousand-word essay let alone a five-thousand-word one.

After realising the canopy was too tightly packed for her to fly through and above, almost certainly Discord’s work and intent, Scootaloo had opted instead to hide herself in amongst the dense foliage whilst observing the ground below. After nearly ten minutes she’d yet to find anyone.

“And we have our first casualty. Poor Mr Finch-Fletchley has gone quackers and is eliminated immediately.” Discord’s voice boomed above.

Sweetie wasn’t messing around.

“And Mr Hopkins has got stuck in the mud! Two down, ten to go.”

Neither was Bloom.

Then she saw him, Ernie pelting his way towards her below, he looked scared out of his wits, his number already down to eight. Might as well end his misery Scootaloo grinned wickedly pulling out her wand.

“Baglu” She murmured.

Ernie tripped and fell face first into the mud. The number above his head dropped from eight to seven.

“Stikkende” Scootaloo murmured once more.

Ernie howled with pain, seven dropped to six.

“Cantis” Scootaloo didn’t bother sticking around any longer as Ernie’s number dropped to five and he started singing very loudly. It wouldn’t be long.

It wasn’t, three minutes later and Discord’s voice cooed. “Poor old Mr Macmillan has sung his own funeral march. You boys have given us males a really bad name and as such you will all be joining me for detention after final class today where you can each start your five-thousand-word essays.”

Poor lads Scootaloo thought for a moment as she continued her dance through the treetops.

For the next half an hour Scootaloo mostly played observer, keeping to the shadows above and biding her time. Meghan was next to fall, Discord stating that she’d floated like a butterfly and been stung by a bee, and then Leanne, Sally and Susan all went in one foul swoop. Or rather, a cyclone.

“Oh my. Dearie me Susan,” Discord chuckled. “I admire the audacity and ambition and commend the confidence to attempt such a complex jinx, but I think you need more practice with that one. Miss Bones has not only wiped out two of her competitors, Miss Moon and Smith with the cyclone jinx, but herself along with it. Truly spectacular and wonderfully chaotic! This also leaves us with just five competitors left. Miss Prewett amazingly still has all ten of her lives intact, Miss Bloom eight, Miss Perks and Miss Belle six and oh dear, I think Miss Abbot’s goose is cooked. Another immediate elimination, but hang on, oh ho ho, she isn’t going down quietly folks. I think Mis Belle might think twice about using Pullus in future. So, just three remain. Remember, if more than one of you remains at the end of the lesson it is whoever has the most lives who wins.”

Shit. Scootaloo thought. Those other two would be coming after her now. As if on cue a tree branch above swung for her face.

“Oh Scootaloo, I know you’re up there.” A voice chimed as yet another branch swung Scootaloo’s way forcing her to dodge once more.

Shit. “Stikkende” Sccotaloo cried.

Sally-Ann screamed in pain behind her.

“You think I’m going to fall for the old distract and sneak technique. Amateurs.” Scootaloo scoffed before dashing through the trees once more as Apple Bloom attempted to cut off her escape.

Scootaloo knew she was at a serious disadvantage right now. For one, Apple Bloom had a lackey on her side and secondly, she was an Earth pony with an abundance of tools at her disposal.

And then the trees abruptly stopped in a circular clearing. Scootaloo smiled, it was time for some payback. She zoomed out of cover and sailed higher and higher into the air before crying “TEMPESTAS”

Grey clouds accumulated around the girl and bolts of lightning began reigning down upon the tree tops below. If the bolts didn’t get Apple Bloom and Sally-Ann, the fires that some of the bolts were starting sure would.

“My word.” Discord cooed a few minutes later. “trust my charge to thrust a little light on the situation. Current scores, Scootaloo ten lives, Apple Bloom seven, Sally-Ann three.”

Scootaloo cackled in glee.

“You fucking crazy bitch!?!”

Scootaloo barely heard Apple Bloom shout from below. She looked down upon the poor girl whose tail tip was still slightly aflame. She gave her friend the most disturbing smile imaginable in response.

“Oh, we’re just getting started. Let me help put that fire out on your tail. Ventus Pluviam Meteolo.”

And that was when the rain and wind joined the lightning.

Apple Bloom stumbled out of her shelter; the storm having finally passed. Battered and bruised she looked like someone had just dragged her kicking and screaming through this damn forest twice! She was caked in mud, leaves, twigs and goodness knows what else. More than anything though she was fucking mad.

“Final five minutes girls, Miss Bloom has three lives, Miss Prewett ten.” Discord’s voice chorused from up above.

“Stikkende”

Apple Bloom didn’t even flinch as the spell hit her, simply turning around and responding to the smile Scootaloo had given her earlier.

“Run” was all she said before uprooting a tree and hurtling it at the startled half-Pegasus girl.

Four minutes later an enraged Apple Bloom had Scootaloo pinned by the throat against a tree, the latter’s wand helplessly on the floor a few feet away.

“Concede?”

“NEVER” Scootaloo replied defiantly sticking her tongue out at Apple Bloom.

“Okay. Fair enough. I’ve wanted to practice some of the activities from this Highland Games I’ve read about for a while anyway.” Apple Bloom said with a wide grin.

“Wait, what?” Scootaloo said starting to panic.

Apple Bloom ignored her. “First up, the Pegasus throw.”

But before Apple Bloom could go through with whatever she was planning Discord’s voice echoed throughout “TIME” and suddenly the two girls found themselves sat at their desks back in their usual classroom alongside the rest of their fellow first years.

“Thank goodness”, Scootaloo sighed in relief, slumping into her chair.

Apple Bloom pouted.

Discord poofed into existence at the front of the class. “Congratulations and excellent work to the both of you. Although Miss Prewett did have slightly more lives at the end, five to one, I’ve decided that both of you will be exempt from this week’s homework assignment. A number of you might want to take notes from the display these two just put on, a real masterclass of stealth, magic and survival skills.” He finished handing Scootaloo back the wand she had dropped.

Scootaloo beamed from the praise, Apple Bloom still looked a little displeased that she’d been stopped from hurling the Pegasus five hundred miles through the air in retaliation to the torment she’d been put through with her friend’s weather hijinks.

“Now, I expect to see the essays for the rest of you on my desk next Thursday morning without fail and Mr Macmillan, Mr Hopkins and Mr Finch-Fletchley, for such poor showings I’ll see all three of you back here after classes today to begin your five-thousand-word essays.

“Yes, Mr Discord sir.” The three boys grumbled utterly humiliated.

“Outstanding, class dismissed!”

As the Hufflepuffs made their exit and headed to break, Scootaloo chimed “wow, what a rush that was epic!”

“Five more minutes and I would have won.” Apple Bloom grumbled.

“I’d have transfigured both your arses if a damn goose hadn’t attacked me.” Sweetie added her opinion to the matter.

“Well, how would you feel being turned into a goose. HONK.” Hannah groused before covering her mouth as she let out the unexpected noise, her face going red in embarrassment.

Immediately the tension was broken as the group fell into fits of laughter at the poor girl’s expense.

“Oops, looks like Discord might not have reversed the spell completely.” Sweetie giggled. “Come on, why don’t we head to the great hall for a snack and then head to the library to make a start on this essay.”

Hannah glowered at her friend for a moment before letting a smile warm her lips. “Sounds like a plan. I’ve got a real craving for snails all of a sudden. HONK.” Her face went bright red once more.

"Ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwww" Sweetie winced in repulsion.

Author's Note

Ending edited 01/10/20 and I feel better for it. Idea credited to KittyrinnAiko.

Halloween

Scoti tried to run, but her right leg seemed to be refusing to cooperate, pain racked her body. Where was she? Why was she so scared? She didn’t know, just that she had to keep on running. She looked behind her, nothing. Maybe she could relax? A bolt of green engulfed her and she found herselffalling, the twisted faces of the family she never knew staring back at her.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry.” She sobbed covering her eyes as she landed with a thump. Groggily, she rose, wiping the tears from her eyes. Where was she? It looked like a graveyard but where she couldn’t tell, mist and darkness shrouded the gravestones that stood all around her.

“The girl who lived, it is good to meet you once more?” A voice echoed around her. “I’m sure we’ll meet face to face very shortly.” And then that cruel twisted face appeared from the gloom. “Avada Kedavra”.

Scootaloo awoke with a scream waking the entire occupancy of the first-year dorm.

“What in tarnation?” Apple Bloom groused sleepily as Sweetie reached for her wand and cast Lumos to see what was the matter.

“Danger is near and the Dark One plots his return. Beware the evening of All Hallows.” Scootaloo said in a voice that was not her own, sat bolt upright in her bed. As soon as she’d finished the girl slumped back into her bed fitting uncontrollably.

“I heard the scream,” Maddie Fairweather said out of breath slamming the door open. “What’s the matter.”

Five hands pointed to Scootaloo and Maddie was on the girl in a flash. By now a number of others woken by the scream occupied the corridor as Maddie took a hold of the girl’s head and tried to get through to her as she started to froth at the mouth her eyes rolling to the back of her head.

“Someone get Madam Pomfrey, now!” The prefect bellowed. “Scootaloo, can you hear me. You are alright girl, you are in your dorm, please settle down.”

“The Dark Lord is coming! The Dark Lord is coming!” Was all Maddie got in reply.

“Scootaloo, please. You are safe. Come back to us.” Maddie tried again.

“The clock is ticking! The clock is ticking!” The girl spat through the froth in her mouth.

By now Maddie had been joined by another male prefect. “Should we use Dormiens?”

“I’m not sure that’s wise Thomas.” Maddie replied without turning her focus away from the fitting girl. “I’ve no idea what side effects magic might cause in a situation like this.”

“Well we have to try something!” Thomas exclaimed.

“Move it now. Come on. Get out the way.” Pomona Sprout grumbled forcing her way into the room and upon seeing the struggling girl on the bed wheezed “Merlin’s beard” before settling down next to Maddie pulling out a small vial as Scootaloo cried incoherently once more.

“Darkness engulfs Hogwarts! Take Heed! Take Heed!”

“Hold her head steady my dear.” Professor Sprout commanded Maddie as she placed the vial under the writhing girl’s nose.

Gradually the struggling slowed until finally Scootaloo’s eyes returned to normal before her eyelids fluttered shut.

Professor Sprout heaved a sigh of relief before taking charge. “My own special blend, she’ll be out for a couple of hours at least. Thomas, you and Michael get the other students back to bed. Maddie, get Bree and Wanda and get statements from every one of the first-year girls. I need to know everything Miss Prewett said exactly word for word. Due to the disruption I’ll speak to Professor Discord about postponing this morning’s Defence Against the Dark Arts Class. DANIEL!” Professor Sprout yelled at which point another boy appeared from the throng of students.

“Yes, Professor Sprout.”

“You’re with me, if you wouldn’t mind carrying Miss Prewett to the Infirmary.”

“Of course, Professor.” The boy lugged the now limp girl onto his shoulder before shouting “Move it, back to bed with the lot of you, prefect coming through.”

Professor Sprout followed sighing once more. She had been enjoying the peace of the past month.

“Good, fuck off and let me sleep you fat old crow.” Wally cawed unhappy at the disturbance to his rest.

Pomona turned her head slowly. “If you don’t watch your tongue, parrot pie will be added to the Halloween feast tonight.” She said sternly.

And for once, Wally kept his mouth shut.

Scoti was running once more, sweat laced her brow. He was coming for her, she just knew it, but where. She tried looking around but saw nothing but inky blackness. Then the laughter began and by now she was in utter hysterics.

“SHOW YOURSELF YOU COWARD!” She screamed into the darkness.

“All in good time my dear, all in good time.” Was the only response she got.

Scootaloo awoke with a start and sat bolt upright in her bed, her heart beating frantically. Wait? This wasn’t her bed, where was she and what time was it? She attempted to look at her watch but found her wrists were for some reason bound by leather straps to the bed, her ankles also she swiftly realised. Okay, now she was starting to get worried. Looking around all she could see was white and what looked like hastily set up dividing walls.

“Err, hello? Anyone here?”

“Ahh, you’re awake. Sorry about the straps, couldn’t risk you hurting yourself, how you feeling?” Madam Pomfrey pushed past the divider.

“Madam Pomfrey? Am I in the infirmary? How’d I get here? Last thing I remember was having a nightmare…Oh my.” Scootaloo would have doubled over if she’d been able to.

“Miss Prewett?”

“That face, that awful, awful face. Voldemort is returning. Someone in the school is helping him, I’m sure of it. Something needs to be done.” The girl started to struggle against the straps restraining her.

“Miss Prewett, I can assure you that you are perfectly safe at Hogwarts, please stop struggling or I’ll have to sedate you.” The Matron spoke calmly but sternly.

“But don’t you see, we’re all in danger.” Scootaloo argued.

“Hogwash, now relax.” Madam Pomfrey spoke sternly.

“No. I need to inform Dumbledore. He needs to know.” Scootaloo refused attempting fruitlessly to free her arms from the straps.

“I warned you.” Madam Pomfrey began pulling out her wand.

“Let me talk to her.” Dumbledore said appearing from behind the curtains. “You gave us all an awful scare yesterday morning, how you feeling?” The professor chuckled.

“YESTERDAY MORNING!!! I’VE BEEN ASLEEP A WHOLE DAY!?!!? BUT THE HALLOWEEN FEAST, WHAT HAPPENED?” Scootaloo screamed struggling once more against the restraints.

Madam Pomfrey scowled at Dumbledore. “You’re not helping. Miss Prewett needs to rest, not be worked up even more. You can tell her once she’s better.

“No, I’ll be good, please, just tell me what happened last night. Did anything bad actually happen?” Scootaloo forced herself to stop fighting the restraints.

“You’ll like this one,” Dumbledore started despite the look of displeasure from Madam Pomfrey. “Let me start from the beginning my dear.” He sat down at the end of the bed. “Oh, and thank you for the warning by the way. Anyway, it all began when…”

The Previous Evening…

Sweetie and Bloom barely noticed the bats that fluttered everywhere, the pumpkins that dotted the tables or the very realistic looking skeletons that hung from the walls.

“Scoots would have loved this.” Apple Bloom said gloomily. “I hope she’s feeling better soon.”

Both girls had been downcast and worried throughout the course of the day. Even Discord invading their Charms lesson and teaching them the Melofors jinx after casting it on Professor Flitwick hadn’t cheered them up.

“Really you two. I know you’re worried, but I’m sure she’ll be up and about in no time at all. Furthermore, if you told her you spent the entirety of the Halloween feast moping, I’m sure you’d just make her feel even worse. So come on, buck up and let’s have a little fun! For Scootaloo!” Susan exclaimed raising her golden goblet.

Sweetie smiled. “For Scootaloo.” She said raising her own goblet.

“For Scootaloo” Apple Bloom roared raising her own along with the rest of the Hufflepuff first years as the feast suddenly appeared on the golden plates in front of them.

They were just tucking into the lavish spread when a dishevelled Professor Quirrell burst into the Hall, a look of horror etched upon his face.

“TROLL, IN THE DUNGEONS!” He screamed. “Thought you ought to know.” He finished with a spectacular dead faint sinking to the floor.

Chaos and carnage erupted in the hall before Dumbledore erupted several purple fire crackers from his wand and bellowed “Silence please. Prefects, take your houses back to the dormitories immediately! “Teachers, with me please.”

And just like that Sweetie Belle and the other first years found themselves being shepherded back to the Hufflepuff dorms by Maddie and the rest of the Hufflepuff Prefects. No one except Sweetie had noticed Apple Bloom sneak off during the initial carnage.

Madam Pomfrey looked down at the poor sleeping girl that lay writhing in the bed fighting off the fever that gripped her body along with whatever else she was dreaming off. Occasionally she’d mutter some incoherent gibberish or shriek in pain, but otherwise it had been pretty much the same condition all day ever since Pomona had come bursting in with the girl at quarter past four that morning just as she was about to head down to the Hufflepuff dormitories herself after a rather frantic fifth year Hufflepuff girl had woken her up and explained a first year girl was having a seizure. In truth, she was exhausted and thankful she’d had little else to do during the day aside from maintaining her vigil while hoping and praying for some kind of improvement. It had yet to come.

Then the doors flung open and a twelve-foot grey, lumpy, boil ridden troll that smelled about as appeasing as a pair of the sweatiest socks dipped in vinegar mixed with manure and the smelliest fish imaginable stumbled into the infirmary.

The troll roared swinging a ridiculously oversized club around the infirmary sending beds and equipment flying everywhere.

Madam Pomfrey screamed.

Apple Bloom heard the scream and hastened her pace. Her worst fear had materialised. The troll was not only no longer in the dungeons, it was in the infirmary. She burst into the infirmary to see the Matron defiantly standing between the troll and her patient. It swatted her out the way with its club and Madam Pomfrey flew into the far wall and was out like a light. The troll reached out for the incapacitated girl; its job nearly done.

It never reached her. With a huge grunt Apple Bloom raced over and lifted the beast into the air from behind and swung it around like it was little more than a twig. With a humongous roar she let go and the troll sailed through the infirmary wall with an almighty CRASH before a loud SPLASH was heard as it landed in the Lake.

“AND STAY OUT!” She bellowed, before giggling to herself “I guess I owe Scootaloo one. I did end up throwing something into the lake before Christmas.”

“What in Merlin’s beard?” Professor McGonagall stammered entering what, up until five minutes ago, had been a pristinely kept school infirmary alongside Professor’s Sprout and Dumbledore.

“Troll went for a swim.” Apple Bloom murmured pointing with her left arm to the large hole in the wall as another brick fell down. “Anyone got some Apple Whisky, I’ve kinda dislocated my right shoulder?” She said before passing out from the shock.

Down in the Slytherin dungeon, the students clumped nervously together discussing in hushed whispers what would happen next. At least they were safe in their common room and the troll wouldn’t be able to get them in here. Then, through the windows that looked out onto the gloomy depths of the lake, a thoroughly surprised mountain troll suddenly appeared and stared back at them.

The Slytherins screamed.

The troll roared defiantly.

Present time…

“And, after scaring the Slytherins half to death, we fished the troll out of the lake and sent it packing with its club between its legs. The Halloween feast then continued in the common rooms while we sorted out the mess of the infirmary and moved you to one of the side rooms where you’ve just woken up. That reminds me, you must be hungry.” Dumbledore finished his tale pulling out a slice of pumpkin pie from his robes.

Scootaloo’s stomach growled in response causing the poor girl to blush profusely as she took the proffered slice of pie and tucked in ravenously.

“But enough about last night, how are you feeling?”

“I’ve a mighty headache, feel a little woozy and have had enough nightmares and visions to scar me mentally for life, but I’ll live. What I’m more concerned about is that Apple Bloom may have halted his plans this time but what will He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named plan next time? My guess is he’s after whatever that Cerberus is guarding up on the 3rd floor corridor and I doubt he’ll be stopped so easily.” Scootaloo replied between mouthfuls.

Dumbledore stared at the girl for a moment before he calmly replied. “So, you know about Fluffy then. Why am I not totally surprised?”

“Yeah, kind of got lost one evening coming back from the Prefects’ bathroom. You should really get a lock for that door.” Scootaloo giggled. “Don’t worry, I’ve no interest in finding out what he’s guarding and I think the other girls have smartly opted against testing fate further as well. Oh, and love the name by the way.” Scootaloo said

“I see. I’ll speak to Filch as that door should be locked. I’m glad to hear that you are at least trying to stay out of trouble as the last thing I want to be doing is explaining to a bunch of irate parents why their darling daughter or son ended up as Fluffy’s chew toy or worse. Her name by the way was Hagrid’s idea. You should know by now he has a strange sense of humour. Dumbledore paused for a moment as Scootaloo let out another little giggle.

“That he does.”

“Anyway, I ensure you that what Fluffy is guarding is more than adequately protected and that you need not concern yourself with such matters. You are also perfectly safe within the castle grounds, that I can promise you.”

“Aren’t you forgetting something? It seems awfully coincidental that the troll just happened to waltz into the infirmary of all places where I just also happened to be comatose. My bet is that whoever let it in placed it under the Imperious Curse and sent it to shut me up.” Scootaloo stared at Dumbledore waiting for a response.

Dumbledore breathed a heavy sigh. “Professor Discord certainly has been teaching you well. I won’t bother denying the troll was under the Imperious Curse. All the same though, I will reiterate that me and the other members of staff will do our utmost to keep you safe within the castle walls, but I must also state that…”

“Although we may be able to foresee the future and make plans around it, any attempt to change it could result in a negative outcome just as much as a positive. It is better to simply just sit back and bide our time, only intervening and changing futures course if absolutely necessary for the greater good. Thus, although it is clear and obvious Voldemort is plotting his return and is being aided by someone within the school to do so, we mustn’t act to hastily for fear that by scaring him off he will return more powerful and a greater threat in the future along with the fact that we could cause his accomplice to panic and act rashly.” Scootaloo interrupted.

“Smart girl.” Dumbledore mused. “Professor Trelawney has been teaching you well as well I see. I’m sure she’d be very impressed with your deductions and I am thankful that you are able to understand the predicament we currently find ourselves in. I promise you though that I am keeping a careful eye on the situation and will personally not allow you or any other student to come to harm because of them.” He cusped Scootaloo’s right hand in both of his own wrinkly ones and gave her a warm smile. “Now if I’m not mistaken it seems you’ve another visitor who wishes to see you.”

“What do you mean I can’t see her?” Apple Bloom exclaimed loudly from just behind the partitioning.

“Miss Bloom, can you please return to your own bed. Headmaster Dumbledore is currently talking to her and afterwards she needs some rest, as do you.” A resigned Madam Pomfrey was pleading.

“I wrench my shoulder out saving her arse and now that she finally decides to wake up you tell me I can’t see her!” Apple Bloom exclaimed. “Not happening.” The curtains shifted and the aforementioned girl appeared before Professor Dumbledore and Scootaloo, her right arm in a sling. “Glad to see Sleeping Ugly is awake. You owe me one.” She emphasised her arm in the sling.

Dumbledore chuckled rising from the bed. “I’ll leave you two to catch up. Miss Bloom, I’ll bide you five minutes but then Miss Prewett really needs to rest. I’m hopeful both of you will be back in classes by the beginning of next week.” And with that he started to make his departure before turning his head back. “Oh, I nearly forgot. For your selfless act of courage and bravery, I’m awarding Hufflepuff house one hundred points.” And on that last point he departed as the two girls stared open mouthed at each other, Scootaloo immediately forgetting the whole school safety and evil warlord trying to assassinate her issue for the time being.

“One hundred points, that must be a record!” Scootaloo squealed. “I’d hug you right now but I’m sort of tied up at the moment.”

“Literally.” Apple Bloom giggled looking at the straps restraining her friend “and no sweat. One hundred points, I honestly can’t believe it. What will our housemates say?”

She sat down on the bed still overwhelmed by the headmaster’s announcement and for a while the girls just sat in silence unsure of what to say to one another. Finally, it was Scootaloo who broke the awkward silence that hung in the air.

“Thanks, it would probably be me at the bottom of the lake right now if it wasn’t for you.” She confessed.

“Don’t worry about it, we’re family and family look out for one another.” Apple Bloom replied nonchalantly, grasping Scootaloo’s left hand in her own. “I’m just glad you and Madam Pomfrey are alright and besides, I did have a prophecy to fulfil.” She giggled.

“Oh yeah, I heard about the Slytherins getting a rather unwelcome surprise. I never knew their common room has windows that look out into the depths of the lake.”

Apple Blooms hands covered her mouth. “You’re kidding me.”

Scootaloo shook her head.

Both girls erupted into full blown laughter for a moment until they heard Madam Pomfrey cough and slowly they came to their senses.

“Okay, okay, don’t need to tick me off. I’ve had my five minutes, I’ll go back to have my rest, doctor’s orders.” Apple Bloom said sarcastically clasping Scootaloo’s hand in hers once more and uttering. “You take care and get better you hear me. No more giving me and the girls heart attacks at four in the morning please” She concluded with a smirk of her own and jumped of the bed.

“Thanks Bloom. I will.” Scootaloo replied yawning, watching her friend depart whilst feeling her eyelids slowly closing despite the fact she’d just slept for the past twenty-four hours solid.

“Oh no. You’re are going to have some breakfast and take your medicine before you even consider going back to sleep.” Madam Pomfrey scolded.

Too late. Scootaloo was fast asleep once more.

“Why do I even bother?” Madam Pomfrey grumbled to herself.

“Because it’s your fucking job you silly bitch.” Wally cawed flying in from somewhere and perching himself on Scootaloo’s bed’s headboard.

“Oh, for fuck sake, who let you in here.”

Halfway across the castle sitting upon a throne on the wall of his quarters drinking a cup of chocolate milk freshly squeezed from a startled cow beside him, Discord chuckled.

Author's Note

Yep, I'm totally addicted. Hope you enjoy part one of two of tonight's update. Once again,, any major issues let me know.

Quidditch 1: Gryffindor vs. Slytherin

Author's Note

Unlike a lot of other MLP/HP crossovers I'm still attempting to keep to the books as much as possible, thus this chapter is a heavily edited and altered re-write of chapter 11 of the Philosopher's Stone. Still, it is original content just with the same events from Chapter 11 of the book intertwined within. I'm also extremely happy with the fact I was able to write this whole chapter in a day. Woo Hoo!

Quidditch 1: Gryffindor vs. Slytherin

Her broomstick jerked to a halt and she found herself toppling off and falling, falling into never ending blackness until…

Scootaloo jerked awake once more and looked over at the clock on her bedside, 5am once more. She groaned laying back down on her bed. Every single day this week she’d had that same blasted nightmare and still it plagued her mind as to what it could mean. The only time she’d had any peaceful sleep all week was when Professor Binns droned on and on in History. It was only thanks to Hermione that they’d managed to successfully brew the Antidote to Common Poisons in Potions yesterday she’d been so tired, while Professor Trelawney had looked at her with vast concern when she’d turned up to Divination yesterday afternoon. Despite spending much of the afternoon and evening trying to decipher just what the dream was trying to tell them, they’d got nowhere aside from something to do with a flying related accident. Grumbling to herself, she rolled over and very quickly fell back into a deep slumber.

Her broomstick jerked to a halt and she found herself toppling off and falling, falling into never ending blackness until…

“Hey Scoots, I know you are tired, but if you don’t get up and get some breakfast now, you’ll miss the Quidditch match. The rest of the girls have already gone to the Great Hall.” Apple Bloom said gently nudging her friend.

“Eugh, what time is it?” Scootaloo groaned.

“Just before nine. The game starts at eleven.”

“Shit, give me a moment.” Scootaloo groaned, pulling herself from her bed.

“You look awful, that nightmare still troubling you.” Apple Bloom said with concern.

Scootaloo just nodded as she grabbed some robes and dragged herself to the bathroom to freshen up.

“Would you mind telling me what it involves?” Apple Bloom enquired. “Maybe I can help.”

A lot of strange gurgling noises came from the bathroom before Scootaloo called back. “Sorry. I was brushing my teeth. It’s the same thing every time. I’m flying on a broomstick attempting to catch the Golden Snitch. Then it transforms into this hideous face and suddenly I’m falling into nothing but darkness at which point I always wake up.”

“And this started just after Halloween?” Apple Bloom queried.

“Yes, why?” Scootaloo replied through the door.

“And are you sure it involves yourself?”

“Yes, well no, I’m just the rider of the broom, I never see their actual face. What are you going on about Bloom?”

Apple Bloom ignored her. “And you are 100% certain it’s the Golden Snitch they are chasing.”

“Yes, can you please explain what you are getting at?”

“Well, think about it. The dream starts a week before the first game of the Quidditch season. It seems to me Voldemort or his accomplice will attempt to sabotage Harry’s first game. News has been filtering out all week that he’s Gryffindor’s new Seeker and remember he’s the only person ever to survive Voldemort’s wrath. While Harry’s hundreds of feet in the air and utterly defenceless it seems the perfect opportunity for Voldemort to finish what he started.”

The door to the bathroom shot open. Scootaloo stared at Apple Bloom for a moment before crying, “I could kiss you. Of course, how could I have been so blind and stupid. It makes perfect sense and I even saw him on Monday during my argument with Wood.” Scootaloo slapped her head in annoyance. “Come on, we need to get to the Great Hall. I need to speak to Hermione.” She ran out the door pulling a rather startled Apple Bloom with her.

“Hey, not so hard. I just got this arm out of a sling remember.” Apple Bloom’s words fell on death ears.

They found Hermione trying to force Harry to eat some breakfast.

“Hermione, sorry to interrupt, but would it be possible to have a quiet word in private?” Scootaloo said panting a little, having run all the way to the Great Hall.

Looking up Hermione could see the concern carved across the other girls face and wondering what could be up quickly replied.

“Sure. Harry, I want to see that slice of toast gone by the time I get back.”

Harry groaned as Hermione departed the table.

Exiting the Great Hall, the girls stood in front of the giant hourglasses that measured house points. Taking a quick look around to ensure no one was spying on them, Scootaloo whispered.

“Look, I know you don’t believe that much in Divination, but you need to trust me on this one. I need you to look out for anyone who might want to cause Harry harm today. I’ve been having the same nightmare ever since I left the infirmary after Halloween and Apple Bloom has just now put the pieces together. Although I shouldn’t say too much, there is someone in the school trying to aid the return of Lord Voldemort and my dream suggests they are going to attempt to seriously harm Harry during todays Quidditch match.”

Hermione looked at the girl for a moment and then replied. “So that’s why you’ve been looking haggard in classes all week. Although I’m still a little sceptical, I trust your judgement and I’ve a pretty good idea of who it might be to. Professor Snape confiscated a book of Harry’s yesterday and when he went to see if he could get it back, he found Filch helping bandage one of his legs in the staff room that that three-headed monstrosity on the third floor had mauled! Me, Harry and Ron believe it was him who let the troll in at Halloween as a distraction so that he could attempt to steal whatever it is guarding!”

“How do you know about Fluffy?” Scootaloo exclaimed in surprise.

“I could ask you the same question.” Hermione retorted.

“Fair enough. Hmm, things certainly don’t look great for Snape right now and he would certainly be one of the few in the school who could have cast the Imperious curse on that troll.”

“No. You are wrong. He may be a misery guts but I know in my heart that he wouldn’t do such despicable things.” Apple Bloom interjected angrily.

“Look Bloom. I don’t want it to be Snape either. He’s a mean bastard, but a very good teacher and I know he means a lot to you. Still, we need to examine the information we currently have with our heads and not our hearts.” Scootaloo tried to calm her friend down.

“I’m still saying you are wrong.” Apple Bloom grumbled.

Scootaloo opted to finish the conversation before someone stumbled across them. “Alright, well if you keep an eye on Snape, we’ll do likewise with the rest of the teachers as one of them is the most likely to be the traitor. There is no point in panicking anyone else with this prediction right now, especially Harry, as we still can’t be sure it is correct or will actually come to pass. We’ve just got to be vigilant, hoping for the best while expecting the worst. Now I’m going to go get some breakfast.” She turned and headed back into the Great Hall.

Apple Bloom scowled at Hermione for a moment before turning and following her friend back into the Great Hall.

“Hello and welcome to the first Quidditch match of the season here at Hogwarts between Gryffindor…”

Roars rang round the stadium.

“And Slytherin.”

Boos rang round the stadium.

“I’m Lee Jordan.”

“And I’m Melody Song and we’ll be bringing you coverage of today’s enthralling grudge match.”

“That we certainly will Melody. Who do you feel will be today’s key player?”

“I think it has to be the one and only Harry Potter, who else? Although Wood’s attempts at keeping the identity of his new seeker under wraps failed, we still know very little about just how good he is and I think he’ll prove to be the difference between the two teams today.”

“Interesting selection their Melody, but certainly a justified one and one I’d have to agree with. Oh look, here come the teams now.”

Another loud roar erupted around the stadium.

“Today’s official is the highly experienced Madam Hooch.”

“Thanks Melody. And that’s the whistle, we’re off! Angelina Johnson of Gryffindor immediately takes the Quaffle. She truly is an excellent Chaser, and rather attractive, too.”

“JORDAN”

“Got a nice arse as well.” Melody quipped.

“SONG”

Jordan couldn’t help but let out a little giggle before uttering “sorry Professor McGonagall.”

“Well it’s the truth. Anyway, back to the game and Johnson plays a neat one two with Spinnet only for Slytherin to intercept and gain possession through their Captain Marcus Flint. Over to you Lee.”

Boos rang round from three quarters of the stadium once more.

“Thanks Melody. Flint is showing all his experience and know how up there. He’s through and surely must score… no what a stop by the Gryffindor keeper Oliver Wood who starts an attack through Gryffindor’s third Chaser Katie Bell who dodges Flint beautifully and darts up the field but oh no, ooh that must have hurt.”

“It certainly looked like it Lee, poor Miss Bell took a great wallop to the back of her head by that Bludger there, let’s just hope she’s alright.”

“Agreed. Slytherin’s counter attack through Adrian Pucey though is swiftly ended by another Bludger, sent his way by one of the Weasley twins. Oh hello, Johnson has regained possession of the Quaffle, she’s dodged one, now two, make that three attempts to stop her and she’s through with only the Slytherin keeper to beat. She shoots and…”

“SCORES. Gryffindor score the first points of this year’s Quidditch season through Angelina Johnson.”

Hermione was barely paying attention on the game, her binoculars fixed on the teachers’ box opposite them where Snape sat.

“What is up with you?” Ron said from next to her. “You’ve been edgy ever since you went off to talk to Scoti and Apple-Bloom?”

“Nothing you need to worry about.” Hermione replied brusquely, not even for a moment turning her gaze away from either Harry who had just done a few loop-the-loops in celebration of Angelina scoring or the teachers’ box where Snape resided.

She barely even noticed Hagrid squeeze in next to her and Ron.

“What’s got into her?” Hagrid quizzed.

“No clue, she’s been edgy ever since she talked to Apple-Bloom and Scoti this morning. Refuses to say anything about it though.” Ron replied shrugging his shoulders.

“Huh. Come on now Miss, you can tell Hagrid.”

Hagrid never got an answer though as suddenly from around the stadium Lee Jordan’s voice echoed.

“Wait a moment, was that the Snitch.”

“Certainly, looked like it Lee and look at Potter go. Oh my, that was despicable.” Melody cried.

“Absolutely. A disgusting and obvious bit of cheating by the Slytherin captain Flint as he deliberately blocks the Gryffindor Seeker to allow the Snitch to disappear from sight once more and prevent Gryffindor from winning.”

“I’m warning you Jordan.” Professor McGonagall growled through the microphone as Dean hollered next to Ron for the Slytherin captain to be sent off.

“This isn’t football, Dean.” Ron tried to calm the irate boy next to him down.

“They should change the rules, Flint could have knocked Harry from his broom.” Hagrid grumbled in agreement with Dean.

Hermione shuddered next to Hagrid.

“You cold little Miss. I’ll give you my coat if you like.”

“No, no, its nothing.” Hermione dismissed not even acknowledging Hagrid as she continued her unwavering vigil.

“Okay, but you still haven’t told. Yes, get in there. Come on Gryffindor.” Hagrid bellowed as Alicia Spinnet buried the penalty. “Apologies about that. Now where were we.”

Hermione was gone.

“The sneaky snakes once more have possession. It’s that dastardly do-badder, Marcus Flint”

“Song.” Professor McGonagall warned once more.

“Fine. Excellent work by Flint as he breezes past Spinnet and Bell. Oh my. That’s what you call getting your comeuppance. At least it might improve that ugly mug of his.” Melody finished trying to hold back the laughter.

“This is my very last warning to the both of you.” Professor McGonagall said sternly.

“Unbelievable work by Flint, despite that heavy hit he’s pulled a score back for Slytherin.” Jordan commentated. “Oh my, what’s going on up there, Potter seems to have lost control of his broom.” Jordan added above the loud cheering that was coming from the Slytherins.

“What’s going on with Harry, is there something wrong with his broom.” Dean quizzed from the stands.

“Only one thing can interfere with a broomstick like that and that’s powerful Dark Magic.” Hagrid said in a worried tone.

“What are we going to do?” Ron asked.

“Nothing.” Hagrid said.

“Nothing?” Ron looked at the giant as if he were mad.

“Yep, you heard me. Something tells me that Hermione and Scoti already had an inkling that this might happen. I trust they’ll soon have the situation under control, I hope.” Hagrid replied, murmuring the last bit under his breath as he watched Ron’s older brothers start to circle beneath Harry, waiting for him to inevitably fall from the bewitched broom.

Hermione had snuck off to a quieter part of the stands to continue her vigil and avoid any further questions over what she was up to. No sooner had she sat down though the commotion had begun and she found herself darting over to the teacher’s section of the stands. Sweetie Belle was already there, panting heavily.

“Apple-Bloom refused to come. Scootaloo is staying up in the stands in case she might have to zip out onto the field and catch Harry. What are you planning?” The girl wheezed.

“I was thinking a little fire might shed some light on the situation.” Hermione cackled wickedly.

It did not go as planned, but somehow it had still worked. After sneaking under the bleachers, the two girls hadn’t been able to correctly work out whose robes were whose and had accidentally set fire to Professor Quirrell’s instead of Snape’s. Thankfully, whilst trying to put them out the woeful Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher fell into Snape in front of him.

While all this commotion was going on Harry had managed to clamber back onto his broom and zoomed after the Snitch, nearly swallowing it in the process! The game ended in chaos and twenty minutes later Lee Jordan was still bellowing the result in absolute ecstasy, 170-60 in Gryffindor’s favour, while Marcus Flint continued his futile complaints to Madam Hooch.

Harry had smartly made a quick exit and was now enjoying a cup of strong tea with Hermione and Ron in Hagrid’s hut. The Crusaders on the other hand found themselves back in their dorm.

“Am I glad that’s over.” Scootaloo groused flopping onto her bed.

“What do you mean? Snape is still free, attempting to kill or at least seriously maim students, and trying to rob the school of a priceless treasure to aid in the return of the Dark Lord Voldemort!” Sweetie exclaimed in exasperation.

“Girls, Dumbledore is one of the most powerful and clever wizards in the entire world. I’ve seen you two playing wizard chess on occasions. Imagine the school as a giant chessboard with Dumbledore in control. He knows exactly what is going on in the school at all times and is in complete control, but like with wizard chess must be patient and wait for the perfect moment to strike. Thus, all we need to do is keep our heads down and remain out of Snape’s line of fire until the time comes for Dumbledore to strike. The last thing we need to do is get involved and end up getting in Dumbledore’s way and possibly aiding in the escape of the darkest wizard to ever live or worse! Now if you don’t mind, I’ve a week’s worth of sleep to catch up on.” Scootaloo said with a yawn.

“Wow, that was actually ridiculously insightful of you Scootaloo.” Sweetie replied.

“And I keep telling the both of you Snape is innocent.” Apple Bloom grumbled.

Scootaloo heard neither of them though, she was already fast asleep. And for the first time in a week, no nightmares haunted her.

Quidditch 2: Hufflepuff vs. Ravenclaw

Author's Note

I have been waiting patiently to write this chapter for a while now and after sitting down at 11am this morning after work I then blitzed it out in only four hours, I just enjoyed writing it so much, I hope you do to!

Quidditch 2: Hufflepuff vs. Ravenclaw

Scootaloo took a deep breath as she changed into her yellow Quidditch robes. It was finally time. Time to prove everyone wrong. Time to make Professor Sprout proud. Time to show every other house just what Hufflepuffs were made of.

She coughed politely.

The chatter around the changing room stopped immediately.

“So, we all know the game plan. Defend the hoops, play on the counter, I’ll catch the Snitch as soon as possible.” Scootaloo simplified.

“Yes, Mam.” Her team chorused is reply.

“Excellent, then all I have to say is don’t be nervous. Remember, we aren’t badgers, we are fucking honey badgers and we give no shit what anybody thinks of us. No enemy is out of our range, no task is to great. We’ll fight to the bitter end or die trying. Now, who’s ready to rip some bookworms apart.” Scootaloo said with a crazed look in her eyes.

“WE ARE.” Her team roared.

“What are we?”

“HONEY BADGERS!”

“What we going to do?”

“Rip those bookworms to shreds.”

And with not another word Scootaloo led her team into the tunnel where she took her place at the head of her team alongside the Ravenclaw captain Eliza Kingston, a blonde haired seventh year girl.

“Ahh, look at the little babies. Don’t think we are going to go easy on you, these are the big leagues you are playing in now.” The Ravenclaw captain chided ruffling Scootaloo’s hair.

Scootaloo looked over her shoulder and without a word winked to Heidi who winked back in response.

“What, not even going to give me a retort back. Pathetic. I’d tease you some more but it looks like it is time we got this pathetic excuse of a contest underway.” Eliza mocked leading her team out behind Madam Hooch.

Scootaloo just smiled at the other girl as she followed with her own team. Just you wait you bitch, just you wait.

“Hello and welcome to the second Quidditch match of the season between Hufflepuff.”

Groans erupted from the Hufflepuff section of the stadium.

“And Ravenclaw.”

Cheers erupted from the Ravenclaw section of the stadium.

“And once again I’m Lee Jordan.”

“And I’m Melody Song.”

“And we’re your commentators for today’s match. It’s a crisp overcast late November day but thankfully the rain and snow have so far held off and the wind is minimal, so overall respectable Quidditch conditions. Anyway, after the high octane of drama that encased Gryffindor’s win over Slytherin, today’s match on paper looks like a slaughter fest. The youngest Quidditch team in history formed mostly of rookie first and second years face of against Eliza Kingston’s highly experienced Ravenclaws whose youngest member is third year Roger Davies. So, Melody, despite the gloomy forecast it does seem that a fair proportion of the Hufflepuff house has turned out to support their team today. Do you think we might have underestimated them a tad?”

Melody giggled. “No, Professor Sprout threatened anyone who didn’t turn up to support the Quidditch team with a month of detention attending the Venomous Tentaculas in the Greenhouses.”

“And that also applies if I don’t like your commentary.” A voice growled ominously behind them.”

Melody gulped. “Sorry Professor, although it doesn’t look great for this novice Hufflepuff team, with the Weasley twins putting them at 10/1 to win, maybe it is for the best we save judgement for after the match.”

Professor Sprout looked a little happier behind the two commentators.

“Sounds like a smart idea that one, especially as it seems we are ready to get under way. Before we do though Melody, who do you think will be the key player today?” Jordan enquired.

“Well, we all know the Ravenclaws will lay siege on the Hufflepuff rings so I don’t think I’ve any choice but to go with the Hufflepuff keeper, rookie first year Sweetie Belle. There has been a lot of talk surrounding just how good she is, but she’ll need to pull off a blinder today if Hufflepuff are to have any hope of winning.”

“Thanks Melody, sound logic with that choice. Now, Madam Hooch has gathered all the players in. Here we go!”

“Now I want a nice fair game, all of you,” Madam Hooch commanded with a glaring look at the Ravenclaw captain down on the Quidditch field.

“Why are you looking at me for?” Eliza said with mock innocence.

Madam Hooch didn’t bother giving the girl the satisfaction of a reply instead simply instructing “mount your brooms, please” before putting her whistle to her lips and giving a loud blast.

Fifteen brooms rose up into the air.

“My word what a take of the quaffle by Heidi Macavoy of Hufflepuff. She’s past one, past two tackles, dodged an incoming bludger. My word, unbelievable, she’s going all the way and scores! An unstoppable shot by Macavoy and I think I’m going to have to check the record books, that could well be the fastest Quidditch goal in Hogwarts history.” Lee Jordan’s voice reverberated around the stadium.

The stands were silent, in complete shock over what had just happened. Then the biggest roar imaginable erupted from the Hufflepuff stand.

“That’s from the cap. Talk is cheap.” Heidi bragged sticking her tongue out on passing the Ravenclaw captain.

“You little brat.” In a fit of anger Eliza pushed the opposing girl forcefully causing her to nearly fall off her broom. Right in front of Madam Hooch.

“Miss Kingston, I warned you. That’s a penalty and free shot to Hufflepuff for deliberately attempting to severely endanger an opponent” She exclaimed angrily helping the Hufflepuff girl back onto her broom.

“You’ve got to be kidding me!” Eliza groused in protest but decided against pushing her luck any further as Madam Hooch gave her another stern glare.

“Oh, hello folks. What’s this. Didn’t take long for Eliza Kingston to get up to her dirty tricks.” Jordan commented before Professor Sprout interrupted behind him.

“Despicable behaviour, glad Madam Hooch is out there. That girl has no place on a Quidditch field.”

“Sorry about that. Professor Sprout is not at all happy behind us and she has every right to be. In case you missed it, Kingston just attempted to push Macavoy off her broom after an exchange of words after that goal for Hufflepuff. Let’s see what Hooch makes of the situation. Yes, she has classed it as serious foul play and ordered the Ravenclaw keeper Robert Hilliard out of the way. It’s a free shot to Hufflepuff which Cedric Diggory buries with ease. That’s 20-0 to Hufflepuff inside barely the first minute. Wow, what a start!”

“I couldn’t agree more Melody. Now we’ll really see what this Ravenclaw team are made of. And here they go straight from the restart, Kingston is not hanging around barrelling her way through the younger Hufflepuff Chasers with ease.”

“As we feared Lee, the greater physicality of the older Ravenclaws is going to be a huge benefit in today’s game but my oh my, how on Earth has Sweetie Belle stopped that. Absolutely incredible save.”

“I heard she was good but that was phenomenal although it is coming right back at her as the third Hufflepuff Chaser Tamsin Applebee quickly loses possession again, but once again Belle denies Kingston.”

Eliza growled in frustration, any other keeper and at least one of those two shots would have gone in.

“Target their keeper.” She bellowed to her Beaters, we’ll deal with.” A bludger smashed her on the back of the head before she could finish.

“Oops, looks like I don’t know how to properly use this.” Susan said cheekily flying off.

“You fucking brat.” Eliza growled rubbing the back of her head.

“Oh my, I don’t believe it, she’s got away again and that’s another superb solo goal by Macavoy. Professor Sprout sure has found some gems from somewhere this year. 30-0 Hufflepuff, who would have believed it.” Jordan’s voice punctuated the air once more.

“Smooth Jordan, smooth. Two points to Gryffindor.” Professor Sprout’s voice followed.

Eliza bellowed with rage.

For the course of the next five minutes it was a Ravenclaw onslaught on the Hufflepuff rings and finally they forced one past Sweetie Belle.

My word, after no fewer than seventeen spectacular saves, Belle in the Hufflepuff goal is finally beaten and Ravenclaw reduce the deficit to twenty points. I know we’ve mentioned this previously but just to reiterate to you all, Belle is a FIRST YEAR and ooh, one of the bludgers has snuck past the two Hufflepuff Beaters, who seem to be solely focusing their efforts on protecting their overworked keeper right now. Thankfully, it only nipped Belle on her foot. Still, that distraction allowed an opening which Davies gladly took to reduce Hufflepuff’s lead to just ten points. How much longer can this defence realistically hold out?” Jordan spouted.

“I’ve no idea, but oh my, terrible mistake by Burgess their and Diggory is away. With a Nimbus 2000 at his disposal the Ravenclaws have no chance of catching him and once more he’s clinical with the finish. The lead is back to twenty.” Melody chipped in.

“You have to hand it to these Hufflepuffs, they are certainly clinical. Nineteen shots to six in Ravenclaws favour yet they somehow find themselves twenty points behind eight minutes into the game.”

“A further point to Gryffindor.” Professor Sprout’s voice said, enjoying the humility of the two commentators towards her team.

“Still no sign of the Snitch though and you feel the longer this goes on and the more tired that defence becomes, the less of an impact it will have on the overall result. Ridiculous. Is Belle an Octopus? how’s she stopped that one!” Jordan said awestruck.

Professor Sprout chuckled loudly behind him.

Another ten minutes passed as the increasingly frustrated Ravenclaws battered the Hufflepuff hoops. Finally, after nearly nineteen minutes of play and forty-one attempts, Ravenclaw finally took the lead for the first time. The earlier optimism from the Hufflepuff section of the crowd once more turned back to groans as the Ravenclaw’s erupted with joy at finally seeing their dominance bring its just reward.

“And there we have it; Belle is finally beaten for the fifth time and for the first time Ravenclaw are in the lead. Quite remarkable how she’s kept the score that low. This has been an enticing and truly thrilling game of Quidditch to watch and still the Snitch refuses to reveal its whereabouts. Just how much longer can this tiring Hufflepuff defence hang on as Burgess starts another attack for Ravenclaw, passes to Kingston who plays a brilliant one two with Davies, but once again Belle is there. Phenomenal.”

“For fuck sake, do I have to do everything myself.” Sweetie groused making her broom spin around in a circle.

“Wait a minute folks, something appears to be wrong…” Jordan stopped mid-sentence as the girl gave a mighty roar and the Quaffle flew out of the Hufflepuff keeper’s hand like a Bludger with a grudge and shot the length of the pitch taking Hilliard with it as it went into one of the Ravenclaw’s hoops.

Silence once again engulfed the stadium.

“That’s what I’m fucking talking about.” Pomona Sprout exploded. “You go girl, teach those bookworms how to play.”

“Pomona, please calm down.” An embarrassed Professor McGonagall said next to the Herbology professor, placing her head in one of her hands.

As if responding to their head of houses cry, the Hufflepuff contingent burst into life once more with the biggest applause yet.

“We apologise for the unsavoury language their folks, but wow, just wow, I don’t think I’ve seen anything like it, but hang on a moment, Scoti Prewett, Hufflepuff’s captain and seeker is heading over to Madam Hooch, I wonder what this could be about.” Melody Song was the first of the two commentators to recover their voices.

“Madam Hooch, I believe this is the game to Hufflepuff?” Scootaloo said nonchalantly handing the Snitch to a rather astounded Madam Hooch who was still helping Hilliard up from the ground.”

“WHEN DID SHE CATCH THAT!” Melody bellowed in disbelief.

“It must be one of the biggest upsets in Hogwarts history folks, Hufflepuff win 200-50.”

The stadium fell silent once more, but not for long as the Hufflepuffs went absolutely berserk, invading the pitch while someone was setting off magical fireworks that displayed the Hufflepuff crest as the players came into land.

“Medic, can we get the medic please.” Susan called as she helped Sweetie into land, the latter grumbling.

“I’m fine, it’s nothing.” She shrieked in pain as she took a step off her broom and immediately fell to the floor. “Okay, maybe not.”

Madam Pomfrey came rushing onto the pitch bag in hand and looked at the poor girl’s swollen foot. “That’s definitely broken even just through observation and that cut on your forehead will need looking into as well.”

Sweetie groaned. Her downcast attitude didn’t last long though as a wave of Hufflepuff’s picked her up and carried her off to the infirmary chanting her name.

Eliza was trying to come up with something to protest to Madam Hooch about but the Flying instructor was having absolutely none of it and in the end the seventh year stormed off in a huff back to the Ravenclaw changing room along with her teammates, Hilliard still in an absolute daze.

“Ah, Miss Prewett, Miss Prewett.” Scootaloo heard her name being called from somewhere in amongst the throng of people and slowly she spotted the source as Lee Jordan forced his way through the throng towards her.

“Yes.” She said rather smugly.

“Anything you’d like to say on that outstanding victory?” Lee stated thrusting a microphone under her mouth.

“Not particularly, we had a game plan and executed it perfectly. All my teammates played exceptionally well, especially Sweetie, and deserve all the plaudits. All I did was wait around until an opportunity arose during all that commotion over the last goal. I spotted the Snitch sneak into the cloud cover, followed it in, and nabbed it before it could shoot off once more.” Scootaloo’s voice rang round the stadium. “The only other thing I have to say is that I hope Miss MacGyver isn’t very attached to her hair.” She finished with a wicked cackle before walking off.

“And there you have it folks. Another truly remarkable game of Quidditch which saw Hufflepuff defy the odds and beat Ravenclaw two hundred points to fifty. Until February, this is Lee Jordan signing off.”

The End of Term

After the chaos of Halloween, birthdays, bonfires, psychopathic maniacs, nightmares, trips to the infirmary and Quidditch, not to forget their lessons and homework, November had come and gone in a flash for the Crusaders. Thankfully, Snape or whoever the traitor within the school was seemed to be leaving Scootaloo and Harry alone for the time being and as December began many lessons became much more relaxed as thoughts turned to the looming holidays.

Due to Sweetie’s injury, the increasingly bad weather and their win against Ravenclaw, Scootaloo had treated the Hufflepuff Quidditch team to six weeks off from proper training till the new year, as long they continued their own individual training to maintain their fitness and sharpness.

In Herbology Professor Sprout told them about a very dangerous variation of pine tree that lures victims in hypnotically before devouring and digesting them alive and very painfully over the course of a week. Neville had almost pissed his pants just from hearing about it. In Defence Against the Dark Arts Discord showed them a number of peculiar holiday related jinxes including one which summoned an absurd amount of wizard crackers. Professor Dumbledore even got into the spirit of the season seeing if they could transfigure bouncy balls into Christmas baubles while Professor Flitwick ditched proper classes completely, instead ‘testing’ the first years on what they’d learnt so far whilst decorating the Great Hall and the fir trees that Hagrid had dragged in with all manner of trinkets. In fact, the only real downer was Potions. It was to no one’s surprise that Professor Snape refused to get into the festive spirit, but the fact he seemed even more grumpy than usual, coupled with the fact the Dungeons were bitterly cold, made the whole experience truly horrible, even Apple Bloom had ceased her extracurricular studies for the time being. It was upon leaving their last Potions lesson and actual lesson for the calendar year that Scootaloo and Bloom along with Hermione, Ron and Harry bumped into the Slytherin Malfoy and his goons outside the Great Hall.

“Oy, watch where you’re going.” The Slytherin boy grumbled. “Oh, it’s you Potter. I see you’ve found a freak and an orphan to go along with your peasant and Muggle-born trash.” Malfoy exclaimed snobbishly. “Oh look, here comes that great oaf with yet another tree, why don’t you fight it out to see which one of you can be his apprentice, it’s about as far as any of you will get in this world. That hut of his must feel like a palace to all of you.” He finished with a sneer.

“Beat it Malfoy, nobody cares what you think.” Ron grumbled as they opted to ignore the boy and enter the Great Hall for Lunch.

“Yeah, well at least I’ve got a home to go to at Christmas. It must feel horrible not to be wanted around the holidays, but I’m not surprised. My dad probably did that girl’s parents a favour. Who’d want to welcome a freak like that home for the holidays?” Malfoy continued his verbal attack singling out Scootaloo.

Right then and there you could have heard a pin drop outside the Great Hall. Hagrid dropped the tree attempting to intercept what was about to come next but was struggling to get round the mighty fir.

Scootaloo turned, a look of fire blazing in her eyes. Before anyone could stop her, her wand was out “Lepus aures” she bellowed tears welling in her eyes.

A pair of rabbit ears sprouted from Malfoy’s head.

Malfoy screamed.

Scootaloo would have dropped to the floor if Hermione hadn’t caught her. The distraught girl wailed pitifully into the other girl’s chest.

“Serves you right. You’re just lucky I don’t follow through with my warning and throw you into the lake.” Apple Bloom snarled as Professor McGonagall, Discord and Snape arrived upon the scene.

“Just what in tarnation is going on here?” The deputy headmistress scathed looking less than pleased at the new addition to Malfoy’s head.

“She attacked me purely for bumping into her as I was walking into the Great Hall.” Malfoy howled.

“Oh really, you know as a God I can easily tell when someone is lying. If there are two things I seriously dislike, it is liars and those who upset my adopted daughter.” Discord cracked his knuckles menacingly, fire blazing in his eyes.

Malfoy gulped nervously before Professor Snape intervened.

“Professor Discord, please don’t threaten my student.”

Discord turned his attentions on the Potions professor. Neither backed down as they glowered at each other. It was left to Professor McGonagall to try and decipher just what had taken place.

“Why don’t we all just take a deep breath and calm down.”

“Calm down, just look at what that brat has done to Scootaloo. She’s a mess. Hagrid will back up that she was antagonised.” Apple Bloom snarled once again.

“Of course that great oaf is going too side with you. It’s no secret he has a soft spot for freaks like himself.” Malfoy blurted before he realised what he was saying.

“Oh, do I now?” Hagrid glared at the boy before turning his attention to McGonagall. “Professors, there’s something you should know. Miss Prewett’s family has history with the Malfoy family, specifically Draco’s father who led the death eaters that slaughtered almost her entire family. The girl has also witnessed these events through a memory orb Discord here owns. According to Professor Sprout, Headmaster Dumbledore and Madam Pomfrey, the contents are quite disturbing.”

Snape didn’t look at all interested at the excuse the half-giant was trying to concoct for the Hufflepuff girl, instead continuing his glowering contest with the aforementioned God.

McGonagall sighed and pondered for a moment. “I see, how disturbing and what has that got to do with today’s incident?”

“Imagine witnessing your entire family being wiped from the face of this Earth and not being able to do a thing about it. Both Professor Sprout and Madam Pomfrey threatened to quit if Lucius wasn’t removed with immediate effect from the board of governors.”

“A grave injustice.” Malfoy whined.

“Shut it, twerp.” Discord snarled.

“Ten points from Hufflepuff.” Snape snapped.

“You are walking on a tight rope right now.” Discord retorted pushing his face into the Potions professors. “Just give me one more reason to transfigure you into a carrot for your darling student to eat.”

McGonagall rolled her eyes before baring her wand and muttering “Ebublio” encasing both her fellow professors into a single bubble. “Until both of you can settle your differences, calm down and act like adults and proper Hogwarts professors, you’ll remain in that bubble.” She scolded, neither of her fellow professors looking pleased at the prison they were now in. McGonagall let them get on with it and turned her attention back too Hagrid. “Sorry about that Hagrid, please continue your description of what happened.”

Nervously Hagrid went on, not wanting to upset the Transfiguration professor any further. “Well, after teasing them, Malfoy said My dad probably did that girl’s parents a favour. Who’d want to welcome a freak like that home for the holidays.”

“HE SAID WHAT” A voice bellowed from behind Hagrid.

The giant turned to see a furious looking Professor Sprout, with a few fir needles sticking out here and there from where she’d pushed past the tree blocking the corridor, standing behind him.

“And I’m guessing that the rabbit ears were the reaction.” McGonagall ignored her colleague’s outburst.

“I’ll skin the brat alive and take every last point I can from Slytherin.” Professor Sprout fumed as Hagrid did his best to hold back the furious head of Hufflepuff House who seriously looked like she’d go through with her threat right then and there.

Malfoy actually cowered behind Professor McGonagall.

“How many times am I going to have to say it. Please don’t threaten my students and also, that is still no excuse for improper use of magic.” Snape droned.

“You fucking short-sighted fool.” Screamed an enraged Professor Sprout. “The boy got what he deserved. You know very well that the ruling of a student’s head of house goes above all others except the headmaster himself. I’m taking my student back to my quarters. She will not be punished further for this incident unless you wish me to take one hundred points from Slytherin professor or press the matter with Dumbledore who I assure you will also side with me. As I have found out from all her fellow professors, Miss Prewett is a naturally gifted and highly skilled witch, as can be seen by the craftmanship and detail of the spell casted on Mr Malfoy here. BUT, and this is a big but, she has also been highly traumatised by events surrounding her past, mostly surrounding Malfoy’s father, and such a brazen attempt to rile her was only likely to lead to such an outcome. I hope your idiotic pupil has learned his lesson because next time he dares target one of mine, Miss Bloom here has my permission to give him a cold bath in the lake.” She finished her lecture crouching down next to Scootaloo.

Apple Bloom cackled manically making a slicing motion across her neck.

Malfoy shrunk even further behind McGonagall, the Transfiguration professor barely taking any notice of the argument going on around her, instead staring completely baffled and lost at the two male professors wondering just how they had escaped the jinx she’d cast on them. Discord had even made a throne appear from somewhere and was currently sitting in it munching popcorn as the chaotic argument unfolded. Snape wasn’t backing down.

“Really! He exclaimed in disbelief. You are willing to let a student get away with such a blatant and obvious misuse of magic. This is ridiculous. The girl needs to be…”

“Go fuck yourself Severus. Miss Bloom, Miss Granger, if you don’t mind, could you please help Miss Prewett to my quarters by the greenhouses. Minerva, if you wouldn’t mind, could you get the elves to deliver some sandwiches and so forth there. Thank you, now come along girls.”

And without another word she rose and pushing the three girls along in front of her made off back towards the greenhouses.

Severus and Minerva just stared at each other while Discord laughed uncontrollably behind them in his throne. Never in all there years of teaching had they seen the mild mannered Herbology teacher lose her temper as they’d just witnessed.

“Did she really just say that?” Severus said to Minerva still evidentially in shock from the whole situation.

“Yes, I believe she did.” Minerva said in reply, Malfoy still cowering behind her. She looked across at Harry and Ron in front of her, both boys with jaws gaping. “Boys, if either of you let slip what Professor Sprout just said I’ll have you both in detention for a month, understood?” She said deadly seriously.

Both boys gulped and nodded in response.

“That goes for you to Mr Malfoy.”

Draco rapidly nodded his head, slowly releasing Professor McGonagall as he overcame the terror Professor Sprout had unleashed upon him.

“Good, now shall we carry on to lunch? Severus, if you would please sort your student out, thank you.” The deputy headmistress commanded before walking back into the Great Hall whence she came from.

What she failed to spot though was the slightest gap in a wooden panel in the hallway outside the Great Hall. It slowly clicked back into its rightful place.

Discord smiled and snapping his fingers disappeared once more.

Scootaloo sat in an armchair still sniffling whilst eating a sandwich. Opposite her in an equally outdated and worn armchair was Professor Sprout, while to her left and right Hermione and Apple Bloom sat in similar armchairs. Professor Sprout lived in a tiny dilapidated and misshapen looking cottage covered in ivy and other foliage squeezed in-between two of the greenhouses. Inside was a simple layout consisting of three rooms, a small lounge with a fire and kitchenette on the ground floor and an overhanging mezzanine level in the roof that was her bedroom. Out the back was an outhouse and her own small private garden which seemed to have invaded the entirety of the cottage itself, there were plants literally everywhere you stepped or looked. After apologising for the mess and settling her guests in, the Herbology professor had departed out the back to put the kettle on. She’d returned several minutes later with several cups and a tea pot, which was swiftly followed up with a plate of sandwiches that Dumbledore had sent their way. Pomona had read the brief note with the sandwiches with embarrassment, her face slowly going red as she realised just what she’d said to Severus in the heat of the moment. Thankfully, Albus had taken it jovially, much to her relief. He’d finished the note by hoping that Miss Prewett hadn’t been to disturbed by the incident and hoped she was feeling better before the afternoon and evening festivities.

It was Hogwarts’ tradition that the house’s took part in a friendly competition on the final afternoon of term before Christmas. This year, due to the record snowfall they’d had, each house was to have two hours to build the best snowman possible, the winning house receiving fifty house points. Afterwards, on the final evening of term, each house returned to their common rooms and had their own separate Christmas parties featuring their own traditions, such as listening to festive tunes, playing charades and roasting chestnuts for example. Most importantly though it was one final time to enjoy with friends who most wouldn’t see for nearly three whole weeks, along with the handing out of gifts to said friends.

These current festivities though were at the back of Professor Sprout’s mind.

“So” Pomona breached the awkward silence that hung in the air. Before she could say anymore Scootaloo blurted out.

“Is it true. Am I just a freak that no one could ever love? At least with Belle her horn is easy to hide and Apple Bloom just looks like a normal girl, even if she is ridiculously strong. Are these wings a gift or a curse? Would my parents be proud or horrified of what I’ve become?” She flared out her wings from her back for emphasis.

“Hey, you’re going to poke someone’s eye out with those things.” Apple Bloom grumbled.

Professor Sprout nearly spat her tea out before doing something totally unexpected, she started to guffaw uncontrollable.

Scootaloo looked at her head of house confused.

“Are you mad? Malfoy teases you because he’s jealous. Heck, I’m jealous. I think if you asked everyone in the school apart from Apple Bloom here, they’d happily give almost anything to be able to fly at a moment’s notice without the need of a broomstick.”

“You got that right. Flying’s for the birds.” Apple Bloom chuckled.

Professor Sprout ignored the interruption and continued her explanation. “I mean, who wouldn’t want to be able to soar into the clouds and control the weather or create a sonic rainboom?” She cradled the teary-eyed girl in her arms. “I sadly never got to meet your parents but I’m sure wherever they are now they are looking down extremely proud at the fine witch and seer you are becoming. Practically I’d say you are probably working at a level similar to most third years and even some fourth years while although you struggle theoretically you have made some wonderful friends who are helping you tremendously in this department. Don’t think I haven’t noticed the similarities between yours and Hermione’s homework on occasions.” She paused and stared knowingly at Hermione who blushed and tried to avoid eye contact.

“I’ve no idea what you are talking about professor.” The girl blatantly lied.

Professor Sprout chortled before she took a deep breath and resumed her talk once more. “You’ve become the first student ever to become a Quidditch captain in their very first year, are an unbelievably gifted seer that has brought joy and wonder into Professor Trelawney’s life and even added a God of Chaos to the school’s staff roster. But most importantly though, you’ve given this old duffer of a witch often laughed at by her peers and honestly wondering if it was time to hang up her trowel at the beginning of the year, renewed hope that Hufflepuff house can become great once more. And all this on top of having to adjust to a new form and way of life in just five months alongside coping with severe mental trauma. It doesn’t matter what you look like, rather the actions and choices you make that define your path in life and even in only a short space of time I couldn’t be anymore proud of the choices you have made and as I said previously, I’m sure your parents are to, wherever they may be. Now wipe those tears and give this old Huffleduffer a hug.”

Scootaloo wrapped her arms around Professor Sprout and hugged her head of house, a smile slowly worked its way back onto her face.

After an age Professor Sprout slowly released the girl. “That’s what I want to see, you truly have a wonderful smile.” She chuckled. “Now, it’s nearly half past one and the snowman building competition begins in half an hour, shall we finish our lunch and make our way out to the training fields? Dumbledore sent us a rather scrumptious looking chocolate cake for dessert!”

Over the course of the next fifteen minutes the three girls entertained Professor Sprout with some of the highlights of their first term at Hogwarts. Finally, after the chocolate cake had been thoroughly devoured, they trudged through the snow out onto the training fields where Hermione went to join Harry, Ron and the rest of the Gryffindors while Scootaloo and Bloom went and found Sweetie who was trying valiantly to keep warm as even more snow started to fall from the clouds up above.

“There you two are. I was seriously worried after Harry told me that slimeball from Slytherin had said something really nasty to you Scoots. I was sorely tempted to use Ducklifors on him, but felt the pair of rabbit ears Professor Snape refused to remove till after lunch were good enough. How you feeling now anyway?”

“A lot better thanks. Professor Sprout always knows how to cheer me up and Dumbledore sent us a lovely lunch to her cottage.” Scootaloo replied.

“Her cottage is worse than the common room, you could barely take a step without stepping on a plant.” Apple Bloom chipped in.

“Like you were complaining. You spent most of lunch admiring them all. She even has a smaller version of that man-eating pine tree, which this crazy one fed and petted like it was Winona back on the farm.” Scootaloo went on.

“He was really friendly and well behaved. Professor Sprout told me his name’s Norman.”

Scootaloo and Sweetie stared at Apple Bloom like she’d just grown another head. Finally, Sweetie spoke.

“Anyhow, glad to see you’re feeling better Scoots, we’re going to need you at your best if we are to win the snowman building contest.”

“I wish I could say the same about you. Weren’t you supposed to get the boot of today? Please tell me nothing’s wrong, I need my star keeper back out on the field early January.”

“Yeah, I was and don’t worry, fingers crossed it should be off just before Christmas. The problem has been because it was such a small fracture in such a key position that it has been hard for her to cure it completely with magic due to not only its size but also without making a mistake and possibly causing a greater injury. Otherwise, I’d have been out of this boot a week ago, rotten luck.” Sweetie explained.

“That’s great. I know the game was difficult, but you still want to be our keeper don’t you, no second thoughts? I feel somewhat guilty for your injury.” Scootaloo admitted.

Sweetie looked at her mouth agape for a moment. “Are you kidding me? After everything I went through in that match, you’d think I’d pack it all in now. Not in a million years. I’d have to be in a full body cast to miss either of our remaining two matches. We’re going to bring a smile to Professor Sprout’s face by the end of the year with both the Quidditch and House Cups. Firstly though, we’ve a snowman building contest to win.”

Perfectly timed Dumbledore bellowed, “settle down please.” Slowly the chattering of students across the field quietened as they awaited their headmaster’s instructions. “Thank you very much. It looks like we’ve a record turnout this year despite the atrocious weather.” As if on cue the headmaster had to grab a hold of his hat as a strong gust of wind attempted to blow it away. “Anyhow, with the record snowfall this year we felt it only fitting that our annual Christmas competition involved it in some way. Simply put, here are the rules and regulations. Each house has two hours to build the perfect sculpture out of snow. It can be absolutely anything and there are no restrictions magic wise, let your imaginations and creativity run wild. The only restriction is that any sabotage of other houses sculptures will result in immediate disqualification for that house. We do not need a repeat of last years mass brawl over a simple game of life size wizard’s chess.” He paused for a moment giving the Slytherins a stern look before continuing. “Nevertheless, that’s history now and where was I, oh yes. This year 110 points shall be issued as followed. Each head of house will vote for the snow sculpture they like the most that is not their own house. Each of these votes is worth ten house points. I shall also vote for my favourite. This vote is worth twenty house points but will still only count as one vote. Finally, the house with the most votes wins the grand prize of not only fifty house points, but a very special house Christmas party in the Great Hall this evening. Alright, now without further ado.”

Dumbledore pulled his wand from his robes and pointed it above his head. A timer appeared displaying 2:00:00 which swiftly dropped to 1:59:59.

Percy immediately attempted to take charge.

“You, fourth years, start transfiguring items into wheel barrows and shovels.”

“First and second years start filling those wheel barrows with.”

Fred and George accidentally shoved him into a pile of snow.

“Oops, careless us. Now listen up everybody, we’ve the perfect idea.” The twins said in unison laying blueprints upon the ground.

Scootaloo and the Prefects were brainstorming ideas while the rest of the Hufflepuffs waited with baited breath.

“So, what theme should we go for?” Daniel quizzed.

“How about something to do with Christmas at Hogwarts?” Maddie suggested.

“Hmm, maybe, but what exactly. Only thing I can think off is the oversized trees Hagrid brings in every year.” Bree stated.

“Good point, but what then?” Maddie replied a little flummoxed.

“How about a giant magically enchanted snarling badger?” Scootaloo popped up with out of the blue.

Six stunned faces turned and looked at the girl.

“Where on Earth did that come from?” Thomas exclaimed.

Scootaloo shrugged her shoulders. “No idea, just came to me.”

“Doesn’t matter where the idea came from it sounds totally awesome.” Wanda cackled malevolently.

“I agree, any objections?” Daniel quickly pressed the matter at hand.

There were none.

“So, the first years have reported back that Ravenclaw are going with a snow sculpture of Dumbledore dressed as Santa Claus.” Mathias Bulstrode, Slytherin’s fifth year male prefect announced.

“And apparently the Hufflepuff’s are going with their house logo of a badger, how unimaginative of the both of them.” Head Boy Augustus Flint said. “What about the Gryffindor’s Marcus. You better not have let our family or our house down again like you did in that Quidditch match.”

Marcus visibly flinched before regaining his composure and standing up straight he said confidently. “Unfortunately, the Weasley twins have hijacked Gryffindor’s entry into the competition and are keeping everything very hush, hush. Our infiltrator couldn’t get close enough I’m afraid to say to discover just what they are up to, although knowing them it will be some kind of prank or other.”

Augustus stroked his chin for a moment. “Hmm, that is slightly concerning, but knowing those two they will be focused less on winning and more on cheap laughs. If we stick to implementing my idea, we’ll win this easily. You each know your roles. We’ve ninety minutes to achieve perfection and I expect nothing less from all of you. Failure is not an option.” He finished with a snarl and dismissed Slytherin’s prefects and Quidditch captain.

“Five…four…three…two…one, TIME.” Dumbledore bellowed. “Students, stop your building please.

Slowly and reluctantly the students retreated from the works of art they had painstakingly created over the past two hours. Although he would never admit it, even Dumbledore was a little frightened of the thirty foot plus snarling snow badger that had slowly appeared on the field. He honestly wouldn’t be surprised if it breathed fire or something similarly crazy. He was also intrigued by the beautiful twelve-foot replica of himself as Santa Claus constructed by Ravenclaw. With a cold hearty breath, he thought it best to get this over with quickly so that he could retreat back to his nice warm and cosy study with a mug of hot cocoa before joining the winning house in the great hall for dinner, especially with the light now deteriorating rapidly and snow once again beginning to fall.

“Heads of house with me please. First up will be Gryffindor’s entry.” He wandered over with a lantern in his hand to where Fred and George Weasley were standing in front of a tarpaulin. He was shortly followed by Professors Sprout, McGonagall, Snape and Flitwick, the students crowding together behind the professors in a vain attempt to keep warm.

Minerva had her head in one of her hands, already fearing the worst.

“Hello headmaster and professors, today Weasley” one of the twins blared.

“And Weasley are hear to dazzle you with a recreation” the other twin continued.

“Of a momentous event in Hogwarts history!” the first twin finished yanking the tarpaulin of a twin set of snow people.

Professor McGonagall wished she could crawl into a hole and die right then and there. Standing in front of her were life size replicas of Professors Sprout and Snape. She automatically knew what was coming next.

“Intriguing boys” Dumbledore mused wandering around both sculptures. “Both sculptures bare an uncanny resemblance to both professors.”

“My nose is definitely not that pointy and I certainly do not have a gut.” Snape interjected.

Dumbledore paid no attention to the unhappy Potions professor. “I do have two questions though, why did you opt to make life size sculptures of two of your professors and why is professor Sprout wearing boxing gloves?”

Professor McGonagall’s eyes shot open in alarm. Please no.

“Glad you asked headmaster. If you’d kindly step back for a moment please.” George or Fred instructed.

“It’s time for the fun to begin.” The other twin added.

A smile crept upon Dumbledore’s face. “I wouldn’t have expected anything less with the both of you in charge.”

“I’m sorry sir. I tried to stop them but nobody would.” Percy’s objections were abruptly cut of as George’s outstretched leg sent him flying head first into what little snow remained on the ground.

“Whoops! My bad. Now as Fred was saying, let the fun begin.” And with a swish of his wand the snow clone of Professor Sprout stepped forward into the face of the one of Professor Snape.

“Go fuck yourself Severus.” It bellowed in Sprout’s voice before promptly lifting its right arm and punching the snow clone of Snape in the face causing it to instantly explode and send snow flying everywhere!

Dumbledore looked on in amazement for a moment, his robes now covered in snow. He then chuckled merrily.

Professor Sprout had gone red in the face.

Flitwick was attempting and failing not to laugh his head off.

The students standing behind the professors were cheering with glee.

Professor Discord had once more appeared out of nowhere and was clapping and whistling ecstatically.

Snape’s right eye twitched in annoyance.

“The best part is we used a reconstitution spell so.” George stopped as magically the snow clone reappeared.

“Like a second demonstration?” Fred asked.

“Yes!” Discord and the students cried.

“No.” Professor McGonagall growled angrily. “A month’s detention for both of you once classes resume after Christmas.”

Boos rang round the field.

“And you’ll all be quiet unless you wish to join them.” McGonagall added.

The boos slowly and reluctantly deteriorated.

Fred and George were not phased at all though by the ticking off from their head of house.

“Totally worth it.” George chortled.

“Definitely” Fred added.

“And a further month of cleaning the Potions lab. And don’t think you can escape while my back is turned this time, I found your escape hatch.” Snape droned.

“Oh yeah. We heard you put your foot in it, literally. Oh well, gives us time to dig another one!” Fred said with a wide smile.

“You do and that’ll be another month Mr Weasley.” Snape admonished.

“Ahem” Dumbledore coughed attempting to regain everyone’s attention. “Thank you, boys, for that intriguing re-enactment” he said trying to hold back a laugh. “It was certainly amusing and I have to praise you and your housemates for such beautifully sculpted and life like statues of our professors.”

“I told you I’m not fat and my nose is not that pointy.” Snape grumbled once more, only opting not to take points from Gryffindor due to the presence of the headmaster.

“Yes, yes, Severus, I heard you the first time. Also, points for successfully incorporating magic into your entry. Overall, a very good start, well done to Gryffindor. Now, next I’d like to get a close up look at this badger.” Dumbledore said trotting off to view Hufflepuff’s entry.

“I’m watching you two.” Minerva growled crossly at the Weasley twins before following Dumbledore along with the other professors, Professor Sprout’s face was still bright red.

Dumbledore inspected the giant badger with great interest.

“Outstanding. To create something so big with such detail and craftmanship in such a short space of time. I know Hufflepuff’s are known for their dedication, commitment and hardworking ethos, but this is truly something else.” The Headmaster marvelled. “It’s even got its own personal snow shower!” He pointed to the small cloud perched above the badger draping it in more snow.”u

Scootaloo beamed. “A personal touch, I thought you’d like it. Still, you haven’t seen the best part yet. It breathes fire.” The girl cackled with glee.

“It breathes fire.” Dumbledore sighed. “Of course it does. Only you and your friends would think of creating a snow sculpture that breathes fire. Go on then, lets see it.” He finished taking a few steps back for safety.

Professor McGonagall’s and Professor Flitwick’s eyes went wide in alarm.

Professor Sprout gave a hearty cackle.

Professor Discord put on a pair of sunglasses.

Snape droned “Are we sure that’s”

The giant badger roared and a ball of fire shot out of its mouth. Ravenclaw’s Father Christmas Dumbledore was obliterated into a pool of water as Ravenclaws dived left and right to safety.

“Oops.” Scootaloo muttered sheepishly.

“Disqualified.” Snape said monotonously.

Professor Sprout whacked him round the back of his head with her trowel.

“I hate this job.” Snape groused rubbing the back of his head.

“Absolutely outstanding. You’ve all done a marvellous job and no chaos anywhere to be seen.” Snape said to Augustus Flint with an actual smile on his lips as he and the other professors watched the finale of Slytherin’s entry, a magically enchanted snow sculpture of a ballet dancer performing Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy to music coming from an equally magically enchanted snow sculpted gramophone.

“Thank you, sir, I’m glad it was to your liking. We all worked very hard to make you proud.” Augustus said bowing to the Potions professor.

“Hmm, yes, a very good use of magic although the sculptures themselves lack the detail of some of the other entries.” Dumbledore interrupted stroking his beard.

“What other entries.” Snape huffed. “Hufflepuff have been disqualified, Ravenclaw’s entry is now a pool of frozen water and Gryffindor’s is insulting and disgraceful. Surely this must win by default.” Snape growled angrily.

“Hmm, we shall see, but remember this is a snow sculpture building contest and this entry really does lack the intricate detail of Gryffindor’s entry. I’ve also not made up my mind on Hufflepuff yet. Let’s take five to think things over.” Dumbledore explained before heading back to the impromptu stage Hagrid and Filch had set up earlier in the day. Professor’s Flitwick, McGonagall and Sprout followed in his footsteps.

Snape grumbled incoherently before he muttered, “I’m surrounded by idiots.”

In almost pitch darkness the snow started to fall heavier and heavier and was joined by an icy wind that rattled Dumbledore to his core. “Quiet please” he hollered and almost immediately the talking between students below ceased. “Now I know we all want to get back into the warmth of the castle ASAP for our house Christmas parties so I’ll make this as quick as possible.”

He dropped his hand into a bowl and pulled out one of four pieces of paper.

“Professor Snape votes for Ravenclaw. An interesting choice but nevertheless ten points to Ravenclaw.” Dumbledore bellowed against the wind leading to polite clapping from the students below the stage. He quickly reached in and pulled out another scrap of paper. “Professor McGonagall votes for Slytherin’s delightful rendition of Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy along with Professor Flitwick” he announced upon pulling out the third scrap of paper. “That’s twenty points to Slytherin.” In the inky darkness a roar of triumph erupted from the Slytherins as groans echoed from the other students. Finally, he pulled out the last piece of paper and unfolded it. “Professor Sprout awards ten points to Gryffindor.”

The Gryffindors gave a small cheer knowing it would be very difficult for them to overcome Slytherin now. Professor Sprout stared defiantly at Snape and stuck her tongue out through the gloom at the Potions professor.

“And finally, as it was not a deliberate act of sabotage, my vote goes to Hufflepuff. Accidents happen and in my eyes their sculpture was the best of them all and the one where the majority of work went into the sculpture rather than magical enhancements. Still, in the spirit of fair play, they shall only receive ten points with Ravenclaw receiving the other ten as compensation for the destruction of their sculpture.” Dumbledore announced.

Scootaloo’s despondent expression in the crowd lightened a little at the headmaster’s announcement. Snape turned his dour expression upon the headmaster for a moment before deciding not to press the matter further as it ultimately meant his house had won the competition overall for yet another year.

“So, I believe that means that this year’s winners of the annual Hogwarts Christmas competition are Slytherin. Congratulations, fifty house points to Slytherin and I shall ensure the Great Hall is ready for your celebrations at seven o’clock sharp. You are hereby dismissed and thank you once again for your participation this year.” Dumbledore finished and wrapped up proceedings.

The Slytherins roared in triumph once again as the other houses groaned and grumbled before everybody made a dash for the castle and the warmth of the roaring fires in each of their common rooms as the wind and snow continued its relentless assault upon them.

“I can’t believe Fred and George got the majority of our house to go along with their idea.” Ron pretty much shouted to be heard as he, Harry and Hermione neared the entrance to the castle.

“I know. It was really insensitive of them. Poor Professor Sprout went as red as a tomato in embarrassment!” Hermione huffed.

“It was pretty funny seeing Snape explode though, even if it wasn’t the real thing. Great work on the nose by the way Ron.” Harry giggled.

“Oh, he really hated that didn’t he.” Ron said with a wicked grin.

“Really you two, you are nearly as bad as Fred and George.” Hermione scolded.

Harry continued to giggle. “Oh, come on Hermione, lighten up a little. It’s nearly Christmas and we’ve no more lessons for three weeks, even if me and Ron do have to remain here for the duration.”

“Oh, that reminds me. I do hope you’ll continue trying to find out who this Nicholas Flamel character is while I’m away? And send me an owl if you find anything.” Hermione suddenly remembered.

“Of course. You could also ask your parents if they know who Flamel is, I’m guessing it would be safe to ask them?” Ron replied.

“Very safe, as they’re”

Hermione never finished what she was about to say as a great burst of wind engulfed the three first years along with an orange blur.

“Merlin’s beard, what was that?” Ron exclaimed his hair sticking up all over the place. “Wait, where’s Hermione? Some creature must have nabbed her! We’ve got to get McGonagall!” Ron exclaimed.

“Yes, Mr Weasley, what is it now. After the little escapade your brothers pulled off this had better be good.” The aforementioned professor said sternly approaching the two boys from behind.

“Some creature just nabbed Hermione and took off with her.” Ron exclaimed frantically.

“She was there one moment talking to us and then there was this great surge of wind and a flash of orange and she was just, gone!” Harry added completely bewildered by the whole situation.

“Ah, I see Miss Prewett found her then. Although I disapprove of her not only flying in this weather but also kidnapping fellow students, it’s Christmas, so I’ll let it go. Now come along boys before you are completely soaked through from the weather and nursing colds for the entirety of the holidays. I’m sure Miss Granger will join the party later.” The professor finished pushing the two boys along in front of her while taking a swig from a hip flask. It had certainly been one of the more interesting terms she’d endured as a teacher, but it had also been one of the most trying. She was sixty percent sure Miss Granger would be fine and anyway, she was a smart child, Minerva was sure the girl could get herself out of trouble for once, tonight she was on vacation. She took another swig from the hip flask.

Harry and Ron looked nervously at each other.

Hermione found herself tumbling head first into the snow. Slowly she gathered her bearings and pulled herself out of the snow, wand drawn.

“Show yourself fiend” she screamed through the blizzard.

“Sorry about that, it’s really hard to fly in these conditions, let alone while carrying someone. You need to lay of the puddings at dinner time.” Scootaloo said cheekily.

“HEY” Hermione cried indignantly into the blizzard. “Not only do you kidnap me, but now you have the nerve to say I’m fat. Let me just say that you had better have a good reason for dragging me off to goodness knows where in the middle of a blizzard or someone is going to spend the evening in the infirmary rather than their common room.”

Scootaloo chuckled, “have to find me first.”

“Oh, it is so on.” Hermione cackled racing towards where she believed the voice was coming from.

“Oooh, nearly that time, how about over here.” Scootaloo’s voice echoed mockingly through the darkness.

“You are so dead when I find you.” Hermione grumbled. For the past two minutes she’d wandered aimlessly through the snow following Scootaloo’s voice, each time she felt she was getting close it ended up getting further away again.

‘WHAM’

“What now.” Hermione groaned hugging herself to try and keep herself warm, the thick jacket and winter robes she had on only barely keeping the icy cold at bay. Slowly she reached out and felt what she’d just walked into. It was a door. Yes, there was a knob.

“Well, anywhere would be better than out in this snowstorm” she mumbled to herself, although thinking about it the odds of Scootaloo pouncing on her inside wherever it was she currently found herself entering were pretty high. Still she’d take that gamble.

Wand at the ready and lighted with Lumos she pulled the door open and entered the…broom shed? Why in all tarnation had Scootaloo led her here of all places and in the middle of a snowstorm in the dead of winter? A lantern illuminated the small space from above her and she quickly mouthed “Nox” and lowered her wand.

Aside from the brooms and the howling wind that ripped through the dilapidated wooden planks that made up the walls, there was not that much interesting to be seen in the tiny, rickety old shed. Except for the fact that standing with the biggest smuggest grin at the far end of the small shed was Scootaloo holding a broom.

“Explanation now, or death, your choice.” Hermione growled, her breath rising as mist in the ice-cold shack.

“Oh rats, you caught me. You know you are really cute when you’re angry and covered in snow.” Scootaloo said with mock irritation at being found.

Hermione’s face went red.

Scootaloo giggled before she simply said “catch” and threw the broom across the small shed.

Hermione barely had time to react. In the end she took the broom to her chest in a sort of awkward one-armed hug.

“Merry Christmas.”

“What?” Hermione looked at her friend in complete bewilderment while stroking the beautifully polished ash handle

“Didn’t think I’d forget, did you? I know we’ve both been really busy past month and barely seen each other outside of lessons, bar from a few early morning flights when the weather has behaved itself, but I’d never forget to get such a good friend a Christmas gift. The goblins at Gringotts are shrewd investors and contacted me over the summer about a man called Randolph Spudmore seeking investment to develop a radical new racing broom to compete with the Nimbus Racing Broom Company. They thought I’d be interested, of course I was. This is one of his earliest prototypes. Randolph was going to scrap it and re-use some of the parts because apparently the broom acted way too much of its own accord and constantly had a penchant for completely ridiculous and reckless stunts combined with the fact he realised that no one was able to actually stay on a broom going faster than 150mph. I instantly knew exactly who it would be perfect for. What you have there is a one of a kind Brunhilda broomstick. Ash handle, a unique mixture of birch and hazel twigs to maximise both speed and precision turning. Top speed 222mph. No one will ever own another one like it. I’ve been dying to try it myself since it arrived last week, but it’s not mine to.” Scootaloo never finished as Hermione squealed with glee hugging the broomstick tight to her chest.

“Thank you. Thank you, thank you. How can I ever repay you?” Hermione’s squeals of joy turned to wails. “Oh my, I didn’t even get you anything. It completely slipped my mind.” The girl said morosely. “It wouldn’t be fair if I accepted this without giving you something in return.” Fighting every last fibre in her body Hermione pushed the broom away from her only to find it forced back into her chest.

“The only thing I want in return is to see a smile on your face as you attempt to outfly me and Broomy. Now how about we take Brunhilda here for a little test run and prove Randolph wrong.” Scootaloo grinned like a loon.

Hermione stared at the girl for a moment before stuttering “out there? In that blizzard. We’ll either be killed or put in detention for a month if anyone finds out.” A grin of equal lunacy slowly adorned her face. “What are we waiting for?”

“Yahooooooooo.” Hermione screamed as she hung on for dear life, the broom zipped through the blizzard as if it was nothing but a mere snow flurry and soared higher and higher into the nights sky. Scootaloo hung valiantly onto her waist. “This is unbelievable. I’ve never felt so alive!” She howled so Scootaloo could hear her even though the other girl was sat right behind her.

“I know right. This is totally insane!” Scootaloo roared in reply as without any instruction the broom did a loop de loop followed by a corkscrew, still soaring higher and higher.

Then, suddenly, the broomstick burst free from the clouds and the pelting snow and wind. In time it slowed to a standstill as if it was admiring the view. Stars twinkled in the sky above and an almost full moon shone down upon them. The sound of the storm was gone. Silence engulfed them.

“Wow” was all Scootaloo muttered. “This has sure been some ride. What a beautiful night!”

“Erm.” Hermione chuckled nervously turning to face Scootaloo. “Thanks, for everything.”

Before Scootaloo even knew what was happening Hermione’s lips were locked upon hers. Her eyes shot open in total surprise. Thoughts crashed against each other in her mind. She was eleven, wasn’t it a bit young to be having these feelings? She’d only known Hermione for four months, wasn’t this a little fast? Shouldn’t she be snogging boys not girls? So many conflicting emotions crashed through her mind but so did all the time she’d spent with Hermione and how she’d enjoyed it, from their flights to doing homework with each other to the intriguing discussions and jokes they’d had with each other between lessons. Most importantly though, whenever she saw Hermione a smile always pierced its way onto her lips and butterflies danced in her stomach. Is this what love felt like, Scootaloo wondered as the other girl’s lips finally and rather awkwardly departed hers.

Upon seeing the confused look upon the other girl’s face Hermione immediately went bright red and tried to stutter an explanation. “I’m so, so sorry. I don’t know what came over.”

She never finished what she was about to say as Scootaloo closed her eyes, leant forward and returned the kiss with interest, attempting to entwine her tongue with the other girls. This time it was Hermione’s turn to go wide eyed before slowly she closed them and embraced the other girl, wrapping her arms around her. For a brief moment they clumsily explored each other’s mouths in the beautiful moonlight sky.

“Jesus Mary Josephina Christ, more fucking lesbians, just what this fucking story needs. At least wait a few years till you’re teenagers before you snog each other’s brains out you hormone driven sluts.” A voice cawed.

Both girls’ eyes shot wide open and still with their lips locked looked down to see Wally squeezed in-between the both of them.

“Earlier than expected, but congratulations to the both of you!” Discord’s voice cooed from a cloud above while holding a sprig of mistletoe over the two now red-faced girls. A mischievous grin adorned his face.

The God of Chaos slowly slithered of his cloud in his draconequus form and approached the two girls who had swiftly ended the kiss. Scootaloo was now guiltily looking away from Hermione and her adopted father as Hermione stared open mouthed at the monstrosity that approached them.

“What in tarnation is that thing?” Hermione said in fright, staring at Discord as he slowly approached.

“That is Professor Discord’s true form. Or, more accurately, my adopted father.” Scootaloo grumbled unhappy with the intrusion on her private moment with Hermione.

“I am sorry to intrude but was worried for the safety of both of you out here in this blizzard after Sweetie told me where you’d disappeared to.” Discord cooed.

“That traitor. I told her and Bloom in strictest confidence.” Scootaloo grumbled.

“Another Defence Against the Dark arts lesson for you. Never entrust your secrets to those who are ticklish. That Apple girl though sure can take some punishment. She refused to say nought no matter how hard I tried.” Discord replied as he slowly entwined himself around Hermione who shuddered in response. “Now I hate to interrupt your experimenting but I can already tell that the both of you are starting to experience the first stages of Hypothermia, thus I have no choice but to bring you both back to the school with me. Before we head back though, a little bit of advice for you Miss Granger. You ever break my daughter’s heart and I’ll hunt you down and snap you like a twig.” Discord growled ominously.

Hermione gulped, eyes going even wider.

Scootaloo slapped her father playfully round the head “Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaddddddddddd, no threatening my girlfriend.” Scootaloo whined in embarrassment before going red once more. “That’s if you’d like to be” she quickly added looking sheepishly at Hermione.

“Of course, Dunderhead.” Hermione jested leaning in and kissing the girl once more just as Discord snapped his fingers.

The two girls stared back at the seven members of staff that stared at them, their lips still locked together on the broomstick. Everyone had gone bright red in embarrassment, except Discord who was howling with laughter. Bottles littered the floor of the infirmary and cards and chips dotted the table Madam Pince, Pomfrey and Hooch sat at along with Professor’s McGonagall, Sinistra, Sprout and Trelawney.

“Errrrrrr.” Pomfrey murmured.

“What should we do with the drunken teacher, what should we do with the drunken teacher,” Wally started to sing to everyone’s annoyance except Professor Trelawney and Professor Sprout who were high fiving each other.

“Alright, that’s a galleon from each of you for each of us.” The latter declared.

Professor McGonagall, her head slightly hazy from the large amounts of alcohol that had been consumed in the past few hours, attempted to rectify the situation. “Girls, we didn’t see anything if you didn’t.”

“Deal.” Both girls replied without hesitation.

Author's Note

1:20am Saturday morning here in the UK, a couple shots of rum and some Dolly Parton in the background it is finally checked and ready for release, enjoy and please take a number to murder me, I never expected to add romance in here, this just kind of happened, still more natural than Ron and Hermione.

Edit: Few minor edits
Gramophone not grammar phone
Although it was clear to me, people have been confused by why Slytherin not Ravenclaw won the competition so I've added a little extra into this line to make it clearer. This vote is worth twenty house points but will still only count as one vote
Finally the two girls have only known each other for four not five months.
Overall though very minor fixes

The Christmas Holidays Part 1: K-I-S-S-I-N-G

Scootaloo faced many questions over what had gone on with Hermione across the course of the next week from her two best friends and they taunted her relentlessly over it, especially after seeing the two girls giving each other awkward goodbyes on Saturday evening before Hermione and the majority of students had left on the Hogwarts Express early on Sunday morning. It hadn’t helped with the brutal weather and the arctic wind that ripped through the hallways, which meant that, unless they wished to freeze to death, they were pretty much confined to their common room for most the day where a fire raged in the hearth forcing the cold back. With their teachers not setting them any homework over the holidays, besides Snape, and instead instructing them to enjoy themselves and to have fun with their families, the girls had quickly become bored of wizard chess, exploding snap, reading and practicing the same few less dangerous spells over and over again. They couldn’t even send letters back home fearing for Wally’s safety. As such, they often spent the many hours simply chatting the boredom away and one of Bloom’s and Sweetie’s favourite and persistent topics of conversation was Hermione and Scootaloo sitting on a broomstick K-I-S-S-I-N-G, which by Friday Scootaloo had finally had enough of and was thankful for the distraction that Discord had arranged by taking them Christmas shopping to Diagon Alley along with Harry and Ron. The latter had looked at Scootaloo in shock when after a quick stop at Gringotts she’d passed him five galleons and told him to buy whatever he wanted. Aside from Ron’s gift, she purchased a beautiful new tea set for Professor Trelawney and together with Sweetie bought Bloom her own miniature Apple tree to remind her of home. For Sweetie, together with Apple Bloom she’d bought a Broomstick Servicing Kit along with an array of top of the line protective Quidditch equipment that keepers required so that Sweetie would no longer have to borrow the oversized second-hand offerings from the school. Overall, the three girls and two boys had a wonderful day that finished with ice creams at Fortescue’s even despite the bitterly cold weather. That was until Sweetie spoke up.

“So, boys, did Hermione at all spill the beans to you about what happened with her and Scootaloo before she left. Me and Bloom here think that the two girls decided to take their friendship to the next level but Scootaloo’s being an utter party pooper and not telling us anything.”

Ron choked on his ice cream as Harry went wide eyed.

Scootaloo groaned placing her head in her hands. “Why can’t you just let it drop already, nothing happened. I gave her her Christmas gift, then we got lost in the snow and Discord found us and brought us back to the castle.”

“And I keep telling you, mah sister’s the Element of Honesty, I know yah lying.” Apple Bloom chipped in before adding in a loud whisper to Harry and Ron. “We know they were K-I-S-S-I-N-G; we’re just trying to get her to admit it.”

The two boys faces went red in embarrassment.

“I can hear you Bloom, I’m sitting right next to you.” Scootaloo grumbled. “And nothing happened.”

“Yeah, yeah, so boys, cough up, Hermione drop you any juicy dirt before she left?” Apple Bloom said wickedly.

“Yeah, were there tongues involved? Did she rate how good our friend was? Admit they are seeing each other? Anything like that.” It was Sweetie’s turn to add to the conversation.

Ron had a look of horror plastered on his face. Harry had an equally terrified look but managed to stutter.

“She told us the same story Scootaloo told us just now, except that they got checked over in the infirmary for Hypothermia. Now that you mention it though, it does seem highly suspect that Hermione, being as smart as she is, would get lost that easily, even in a snowstorm.”

“Huzzah, see, our accusations are supported by others.” Sweetie exclaimed. “So, like to confess yet or still in denial.”

Scootaloo tried to hide her beetroot red face in her hands as laughter reverberated round the table.

After the trip to Diagon Alley, the weekend and beginning of the following week were very much similar to the first, although the weather did abate a little which allowed the girls a few opportunities to escape the castle for walks. It was on one of these walks on the afternoon of Christmas Eve that Scootaloo enacted her revenge for the torment of the past week by pelting her friends with snowballs.

“Scootaloo, quit it.” Sweetie whined.

“How about no.” Scootaloo replied before firing another snowball that hit Sweetie plum in the face causing her to laugh uncontrollably for a moment until she saw the giant snowball that was heading her way. Her eyes went wide as she quickly dodged the projectile.

“Stop now, or there are more where that came from.” Apple Bloom growled from below.

“You going to stop teasing me about kissing Hermione?” Scootaloo screamed back.

“Oh, so you are finally admitting it.” Apple Bloom replied with a wicked smirk.

“No, that’s not what I meant.” Scootaloo retorted going red faced.

“Sure. Scootaloo and Hermione sitting on a broomstick K-I-S-S” FWOMP, a snowball ended Apple Bloom’s singing. She spat the snow out of her mouth. “This means war.”

Professor McGonagall walked unimpressed out onto the training field where a mass snowball war had erupted between the remaining students on campus. She had not been at all happy when a snowball had shattered the window of her office letting in the harsh winter weather.

“In all my days.” she grumbled casting Sonorous on herself. “You will all cease this tomfoolery at once and return to the” FWOMP, a snowball hit her square in the face.

“Oh, lighten up Minerva and have some fun for once you old prude!” Professor Sprout cried before dodging an incoming snowball. “You’ll have to be quicker than that Fairweather!” she yelled firing one back in return at the prefect before a lump of ice-cold snow hit her on the back of the neck.

“That may be so, but it provided me with the perfect opening!” Madam Pomfrey cackled as Professor McGonagall wiped the snow from her face.

“Well, as the old muggle saying goes, if you can’t beat them, join them.” The professor muttered to herself forming some snowballs with her wand and stepping out onto the training fields.

Sweetie dodged, ducked, dipped, dived and dodged some more as snowballs flew at her from every direction, even above as Scootaloo had resorted to collecting snow directly from the clouds above before aerially bombarding those below. How their snowball fight had escalated into pretty much every student who was staying at the school over Christmas she couldn’t quite fathom but it was complete mayhem and a total free for all. There was absolutely no organisation or teams of any sort with everybody simply attempting to hit whoever they could with as many snowballs as possible for the sheer thrill and fun of it. Pure chaos and pandemonium. Even some of the teachers had got involved and she’d let out a giggle when she saw Professor Sprout hit an irate Professor McGonagall square in the face with one. Hagrid had also joined in and she was sure she’d seen Madam Pomfrey and Madam Hooch in amongst the melee of people and snowballs, although she’d lost sight of Apple Bloom a while back.

She was thrown out of her thoughts as more snowballs headed her way.

“You’ll have to be quicker than that Ron.” Sweetie chuckled before she launched a snowball of her own back at the boy hitting him squarely on the chest.

“Hello squirt.” A voice laced with hatred spoke from behind her and she swiftly turned to see Eliza Kingston glaring daggers at her. “Let’s see if you can save these!”

What would have happened next no one will ever know as an avalanche of snow fell upon both girls from up above to raucous laughter.

“SCOOOOTALOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!” Sweetie screamed, now a literal living snow girl as Professor Sprout walked past and snickering mercilessly placed a carrot on her nose.

“Ah, so cute!” The herbology professor sniggered pulling out an old-fashioned camera and immortalising the moment in history before she moved on as Scootaloo’s laughter from up above grew two-fold.

“I should have killed you when I had the chance.” Sweetie grumbled from her snowy prison.

Fred and George were having one hell of a time. Having built their own miniature snow fortress, they were now defending it valiantly from potential invaders. As yet another snowball clattered into their stronghold, the latter peeped out to see who had foolishly dared to attack them this time. He immediately turned back to his brother white as a sheet.

“I say dear brother of mine, what has got you in such a tizz.” Fred said with a chuckle. “We are the great and powerful Weasley twins and nothing will ever break through our indomitable fortress.”

“Oh boys.” A voice cackled from just outside the fortress. “Me and some of your house mates want a little word with the both of you.”

“Okay, so maybe her. Especially if she’s still mad about the whole snow sculpture incident. Err George, just what are you pointing at?” Fred finished and looked up. “Oh crap.”

Professor McGonagall released the spell and a hundred or more snowballs fell from the sky and reigned snowy vengeance upon the two boys, burying them in an icy tomb. She cackled like an insane maniac before turning her attentions elsewhere. Who else had severely irked her during their time at Hogwarts? Ah, there was that girl Melody Song sneaking up on Potter. Not if she could help it. She headed off with her small army to intercept and teach the girl that no one messed with her students.

Scootaloo swooped in low and rapidly fired off another barrage of snowballs before she shot back up high into the sky. Neither herself or her friends could have predicted the carnage they’d cause through a simple snowball fight between the three of them. She believed the Weasley twins must have had something to do with that as participants from Gryffindor, Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff had slowly appeared and joined in the fun. Even the teachers had got involved and she’d seen more than once Madam Pomfrey pummelling students with a snowball or two. Still, after nearly two long and enjoyable, but tiring, hours and as the light started to fade students had slowly begun to feel the cold and opted to head back indoors to the Great Hall for a nice warm meal. Sweetie had already done so after she’d dropped an avalanche of snow on her along with that bitch Kingston and Scootaloo was now wondering whether she should do likewise when another massive snowball headed her way.

“Scootaloo, where are you? It’s getting ridiculously cold and starting to get dark. Everyone else is heading back to the Great Hall for dinner. Now, you can either come down from up there and face me or you can stay up there all evening like the chicken you are. I can wait.” A voice she knew all to well called from below.

“Oh no she didn’t.” Scootaloo growled to herself. She ignored her rational brains its a trap warning and instead dived towards where she’d heard the voice coming from.

FWOMP, a giant snowball crashed into her side and she spiralled out of control as her rational mind chastised her for being such an impatient and irrational fool. Thankfully, there was still enough snow left on the ground to cushion her descent as she crash landed.

“Dearie me Scoots, that really was to easy.” A voice mocked approaching the dazed Pegasus.

“Ow, my head. Damn Bloom, you put rocks in that last one or what?” Scootaloo winced.

The only reply she got was another snowball to the face and Apple Bloom’s distant voice calling “that one was from Sweetie Belle.” And then Scootaloo blacked out.

“God damn that hurt Bloom.” Scootaloo groused once more holding the ice pack against the lump on the side of her head.

After passing out, Apple Bloom had ungraciously lugged Scootaloo back into the castle where she’d woken up just as Apple Bloom dumped her on one of the benches at the Hufflepuff table in the Great Hall. Still, at least she’d been kind enough to fetch her an ice pack for her head from Madam Pomfrey Scootaloo thought to herself.

“Ahh, diddums. Sadly, Hermione isn’t here to kiss it better for you. Maybe you’d like me to kiss it better for you instead?” Apple Bloom mocked.

Scootaloo chucked a chicken nugget at the other girl who responded by sticking out her tongue.

“Girls, come on, let’s drop the teasing for now and enjoy the holiday.” Sweetie interjected before she stood up and started to sing. “Ponies voices fill the night; Hearth’s Warming Eve is here once again.”

“Happy hearts so full and bright.” Ron bellowed from the Gryffindor table before he exclaimed. “Wait, what just happened?” As some Slytherin and Ravenclaw students stood up and sang the next few lines.

“Sweetie, what have you done?” Scootaloo groaned slamming her head on the table as Dumbledore rose from his chair without thought and in a ridiculously deep voice exclaimed.

“Hearth’s Warming Eve is here once again.”

“Oops, my bad.” Sweetie giggled guiltily watching as Scootaloo’s wings involuntarily lifted her towards the ceiling where she started fiddling with the clouds that she’d prepped to dust one of the great fir trees Hagrid had brought in with snow.

“Clouds arranged so they’re just so” Scootaloo sang compulsorily.

Everybody in the Great Hall now rose and sang “Hearth’s Warming Eve is here once again.”

And for the next minute or so the song continued to reverberate around the hall until its inevitable conclusion.

No sooner had the song finished Snape’s voice rang round the hall. “Twenty-five points from Hufflepuff for initiating an involuntary musical number upon their fellow students and the staff.”

“Denied Severus.” Dumbledore barked before turning his eyes towards the Hufflepuff table. “Thank you girls for adding a delightful bit of entertainment and cheer to our Christmas eve. Five points to Hufflepuff, although next time please inform us before you wish to start a musical number.” He finished with a chuckle.

“Sorry sir, it just sort of happens where we are from. One pony starts singing spontaneously and before we know it, we’re all singing and have no control over our actions until the song finishes.” Sweetie giggled as Scootaloo lowered herself to the ground looking less than pleased over what had just occurred.

“How unusual and quirky.” Dumbledore mused as Snape glowered irately at the headmaster.

“I’m going to bed.” Scootaloo groaned putting the ice pack back on her head. “That singing just made my head hurt even more.”

“Oh, come on.” Sweetie admonished “Take a look at everything around you, All the smells that surely will astound you” she began to sing again.

Scootaloo looked at one of her best friends with sheer horror carved across her face.

As soon as the second impromptu musical number had finished Scootaloo had departed from the hall as fast as she could followed by a large proportion of the other students as Sweetie tried to explain once more that she didn’t have any control and it just sort of happens. Even so, to be on the safe side she was sent to her dorm for the remainder of the evening. Apple Bloom, with little else to do now that her two friends had retired for the evening opted to join them in their dormitory and discuss the presents they hoped to receive the following day. In actual fact the conversation ended up between just her and Sweetie as Scootaloo had immediately and rather unladylike stripped to her underwear and catapulted onto her bed where she had instantly started snoring loudly.

“I wish I could fall asleep at the drop of a hat like that.” Apple Bloom groused sitting on the edge of her bed.

“I know. I just don’t know how she does it.” Sweetie replied enviously.

“Pegasi. Extremely talented but also extremely lazy.” Apple Bloom chuckled.

“True that. So anyway, what are you hoping for Hearth’s warming or Christmas as they seem to refer to it here? It is strange how both worlds have a very similar holiday that coincidentally collides with each other isn’t?” Sweetie asked her friend.

“Yeah, truly bizarre.” Apple Bloom replied before quickly dismissing the notion. “Personally, I’d love to see my family again although I know that isn’t likely. Other than that, I’m not really that bothered. We’ve never had a great number of expendable bits on the farm for lavish gifts, especially since the incident when I was little. That’s why I want to spend and cherish as much time with my family as possible as you never know just what might be around the corner. I can barely even remember my mother and father’s faces.” The girl finished sombrely with a sniffle.

“In some ways, I know how you feel and at least you still have family who want to be around you. I sometimes wonder with my own family. Ever since dad struck it big on the Equestrian lottery and opted for early retirement, I’ve spent more time with Rarity than them as they’ve gone on one holiday after another. Heck, sometimes I even wonder if they really wanted me at all. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if they still believed that I was staying with Rarity right now and had no clue that I was in another dimension and had received my cutie mark. They’ve probably gone to Neighagra Falls, Las Pegasus or some other holiday hotspot for Christmas. Since I was four, I’ve only spent one Christmas with them and even that was a total disaster. Why do you think I was so keen to stay here with Scootaloo this Christmas?” Sweetie rambled on lost in her own mind.

“Wow, that’s cold. I always wondered why we never see more of your parents Sweetie but I guess that explains it.” Apple Bloom said as she wiped a tear from her eye.

“Yeah, I know they love me really and lavish me with all sorts of gifts from their travels but they never give me what I truly want, their time.” Sweetie sighed dejectedly.

For a while the two girls just sat in silence lost in their own memories.

“You know, we would have been fine if you’d gone back to Equestria for Hearth’s Warming. Scootaloo did say to us Discord was happy to take us home and bring us back.” Sweetie finally pressed the question that was lodged in the back of her mind.

“I know, and although I would have enjoyed seeing my family immensely, I would have missed you girls too much and it wouldn’t have been even half as fun. I was either going to be stuck inside hearing Granny Smith persistently rattle off tales from her past and complain how the fire wasn’t nearly warm enough or stuck here teasing Scootaloo over her blatantly obvious relationship with Hermione and having a massive snowball fight with around fifty other students and staff. Yeah, I miss Granny’s stories a lot, but you girls are my family to and I would have just been miserable back home thinking about what you two were getting up to without me.” Apple Bloom explained. “Now let’s stop this depressing line of conversation and focus on what’s really important, how we can get Scootaloo to spill the beans on her and Hermione being together.”

As if on cue Scootaloo’s snoring paused for a moment and she mumbled in her sleep “oh Hermione, I’ll help you with your kissing studies.”

The other two girls in the room stared at each other wide eyed for a moment before both fell onto the floor in utter hysterics.

Author's Note

I opted to condense this down into two parts in the end, second part will be up shortly once edited. Hope you enjoy it. I believe after these two there will be just 10 or so more chapters left to conclude book one. It may be done by the end of the year if lucky, but not going to push it.

Once again, I believe my editing skills are okay but feel free to point out anything I've missed.

The Christmas Holidays Part 2: Christmas Day or is it Hearth's Warming?

In the end all three girls opted for an early night as they looked forward to the following days festivities. Slowly, as the night went on, silence and darkness engulfed the hallowed halls of Hogwarts. Not a creature stirred, not even a mouse. That was until two shadowy figures started sneaking around the castle in the depths of the night, leaving festive cheer wherever they went.

Apple Bloom awoke early the next morning in absolute awe and wonder at the vast array and assortment of packages that had magically appeared in their dormitory overnight along with a table filled to the brim with all manner of apple-based delicacies. She had immediately rushed from her bed and torn open the letter with her name on that had accompanied said delicacies.

Apple Bloom,

We’re all missing you greatly here on the farm. Have a wonderful Hearth’s Warming with your friends and we hope you all enjoy the breakfast me and granny spent all of yesterday preparing for you. Love you lots,

Applejack

Apple Bloom sniffled as she finished the note, another tear forming in her eye. Just like her sister, short, sweet and straight to the point. Two photos accompanied the letter. The first of her brother, sister and granny in a massive group hug brought a wide smile to her lips. The second of her sister wide eyed and blushing as Rainbow kissed her on the cheek while dangling some mistletoe above them with one of her wings elicited a chuckle from within her.

“Ugh, keep it down. I’m trying to sleep.” Scootaloo grumbled tangled in amongst her sheets.

“And a Merry Christmas to you to Scoots!” Apple Bloom replied merrily before she took a sip from a glass of Apple juice she had poured herself. “How were your kissing studies with Hermione?” She teased.

Scootaloo was halfway back to dreamland before she suddenly realised just what the other girl had said and shot straight up in her bed red faced. “I’ve no idea what you are talking about.” She blurted out.

“Oh, sure you don’t.” Apple Bloom giggled. “Neither of us ever realised you talk in your sleep till last night.”

Scootaloo’s face went even redder. “I do not.” She stammered. “You are just trying to get me to confess to something that isn’t true!”

“Give it up already Scootaloo, you might as well just admit it. Not like we’re going to think any differently of you. And Apple Bloom, what did I say about teasing over the holiday? Would you like to spend Hearth’s Warming as a mouse?”

“You do that and Hagrid will be spending tomorrow thawing you from a block of ice after retrieving you from the lake.” Apple Bloom retorted sticking out her tongue.

“I’d like to see you try.” Sweetie growled

“FINE.” Scootaloo interjected sulkily. “Me and Hermione took the broom for a test run in the blizzard and she ended up kissing me and I kissed her back. And yes, we are now seeing each other. You both happy now?” She finished with a pout.

Sweetie and Apple Bloom stared at each other for a moment.

“Was there tongue? What was it like? What did she taste like?” Apple Bloom suddenly blurted out a whole host of questions.

“Bloom.” Sweetie warned before she got out of her bed and went and wrapped the other girl in a hug. “We’re really happy for you Scoots, we really are. And if she ever dares to break your heart just let me know and I’ll transfigure her face into that of a troll or something similarly horrible.”

Scootaloo stared at the other girl for a moment unsure whether to be concerned or not. “Err, thanks, I think.”

Sweetie Belle giggled. “You’re welcome. Now how about we have some breakfast before Apple Bloom devours everything. Then we can get started on the gifts. I see Bloom’s just noticed the Apple tree we got her.”

After they ate a hearty breakfast of apple-based treats the girls made a start on their gifts.

Apple Bloom received the least, but clarified once more she was used to not getting much and was just happy with what she did get. Aside from the tree her best friends had got her and the feast her family had provided for her and her friends the only other parcel she received was a small badly wrapped cyan blue one with a poorly written note attached.

Hey Apple Bloom,

AJ is going to kill me for doing this but after talking with her over how little you’ve received for Hearth’s Warming over the years, I felt compelled to get you something nice. I know it isn’t much but I hope you like it, your soon to be sister-in-law,

Rainbow Dash.

P.S. I hope you don’t mind, but I got a similar one for Scootaloo of her own cutie mark.

Intrigued, Apple Bloom hastily ripped into the parcel which contained a small box. Her interest peaked she hastily opened the small box to find a simple gold pendant of her cutie mark along with a gold chain. For many it wouldn’t have felt like much but to one who had received so few gifts over the course of her life it meant everything.

“What you got there?” Scootaloo enquired, pausing the unwrapping of her own presents to see what Apple Bloom had received. “Oh wow, that’s neat, who sent you that?”

“Rainbow Dash did.” Apple Bloom forced out, still overwhelmed by the act of generosity from someone she still knew so little about and had only met face to face on very few occasions.

“Woah, she did. That’s totally awesome! Hang on, she’s got me something here to.” Scootaloo rummaged through her own presents and pulled out her own poorly wrapped cyan blue present. It didn’t take her long to unwrap and reveal her own necklace with a pendant of her cutie mark on. “Woah, neat.” She exclaimed before opening her own letter.

Hey squirt,

I bet you weren’t expecting a gift from the one and only Rainbow Dash this Hearth’s Warming once more! Keep up the awesome work kiddo,

Rainbow Dash

P.S. I hope you don’t mind, but I got a similar one for Apple Bloom of her own cutie mark.

“Huh, I’m surprised you’re not going insane having received a Hearth’s Warming gift from your idol,” Apple Bloom exclaimed having got over the initial shock of her own gift.

“She bought me my scooter last year. You remember that high pitched scream that shattered most the windows in Ponyville last Hearth’s Warming? That was me.” Scootaloo admitted guiltily going red faced once more.

“That was you?” Sweetie burst into the conversation. “Rarity was so pissed when that happened. It was hilarious.” She finished with yet another giggle.

“Huh, we heard about it but seeing as the farm is the other side of town to the orphanage didn’t have any real problems.” Apple Bloom said. “Hey Scoots, stop looking so embarrassed and help me with this fiddly thing.”

After Scootaloo had helped Apple Bloom with putting on her new necklace and vice versa, the former returned to her own pile of gifts. She soon wished she hadn’t. Apart from the necklace Rainbow had given her she’d so far also opened Molly’s gift to her which had contained a hand knitted yellow jumper with a black S for Scootaloo on it along with a box of homemade fudge and a tattered looking second-hand copy of Quidditch through the Ages. After these two she was left with three more from Discord the girls and Hermione. She started with Hermione’s which included a note that read.

I’m so sorry I couldn’t get you anything more on my allowance. Hope the book interests you and provides you with something new. I expect you to teach me some of these on my return! Missing you greatly, love,

Hermione

“Ahh, how sweet.” Apple Bloom teased earning her a slap over the back of her head from Sweetie Belle. The former retaliated by glowering at the latter, both having decided to forego examining their own presents for the time being to see what their friend had received.

Ignoring the two girls and their squabbling, Scootaloo ripped open the parcel to reveal a heavy book entitled The BIG Book of Insane Broomstick Stunts and a couple of chocolate frogs. A big grin adorned her face, she was sure there would be something in that book she hadn’t thought of yet. Putting the book and frogs aside for one moment she moved onto Discord’s which was a rather flat parcel that did not include a note and was wrapped in yellow paper with pink polka dots. She immediately regretted her decision. Her wings flared open from her back and her face went scarlet once more as she saw what was enclosed, a gold photo frame with a close up shot of her and Hermione kissing.

“Oh, so that answers the tongue question.” Sweetie giggled earning her a slap over the back of her head from Apple Bloom.

“Ow Bloom, I didn’t hit you that hard.” Sweetie groused rubbing the back of her head.

“Errrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr” Scootaloo murmured.

“Oh dear, I think Discord’s gift broke her. Hey, Earth to Scootaloo, anyone in there!” Sweetie cried.

Scootaloo shook her head and laid the quite intimate picture of her and Hermione to one side for the moment opting to instead finish unwrapping her final gift from her two best friends.

“Girls, just what in Equestria have you bought me, it looks like a coffin!” Scootaloo exclaimed examining the oversized rectangular box that lay on the floor.

“Maybe it is, for when Hermione finally has enough of you.” Apple Bloom tittered.

“Thanks.” Scootaloo deadpanned before ripping off the paper on her last present. It didn’t reveal much just a large brown cardboard box with a note attached.

I hope you find the costume inside this box to your satisfaction. It was certainly one of the most unique, unusual and challenging jobs I’ve ever undertaken, especially the added enchantments to ensure it will perfectly fit whoever wears it, roar on command and even breath fire! Still, as a fellow Hufflepuff it was an honour and a privilege to have been given this job. Enjoy, and all the best in your next Quidditch match,

Madam Malkin

Scootaloo looked at the note once more with a puzzled expression. The note had only generated more questions rather than answers as to what was in the box. Still, she wasn’t going to get any answers to these questions just by sitting here. She reached into the draw in her nightstand and pulled out a pen knife before delicately cutting the Sellotape that sealed the box. Slowly she opened it. Her mouth dropped in surprise. Inside was a beautifully handcrafted and highly detailed badger costume.

“Every team has got to have a mascot and this’ll give Bloom something to do while we’re on the pitch.” Sweetie said. “Is it alright?”

“Yeah, wait, you said nothing about me having to wear it before.” Apple Bloom added before realising just what Sweetie had implied.

“It’s perfect.” Scootaloo said barely above a whisper inspecting the costume’s head. “And there is no time like the present to try it out.” The devilish grin was back.

Apple Bloom gulped.

“Don’t worry Bloom, we’ll all give it a go, but first let’s see what Sweetie got for Christmas.”

Apple Bloom wiped the sweat off her brow.

“Oh, my presents aren’t that interesting. A few Knick Knacks and trinkets along with a letter from my parents of their travels, a dress from Rarity,” Sweetie explained

“Oooh, lets see.” Apple Bloom interrupted.

Sweetie opened a small box on her bed and pulled out a sleeveless navy-blue sequin dress.

“Oooh,, that’s pretty.” Apple Bloom exclaimed impressed by the dress.

“Yeah, it’s nice but she has got me the same thing, a new dress, every year for my birthday and Hearth’s Warming since I was five using the same old excuses of you’ve grown so much in the past year or a proper lady can never have to many dresses. I will give her credit though for somehow making one for my human form. I’ve no idea how she got my current measurements!” Sweetie replied.

Scootaloo sniggered.

“Well that answers that question. Anyway, aside from my parents and my sister, Dumbledore gave me a complex book on Transfiguration theory that he himself wrote and which seems highly fascinating and I was just about to unwrap yours when I got distracted watching you. I can tell Rainbow Dash taught you how to wrap a present.” Sweetie finished examining the massive ball of tape and paper.

It took her a while, but finally she managed to get into the gift and gave a hearty chuckle at the Quidditch equipment that lay inside.

“I’m not sure whether to be extremely pleased and grateful for such beautiful equipment or to wonder if you had some ulterior motive. Can’t have your star keeper getting injured now can you?” Sweetie said with a wry grin.

Scootaloo chuckled nervously. “Okay, you got me. Part of me did want to keep my keeper injury free for the rest of the season, but the main reason was because I wanted you to have your own Quidditch equipment to use rather than the second-rate stuff which doesn’t even fit you that the school lends you. Yeah you may grow out of it in a few years, but that just gives me something to buy in the future for another Hearth’s Warming!” Scootaloo joked.

Sweetie gave her friend a light punch on the arm. “Thanks, doofus. I know you meant well and thanks for the broom care kit also. You to Apple Bloom. Now get that damn costume on before I force it on you.”

Professor Sprout had just started doing her usual Christmas morning routine of personally wishing all the students who were staying for the holidays a Merry Christmas when she walked into the first-year girls’ dormitory to the most peculiar site of a dancing two-legged badger in Hufflepuff colours.

“GIVE ME A F” Scootaloo shouted from within the suit.

“F” The other two girls on the bed yelled back in between chuckles.

“What does that spell?”

“Hufflpuff!” The girls screamed as the badger then proceeded to let out a mighty roar and sent a stream of fire into the air that caused Wally to let out a squawk of annoyance as he was forced to dodge the wave of fire.

“Stupid fucking bitch. First you wake me up and now you try and roast me.” He squawked unhappily before settling on Apple Bloom’s shoulder, the girl putting out the tiny bit of flame that had caught hold of his tail before passing him an apple to calm him down. “That’s better, bribery will get you everywhere with me.” The bird squawked in between nibbling his treat.

“Sorry Wally.” Scootaloo said guiltily while removing the head.

Professor Sprout was totally mesmerised, unsure whether to scold the girl for such reckless use of fire or squeal like a school girl at the fact her Quidditch team was the only one to now have a mascot and a totally radical one to. In the end she opted to simply clap politely to announce her presence to the three girls.

Scootaloo instantly turned around to take a look at the intruder.

“I see you girls are up nice and early. Enjoying your Christmas so far?” The professor commented.

“Definitely!” Scootaloo replied. “The girls got the team this nifty Mascot costume for our games. Apple Bloom’s promised to wear it on matchdays.”

“More like been forced to.” Apple Bloom grumbled.

Scootaloo ignored the interruption. “It is magically enchanted to fit the wearer as well and can even breathe fire.”

“I saw.” Professor Sprout was trying to hold back a smile but failing badly. “A mascot will certainly be a welcome addition to the team and play an important part in maintaining team moral and spirit. Just please, no setting fire to anything in the castle.”

“See Bloom. You can’t let us down. I expect to see you at training cheering us on from now on.” Apple Bloom groaned in response to Scootaloo’s request but the latter once again chose to ignore the girl’s protestations. “And we promise Professor. I’ve destroyed enough of the castle for one year!” Scootaloo finished with a giggle. “I also see you got the plant we sent you via Discord.”

“Ah, I did wonder how you managed to sneak it into my abode and that would explain it. Yes, it truly is a unique specimen. Your note said it was called Poison Joke and that I should not under any circumstances take it out of the glass case, come into contact with it or breathe in any of its spores at any cost. Would you care to elaborate on that? I’ve not had time yet to go through either of the two books you sent along with it.” Professor Sprout stated.

It was Apple Bloom who replied. “We thought you might find it interesting and hopefully the two books that got sent with it will be able to explain it more for you. For simplicity though, if you come into contact with it in anyway shape or form it will play a practical joke on you that over time will become a physical affliction. It shrunk my sister to barely ten inches tall and gave her friends all kinds of kooky ailments as well, such as a male voice, a limp horn, a swollen tongue and so on. One of the books we gave you includes the remedy to reverse its effect.”

“How peculiar. I’ll certainly have to examine it further over the next few days. Anyway, I must dash. I’ve still all the other students to visit. Before I go though, these two are for you three girls.” She placed two parcels on the table that now had mostly empty bowls plates and mugs on it. “I see it looks like you’ve already had breakfast?”

“Yeah, Apple Bloom’s sister and granny sent us a load of treats.” Sweetie piped in. “And that’s really kind of you professor. Thanks so much!”

“Don’t mention it. Now I really must dash, but remember you are expected to be in the Great Hall by noon and Christmas dinner shall be served at 12:30. Enjoy the gifts!” She said through a mouthful of apple fritter re-opening the door before remembering one more thing. Looking over her shoulder she said in an impish tone “and I expect our new mascot to be wearing the suit or she’s in detention with me for a week after the holidays.” And with that the door slammed shut behind her.

“Fuck.” Apple Bloom swore going over to inspect the two gifts as the other two girls started to laugh uncontrollably once more. “Hey, we missed something earlier, there’s a letter here on the table for Scootaloo, looks like my sister’s writing. Oh, and one of these parcels is for Scootaloo, the other is for all of us.”

Scootaloo slowly got a hold of herself and followed Apple Bloom over to the table. I wonder what this could be about she said taking the letter from Bloom and opening it. Thirty seconds later her eyes were bulging out of her sockets and she started spouting complete incomprehensible gibberish.

“Gimme that.” Apple Bloom said rudely yanking the letter out of Scootaloo’s hands and reading it aloud for herself and Sweetie Belle.

Dear Scootaloo,

Me and Rainbow have one final surprise for you this Christmas. You see, both of us have decided that we need our own space once we are married and thus have opted to move into a new barn we will building in the spring a little way away in amongst the Orchard. As such, this will leave my room vacant and having discussed it with Discord he has agreed that while you are staying in Equestria you will be staying with us on the farm in the summer and any other holidays you wish to return home. Me and Dash will also be acting as your legal guardians during your visits. We hope you are okay with this arrangement and expect your response in the immediate future,

The soon to be Applejack Dash-Apple and Rainbow Dash-Apple

Sweetie immediately put her hands over her ears as Apple Bloom squealed with glee before screaming.

“You’re coming to live on the farm, you’re coming to live on the farm. That is so awesome.” She hadn’t even realised she was shaking the life out of poor Scootaloo.

“Bloom, please stop before I throw up my breakfast.” Scootaloo managed to squeak out.

Apple Bloom slowly stopped shaking the poor girl. Gradually the room stopped spinning for poor Scootaloo.

“You’re welcome.” A voice cooed from across the room. “I can already see you are having a wonderful holiday so far.” Discord said as he drank a rather bizarre looking bubbling concoction of unknown substances sitting once more in his throne.

Having got her bearings back Scootaloo ran over and leapt at her adopted father. Discord was taken aback for a moment before he caught the girl with one arm and wrapped her in a hug.

“Thanks dad you’re the greatest.” Scootaloo cried.

“No problem at all.” Discord managed to stammer. “You are also always welcome to stay at my place in the chaos realm, I just felt this arrangement would be easier and more suitable for you.”

“Thanks so much. Happy Hearth’s Warming dad. Did you like your gift?” Scootaloo queried.

“A glass with a fake bottom, just what I’ve always wanted. So chaotic!” Discord replied.

Scootaloo’s face beamed up at the draconequus and for a moment a bizarre sensation pierced his heart. Was this love? Discord quickly shook the thought away as Sweetie called out from across the room.

“Hey Scoots, sorry to interrupt your family moment, but we’ve still two presents to unwrap.”

Slowly Scootaloo let go of her adoptive father. “Did you want to stay for a while? Or shall we see you again at lunch?” Scootaloo enquired as Sweetie impatiently unwrapped the present for all three of them.

“I think right now you should have some time with your friends and I’ve a few other tasks to see to myself before lunch anyhow.” Discord explained.

“Oh my word, it’s a magical photo album of events from our first term.” Sweetie yelled from across the room.

“You really did make a good snowman Sweetie.” Apple Bloom joshed.

“I suggest you get back to them before you miss out. Merry Christmas daughter of mine.” Discord looked at Scootaloo with his usual wicked grin before he snapped two of his fingers and was gone.

“Hey Scootaloo, come open your final present and then take a look at these photos with us. There are some really good ones in here!” Apple Bloom called to her friend indicating to a spot next to her on her bed.

Scootaloo bounded over picking up her final gift from the table on the way before she jumped onto the bed. It was a rather small but weighty parcel wrapped in plain brown paper. A note was attached and she began reading it aloud for the other two girls benefit.

Scoti,

I know you have made significant progress since the start of term in Herbology. I’m really proud of the effort and hard work you put into your studies on a consistent basis even if you find it a struggle to do so. Hopefully the following book will make things easier for you in the long term. Keep making myself and Hufflepuff proud,

Professor Sprout.

“Huh, guess that solves the mystery of what it is.” Scootaloo said unwrapping the small jotter sized book. “101 Herbology Tips and Tricks by Pomona Sprout, neat.” She said having a quick scan through its contents. “This could really come in handy and yes girls, you can borrow and read it to if you wish when I’m done.”

“Could prove useful.” Sweetie remarked from Apple Bloom’s other side.

“Certainly interests me.” Apple Bloom commented.

“Well, I’ll try and give it a more in depth look and read over the next week. Right now though I want to enjoy my Hearth’s Warming and nothing sounds better to me than a look back over our time at Hogwarts so far.” Scootaloo explained wrapping one of her wings round Apple Bloom and Sweetie pulling them in close so that she could get a better look at the photo album along with her friends. In that moment and at that point in time, she couldn’t have been happier.

Everyone stared wide eyed at the anthropomorphic badger that had just entered the Great Hall.

“I hate you girls so much.” Apple Bloom’s muffled voice came from inside the suit.

Barely holding back her laughter Sweetie Belle replied. “Oh, stop being such a Snowfall Frost. Remember, it was your idea as much as mine.”

“Yeah, well I didn’t know I’d be the one to have to actually wear it. This suit is ridiculously hot to wear.” Apple Bloom grumbled.

“Typical Earth pony with rocks for brains.” Sweetie Belle jested.

“Hey! Unless you want me set your hair on fire, I suggest you stop picking on me.” Apple Bloom fired a warning shot across the unicorn’s bow.

“Stop your whining and give us a show, you know you want to.” Sweetie chuckled prodding the other girl in the ribs.

“I’m warning you.” Apple Bloom growled.

“That’s a great idea. Come on Bloom, why don’t you provide the Hufflepuffs with some pre-dinner entertainment. That’s an order from your captain.” Scootaloo demanded

Apple Bloom muttered something darkly under her breath.

“Is that dissent I hear?” Scootaloo barked.

Apple Bloom started doing a little jig. “Hufflepuff, Hufflepuff, we’re number one. Badgers, badgers, fierce, loyal and true. We’ll fight till the end and never give up. Now come on everypuff it’s time to join in and show those other houses just what we’re made of. Give me a H.”

The hall fell silent bar from a few sniggers from the Slytherin table. In amongst all the sweat that now draped her body Apple Bloom was going red from embarrassment within the suit.

Then Professor Sprout, who had opted to sit amongst her students for the feast rose and bellowed “H”.

Apple Bloom smiled inside the suit. Trust Professor Sprout to join in this debauchery. Before she could even cry out Anthony had risen to his feet and cried.

“U”

Another student “F” and another and another as one by one the few Hufflepuffs all joined in before finally Apple Bloom boomed.

“WHAT’S THAT SPELL?”

And as one the small contingent of Hufflepuffs boomed “HUFFLEPUFF!”

Apple Bloom sent out a controlled roar of fire that, although she couldn’t see it, elicited ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ of wonder from the Hufflepuffs before Apple Bloom somehow managed to give a little curtsy in the suit.

Although it was only a small number, the Hufflepuffs that were present nearly brought the place down with their cheers, whistling, clapping and drumming on the table in delight at the girl’s impromptu performance. Slowly, one or two others from the other tables got up to and clapped politely.

“See, they love you.” Scootaloo said next to Apple Bloom while elbowing the other girl in the ribs.

“I wish you two would stop doing that” Apple Bloom grumbled as she rubbed her side with a paw.

Finally, Dumbledore bellowed from the teacher’s table. “Order please.”

Slowly the noise and hubbub quietened down as Apple Bloom removed the badger head to suck in a lungful of fresh air, her face red from a combination of embarrassment at being the centre of attention and the physical exertion she’d just had to put into her performance.

“Ten points to Hufflepuff for a rather quirky bit of pre-lunch entertainment. Now if everyone wouldn’t mind settling down, I believe it is nearly time for our lunch.” A voice droned from the teacher’s table before Dumbledore could speak again.

Every head turned from the girl in the badger costume to Professor Snape at the teachers table in utter shock.

After the pre-dinner entertainment, the meal itself was just as spectacular. Countless turkeys, roast and boiled potatoes, pigs in blankets, vegetables and Yorkshire puddings were dotted across the tables along with boats of thick, rich gravy and cranberry sauce. Professor Sprout regaled the girls and her other students at the Hufflepuff table with hilarious tales during her time at Hogwarts whilst consuming unspeakable quantities of nettle wine, while up on the teachers table Dumbledore now sported a flowered bonnet, most likely from a wizard’s cracker. Professor Snape, who sported a brand-new silk black robe, was attempting to have a conversation with Professor Quirrell, who looked even more nervous than usual, but was getting constantly interrupted by Professor McGonagall and Hagrid who were hugging each other whilst merrily attempting to sing Christmas carols after drinking copious amounts of wine. Even Professor Trelawney had come down from her tower for Christmas lunch for the first time ever and almost hugged Scootaloo to death to thank her for the brand-new tea set she’d given her before giving the girl a book on fire omens in preparation for next terms sessions.

Overall, it would have been hard for anyone in attendance to deny the Christmas lunch was the standout event in the Hogwarts calendar and even as the meal drew to a close with flaming Christmas puddings there were still one or two surprises to be had. Despite everything that had been on offer during the standout meal, the standout item from the standout meal had to have been the stacks of wizard crackers massed every few feet along the tables. Having already seen these in action during one of Discord’s Defence Against the Dark Arts lessons, the girls ripped through a fair proportion of them and collected an array of interesting items, from sweets to joke items to a miniature broomstick that actually flied of its own accord. Each of the girls also now wore a novelty hat, Scootaloo had a Santa hat with beard, Sweetie wore a train conductor’s cap and Apple Bloom sported a black Stetson.

“Hey girls,” Scootaloo stated as she finished a mouthful of pudding. “We’ve one cracker left who wants to pull it with me!”

Barely before Scootaloo even finished speaking Apple Bloom had yanked the other end causing a loud boom and red smoke to engulf both of them. As it cleared, the latter declared “I won” displaying of her bigger half of the cracker to Scootaloo with a wide grin.

“Of course you did, Earth pony strength!” Scootaloo joked as the two girls turned their attention to the two items now sat on the table. “What is that?” She exclaimed.

“Silly, that’s a clown’s wig and nose. You should know that by now. Pinkie Pie wears them all the time back home.” Apple Bloom joshed.

Scootaloo rolled her eyes. “Not that, that.” She pointed at the aquamarine egg that now sat on the table.

“No idea. Hey professor, you got any idea what this is?” Apple Bloom asked holding the egg up for the professor too see across from her.

Professor Sprout spat the nettle wine she was drinking back into the glass before coughing for a few moments as she tried to dislodge the wine stuck in the back of her throat.

“Well that doesn’t bode well.” Apple Bloom deadpanned to Scootaloo.

Finally Professor Sprout managed to catch her breath. “Sorry, but that my dear child is a very rare and priceless Phoenix egg. Where on Earth did you get it from?”

“I won it out of the final wizard cracker.” Apple Bloom said casually.

Professor Sprout’s jaw dropped.

“Uh oh, I think I broke Professor Sprout. Sweetie, do you mind getting Dumbledore, he might want to see this.” Apple Bloom chuckled nervously.

“Of course, I’ve got to give him my present anyway.” Sweetie Belle said as she rose from the table and walked up to the teacher’s table where Professor McGonagall and Hagrid were still butchering Christmas classics.

“Miss Belle, what brings you to our table?” Dumbledore said in his usual friendly tone as he finished his slice of Christmas pudding with custard lathered all over.

“Two things sir. Firstly, I wanted to give you this as a small thank you for the Transfiguration tuition.” She passed Dumbledore a small red parcel with pictures of holly on it.

“For me, you shouldn’t have.” Dumbledore said with a laugh as he unwrapped the present to reveal two pairs of hand knitted thick woollen red socks with orange phoenixes knitted into them. A tear came to Dumbledore’s eye. “How did you know?” He choked overcome with joy at finally getting what he’d really wanted after so many years of just being gifted books.

“I think that one is obvious. My best friends a seer.” Sweetie chuckled.

“Of course.” Dumbledore chuckled in reply regaining his composure. “Well, thank you very, very much from the bottom of my heart. I shall wear a pair later in front of the fire whilst reading a good book. This truly has been a wonderful Christmas so far, one of my favourites.” He announced putting the socks into a pocket in his robes before remembering. “Oh, wasn’t there something else you’d like to talk to me about?”

“Yeah, Apple Bloom kind of found a Phoenix egg in a wizard cracker.”

The singing stopped and before Sweetie knew what was happening every teacher, bar Discord, was making a dash to the Hufflepuff table. Sweetie couldn’t help but giggle as some kept falling over each other in the mad rush. Every other table was wondering what all the commotion was about, but by now had got used to the three chaos cursed girls and as such soon went back to finishing their own puddings.

By this point Professor Sprout had recovered her senses and was examining the egg closely. Although her mind was a little hazy from all the nettle wine she’d drunk, the egg was no illusion. It was one hundred percent a Phoenix egg. How it had ended up in a wizard cracker she’d no idea, but one thing was certain, it was now a part of Hufflepuff. She cackled with glee as a dozen or so pairs of eyes crowded in behind her. She carefully passed the egg to Dumbledore.

“Incredible! Simply incredible!” The headmaster exclaimed in disbelief. “I wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t seen it with my own two eyes. And you say this came from a wizard cracker?”

“That’s right sir. Me and Scootaloo had no idea what it was till Professor Sprout told us. She’s already told me to keep it somewhere extremely safe until it is ready to hatch.” Apple Bloom clarified

“Yes, please do that. Although you won’t need to do anything surrounding its care as the phoenix inside incubates itself, if news gets out about this I wouldn’t be surprised if one or two people attempted to steal such a rare gem especially considering a phoenixes powers in regeneration. Furthermore, it could take years or even decades for the egg to hatch giving thieves plenty of time to plot their dastardly plans.” Dumbledore warned Apple Bloom before he passed her back the egg.

“Just let them try.” The girl growled hugging the egg protectively to her chest.

“Good. You’ve truly been blessed with a wonderful gift this Christmas Miss Bloom and I’m glad to see you taking your new responsibility seriously. For now, hide it somewhere in your dorm. After the holidays we’ll arrange to put it in your safe at Gringotts. Then, when the egg starts glowing orange, you can prepare yourself for when it hatches.” Dumbledore instructed.

“Yes sir.” Apple Bloom replied.

“Excellent, now I believe it is nearly time to officially finish this meal.” He started back towards the teacher’s table.

The remaining teachers stayed rooted to where they stood as the girl started talking nonsense and cradling the egg like a crazed lunatic.

Dumbledore coughed startling the other teachers out of their stupefaction. Slowly and reluctantly they followed him back to the teachers table, most still though with their eyes fixed upon the girl and the prized possession she protectively held to her chest. Only Professor Snape refused to move, looking somewhat discomfited.

“Yes professor? Is there something I can help you with?” Pomona growled angrily.

“Erm, yes, there is. I just wanted to thank your student for the robe she purchased for me for Christmas and give her this.” He pulled a battered looking textbook from said robe before passing it across the table to the girl who looked at it a little puzzled.

“Thanks sir, but I already own a copy of Advanced Potion-Making.” Apple Bloom said politely.

“That may be so, but this one is my own personal copy from my time at Hogwarts. I’ve noticed you getting a little frustrated with how some of your more advanced potions have not quite gone to plan and can assure you this book will help assist with these in the long term.” Snape explained.

Apple Bloom looked at the professor wide eyed for a moment before she flipped the book open with her right hand, still hugging the egg to her chest with her left. “You bastard.” She cawed.

“Excuse me?” Snape said, taken aback by the girl’s outburst.

“You knew all this time the perfect way to make Draught of Living Death and you never told me. I spent a day in the infirmary after my own tinkering of the recipe exploded in my face. All my bucking hair fell out and the rash that came with it was unbearable.” Apple Bloom snarled, her anger growing by the second.

“You let a first-year attempt to brew Draught of Living Death!” Professor Sprout roared, equally as angry with her colleague, but for completely different reasons.

Snape gulped. “Erm, yes well, I didn’t want to hinder Miss Bloom’s creativity or own personal development.” He tried desperately to explain.

Apple Bloom did not look at all happy with the response and neither did Professor Sprout but thankfully for the Potions professor he was saved by Albus calling out across the hall.

“Quiet please, I’d like to say a few words before we all depart too our common rooms. Ultimately, I’d just like to thank everyone for such an amazing meal this year. I’m just sad like all good things it has got to come to an end, but I’m sure I’ll see many of you again this evening for tea, if you’ve any room left that is after such a big meal!”

“Oh, we will!” One of the Weasley twins cried out to a round of laughter throughout the hall.

Dumbledore waited for the laughter to subside before he continued. “Thank you for your insight on the matter Mr Weasley. And on that note, I would just like to quickly finish up by wishing you a wonderful afternoon investigating all the gifts you received this morning. I myself am going to put my feet up by the fire in the brand-new socks I’ve received while reading a good book.” He finished looking and smiling at Sweetie Belle below. The girl blushed at the unexpected attention.

Apple Bloom and Professor Sprout turned their heads back towards the Potions professor. Snape had vanished.

“Sneaky bastard.” Wally cawed in-between nibbling some leftover Christmas pudding.

“You can say that again bird.” Professor Sprout grumbled.

The rest of Hearth’s Warming or Christmas thankfully went by relatively peacefully for the girls. After dinner they were invited to another snowball fight by Harry and Ron but politely declined as they were still recovering from the previous days one. They instead spent the afternoon each reading the new books they had received for Christmas in front of the fire in their common room although Apple Bloom spent just as much time inspecting the phoenix egg. After a scrumptious tea the girls ended up back in front of the fire before bed playing magical charades along with their housemates and Professor Sprout. Finally, with massive yawns they retired to their beds for the night where they almost immediately fell asleep, not even managing a goodnight to each other. Unbeknownst to the girls though, not everybody was planning to get a good night’s rest.

Later that night a figure slinked through the hallways of Hogwarts.

“Master,” a whiny voice whispered. Are you sure this is a good idea? I promise you I’ll try harder to get the stone, just give me more time please.”

“You fool, that’s why we’re doing this. You know very well your body is weakening from hosting my soul and that if we don’t do something drastic soon, we’ll both be dead. If we can get a hold of that phoenix egg and make it hatch, the regenerative powers it possesses will bide us all the time we need to get the stone.” A voice replied seemingly from nowhere.

“O-okay.” Professor Quirrell stammered as he approached the barrels that marked the entrance to the Hufflepuff common room.

“Now, do you remember which barrel the girls touched to gain entry?” The other voice stated.

“Yes, master. I believe it was two from the bottom, middle of the second row. You also have to play it in the rhythm of ‘Helga Hufflepuff’.”

“Good, you have done well for once Quirrell. We sneak in, find the girls dorm, find the egg and sneak back out again. Easy.” The voice commanded.

“I-if you s-say so m-master.” Professor Quirrell stammered as he reached out to press what he believed to be the correct barrel.

Before he’d even touched it, a blood curdling shriek pierced his ear drums from a distance.

“T-that’s from the library. S-somebody has snuck into the r-restricted section.” Quirrell whined pulling his hand back. “M-maybe we should come back tomorrow?”

“Nonsense you fool, it’s very faint and those who have been awoken by it will be distracted in trying to find out whose sneaking around the library at this hour. This is the perfect distraction we need. We can even wake the girl and force her to tell us where the egg is without repercussions.” The voice explained.

“I-if y-you s-say so master.” Quirrell reluctantly complied reaching out for the barrel once more. A stream of what smelt like vinegar shot out from the barrels into his face.

“My eyes!” He cried in agony stumbling back.

Something warm and sticky fell atop him from above followed by something else he couldn’t quite identify still blinded by the vinegar that stung his eyes. Slowly his vison cleared a little and he saw a pair of malevolent red eyes boring a hole into his soul. They were accompanied by a malicious voice.

“Leave now and don’t return. These girls are under my protection. Next time I won’t be so lenient.”

Scared out of his wits, Quirrell fled.

Snape was not happy. To be fair he wasn’t usually happy anyway, but right now he was even more unhappy than usual. Whereas right now he should be curled up in his bed instead he was slinking through the halls firstly following Professor Quirrell and now trying to find whoever had been attempting to steal something from the restricted section of the library with the help of Filch. He was just wondering if Quirrell knew he was onto him and planned the whole library episode to get him out of the way, when the other professor came bounding through the hallway in front of the two of them frightened out of his mind and covered in what looked like tar and feathers.

“Is that?” Filch began.

“I believe so.” Snape said. “Filch my old friend, please don’t mention what you saw tonight to anyone.”

“I doubt they’d believe me anyway Severus.” The caretaker said in a gruff old voice.

“Thank you. Now I don’t think we are going to catch are mysterious nightwalker, so I’m going to head back to my quarters and get some sleep. I’ll see you tomorrow Argus.

Back in their dorm, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom and had no idea just how close they had come to some serious danger as they slept soundly in their beds, stomachs full and recalling the days events in their dreams. They didn’t even notice when Discord popped in.

“Sleep well, daughter of mine. Until you are ready, I will watch over you always.” He said with a warm smile tucking Scootaloo in and giving her a quick kiss on her forehead before he snapped his fingers and disappeared into the night.

Author's Note

Wow, who would have expected Quirrell to be the bad guy! :rainbowlaugh:
Who let Derpy pack the wizard crackers? :derpyderp2:
Some ideas that were cut from the final draft:
1. Some of the teachers waking up to presents from the girls.
2. The girls thanking Professor Sprout for the album.
3. A greater in depth recap of the first term with the girls while they read the album.
4. Ron and Harry commenting on Scootaloo's jumper.
5. Apple Bloom slamming Snape into a wall.
6. More Wally.

Once again I've pushed this out for your benefit, so any errors please let me know. Next up a New Year and New beginnings. It's time for the girls studies to get kicked up a notch. Get ready for Basilisks and banter!

Week 1 Term 2: Banter and Basilisks, Pranks and Poison Joke.

Author's Note

Thanks to Dreadnought helped give me some ideas that got used in this chapter. Also, the information on Basilisks can be skimmed over if you wish, I only included it just in case anyone might be interested in reading it. Right, enough talk, enjoy! I'm going to make a start on Valentines day!

Week 1 Term 2: Banter and Basilisks, Pranks and Poison Joke.

Nothing of note particularly happened over the remainder of the Christmas holidays, with the girls once again confined to their common room for the most part due to the weather. Although the icy chill that had engulfed the castle for much of the past month had started to dissipate, it was replaced by non-stop torrential rain. Even Scootaloo had to forego her usual early morning flights the rain was just that bad. The three girls spent most of their time reading and making notes from the books they’d received at Christmas or doing the small amount of homework Professor Snape had set them in Potions. Aside from this, the only other notable things to occur were Dumbledore’s announcement two days after Christmas that somebody had been prowling the halls late at night and reminding all students that if they were found outside their dorm after curfew without a sufficient reason, they would experience serious punishment. The second was that the phoenix egg had disappeared and Apple Bloom refused to disclose its location, simply stating to her friends that it was safe and you don’t need to know anymore than that. They’d also had a wonderful party on New Year’s Eve in the Great Hall although had fallen asleep before the new year came in.

Finally, after what felt like forever, the Hogwarts Express came roaring back into the station and the halls of Hogwarts were once again packed to the rafters with students chattering away with each other over how their holidays had gone. Scootaloo had practically pounced on Hermione as she’d gotten off the train and they had spent the final evening of the holidays catching up whilst wandering the halls aimlessly. The two girls may have also found a quiet corner for some ‘private studying’ and it was as they were finishing one of their studies of each other’s mouths that Hermione let slip to Scootaloo about a certain Nicolas Flamel.

“I hope you don’t mind, but I kinda had to admit to Bloom and Sweetie that we’re seeing each other. They’d pretty much worked it out anyway and teased me relentlessly about it for the first half of the holidays.” Scootaloo confessed.

“No problem. They already pulled me aside and told me they knew but would keep it secret until we were ready to come out publicly. At least your friends are reliable and trustworthy. I sometimes wonder why I’m friends with Harry and Ron. I gave them a simple task of attempting to find out who Nicolas Flamel was over the Christmas holidays and all they’ve done is goof off playing wizard chess and having snowball fights.”

Scootaloo sniggered. “Sorry, that was partly my fault. Still, why’d you want them to find out who this Nicolas Flamel character is anyway?”

Hermione looked away guiltily.

“Hermione, I’m you girlfriend. If something is bothering you, you know you can trust me, but I won’t push it. If it means that much to you here. I thought I’d heard that name somewhere and I was right. It was on one of the famous wizard cards I got with the chocolate frogs you gave me for Christmas.” Scootaloo replied reading a card she’d pulled from her robes.

Hermione snatched the card from her girlfriend’s hands. It was one of Albus Dumbledore and after she quickly scanned the information on the card, she screeched with glee at the final ten words it contained.

and his work on alchemy with his partner Nicolas Flamel

“Ouch, my ear drums.” Scootaloo winced.

Hermione’s face went red from embarrassment before she started to get up from the floor they were sitting on. “I’m sorry, I’ve got to go. Thanks so much.” She said giving her girlfriend one final kiss on the cheek as she rose.

“Right now? But curfew doesn’t come into effect for nearly another hour.” Scootaloo said with the look of a forlorn puppy.

“I’m sorry, but this is really important. You can continue helping me with my kissing studies later.” The other girl said with a sly smirk.

Scootaloo’s face went red. “Th-they t-told you.” She started to stutter

Hermione nodded her head, the smirk plastered across her face. “Did I say your friends were trustworthy, because they’re not. Still super cute that you talk about me in your sleep.” She finished with a giggle before racing out from the cupboard they’d snuck into to conduct their extracurricular activities.

“They’re dead. They are both dead.” Scootaloo growled to herself.

“Ooh, I feel a prank coming on.” A voice cooed from nowhere yet everywhere.

“Daaaaaaad, how long you been spying on me.” Scootaloo groaned putting her head in her hands.

“Long enough.” Discord chortled. “Now here’s what we are going to do…”

The weather was atrocious. They’d barely been on the training fields five minutes and already the Hufflepuff Quidditch team were soaked, shivering as the wind viciously nipped and bit into them, chilling them to the bone. Apple Bloom looked on from just inside the castle, not wanting to damage the highly prized mascot costume, as Scootaloo barked out orders.

“Right, I hope you lot have enjoyed your break, because its time to get serious once more. I expect you’re all going to be a little rusty after six weeks of but don’t expect to use that as an excuse. It just means you’ll need to work extra hard over the next eight weeks before we play Gryffindor and I will be driving you all the way.”

Groans erupted from her team.

“Is that dissent I hear. Do you want to know what the other houses are saying about us? That the win against Ravenclaw was a fluke and it won’t happen again. We will prove them all wrong, but only if we work flat out between now and the match, whatever the weather. Now, for that bit of dissent, you can all start with ten laps round the fields and no, I don’t mean on your broomsticks. It’s time for us all to burn off those extra pounds we’ve put on over the holiday.”

More groans.

“Do you want me to make it twenty? Now come on, I’ll lead.” Scootaloo finished pulling her goggles over her face.

The Hufflepuff Quidditch team remained silent not wanting further punishment as they slugged through the early morning January gloom after their captain. Each one was thinking the same thing, the holidays were most certainly over.

The following morning the girls were just leaving the Hufflepuff common room when Scootaloo called out.

“Hey girls, I’ll catch up with you in a moment, my shoelace is untied.”

“Sure.” replied Apple Bloom. “Although I do wish you’d get your act together this morning, you are all over the place. Hannah, Susan and Megan have already gone on ahead of us.”

“I know. Sorry, didn’t get a good night’s sleep.” Scootaloo yawned to emphasise her point.

Apple Bloom rolled her eyes. “We’ll wait by the entrance, just please hurry up.”

“Cool, won’t take me a moment.”

Apple Bloom scuttled off after Sweetie Belle not looking back to see the wide grin that adorned Scootaloo’s face.

“Achoo” Sweetie sneezed once more blowing into another tissue. “Damn Scootaloo and that morning run.” She grumbled with yet another sniffle.

“That really was a little mean of her, but I guess she just really wants to repay Professor Sprouts faith in her.” Apple Bloom replied as the two girls came out of the entranceway to their common room.

SPLAT

“What in Equestria?” Sweetie Belle said taken aback. She looked at herself and then Apple Bloom. Both girls were now sporting a rather unique look.

Laughter reverberated behind them.

“You didn’t really think I’d let you get away with telling my girlfriend my deepest darkest secrets now did you?” A voice said wickedly. “Magic, non-removeable rainbow paint. Don’t worry though, it wears off over time. How long did you say it was dad? Twelve hours, so you should be back to normal by this evening.” Scootaloo raced past the two astonished girls before they could retaliate calling over her shoulder. “See you at breakfast Rainbow Bloom and Spectral Belle.”

The two girls looked at each other’s new forms.

“I really am going to kill her this time.” Sweetie growled as Discord laughed his head off above them.

“Get in line.” Apple Bloom replied. “Although, I blame you in part for this. I warned you telling Hermione about Scootaloo’s sleep confession would backfire on us.” She grumbled. “Come on, might as well get the humiliation over.”

“Achoo” Sweetie sneezed sending rainbow coloured snot everywhere. She stared wide eyed at Apple Bloom for a moment before the two rainbow coloured girls wrapped their arms around each other and laughed merrily on their way to the Great Hall to numerous stares and looks from other students.

“She got us good didn’t she.” Apple Bloom confessed.

“That she did Bloom, that she did.” Sweetie admitted defeat.

To no surprise Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom got numerous odd looks throughout the course of the day. Only Professor Binns seemed to not notice the two girls’ odd appearance in History. Professor Snape chose wisely to simply ignore Apple Bloom’s new look as he continued on from Professor Sprout the day prior in teaching the class about Poison Joke.

“When cultivated and brewed carefully, this plant’s blossoms can be used in a potion to administer its effects in a controlled and targeted manner. Thankfully the plants effects are only temporary, with the length of time they take to appear and last dependant on time and concentration of exposure. The effects can also be reversed immediately through the use of a herbal bath. Now, Miss Prewett, seeing as you like to play tricks on your fellow housemates, why don’t you come up here and give us a demonstration of this potion’s effects, unless you wish for me to dock your house twenty points for insubordination?”

Scootaloo looked at Snape with alarm as a wide grin streaked across Apple Bloom’s face.

“Well, I’m waiting.”

“Sir, that’s highly unethical and.” Hermione tried to interject next to Scootaloo.

“Miss Granger, so kind of you to volunteer as well. Come along girls, we don’t have all day.” Snape growled.

Hermione looked like she was about to argue some more but Scootaloo wisely put her hand across her girlfriend’s mouth while shaking her head. She then rose from the table helping Hermione alongside her.

“Splendid.” Snape droned passing the two girls a small vile each of bubbling blue potion. “You’ll see in a moment class that the greater concentration the potion contains compared to its natural form will result in an almost immediate reaction compared to the delayed one the plant usually causes.”

“Bottom’s up.” Scootaloo sighed as she downed the concoction almost simultaneously with Hermione. “Blegh, tastes like cabbage mixed with sour milk.” She grumbled before doubling over in pain.

“Scootaloo.” Hermione cried before adding “I love you” and immediately covered her mouth as her face went red and the class roared with laughter.

“Interesting.” Snape said making notes on the potion’s effects. “As you may have noticed class, the joke the plant usually plays has some kind of personal connection with the victim, often manifesting one of their biggest fears in a comedic way. In these two cases Miss Prewett’s wings seem to be shrinking while it seems to have acted as a truth serum for Miss Granger.

“Yes, that’s correct.” Hermione blurted out unable to stop herself. “I found out I had magic when I was four when I accidentally set fire to the living room curtains. I was suspended from primary school on four separate occasions, all bar one from accidental magic use due to being bullied and only my grades saved me from expulsion. Scootaloo’s also my girlfriend and a couple of nights ago we snuck into a closet to make-out.” By now the girl had gone scarlet. The whole room had gone silent. With tears in her eyes Hermione ran from the classroom.

Panting Scootaloo slowly got up from the floor, her wings now a fraction of their original size. “You’re a monster.” She growled before she attempted to shoot out of the classroom after her girlfriend.

Snape grabbed her arm. “Miss Prewett, I’ve already one student playing truant, I will not allow another. Take your seat.”

Scootaloo felt the anger boiling and bubbling inside her once more but took a deep breath and forced out “yes, sir”, before she made her way back to her table.

“And maybe next time you’ll think about the consequences of playing pranks on your fellow students.” Snape warned. “Now class, I hope you all saw from that demonstration just how potent and dangerous this plants effects can be. As this is a new discovery that has yet to be recorded in any textbooks, I’ve taken the liberty of writing the key facts surrounding it on the board for you to copy.” He pointed at the chalkboard at the front of the classroom. “You have till the end of the lesson to note all that down.”

A few grumbles erupted from the students as they reluctantly grabbed their quills and ink and hastily began to write down everything from the board. Scootaloo barely took in any of what she was writing still fuming over what the Potions professor had done. Instead she spent most the time agonisingly watching the lower half of the hourglass slowly fill up with sand at the front of the class. That was until a knock reverberated on the Potions lab door.

“Enter.” Snape droned.

Filch entered pulling a teary-eyed Hermione behind him by her right ear

“Quit it, that hurts you troll. And I won’t deny I gave that bitch of a cat of yours a good kick to after she scratched me.” Hermione, sporting a black eye, growled rebelliously as she stuck her out tongue at Filch.

Filch slapped the girl’s face with the back of his hand, hard. “You’ll speak when spoken to you ungrateful wench. Apologies to disturb you professor, but caught this one playing hooky and bawling her eyes out in one of the girls’ toilets. Thought you’d like to sort her out.” Filch finished, pushing the girl to the floor with a sneer.

“Thank you, Argus. I will deal with her from here.” Snape said emotionlessly indicating for the caretaker to leave, which he did after a moment’s hesitation reluctantly grumbling under his breath. “And why can’t I hear pens on parchment. There is only ten minutes till the end of the lesson and let me warn you now. Anyone who fails to copy everything from the board down will be spending lunchtime with Miss Granger here in detention. Do I make myself clear?”

“Totally, you toad.” Hermione replied defiantly going red faced. “Oh my God make it stop, I’m so sorry professor, I can’t help it, although I’m not really sorry because I despise your guts.”

A little way away Ron let out a snort as one of Snape’s eyes twitched

“Mr Weasley, detention.” The professor bellowed.

“Oh, come on, I’ve pretty much done everything you asked sir.” The boy replied feeling aggrieved.

“Like to make it two.”

Ron shrugged his shoulders. “Might as well make it worthwhile. Hey Hermione, tell us every little thing you love about Scootaloo and everything you want to do to her.” Scootaloo behind Ron slapped the other boy angrily over the head.

“Mr Weasley, after school detention, for the remainder of the week. Miss Prewett, lunchtime detention.” Snape bellowed struggling to keep control as Hermione’s eyes went wide, trying desperately to avoid revealing her most secret desires.

“To begin with, I love her carefree attitude and the fact she seems to fear absolutely nothing. She’s also the first person my own age who’s ever offered to be kind to me and shown me that there is more to life than just knowledge. Oh please, make me stop!” Hermione blurted red in the face before continuing. “She’s made my life worth living. Physically, she’s smoking hot and I love the way she entwines her tongue with mine and how it tastes.”

“Silencio” Snape bellowed having heard enough.

Hermione continued talking but now nothing came out. The class were staring at her wide eyed. Scootaloo had gone red faced.

“Ahh, sir, we were just getting to the good part.” Seamus Finnigan chuckled.

“Lunchtime detention Mr Finnigan.” Snape growled ominously; the boy went quiet. “Right class, I feel that is enough for today. I’ll see those of you that are not in detention on Friday where you shall all be attempting to brew the potion yourselves. I hope this demonstration has shown you the serious effects this plant can cause and will make you take great care when brewing the potion. We wouldn’t want any accidents now would we Mr Longbottom?”

Neville shrank in his chair. “No sir,” he replied barely above a whisper.

“Good. Class dismissed. Miss Granger, as much as I’d like to see you suffer, my responsibility as an educator means I’m legally required to give you and Miss Prewett the antidote. The herbal bath has already been set up ready for you both in the prefects’ bathroom. Miss Prewett knows where it is. I suggest both of you head there now before returning for your detention.” Snape droned as he walked back too the front of the class.

Without another word Scootaloo grabbed hers and Hermione’s things before pulling her distraught girlfriend out of the classroom, channelling out Apple Bloom’s yells behind her.

Hermione winced as Scootaloo washed her bruised and battered face.

“That bastard Filch. I’ll roast his cat on a barbeque for what he’s done to you.” Scootaloo growled furiously. “I mean just look at your poor eye and the scratches that damn cat has given your legs.”

“Please, let’s just put it behind us.” Hermione said softly a tear in her eye. “I just want to forget about the whole damn thing.”

“What, after everything those two did to us?” Scootaloo retorted before seeing the look in her girlfriend’s eyes. “Fine, although I doubt we’ll be allowed to forget about this incident for a while considering the entire school will probably know about us by the end of the day if not lunch.” Scootaloo grumbled.

“Who cares, as long as we’ve got each other we’ll get through it.” Hermione replied as Scootaloo started to brush her hair. “I almost feel it is worth it for this bath alone. Now I know why you come up here so often.” Hermione continued.

“Well I’m sure no one would mind if I snuck my girlfriend in on occasions.”

“Oh no, I wouldn’t want to get you into anymore trouble.”

“Pfft, as I said I doubt anyone would mind. This bath is plenty big enough if even three or four others want to bathe in at the same time and from what I recall there are only twenty-eight of us who can use this bathroom anyway.” Scootaloo explained.

“Well if you are sure.” Hermione responded a little uncertain.

“Positive, as long as you can answer this one question for me. Did you really mean everything you said back there?”

Hermione stumbled over what to say in reply before simply replying in a voice barely above a whisper “yes.”

“Good enough for me.” Scootaloo finished brushing the other girls’ hair and turned her around before bringing her lips into meet hers.

“Ahh, how sweet. So, it is true.” A voice said innocently at the side of the large bath.

By now Scootaloo had had enough and huffed “why don’t you take a picture Maddie, it’ll last longer.”

“Oh, you know I wouldn’t do that. I just came to say you’ve both had your detentions downgraded. You’ll be kept after Herbology tomorrow to help out Professor Sprout instead. She threw an absolute fit once Apple Bloom told her what Snape did.” The newcomer explained.

“Thanks Maddie.” Scootaloo replied.

“Don’t mention it. Geez, that sleazeball Filch really did a number on your face didn’t he. I’d get Pomfrey to look at that, looks nasty.”

“Yeah, we were thinking of going there as soon as we finished here, but won’t have time if we want to get some lunch.”

“I’ll get a message to Madam Pomfrey to come find you on her way to lunch.”

“Thanks again, Maddie.”

“Don’t mention it, everyone in Hufflepuff owes you so much for what you’ve done so far this year. Anyway, I’ll leave you two lovebirds alone. Congratulations, you make a very cute couple.” Maddie tittered turning to leave.

Scootaloo blushed once more as she prepared to leave the bath.

Lunch proved to be a very sombre affair. Unsurprisingly, news of the girls’ relationship had spread like wildfire round the school and Scootaloo had to deal not only with the constant whispers behind her back, but her concern for Hermione also, the other girl having been whisked off to the infirmary by Madam Pomfrey as soon as she’d taken one look at her face. Scootaloo had offered to come to, but Hermione had told her she’d be fine and that she’d see her later. The rest of the girls from the first year Hufflepuff dormitory all attempted to raise their friend’s spirits but to no avail and thus the majority of lunch was spent in silent solitude along with the trip to the Discord tower. Not even when a whole bucket of slime deposited itself upon Apple Bloom did Scootaloo elicit a smile.

“Oh c’mon. I’m rainbow coloured and now covered in pink glittery slime and still you can’t even smile.” Apple Bloom pouted.

“Sorry Bloom, I’m just not in the mood right now.” Scootaloo sighed in a distracted tone.

“Achoo” Sweetie added with a sniffle blowing more rainbow snot into a tissue.

“God, you two weren’t kidding. She’s got it bad. You know Hermione will be fine, so quit your grumping or I’m not going to tell you that you are about to step on, oops to late.” Susan sniggered as a giant cookie started rolling down the hallway.

“Oh, real original Discord.” Scootaloo grumbled as she prepared herself to move out the way only to find her feet stuck to the floor with treacle. She finally let out a slight chuckle. “Okay, now this is interesting.”

After dealing with the giant cookie of doom using a bizarre plan that involved a rubber chicken, cookie cutters, lemon curd and an assortment of other items, Scootaloo actually started to perk up a bit and the girls entered class 104 laughing and giggling over the whole debacle. That was until they saw the giant snake hissing and staring back at them.

Hannah, Meghan and Sweetie screamed as Susan, Bloom and Scootaloo all raised their wands, ready to attack.

As quickly as it had appeared though, the snake disappeared and was replaced by Discord who started clapping in respect at three of the girls’ reactions.

“Well done to Miss Bloom, Prewett and Bones, although right now all six of you would be dead. Anybody like to hazard a guess at what that creature was?”

All six of the girls looked at each other blankly for a moment.

“Well then, looks like we’ve a lot to get through today so I suggest you all take your seats and we shall begin, everyone else is already here.” Discord stated as he and the girls floated up to the ceiling.

The girls quickly took their seats and took out their wands along with some parchment and ink, the other six children already patiently waiting for the start of the lesson. As soon they were ready Discord began.

“This term we shall be moving on from our more practical learning of jinxes and hexes to a more theoretical approach in learning about a wide array of dark creatures which shall continue into your first semester in your second year. This knowledge will then be applied practically across your remaining time at Hogwarts. There are countless dark creatures across the world and we may not have the time to look at them all in depth over the next five years. Thus, we shall be focusing on the most dangerous as classified by the Ministry of Magic. To begin with though I’d like you to acknowledge the five classes the Ministry of Magic uses for creatures as shown here on the board.” Discord lectured before he pointed towards the board

X Creatures – Boring and harmless to humans.

XX Creatures – Harmless and easily domesticated.

XXX Creatures – No trouble for competent wizards.

XXXX Creatures – Dangerous and require specialist knowledge to deal with. Should only be dealt with by trained wizards. This classification also covers creatures which are not dangerous, but endangered or very difficult to catch.

XXXXX Creatures – Incredibly dangerous and known wizard killers. Should be avoided at all costs as they are impossible to train or domesticate.

After allowing the students a few minutes to copy the classifications down Discord continued. “We shall be focusing on the twenty-six most dangerous and dark creatures, mostly from categories four and five, with my opinion being that if you can defend yourself against these, you should have no problem with the rest. If you’d like to learn about any further creatures, I suggest you take Care for Magical Creatures in your third year. The creatures we shall be looking at here are as follows.” He again indicated to the board.

Year 1

1. Acromantulas
2. Banshees
3. Basilisks
4. Ghosts
5. Gorgons
6. Gytrashes
7. Hidebehind
8. Quintaped
9. Trolls
10. Vampires
11. Wampus Cat
12. Werewolves
13. Zombies

Year 2

1. Boggarts
2. Chimera
3. Dementors
4. Dragons
5. Horned Serpent
6. Kappa
7. Kelpie
8. Lethifold
9. Inferious
10. Manticore
11. Nundu
12. Runespoor
13. Thestral

After a little while of more scribbling of quills on parchment Discord proceeded.“Now, I’m not going to lie, some of these creatures may give you nightmares. On the positive side, by the end of your time here at the school, if you are ever unfortunate enough to encounter any of these, you will hopefully live to tell the tale. Now, can anyone hazard a guess from that first list just what creature I was imitating?”

Sweetie’s hand shot up.

“Yes, Miss Belle.”

“Well I know what all bar four of those are on that list and from the other four if I was to hazard a guess, a basilisk?”

“Very good, a point to Hufflepuff.” Discord replied.

Sweetie beamed from the praise.

“Now, does anyone have any clue what a basilisk is?”

Scootaloo’s hand this time rose into the air alongside a few others.

“Yes, Miss Prewett.”

“A giant snake?”

“Simply put, yes. A basilisk is a tier five serpent with fangs that contain the deadliest of venom and golden eyes that will you kill you instantly if you dare to gaze into them. Rather than have me prattle on, for the next ten minutes or so I’d like you to copy down these thirteen key points on basilisks, which we will then discuss together in greater depth throughout the remainder of today’s and Thursday’s lessons.” Discord explained snapping his fingers and making the information on the board change once more.

1. Known as the king of serpents, it can grow up to fifty feet in length.
2. Unlike other dark creatures that developed naturally, they were engineered by dark wizards and originated from Ancient Greece through the dark work of Herpo the Foul who discovered one could be hatched from a chicken’s egg placed underneath a toad.
3. Breeding them is illegal and been banned by the Ministry of Magic since Medieval times.
4. They can live for a thousand years, sometimes even more.
5. They are almost impossible to control, even by Parseltongues.
6. The venom from their fangs is extremely poisonous and not only will kill anything within minutes but the only known antidote is phoenix tears.
7. Physically, aside from their fangs and their size, their other most notable feature is their large yellow eyes which if looked into cause immediate and instantaneous death, except in the case of an immortal being, such as a phoenix or Draconequus, which are immune to its effects.
8. The effects of its gaze can also be dampened if contact between the victim’s and the basilisk’s eyes is interfered in anyway, i.e. if someone is short sighted and cannot see the eyes clearly. The same also applies if contact is indirect, i.e. though a reflection in a puddle or mirror. In both these cases, the victim would be subject to petrification and not death.
9. A basilisk loses its deadly gaze if its eyes are damaged or it loses its sight in any way.
10. Spiders are particularly fearful of basilisks and can sense when they are near. Thus, fleeing spiders is a tell-tale sign a basilisk is near.
11. Due to their armoured skin, deadly fangs and eyes, they are incredibly difficult to kill, with their only known weakness being the crowing of a rooster, which is fatal to it.
12. Contrary to popular belief, the stench of a weasel will only agitate and anger a basilisk whilst staring at its own reflection will also have no effect upon it.
13. Unsurprisingly, the Ministry of Magic has classified them as XXXXX.

The Hufflepuff first years once again hastily scribbled down the information from the chalkboard, whilst Discord sat in his chair at the front of the class reading an upside-down newspaper and drinking a glass of chocolate milk.

Later that afternoon Dumbledore sat behind the desk in his office waiting for the knock on his door. Punctual as ever it came.

“Come in.” He commanded

“You wish to see me sir.” Argus Filch’s head popped round the door.

“Yes Argus. It surrounds an incident earlier today surrounding a first-year girl called Miss Granger.”

“Oh, that sneaky little brat who thought she could skip class and taunt me. Kicked poor Mrs Norris to. I soon taught her a lesson she won’t forget in a hurry.”

“Yes, I know.” Dumbledore sighed. “Argus, I’ve told you countless times before that corporal punishment is no longer permitted, no matter what the circumstance may be. Were you aware that Miss Granger was under a highly powerful truth serum at the time?”

“No.” Filch looked at the headmaster just starting to feel a little uneasy at where this conversation was going.

“Or that this was the reason she was absent from class?”

“No.”

“Did you even ask the student, who is one of the most intelligent and sensible students in our first year what she was doing out of class before you dragged her back nearly pulling her ear off in the process.” Dumbledore said, his voice just starting to rise a bit in volume.

“Bah, talk is cheap.” Argus grunted trying to regain a foothold on the conversation. “When I was a wee nipper a few lashings with a whip or a cane or a box round the ears soon put an end to any rule breaking. Miss Granger will think twice before skipping anymore classes or kicking poor defenceless animals.”

Dumbledore let out another heavy sigh. “Argus, for one, the girl reacted in self-defence, I’ve seen the scratches on her legs. Secondly, those times are gone, why can’t you just let them go?”

“Let them go?” Argus roared indignantly. “You’ve gone soft in your old age Albus. Students these days feel they can get away with just about anything, that break in over Christmas into the restricted section of the library in the dead of night should have been a wake up call for you. We need to go back to the old ways of hanging misbehaving students by their wrists for a few days or beating some sense into them. Only then will they learn.”

“Argus, that will never happen while I’m at Hogwarts and you know it.” Dumbledore tried to get through to the caretaker.

“Bah, you’re just a pushover.” Was the reply he got.

Dumbledore had had enough. “What if I was to dismiss you from your post with immediate effect due to assaulting a student, because I’ve enough evidence to do so.”

“What! You wouldn’t dare. I’d have the Ministry of Magic on you for wrongful dismissal in a heartbeat.” Filch retorted angrily.

“On what grounds. Miss Granger has a fractured cheekbone, a black eye, bruises across her body and has more scratches on her legs due to that damn cat of yours than I can count. That and your track record of abusing students,” Dumbledore paused and placed a folder on his desk. “This being the 37th incident of physical abuse you’ve been involved in in your twenty-five years serving Hogwarts, it doesn’t look good for you Argus. The only reason I’m not firing you right here on the spot is because of your dedication to your post and the fact I’ve managed to convince Miss Granger not to escalate it further as long as you offer her your sincerest apology in person at dinner this evening.”

“What!” Filch screeched again. “I’ll do nothing of the sort.”

“Okay, let me make it clear. You apologise to the girl or remove yourself from the premises before the end of the day, because if her parents find out what happened nothing will save your job.” Dumbledore commanded.

“Yes sir.” Filch grumbled mutinously as he stared down at his feet.

“Excellent. This is your final warning Argus. I do not want to see the back of you. You are a loyal, hardworking and highly valued member of the Hogwarts team, not to mention a dear friend, but I just cannot ignore the evidence that lies in front of me. If I hear you’ve hurt even just one more student, you’ll be packing your bags and escorted from the premises before you can say Hogsmeade, understood?”

“Yes sir.” Filch’s eyes hadn’t moved from his feet.

“Good, you are dismissed.” Dumbledore said sternly.

Argus Filch rose from his chair and without another word left the room.

The lesson and discussion on basilisks had been just the distraction Scootaloo needed to get her mind of Hermione for the time being. For the remainder of the school day she was able to focus on doing her homework in the library during her free period and on her extra Herbology class where Professor Sprout started to go over Poison Joke to the other two houses. It was as she was leaving the greenhouse though that she heard Draco Malfoy say it under his breath, but intentionally loudly enough for her to hear.

“Disgusting how the school allows such repulsive behaviour. Both those girls should be expelled. It’s bad enough such freaks were allowed to study at such a prestigious institution, let alone get romantically involved with each other, blegh.”

Scootaloo turned with a look of fury on her face that slowly turned to a wry grin.

“What are you grinning at, freak.” Draco sneered.

“Mr Malfoy, ten points from Slytherin for bullying and detention, starting immediately. How do you fancy helping me repot those other Poison Joke samples Professor Discord kindly acquired for me?” A voice said angrily from behind Draco.

The boy gulped and turned around to see Professor Sprout glowering at him.

“Yes mam.” He whimpered.

“Thank you, professor.” Scootaloo said politely.

“Anytime, now off to dinner with you. Can’t have my Quidditch captain late for practice.” Professor Sprout grinned as she dragged Draco back into the greenhouse.

The latest episode with Malfoy had brought a smile back to Scootaloo’s face for the first time since the prank she’d pulled upon her friends that morning and her spirits were high as she neared the Great Hall only to find two hands suddenly blocking her vision.

“Guess who?” A voice giggled playfully.

Scootaloo’s smile widened. “Hmm, I wonder. Could it be Apple Bloom, no to high pitched, Sweetie Belle, no, maybe it’s that annoyingly squeaky Gryffindor girl who keeps following me everywhere?” She jested.

“Hey, I’m not squeaky.” Hermione squeaked turning the other girl around and booping her on the nose with one of her fingers.

Scootaloo blushed before her eyes went wide at the face in front of her.

“You like the new look. Filch hit me so hard it caused a small fracture of my cheekbone. Madam Pomfrey didn’t want to take any chances and insist I wear this mask for a week.”

“I’ll wring his neck.” Scootaloo said ferociously.

“No, you won’t.” Hermione chided. “I talked with Dumbledore while in the infirmary and as long as Mr Filch apologises, I won’t take it any further. Please, things are hard enough for us right now without making a scene over this as well.” Hermione pleaded.

Scootaloo looked at her girlfriend for a moment wanting to argue but then sighed and reluctantly grumbled, “Fine.”

As if on cue a cough interrupted the two girl’s conversation and there before them stood the topic of discussion.

“Um, Miss Granger, I just wished to apologise for my actions earlier and the injuries I caused you. I wasn’t thinking clearly after seeing you kick Mrs Norris.” Filch forced out as he handed Hermione a bunch of freshly picked flowers.

“Thank you very much. The flowers are lovely and I’d just like to say I’m sorry for the way I acted to. I do hope your cat is okay?” Hermione replied graciously.

Filch was slightly taken aback by this but after a slight pause eked. “She’s fine, thank you for asking. Now I must be getting back to my work.” Filch finished shuffling away.

As soon as he was gone Scootaloo blurted out “well, that was awkward.”

Like always, after a few days the students of Hogwarts found something else to gossip about and Hermione and Scootaloo’s relationship became old news, with the girls barely getting the odd stare anymore. The news didn’t even feature in the Hogwarts Hawk although that might have also had something to do with Joanne MacGyver not wanting to face Professor Sprout’s wrath again. They’d actually enjoyed detention with Professor Sprout the previous day, helping her tidy up the greenhouse as she told them how Mallfoy had ‘accidentally’ been inflicted with Poison Joke the day before that had resulted in his head turning into that of an Ass. Unfortunately, it seemed Snape had been less than pleased with the whole situation and was now retaliating by docking points for even the slightest infraction in their Potions lesson.

“Mr Weasley, would you care to tell me what is so funny?”

Ron looked like a deer caught in a set of headlights.

“Alright then, five points from Gryffindor for not concentrating on brewing your potion.”

“Lovebirds, did I say you could whisper sweet nothings to each other? Five points each from Gryffindor and Hufflepuff.”

Hermione and Scootaloo look ready to blow a fuse but opted to go back to concentrating on their potion.

BOOM

“That’s another five from Gryffindor for Mr Finnigan once again turning the potion into an explosive. Mr Thomas, accompany him to the infirmary please.”

“No, Miss Bones and Miss Abbot, are you even reading the instructions on the board? Five more points from Hufflepuff for failing to read instructions.”

“Ahh, Miss Bloom, at least I can count on ONE student to make the potion correctly. Two points to Hufflepuff.”

“Thank you, sir.” Apple Bloom replied humbly as Wayne Hopkins cried across the room.

“Sir, Neville just accidentally ingested a leaf!”

“Why am I not surprised? Five points from Gryffindor for just being you Longbottom.” Snape sighed walking over to the two boys as the Longbottom boy screamed from the floor.

“Aaaaaaaaaaaah, I’m Professor Snape.” Neville wailed rising from the floor.

Just a flicker of emotion flashed across Snape’s face as he stared back at an almost exact replica of himself. Laughter erupted from the class.

“Oh my word. The plant turned Neville into the thing he fears most.” Ron hollered.

“Five more points from Gryffindor for talking without permission Weasley. Anymore from you and I’ll be extending your detentions into next week.” The real Snape growled examining his doppelganger. “Miss Bones, seeing as you decimated your potion, help Mr Longbottom to the infirmary, Miss Abbot help Mr Hopkins finish his and Neville’s attempt. The rest of you back to work. If I do not get at least five more vials of viable Poison Joke potion to accompany Miss Bloom’s by the end of the lesson, you shall all be back this afternoon during your free periods.”

The Hufflepuffs and Gryffindors wanted to groan but felt better of it and swiftly got back to work. To the students’ relief, by the end of the lesson they’d managed to brew seven more vials of Poison Joke potion.

“Wow what a sour puss. What got on his nerves?” Scootaloo exclaimed as they headed to lunch. “Anybody knows how many points we lost in the end.”

“I think we lost forty and gained seven through Apple Bloom.” Susan quipped.

“Lucky, Snape took sixty of us. The brute” Hermione grumbled.

“Still totally worth it to see the look on his face when Neville turned into his doppelganger,” Ron interjected.

“Really Ron, could you not care less about the House Cup?”

“Hermione, Hufflepuff are leading over us and Slytherin by more than two hundred points right now, it’s a foregone conclusion. Best we can hope for is the Quidditch Cup.” Ron said matter-of-factly.

“There are still six months between now and the end of the year, anything could happen.” Hermione argued.

“Like to make a bet on that?” Scootaloo said with a devilish smirk.

Hermione sighed. “Fine, Hufflepuff are almost certainly going to win the House Cup, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t still at least try to catch them!”

“No chance bitches.” Wally cawed suddenly appearing on Scootaloo’s shoulder.

“Where’d he come from?” Meghan said with surprise.

Scootaloo shrugged her shoulders.

“Don’t fucking ask and I’ll tell you no fucking lies.” Wally cawed.

“That answer your question.” Scootaloo said to Meghan.

“Can you quit your yakking and hurry up. I’m hungry and we all know what will happen if I get hangry.” Apple Bloom growled a little way out in front.

The gaggle of students looked at each other with fearful expressions for a moment before hastily attempting to catch up to the other girl.

After her stomach was sated from a lunch of homemade soup, fresh bread, fruit and an assortment of cakes, Scootaloo had said her goodbyes to her friends and had eagerly made her way to the North Tower. As per the norm, she was greeted by the warm voice of Professor Trelawney who sat in her favourite armchair next to a blazing fire.

“Welcome my dear! I’ve been eagerly awaiting your arrival. I hope you enjoyed your break and are ready to learn once more. Please take a seat.” The professor indicated the chair across from hers.

“It was great, thank you. I was so glad you joined us for the Christmas feast, it certainly was entertaining!” Scootaloo said in reply.

“Indeed, it was. I’ve never seen a phoenix egg before, it was certainly a once in a lifetime experience. Has Miss Bloom deposited it in your safe at Gringotts yet?”

“No. Although we’ve pushed her, all she’s repeated to us since Christmas is that it’s safe and that’s all you need to know.”

“How Mysterious.” Sybil replied sipping from a cup of tea. “Anyhow, let us not dwell on it any longer, we’ve a lot to get through today. Did you at all suffer from any visions, dreams, seizures and so forth during your time off?”

“I did have one strange dream actually on Christmas night of Professor Quirrell as a giant chicken, although I’ve no idea why I dreamt that and don’t really think it means to much.” Scootaloo admitted.

Professor Trelawney chuckled before she said “How peculiar. I’m sure if it did mean anything it will reveal itself in due course. For now, shall we proceed with this term’s areas of study? I believe we shall start with Fire Omens and move onto Palmistry sometime in February.”

Scootaloo rubbed her hands with glee. “Yes please. I’ve been engrossed in Fire Omens ever since you bought me that book and have read it cover to cover three times already.”

Sybil looked at her protegee impressed. “Then please, if you don’t mind, enlighten me with what you know.”

“Fire Omens or Pyromancy as it is otherwise known, is the art of divination by fire, with its truest form being the interpretation of shapes from a source of flame, such as a candle. It is one of the earliest known forms of divination due to fires consistent importance to civilizations across the world and records of its use date back as far as ancient Zoroastrian, Greek and Asian rituals. More recently it was classified as one of the seven ‘forbidden arts’ during the renaissance period along with necromancy, geomancy, aeromancy, hydromancy, palmistry, and scapulimancy by Johannes Hartlieb in 1456. Despite its popularity waning over the course of the past few centuries in favour of the easier to interpret Crystal gazing, Pyromancy still remains a core part of numerous other branches of divination, such as Alomancy or Botanomancy, which base predictions of the burning of salt and plants respectively, and still has an integral part to play in modern divination.” Scootaloo finished rapidly in almost a single breath.

“Wow. That was seriously impressive. I don’t think there is anything I could add to that. You really have been studying hard over the holidays.” Professor Trelawney replied with a massive smile on her face. “Would you like to give it a go?” She pointed at the roaring fire in the hearth.

Scootaloo nodded her head with vigour in reply as she removed herself from the armchair and settled herself crossed legged in front of the hearth. She was soon joined by Professor Trelawney and it was here they stayed and stared intently at the blazing fire for the better part of the next hour as it crackled and popped. Just when it looked like nothing exciting was going to happen the fire twisted and morphed into an only to recognisable face.

“Oh no,” Scootaloo murmured under her breath as her eyes suddenly took on a glazed and hollowed look. “Time ticks by and the Dark Lord’s return looms ever nearer. An eye for an eye, a limb for a limb, certain doom awaits any who attempt to intervene.” Her eyes cleared and she shook her head, clearing the fog a bit as Professor Trelawney supported her. “What just happened?”

Professor Trelawney was unsure whether to shriek with glee or worry. In the end she opted for neither and went for the middle ground. “I believe the fire just spoke to you my dear. I’m a little worried over the ominous nature of the premonition, although delighted you managed to connect. Fire omens are certainly one of the harder forms of divination to learn. Shall we see what else we can learn from the fire or would you prefer to call it a day there?”

Scootaloo stared at her teacher as if she was mad. “No way am I stopping now. The flames were just showing me how Apple Bloom’s family are getting on back home until that face rudely interrupted.” She huffed. “Her granny’s arthritis has been acting up and she’s planning on remaining in the kitchen and the warmth of the oven till Winter Wrap Up. Applejack will hog-tie Rainbow and leave her hanging from a tree for dumping a whole load of snow on her, whilst the future of her brother I couldn’t quite decipher before that damn face destroyed all my hard work of the past hour.”

Professor Trelawney stared at the girl in stunned silence for a moment before she wrapped the girl into a rib shattering hug.

“You are truly one of a kind.” She whispered into Scootaloo’s ear.

“Help, can’t breathe!” Scootaloo wheezed, but Sybil refused to relent her grip of the girl.

Scootaloo and Hermione lay atop the Astronomy Tower and stared at the beautiful night’s sky above them. After a hectic first week back after Christmas, the girls had finally managed to hop on their broomsticks Sunday evening as the rain took a five-minute breather from its battering of the school. As the clouds parted, they’d gone for a breath-taking acrobatic and death-defying ride before taking a breather atop the Astronomy tower.

“So, not afraid we’re going to be caught up here?” Scootaloo turned away from the night sky for a moment and teased her girlfriend.

“Pfft, we’d hear them and fly off before they did. Besides, almost everyone is at dinner right now.” Hermione replied smugly.

“Oh ho ho. Calculated risk. I knew there was more I liked of you than just your stunning looks. Brains as well as beauty.”

Hermione blushed causing Scootaloo to start giggling.

“Oh, that’s to cute.” Scootaloo jested.

“Why did I ever fall in love with you?” Hermione groaned.

“It’s because I’m smoking hot and you know it.” Scootaloo quipped with a roguish smirk. “Or maybe it’s how good I am at kissing? Why don’t we practice some more and find out?

“You’re never going to forget those things I said in Potions, are you?” Hermione grumbled.

“Nope.”

Hermione rolled her eyes before a devilish smirk of her own crossed her lips and she pulled her girlfriend in closer. “Fine then, let’s practice some more.”

Scootaloo’s eyes shot open in excitement for a moment before she closed them and lent in for the inevitable kiss.

It never came. Instead Hermione pushed her away and as Scootaloo opened her eyes in surprise, the other girl called over her shoulder as she hopped onto her broomstick and zoomed off into the night.

“You’ll have to catch me first though!” Hermione’s voice echoed through the darkness.

“It’s on.” With a wide grin Scootaloo leapt of the stone floor, raced to Broomy and shot off into the night herself after her prize.

Valentine's

Despite the dreary weather, time flew for the Crusaders. With their teachers’ intent on piling more and more homework upon them as the weeks passed along with Quidditch to attend to, they found they had little time for anything else and before they knew it January was but a distant blur and half of February along with it.

“I can’t believe it’s just two more weeks till we take on Gryffindor.” Sweetie exclaimed one Friday morning as they headed to breakfast. “I’m unsure whether too be nervous or excited!”

“At least you don’t have to make a fool of yourself wearing that damn costume.” Apple Bloom grumbled.

Sweetie sniggered. “You remember the deal we made, now suck it up.”

“Doesn’t mean I have to like.” The other girl huffed. “And what’s up with you Scootaloo, you’ve seemed distracted ever since we got up?”

“Huh, what? Sorry did you say something to me.” Scootaloo snapped out of her dreamlike state.

“My point exactly. You like to share with us what’s on your mind?” Apple Bloom enquired politely.

Scootaloo’s face went red. “Err, Quidditch, yeah, Quidditch.” She quickly blurted out with a guilty expression across her face.

Four of the five other girls around her burst out into laughter as Apple Bloom began to sing…

“Scootaloo and Hermione sitting in a tree…”

THWUMP, Scootaloo’s Potions textbook hit her in the face.

“Big mistake.” Apple Bloom smiled malevolently. “I wonder what Snape will do to you when you turnup to class without your textbook.”

“Ahem.” A cough startled Bloom and she looked behind her to see the aforementioned professor. “Ahh, crap. Here you go Scootaloo.” She reluctantly handed her friend her textbook back.

Snape opted to turn a blind eye on the shenanigans and instead turned his attention to Scootaloo. “Miss Prewett, I’m glad I caught you. I’ve just spoken to Madam Hooch and Dumbledore and we’ve decided that I’ll be refereeing your next Quidditch match. Oh, and if I ever catch you using your textbook for a projectile again, you’ll be spending a week as Miss Bloom’s Potions guinea pig, do I make myself clear?” He finished in his usual monotonous drone.

Scootaloo looked at the professor aghast for a moment before she gulped and uttered “yes sir.”

“Then I’ll see you in class later today.” And with that he marched off to the Great Hall for breakfast.

“Shit, shit and treble shit.” Scootaloo swore before she remembered what day it was and skipped jovially after the professor to breakfast, a wide smile returning to her lips.

“What just happened? Did I just miss something or did Snape just say he would be refereeing our next Quidditch match?” Susan said in a combined state of shock and fright.

“That seemed to be the gist of it, yes.” Sweetie groaned.

“Then can someone explain to me why our captain is acting like she is over the moon with the idea? He’ll do anything he can to stop us winning and go further clear in both the Quidditch and House Cups.” Susan exclaimed, completely befuddled at the events that had unfolded before her very eyes.

Hannah and Meghan slowly stopped their giggling before both cried in unison “BECAUSE IT’S VALENTINES DAY!”

“Oh no.” Susan groaned, placing her head in her left hand. “Which one of you told her?”

The other two girls looked at each other guiltily for a moment.

“What’s Valentine’s Day?” Apple Bloom asked a little confused.

“Oh, it’s a wonderful day where people express their romantic feelings for one another, often through cards and gifts.” Meghan explained. “I wonder if I’ll get any admirers this year?” She finished with a distant dreamy look on her face.

“Fat chance. Boys our age aren’t interested in us girls.” Hannah grumbled.

“I know.” Meghan said despondently, her dreams dashed. “Still, this would be a great opportunity to tease them.” She added with a despicably evil expression across her face.

“Of course.” Hannah wrapped her arm around the other girl and together they headed to breakfast plotting how they could make their male peers’ day a very uncomfortable one.

“I hate Valentine’s.” Susan muttered contemptuously.

“I’d already figured that one out.” Apple Bloom chuckled. “It sounds very much like a holiday we have back home called Hearts and Hooves day which arrives the first day after Winter Wrap up to celebrate the start of Spring.”

“It is weird how our holidays seem to have an equivalent in this world.” Sweetie piped in as the remaining three girls made their way to the Great Hall in deep discussion about the morning’s news.

Hermione stared red faced at the huge bunch of roses that an owl had just deposited in front of her. Across from her at the Hufflepuff table Scootaloo stood up and blew her a kiss.

“My word, they must have cost her a fortune!” Ron exclaimed. “What’s in the other parcel?”

Hermione looked at the attached note to the box wrapped in red paper adorned with pink hearts.

For those lonely nights when you are missing me most, xxx Scootaloo.

Hermione’s face went redder. “Erm, maybe I should save that one till later.” She managed to stutter.

“Why? What does that note say?” Ron enquired reading it over Hermione’s shoulder before she could stop him.

His eyes went wide and he was left gasping for breath.

Hermione gave him a death stare before putting the box under her right arm.

“I’m going to take this back to my room before first period. I’ll see you both in Herbology.” She said gruffly, getting up from the table and taking her gifts with her as she left.

“You think we upset her somehow?” Harry said completely oblivious to what had just occurred. “I wonder what could possibly be in that box to get her so flustered?”

“Trust me when I say I don’t think we want to know.” Ron replied before going back to his breakfast.

Shrugging his shoulders, Harry joined him.

“Really. It’s a stupid holiday purely thought up to get people to spend money and act like lovesick fools.” Apple Bloom groused to Susan as they left Herbology after a lesson where most the students’ attentions had been more focused on who their secret admirers were rather than the actual lesson itself.

“Couldn’t agree more. I lost count how many times Scootaloo and Hermione were just chatting away to one another and doing no actual work. Professor Sprout didn’t seem at all fussed though, the same probably happens every year.” Susan groused in reply looking over at the other three girls in their dorm who were deep in discussion over who might have sent their Valentine’s cards at breakfast, mostly fourth- and fifth-year boys.

“We must be the only girls in the entire school right now not getting carried away.” Apple Bloom said in reply.

“Or receive any, ‘blegh’, cards.” Susan added with disgust as Apple Bloom felt a tap on her shoulder.

“Oh, hey Neville. Come to join the anti-Valentine’s brigade.”

“Well, a-actually I w-was wondering if you’d like to go over Herbology notes in the library with me during our free period.” The boy stammered with a blush.

Apple Bloom’s face went as red as her hair as she struggled for a reply to the boy’s request until Susan intervened.

“She’d love to.” Susan chuckled evilly. “I’ll leave you two to get better acquainted.” She finished disappearing into the throng of students before Apple Bloom could stop her.

Sighing, Apple Bloom wrapped her arm around the other boys and said. “Let us get this over with then,” before she dragged a petrified looking Neville off to the library amongst an array of stares and laughs from their friends.

Apple Bloom had actually enjoyed her study session with Neville and was surprised by just how much the boy knew about magical plants and fungi. Afterwards they’d grabbed a quick bite to eat before making their way to the dungeon in a heated debate over which plant was of greater importance, Moly or Dittany. As they entered the Potions class Snape bellowed.

“Settle down please. There shall be no gossiping in my lessons.” He waited a moment for pure silence too adorn the room. “Excellent. Now, although you are a little young, I’ve something extremely dangerous to show you today that was crafted yesterday evening by Miss Bloom. This” he held a small vial of magenta pink liquid out in front of himself, “is Amortentia, the strongest known love potion in the world and a N.E.W.T level potion you will get the chance to brew if you pass your O.W.L in year five with an Outstanding. For now, I shall just be giving a demonstration of its power.”

He pulled the stopper out the vial and let its scent waft over the classroom.

“Now, one of the aspects that makes it so dangerous is its aroma, which entices the victim in with the three things they find most attractive and is different for everybody who smells it.” A number of students started rising from their seats, Snape swiftly corked the vial once more.

Apple Bloom put her hand in the air. Although Snape hated anyone interrupting his monologuing, he’d secretly grown fond of his protegee and allowed her to ask anything she wanted throughout.

“Yes, Miss Bloom?”

“A lot like the sirens in old mythology then?”

“A good and accurate analogy.” Snape replied garnering a smile from Apple Bloom. “Even a highly skilled Potions Master such as myself could have trouble with Amortentia, even knowingly consuming it without physically being able to stop myself. Like all love potions, once you’re under its power you are aware of everything you do but have no control over your actions, thus are at the mercy of the administer of the potion until it wears off or you are provided with the antidote.”

Snape pulled out yet another vial, this time containing a crystal-clear liquid.

“And that is if they let you recover. History speaks of tales of muggle men long trapped in the powers of such potions of witches and who only regained their senses if they were lucky enough that something befell the witch who had besotted them. You see class, love cannot be manufactured or imitated, rather these potions cause the victim to become infatuated and obsessed against their will with the person who administered them for a set duration of time, similar to the Imperious Curse. Due to this, it has often been argued that such potions should be banned by the Ministry, indeed they are strictly banned from school grounds and anyone found with one shall be joining the Weasley twins.” Snape paused for a moment and bore a hole into Ron’s soul with his eyes causing the boy to nearly soil his clean underwear. “In infinite detention for the remainder of their time at Hogwarts.” He was going to continue but Ronald had meekly put his hand in the air.

“Yes, Mr Weasley, this had better be good.” Snape growled fiercely.

“Um, if you don’t mind me asking sir, how did my brothers get infinite detention?” Ron stammered.

Snape looked at the boy for a moment with an uninterested gaze before finally he replied. “For once Weasley a respectable question. Let me tell you all this now. I am one of the top five potions masters in the world, I can even resist the tempting call of Amortentia and tell when food and drink has been spiked by Draught of Living Death, despite it having no distinguishable taste or smell. Thus, your brothers foolhardy attempt to spike my morning tea at breakfast last week with Poison Joke potion was only going to result in one outcome. Now, let us get back on track in our exploration of the perils and pitfalls of love potions.” He waited a moment for the few stifled giggles around the room to subside. “Now Weasley, would you like to entertain us all by having a guess as to what might influence the strength and longevity of a love potion?”

Ron gulped. “The ingredients sir.” He finally managed

“Very good Weasley, one point to Gryffindor. Love potions usually wear off after twenty-four hours at most, but this is dependent on a variety of factors such as the weight of the drinker, attractiveness of the giver and how long the potion has been allowed to mature for amongst others. A key factor to remember with love potions is that they mature and become more potent overtime.” Snape rambled on.

Scootaloo stared up at the ceiling wishing for the bore fest to be over. Her wrist was already starting to cramp from all the notes she had been taking. As her mind started to drift an angry voice pierced through her dreams and pulled her back to reality.

“Miss Prewett.” Snape’s voice droned. “Anyone in there. We’d very much appreciate it if you’d inform us either what has got you so enlightened or the witch who invented all the modern love potions used today? Well, we’re waiting.” The professor finished irritably.

Scootaloo looked like a deer caught in some headlights for a moment. “Err, no clue sir.” She finally eked out.

“Well in future I suggest you pay attention. Five points from Hufflepuff. Miss Granger, care to help dunderhead out?”

“Laverne de Montmorency during the 1800’s sir.” Hermione replied.

“Well done. Five points to Gryffindor. I shall expect a thousand-word essay or more from all of you on Mrs Montmorency’s work by Tuesday. Miss Prewett, that’s two-thousand words for you!”

The students silently groaned, especially Scootaloo, as Snape continued to waffle on about the history, perils and pitfalls, and common ingredients of such potions. By the end of the double period every last student bar Apple Bloom and Hermione were complaining over the amount of information they’d had to take in and write down.

“I think my arms going to fall off!” Ron whined as they headed to lunch.

“At least he didn’t slap your wrist with a ruler.” Scootaloo replied testily rubbing her still sore wrist. “Ugh, a three-thousand-word essay minimum on some long dead love potion maker, how fun!”

“Well you did kind of fall asleep and started snoring in the second half of the lesson.” Sweetie Belle explained. “I think you got what you deserved there.”

“Still feel it’s a little much.”

“Nope.” Apple Bloom added bluntly.

“Thanks Bloom, you’re a true, supportive friend.” Scootaloo retorted sarcastically.

“Don’t mention it.”

“Don’t guess there’s any chance you’d help me is there?”

“Nope.”

“Thanks.”

“Your Welcome.”

“I’m just wondering what he’s going to do to us in our Quidditch match in a few weeks’ time now he’s refereeing it.” Scootaloo said changing the topic slightly.

“HE’S WHAT!” Hermione screamed. “Why didn’t you tell us earlier?” She demanded

“Ow, my ears.” Scootaloo recoiled from the sudden outburst. “He only told me this morning. It kind of slipped my mind.”

“Really. The professor with a questionable past who is attempting to steal the Philosopher’s Stone just happens to be refereeing the two students who are most likely to stop him in a game of Quidditch fifty feet or more up in the air with almost no witnesses if an accident just happened to occur. And, how may I ask did this slip your mind?” Hermione raged at her girlfriend.

Harry had gone pale, recollecting his first Quidditch match and how he’d nearly been jerked off his broom by dark magic and sent plummeting through the air to the solid ground below.

“You.” Was Scootaloo’s response before adding. “God damn you’re cute when you’re angry.”

Hermione stalled in her rant remembering the gifts at breakfast that morning and started to blush giving the opportune moment for Apple Bloom to intervene.

“How many times do I have to tell you all he’s not out to get anyone or steal whatever that dog is guarding. More than likely he’s refereeing it to prevent whoever cast the jinx last time from casting it again.”

“That seems just a little to coincidental Bloom.” Sweetie replied. “What is so important about this Philosopher’s Stone anyway?”

Hermione went redder suddenly realising what she’d let slip to the other three girls. Finally, taking a deep breath she spoke.

“Okay, I’ll tell you but it’s a secret between just us. It’s a fabled legendary artifact created using alchemy which has extraordinary powers. Alongside turning any metal into pure gold, it also produces the Elixir of Life, which will make the drinker immortal. There’s only one known to be in existence and that dog up on the third floor is guarding it.”

“Woah, okay, look, I’ve told you already I want nought to do with this. I’m sure Dumbledore has got everything under control. And besides, Snape wouldn’t dare try anything again, especially with all the other teachers watching his every move in the sky. Just relax, everything will be fine.” Scootaloo explained before she stormed off to lunch in a huff.

As the hallway went silence once more for a moment, Ron finally got his view on the matter out.

“I still think you shouldn’t play to be on the safe side.”

“No. Scootaloo’s right.” Harry sounded braver than he felt. “Besides, with the House Cup looking further and further out of our grasps, the Quidditch Cup is Gryffindor’s best chance of a trophy this year. I’m playing.”

Hermione and Ron looked at each other with concern etched across their faces.

Scootaloo calmed down over lunch and afterwards she and the Crusaders along with Harry, Ron, Hermione and surprisingly Neville had departed to the library and made decent inroads into their Potions’ essays before Scootaloo had whisked a reluctant Hermione off to the North Tower to aid her in her Divination lesson.

“You are well aware that I’m still highly sceptical of this fortune-telling malarky. Professor McGonagall says it’s a very imprecise branch of magic.” Hermione said snootily as Scootaloo pulled her along.

“Hmm, do we need to do the jelly bean test again or how about the whole troll incident or the bewitching of Harry’s broom. Need I go on?” Scootaloo retorted.

“Hey, I’m not saying it isn’t proper magic just that.” Hermione paused for a moment trying to think of the correct word.

“You’re a massive egghead who only believes in science, facts and figures.” Scootaloo cheekily finished the sentence getting a playful slap on the back of her head in retaliation from her girlfriend. “Ouch, still true though. I mean, Hermione, we are witches; nothing particularly makes sense or follows the norm. Heck, I’ve spent most my life in another dimension and am now half-Pegasus with a tattoo as you call it on both my hips.”

Sighing Hermione conceded defeat. “I suppose you’ve got me there. What did you need me for anyway, you said something about Palmistry?”

“More commonly known as Palm Reading. I thought it would be romantic being Valentine’s day and all.” Scootaloo explained her reasoning.

“Remind me never to let you plan our dates again. Broom shacks, storage cupboards and now Fortune Telling, how fun.” Hermione mocked.

“Hey, you forgot sneaking onto the top of the Astronomy Tower.” Scootaloo added.

“How could I forget that one.” Hermione giggled.

“Anyway, here we are.” Scootaloo said with an air of mystery.

“Where exactly? It’s a dead-end corridor.” The other girl looked round confused.

Scootaloo fluttered up to the trapdoor and banged three times. Hermione leapt back in surprise as a ladder dropped to the floor.

“After you milady.”

Hermione looked round the dimly lit room as she entered and the oddities it contained as a voice spoke out of the gloom.

“Ah, Scootaloo, I see you brought your friend. You definitely weren’t wrong. I can see it in her eyes the scepticism she has for our work. Let us see if she’ll be a bit more a believer by the end of today. Come child, take a seat and help yourself to a biscuit or two, I believe Jam Creams are your favourites.”

Hermione whizzed round to look at Scootaloo who was just closing up the ladder behind her. “I never told you what my favourite biscuits are.”

Scootaloo smiled. “No, you didn’t.”

“Many people see us as tricksters, frauds and the laughing stock of the magical community, even after we prove them countless times otherwise. Just because our prophecies and predictions are often cryptic, does not make them any less valuable. You just have to have the time and patience to figure them out is all.” Professor Trelawney explained.

Hermione let loose a dirty laugh as she made her way to one of the two armchairs that sat opposite Trelawney’s own. “Sorry, but Scootaloo patient. That’s a new one to me. The only time I’ve ever seen her be able to sit still for more than five minutes is when she’s asleep.”

“Hey.” Scootaloo interjected. “I resent that remark.”

Professor Trelawney giggled. “She can certainly be patient when she wants to be. I mean, for the past five weeks she’s come in here, she’s sat almost immediately in front of the fire and then barely moved for an hour or more as she just stares at the flames while occasionally making one or two notes on some parchment.”

“Wow, my girlfriend patient. I’d never have thought it.” Hermione admitted cheekily.

“Ha, ha. Not even here a minute and already picking on me.” Scootaloo deadpanned taking the armchair next to Hermione. “Better watch out or maybe I’ll predict a fall down a ladder in the near future.”

“Oh, you love me to much too do that.” Hermione replied sweetly fluttering her eyelashes, causing Scootaloo to blush.

Professor Trelawney let out a little giggle before she began the lesson.

“Alright, I’m presuming you’ve had no more visions, premonitions, dreams or anything similar this week?”

Scootaloo shook her head, “nope.”

“Good, so to begin with Scoti, is there anything you’d like to tell me about Palmistry.” Professor Trelawney enquired.

“Well it goes by multiple names, chiromancy, palm reading, palmistry and chirology, and simply put it is the study of divination, or as Hermione likes to call it fortune telling, through the palm of the hand. Similar to Fire Omens it is one of the earlier forms of divination and another one of Johannes Hartlieb’s seven ‘forbidden arts’. Truthfully, it’s the only area of divination so far I’ve struggled with and a lot of the lines you are supposed to inspect confuse me.” Scootaloo confessed.

“Interesting.” Professor Trelawney said. “Don’t worry about it to much. All psychics have their strengths and weaknesses. Personally, I’ve never been that strong on Fire Omens myself. To begin, let’s just keep it to the basics. Miss Granger, please present the palm of your writing hand.”

Hermione flipped the palm of her right hand over and laid it down in front of Scootaloo.

“Thank you. Now Scoti, firstly I want you to look for the heart line. This represents love and attraction and can be found at the top of the palm flowing across Miss Granger’s palm towards her thumb. Yes, that’s the one. Now tell me what you think it looks like and what it could mean.”

Hermione had started to go a little red faced at the sudden intrusion into her personal life.

“Hmm, would you say that’s triple forked? It’s hard to tell.”

Professor Trelawney lent over. “It does look like her palm seems a little reluctant to reveal itself to us but yes, it seems you have great balancing between your logical, physical and emotional sides Miss Granger.”

Hermione let out breath she hadn’t realised she’d been holding in.

“Shall we have a go at the other two?”

Hermione immediately sucked the breath back in.

“You owe me big.” Hermione said immediately after they left the classroom a few hours later. “At least I know there’s one subject I won’t be bothering to take in my third year. What a waste of my time.” She grumbled.

Scootaloo was sniggering uncontrollably. “Oh, come on, it wasn’t that bad.”

“You said I was going to have a terrible accident within a week.”

“Sorry, most of what I’ve studied so far has been really intriguing but I’d have to agree, Palmistry is just bizarre and really difficult to figure out.”

“Weirder than chucking an axe at a block of wood to predict the future?”

“Touché. Come on, let’s get some dinner, then I’ve one final surprise this evening for you.” Scootaloo teased. “And I promise it’s better than the last one!”

“Oh joy!” Hermione replied, less than enthralled as she followed her girlfriend to dinner.

Sat at the Gryffindor table, Harry and Ron laughed over what Hermione told them had occurred during the course of her afternoon.

“She sounds completely insane!” Exclaimed Harry.

“They both do.” Ron said.

“Hey, that’s my girlfriend you are talking about.” Hermione huffed. “I’m just a little worried about what she’s got planned for this evening. She really is going a bit overboard with this whole Valentine’s thing.”

“To be fair, it is your first one, she just wants to make it special. Personally, I think it’s kind of her to care so much, especially considering how much she’s got going on. It’s hard enough for me to keep up with my studies just being on the Quidditch team, let alone captaining it.” Harry reasoned.

“True.” Hermione considered deep in thought.

“And don’t forget the parcel you took back to the dorm this morning.” Harry replied.

Hermione’s face started to go red.

“I don’t think she wants to remember it.” Ron chuckled before tucking into a burger. “Also, I think we should be discussing the more serious matter of Snape refereeing your next Quidditch match.”

Harry rolled his eyes. “Please don’t start that again.”

Thankfully for Hermione the remainder of dinner proved to be a quiet affair with no unexpected interruptions. Then, just as she was leaving with the two boys and planning on a quiet evening of reading in bed, Apple Bloom approached them and handed her a cryptic note.

Fancy a bath? See you outside the Prefects Bathroom 19:30 sharp, love Scoots.

Hermione let out a breath of relief. If that was all she had planned she could cope with that. A bath did sound nice to, especially one as luxurious as the one in the Prefect’s bathroom.

After fetching some bedwear from her trunk in the first-year girl’s dorm she made her way to where she thought the bathroom was located and looked at the magical pocket watch she always carried with her. 19:28, perfect timing. She wondered where Scootaloo was, knowing her she was ready to pounce on her from somewhere.

“BOO!”

Like that. Startled Hermione jumped and then looked up. It took every ounce of willpower for her not to squeal like a little girl. There, floating above her was the cutest thing she’d ever seen in her entire life.

“It dawned on me you’ve never seen my Pegasus form. Come on, we’ve got to be out no later than 8:20. Mint Tea Tree Oil.”

The door in front of them swung open.

The next forty-five minutes were honestly some of the best of Hermione’s life as she stroked, petted, brushed, washed and hugged the little Pegasus whilst relaxing in the giant bath as the relaxing scents of many different aromas floated over her nostrils. They’d even chased each other round and round the bath a couple of times, splashing and laughing as they went before snuggling up with each other once more. A chocolate fountain and marshmallows had even been pulled from somewhere along with a bottle of lemonade which the girls happily helped themselves to in two champagne glasses. Finally, they had to call it a night, even though Hermione still refused to let Scootaloo go until the very last moment when they had to head in different directions on the stairs.

Giving her girlfriend one final kiss on her forehead Hermione said “thanks for everything. I truly couldn’t ask for a better girlfriend.”

And with that the stairs shifted and she was gone. Scootaloo, in a state of dazed euphoria fluttered back to the entrance to her own dorm, the halls mostly empty at this time of the evening and thus no one really paying her much attention in her alternate form.

“You’re late.” Sweetie grumbled, standing outside the dorm, before chuckling, “looks like someone had a good bath.”

“You can have both Mondays off. I don’t care, it was totally worth it. And I’ll double the order of chocolate frogs.” Scootaloo said dreamily.

Sweetie’s eyes shot open in delight and a wide smile crossed her lips. “Sounds like the cat definitely did get the cream this evening, although I’ll just take this Monday off, can’t be getting to complacent before our big match. Now, give me a moment.” She closed her eyes and lighted her horn. In almost an instant Scootaloo was back in her human form as a bead of sweat dropped down Sweetie’s forehead.

“You are certainly getting better.” Scootaloo commented, slowly coming off her happiness high as she pulled on a pair of pyjamas Sweetie had handed to her. “Those lessons with Dumbledore are certainly helping.”

“Certainly are, thanks for noticing. Now come back to the dorm and give us all the low down on what went on. Wally’s been going nuts as only you know where his favourite crackers are. He shat on Apple Bloom five times in anger and Susan and Meghan twice each.”

This time it was Scootaloo’s turn to let out a giggle. “Oh dear, I’m in for it now. And as Rarity says, a lady never tells.”

“Good thing you’re not a lady then.” Sweetie replied with an impish grin as the two made their way back into the Hufflepuff dorms.

Up in the Gryffindor tower Hermione sat upon her bed and looked at the box she’d received that morning. The roses Scootaloo had given her sat in a crystal vase upon her night stand next too her whilst across from her Fay, Lavender, Parvati and Sophie all attempted to get her to spill the beans on her date, currently to no success.

“Come on. If you aren’t going to gossip about your dates today with Scootaloo, the least you can do is show us what’s in the box.” Fay grumbled.

Hermione wasn’t paying the other girl any attention, her mind focused on the little note attached to the present once more.

For those lonely nights when you are missing me most, xxx Scootaloo.

What if it was something solely for her eyes only? No, Scootaloo would have warned her. Actually, considering her humour, she probably wouldn’t have. Well, the longer she sat here and pondered, the more agitated and nervous she’d become and less likely to open it. Shaking her head to clear it, she started to peel back the tacky paper.

“Alright.” Fay called out across from her. “Finally, we are getting somewhere.”

Hermione ignored her once more, her focus solely on discovering just what was in the box. As she pulled the last of the paper away, she looked at the ordinary brown box underneath. Well no clues there. She went straight for the juggernaut and pulled the tape back from the top of the box and pulled one of the flaps up. Tissue paper and bubble wrap greeted her along with a note and something else. Something around the size of her chest, with four legs and a mane. An almost exact plush replica of Scootaloo in her pony form. Hermione’s eyes bulged.

“Well, don’t keep us in suspense.” Fay cried once more.

Hermione pulled the delicate piece of hand-crafted artwork and held it to her chest. It was so soft.

“A soft toy horse?” Fay said a little lost.

“Oh, how romantic!” Sophie squealed too questioning looks from her peers. “Jeez, don’t you lot remember?”

“What?” Fay replied for the other three girls in the room.

“Have none of you even talked to Scootaloo?”

“Not really, she’s Hufflepuff we’re Gryffindors, don’t fraternize with the enemy and all that.” Fay replied to a round of nods from the other girls. “Now spit it out please.”

“Fine, Scootaloo spent most of her childhood in an ulterior dimension filled with sentient horses or ponies. That there isn’t just your run of a mill standard shop bought stuffed toy horse, it’s a handmade one-of-a-kind replica of” Sophie began

“Scootaloo in her pony form.” Fay finished figuring some things out.

“Precisely.” Sophie confirmed.

“So romantic.” Parvati and Lavender both chipped in

“Hey, Hermione.” Fay had figured something out. “I’m betting that seeing the way you’re reacting too that plush you got the real thing this evening and are missing it. How was it? Hugging and snugging a soft and fluffy sentient pony that’s also your girlfriend.”

Hermione’s face started to go red, but to her credit she didn’t back down. “Honestly, it was the best half an hour of my life.” She finished with a dreamy sigh hugging the plush tighter to her chest as she fell back upon her bed lost in her memories of the evening that had just passed.

“Wow, she got hit by cupid’s arrow bad.” Lavender giggled

“I think it’s sweet.” Sophie said.

“Odds on them lasting the distance here at Hogwarts?” Fay asked the group.

“Definitely.” Parvati replied.

Hermione heard none of the conversation that echoed around her as she lay on her bed hugging the pony replica of her girlfriend tightly to her chest and wishing for all the world it was the real thing as she drifted off to sleep.

Author's Note

This was a chapter that for parts I didn't particularly enjoy writing, such as Palmistry and other areas were a slog to, romance isn't really my thing. Plus I found it choppy in places with very short bursts before a time skip. Still, on review I rather enjoyed it and rather than just being a filler chapter it developed into a key chapter with numerous key events, such as finding out Snape is refereeing the Quidditch match, Bloom and Neville getting more acquainted with each other, and most importantly Hermione and Scootaloo's blossoming relationship.

The Hogwarts Hawk 2/Quidditch 3: Slytherin vs. Ravenclaw

The Hogwarts Hawk

Bringing you your weekly Hogwarts News

February 23rd 1992 – Special Edition (2nd Edition)

SNAKES SLAUGHTER RAVENS

Slytherin smash Ravenclaw 420-60 in torrential wind and rain.
Marcus Flint of Slytherin earns Player of Match Award scoring twenty-three goals.
Eliza Kingston now unable to bring Quidditch Cup back to Ravenclaw in her final year as captain. Leaves field in tears.

There will be no fairy-tale ending for Eliza Kingston this year after Ravenclaw’s limp defeat to Slytherin in the pouring rain yesterday afternoon. It was always going to prove to be a significantly difficult task to achieve for one of Hogwarts most talented, yet controversial, figures on the Quidditch field after their shock defeat to Hufflepuff, especially against a ruthless, highly drilled Slytherin side who showed they won’t let any of the other houses take the Quidditch or House Cups from them without a serious fight after seven years of dominance. Not that any of us in the other houses really care about the slimebucket Slytherins, but there were calls for Marcus Flint to resign as captain after Slytherins first Quidditch loss in three years, harsh, but winning at all costs has always been the standard they’ve set for themselves and it showed from the off here. Knowing that defeat would end their seven-year hold on the Inter-House Quidditch cup, the Slytherins stormed, pardon the pun, out the box with a simple message of attack, score plenty and win, with or without catching the Golden Snitch. Marcus Flint played like a man fearing for his life as he urged his team to lay siege to the Ravenclaw rings despite the risk of leaving their own keeper and rings exposed at the other end, similar to Ravenclaw’s tactics against Hufflepuff earlier in the year. The difference here though was that combined with the torrential wind and rain hampering Ravens keeper Robert Hilliard, the Slytherins were clinical. Eight goals were scored in the opening five minutes alone with Flint scoring six of those and setting up the other two for Adrian Pucey through some breath-taking team routines and individual brilliance. Despite Kingston attempting to rally her troops with a number of counter attacks over the next five minutes to half the deficit, Slytherin then went to another level. Fifteen unanswered goals in the next fifteen minutes, all from Marcus Flint, who despite his brilliance and the fact the win was now a formality, still looked like a mountain troll dying from dysentery. In the end, when Terence Higgs finally caught the Snitch for Slytherin after just over a little more than half an hour of play gone, it was more of a mercy killing for the bedraggled and rain soaked Ravenclaws who had been blown away by the ferocity of their opposition and unable to match them for long periods. Kingston didn’t even shake anybody’s hand as she left the field swiftly after the final whistle, although our inside source here at the Hawk informed us that this was purely due to a combination of exhaustion and a whole host of overwhelming emotions, apparently even admitting she may possibly step down before the final game of the season. Overall, this may well have been one of the saddest and cruellest ends to one of Ravenclaw’s true great modern Quidditch stars time here at Hogwarts, but time shall tell if she can bring just one more special performance for us against Gryffindor in May. Furthermore, Slytherin are certainly not out of the Quidditch cup yet and based on this performance even if luck does strike twice somehow for Hufflepuff, there is no way in hell they’ll beat this Slytherin side, Joanne MacGyver.

Teams, goal scorers, stats and more on the back!

Author's Note

I'm not sure anyone is really interested in how these two get on in their match, so have a very rushed, 1 hour when I should be sleeping, news article summary covering match 3 of the Quidditch cup. EDIT: Completely Re--written, now with 100% Slytherin bashing. Poor Joanne got a week''s detention from Snape for this so please give her some love.

Quidditch 4: Gryffindor vs. Hufflepuff

Author's Note

WARNING: This chapter contains seriously dark themes that some readers may find disturbing. Nothing overly graphic but better safe than sorry. It also contains a seriously controversial twist which some of you may not be happy with. For this I'm sorry, the idea has always been on my mind since the start of this book and it ended up fitting nicely here. Also a shout out to Rich-online for providing inspiration when I was struggling with this chapter.

Quidditch 4: Gryffindor vs. Hufflepuff

“Hello and welcome to this fine leap day in February. I’m Melody Song.”

“And I’m Lee Jordan.”

“And we’re here once again to take you through this pivotal fixture in this year’s Quidditch Championship between Hufflepuff . . .” Melody paused as cheers erupted from the Hufflepuff section of the audience.

“. . . And Gryffindor!” Lee Jordan screamed. This resulted in a similar level of noise from the Gryffindors. As the cacophony of noise started to subside, he continued. “I think I can say for everyone that this a huge match for both Houses with the winner odds-on favourite for the cup. This would be Gryffindor’s first since '85-'86, when the Charles Weasley-inspired Gryffindors won the cup at Slytherin’s expense, the only time in the past seven years it has not gone to Slytherin. Even more remarkable is Hufflepuff’s wait for the cup which spans all the way back to the '62-'63 school year!”

“Indeed, Lee, but before we go into our predictions in more depth, I’d just like to mention how relieved we must all be for the clear blue skies after last week’s dismal drizzle.”

“That’s the truth.” Lee chuckled. “Anyway, as the teams prepare to enter the pitch, Melody, can Hufflepuff really defy the odds again?”

“ARE WE GOING TO WIN!” Melody bellowed in response into her microphone. The Hufflepuffs in the crowd gave their biggest cheer yet, along with a stream of fire from Apple Bloom. “That a good enough answer?”

“It certainly was. Today’s key player?”

“Snape. When has he ever refereed a Quidditch match? Plus, he hates Gryffindor more than us, so he'll penalise them more, especially as it will benefit Slytherin’s chances of winning the Quidditch Cup."

“A fair point. It certainly does seem an odd choice. Now hello, what’s going on down there, then? The two captains seemed to be locked in a heated debate as they exited the tunnel, and now they’ve locked heads!”

Scootaloo took a deep breath and stood at attention along with her team in their yellow Quidditch robes, waiting for the Gryffindor team to emerge from their own changing room. It had been an intriguing past two weeks since Valentine’s, and as the news had slowly filtered around the school about the surprising choice of referee for their fixture, her team had not been in the highest of spirits when they’d arrived at training the following Monday. She’d spent a lot of time in their final training sessions simply boosting morale and reassuring her team that Snape would be just as much out to get the Gryffindors as he would them. Thankfully, this time around, she’d had no bizarre dreams, seizures, or premonitions to warn her that something bad was more than likely going to happen, which she was very grateful for, considering her workload. Ever since they’d returned from the winter holidays, the professors had gradually been piling more and more homework onto them. Combined with Quidditch practice, this meant she’d barely had a moment to herself the past two weeks, let alone any alone time with Hermione. The other girl had understood the situation, though, and had remarked that she’d just have to make do with the plush version for the time being. No matter what happened in the game, Scootaloo had promised her girlfriend that tonight was theirs to spend together and alone. Right now, though, she needed to concentrate on the match.

“Huh, anyone seen our opponents for today? All I see is a bunch of preschoolers.” A voice sparked her out of her thoughts.

“Real original, Wood. Do you know what happened to the last captain who taunted my team? Heidi back there shoved the words back down her throat within a minute of the game. I’d watch myself if I was you.”

“Ooo, I’m really scared,” Wood mocked as Snape started to lead the two teams out onto the pitch. “At least I don’t shack up with one of the best friends of an opposing player just to try and get inside information.”

“I’m warning you!” Scootaloo growled, grinding her teeth together.

“Filthy traitor," the other captain muttered under his breath.

Scootaloo was immediately in Wood’s face. “You are really starting to get on my nerves. I just hope your game's as good as your mouth. Wouldn’t want to be embarrassed by a bunch of preschoolers now, would you?” And with that, she peeled away to her team with a vicious smile as Snape came over to split the two quarrelling captains apart.

“What was all that about?” Sweetie asked as Scootaloo returned to her team.

“Anthony, Susan, if either of you get the chance, knock some sense into their keeper. Twenty galleons to either of you who manages to do it. Now, let’s play.”

“Oh, my word, is Snape going to take no action? Despicable action from the Hufflepuff beaters who have deliberately and callously targeted Gryffindor’s captain from the off. Poor Wood looks like he can barely see straight after that bludger to his face and another to his ribs.” Lee Jordan bellowed from the stands. “And another one! The Gryffindor keeper is down, folks, and I’m not sure he’ll be getting up again as Heidi Macavoy breaks away and scores into the empty rings.”

“Really Jordan, that is kind of one-sided. I’d personally say the Hufflepuff beaters have made an excellent start,” Melody argued as the Hufflepuffs celebrated the early lead.

“There’s playing the game and then there’s clear gamesmanship and abuse of the rules. Oh my, that’s another one.” Lee replied

“Well looks like you are getting your wish Lee. Yep, Snape’s intervening, but not as you would like. Only two minutes in and the Gryffindors have lost their captain and keeper, who is being helped off the turf and onto a stretcher. This game just got a whole lot trickier for the Gryffindors whose chasers will now have to act as sweeper keepers as Macavoy races through and scores a second! Oh, make that three, as in retaliation for not penalising the relentless Hufflepuff beaters, George Weasley misdirected a bludger into Snape, who awards a penalty to Hufflepuff in response, which is easily converted by Diggory into the unguarded rings.”

“This is totally bogus!” Lee exclaimed in annoyance as the Hufflepuffs cheered once again.

Up in the clear blue sky above, Scootaloo was perched on her broom, scanning everything below her for any sign of the Golden Snitch. In all honesty, she couldn’t have dreamed of a better start, but knew it would all be for nothing unless she caught the Snitch first. Harry, on his own Nimbus 2000, had opted to circle the sky, instead, in his pursuit of the Snitch. Thankfully, Snape had yet to try anything aside from constantly penalising Gryffindor, and after she’d noticed Dumbledore watching as they came onto the pitch, Scootaloo was pretty sure the potions professor wouldn’t be so rash or stupid to try anything. Still, she could sense her counterpart wanted this match over with as quickly as possible, which meant that she needed to find the Snitch fast. And then, just as Hufflepuff scored their fourth goal in the opening five minutes from another questionable penalty, it happened.

The unmistakable grotesque face flashed before Scootaloo’s eyes once more, followed by a dark, skulking character that lurked through the halls of Hogwarts in what seemed to be the dead of night. Fractured pieces of a jigsaw puzzle slowly pieced themselves together in her mind and a growing sense of horror and dread etched its way across her face.

Gasps and cheers from the crowd snapped her back to reality.

“I’m unsure what’s wrong with Prewett, but Potter’s spotted the Snitch!” Lee Jordan yelled jubilantly.

“Shit,” Scootaloo groaned before diving at a ridiculous speed in an attempt to catch up with Harry.

“Wow, look at Prewett go, although it might be too late to catch Potter and the Snitch,” Jordan commented.

“Come on, Broomy!” Scootaloo pushed her Nimbus 2000 to its limits. She was closing the distance but would she be fast enough?

Snape froze in horror as the two seekers streaked past on either side of him, one after the other, barely missing him by inches.

The crowd held their breath. The game had practically stopped; the other players were too engrossed in the dueling Seekers, aside from Macavoy, who scored another simple goal.

Apple Bloom released a jet of fire.

Hermione was on her feet watching with bated breath, unsure whom to root for, even though Scootaloo had told her she had to support Harry and her house. She paid no attention to Ron grappling with Draco beneath her seat or Neville being tossed around like a sack of spuds by Goyle and Crabbe behind her.

“Come on, Harry!” Hermione finally managed to force out.

Scootaloo was closing rapidly, but she wasn’t going to make it in time; the Snitch was Harry’s, unless . . . Scootaloo grabbed the tail of her opponent’s broom and pulled back hard, just as Harry was about to grab the Snitch in his right hand. It was a dirty, despicable and underhanded trick that Scootaloo would never have ever considered in normal circumstances. These were not normal circumstances though.

“What on Earth?” Harry said in confusion.

“Fou . . .” one of the Weasley twins started to cry as Scootaloo shot past Harry and grabbed the Snitch in her own right hand.

An ear-piercing screech cut him off.

The pain was unbelievable. It felt like her whole hand was on fire as veiny inky blackness took a hold of it and started to streak up her arm. Scoootaloo grimaced and somehow forced herself to remain conscious, ignoring every last bit of noise around her and just concentrating on getting safely to the ground. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, she managed it as an array of teachers and students flocked onto the pitch.

“STAY BACK!” she screamed with the last of her strength as she dropped the Snitch onto the ground. “It’s been cursed,” she finished weakly, falling to her knees with tears in her eyes as they found the object of their desire. She smiled up at Hermione, the other girl struggling valiantly with Professor McGonagall to get at her.

“I love you,” she mouthed before collapsing onto her side, gradually losing consciousness.

“Diffindo”

Darkness engulfed Scootaloo.

Where was she? Scootaloo wondered, looking around to see she was, for some bizarre reaso,n now located in a tree. Wait, wasn’t she playing Quidditch a moment ago? How’d she gotten here? Before she’d had any opportunity to figure things out, voices sounded from below. Was that Snape and Quirrell down there? What in Celestia’s flank was going on?

“. . . d-don’t know why you wanted t-t-to meet here of all p-places, Severus.” Quirrell’s voice quivered even more nervously than usual from below.

“Oh, I thought we’d keep this private,” Snape replied in an icy tone. “Students aren’t supposed to know about the Philosopher’s Stone, after all.”

Scootaloo felt herself lean forward, attempting to catch something Quirrell was mumbling but Snape swiftly interrupted him.

“Look, with that seer out the way, now’s the perfect time. So, have you found out how to get past that beast of Hagrid’s yet?”

“B-b-but Severus, I . . .”

“You don’t want me as your enemy Quirrell,” Snape threatened as he took a step towards the other wizard.

“I-I don-t know what you . . .” Quirrell stammered once more.

“You know perfectly well what I mean,” Snape growled.

An owl hooted loudly overhead and Scootaloo had to stabilise herself to prevent herself falling out of the tree. She just managed to catch the last part of what Snape said.

“We wouldn’t want you ending up like the girl now, would we?”

Darkness started to shroud Scootaloo’s vision once more, and she was unable to catch the remainder of the conversation.

Scootaloo opened her eyes and realised she was kissing Hermione on that fateful night before the end of term once more; the night when they had expressed their feelings for one another for the very first time. Wait, how’d she get here? This wasn’t right, she thought to herself as the face twisted and contorted into that nightmarish monstrosity that had often plagued her dreams this year. Scootaloo tried to detach her lips and scream, but couldn’t. Slowly, the face engulfed her and darkness took hold once more.

More distorted memories came, each more twisted than the last, and every time she could do nothing but watch. Instead of her father and uncle under the Imperious curse fighting to the death, it was Apple Bloom and Sweetie. She witnessed Harry fall to his death from his broomstick during his first Quidditch match, Snape gleefully torturing Hermione alongside Filch, Professor Sprout, Molly, and others all calling her a failure and a disappointment, Susan and all her other friends murdered instead of her family members. She saw countless scenes with friends all subjected to pain and misery, from the prefect’s bath being replaced with boiling acid to Sweetie’s potions mishap killing everyone. There was even the terrible accident to befall Hermione a week back, which turned out to be simply her slipping on the wet floor in the main entranceway. Instead of it simply being a case of embarrassment and the devastation of a sodden book, the girl had banged her head, and her lifeless eyes had stared mournfully into Scootaloo’s as her blood stained the cold stone floor. That one was the last straw.

“STOP!” Scootaloo bellowed wondering how in Equestria she could get out of this nightmare. “Please, no more,” she wailed with exhaustion.

The memories stopped, and she was alone once more in the void of nothingness.

The grotesque face appeared out of the gloom, only this time attached to a body wearing the blackest robes. Many others followed behind him.

“Cruciatus.”

Scootaloo writhed and howled in pain.

Everywhere she ran, they found her. Sometimes it was him personally; other times it was one of his lackies. No matter where she tried to hide in the darkness, they found her and inflicted even more torture. Yet, whenever she turned to face them, they were gone. In the end, she gave up and screamed into the void.

“Here I am. Why don’t you stop with this charade and just end it already?”

Lucius Malfoy sauntered mockingly out of the blackness with a leering smile.

“As you wish. Avada Kedavra!” he commanded.

Scootaloo waited for the inevitable. It never came. The darkness was gone, replaced with fluffy white clouds all around.

“Hello?” she queried in confusion.

What came next caught her completely by surprise.

“Hush now, little witch don’t you cry, Momma’s gonna magic you an apple pie. And if that apple pie shouldn’t dry your eyes, then momma’s gonna have to magic a shooting star in the skies.”

Scootaloo spun around to see a brown-haired, brown-eyed woman, seemingly having appeared out of nowhere.

“Oh, how you’ve grown my darling baby. We are both so, so proud of you, me and Fabian.”

“Mum?” Scootaloo said in complete shock before she wrapped her mother in a warm hug, tears starting to cloud her vision.

Marlene nodded her head sadly, wrapping her own arms around her daughter. “I’ve missed you, too,” she said lovingly. “I’m so sorry we couldn’t be there for you as you’ve grown up, but we’ve watched you always from afar, and as long as you keep us in your heart, the two of us will always be watching over you.”

“Wait.” Scootaloo suddenly realised something. “Where am I? Am I dead?”

“No, my dear, but we need you to fight, okay? What you did was such a noble and selfless act, to sacrifice yourself for the safety and wellbeing of others, but there are still so many who need you right now: Professors Sprout and Trelawney whose faces you’ve managed to put a smile back on. Aunt Molly, who had long thought her family to be all gone. Discord and the growing bond he has developed with you. He may not admit it, but he loves you as much as we do, and if you departed now, it may very well break him. Rainbow Dash back in Equestria who loves you like an overly protective big sister. All your friends, especially Sweetie and Bloom, and lastly Hermione. Your blossoming relationship brings great joy to the both of us, and we couldn’t be happier for the two of you. To find that special someone at any point in your lifetime is hard enough, but to find them so young is a truly unique and wonderful occurrence that should see every moment be treasured and cherished.”

“But I don’t want to leave you; I don’t even know anything about you.” Scootaloo wept inconsolably.

“I’m sorry, my dear. Don’t think I wouldn’t like our time to be longer, but it is what it is. Please don’t be sad, though, for the both of us shall always be here to guide you, and when the time is right, we shall be here to greet you.” Marlene’s voice slowly drifted away.

The Hogwarts Express hurtled towards Scootaloo.

Scootaloo awoke with a start and sat up in the darkness. Slowly a grimace crossed her face. Her right arm hurt. scrap that; the pain was pure agony. On the plus side, at least that meant she was alive. Now, she just needed to find out where she was. Soft snoring drew her attention to a brown fuzzy lump of hair on the right-side of the bed she found herself in. She attempted to give Hermione a shove and ask her what had happened after the Quidditch match and how long she’d been out for.

That’s when her eyes finally adjusted to the dim light of the room, and she realised her right arm and hand were gone. All that was left was a small stump extending from her shoulder.

“Oh fuck,” Scootaloo swore, suddenly going very pale.

“Five more minutes mum,” Hermione’s voice murmured from her mass of frizzy hair.

“Firstly, I’m not your mum, and secondly, you’re not the one who just woke up and found you’re missing an arm,” Scootaloo retorted with a little bit of her usual cockiness returning.

“Scootaloo, that you?” An excited voice called from across the room.

“Molly, what are you doing here? More importantly, where is here, and what in Celestia' cake-fattened rump happened?”

Hermione’s head shot up, and her eyes burst open. She attempted to launch herself at Scootaloo, only for Molly to grab her in a bear hug.

“Oh no you don’t. You know as well as anyone how serious her injuries are. No roughhousing. Dear, you’re in the Hogwarts infirmary. You’ve been here for more than three days after Professor Sprout did an emergency amputation and cauterisation of your arm on the Quidditch pitch. You’ve been in a feverish half-conscious state ever since,” she finished, lowering the struggling Hermione to the ground. “I came as soon as I heard and haven’t left your side for more than five minutes since. Neither has your girlfriend.” She finished giving her niece an inquisitive glare before lighting a lone candle on the bedside cabinet.

“We n-nearly lost you. If the dark magic had got any further up your arm . . .” Hermione broke down in tears, unable to finish the sentence as she sobbed uncontrollably into Scootaloo’s bed covers.

“It was touch and go for a while,” Molly explained as Scootaloo could only watch as her girlfriend cried her eyes out. “You had us all so worried. Discord destroyed a mountain; he was so angry with himself over what happened, you brave, foolhardy, and stupid girl. I’VE ONLY JUST GOT YOU BACK INTO MY LIFE, HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO ME!” she unleashed with a scream before collapsing onto the other side of Scootaloo’s bed. “I’m sorry, I . . .” She couldn’t finish what she was going to say, instead, she wrapped the girl in a gentle hug as tears streamed down her face. “You mean more to me than you’ll ever know,” she whispered into Scootaloo’s ear. “Now, tell me everything about this girlfriend of yours.”

Scootaloo’s face started to turn red before she gave a mighty sigh. “I’m sorry I’ve not told you sooner; we’ve just been trying, even if not very well, to keep things quiet. Hermione tells me such relationships are often frowned upon in your world.”

“Pfft. Nonsense. If anyone gives the two of you any grief, you just let your Aunty Molly know. Now, start from the beginning; when did you first discover you had feelings for each other?”

Hermione had slowly established control over her emotions and was now blowing her nose into a hanky as Scootaloo started their tale to her aunt.

“Well it all started during a snowstorm,” Scootaloo began.

Over half an hour later, the two girls had snuggled up next to each other as Molly wrapped up the story of how she'd tried to brew a love potion in one of the girls' toilet. The door to the infirmary creaked open.

Molly’s light-hearted and cheery demeanour changed instantly. Wand drawn, she dropped silently from the bed.

“Molly, it’s just me and Professor Discord. Is it true she has woken up? It would have to be in the middle of the night, wouldn’t it? Getting a 2am wake-up call from Professor Discord is not what I’d call fun, especially when I haven’t been getting much sleep the last few nights,” Professor Sprout grumbled before letting out a mighty yawn. She was still dressed in her nightgown and cap.

“Yes, Pomona. We were just catching up before heading back to sleep,” Molly replied, dropping her wand to her side and settling back onto the side of the bed.

Scootaloo’s stomach growled. “Any chance of something to eat first?”

“I’ll see if any of the elves are up shortly. How you feeling?” Professor Sprout answered in return.

“Thanks professor. Horrendous, but at least I’m alive. I hear it’s your quick thinking I owe that to?”

“Yes, well I think we all wish that this could have been avoided entirely,” Professor Sprout said glumly. “We’ll talk more about serious matters in the morning.”

“All I want to know is will I ever get my arm back? And what happened in the Quidditch match?”

Professor Sprout couldn’t help but let out a hearty chuckle at that last question. “Trust my captain to be more interested in the Quidditch score than the fact she’s lost an arm. Wood graciously defaulted a 200-0 win when he’d gotten over his concussion on Monday and heard what had happened. I’m guessing there’s no way I’m going to stop you playing in the last game.”

“You know me too well.” Scootaloo chuckled in reply before becoming deadly serious. “But am I going to be able . . .”

“No.” It was Discord’s voice in an unusually sombre tone that reverberated round the infirmary. “To expel dark magic from one’s body like I did with your wings is easy, but regrowing body parts taken by dark magic is simply impossible. Although I was not at the game, this sounds like incredibly dark and dangerous magic that even I may not have been able to rid your body of. It is truly a miracle you are here with us now in some form due solely to Professor Sprout’s quick thinking. I will most certainly be keeping a better eye on you from now on to avoid any similar incidents in future.”

Scootaloo saw the fire blaze within her father’s eyes, but she also saw through the anger to the guilt that harboured and festered inside of him.

“Hey, Dad,” she said with a heavy sigh, pushing down her own worries and fears for the time being. “This wasn’t your fault, and blaming yourself won’t bring my arm back. Now come here and give your daughter a hug.”

Discord looked at his rebellious tomboy for a moment, completely taken aback by the bluntness of her words.

“Well, I’m waiting.”

Molly slid off the bed to allow Discord the space required.

With a broad smile, he walked over and wrapped his daughter into a loving embrace as for one of the few times in his life, the God of Chaos cried pure, genuine tears.

“I’m so, so sorry. I should have been there to protect you,” he whispered into Scootaloo’s ear.

“You can’t always be there to protect me, and you know it. What shall be, shall be. I’ll get over this; just you wait and see,” she replied before turning to Professor Sprout. “Besides, I’ve still a Quidditch Cup to win. They’ve had two sessions of already; they won’t be getting a third. Professor, I expect you to inform them that I expect to see them all back out on that training field Thursday.”

Professor Sprout let out another hearty laugh and wiped a tear of her own from her face.

“I’ll tell them. Now, I’d better see to that food because I’m guessing Madam Pomfrey is less than pleased about this late-night disturbance.”

“Usually, I would be, but truthfully, I’m just glad my patient is awake and in high spirits despite the nasty shock she must have had upon realising she’s now missing a limb. Even so, she still needs her rest. Professor Discord, please take Hermione back to her own quarters for a good night’s sleep, doctor’s orders. Professor Sprout, please see to that meal, and Mrs Weasley, you can stay. I agree we still need to keep an eye on Miss Prewett just in case. Something is definitely not right at Hogwarts this year,” the matron commanded in her own set of pyjamas.

Hermione looked like she wanted to argue but Discord didn’t allow her to; releasing Scootaloo he took hold of the other girl’s arm and snapped his fingers.

After they’d gone, Scootaloo managed to get a quick meal of some soup, scraps of chicken, and some bread which she wolfed down before gradually, tiredness overtook her again, and she soon drifted off into a relaxing and rejuvenating sleep.

Yawning, Madam Pomfrey did a quick check of the girl and all the wires and equipment that protruded from her single remaining arm.

“Poor girl,” she said sadly to Molly as Professor Sprout returned to her small cottage and her bed. “I hope whoever did this to her is found and sent to Azkaban for life.”

“You and me both, you and me both,” Molly growled.

“Alright, everything is as it should be. I’m going back to bed. I’ll see you in the morn,” Madam Pomfrey said as she disappeared into the darkness of the infirmary.

“Night, Matron,” Molly called after the matron before she blew out the candle next to her soundly sleeping niece and returned to her chair to resume her lonely vigil.

The Aftermath

Saturday 29th February 1992, Dumbledore’s Office, 20:00

“What happened, Severus? You were put in charge of this Quidditch match to keep Harry and Scoti safe from Quirrell. The girl’s life hangs in the balance, and Molly Weasley is threatening the school with every bit of legal action she can possibly think of. It’s a miracle I’ve managed to keep word of this from leaking to the Daily Prophet. So, what happened?” Dumbledore said with only a hint of agitation.

“I honestly do not know, Albus. There were no signs of tampering on the case or even the wards that surround my quarters when I awoke this morning. I truly have no idea how Quirrell got to the Snitch. Furthermore, the Snitch itself is magically resistant to tampering, so something like this just shouldn’t have been able to happen,” Snape argued.

“Shouldn’t doesn’t bring back the girl’s arm,” Dumbledore growled angrily as he slumped down in his chair. “No, I cannot blame you for this. I should have been more careful and better prepared myself. Maybe I should have intervened, but with the girl’s return, the already fragile timeline has been altered so much. If I’d intervened, who knows what the consequences might have been? No, Quirrell and Voldemort must face Potter at the end of the year beneath the school,” Dumbledore rambled regretfully to himself, barely paying attention to his guest.

“Sir?” Snape said, a little confused.

“Continue to keep an eye on Quirrell. This latest attack proves he’s getting assistance from Voldemort;I’m just not one hundred percent sure where he’s hiding yet. You say Quirrell’s been visiting the Forbidden Forest more and more frequently recently?” Dumbledore mused.

“Yes.”

“Well that would be the most logical place for Voldemort to hide within vicinity of the school. I’ll announce another warning about the Forbidden Forest at breakfast tomorrow, along with postponing all visits to Hogsmeade till after Easter Break for students’ safety. Thank you, Severus, for all your help and assistance on this matter. You are free to go.”

“Yes, sir. I shall do as you request,” Snape droned before he took his leave.

As soon as the professor had gone. Dumbledore made his way to his fireplace and set up his floo connection.

“Alastor, I need to call in a favour.”

Wednesday 4th March 1992, Apple Family Residence, Equestria, 8am

BANG, BANG, BANG. The noise from the front door reverberated throughout the Apple Family residence.

“Yeah, yeah, hold your horses. I’m coming,” a rather tired and grumpy Rainbow Dash grumbled. “Although I swear if this is another salespony, I’m going to drop them from the highest cloud around. I was up half the night dealing with a rogue storm that drifted over from the Everfree.” She gave a massive yawn as she unlatched the door.

Applejack and Big Mac were out in the orchard collecting the year’s first harvest whilst Granny Smith had gone to play bingo in town. This had meant that when someone came pounding upon their front door, poor Rainbow had had no choice but to lift her physically and mentally drained carcass from the soft bed it so desperately craved. She was now wondering if the cloud she’d passed up on her way back home in favour of the sweet scent and soft fur of her marefriend for a few hours had been worth it.

She pulled back the door, and just like that, the tiredness was gone, and she was immediately alert. “Discord!” she exclaimed in surprise and anger, preparing to launch herself at the draconequus. A cough stopped her.

“Hello, ma'am. I’m Headmaster Dumbledore of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and I’m looking for a Miss Rainbow Dash and a Miss Applejack Apple due to a serious incident involving a student who outside of term time will be under their guardianship, one Scoti Alaw Prewett or more commonly known as Scootaloo. May we come inside?” a lanky elderly red stallion with light blue eyes and with an extremely long silver mane and beard said, standing next to the draconequus. He was also sporting a purple cape and pointed hat emblazoned with silver stars and moons.

Rainbow Dash didn’t know what to say and just stood where she was for a minute before finally, she replied, “Hold on a moment,” and then zoomed off.

“Huh, I wonder where . . .” Dumbledore never finished as the cyan blue pegasus returned with an orange pony with an apple cutie mark who looked completely stunned about what had just occurred.

“What in tarnation?” Applejack uttered before seeing Discord. “Discord! You’ve some nerve coming 'round here after what you put Celestia through. Luna’s been running the country pretty much single-hoofedly for the past six lunar cycles. Some days, all Celestia does is mumble on and on about birds.” She growled threateningly.

“Look, AJ,” Rainbow Dash interrupted. “Usually, I’d be totally with you on this one, but something serious has happened to Scoots, so can you just pretend to get along for five minutes?”

“How serious?” Applejack questioned.

“Serious enough that the headmaster has come all this way for a visit,” Dash deadpanned.

“Horseapples. Well, you’d better both come in, then. I’ll get some tea on the boil along with a plate of apple snaps.”

“That sounds delightful,” Dumbledore replied as they headed into the Apples' homestead, where Applejack directed them to the lounge and a comfy-looking sofa.

“I’ll be just a moment. Make yourself at home,” she said as she made her way to the kitchen. “Milk and sugar?”

“Please, two teaspoons,” Dumbledore replied.

“I’ll take mine with lemonade and salt,” Discord stated.

“You know I’m not into tea. Grab me a Red Pegasus whilst you’re in there,” Rainbow called.

“You know those drinks aren’t good for you, especially so early in the day,” Applejack’s voice called back.

“We agreed. I go sugar free, and I can have them whenever I want. No debate.”

Mumbled grumbling came back from the kitchen in response.

A few minutes later, AJ returned with their drinks and a plate of biscuits that Dumbledore immediately found to be utterly divine.

“So, what have the girls got up to this time?” Applejack said brusquely as she took a seat next to Rainbow across from the two professors. “Destroyed the entire school?”

Dumbledore swallowed his biscuit before taking a sip of his tea. After a moment he replied. “To my great relief, no. I’m unsure just how much you have been told by the girls, but the power Scootaloo possesses in being able to foretell the future is a rare and unique ability. Unfortunately, what she’s been seeing has put a target on her back. You see, she’s been foretelling the return of one of the darkest wizards in our history and the main instigator of a wizarding war in our world ten years ago.”

“I see, and let me guess. Despite your best efforts he got to Scootaloo,” Applejack surmised.

“What did he do to her?” Rainbow blurted with a mixture of rage and fear.

Ignoring the cyan pegasus’s outburst, Dumbledore replied calmly to the earth pony’s ingenious deductions. “That you’d be correct, miss. Somehow, he got onto the grounds and tampered with our quidditch equipment. I’m sorry to say that Scoti became corrupted with dark magic once she touched it.”

Tears started to fill Rainbow Dash’s eyes. “No, she can’t be.”

“No, thankfully, due to our Herbologist’s quick thinking, we were able to save her life. On the downside, she has only just woken up after nearly four days in a coma and . . .” Dumbledore explained.

“Oh, thank Luna!” Rainbow Dash interrupted, letting out a huge sigh of relief before Dumbledore could finish.

Applejack glowered at her fiancée. “And what?” she demanded

“She lost her right arm, or foreleg as it would be here.”

Rainbow Dash was straightaway in Discord’s face, tears streaming down her own face.

“How bucking could you!” she screamed. “You were supposed to protect them!”

“I know,” Discord said morosely, staring at the floor.

This took Dash completely by surprise. Never had she expected the God of Chaos to agree with her.

“Wha-what?” Dash said, completely forgetting to fly and dropping to the floor with a bump on her rump.

“Do you think you’re the only one who cares for Scootaloo? She’s my daughter. I should have been there to protect her,” the draconequus explained, not looking up from the floor. “I love her as much as any father would, and right now, I just feel so helpless.” Discord finished with a sniffle.

For a moment Dash just sat there, for once in her life completely lost for words. Then, to everyone’s surprise and shock, she burst into laughter. “Oh, Sweet Celestia, Twilight is going to have a seizure when she hears that one of the Cutie Mark Crusaders, the definition of chaos, reformed the God of Chaos. Oh stop, please stop!” Rainbow Dash had now fallen onto her side in complete hysterics unable to control herself.

Even Applejack let out a little snigger before turning her attention back on the seriousness of the situation at hand. “So, how’s she holding up?”

“I’ve yet to see her as she awoke in the middle of the night, but apparently remarkably well. She’s a real trooper; that’s for sure. All of those three girls are. I’ve lost count how many times each of them has been in the infirmary this year. I think Professor Snape’s currently winning the bet on that one,” Dumbledore said before he took another sip of his tea and then a second biscuit.

Applejack couldn’t help but let out a hearty laugh.

“That’s Scoots for ya;, she learnt from the master never to let anything get you down or stop you from achieving your dreams,” Dash piped up, finally getting over her own laughing fit.

“I couldn’t agree more. Still, such an injury will likely require a lengthy rehabilitation process, and she’ll need multiple prosthetics as she grows up and her body develops. All of these will be funded by the school. We shall also be offering all three girls scholarships and pay for their entire education, including refunding this year’s tuition, in light of this event as compensation. Discord here as the girl’s guardian has agreed that this is fair and adequate compensation although as the girl’s legal guardians in this dimension, you also have a say over whether you feel the recompense is satisfactory,” Dumbledore explained.

Rainbow Dash looked a little lost on the floor. “Are you trying to bribe us to keep us quiet?”

“Simply put Dash, yes. And it’s a mighty fine offer, too. Twilight once told me how much tuition without a scholarship to Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns would be. Trust me; it wasn’t cheap, it would bankrupt all but the richest Canterlot nobles. Add to that the rehabilitation costs and quality prosthetics for such an injury, we are looking at a right fair reimbursement. If you don’t mind though, as neither me or Dash here are that great with paperwork; do you mind if we visit a friend of ours to go over the legal documentation?”

“Of . . .”

Discord snapped his lion's paw.

“. . . course.” Dumbledore finished blinking to focus his vision once more as the blinding light that had engulfed him faded.

“GAH!” Twilight screamed. “Discord, give me one good reason I shouldn’t send you to Tartarus right this second for what you did to Celestia.”

“Because I’d escape within thirty seconds. Oh, and also, I’ve reformed. Blame the Cutie Mark Crusaders for that one,” the God of Chaos said in an uninterested tone.

Twilight couldn’t help but let out a squeak of laughter. “The Crusaders? The very definition of chaos reformed the God of Chaos? Yeah, if that’s true, I’ll set fire to this priceless one-of-a-kind antique book filled with some of Starswirl’s earliest spells.”

“It’s true.” Applejack deadpanned.

Twilight’s face dropped.

“Let me get that for you.” Discord said with a chuckle, snapping his talons again.

The book went up in flames.

Twilight looked on in horror. “Excuse me for a moment,” she said, lighting her horn.

Faintly in the distance, the group of ponies and draconequus heard the distinct tone of a certain curse word. Many foals across Equestria that day would end up asking their parents what "fuck" meant.

Twilight teleported back into the room.

“Oh, you don’t think I’d really be that mean, do you? Remember, reformed. I have a copy of every one of Starswirl’s texts in my own personal library. He was the first one to summon me to this realm after all,” Discord said with a snap of his talons. A whole mass of books fell atop Twilight, who was looking at the draconequus with a frozen look of horror at the bombshell he’d just dropped.

Slowly, she poked her head out of the mass of books and took a deep breath. “Okay, one thing at a time. What in Celestia’s name are you doing back in Equestria? If Celestia knew you were here, I’m afraid she’d go the equivalent of Nightmare Moon and wreck the entirety of Ponyville to annihilate you, probably with an army of birds.”

“Scootaloo got targeted by some incredibly evil wizard for predicting what his future plans are and got corrupted with dark magic. She’s alive, just, but has lost her right foreleg, arm, whatever, gah, this totally sucks,” Rainbow Dash rushed in a blur of words.

“What?” Twilight replied as she tried to comprehend just what her friend had said. After a few moments, everything clicked into place and she cried “Discord, how could you? I thought you were supposed . . .” Twilight didn’t get any further as Applejack interjected.

“Twi, we’ve already done this. I hate to say this, but he’s hurting really bad over what happened, and now is not the time or place to make him feel any worse, okay?”

Twilight looked at Applejack in surprise. This day really had taken a turn for the bizarre. “Fine,” she huffed “So why are you here then?”

“I can answer that one for you.” The lanky elderly stallion Twilight had never seen before made his presence known. “I am Headmaster Dumbledore of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and I feel that we are somewhat to blame for what happened. As such, I’m trying to quietly sort out a respectable compensation package for the girl to avoid as much negative publicity for the school as possible. Although Discord has agreed to what I’ve offered, as her legal guardians here in Equestria, Miss Apple and Miss Dash both also have a say in the proceedings. They’ve requested your legal counselling on the matter.” He finished by levitating a contract in a red aura out of a satchel he was wearing and over to Twilight, who took it in her own purple one.

She rapidly sped through the entire twenty-page document with her magic in under a minute.

“Okay, so let me start by saying I’m unsure what our two currencies' exchange rates would be, but overall, it seems a fair offer. May I just ask though, is her wand hand right or left?”

Dumbledore hid his surprise at the other unicorn’s knowledge. “Left.”

“Well, that’s good news for you. Guards in our army who lose a significant limb in the line of duty -- Earth pony hind legs, unicorn horn, pegasus wings -- would receive between 500,000 and 1,000,000 bits. Lesser significant limbs between 250,000 and 500,000 bits. As this shouldn’t affect her magical capabilities, this will fall into the second category. If we use a one-to-one exchange ratio, the girls schooling would come in at around 210,000, and I’d easily see the rehabilitation costs being another 100,000 at least. If I were an actual lawyer, I’d press the girl to go for another 50,000 in cash, especially when taking into consideration her young age, but from what I understand, she’s respectably well off already and is in no way greedy, but hmm . . .”

“Yes?”

“I’ve heard Scootaloo has got a romantic interest. How’s she paying for her education?”

“Like almost all our students, through a loan from the Ministry of Magic which is then paid off throughout her lifetime. I’ll write off her debt as well. She’s an outstandingly bright student and deserves a scholarship anyway. This just gives me an excuse to give her one,” Dumbledore admitted, lighting his own horn and magically altering the text on the contract.

“Excellent. Girls, if you’d just like to sign here and here.”

Applejack and Rainbow stepped forward and took a quill each in their mouth and wing respectively before Twilight levitated the contract back over to Dumbledore.

“Thank you very much. Once again, I am sorry that we couldn’t meet on more pleasant terms and for it being such a rushed visit. I’m a very busy wizard as you can probably understand. Discord, if you please, I’ve a lot more work to catch up on back at the castle,” Dumbledore explained.

Discord prepared to snap his talons.

“Wait, stop!” Rainbow Dash cried. “Can I see her?”

Dumbledore thought for a moment. “I think she’d like that. If you wouldn’t mind, Discord?”

Discord snapped his talons.

Applejack looked around as the blinding white light cleared. “Wait. I’m still in Twilight’s library? The least they could have done was leave me back at the orchard.” She grumbled as she trudged to the door and prepared to start the long walk back home.

“Yeah, yeah, have a good day.” Twilight wasn’t paying any attention, already engrossed in the first book from the massive pile that Discord had lent her.

Wednesday 4th March 1992, Hogwarts Infirmary, Midday

Scootaloo yawned and stretched her arm. Slowly, her vision cleared, and she took in the two visitors sat at the end of her bed.

“Hey, squirt. How you holding up?” A voice came from her left. Her eyes shot open as she turned her head toward the unexpected visitor.

“Didn’t expect to see me here, did you? Dumbledore and his friend have some important stuff to talk to you about but . . .” Rainbow Dash paused as Scootaloo wrapped her arm around her almost big sister. “It’s good to see you to, you silly fool. That looks worse than one of mine!”

“But what, how?” Scootaloo stammered as Rainbow Dash returned the hug.

“Discord,” she whispered in her ear. “Now, why don’t we listen to what Dumbledore has to say? Afterwards, we can catch up; I promise.” She let Scootaloo go and gave her a goofy grin. “She’s all yours.”

“Thank you, Miss Dash. How are you feeling? It must have been a nasty shock when you woke up last night,” Dumbledore said calmly.

“A little, but I had Hermione and Molly here to help me cope. It was still better than the nightmares I was stuck in.” Scootaloo stopped suddenly and shuddered uncontrollably for a number of seconds.

“I see. I’ll look to get Professor Sprout or Molly to talk to you about those if you’d like.”

“Yeah, although I’d rather not relive them; I suppose it would be best to get them off my mind,” Scootaloo admitted reluctantly.

“I’m glad to hear that. Now, shall we get down to why I’m here? I don’t like to rush things but I’ve your peers to teach in an hour and still haven’t had my lunch,” Dumbledore explained.

“I guess you want to know what happened.”

“That would be a good place to start, please.”

“Well, I had absolutely no warnings prior to the match; it was around five minutes or so in when I had a vision,” Scootaloo began.

“I’m guessing that was of someone tampering with the Snitch?” Dumbledore probed.

“Yes. Firstly, there was that undeniably grotesque face once again, and then, it was a rather hazy, unclear vision. The only two things that I could clearly distinguish were that of a dark, cloaked, and hooded figure skulking the halls of Hogwarts late at night and then doing something to the Snitch. I came out of the vision just as Harry was diving for the Snitch. I didn’t know what had been done to it, but realised immediately it couldn’t be good,” Scootaloo continued.

“So, you put yourself at risk to protect Harry?”

“Yes, sir.”

“A truly noble gesture. At this rate, Hufflepuff won’t just be winning the House Championship; they’ll be setting a record points total. A further hundred points shall be awarded for your selfless actions. I’m guessing you couldn’t tell just who the figure was or how they gained access to the Quidditch balls?”

“No, sir. It was too dark, I’m afraid,” Scootaloo confessed sadly.

“Shame, not to matter. Now, moving on to our second order of business. Obviously, whilst attending the school, you are under our care and guardianship. Thus, we take it very seriously when a student suffers as serious injury as you have. Due to your age, we have made a settlement with your guardians on your behalf. Yourself, Apple-Bloom, Sweetie and Hermione shall all be receiving scholarships for your entire time at Hogwarts, including reimbursement of your first-year fees,” Dumbledore stated.

Scootaloo stared at the professor, open-mouthed. “That’s very generous of you sir,” she finally managed to say graciously.

“Think nothing of it. We shall also be paying for your entire rehabilitation and any subsequent costs relating to the injury throughout your life. This gentleman next to me is Alastor Moody. He’s come to take some measurements for your new arm. You will most likely require several replacements until you are fully grown.”

“No, she won’t, but we’ll come to that in a moment. First, hmm, tell me kid are you a south paw?” the peculiar man said in a gravelly voice.

“Huh?” Scootaloo replied as she looked over the newcomer’s scarred and twisted face, wispy grey hair and most notably his peculiar eyes, one being small and dark whilst the other was a vivid electric blue.

“Sheesh, what do they teach you young uns nowadays. Your wand hand, left or right?” Moody grumbled.

“Left, same with writing.”

“Well that’s one bit of good news then. It is very difficult to use magic with your weaker hand. Now simply put I am going to fuse a metal arm to the socket and then use your innate magical ability to not only control it like a normal limb but allow it to grow naturally alongside the rest of your body. It’ll take time to master but after a while I’m sure you’ll get the hang of it. Any questions?” Moody said in his gruff voice.

“Sounds simple enough. Will the procedure hurt?” Scootaloo asked.

“Almost certainly,” Moody replied. “It’s a relatively new and undertested form of medical magic. From early testing results, it’ll also likely be very painful during growth spurts.”

“Great,” Scootaloo sighed sarcastically.

“Well, sadly, the other two alternatives aren’t much better.” Moody grunted. “We could use straps and cables and attempt to power the prosthetic limb from the other shoulder or via external magical means, but that would require replacing the limb over and over again during your teenage years and is prone to malfunctions and not working at all. The other option is not to use a prosthetic at all.” Moody’s magical eye glared into Scootaloo’s own eyes.

“Huh, guess I’ve little choice then. I’m used to pain by now, anyway.”

“Good. Now, any more questions? No? Then let’s get to work.” He pulled out his wand along with a tape measure, notepad, and pen. Then, without another word, he set to work.

Five minutes later, he grumbled to Dumbledore, “Perfect. I should be able to have something crafted by the end of the week.” He paused and took a swig from a flask inside the shabby coat he was wearing before turning to Scootaloo. “I’m sorry young miss for your loss. A truly despicable act. Rest assured that if I ever come across the depraved individual who did this, they’ll be in Azkaban faster than you can say polyjuice potion.” He grunted as he took out some floo powder, went over to the fireplace in the infirmary and disappeared in a puff of green flame before Scootaloo even had a chance to register what he had said.

“Er, thanks, I think?” she said, completely confused. “Cheery fellow isn’t he.”

Dumbledore chuckled. “He might not look like much, but half the inmates of Azkaban are there because of him. Paranoid he may be, but he has good reason. He’s the finest auror to ever live. Now, I’d better be on my way; we’ve both got lunch to see to.”

Right on time, Molly walked in with a whole trolley ladled with delicacies, Ginny followed nervously in her footsteps. Scootaloo actually started to drool.

“Those elves may know a thing or two about cooking, but nothing beats mine. I heard we had an unexpected guest, too.” She parked the trolley at the end of the bed just as Dumbledore rose to leave.

“I wish you a speedy recovery and will visit again soon,” he said before taking his leave. Scootaloo didn’t even get the chance to say goodbye.

“So, I’m guessing you’re the famous Rainbow Dash I’ve heard so much about?” Molly said as she scrutinised the newcomer.

“What gave it away?” Dash chuckled.

Molly didn’t reply and instead wrapped the other woman into a bear hug.

“Woah, I’m taken, miss, and you’re kinda making it hard to breathe.”

“Thank you for being there for my niece. If you ever need it, the House of Weasley will always stand by your side,” Molly whispered into Rainbow’s ear as she loosened her grip slightly.

“Huh, no sweat; she’s an awesome kid.”

“So, what does it feel like to lose your arm?” A timid voice distracted the adults’ attention suddenly.

“Ginny!” Molly exclaimed.

“It fucking hurts. A lot. I’d strongly advise not trying it for yourself, Ginny.”

“Scoti, don’t make me box you round the ears or get the soap and water and wash that potty mouth of yours out. You’ve a terrible language problem for someone your age.” Molly huffed finally releasing Rainbow Dash.

“Yeah, that’s kinda my fault and I’m guessing Wally’s, too,” Rainbow Dash said, going a little red in embarrassment.

“You're damn fucking right it is, bitch,” the bird cawed, appearing for the umpteenth time out of thin air and perching himself on Scootaloo’s headboard. “Somebody give Wally a fucking cracker now.”

Rainbow Dash sighed and pulled out a packet of crackers labelled "In Case of Cranky Bird Emergencies" before she passed the bird one. “Don’t ask,” was all she said as she did so.

“I grew up in an orphanage; such language is commonplace among the kids there. Ginny if you pass me some of that food, I’ll tell you the story of when I first heard Rainbow swear. It’s hilarious. Me, Apple Bloom, and Sweetie were looking for Apple Bloom’s sister Applejack out behind . . ."

“NOOOOOOOOO!” Rainbow screamed, racing over and putting a hand over Scootaloo’s mouth as a bead of sweat dripped down her forehead. “She definitely does not need to hear that story.”

Molly glowered at Rainbow Dash before letting out a chuckle. “Got caught in the act, did we?”

Rainbow Dash’s face went scarlet.

Ginny pouted. “I wanted to hear the story.”

“When you’re older,” both adults said simultaneously before staring at each other and doubling over with laughter for a moment.

“God that makes me feel old,” Rainbow admitted.

“Me too!” Molly replied with a giggle as Ginny handed Scootaloo a steaming bowl of stew, which she attacked ravenously with a spoon and fork. “Does she get the table manners from you, too?”

Rainbow Dash laughed once more as she helped herself to some stew. “You know it. Now how about I tell you the story of how my friends all taught me an important lesson on humility over lunch. It all started when I heard a filly crying for help one day from a well.”

Dash had both girls hooked to Scootaloo’s favourite story of when she and her friends used the Elements of Harmony to defeat Nightmare Moon when a cough interrupted the thrilling conclusion.

“I’m sorry to interrupt, but it's time for Miss Dash to return home, and Scootaloo needs her rest,” Madam Pomfrey explained.

“But the story was just getting too the best part!” Ginny whined.

“And I’m not tired!” Scootaloo moaned before giving of a yawn. Her eyes suddenly fluttered and her head flopped back onto the pillow. “Not tired . . .” She started snoring loudly.

Dash started to snigger. “Takes after the master. Shall we head back, Discord?”

“But what happened to Nightmare Moon!” Ginny pressed.

“Oh, it turned out she was really Celestia’s younger sister who turned evil and was banished to the moon a thousand years ago. She’s actually very nice once you get to know her. If I ever bump into you again, I’ll tell you the story of how we got to know her last Nightmare Night. Now, you be good for your mum.” She ruffled the stunned and open-mouthed Ginny’s hair before, in a bright flash of light, she and Discord were gone.”

“Five more minutes,” Scootaloo grumbled from underneath her covers.

“Right, come along Ginny, your math lesson is way overdue.”

A look of horror crept across Ginny’s face.

Scootaloo slept for most of the remainder of Wednesday bar from a couple of toilet breaks with the help of Molly and Madam Pomfrey, as she was still very weak, and for an hour in the evening where she ate an enormous tea whilst Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Hermione all informed her of what she’d missed over the past few days and the work she’d most likely need to catch up on. It actually wasn’t going to be that much. Classes had been cancelled Monday and Tuesday to give the students time to recover over the shocking events of Saturday. Apple Bloom and Sweetie had spent much of the unexpected short break attempting to catch up with their homework but had often been too worried over Scootaloo to concentrate whilst Hermione had barely left Scootaloo’s side until late last night when she’d awoke. Hermione had nearly had a fit when Scootaloo had informed her that the school would paying her tuition for her as part of Scootaloo's compensation package for her injury. Despite Hermione's best efforts to decline such a generous offer, Scootaloo was having none of it and thus it ended up with the two girls sharing a passionate kiss while the other two girls in the vicinity turned their heads away blushing.

By Thursday morning, she was bored, frustrated and her wound ached badly. The latter meant she was struggling to sleep and, in all honesty, she’d had enough of that already. Thus, she spent most the morning sitting up in bed, attempting to do the homework her friends had dropped off for her the night before, but without their assistance and with the pain in her shoulder, she was struggling to focus.

“So, how we feeling?” Madam Pomfrey asked at lunchtime as she came over to check her shoulder and change the bandages.

“Sore. It’s like a dull ache that never goes away,” Scootaloo griped as she munched on some ham and cheese sandwiches.

“Unfortunately, it’ll probably be like that for a while, and you know we can’t risk giving you any more pain relief.” Pomfrey sighed as she continued. “You seem strong enough, and I know you are itching to, so as long as you take it carefully, you can go for a walk this afternoon to get some fresh air. I heard you wanted to observe your Quidditch team’s training; that’ll be a good opportunity for you to get some fresh air, distract you from the pain, and try to establish some normality back into your life, but strictly no flying of ANY sort.” She gestured to the girl’s wings. "You are still very weak and could very well injure yourself if you do so.”

“Fine,” Scootaloo huffed. “How long 'til I can get out of here?”

“If you do what I say and take things easy, hopefully no later than the end of the weekend. To my great relief, there seems to be no sign of infection with the wound, and it is nearly completely healed.”

Scootaloo rocked her head back and groaned, “Three more days of utter boredom.”

“You know your friends will continue to visit you, and as you grow stronger, you can take walks around the castle, but I simply have to keep an eye on that wound of yours until it is completely healed,” Madam Pomfrey chided as she undid the bandages surrounding the wound.

A voice came from the door to the infirmary. “Is this a bad time?”

“No, I need something to curb my boredom and distract me from the pain. I’m that bored I’m actually considering asking you how History went,” Scootaloo said to her guest.

“Is it really that bad? I’m sorry about what happened and just wanted to say thanks for what you did. I know it isn’t much, but I brought a couple of chocolate frogs,” Harry said somewhat sheepishly.

“Sorry for what? You weren’t the bastard who cursed the Snitch. And it aches, a lot, but Madam Pomfrey doesn’t want to run the risk of me getting addicted to pain relief meds, so I’ve just got to grin and bear it,” Scootaloo growled as Harry walked over to her.

“Wow, that sucks and just makes me feel even worse. And,” Harry paused before blurting out the question that had been on his mind the past five days. "You sacrificed yourself to save my life and lost your arm because of it. Why? It isn’t like we are really that great friends or in the same house.”

“Yowch, that stings.” Scootaloo grimaced as Madam Pomfrey applied some disinfectant to the wound whilst carefully inspecting it. “I think you just answered your own question there; we’re friends; doesn’t matter how big or small our friendship is, friends look out for, yowch, one another no matter what. Now give me one of those frogs, maybe the chocolate will help distract me from the pain.” She winced once more as Madam Pomfrey applied some more disinfectant.

Harry unwrapped and handed her frog, looking over the card, eyes wide.

“Cornelius Agrippa! Ron’s been after him and Ptolemy forever to complete his collection.”

“Well today’s his lucky day. Call it a gift from me. I don’t collect the cards anyway,” Scootaloo said in between mouthfuls of chocolate as Madam Pomfrey re-dressed her shoulder. “I believe you’ll also find that’s Ptolemy.”

Harry immediately unwrapped the other frog. Lo and behold, Claudius Ptolemy stared back at him.

“How?” he said in complete bewilderment.

“A dream I had last night of Ron running 'round what I presume is your common room in his underwear. Totally baffling, but now explained,” Scootaloo said with a wry smile as Madam Pomfrey finished up her work.

“Thanks, yeah, he’s going to be ecstatic.” Harry chuckled.

“Ahem, sorry to interrupt your conversation, but the good news is I’d say your shoulder looks pretty much healed from the trauma, and there are no signs of infection. I feel that if you continue doing as you are told and promise to behave and not overly physically exert yourself for at least a few weeks upon your release, I can release you tomorrow evening,” Madam Pomfrey diagnosed.

Scootaloo’s eyes lit up as she started on the second frog.

“But right now, you need to finish your lunch and take a nap, especially if you wish to observe your team’s Quidditch practice this evening.” Madam Pomfrey added.

“I’d better leave you to it, then. Thanks again for everything. You really are a true friend,” Harry said as he turned to leave.

“Don’t mention it.” Scootaloo replied. “And besides,” she said with that wry smile returning to her face, “it was the only way my team were going to win the Quidditch match. You really know how to fly a broomstick.”

Harry gave a hearty laugh. “Thanks, and don’t worry, I plan to get my revenge next year,” he said before departing through the large entrance doors and heading off to his own lunch.

Scootaloo hobbled unsteadily through the halls of Hogwarts, ignoring the cascade of whispers that followed her. After finishing her lunch and her nap, with the help of Madam Pomfrey she’d showered and changed into a new set of Hufflepuff Quidditch robes. She then had an early dinner. Afterward, she’d started the slow trek to the training fields as she was still unsteady on her feet and had taken the offer of a cane from Madam Pomfrey for greater support. Her movement may have been much slower than she usually liked and her wings were stiff from lack of exercise, but overall, she was just happy to be out of that hospital bed for five minutes.

“I really don’t see why we couldn’t have just had the week off,” Anthony grumbles as Scootaloo made her way out onto the field, the evening sun gently dipping over the horizon. “Like cap is going to be in any condition to conduct a training session today.”

“Rickett, how do you fancy spending the session jogging circles around the pitch or as target practice for Susan?”

Seven pairs of eyes turned and stared at Scootaloo.

“You miss me?”

“Come on Sweetie, Apple Bloom’s gran could have saved that. And you two, even I’d be more accurate with those Bludgers this evening and I’ve only got one arm. I’ve no idea what you three are sniggering about, you’ve still got one more goal to score and oh, look at that, it’s time. Everybody in.” Scootaloo bellowed out from the top of her lungs.

Her team slowly rode their broomsticks in to land. It had been a brutal training session, and they all waited with bated breath for their captain’s scathing review of their frankly rather lacklustre performances.

“I’ve one thing to say about that shambles this evening. You play like that against Slytherin and we’ll be annihilated, but I also understand this has not been an easy week for any of us. There are cakes and fizzy drinks back at the infirmary as reward for your stellar performances Saturday and . . .” She chucked two bags of coins at Susan’s and Anthony’s feet. “As promised.”

The two Beaters each picked up the bag of coins at their feet in stunned silence.

“You really meant it?” Anthony finally said in shock.

“Of course, but if any of you train that badly again, I’ll get special permission from Professor Sprout and have you out here jogging fifty laps of the training field with rucksacks weighed down with rocks at one in the morning. We have not worked so hard to win our first two games only to go and blow it against Slytherin. It could very well be another twenty-eight years 'til Hufflepuff get even half as decent opportunity to win the Quidditch Cup again. Do I make myself absolutely clear?”

“Yes ma'am,” the team chorused as one as Apple Bloom sent a stream of flame into the air.

“Good,” Scootaloo said before giving a mighty yawn. “Sweet Celestia, I’m tired. Hey what the . . . put me down,” she protested as Apple Bloom lugged her over a shoulder.

“Nope.” The girl giggled heading for the castle. The rest of the team slowly followed. “No way am I letting you overdo it.”

Scootaloo realised it would be futile to argue or fight and thus spent the journey back to the infirmary hanging of Apple Bloom’s shoulder like a sack of potatoes. Thankfully, to Scootaloo’s great relief, there weren’t actually that many people out and about the castle at this time of the evening to witness her embarrassment.

“Hi Madam Pomfrey. Scootaloo was getting tired by the end of training so I carried her back,” Apple Bloom said, cheerfully placing the girl back down on her bed.

“Why, thank you, Miss Apple; that was a very kind thing for you to do. Although she doesn’t want to admit it, she still needs to take things easy for at least the next few weeks,” the matron replied. “I was just informing Molly of the progress she’d been making when you came in.”

“I’m going to get changed.” Scootaloo said with a mighty yawn before collapsing on her bed and falling asleep instantly.

“Pegasi,” Apple Bloom commented with another giggle.

“Looks like the exercise did her good,” Molly remarked. “Now, why don’t the rest of you help yourselves to some snacks and drinks.”

“Don’t mind if I do,” Anthony said, heading over to the selection of snacks arrayed on a small table Molly had set up. Cedric and the others followed as a head popped around the infirmary door.

“Oh, sorry to disturb everyone. I was hoping to see Scootaloo before bed,” Hermione’s voice echoed round the infirmary.

“She’s just fallen asleep, love. You are more than welcome to stay for some cake though,” Molly replied.

“Oh no, I wouldn’t want to intrude. I just wanted to make sure she’s doing alright, and, just maybe, I also wanted to get away from Ron dancing like a lunatic in his underwear in our common room after Harry gave him the final two chocolate frog cards for his collection,” Hermione said with a shudder.

Molly strode over and pulled the girl roughly by her arm into the infirmary. “That settles it; you’re staying.”

Madam Pomfrey was astonished to awake early the following morning to find Scootaloo not in her bed but instead doing press-ups with her wings on the floor of the infirmary with Molly watching on, impressed by her niece’s athleticism.

“What in Merlin’s beard are you doing?” she exclaimed just managing to hold back the volume.

“Got to keep the wings in shape,” the girl replied, not turning her attention away from what she was doing. “Twenty-seven . . .twenty-eight . . .”

Madam Pomfrey wanted to argue but decided against it. The girl, for once, was probably right on this occasion.

“So, you were telling me what happened after I fell asleep last night. I must have been more tired than I thought,” Scootaloo said to Molly, still not taking her attention away from her wing-ups.

“Not much, really, they had some cakes and drinks, laughed over the match and training, shared embarrassing secrets with your girlfriend.”

“Forty-o WHAT!” Scootaloo exclaimed, falling flat on her face. “Ouch. Why was Hermione even here?” She groaned from the floor.

“She came to see how you were doing, though I think my son dancing like a lunatic in his underwear in the Gryffindor common room had some part to play in it. And don’t worry; I was just messing with you, though she was quite intrigued with how you treat them like a military regiment.” Molly chuckled.

Scootaloo groaned again. “She’s going to use that against me for weeks,” she muttered before she started to do one-armed press-ups, much to Madam Pomfrey’s amazement. “Anything else?”

“Nothing comes to mind; they all ate and drank their fill, discussed and laughed over the game, wished you a speedy recovery and then went on their way.” Molly described how the evening had transpired.

“Well, that’s a relief,” Scootaloo said as she continued her press-ups.

“Unless you class Heidi and Tamsin pressing for information from Hermione about your relationship as important. They seemed to be giggling a lot at what Hermione had to tell them,” Molly told her niece with another chuckle.

Scootaloo paused mid-press-up. “Those two are in for a world of hurt.”

After her early morning exercises, Scootaloo had just showered and sat down to breakfast back in her bed when Moody returned through the doors of the infirmary with Headmaster Dumbledore. Startled by the loud slamming of the door being shoved open, Molly jumped and sent the cornflakes she was eating everywhere. Spluttering, she pulled her wand from a band wrapped around the waist of the dress she was wearing.

“Easy, Molly; it’s just me and Alastor Moody.”

“A slightly less dramatic entrance would have been nice,” Molly grumbled between coughing up cornflakes.

“Bah, you should always be prepared for everything,” Moody barked, hobbling over to Scootaloo’s bed as he held a metal arm.

“Wow, that was certainly quick!” Molly stated, looking over the prosthetic limb. “What’s it made of?”

“Magically infused titanium,” Moody growled, “with some true silver mixed into the inner workings. Now, shall we get this over with.”

“Let the girl at least finish her breakfast first,” Madam Pomfrey chided as she came over to see what all the commotion was about.

“No, best too get this over with,” Scootaloo sighed, looking forlornly at her right shoulder.

“That’s the spirit. Matron, If you’d do the honour of removing those bandages?” Moody requested.

Reluctantly, Madam Pomfrey complied.

“Now, this is going to hurt a lot,” Moody said bluntly. “Mrs. Weasley, if you could please hold the prosthetic into position.”

Molly came over and did as she was asked.

“Perfect, now hold it there.” He grunted once more bringing out his wand.

“So how do you plan . . .” Molly never finished.

“Brac de Fusio,” Moody cried.

Scootaloo gritted her teeth as, slowly, the skin around her shoulder fused around the metal limb.

“Fuck, that’s painful,” she grumbled after about twenty seconds. “How long is this going to take?”

“About a minute,” Moody replied, not turning his attention away from his work, his wand still emitting a red aura. “I’m a little surprised you are taking it so well.”

“Still nothing in comparison to that Snitch,” Scootaloo growled, gritting her teeth once more.

“You’re not wrong there my dear,” Moody replied absently. “Once you’ve been subjected to dark magic, you start to become a little numb to pain.”

Another agonising fifteen seconds passed for Scootaloo.

“Right, that should do it, how does it feel?”

“Like I fell on the spiky bush again,” she said, moving the arm. “Huh, neat, light too.”

“Extraordinary,” Moody said, his natural eye-opening wide in surprise. "I understood from what Albus was telling me you are a natural magician, but I still expected it to be at least a day if not more before you could move the arm completely. How much can you manoeuvre?”

For the next five minutes Scootaloo demonstrated a full range of movements with her new limb, from moving the limb at the shoulder, to bending the elbow, to bending each finger individually.

“Well. That’ll certainly save me some time. It looks like the surgery was a complete success. Just two more things I wish to test,” Moody said, finishing some final examinations of the shoulder joint which showed absolutely no signs of wear or the possibility of the arm detaching. “Press your thumb just below your little finger.”

Scootaloo complied; a knife swung out from her new metallic wrist.

“Woah,” she exclaimed.

Molly did not look pleased.

“Just in case anyone decides to get too close,” Moody growled. “Now if you’d like to get off the bed, we’ll test the second defence mechanism.

Molly and Moody moved aside to allow the girl to comply with this second request. Moody took a few steps back.

He charged with a depraved snarl on his face.

Scootaloo looked at him as if he’d gone completely mad.

Her arm shot up and a bolt of electricity shot from it and slammed into Moody’s chest, sending him flying across the infirmary and into the far wall.

“Woah,” Scootaloo mouthed. “Now that’s cool.”

Molly looked horrified.

Madam Pomfrey rushed over to Moody.

Dumbledore still had a calm expression across his face.

“Get off me, you worrying gnat; I’m fine,” Moody complained, rising to his feet and stretching his neck to get the cricks out of it. “I’m glad to see it works. If anyone attempts to catch you off guard or you can’t react with your wand in time, your arm will draw on your natural magical weather ability as a pegasus and send a bolt of lightning at them, most likely incapacitating them. I’m not hurt only because I came prepared.”

He pulled back his coat, now with a black scorch hole, to reveal some kind of pink armour, also with a black smear. “Magically infused rubber armour, it deflected the majority of the blast, and before you complain, Mrs. Weasley, it will only act as a last line of defence if it senses the girl’s life is at risk,” Moody explained.

“I’m still not convinced,” Molly grumbled. “But on the other hand, I guess it is a sensible idea to provide her with such protection.

“I’m glad you agree. Once the girl is a little older, I’ll show her how she can control and use the magic naturally.”

“Oh, that won’t be necessary.” Scootaloo cackled, holding a ball of lightning in her prosthetic hand. “Thanks for giving my cutie mark another meaning.”

“Mother of mercy. Powerful isn’t the word with this one!” Moody exclaimed in awe as Scootaloo made the lightning dissipate back into her arm.

Every one of the other adults’ mouths in the room had dropped to the floor, even Dumbledore’s.

Author's Note

Right, don't complain, you wanted an awesome prosthetic arm, you got an awesome prosthetic arm, next up more pandering to the audience, Classroom 77, what happens when the Weasley twins set of fireworks in the Potions lab and first year potions gets moved.

Lastly proof-read and edited by rich-online.

EDIT: Iron in arm changed to True Silver to keep KittyrinnAiko happy. :rainbowlaugh:

All's Fair in Love and War

The sun was just peeping over the horizon on an icy, clear, spring morning. Out on the training fields, Scootaloo was lost in thought, recapping the weekend’s events as she waited for her teammates to appear. Madam Pomfrey had let her out of the infirmary just after lunch on Friday, and she’d then spent a wonderful afternoon with Professor Trelawny, who had doted on and spoiled her relentlessly as they continued reading each other’s palms. Her friends had been overjoyed to see her appear at dinner and were a little taken aback at first by her new appendage, but had soon gotten used to it. Still, the stares and whispers she’d received had been more than a little unsettling, and these had continued throughout the weekend whenever she’d been out of the Hufflepuff common room. There was little to notably recollect of the weekend with almost all of it spent either catching up on the week's schoolwork with Hermione, Apple Bloom, or Sweetie Belle, or with Professor Sprout and Trelawney discussing the dreams she’d had in her coma. The last bit of the weekend was what she’d really like to forget. The constant focus of everyone’s attention on her finally got to be too much on Sunday evening, and she’d finally snapped when she’d arrived at the Great Hall for dinner.

“Penny for your thoughts? Recapping last night's explosion of emotion?” Tamsin teased, knocking Scootaloo out of her thoughts.

Scootaloo groaned, placing her head on her metallic hand. “I’d rather not remember.”

“What, that you got up, stood on a table, and screamed for everyone to hear, ‘Yeah, I’m the girl who fucking saved the life of the famous Harry Potter from some incredibly dark wizard and who lost an arm in the process. If you’d like to see my new arm, come over and say 'hi' instead of acting like a bunch of creepy stalkers.’”

“Thanks for reminding me. Although, to be fair, it did sort of work. A number of students did come over to inspect my new arm, rather than gawk from the shadows. It did, though, also earn me another counselling session after school with Professor Sprout today. I’m just glad I managed to catch up with all my work over the weekend.”

“Ouch, that sucks.”

“Hey, what you two chatting about?” Heidi’s voice called as she appeared with a yawn out of the castle.

“The surprise I’ve got in store for today’s training session. Someone let slip you’ve been talking to my girlfriend,” Scootaloo stated, sensing that this was the perfect time to change the subject.

The two girls’ faces dropped.

“So, you heard about that,” Tamsin said nervously. “You know we meant nothing by it. Please don’t make us run laps for the entire session.”

“Oh, I’ve got something much better planned, and it looks like I’ll be able to tell you all in just a moment,” Scootaloo cackled manically.

“Run! Run now! She’s gone insane!” Heidi cried as the remainder of the team approached.

“Dear me, you are just a tad overdramatic, aren’t you? I was just telling these two we’ve got a super fun session planned for today!” Scootaloo replied with the creepiest of smiles. As she pulled Heidi into a hug, the other girl attempting desperately to flee.

“Creepaloo is back; we’re doomed,” Sweetie deadpanned. “So, might as well get it over with; what you got planned?”

Scootaloo pointed to four quidditch ball boxes on the ground.

“I don’t like where this is going,” Heidi admitted anxiously, still being squeezed to death by Scootaloo.

“We do!” Susan and Anthony cackled.

“That just makes me feel even worse,” Tamsin admitted.

Scootaloo let out a loud cough to gather everyone’s clear and undivided attention. She finally released Heidi, who took in a deep breath. She was still contemplating making a break for it.

“So, I’m not usually the one to hold a grudge or let personal matters influence my judgements, but if you want to pry into my personal life, well, they do say all’s fair in love and war,” Scootaloo said with her creepiest of grins still plastered across her face.

Heidi and Tamsin gulped; the others all looked nervously at each other, barring Susan and Anthony, who could barely hide their excitement.

“On top of that, after our last training session, I feel our beaters could use some more training to improve their accuracy. Thus, you shall notice here four cases. In a moment, I shall be releasing not two, not four or even six, but eight bludgers.”

Four sets of eyes went wide in fear.

“It is simple; if you get hit ten times, you are out. You may also concede. Last place, twenty-five laps of the training field.” Scootaloo picked up and dumped a rucksack in front of her. “Your bag of rocks. The remainder of you will just have to run laps. fourth fifteen, third ten, second five, the winner receives free sweets for the rest of the year, totally unlimited, unless it’s me of course, which, considering I’ve already bribed the beaters with sweets, is highly probable. I also have a secret weapon.” Scootaloo let the lightning flow through her right arm and shoot off into the sky. “If you can dodge lightning, you can dodge a bludger.”

Heidi and Tamsin looked like they were about to pass out in terror.

“Bring it on, you crazy bitch,” Sweetie cackled with excitement.

“I’m so going to make you run laps today for a change,” Cedric said with determination etched across his face.

“Excellent, I’m glad to see you are all game. If there are no further questions, I suggest you all hop on your brooms, and I’ll let the fun begin,” Scootaloo finished with her trademark creepy grin as she released the first bludger from its straps.

“Please, I can’t take any more!” Tamsin begged.

“Really? You barely lasted ten minutes up there, and now twenty-three laps all you got? Pathetic,” Scootaloo taunted, landing before the other girl.

“Yes ma’am,” Tamsin groveled before her captain.

“I’ve only one thing to say to that performance.”

Tamsin gulped.

Scootaloo leant in and whispered in the other girl’s ear, “Incredible job. I didn’t expect you to get past ten, let alone twenty. Let me know what you want as a reward, soldier. Just remember next time before you pry into my private life, I have the power to make your life very, very difficult.”

“Yes ma’am,” Tamsin wheezed. “Truthfully, my scales are on the fritz.”

“Consider a new silver set bought.” Scootaloo pulled her head back. “Now hit the showers.” She turned to the rest of her team.

“As for the rest of you.” She looked over her clearly sore and aching team who were rubbing numerous bruises across their bodies. “Well done for lasting the whole hour. Heidi, you lucky, lucky girl. One life with one second left, how fortunate that my lightning caught you just after the claxon.”

“My arse feels like it’s on fire,” Heidi grumbled, rubbing her aching behind.

“Should have dodged it then,” Scootaloo said bluntly before moving on. “Sweetie, you’re supposed to dodge bludgers, not save them. Still, two lives; well done.”

“You never said I couldn’t catch and throw them at others,” Sweetie stated.

Scootaloo ignored her friend. “Cedric, four lives, respectable and the same as myself. An outstanding performance.”

“I’ll beat you next time,” Cedric quipped.

“Anytime, anywhere. Susan and Anthony, I’m glad to see last week was just a blip. Back to your accurate best. Those Slytherins are in for a pounding in May. Keep up the great work.”

“Thanks, and we will,” Anthony replied with a smile.

“As a reward for your hard work and diligence today, you can all have the next two Mondays off for your efforts.” There were cheers throughout the team. “Just remember that before you go trying to find gossip on me, I have the power to make training as difficult or pleasant as you want it to be.”

“Was still totally worth it to find out your right ear twitches when you kiss,” Heidi giggled causing Scootaloo to go red faced.

“Macavoy, how would you like a one to one training session next Monday?” Scootaloo said in an ominous tone.

The girl in question had disappeared.

“Looks like she doesn’t want help with her kissing studies,” Cedric finished with a chuckle.

Scootaloo placed her head in her left hand and started rubbing her temple. “Just go before I change my mind about those training sessions.”

The following morning, after sleeping through yet another dull and lifeless history lesson, the first-year Hufflepuff girls, aside Sweetie, were nearing the potions lab, discussing just what the misery professor had in store for them today, when they came across the rest of their class blocking the hallway in front of them.

“Hey Hermione, what gives?” Scootaloo immediately asked, seeking out her girlfriend.

“The Weasley twins. Apparently, they thought that if the Potions lab was out of commission, their infinite detention would-be put-on hold,” Hermione explained.

Hannah and Meghan started snickering.

“Sounds like something those two would do. So, what did they do?” Scootaloo replied.

A firework exploded above the students' heads.

“That.” Hermione pointed above her head. “They set off fifty magical fireworks at the end of their Potions lesson. Snape’s just gone to see what other classrooms are available while we wait out here.”

Scootaloo giggled. “He must have been furious.” Then, her face dropped. “Oh crap, he’s going to take it out on us, isn’t he.”

“I honestly don’t know, but he definitely did not look at all pleased when he exited the lab covered in soot, robes on fire, and dragging both Weasley twins by an ear to Professor Dumbledore,” Hermione stated.

“Mum will be fuming,” Ron sighed.

“At least it’s not as embarrassing as dancing in your underwear in the common room,” Hermione said with a chuckle.

“I thought we agreed we were never going to mention that again. It’s bad enough my mum found out,” Ron said, his face starting to match the colour of his hair.

“I wonder where our lesson will be,” Apple Bloom stated, suddenly entering the conversation.

“Who knows, but here comes Snape now. He looks angrier than usual,” Ron answered.

“Maybe that’s cause his robes still on fire?” Susan commented.

“Doesn’t matter. All that matters really is it means more pain for us,” Scootaloo groaned

“Settle down please,” Snape’s voice droned from the front of the class. “As you probably have all realised, the Potions lab is currently unavailable for lessons due to an incident at the end of my previous lesson,” Snape paused and sent a deadly glare at Ron that turned the boy's face as white as a sheet. “As such, today's theoretical lesson on poisons and how to tell if your drink or food has been spiked, shall now be hosted in, ugh, Classroom 77 of the Discord Tower.” Snape rolled his eyes with obvious discontent with where he would now have to conduct his class. “Let’s get this over with; come along, class.”

The trip to their temporary classroom was a quiet and rather sombre affair, with no student wishing to bear the brunt of Snape’s wrath. This was only exacerbated when he deducted two points from Gryffindor just because Neville coughed. In deathly silence, they walked into their temporary home, and that’s when things got a lot worse.

Snape looked at the lime green furred hooves he now sported and took a few deep, calming, breaths.

None of the class said a word, partially because they were all staring at each other, shocked at the fact they were all now tiny multicoloured ponies. One of the most peculiar things to have occurred was that all their robes had transformed perfectly with them.

“Okay, that’ll be ten points from Hufflepuff because I just know you three girls must have had something to do with this,” Snape muttered, barely hiding the anger in his voice.

“Hey, that’s unfair,” Scootaloo couldn’t help but object. Interestingly, her metallic arm had transfigured perfectly into her right foreleg.

“Would you like me to take another five, Miss Prewett?”

“No,” Scootaloo grumbled.

“No, what?” Snape replied

“No, sir.”

“Better. Now come along, class. I guess I’ll just have to make the best of this situation,” Snape sighed in resignation. “And you two, stop flying around the classroom. That’s a further five points from Hufflepuff and five from Gryffindor.”

Reluctantly, Susan lowered herself to the ground, crash-landing into a wall with a thump.

“I’m fine,” the girl groaned from a heap on the floor.

Ron went one better and crash-landed into Snape.

“Weasley, you have five seconds to get off of me before you are joining your brothers in infinite detention. Do I make myself clear?” Snape growled.

Ron had never moved so fast in his life.

Slowly, Snape rose and dusted himself off whilst repositioning his robes with a hoof.

The class though had all noticed the potions bottle with black bubbling liquid and a white skull and cross bones that now adorned his flank. Wisely, they chose not to infuriate their potions professor further by enquiring about said mark.

“Right, unless are any further disruptions,” Snape droned, “take a desk and we shall begin.”

The potions professor trotted to the front of the class, illuminated his horn, and lifted some chalk up to the board before turning his attention back to his class, who were rapidly taking their desks and getting quills, parchment and textbooks out of their satchels. With the majority of the class being unicorns, they had followed Snape’s example and, after some trial and error, had managed to use the magic in their horns to prepare themselves. They were now sitting in anticipation, waiting for the lesson to begin, each with a quill held in their magical aura. Unfortunately for Snape, only fifteen of his twenty-one strong class were unicorns. Although two of the other six students had had experience in such a bizarre phenomenon and were waiting patiently along with the other students with quill in mouth and wing respectively, the other four were not faring so well.

“Longbottom, please look at how Miss Apple holds her quill in her mouth and try and use that technique. Miss Jones, can you assist in helping Miss Abbot with her books? Miss Prewett, could you kindly show how you manage to hold a quill in your wing to Mr. Weasley and Miss Bones?” Snape sighed, pulling a chair over with his magic and taking a seat as he rubbed his temple with a hoof. This was going to be a long lesson.

Aside from Neville spilling three pots of ink in the opening five minutes and the whole class now being tiny sentient equines, the remainder of the lesson actually proved to be relatively straightforward and not that interesting as Snape rattled on about numerous different poisons and their varying characteristics before setting them a lengthy reading assignment and a whole sheet of questions for homework.

Unsurprisingly, the students were deep in conversation about the whole experience as they left the classroom and transformed back to their usual forms.

“Anyone else got a headache?” Meghan groaned, rubbing her temple.

“Yeah, me to,” Justin groused.

“And me,” Wayne chipped in.

Scootaloo tittered. “That’s what happens when unicorns in our world use magic continuously for a substantial period of time without training. You’ll be fine after a little rest.”

“Thanks for warning us,” Meghan groaned, still rubbing her temple.

“Wait, then why don’t I feel anything?” Hermione asked.

“Do you want the Rainbow Dash or Twilight Sparkle answer?” Scootaloo requested.

“The nicer one please.”

“I’ll combine the two. You’re an egghead with a greater amount of magic.”

Hermione gave her girlfriend a friendly shove. “So, I guess that means it takes more to strain my magical ability.”

“And the egghead gets it in one,” Scootaloo teased before turning her attention to Susan. “And nice job losing us five points Susan.”

Nobody noticed Hermione pull her wand from her robes and start muttering something under her breath.

“Hey, you lost us twice as many,” Susan retorted, sticking out her tongue at her friend rebelliously.

Hermione kept chanting and manoeuvring her wand.

“I didn’t do anything wrong and you know it. Bloom will back me up,” Scootaloo contested.

“Well neither did I!” Susan countered.

“You flew around the room like a possessed lunatic!” Scootaloo argued.

“Takes one to know one!”

Hermione finished casting her spell.

“Bloom, help me . . .” SPLASH.

Susan burst out laughing as did a number of the students as a bucket of water materialised and fell on Scootaloo’s head, drenching her.

“Sometimes being an egghead has its benefits,” Hermione said brazenly before she darted off down the hall.

“Oh, I’m so getting you back for that one,” Scootaloo replied as she lifted the bucket off her head and shot after her girlfriend.

Slowly, Susan regained her composure. “How can such a prude and know-it-all like Hermione just suddenly pull a switch and act like, like . . .”

“A normal eleven-year-old girl?” Hannah replied.

“Exactly,” Susan responded.

“One word -- Scootaloo,” Hannah replied. “Those two are perfect for each other.”

“That they are. Fancy going to the Great Hall and making a start on our homework before lunch?” Susan asked.

“I’m in,” Meghan replied, jumping not only into the conversation but literally onto Hannah’s back, her headache seemingly forgotten.

“Get off me, you oaf; you’re heavy,” Hannah jested, trying to push the other girl off her.

“Calling me fat! How rude,” Meghan laughed as she released her grip on the other girl. “Come on, let's get a move on. Apple Bloom, you in?” the girl said looking around. “Huh, where did she go?”

“I saw her heading off with Neville a moment ago towards the library,” Hannah replied.

“Oh well, looks like it’ll just be us three then,” Meghan said, shrugging her shoulders before pulling her two friends along towards the Great Hall.

“Get me down from here,” Hermione pouted as she tightly gripped the tower on which Scootaloo had deposited her.

She knew she should have sought the sanctuary of the library, but in her haste to get away from her girlfriend, she'd had taken a wrong turn. It turned out to be a fatal mistake as her route had taken her outside the castle, and one sharp whistle from Scootaloo saw Broomy zooming in and stealing her away, high up into the sky where she was unceremoniously dumped here, the broom paying no attention to her commands. At least it couldn’t get any worse.

That’s when she heard a massive boom and looked up just as a rain cloud emptied itself upon her.

“Next time, I’d suggest not pranking a pegasus with their natural element,” Scootaloo cackled, leaning over the cloud.

“You’ve always got to be one better, haven’t you,” Hermione grumbled, now absolutely sodden.

“Yep,” Scootaloo replied smugly as she floated down to Hermione. “Now how about a fly to dry off?” she asked, holding out Brunhilda to Hermione.

“You ‘re on,” Hermione said with a wicked grin, “but first a kiss.” She grabbed hold of Scootaloo’s sodden robes and pulled her in close.

Scootaloo closed her eyes and waited for the inevitable. The warmth of Hermione’s lips never came. Instead she got something cold and slimy along with the taste of, crackers? A squawk of indignation snapped her out of the moment. She opened her eyes mid-kiss and stared straight into the single eye of a very soggy and unhappy parrot who was floating in front of her.

“I’m not particularly amused by this fucking situation myself,” Wally squawked.

Scootaloo spat cracker crumbs out of her mouth. Hermione was laughing uncontrollably a little way away.

Finally, Hermione managed to utter, “You want a kiss? You’ll have to earn it and catch me first,” before she shot off into the distance on Brunhilda.

“Oh, we’re playing that game again,” Scootaloo said to herself before whistling to Broomy and shooting off after her girlfriend.

“Fucking crazy witches,” Wally grouched as the magic applied to him started to fade and he took off towards the Great Hall, hoping for a piece of fruit to complement those crackers and seeds that girl had used to bribe him.

Author's Note

A silly little slice of life chapter, I was tempted to add a section on the students learning about Werewolves in DADA but opted to exclude it as it wouldn't really add anything to the story and it leaves something to explore later on in the series. Anyway, we've probably 5-10 chapters roughly left of book one and from here on out I'm pushing forward to the thrilling conclusion, even if we already know what is sort of going to happen. UPDATE: Now edited by rich-online

Scootaloo and a Dragon too

Author's Note

Warning: this chapter contains a dragon, romance, time skipping, crystal gazing, hilarious hi-jinks and a dragon. Read at your own peril! I've also taken one or two edits from rich-online, but honestly to tired right now to scour through 8000 words for second time in 2 days, so anything major comment and I'll modify it.

Scootaloo and a Dragon too

The following Sunday Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom were sat in the library deep in conversation on what they were going to do upon their return to Ponyville in a month’s time for the Easter holidays when Hermione walked on over with Harry and Ron. She handed Scootaloo a piece of paper.

“What’s this?” she enquired, looking over what seemed to be a schedule of sorts.

“I made you a revision timetable. We’ve only ten more weeks till our exams!” Hermione exclaimed sitting down across from the other three girls along with the two boys.

“That’s ages away,” Scootaloo groaned, not wanting to think about exams before the Easter holidays were over.

“That’s exactly what we told her,” Ron grumbled. “She’s been going on about us making ones all morning over breakfast.”

Hermione glowered at Ron before turning to Scootaloo and explaining her actions. “You are aware we need to pass these exams with an average score of sixty percent across all subjects to get into our second year and that they include both practical and theoretical portions? I should have started studying weeks ago but…” she paused not wanting to finish the sentence as a tear came to her eye at just the thought.

“My accident distracted you.” Scootaloo sighed reaching across the table and holding her girlfriend’s hands in her own natural and unnatural ones in an attempt to calm her down. “I get it, these exams are very important to you, so how about we take a break relationship wise until they are over so you can concentrate on them. I would be mortified if I prevented you from getting the grades you wanted.”

“You really mean that?” Hermione sniffled trying to get her emotions under control.

“Of course, and we can still study together if you need a study buddy. Those two look about as much help with revision as Professor Binns!” Scootaloo exclaimed causing a smile and a giggle from Hermione. Ron did not look at all pleased sat next to her.

“I’m not sure you’d be much better,” Hermione said with a wry smile.

“Ouch, I’m deeply hurt,” Scootaloo said not meaning it in the slightest. “Now there’s the girl I’ve come to know. How about then if I beat you overall in one of either the practical, theoretical or combined scores for the first-year exams you not only have to kiss me in front of the entire school at the end of year feast, tongues and all, but also have to introduce me to your parents during the summer holidays.”

Hermione’s face went red for a moment before a crafty smile crept across her face. “And when I win you not only have to wear a dunce’s cap for the remainder of the school year, but also have to make a public admission to the school paper that I’m a better flyer than you.”

This time it was Scootaloo’s turn to reel back with surprise before she stuck out her metallic hand and met Hermione’s confirming the agreement.

“You are so going to regret that,” Hermione grinned rubbing her hands together with glee.

“This is only going to end badly,” Harry sighed.

“Agreed,” three voices chorused as Wally suddenly crashed into the table from out of nowhere.

“EMERGENCY, EMERGENCY, EMERGENCY,” the bird cawed from amongst the rubble clearly in some distress.

“Well this can’t be good,” Apple Bloom groaned as the bird coughed up a scroll with the seal of Princess Celestia herself on it.

“I think that might be understating it,” Sweetie noted as Scootaloo picked up the scroll and was just about to read it when Madam Pince arrived upon the scene.

She did not look at all pleased with the destroyed table.

“You better have a good explanation for all this,” the librarian huffed angrily.

“A letter from the ruler of our homeland explaining an emergency back home good enough for you,” Scootaloo retorted somewhat rudely flashing the sealed scroll in front of the irate librarian.

“Humph, let me see that,” and before anyone could stop her Madam Pince had snatched and unravelled the scroll before proceeding to read it. Her face started to turn a little white. “I will need to inform Headmaster Dumbledore of these developments immediately,” she said preparing to leave with the letter.

Scootaloo was having none of it and grabbed the librarian’s arm. “Hey, not before we’ve read it, you’re not.”

“Fine, but be quick about it,” Madam Pince said whilst reluctantly handing the letter back to the girl. She tapped her foot impatiently as Scootaloo began to read letter aloud for everyone to hear.

Dear Girls,

I’m sorry this letter is so rushed but I’ve a lot to do at the moment so I’ve got to keep this brief. Last week I was stunned to find out my brother was getting married to Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, Celestia’s niece. Unfortunately, what should have been a joyous occasion turned out to be an ample opportunity for a foreign nation to attempt to infiltrate Equestria and enslave the population by kidnapping the princess and disguising their queen as her. The occupants of this foreign nation are bug like creatures known as changelings that can transform into an almost exact copy of any being, except for one flaw, they don’t have the original creature’s memories. It was because of this and the fact that the princess turned out to be my foal sitter in the past that I managed to realise something was up, save the real Cadenza and with the help of my friends banished the imposter and her army that had started to attack Canterlot. Thankfully, we are all fine, but as you can imagine the inquest has only just begun and will take months, whilst our national security level has been raised to its highest level. Ponies across the entirety of Equestria are now also fearful of not just another attack, but whether their own neighbours are truly who they say they are. Furthermore, being as close as you are to us, this makes you prime targets for kidnapping. It is as such that with a heavy heart and for your own safety, that on behalf of her majesty Princess Celestia of Equestria I must insist that you stay in the world you are currently in until further notice, however long this may be. We are hopeful that tensions will have subsided by the summer and to still have you return for Rainbow and AJ’s wedding, but currently we cannot be certain. I’m sorry to bring you such disturbing news and am hopeful you can still enjoy your holidays at the school,

Her Majesty Princess Celestia’s Student and Royal Advisor, Twilight Sparkle

“OH, C’MON,” Sweetie bellowed in indignation. “For once can we not just catch a break,” the girl pouted as Scootaloo finished reading the letter and passed it back to Madam Pince who shot of immediately to inform Albus Dumbledore of the situation.

“I’m sure our families just want us to be safe Sweetie,” Scootaloo replied.

“And knowing Twilight and our sisters, they’ll soon have this under control,” Apple Bloom added.

“I know, but it’s still highly frustrating,” Sweetie Belle groused. “And nobody bakes sweet treats like Pinkie Pie.”

Wally coughed up another scroll.

“Huh, what could this be?” Scootaloo said unfurling it.

P.S. The Apples and Pinkie are hard at work making you some special treats to make up for your obvious disappointment.

“Okay, I suppose that’s at least something to look forward to,” Sweetie conceded defeat.

“And we can all get a head start on our revision!” Hermione chipped in before squealing with glee.

Scootaloo picked up a piece of table and banged her head against it. “Can somebody give me a one-way ticket to this bug kingdom please?”

Sadly, it was not just Hermione who had noticed that their exams were slowly nearing. Over the next few weeks, the steady rise in homework from their teachers became a tidal wave, with even Professor Binns setting them homework! This meant that aside from the literal mountain of confections Pinkie Pie sent them, the Easter holidays proved to be a very sombre and much less fun holiday than Christmas. The Crusaders spent almost every waking moment from dawn to dusk, aside from meals, in the library alongside Harry, Ron and Hermione practising wand movements, memorising potion ingredients or historical events and dates, and a lot, lot more as they valiantly attempted to get through all the work that had been set for them.

So engrossed and pre-occupied were they that they barely even noticed when the empty halls suddenly became full of students once more and lessons began once again. Almost every single class was now focusing on revision and going over what they’d already learnt in preparation for their exams in five weeks’ time and the amount of homework they received reflected this. As if they didn’t have enough on their minds already with quidditch practice beginning again as well and their deciding match against Slytherin edging ever closer, the Crusaders were soon to have another much bigger problem on their hands. Unfortunately for Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, chaos was never too far away and this time it came in the burly form of Hagrid.

It all started at the end of their first week back. The dreary and wet weather that had plagued the castle the past month had finally lifted and a beautiful clear spring day mocked the six students as they ploughed through One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi trying to memorise the lot. It was as Ron let out a frustrated growl and turned his attention away from the book for a moment that he noticed Hagrid acting somewhat suspiciously and hiding something behind his back.

“Hagrid? Haven’t seen you in the library before?” He said causing the rest of the group to momentarily look up from their studies.

“Oh, erm, jus’ browsin,” he said with a guilty looking expression as his eyes darted from left to right before he attempted to change the subject. “Yer not still lookin’ for you know who I hope?”

“You mean Flamel? We found out who he is ages ago,” Ron replied with a smug expression. ‘And we know what that dog’s guarding to, it’s a…” Hermione jabbed Ron in the ribs and gave him a stern glare before he could finish what he was about to say.

Hagrid suddenly looked even more alarmed. He sighed in resignation.

“Look, come to my hut later and we’ll talk.”

“Okay, we’ll see you,” Harry started but Hagrid had already gone.

“That was strange. What do you think he was hiding behind his back?” Hermione immediately stated what was on most of the occupants of the table’s minds.

“Do you think it had anything to do with the Stone?” Harry said excitedly.

“No idea, but I’m going to check out what section he was in,” Ron replied seeking any excuse to get out of studying.

“What’s with you three?” Scootaloo said angrily in a hushed whisper once Ron had disappeared. “Is me losing an arm not enough to put you off meddling in matters that don’t concern you? It’s like my sacrifice means nothing to you at all!”

Before a hurt Hermione could reply Ron returned and slammed a stack of books down upon the table.

“Dragons!” He exclaimed in a low whisper. “Hagrid was looking up stuff about dragons!”

“Oh no, no, no. That’s it. I’m outta here.” Scootaloo exclaimed quickly putting her books back in her bag before going on. “And if you lot have any sense; you’ll ignore everything that just happened. This will only lead to trouble. My word, I sound like Hermione!” She finished with a horrified expression before she shook her head and walked away.

Ron snickered as he looked at Hermione’s disgruntled expression. “Looks likes Hermioneitis is contagious.”

Hermione whacked him over the back of his head with her Herbology textbook.

“Ow,” Ron said rubbing the back off his head.

“Dragons huh? We’ve those back in Equestria. Some are nice, like Spike, whose Twilight’s assistant, but a lot can be mean and grouchy,” Sweetie Belle explained.

Ron looked at the girl in surprise for a moment unsure if he’d heard her right or if the whack to the back of his head had caused more damage than he’d initially suspected. Finally he replied “I’ve no idea what dragons are like where you are from but trust me when I say they are not to be messed with here. Dragon-breeding has been outlawed for nearly three hundred years and it’s impossible to tame one. You should see the burns my brother Charlie’s got off wild ones in Romania,”

“So, what on earth’s Hagrid up to?” Hermione asked what was on everyone who was still at the table’s mind.

Well almost everyone.

“Can you lot quieten down a bit, some of us are trying to study,” Apple Bloom huffed, her attention not wavering from One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi.

An hour later Scootaloo was still in a bad mood as she headed to her Divination lesson.

“I can’t believe her,” she muttered to herself. “We’re not even teenagers and she wants to not only go after the evilest wizard to ever exist, but now wants to get involved with a half-giant who knowing our track record of luck is probably harbouring a dragon, one of the most dangerous creatures on the planet! Is she insane? Almost certainly, but that’s why I love her and my word I sound like Rainbow Dash, Applejack and Rarity after one of our failed crusades. Is this what caring deeply for another feels like?” sighing Scootaloo paused her ramblings as she looked up at the trapdoor above her. “I’ll have to give her an apology at dinner,” she told herself as she fluttered up to the trapdoor above her and knocked.

The response was instantaneous and before long she was sat in a cosy armchair in front of a warm fire sipping a cup of tea.

“You look stressed my dear? Been having any troubling dreams or premonitions recently? Your shoulder not causing you too much pain anymore I hope?” Trelawney enquired sensing the pain and worries that plagued Scootaloo’s mind.

“It’s nothing really. Just a bit of an argument with Hermione,” Scootaloo explained.

“Oh, nothing major, I hope. The crystal ball has informed me that the two of you have a great future together. It would be a shame if it were to end before it had truly begun.”

“No, nothing like that, it’s just, you know when you care for someone so much you become a little bit overprotective?” Scootaloo tried to put what had happened into words without revealing to many details.

Professor Trelawney nodded her head thoughtfully. “Yes, I understand completely, although such feelings rarely come to one so young as yourself, but this may be because of your upbringing and the tragedy that surrounds you. Hold out your palm please.”

Although wary, Scootaloo knew she had no choice in the matter and did as instructed. Professor Trelawney grasped it and almost immediately described what she was seeing.

“Yes, I see it clearly. You are scared, scared that in some way you are cursed and that those around you are destined to suffer because of this. Let me give you some wise words my apprentice. You cannot be there for Hermione every waking moment of every day. She has her own destiny to fulfil as do you. Yes, your paths are intertwined, but sometimes they will also take you in different directions. You need to understand now that if anything bad should befall Hermione it will not be your fault. I know this is hard for one so young to understand…”

“No, I understand.” Scootaloo interrupted. “It’s just hard, you know? After seeing what happened to my parents and not being able to do a thing, I don’t think I would cope well if something similar were to happen to anyone else I cared about, but Hermione, I just, just,” Scootaloo struggled for the correct words as she attempted to force back the tears.

“It would feel like your whole world was ripped from beneath your feet and you’d be lost without her guidance?” this time it was Trelawney’s turn to interrupt.

“Yeah, exactly, how’d you know?"

“Love. Believe me, we’ve all been there my dear at at least one point in our lives, just please don’t make the same mistake I did,” Trelawney finished her eyes taking on a faraway distant look.

“What do you mean by that?” Scootaloo replied looking a little puzzled.

“It’s nothing for you to worry about my dear. Just promise me that you’ll never let petty squabbles come between the two of you,” Trelawney replied snapping back to the present and re-focusing on her guest.

“I’ll try my hardest, thanks professor.”

“Think nothing of it. Now, shall we continue with today’s lesson?”

Scootaloo’s face immediately brightened as she pushed her troubles to the back her mind for the moment and reached into her satchel. “Yes please. I’ve been practicing a lot over the holidays.”

Slowly she pulled out a crystal ball. A stand was already waiting for it on the table.

“Excellent, I thought you would. The crystal ball shall also be the focus of this year’s practical exam along with one of the other four techniques we have already studied. I have decided to leave Xylomancy as something for you to study over the summer holidays before we look at it together over the first few weeks of your second year. Before we begin though, is there anything you’d like to tell me, either of things you’ve seen and haven’t been able to translate or of its history?”

“Not particularly, I’ve seen one or two minor things but they’ve all come to pass now. Overall, Crystal Gazing is an art that takes time and patience to master. Its origins are unclear and it is disputed whether it was the first true form of divination created, with its first mention coming in the religious text known as the bible. Its first recorded use though was in Ancient Rome by Pliny the Elder who described them as ‘soothsayers’. Although this made them popular amongst Romans, religious groups often condemned such actions as they went against their beliefs. It is because of such religious beliefs in muggles that across many centuries such practice had to be done in secret for fear of severe punishment and even death at the hands of those in power. It is widely recognised in the wizarding community that Merlin the Great was an avid fan and user of crystal balls and carried one wherever he went, whilst other notorious crystal gazers throughout history include John Dee, an adviser to Queen Elizbeth I, Claude Conlin, a supposed con-artist, and Jeane Dixon, who successfully predicted numerous real life events through the use of a crystal ball. Sorry, I’m rambling, aren’t I?” Scootaloo blushed in embarrassment pausing for a moment.

Professor Trelawney looked at her student impressed by her knowledge. “Not at all, it amazes me that someone who’s failing history so badly is able to recollect so much. You’ll have no trouble with the theory side of the Divination exam.”

“Yeah, well history is boring, lacks focus, and has no practical application, whereas by studying divination’s past I’m able to understand ways to not only interpret what I see, but also understand ways to improve and refine my own technique. Wait, who told you I was failing history?” Scootaloo finished suddenly clocking on too what Professor Trelawney had said.

“The crystal ball reveals many things my dear,” Trelawney replied cryptically. “Now, I want you to focus on your Crystal Ball and recall what you see to me.”

Scootaloo turned her focus onto her ball. Five minutes passed with her staring into nothing but a clouded mist until the whole inside ignited with orange and Scootaloo’s eyes took on a distant expression.

Finally, they re-focused and she groaned, “I see fire, lots and lots of fire.”

At the same time, Ron, Harry and Hermione, along with an intrigued Sweetie Belle were making their way to Hagrid’s hut. They’d left an engrossed Apple Bloom with her head buried deep within her Herbology textbook back at the library. As they neared the hut, they were surprised to find all the curtains closed.

“Hey, Earth to Hermione. What’s with you? You’ve been really distracted for most of the past hour.” Ron quipped as they reached the front door.

“Huh, sorry, what?” Hermione replied still not really paying attention and lost amongst her thoughts.

“I said, are you going to knock, or shall I?” Ron grumbled.

“Hey, lay off Ron. When have Hermione and Scootaloo ever had a falling out?” Sweetie Belle cut in.

“Oh, so that’s why she stormed off in a huff when I came back with all those books.”

“Precisely, so lay off will ya,” Sweetie Belle retorted.

“Okay, okay, let’s just get this over with, shall we?” Ron replied as he knocked upon the door.

“Who is it? Hagrid hissed before he opened it an inch and peeked out.

“It’s just us Hagrid,” Harry replied wondering why the half-giant was acting so secretively and hoping it wasn’t because of what they all feared.

“Come in, come in, quickly now,” Hagrid replied opening the door and letting them all in before quickly shutting the door behind them after glancing intently all around.

It was like a furnace inside and despite it being a scorching April day outside, there was a fire blazing in the hearth. Hagrid made them all tea and offered them stoat sandwiches. Only Sweetie took one. She devoured it to looks of horror from the other three children.

“I think I’m going to be sick,” Ron mumbled under his breath.

Sweetie was just about to tuck into a second one when Hagrid, much to Ron’s relief, drew their attention away from the girl.

“So-yeh wanted to ask me something? Be mindful though that I’m sworn to secrecy by Dumbledore and can’t tell you nout about the stone.”

“Well in truth that’s what we came for,” Harry admitted not bothering to beat around the bush. “We wanted to know what’s guarding the Stone apart from Fluffy.”

Hagrid frowned.

“Well I’m sorry but I can’t help you there. For one, I don’ know meself and secondly, yeh know too much already, so I wouldn’t tell yeh if I could,” he said stubbornly.

Hermione, trying to regain some of her focus, opted for an alternate approach. “Oh, come on, Hagrid, I’m sure you do know even if you don’t want to tell us, you know everything that goes on round here. We only wondered who had done the guarding, really. I mean Dumbledore must have trusted them very highly,” she finished in a warm, flattering tone.

Beneath his beard Hagrid was smiling and his chest swelled with pride. Harry and Ron grinned at Hermione. Sweetie was still munching her second stoat sandwich.

“Well I don’ s’pose it could hurt ter tell yeh that. Now let me see. He borrowed Fluffy from me and then I think he got himself and five of the teachers to cast enchantments. If I remember rightly it was Professor’s Sprout, Flitwick, McGongall…” he paused for a moment deep in thought. “Yes, Quirrell and one more, now who was it?”

“Snape?” Harry immediately jumped in.

“Yeah, that’s the one. Please tell me yer still not thinking that are you? Look, Professor Snape helped protect the stone, he’s not about ter steal it,” Hagrid said gruffly.

Harry looked over at Ron and Hermione and immediately knew they were thinking the same as he was. If Snape had been in on protecting the Stone, he almost certainly knew how the other teachers had guarded it and thus how to bypass their defences. The only two things he didn’t seem to know were Quirrell’s spell and how to get past Fluffy.

“Hagrid, no one else knows how to get past Fluffy do they, not even any of the teachers?” Harry asked anxiously.

“Only me and Dumbledore,” Hagrid replied proudly just as Sweetie finished her second stoat sandwich and entered the conversation.

“Erm, not to intrude or change the topic, but has anyone else noticed the dragon’s egg in the fire?”

Three sets of wide eyes shot their gazes instantly to the fireplace where, underneath the kettle in the very heart of the fire, a huge black egg sat.

“Dragon’s egg, I’ve no idea what you’re talking about lass, that’s merely a, er,” Hagrid said trying to come up with an excuse as he fiddled nervously with his beard.

Ron and Sweetie were already crouching over the fire and getting a better look at the egg.

“Where did you get it?” Ron asked intrigued.

“Won it from a stranger I met in the Hog’s Head last night. We had a few drinks and got into a game of cards. Think he was quite glad ter get rid of it, ter be honest,” Hagrid explained, realising the kids weren’t going to be fooled.

Harry and Hermione were looking anxiously at one another.

“What you going to do once it’s hatched,” Sweetie queried studying the egg as closely as she could without burning herself.

“I’m going to take care of it as its mother,” Hagrid answered jovially as he walked over to the fire. “I got a book outta the library and although it’s a bit outta date, it contains all the key information I need, such as what to feed them. It even told me what breed it is, that there’s a Norwegian Ridgeback. They’re rare, them!”

He looked very pleased with himself as he hummed merrily whilst stoking the fire. Hermione didn’t.

“Hagrid, you live in a wooden house!” The girl exclaimed completely taken aback by the absurdity of the whole situation.

Hagrid wasn’t listening.

A few hours later and Sweetie was talking in hushed whispers with Apple Bloom outside the Great Hall before dinner over what she’d seen.

“We were right, Hagrid’s keeping a dragon’s egg in his fire place. He says it could hatch any day now.”

“Wow, I’ll have to come take a look at some point,” Apple Bloom said impressed. “Where did he even get something like that?”

“Won it from a stranger in a card game down the pub apparently.”

“Sounds awfully shady.”

“Tell me about it.”

“Does he even know how to look after such a creature?”

“He’s read up on the subject in a terribly outdated book from the library,” Sweetie Belle sighed.

“This is going to go terribly wrong isn’t it?” Apple Bloom replied.

“We’re the Crusaders. When has one of our crusades ever not got us into trouble?” Sweetie admitted.

“Good point.”

“Hey girls, what you talking about?” Scootaloo interrupted loudly, butting into the conversation.

Sweetie put her finger to her lips before whispering “Hagrid’s secretly keeping a dragon’s egg in his house.”

Scootaloo face palmed. “I thought as much. I’ve just had a very interesting and probing Divination lesson with Professor Trelawney on the matter after seeing my crystal ball full of fire. She knew I was keeping something from her but thankfully didn’t press me to hard on the subject.”

“That sounds fun,” Sweetie Belle giggled.

“Trust me, it wasn’t and I’m going to forget we ever had this conversation or that I’m aware of a dragon on campus.”

“Shuuuuush,” Sweetie squeaked noticing that Malfoy had stopped dead in his tracks and was looking inquisitively at them.

“What do you want Dracula? You know its not nice to pry into other people’s conversations, but if you must know I was asking my friends if they knew where my girlfriend was. We got into an argument earlier and some things were said that I regret, most notably the fact I called her a dragon. So, there you go, you got your gossip, so scram before a rearrange that ugly mug of yours,” Scootaloo said hotly, allowing just the tiniest bit of electricity to spark in her right hand.

Malfoy swiftly moved on, although he didn’t look convinced by the tale.

“Shit, now we’re going to have him on our backs to,” Sweetie groaned.

“Not we, you two, I told you I’ve enough on my plate without getting involved in this madness. Now, do either of you know where my girlfriend is, I owe her an apology.”

It did not take long for Scootaloo to find Hermione sitting with Ron and Harry at the Gryffindor table in the Great Hall. Unsurprisingly, they were talking in hushed whispers like her friends.

“Hey, sorry to interrupt, do you mind if we go somewhere private to talk. It’ll only be a quick one,” Scootaloo interrupted politely.

Hermione looked up from the table. “Sure,” she replied nervously rising from the table. “Save my seat will you boys,” she said to Harry and Ron before following Scootaloo from the Hall.

The two girls ended up sneaking into the same small chamber next door that they had waited in upon arrival at Hogwarts at the start of the year.

“So, what is it you wanted to talk about?” Hermione asked after a moment of silence.

Scootaloo took a deep breath before she blurted out in a rush of words, “Look, you know I’m not good with speeches so I’ll just come out and say it, I’m sorry for earlier. It’s just, I care for you so, so much and after being unable to do anything but watch what happened to my parents, I hope you can understand I’m just a little overprotective. I don’t know what I’d do if something happened to you, but Professor Trelawney also made me realise that I won’t always be there to help you,” she finished trembling and with a slight sniffle.

“Oh,” Hermione said with just a hint of surprise taking a step towards her girlfriend and then taking her left hand in both of hers, unsure what else to say. Finally, she came out with, “I had no idea. That’s totally understandable and reasonable of you to think like that. If it makes you feel any better, I felt the same way when you were in that coma. I irrationally blamed myself even though there was nothing I could have done and it required a similar talk with Professor McGonagall to calm me down. Although we always want to be there to lookout for one another…”

“Our destinies will sometimes take us in different directions,” Scootaloo choked.

“Precisely, but what matters is that our love for each other will always bring us back to one another,” Hermione finished with a smile before she leaned in for a kiss.

“I love you,” Scootaloo whispered before locking her lips with the other girls.

It was Friday when Hedwig flew in with a note for Harry from Hagrid. It’s hatching, was all it said.

Ron wanted to skip Herbology and go straight down to the hut. Hermione wouldn’t hear of it.

“We’ll go during our free period,” she said firmly.

“But it could have hatched by then!” Ron whined.

“We’ll get into trouble if we miss lessons,” Hermione argued.

“But Hermione, how many times are going to see a dragon hatching?” Ron argued back.

“Shut up!” Harry whispered.

Malfoy was lurking nearby and seemed to be listening intently to what they had to say. How much had he heard? Harry didn’t like the look on Malfoy’s face at all.

Ron and Hermione argued all the way to Herbology and soon had Sweetie and Apple Bloom involved to while Harry and Scootaloo looked on unamused. As soon as the lesson was over, Hermione, Ron, Harry, Sweetie and somewhat reluctantly Apple Bloom dropped their trowels and raced to Hagrid’s hut.

“So, you say Malfoy was listening in on you this morning. That’s not good. He was eavesdropping on us the other day. Scootaloo thought she’d covered our tracks, but looks like he wasn’t so easily fooled,” Sweetie panted after Hermione had explained to her the mornings events.

“I wished you’d told us sooner,” Hermione groaned in reply. “He almost certainly knows something is up.”

“Sorry, it kind of slipped my mind with how much work we’ve got being piled on us right now, not to mention how intense quidditch practice has been as of late,” Sweetie apologised starting to slowdown as they neared the hut.

“You weren’t to know, still we’ll have to be wary what we say in public areas from now on.”

“Agreed. Look, Hagrid’s waiting for us,” Sweetie said pointing to the eagerly awaiting half-giant.

“I thought you weren’t going to make it. Come inside quickly, it’s nearly out,” he said ushering his five guests inside quickly.

The egg lay atop the table with deep cracks in it. Something was moving inside; a funny clicking noise was coming from it. They all pulled their chairs up around the table and watched with bated breath. All at once there was a scraping noise and the egg split open.

The baby dragon flopped onto the table. It wasn’t exactly much to look at, with wings vastly disproportionate to its body, a long snout with large nostrils, stubs of horns and bulging, orange eyes. Harry thought it looked like a crumpled black umbrella.

The dragon sneezed and a few sparks of fire spewed from its nostrils.

“Isn’t he beautiful?” Hagrid said as he reached out a hand to stroke the dragon’s head. It snapped at his fingers with pointed fangs before lunging at Apple Bloom who slapped it round the head and sent it hurtling through a wall.

Everyone stared at the small dragon shaped hole in the wall.

“It tried to eat me!” Apple exclaimed in her defence.

“He was only playing,” Hagrid growled angrily as he raced outside.

That’s when he saw the kid running back up to the school.

It was Malfoy, Malfoy had seen the dragon!

Warning: This next section is roughly translated from Draig (the ancient language of dragons) and as such may not be 100% accurate. All following sections in italics have also been translated from Draig.

She was not pleased, not pleased at all. When she hatched, she expected to be welcomed into a horde of the finest dragons in the world. Her parents being the mightiest, of course. Instead, she got a bunch of bizarre creatures with pale skin and various coloured fur gawking at her. Although surprised, she thought that maybe they were humble food offerings by the lesser dragons for when she hatched. She soon realised this was not the case though when she tried to launch herself at one of the smaller morsels only to be rebutted with a smack round the head that sent her flying through a wall. When the big bumbling one, who seemed to be covered in more fur than the smaller creatures, had come over and cradled her in his arms whilst checking her thick scales for any damage, the silly fool, like such a measly being could really cause her any harm, it had suddenly dawned on her that he was acting like her mother should be. Despite desperate squirming, she was unable to get free and attempt to flee from his grasp and plot a daring escape from this traumatic situation. To make matters even worse the fool thought she was a he and had called her the most ridiculous name ever, Norbert. Really, check between my ‘untranslatable term’ legs you ‘more untranslatable language’ idiot, do I look like I’ve a set of balls? Furthermore, I’m a fiery harbinger of death, the dominant species of this puny world and should therefore receive a name that suits me, Black Death, Doom Bringer, The Winged Nightmare or something similar, not ‘even more untranslatable dragon curse words’ Norbert. The only two positives she saw from the situation was that firstly this oaf must be some form of doom bringer himself. She hadn’t quite worked out his name yet but had dubbed him the almighty Stinklord the Furriest, his bodily stench truly could kill even the mightiest of dragons and had made her vomit all over his clothes, only adding to his vile odour. She also admired the red-haired smaller female that had slapped her, thus proving she was not prey and ultimately, she seemed to be on par with her for strength. She had dubbed her Strongfire. The other creatures had yet to earn names, although the weakest she’d dubbed Ginger Biscuit because he looked especially tasty. Anyway, the second positive was that Stinklord was feeding her well and she was growing exponentially. With her greater size would come greater strength and power until she was able to finally escape her quite frankly ridiculous prison. ‘Unintelligible noises, possibly cackling?’ can be heard.

P.S. I am also quite fond of belly rubs and ear scratches.

END OF TRANSLATION

The next few days for the five children were utter carnage. If mountains off school work combined with quidditch practice wasn’t already enough to contend with, they now found themselves assisting with the illegal care and hiding of a dragon! The leering smile that adorned Malfoy’s face whenever they saw him also did not help matters and made them even more worried, anxious and nervous than they already were.

By Tuesday the dragon had already grown three times in length. In just four days. Smoke kept furling out of its nostrils. Hagrid had also started to get behind in his gamekeeping duties due to how much attention the dragon was requiring. Empty brandy bottles along with chicken feathers littered the floor.

“I’ve decided to call him Norbert,” Hagrid told Harry and Hermione as Apple Bloom helped Ron feed Norbert, who was already onto eating dead rats by the crateful.

“Hagrid, you need to let him go,” Harry tried to reason with his friend.

“I can’t,” Hagrid replied, “he’s to little. He’d die.”

“Hagrid,” Harry said sternly, “sooner rather than later Norbert is going to be bigger than your house and that’s if Malfoy doesn’t tell Dumbledore about him first.”

Hagrid bit his lip before replying, “your right, but what can I do? I can’t just dump him, I can’t,” he wailed pitifully.

“I’d look to see if Discord could bring Fluttershy from Equestria to talk to Norbert and possibly take him somewhere, but it’d be to risky. She or Discord would more than likely spill the secret to our guardians,” Apple Bloom stated turning her attention away from the dragon for a moment.

“Charlie!” Harry suddenly exclaimed looking at Ron.

“Err, what?” the other boy looked at Harry in confusion. “My name’s Ron. You’re going as batty as he is,” Ron pointed to Hagrid.

“No, your brother Charlie. Remember he’s studying dragons in Romania. We could send Norbert to him. Charlie can look after him and then release him back into the wild!”

“Brilliant!” said Ron before yelling in pain. Looking down he saw Norbert with his fangs embedded in his hands. Ron went deathly pale.

Apple Bloom Managed to force the dragon to let go, scolding him as she did so.

“Bad Norbert, Ron is not food,” she lectured the dragon who pouted in response. “Don’t you give me that look, you are getting no belly rubs or ear scratches of me today, I can promise you that.”

“Send Ron’s brother a letter and be quick about it,” Hagrid sighed as he went over the check the boy’s hand.

Humph, why wouldn’t they let me eat Ginger Biscuit, he’s clearly weak and has no real value. The nibble I did get was also super tasty! Stinklord and Blindlightning also seem to be planning something but I can’t figure out what. Maybe Stinklord has finally realised you cannot tame a dragon! I will miss the oaf though if they do release me. He has treated me well this past week and it is because of him I am growing so fast!

P.S. I have also come to realise Strongfire gives the best belly rubs.

After convincing Scootaloo to let them borrow Wally, as they felt he’d be faster than Hedwig, the letter was sent and on Wednesday evening they got the reply they’d been waiting for. There were only four problems.

The dragon had to be collected from the astronomy tower at midnight so those collecting the dragon wouldn’t be seen carrying an illegal dragon.
The fliers would need someone to guide them in.
By Thursday Ron was in the infirmary. His hand had swollen to twice its usual size. Seemed that Norbert’s fangs were poisonous.
Malfoy visited Ron in the infirmary to tease and threaten to reveal what had really bitten him. He’d then borrowed the exact textbook Ron had put Charlie’s letter in.

The invisibility cloak Harry had received for Christmas would assist with the first and Hermione volunteered to take Ron’s place, solving the third problem. Hermione also managed to persuade Scootaloo to sneak out and guide the flyers in. That just left Malfoy.

“I say it’s to risky,” Scootaloo said as they headed to Hagrid’s after Herbology the following Friday to inform him of the plan.

“Doesn’t matter, it’s to late to change the plan now,” Harry replied. “Wally’s to tired to make another run and Hedwig wouldn’t get to Charlie in time. Furthermore, this could be our only chance to get rid of Norbert. We’ll just have to risk it.”

As the four girls and Harry reached Hagrid’s hut, they found his pet dog Fang sitting outside with a bandaged tail. Hagrid opened a window to talk to them.

“I won’t let you in,” he puffed. “Norbert’s at a tricky stage – nothin’ I can’t handle.”

Once Harry had informed Hagrid of Charlie’s letter, his eyes had filled with tears. This may though have also been down to the fact Norbert had just bitten him on the leg.

“You sure you’re okay in there?” Apple Bloom piped in. “Want me to come in and give him a belly rub, that usually calms him down.”

“No, no, don’t worry about it, I’ve got him,” Hagrid replied as Norbert banged his tail on the wall causing the whole hut to shake!

“Alright, we’ll see you tomorrow night then,” Apple Bloom replied looking nervously at her friends as Norbert banged the wall once more.

Tomorrow night couldn’t come soon enough.

Humph, not only has Stinklord still not realised I am a female, but he also refused to let me out of this prison I reside in yesterday to stretch my wings. I gave him a nasty nip because of it. I was even more peeved when he refused to let Strongfire in and give me belly rubs, the meanie. I should have burnt down his feeble excuse of a dwelling whilst I had the chance, but then he might not have fed me. It seems though that staying with Stinklord was just a temporary arrangement as I now find myself in a crate with more than enough chicken and brandy to last me whatever journey I shall be making. I’m also enjoying playing with my teddy and can still hear Stinklord sobbing outside. I won’t deny I’ll actually miss him alongside Strongfire, but hopefully wherever they are taking me now is more fitting for a creature such as myself. My biggest regret is I never got to say goodbye to Ginger Biscuit. Oh well, think I’ll have a nap and hopefully once I awaken, I will be with my own kind once more.

Scootaloo sighed as she heard the school clock in the distance strike half past eleven and pulled herself out of her bed where she’d headed earlier than usual stating that she’d had a migraine. In truth, she didn’t know just how much sleep she’d be getting tonight and had decided to at least try and get some. It hadn’t worked.

Silently she grabbed Broomy and indicated for him to be quiet. Using her wings, she fluttered up to one of the small windows in the ceiling, unlatched it and then, thanks to her small, athletic frame, managed to squeeze through it out into an unknown area of the castle grounds.

Attempting to pinpoint just where she’d come out, she grabbed hold of the broom that had followed her and floated high into the sky.

It didn’t take her long to find Ron’s brother’s friends.

“Hey, I’m your guide. Follow me and I’ll take you where you need to go,” she hissed into the gloom.

“Woah, bit young to be out this late?” one of the four men said in surprise.

“Yeah, does your mummy know you’re out this late?” another jested to a round of laughter.

“She’s dead along with my father, used the killing curse on herself when I was one to stop death eaters forcing her to reveal where I was hiding, something I witnessed helplessly through a memory orb. Now, can we get a move on please, I’d like to get back to my bed,” Scootaloo replied in a deadly serious tone.

The laughter stopped immediately and the four men followed Scootaloo in grim silence. Slowly they made progress through the air until they came in to land atop the Astronomy Tower.

“Malfoy’s got detention! I could sing!” was the first thing Scootaloo heard as she stepped of her broom.

“Don’t,” a second voice said through the darkness.

“Oh, I don’t know, I’ve never heard my girlfriend sing, could be an interesting experience,” Scootaloo chuckled.

A moment later Hermione was in her arms giving her a massive kiss.

Scootaloo’s eyes went wide for a moment before she closed them and wrapped her wings around the other girl bringing her in close. Finally, they parted and she released her girlfriend.

“What was that for,” she said looking like the cat who’d got the cream.

“My thank you gift for helping us,” Hermione replied with a smirk.

“You know you have me wrapped around your little finger and only have too ask if you ever need anything. The kiss certainly was appreciated though.”

“Hey, if you two are finished, we could do with a hand over here,” Harry’s voice echoed across the rooftop.

It wasn’t long till they had Norbert all strapped in for his journey, they’d all shaken hands and said their goodbyes. Scootaloo gave Hermione one final kiss on her cheek before she shot off back to her dorm, slipping through the window she’d left open and landing gently onto the floor just as she heard footsteps outside! Quickly, she jumped into her bed and pulled the covers over her, just hoping whoever it was wouldn’t pull them back and ask why she was wearing her flight suit.

She was just in time as a rather tired and grumpy looking Professor Sprout stood with Filch at her side, a candle shining a dim light upon six supposedly asleep girls.

“See? All asleep and accounted for,” she yawned. “Can I get back to bed now please.”

“I’ll be the judge of that,” Filch said in his gravelly voice stepping into the room. He looked up. “They always sleep with just the one window open?”

“How would I know?” Professor Sprout huffed.

Scootaloo heard Filch’s footsteps edge closer.

“Just what are you up to?” Professor Sprout growled threateningly following Filch in.

“I caught this one’s girlfriend and one of her friends coming down the Astronomy tower not half an hour ago. My guess is she was with them. She snuck out that window up there and is currently playing possum,” Filch said with an evil leer.

Buck, buck, buck, Scootaloo’s mind raced.

“Now, how about you stop this charade and come clean or do I have to whip these covers of to show that you are still wearing your normal clothes?” Filch mocked enjoying the torment.

“Hang on just a minute Argus, I’m the head of this house and as far as I’m concerned every one of my first-year girls is present and accounted for. Furthermore, even if she was out at this late hour, which is unlikely, due to Miss Prewett’s unique circumstances and the fact that this can lead to trouble sleeping, I’d see it as totally reasonable if she went for a fly. Now, if you don’t mind,” she indicated towards the door.

Filch stood defiantly where he was for a moment before giving a mighty sigh he reluctantly walked away from the girl and exited the dorm, grumbling under his breath.

Once she was sure he was gone Professor Sprout headed for her quidditch captain’s bed and placing the candle down on the girl’s sideboard bent down and whispered into her ear.

“Don’t think you can fool me so easily. Whatever punishment Minerva thinks of for Harry and Hermione you’ll also be subject to, just be grateful I didn’t catch you out of bed otherwise I’d be forced to add a points deduction to that punishment.”

And with that she picked up the candle and headed to the door shutting it gently behind her and leaving Scootaloo in utter darkness.

“Shit,” Scootaloo muttered under her breath.

The Not So Calm Before the Storm

After the late night she’d had, the last thing Scootaloo wanted to do on Sunday morning was wake up early. By now though she was well aware that fate was completely against her. She was awoken a little past six by the crude screaming of her parrot.

“Oh shit it found me again. Fuck off, fuck off, fuck off, I had a bath last year,” she heard Wally squawk indignantly.

Slowly she forced open one of her bleary eyes to see Wally hastily darting left and right across the room in a vain attempt to get away from something.

She forced open her second eye. Yep, it was definitely a bar of flying soap.

By now all the girls, bar herself, were sitting up in their beds gawking at the peculiar spectacle.

“It’s too fucking early for this,” she grumbled closing her eyes and turning over, preparing to force herself back to sleep.

That’s when the peculiar smell hit her nostrils. Was that lavender? She re-opened one of her eyes to see the bar of soap hovering in front of her.

“What the…” She never finished as the soap forced its way into her mouth.

Scootaloo yawned as she sat grumpily at the breakfast table, still blowing bubbles from her mouth. The rest of the girls hadn’t stopped laughing since the peculiar incident had occurred in the early hours of the morning.

After the soap had invaded her mouth Discord had appeared, apparently having been notified that his charge was in peril, only to likewise fall to the floor in hysterics at his poor daughter’s troubles as she valiantly attempted to rid herself of the block of soap now lodged in her mouth. Finally, after he’d managed to get control of himself, he’d snapped his claws and sent the dreaded soap to who knows where, but not before Scootaloo looked like a rabid beaver.

“Ugh, I don’t even want to think about where that soap had been,” Scootaloo groused for the umpteenth time. “There were definitely some hints that were certainly not lavender in there,” she finished with a hiccup and a succession of bubbles.

“Eww, too much information Scoots,” Apple Bloom said with repulsion in reply.

“What I’d like to know is where the blasted thing came from, it just appeared out of nowhere,” Susan said entering the conversation.

“An ulterior parallel dimension similar to this one but where Scootaloo, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle are placed into Gryffindor and ultimately form the Gryffindor Mafia. I got lost there on my way to fucking Romania, which, I might add, is a fucking shithole, and ultimately that fucking damn bar of soap unjustly targeted me. It then had the cheek to follow me back here,” Wally explained on Scootaloo’s shoulder before tucking into an apple.

The six first year girls stared in stunned silence at the bird.

“What?” Wally paused in devouring the apple for a moment. “I’ve a fucking master’s degree in Chaos Physics from the University of Discord and Mayhem. Oh, and that reminds me,” Wally fluttered from his perch and nabbed Scootaloo’s wand from a pocket in her robes before she could stop him.

The bird hovered over to the Gryffindor table with the wand in his beak and before the girls even knew what was happening Fay, who was innocently chatting to Lavender at the time, suddenly found herself transfigured into a toad.

“Fucking alternate reality bitch called me fucking stupid,” he huffed dropping Scootaloo’s wand on the table upon his return. He then picked up his apple and continued his breakfast atop Scootaloo’s left shoulder.

“As if I wasn’t in enough trouble as it is,” Scootaloo groaned.

Two ponies trotted towards the east wing of Canterlot castle deep in discussion.

“I’m afraid to say Miss Sparkle that the latest incident involving the Changelings may have been the final straw for our benevolent ruler. Luna’s been raising the sun as well as the moon every day since the wedding, she’s exhausted and I fear without her sister’s help will be unable to continue soon. I was hoping you could talk some sense into her although I fear the worst,” Doctor Horse explained with a sigh.

“Surely you don’t mean that?” Twilight replied.

“Well, you can make your own judgement if you like, but in my professional opinion, she’s gone completely insane,” the doctor deadpanned as they came to the doors to Celestia’s chambers. Twilight barely had time to drag the doctor out the way before one of the doors was blown of its hinges by a powerful blast of magic.

“BIRDS AND BUGS EVERYWHERE!” Celestia cackled from within her chambers.

Cautiously Twilight peeped around the one remaining door to see the most peculiar sight she’d ever witnessed in her life so far. Celestia, foaming at the mouth, was chasing a flying block of soap around her quarters.

“I knew they were working in tandem, but Luna didn’t believe me. The birds hired the Changelings to attack Equestria to enslave us and make us manufacture as much seed as their little bellies could eat, whilst others would be forced to mate non-stop till they dropped dead to provide a constant supply of love to those nasty bugs,” Celestia rambled on with wild theories. “Any rebellion would be met by having your life source sucked away or being pecked to death, but now I’ve caught their little spy Luna will have to believe me,” she cackled once more before noticing Twilight staring at her wide eyed from the door. “Oh Twilight, my loyal student you’ve come to help me. I knew I could trust you. This Changeling-bird spy attacked me just as I was waking up to raise the sun, we must imprison and interrogate them, but first.”

Twilight’s eyes somehow went even wider as Celestia turned and stared at her for a moment. What once was the kind, heart warming and wise gaze of her mentor had completely evaporated. Two swirling vortexes of pure insanity bored their way through Twilight’s eyes and into her brain. It hurt, it hurt a lot and that was before Celestia ignited her horn and fired it at her. Twilight waited for her inevitable demise as blinding white light engulfed her. It never came. Slowly the light subsided and her vision returned.

“Wha-what just happened,” Twilight arose groggily from the floor.

“Arise Twilight Sparkle, Princess of bird and bug zapping,” Celestia cackled once more before turning her attention back to the soap.

Still in a daze Twilight looked down upon the pair of wings she now sported.

“OH, FOR FUCK SAKE,” she screamed before immediately finding her mouth filled with flying lavender soap that had a slightly sweaty and urine flavoured aftertaste that reminded her why she never played truth or dare with Rainbow anymore.

Absolute chaos and carnage reigned around the Great Hall as spells and food aplenty flew every which way. The Gryffindors, already enraged after waking up to find themselves one hundred and fifty house points worse off than when they went to bed last night due to the stupid actions of three first years, had only been more than happy to retaliate to what they saw as a completely unjustified and despicable use of magic against one of their youngest members. It had started with ten jugs of milk floating over and dumping their contents upon as many of the Hufflepuffs as they could manage. This was swiftly followed by the Hufflepuffs retaliating with a number of jinxes and hexes of their own, along with firing grapes magically machine gun style at their neighbours. The students from the other two houses stopped their own breakfasts for a moment to watch in stunned silence at the slowly escalating war on one side of the Great Hall. Not even the professors were having any luck at calming down the situation as the Weasley twins pulled an actual canon from somewhere and were firing anything they could at the Hufflepuffs, from plates and cutlery to scrambled eggs and sausages. Scootaloo along with the rest of the first year Hufflepuffs were currently hunkered down behind an upturned table unsure just what to do next.

“Wally, why, just why?” Scootaloo groaned to her pesky pet who still sat upon her left shoulder, now eating a banana.

“I think I already fucking explained that,” the bird replied not at all bothered by the anarchy he had caused.

“Lighten up Scootaloo, this is the most fun we’ve had in months!” Apple Bloom cried over the din as she momentarily peeked from cover to fire another stinging jinx at the Gryffindors. A cry of pain informed them it had been successful in finding its mark.

“I suppose I’m already in enough trouble right now after last night, might as well make my punishment worthwhile,” the other girl sighed in defeat. She took a deep breath and stood up from their cover, wand prepped and ready. “Ventus Crackario,” she yelled.

The clear sky above the hall darkened and suddenly wizarding crackers started to rain down upon everyone, exploding on contact with anything they touched and covering them with blue smoke.

In the middle of it all Scootaloo stood cackling like a maniac firing bolts of lightning at whoever she pleased from her right arm. It felt good to finally let loose some of the tension and stress that had been building up over the past few months.

“Sweet Celestia, I’ve unleashed a monster,” Apple Bloom mouthed.

So far Scootaloo’s Sunday was not going as planned. Although they’d sent Norbert safely on his way to Romania, Professor Sprout had sussed she’d been out of her dorm after curfew and she now faced an unknown punishment in the future for that. After her late-night drama all she’d wanted more than anything was a nice quiet lie in followed by yet another day of revision with her friends. She’d ended up being woken up by a bar of soap flying into her mouth and then her pet parrot had started a war with the Gryffindors at breakfast. It wasn’t even midday and she now sat in Professor Sprout’s office once more trying to explain the whole chaotic story to her head of house. Professor Sprout though wasn’t believing any of her wild, but totally truthful tale. Part of the reason for this though might have been the fault of a certain fifth year sat next to Scootaloo and the fact she couldn’t help but constantly snigger at the fact the poor professor now donned a completely shaved head and was covered in blue dye.

“So, you expect me to believe that your parrot cast the spell that turned poor Miss Dunbar into a frog, due to her parallel dimension self insulting him after he got lost delivering a letter home. Why do I find that hard to believe but utterly plausible with you?” Professor Sprout sighed placing her head in one of her hands.

“Because it’s the fucking truth,” Wally cawed from Scootaloo’s shoulder.

“See, he fucking admits it,” Scootaloo practically screamed with frustration.

“Language,” Professor Sprout muttered, her head now in both her hands. She felt a headache coming along.

“I can also vouch that it was indeed the parrot and not my daughter who cast said spell,” Discord’s voice echoed around the room as he snapped into existence at Scootaloo’s side. “I do apologise somewhat for his actions, but as a being of chaos, it was highly entertaining to watch the events that unfolded at breakfast this morning. I especially liked the wizard crackers raining from the sky my dear, very chaotic. That’ll earn you a few extra points in your Defence Against the Dark Arts mark at the end of the year,” Discord praised. “And loving the new smurf look professor, suits you perfectly.”

Scootaloo couldn’t help but chuckle at that last comment as Professor Sprout’s head hit her desk.

Finally, she took a deep breath and raised it once more. In her most professional voice possible she spoke. “Be that as it may, the parrot is your pet and thus you must take some responsibility for his actions. Furthermore, there is also the matter of covering many of your peers and professors in magically resistant permanent blue dye along with firing lightning bolts at your peers.”

Scootaloo couldn’t help but giggle at that last sentence, interrupting Professor Sprout’s verbal tirade.

“And I am also not pleased young Miss with you sneaking out in the middle of the night to assist in the transportation of an illegal dragon to Romania,” Discord added, his voice suddenly turning icy cold.

Scootaloo’s face turned from its jovial form to one of sheer terror.

“Oh shit,” she murmured.

Professor Sprout’s eyes went wide before she banged her head against the table once more. “I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear that,” she groaned. “And language again Scoti.” Slowly she lifted her head of the desk and resumed her judgement. “Considering how near we are to exams and the quidditch finale, along with the fact that it is because of you I have Professor McGonagall helping me in the greenhouses this week, I shall be lenient and only issue one combined punishment for all three of these actions. Firstly, I shall be deducting twenty-five points from Hufflepuff. Secondly, you shall be assisting Hagrid with some business in the Forbidden Forest on Thursday night and finally, you shall assist Mr Filch with the clean-up of the Great Hall without the aid of magic upon leaving here. Do I make myself clear?” Professor Sprout finished sternly.

“Yes professor,” Scootaloo sighed in resignation.

Professor Sprout’s attention turned to the other girl. “Melody,”

“I told you it was an accident!” The girl interrupted with a wail.

Professor Sprout continued as if she hadn’t heard the girl’s protests. “For misuse of magic on a professor you shall also be assisting Miss Prewett with the clean up of the Great Hall. Additionally, you shall be responsible for her safe return on Thursday night. Considering your heritage, I entrust you’ll be able to keep her safe as if anything should befall my quidditch captain during her trip to the forest and prevent her playing next Sunday, acromantulas will be the least of your worries,” Professor Sprout said gravely.

Melody gulped, “yes professor.”

“Good, now, I suggest you both better get yourselves back to the Great Hall.”

“Yes professor,” both girls replied simultaneously.

Scootaloo let out a huge sigh of relief as she started to rise from her chair, feeling she’d probably got of a little lightly after everything that had happened in the past twelve hours. That was until Discord coughed.

“And now for my punishment young Miss.” He snapped his fingers. Something clamped itself onto Scoootaloo’s left ankle. “Aside from quidditch practice and your other punishments you are confined to your common room and dorm, even for meals, from the moment classes end to the moment they start up again the next day, for the remainder of the term. Any attempt to defy this will lead to you being immediately teleported back to the bathroom in your dorm where a cold bathtub of water shall be waiting for you. Do I make myself clear?” Discord growled ominously.

Scootaloo slumped back into her chair and her head banged against the desk. “Yes father,” she whined pitifully.

Author's Note

What, you wanted MORE? Parts 2 and 3 of this section coming later today and tomorrow. According to Word there are 24 cases of the use of fuck across these 3 chapters, oops, I really do fucking swear to much.

A Centaur's Song

The following week proved to be a really miserable affair for Scootaloo of nothing but sleep and revision for the upcoming exams. Apple Bloom and Sweetie tried valiantly to cheer her up, but to no avail. It didn’t help that Hermione barely spoke to her at all; it seemed that she was suffering nearly as badly as Harry and herself after being caught during their midnight excursion. The other girl simply sat in silence next to her during every lesson, as no one else would even speak to her let alone sit next to her, head down ploughing through whatever task had been assigned to them. Even the sight off a rather grumpy Professor McGonagall in a pair of Dungarees and a straw hat as they left Herbology on Wednesday didn’t brighten Hermione’s mood. To make matters worse Scootaloo had no time herself to cheer her girlfriend up, due to her ankle lock. She dared not make her father even more mad at her. She was just glad she at least had two amazing friends who stayed by her side always and assisted her with her revision when she struggled with something, whether it be potions ingredients or tips on how to perform a successful transfiguration spell. Then at breakfast on Thursday morning, Wally appeared and vomited a note in front of her.

Your detention will take place at eleven o’clock tonight. Melody will meet you in the common room at half past ten sharp and take you to Hagrid’s hut,

Prof. P. Sprout

P.S. Bring the bird.

After a long day of revisiting jinxes and hexes, the magical middle ages, correct wand movements, preparing for their flying aptitude licensing exam, and final quidditch practice of the year before their final match on Sunday, Scootaloo sat across from Melody in the Hufflepuff common room, both girls lost within a mountain of notes as they waited for the clock on the wall above them to tick over to half past ten. Most of their fellow housemates had already retired to their dorms for the night aside from a few desperate souls who were trying courageously to force back the yawns and continue their studies. Even these few had given up by a quarter past ten though leaving just the two girls to keep each other company in the slowly dimming candle light. Wally was snoozing under a wing perched on Scootaloo’s shoulder. Finally getting nowhere with her revision, Scootaloo decided to breach the awkward silence that had plagued them for the past hour since Sweetie and Bloom had gone to bed.

“So, might I ask what Professor Sprout meant by your heritage?” She asked trying to start a conversation.

Melody didn’t look up from the textbook she was buried in. “Nothing, she meant nothing by it,” she replied coldly.

Scootaloo was stung by the sharp reply, but she decided anyway to press on. “Sorry, I was just trying to find something to talk about, I don’t think I can take anymore revision.”

“Well, don’t,” Melody grumbled before letting out a sigh and closing her textbook. She started putting her stuff away. “I guess we might as well get a move on. If either of us don’t turn up to this detention we are in for a world of trouble.”

She continued to pack up her things in silence and Scootaloo opted to do likewise, deciding not to push her luck any further with the older girl who seemed to be somewhat distant. Afterwards, Melody picked up a lantern Professor Sprout had provided her with, and they headed out of the common room, navigating the empty and eerily quiet hallways until they’d left the castle behind them. Neither girl had said a word as the dark foreboding shadows of the forest got nearer and nearer.

“Who’s there?” Hagrid’s voice finally pierced the gloom. “Is that you Filch?”

“No, it’s Miss Song and Miss Prewett,” Melody replied as the two girls appeared in front of Hagrid out of the gloom.

“Ah, yes, Professor Sprout told me to expect the two of you. I’m glad to see you are punctual, unlike a certain caretaker,” Hagrid grumbled. “Still, are you sure it’s wise for you to enter the forest my dear?” he added with a hint of concern.

“I’ll be fine,” Melody snapped back rudely.

“Okay, I’m sorry, but am I missing something or,” Scootaloo said completely confused.

“Unless you want a hoof down your throat, I suggest you quit prying,” Melody barked.

“Hey now, there’s no need to take your feelings out on Scoti, she’s not done anything wrong,” Hagrid scolded.

Melody looked like she wanted to continue the argument some more, but at that moment a second lantern light appeared in the distance growing brighter by the second.

“That you Filch, you’re late,” Hagrid bellowed lugging a quiver of arrows onto his back and picking up a large crossbow. Fang stood up next to him.

The caretaker along with Malfoy, Neville, Hermione and Harry suddenly appeared out of the night as if from nowhere. Hermione looked shocked to see Scootaloo waiting for her, the other girl having not told her she’d been issued the same punishment.

“Bah,” Filch grunted. “I was just informing them of what their punishment shall be.”

“You been threatening and scaring them with tall tales, have you? That why you’re late?” Hagrid said whilst glaring at Filch. “You’ve been warned in the past its not your place to punish them. You’ve done your part; now begone with you. I’ll take over from here.”

“I’ll return at dawn,” Filch muttered, “for what’s left of them,” he added nastily before turning around and heading back to the castle, the dot of his lantern slowly disappearing into the inky blackness of the night.

As soon as he was gone Malfoy turned to Hagrid.

“I’m not going into that forest,” he said, his voice unable to hide his rising panic.

“You can either take your punishment for the wrong you’ve done or pack your bags and be gone from Hogwarts by morning, your choice,” Hagrid said bluntly.

“What, you can’t be serious? I’ll be informing my father about this,” the boy replied angrily.

“Go ahead,” Hagrid said not at all fazed, “but he’ll tell you that’s how it is at Hogwarts before giving you a right hiding himself for what you’ve done.”

Malfoy didn’t move. He looked at Hagrid furiously for a moment but then dropped his gaze in defeat.

“Right then,” said Hagrid, turning his attention to the small group of students. “I need you all to listen carefully because what we are about to do tonight is highly dangerous and I don’t want any of you taking any unnecessary risks.”

He paused for a moment and indicated for them to follow him with a large hand as he turned and walked to the very edge of the forest. It was here where he stopped, bent down and inspected the ground for a moment, lantern held out in front of him. You all see this silvery stuff on the ground? That’s unicorn blood, been hurt pretty bad and it’s the second one in just over a week. Our mission is simple, find it and if necessary, put it out of its misery. Any questions?”

Hagrid looked out across his strange little group; Neville clutching onto Harry in utter terror. He sighed as he saw the snot nosed Slytherin stick up his hand.

“Yes?” Hagrid said with a heavy sigh.

“What if whatever hurt the unicorn finds us first?” the boy uttered shaking a little in fear, much to Harry’s delight.

“That’s what my crossbow is for and I promise you there’s nothin’ in that forest that’ll hurt you as long as one of me, Fang or Miss Song are with you and you don’t wander off the path, unless you wish to be an acromantula’s next meal. Trust me when I say that’s not a nice way to go,” Hagrid explained.

Malfoy visually gulped in fright.

“Right then, we’re going to split into two parties and follow the trail in different directions. I’ll take Hermione, Harry and Ron one way, Miss Song will take Scootaloo and Malfoy another along with Fang,” Hagrid went on.

Malfoy looked at the massive great teeth on the boarhound and let out a little sigh of relief.

“Oh, and by the way, Fang’s a massive coward,” Hagrid stated.

Malfoy whimpered; Melody put her hand up.

“Yes?” Hagrid said in a slightly annoyed tone wanting to get a move on.

“Will I be in any trouble if I ‘accidentally’ lose him?” Melody enquired, pointing and grinning like a loon at Malfoy.

Malfoy’s face went even paler.

Hagrid’s large right hand met his face. “Okay, Malfoy, you’re with me, Harrry and Neville. Miss Granger can go with you two. “Now, if any of us finds the unicorn, we’ll send up green sparks. If either group get into trouble, red sparks and we’ll come immediately to back you up. Please get your wands out and practice.” Everyone followed Hagrid’s commands and soon they all managed to perform the two spells perfectly, even Neville. “Excellent, now just one more thing.”

He threw a bag at Melody’s feet which she quickly unzipped. The smile on her face somehow grew even wider. Inside was a crossbow and quiver of arrows, both slightly smaller than Hagrid’s. She quickly shouldered the quiver and felt the weight of the crossbow.

“Made it myself just in case you need to protect yourself; call it an incentive from your Godfather to do well in your upcoming O.W.L’s. Now come along, it’s time we set out.”

If it was dark outside the forest, inside it felt like a black hole sucking them into their unwilling doom. Deathly silence reigned round them and bar from the two lanterns shining just a few metres in front of them, they could see absolutely nothing in their surroundings. Malfoy looked like he was about to pass out from fear whilst Neville still gripped tightly onto Harry. Harry himself, along with Hermione and Scootaloo, weren’t faring much better either, the two girls holding one another’s hands for comfort. After a short while they came to a fork and the two parties split. Melody and Fang led the two girls down the left path whilst the boys took the right path. Wally still snored away on Scootaloo’s shoulder.

They walked on in silence. Although she was hiding it well, Scootaloo could tell by the look on Melody’s face that she was very worried.

“Any clue what might be killing the unicorns?” she finally asked the nagging question that was on her mind. “A rogue vampire or werewolf maybe?”

“Unlikely, unicorns are very difficult to catch. That’s what has me worried. Whatever is killing them must be something very, very powerful. WAIT!” The other girl stopped dead in her tracks. “Behind me, NOW,” she hissed raising her crossbow and prepping an arrow as she listened intently. The faint sound of a twig snapping came from nearby. “I’m giving you to the count of three to show yourselves and then I’ll fire,” Melody called into the gloom, sounding more confident than she actually was.

Two strange creatures, both female, appeared in the light. They had the upper bodies of a human attached to the body of a horse. They wore no clothes to protect their modesty.

“Oh Zeus strike me down,” Melody muttered under her breath, not wavering in her pose.

“What are you doing here, half breed scum,” one said threateningly. She had extremely long black hair to accompany the solid black coat and tail of her horse body. “You know you are forbidden from entering our domain. Give me one good reason I shouldn’t trample you to death right this instant.”

“I’m guessing from my dad’s descriptions you are Hecate,” Melody replied, forcing herself to remain calm and civil. “It’s a pleasure to see your face in person at last and that you are still angry about your betrothed ditching you for an insignificant human. He lived by the way after everything you lot did to him, but only thanks to Hagrid did I ever get to see my father alive. You lot really are a sick a bunch of freaks, not only exiling, but also attempting to kill one of your own kind just months before his fucking daughter is born. He still bears the scars you inflicted upon him and forever will too,” Melody finished, anger and venom oozing from every word she spoke.

“Insignificant devil spawn, how dare you insult me and the superior race. Mars is significantly bright tonight and I am only to prepared to act upon its orders,” Hecate growled ominously.

“I believe you’ll also see that the sky is clear and the moon is full. That allows me safe passage to hunt on behalf of the school for this dangerous being that is tormenting and murdering the unicorns of the forest, or do you wish to anger Artemis?” Melody retorted unfazed, although inside her heart beat faster and faster.

“How dare you speak her name!” Hecate bellowed looking like she was ready to stampede.

For a moment it seemed it was going to be a case of whoever was quicker, the furious centaur or Melody’s trigger finger. That was until the second centaur stepped across the first. She was significantly older than Hectate with similarly long hair, although hers was completely white. Almost completely white fur accompanied her hair except for the lower parts of her four legs which were jet black.

“Cease now Hecate. I shall not let you harm my granddaughter or inflict the wrath of the gods upon us for an unjust death. Your quarrel is with my bastard son, not my granddaughter.” She turned her attention to Melody and continued. “I am Melodia my dear and I apologise for Hecate’s behaviour. I must say I am impressed by the bastard’s teachings. He has taught you well. You may proceed on your travels, but be warned, if you are not gone from our domain by the time the dawn breaks, I can no longer promise your safety,” the elder centaur explained.

“Thank you wise one. It is nice to finally learn where my black legs and hooves are from, along with my name. May Jupiter and Saturn watch over you both this evening and keep you safe,” Melody said courteously, her heart beat starting to return to normal once more.

“Thank you, come now Hecate, we have much to do before the sun rises,” Melodia stated disappearing back into the darkness of the surrounding forest. After a moment and rather reluctantly Hecate followed her, her fuming gaze fixed upon Melody until she too was pulled back into the inky blackness.

Melody let out a deep breath she hadn’t realised she’d been holding in and lowered the cross bow.

“You two okay back there?” she asked turning her head round.

Both girls were staring at the older girl, mouths open wide.

“Look, it’s not safe to stay in one spot for too long in this forest. I’ll explain briefly as we move okay?”

The two girls nodded, mouths closing.

“Good, now come on, lets see where this trail leads us.”

And thus, the three girls and Fang continued as before along the dark path, their flicker of light only illuminating a few feet in front of them. This time though, after a few minutes Melody began to speak.

“What I am about to tell you stays between us. If I find either of you have even leaked it to your best friends, so help me I’ll hang you from the top of the astronomy tower. You got that?”

Both girls nodded a silent reply.

“I’m a half-breed, a complete freak of nature and one of a kind. Not even my parents know exactly how it happened, but it happened and I’m here now,” Melody began in a distant tone. “My mum was a young witch at the time who wanted to be the first one to catalogue all the species that live in this forest. Not her brightest idea. She ended up cornered by a pack of wolves. My dad saved her. Unlike the other centaurs he felt it was wrong that they looked down upon humans as inferior and wanted to learn more about the world outside the sanctuary of the forest. In return he helped her write her book. They met in secret for months and months, one thing led to another and she became pregnant with me. I’ve no idea how that is even biologically possible, but somehow it was. After a while though his betrothed became suspicious along with his younger brother and they caught him in the act with my mother. He managed to buy her enough time to escape, but he was captured and tortured mercilessly for his infidelity. That was until one night a fire broke out in their camp and he managed to escape, collapsing from sheer exhaustion and his injuries right at the edge of the forest. Thankfully Hagrid found him and carried him all the way back to his hut where he bandaged his wounds and managed to nurse him back to health. He saved his life. When my mother found out he was safe and still alive, she proposed to him. Dumbledore officiated the wedding and helped them set up a small fortune telling shop in Hogsmeade. Shortly afterwards I was born. From the waist up I’m human, but my legs and feet are that of a horse. A total freak. Only the teachers know what I truly am aside from my parents and now you two. I was home schooled in my early years and was barely allowed to leave the house, let alone make any friends my own age, for fear of what would happen if people found out what I truly was. My parents weren’t sure whether to be ecstatic or terrified when they realised I had magic. Thankfully we managed to cover the reason for me wearing trousers and knee-high socks all year round down to the fact I have a rare skin condition,” Melody finished with a sigh before turning her attention back to the trail of blood they were still following.

Silence once more encompassed the trio of girls. In the end it was Scootaloo who finally spoke up.

“Well, that was fucking depressing,” she said bluntly getting a stern look from Hermione in the process. “Seriously though, don’t be ashamed of what you are, embrace it,”

“Wow, that was actually rather insightful for someone with half a brain cell,” Hermione replied in a snarky tone.

“Ouch, my ego,” Scootaloo said sticking out her tongue playfully at Hermione.

Then they heard the rustling in the trees and a black shadowy figure scuttled out of nowhere onto the path in front of them before disappearing once more into the darkness.

Scootaloo had never admitted in her life that she was afraid, but right then she would have happily admitted she was petrified beyond belief.

“What the fuck was that?” she swore.

“I do-don’t know,” Hermione stuttered, her face ghostly white.

“Shit. This is bad, this is really bad. Both of you stay right behind me and hold on to my robes. Both of you know lumos. If worse comes to fruition I’ll buy you as much time as I possibly can.” Melody raised the crossbow once more and slowly they inched forward.

“Don’t you think we should turn around?” Hermione suggested.

“Pfft, have you ever seen Professor Sprout really mad? Whatever that thing is, nothing can compare to how mad she was with me on Sunday when I accidentally scalped her. I also dread to think what other punishment she’d think of if we don’t go 100% through with this one. No, sorry, we go on. Cautiously mind, so no talking or noise from now on,” Melody responded with a slight shiver.

For the next half an hour or so the three girls edged deeper and deeper into the forest in absolute silence, the trees hemming them in more and more as they progressed. Their nerves were shredded after what they’d seen and it took all their courage and resolve not to call Hagrid then and there. Their eyes shot this way and that and they had a terrible feeling that something was watching them from the shadows. Furthermore, what had started as a thin trickle of blood on the ground had slowly turned into a stream and was now a river. Eventually they saw it. Gleaming pearly white in a clearing ahead was the unicorn, dead. They barely had time to register this though as in the middle of the clearing the shadowy cloaked figure they’d seen was rapidly approaching Harry!

Melody didn’t hesitate. Fearing that even a slightly miscued shot could hit the seemingly paralysed boy she instead dropped the lantern at her feet and sprinted into the clearing, brandishing the crossbow over her head like a club.

Fang leapt terrified into Scootaloo’s arms.

Hermione fired of the red sparks spell.

Melody was now wrestling bravely on the ground with the cloaked figure, but was clearly losing. The crossbow lay useless a few feet away from her.

“GRAB HARRY AND GO,” she yelled before an unbearable pain flooded through her right side. Adrenalin kept her going and she refused to let her opponent go, but slowly her strength and vision were fading. Why was she suddenly so weak?

A bright light flashed across her vision and the weight of her attacker was suddenly gone.

“GET THE FUCK OFF HER YOU MONSTER,” Scootaloo screamed.

Melody turned and looked to see Scootaloo completely bathed in electricity, her prosthetic arm protruded in front of her, smoking. She turned the other way. Whatever the fuck that thing was, it was gone, for now. Slowly she raised herself unsteadily to her feet as the sound of hooves and footsteps grew near.

Yet another centaur appeared from the trees surrounding the clearing along with a wheezing Hagrid, Neville over his shoulder.

“Peas and rice, of course you would just have to go and get kidnapped by an acromantula. Now, what’s all,” he stopped mid-sentence and stared at the scene before him.

Harry was slumped on the ground rubbing his head, Hermione was holding desperately onto Fang and not allowing him to bolt off into the forest, Scootaloo was lit up like a Christmas tree with a still sleeping parrot on her shoulder and in amongst it all, beside the wobbling Melody, was a dead unicorn and a load of blood. Not all of this was the unicorn’s.

“MELODY,” Hagrid cried unceremoniously dumping Neville onto the floor in the process and rushing towards the girl.

“Erm, yes, that’s my name,” She replied perplexed, still a little woozy from her altercation with that thing. Slowly though her eyes managed to focus and follow the direction of Hagrid’s own. That’s when she saw the knife sticking out of the right side of her stomach next to her hip. “Oh, so that’s why I feel so light headed.” She shrugged her shoulders before stumbling into Hagrid’s outstretched arms.

“Hey now, you’re going to be just fine, but just to be on the safe side we’ll need to keep the knife in there till we can get you back to Madam Pomfrey,” Hagrid said, trying desperately to put on a brave face for the girl

“Great,” Melody replied sardonically turning head towards Scootaloo. “I should have known something like this would happen with you around. Could have at least had a vision or something and warned me or shot the wanker before he stabbed me,” she teased playfully.

“Well, for a moment there I was worried and prepping to fly back and inform the school, but sounds like you’re just fine. Not like you lost an arm or something similar” Scootaloo tittered in response.

“Always got to be one better haven’t we,” Melody retorted sticking out her tongue at the other girl.

“Girls, not to interrupt your delightful banter, but this wound is serious and we need to get Melody back to the school urgently. Scootaloo, if you don’t…” Hagrid never finished what he was about to say as a massive gust of wind shot into his face.

Scootaloo was gone, leaving a rather startled Hermione with a rather grumpy and unhappy parrot on her shoulder.

“Can you keep the fucking noise down, some of us are trying to sleep,” Wally cawed before settling his head back beneath a wing once more.

Hagrid paid the bird no heed and instead turned his attention to the centaur. “Firenze, please old friend. I understand it is demeaning of your race, but…”

“Say no more, place her onto my back and I’ll leave her at the edge of the forest. But the Potter boy must also come with me; there are things we must discuss,” Firenze stated.

Hagrid lowered Melody gently onto the centaur’s back before lifting and placing Harry behind her, the boy not even getting a chance to argue.

“I promise you’ll be safe with him, Harry. Look after my goddaughter and we’ll see you back at the castle,” Hagrid said as the sound of more galloping could be heard approaching.

Firenze shot of without another word into the forest just as Ronan and Bane appeared from the other side of the clearing.

“Ahh, Ronan, Bane, if you’ve come to look for Firenze he just left,” Hagrid said in an uninterested tone.

“Where is that traitorous welch, meddling in affairs against the wishes of the heavens, how dare he!” Bane thundered angrily.

“Calm down Bane. I’m sure Firenze did what he thought was necessary. Just look at the dead unicorn upon the ground,” Ronan tried to defend the other centaur while pawing the ground a little nervously.

“How can you defend him?” Bane roared. “We are only concerned with what has been foretold and not what is necessary unless it has anything to do with us!”

“But Sorlith’s daughter? Surely, she, an innocent party, does not deserve to die as punishment for what her father has done before her?” Ronan argued.

Bane snorted and reared onto his hind legs. “How dare you speak my vile worm of a brother’s name. Him and his heathen family deserve everything Mars and Pluto can send their way.”

“How can you speak in a such a manner about your kin?” Ronan pressed.

“I have no brother or niece. Now I suggest you back down or feel my wrath,” Bane said threateningly looming over the other centaur.

Ronan wisely opted not to accept the challenge instead staring gloomily at the ground. “I concede,” he grumbled unhappily.

“Good, now come along, the night is still not yet half through and the stars have many stories still to tell us before the dawn does break,” Bane stated turning from the other centaur and falling back onto all four hooves.

Without another word he trotted back into the darkness whence he came. After a moment Ronan reluctantly followed.

Hagrid heaved out yet another heavy sigh. “Bloomin’ stargazers,” he grumbled as he examined the remaining members of his party.

Hermione was singing softly to Wally, the bird now once again sound asleep, Fang likewise at her feet, whilst Neville had risen from the hard ground Hagrid had dropped him on and was gingerly rubbing one of his elbows.

“Huh, I wonder where the Malfoy brat disappeared to; please tell me the wolves got him or the giant foxes, either or,” he said crossing his fingers and closing his eyes for a moment, pleading to the gods above.

Sadly, they continued to torment him as a pale white face peeped out from behind a tree at the edge of the clearing.

”I-is the m-m-monster gone?” Malfoy’s terrified voice squeaked.

“Squirrel guts,” Hagrid muttered under his breath before he continued to the entirety of his party. “Come along now children, let’s get back to the castle. Our job here is done”

Taking one last look at the dead unicorn he bent down, picked up and then shouldered Melody’s discarded crossbow before picking up his lantern and exiting the clearing, Neville hugging his side tightly for fear of another acromantula thinking he was their dinner. Malfoy and Hermione, refusing to acknowledge one another, followed closely behind with Fang.

Back in the clearing the poor unicorn continued its eternal rest, never to see the dawn of a new day again.

Author's Note

So, what you think? Love reading your comments good or bad although I'm particularly proud with this one myself, a great balance of comedy, suspense, drama, shock and one girl's unheard story.

A Matron's Lament.

Madam Pomfrey was not pleased. Firstly, ever since those girls had been let loose upon the school from another dimension her workload had tripled. She should have realised from the outset they’d be trouble. Secondly, who in their right mind sends students, especially first years, into a known dangerous environment for detention. She’d be having a few choice words with Dumbledore on that one, that was for sure. Finally, she’d been woken in the middle of the night for what felt like the hundredth time this year already as the Pegasus girl had slammed the doors of the infirmary open upon her entry. As she barely comprehended what the blasted girl was telling her at five hundred miles an hour, she was unceremoniously pulled from her bed and yanked towards the open doors still in her nightgown. The one thing she had been able to decipher from the girl’s ramblings though was that one of the kids in detention had been stabbed. ‘Fucking great’ she thought sarcastically as she dug her feet in and explained to the girl, she needed to call reinforcements. Thus, with the girl impatiently waiting and tapping one of her feet behind her she’d drafted a doctor and a nurse from St Mungo’s for assistance for what had already been a record-breaking number of times in any Hogwarts school year to her recollection. They met Potter helping a very pale looking Miss Song dripping blood from a knife sticking out her right-side half-way to the forest. She was astonished the girl was still conscious, even if only barely.

‘Why did it have to be her?’ The matron thought to herself. Out of the three hundred odd students in the school, it just had to be the one who was half centaur who got stabbed, didn’t it? At least they’d had the sense to leave the knife in the wound, that was at least some comfort. The black skin that surrounded the wound was not.

“Mr Potter, fetch Professor Snape at once, Miss Alaw, wake and bring Miss Bloom from your dorm. I fear this knife has either been poisoned, cursed or both,” she said seriously as she helped the other two medical professionals lay the girl upon the stretcher they’d brought with them.

“Oh, this night just gets better and better,” Melody said sardonically. “Can I go to sleep yet?”

“You do and you may not wake up again. You’ve done incredibly well so far, just hang on for us a little longer please,” Madam Pomfrey stated as they started to carry the girl back to the infirmary.

It proved to be yet another long night for the overworked and, in her honest opinion, vastly underpaid matron. Those screams of agony she’d heard from Miss Song as they carefully manoeuvred the knife from her would give her plenty of sleepless nights in the future. On a positive note a scan had shown the six-inch blade had somehow missed all her vital organs and they’d managed to remove it without any complications. Unfortunately, the blade had also been laced with poison and had countless dark magical curses engraved upon it. It wasn’t long after the removal procedure that the girl fell unconscious as Professor Snape battled valiantly to fight back the curses with an array of counter spells while his apprentice worked equally as hard in the dungeons below brewing an antidote to the poison.

It was not even ten in the morning and Madam Pomfrey was already on her third scotch of the day as Dumbledore opened the door and walked into her office.

“How you holding up?” he asked politely.

“This answer your question?” she growled holding up the glass she’d just poured herself.

“Understandable. Take the day off. I’ll also see to it that you receive a bonus and immediate pay rise for your services to the school this year,” Dumbledore responded matter of factually, not in the slightest bit perturbed that the school’s matron was drinking on duty.

“You better,” Pomfrey growled.

“Anyhow, how’s Melody doing?” Dumbledore pressed ignoring the Matron’s less than pleased tone.

“You should have heard those screams when we finally managed to pull the knife out,” Poppy replied distantly. “In all my years as a nurse I don’t think I’ve seen even the Cruciatus Curse cause worse.” She took a sip of her scotch.

“I’ll add a month of counselling to that as well,” Dumbledore interrupted rubbing his forehead.

“Along with never using the Forbidden Forest for student punishments again unless you wish to be castrated,” the matron said calmly but deadly seriously as she placed her drink upon the table once more.

Dumbledore’s eyes flickered for just a moment before he immediately regained his usual calm and composed demeanour.

“I’ll certainly heed your advice; now, please, how is Miss Song faring?

“Your balls funeral if you don’t,” she retorted before lifting the glass and taking another swig. It was now nearly empty as she placed it back down. “Anyway, I believe Severus has just finished countering all the curses he could detect on the blade; there were a lot, twenty-seven apparently, in total. Some were even preventing us removing the blade; that’s why it proved to be such a tricky and painful operation. God those screams.”

The Matron shook her head in an attempt to clear it of the disturbing images and allow her to re-focus her mind.

“Anyway, Miss Apple also successfully finished brewing the necessary antidote a few hours ago, which they are now administering via a drip. Severus immediately awarded her a perfect mark for the practical section of her potions exam this year; he was that impressed by it. Only time will tell though if Miss Song is able to make a full recovery or not, but she’s an extremely strong girl and a fighter. I have high hopes she’ll be awake and out of the coma by this evening and back in classes sometime early next week. The only lasting ramifications will be the impact on her mental health and physically, the scar will be with her the rest of her life. On the plus side, thanks to Severus, at least the corrupt skin tissue should heal over time,” the Matron ended with the final swig of her drink. “I need some sleep,” she sharply added.

“And I won’t keep you anymore. I’ll find cover for the weekend also. Enjoy your time off,”

“I will,” Madam Pomfrey replied as the door to her office closed behind the professor only for a loud commotion to suddenly erupt outside her door. So much for her sleep. Sighing she approached and opened the door to see Dumbledore trying to calm down a very irate centaur with dark black hair, a black furred body and white furred hooves who was barking angrily at the nurse from St Mungo’s. How’d the creature even got in here her sleep deprived mind could not fathom. Then, next to the bed where Melody lay fast asleep hooked up to all sorts of machines was an older but almost identical chestnut-haired woman talking to Miss Prewett, the latter having not left the other girl’s side since fetching Miss Apple last night.

The parents had arrived.

Silently Madam Pomfrey pushed the door to her office closed once more and bolted the door. She was sure Albus had the situation well in hand and besides, she was off the clock. Instead, she went back to her desk, poured herself a fourth scotch and exited via a door at the back of the office which led to her private quarters.

“She was incredibly brave,” Scootaloo said trying to find something to console the tearful mother at her daughter’s bedside. “She risked her own safety in an attempt to save another student.”

“So I’ve heard. The famous Harry Potter if I’m not mistaken. Sounds like something she would do. Always has been a tough little runt ever since the day she was born,” Mrs Song replied.

“I know how she must have felt. I haven’t had it particularly easy growing up myself,” Scootaloo replied.

“Ah, so she finally told you then. Me and Sorlith took bets over how long it would be,” Mrs Song said with a chuckle.

“Yep, although kind of obvious now with a centaur in the infirmary and her hoof poking out the bottom of the covers. And who won the bet?” Scootaloo deadpanned

“Good points and me, not a good advertisement for a fortune teller that is it? Although something tells me he let me win,” Mrs Song added with a chortle. “We always wanted another child you know, but we were lucky enough to be blessed with one and we’ve no clue how that even happened,” she digressed.

“She told me and my girlfriend how you met, really does show how love has no boundaries. I’ve realised that too myself this year,” Scootaloo chipped in.

“That’s for certain, although he can be stubborn at times and does have a fiery temper to boot. All centaurs do.”

“I hadn’t noticed,” Scootaloo said sarcastically nodding her head towards Melody.

“That’s probably part of the reason I’m guessing she ended up in the forest in first place.”

“Nah, my parrot kind of started a war with the Gryffindors last Sunday during breakfast. Professor Sprout unfortunately got in the way of a wayward hair removal jinx from Melody.”

Mrs Song threw back her head and guffawed loudly. Finally getting herself under control she managed to utter “I wish I’d been there to see that.”

“Yeah, she was certainly not in the best of moods that morning, especially after one of the wizard crackers I caused to rain down upon the hall covered her in permanent blue dye.”

This was followed by more laughter from Mrs Song. “Please tell me you got a picture,” she finally managed to stammer.

“I think Discord might somewhere, I’ll have to ask him when I next see him.”

“Please do.”

“Honestly, although she wouldn’t admit it, I think part of her wanted to go into the forest in the hope she met some of her family. If it makes you feel any better, she really did stick it to Hecate when we bumped into her last night,” Scootaloo stated.

“You met her?” Mrs Song replied in surprise.

“Yeah, total bitch with the face of a troll’s behind. No wonder your husband ditched her,” Scootaloo said bluntly.

Mrs Song let out another bellowing laugh before replying, “that’s her all right. Name’s Amber by the way; the grouchy centaur your headmaster is talking to is Sorlith.”

“Formally Scoti, but I prefer Scootaloo.”

“I think we’ve already established that we know a fair bit about you. Melody’s talked a lot about the one-armed Pegasus girl during her visits to Hogsmeade,” Amber stated.

“Nothing bad I hope,” Scootaloo chipped in.

“Just that you’re an arsehole who needs to fucking shoot quicker,” A voice groused from the bed. “Good lord, could you lot be any noisier? Some of us kind of got stabbed last night by a ridiculously powerful dark magical object and are trying to sleep.”

Scootaloo giggled. “I’m sorry, next time I’ll throw the hundred-pound mutt that launched itself into my arms instead.”

“I’d prefer there not to be a next time,” Melody said scathingly while gingerly sitting up in the infirmary bed. “Oh, and hi mum, sorry to scare you and dad.”

“You are so grounded over the summer, but right now I’m just glad to have my daughter back. How you feeling?”

“Thanks, great exam incentive that. I prefer the crossbow from Hagrid. And shit, getting stabbed hurts, a lot,” Melody grumbled before attempting a laugh which turned into a grimace of pain.

Scootaloo sniggered.

Sighing Amber shook her head. “It’s good to have my wisecracking daughter back. Don’t you ever do something so stupid again. I’ll also be having a word about a certain half-giant providing teenage girls with lethal weapons.”

“I have no plans to and please don’t confiscate my crossbow.” Melody replied before turning her head to Scootaloo. “Hey Scoots shouldn’t you be in lessons?”

“All lessons are cancelled in preparation for the final quidditch weekend. I hope you can still make it Sunday?”

“You just try and stop me. Well then, what about your ankle tracker?”

Scootaloo’s face dropped as at that precise moment the metallic ring around her left ankle started beeping.

“Oh no,” she groaned as in a flash of light she disappeared.

Upon reappearing she found herself falling head first into a tub of ice-cold water.

“AH THAT’S FREEZING!” She screamed as she landed with a loud splash. “Surely visiting a friend in the infirmary is a good enough excuse?” she groused through a mouthful of water.

“No exceptions,” a stone-cold voice growled from somewhere. “If you ask permission, I might allow you to visit your friend again later, might.”

“Totally not cool,” Scootaloo pouted sitting up in the bathtub and resembling a drowned rat.

Back in the infirmary, Amber’s eyes had gone wide.

“Where did she go?” she exclaimed.

“Remember how I informed you her father is the God of Chaos? He caught her sneaking out of her dorm one night recently and fitted her with a tracking device for the rest of the semester. She’s only allowed to go places he lets her, which is basically lessons, detentions and her common room. Seems like I’m not included on that list, thanks Discord, and as such she’s now experiencing a very cold bath back in her dorm,” Melody explained from her bed trying to stifle the laughter that was causing her way too much pain. She was though failing miserably.

“Oh, where can I get myself one of those?” Amber said mischievously.

The laughter immediately stopped. Melody’s wide eyes stared at her mother. She could not be serious. She felt something cold and metallic clamp around her left fetlock.

“As you wish, same settings as Scoti’s?” Discord said with a malevolent grin plastered across his face as he appeared out of the void.

Melody’s face dropped.

“Please,” Amber requested with a wide grin. “But can we have it for the entire summer holidays as well?”

Melody’s face dropped even further.

“Of course,” Discord snapped his fingers. “Would you prefer the bath dunking, electric shock or physical restraint variant?”

“Ooh, the electrical shock version sounds hilarious,” Amber responded, sounding like a kid in a candy store. “Can there be a curse word filter added to?”

“A great choice and of course, what a brilliant idea!” A further snap. “There, that should be all set up with the necessary prerequisites. If the ankle lock perceives the girl to be in a location she shouldn’t be it shall emit a growing shock of electricity through her body every five minutes until she stops whatever trouble she may be up to. The smallest, mildest electric shock shall also emit whenever the girl swears, I should really consider adding that feature to Scoti’s.” He paused for a moment stroking his beard in thought before finishing, “anyway, enjoy and whenever you wish to have it removed just give me a buzz!” he snapped his fingers one further time and disappeared, leaving a rather startled bee in his place as a photo floated into Amber’s hands.

“Not cool mum, not fucking cool,” Melody pouted before screeching “YOW” as a sharp pin prick of electricity coursed through her body.

Her mother fell onto the floor in hysterics, partly at her daughter’s suffering and partly at what the photo had shown her.

“I’m so getting you back for this, I get stabbed and you punish me for it, how’s that fair?”

“That’s for scaring me half to death. Maybe if you behave yourself between now and the end of term, I might consider releasing you by the time the holidays begin,” her mother’s voice wheezed from the floor still getting over her laughing fit.

Melody continued to pout in her bed plotting unspeakable revenge as her right side throbbed painfully. “As long as I can continue shooting practice with Hagrid and keep my crossbow,” she finally grumbled.

“I think I can allow that, if you’re good. Right now, I think your father has finally stopped berating the nurse and has a few choice words for you.”

“Oh shit, YOW,” Melody yelped as another electrical shock coursed its way through her body.

“Not a very quick learner are we. I’ll leave you two in, well, I would say peace, but the words your father likely has for you and the volume at which he’ll likely project them, it certainly won’t be a peaceful exchange,” Amber stated rising from her chair and placing herself beside the huge centaur. “Please don’t be too hard on her dear, I’m going to go fetch a cup of tea.”

He lowered himself nearer to the ground so that Amber could kiss him on the cheek before she departed.

“MELODY,” a deep, booming voice resonated throughout the infirmary.

The girl tried desperately to hide under her duvet.

Dumbledore walked back to his office his head swimming. It had been a troublesome morning thanks, once again, to his Quirrell/Voldemort problem. The school matron’s psychological health was under increasing strain and nearing breaking point. She was also possibly drunk at ten o’clock in the morning and threatening to castrate him. A fifth year had been stabbed during detention by some incredibly dangerous creature that was roaming the forest. Her father had then nearly trampled a nurse to death and he’d shortly be having a visit from the Ministry’s Centaur Liaison Officer, something he’d never in his wildest dreams imagined would ever happen. If that wasn’t bad enough, he still had the backlash and minor skirmishes stemming from the ‘Battle of the Breakfast Tables’ last Sunday. Could this morning get any worse? That was the worst possible thing he could have thought to himself as he opened the door to his office.

“Hello Severus,” he said completely unfazed to see the other professor in his office scratching Fawkes beneath his beak.

The bird was cooing in delight.

“Please tell me you’ve good news,” Dumbledore asked hopefully as he walked up and around his desk, sitting down in his favourite armchair.

“Well, I’ve worked out where Quirrell is hiding Voldemort,” Snape droned in his monotonous tone.

“Where?” Dumbledore sighed wondering if he really wanted to hear this.

Snape chucked the still blood-stained knife onto the table. Not all of it was human.

“He’s possessed Quirrell. That’s why he’s been going to the forest so much lately and looking so gormless. He’s dying from hosting the soul of another and unicorn blood is the only thing which can sustain him for the time being.”

Dumbledore’s head hit his hands. “The turban, I should have known. Well at least that solves the mystery of the monster among monsters in the forest. Still, even after everything he’s done, I had still hoped we could have saved Quirrell but now I see that won’t be possible. I’m just thankful this whole episode will soon be over. I don’t think the school could handle the backlash of another student suffering a catastrophic injury. Let us just hope our Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher keeps his head down for the next few weeks. It seems he is growing ever increasingly desperate as time goes on, most likely due to his body failing him.”

“Agreed, What about the exams?” Snape enquired.

“They’ll go ahead but likely results that would have been marked by Quirrell will likely have to be annulled if what I expect comes to fruition,” Dumbledore sighed once more in resignation. “Is there anything else you would like to inform me of?

“Yes, two things. Firstly, as you are well aware unicorns are not easy to catch and this knife was specially designed to assist in killing them. With the number of runes and curses embedded on it, it would be very hard to replicate and require a significant amount of time to do so. Thus, this will likely result in our dear friend Quirrell pushing forward with his plans to acquire the stone before his body completely fails him,” Snape explained.

“Okay, well that will likely benefit us to a certain degree, lets just hope he can at least wait till after the first exam period before making his move. The second thing.”

“There was still unicorn blood on the blade when he stabbed Miss Song. It was ultimately this which saved her life by slowing and negating the effects of the curses and poison on the blade,” Snape explained once again.

“Well thank goodness for that. Wait, that is a good thing isn’t it?” Dumbledore ended looking at the Potions professor a little worried.

“It is well known that although unicorn blood can be used to sustain life, the means to acquire it often involves slaying the unicorn which leads to the drinker suffering a cursed life. I’ve been rapidly checking what texts and manuscripts I have, but have so far come up with nothing,” Snape continued.

“Okay, so what are you getting at exactly. The girl will now face suffer from a cursed life?” Dumbledore said a little lost.

“No, that’s just it. There are no recorded accounts from what I can find of the use of unicorn blood accidentally or without the person’s prior knowledge. Every single account is of some despicable soul with nothing to lose and everything to gain. I have absolutely no idea what might befall the girl or if her fate shall be the same as those who have used it for ill-gotten means,” Snape stated.

Dumbledore felt a headache coming along.

After the rollicking her father had given her followed by the most touching of embraces between father and daughter anyone could possibly have imagined, Melody had slowly drifted back to sleep. It was late into evening when she awoke once more to see a whole collection of people surrounding her bed, Madam Pomfrey, the nurse and doctor from St Mungo’s, her parents, Professor’s Dumbledore, Sprout and Snape, Scootaloo and finally, for some reason, Scootaloo’s friend Sweetie Belle. To top it all off she had a pounding headache.

“Erm, somebody like to cue me in on the joke?” she asked groggily from her bed.

“Darling,” Amber Song began.

Uh oh Melody immediately thought. It must be serious if her mum was giving her that tone.

“We don’t want you to be alarmed but,” Amber handed her daughter a mirror.

Melody stared open mouthed at her reflection for a few moments trying too comprehend just what she was seeing. There, coming out of her forehead and in amongst her chestnut hair, was a white furred horn with a black furry tip.

“Please tell me this is one of your jokes?” she finally managed to say, nervously feeling the protrusion that now extended from her forehead. Much to her horror, it felt all too real.

“I’m afraid to say it is not.” It was Dumbledore who spoke. “The knife you were stabbed with was also coated in the blood of the dead unicorns according to Professor Snape here. It was this blood which initially saved your life. Unfortunately, the use of such blood often comes at a cost to the user due to the nature of which it is acquired. If not already, they are usually driven insane by the guilt of what they’ve done within a year and very often end up killing themselves.”

“Well, thanks for the heads up.” Melody replied sarcastically. “So why have I got the horn to go with the impending madness?”

“Well, the good news is we don’t expect you to go mad. You are, in all terms, an anomaly.” Dumbledore continued.

“I’ve been one all my life and that’s at least some kind of relief. So, why the horn?” Melody interrupted.

“Yes, well if you just let me explain I will get to that. You see, the use of unicorn blood accidentally or unbeknownst to the treated party has never happened before or at least never been recorded.”

“So basically, you have fuck all idea what is going to happen to me, YOWCH. Damn ankle lock,” Melody grumbled with a heavy sigh.

“In a less crude way, yes. Although initial scans suggest the unicorn has gifted you its powers for some bizarre reason,” Dumbledore finished.

“Great, just fucking great. I’m possessed by a dead unicorn and an even bigger fucking freak than before. YOWCH.” she cried as a slightly larger jolt of electricity coursed through her body.

On this occasion though, the larger dose decided to exit through her new appendage as she cried out in pain. Everybody dove for cover as a blinding bolt of light shot from the girl’s horn.

“Oops,” Melody stammered as she looked at the rather large hole that now adorned the wall to Madam Pomfrey’s office. “At least my headache’s gone.”

Author's Note

I have no idea where that last part came from, pure chaos, and I love where my insane mind ended up going with this although it still feels a little rushed on places time constraints means it has to go up today no matter what. There will be one more chapter before Christmas. I won't be covering Gryffindor vs. Ravenclaw at Quidditch only the last game between Hufflepuff and Slytherin as I focus back on Scootaloo in the next chapter! I do wonder just what those sneaky Slytherins are planning though...

One by one

House Pld W D L F A PD

Hufflepuff 2 2 0 0 400 50 350

Gryffindor 3 2 0 1 570 280 290

Slytherin 2 1 0 1 480 230 250

Ravenclaw 3 0 0 3 130 1020 -1020

Saturday 16th May 1992: Gryffindor 400-20 Ravenclaw

Sunday 17th May 1992: Midnight, Slytherin dorms

As Slytherins go, Damien Travers was an outcast and a loner who didn’t particularly get along with anyone. Slytherins were known to be determined and ambitious, and to stand out from the crowd and fight each other for supremacy. Damien hid in the shadows, never drawing unwanted attention to himself. He’d barely earned or lost a single house point in his five years at Hogwarts and had not once gotten detention. Aside from lessons, he barely left his dorm room aside to take another textbook from the library and whittled away his free time studying alone and in silence. He didn’t do any extracurricular activities and barely anyone actually remembered he even went to the school. Even teachers sometimes looked at him peculiarly, wondering who the strange, average height, short dark-haired boy with blue eyes at the back of the class was. This though, was all part of Damien’s plan. As Slytherin’s go, he was the most cunning.

With both his parents in Azkaban and born out of wedlock, he was immediately shunned and even bullied by his peers upon his arrival to Hogwarts, especially due to his poor financial standing. As a Slytherin though he refused to retaliate against his fellow housemates for fear of losing his house points and from suffering Snape’s wrath. Instead, he had bided his time, spending countless hours in the library researching in scrutinous detail the layout of the castle and concealment magic amongst other things. Although he wasn’t the smartest student by far, he had found a natural affinity to the area and after extensive reading and exploration, soon knew the secret passages of the castle better than anyone. Those who taunted him soon found themselves having unfortunate accidents and sleepless nights.

Even so, there was one person he had been unable to fool so easily and he had eventually found himself called into Snape’s office. Rather than punish him though, his head of house had applauded him for his diligent studying, cunning and stealth, stating that Salazar Slytherin himself would be proud of his hard work. This was the topmost compliment any Slytherin could hope to achieve and it was at this point a mutual bond was agreed between the two parties. In return for helping his house when a situation required a little bit of subtlety, Snape would keep his peers from bullying and harassing him and assist where needs be with his academical studies. Many students believed it had just been bad luck that certain accidents had occurred over the past four years that had prevented another house from winning the quidditch or house cups, Damien knew better. Right now, as he struggled with revision for his O.W.L’s deep into the night in his unique single dormitory with en-suite bathroom, which were usually reserved for seventh years, another opportunity for his talents was just about to arise as a sharp rapping sounded upon his door.

“Come in,” he called out, not turning his attention from Numerology and Grammatica.

The door slowly opened.

“Good evening Damien. And how might you be this evening?” Augustus Flint asked stepping into the room.

“Cut to the chase Augustus. As you can see, I’m very busy,” Damien replied rudely, refusing to turn his attention away from the tome he was reading.

“Very well. As you are well aware our grip on the House Cup is all but over, especially after Hufflepuff’s latest hero earnt them another fifty points,” Augustus growled unhappily. “I simply cannot allow the same to befall the Quidditch Cup!”

“I see you have a lot of faith in your brother,” Damien replied snidely, still not turning his attention from his book.

Augustus didn’t flinch. “Yes, well, I’d rather not take that risk. This year’s Hufflepuff quidditch team have already shown that they must not be underestimated. To be the first Slytherin Head Boy in history to not bring back either trophy at the end of the year would be a catastrophic failure and hugely detrimental on my future prospects.”

“So, what do you want me to do about?” Damien pressed, a little irritated as he closed his book for the night. Suddenly things clicked in his mind and he turned to the head boy with a sinister smile across his lips. “Please tell me I get to take care of that bitch.”

“No,” Augustus replied. “We both know why that would be a bad idea and even if you got close to her, her father would more than likely stop you from doing anything.”

“Pfft. I’d like to see him try. I’d leave no trace. Paralyse her, then permanently blind her, it would be over before she even knew what hit her. Wouldn’t even charge you anything,” the look on Damien’s face suddenly went from sinister to completely wild.

Augustus shivered as an icy chill washed over his body. He suddenly saw why his brother found this boy so unnerving.

“NO,” he said sternly.

“Fine,” Damien pouted crossing his arms before saying with a resigned sigh, “what do you require me to do then?”

“Simple, if two or three of their players suffer unfortunate accidents and cannot play, at the very least they’ll have such a disorganised mess of a team winning will be a formality. If she can’t make a team before the match is supposed to begin, they’ll be forced to forfeit and we’ll win by default 150-0 and take the cup,” Augustus Flint said with a lecherous smile.

“Anyone in particular you’d like me to incapacitate?”

“Their Keeper and that Chaser Macavoy would be ideal but I’ll take whoever I can get, the more the better. Ten galleons for each member you incapacitate, a bonus fifty for either of those two. I’ll even throw in some boxes of chocolate frogs.”

“Now you are talking my language. Still, that is a lot you are asking. I may need some further persuasion, especially if I was unfortunately caught in the act and they pushed me to reveal who else was involved,” Damien said with a sly smirk.

Augustus chucked a set of papers onto the boy’s desk. “I thought you might say as much. In front of you is top secret information regarding your Potions and Defence Against the Dark Arts O.W.Ls.”

Damien’s smile grew wider. “We never had this conversation.”

Sunday 17th May 1992: 8:00am, Hufflepuff dorm

Scootaloo yawned as the spring sunshine filtered in through the windows high above. Slowly she opened her eyes. Today was the day. The big one, Hufflepuff vs. Slytherin, whoever won would be crowned the Inter-House Quidditch Cup Champions. She turned and looked at the clock on her nightstand, 8:00am, plenty of time to get some breakfast and then get to the stadium, get changed and prepare her team before smashing the snakes. Discord had even been kind enough to turn off her ankle bracelet for the day, although it still clung frustratingly to her ankle.

What she was most pleased about though was the fact she’d had no dire premonitions, dreams or otherwise and that yesterday’s match, which Gryffindor had won handsomely four hundred points to twenty, had gone without any issues, specifically no one attempting to kill Harry.

Of course, just thinking said thoughts was enough for fate to once again conspire against her. It was as she slowly pulled herself from the warm confines of her bed and said good morning to Wally that the door to her dorm shot open and a panting Maddie Fairweather burst in.

“Scootaloo, come quick, it’s an emergency,” the girl screamed waking up practically everyone in the dorm at the same time.

Nope, nothing could ever go without a hitch in this place, could it?

After quickly throwing on some robes, Scootaloo had rushed after the other girl as fast as she possibly could. The fact she quickly realised Maddie was leading her to the infirmary was not a good sign. She just hoped Melody was okay. As they burst through the doors to the infirmary she was taken completely by surprise and not in a good way. There, laying in the two beds next to Melody’s, were two thirds of her Chasers, both had one of their legs in a cast and were covered in countless scrapes and bruises. Tamsin also had her left arm in a cast. Professor Sprout was already with them head in her hands.

“Fuck,” Scootaloo mouthed. “What in tarnation happened?” she exclaimed as she walked over to the two girls.

“Sorry coach, we kinda had an accident,” Tamsin giggled.

“Accident nothing! Someone bloody tripped me on our way to breakfast and I tumbled into the back of Tamsin. We both then went tumbling down a flight of twenty or more stairs. Its sabotage I tell you! This is Slytherins work!”

“C’mon Heidi, just admit you slipped, I won’t be mad. There was no one in the hallway with us that could have tripped you. Stop with the wild accusations already,” Tamsin argued slightly annoyed.

Perfectly timed the doors to the infirmary opened and eight Hufflepuffs were wheeled in on gurneys including both poor Cedric and Anthony. Both were puking their guts up non-stop into buckets. Madam Pomfrey was following behind the students grumbling loudly to herself.

“Unbelievable, totally despicable, who in their right mind would play such a mean prank.”

“Madam Pomfrey, might I ask what is up with my students?” Professor Sprout asked walking over to the Matron.

“Someone decided to play a nasty prank on them by lacing their food with vomiting potion. They’ll be okay, but it’ll be around twenty-four hours until the effects wear off I’m afraid and they’ll need to remain here until it does.”

“You were saying?” Heidi said smugly sticking her tongue out at Tamsin before adding, “huh, where did cap go?”

Scootaloo hadn’t bothered waiting for instructions. It was clear to her someone was targeting her and her teammates and now there were only two left besides herself, Sweetie and Susan. She had to find them and fast. It was going to be hard enough to find four replacements in a little over two hours, let alone six. Thankfully, for once fortune favoured her and she soon found her two remaining team members along with the rest of her dormmates on their way to the Great Hall for breakfast deep in discussion about their early morning wakeup call. Then she saw the teetering suit of armour they were about to walk under completely oblivious to.

“SUSAN, SWEETIE, LOOK OUT,” Scootaloo hollered at the top of her lungs.

The group immediately stopped as the suit came crashing down a hair’s breadth in front of them.

“Wow, that was lucky,” Sweetie admitted, “thanks Scoots.”

“Luck nothing. Something foul is afoot. Everyone else on the team aside from us three are in the infirmary.”

“WHAT!” Susan exclaimed before her eyes went wide and she slumped to the floor.

“SUSAN,” Scootaloo exclaimed.

Light snores were all she got in return. The smallest of darts protruded from Susan’s neck.

“Shit. Sweetie Belle erect a shield and stick close, I cannot lose you to. Apple Bloom pick her up and follow us to the infirmary. Congratulations, you’ve just been promoted from Mascot Bearer to Beater.”

“WHAT! But I can barely fly a broomstick!” Apple Bloom whined.

Hannah couldn’t help but let out a little giggle.

“Tough, I’ve got to take what I can get right now and honestly don’t give a flying fuck if you send half the Slytherin team or more to St Mungo’s for a month,” Scootaloo replied uninterested in the other girl’s griping. “And thanks for volunteering to take Susan’s place Hannah.”

Hannah’s face dropped. “I’m guessing if I don’t, you’ll get Professor Sprout to put me in detention for the remainder of the term?” the girl groaned as Megan chuckled next to her.

“Precisely, Megan, congratulations you’re the new Mascot bearer,” Scootaloo responded.

The laughing immediately stopped. “Why didn’t I run when I had the chance?”

“Coulda, shoulda, didn’t. Now come on the lot of you. It isn’t safe to stand around here any longer,” Scootaloo said heading back towards the infirmary.

As he headed along a secret corridor back to the Slytherin common room, Damien was pleased with his morning's work. Yes, that blasted girl had intervened with his falling armour trap, but he had still managed to get the second beater with a sleeping dart anyway. He would have liked to have gotten the keeper as well, especially for the bonus, but he’d pretty much dismantled the entire Hufflepuff Quidditch team anyway. He’d gotten a two for one special by tripping that second year into her friend on their way to breakfast that had ultimately sent them both flying down those stairs in a contorted mass of limbs. Next up had been the two third year boys at breakfast. It had been easy to sneak past the elves in the kitchen, deduce which food they’d be eating and then lace it with that potion. Yes, it had resulted in some collateral damage, but sometimes needs must. With the second beater now out like a light for twelve hours there was no way they would be able to find five replacements in barely two hours and in the unlikely event they did, the team would be such a disjointed mess there would be no chance they’d beat Slytherin. The Quidditch Cup was as good as Slytherin’s.

“Come out, come out, wherever you are.” A voice suddenly cooed through the darkness. “You may be extremely talented, but I’ll find and make you pay for what you’ve done.”

Damien barely broke stride, knowing the charms he had in place would make it practically impossible even for Professor Discord to track him down.

As the girls entered the infirmary, they were surprised to see a bed already waiting for Susan and Discord deep in discussion with both Professor Sprout and Madam Pomfrey, the latter looking totally frazzled by the sudden increase in admissions.

“The assassin, as I’m calling them, was very good and even I’ve been unable to track them down. One thing is clear, they were certainly heading the way of the Slytherin dorms when I lost track of them,” Discord growled angrily.

“I’ll shove Snape’s head down the toilet for this one,” Professor Sprout snarled. “I never believed those tales of the Slytherin sniper until now. This is beyond out of order.”

“The problem is we have no solid evidence of foul play or Slytherin’s involvement. Thus, the game will have to go ahead as planned or we’ll have to forfeit I’m afraid,” Discord replied in a disgusted tone.

“Damn those Snakes to Hades!” Professor Sprout screamed before sinking into a chair. “Twenty years I’ve waited. Was it really that much to ask to win both trophies just once?” she broke down mopping tears from her eyes with a dirty handkerchief.

“Oh, we’re still going to win. I’ve already found our replacements Beaters,” Scootaloo interrupted making her presence known as she strode over and wrapped her professor in a massive hug.

“Who?” Professor Sprout sniffled into her handkerchief.

“I promoted Apple Bloom and Hannah has been conscripted. I’m sure they’ll do just fine at whacking a ball with bat. Especially considering who the targets are.”

“And you also don’t need to worry about one Chaser, I’m in. This means war,” Maddie said in a deadly serious tone.

“Thank you, all of you. It’ll be a long shot but just maybe we can still win. You are all true Hufflepuffs to the very core,” Professor Sprout said with a final sniffle.

“Make that two Chasers,” a steely voice said.

Every head turned and stared at the girl who stood at the end of the infirmary bed she’d spent most of the past two days in. Her horn sparked with rage.

“I may not be at my best, but I’m fucking mad and not going to sit idly by as those Snakes steal our trophy,” Melody roared. “Also, the ankle lock’s been off for some reason since first thing this morning so there’s no way I can be tracked. Might as well enjoy my last bit of freedom while I can.”

“Probably on a similar frequency as mine,” Scootaloo replied, “and as Discord allowed for mine to be off for the day, yours being in close proximity was probably a side effect.”

“Ah, that explains it. I was hoping it was permanent. I’m fed up of constantly being shocked every time I fucking swear,” Melody stated.

“Now hold on a minute, you’re still recovering and not fit enough to leave the infirmary yet. Your parents would kill me if they found out I let you play a quidditch match,” Madam Pomfrey lambasted.

“Mum’s Hufflepuff through and through; she’d understand,” Melody replied.

“And I’ll give you one of the bottles of fire whiskey if we win,” Professor Sprout promised with a bribe.

“Let me get the paperwork,” the matron said, heading immediately to her office.

“So, any ideas who else we can draft?” Scootaloo said turning to Professor Sprout.

“Well there is a respectably good flyer in year four; only downside is she’s mute,” Professor Sprout suggested.

“Sounds good to me. Apple Bloom does enough back chatting for two anyway,” Scootaloo stated cheekily.

“Hey!” Apple Bloom retorted angrily from the bed she’d just laid Susan down on.

“See what I mean?” Scootaloo chuckled.

Author's Note

Next up, ~~War~~ the final quidditch match of the year.

Kidnap, Kiss, Transfigure

Ministry of Magic, London, Monday 18th May 1992, 8:00am

As wizards go, Boris Pompernickle wasn’t much to look at. Now in his early fifties he’d let himself go a bit after two failed marriages. His hair was a blonde scraggly mess, his shirt unironed, wrinkled and stretched over an ever-increasing gut. Truthfully speaking, he also wasn’t that much of a wizard. If you looked up the definitions of incompetent idiot and coward in the dictionary, you’d find his picture would be under both. Unfortunately for the Ministry of Magic, Boris was also relatively smart and had a knack for keeping his head down and not bringing attention to himself, even if he actually was doing very little for his paycheque at the end of the month. It was only after ten years of service for the Ministry, when they’d sent him along with nine other wizards as a peace delegation to try and talk sense into and stop Lord Voldemort from bringing about the Wizarding War that they saw just how useless he was. Nervous and twitchy he’d ultimately accidently fired the spell that had ignited and officially started the war. He ended up being one of only three wizards to return to the Ministry alive from the debacle, having hidden in a cupboard for the majority of the battle. The other two wizards had not held back on condemning him for his actions and had demanded he be fired for them or worse. Boris had argued though that he had never wanted to go and that it was the Ministry’s failings for sending him in the first place. He had then gone on to brilliantly explain how the Ministry had known that war was inevitable and had thus only sent young, inexperienced wizards to the peace talks that they thought were expendable in case things turned south. Upon dropping this bombshell, the Ministry had quickly decided not to fire him and instead reassigned him to the Centaur Liaison Office, which had never been used by a centaur in recorded history then and still hadn’t over twenty years later. Boris was just contemplating how he was going to spend yet another Monday, mostly drinking tea and eating biscuits while making it look like he was actually doing something behind his desk in case his superior, Gethsemane Prickle, should drop round, when he turned the corner into the hallway and found himself choking on the tea he was currently drinking. There, waiting outside his office was an actual centaur.

“Ah, are you Mr Pompernickle,” he said without emotion.

Slowly Boris managed to regain his composure. “Yes, I am Mr Pompernickle, Head of the Centaur Liaison Office. Please come in,” he said formally as he approached the door to his office and pulled out a key from his jacket pocket to unlock it.

“Thank you,” Sorlith muttered following the older gentleman in.

“Please, take a seat. Tea? Coffee?” Boris asked taking his seat behind the desk.

“No thanks,” Sorlith stated settling himself down on a cushion on the other side of the desk to Boris.

“Okay then, how might I help you today? To be honest, having a centaur waiting outside my office was the last thing I expected this morning. You centaurs don’t particularly like our help usually,” Boris admitted.

Sorlith let out a chuckle. “That’s an understatement, but don’t worry, I’m not like most my kin. You’ve probably heard of me already, I’m the centaur exiled from his herd because he took on a human as a mate.”

“Ah, yes, I was the one who liaised with Dumbledore to get you set up in Hogsmeade. It’s great to meet you at long last, Sorlith isn’t it? How’s the family? Daughter’s doing her O.W.Ls at Hogwarts this year, isn’t she?” Boris requested before taking a sip of his tea.

Sorlith shuddered uncontrollably as memories of the past weekend flashed across his mind. “Yes, that’s my name. I can see you take your job seriously and thank you for all your help.”

“Don’t mention it. In truth it gets a little boring here as you can imagine. Reading files over and over again is about all I have to do. Now, why did you shudder when I mentioned Hogwarts and your daughter. Nothing serious has happened I hope?” Boris pressed.

“Unfortunately, that is why I’m here. I’d like to raise a grievance and complaint against the school for both incompetence and failing in their duty to protect my daughter from harm,” Sorlith explained.

“I see, those are some accusations. Might I ask what exactly happened,” Boris requested trying to keep calm.

“Dumbledore thought detention in the Forbidden Forest at night whilst an unknown creature lurked within murdering unicorns was a smart idea. This is also not taking into consideration my daughter’s heritage and what could have happened if my ex had got a hold of her,” Sorlith continued.

“I see, yes, that does seem a tad irresponsible of Albus Dumbledore. Did anything actually happen though,” Boris stated praying for the answer to be no. His luck wasn’t in.

“My daughter was stabbed by the creature with a knife that was laced with poison and curses. She very nearly died because of his decision and if it wasn’t for the unicorn blood that was already on the blade, she probably would have. Instead, she’s now cursed or blessed, depending on how you see it, with a unicorn horn atop her head,” Sorlith growled angrily.

Boris rubbed his temple with one of his hands. This was serious and nearing the point of above his pay grade. Finally, he replied, “I see, that is very unfortunate and you clearly have a case for negligence. How would you like me to proceed? Would you like Headmaster Dumbledore to be dismissed from his post?”

“No. He has helped me and my family so much I couldn’t live with myself if I did that. All I want is for my girl’s school fees to be annulled, a full safety check done by the Ministry of Magic of the school immediately and lastly I want it to be made mandatory that students are taught about acceptance of other species at the school,” Sorlith laid out his terms.

Boris rubbed his temple some more. “I will visit the school this afternoon and conduct the safety check myself. In the meantime, I will talk to the necessary departments and get your first request dealt with as well.”

“Thank you. Please be aware that if all my requests are not met, I have a legal team on standby who are more than willing to act on my behalf to secure just and fair compensation for my daughter. Now, I have an appointment arriving at my shop shortly, so I must get back to Hogsmeade. I wish you a good day and expect to hear an update by the end of the week,” Sorlith stated rising from the cushion.

“Of course. I assure you that this matter is my number one priority right now and I will do my utmost to put your mind at rest that Hogwarts is in indeed a safe non-prejudicial establishment for your daughter to study at. Have a great week,” Boris said in a serious tone.

“Thank you. I expect no less,” Sorlith replied not turning around as he opened the door and ducking underneath the door frame left without another word.

Boris fell back into his chair sweating buckets. He let out a huge sigh of relief before rising from his chair and heading to his fireplace.

“Better to get this over with,” he said to himself as he took a handful of floo powder and shouted clearly “Gethsemane Prickle’s office.”

It was going to prove to be a very busy day.

Hogwarts Infirmary, Scottish Highlands, 11:00am

Madam Pomfrey slumped into a chair with a massive sigh. The infirmary was once again quiet, as it should be, and for five minutes she had no patients to worry about.

She wasn’t at all surprised when the doors to the infirmary burst open once more. She hadn’t expected she’d be allowed even five minutes of peace and quiet, not with how this year was going. Along with Dumbledore and Flitwick were three students…

“More Hufflepuffs. What is it this time?” she grumbled rising from her chair. “Blown a hand of? Mauled by a giant badger? Thought jumping into the lake from one of the towers was a smart idea?”

Dumbledore cast Colloportus on the doors before he spoke.

“Actually, Hagrid spiked the punch at the Hufflepuffs party for celebrating winning the quidditch cup last night.”

“Oh no, not again.” She slumped back into her chair. “It took all my expertise just to save that student’s eyesight last time and I had half of Gryffindor in here then.” Her head met one of her hands. “Please tell me he hasn’t blinded another student.”

“Unfortunately, we are currently unsure. Professor Sprout is still too hungover to provide us with any detailed information it seems and has gone back to bed to recover along with the majority of her students. I’ve already got Snape working on ensuring he has enough hangover tonic in case it is required. I think we are all well aware of the strength of Hagrid’s bootleg brew.”

“Well, at least that will hopefully cut down on admissions this time around and please don’t remind me, not that I actually remember half of what I did after drinking that stuff,” Madam Pomfrey admitted. “So, if most of the Hufflepuff students are in bed, why are these three with you. Miss Melody, I do hope you have been taking it easy since I released you. I don’t want those stitches coming undone.”

“Eugh, please not so fucking loud. I’ve a stinking headache,” Melody groaned. “Yow, shit, the ankle bracelet is working again, yow, okay, okay, no more swearing,” she said with a grimace.

“Serves you right. You are still to young to be drinking and that goes for all three of you,” Madam Pomfrey scolded. “I’ve a good mind to withhold the hangover tonic Professor Snape created to teach you all a lesson, but unfortunately I’m duty bound to provide it. Still, at least I’ll get some comfort from knowing it tastes even worse than skele-gro. Now, is it just the tonic the students require or have they done any other damage to themselves.”

“Well, actually we came to you because Miss Belle and Miss Melody seemed to have cast a spell on Miss Wing whilst drunk,” Dumbledore explained a little nervously, unsure how his temperamental matron would take to this latest development.

“Oh, for fuck sake,” Madam Pomfrey openly swore. “Of course, the two unicorn students would improperly use magic whilst drunk. I hope they’ve got a week of detention for it. So, what did they do?” Madam Pomfrey groused.

Abigail extended the wings that had been tightly concealed behind her back.

Madam Pomfrey’s eyes bulged before she squealed like a little girl and raced over to Abigail.

Sweetie and Melody groaned holding their hands to their ears.

Dumbledore and Flitwick looked at the Matron as if the stress of the job had finally pushed her over the edge.

“Oh my word, these are unbelievable,” Madam Pomfrey stated whilst examining the wings, particularly where they joined perfectly to the girl’s back. “Scrap the detentions, both girls deserve top marks in Charms for these. Incredible, simply incredible. I’m going to need to run some tests, yes definitely. Come along now, me and you are going to be spending a vast proportion of time together today.”

Abigail smiled happily. She’d spent the last hour with Dumbledore and Flitwick discussing ways they could reverse the spell much to her chagrin. She’d not let anyone take her cool and beautiful new wings even it would take her parents some time to get used to her new look.

“Err Matron, although we admire your enthusiasm, the wings shall not be permanent. We just want your view and verdict before we remove them. The last thing we want to cause…” Flitwick started to explain nervously.

“WHAT!” Madam Pomfrey exploded in fury before he could finish. “Girl, do you really not want these wings?

Abigail lunged herself at Madam Pomfrey and wrapped her arms around her as tears of joy flooded down her cheeks before she turned and scowled at the two professors.

“I think that answers that question. Either of you two dare attempts to remove these wings and I’ll have you removed from the school grounds before you can say ‘Pegasus’,” the Matron said with a scowl of her own.

“Matron, I don’t think you are being fair. Just think what her parents are going to say?” Dumbledore tried to reason.

“If they love their daughter, they’ll except her for who she is. If you prefer, I’ll write the letter out this afternoon after my tests and accept the backlash. I’ll just go fetch that hangover tonic for the other two girls then you can all leave us in peace, okay?”

“Fine,” Dumbledore sighed, “but if the parents want them removed, we are legally obliged to do so, understood?”

“Of course,” Madam Pomfrey replied barely listening as she turned and headed to one of the many cupboards that littered one of the walls of the infirmary.

Abigail wiped the tears from her eyes and continued smiling like a loon. She was going to keep her wings!

“Headmaster Dumbledore! Headmaster Dumbledore!” Filch’s voice suddenly echoed from the hallway before appearing in the doorway panting. “Sir,” he paused trying to catch his breath, “there’s an officer from the Ministry of Magic just arrived to inspect the school. Says he’s from the Centaur Liaison Office acting on behalf of both the Ministry and his client Sorlith Song. I tried to stall him but he was having none of it.”

This time it was Dumbledore’s turn to rub his temple. He had expected such a visit but had hoped it wouldn’t be until later in the week, especially after last night’s latest incident. “Thank you for informing me Filch. I’d better go find our unexpected guest before he gets into any trouble.”

“I’m afraid he already has sir. Seems three girls and Professor McGonagall released Fluffy last night. As I knew you were busy and probably didn’t want to be disturbed, I took him to see Minerva instead. She was passed out behind her desk while the three girls were snuggled up to the beast on the floor.”

“How? You know what, never mind,” Dumbledore sighed. This was going to be a long, long day.

Hufflepuff dormitories, 11:00am

Joanne awoke groggily with a stiff neck and attempted to roll over in her bed. That’s when she first realised something was wrong as she found herself unable to move her arms.

Okay, nothing to worry about, she thought to herself trying desperately not to panic. I’ll just get my bearings and, okay I’m tied to a chair, interesting. She took a look around the room she seemed to be in. It appeared to be a dorm of some sort, although not in Ravenclaw that was for sure. Two girls were snoring loudly on a bed in front of her, one had their right leg in a cast, the other their left leg. Oh no, it suddenly dawned on her where she was and just what had proceeded the night before.

“HELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP!” she screamed.

Two rather gaunt and pale faced third year Hufflepuff boys who’d just been released from the infirmary were stumbling back to their dorms for further rest and recuperation after traversing the minefield of the common room when they heard the scream and made an immediate detour.

As they burst into the second-year girls’ dorm the most peculiar of sights greeted them. Heidi and Tamsin, both looking worse for wear, were trying their utmost to silence another student with a shaved head and leeks growing out her ears who for some reason was tied to a chair.

The screaming was ultimately ended when said restrained student suddenly gagged and vomited a whole load of slugs onto the floor.

“Okay, that’s just nasty,” Anthony stated.

“Girls, like to explain what is going on here?” Cedric requested.

“We’ve no idea, we just woke up to her screaming!” Heidi admitted.

“Last thing I remember was joking with Heidi last night over what jinx we were going to play on that snide news reporter, oh,” Tamsin stopped mid-sentence.

“Oh what?” Cedric demanded.

“Discord may have helped us kidnap a certain Ravenclaw fourth year and,” Tamsin paused unsure how to finish the sentence.

“And what?” Cedric demanded once more.

“We might have had a teensy bit of alcohol at the celebrations last night,” Heidi giggled.

“What, how’d you get a hold of alcohol?”

“Oof, can you keep the noise down, some of us are trying to sleep,” Berry Punch groaned lifting her head up from the floor next to Heidi’s bed.

“Yeah, shut the fuck up,” Wally cawed perched atop Berry’s head before tucking his head back beneath a wing.

“That answer your question, oh and Hagrid too,” Tamsin deadpanned feeling a mighty headache coming on.

“Hey, let me out of here. When Professor Flitwick hears about this you two are going to be in so much trouble,” Joanne practically screamed with rage.

Cedric gave a massive sigh. He was still nowhere near feeling his best after what had befallen him these past twenty-four hours and just wanted to return to his own bed and sleep some more. Instead, he was now an unfortunate witness to a kidnapping.

“We’ll deal with the talking pony later; right now I’m sorry Joanne but this is for your own good,” Cedric said walking over to the girl while pulling out his wand.

“Wait, what are you doing?” Joanne exclaimed in alarm struggling futilely with the ropes that bound her.

“Obli…” Cedric began but never finished as Professor Discord popped into existence out of nowhere wearing a Stetson.

“Huh, so this is where that portal leads to. Oh, right.” He snapped his fingers and he disappeared again along with Joanne without another word.

“I’m going back to bed; you three can deal with the pony,” Cedric sighed heading for the door.

“Make that you two,” Anthony added turning and following Cedric to the door.

Heidi and Tamsin looked at each in complete bewilderment for a moment, then shrugged their shoulders simultaneously and headed back to bed themselves, picking Berry up of the floor as they did so before all three snuggled together in a pile as they drifted back off to sleep, Wally still perched on Berry’s head.

Minerva McGonagall’s classroom, 11:00am

Maddie was awoken by the loud banging of a door being suddenly slammed shut. Slowly and painfully she opened her eyes wondering where she was. She immediately wished she hadn’t. A pair of confused eyes that were attached to the head of a monstrous beast with way too many sharp teeth stared back at her for a moment before opening its jaws.

“Mummy,” was all Maddie could whimper as she closed her eyes once more and awaited her inevitable demise as the monster’s breakfast.

Instead, something long and slimy washed over.

“Ewwwwwwwww,” Maddie winced opening her eyes once more. “Dog drool,” she whined wondering what was worse, being eaten alive or completely covered head to toe in dog spittle.

The great massive brute then decided to nudge her playfully. Slowly some hazy memories from the night before pieced themselves together in Maddie’s mind.

“Oh shit, I’m in so much trouble,” She groaned before scratching Fluffy’s middle head behind one of his ears.

The dog panted happily rubbing its great big head against the girl’s chest demanding even more affection like some great big puppy.

“At least it seems I’ve a cool new dog. I wonder if my parents will let me keep him?”

Castle Entranceway, 11:10am

Boris stared through the giant dog sized hole in the castle wall out onto the castle lake and wrote swiftly in a notebook with his quill,

Been at the castle all of five minutes and have already found evidence of underage drinking and dangerous creatures being kept upon the grounds. Furthermore, the castle is in serious need of immediate repairs, although this might be due to the actions of said giant dog I just had the pleasure of meeting.

He rubbed his temple. What was supposed to be yet another nice peaceful Monday on his way to a nice peaceful retirement had escalated into a full-blown cross-species incident. Prickle’s words echoed in his ears.

I’ve heard on the grapevine of a number of unconfirmed serious incidents at Hogwarts this year. This latest incident gives us a chance to investigate things further Pompernickle and fully assess just how safe Hogwarts is for the students. I expect an in-depth report on my desk Wednesday morning at the utter latest. I also can’t stress enough just how strained Human-Centaur relations are right now. You mess this up Pompernickle, there will be no wangling your way out of your incompetence this time. I’m sure you get what I mean. Now get going, you’ve an inspection to prepare for and I‘ve a delightful conversation with financial services to have.

He shuddered. There weren’t many places for a wizard such as himself to find work outside the Ministry.

“A sickle for your thoughts?” A wise old voice startled him out of his thoughts and made him jump. The voice was followed by a light chuckle at the response it brought.

“Headmaster Dumbledore, how great it is to meet you once more. It has been too long.”

“Indeed Boris. I never did get the chance to thank you in person for all your assistance with setting Sorlith and his family up in Hogsmeade,” Dumbledore finished with a smile taking the proffered hand.

“Think nothing of it. It was nice to have something to do for once. Aside from today, not much of interest particularly happens in my job. Now, care to offer an explanation for this,” Boris indicated to the large hole in the wall.

“Ah yes, of course you are here on business terms not pleasure. Although I was expecting your arrival sooner or later after the talk with Miss Song’s parents last week, I had hoped it would be a little later in the week. You see, Hufflepuff won the Quidditch trophy for the first time in nearly thirty years yesterday and their celebrations last night seem to have got a little out of hand,” he explained as he effortlessly fixed the outer wall from all the broken masonry on the floor.

“We actually won?” Boris said with a surprised look on his face. “Well, I think that changes everything,” he tore out the page from his notebook. “Kids will be kids as they say and if you wouldn’t mind.”

“Not at all. Incendio,” Dumbledore replied, the smile growing wider as he turned the ball of paper to nothing more than ashes that blew away in the wind.

“In truth I see nothing wrong with the school, especially in regards to safety. Running a boarding school is hard enough, but one where magic is involved, your record is remarkable. Aside from the incident involving Filius Flitwick in seventy seven at the height of the Wizarding War, there have been no records of any serious incidents or issues over safety with Hogwarts during your tenure as headmaster. In fact, during the war Hogwarts was regarded as the safest location for any wizard seeking refuge from you-know-who,” Boris stated in an impressed tone.

“Thank you. Students safety is of the utmost priority to us here at Hogwarts. Unfortunately, this year has thrown up some events that not even we could have foretold,” Dumbledore replied.

“Like a girl losing her arm during a quidditch match?” Boris pushed his luck.

“So, you heard about that. Yes, it is true and I won’t deny three girls from an alternate dimension along with the boy who lived seem to be at the centre of all these events, but I promise you that we are dealing with each problem as it arises internally. If you’d like to accompany me to my office, I will be more than happy to discuss them further with you over a cup of tea.”

“A cup of tea sounds splendid right now. We can also talk about the other request Mr Song would like the school to implement aside from the safety check which I can continue to conduct on the way,” Boris said with a smile of his own before following Dumbledore to his office.

The Centaur’s Eye Fortune Teller’s, Hogsmeade, 13:30

Aside from his early morning appointment at the Ministry and then a few of his regular clients popping by, it was so far proving to be a rather slow day for Sorlith. Amber had also just departed to do the weekly grocery shop so he was stuck on his own to try and work out their business’ finances, something he hated doing. He was thus quite glad when he heard the bell above the door to his shop ring to announce he had a visitor.

“Welcome to the Centaur’s Eye. Your one stop shop for all your,” he stopped mid-sentence as he saw who had come in. Slowly he lowered his reading glasses onto the counter he was sitting behind before speaking once more. “Mr. Pompernickle, this is a surprise. I wasn’t expecting to see you again so soon.”

“Well, I just finished my inspection of the school and felt it was better to talk things over with you in person while I’m here,” Boris stated casting Colloportus on the door and turning the sign on the door to closed.

“Oh, and why’s that?” Sorlith asked, his face not displaying even a hint of emotion.

“I think you already know why. I may look like a bit of a fool Mr Song, but if there is one thing I certainly know a thing or two about after twenty years in the same job, it's centaurs. Your species are the masters of divination and notorious for talking in rhymes and riddles,” Boris explained starting to play his hand.

“So?” Sorlith replied still not showing any emotion.

“Really? Still denying the obvious. You own your own fortune telling business. Don’t tell me you don’t at least keep an eye on your daughter and the boy-who-lived? You weren’t particularly interested in this were you,” Boris pulled out a wad of papers from the briefcase he was carrying and walked over to the counter before slamming them down upon it. “What you truly wanted to know is just where He Who Shall Not Be Named is in the school and whether he poses any further threat to your daughter. Am I right?”

Sorlith held Boris’ gaze for a moment before lowering his head in defeat. Letting out a heavy sigh he replied in a voice barely above a whisper, “I see you have been talking to Dumbledore. Yes, the stars have been clear for a while now.”

“You also knew your daughter was going to suffer an accident, didn’t you?” Boris growled.

“Yes, but there was little I could do to intervene. The stars were very clear that any interference could have been catastrophic,” Sorlith ground out once more barely above a whisper. “I’ve blamed myself every day since for what happened.”

“And you want revenge against the one who stabbed her to try and make up for it in some way, correct,” Boris deadpanned.

“Yes,” Sorlith snorted, not bothering to hide his anger. “That bastard nearly killed my daughter and permanently disfigured her. Of course I want to grind his face across a stone wall before trampling over it.”

“And yet you know that that won’t change what has come to pass and could also significantly and permanently alter the future?” Boris continued calmly.

“Yes, but there is only so much one can take before they have to take action themselves and it would at least make me feel better knowing that that despicable piece of shit can hurt no one else.”

“For how long? Until your wife and daughter hear or see what you’ve done? Until they cart you of to Azkaban for your crime or worse?” Boris went on calmly.

“And what would you have me do instead? Wait until they actually succeed at killing someone?” Sorlith growled angrily.

“Dumbledore assures me he has the situation under control,” Boris said flatly.

Sorlith lifted his head and glowered angrily once more at his guest. “What, by nearly getting students killed? My daughter has told me about the troll at Halloween, Harry nearly getting thrown of his broom during a quidditch match, the Pegasus girl who lost her arm and nearly died during another quidditch match and finally my own daughter getting fucking stabbed. How many more will need to suffer before the traitor within the school is dealt with?”

“I understand your frustration and anger, but I can promise you that before the end of the term the traitor shall be dealt with and Dumbledore has assigned Snape to keep an eye on Quirrell at all times outside of classes,” Boris replied trying to calm the furious centaur in front of him.

“Quirrell? that buffoon is the cause of all of this?” Sorlith responded, his anger suddenly turning to surprise and confusion.

Boris suddenly realised what he’d let slip. With a sigh he admitted, “Yes, and I’ve been authorised by Dumbledore to let you know that and more if you’ll just cooperate for the time being. The timeline is fragile enough after those three girls appeared from another realm at the start of the year.”

“I’m listening,” Sorlith said crossing his arms over his chest.

“Dumbledore has known ever since Quirrell returned from his sabbatical that something was up and soon realised he was working on helping the Dark Lord return after the break in at Gringotts,” Boris began.

“That was Quirrell?” Sorlith questioned.

“Yes, and after that failed attempt Voldemort possessed him to keep a closer watch over his actions in future,” Boris continued.

“That explains the unicorns. His body must be weakening drastically from hosting another’s soul,” Sorlith interrupted. “So, what’s he after?”

“The Philosopher’s Stone,” Boris deadpanned.

Sorlith’s eyes widened.

“Yes, the only one currently known to exist and if Dumbledore hadn’t got Hagrid to remove it from Gringotts when he did so they could hide it safely under the school,”

“The Dark Lord would already have returned,” Sorlith finished what Boris had started to say before shuddering uncontrollably at the mere thought of such a world.

“Exactly. Instead, Dumbledore with Snape’s help has been keeping a close eye on Quirrell all year. That first quidditch match, it was only due to Snape’s counter curse that Harry wasn’t thrown from his broom. The second, completely impossible to know what Quirrell had done. Your daughter, sorry to say this, but simply collateral damage in preparing Harry Potter for the final showdown at the end of the year.”

Sorlith’s head lowered in defeat once more. “I see. It is nice to see things a bit more clearly, even if it is not what I want to hear. Thank you for the information. I will not proceed in using it for now, but be warned, if Quirrell is not dealt with by the end of the school year, I shall deal with him myself.”

“Perfectly fine and understandable. What we both need right now though is your understanding and co-operation, so if you could just sign this letter it would make things a lot easier as if my boss was to find out everything that had actually gone on this year, well let me just say that the likely replacement for Dumbledore would be the Minister’s Senior Undersecretary,” Boris explained.

“WHAT! That ignorant bitch. No way will I ever let her near the school while my daughter’s studying there,” Sorlith said with unhidden contempt as he picked up his reading glasses, took the letter from Boris and read over it.

I, Sorlith Song, do hereby agree that the following is fair recompense for the unfortunate injuries my daughter has suffered whilst at Hogwarts:

1. In light of the safety of the school:

A full safety inspection has been conducted and I am satisfied with the findings that reveal that the school meets the highest possible safety standards set by the Ministry of Magic.

2. In reference to my daughter’s school fees:

- Melody Song shall be awarded a full scholarship because of the injuries she’s suffered.

- Furthermore, the Ministry will assist in helping with the financial burden that any school supplies may have in future upon Miss Melody Song and her family.

3. In reference to inclusivity at the school:

- A mandatory one-year course shall be taught to all second years starting next September entitled Cultural Diversity and Inclusivity in the Magical World that shall be taught by Mr Boris Pompernickle.

- To be invited to chair the Board of Governors.

- A new scholarship and bursary scheme for one underprivileged and minority races and species student attending Hogwarts each year to be named after your daughter.

- Finally, we at Hogwarts shall be updating our Code of Conduct and reminding students that any discrimination in any shape or form shall not be tolerated and result in their immediate expulsion.

Signature:

“So, this’ll mean my daughter doesn’t have to pay back any of the fees of her magical education?” Sorlith asked Boris as he removed his glasses.

“Yes, and she’ll also receive Ministry assistance for her final two years of education in relation to helping her pay for her school supplies,” Boris replied.

“All I needed to hear,” Sorlith said with a smile as he picked up a pen and signed the parchment before handing it back to Boris.

“Perfect,” Boris responded with a smile as he duplicated the letter and handed a copy back to Sorlith. “Of course, you’ve my actual inspection report on your counter there. The Ministry will be receiving a slightly altered version obviously so for both our benefits I suggest you keep it,” Boris never finished as Sorlith picked up the inspection report and tore it in two.

“Be a shame if this suddenly burst into flames?”

Boris smiled again while pulling out his wand. “Incendio,” he cast, the inspection report going up in flames.

Ravenclaw Dorms, 14:00

Joanne MacGyver awakened with a mighty headache and was welcomed back to the world of the living once more with a giggle from the end of her bed.

“Eugh, what time is it?” she groaned trying to remember just what happened last night.

“14:00, Professor Discord brought you back here a few hours ago. You’ve been asleep ever since. Must have been some party, Dumbledore cancelled all of todays lessons because of it,” Elora Dunn, assistant editor of the school’s newspaper and her best friend said from the end of her bed.

Joanne paused for a moment trying to recollect just what had gone on the night before. After going to bed though at ten after countless hours of revision in her house’s Common Room she couldn’t remember anything, weird.

“I honestly wouldn’t know. I don’t seem to be able to remember anything after going to bed last night,” she said in a concerned tone.

“Wow, really? Then you don’t remember receiving your new hairdo? I’ve already tried regrowing it, but it is seriously strong magic. Afraid you’re just going to have to wait till it grows back,” Elora replied sheepishly.

Joanne’s eyes shot open and she grabbed the pocket mirror of the chest of drawers next to her bed. Her dark black nearly knee length locks that she hadn’t had cut since she was four were gone. She was completely bald and even her eyebrows were gone.

Joanne screamed.

Wing Residence, Hertford, Hertfordshire, 16:00

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Wing,

I am sorry to report that your daughter, Abigail, has been involved in a minor magical accident here at Hogwarts. Thankfully, she is not hurt and has not suffered any injury or ill effects from said accident. She has though grown a pair of wings, which you can see in the pictures included. Although this is an easily remedied problem for any of the highly trained mages here at Hogwarts, your daughter has expressed a strong desire in retaining them and as such we are unable to go against her wishes and proceed with the procedure. I understand that this will come as a shock to you and if you wish, as her legal guardians we can remove the wings under your instructions, but I will reiterate that your daughter does not wish to lose them and by authorising said removal you may end up damaging your relationship with her. I can assure you that the wings are 100% natural and healthy and your daughter will be assisted in their upkeep by another Pegasus girl we have currently attending the school. I’d like to finish by saying that once again, we at Hogwarts are extremely sorry for what has occurred and will do whatever we can to remedy the situation for you,

Madam Poppy Pomfrey, Hogwarts School Matron

Beatrix Wing read the letter with her mouth open wide while staring transfixed at the photos that had been included. Although she wanted to then and there tell the school to remove said abominations, she’d also never before seen her daughter so happy. Abigail had never had it easy being mute from the day she was born and had often been picked on and bullied in primary school. Things had got a lot better since they’d had the shock of finding out magic was real and their daughter was actually a witch who had now come of age and needed to attend magic school in the Scottish Highlands. Even despite this though her daughter had still remained a bit of a recluse and never truly discussed her schooling or how things were really going in the letters she’d sent them by owl. Most simply stated the same old thing, everything is going well, looking forward to seeing you soon for the holidays, Abigail. She never mentioned friends, teachers, her school work or anything in detail now that she thought about it and then there was the one thing her daughter had wanted more than anything ever since she’d started at Hogwarts, her own broomstick. This was something that was way more than their finances could realistically afford. She’d pestered them for countless Christmases and birthdays now to no avail. Could she really rob her daughter of the one thing she had wanted more than anything the past four years, to be able to fly. No, she couldn’t. She’d been so occupied by her thoughts that she didn’t hear the front door open to their modest semi-detached home until Stanley was literally upon her.

“And what, might I ask, has caught my wife’s attention?” he asked as he entered the kitchen where she stood still transfixed by the letter she had received. “Is that another letter from Abigail, how she’s getting on?”

“No, it’s from the school nurse, there’s been an accident,” was all Beatrix managed to say in reply.

Stanley rushed over and grabbed the letter before quickly scanning over it. He laughed, he actually laughed upon finishing it.

“Well, I suppose it makes sense for someone who has Wing for a surname to have a pair of wings. Now, where are these photos,” he said before snatching said photos out of his wife’s hands before she could stop him. “Beautiful, simply beautiful. I’ve never seen her so happy,” he said in a voice barely above a whisper as a tear slipped down his cheek. “She’ll have to hide them when she’s home for the holidays though.”

“You want her to keep them? Don’t you think people will label her as even more of a freak?” Beatrix blurted out what she feared the most before she could stop herself.

Stanley glowered at his wife. “Don’t you ever call our daughter that again,” he said in a cold tone before taking a deep breath. “She’s unique and that’s what makes her perfect in every way. Now she’s just even more perfect.”

“I’m sorry, but you are right. No matter what she chooses, she’ll always be our perfect little girl and that’s all that matters,” Beatrix replied as she picked up the pen of the kitchen table and wrote on the piece of paper she’d left there one simple sentence.

Whatever path our daughter chooses, she’ll always have our support no matter what,

Mr. and Mrs. Wing.

The Great Hall, Hogwarts, Scottish Highlands, 17:30

By the time dinner time rolled around most of the chaos and carnage from the celebrations the night before had been resolved. The Hufflepuff Common Room had been tidied and returned to normal and the magical fire put out, Pinkie, Berry, Vinyl and Octavia had finally returned to Equestria and Fluffy had reluctantly been coaxed back to his post by Maddie and the damage he’d inflicted upon the castle had been fixed by a number of the professors. The girl herself, along with Hannah and Susan, had surprisingly not been reprimanded by Professor McGonagall for the destruction they’d caused with the mighty beast as long as they didn’t speak about what had happened last night to anyone. This was more than likely due to the professor’s involvement in their late-night antics, not that they could clearly remember much of what had transpired. Scootaloo had also not been punished for her actions the night before either, most likely because Professor Sprout was nursing the biggest hangover ever and still had an icepack on her head while Discord sat next to her at the teacher’s table drinking coffee wearing the most garish pair of sunglasses on imaginable. Dinner for the most part was a quiet affair, the majority of Hufflepuffs looking like reanimated corpses due to sickness, too much alcohol, magical backlash, the lingering taste of Snape’s vile hangover tonic or some kind of combination of the four. The only time when they came to life was when the hall erupted into cheers and whistles as Joanne MacGyver bravely walked in with a completely shaved head, much to the poor girl’s embarrassment.

The only Hufflepuffs who looked even remotely cheerful were firstly Abigail who, when not devouring her dinner, spent most her time hugging either Sweetie Belle or Melody for the wings they’d given her. Melody had also received a letter from her father’s owl that had surprised and shocked her somewhat. Thankfully it had been a rather nice and welcome surprise. Maybe next year she wouldn’t require hand me down falling apart and out of date textbooks, if she passed her O.W.Ls that was. The only other Hufflepuff who seemed totally fine, despite the strange looks she was getting from one or two of her fellow students, was Apple Bloom, the thestral still refusing to leave her side. Where it had come from was still a mystery. It also seemed particularly interested in Sweetie Belle for some reason to and constantly nudged the poor girl trying to gain her attention, despite the fact she couldn’t actually see him.

“Will you quit that. You‘re worse than Abigail” Sweetie groaned before turning and puking up most her dinner in the bucket beside her. “I’m never drinking or using so much magic at once,” she moaned as her invisible poking stick continued its attack. “I said knock it off,” she growled threateningly starting to ignite her horn before stopping instantly as blood started to drip out her nose. “Shit,” she moaned before slamming her head down upon the table, “can this day get any worse?”

The thestral continued to pester the poor girl as the sound of footsteps slowly got louder before stopping at the table.

“Who’s there?” Sweetie moaned not bothering to lift her head of the table.

“Hi professor, what can we do for you?” Scootaloo’s voice reverberated around Sweetie’s brain excruciatingly painfully.

“Hello girls,” it was Professor McGonagall’s voice that replied. “I’m sorry to intrude, but have any of you seen Neville? Harry and Ronald just informed me he wasn’t in his bed this morning and none of my first years have seen him all day.”

“Hmm, can’t say we,” Scootaloo stopped mid-sentence as the thestral started dancing crazily around Professor McGonagall. A hazy memory suddenly popped into her mind. Her face started to take on an exceedingly guilty expression.

Apple Bloom’s face was starting to mimic her hair.

“Shit, fucking shit,” Sweetie groaned.

Gryffindor Dormitory, Sunday 17th May, 23:00

Aside from studying, quidditch, exploring the castle and a few extracurricular activities at Hogwarts, there was actually very little for the students to do outside of classes, especially in the less frenetic autumn term. One game one bright student had come up with was called jinx, hex, curse, whereby students would sit round a table and throw around three names before deciding who they’d do what to and why. For example, for some reason using the Imperious Curse on Professor Snape was the most popular choice whereas nobody seemed to want to cause Professor Sprout any harm at all. She would usually end up suffering from something stupid like the leek or jelly-legs jinx. Why on Earth you might be wondering right now has this section of the chapter begun in such a strange manner? Well, you see, poor Neville’s night was like some bizarre alternate form of this game, but Let’s start at the beginning, shall we?

Late last night Neville had awoken needing the toilet only to hear some rather loud thumping noises coming from somewhere within the Gryffindor chambers. Now he’d never been one of the bravest souls around and if he hadn’t still been so angry at his housemate for leading him on a wild goose chase and causing him to lose his house fifty points along with nearly being eaten by an acromantula, he’d have woken up Harry then and there. He honestly wished he had or just ignored the noise and gone back to bed. Instead, he had taken a deep breath and taking a candle in his hand had gone down to the common room. As he had reached it a most peculiar sight had greeted him.

“Hermione? Scootaloo? What’s going on? Why are you climbing out that window?”

“Oh ‘hic’ shit,” Scootaloo chuckled wobbling slightly. “Busted.”

“Not ‘hic’ yet” Hermione replied swigging some clear liquid from a bottle. “Petrificus Totalus.”

Neville froze completely paralysed and unable to move anything aside from his eyes.

“What ‘hic’ did you do to him?” Scootaloo asked her girlfriend.

“Just the Full Body-Bind Curse. I’ll let him free once we get to the Hufflepuff dorm.” Hermione took a large swig from the bottle. “God this is good. Where’d you get it and what is it?”

“Hagrid ‘hic’ and no idea. He initially poured a whole bottle into the punch bowl without anyone noticing and then after a while just started handing them out to everyone,” Scootaloo said. “Now grab him and let’s be on our way. I want to get back to the party.”

Number One: Kidnap

Neville wouldn’t deny he is pretty much scared of everything, but the flight down was frightening on another level. Hermione dropped his paralysed form no fewer than six times. Thankfully she caught him five times and the sixth happened to be just as they were coming in for a rather bumpy crash landing.

He had then had his now somewhat bruised body rather roughly pushed through a tiny window before being carried to the Hufflepuff common room, which had been turned into some form of disco with what looked like two ponies behind a turntable at the far end of the room.

“Hey Scootaloo ‘hic’ where’d you go? Ooh I see you went and brought me a present,” Apple Bloom stated walking rather unsteadily over to the group.

Neville’s eyes had gone wide as the girl’s lips locked onto his.

Number 2: Kiss

“Ooooooh, get a room you two,” Hermione tittered taking a final swig from the bottle before realising it was empty. “Any more of this stuff, we seem to be out?”

“Yeah, Hagrid brought around hundred bottles or more. They are by the table over there.” Scootaloo pointed to a stack of crates next to a buffet table. “There’s also a ton of wine from a friend Pinkie brought along with her and she herself brought a whole assortment of unlabelled bottles.”

Hermione’s eyes lit up. “Oh, but before I go,” She brought her wand out again “Reparifors.”

Neville felt his arms and legs once more, along with Apple Bloom’s tongue which was still exploring his mouth.

“You go girl, get in there Apple Bloom! Ten points to Gryffindor cause why the fuck not.” Neville heard an oh to familiar voice from across the room which was followed by another.

“My word, I never thought Longbottom would be the first to show an interest in girls. Ten points to Hufflepuff for putting up with him.”

Neville’s eyes somehow managed to go even wider as they locked onto the heads of Hufflepuff and Gryffindor dancing like complete buffoons a third of their ages atop a table with a mulberry-coloured pony. Professor Sprout had a lampshade atop her head while a poor bemused and befuddled Mrs Norris sat atop professor McGonagall’s. It was at that moment Neville knew no one was going to save him and for the first time in his life decided to ignore everything his gran had taught him. He wrapped his hands around Apple Bloom’s head and returned the gesture. For two whole minutes he was actually happy for once as there they stayed locked in each other’s warm embrace.

That was until a jealous and drunk Sweetie Belle had transfigured him into a thestral.

Number 3: Transfigure

“Sweetie, whyyy!” Apple Bloom whined.

Sweetie just shrugged her shoulders and stumbled away to go speak to Melody who was deep in discussion with Abigail.

“Ooh, actually, ‘hic’, I kinda like you like this,” She said dreamily snuggling up to Neville in his new pony like form.

After going to bed at 21:00 sharp, the last thing he’d expected was to be kidnapped by Scootaloo, kissed by Apple Bloom and transfigured into a thestral by Sweetie Belle. And the night had only just begun. He trotted over to where Scootaloo and Hermione had gone to fetch more drinks and where Scootaloo’s parrot was seemingly downing shot after shot of something using his one good foot in-between muttering every curse under the sun.

“GAH,” Scootaloo cried in surprise at the gaunt black pony like creature as it dipped its head into a crate, pulled the lid of a drink with its mouth and then picked it up with said mouth and downed it in one. “What the heck is that thing?”

“What thing?” Hermione said puzzled next to her girlfriend looking everywhere.

“Neville,” Apple Bloom deadpanned before eliciting another hiccup. “Sweetie Belle transfigured him into it. Think the bitch was jealous. Still, I think he looks cute. Who’s my brave strong horsie worsie, yes you are,”

Neville jumped up and down and brayed in delight whilst doing a bizarre little dance as Apple Bloom scratched under his chin.

Scootaloo stared at the bottle of alcohol she was drinking before muttering, “what the fuck did Hagrid put in this shit?”

“Oh, does my terror of the night want to dance? Come on then."

Apple Bloom pulled thestral Neville into the middle of the dance floor where they somehow started to perform a beautiful waltz to dubstep.

“Fuck yeah. Someone brought a thestral!” McGonagall screamed in delight.

“And this is why I stopped drinking,” Scootaloo sighed wondering if she should toss her bottle away then and there.

“Oh, lighten up and let’s join them. The night’s still young!” Hermione screamed pulling her girlfriend from the buffet table onto the dance floor.

And that’s pretty much the story of how the game kidnap, kiss, transfigure was born at Hogwarts. As for how the night proceeded from there, that is a closely guarded secret by everyone in attendance, well, those moments which they could remember that is.

The Great Hall, 17:50

“Can you please repeat that,” Professor McGonagall forced out fearing the headache she’d fought all day to get rid of was returning.

“I kinda might have kidnapped Neville after he caught me and Hermione sneaking out the Gryffindor tower,” Scootaloo admitted sheepishly once more.

“And then I got jealous of him kissing Apple Bloom because I was drunk and may have turned him into a thestral,” Sweetie groaned barely audible, her head still stuck to the table.

Apple Bloom was trying to hide under said table in embarrassment. “Please, not so loud,” she whined.

Professor McGonagall closed her eyes, took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. “Detention for the next three weeks for all three of you,” she said trying to keep her voice calm.

“Aw c’mon,” Sweetie groaned before throwing up once more into the conveniently placed bucket.

“Four weeks for you then Miss Belle,” was all Professor McGonagall said in reply as she pulled out her wand and returned Neville to his rightful form. Unfortunately for the poor boy, his clothes did not return.

Scootaloo cupped a hand over her mouth trying to stifle a giggle as the whole hall suddenly burst into laughter aside from Sweetie, who had her head in her hands trying not to think about the four weeks of upcoming detention that were only adding to her headache, and Apple Bloom.

“What’s so funny?” the latter chorused, peeking her head out from under the table and going bright red once more at what she saw.

“Like what you see do we?” Scootaloo teased. “Apple Bloom and Neville sitting in a tree K-I-S-S” Scotaloo began before she found herself lifted from her seat.

“One more word, try me.” Apple Bloom growled to her friend in a deadly serious tone.

“As you wish,” Scootaloo replied before puckering her lips and making kissing motions. “Oh Neville,” she started to say mockingly before Apple Bloom slammed her through the table, Sweetie having to take evasive action to avoid becoming collateral damage.

The laughter around the table stopped and the first years all stared at Apple Bloom.

“Totally worth it,” Scootaloo’s voice wheezed in amongst a pile of broken wood and assorted food items.

“Could you warn me the next time you do something like that,” Sweetie groaned slumping her head down onto the wooden bench she was sitting on instead.

“I did,” Apple Bloom deadpanned as she walked over to Neville while pulling her robes off and putting them around the poor embarrassed boy who was nearly in tears. “C’mon, Neville lets get you back to your dorm.”

“K-I-S-S-I-N” Scootaloo’s voice echoed from the rubble once more.

Before Apple Bloom could retaliate McGonagall’s voice barked, “Detention for the both of you until the end of term and ten points from Hufflepuff for destruction of school property.”

“Shit,” Scootaloo’s voice reverberated from the rubble before her ankle bracelet sent an electric shock coursing through her body. “YOWCH,” she squealed before adding, “Okay, that’s new.”

Meanwhile, Apple Bloom just shrugged her shoulders. “I’ll spend it helping Snape in the Potions lab,” was all she said in reply to McGonagall’s judgement while slowly helping the bemused and confused Neville from the Great Hall to a round of laughter, cat calls and wolf whistles. “AND ONE MORE NOISE FROM ANY OF YOU AND I’LL THROW YOU ALL ONE BY ONE INTO THE LAKE!” she snarled turning and glowering at her fellow students, her eyes fiery pools of fury.

The hall fell deathly silent as Apple Bloom slammed the great door behind her and Neville so hard it fell into a pile of nothing more than firewood.

For once Professor McGonagall was left utterly speechless at what had just transpired.

Gryffindor Dorm, 18:10

Apple Bloom and Neville paused outside the picture of the Fat Lady.

“So,” Apple Bloom stuttered nervously, “put it in with your washing and hand it back to me in one of our classes later this week.”

“Erm, yeah, will do,” Neville blushed, equally nervous.

“Oh, sod it,” Apple Bloom replied, grabbing Neville by the scruff of his neck and pulling him in for a kiss.

Similar to last night, Neville’s eyes went wide before Apple Bloom released him and pushed him back.

Wiping her lips, Apple Bloom smiled and giggled at the boys startled face. “Sorry, but as my sister always says, honesty is the best policy. I like you Neville, you’re cute, funny, a little silly, have a great personality and enjoy the same things I do. Yeah, maybe I’m still a bit young for a boyfriend and Applejack and Big Mac would probably kill me right now for what I’ve done over the past twenty-four hours, but what they don’t know won’t hurt them. Sorry, I’m rambling,” she finished with yet another giggle her face went as red as her hair once more.

Neville stared at her his mouth agape utterly speechless. He’d never really had any friends growing up, his grandmother had home schooled him and even now after nearly a whole year at Hogwarts he wouldn’t say he had made any true friends. He was like the extra, simply there to make up the numbers when needed, often it seemed for comic relief and to play the part of the fool. But then there was this strange girl with ridiculous strength from another dimension who, for some bizarre reason or another, actively wanted to spend time with him. Neville realised then and there that it wasn’t the quantity of friends that mattered, but the quality.

“Earth to Neville,” Apple Bloom said followed by another giggled. “So, what you say, like to be my boyfriend?”

“S-s-sure,” Neville stammered, a giddy smile gracing his lips. “I’d like that, I’d like that a lot.”

“Great, I’ll see you in History tomorrow,” Apple Bloom replied with a warm smile of her own before giving the shell-shocked Neville another kiss, this time on his cheek. She then started to skip merrily off down the hall back towards her own common room, before stopping suddenly and turning back to Neville. “Oh, and Neville, one more thing. Let’s just keep this between us for now, I really don’t want to send Scootaloo through another table,” she tittered not waiting for a reply as she continued skipping her way back to her own common room

Neville audibly gulped, a mixture of emotions flooding through him. On the plus side he had his first true friend, on the downside she was also the strongest twelve year in the world and there was no knowing what she might do to him if he ever let her down or, in the immediate future, what her family might do to him when they found out she had a boyfriend. Then there was also his grandma to think about and what she would say on the matter. Neville gulped once more, just what had he let himself in for!

Gethsemane Prickle’s Office, Ministry of Magic, 20:00

Despite there being a number of unfortunate accidents this year, most of these were nothing more than harmless pranks and kids being kids. From my intense in-depth inspection, I can confirm the school remains one of the safest havens in wizarding Britain and I’m sure you’ll make the same judgement from the attached report. This report has also been looked over and satisfied the concerns of Mr Song as can be found in the attached letter. Furthermore, after any serious accidents rigorous checks and safety inspections have been carried out to avoid any possible future occurrences of similar accidents, such as no longer sending students into the Forbidden Forest for detention. Dumbledore has though admitted the school’s failings in teaching the students about inclusivity and a new one-year course in students second years on said subject shall be introduced from next year. Dumbledore has personally hired me to oversee said course and with twenty years of experience in such a role, I hope I can live up to his expectations. Obviously, this will sadly mean I shall be leaving my post at the Ministry at the end of June to have adequate time to prepare for my new role. I’d just like to finish by saying it has been an honour working for the Ministry for more than thirty odd years, but that I am looking forward to my new challenge and a fresh start,

Boris Pompernickle, Head of Centaur Liaison for the Ministry of Magic

Sitting behind her desk in her office, Gethsemane Prickle looked over the note, report and signed letter in her hand for the umpteenth time before letting out a huge sigh. It was clear in her eyes that Dumbledore had gotten to Boris and coaxed him around, possibly bribing him with a cushty, pretty easy job that even he couldn’t mess up to badly. There was no way from what she had heard that that girl had lost her arm due to a freak quidditch accident that had resulted in numerous rigorous safety checks to be carried out and implemented before further quidditch matches were conducted. It also seemed like Dumbledore or Boris had managed to persuade the centaur into their line of thinking as well, probably through promising his daughter a full scholarship and future funding for her advanced studies. Sadly, she had no proof of this and as such had to take Boris’s word for it. She’d also not have any chance to pressurise Boris as he had amazingly accrued a rather substantial amount of excess holiday that he had yet to use and would not be returning back to his office before he left for his new post. As she pondered just what her next steps would be that inevitable knock she’d been expecting sounded upon her door.

“Come in,” she called not looking up from the paperwork Boris had sent her.

A middle-aged woman in garish pink clothing entered.

“Ah, I see you have already received the report. Maybe this Pompernickle character isn’t as incompetent as you were telling me,” Dolores Umbridge said walking over to Prickle’s desk.

“No, but it also seems like his allegiance to Dumbledore is worth more. His whole report stinks of a cover up and there is nothing we can use from it against Dumbledore to force him from his position,” Prickle explained.

“I see; well it looks like I’ll have to have a little chat with Mr Pompernickle to explain how the Ministry are only trying to do what’s best for the children attending Hogwarts and that if he knows of any reason that their safety might be being compromised in anyway, he should inform me or the Minister directly at once,” Umbridge cooed in a sickly-sweet voice.

“Afraid you won’t be able to. The mages in admin seem to be even more incompetent than him. He hasn’t had a day of holiday ever since his second divorce five years ago, even working every Christmas day in that period. He’s taking six weeks off immediately and then starting at his new post at Hogwarts teaching Cultural Diversity and Inclusivity in the Magical World,” Prickle deadpanned.

“What?” Umbridge exclaimed barely holding back her anger as she took a deep breath. She knew she had to be careful with what she said. “So be it. At least I know where his replacement shall be coming from,” she finally said in her sickly-sweet voice. “Thank you for all your hard work Gethsemane and don’t you worry, sooner or later Dumbledore will slip up and the Ministry will regain control of Hogwarts, I can promise you that. Enjoy your evening.” She turned and left without another word.

Author's Note

So, by popular demand we have a Hangover style bumper chapter to begin the new year looking at what our Hufflepuff quidditch players got up to last night and to make up for me taking time off over the holiday period. I'm hopeful to have book one done by February latest, just exams, the final confrontation and aftermath, exam results, end of term feast and house cup and goodbyes to go now, bar for any other extras you want. A quick breakdown of the rules the Hufflepuffs broke last night,

Underage drinking
Irresponsible use of magic whilst drunk
2/3 kidnappings?
Releasing a dangerous creature upon the school
Destruction of school property
Ponies
Flying while under the influence
Discord, just Discord

:rainbowlaugh:

Exams Week 1- Parrots, Parties, Practicals, Pranks, Premonitions and a Puppy

Author's Note

WARNING: THIS CHAPTER CONTAINS A SCENE SOME READERS MAY FIND DISTURBING AND SIGNIFICANT STRONG LANGUAGE ON OCCASSIONS.

Exams Week 1- Parrots, Parties, Practicals, Pranks, Premonitions and a Puppy

After the chaos of the weekend and Monday, one word could sum up the remainder of the Crusaders' final week of lessons for their first year, revision. If they weren’t being pushed hard in a lesson, they were being pushed hard in detention by McGonagall, Sprout, Snape or Discord. Even when they did have thirty seconds to catch their breath, the fear of failure soon meant they had their heads in a book once more or were practicing wand movements, transfiguring objects or something else. Most nights they didn’t go to bed till way beyond curfew, often falling asleep in bed with a book on each of their faces.

Agonisingly slowly the days ticked on by and the Monday morning of their first exam finally arrived. Barely any of the first years could stomach much at breakfast that morning and soon enough they found themselves in a sweltering hot classroom with brand new special anti-cheating quills scribbling away frantically on parchment. There exams were to be spaced across two weeks with each day focusing on one subject, with each exam, except history, having a written section in the morning and a practical section in the afternoon. First up was Transfiguration and as they left the classroom Scootaloo joked with a grimace.

“Well, that’s one written paper failed.”

“Well, we did warn you we didn’t think sleeping on the books was the best form of revision,” Apple Bloom deadpanned in reply.

“And not to focus so much of your time on practical studies,” Sweetie added.

“And I told you I’m not book smart. I’m just playing to my strengths is all,” Scootaloo said with her usual trademark grin.

Apple Bloom rolled her eye. “Sweetie, five galleons Scootaloo fails Transfiguration.”

“Hey!” Scootaloo exclaimed indignantly.

“You’re on,” Sweetie Belle replied ignoring Scootaloo’s protestations and instead spitting into her hand and shaking Apple Bloom’s to confirm the bet.

Hermione giggled next to Scootaloo. “Well, looks like I won’t have to worry about you beating me in the written sections of our exams.”

“Pfft, just you wait till the results come out and you see my practical marks. Then we shall see who wins our little bet,” Scootaloo retorted cockily.

“Remarkable, simply remarkable,” Dumbledore mused looking over the almost perfect snuffbox that had replaced the mouse on the table. “This is truly a pleasant surprise Miss Aloo, I’m glad to see you’ve been practicing so hard.”

“Thank you, sir,” Scootaloo replied with a smile, “I’m more of a practical learner and felt it was best I stick to my strengths when revising.”

“I see,” Dumbledore replied stroking his beard. “I guess whatever suits you best. Now, I had better call in the next student, off you go and keep up the good work!”

Scootaloo departed with a wicked smirk on her face. She was looking forward to meeting Hermione’s parents in the summer.

Herbology came next, one of Scootaloo’s weakest subject, but at least she had remembered the dangerous plants Incendio could be used on, specifically spiky bushes. Herbology was followed by her strongest subject Divination and for everybody else in her year Astronomy. Due to the Astronomy practical being so late at night, Thursday gave them a chance to rest and recuperate before Potions on Friday. Unfortunately for Sweetie though, she was not about to get a lie in on her birthday as at 4am Scootaloo’s eyes shot open and her ankle bracelet started beeping ridiculously loudly awakening every one of the Hufflepuff first year girls.

“Huh?” Apple Bloom groaned. “What’s going on?” she said in the darkness fumbling for her wand before casting Lumos.

“The bitch is about to have another fucking fit,” Wally cawed testily, unhappy at being awoken himself.

“Tick, tock, tick, tock, the clock nears midnight. Very soon evil will engulf Hogwarts. The Dark Lord will return when the moon is new and bring about a new rein of terror. Only one born at the end of the seventh month can stop him. BEWARE, BEWARE!” Scootaloo cried in a monotone voice..

“Told you fucking so,” Wally cawed.

Faster than lightning Apple Bloom jumped out of bed and tried to stop the writhing girl from hurting herself. Scootaloo’s eyes had once more rolled back and she was convulsing uncontrollably, foaming at the mouth.

“Come on Scoots, fight it. Whatever it is, fight it,” she said as Scootaloo continued to squirm in her grasp.

Susan lit the candles in the room.

That was when a black mist seeped out of Scootaloo and formed a grotesque face above them all.

“Fuck,” Susan and Wally said as one as the face emitted an ear-piercing wail that forced every girl aside from Scootaloo to drop to the floor holding their ears.

“Make it stop,” Megan screamed, blood dripping from her nose and barely able to lift herself off the floor.

As if on cue, Discord and Professor Sprout appeared, both in pyjamas sporting polka dotted ear muffs.

“EXPECTO PATRONUM,” Discord cried and as if this morning couldn’t get any weirder, a ghostly looking Pegasus appeared from his wand and charged the dark wailing mist causing it to explode on contact.

The girls though had all passed out by this point aside from Scootaloo who was vomiting black ichor all over the floor and Apple Bloom who was leaning heavily against one of Scootaloo’s bed posts.

“We need to get them all to the infirmary immediately to ensure no lasting damage has been done,” Discord commanded sombrely. “I think though we were just in time. Any later and we’d be waking a mortician rather than Madam Pomfrey.”

“Thank goodness,” Professor Sprout sighed.

“What the fuck just happened?” Scootaloo groaned barely conscious from the floor.

“A nasty backlash of dark magic my dear girl,” Discord cooed walking over and picking up his daughter in his arms. “Don’t worry, everything will be fine,” he soothed touching Scootaloo’s forehead. The girl immediately joined her friends in passing out.

“Come on you stupid bastard bird, breathe,” another voice wailed from the floor.

“Give it the fuck-up, I was old anyway. Look after Scootaloo for me,” a voice echoed as a ghostly figure rose from the lifeless form of a one-legged parrot with an eye patch before dispersing into nothing. Apple Bloom stared open mouthed for a moment before she wailed once more with grief.

Wally was dead.

Possibly the last place Sweetie wanted to be on her birthday aside sitting in a sweltering classroom taking an exam was the infirmary with a splitting headache, but here she was. At least she had her dormmates to keep her company even if the mood was very sombre after the morning’s events. She was also looking forward to being released by the evening for almost inevitably another Pinkie party.

“So, Wally’s gone?” Sweetie repeated to Apple Bloom who sat at the end of the infirmary bed she now resided in.

“Kinda,” was the response she received as a spectral figure landed upon Apple Bloom’s shoulder.

“Fucking afterlife’s boring, no crackers. Plus, haunting you fucking lot is going to be way more fun,” Wally’s ghost cawed as Apple Bloom handed him a cracker.

“How’s he able to eat that?” Sweetie questioned unsure she wanted the answer.

“Discord,” Apple Bloom deadpanned in reply.

“Of course.”

“Anyway, happy birthday!” she exclaimed opening her arms wide.

Sweetie looked at her friend as if she had gone mad.

Apple Bloom coughed, “Discord.”

A whole array of presents fell atop Sweetie burying the poor girl. The only parts of her body that were visible, her arms, flailed wildly.

“Surprise!" Discord exclaimed popping into existence next to Sweetie’s bed wearing a party hat while blowing a party whistle and setting off party poppers.

Apple Bloom face palmed. “Well, that couldn’t have gone any worse.”

Sweetie was delighted at the presents she had received. Aside from yet another dress from Rarity there was a whole assortment of items from a freshly baked apple pie from Apple Bloom to flowers, books and sweets from the rest of the girls. Scootaloo had even managed to get a breathtakingly beautiful small handcrafted statue of her saving a Quaffle in a match made. Finally, once the final gift had been unwrapped, Discord coughed.

“I know I don’t know you that well, aside from you being one of my daughter’s best friends, but especially seeing now that Wally will be unable to deliver letters across dimensions,” Discord started to say nervously.

“Damn fucking right,” the ghost of Wally interrupted.

“I think this will make an excellent replacement and present for you as well as Apple Bloom and Scootaloo,” he said shoving his hand into the void and pulling a small carry cage out. Growls and snarls could be heard from within and the carrier shook violently.

This time it was Sweetie Belle’s turn to look nervous, her eyes starting to bulge. “Err, what’s that?” she asked as Discord unbolted the cage and a giant blur of night black fur with blood red eyes and extremely large fangs shot out and launched itself at Sweetie.

Sweetie froze with fear.

Apple Bloom’s eyes bulged.

The thing started licking Sweetie’s face.

Sweetie squealed with laughter as the pup slobbered all over her face. “Stop it,” she feebly exclaimed trying in vain to force the weight upon her chest off.

“Irish hellhound pup. Extremely strong, loyal and protective of their masters. Also, practically invincible,” Discord explained. “He’ll also be your new letter deliverer.”

“That’s a puppy? And don’t you mean Irish wolfhound?” Apple Bloom exclaimed in a slightly worried tone.

“Yes and nope,” Discord said with a smirk before snapping his figures and disappearing.

“Great,” Apple Bloom let out a heavy sigh wondering how long it would be before the beast got them expelled. At least Sweetie’s mood had picked up.

“What you got there?” Scootaloo questioned peeling back the curtain between their two beds and looking over at Sweetie’s new pet.

“Sweetie’s new pet and our new post dog, apparently an Irish hellhound,” Apple Bloom replied.

“Cool,” Scootaloo said in response with a wide grin.

“His name’s Wallace, in memory of a recently dearly departed friend,” Sweetie announced in between being licked to death by the over excited puppy.

“Thanks, at least somebody fucking loves me,” Wally’s ghost cawed.

“Don’t you start,” Apple Bloom growled, “I did my fucking best to bring you back to life you ungrateful piece of shit.”

“Well, you didn’t do a very good fucking job, did you?” Wally replied pecking Apple Bloom on the head.

“Ow? How’s that even possible? You know what never mind,” she finished with yet another sigh looking at the ginormous puppy that had now curled up on Sweetie’s chest and with a big yawn that revealed it’s overly large fangs settled down for a nap. “Five galleons Wallace bites off one of Malfoy’s limbs before the end of our fifth year,” she said turning to Scootaloo.

“You’re on,” Scootaloo immediately responded before turning her attention to Wally with a tear in her eye. “And you know I loved you, you old grump.”

Wally stuck out his ghostly tongue at Apple Bloom before fluttering over to Scootaloo and settling down on her shoulder for a nap of his own. Scootaloo scratched his ghostly ear getting a coo of pleasure in reply.

Why’d I even attempt to save him she thought to herself as an almighty scream reverberated round the infirmary. Great, Madam Pomfrey had discovered Wallace.

By early afternoon the girls were bored of sitting in bed revising and Madam Pomfrey seemed only to happy to be rid of them and especially Wallace after Dumbledore had spoken to each of them about the early morning events. Rather peculiarly they were given a wide birth in the hallways, although this might have partly been due to Wallace who’d been a very messy eater and was covered in cow’s blood after his lunch. His blood red eyes only added to the look.

“We’ll have to give him a bath in a bit,” Sweetie giggled as yet another student legged it in the direction opposite to them.

“We will do, but first,” she couldn’t finish what she was about to say as tears wracked her vision.

“Hey Scoots, what’s up, I heard you got admitted to the infirmary again this morning and they wouldn’t let me see you,” Hermione’s voice echoed down the corridor getting ever closer.

“Wh-wh-what is that thing?” Ron and Neville whimpered simultaneously.

“Irish hellhound, Sweetie’s birthday present from Discord, best not to ask,” Apple Bloom deadpanned.

Hermione though was only interested in the tear-streaked face of her girlfriend.

“Hey, what’s up?”

“She had another fucking prophecy this morning and Dark Magic got involved. Long story short, I’m fucking dead,” Wally’s ghost cawed from Scootaloo’s shoulder.

Hermione stared at the ghostly parrot for a moment before turning her concerned expression back on her girlfriend. “Oh Scootaloo, I’m guessing that’s what’s in the box. Come on, we’ll go find a nice spot to bury him in the grounds,” She entwined her arm around her girlfriend’s and pulled her along.

“Thanks,” Scootaloo sniffled wiping a tear from eye.

“You better, no dumping my remains in Hagrid’s compost heap,” Wally admonished.

Hermione glowered at the ghost and Wally went silent.

Slowly the entourage followed, Neville steering well clear of Wallace, and they made their way out onto the grounds. Soon they had found the perfect fucking spot, according to Wally’s ghost, and had laid the poor bird’s physical body to rest under a tree overlooking the lake. Wallace had been only to happy to dig the grave.

For a while nobody said anything, unsure what to say. Discord appeared at one point and blew his nose into a massive oversized hanky before disappearing once more. Finally, it was Wally’s ghost that broke the silence,

“Fuck me, killed by a shrieking cloud, what a way to go.”

And just like that the awkwardness was broken as everybody broke down with laughter.

“Same old Wally,” Scootaloo eventually managed to force out wiping away yet another tear. “Even in death, still the comedian. Only you’d be able to make a mockery out of death.”

“Damn fucking right,” Wally cawed. “Now, stop moping about; its Shitty Belle’s birthday for fuck sake. Happy fucking birthday to you,” Wally started singing and soon everyone started to join in as they laughed, giggled and congratulated the birthday girl as they started making their way back to the castle.

“Still fucking got it,” the ghost of Wally murmured under his breath.

Pinkie was already waiting for them in the common room after they’d said their goodbyes to the Gryffindors who had headed back to their own common to continue studying for tomorrow’s Potions exams.

“SURPRISE!” she squealed blowing a party whistle and wearing a party hat as they entered. “Just no adult juice this time. I’ve still got the bruise on my tooshie where Applejack bucked me after she found out about our last celebration,” she added rubbing her flank.

Sweetie Belle giggled. “I think we’ve all learnt our lesson. No more alcohol till we are old enough to handle it.”

“Hey,” Apple Bloom snipped in. “At least one of us can handle their booze.”

Sweetie ignored the interruption grasping Pinkie in her arms. “Thanks Pinkie, it looks amazing as always,”

“No problemo,” Pinkie replied with a giggle as Sweetie lowered her to the ground. “NOW LETS PARTY!” She shrieked at the top of her voice placing a red party hat upon Wallace’s confused looking head.

And thus, the stress of exams, infirmary visits, ominous predictions, the death of a somewhat beloved pet and everything else melted away as for a few hours the girls were able to enjoy themselves and act their age. From silly party games once more to dancing and generally just laughing over the smallest of things, it proved to be just the break the girls had needed before Apple Bloom and Scootaloo went back to their books that evening for some final cramming before tomorrow’s Potions exams. Meanwhile, Sweetie attempted valiantly to give Wallace a bath.

“Quit struggling,” Sweetie yelled for the umpteenth time from the bathroom as the dog continued its fight to get free from her grasp and flee.

Wallace yelped in reply trying once more to squirm from the girl’s firm hold as she scrubbed his back.

“Who’s giving who a bath in there,” Scootaloo yelled from their dorm to a round of sniggers.

“Shut it or you’ll be next!” Sweetie yelled back.

“Oh, I’m so, what the?” Scootaloo exclaimed as one sodden mutt appeared in front of her.

“You little shit, where have you apparated to this time,” Sweetie roared as she slammed the bathroom door open with a wild look in her eyes. She looked a mess, her robes were soaked through, her hair drenched and the makeup she wore was smeared all over her face.

Scootaloo tried, she really did, to not fall over right then and there in a fit of laughter. “Give it up Sweetie, he looks clean enough to me,” she said hugging the poor whining mongrel that was staring at her with his big red eyes looking for some protection from his slightly insane owner.

Scootaloo wasn’t sure if the look Wallace was giving her was scary or adorable, it was probably somewhere between the two or both.

“Nope, he still needs his paws seeing to, coat permed and then he needs to be dried. Now release him or you can join him,” Sweetie explained before letting out a hiccup. A stream of bubbles exited her mouth.

That was the final straw for Scootaloo who fell back onto her back while holding onto poor Wallace in a fit of giggles. “Make me, Sweetie Bubbelle,” she finally managed to squeak.

“With pleasure,” Sweetie replied with a crazed smile her horn glowing green and levitating both girl and dog into the air.

Both stared at her with a look of shock and surprise as she carried them effortlessly back towards the bathroom.

“Wait, what the. Sweetie put me down. I was only joking,” Scootaloo chuckled nervously, her confidence and cockiness disappearing in an instant.

“Too late,” Sweetie exclaimed whistling like a maniac as she levitated both girl and dog into the bathroom before slamming and locking the door behind her.

The remaining four girls sensibly opted to return to their books and ignore the screams that echoed from the bathroom for the next half an hour rather than get involved. When Scootaloo and Wallace finally reappeared, both were completely spotless, had had their coats and hair permed and sported pink bows. Scootaloo was also wearing one of Sweetie’s dresses.

Sweetie skipped out of the bathroom looking delighted with her efforts as the other four girls tried not to laugh at the pouting girl and dog.

“Not a word,” Scootaloo grumbled sitting back down on her bed Wallace jumping and sitting next to her.

A flash of light suddenly blinded her.

“One for the album,” Sweetie said with a smile suddenly holding a camera.

“I really hate you sometimes,” Scootaloo groused as perfectly timed Discord appeared out of nowhere and started laughing at his poor daughter’s misfortune.

“And what might I ask is that?” Snape growled looking over the concoction that Scootaloo had just brewed. It was supposedly a forgetfulness potion but had turned bright red instead of orange.

“Huh, that’s strange, I followed the instructions to the letter. If it still works do I get a passing grade?” Scootaloo enquired.

“Although highly unethical if you really must test your monstrosity and it is effective, I suppose I’ll have to,”

“Where am I? And for that matter who am I? And who are you?” Scootaloo interrupted Snape placing a beaker down on the side still half full of her forgetfulness potion. “And that’s nasty, tastes like curdled milk mixed with rotten fish.”

Snape sighed and wrote in his notebook:

Miss Prewett – 60% - Potion effective, but of the wrong colour and results in changing of eye colour also and excess hair growth. Extra points for having the nerve to test its effectiveness herself, for the fact it tastes vile and for seemingly being highly effective.

After spending much of Friday evening once again in the infirmary until the forgetfulness potion wore off and to have her hair cut, Scootaloo returned to the Hufflepuff Common Room knowing that there were four more days between her and her next exam.

“Hey Scootaloo over here!” Sweetie called waving to her friend to come over to the table where the girls of the first-year Hufflepuff girls’ dorm were sat around.

“Hey Sweetie what you up to?” Scootaloo replied coming over to join her friends, eyes going wide for a moment as she saw that Wallace was once more covered in blood and sheep guts. He’d need yet another bath before the night was over. This time though she’d most certainly keep her mouth shut.

“Oh, nothing much, just taking a breather from revision for five minutes, playing a stupid game, writing a letter to Rarity about how my birthday went and generally just laughing over the fact that you had to test your own forgetfulness potion to pass your first year Potions practical.”

The girls around the table all tried to stifle their giggles.

“At least I got to skip detention with McGonagall and so says the girl who got expelled from Potions within the first week,” Scootaloo retaliated stone faced.

More giggles around the table.

“Touché,” Sweetie retorted as she handed Wallace the letter she’d just finished writing. “Rarity, go deliver this to Rarity boy.” She gave the dog a massive hug before letting him go.

“Shouldn’t you clean him up a bit before,” Scootaloo never finished as the dog disappeared in a puff of black smoke. “To late.”

“Oops, dearie me and how forgetful. I hope he doesn’t give Rarity to much of a scare upon arrival,” Sweetie sniggered. “Maybe next time she’ll actually put some thought into my birthday present rather than just make me another Luna-damned dress,” she added testily.

“Okay then, what’s this game you’re playing?” Scootaloo wisely chose to change what was clearly a touchy subject for her best friend.

A creepy grin adorned Sweetie’s face. “Kidnap, kiss, transfigure, me, Apple Bloom, Hermione.”

“Oooh, good one,” Hannah commented.

“Really? That’s easy. I’d kidnap Hermione. I’ve done it once, I can do it again. I’d kiss Apple Bloom because there’s no way I’d have any chance of kidnapping her and transfiguring her would result in a one-way trip to the lake in the end. Plus, by transfiguring you into your unicorn form, you can just change yourself back, no problem,” Scootaloo explained with a smug expression as Sweetie pouted.

The rest of the table gave her a round of applause.

“Apple Bloom, kidnap, kiss, transfigure, Neville, Professor Sprout, Professor Snape,” she said wickedly.

The clapping stopped and a deathly silence hung over the table.

“No fair,” Apple Bloom grumbled. “I guess I’d kidnap Professor Snape and make him teach me even more complex potions and I’d transfigure Professor Sprout into a tree,” she gave a heavy sigh.

“Yes,” Scootaloo mocked puckering her lips. “Oh, Neville darling, won’t you go out with me.”

Apple Bloom’s face went red with embarrassment and rage. “We are just friends,” she said in a tone that clearly meant don’t push your luck.

Scootaloo stupidly ignored the warning signs. “Hah, you didn’t think to look up when you escorted him back to his common room the other week, did you?” she pulled a photo out from her robes and flashed it round for everybody to see. It clearly showed Apple Bloom and Neville kissing in front of the portrait of the Fat Lady.

Jaws dropped all round the table and an awkward silence hung in the air for a second. Then Scootaloo continued completely oblivious to her friends clearly rising temperature.

“I’ve been so busy lately I completely forgot about it until this evening. Joanne still owes me a favour for letting her keep her position on the school paper. I wonder if Timid First Years Find Love would make a good headline. It would certainly make up for all the times you’ve teased me about Hermione,” Scootaloo said with her trademark grin.

“Give me that fucking photo right this second,” Apple Bloom snorted like a bull seeing red.

“Make me,” Scootaloo replied smugly.

“With pleasure,” Apple Bloom replied.

“HELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLPPPPPPPPP” Rarity screamed while she cowered atop her work desk, Opal screeching on her back also.

The black monstrosity covered in blood and with blood red eyes took a step closer to her. She jabbed it with a broom she held within her magical aura.

“Stay back you monster,” Rarity wailed.

Wallace stared at the deranged mare with a confused expression spread across his face. He was only trying to deliver a letter and this pony was treating him like he was about to savage her to death, calling him mean names, jabbing him with a large stick and generally hurting his feelings.

He whimpered. Rarity jabbed him once more. Wallace yelped and leapt back.

“HELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLPPPPPPP” Rarity screamed once more and this time the bell above the door to her boutique rang. Finally, she was saved.

“Rarity, just what in tarnation are you? Now, aren’t you the cutest thing,” Applejack said before pulling out a bone from her bag. “Wrestle you for it?”

Wallace’s eyes went wide for a moment before he remembered his job first and foremost. Maybe this new pony could help him out. He wandered over and dropped the note in front of Applejack before pawing it over to her.

“Oh, what’s this?” She unfurled the parchment.

“Uh huh, yep, I see,” AJ muttered to herself deep in thought.

“Well, what does it say?” Rarity pressed still cowering atop her workbench.

“It’s a letter from your sister. Long story short the good news is that foul mouthed parrot popped his clogs and we don’t have to deal with him delivering us letters anymore,” Applejack sighed.

“Thank heavens,” Rarity replied not particularly fond of said parrot either before suddenly remembering. “Wait what’s the bad news?”

“Yowch,” Applejack replied rubbing the back of her skull.

“Fucking bitch,” Wally’s ghost replied before leaving ectoplasmic goop all over one of Rarity’s finely crafted dresses as he disappeared once more.

“I’ll fucking kill him again,” Rarity growled ominously staring at the ruined creation she’d spent hours and hours painstakingly crafting.

“Wait, how? What? You know what never mind. Rarity, before you blow a fuse you might like to know Wallace here is an Irish hellhound and Wally’s replacement letter deliverer and Discord’s birthday present to Sweetie,” Applejack deadpanned.

Rarity stared at the blood-soaked monstrosity once more. Somehow her white fur went even paler.

“He’s also only a puppy,” Applejack added.

Rarity face froze in abject horror.

Wallace gave her a toothy grin, blood and bits of sheep still stuck between them.

That was the final straw. Rarity dropped in a dead faint atop poor Opal who screeched in outrage.

Applejack couldn’t help but let out a laugh. “I’m sure she’ll get used to you over time don’t you worry. Now how about we wrestle for this here bone?”

She held the bone out to the mutt. Wallace gripped it in his teeth and pulled with all of his might. After several minutes of tugging back and forth pony and dog fell atop each other laughing.

“Pewee,” Applejack immediately stated pushing the hellhound away from her in repulsion but still holding him firmly. “Someone needs a bath. Come along, I’m sure Rarity won’t mind us using her tub,” she said with a mischievous grin remembering the numerous times her friend had annoyed her with her fancy ways.

Wallace’s eyes shot open before he disappeared in a puff of black smoke with the bone in his mouth.

“Coward,” Applejack growled.

“One of you two is going to tell me exactly what happened right this instant or so help me I’ll deduct each of you fifty points. The common room looks like a bomb hit it, again,” Professor Sprout bellowed angrily.

“I also do not approve of you breaking my ankle locks,” Discord said equally angry holding the mangled piece of metal in his hand.

“Don’t you dare say anything,” Apple Bloom glowered at Scootaloo with a look that if it could have killed, would have then and there.

Shivering profusely as she lay trussed up like a Christmas turkey absolutely drenched on an infirmary bed for a record third time in two days with mild Hypothermia, a black eye and fractured eye socket Scootaloo simply chattered, “A-a-a-pp-l-e B-l-oo-m a-nd N-e-v,” she got no further as Apple Bloom shoved a fist into her mouth.

“I said be quiet and where’s that damn photo?” Apple Bloom said with fire in her eyes as Professor Sprout attempted futilely to get in between the two squabbling girls.

“ENOUGH!” Discord barked encasing Apple Bloom in a floating bubble before turning his daughter upside down and shaking her violently for a few seconds before said photo fluttered onto the bed.

Scootaloo vomited onto the bed in a dizzy haze as she was lowered upon it while Discord levitated the photo over to himself and Professor Sprout.

Apple Bloom slammed with rage against the bubble and tiny cracks actually started to appear in it.

Both teachers stared at the photo for a moment before both attempted and failed to hide their amusement.

Finally, Professor Sprout coughed and turned to the two girls, Apple Bloom had by now given up on escaping from her prison and instead was sitting cross-legged on the floor of the bubble pouting.

“In light of this evidence you shall both have detention with Professor Binns for the entirety of next week,” Professor Sprout stated sternly.

Both girls groaned.

“Furthermore, you shall both be spending your entire weekend with me in class 104 revising for your three remaining exams,” Discord added just as firmly.

Both girls groaned once more.

“This photo shall also be pinned up on the staff room notice board before being destroyed.”

Apple Bloom held her head in her hands wishing she could curl up in a ball and die. Scootaloo still had a smirk on her face.

“Oh well, I had my fun and totally worth it. Plus, while you two were distracted a special edition of the Hogwarts Hawk was being circulated around the school,” the girl said boldly.

Apple Bloom’s eyes shot open and she immediately got up and started pounding on the bubble once more. A bead of sweat actually dripped down Discord’s face as he poured more magic into the bubble to prevent the girl from escaping and snapping her best friend like a twig.

Scootaloo started to laugh and immediately regretted it as she rolled off the bed. “Ouch,” she exclaimed from the floor before adding, “your face Bloom. As if I'd really do something as mean as that. Although, I may have left a copy on both our common room’s and the 1st year’s noticeboards.”

Discord actually looked at his daughter impressed for a moment before sighing and remembering his, ugh, responsibilities. Then a devious idea hit him and he said in a dulcet tone, “seeing as detention doesn’t seem to faze you dear daughter and how you seem to like winding up your friends, she now has my services for a revenge prank whenever and however she wishes from the end of your flight test a week Wednesday 'til the end of the summer holidays.”

Apple Bloom stopped smashing against the ball she was imprisoned in and instead started to rub her hands together in glee cackling like a maniac, not that anyone could hear her.

“Oh fuck, YOW,” Scootaloo responded with a scream from the floor suddenly noticing she was now wearing not just an ankle bracelet on her left ankle but her left arm also.

“Just in case,” Discord said sweetly with a mischievous grin of his own.

Discord was very much true to his word over the next couple of days. Both Apple Bloom and Scootaloo found themselves awoken at 7am sharp on Saturday and Sunday before being marshalled to breakfast. From just past 8am to 8pm in the evening the girls sat in their Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom with only their books for company while Discord kept an ever-close eye on them. The only time they were allowed a breather was for lunch and even that was brought to them. By the end of the two days Scootaloo could barely lift her head from her desk she was that bored of revision.

“Learnt your lesson?” Discord asked in a sickly-sweet tone walking over to his daughter.

“Yes,” Scootaloo mumbled in reply.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t quite catch that. You know it is quite rude to not look at someone when they are talking to you. If you want some dinner this evening, I suggest you be a bit more courteous,” Discord replied strictly.

Scootaloo raised her head of the table and gazed rebelliously at her father, “Yes, Professor Discord sir.”

“Good, how about you Miss Bloom.”

Apple Bloom nodded her head before adding, “Yes, sir.”

“Excellent, now off you go and no more fighting or I’ll send both of you for timeout in the chaos realm with Screwloose and Scewball,” Discord threatened.

As soon as the two girls departed Scootaloo let out a sigh of relief.

“I never thought I’d ever want a weekend to be over.”

“Me either,” Apple Bloom agreed. “Promise never to fight again?”

“Until the next time I prank you,” Scootaloo giggled. “Sorry, but you did have it coming after the amount of harassment you gave me when I started dating Hermione. I am actually really happy for you and Neville.”

“Yeah. I’ll accept I kinda had it coming and thanks. At least it seems not many people managed to see the photo before it was taken down,” Apple Bloom replied.

“I think a lot of our fellow students probably did but also saw what you did to me and didn’t want to end up at the bottom off the lake,” Scootaloo snickered.

Apple Bloom elicited a snicker of her own before replying, “you’re probably right there. I am truly sorry about your eye. I sometimes don’t realise just how strong I am,” she replied.

“Heh, don’t worry about it, another day or two and it’ll be completely healed,” Scootaloo responded pulling the other girl into a headlock and giving her a noogie.

“Hey stop that,” Apple Bloom said attempting to wriggle free.

“I guess we should hurry and get some dinner before they close the kitchens for the evening,” Scootaloo pondered letting Apple Bloom go.

“And Sweetie will be waiting up for us when we get back. Wouldn’t be fair to keep her waiting too long,” Apple Bloom added.

“Well, what are we waiting for, race you to the great hall!” Scootaloo cried darting off before Apple Bloom had a chance to respond.

“Hey, that’s cheating,” Apple Bloom bellowed before racing after Scootaloo in an attempt to catch her up.

It had ended up being an easy victory for Scootaloo but Apple Bloom hadn’t seemed overly bothered despite Scoot's usual goading. Like the night before dinner was a surreal experience in the virtually empty Great Hall and by 21:30 they were just entering their unlit dorm ready to collapse into bed when Scootaloo felt something clamp around her wrists.

“Hey, what gives?” She cried staring sleepily at the pair of handcuffs she now sported as something heavy also clasped around her ankles.

“Oh, that’s so you can’t run away,” Apple Bloom said with an impish grin. “Sweetie, we’re ready for you,” Apple Bloom bellowed.

Scootaloo could just make out the green glow of Sweetie’s magical aura before a blinding light engulfed her.

“What the?” Scootaloo said in a daze, her vision slowly returning. She looked down to see she now once again had hooves. Unfortunately for her they were still chained together as well as to a very large cannon ball. “Okay Bloom, I’m going to ask one more time before I scream the place down, what gives?”

“Oh, don’t worry, you have nothing to fear. Sweetie here just wants to get some measurements for Rarity so she can ensure the lovely froufrou dress she is going to make for you to wear for Applejack and Rainbow’s wedding fits perfectly.

“I’m not wearing no froufrou dress to their wedding,” Scootaloo argued a little confused by all this.

“You are now. Remember what Discord said, one revenge prank; well this is it. I’m sure it’ll be a lovely start to our second year when Discord posts pictures of Hufflepuff’s tough tomboy quidditch captain looking so girly throughout the school,” Apple Bloom finished with a look of pure evil spread across her face.

Scootaloo looked at Apple Bloom too stunned for words for a moment before finally finding her tongue. “You wouldn’t dare.”

“Karma bitch,” was Apple Bloom’s simple reply as Sweetie began taking the necessary measurements.

DADA Practical Exam

Wednesday soon arrived and passed the Crusaders by in a blur. For probably only the second time Scootaloo felt confident in how well she’d performed having sliced her pineapple perfectly into two ballet dancers before making them dance flawlessly in time with each other. Flitwick had simply stared at the spectacle for a full two minutes open mouthed without saying a word before eventually uttering just ‘unbelievable’. Although she would never admit it publicly, she’d had a thing for ballet from a very young age after the orphanage she grew up in was invited to the Canterlot Royal Ballet one Hearth’s Warming Eve when she was five by Princess Celestia herself. Often when she had played hooky from school, she’d taken the book she’d been given for that Hearth’s Warming and taught herself. Considering it required a pony to be on two legs for a significant period of time, it had been quite easy to transfer her knowledge across to the form of ballet that humans seemed to have developed even if her interest had waned in recent years. She would definitely have to revisit some of the moves she’d learnt over the summer. Hmm, yes, maybe she would find a little something for Hermione and her to do after she won their little bet.

First though she still had three more exams to get through. First up was her Defence Against the Dark Arts theory. Despite it being extremely gruelling and tiring, the two long sessions of revision over the weekend had significantly helped her and she came out absolutely buzzing. Then came the practical in the afternoon. The twelve Hufflepuffs gathered in front of the Discord Tower waiting for their professor to make an appearance.

“So, anyone got any idea what Discord has in store for us?” Susan asked what was on everyone’s mind. “Scootaloo, Bloom, you were with him the entire weekend, he drop any hints?”

“Not one, we’re as completely in the dark as the rest of you,” Scootaloo replied. “But knowing my father it’ll be something chaotic.”

“Of course, my dear,” Discord’s voice echoed from nowhere yet everywhere at the same time. “Inside I’ve set up a dangerous assortment of traps and beasties that you have studied throughout your first year. You’ve two hours to survive whatever comes your way and escape the tower. If you ever want to concede defeat just say so and you’ll be teleported back here. You also have five lives, use them wisely as if you run out you shall again be teleported back here along with if you run out of time to escape. You shall be graded on how well you do. Good luck to you all,” the voice echoed as Scootaloo heard the distinct snapping of her father’s fingers.

Darkness engulfed her. She was alone, somewhere in the Discord Tower and had two hours to handle whatever her father’s chaotic mind had planned. Fucking great.

“Lumos,” Scootaloo whispered pulling out her wand and discovering she was in a cupboard.

She knew only too well that something deadly would be waiting for her on the other side. She raised her wand and decided to get it over with. No point cowering in a cupboard for the next two hours.

She pushed open the door and launched herself out. Nothing, absolutely nothing awaited her. Swiftly she turned and pulled a small vial from her robes just in time as the hidebehind lurking behind the closet lunged for her as she calmly popped the cork off.

The beast froze mid attack and sniffed the air before retreating and disappearing from view.

“Clever,” Scootaloo said to herself. “Good thing I brought some of Hagrid’s brew with me just in case. Now, what else do you have in store for me dear father?”

A basilisk awaited her as she exited the classroom but thankfully her sharp hearing had heard it already and the rooster she’d transfigured a desk into soon made short work of it. Next up she had a choice to make, did she go down the tower or up and use her wings to escape. Wait, she tried to stretch her wings, nothing.

“Oh, you git, you better return them in the same condition she growled. Down it is then. But don’t think I’m going to play by your rules father. Bombarda,” she cast blowing a massive hole in the floor and jumping through it.

She landed on something soft and hairy that hissed angrily. She didn’t wait to work out what it was instead taking a knife from her robes and driving it into whatever creature she’d encountered this time.

The beast roared with pain and anger and attempted to buck her off. She hung on to her knife for dear life until the enraged beast started to tire. By now she had worked out it was almost certainly a Quintaped, possibly the deadliest beast they’d learnt about this year due to it having no real weaknesses and being strongly resistant to magic. The only way to beat one Discord had told them was to tire it out and run or to jump into a large body of water as they couldn’t swim. Finally, the beast collapsed and evaporated from under Scootaloo.

“Thank heavens,” a voice whimpered from the corner.

“Wayne?” Scootaloo asked before continuing with a chuckle. “Sorry to drop in on you like that.”

“Please, don’t be. I tried everything but nothing seemed to be able to stop it. I was afraid it was going to eat me or worse that I was going to have to admit defeat,” Wayne snivelled.

“How about we continue together? We can watch each other’s backs,” Scootaloo suggested knowing the boy would be more of hindrance than a help but that she’d be damned if she was going to leave him behind to whatever beast Discord sent this way next.

“You mean it?” Wayne replied wiping the tears from his eyes.

“Of course, remember what being a Hufflepuff is all about? Loyalty. Now come on, we need to keep moving,” she said pulling the boy to his feet.

Over the subsequent ninety minutes Scootaloo’s motley group slowly grew as she progressed through the castle. First up, a scream from a classroom found her and Wayne face to face with a whole horde of acromantulas slobbering around a cocooned Megan hanging from the ceiling. Despite her predicament, she was refusing to give up. After using Lumos to blind the beasts Scootaloo had swiftly levitated the poor girl down and exited the room before the acromantulas could get their bearings back. Next up was Hannah who had been hypnotised by a Wampus cat and was acting as its bed as they approached. A ball of yarn had distracted the cat long enough for them to get Hannah away from it. Then came Justin who was bravely holding back a group of Gytrashes but had found himself cornered by the dog-like spirits before finally her group came across both Sallys turned to stone by a Gorgon. Utilising a perfectly placed mirror, the group had been able to trick the Gorgon into turning itself into stone and reverse what she’d done upon the two girls. This was also not taking into consideration all the other beasts and traps, such as poison darts, a pit filled with plastic balls and a giant wheel of cheese, they’d encountered on their way to the heavily guarded exit to the tower. Five trolls currently stood between them and freedom.

“Shit,” Scootaloo grumbled looking at her watch. There were fifteen minutes left for them to escape. “What do you say, we take them head on or,” she never finished as Justin hurled a stone from the floor that landed and clattered noisily in the opposite direction to them.

The trolls lumbered over to inspect noise.

“Quick, run,” Justin exclaimed breaking cover and darting for the door. The rest of the group swiftly followed with Scootaloo in the rear. “Move,” she screamed as Justin was just about to reach out for the door.

He didn’t listen and as he touched the door he howled in pain before disappearing.

The group stopped dead.

“Idiot,” Scootaloo exclaimed. Of course her dad would put a curse on the damn exit door. Oh well, “Bombarda,” she yelled once more and the door flew off its hinges.

The group quickly made their exit as the trolls shambled back to their original posts to inspect the loud explosion.

“Hmm, crude but effective, although I’ll have to deduct you points for not incapacitating the trolls and the fact they could possibly break out and come after you,” Discord’s voice cooed as he snapped his fingers and made the trolls disappear. He was standing with a clipboard and pen in hand, a pair of reading glasses on his nose.

“I had to improvise, if you’d given me another moment, I would have cast the knockback jinx on them and asked one of the others to seal the exit,” Scootaloo huffed. “Now, can I have my wings back please.”

“Hmm fair enough,” Discord conceded snapping his fingers. “And at least it wasn’t as destructive as Miss Bloom,” he added glowering at the aforementioned girl.

“Hey!” Apple Bloom exclaimed. “We haven’t studied Manticores yet so that was unfair. And you never said how we had to escape the tower. Plus, surely I deserve bonus points for being the first one to escape and in under five minutes to might I add,” the girl argued as Scootaloo squealed with joy and wrapped herself in her wings.

Discord sighed, “Maybe so, but you should always be prepared to face anything. You also took the cowards way out by jumping through that hole you made in the wall when you threw the Manticore through it, saving yourself with no care or concern for the wellbeing of your fellow students. Miss Prewett on the other hand, not only risked herself multiple times to help her fellow students but was also willing to fail the exam in the process by not getting out on time,” he tried to explain to the unhappy girl.

Apple Bloom just pouted in response.

“Anyway, well done to most of you who made it out in one piece one way or another, you will all find out your results in just over a week along with the rest of your subjects. I expect you all to spend the afternoon revising for your history exam tomorrow. Miss Bloom and Prewett, Professor Binns will be expecting you in one hour for detention in Class 4F. If anyone wishes to join them to help with their own revision they are more than welcome,” Discord said turning and addressing all his students before snapping his fingers and disappearing along with his clipboard.

Scootaloo’s joyous look on getting her wings back suddenly dropped as she remembered she still had detention to attend and that her new ankle lock and bracelet would not allow her to fall asleep, giving out small electric shocks every time she found herself dropping off.

“Oh well,” she muttered to herself before finding Sweetie in amongst the crowd of students. “Sweetie, how’d the exam go for you?”

Sweetie’s eye twitched.

Apple Bloom tittered, “I think it’s better you don’t ask unless you want to join Ernest in being transfigured into a chicken.”

Scootaloo’s eyes widened.

“Bastard deserved it and trust me, it’s a lot better than being ripped to pieces by werewolves five times. I saved his sorry arse from a pack of werewolves and what does he do as we flee; He casts the tripping jinx on me to save himself. I just used my talent to turn him into what he is, a chicken,” Sweetie growled angrily.

“Oof, hard luck,” Scootaloo commented. “I hope that doesn’t effect your grade too much.”

“Me too,” Sweetie sighed. “Even though the theory exam was really tough, hopefully that will boost my overall grade a bit.”

“Fingers crossed,” Scootaloo replied, “and may I ask when you plan to turn him back?” she added pointing to the chicken that was pecking at Sweetie’s ankles.”

“I suppose it has been an hour now,” Sweetie replied lighting her horn.

The chicken disappeared and Ernest reappeared in just his underwear.

“My clothes!” he exclaimed.

“Oops, sorry Ernest but looks like I couldn’t transfigure your clothes back. Guess you’ll just have to race back to the dorm like that,” Sweetie stated with mock sympathy.

“What! I’ll be the laughingstock of the school!” Ernest cried.

“Oh, I doubt anyone will see if you run as fast as you did after tripping me over,” Sweetie replied her voice suddenly taking on a cold edge.

“I told you that was an accident. I was aiming for a werewolf and then when I accidentally hit you, I panicked,” Ernest tried to explain.

“Apple Bloom?” Sweetie turned to her friend.

“He’s lying,” Apple Bloom deadpanned giving Ernest a disdainful look while crossing her arms over her chest.

“What, I am not!” Ernest argued as Sweetie’s horn lighted once more.

“You have thirty seconds to disappear from my sight before I transfigure you back into a chicken and hand you over to the elves for tonight’s dinner,” Sweetie said with the most deranged smile imaginable.

Ernest had never run so fast before in all his life.

The three girls along with a number of their classmates broke down with laughter as they watched the nearly naked boy run off back towards the Hufflepuff dormitories.

“Good riddance,” Sweetie finally said as the laughter started to subside. “Now, come on, lets enjoy what little time we have before our revision session.”

Later that night, deep in the depths of the castle, darkness plotted.

“Did you get it right this time you fool? We cannot have any accidents like the last time or it may very well be the last time,” the voice said.

“Y-y-yes master, I b-b-believe the chaos magic that she has been subjected to by her father reacted badly to the potion we doused her drink with. Hopefully this time the injection we gave her will m-m-mean she’ll sleep like a s-sloth and not be able to warn anyone,” Professor Quirrell stumbled in reply.

“Excellent, then by this time tomorrow, the stone will be mine and I, Lord Voldemort shall return. You have served me well Quirrell and shall be duly rewarded in time.”

“Th-th-thank you, master,” Quirrell replied.

Author's Note

Next chapter out tomorrow. Enjoy this short piece of laughter before the finale begins!

Don't you open that trapdoor!

Author's Note

If you can I'd suggest reading this alongside chapter 16, through the trapdoor, of a Philosopher's Stone. Also, https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=trapdoor+theme&docid=607997185866075831&mid=4A33B94AA5FF464735DE4A33B94AA5FF464735DE&view=detail&FORM=VIRE

Don't you open that trapdoor!

“Time. Please put down your quills and roll up your parchment,” Professor Binns instructed.

A loud cheer erupted from the first-years as they were finally free for the summer aside from their flying aptitude test next Wednesday.

“That was far easier than I thought it would be,” Hermione stated to Scootaloo as they headed out into the sunny grounds of the castle.

“Please don’t,” Scootaloo groaned. “I think I may have just set a record for worst ever performance by a first-year in History of Magic and that was despite having a decent night’s sleep for once.”

“Well, it doesn’t help when you keep dozing off in classes, during homework and in revision sessions. How many times did she get electrocuted yesterday over two hours Sweetie?” Apple Bloom tittered on the opposite side of Scootaloo to Hermione.

“Twenty-eight,” Sweetie deadpanned.

“Oh yeah, I was wondering why her hair was starting to stick out all over the place,” Hermione commented with a chuckle of her own.

“Isn’t my fault the subjects about as interesting as Cheerilee’s Old Ponish lessons. I deserve a passing grade just for staying awake in the exam,”

Apple Bloom couldn’t help but chuckle some more. “I don’t think it works like that,” she finally replied.

“Well, it should,” Scootaloo huffed before deciding to change the subject. “Anyway, future me can worry about my terrible History mark, for now I just want to relax and enjoy the next week,” she said collapsing onto the grass and watching Fred, George and Lee as they tickled the tentacles of a giant squid that was basking in the warm shallows of the lake.

Ron collapsed next to her letting out a contented sigh, “No more revision. You could look a little happier Harry, we’ve got a week before we find out how awful we’ve done and by the sounds of it our results will look like Hermione’s in comparison to Scootaloo’s.”

Scootaloo shrugged her shoulders. “I should be angry but in reality, it’s the truth, theory-wise, at least.”

Hermione slammed her head into her hand before collapsing onto the grass on the other side of Scootaloo. “Why did I have to fall in love with an idiot,” she sighed to a round of giggles.

“Because I’m awesome,” Scootaloo replied turning her head to look at her girlfriend with her signature smirk.

“A goofball more like,” Hermione tittered to another round of giggles before turning and glowering at Harry. “And I thought I told you to go see Madam Pomfrey if your scar got any worse,” she chastised.

“I’m not ill,” replied Harry. “It’s a warning, I’m sure of it. Danger’s coming possibly? Scootaloo didn’t you say you had a premonition last week?”

“Yeah, but I’ve had no follow ups so I’m guessing whatever it was sorted itself out for once,” Scootaloo said lazily with a yawn.

“See, the stone’s safe,” Ron retorted. “And you’d have to be mad to attempt to steal it even if you could get past Fluffy. Our professors are some of the top wizards alive, not to mention there’s an actual god on the school roster now too.”

“I guess you’re right,” Harry said slumping to the floor just as said god appeared out of nowhere in a bath tub floating across the lake towards them using what looked like a pool noodle to steer his unusual vessel.

“Ahoy,” he exclaimed mooring his vessel, “I’m glad I found you dear daughter. I’ve got urgent business to attend to and won’t be back until Sunday.”

Scootaloo’s eyes were now shut and she was barely listening.

“As a reward for your diligent studies, and I do hope that they were diligent, I shall be turning off your locks until the results are published,” Discord continued.

“Yep, okay Dad. Thanks,” Scootaloo replied dreamily.

“Please be aware though that if you fail or do exceptionally poorly there shall be dire consequences,” Discord growled, his face suddenly barely a centimetre from his daughters, whose eyes had shot open and were now staring into the fiery pits of hell.

Scootaloo gulped. “Y-yes Father,” she whimpered.

“Good,” Discord replied before disappearing.

“Fuck, I’m so fucked,” Scootaloo whimpered pathetically before turning to Hermione. “I suggest we enjoy ourselves this next week as I’ll likely be grounded the entire summer.”

“Oh, you’re exaggerating. I’m sure you’ll be just fine,” Hermione replied.

“You weren’t the one sitting my history paper,” Scootaloo shuddered. “I’m so,” she never finished as Hermione placed a hand behind her head before planting a kiss upon her lips.

“Eww, disgusting,” Ron exclaimed.

“Get a room!” Sweetie exclaimed while Apple Bloom put her fingers in her mouth and wolf whistled.

Finally, Hermione let Scootaloo go and wiping her lips she uttered, “Better?”

“Better. Fuck what’s to come. Let's just enjoy the here and now.” Scootaloo stated taking a deep breath and closing her eyes once more. “Nothing to worry about for one whole week!”

“THAT’S IT!” Harry suddenly screamed leaping up from where he was sat next to Ron.

Scootaloo’s eyes shot open once more. “Seriously, can’t a girl get a midday nap in the sun around here?”

“I’ve got to go see Hagrid,” Harry exclaimed jumping to his feet and taking off towards the half-giant’s hut.

“Why?” Hermione questioned jumping to her own feet. “Sorry Scooty Wooty, this might be important, I’ll catch up with you and the girls later,” she said rapidly before taking off after Harry, Ron doing likewise.

“Should we go after them?” Sweetie enquired slightly worried at Harry’s sudden exclamation.

“Nah, Hermione’s a big girl and a lot smarter and more sensible than me; she can look after herself. If I need to know anything, she’ll find me later and tell me. Now, I’m going back to my nap,” Scootaloo replied closing her eyes once more.

“Oh, okay,” Sweetie replied only somewhat convinced turning to Apple Bloom next to her for her opinion on the matter.

“Scooty Wooty?” was all the other girl said mercilessly with the widest grin imaginable on her face.

Sweetie couldn’t help but let out a little giggle.

Scootaloo’s eyes shot open for the third time in as many minutes.

The Crusaders spent the rest of the afternoon either teasing each other, gossiping or lazily lying on the grass enjoying the warm June sunshine awaiting the three Gryffindors' return. It never came. As dinner rolled around and they made their way back to the castle and the Great Hall, Scootaloo was a little grumpy.

“What gives? We have a week of nothing but goofing off and enjoying each other’s company and she ditches me,” the girl huffed as they entered the Great Hall.

“D’aww, someone a little jealous that their girlfriend is spending time with others?” Apple Bloom teased.

“No, but it’s been months since we actually got to do stuff together without having to worry about exams and within five minutes, she ditches me because of Harry,” Scootaloo grumbled.

“Oooooh, someone’s definitely jealous,” Sweetie chipped in.

“Am not,” Scootaloo growled threateningly in response.

“Oh, you so are,” Apple Bloom quickly responded.

“What is this, gang up on Scootaloo day? Some friends,” Scootaloo griped as she sat down at the table.

“Need I remind you of the photos you stuck up around the school of me and Neville?” Apple Bloom deadpanned.

Scootaloo’s head slumped onto the table. “Fine, let’s just forget I even said anything,” she said in a muffled tone.

“Ooooh, something wrong in paradise? What’s the gossip girls?” Megan’s voice rang from across the table.

Scootaloo buried her head into her arms.

After a very, very awkward dinner where Scootaloo’s love life became the central topic of debate with arguments such as She’s clearly cheating on you with Harry and who needs her, she’s a Gryffindor, the Hufflepuff first years started to make their way back to their dorm for an evening of charades and board games. Scootaloo though was still moping and not really listening in to just what her friends were now talking about. Lost within her own thoughts and now lagging behind her friends, a sudden sharp hiss brought her immediately back to her senses.

She looked over to see two brown eyes staring urgently at her from what looked like a cupboard.

“Hey girls, one of my shoes is untied, I’ll catch up with you in a minute,” she called.

“Okay, we’ll see you back in the common room,” Apple Bloom bellowed in reply as the group turned a corner and disappeared out of sight.”

Scootaloo darted into the cupboard before anyone else appeared and wondered what she was doing.

“Hermione, just what in blazes is going on?” she said in a harsh whisper barely keeping the volume down she was so angry.

“Snape’s going after the stone tonight. He’s tricked Dumbledore into going to the Ministry and I bet you he tricked Discord as well to get him out the way as well,” Hermione replied bluntly.

“But how’s he going to get past Fluffy?” Scootaloo asked trying not to look shocked by this sudden revelation and failing quite poorly.

“Remember Norbert? Snape was the person Hagrid won the egg off. He got Hagrid drunk so he’d let slip how to get past Fluffy, its music.”

“Shit,” Scootaloo deadpanned before the penny dropped. “Please tell me you, Harry and Ron aren’t going to try and stop him; you’ll be killed!” Scootaloo exclaimed barely keeping her voice down.

“We've got no choice; no one else believes us and if Snape gets a hold of the stone…” Hermione stopped and shuddered, her head staring at the floor.

“Then I’m coming too,” Scootaloo said firmly reaching out while lifting Hermione’s head up with one of her hands and staring determinedly into the other girl’s eyes

“Thanks, I knew I could count on you, but I want you to stay hidden and follow us. If we get into trouble, promise me you’ll get out of there as quickly as you can and grab whoever you can, no matter what,” Hermione stated with a grim expression staring back into the eyes of her girlfriend. “Promise me,”

Scootaloo didn’t look to happy with that suggestion but decided it was probably best not to argue. At least she would be able to keep a close eye on her girlfriend. “Fine, I promise,” she said before moving in for a tender kiss.

After Hermione had supplied her with some further information surrounding their late-night mission, Scootaloo had returned sombrely back to the common room and told Sweetie and Bloom she had a headache and was going to have an early night. She set her alarm clock but found she couldn’t sleep anyway, due to how worried she was.

At eleven o’clock she rose out of her bed and grabbing a towel and a set of fresh clothes left the dormitory and headed towards the common room. It was mostly empty aside from a few of the later-years still revising for their own exams over the next few weeks. So entwined were they with their work though that they paid her no notice at all as she slipped out of the common room and headed for the exit. As the barrels parted and she slipped into the cellars ready to take off, a voice stopped her dead in her tracks.

“And where do you think you’re going at this hour?”

She turned to see Apple Bloom step out of the shadows glowering at her.

“Apple Bloom, you nearly gave me a heart attack, I thought you were in bed. I told you I had a migraine. I’ve been struggling to sleep and my head is still pounding so I’m heading to the prefect’s bathroom for a nice relaxing bath to see if that helps,” Scootaloo lied.

“You may have fooled Sweetie but you ain’t fooling me. I know you were lying when you said your shoelace was untied. I know you were lying when you returned to the common room and said you had a headache. And I know you are lying now. I hate liars. You have thirty seconds to tell me the truth or I fetch Professor Sprout,” Apple Bloom deadpanned.

Scootaloo darted over and pulled the other girl back into the shadows. “Fine,” she hissed. “Harry, Ron and Hermione believe Dumbledore has been tricked into leaving the school by Snape so that he can steal the stone and they are attempting to get it before him tonight or at least confront him. At Hermione’s request, she was the real reason I stopped in the hall, I’m following them in case things turn ugly,” she whispered rapidly in barely a single breath.

Apple Bloom stared emotionlessly at her friend for a moment before speaking. “I should stop you, but I won’t. But if it isn’t Snape and I know it won’t be him, you owe me twenty galleons. Also, if you aren’t back by dawn, I’m telling Professor Sprout. Agreed?” she held out her hand for the other girl to shake.

Scootaloo grabbed it and shook it vigorously as a small vial was exchanged between their hands. “Agreed and what’s this?”

“Something that might help. Now go before I change my mind,” Apple Bloom said somewhat cryptically pushing her friend away.

“Thanks,” Scootaloo replied pocketing the vial as she darted away through the basement and up through the school. She met no one else as she slunk silently through the shadows to the third-floor corridor where Fluffy resided. That was when she heard a voice ahead of her.

“Well, there you are. Snape’s already got past Fluffy. If you want to go back, I won’t blame you. You can take the cloak, too; I won’t need it now.”

No denying whose it was, it was definitely Harry’s.

“Don’t be stupid.” It was Ron’s voice that replied and was followed swiftly by Hermione’s.

“We’re coming.”

Hidden in the shadows of the dark unlit corridor Scootaloo heard the unmistakeable sound of a door creaking open followed by low, rumbling growls and then a flute playing, even if somewhat poorly. Slowly she edged to the door and peeped inside just as Harry dropped through a trapdoor. A muffled call soon came up from the trapdoor and Ron followed next allowing her to sneak into the room. With her lips locked onto the flute Hermione just pointed with her hand to the discarded invisibility cloak as Harry called up.

“Come on, Hermione!”

Thrusting the flute into Scootaloo’s chest she mouthed thank you and then was gone.

As the brute started to wake up and growl at her Scootaloo heard a distant shriek and knew it would be best not to follow in the same way as her fellow first years. As Fluffy attempted to gain his bearings she dropped her clothes and towel and grabbed the cloak, wrapped it round her and managed to jump through the hole just as one of the great beast’s heads snapped at her.

Although difficult, Scootaloo somehow managed to stretch her wings out and flutter in the darkness despite wearing the cloak.

“Stop moving!” she heard Hermione’s voice cry out from below. “I know what this is – it’s Devil’s Snare!”

Devil’s Snare? Where had she heard that before? “Oh crap,” she muttered somewhat thankful she was up here and not down there. The question was should she help or not?

It was as she pondered this that she heard Ron scream from below.

“HAVE YOU GONE MAD? ARE YOU A WITCH OR NOT?”

Just as Scoootaloo was pulling her wand out from her robes she saw a jet of blue light and thanks to her pinpoint hearing was able to catch the two boys' relieved voices talking to Hermione before she heard their footsteps growing ever fainter.

“Lumos,” she muttered illuminating the end of her wand and looking around her.

Dark black snake-like tendrils covered three walls and the floor of the large chamber she was in. The fourth had a very narrow stone shelf that led to a small passageway. Carefully she fluttered down and landed on the narrow stone strip and wrapping the cloak tightly around her she followed her three friends.

“Can you hear something?” a voice that sounded like Ron’s echoed from up ahead.

Scootaloo extinguished her wand and zoned out of the trio’s conversation as she attempted to identify for herself just what it was Ron had heard. Yes, there it was. It sounded like the clinking of keys on a chain?

Slowly light pierced the gloom of the tunnel she was in and before long she found herself in yet another large chamber. As her eyes adjusted to the bright light, she noticed the room was filled with flying keys of all things! At the same time as she realised this, she heard Harry exclaim from across the room.

“They’re not birds, they’re keys! Winged keys – look carefully. So that must mean…. Oof” three brooms that may or may not have been directed and ordered by Scootaloo crashed into him.

“Harry, you alright?” Hermione gasped as the boy picked himself up off the floor and then proceeded to wiped the dust off his robes.

“Yes, I’m fine,” Harry replied picking up a broom. “We need to catch the key to the door to proceed.”

“But there are hundreds of them!” Hermione exclaimed.

“We’re looking for a big, old-fashioned one – probably silver, like the handle,” Ron stated examining the lock.

And with that they each grabbed one of the broomsticks Harry offered them and shot off into the swarm of keys. Scootaloo watched as after a couple of minutes Harry spotted the key they were after. He truly was a gifted seeker to find the exact key they needed so fast, not that she’d ever admit that to him. She continued to watch as Harry took charge and directed the movements of his two friends. Before long they were back on the ground and the struggling key was shoved into the locked door at the end of the chamber. With Hermione being the last of the three to pass through she deliberately left the door open for Scootaloo in the cloak to follow behind.

As Scootaloo stepped into the next chamber what she saw left her mouth hanging wide open. A giant chess set greeted her. Ron was already taking charge as she entered.

“Harry, you take the place of that bishop, and Hermione, you go there instead of that castle.”

Awkwardly under the cover of the cloak Scootaloo fluttered up to a ledge and decided to watch the chess game progress while letting out a heavy sigh. Despite being super smart, sometimes Hermione could be completely oblivious. If she’d only thought for a moment, she could have raced back to the room with the keys, grabbed the broomsticks and then she, Ron and Harry could have simply flown over the chess set to the door on the other side. Oh well, I wonder if this will be as boring as the games Sweetie and Bloom have had she thought trying to make herself comfortable on the small ledge she’d found.

It was. After less than two minutes she found her head drooping. It was only the constant crashing and smashing of pieces being taken quite violently below that kept her awake and stopped her from falling off her perch. How much time passed she couldn’t be sure but she was awakened from her doze by a large cry from Harry and Hermione below.

“NO!” they both screamed simultaneously

“Huh?” Scootaloo said to herself slowly regaining her senses and focusing on what was going on below her just as Ron was struck hard around the head by the opposing team’s queen.

“Ouch, he’s going to have a headache in the morning,” Scootaloo muttered to herself watching the limp, unconscious boy’s body being dragged to one side.

The clanking of something hard hitting the ground brought her attention back to the game.

“Huh, so Ron does have some balls after all, sacrificing himself so they could win. Fair play,” Scootaloo commented to herself before gliding down and following Hermione and Harry into the passageway that led to the next chamber.

“What if he’s - ?” Scootaloo heard Hermione ahead of her.

“He’ll be all right,” Harry replied unconvincingly before continuing. “What do you reckon is next?”

“Well, Sprout's was Devil’s Snare, Flitwick put the charms on the keys and McGonagall must have transfigured the chessmen to make them alive. So that leaves us with,” Hermione stopped mid-sentence, she had reached another door.

In the narrow passageway Scootaloo had to abruptly stop as she nearly careered into the back of Harry.

“Quirrrell or Snape?” Hermione asked Harry.

“Let’s find out. I’ll go first, stay close behind me,” Harry instructed edging past Hermione and pushing the door open.

Scootaloo almost barfed on the spot the stench was so bad. Slowly the two Gryffindors and their tail crept into the chamber. A humongous troll, even larger than the one Apple Bloom had thrown into the lake, lay flat out on its back in front of them with a bloody lump on its head.

Scootaloo couldn’t hear what Harry whispered to Hermione as they quickly exited straight into the next room, but she could work out the gist of it. She to was thankful they didn’t have to deal with the troll as she would almost certainly have had to reveal herself and help. She had barely made it into the next room when purple flames shot up behind her. Black flames had also shot up out of nowhere in front of the door leading onwards.

Great, they were trapped Scootaloo thought to herself wondering just why and how she’d got herself roped into this chaos. Then she remembered she was also the daughter of chaos. Sighing for what felt like the thousandth time this seemingly endless night she turned her attention back to Hermione and Harry who were just finishing reading a piece of parchment that lay on a table alongside seven bottles.

“Brilliant,” Scootaloo overheard Hermione exclaim before she tuned out for a few minutes as her girlfriend rambled on about logic, what the bottles contained and so forth before reading the parchment several times while examining each and every bottle. Finally, Hermione exclaimed, “got it, the smallest bottle will get us through the black fire towards the stone.”

Scootaloo, who had moved silently next to Harry saw the boy pick up the tiny vial and state “There’s only enough for one of us, there is barely one swallow in it.”

Shit, how was she supposed to follow him now, unless…

She felt the small bottle in her pocket that Apple Bloom had provided her with. Did she help Snape concoct such a trap? She pulled it out and stared at the contents comparing it with that which Harry held. They certainly looked similar, but were they the same? She would have to chance it. She focused back on the conversation just as Harry finished monologuing.

“I might be able to hold Snape off for a while, but I’m no match for him really.”

Hermione looked sheepishly all around for a moment probably trying to pinpoint just where she was before launching herself at Harry and hugging him tightly.

“Hermione!” Harry exclaimed as Scootaloo took a few deep breaths to calm her jealousy.

“Harry, you’re a great wizard, you know,” the girl replied with a blush.

“I’m not as good as you,” a very embarrassed Harry said as Hermione released her grip upon him.

“Me!” stated Hermione with a wicked grin. “I’m a nerd, there, I said it. You, Scootaloo and Ron have taught me so many more important things in the past year, like the power of friendship, bravery and learning how to actually enjoy being a kid! Oh Harry, please promise me you’ll be careful!”

Scootaloo smiled as Harry instructed Hermione to drink first. She looked like she was about to protest, so with Harry’s back to her she dropped the cloak for just a moment and revealed the similarly small bottle she had obtained.

Hermione’s eyes flickered for just a moment and Harry asked, “what you looking at, turning to see absolutely nothing there as Scootaloo quickly hid herself under cover once more.”

“Oh, nothing,” Hermione said clearly lying as she took a long swig from a round bottle at the end of the line of bottles. She shuddered uncontrollably and Harry’s curiosity over just what Hermione had seen immediately disappeared.

“It’s not poison?” he said anxiously.

“No, but it’s like ice.”

“Sounds like Snape. He probably made the seven worst tasting potions imaginable. Now go before it wears off.”

“Good luck and take care,” Hermione cried as she turned and walked straight through the purple fire. Unbeknownst to Harry, that wasn’t solely directed at him.

Scootaloo watched Hermione go and felt a twang in her heart. She really wanted to then and there forget about Harry and ensure her girlfriend made it back to the school safely, but she also new if anything happened to Harry, Hermione would never forgive her. Shit. She turned back to the door with the black flames. She had been so lost within her own mind that she hadn’t even realised Harry had already downed the contents of the small bottle and passed through the flames.

Sighing Scootaloo said to herself, “well here goes nothing.” She downed the vile, icy contents of the bottle of whatever it was that Apple Bloom had supplied her with and walked into the black flames.

The Eye of the Storm

Author's Note

WARNING: You know the deal, chapter may contain some scenes that some people may consider upsetting.

A little rough round the edges but the big finale is here and just two more chapters to sum up the year!

The Eye of the Storm

Scootaloo stumbled out of the other side of the fire and stared in shock and surprise.

“You!” she heard Harry gasp.

It was Quirrell, that quivering buffoon Quirrell all along. Fuck, she owed Apple Bloom twenty galleons!

“I wondered whether I’d be meeting you here Potter, but before we have a delightful conversation…” Quirrell snapped his fingers and ropes rose from the floor and bound themselves tightly around both Harry and Scootaloo! “Don’t think I missed your entrance either little Miss. You have been as big a pain as Potter this past year.” He strolled past the struggling boy and whipped the cloak off Scootaloo’s head.

“Scootaloo?” Harry exclaimed in surprise as the girl spat in Quirrell’s face.

“Just you wait until I’m out of these ropes,” Scootaloo growled rebelliously.

“Oh, I don’t think you are going anywhere,” Quirrell mocked wiping the spit of his face. His nervous and timid nature had completely evaporated. “Both of you are like annoying ants that just won’t go away. I mean, just how much more do I have to do to kill either of you? The cursed broomstick and snitch, the troll at Halloween, the Forbidden Forest, Christmas night. I even drugged you Miss Prewett to try and stop you foreseeing my plans. I will admit the first attempt did not go quite according to plan, but at least it got rid of that pesky bird of yours.”

“You killed Wally!” Scootaloo bellowed with rage struggling desperately against her restraints.

“Those were all you!” Harry exclaimed once more.

“Yes and yes,” Quirrell sneered into Scootaloo’s face before turning to Harry and releasing a sinister laugh. “You really thought it was Snape, didn’t you? Dearie me, Snape was trying to save you boy. Dumbledore’s had him stalking me since the start of this year and I can tell you it was no easy feat sneaking into his chambers and cursing that snitch. And when it wasn’t him stalking me, he would send that blasted prodigy of his instead to ask some stupid question saying she couldn’t find Professor Discord anywhere,” Quirrell growled angrily.

“Wait? Apple Bloom knew?” Scootaloo gasped in surprise, the ropes tightening even more around her.

“Almost certainly. Damn witch has constantly been badgering me all year for help with her Defence Against the Dark Arts studies,” Quirrell growled again.

“Well at least she didn’t steal twenty galleons off you,” Scootaloo pouted.

“That’s the risk of gambling my dear: you win some, you lose some. Today I will most certainly be winning, as soon as I can work out this confounded mirror. If you’d both just like to sit and be quiet that would be most appreciated or if you’d prefer, I could use the killing curse on you instead,” Quirrell said with an evil smile.

Harry had been particularly quiet for the majority of this exchange staring intently at the mirror. It was the Mirror of Erised!

“The boy knows something,” a voice rasped from somewhere. “Use the boy to find the stone,”

Scootaloo’s head pounded, Harry’s likewise.

“Yes, Master,” Quirrell obeyed walking over to Harry and picking him up from the floor.

Harry tried to stall him.

“But why does Snape hate me so much?” he asked Quirrell.

“He and your father were at Hogwarts together and couldn’t stand each other. He never wanted you dead, which you soon will be unless you quit stalling and find the stone for me,” Quirrell commanded. “You would not like to see my master mad.”

“Voldemort, he’s here. Is that who that voice was? Where is he?” Harry said fearfully the ropes chafing him as he was pushed roughly towards the mirror.

“He is with me wherever I go,” Quirrell stated in a low tone. “I was a foolish young man once upon a time. Lord Voldemort set me straight and showed me there is no such thing as good and evil, only power! I have served him faithfully ever since but he does not accept failure and has punished me for the many mistakes I have made, such as the failed break in at Gringotts.”

“Enough,” the raspy voice spoke once more. “Don’t you see you fool he is stalling. We must find the stone now!”

“Y-yes, master,” Quirrell quivered before clapping his hands. The ropes fell from Harry’s body.

“And before you get any ideas,” Quirrell said, his confidence returning as he proceeded to levitate Scootaloo over to him with his wand, the girl by now having realised the ropes were bound way too tightly for her to wriggle free from them. “Every time you disappoint me the girl loses another body part,” he said emotionlessly pressing a knife to Scootaloo’s throat.

“Harry, don’t you dare.” Scootaloo screamed struggling against the ropes binding her once more.

“I’d suggest being silent unless you want your tongue to be the first,” Quirrell said sternly pressing the knife into Scootaloo’s skin before proceeding to slice it across the girl’s throat.

Blood started to drip down onto Scootaloo’s robes. She gritted her teeth. Her throat was on fire, but she wouldn’t let Quirrell have the satisfaction of seeing her scream with pain.

“Go to fucking hell!” she yelled before finding herself being gagged.

“Such language, tsk, tsk. Now Potter, if you don’t wish to see your friend carved up like a Christmas turkey I suggest,” he paused suddenly realising Harry had disappeared.

Harry was nearly at the flaming door, the stone in his pocket, when an ear-piercing scream stopped him dead in his tracks.

“I warned you,” Quirrell’s voice echoed coldly across the chamber before Scootaloo landed with a sickening crunch to his right.

“Go,” Scootaloo wheezed. “Forget about me.”

Harry though was frozen to the spot, staring at the poor girl’s face.

“Tsk, tsk, I warned you Potter, now hand over the stone!” Quirrell demanded clamping a hand on the boy’s shoulder and turning him around.

Harry turned and stared defiantly at Quirrell.

“Let me speak to him… face to face…”

Harry winced in pain, the scar on his head throbbing once more. Just where was that voice coming from?

“Master, you are not strong enough!” Quirrell feebly exclaimed.

“The clock has finally struck midnight. It is time for the coin to land on tails for once,” a distant voice echoed throughout the chamber as Quirrell and Harry turned to see Scootaloo staring gormlessly at them before seemingly falling unconscious.

Quirrell’s attention turned back to Harry.

“See, it is time. I am strong enough for this,” the voice explained.

Harry’s scar roared with excruciating pain as Quirrell unwrapped his turban and let it fall to the floor. Slowly Quirrell turned around.

Harry tried to scream, but all the breath in his lungs felt like it had been suddenly sucked from his body. There was no back to Quirrell’s head; instead, a grotesque face stared back at him with blood red eyes.

“Harry Potter…” the face whispered in a husky voice.

Harry wanted to run, but his legs had turned to jelly.

“See what I have become?” the deformed monstrosity began. “I am nothing more than mere shadow and vapour.” It paused once more; every sentence seemed a mighty strain for whatever this thing was. “I have form only when I can share another’s body but this can only last so long. You have seen faithful Quirrell here drinking unicorn blood to strengthen me these past few weeks, but without the Elixir of Life to create a body of my own, he will die and I will return to nothing more than mist.” The face paused once more taking a raspy breath. “So why don’t you help us by giving me that stone in your pocket. You wouldn’t want to end up like your parents now, would you? They died begging me for mercy…”

“LIAR!” Harry screamed finally snapping out of his trance and interrupting the distorted face’s monologue.

He started backing away, edging ever closer to the door.

A twisted smile formed on Voldemort’s face as Quirrell edged backwards to continue keeping Harry within touching distance. “How moving. Neither of them needed to die. It was all because of you. They died protecting you. Do you want that to have been for nothing? Come on, give me the stone.”

“NEVER!” Harry roared hurling himself towards the exit.

“KILL HIM!” Voldemort bellowed in retaliation.

“AVADA KEDAVRA!”

Everything went dark for Harry as the pain in his head grew too much.

Meanwhile, Quirrell stared in disbelief at the girl who had somehow got free of her ropes and had her wand held out in front of her

“You took my fucking arm, nearly killed my housemate, killed my fucking pet, are now trying to kill my friend and for good measure took my fucking eye. GO TO FUCKING HELL,” Scootaloo thundered.

Quirrell just stared blankly at her for a moment before dropping to the floor, dead.

A black mist rose from him and dissipated into the atmosphere as Scootaloo fell to her knees exhausted. Tears rained from her left eye, the scar across her throat burning ferociously. Neither mattered right now; she had killed Quirrell. What had she done?

She vomited onto the floor of the chamber, closed her remaining eye and was just preparing to curl up into a ball and forget everything that had happened this evening when a small pair of arms engulfed her. A soft voice whispered into her ear.

“You are not alone dear child. Sometimes the greatest evil is the only option for the greatest good. Come, stand and walk with me.”

It was not Dumbledore’s voice, nor Sprout’s or Trelawney’s. Not even Snape’s.

It was Flitwick’s.

Slowly Scootaloo rose unsteadily to her feet with the help of the Charms professor. Professor Sprout, still in her pyjamas, stood nervously next to him.

“Oh, dear heavens, not again. You poor girl!” she wailed.

“Hey professor. Sorry, I got into trouble again,” She sniffled trying to force out a laugh. “Am, am I going to Azkaban?” she said barely above a whisper.

“For what? Using the killing curse as a desperate last attempt of self-defence and to prevent the darkest wizard of all time from returning? Don’t be silly. If you hadn’t done it, I would have for what he’s done to you. First of all, though, I’d have ripped his balls of and made him eat them,” Professor Sprout finished with a snarl.

Scootaloo and Professor Flitwick both stared at Professor Sprout awkwardly. Thankfully another party was able to break the uncomfortable silence.

“Jesus Christ girl, can you not go five minutes without having an accident, breaking a bone, having a seizure or losing a body part? You’re worse than Professor Kettleburn,” Madam Pomfrey’s voice interjected gruffly. “We’ll be hiring Hufflepuff their own personal nurse soon!”

“Poppy, the girl has suffered severe physical and emotional,” Flitwick started to chastise the matron but saw that Scootaloo had broken out into a fit of giggles. Sighing he added, “Never mind.”

“Same old matron,” Scootaloo laughed. “You know, only having one eye is really weird,” she stated before she caught a glimpse of Quirrell’s corpse once more. “Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit, I really fucking killed him, fuck, fuck, fuck.”

Sighing Madam Pomfrey put down her medical bag and took the girl’s rapidly moving head in her hands. “Scootaloo, I need you to focus on me and take some deep breaths.”

Slowly Scootaloo’s roaming eye settled and focused on Madam Pomfrey. “Good. Feeling better?”

“Yes,” Scootaloo said with a yawn.

“Excellent. Now, we’re going to take you up to the infirmary, get your eye and that nasty gash on your neck looked over and then,” she never finished as Scootaloo fell into her sound asleep. “Or we could just carry you.”

It was gone midday when Scootaloo groggily came around in the infirmary.

“Oof, what hit me?” she groaned.

“Ah, you are awake. Professor Sprout and your friends will be pleased.”

“Professor Flitwick?” Scootaloo groaned once more her vision slowly coming into focus.

“Yes, Dumbledore wishes he could have been here to see you awake but he’s currently watching over Harry,” the professor stated.

“How is he?” Scootaloo asked.

“Still unconscious but I’m sure he’ll be fine. What I’m more concerned about is how are you feeling?”

“Like I was run over by the Hogwarts Express,” Scootaloo replied bluntly. “My vision is also all over the place and my neck is on fire.”

“I’m sure over time you’ll get used to only having one eye. Unfortunately, we have also been unable to heal the scar fully, Quirrell almost certainly used a blade of dark origins. All of us professors are truly sorry we were unable to get to you and Harry sooner and extremely grateful for what you sacrificed in order to keep the stone safe, as are about half the school it seems.”

Flitwick indicated to Scootaloo’s blind side and gingerly she turned her head to see a mountain of sweets, flowers and gifts.

“Obviously what happened between you, Harry and Quirrell is an absolute secret, so, unsurprisingly, the whole school already knows what happened,” Flitwick said with a sigh. “My personal favourite is the pirate outfit Misters Fred and George Weasley sent you,” Flitwick continued his explanation before letting out a laugh of his own.

It was not reciprocated and Flitwick almost immediately stopped and looked at the girl who had a faraway expression on her face.

“I killed him. I really killed him,” Scootaloo muttered barely above a whisper before bringing her legs up and burying her head in them sobbing uncontrollably. “I’m a monster.”

Professor Flitwick sighed. “Am I a monster my dear?” he said to the clearly distressed girl.

“No,” Scootaloo mumbled head still buried in her knees.

“But I’ve used the killing curse three times, so surely that makes me a monster?” Flitwick asked.

Scootaloo’s head shot up instantly. “What?” she sniffled, “But you hate dark magic?”

“And what I’m about to say is the reason why I will never again conduct, condone or teach such magic. First though, do you promise to keep what I’m about to say secret and not utter a word to anyone, not even your two best friends or girlfriend?”

Scootaloo nodded wiping a hand across her face. “Yes sir, cross my heart and hope to die,” she said solemnly.

Flitwick closed his eyes and began his tale. "It was the beginning of 1977 and the height of the wizarding war. Unbeknownst to us He Shall Not Be Named’s death eaters had murdered three seventh year students’ of muggle origins families during Christmas break and he had then himself personally cast the Imperious Curse upon them in an attempt to get to Dumbledore. Once they returned, I immediately noticed changes in their demeanour, but before I could inform Dumbledore,” Flitwick paused for a moment, his hands were shaking. “They came for me in my office. I did everything I could to try and stop them, but they were relentless. Dumbledore had figured out what had occurred before even I had, but by the time he’d worked out what was going on it was too late. He found me cradling one of the students in my arms.”

Scootaloo stared at her Charms professor opened-mouthed. A single tear trickled down Flitwick’s cheek.

“I’ll never forgive myself for what I was forced to do that evening and not a day goes by that I don’t think about what I did. But, with Dumbledore’s help, I was able to put it behind me and become a better wizard. Tell me, what would have happened if you hadn’t stopped Quirrell?”

Slowly Scootaloo managed to get over her shock and stuttered, “He, he was about to kill Harry.”

“Exactly. Dumbledore helped me realise that I’d had no choice and that it was either me or them and that’s what you need to focus on. Rather than focus on what you did to Quirrell, focus on the fact you saved Harry’s life and yours most likely yours too. This is not to say you should forget what you’ve done, rather learn and take whatever positives you can from it. You, not anyone else, saved the life of another student and not for the first time this year might I add. As I said at the start of your journey here, you have a heart of gold Miss Prewett and from what I’ve witnessed this year, despite your wand core, I don’t see anything ever being able to corrupt that unless you let it. Yes, you may have a fiery temper and an impulsive streak that constantly gets you in trouble all too often, but almost every time they do it is with good intentions at heart. You are not and never will be a bad person Miss Prewett unless you start thinking that way, something that I certainly hope will never happen especially when you’ve so many friends and family by your side to help you through dark times,” Flitwick finished sombrely.

“Yes sir,” Scootaloo replied forcing her lips into a smile.

“Excellent, now any more questions? Quickly, as I do believe someone is dying to see you.”

“Let me go! I want to see Scootaloo,” Hermione’s voice cried from somewhere beyond the makeshift walls of her cubicle.

“Miss Granger, as I’ve said before she is not currently up to seeing visitors. Please come back tomorrow,” Scootaloo overheard Madam Pomfrey’s voice say in reply.

Scootaloo let out a giggle imagining her girlfriend struggling with the exasperated matron, before she turned her attention back to Professor Flitwick. “Just two. First, what happened to the stone?”

“Destroyed. Dumbledore agreed with its owner that that was the best course of action. And the second?” Flitwick asked.

“We’ve only delayed Voldemort, haven’t we? He will return someday, won’t he?”

Flitwick shuddered at the mention of the dark lord’s name before replying “I don’t know; I honestly don’t know. Now rest up and also, well done on your Charms practical exam,” he finished with a smile.

Scootaloo was pretty sure the professor was not telling her something important but before she could press him further the curtains opened and Hermione burst in.

“OH MY WORD YOUR FACE!” she screeched before Molly appeared and wrapping the stunned girl in a bear hug attempted to drag her away.

“Glad to see you are awake dear and sorry for the intrusion, your girlfriend’s a slippery minx,” she said as Hermione dug her heels into the floor. “Miss Granger stop being so stubborn. Scoti is fine but needs time to recover from yet another serious injury.”

Scootaloo gulped at the tone of her aunt’s voice. She was surely in for another lecture later.

“Oh, I’m sure five minutes won’t hurt as long as she’s good,” Flitwick argued with a smile. “I think the company would be good for Scoti,” he added.

“Well, if you’re sure professor,” Molly said a little unconvinced.

“Absolutely certain. Now, if you don’t mind, I’ll bid you all a good day; I’ve a lot of other work to catch up on.”

“Not at all professor,” Molly responded moving to one side to let Flitwick past.

Hermione looked pleadingly up at Molly and then likewise at Madam Pomfrey.

“You have until after Scoti’s had something to eat, okay?” Molly sighed in defeat.

Hermione beamed.

Madam Pomfrey scowled but decided to simply turn the other cheek this time and go and check up on her other patient.

“I’ll let you two have a few minutes to catch up while I go fetch Scoti some lunch, okay?” Molly said turning and disappearing through the curtains that enclosed Scootaloo’s bed.

“Thanks Molly,” Hermione called after Molly before turning her attention back to Scootaloo. Her enthusiasm dropped like a stone as her eyes once more locked onto the other girl’s face and guilt took a hold of her. She turned her gaze away and looked shame-faced down at the floor.

“Hermione what is it?” Scootaloo sighed seeing her girlfriend’s tortured look.

“It’s my fault isn’t it,” the girl said barely above a whisper. “If I hadn’t asked you to follow us,”

“Harry would be dead and Lord Voldemort would have returned,” Scootaloo interrupted brusquely. “You, as much as myself, are responsible for preventing the darkest wizard whoever lived from returning.”

Hermione slowly looked up from the floor, “But your face and oh my word that scar on your neck, just what has he done to you?”

“A small price to pay and wait, has nobody told you what happened?”

“There has been a lot of rumours flying around but I don’t know what to believe and what not to,” she stopped mid-sentence as Scootaloo peeled back the bandage on her face.

Hermione wanted to scream but found all the air had been removed from her lungs.

Scootaloo sealed the bandage up once more before saying solemnly, “Sorry to shock you like that but no point beating round the bush.”

“Quirrell took your eye, that bastard,” Hermione said barely able to force out the words before adding furiously, “I’ll kill him,” while giving Scootaloo a look that made her shudder uncontrollably.

“A bit late,” she deadpanned.

“What do you mean?”

“Look, rather than me giving you random snippets, why don’t you take a seat and I’ll tell you what happened after I passed through the door,” Scootaloo stated shifting over and making room on the bed for Hermione. “I could do with a hug right now.”

Hermione needed no second invitation and rushed over and wrapped Scootaloo in the biggest hug imaginable.

“To tight,” she gasped before slowly Hermione loosened her grip.

“Sorry,” Hermione giggled. “I’m just so relieved you’re, well, somewhat okay.”

“Thanks,” Scootaloo replied with her characteristic smirk as Hermione kissed her on the cheek. “Now, let me begin the story.”

Over the next five minutes Scootaloo told Hermione how Quirrell had somehow known she was there and bound her and Harry, how he had admitted to killing Wally, stabbing Melody and nearly killing her and how Apple Bloom had known who it was the whole time. She continued with how Quirrell had used Harry to acquire the stone from a mirror whilst using her as leverage and how her plan to distract him to allow Harry to get the stone and get away had nearly worked but Harry had stalled when she’d screamed as Quirrell had plucked her eye out. At this point Hermione had gasped and stared at her wide eyed. Her eyes had only grown wider when she’d told her that Quirrell had been possessed by Voldemort for the entire year and had an extra face on the back of his head before concluding the tale.

“And so, after I had the vision, I faked falling unconscious and continued using the blade in my right hand that Moody supplied me with to cut the ropes. I got free just as Voldemort instructed Quirrell to kill Harry and…” Scootaloo paused shuddering, Quirrell’s stunned face etched across her mind.

“Yes?” Hermione asked confused.

“I used the killing curse on him,” she said in a voice barely above a whisper.

“YOU DID WHAT!” A voice bellowed as Molly Weasley chose the perfect moment to return with a trolley full of food.

Scootaloo tried desperately to bury her head into her knees.

At the loud exclamation both Madam Pomfrey and Dumbledore had come running over.

“You,” Molly growled turning to her attention towards Dumbledore who for a moment actually flinched.

“Yes?” Dumbledore said nonchalantly.

“You said nothing about my niece using the killing curse!” she hissed keeping her voice down so nobody would overhear her.

“I did not feel it was necessary at the ‘gack’,” Dumbledore never had time to finish as Molly had him by the throat.

“You are lucky I have my family to think about,” she said threateningly. “But if even one more scratch appears on my niece, physical or mental, while she’s here, your balls are getting a visit from Bombarda. Do I make myself clear?”

“Crystal,” Dumbledore wheezed as Molly lowered him to the floor and turned her rage upon her niece. It melted in an instant when she saw the tears flooding down Scootaloo’s cheeks as Hermione tried to comfort her. “Oh Scoti,” she sighed.

“I’m so sorry, I’m so, so sorry,” Scootaloo wailed. “Just after everything he’d done and the fact he was about to kill Harry! I was just so angry and desperate to stop him succeeding and from causing anyone anymore suffering.”

“Oh, you silly, silly girl,” Molly pushed the trolley over and left it by the bed before walking around to the other side and sitting on the edge. She stared with a warm smile into the sole remaining tear-stained eye of her niece. “You were tremendously brave and ended up being forced into a terrible situation with no other viable options. No one will ever hold what you did against you, I can promise you that.”

“You mean that?” Scootaloo replied with a sniff, her head buried in one of Hermione’s arms.

“Certainly. Now, let’s not talk about this disturbing matter anymore. It’s time for you to have some lunch and for us to catch up on the good and fun times you’ve had since my last visit. But first, if your girlfriend would let go for a minute, I’d like to give my heroic niece a hug of my own.”

Reluctantly Hermione let go and almost instantly Molly took a hold and cradled her niece in her arms.

“It’s great to see you again Aunt Molly,” Scootaloo sighed in contentment.

“You too my dear,” Molly replied resting her head atop Scootaloo’s. “Just please don’t give me anymore heart attacks next year.”

“But why!” Scootaloo whined, “I’m not ill.”

“Girl, you’ve suffered serious physical and mental injuries; you need to rest!” Madam Pomfrey argued.

“But I’ve been doing that all afternoon; I’m perfectly fine. I want out of here to enjoy what little time I’ve got left this year with my friends,” Scootaloo complained.

Madam Pomfrey rubbed her temple. Why did this girl have to be so stubborn?

“How about I take her to the Great Hall for dinner and then bring her back?” Molly suggested. “I think it would do her good to get some exercise.”

“Fine,” Madam Pomfrey reluctantly agreed, “but I want her back here no later than seven.” She grumbled. “I still want to keep her in for at least one more night for observation and to make sure that eye of hers doesn’t become infected.”

Scootaloo smiled and gave the matron a hug, much to Madam Pomfrey’s surprise before darting off to get changed.

“You’re welcome,” Madam Pomfrey said, a smile actually forming across her lips.

It wasn’t long before Scootaloo, accompanied by Molly, was heading for the Great Hall. The hallways were relatively quiet due to almost everyone being at dinner and the few students that did turn and stare at the girl with half her face bandaged soon went back to minding their own business when Molly glared at them. As Scootaloo practically bounced into the Great Hall the chatting of students stopped almost instantly.

Scootaloo laughed. “What? Oh, my face. Yeah, kind of had a run-in with an evil megalomaniac last night. I think the new look is actually quite cool and anyone who doesn’t think so will have their robes set on fire, you got that?” she yelled at the top of her voice.

Molly face-palmed next to her.

The hall remained silent until Professor Sprout stood and started clapping. One by one professors and students alike followed and soon the entire hall was standing and clapping as Scootaloo went and squeezed in between Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle.

“Well, this is slightly embarrassing,” Scootaloo admitted her face going slightly red as the clapping slowly subsided and the students sat down once more.

“Right girls. I’m going to leave my niece in your capable hands. She has to head back to the infirmary at 19:00. Before you ask, no she cannot tell you what happened, no she cannot freak you out by showing you her eye socket and if anyone pushes her, you’ll have me to deal with. Do I make myself clear?” Molly said sternly.

“Yes Mrs Weasley,” the first-year girls all said as one aside from Susan.

“But I wanted to see her eye!” the girl whined.

“Oh, I’m sure I’ll freak you out at some point, but right now it has to heal,” Scootaloo replied mischievously. “Still, you can check out this awesome scar on my neck if you like,” Scootaloo replied.

Sounds of awe and wonder reverberated round the table as Susan replied, “woah, that looks nasty, is it permanent?”

“Yep,” Scootaloo replied smugly, “dark magic is all I’m allowed to say.”

More oohs and aahs rang round the table.

Molly let out a sigh before saying, “Well, I’ll let you continue catching up with your friends Scoti and I certainly hope you don’t give them the fright of their lives. I get enough owls visiting my house because of the twins.”

Scootaloo let out a chuckle in response before Molly continued.

“Anyway, if you need me, I’ll be sitting at the teacher’s table. Enjoy your time with your friends.”

As Molly started to walk off Sweetie suddenly remembered something important and cried “Mrs Weasley.”

“Yes?” Molly responded turning her head back towards the group of girls.

“Applejack just sent us word that although improving the situation back home is still too fragile and dangerous for us to return aside for the one day of her and Rainbow’s wedding. Although we could easily afford a hotel for the duration,” Sweetie began but never finished as Molly immediately interrupted.

“Good heavens no. You’ll all stay with us at the Burrow, although I would appreciate it if your parrot could hold his tongue a little more. I would prefer it if Ginny didn’t pick up any bad language from him.”

“Humph fine, but just because you asked nicely,” Wally’s ghost cawed giving Molly a nasty shock as he appeared out of nowhere next to her.

“GAH, what in Merlin’s beard?” she exclaimed.

“Oh, sorry Molly I forgot to tell you Wally suffered an accident and is kind of a ghost now,” Scootaloo admitted somewhat sheepishly.

“Okay,” Molly replied calming her breathing. “He just gave me a bit of a shock is all.”

“Oh, that reminds me, you all right with dogs, specifically a large puppy?” Sweetie nipped in before giving a sharp whistle using her mouth and two fingers.

“Erm, yes?” Molly replied somewhat uncertainly before clarifying further, “As long as they are well behaved.”

A massive black head covered in rabbit’s blood and guts reared itself from under the table next to Sweetie.

“Oh, he’s a very good boy aren’t you Wallace. Wallace, Molly. Molly, Wallace,” Sweetie said giving the dog a scratch behind one of his ears.

The dog howled loudly with joy as Molly stared a little taken aback at the beast. Almost instantly though she realised that such a beast could only be beneficial in hopefully keeping her daughter safe in her future years at the school. She was though not ready for the so-called dog to proceed to somehow squeeze out from under the table, escape Sweetie’s grasp and then come barrelling towards her with his tongue hanging out and a set of very sharp teeth showing. It almost looked like he was smiling.

Just as Wallace was about to launch himself at his new friend Molly spoke. “SIT,” she commanded sternly.

Wallace stopped immediately in his tracks and sat down looking at Molly with a slightly confused expression.

Molly reached over the table and picked up a sausage.

“PAW,” she commanded.

Wallace lifted his paw.

“Nice to meet you Wallace,” She said shaking the paw with one hand while throwing the dog the sausage with the other. She then proceeded to drop onto one knee and give the dog a hug.

Having quickly devoured the extra morsel to his dinner Wallace gave his new friend a friendly lick.

Molly just laughed in reply while ruffling the dog’s fur. “You’ve a fine pup here Sweetie. He’s more than welcome.”

The girls and most the students in the vicinity just stared open-mouthed at what they’d just witnessed while at the teacher’s table Professor Kettleburn whispered to Professor McGonagall next to him.

“Still got it, even after all these years. I’ll never forget the day she came to class with a pack of wolves at her beck and call or how she could make practically every creature obey her every word no matter what they were.”

After an evening of relaxation and laughter, along with Apple Bloom tormenting her over yet another failed bet, Scootaloo had returned to the infirmary and immediately fallen asleep. She awakened the following morning to see her father sitting anxiously at the foot of her bed tapping his fingers together.

“Hey Dad, you’re back,” Scootaloo said with a yawn slowly coming to her senses. “Have a good trip?”

“Erm, yeah, it was fine,” Discord replied in an unusually muted tone.

“You knew, didn’t you?” Scootaloo said bluntly opting to get straight to the point sitting up in bed

“Yes,” Discord replied not looking up.

“And the trip was merely a cover because you couldn’t get involved.”

“Yes,” Discord said once more solemnly before raising his head, tears in his eyes. “I’m sorry. I’m so, so, sorry. I should have been here to protect you but,”

“Although we may be able to foresee the future and make plans around it, any attempt to change it could result in a negative outcome just as much as a positive,” Scootaloo recited word for word what she’d told Dumbledore at Halloween.

“Yes, and on this occasion if I’d got involved it could have spelt disaster for this dimension in the near future. Plus, you are also growing up and no matter how much it pains me, need to learn sooner rather than later to defend yourself as I will not always be there to save you, no matter how much I want to be.” Discord sighed before continuing. “Still, if I’d known you’d lose yet another body part,” Discord didn’t finish what he was about to say instead letting out another heavy sigh and dropping his head once more.

Scootaloo shuffled down her bed and lifted her father’s head to stare into his tear-filled eyes.

“Nice shiner, Molly give you that?” Scootaloo giggled.

“Yes, I deserved more,” Discord responded gloomily.

“Oh, come on Dad, lighten up. I’ve still got one eye; the bad guy’s been defeated for now, it’s practically the summer holidays and hopefully Harry will come around soon. Plus, I got a ton of sweets and other cool stuff for what I did!” Scootaloo said cheerfully before giving her Dad a warm smile.

Slowly a smile managed to resurface upon Discord’s own face. “That’s why I love you so much dear daughter, always the optimist. I got you something to by the way,” he said snapping his fingers.

Slowly the bandages peeled away from Scootaloo’s face and she realised she could see from both her eyes once more. Discord passed her a mirror and the smile on Scootaloo’s face widened as she saw what was staring back at her.

“I love it!” She practically screamed launching herself at Discord.

“I thought you would. It can also be used as either a normal magic eight ball by popping it out of your socket, which is also a great way to scare your friends, or by simply thinking or saying a yes, no question. Go on, give it a try,” Discord instructed wrapping his own arms around his adopted daughter and embracing her in a hug.

Is my father a goofball? was the first thing that crossed Scootaloo’s mind.

The words Yes – Definitely flashed across her vision and she giggled.

“What did you ask it?” Discord whispered into Scootaloo’s ear refusing to let her go.

“I asked it if you were a goofball. It answered yes – definitely.”

“Sounds about right,” Discord replied gripping his daughter tighter as Molly appeared wondering what all the commotion was about.

“Discord got me a new eye Molly!! Scootaloo exclaimed looking up at her aunt with a smile whilst still hugging her father.

Molly stared back at her niece, specifically at the eight ball that now adorned her right eye.

“Sweet Celestia,” she exclaimed.

The B.F.A.Ts

Shortly after Discord had departed on Sunday, after he'd received yet another stern talking to from Molly and Madam Pomfrey, Scootaloo had very much been forgotten about because Harry had suddenly woken up. She spent most of the remainder of her time in the infirmary doing her usual personal hygiene routine for her wings before having some lunch and then, after a rigorous examination by Madam Pomfrey, was informed that she was free to leave after finishing the last of her lunch.

Scootaloo had been over the moon upon hearing the news and had never eaten so fast in her life, barely listening as Madam Pomfrey instructed her to return for a precautionary check later in the week. As soon as she’d finished wolfing down the remainder of her food, she had raced from the infirmary out into the sunny grounds and immediately taken to the air to stretch her wings, closing her eyes as she floated lazily across the sky.

She was free at last, with nothing but the open air for company for the next two weeks. Discord had even removed the bracelets! And after that she had a whole two months of nothing but lazy summer days with Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle.

“You could have come and found me,” a disgruntled voice echoed across the sky and snapped Scootaloo back to the present. Her eyes shot open. “Okay that’s just freaky,” Hermione added hovering next to Scootaloo on Brunhilda whilst staring at the eight ball that now adorned the space where Scootaloo’s right eye should be. “Discord?”

“Yep, it even acts like a normal Magic eight ball.”

“Oh, does it now?” Hermione stated with a wicked grin. “Magic eight ball, will Scootaloo and I go the distance and get married someday.

“What!” Scootaloo exclaimed suddenly forgetting to flap her wings for a moment and dropping a few feet as her cheeks went bright red.

Three words flashed across Scootaloo’s vision.

It is certain.

“Well? I’m waiting.” Hermione said with a look of expectance.

Scootaloo tried to think of a lie, her face becoming redder by the second, but for once was lost for words. “It is certain,” she finally mumbled.

“Sorry, what was that?” Hermione teased mercilessly. “And damn, you are so cute when you’re flustered!”

“It is certain,” Scootaloo grumbled. “And I am not cute!” she pouted.

Hermione placed a hand across her mouth and stifled a giggle, using all her will power just to not fall into a laughing fit and thus fall off her broomstick. Finally, she mustered enough strength to eke out, “Glad to hear it. And you so are, Miss Flustery Wustery pants,” while grabbing Scootaloo’s red cheeks and kissing her on the nose. She then sped off on Brunhilda at top speed without another word.

Scootaloo simply stared in astonishment after her girlfriend wondering if the stress of the exams had finally sent her over the edge.

“Well, we having a race or what?” Hermione bellowed in the distance.

Scootaloo’s trademark smirk slowly reappeared upon her face and she took off after her girlfriend.

For the rest of the afternoon Scootaloo and Hermione shot across the sky either chasing after one another or performing a wide array of ludicrous tricks and stunts either individually or together. It truly was exhilarating stuff, even for those just watching. The examiner on Wednesday would certainly be in for a surprise!

Afterwards, the two girls parted ways to return to their separate dorms, each for a well-earned shower and rest. As Scootaloo crawled through the tunnel that led to the Hufflepuff common room her mind started to wander and she wondered what her friends had been getting up to while she’d been exercising and if they’d be up for another evening of magical charades.

That was when she suddenly noticed there was no light appearing at the end of the tunnel as she approached it. Strange? She thought, grasping her wand just in case as she cautiously lowered herself out of the entrance tunnel.

“Apple Bloom? Sweetie? Anyone?”

“SURPRISE!”

The candles around her suddenly ignited and she stared at all the people in front of her. If she wasn’t mistaken, everybody in the house had turned up and there was Ron, Hermione, Molly, Ginny and even Neville too!

“What’s going on?” Scootaloo exclaimed.

It was Professor Sprout who replied. “We all decided we wanted to thank you for what you did so we spent the afternoon setting up this party for you while Hermione distracted you.”

“You cheeky little minx. So that’s why you kept me out there so long,” Scootaloo said giving her girlfriend a dirty look.

“Yep,” Hermione replied with a giggle.

“You know, you really didn’t have to do this,” Scootaloo said turning her attention back to Professor Sprout.

Professor Sprout didn’t reply instead turning to the group of students. “Who here wanted to reward Scootaloo for her heroic actions?”

The roar that came in response practically deafened Scootaloo and the girl actually let a tear drip from her left eye. “You lot are the best. Now, LETS PARTY!” she screamed.

And so, they did. From dancing and singing, to games, to food and laughter, the evening had it all. There was even a point where Scootaloo scared her classmates half to death by popping her new eye out! It was even more freaky when the eye started to move all by itself and stared at the gathered group of spectators! Scootaloo though kept tight-lipped when her friends asked her if she was making it move, simply shrugging her shoulders in response. The only thing that was thankfully missing this time from the party was any contraband. Professor Sprout had been quite strict on that, much to Scootaloo’s relief. She really didn’t want to have to try and contend with another hangover, not until she was a little older anyway.

It was as the evening was coming to a close and the girls were just preparing to retire to their dorm for the night that they overheard an argument by the entrance tunnel.

“And what might I ask are you doing here Hagrid? Don’t you think you’ve caused enough trouble as it is?” Professor Sprout’s voice scolded.

“Yes. I to think it would be best if you left immediately,” Molly added with an edge to her voice.

“Look, I don’t want no trouble,” Hagrid’s voice echoed in reply followed by a loud sniff. “I just want to give the girl this.”

“Hagrid?” Scootaloo said walking over with her friends.

Hagrid stared at the poor girl’s face. “So, it’s true,” he said in a voice barely above a whisper before shoving a leather-bound book into Molly’s chest. “I left a few pages blank in case you had any photos you’d like to add. I’ll leave you be now,” he said solemnly turning to go.

“Yah great galoot. Where do you think you’re off to? You either get over here right now and give me a hug or I’ll create a snowstorm over your hut tomorrow so fierce it’ll be buried in ten minutes flat!” Scootaloo said sternly glaring up at the half-giant. “And if either of them tries to stop you I’ll bury them in snow.”

Professor Sprout looked alarmed for a moment before sighing in defeat. “I think you’d better do as she says. Although we are having a remarkably warm summer, I’d rather prefer not to be turned into a living snowwoman if I can help it.”

Molly glowered at Hagrid for a moment but stood aside and passed him the book back.

He slowly walked over to Scootaloo who was looking at him disdainfully.

“Come on, I haven’t got all night,” she stated firmly.

Hagrid finally reached the girl and lowered himself down on one knee. Scootaloo couldn’t believe just how shook up he looked and how raw and red his eyes were. Like a guilty puppy he lowered his head and stared at the floor not daring to look up.

“Do you not even have the nerve to look me in the eye?” Scootaloo said without emotion.

Gradually he raised his head and stared at the girl.

“It’s all my fault. You and Harry,” he never got any further as Scootaloo threw her arms around his neck and whispered into his ear.

“Stupid fool. We all make mistakes and you really didn’t need to get me anything, although I am glad it isn’t a stoat sandwich.”

Hagrid let out a weak chuckle and wrapped one of his burly arms around the lean, muscular Pegasus girl, the other arm still clutching the book.

“You know, Harry said a very similar thing when I gave him his album. I honestly don’t see what’s wrong with a good stoat sandwich; your friend certainly seems to like them!”

“Yeah, well Sweetie’s insane; we all know that,” Scootaloo said in a deliberately loud voice.

“Hey!” Sweetie’s voice interjected. “If you just gave them a chance you might like them,” the girl grumbled.

“Yeah, no thanks,” Scootaloo said in reply slowly releasing her grip of Hagrid. “Now, can I have a look at what you got for me there?”

“Oh yeh, of course,” Hagrid said. “Dumbledore gave me yesterday off to contact some of your parents’ old school friends askin’ fer photos as I’m guessin you don’t have any. Yeh like it?”

By this point Scootaloo was sitting on the floor flicking through the book staring at all the happy pictures of her parents that smiled and waved back at her. Tears began to flow freely from her left eye.

“Did, did, did they give you anything else? Any stories?” she stuttered barely able to hold her emotions in as Apple Bloom and Sweetie both came over to support her.

“A few and I’m sure Molly will have some to. Let’s settle onto a couch, get some hot cocoa in and I’ll tell you them,” Hagrid suggested.

“I’d like that. I’d like that a lot,” Scootaloo stammered back holding tightly onto the book while shaking uncontrollably as so many contrasting memories flashed across her mind.

The next two days went by relatively serenely for the girls as, with the professors occupied with students taking their O.W.Ls and N.E.W.Ts, they were pretty much left to entertain and look after themselves. With Scotland seemingly going through a heatwave they spent most of their free time just lazing on the grass in the grounds enjoying the sunshine while talking about whatever came to mind. Before they even knew it Wednesday and their broomstick flying aptitude tests or B.F.A.T as it was more commonly referred to was upon them. Students from Hufflepuff and Gryffindor would be taking theirs in the morning while the Slytherins and Ravenclaws would be tested in the afternoon. It was Unsurprising then that this was the major topic of conversation at breakfast that morning.

“What do you think the test will involve?” Megan asked Scootaloo next to her as they tucked into an earlier than usual breakfast due to them needing to be out on the training field no later than ten to nine.

“No clue, but I’m guessing it’ll involve broom maintenance and care along with our flying capability. Who else can’t wait to see the expression on the examiner’s face when Apple Bloom’s broom bucks her into a wall again,” Scootaloo said with a wicked smirk catching the hash brown the other girl threw at her in retaliation. “Nice try, but you’ll have to be super sharp to catch my reflexes…” Scootaloo stopped mid-sentence her eyes opening wide as a plate flew towards her head. Unbelievably she still managed to duck under the plate before grabbing it out of the air with her left hand.

“One more word about my flying ability and next it’s the table. Got it?” Apple Bloom growled.

Scootaloo simply nodded in reply as Megan giggled next to her.

“Sorry Bloom, but you have to admit your flying stinks. I mean, who remembers the final quidditch match?”

“And do you remember what happened to Adrian Pucey? Would you also like free B and B at St Mungo’s for the duration of the summer, because that can be arranged,” Apple Bloom replied coldly.

Megan thought it over for a moment before turning to Scootaloo and saying, “she’s real touchy about her broomstick flying, isn’t she?”

“You know I can hear you?” Apple Bloom growled once more.

“That answer your question,” Scootaloo chortled as the first collection of owls with the morning mail started to come in.

“INCOMING!” Sweetie cried next to Scootaloo as an owl dropped a rather large package towards them.

“Thanks, Sweetie,” Scootaloo said catching said parcel before making space on the table.

“What’s that?” Susan asked across from her.

“No clue. There is a note attached though,” Scootaloo replied before removing and reading said note. The biggest grin imaginable started to appear across her face.

“Uh oh, Creepaloo is back,” Apple Bloom said with a shudder as Scootaloo ripped into the paper.

It was a brand-new broom with the number 001 etched in gold into the end of the handle.

“It’s mine; it’s all mine,” Scootaloo cackled like a maniac. “Streamlined superfine handle of ebony with birch twigs individually selected and honed for aerodynamic perfection and extra ‘oomph’ when ascending. 150 miles an hour top speed in just ten seconds with an unbreakable braking charm and goblin-made iron work for increased stability and power in adverse conditions as well as preventing any slippages on the foot grips. And it’s all mine and solely mine for the next year! The very first Firebolt!” She squealed with joy as most the table stared at the broom open mouthed. Even more students were starting to crowd around behind her.

“Fuck me, might as well just hand the Hufflepuffs next year’s Quidditch Cup to,” one of the Weasley twins groaned having come over to see what all the commotion was about.

“You better believe it!” Scootaloo cackled again. “Although I’ll miss Broomy dearly, Firefly the Firebolt here is going to make flying so much more fun and catching Snitches so much easier.”

Scootaloo rubbed her hands together with glee. Professor Sprout, having come over along with the students, was now almost a spitting image of her student behind her.

Twenty-nine years of hurt and now the real possibility of winning the Quidditch Cup two years on the bounce! She thought to herself before letting out a slightly concerning and demented cackle.

“I’m not sure who’s worse, Hufflepuff’s quidditch captain or their quidditch-mad head of house!” the other Weasley twin exclaimed.

Scootaloo hadn’t stopped cradling the broomstick ever since it arrived and even as they were heading onto the training fields, she was still gripping it tightly and had even started cooing gibberish to it.

“I’m not sure whether to laugh or be somewhat concerned at our captain’s behaviour,” Susan stated carrying her own broomstick in her hand. “To be fair though, that looks like one hell of a broomstick and I’m a little jealous even if I do love my Nimbus 2000 a lot.”

Sweetie Belle just shrugged her shoulders. “That’s Scootaloo for you. Practically anything associated with flying she absolutely adores, especially something that will only encourage her reckless and carefree nature.”

“Good point,” Susan stated. She looked like she was about to say more but was prevented from doing so by the voice of another.

“Ah, welcome. Ten, twelve, sixteen, twenty-two, perfect you are all here. My name is Frederick Light,” a relatively lean, small and elderly looking man with light grey hair began to explain. “I have been sent by the Ministry to test each of you on your flying ability.” He paused for a moment, a look of confusion coming across his face. “Well, this is certainly a first. Might I ask why so many of you have your own broomsticks? It was to my knowledge that Hogwarts did not allow first years to have their own broomsticks for their own safety.”

Scootaloo suddenly snapped out of her dreamlike state and extended her wings from behind her back.

“Good heavens!” Mr Light exclaimed staring at Scootaloo. “When I was told there was a Pegasus girl and two of her friends from another dimension filled with sentient ponies attending Hogwarts this year, I thought someone was having me on. I’m not even going to ask about the metal arm or, is that an eight ball?”

Sweetie Belle couldn’t help but let out a little giggle and Mr Light turned his attention to her and only now noticed the long horn atop her head.

“Ah, the unicorn girl. That makes two,” he muttered to himself as Scootaloo replied.

“Yep, magically enhanced. A gift from my father, the God of Chaos, after I lost my natural one in an accident recently. It works perfectly fine, if not better than my natural one, even pops out if you’d like to see it up close? Scootaloo paused with a devilish look upon her face waiting for the inevitable response as the words don’t count on it flashed across her vision.

“N…n…no thanks,” Mr Light replied stuttering slightly and shaking at just the thought.

“Okay,” Scootaloo said shrugging her shoulders before continuing. “As for the broom situation, I’m Scoti Prewett the Hufflepuff quidditch captain and Seeker. That position allows me to provide anyone I wish with a broomstick. Sweetie here is my keeper, and the best one in the school in my eyes.”

Sweetie blushed in embarrassment from the praise.

“Susan is one of my Beaters, the Gryffindor girl is Hermione, my girlfriend, and that was her Christmas present, while Harry is Gryffindors Seeker and got permission from Professor McGonagall. I think that’s everyone?” Scootaloo finished explaining.

Frederick rubbed his temple for a moment fearing a headache was coming along before taking a deep breath and maintaining his professional manner replied to Scootaloo. “Thank you, Miss Prewett, for clearing that up for me. I must say I am impressed and looking forward to seeing so many highly skilled fliers taking the test this morning, although you will have to use one of the Ministry-provided brooms for a fair and accurate test. Before we press on with all your tests though might I just ask what make your broom specifically is Miss Prewett? I’m not sure I’ve seen that make or model before.”

“I’m glad you asked. I’m invested in a young upcoming broomstick maker called Randolph Spudmore. He’s been attempting to make a racing broom to compete with the Nimbus Racing Broom Company. After my own Nimbus 2000 was destroyed in the final quidditch match of the year and I asked if he could possibly repair it, he sent me this instead having finally perfected his own racing broom, the Firebolt. It arrived this morning and won’t be on the general market for another year, this being the prototype. Top speed of one-hundred and fifty miles per hour,” Scootaloo explained with overwhelming enthusiasm, hugging the broomstick to her chest once more.

Frederick’s eyes lit up for a moment and he had to rein himself in from asking more about the new broom. His reaction though had not gone unnoticed by Scootaloo.

She let out small chuckle. “I can see from your mouth hanging open you’re impressed. How about I give you a demonstration? My keen eyesight can see you’ve already set up a course for us.”

Frederick wanted to interject but his curious mind won him over and instead of saying anything he just pulled out a stopwatch.

“Excellent. Sweetie if you please,” Scootaloo said with yet another playful grin.

“Three, two, one,” Sweetie counted down before Scootaloo shot off the ground and Frederick hit the stopwatch.

The backdraft was phenomenal and actually knocked a few students over. Frederick stared transfixed as the girl zoomed off the ground with no fear or concern at all. He watched open-mouthed as she seemed to effortlessly navigate the course at breakneck speed before landing perfectly in front of him. He pressed the stopwatch once more and stared at it. Thirty-seven seconds. The average for the course was just shy of three minutes, the previous best one minute and fifty-five seconds. This girl hadn’t just broken the record; she’d annihilated it.

“So, how was that?” Scootaloo enquired expectantly.

Frederick just took a deep breath before pulling out a quill and notepad.

Scoti Alaw Prewett – Hufflepuff – Time: 37 seconds – The girl is a Pegasus; she owns the sky – 100% - Grade: Outstanding.

He then lifted his head up and said formally, “thank you Miss Prewett for your demonstration. Although I wouldn’t usually allow the use of one’s own broom for the test in the case of fairness, I think I have seen enough from you to make my judgement. Your result and certificate will be included with your 1st year exam results Friday. You are free to go or may stay and watch your fellow students, but be warned that you will be unable to try out your new broom again till this evening once all your peers’ tests are complete and you must not assist them either,” he added sternly.

The grin on Scootaloo’s face had impossibly somehow got even wider.

Meanwhile, Mr Light was addressing the rest of her fellow students. “As for the rest of you, there are twenty-five brooms provided by the Ministry here. Choose whichever one you like. You have thirty minutes to fine tune your broom and ensure it is in tip top condition. You shall then, in alphabetical order, complete the obstacle course Miss Prewett here just demonstrated so expertly for you all. Ten percent of your mark shall be on how well you perform maintenance on your broom, whilst the majority will be given for your performance in the obstacle course for aspects such as command and control of your broom, how well you navigate the obstacles and obviously the time in which it takes you to complete the course. Be warned, if you touch any of the magical rings or clip an obstacle this shall add a five second penalty to your time and if you miss any, a ten second penalty you shall incur. Good luck, your time starts now.”

“Very well-done Miss Abbot, although your control could use a little work and you did clip one of the rings. Still, a great start,” Mr Light praised as he made some notes in his notebook.

“Thank you, sir,” Hannah replied courteously as she returned to the cluster of students.

“Hmm,” Mr Light mused to himself for a moment looking at the second name on his list. “This should be interesting,” he mumbled to himself before shouting, “APPLE-BLOOM APPLE.”

As her peers had been fighting over which broom was best the girl had held back until the very end and been left with, frankly, five pieces of wood that were barely fit to be called broomsticks, let alone fly. She had then scrutinised each and every one of the remaining brooms before stopping at the fourth, the worst of the lot, and instantly taken it away to one of the cleaning stations. What she had done in barely thirty minutes was simply incredible and unless you’d seen it originally, you wouldn’t have thought it was the same broom. The rotten piece of wood with twigs sticking out all over the place was now a smooth and sleek flying machine.

As Apple Bloom practically bounced over with her broom a number of her peers tittered and whispered quietly amongst themselves behind her back. These immediately stopped though when said girl turned and with a deranged look in her eyes made a slicing motion across her neck.

The message was clear. Be quiet or die.

“Alright then Miss Apple,” Mr Light said. “Before we begin, I’d just like to say how impressed I am with your broom maintenance skills. Madam Hooch has taught you well.”

“Thank you, sir. At least somebody appreciates hard work around here,” she replied glancing behind her with yet another disturbing look on her face.

The Hufflepuffs and Gryffindors remained deathly silent.

“Hmm, is there something I am missing here?” Mr Light enquired.

“Oh no, sir, not at all,” Apple Bloom said sweetly as she laid the broom down on the ground. “Shall we get on with the exam?”

“If that’s what you wish,” Mr Light replied. “Would you please command the broom to your hand?”

“Why certainly. Broom, if you would please rise,” Apple Bloom continued in a sickly-sweet tone.

The broom did exactly as she instructed and she grasped it in her right hand before mounting it seamlessly. She could practically hear the jaws of her classmates hitting the ground.

“Excellent. Three, two, one,” Mr Light cried.

Gripping tightly onto the broom with a grim look of determination Apple Bloom took off into the clear June sky. Her classmates looked on absolutely stunned and watched gobsmacked as the girl carefully navigated the course barely putting a foot wrong. After a few minutes she returned and floated down to the ground.

The crowd of students were speechless, mouths hanging open in disbelief.

“Fuck,” Scootaloo finally mouthed.

“Looks like you owe me five galleons,” Sweetie giggled next to her.

“How?” Was all Scootaloo could manage in reply, too stunned for words at the girl’s perfect performance.

Apple Bloom herself was just finishing receiving her review from Mr Light.

“A little overly cautious and slower than expected, but overall a faultless performance, well done. SWEETIE BELLE, you’re next.”

Apple-Bloom Apple – Hufflepuff – Time: 3:23 – Excellent broom care and maintenance and a near faultless flight aside from being a little nervous and overly cautious resulting in a slower than expected speed. – 70% - Grade: Exceeds Expectations.

Apple Bloom skipped merrily back to her fellow students. As she passed Sweetie on the way, she wished her best friend good luck.

“How?” Scootaloo said for about the fifth time in the past minute as Apple Bloom came and stood next to her.

“Applewood broom,” Apple Bloom replied smugly. “And I do believe that’s now forty galleons you owe me. Double or nothing as I recall.”

Scootaloo buried her head in her hands. Of course, it just had to be something to do with apples.

Sweetie Belle – Hufflepuff – Time: 2:23 – Penalties 1 – Very good handling and control of her broom and an exceptional pace but her turning needs work, including slowing up a bit more when turning, as this cost her a five second penalty when she caught the top of a tower near the end of the course. Still, amazing recovery and respectable broom maintenance as well. – 77% - Exceeds Expectations.

Sweetie grumbled to herself as she headed back to her friends, irritated with that amateur mistake just as she neared the finish of the course.

“Hard luck Sweetie, still a great showing,” Scootaloo said attempting to cheer her friend up.

“That stupid tower,” Sweetie grumbled angrily pouting.

“Hey, don’t let it get you down Sweetie. It was only one very small mistake. I’m sure it won’t have had that much of an impact on your overall mark, especially after you did everything else flawlessly and made such a good recovery,” Apple Bloom added her opinion trying to cheer her friend up. “Best not to worry about it and just enjoy watching everyone else.”

“I suppose you’re right,” Sweetie sighed looking up. “How’s Susan doing?”

“She lost position coming out of the first ring and has been trying to make it up ever since,” Scootaloo stated staring up at the sky. “Ooh, that’s gotta hurt.”

“What?” Sweetie asked looking in the direction Scootaloo’s eyes were gazing. Her eyes were not as sharp as her Pegasus friend’s though and thus she couldn’t make out just where Susan was or what had happened to her.

“She just went through a window. Oh, my word how is she still on the broom? Nevertheless, she’s missed a ring so that will cost her big,” Scootaloo stated her eyes still transfixed on the small dot that was Susan.

A few minutes later said girl landed in a mass heap of grass and dirt. Surprisingly she seemed unhurt from her rather entertaining but not particularly enjoyable flight.

“Fucking piece of shit,” Susan bellowed picking up the slightly tatty broom and, with a surprising display of strength, snapped it in two across her knee.

“The Ministry really needs to invest in better brooms,” she grumbled slamming the two halves into the examiner’s chest. “Turning that blasted thing was like trying to make a stubborn elephant move.”

Not waiting for a response or feedback, she turned and stormed back to her friends. Slowly Frederick managed to come out of his stupor.

Susan Bones – Hufflepuff – Time: 2:50 – Penalties 3 – Words cannot explain what I just witnessed, the girl flew through one window and out another. – 60% - Acceptable.

After Susan’s incredible feat things started to calm down a little and the next five examinations went by pretty smoothly aside for Seamus Finnigan’s, the boy returning with barely any broom left after it somehow caught fire mid-flight. As Frederick was wondering how he was now going to explain two destroyed brooms to his higher ups he called out for the next student.

“HERMIONE GRANGER.”

Hermione strolled over confidently, Scootaloo watching her every move with a wide smile.

“Ah yes, the Pegasus girl’s girlfriend. I’m looking forward to seeing this,” Mr Light said with a smile.

“Thank you, she’s taught me well,” Hermione admitted.

“Well, shall we begin then.”

“Of course! Come along broom. Let's go have some fun!” She cackled and the broom jumped into the air from where she’d dropped it on the floor.

She mounted it and shot off into the sky with a squeal of joy. Over the next five minutes she put on a show that Frederick Light had never seen anything like nor would ever see again in all his years of conducting B.F.A.Ts. He lost count at twelve loop de loops, seven-barrel rolls and eight snap-rolls, and that was just to begin with. Overall, he’d quickly deduced the girl either had a death wish, a lifelong dream to become a daredevil or both, probably both, and this was confirmed when, as she came in to land, she had the nerve to purposefully jump off a broom she’d received barely an hour ago and entrust it to catch her just a few feet from a very messy end.

“Sorry,” Hermione giggled as she brought the broomstick to a stop perfectly. “I’m not really one for casual flying. Hope my acrobatics don’t mean I fail? I did technically complete the course and didn’t receive any penalties doing so.”

Frederick just stared at the girl mouth agape, his quill frozen in his hand.

“Hello, anyone at home?” Hermione pressed waving her hand in front of the examiner’s face.

“Unbelievable,” was all Frederick managed to say initially. “Simply unbelievable. Thank you for that wonderful demonstration Miss Granger. If you’d please take your place back with the other students while I work out your grade.

Hermione skipped back over to Scootaloo who gave her a high five.

“That was awesome!” Scootaloo squealed.

“thanks, thought you’d enjoy it,” Hermione replied blushing. “Been practicing my stunts and tricks for weeks to pull that off.”

Meanwhile Frederick was mulling over just what to write down. It took him a fair few minutes but finally he wrote,

Hermione Granger – Gryffindor – Time: Not applicable – Never have I seen such an irresponsible and dangerous display of flying. Girl is an utter lunatic with no care over her own personal safety while in the air, yet knew exactly what she was doing and executed everything to perfection. It was truly mesmerising and one of the best demonstrations of stunt flying I’ve ever seen - 100% - Outstanding.

Wayne was up next and his flight was a lot less exciting to watch, but was a lot safer, steady paced and sensible. Megan’s was much more entertaining. The girl’s broom seemed to have a mind of its own. Upon Mr Light’s signal it shot off like a rocket and corkscrewed the entire circuit with the girl hanging on for dear life. It was an achievement in itself that Megan didn’t fall off although she may have lost some marks on her landing where she promptly got off the broom and threw up all over Mr Light’s shoes.

“Hmm, we really should double check these donated brooms before using them,” Frederick muttered to himself before casting Scourgify on his shoes and turning to the throng of students. “NEVILLE LONGBOTTOM.”

Neville suddenly looked like Hermione had cast the full Body-Bind on him for a third time and Apple Bloom had to use all her strength just to push his rigid corpse over to the examiner, leaving a trench of dirt behind them.

“Thank you, Miss Bloom. Now, now, Master Longbottom, there is no need to be afraid. I’m sure you’ll do just fine and I have my own broom on hand just in case,” Mr Light said, trying to calm the clearly apprehensive Neville.

“B-b-but what if my broom goes AWOL like Megan’s or Susan’s,” Neville whimpered.

It wasn’t Mr Light who replied but Apple Bloom, who grabbed Neville’s head and brought him in close.

“Neville, you need to be brave, like I was. You saw me up there, didn’t you?”

“Y-y-yes. I’ve g-g-got to be brave,” Neville stammered before taking a deep breath and placing the broom on the ground. “U-u-up.”

The broom sluggishly rose into the air.

“See, everything will be just fine. You’re completely in control,” Apple Bloom said before retreating back to the rest of the students before Mr Light felt she was interfering to much with Neville’s exam.

“I am in complete control,” Neville repeated to himself holding tightly onto the broom.

“Thank you, Miss Bloom, for your assistance. Now, are you ready Master Longbottom,” Mr Light instructed

Neville nodded his head unconvincingly.

“Okay then, 3, 2 1,” Mr Light instructed and Neville’s broom stuttered into action slowly rising from the ground like an old age pensioner.

“Well, this is somewhat anticlimactic,” Scootaloo yawned.

Apple Bloom turned and glowered at her friend for a second before turning back to her boyfriend and yelling, “That’s it Neville. Keep on GOing.”

As soon as it heard those two letters one after another the broom took off like a speeding bullet, poor Neville screaming his head off while holding on for dear life.

“Now, that’s more like it,” Scootaloo commented as laughter erupted from the crowd of students.

Apple Bloom was trying her best to hide her face in her left hand.

Scootaloo wrapped an arm around her poor embarrassed friend.

“Don’t say a word,” she growled threateningly in a muffled tone not lifting her head from her hand.

“Do I really need to?” Scootaloo chuckled. “You know you are missing some serious entertainment right now. Oof, he nearly fell off there. Yep, nope, oh dear.”

Apple Bloom let her eye peek out from behind her hand and looked up. Neville was hanging upside down of the broom like a ragdoll, clutching it desperately between his legs like his life depended on it. Amazingly, he was still screaming.

“You know, it really is incredible how that broom is just acting on impulse and following the course perfectly. If he hangs on and keeps avoiding those rings, Neville might actually set a good time and unbelievably pass,” Scootaloo said with a hint of admiration.

To his credit, Neville did somehow hang on and a few minutes later the broom zoomed back in and the boy gratefully let go and fell with a thud to the ground from a few feet. Apple Bloom immediately ran over to check on him. Thankfully, nothing appeared to be physically wrong with Neville other than the fact he had passed out and as such Apple Bloom simply lugged him over her shoulder and carried him back to the group of students.

Frederick felt that the less said about that test the better and opted to simply move on to the next student. He did though write a quick note in his notebook.

REMINDER: For future B.F.A.Ts, ensure all brooms are probably checked beforehand.

After Neville there were nine students left. To Frederick’s relief these were a lot more routine, with Harry and Ron in particular impressing him with their flying ability. After Ron had come whizzing in on his broom, the examiner had thanked them all for their efforts and informed them once again that their results would be included with those of their first-year exams on Friday. A certificate for those who passed would also be included, whilst those who unfortunately failed would be provided with information on how they could resit the test if they so wished.

“Well, that was fun! What shall we do next? We’ve still a week and a half before we head back to the Burrow for the summer,” Scootaloo said as they walked to the Great Hall for lunch.

“Not sure you can afford to do anything after losing all those bits to me,” Apple Bloom snidely replied. “Neville, not that I mind the attention, but could please loosen your grip a bit.”

“S-s-sorry,” Neville snivelled loosening his grip ever so slightly. He hadn’t let go of Apple Bloom ever since he’d come round. “Better?”

“Yes. Now I think it is time someone coughed up,” Apple Bloom said with a coy smirk.

“I’m not paying you anything; you cheated both times. You already knew it wasn’t Quirrell and you used an applewood broom,” Scootaloo huffed. “And its galleons not bits.”

“Tomayto, Tomahto. Anyway, I was teaching you a valuable lesson that gambling doesn’t pay. Now pay up.”

“You’ve already got access to the bank account, take it out yourself,” Scootaloo replied rudely.

“You know what, forget it. I’ve just thought of something of equal value that I can take that will not only clear your debt but also solve our boredom issue,” Apple Bloom replied with an ever-widening smirk detaching herself from Neville for a moment.

“You have?” Scootaloo replied somewhat apprehensively.

“It’s called rescue the princess!” and before anyone could stop her Apple Bloom had grabbed hold of Hermione in a bear hug and ran off, Neville following hesitantly a little way behind.

“HEY! Bring my girlfriend back here this instant,” Scootaloo exclaimed.

Hermione tittered and decided to get in on the act. “Help, oh help,” she said in an excessively overdramatic tone. “Won’t some dashing prince please save me, a poor defenceless princess, from the evil clutches of Lady Appletree and her wicked henchman, Nasty Nev.”

“Don’t encourage her!” Scootaloo called after Hermione going red in the face in embarrassment as the rest of the students started laughing.

“Bring me the gold at half past one or the princess is history. We’ll do the trade outside our fortress in the grounds. And anyone who wishes to join our team is more than welcome!” Apple Bloom cackled disappearing out of sight round a corner.

“Can somebody please explain to me what just happened?” Scootaloo sighed rubbing her temple.

“You didn’t pay your debt so your creditor took your most valuable possession to force you to pay said debt,” Susan deadpanned. “By the way, see you later, I’m so joining Team Bloom.”

Susan shot off along with Hannah and Megan.

“Great, just great,” Scootaloo sighed even louder. “Anyone want to help me free the princess and rid the great land of Hogwartia from Appletree’s tyranny?”

“Sounds like fun,” Ron giggled stepping forward. “Count me and Harry in.”

“And you know I’m in. Your loyal knight, Lady Sweetie of the Belles,” Sweetie chuckled once more striking a pose.

“Right, then let us feast before ye battle commences. For when the sun reaches its highest point we dine with destiny,” Scootaloo roared before strolling in the direction of the Great Hall.

Author's Note

Finally, up next EXAM RESULTS!!!!
EDIT: I initially was going to have Scootaloo use a standardised broom as well as her own new one, but in the end it was cut due to story flow. What I will say is that in the chapter The End of Term it is mentioned that nobody has yet been able to manufacture a broom that goes above 150mph without it being to difficult to control. Even then you'd expect only the most skilled flyers to be able to manage a Firebolt like Harry and in my view this is part of the reason no other student got one. I'd probably put most broom speed between 40-80mph, Nimbus 2000 110mph, Nimbus 2001 125mph. Even then these would be top speeds and many people wouldn't dare to risk it or be able to handle such a speed. This is why Scootaloo didn't need to do anymore for the test. The fact she was able to handle and control the Firebolt so effortlessly at such a speed was, in actual fact, a lot harder than anything Frederick Light could have set her, especially for one so young. Oh and anyone notice the Examiner's name spelt F.Light

THE RESULTS!!!

Author's Note

Apologies tried my best but FimFiction is well not great for including anything bar text so you'll have to use your brain to decipher the students grade sheets or wait till Saturday if I'm not in a coma after a 10 hour shift tomorrow. Also after 4 hours sleep last night really got lazy with editing this one especially after spending an hour trying to work out someway to include the tables. 1 more chapter left.

THE RESULTS!!!

Wednesday afternoon proved to be a hugely entertaining one. Apple Bloom had gotten Discord involved and he’d been only too happy to provide the girl with her own ice fortress made of vanilla ice cream with its own self-replenishing ice cream snow cloud to prevent it from melting in the blistering hot June day. He’d also supplied the defenders with their lunch and an inordinate amount of banana cream pies and ice cream snow balls.

It had become immediately apparent to Scootaloo that there was no reasoning with the crazed Lady Appletree when her final attempt at a peaceful solution, whereby she once more refused to hand over the disputed galleons she owed, was met with a pie to the face. Thus began the great siege of Fort Frosty, as it was known. It was Ron who quickly realised the whole fort was made of ice cream and after Discord had kindly dropped a spoon atop his head, he had swiftly begun to munch a hole in the wall until Hannah and Megan deposited a massive bowl of strawberry syrup atop his head followed by a bowl of hundreds and thousands. Meanwhile, Scootaloo and Harry were attempting to melt said fortress using Incendio, bolts of lightning and whatever other means of heat they could possibly generate using their wands or in Scootaloo’s case, arm as well, while Sweetie used her magic to stop as many pies and ice cream snowballs as possible from hitting them and then firing them back at the defenders of the fort.

It had been an exhilarating hour or more of fun and laughter before they’d finally breached one of the walls and forced their way into the fort. The defenders had then attempted valiantly to keep them from reaching Hermione but had soon found themselves imprisoned in a bubble by Sweetie Belle. The despicable Lady Appletree though had snuck off during the battle with the princess! This then led to a rather anticlimactic chase scene, whereby Scootaloo plucked the tyrant up into the air before dropping her into a giant sundae supplied by Discord.

Overall, it was a chaotic afternoon that ended with everyone laying on the ground eating an absurd amount of ice cream in the scorching Scottish sunshine whilst recapping the whole ridiculous event. Scootaloo even promised to get the galleons for Apple Bloom out of their account when they returned to London!

The following day was a lot less fun. For a start, the streak of warm weather finally broke during the night and the torrential wind and rain meant that they were confined to the castle for the whole day. With little to distract them from the anticipation of their results, many of the first-years started to become anxious, edgy and restless, which only made the day pass even slower. Apple Bloom and Sweetie felt they must have broken a record for most games of wizard chess in one day while Scootaloo performed one thousand seven hundred and sixty-two wing ups in a row out of sheer boredom. The highlights of the day were when Sweetie had to take Wallace out for walks and came back looking like, as Wally put it, a drowned fucking rat who’d been resuscitated then drowned again. The second time the dog and girl were covered in so much mud only their eyes were visible and Sweetie had simply grumbled something about a rabbit before heading straight to the bathroom with the poor howling mutt as most the common room howled with laughter. Still, all the first years, possibly for the first time in their lives, were mightily relieved when bed time finally came around.

“Thank goodness that day's over. What a drag! I hope this storm ends soon. I can’t bear another week stuck indoors with nothing to do. Plus, I’ve barely given Firefly a proper run out yet,” Scootaloo stated as they got changed.

“Typical Scootaloo, more worried about the weather and flying than actually passing her first year,” Sweetie giggled.

“Heck. Why should I be worried when I know I’ve passed?” Scootaloo replied calmly.

“Modest as always,” Apple Bloom said sarcastically rolling her eyes as she did so.

Scootaloo shrugged her shoulders, “You know it. Also, I may have asked my new eye. Now if you don’t mind, I’ve some very important business to attend to.” She flopped onto her bed.

“You spent most the day sleeping. How can you possibly be tired?” Susan said cutting into the conversation.

Scootaloo was already fast asleep wrapped up scruffily in her sheets. She didn’t even flinch when Wallace jumped on top of her and settled down to sleep. Although the dog preferred being with his mistress on her bed, she was a restless sleeper and had a nasty habit of accidentally kicking him off the bed in the middle of the night in her sleep.

“Pegasi,” both Sweetie and Apple Bloom replied simultaneously.

The next morning every one of the Hufflepuff girls, aside from Scootaloo, were up bright and early, eager to find out just how well they’d done in their exams.

“Scootaloo, we are all heading to the Great Hall for breakfast together, whether you like it or not. So here are your two choices, get up and get dressed or I carry you to the hall in your pyjamas,” Apple Bloom commanded.

“Five more minutes,” Scootaloo grunted from beneath her covers.

“Right, well don’t say I didn’t warn you,” Apple Bloom replied yanking off Scootaloo’s duvet.

Scootaloo’s eyes opened groggily. “I fucking hate you some days,” she grumbled before rolling off the bed onto the floor. “Give me two minutes to get dressed,” she said pulling herself up of the floor and dragging herself to the bathroom, picking up some clothes along the way.

She reappeared a few minutes later looking not much better. Her robes were creased, hair a mess, and her tie was askew.

“At least she’s dressed,” Apple Bloom sighed to herself before coming over and handing Scootaloo her wand. “Come on, the rest of the girls have already gone on ahead,” she grumbled pulling Scootaloo by her arm and racing out of the dorm while ignoring the other girl’s complaints.

They soon caught up with their dormmates and as they entered the Great Hall Professor Sprout was already waiting for them with a stack of letters in her hands. Their fellow first year Hufflepuffs were already seated at the table looking somewhat annoyed they were being made to wait for their results.

“Excellent, you are all finally here. I won’t deny I had expected you all here a little earlier this morning. Results day is possibly the only day in the school year when students actually seem to want to get out of bed,” Professor Sprout stated as the girls sat themselves down at the table.

“Sorry professor. We would have been here sooner but a certain Pegasus needed some gentle persuasion to get out of bed this morning,” Apple Bloom said glaring at Scootaloo.

“I can see that,” Professor Sprout replied looking over Scootaloo disapprovingly. “Miss Prewett would you please straighten yourself out before another professor sees you and docks us points.”

“Yes professor,” Scootaloo yawned taking a brush from Sweetie to sort out her hair.

“Good. Now, I am delighted to inform you that you have all passed your first year,” the Head of Hufflepuff began.

“See, told you so,” Scootaloo whispered to Apple Bloom while getting yet another stern look from Professor Sprout in the process.

“Some of you though, Miss Prewett, need to spend a little less time sleeping and a little more time studying. 19% on your Transfiguration theory and 22% on your History of Magic exam are simply not acceptable and I’ll be seeing you shortly in my office along with your father,” Professor Sprout said coldly.

Scootaloo’s head hit the table. “Shit,” she grumbled as a few stifled giggles reverberated round the table.

“A few others will also see red notes attached to their results. Each of these will state a time when I expect you to be waiting outside my office. Don’t be alarmed though, these are purely so that I can have some time to discuss with you individually a certain result or two and how we here at the school can help assist you with this subject in the future. None of you are in any real trouble, aside my quidditch captain who has not been setting a good enough example for her peers,” Professor Sprout continued.

Scootaloo lifted her head up off the table as another round of laughter rang round the table. “Oh, come on. What is this? Pick on Scootaloo day?”

“When you nearly become the first Hufflepuff to fail Herbology during my reign as Head of House, arrive to breakfast looking like you’ve been play fighting with Wallace and then have the gall to interrupt me, you’ll get what you deserve my dear. And if it makes you feel any better, your father has already received a copy of your results while the remainder of your parents have had a copy sent out by owl in case any of you thought about mysteriously losing your copies,” Professor Sprout said emotionlessly.

Scootaloo’s face had gone white and she was simply staring distantly ahead of her. Maybe if she ran now, she could hide somewhere till her father calmed down.

“Don’t even try it,” Professor Sprout whispered into her ear passing Scootaloo the envelope with her results in. “I’ll see you at nine am sharp. Don’t be late.”

Scootaloo gulped deciding to simply get it over with. The letter read:

Dear Professor Discord,

We here at Hogwarts are pleased to inform you that your daughter, Scoti, has passed her first year at Hogwarts with an overall average grade of 62.8%, Acceptable, and as such can proceed into her second year of study. You will find her individual grades for each subject, along with teacher notes, on the proceeding pages. Please be aware, that due to Professor Quirrell’s untimely disappearance, grades for years 1-3 in Defence Against the Dark Arts have had to be scrapped this year aside from those in Professor Discord’s first year Hufflepuff class. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause you,

Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Wizardry and Witchcraft

Well, it couldn’t be as bad as Professor Sprout was making out, she’d passed, hadn’t she? She turned the stapled page over and stared at her detailed grades. What began as a wide smile slowly turned into a grimace as she went down the page.

SUBJECT THEORY (%) PRACTICAL (%) OVERALL (%) OVERALL GRADE

Astronomy N/A N/A N/A N/A

Charms 64 99 81.5 Outstanding

DADA 71 100 85.5 Outstanding

Divination 94 98 96 Outstanding

Herbology 36 66 51 Acceptable

History of Magic 22 - 22 Dreadful

Potions 44 60 52 Acceptable

Transfiguration 19 84 51.5 Acceptable

OVERALL 50 84.5 62.8 Acceptable

B.F.A.T Result – 100% - Outstanding

GRADING SYSTEM

0-10% - Troll

11-30% Dreadful

31%-50% Poor

51%-65% Acceptable

66%-80% Exceeds Expectations

81%+ Outstanding

So engrossed with her results was Scootaloo, she hadn’t even noticed Apple Bloom coming up behind her.

“Oh wow! What a spectacular set of results,” she exclaimed.

“Spectacularly good or spectacularly bad?” Sweetie asked still examining her own results.

“Both. Three Outstandings, three Acceptables and the Dreadful for History,” Apple Bloom stated pulling Scootaloo’s out of her hand and replacing them with her own. “In case you are interested, here are mine.”

SUBJECT THEORY (%) PRACTICAL (%) OVERALL (%) OVERALL GRADE

Astronomy 78 78 78 Exceeds Expectations

Charms 69 57 63 Acceptable

DADA 70 62 66 Exceeds Expectations

Herbology 100 95 97.5 Outstanding

History of Magic 60 - 60 Acceptable

Potions 100 100 100 Outstanding

Transfiguration 68 48 58 Acceptable

OVERALL 77.9 73.3 74.64 Exceeds Expectations

B.F.A.T Result – 70% - Exceeds Expectations

“WOW!” Sweetie exclaimed next to her. “That’s amazing. You somehow passed Transfiguration despite only scoring 19% in the theory.”

Susan was trying to stifle a giggle next to Sweetie while looking over the other girl’s shoulder at Scootaloo’s results. Apple Bloom meanwhile was examining Sweetie’s.

SUBJECT THEORY (%) PRACTICAL (%) OVERALL (%) OVERALL GRADE

Astronomy 96 90 93 Outstanding

Charms 93 73 83 Outstanding

DADA 81 53 67 Exceeds Expectations

Herbology 88 70 79 Exceeds Expectations

History of Magic 89 - 89 Outstanding

Potions N/A N/A N/A N/A

Transfiguration 100 100 100 Outstanding

OVERALL 91.2 77.2 85.2 Outstanding

B.F.A.T Result – 77% - Exceeds Expectations

“These are truly great results Sweetie, you must be proud,” Apple Bloom praised passing Sweetie’s back to her.

“Aside from DADA, yeah real proud. Not that mum or dad will care though and Rarity will more than likely be too busy to notice,” Sweetie sighed taking her results back from Apple Bloom as she passed Scootaloo’s back to her. “Don’t be too harsh on yourself Scoots, you’ve still some incredibly good marks there, I’m sure Discord will be proud of what you’ve achieved.”

“That I am,” a voice said from nowhere as Discord suddenly popped into existence behind Scootaloo.

The girl had immediately frozen in terror upon hearing her father’s dulcet tones.

“As soon as I’ve straightened Professor Sprout out and Scootaloo has had her check up with Madam Pomfrey how about I take the three of you out to Hogsmeade for some shopping and ice cream to celebrate. Before you ask, yes, Hermione and Neville can join us. Miss Belle, anyone you’d like to bring?” Discord said calmly.

Almost every pair of eyes turned their attention to Sweetie. As first years they were rarely allowed out of the castle grounds unless accompanied by a professor, who could only escort a maximum of six at a time, which virtually meant they weren’t allowed to go anywhere else as no professor had the time or effort to spare to escort them usually.

“Sorry guys and gals but we quidditch players have to stick together. Susan, fancy some shopping?” Sweetie asked.

A massive smile wrapped its way across Susan’s face. “Like you have to even ask. This is going to be epic!”

“Excellent, we shall likely leave between 10:00 and 10:30 as soon as Scootaloo’s check-up is completed,” Discord said with a smile before turning his attention back to Scootaloo. “Something the matter? I thought you’d be pleased with how well you are doing?”

“Y-you’re not mad?” Scootaloo gulped.

Discord looked at his daughter with a puzzled expression. “And why would I be mad? Your results are even better than I expected and you’re turning into a fine witch already.” He snapped his fingers and his copy of Scootaloo’s school report popped into his hands along with a pair of reading glasses. “Your Charms and your DADA practical ability matches that of most third and even some fourth years, whilst your Divination skills are already apparently at N.E.W.T level. You aced your B.F.A.T with an expert level broom that most adults wouldn’t have been able to control while your practical Transfiguration is simply outstanding. As a being of chaos, you don’t need to worry about rules and regulation so don’t worry about the theoretical side of Transfiguration. I’m already predicting you’ll have given Minerva McGonagall a stroke by the time you leave. As for Herbology, you’re not an Earth pony so understandable and the same applies to Potions although I’m hoping Miss Bloom and Granger can help push your mark up a bit in that one. As for History,” Discord threw his head back and started snoring.

Scootaloo started to laugh. “Thanks Dad. You’re the best.” She rose and gave her goofball of a father a hug.

“Anytime, dear daughter of mine, anytime,” he replied with a smile of his own. “Now, you had better have some breakfast before I have some choice words with your head of house.”

Scootaloo stood anxiously outside Professor Sprout’s office with Discord waiting for the inevitable. She couldn’t believe just how shaky and nervous she was. Every minute felt like an hour until finally a solemn voice called from within.

“Come in.”

Scootaloo took a deep breath before pushing the door open.

“Scoti, please have a seat,” Professor Sprout said formally from behind her desk while tending to a potted plant. "I’m guessing your father has already had a talk with you about your results.”

Scootaloo did as she was told as Discord replied somewhat testily.

“Yes, and I’ve assured her they are absolutely fine.”

“I see. Well, I’m sorry that I have to disagree. If it wasn’t for your natural Divination ability, we’d be discussing you resitting your first year right now instead of how we can simply help to improve your main area of weakness, theoretical study.”

Discord snapped two of his right fingers and a book appeared in his left hand entitled An In-Depth Guide of the Ponies of Equestria. “Sorry to disappoint you professor but it just isn’t in her nature.” He placed the book down on the desk in front of Professor Sprout. “Please read the highlighted section out loud.”

Professor Sprout stared at Discord for a moment before sighing and taking a look at the book that was now in front of her. “Pegasi are one of the three main tribes of ponies in Equestria alongside unicorns and earth ponies. They are notorious for having short attention spans and being stubborn, strong willed and, at times, extremely lazy, often spending up to two-thirds of a day asleep. They are also though dedicated, loyal and extremely efficient, often becoming fixated with anything that interests them and completing any work they have to do unbelievably quickly, yet still at an exceptionally high standard. One of the reasons behind this is that most their work is practical based, which they have a natural affinity for as they are strong kinaesthetic learners. This means that they learn best through doing or practical activity, with a great example being that if you asked a Pegasus to write you an essay on flight mechanics, they’d likely struggle, yet they could demonstrate them to you perfectly. This is not to say that a Pegasus can’t write an essay or sit a theoretical exam, it is just harder for them to do so as it goes against their natural way of thinking or in other terms, biology. As such, when it come to more theoretical tasks, like studying, reading, writing and so forth, a Pegasus will only consider, conduct and succeed in such tasks they have a strong liking for,” Professor Sprout finished reading while rubbing her temple.

“I believe that explains to you why my daughter had the highest average practical mark of her entire year yet one of the lowest overall theoretical ones. In truth, I’m rather amazed she’s become infatuated with three subjects,” Discord deadpanned.

Something suddenly clicked in Scootaloo’s brain. “Wait, I had the best overall practical marks out of everyone in my entire year? Even Hermione?”

“Beat her average by .1%,” Discord replied with a smile before turning his attention back to Professor Sprout. “Now, I totally understand that theory is a key part of Scoti’s education here at Hogwarts along with the fact you want to mould her into the best and most well-rounded witch possible, but this isn’t likely going to be possible. She’ll excel at what she’s good at, Charms, Divination, DADA and Flying, while everything else we will simply just have to try and ensure she does well enough to pass.”

Professor Sprout sighed rubbing her temple some more. “And how might I ask do you plan to do that? I’m guessing you’ve already…” she stopped as a knock resounded on Professor Sprout’s office door.

“Right on time. Come in,” Discord called.

Hermione’s head popped through the door.

“Scoti, Miss Granger here has kindly offered to be your study buddy for your second year to try and assist you in your weaker areas. She shall be reporting weekly back to me and if I feel you are not trying hard enough, the next step will be spending your evenings with me to help you. Got it?” Discord explained.

The smile that had made its way across Scootaloo’s face upon hearing how she’d so narrowly beaten Hermione and won their bet swiftly evaporated. “Yes, Father,” she said in a muted tone while looking at the wide smile upon her girlfriend’s face. She was enjoying this, wasn’t she?

“Well, that to me seems like a fair solution,” Professor Sprout began. “Miss Granger is an excellent student and even with your close ties, I know she’ll push you hard. Even so, before I let you go, let this be a warning for you. If I don’t see at least some kind of improvement in certain subjects across your second year, not only could your captaincy of the quidditch team be under threat but also your position on the team. Now, I’ve many other students to see so I’ll bid you good day.” She rose from behind her desk and walked over to the door.

Scootaloo visibly gulped before rising from her own chair. “Yes, Professor Sprout. Understood,” she said solemnly before heading to the door alongside Hermione.

“Good,” Professor Sprout replied, a smile returning to her face. “Now, have a great rest of the day and I’ll catch up with you later.” She closed the door behind them.

An eerie silence hung over the three of them for a moment before Discord said, “Right, now that that is over, shall we head to Madam Pomfrey’s for your checkup before celebrating? You are more than welcome to tag along Miss Granger if you wish or I can come and get you once we’re done.”

“If Scoots doesn’t mind, I’ll join you. I still haven’t had a chance to share my results with her and the walk will give us time to catch up,” Hermione said sweetly.

“Of course,” Scootaloo replied, a smile slowly returning to her lips. She could worry about the future later. Right now, it was time to relax, have some fun and enjoy the holidays.

“Excellent, come along then,” Discord said starting off down the corridor.

Hermione and Scootaloo slowly followed with the former whispering into the latter’s ear.

“Discord’s already shown me your results when he came to inform me of today’s plans and his plan to help you in your second year.”

“I guess you weren’t too happy about being beaten by .1%,” Scootaloo giggled.

Hermione turned to face Scootaloo with a wild look in her eyes. “Not particularly,” she said grinding her teeth together before adding merrily, “but at least he offered me the chance of revenge, I mean to ably assist you, next year.”

All the colour drained from Scootaloo’s face.

Hermione's Results

SUBJECT THEORY (%) PRACTICAL (%) OVERALL (%) OVERALL GRADE

Astronomy 98 88 93 Outstanding

Charms 100 98 99 Outstanding

DADA N/A N/A N/A N/A

Herbology 96 82 89 Outstanding

History of Magic 94 - 94 Outstanding

Potions 76 78 77 Exceeds Expectations

Transfiguration 94 76 85 Outstanding

OVERALL 93 84.4 89.5 Outstanding

B.F.A.T Result – 100% - Outstanding

“Hmm, interesting,” Madam Pomfrey mused reading over the results of her medical scan.

“Well, that sounds ominous. Good or bad?” Scootaloo replied forcing out a chuckle.

“Good. You see, although minor, because the knife that cut your throat was dark magic, it left a very minute trace in your blood stream,” the matron began.

“Well, that doesn’t sound very good,” Scootaloo interrupted somewhat alarmed.

Madam Pomfrey glowered at Scootaloo for a moment before replying. “If you’d let me finish. Thankfully, it seems your body has been able to naturally expel such a small amount as it is no longer showing up on any of my scans.

“I can confirm that,” Discord added, joining in the conversation. “Being such a tiny amount, it wouldn’t be much of a problem for most people, let alone one with an abundance of Chaos magic in their system. Is there anything else you need to inform us of matron or is that all for today?”

“No. You’ve taken remarkably well to your new eye despite how unnerving it may be and I see no lasting damage there. The scar on your neck will obviously be permanent but with the dark magic now having dissipated there are no further concerns with that either. If it ever starts to bother you though please either come directly here or inform the nearest professor,” Madam Pomfrey explained. “You are free to go my dear and please, let this be the last time this school year you visit me.”

“I’ll try, but no promises,” Scootaloo tittered jumping off the bed she was sitting on.

Madam Pomfrey just rolled her eyes.

“Alright Scootaloo, I’m here. Why did you want me to come find you in the Discord tower?” Hermione’s voice called grumpily while pushing the door open to the classroom she’d been instructed to come to after dinner.

The six girls had had a wonderful day visiting Hogsmeade. They’d started their shopping trip at TheCentaur’s Eye where Scootaloo practically bought half the shop’s stock while talking to Sorlith Song. From there they hit a Herbology shop, Dogweed and Deathcap, J. Pippin's Potions, and a couple of cauldron shops so that Apple Bloom could buy the supplies she required. After this they then topped up on writing supplies and while on the way to lunch at a quaint little café Sweetie saw a beautiful blue fiddle in a music shop’s window that she just had to have.

At lunch, they’d further discussed each other’s results, with the biggest topic of discussion being Scootaloo’s minor victory over Hermione in the practical aspect of their exams, while also discussing ideas of things they could do in their final week before the holidays.

Subsequently they had then visited Spintwitches Sporting Needs and then Tomes and Scrolls for some summer reading material before ending their trip with the best parts, visits to Zonko’s Joke Shop and Honeydukes, the latter of which they ended up buying so many sweets from it was amazing they were able to carry them all back to the castle.

Finally, after all that, they had returned back to the castle in time for dinner and it was here that Scootaloo had informed Hermione of a little surprise she had planned for her.

“A sickle for your thoughts?” Scootaloo’s voice echoed across the practically empty room, which seemed, in Hermione’s eyes anyway, to be some kind of school hall, the kind used for physical education.

“Nice hair by the way, pink suits you,” Scootaloo’s voice

“You had better hope it's not permanent or your father is in for a world of pain,” Hermione grumbled trying to locate her partner.

“Oh, such a sourpuss,” Scootaloo teased from just behind Hermione making the other girl jump.

“You bitch,” Hermione yelled turning around. Her eyes widened in surprise at what she saw. “Pffft, what are you wearing,” she exclaimed barely holding the laughter back.

Scootaloo was doing the splits in a pink tutu while standing on her right leg, her left stretched way above her head. “Oh? I thought you might enjoy an evening of ballet?”

Hermione couldn’t help but fall on the floor laughing hysterically. After almost a full minute of being unable to control herself she wheezed, “Oh, my word. You? Possibly the most tomboyish girl in the entire school is into ballet. That has to be the highlight of my day, no, make that my month.”

Scootaloo scowled at her girlfriend before she strolled over to an ancient looking Gramophone, wound it up and let it begin playing as she danced flawlessly in time with the music.

Three minutes later and if it could, Hermione’s jaw would have hit the floor. “Well, that was unexpected,” was all she managed to say.

Scootaloo smiled wickedly in reply. “It would be even more epic if I had a partner. Care to join me? Tutu is mandatory though,” she said walking over to Hermione and offering her hand to the other girl who was still sat on the floor.

Recap and Reconciliation

“TOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT!” The Hogwarts Express blared as the conductor bellowed, “All aboard for London!”

One by the one the students of Hogwarts piled onto the train once more, each looking forward to a few months of rest and relaxation before yet another school year began. The wardrobes had been emptied, trunks filled and notes had been distributed to all students instructing them not to use magic over the holidays unless under the supervision of an adult mage and strictly not anywhere in public where a muggle might witness such actions.

For the Crusaders, in their terms anyway, it had been a relatively quiet final week of term. That was aside from the acromantlua that had escaped the Forbidden Forest last Sunday, the tree sap incident on Tuesday and finally, the House Cup celebrations yesterday.

Hufflepuff hadn’t just won the House Cup, they’d annihilated the other houses gaining a record one thousand one hundred and eleven points in total after some final points for Scootaloo’s actions against Quirrell. To put this in perspective, even after some additional points for Harry, Hermione, Ron and for some reason Neville after the parts they’d played in stopping Quirrell, Gryffindor had only managed four hundred and eighty-two points. Even so, simply for the fact Slytherin had been prevented from winning the House Cup for a seventh year in a row and that school was over for two whole months, everyone aside the Slytherins had been in a celebratory mood.

It had been yet another evening Scootaloo would never forget from the most unbelievable year of her life so far. One of the highlights of the whole evening, apart from the food, was when she’d pulled Hermione from her seat and performed the black swan solo from Swan Lake before kissing her in front of the entire school, much to the other girl’s embarrassment. This had then been topped though by Professor Sprout dancing like a loon on top of the teachers' table with the House Cup on her head like a hat screaming we are number one before kissing Discord on the lips much to his surprise and horror.

“Hey Scoots! Will you stop daydreaming for a moment and get over here? We found an empty compartment,” Apple Bloom suddenly yelled from further down the train snapping Scootaloo out of her memories and back to the present.

As Scootaloo squeezed into the cramped compartment in between Apple Bloom and Hermione, while trying her best not to step on Wallace who was already sleeping peacefully on the floor, she wondered what they were going to do for the next six or so hours.

“What took you so long?” Hermione chided as the train gave one final loud toot before it started making the long journey back to London.

“Just daydreaming. Can’t believe it’s been nearly a whole year already since Discord appeared in my life and whisked us away from Equestria,” Scootaloo replied whimsically.

“I know; I can’t believe how quickly our first year has gone as well. Let’s just hope there are no evil lunatics next year,” Hermione replied.

“Definitely, now, we’ve six hours or more of boredom to kill; what would you like to do? Epic exploding snap marathon? Do some reading together? Reminisce about the school year? Find a quiet corner and you know?” Scootaloo finished with a smirk as Hermione’s face momentarily turned bright red.

It did not take long though for her to regain her composure though and respond in a sly tone, “Oh, you’d like that, wouldn’t you? Sorry, you know I’m not that easy. You’ll have to try harder for your kisses.”

“Worth a try,” Scootaloo said with a shrug of her shoulders before placing one hand beneath her girlfriend’s chin and booping her nose with one of her fingers on her opposite hand. “You know I like a challenge anyway,” she said seductively before releasing Hermione’s face as Apple Bloom interjected.

“Save it till later you two, a lot later,” Apple Bloom deadpanned while rolling her eyes. “Now, you two in, or what?” she said shuffling a deck of cards.

“Of course!” Scootaloo exclaimed with a look determination. “Once I show my girlfriend just how awesome I am at Exploding Snap she’ll be begging me for a kiss.”

Apple Bloom rolled her eyes again while Ron and Harry tittered across from the girls.

“How many games is it now Harry?” Ron said turning his head to the other boy next to him.

“184,” Harry deadpanned as the Crusaders all looked curiously at the two boys.

“And how many has she lost?” Ron requested.

“Zero,” Harry deadpanned once more. “Trust me, we’ve tried everything, but you just can’t beat Hermione at Exploding Snap. She’s won more sweets off us than Sugarplums sweets shop!”

Hermione crossed her arms and glowered at the two boys.

Scootaloo’s smirk grew wider. “What part of 'I like a challenge' don’t you understand?”

Hermione turned and faced her girlfriend before saying coolly, “It’s your sweets and chocolate you are wasting.”

“Pfft, no one has quicker reactions than me aside Rainbow Dash. Bring it on!” Scootaloo said determinedly pushing her face into that of her girlfriend’s.

“Oh yeah?” Hermione questioned not backing down.

“Yeah!” Scootaloo retorted. “Apple Bloom, deal the cards.”

“No, just no,” Apple Bloom stated firmly putting the cards away. “I’ve seen enough of you two competing with each other over the past year to know that letting such a debacle go ahead, especially in such a cramped space, is only going to lead to trouble. Save your competition for when we are not cooped up like sardines and preferably when I am nowhere in the vicinity.”

Hermione let out a giggle as Scootaloo pouted crossing her arms over her chest.

“Fine,” Scootaloo eventually huffed. “But what else have we got to do?”

“Ooh, ooh. I know!” Sweetie chimed opposite her. “How about we go around and each recall our best, worst and funniest moment of the year. I’ll go first.” And, not waiting for any objections, Sweetie began. “Worst moment by far was the whole Potions debacle at the start of term,” she said morosely.

“Well, you were warned after you nearly burnt down the Burrow,” Apple Bloom said frankly in reply.

“Although it did confirm just how psychologically unstable your sister is,” Scootaloo stated. “Didn’t she threaten to cut off both your hands and then shove them up your arse?”

Sweetie shivered. “Don’t remind me. And, no, she was going to cut off my hands and then shove my horn up my arse, I think while still attached to my head.”

Scootaloo grimaced. “Yeah, ouch, that does not sound nice. I think on that note we should swiftly move on. Best moment?” Scootaloo asked.

“Hmmm.” Sweetie thought for a moment. “Either receiving Wallace or my performance in our first quidditch match, probably just the latter even in spite of the broken foot.”

“Oh yeah, you were immense against Ravenclaw,” Scootaloo replied. “That goal you scored was ridiculous!”

“Agreed,” Harry and Ron said simultaneously.

“Yep, and thirty-seven saves to my name as well. A Hogwarts record along with the first keeper to ever score in a match,” Sweetie said with a huge smile. “Now, as for funniest moment, that’s a trickier one, but two moments for me stick out more than the others. Hermione, did Scootaloo tell you what happened the night of my birthday?”

Hermione looked at Sweetie somewhat puzzled. “No? What happened?”

“Don’t you dare,” Scoootaloo growled.

“Oh, now I’ve got to hear this,” Hermione said forcing a hand over her girlfriend’s mouth to stop her interrupting.

“Well,” Sweetie began, “I was trying to give Wallace a bath,”

The dogs head instantly shot up, eyes wide in alarm.

“No, Wallace, I’m not giving you a bath now you silly mutt, go back to sleep,” Sweetie sighed pushing the dog's head back beneath her legs.

Wallace gave out another mighty yawn before settling back down to sleep as Scootaloo tried to protest some more but with Hermione’s hand over her mouth all that came out were muffled grunts.

“Just ignore grumpy pants. Go on,” Hermione instructed.

“Well, as you could probably tell by his reaction, Wallace is not a fan of baths and after he escaped my grasp one too many times a certain Pegasus decided to goad me. This was the result,” Sweetie pulled out a photo from her robes and handed it to Hermione who shoved Scootaloo away from her as she desperately attempted to intercept the photo.

Hermione bellowed with laughter as she took in the sight of her macho girlfriend in a dress with permed hair and a pink bow. Ron snatched it off her before Scootaloo could and he and Harry also broke out into fits of giggles.

“Oh, that’s priceless,” Harry managed to eke out as Scootaloo grumbled mutinously under her breath.

“I know right?” Sweetie said taking careful possession of the photo once more. “Still, I don’t think anything could beat Christmas Eve. After how dogged she’d been at denying,” Sweetie began only for Scootaloo to interrupt.

“That’s enough. If you know what’s good for you, you’ll stop right there.”

“Grrrrrrrrrrrrr” Wallace growled.

“You were saying?” Sweetie said smugly as Scootaloo eyed the massive beast on the floor. Even though he was just a puppy she still didn’t fancy her chances against Wallace. So, for once in her life, she took the wise option and sat in silence while giving Sweetie a death glare to try and put her off from what she was about to say. It didn’t work and didn’t faze the other girl in the slightest. “Now, where was I. Ah, yes! So, me and Apple Bloom had been bombarding and teasing Scootaloo for a week to reveal her relationship with Hermione and then, after all the hard work and effort she’d gone through in denying it she goes and mumbles in her sleep, oh Hermione, I’ll help you with your kissing studies.” The carriage fell into raucous laughter as Scootaloo tried to bury her head in shame, her cheeks turning red.

“I hate you so much,” Scootaloo mumbled into her hands.

After a while, once everyone had got their breaths back, Harry said, “My word, I’m not sure if anything will top that, but let me see. Personally, for me, the funniest moment was when I caught site of Malfoy being taken to the infirmary by Professor Sprout with the head of an ass.” The boy finished as a smaller round of laughter broke out around the carriage.

“Oh yeah, I remember that,” Scootaloo said after a short while, finally able to hold back her laughter. “Professor Sprout may have played a part in that,” she added.

“What do you mean?” Harry pressed.

“Well, it was just after the whole Poison Joke debacle with Snape that revealed mine and Hermione’s relationship to the whole school. I was coming out of my extra Herbology lesson with the Slytherins and Malfoy couldn’t help but call us disgusting freaks. Unbeknownst to him Professor Sprout was right behind him and he got dragged back into the greenhouses for detention.”

“Oh yeah, I remember that. She may have accidentally pushed him into the Poison Joke. Completely accidental, of course,” Hermione cut in finishing Scootaloo’s story as more laughter reverberated around the carriage.

“Serves the bully right,” Harry wheezed as he tried to get control of his body before going on. “Right, now where was I? Best and worst moments of the year. Undeniably the worst thing for me in the entire year was Quirrell and Voldemort and I’m just glad we managed to stop the both of them.”

“For now,” Scootaloo interrupted as the mood in the carriage swiftly changed and a sombre silence hung in the air.

“Yeah, well, hopefully if we keep delaying his return, he’ll give up eventually and never return,” Harry replied optimistically.

“We can only hope,” Scootaloo said sombrely.

“Can we please move on? This topic is depressing,” Apple Bloom said brusquely before adding, “Or I’ll get Sweetie to sing another song.”

“HEY!” Sweetie admonished indignantly.

Harry groaned, “Please no, Christmas was bad enough. At least I know what we can use on Voldemort the next time he reappears.”

“HEY!” Sweetie interjected once more as Ron broke out into yet another laughing fit next to Harry. “My singing is not that bad and as I told you before, it just sort of happens. It would be funny though to see the evilest wizard of all time break out into a spontaneous song and dance routine.”

Even more stifled giggles reverberated around the carriage as the image lodged itself into all the students’ brains.

“It certainly would be different,” Harry said. “Anyway, my best moment was Christmas by far. Exams a distant nightmare, awesome food, snowball fights and for the first time ever, presents! Scootaloo, how about you?”

“Good call,” Scootaloo replied. “For me it’s a really tough one, but my overall favourite moment of the year was the final quidditch match where I caught the snitch just in time to win us the match and the cup. YOW!” She finished rubbing her arm as Hermione punched it.

“If you really want that kiss you are going the wrong way about it,” she huffed with mock hurt. “And there was me going to say my best moment was when we kissed for the first time above the clouds before Discord rudely interrupted us. Think I might change that to my exam results. Still, I suppose I can’t be too angry. That was a pretty epic take and you did bring a lot of joy to Professor Sprout.”

“Yeah, sorry, if it makes you feel any better embarrassing you throughout the year was probably second on the list,” Scootaloo giggled as Hermione playfully punched her girlfriend’s arm once more.

“Oh, that reminds me. My funniest moments of the year were dumping that bucket of water atop your head after the pony lesson and seeing you in a tutu last week. Oops, was that last one meant to be a secret, too bad,” Hermione shot back.

Scootaloo’s eyes went wide as Sweetie said between chortles from across the carriage. “I was wondering how you got so good at dancing at the feast last night.”

“Yeah, she has a secret interest in…” Hermione never finished as this time it was Scootaloo’s turn to shove her hands over Hermione’s mouth.

Sweetie was practically doubling over with laughter. “You two are just perfect for each other,” she managed to wheeze.

“Sometimes I wonder,” Scootaloo grumbled removing her hand.

“By the way it's ballet she has a secret interest in. I once caught her practicing in one of our barns during a rainstorm,” Apple Bloom nipped in with a knowing grin.

Scootaloo’s head hit her hands. “I give up. Who else wants to add to the embarrassing moments of Scootaloo’s first year?” She said in a muffled tone.

“Erm, w-well, in hindsight, I did find you falling atop the spiky bush in Herbology somewhat funny,” Neville’s nervous voice eked out for the first time next to Apple Bloom.

Everyone, aside from Scootaloo, broke out into yet more laughter upon remembering the poor girl’s misfortune in that Herbology lesson.

Scootaloo groaned; this was going to be a long train ride home.

It was indeed a long and tiring train ride to London. Other notable memories that were shared over the course of the trip included the crusaders' cutie marks and pony forms, Apple Bloom’s unhealthy obsession with food, explosives and throwing people and trolls into the lake, Applejack in lingerie, the mascot costume, Scootaloo’s upgrades, Valentine’s day, the many forms of Sweetie Belle (Sweetie Bubbelle, Swampy Belle, Snow Belle the Snow Girl, Spectral Belle and Scootaloo’s personal favourite, Squeaky Belle), DADA, Wally, the quidditch celebrations, Scootaloo’s ankle lock, Neville and Apple Bloom’s relationship, the Forbidden Forest, Hagrid and more. Scootaloo had also regaled the carriage with the story of how she, Sweetie and Bloom had ended up in this dimension.

Afterward, Scootaloo and Hermione decided to compete to see who could eat the most Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans. It had not ended well after Hermione had got vomit followed by stilton and then sweaty socks. Thankfully, this time she managed to get to the bathroom in time. To be fair to Scootaloo, she herself had had to deal with cat’s piss, curdled milk and horse, the latter of which had actually taken the young seer by surprise.

It was much to everyone’s relief when they at last pulled into Kings Cross station, especially for Apple Bloom as in the final hour Scootaloo had fallen asleep and had been using her shoulder as an impromptu pillow while driving everyone mad with her snoring.

Apple Bloom had been only too happy to shove the drooling Pegasus girl off her shoulder and onto the floor after Sweetie had taken Wallace out.

“What? Huh?” Scootaloo said in a daze rising from the floor of the carriage.

“Rise and shine sleepy head; we’re here,” Apple Bloom cried jumping from her seat. “Come on, everyone else has gone to get our luggage.”

Scootaloo gave a loud yawn and tried to get the awful crick out of her neck.

“Did you really need to shove me so hard?” she grumbled as they made their way out of the carriage and onto the platform.

“After you used my shoulder as a pillow while snoring like a bear in between mumbling sweet nothings about Hermione for the past hour? Yes, yes, I did,” Apple Bloom retorted.

Scootaloo’s cheeks started to glow red but before she could press her friend for further information Sweetie’s voice intervened.

“Hey girls over here!”

Slowly Scootaloo and Apple Bloom joined the rest of their friends in a long queue awaiting their turn to exit. A wizened old guard was only letting them pass through the wall two or three students at a time so as not to attract attention from and alarm the muggles.

“So, Scootaloo, how was your dream? Did you save Princess Hermione from the evil frost dragon?” Hermione tittered.

Scootaloo’s cheeks went scarlet.

“Yes. She was just attempting to kiss the princess, who she mistakenly took for me, when I shoved her onto the floor,” Apple Bloom replied for Scootaloo to yet more laughter from the group of students. Scootaloo was trying to hide herself in her coat.

“Why am I friends with you lot?” she groused.

“Because no one else can tolerate you,” Hermione taunted as they edged ever closer to the wall.

It couldn’t get close enough quick enough for poor Scootaloo but finally it was their turn and in a couple of groups they made their way out onto the other side of the wall. A crowd of people were waiting, all craftily making it look like they were awaiting a train, and almost as soon as they emerged, they heard Ginny’s voice.

“Over here,” she squealed waving her hand in the air. “Mum, look, it’s the Harry Potter.”

“Quiet Ginny,” Molly chided walking over. “Have we said our goodbyes? Harry, Hermione, Neville, you know you are all welcome to visit if your guardians permit it over the summer.”

“Thanks Mrs. Weasley, and especially for the fudge and jumper,” Harry replied as a hand grabbed his arm.

“Come along, boy; you’ve kept us waiting long enough,” Vernon growled as he began to drag Harry away.

“I’ll see you over the summer,” Harry called as he slowly disappeared from view.

“How peculiar,” Molly commented. “Anyway, we had better be getting a move on also. Hermione, Neville, you all right waiting by yourselves?”

“Don’t you worry, dear; I’ll keep an eye on them till Miss Granger’s parents arrive,” Augusta Longbottom’s stern voice echoed as she approached the group. “Hello Neville, I am glad to see you have been making some friends although I’m sorry to say you are grounded for the entire summer after that whole nighttime wandering debacle.”

“Yes Grandma,” Neville sighed. “Could Apple Bloom at least be allowed to visit? Even if just for a short while or to help with my summer studies,” the boy pleaded highlighting the girl stood next to him.

Augusta took a long look at Apple Bloom before saying, “Hmm, what are your intentions with my grandson young miss?”

“He’s my boyfriend you old crone. Good enough?” Apple Bloom said bluntly.

Neville turned and stared wide-eyed at her, before he turned and stared equally wide-eyed at his grandmother who was cackling like a loon.

Slowly Augusta got a hold of herself and wiped a tear from her eye. “Honest. I like that. I never thought my wimp of a grandson would ever manage to win the heart of a fair maiden, especially before my days were done. This is certainly a nice surprise. Anyway, Molly has our address. We are going to visit Neville’s parents in a week’s time; I’m sure they’d love to meet you, 9:00am sharp.”

“Yes ma'am.” Apple Bloom curtseyed before turning to Neville. “I’ll see you then Neville,” she said giving the boy a kiss on his cheek much to his embarrassment and Augusta’s delight as she turned and prepared to follow Molly with all her belongings.

Unsurprisingly to Apple Bloom, Hermione and Scootaloo were saying goodbye to each other by snogging each other’s brains out -- of course.

As the two girls slowly let their lips disentangle from each other a perplexed voice echoed across the platform.

“Hermione?”

And, of course, Hermione’s parents would just have to turn up at this precise moment, wouldn’t they? Apple Bloom thought to herself.

“Sometimes I wonder if we’re the characters in some cheesy fan fiction,” the girl sighed to herself watching as Hermione stared completely speechless at her parents.

END OF BOOK ONE

Author's Note

FINALLY, tomorrow I can move on to an AppleDash wedding. For a lot of this final chapter I was unhappy with how it was going, feeling I was forcing it out (Been suffering bad writers block) but then re-reading it tonight I started to like it more and managed to finish it PERFECTLY! Enjoy!

Quidditch Finale: Hufflepuff vs. Slytherin

Abigail Wing, more commonly known by her peers as Silent Wing, was not having the best of starts to her day. First, a noisy rooster outside her dorms window had awoken her at 6am sharp. Then, on her way to breakfast, a bucketful of freezing cold water Filch had been using to clean the windows fell on her. It was while she was sitting in her soggy robes miserably eating breakfast as her green eyes scanned her copy of the Sunday edition of the Daily Prophet, which was pretty much just a recap of the week’s headlines, that her head of house and quidditch captain entered, along with a motley crew of Hufflepuffs. Before she even knew what was happening, she found herself being kidnapped and hanging off another redheaded girl’s shoulder. It said a lot about her friends that not one attempted to help her. Anyway, that’s how she now found herself preparing for a quidditch match she didn’t particularly want to be involved in. Unfortunately, it seemed that Professor Sprout was the only one who spoke sign language and she was ignoring her. Great, just great.

“Can anyone decipher what she’s complaining about?” Melody asked her peers between mouthfuls of pear. Professor Sprout had had an assortment of breakfast items brought to the changing room to save time after the morning’s events.

“I can. I’m just choosing to ignore it for the greater good of Hufflepuff,” Professor Sprout confessed guiltily.

Abigail signed fucking bitch and middle fingered her head of house.

“Even I got that one,” Maddie sniggered.

Professor Sprout glowered at the mute girl. “Just be thankful I’m desperate otherwise you’d be spending a week in detention helping me in the greenhouses.”

Abigail went back to sulking unhappily in the corner as the door to the changing room opened and Scootaloo walked back in with a broomstick under her arm. She immediately went across to Abigail.

“Hey, sorry for kidnapping you. This is for you if you agree to play. Nimbus 2001, not even on the shelves yet,” Scootaloo said sheepishly holding out the broomstick.

Abigail looked up at the gift the other girl was holding out to her. Yes, it was a dirty trick and definite bribery. She’d wanted her own broomstick ever since her first broomstick lesson at Hogwarts but her muggle parents weren’t nearly well enough off to be able to afford her even the most basic one. It had been the only item on her Christmas and birthday wish list the past four years but to no avail. Now this girl she barely knew was not only willing to give her one, but the top broomstick on the market. Warily she signed, what’s the catch?

Scootaloo turned to Professor Sprout for clarification.

“She asked what’s the catch?”

Oh sure, now she listens to me, Abigail thought grumpily as she felt the sleek glossy black handle and examined the black and silver twigs with her eyes. The broomstick was a thing of sheer beauty and it was taking all of her resolve to not just yank it out of the other girl’s hand then and there.

“One game, that’s it and it’s yours no questions asked. Professor Sprout explained how you’ve always wanted a broom of your own, here’s your chance. We got a deal?”

Abigail thought for all of five seconds before snatching it like a kid in a candy store and hugging it to her chest as tears of joy flowed down her cheeks. Finally, something she’d always thought would be well out of her reach was hers. She’d never let it out of her sight, never.

“I’m guessing that’s a deal then, fantastic,” Scootaloo said turning to the rest of the team.

“Hey, how come I don’t get a cool new broom?” Hannah groused holding Susan’s broom in her hand.

“You volunteered, that’s why,” Scootaloo retorted.

“No, I didn’t,” Hannah stated. “You threatened me with detention.”

“Same thing, plus you’re my friend. Also, you get to physically harm Slytherins as much as you like with no repercussions and there’ll be a massive party if we win. Good enough?” Scootaloo retorted once more.

“Okay, fine, I’m convinced,” Hannah conceded. “You know I’d help anyway.”

“I know you would, because you’re a great friend.” Scootaloo said before turning her attention to all of the other girls in the room. “And that goes to the rest of you to. Without you lot right now Slytherin would be celebrating with the Quidditch Cup. I can’t thank all of you enough. It is still going to be an uphill battle but as long as I can grab the Snitch, we have a chance. And that’s all we need. We’ve been put down constantly throughout this year and come through so much. We shall not give up right now and I’ll tell you the exact same reason I told my team in our first game.”

Scootaloo never got a chance to finish what she was about to say though as Sweetie stood up and boomed, “We are fucking honey badgers and we give no shit what anybody thinks of us. No enemy is out of our range, no task is too great. We’ll fight to the bitter end or die trying. Now, who’s ready to rip some snakes apart!”

Everyone stared slightly concerned at the wild look upon their Keeper’s face, all except Scootaloo who had a wide smile on her lips.

“Exactly, what are we?”

One by one the room erupted “HONEY BADGERS!”

“What we gonna do?” Scootaloo asked.

“Win or die trying!” the room replied.

“Excellent, now we’ve half an hour until we’re required in the tunnel. Get ready and we’ll try to discuss a few tactics and drills before the game starts.”

“Hello to all of you just joining us, I’m Lee Jordan and I’ll be your sole commentator for this final deciding quidditch match of the year between Hufflepuff and Slytherin. It’s going to be an epic contest folks in this winner takes all battle, but from the off the Hufflepuffs have problems. Yes, I’ve just been handed the team sheets and I can inform you all that the rumours are true. The Slytherin sniper has struck again! After Charlie Weasley woke up to find a dragon in his dorm last year and suffered serious burns to his hands that ruled him out of Gryffindors final game against Ravenclaw, this time around Hufflepuff has lost five of their first team, with only Miss Belle and Prewett surviving the curse it seems. Those slimebucket Slytherins really are nasty pieces of work. Should be expelled the lot of them.

“JORDAN, I’M WARNING YOU!” Professor McGonagall bellowed.

Lee ignored the interruption. “Anyway, here are the changes to the Hufflepuff line-up. Chasers: prefect Maddie Fairweather is joined by wait, seriously, wow. It’s a return and reprieve for former captain Melody Song who not only sensationally left her post at the start of the year but also, if the rumours are true, was stabbed in detention in the Forbidden Forest only a little over forty-eight hours ago.”

“How’d you find out about that? That’s strictly confidential information,” Professor McGonagall’s voice growled angrily behind the boy.

Jordan ignored his head of house’s interruption for the second time. “That’s one remarkable recovery but isn’t the only surprise inclusion. Mute fourth-year girl Abigail Wing completes the line up of Chasers while two more first year friends of Miss Prewett take up the reins of the Beaters, Miss Hannah Abbot and Miss Apple-Bloom Apple. I’d suggest wearing your hard hats because anything can and will happen with Miss Apple on a broomstick. Anyway, moving on Slytherin remain unchanged, Keeper Miles Bletchley, Chasers Adrian Pucey, Izabella Rowle and captain Marcus Flint, Beaters Lucian Bole and Peregrine Derrick and Seeker Terence Higgs. In all honesty this commentator can only see a crushing win for the Slytherins against a group of Hufflepuffs that can barely be classed as a team. But they’ve proven us wrong more than once this season, so who knows? We’re all just going to have to wait and see. At the very least those Hufflepuffs should put on a nice show for us, that Maddie Fairweather in particular has a great arse.”

“RIGHT, THAT’S IT” Professor McGonagall snarled from behind the third-year rising from her seat.

“Uh oh, looks like it is bye from me for now, but I’ll be back to bring you commentary once…” His voice was cut off and replaced by Professor McGonagall’s.

“Give me that microphone.”

“See you all soon!” Jordan’s voice echoed around the ground before the speaker system went quiet.

Down in the tunnel Scootaloo was just bringing her ragtag bunch of misfits out of the changing room.

The Slytherins were already waiting and sniggered upon seeing their opponents.

“Didn’t know we were playing the amateur girls’ team,” Marcus Flint scoffed to a round of laughter. “Why don’t you just save us the trouble and forfeit now.”

“I’d be very, very careful what you say. The last captain to insult me and my team ended up in the infirmary,” Scootaloo growled.

“What team? From what I’ve heard they are all in the infirmary already. This lot are just whoever you could find last minute to replace them. I heard you even kidnapped a mute girl from the Great Hall as she couldn’t argue back and say no to OW,” Flint stopped his taunting and rubbed the back of his head as he looked behind him. Abigail stood innocently holding onto her new broom. She shrugged her shoulders in mock innocence as Flint’s eyes went wide with worry for a moment. “Wait, how did she get her hands on a Nimbus 2001? They are not even on the shelves yet.”

“Worried your team, who’ve been training for this moment for nine months, are going to get done over by an amateur girls’ team formed in barely an hour?” Scootaloo said with a wicked grin.

“N-no,” Marcus stuttered as a bead of sweat dripped of his forehead. He suddenly remembered his brother’s words to him the night before.

Remember who got you the captain’s position dear brother. Failure to win tomorrow will result in dire consequences.

Marcus shuddered. He was suddenly brought out of his thoughts by the voice of Madam Hooch behind him.

“Right, we ready? Wait, when did she get a horn?” She pointed at Melody as she passed the girl on her way to the front of the two teams.

The Slytherins all turned and stared at the girl. Yes, the girl really did have a horn sticking out of her head.

“Don’t ask. Yes, I’m aware magic cannot be used during the course of the match. Can we please just get on with it?” Melody replied with a sigh.

“Freaks, the lot of them,” Flint muttered under his breath.

“What was that? You got something to say troll face,” Scootaloo growled attempting to get in the other boys face but finding Madam Hooch blocking her path.

“Save it for the game Miss Prewett,” Madam Hooch ordered before turning her attention to Melody. “I’m glad to hear you are aware of the rules Miss Song. Remember, if I do catch either you or Miss Belle using your horns, there shall be consequences and penalties for your team.”

“I understand,” Melody replied.

“Good, now that that’s settled, let’s get this game underway,” Madam Hooch said before leading the two teams out onto the field. “Now, a reminder I want a nice clean game from all of you,” she said sternly, her eyes scrutinising both teams. “Mount your brooms, please.”

The Flying teacher opened the case of balls as thirteen brooms rose high into the air. Apple Bloom’s barely hovered off the ground.

Madam Hooch stared at the girl quizzically. “Miss Apple if you’d please join your teammates.”

“Nah, if it’s alright with you I’ll just wait here and let the Bludgers come to me,” the girl replied.

“Nothing in the rules against it, suit yourself,” Madam Hooch shrugged and returned to releasing the balls.

“Ahh, look at the little baby, need mummy to hold your hand? Scared of heights, are we?” Adrian Pucey mocked to yet another round of laughter from the Slytherins.

That was until a Bludger smashed the poor boy in the ribs and he flew off his broom. After flying through the air for what felt like an eternity, he finally landed with a sickening crunch on the ground below. He wouldn’t be out of St Mungo’s intensive care unit for a week. The Quaffle hadn’t even been thrown yet and the game officially started and Slytherin were already a player down.

Everyone was staring at Apple Bloom.

“Fucking bastard needed to be taught some respect. Anyone else got anything to say about my flying skills?” the girl snarled in a vicious tone.

The remaining Slytherins immediately all shook their heads as one in fear as Madam Pomfrey and a number of professors went to go check on the stricken boy. Even Flint decided against arguing with Madam Hooch over what had just happened.

“Right then, without further delay, lets play,” Madam Hooch stated throwing the Quaffle high into the air.

Melody expertly grabbed it for Hufflepuff and immediately threw it at Flint’s face less than five feet in front of her. It made a resounding cracking noise as it made contact with the boy’s face. As Flint reeled from the impact, she swooped in, grabbed the loose Quaffle while all the Slytherins gawped at what she’d had just done and shot off at blistering speed to put Hufflepuff into an early lead.

“My dose. That damn botch broke my dose,” Flint argued to Madam Hooch, blood streaming from his nose.

Madam Hooch sighed and shrugged her shoulders. “Although I do not condone such actions, it was technically not against the rules, thus there is nothing I can do about it I’m afraid. The goal stands.”

“WHAT!,” Flint raged as he tried to stem the bleeding, “but she broke by dose.”

“Yes, you just told me that and I told you there’s nothing I can do about it. You can either man up or go to Madam Pomfrey and leave your team two players short,” Madam Hooch sighed in an annoyed tone. This game was not going to end well.

Flint returned to his starting position silently seething. Barely a minute in his team were a man and a score down and he had a broken nose. The tone of the match was set. This meant war.

The game turned into a bloodbath with both teams focusing more on injuring their opponents than scoring. From hair pulling to sandwiching between broomsticks to using the Quaffle as a makeshift Bludger to the Slytherins constantly trying to knock the Hufflepuffs off their brooms, the whole spectacle would be referred to as the dirtiest quidditch match in Hogwarts history. Madam Hooch issued more penalties in the first ten minutes than the previous five games combined and although Hufflepuff initially had the player advantage, the more organised and prepared Slytherins soon found themselves with a 50-20 lead. Then came the mass brawl. Maddie avoided tackles from both Flint and Rowle and darted away towards the Slytherin rings only for Bole to come steaming in from nowhere and slam his club over the back of the poor girl’s head. As the unconscious girl fell from her broom lifeless to the ground thankfully to be caught by Apple Bloom chaos broke out up above as the players clashed.

“Shit, so sorry I was going after one of…” Bole started to lie before Hannah’s club smacked him over the head, the younger girl using it as a missile. “You little bitch,” he bellowed furiously.

He didn’t get a chance to retaliate though as Derrick flew behind the girl and unceremoniously yanked her off her broom before throwing her towards the ground below. Luckily Scootaloo witnessed the whole thing and managed to catch her terrified Beater on her broomstick before returning Hannah to her own.

While this was going on Melody had stormed up to Derrick and slapped the boy in the face. The two were now wrestling in the air. Both Sweetie and Bletchley had left their rings and removed their protective gear. They were now having a wrestling match of their own, the older boy clearly having the advantage but Sweetie was giving as good as she got biting, kicking and scratching the other keeper as he socked her with punches. She hadn’t won the Canterlot junior wrestling championship three years running by playing fair. Rowle and Flint were gleefully chasing after Abigail, who despite her superior broom, was being cornered by the two in a pincer like movement. In amongst it all Madam Hooch was trying to regain some semblance of control but was completely outnumbered.

In the end it took the introduction of Professors Sprout, McGonagall and Snape to pull the two teams apart from each other.

“You should all be ashamed of yourselves. Never have I seen such despicable behaviour in all my time refereeing quidditch. I’ve a good mind to disqualify both houses from the tournament with immediate effect,” Madam Hooch roared angrily.

“WHAT!” Professor Sprout screamed in outrage. “Slytherin started it. Do you really expect my girls too sit idly by while one of their teammates is illegally knocked off her broom in such a despicable manner?”

“What do you mean?” Snape retaliated. “As far as I’m concerned the boy was going for a Bludger and didn’t see the girl coming.”

“That’s bullshit and you know it,” Pomona retaliated in turn.

Snape continued as if he hadn’t been interrupted. “And anyway, you can hardly speak after your team sent one of my Chasers to St Mungo’s before the match had even officially started.”

“Which only happened after not only your team taunted my player, but suspiciously five of my regular first teamers ended up in the infirmary the morning of the game. Care to explain that or are you still going to deny Slytherin's involvement,” Pomona was nearly in the other professors face, her own face as red as a cherry.

Professor McGonagall had wisely moved her broom between the two arguing professors.

“Purely coincidental I can assure you,” Snape droned once more with barely a flicker off emotion

“Right,” Professor Sprout said glaring daggers at her colleague.

“ENOUGH,” Scootaloo exploded. “Can we please just get back to playing the game. I believe the first foul was in our favour, thus it is our penalty.”

“Oh no, if you barbarians want to continue, I’m having no part of it,” Madam Hooch immediately stated.

Both Pomona’s and Severus’ gazes fell upon Minerva.

“Why are you two looking at me like that for? Oh no. No, no, no.”

Minerva sighed and blew her whistle for what felt like the hundredth time already. Why’d she agree to this? The game had only restarted ten or so minutes ago and already she’d lost count of the number of fouls, which was probably higher than the actual score. It was currently 90-40 in Slytherins favour. And yet another argument had broken out, this time between Fairweather and Flint.

“You little toe rag think it’s okay to pull on a girl’s hair, do you?” Maddie exclaimed rubbing the base of her ponytail.

“Terribly sorry, lost my balance on my broom,” Flint replied in a mocking tone.

“Bullshit you lying,” Maddie never got a chance to finish.

“Enough, from the both of you,” McGonagall commanded. “Hufflepuff penalty. Get on with it.”

The professor prayed silently in her mind that one of the Seekers would soon put an end to this mockery of a quidditch game.

Maddie reluctantly obliged and cut the gap to forty points. Even with their player advantage though the Hufflepuffs were clearly struggling to cope with their superior opposition and Sweetie’s rings were constantly the busier. If it wasn’t for the Slytherins being a player light and committing numerous ridiculous fouls, they would probably have already been out of sight of their opposition. Still, as time went on and the Snitch continued to refuse to make an appearance the gap started to grow, especially as the Hufflepuffs began to tire leaving Sweetie almost single handed to guard the rings. The Slytherins also started to calm down somewhat and committed fewer fouls, leaving fewer opportunities for Hufflepuff to score in retaliation. After nearly an hour of play, the score had reached 240-100 in Slytherins favour and as Flint got away from Maddie and Melody again and beat the hopeless dive of Sweetie Belle, the gap stood at one hundred and fifty points.

Scootaloo was getting desperate. As she watched the latest goal for the opposition go in, she knew time was not in her or her team’s favour. The cup was slowly slipping from their grasp. Where was that blasted Snitch? That’s when her keen vision finally caught site of it hovering just off the ground. She dove. Crucially, the Slytherin seeker hadn’t seen it and only reacted after she had. The two Slytherin Beaters tried to block her path. A timely Bludger sent from Apple Bloom cleared her path once more. She barely heard Lee’s voice reverberating round the stadium.

“Prewett has seen the Snitch. I repeat, Prewett has seen the Snitch. But will she get there in time? Slytherin are quickly mounting another charge on the Hufflepuff rings to prevent the Snitch having any meaningful impact upon the game. It’s going to be a close one folks!”

Scootaloo pushed and pushed Broomy to his limits. She just had to catch that Snitch before Slytherin scored again. Slowly she edged ever closer to her prize.

“Oh my word folks. The Hufflepuff Chasers all congregated on Flint to stop him from getting a shot in, but he has somehow managed to get a pass past all of them and has sent Rowle through one on one with Sweetie Belle!” Jordan’s voice echoed above.

Scootaloo pushed Broomy beyond his limits, the Snitch was diving ridiculously close to the ground in its attempt to avoid being caught. Scootaloo refused to pull up and instead reached out for the snitch with her left arm.

“Rowle Shoots,” Jordan bellowed from somewhere in the stands.

Sweetie dived despairingly in an attempt to save the Quaffle.

Scootaloo nabbed the Snitch and crash landed into the turf getting a large mouthful of dirt for her troubles.

Professor McGonagall’s whistle blew just as the Quaffle passed through the hoop.

The game ended in utter confusion, the crowd going deathly silent waiting for McGonagall’s verdict.

In a daze Scootaloo raised her left arm from the trench she’d dug. Held tightly within was the struggling Snitch. Apple Bloom was frantically trying to reach her friend to see if she was all right.

“Game,” Professor McGonagall called. “Hufflepuff 250, Slytherin 250. Draw.”

The Hufflepuffs in the stands went absolutely ballistic.

“WHAT!” Flint cried in anger confronting McGonagall as they came into land along with the rest of his team. “The Quaffle was in before she caught the Snitch, the game and cup are rightfully Slytherins once again! This is outrageous, I won’t stand for this injustice.”

“Quiet Flint. The girl clearly caught the Snitch before the Quaffle passed through the hoop. It was an excellent and exceptionally risky take that deserves to win the cup,” Snape admitted walking onto the field with a number of other professors.

Flint grumbled mutinously under his breath but wisely chose not to argue with his head of house.

Meanwhile Professor Sprout had gone to check on Scootaloo who had been yanked out of the turf by Apple Bloom. Remarkably, bar from a mouthful of mud, some scrapes and bruises and the fact the whole world seemed to be spinning, she seemed to be all right. Sadly, Broomy had not been so lucky and was now little more than kindling. Scootaloo cradled the remains of her first broom and sniffled.

“He gave it his all,” she said in a low voice. “I know he wasn’t alive but it felt like it at times. It hurts you know, like I’ve just lost a pet.”

“We’ll certainly miss him. I understand what you must be going through, I had similar feelings when we lost Winona’s mother a few years back,” Apple Bloom said in an attempt to comfort her despondent friend.

“I’ll box him up and send him to Randolph. Maybe he can make me something from what’s left,” Scootaloo replied wiping the tears from her eyes.

“That’s the spirit; now, you’d better watch out. Oh, too late,” Apple Bloom giggled.

“Can’t breathe,” Scootaloo eked as Professor Sprout attempted to hug her to death.

“You wonderful, wonderful girl, I can’t believe you actually managed to pull it off,” Hufflepuff’s head of house squealed in delight refusing to let the poor girl go as she threw her around like a ragdoll.

“If you don’t release her soon, you’ll be looking for a new captain next year,” Snape deadpanned walking up to the other professor.

“Oh, sorry, I just got a bit carried away,” Pomona giggled like a school girl as she released and slowly lowered poor Scootaloo to the ground.

The girl wobbled unsteadily on her feet for a moment.

“Next time give me some warning before you do that or preferably don’t do it at all,” Scootaloo groaned as slowly the world once again came back into focus.

What she saw surprised her. She took the proffered hand of the Potions professor and shook it.

“Congratulations and well played,” Snape droned before walking off.

“Well that was a little unnerving,” Scootaloo said bluntly.

“He actually seems to be taking it rather well,” Professor Sprout chuckled. “I’m going to go plan the victory celebrations. I’ll be back shortly for the presentation of the cup. Try not to let the mob trample you to death in the meantime.”

“Okay professor, Wait, what?” Scootaloo replied before seeing the horde of Hufflepuffs racing onto the field. Her eyes slowly widened.

The first to reach her were her teammates who lifted her triumphantly and threw her high into the air. Slowly more joined and the cry got louder and louder.

“SCOOTALOO, SCOOTALOO, SCOOTALOO. HUFFLEPUFFS ARE NUMBER ONE. HUFFLEPUFFS ARE NUMBER ONE.”

The remainder of the day and night proved to be one of the best of Scootaloo’s life so far, although she wouldn’t remember a lot of it.

Scootaloo awoke the next morning sprawled across one of the couches in the common room. Her head was pounding fiercely and for some reason she was wearing the quidditch cup for a hat. She detected the unmistakeable taste of alcohol on her lips.

“Shit,” she mumbled groggily as her eyes slowly focused on the carnage laid out before her.

Thankfully, despite the whole place needing a massive clean-up and the fact students were sprawled everywhere, aside from a small self-sufficient magical fire in one of the corners and numerous black marks on the wall, it seemed that nothing overly crazy had occurred. Then her eyes focused on the creature eating the leftovers at the buffet table whilst Apple Bloom stroked it.

It looked like one of the four horses of the apocalypse she’d heard about from one of the few times the orphanage’s mistress had caught and forced her to go to church on Sunday. It was like the forbidden offspring of a reptile and a horse. Black and gaunt, with black leathery wings, it seemed quite content munching on a bowl of cheese puffs while Apple Bloom stroked it.

“Apple Bloom, what is that thing?” Scootaloo asked, every word making her head pound even more.

“No idea, I woke up with him sleeping on me. Didn’t half give me a fright, but he’s really friendly once you get to know him,” Apple Bloom replied in a way too chipper voice as she nuzzled the rather creepy looking reptilian horse thing.

As Scootaloo tried to comprehend the bizarre scene she was witnessing, another problem decided to rear its head, literally. What she initially thought was a blanket on top of her started to move and shuffle around.

“Could you two keep it down? Some of us are trying to sleep,” Hermione stated groggily while attempting desperately to cling on to whatever dream she was having.

“Hermione? What are you doing here?”

“You flew in through a window in the Gryffindor dorm and kidnapped me. Having the real thing is a lot better than a plushie, I can tell you. Now if you don’t mind, I’ve an awful headache,” she replied before settling back down to sleep on Scootaloo’s chest.

Double shit. McGonagall and Discord were going to kill her. The fact she’d almost certainly given her twelve-year-old girlfriend alcohol was unquestionably not going to help matters. What she’d like to know though is where the alcohol had come from?

“Yeah, keep it down over there,” a rather burley voice grunted from the couch across from hers.

“Hagrid? What are you doing here and why is a pink pony snuggled into your beard?” Scootaloo replied rubbing her temple. Her hangover was growing.

“Couldn’t miss the celebrations now, could I? Although I don’t remember a lot after spiking the punch. Oops, shouldn’t have told you that.”

“Not again,” a voice groaned from the floor. “Hagrid, how many times do we have to warn you that the children are too young to drink alcohol, especially your bootleg stuff. You nearly blinded that student last time." Professor Sprout’s head rose up, her usual witch’s hat replaced with a lampshade. “I’m likely going to have to sign off my entire house off sick today because of you!” she added testily.

“Pfft, you can never be to young to start drinking alcohol. I was ten when I had my first drink,” Hagrid argued, Pinkie pie still snoring gently into his beard.

“Agreed. According to Granny Smith hard apple cider was the best thing to knock me right out when I was teething as a baby. Also why I’ve built up such a resistance to the stuff,” Apple Bloom added still snuggling and talking funny nonsense to the bizarre horse creature that had now started on the left-over sandwiches.

“So that’s why you’re so chipper,” Scootaloo grumbled jealously.

“Yep,” Apple Bloom replied smugly.

“Anyone going to tell me how a Thestral got in here?” Professor Sprout groaned.

“Oh, so that’s what that things called. I was about to ask you the same thing,” Scootaloo replied.

“Can everyone just go back to sleep,” Hermione grumbled attempting to bury her head deep into Scootaloo’s chest.

“And why your girlfriend is here?” Professor Sprout said less than pleased.

“I got drunk, was likely flying under the influence after curfew, kidnapped her and she may have then had several glasses of the punch.

“Less talk, more sleep,” Hermione groaned.

Professor Sprout rubbed her forehead. “Brilliant, yet another sick note I’ll be needing to write out. Fuck it, let’s just all go back to sleep and work things out later in the morning.”

She finished scribbling a quick note before waving her wand and teleporting it to wherever it needed to go and then started to dim the lights down.

“Wait, where’s Sweetie?” Scootaloo suddenly realised.

Dumbledore read over the rather simplistic note that had just apparated into his hands:

Hagrid spiked the punch again. All Hufflepuffs and Miss Granger off sick and no Herbology either today,

Professor Sprout

Well, that explained the catatonic unicorn girl that was snoring her head off while uncouthly strewn across his desk and the other unicorn girl who was sleeping in his armchair. A number of empty bottles littered the floor along with numerous books.

No problem, I kind have had an inkling when I found Miss Belle sleeping atop my desk and Miss Song in my armchair,

Dumbledore.

Just as he finished sending the note a third student fell from the chandelier above and landed in his arms.

Initially Abigail’s eyes slowly and reluctantly started to open. That totally changed when she realised just who was holding her and they shot open faster than lightning. The Pegasus wings that now adorned her back did likewise as she rolled out of the headmaster’s hands and landed with a thump on the floor. Groggily she started to stand up.

“Ah, so that somewhat explains the reason these two came to my office,” Dumbledore stated completely unperturbed. “I don’t wish to alarm you my dear girl, but it seems you are the unfortunate sufferer of the use of magic whilst under the influence of alcohol. I’m sure we can sort something out to return you to your normal self in no time.”

Abigail wasn’t listening, instead staring intently at the grey feathery wings that now sprouted from her back. Her head was absolutely pounding; was this some kind of weird dream? Suddenly she felt last night’s dinner rise in the back of her throat and before she knew what she was doing she had vomited all over Dumbledore.

“Ah, alcohol and magical backlash. I should have expected that.” He made some more parchment appear out of nowhere and quickly scribbled another note before sending it to the other heads of house.

All lessons cancelled today. Students instead to spend their time revising for upcoming exams,

Dumbledore.

The headmaster cast scourgify on his robes before turning his attention back to Abigail who was looking absolutely horrified at what she’d done.

“Right, I think it is time we awaken your friends and have a little chat, don’t you?”

Author's Note

Merry Christmas everyone! I can't believe how far I've come in just 5 months. On the downside this is it for the next two weeks, no more writing till after Xmas bar from a few edits suggested by Rich-online of previous chapters. On the plus side, it gives you plenty of time to think of crazy shenanigans that might have occurred during the Hufflepuffs party. Also I'm on holiday till the new year so will have plenty of time to still give you something to read for the new year. I will not be adding any further OCs into the story for now, although maybe we'll get some apple family members for the AppleDash wedding, who knows.

Anyway, final table

House Pld W D L F A PD

Hufflepuff 3 2 1 0 650 300 350

Gryffindor 3 2 0 1 570 280 290

Slytherin 3 1 1 1 730 480 250

Ravenclaw 3 0 0 3 130 1020 -1020

The Girl Who Lived

Wednesday July 29th 1981– 1:33am, Fort William, Scotland

Marlene soldiered on dragging her right leg behind her whilst her left arm hung loosely by her side. Somehow her hand remained gripped tightly around her wand. Still, there was no escape. Her family were dead, Gideon was dead and even her beloved, Fabian, was gone. They’d tried biding her time to get away, but no one can escape the Dark Lord. If he wants you dead, you’re dead. Still, she had to try. For her sake. The bundle in her right arm continued crying. They were both in a lot of pain but somehow still alive. Not for long. She could hear them coming. The net was closing. She saw the wall at the end of the alleyway and knew it was game over. Sliding down against it she started singing to her sweet bundle of joy.

“Hush now little witch don’t you cry, Momma’s gonna magic you an apple pie. And if that apple pie shouldn’t dry your eyes, then momma’s gonna have to magic a shooting star in the skies. And if…”

“Oh, how tragic.” A voice interrupted her singing out of nowhere.

Despite the state she was in Marlene mustered the strength to raise her wand slightly.

“If you’ve come too finish the job, just do it already.” She drawled in her heavy Scottish accent.

“On the contrary, I’ve come to offer her a second chance. I’m sorry that I cannot save you as well, but your fate is already sealed. You need to be quick; they are mere seconds away. Simply hold her out and say that you trust me. I’ll take her somewhere safe until the time comes when it is safe for her to return.” The voice cooed.

Marlene heard the footsteps closing in. She had nothing to lose. Tears flowing down her face she quickly placed a key around her daughter’s neck before holding her out from her chest. “I trust you. Please, just save my beautiful baby girl!” She cried in desperation.

“I’ll take good care of her. I’m sorry that I can do no more for you.” The voice spoke with a hint of sorrow.

Marlene thought she heard a snap before a blinding white light engulfed her daughter. As the light dissipated, Scoti was gone. Instead her view was replaced with that of five wizards dressed all in black closing in on her, wands raised.

“Where is the child?” Lucius Malfoy demanded.

Marlene laughed. She had no idea where her daughter was or if she was truly safe, but one thing was certain, she was surely a lot safer than she was at this moment in time. “Go to fucking hell Malfoy” she screamed before raising her wand and pointing it at herself “Avada Kedavra”.

Marlene Mckinnon slumped to the ground.

In another realm, wrapped in a bundle of rags, an orange Pegasus filly with a tuft of purple mane lay upon the steps of Ponyville orphanage. Besides the rags all the filly had on her was a key hanging on a piece of chord around her neck and a short note:

My name is Scootaloo. I’ve traveled very far and am looking for a home. Please take good care of me. P.S. Remember to teach me that a draconequus represents chaos.

10 years later – Equestria, Canterlot Sculpture Gardens, 1 year after the fall of Nightmare Moon

“Now this is a really interesting statue. Now what do you notice about it?” Cheerilee asked her class.

“It’s got an eagle’s claw!” Apple Bloom exclaimed.

“And a lion’s paw!” Scootaloo swiftly added.

“And a snake tail!” Sweetie Bellle was not to be outdone.

“This creature is called a draconequus. He has the head of a pony and a body made up of all sorts of things. What do you think that represents?”

“Confusion” Apple Bloom cried before being rudely pushed aside by Sweetie Belle.

“Evil” she added before Scootaloo barged her out the way.

“Chaos” the last of the CMC added.

“It’s not chaos you Dodo.” Sweetie Belle criticised rudely.

“Don’t call me things I don’t know the meaning off and it is to chaos.” Scootaloo argued.

“Is not!” Sweetie Belle replied.

“You’re both wrong” Apple Bloom interjected literally jumping on top of her friends before the three fillies collapsed into a chaotic squabble.

Looking on disapprovingly Cheerilee finally decided to put an end to the fight. “Actually, in a way you are all right.”

The fight stopped as suddenly as it had begun, all three fillies’ attentions now firmly back on their teacher.

“This statue represents discord.” Cheerilee continued. “Which means a lack of harmony between ponies. In fact, you three have demonstrated discord so well that you are each going to write me an essay explaining it.”

The three fillies’ heads dropped in embarrassment and disappointment.

“Now let’s go and I don’t want any more fighting.” Cheerilee commanded leading the class away. Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle hung back though, continuing their debate in hushed whispers.

It was at this point, as Cheerilee and the rest of the class moved out of earshot that the three Cutie Mark Crusaders heard an enticing voice behind them.

“Dearie me, where do they get these teachers nowadays. Although what she said might be true, a draconequus’ main purpose above all others is to initiate and cause chaos.”

“Thank you. Knew I was right.” Scootaloo swung her head around along with her two best friends only to gape open mouthed at the sight before them. THE STATUE WAS ALIVE. IT WAS ALIVE!!! “Gah” was the only audible sound she could muster.

“Oh, but where are my manners. I am Discord, Lord, Master and God of Chaos.” A large flashing sign appeared above the draconequus’ head with his name on it before his eagle’s claw popped off his left arm and shook each of the dumbfounded fillies’ hooves one by one. “I’ve been waiting for this day for one thousand years and thanks to you fillies I’m finally free.

“Great going you two. If you’d just agreed with me in the first place, maybe we wouldn’t have released a super villain from a thousand-year prison.” Scootaloo grumbled.

“Hey, how were we to know this would happen.” Apple Bloom retorted sticking her tongue out at Scootaloo. This once again resulted in another fight as the orange Pegasus launched herself at her friend. Sweetie Belle seemed only too happy to join in as well.

For a few moments Discord just opted to watched the ongoing scuffle whilst delving into a bag of gravy covered sweet popcorn before looking at the five watches on his right leg and deciding he sadly just did not have enough time for this. Sighing, he snapped his talons placing Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle into magical bubbles before lifting Scootaloo up to his face. “Now, now girls. No matter how much I’m enjoying this chaotic feast you are providing time really is of the essence and if Scootaloo wishes to find out about her mother and father today, we must really crack on.” He cracked an egg over the struggling Pegasus’ head and chuckled as the gooey contents slid over her face.

In the meantime, Scootaloo’s face had turned crimson red, which had ultimately resulted in somehow cooking the aforementioned egg which Discord then teleported onto a plate before daintily eating with a knife and fork.

“Mmmm, delicious.” The draconequus noted.

Now seething with anger and impatience the little filly blurted “What do you know about my mother and father. Tell me.” Giving her best impersonation of a death glare which in actual fact just made her look totally adorable.

“Tsk, tsk, such a rude little filly. Does make me wonder why I ever bothered saving you all those years ago. Although, I suppose you did have the decency of releasing me from my stony prison so if you say please I’ll show you what happened.”

Scootaloo continued glowering for 30 seconds before finally lowering her head in defeat and muttering under her breath, “I’m sorry mister Discord sir, it’s just I don’t know a thing about them or where I come from. All I know is I’m a Pegasus who can’t even fly and besides Bloom and Sweetie I’ve absolutely no one. Please, just please tell me anything you know.” She raised her head as she finished tears streaming down her face. Though he’d never admit it in that moment for the first and only time in his entire existence Discord broke.

Sighing he began. “I’ll try to keep this simple for you child. There are multiple dimensions or worlds where different creatures reside and are the dominant species. Chaos exists in all of these and thus I am able to pass between these dimensions with ease. Even though I’ve been trapped here for the past thousand years I’ve still been able to send out, in simple terms, a ghost of myself to these other dimensions to collect and bring back chaos for me, slowly building my supply to break out of my stony prison. You my dear are not from this dimension. I’m guessing you’ve been taught about mythical beasts by your teacher.”

Scootaloo nodded enraptured by what this strange creature was telling her.

“Good. You heard of humans?”

Another nod.

“Even better. You are one of them.”

Scootaloo’s mouth would have dropped to the floor if it could have.

“Ten years ago, I encountered a human female running for her life with a baby in her arms. No matter what you or others may think of me, I find it despicable that anyone would harm but a mere infant or her mother. Sadly, considering my state and the fact I am bound by the laws of chaos I could only save you as the amount of chaos your future predicted was a once in a thousand years opportunity. On that night I adopted you as one of my children of chaos.”

Scootaloo was nearly speechless by this point but managed to stammer, “so my parents are…”

“Here.” The draconequus lowered the filly down to the ground before pulling out a memory orb from the void and passing it to the filly. “As one of my children, I will take care and provide for you as you do likewise for me by causing chaos and mayhem wherever your travels may take you. To start, boop this orb and you will see what happened that fateful night Miss Scoti Alaw Prewett. That’s your human name by the way.”

Despite her reservations Scootaloo was not about to turn down this opportunity she’d waited ten years for and thus pressed her nose against the cold glass orb. Her eyes glazed over for what felt like an eternity for Sweetie and Bloom as she just continued to stare blankly ahead of her. Blinking a few times, she finally returned to her senses before vomiting up the porridge she’d had for breakfast that morning.

“Ahh, should have warned you about that. Sometimes these orbs can cause magical backlash, especially for first time users.” Discord mused snapping his fingers to clear away Scootaloo’s breakfast.

Tears openly flowed once more down the Pegasus’ face but the look she gave the draconequus frightened even him. Oh, he had so done the right thing in saving this one Discord thought to himself as Scootaloo spoke, venom oozing off her every word.

“They will pay. They will all pay. Send me back and you will have your chaos father.” Her eyes bore fire within them.

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle looked nervously at one another as they were lowered to the ground and released from their bubble prisons. Slowly they approached the clearly wounded Pegasus.

“Scoots?” Sweetie Belle nervously pressed. “You okay? Me and Bloom are here for you if you need us? What did you see?”

And with that Scootaloo broke. Lowering her head, she muttered. “They slaughtered them all, my entire family. All because of me and some Celestia forsaken prophecy. I’ll make them pay for what they have done, mark my words I will.” And with that the grieving Pegasus pulled her friends in to a tight hug crying into their shoulders.

“There, there Scoots. Whoever did this we’ll find together, I promise. We’re a team and nothing will ever separate us.” Apple Bloom consoled before the touching moment was abruptly ended by a loud sneeze behind them.

“This is all rather touching, but I’ve kind of got other engagements I need to press on with. I also may have missed out the one key detail that humans are not inherently magical aside from a small cluster known as witches and wizards. I will grant your request to return Scoti as you are a witch and have reached the age at which you need to learn such skills. But you must remember that the world you are returning to is at a dangerous point in its timeline and thus you must be careful upon the actions you take. Knowledge is power young one and once said knowledge has been obtained only then will you be able to enact your revenge successfully. To do to soon could see you meet a similar end as your parents. Do you understand?” Discord explained.

Scootaloo or Scoti looked at the draconequus sombrely and nodded her head.

“Excellent. Now there are a few things I need to do quickly before you go, but the rest will be explained upon your arrival. You will be studying at the prestigious Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for the next seven years and before you ask, yes, I will be allowing your two friends to attend with you. Financially wise, the key around your neck will allow you access into a vault in Gringotts bank that your parents set up for you from which you will be able to pay for your education amongst other items. As I’m unsure how much is within this vault and if there is enough to pay for all three of you, I’ll provide you with this chest of gems I definitely did not pilfer from Sweetie’s sister’s boutique. These can be transferred to the local currency at the previously mentioned bank.” Discord snapped his fingers and a large chest fell atop Apple Bloom’s back. The Earth pony barely flinched despite the considerable weight.

Sweetie giggled. “My sister is going to throw a fit when she finds those missing.”

Discord smiled mischievously before responding. “Of course. What part of the Lord of Chaos did you fail to understand? Now moving swiftly on. When I transport you, you will be transfigured into these so-called humans and will need to learn to act like them. I.e. they wear clothes to cover their modesty and private areas, eat meat, including non-sentient cows, and write using hands which are similar to my eagle’s claw, among other things.”

“They eat cows!” Apple Bloom nearly screamed.

“Yes, but they have little more intelligence than the pigs or chickens on your farm. I already know when times have been tough you ponies eat them.” Discord explained. “Now I really must be off so the final few things I will say are that I will be allowing you each to hold onto your unique pony attribute, Earth pony strength, Unicorn horn and Pegasus wings, which reminds me. Now that I’m free I can correct a terrible wrong.” He snapped his talons and Scootaloo or Scoti dropped to the floor in agony as her wings shuddered by her side.

“What are you doing? You are killing her?” Apple Bloom wailed frantically.

“Don’t worry, the pain will be gone shortly. She was hit with a curse as a baby and the dark magic still resides in her wings. I’m simply exorcising the dark magic.” As if on cue a black smog rose from the writhing filly which Discord abruptly caught in a jar. “Oh no you don’t” he murmured before snapping his fingers and sending the jar to goodness knows where as the Pegasus’ wings slowly grew to a more natural size for one of her age. “There, good as new” he commented as Scootaloo wearily rose from the ground, “but there’s no time to try them now, I’ve already spent way too much time here even if I may have cast a time freeze spell upon my release. You can try them upon your arrival at Hogwarts. Call it another belated birthday present as I missed so many of them along with this.” He pulled a very ruffled blue and gold macaw with an eyepatch and peg leg from nowhere. “Only I will be able to bring you back to Equestria once you depart but your new pet Wally here will be able to deliver letters across the void of time and space.”

“Eyup, Wanker.” The bird muttered fluttering over and resting on Scootaloo’s head.

“Who’s a pretty bitch?” The bird trilled before starting to preen Scoot’s mane.

“I do apologise that he does have a bit of a language problem although on the positive side he does seem to like you. Now without further ado, goodbye and good luck, a professor Minerva McGonagall will be expecting you. If your sisters haven’t turned me to stone, I’ll retrieve you for the Hearth’s Warming holiday.” And with that he saluted the three fillies in full Equestrian navy uniform before snapping his fingers for the final time.

With how much information the Cutie Mark Crusaders had been overloaded with in such a short time they were to speechless to even possibly ask any questions, not that they got a chance to.

Thursday July 25th 1991 – Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Scottish Highlands

Being a teacher for nearly 35 years meant it was near impossible to surprise Minerva McGonagall. Up until five minutes previously she would have told you it was impossible. The letters that sat on her desk had proved her wrong.

Miss Scoti Alaw Prewett,
Minerva McGonagall’s Office,
Hogwarts Castle,
Scottish Highlands.

Miss Sweetie Bellle,
Minerva McGonagall’s Office,
Hogwarts Castle,
Scottish Highlands.

Miss Apple-Bloom Apple,
Minerva McGonagall’s Office,
Hogwarts Castle,
Scottish Highlands.

She had been staring at the letters for nearly five minutes wondering if this was Dumbledore’s idea of an elaborate prank when a portal in her ceiling opened up and three naked young girls descended onto the floor of her office. Not only that but one appeared to have a horn sticking out her head whilst another appeared to have a pair of orange wings sprouting out her back. It was already looking to be an interesting school year with the arrival of the boy who lived, before the arrival of these three bizarre looking girls who also sported bizarrely coloured hair. After a few moments of groaning in a heap on the floor the three girls slowly managed to unentangle themselves and stand up shakily on their two legs.

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH” two of them screamed simultaneously for 30 seconds whilst staring at each other before the third one, a slightly tanned girl who had a distinctive cerise mohawk, a key hanging around her neck and was that a one legged, one eyed parrot on her shoulder? Interjected.

“Girls. Discord already informed us of the changes we’d be undergoing, there’s no need to be overdramatic.” She chastised her friends? Before turning to Minerva. “Apologies about that. You must be Minerva McGonagall. I am Scoti Alaw Prewett, also known as Scootaloo. Daughter of the late Marlene McKinnon and Fabian Prewett. Last of the Prewett household and now under the guardianship and protection of Discord, Lord, Master and God of Chaos. I have returned alongside my two friends, Apple-Bloom Apple,” she pointed to the almost natural red-haired girl before pointing to the final pasty white girl with pink and purple hair “and Sweetie Belle to undertake schooling at your fine establishment whilst righting the wrongs that have befallen my ancestors. All shall rue the day they dare messed with the house of Prewett.” The girl finished flaring out the wings from her back as fire literally danced in her eyes.

Minerva McGonagall pulled the bottle of fire whiskey out from the bottom draw of her desk alongside a shot glass. It was going to be a long year.

On the outskirts of Ponyville Chaos chuckled.

Author's Note

So, what do you think? Feel free to leave positive or negative feedback in the comments!

Introductions and Explanations

“So just to be clear. An immortal God of Chaos saved you from certain death as a child and transported you to another dimension to keep you safe. In this dimension you’ve been living as a Pegasus for the past ten years until fate allowed him to escape his prison and return you to our world along with your two best friends, a parrot which can apparently deliver letters across said dimensions, and a huge chest of priceless gems that probably equates to more galleons than I’ll ever earn in my entire life.” Professor McGonagall finished nonchalantly.

“Yep. That sounds about. Ow, hey that hurt.” Scootaloo chastised as Madam Pomfrey pulled a feather from one of her wings.

“Apologies Miss Prewett, I just required a sample to complete your medical. Your wings are truly astonishing!” Madam Pomfrey explained. “All in all, the three of you seem to be in perfect health and my scans have revealed no underlying health issues. I will say Miss Prewett you are slightly underweight for your age and it appears the curses you referred to being inflicted upon you as an infant have had a permanent impact upon your hair and eye colour although no further damage seems to be present following Mr Discord’s intervention.”

“Well that’s a relief. I am so sorry I had to call you back from your holiday Poppy, this was a rather unexpected situation.” Minerva expressed her gratitude to her colleague and long-time friend.

“Pfft, don’t be. This has been much more interesting than Pompeii! How many times in my life would I get the chance to treat a sentient unicorn or a patient with actual wings?” She referred to Sweetie Belle who had transfigured herself back to her unicorn self as part of the medical and explanation process and was currently sitting on one of the infirmary’s beds still in said form. Need I even point out the eleven-year-old girl who was able to lift Hagrid one handed without breaking a sweat? This has been one of the most fascinating days I’ve ever had in my career and certainly one I’ll never forget.” Madam Pomfrey squealed like a child visiting Sugarplum’s Sweet Shop for the very first time as for the umpteenth time she hugged Sweetie Belle. “You are just the cutest thing I’ve ever seen!”

“Help, can’t breathe.” Sweetie Belle croaked, once again being crushed to death by the over enthusiastic school nurse. Slowly Professor McGonagall managed to get Madam Pomfrey to let go of the poor girl who swiftly transfigured herself back into her human form.

“Hmm, we may have to restrict you from transfiguring back into your natural form Miss Belle if it continues to cause such responses. I don’t know where I’d begin trying to explain to your family if you were hugged to death.” McGonagall stated, a slight smirk adorning her face.

“Believe me. I won’t.” Sweetie Belle confirmed as the doors to the infirmary slammed open.

“What now.” Minerva sighed.

“WHERE IS SHE! WHERE IS MY NIECE.” A booming voice reverberated around the room as the doors to the infirmary slammed open to reveal an exasperated Molly Weasley.

“I’m sorry Minerva, I tried doing what you told me, but she wasn’t having any of it.” A wheezing Professor Sprout with hands on her knees tried to explain although most of what she said ended up being inaudible.

“You floo me whilst I was in the middle of clearing the remnants of lunch away asking if me and my husband can house three girls during the remainder of the holidays due to exceptional circumstances and when asked why you have come to us state that one of the girl’s may have familial ties to myself through my youngest brother. How do you think I would react? Oh, I’ll just wait here till you feel like bringing her over. Ten long years I’ve often cried myself to sleep over my brothers’ deaths and then suddenly a slither of hope arises from the ashes. Of course I’m going to floo myself straight over. Now for the last time I’m going to ask.”

“That would be me” Scootaloo slid of the infirmary bed and walked towards her supposed aunt. “Is it true, do I still have one member of family left?”

Molly just stared at the girl with orange wings and peculiar coloured hair standing in front of her for a moment and then, most peculiarly, she started singing “Mae hen wlad fy nhadau yn annwyl i mi, Gwlad beirdd a chantorion, enwogion o fri; Ei gwrol ryfelwyr, gwladgarwyr tra mad, Dros ryddid collasant eu gwaed.”

And despite never hearing it before in her life Scootaloo continued where her aunt finished “Gwlad!, GWLAD!, pleidiol wyf i'm gwlad. Tra môr yn fur i'r bur hoff bau, O bydded i'r hen iaith barhau.”

Molly didn’t say another word as she enclosed the distance between the two and grasped her niece into the tightest hug possible. “Even with the peculiar eye colour I’d recognise my younger brother’s face anywhere. Welcome home.” Molly cried as the tears flowed down her face.

*
Applejack stepped back into the barn with a sigh. Placing her hat on a coat hook she walked into the kitchen and opened the fridge door pulling out a jug of light brown liquid. Sitting down at the table she poured herself a glass full and took a sip. What a day she thought to herself. At least that monster is back in his stony prison. As if on cue a loud knocking came from the front door.

“What now?” She mumbled to herself heading for the door.

Opening it she came face to face with a startled and upset looking Miss Cheerilee.

“Oh, Miss Applejack, I’m so sorry to disturb you so late but it’s the girls you see. They wandered off on the field trip and despite us looking everywhere we have yet to find them. We’ve the guard out looking and everything but obviously due to today’s events the search was late beginning. I’m so sorry. I literally turned my back for a moment and they were.”

“Wait” Applejack interrupted. “You were visiting the Canterlot Gardens and Palace am I correct?”

“Yes, what’s that got to do with anything?”

“All that’s happened today was caused by an immortal God of Chaos breaking free from a stone stat.”

“Please tell me it wasn’t a draconequus.” Cheerilee interrupted.

Perfectly timed, a parrot appeared out of nowhere and landed on Applejack’s head before vomiting up a scroll which landed between the two ponies.

“Okay, that was just nasty.” Applejack murmured picking up the scroll reluctantly with a hoof.

“Wally want a fucking cracker bitch.” Wally mouthed as the two ponies stared at each other with dread.

Slowly Applejack unfurled the scroll and read aloud what was contained.

Applejack, Rarity and Rainbow,
We hope this letter reaches you, this is the first time we’ve sent Wally so are unsure how long or if he’ll even make it to you. We’re sorry for abandoning Miss Cheerilee on our field trip today but were approached by a curious creature named Discord. Yes, I know you’ve told us countless times not to talk to strangers, but this was different because guess what! Scootaloo is apparently one of his children of chaos and from another dimension entirely full of the mythical beings known as humans, some of which are magical like us. As Scootaloo is now of a certain age it is time for her to return to her home world to study magic at a place called Hogwarts. Even better, Mr. Discord has allowed me and Sweetie Belle to join her to! Yippee, we are going to have so much fun and have already met many interesting people including Scootaloo’s aunt! I’m sorry we could not inform you before leaving but Mr. Discord said he would retrieve us for the Hearths Warming’s holiday as long as he hadn’t been turned back to stone, which I’m sure you won’t do considering how nice he seemed too be to us, especially Scootaloo. Anyway, if you need to contact us just hand Wally a letter before he attempts to fly back. Apologies, he does have a bit of a language problem. See you for Hearth’s Warming,
Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo/Scoti Alaw Prewett.

P.s. We hope Rarity won’t mind, Discord had to acquire some of her gems to help us pay for our schooling and necessary equipment.

Said bird was now happily munching on a cracker fetched by Big Mac, who had been awoken upon hearing the commotion downstairs, to stop the torrent of swear words the one eyed, one legged monstrosity had been coming out with.

Applejack’s right eye twitched and it wasn’t from the cracker crumbs that were persistently falling down her face.

“Child of chaos, why am I not surprised.” Cheerilee commented. “I’m just thankful they are safe.”

Applejack’s right eye continued to twitch.

“Err, sis, you alright?” Big Mac enquired.

“DISCORD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” She Screamed.

It was said that night that windows as far as Canterlot Castle were shattered by the voice of one Lady Applejack Apple.

In his stony prison in the Canterlot Royal Gardens, Discord laughed. Looks like Applejack just got some news, oh I wonder what that could be?

*
The early morning crow of a rooster awoke Scootaloo way to early from her slumber. After numerous explanations and plans had been made, including the girls sending Wally with a letter back to their guardians, they and Molly had arrived back at Molly’s homestead very late the previous evening to the greeting of a very worried and surprised Arthur Weasley. Thankfully Percy had taken charge and with the help of Ginny sorted dinner out for the family. Having already eaten at Hogwarts before they left the girls were shuffled upstairs to a bedroom and provided with a few old bed clothes. For once they were too tired to complain and were just grateful to get out of the dusty, musky oversized robes that the school had lent them.

“Eugh, another five minutes” she groaned stretching out her wings.

It took her less than five seconds to realise that she now had perfectly able wings and barely five seconds more to launch herself naked out of a window on the third floor of the burrow.

Apple Bloom and Molly stepped out of the kitchen to the most peculiar sight of a naked girl with wings flying like a maniac around and around the Burrow doing all manner of circus tricks, loop de loops, barrel rolls, dive bombs, twisters, you name it, the girl was doing it.

“MISS SCOTI ALAW PREWETT YOU GET DOWN HERE RIGHT THIS INSTANT. I WILL NOT STAND FOR YOU SULLYING THE FAMILY NAME WITH INDECENT EXPOSURE WHILST FLYING.” Molly bellowed at the top of her lungs causing the girl to stop mid flip.

Scootaloo didn’t come down. Instead she decided to rise higher and higher and higher so that she was barely a speck in the sky and then she dived. What came next was the most beautiful thing Molly had ever seen in her life as a circle of cherry red exploded from the young witch across the dawn sky. It also meant she wouldn’t be having to drag any of her family out of bed that morning. The girl did a few more loop de loops to try and slow her descent before crashing headfirst into Apple Bloom as the rest of the Weasley clan and Sweetie Belle emerged from The Burrow.

“Eugh” Sweetie groaned rubbing her eyes. “What’s with the light show?”

“Huh, what, who are you?” The youngest red headed boy asked in a daze. “And anyone else see the horn atop her head or am I still.” He looked up and saw the dispersing red cloud in the sky. “Yep, definitely dreaming, I’m going back to.”

“Oh no you’re not Ronald, we’ve a full day planned and unless you want no breakfast you’ll march straight into that kitchen and sit down at the table. And that goes for the rest of you to. Chop chop,” Molly commanded pushing everyone back inside before dragging her niece of Apple Bloom with the help of Sweetie Belle. “I’ve a good mind to confine you to your room for the rest of the week for such an irresponsible stunt” she growled.

Scootaloo’s head dropped. “I’m sorry, I just.”

“Stop, I know, I was there with you yesterday remember and can only imagine the pain you’ve suffered from being restricted for so long. Just no more flying with no clothes on. It’s improper for a lady. We’ll go to Madame Malkins first thing after Gringotts today to get you all fitted for a full wardrobe, okay? Now go inside and get dressed into the robes you were given yesterday.”

“Yes Aunt Molly.” Scootaloo muttered before heading inside.

“Now Apple Bloom, you okay? It didn’t seem that bad of a collision, but I’d rather be safe than sorry, especially as Minerva is leaving you in my charge.”

“Naw, I’m an Earth pony at heart me, tough as nails. Should have seen the look on Minerva’s face when I lifted Hagrid one handed of the floor yesterday!”

Molly simply stood and stared open mouthed at that remark for a moment. This was certainly going to be an interesting month. “Well that’s great. Now would you two please go and freshen up and get dressed before breakfast, Minerva will be along shortly to accompany us to Diagon Alley.”

“Okay Miss Weasley” Both girls chorused before walking back inside.

As soon as Molly re-entered The Burrow behind her charges every single eye of the Weasley house fell upon her.

“Well?” Percy enquired. “We’re waiting?”

*
Mealtimes at the Weasley estate during the school holidays were always an intriguing affair. The current additions only added to the chaos.

Out of politeness Sweetie Belle had transfigured for the youngest and only female Weasley child who had then refused to let her go from a bear hug until Mrs Weasley intervened. After this the little girl, Ginny, was enthralled in watching her use her horn to levitate all sorts of foods to her plate.

Scootaloo kept getting asked all sorts of questions by the twins, Fred and George, about what it was like to have wings and that she’d have to try and get on her House’s quidditch team once she arrived. This then sparked a whole conversation about what quidditch was, which to Molly’s dismay seemed to enthrall her niece. Molly was already 110% sure her niece had a death wish. Why’d she have to be a rebellious tomboy?

Apple Bloom barely said a word, to engulfed in challenging Ron to who could eat the most.

Upon seeing the carnage before him Arthur Weasley decided to drink his tea and eat his toast as quickly as possible before scarpering through the fire place to the Ministry, using the excuse that he needed to report the girl’s appearances to the ministry as technically Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle were foreign diplomats. He knew he’d chosen the right course of action when he saw the one-eyed, one-legged parrot that appeared out of nowhere just as he was leaving.

“Wally” cried Scootaloo. “Have you brought.” She didn’t finish as the parrot inexplicitly regurgitated a scroll upon the table.

“Eeeeeewwwwww!” Ginny Exclaimed as Scootaloo picked up the scroll passing the bird a banana in return for his work before reading it aloud.

Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle,
Although we’d all like to ground you for several years for your impulsive actions, we can understand why you undertook them and thus we have opted not to punish you any further. Part of our decision is also because we don’t wish to anger Discord any further after returning him to stone whilst the fact that accidents in Ponyville have dropped to a record low since your departure has Mayor Mare absolutely ecstatic, especially during her re-election year. In no shorter words she said, ‘I’ll give you half my re-election fund, just keep those three bundles of Chaos away from Ponyville!’ and personally I’m quite glad for the peace and quiet as the whole Discord affair has set me way back on orders. Seeing as you have probably enough funds from the gems Discord took from me, we have opted to split these bits between paying me back for the gems and making necessary improvements to Applejack’s farm. We expect a letter at least once a week from you and Twilight is absolutely dying to know if their magic has any differences to ours. Enjoy your new school and if we can safely release Discord without him turning the whole of Equestria into a lunatic’s paradise again we will hopefully be able to bring you back for Hearth’s Warming, but you may wish to make alternate arrangements just in case. Lots of love,

Rarity, Applejack and Rainbow

It was Apple Bloom who recovered quickest from the blunt message.

“Wow. That was cold. Even for Rarity.”

“But can you blame her. We did kind of release an all-powerful God of Chaos on Equestria and that was only yesterday. How many more times have we inconvenienced them with our Cutie Mark quests?” Sweetie Belle murmured.

“Your cooking alone caused a record thirty-four incidents in one week!” Scootaloo piped in.

“Don’t remind me. I’ve still got the restraining order preventing me from being within 25 hooves of a working oven throughout the entirety of Equestria.” Sweetie Belle admitted.

The twins had broken out into full blown laughter at this. “Oh my word” one of them managed to eke out in-between their fits of giggles. “Snape is going to love you.”

“Whose Snape?” Sweetie Belle didn’t want to ask but felt she had to know.

“The potions professor. Strictest teacher in the entire school.” Percy stated.

“Bastard, wanker” Wally decided to add causing almost all the kids at the table to fall into laughing fits as Molly looked sternly at the bird and Sweetie Belle held her head in her hands.

“I’m doomed” She murmured.

*
After breakfast had been polished off and the table cleared the girls sat at the kitchen table studying their acceptance letters and accompanying equipment lists.

“I can’t wait to get my wand” Apple Bloom chimed.

“I’m looking forward to learning some new spells” Sweetie Belle added.

“I’ll just be happy to get out of these robes, we look ridiculous.” Scootaloo groused.

“Don’t worry we’ll soon get you acquainted in something that fits you better.” Professor McGonagall spoke appearing out of the fireplace.

“Aaaah.” Apple Bloom cried. “Don’t you know it’s not nice to sneak up on ponies, I mean people.”

Minerva chuckled. “A good witch or wizard should always be aware of their surroundings Miss Apple. Now, are we ready? Where’s Molly?”

As if planned Molly and the children appeared at the bottom of the staircase.

“Ah, Minerva, perfect timing as always. Shall we get moving?”

“That sounds like a great idea, we’ve a lot to do this morning. Do you wish to take your lot and I’ll take the girls? We’ll meet up at Fortescue’s for a spot of Ice Cream say around 13:00, my treat?”

“That’s awfully kind of you, but you know we don’t like.” A hand shot out over her mouth before she could finish.

“Never say no…” One of the twin’s started

“To free ice cream.” Before the other finished.

Professor McGonagall chuckled. “That settles it. Now girls do you remember how I showed you last night?”

Sunday: Sweetie's Talk

Scootaloo waltzed out onto the training field the following morning a little past 6am, her body still aching slightly from the previous evening’s antics.

“What kept you?” A voice echoed mockingly from the darkness as Hermione appeared wearing a thick jumper to combat the icy cold Scottish Autumn morning air.

“Says the girl who a week ago wouldn’t have dreamed of flying outside of lessons. Here.” Scootaloo threw Hermione Broomy. The girl caught the Nimbus 2000 in surprise. “Try to keep up.” And with a sly smirk the half-Pegasus girl shot off into the sky not waiting for a response.

“Are we going to let her get away with that?” Hermione said to the broom placing it between her legs and gripping it tightly in her hands.

Broomy needed no second invitation and shot off after the half-Pegasus girl, Hermione closing her eyes and enjoying the thrill of the cool morning air rushing past her face.

Stepping out of the shadows, Apple Bloom watched the spectacle unfold above her as the two girls raced each other whilst doing all sorts of crazy tricks.

“Cocoa?” Hagrid asked politely walking up to her and pulling out a thermos.

“Please.” Apple Bloom replied.

For the next hour the two stood in silence, to engrossed in watching the marvellous show unfolding above them to even think about making small talk.

There were a lot of groans and whines from the first years at the Hufflepuff table at breakfast that morning. Susan had also returned after yet another trip to the infirmary the previous evening, to which the first years and Discord especially had faced an absolute scalding from Madam Pomfrey. After this, the remaining girls had wisely felt it best to retire to their dorm for the night.

“God, I ache all over.” Hannah grumbled to several nods of agreement from around the table as she doused her fried breakfast with a large spoonful of beans. “My heads still pounding from being used as a makeshift club.” She glowered at Apple Bloom.

An inaudible noise exited Apple Bloom’s mouth in response as her mouth was constantly filled with food.

“Huh?” Hannah quizzed.

“I think she said. You started it, so I finished it.” Scootaloo interpreted.

Apple Bloom nodded her head.

“Fair point.” Hannah replied before returning to her own breakfast.

The rest of the meal went by quietly, the girls to hungry to bother starting a conversation. It was as Sweetie was just finishing the last of her third sausage and bacon rolls that Professor Sprout and Headmaster Dumbledore approached.

“Miss Belle, I believe Professor Sprout has already informed you briefly of your punishment for the incident the other day. Even so, I would still like a chat with you myself if you wouldn’t mind accompanying me to my office.” Dumbledore asked politely.

Sweetie sighed rising from the table. “Yes sir.” She replied forcing herself to look Dumbledore in the eyes.

Dumbledore stared at the girl in shock for a moment. “Good heavens girl, what have you been up to. You look like you’ve fought a war!” He exclaimed.

“Sorry sir, bludger broke my nose other day while we were playing Quidditch. Black eye is from some extra-curricular Defence Against the Dark Arts training last night.” Sweetie chose her words carefully not wanting the headmaster to attempt to inhibit Discord’s teaching methods.

“I see.” Dumbledore mused stroking his beard for a moment. “Seems like you haven’t had much luck during your first week.”

“No, sir” Sweetie replied, “but I’ve had worse. All part of being a Cutie Mark Crusader!” She ended with a giggle.

Dumbledore smiled kindly. “I can imagine so from what little I’ve heard of your time before arriving here. Anyway, let us not dwell any longer. I’m sure you’ll want to get back to spending time with your friends and enjoying the remainder of your weekend as soon as possible.”

As the party of three started to walk towards the door, Sweetie swung her head back around and said “Hey girls, see you back in the common room in a bit,” before disappearing through the huge doors that encased the hall.

Sweetie sat in an armchair with Professor Sprout sitting in an almost exact replica next to her. The girl was looking around the circular room in absolute awe at its intricacies and the marvellous items it seemed to store, from paintings of former headteachers on the wall to shelves packed with enticing tomes and magical artifacts. All of these paled though to the phoenix which sat on a perch preening itself next to the desk she now resided at waiting for yet another lecture from a grown-up. Sitting across from her Dumbledore began the lecture.

“Miss Belle. I’ll start by saying you and your friends have caused quite a stir since arriving this year. You all seem to be extremely talented witches in your own ways, but also seem to have a knack for finding trouble wherever you go. In your first week alone the three of you have disrespected teachers, burnt down part of the school, added an immortal being of Chaos to our staff roster, have endangered fellow pupils and staff as well, created the potion equivalent of an Unforgiveable Curse, brought with you enough Exploding Potion to level half the school, had multiple trips to the infirmary, and from what I’ve been hearing had a mock battle yesterday evening on the training fields. Don’t think I didn’t notice all those bruises and welts on you and your friends this morning, along with the swelling on Miss Bones’ face.”

Sweetie attempted to shrink guiltily into the depths of her armchair.

“There are reasons why we take your magical education slowly here at Hogwarts, especially during your first year. The most notable of these is maturity and using magic wisely and in the proper manner. We all understand kids will be kids and that is why we turn a blind eye to a lot of the mischief the students get up to, especially as the majority of indiscretions come from the lower years who usually aren’t able to cause much more than a harmless prank or two due to their limited magical knowledge and ability. You and your friends have certainly provided an exception to this this year.” Dumbledore continued.

Sweetie blushed a little unsure whether to take that as a compliment or criticism.

“Although we are extremely pleased with your early development and the fact that you and your friends seem to be way above the expected magical level of a normal first year student, all three of you are still only children who lack the maturity and control to be able to handle such power, as has been demonstrated over the course of this week. I am hoping that this incident in the potion lab has taught you a valuable lesson that with great power comes great responsibility.”

“Yes sir” Sweetie Belle replied automatically.

Dumbledore sighed feeling the girl was barely paying attention to the seriousness of his talk. “What would you do if you accidentally killed Apple Bloom or Scootaloo because a spell went wrong?”

Pomona coughed spitting the tea she was drinking back into its cup. “Albus, that’s seems a little.”

“No” Dumbledore growled gravely. “She needs to learn. So, Miss Belle, what would you do in such a situation.”

“I, I, I don’t know.” The girl stammered in complete shock, the mere thought of such a thing causing tears to well up in her eyes. “They mean everything to me. Honestly, I’d probably kill myself.” Sweetie looked at the floor as she said the last part in barely more than a whisper.

Pomona’s eyes went wide, her mouth hanging open unsure of what to say.

“That’s what I thought. I hope now you realise the seriousness of the situation you caused on Friday. If the end result had been even slightly worse you could very well be sitting in Azkaban right now and simply saying sorry wouldn’t have saved you then.” Dumbledore said sombrely.

Sweetie sniffled, tears streaming down her face. Pomona did not look pleased, but allowed Dumbledore to continue, for now.

“Even despite this you are very, very lucky not to face expulsion and if the Ministry had their way then you would be. It is only due to your teachers and my support of your character that you are receiving such a lenient sentence. Even so, I’ve a duty and obligation to uphold Miss Belle in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all who reside at Hogwarts. That is partly why you are being removed from the Potions tract and banned from making any further potions on the school grounds unless you wish to be expelled. But that is not the only reason.”

Dumbledore reached across his desk and lifted the openly sobbing girls face up so he could stare into her tear stained eyes. His voice softened as he pulled a handkerchief out of his robes and started to clean the girls face.

“You are an extremely gifted and hardworking student and one we cannot afford to lose. You are on the edge of a cliff right now though and even the smallest mistake could see to your expulsion and a one-way trip back to Equestria, which would be an absolute travesty. Furthermore, I’ve no doubt, even despite your protests, that Miss Bloom and Prewett would return with you, losing us two just as equally gifted students. I’d rather you lost the ability to study one subject than lose you and your friends altogether. Besides, it’ll give us some more time together to focus on your Transfiguration magic” He finished with a smile, releasing the girls head as the tears slowly dried up.

She stared at him quizzically for a moment before he explained.

“Your skill and aptitude at Transfiguration are extraordinary and I’m not going to lie I could probably give you the first-year exam now and you’d pass the test with 100%.”

Sweetie blushed from the praise.

“Thus, due to the new gap in your schedule and to try and keep you out of further trouble, every other Tuesday from now on, starting next week, I’ll meet you outside the gargoyle downstairs and bring you up to my office where we shall go over some more advanced aspects of Transfiguration, Switching Spells, Vanishments and so forth. I hope this will not be a problem.” Dumbledore continued softly.

“No sir.” Sweetie said seriously. “And thank you, for everything. I’ll make you proud you gave me this chance, I promise.”

“I’m sure you will and I look forward to teaching you this year. I’m sure with your attitude and inquisitive nature to learning you can regain the forty points you have lost your house in no time. Now, you are free to go and enjoy the remainder of your weekend. Hop along, I’m sure they are waiting for you.”

Sweetie rose before curtsying and turning to leave.

“Give me one good reason I shouldn’t slap you right now.” Pomona spat angrily as soon as her student was gone.

Dumbledore barely showed any emotion in his response. “Sometimes you have to use a bit of tough love to get the message across I’m afraid Pomona. Neither of us want to lose the girls, but I could see a simple slap on the wrist was not going to be enough here to make her understand the seriousness of the situation she caused. The method I took, although drastic, will hopefully ensure no further accidents occur that could lead to her or her friends leaving Hogwarts.”

Pomona grumbled unhappily but kept her mouth shut, seeing the point Albus had made. Instead she rose from her chair and followed her student to the door only turning to grumble a quick goodbye before heading off to the greenhouses.

After she’d gone Dumbledore took another handkerchief from his robes and wiped the sweat of his brow. That had certainly been more stressful than he’d anticipated.

Scootaloo and Apple Bloom immediately saw the anxious and worried look upon Sweetie’s face as she entered the common room and were on her in a flash.

“Hey, was it really that bad?” Scootaloo enquired not even attempting to hide the worry that was evident in her voice.

“Just a stark reality check was all. Nothing for you two to worry about.” Sweetie forced a smile.

“Oh no, you’re not” Scootaloo stopped as Apple Bloom nudged her in the side shaking her head.

“If she wants to tell us, she will. Now, how about we look over our Transfiguration notes from last week.” Apple Bloom said with a cheery smile.

“Thanks, that sounds great” Sweetie replied as Scootaloo pouted.

The girls along with the rest of their dormmates spent the majority of the remainder of Sunday in the common room idly chatting to each other while going over their first week of lessons and writing to family back home. For once, the girls were quite happy to have such a lazy and uneventful day. It was bedtime when Sweetie suddenly brought the mood crashing down.

“I was lucky you know.” She said to Apple Bloom.

“What?” The Earth Pony gave her a questioning look.

“That that potion didn’t kill anyone. If it had I certainly wouldn’t be here right now. Even more so, what if it had been either you or Scootaloo. I don’t think I could have ever forgiven myself. When Dumbledore asked me what I would do if I ever killed you or Scoots accidentally with a spell, I said I’d kill myself.” Sweetie rambled her voice distant.

The other jovial conversations around the room died.

“He actually asked you that?” Meghan interrupted wide eyed. “No wonder you looked so ashen faced when you returned. That’s cold.”

“But he was right, that potion could easily have killed any one of you and if it had I’d either be dead or in Azkaban right now.” Sweetie continued.

Deathly silence hung in the dorm room.

“I’m literally on the edge of a cliff right now. I’ve only avoided expulsion by the skin of my teeth and any minor indiscretion in the near future will see me sent back to Equestria. That’s part of the reason why he’s taken me out of Potions, my own safety. But I think we do need to at least try and keep our heads out of trouble for a little while.” Sweetie finished slumping down on the end of her bed looking sorrowfully at the floor beneath her.

Shortly she felt a pair of arms wrap around her. Surprisingly it was Susan’s voice she heard. “We know you’d never intentionally harm any of us. Accidents happen and yes, some can be more dangerous than others, but we learn and take the positives from them. I think we’ve all learnt never to let you near a cauldron ever again, unless for some bizarre reason we want to end up in St Mungo’s!” She let out a small chuckle before continuing. “And rather than focus on what could have happened, we should look at the fact no serious damage was done this time and we’re all here and fine. Now, let’s forget about such thoughts or I’ll have to keep doing this until that frown turns upside down.” She released the gloomy girl and reaching out grabbed Sweetie’s own pillow and started battering her over the head with it.

Sweetie laughed. “No, stop, please.”

“PILLOW FIGHT” Scootaloo cried grabbing her own pillow and launching herself at Susan.

Chaos descended upon the first-year girls’ dormitory as the girls each grabbed their own pillows and started battering each other round the head with them whilst squealing with delight and glee.

“What in Dumbledore’s beard is going on in here?” Maddie Fairweather exclaimed opening the door.

The girl’s all looked at her for a moment sheepishly before Scootaloo hurled her pillow at the prefect hitting her in the face. The other five first year girls stared at her as if she’d lost her mind.

Maddie smiled wickedly. “Oh, it is on! Sonorous.” She said pointing her wand at herself before bellowing through the halls “PILLOW FIGHT!!!!”

And that was how the Great Hufflepuff Pillow Fight of 1991 began.

Applejack smiled. The Pegasus across from her shuffled uncomfortably, looking worried. Then that blasted bird flew in again. Applejack’s face dropped and her heart sank. Please, no. The bird vomited up the dreaded letter in front of Rainbow who read it aloud eagerly.

Dear Applejack, Rarity and company,

Wow the second half of the week proved to be just as chaotic as the first half. On Thursday we had our first lesson with Discord and then followed it up by learning some more spells. Sweetie then proceeded to break her nose in a game of Quidditch at the end of the day although worse was still to come. On Friday Sweetie accidentally sent the whole class bar myself, Scoots and a boy named Neville to the infirmary after brewing a Potion incorrectly. It was so bad that they’ve dubbed it ‘The Unforgiveable Potion’. Thankfully everyone has now recovered although Sweetie has become the first student at Hogwarts to be expelled from just one subject. Anyway, later on Friday I attempted to throw Scoots in the lake to make a prediction of hers come true but failed. On Saturday I may have also leaked that I’ve been secretly hiding twelve vials of extremely volatile Exploding Potion under my bed. Don’t worry about these now though, they have been safely moved and stored in the Potions Lab in the Dungeons. In the evening after our Dormmates were released from the infirmary we had a mock battle in practicing some pranking spells that Discord provided us a book on each. It was all in good fun although did result in a few bumps and bruises, Sweetie adding a black eye to her broken nose. Scootaloo also has a new friend in the form of a Gryffindor first year girl called Hermione and they both seem to share the thrill of flying like lunatics as I observed this morning, Scootaloo with her wings, Hermione on Scoot’s broom. Thankfully today proved a little less chaotic than the previous few, with us just catching up on homework mainly and Sweetie getting a stern lecture from the Headmaster over the potion accident. Sorry this is so condensed, quite a lot has happened in half a week!

All the best,

Apple Bloom

P.S. Congratulations on the engagement. Can’t wait for the wedding!

“You’ve got to be kidding me. You’re making that all up.” Applejack growled as Rainbow fell on the floor unable to control the fits of laughter that she was trying desperately to hold in.

The letter fell onto the floor in front of her and Applejack got up and went over to read it for herself.

“You’re fucked, you’re fucked.” Wally cawed causing Rainbow Dash’s laughter to increase in volume further.

Applejack glowered at the bird before reading the letter.

“Sweet Celestia.” She muttered to herself shaking her head. “Can’t those girls even go half a week without causing chaos. I’ll go get the bits, forty wasn’t it.”

“Oh no.” Rainbow managed to force out. “You agreed that I could choose the punishment this time if the girls couldn’t go the remainder of the week without causing another major incident and they’ve caused several. Your own sister seems to be a pyromaniac or whatever the explosives equivalent to that is.” On that last point she fell back to the floor laughing her head of once more.

“Yeah, but, oh no, you don’t mean.” Applejack’s face paled

Rainbow stopped laughing once more and nodded, a massive grin appearing on her face. “The Macintosh 3000.”

Applejack facehooved “Why’d I ever agree to marry you?”

“Because you love me.” Rainbow replied.

As Applejack rose her head in acceptance to her inevitable fate, she found the rainbow maned mare standing muzzle to muzzle with her. Before she even knew what hit her their muzzles were locked together in a deeply passionate kiss.

“Get a fucking room” Wally cawed.

Author's Note

And so ends week one finally. I hope you didn't find the tone to serious in this one. It is all for Sweetie's benefit in the long run. If you want to see what's coming up, check out my latest blog post. Next up: Quidditch!

Remember, Remember, the 4th November

Scootaloo was racing along on her broomstick, the golden snitch nearly within her grasp. She reached out to pluck it out the air only to find it suddenly transform before her eyes into that grotesque and hideous face once more. Her broomstick jerked to a halt and she found herself toppling off and falling, falling into never ending blackness until…

Scootaloo jerked awake in her bed, heart thumping wildly, sweat dripping off her brow once more. Thankfully, this time she’d managed not to scream and wake up the rest of the dorm as she’d done yesterday morning. A slight improvement she thought to herself but still the sleeping tablets that Madam Pomfrey had provided her with upon her release from the makeshift infirmary on Saturday evening were not particularly helping. Although she’d not had an episode as severe as the one Thursday morning, the same nightmare was now plaguing her every time she slept and it was driving her insane trying to figure out just what it meant.

Sighing, Scootaloo looked over at the clock on her nightstand, 5am, might as well get up and start Quidditch practice early. She lugged her weary limbs out of her nice warm bed with a yawn. Now that November had hit the Scottish weather had become bitterly cold. The lake had started to ice over and they had even had their first flurry of snow the previous morning. More importantly though Quidditch season had begun and the first game between Gryffindor and Slytherin was this Saturday followed by Hufflepuff vs. Ravenclaw two weeks later. Her team still had a lot of work to do before they’d be ready. After pulling on her Quidditch robes, she pulled out the box of Quidditch balls that she’d purchased alongside the brooms for her team and gave a sharp whistle to Broomy as she headed out the door calling softly over her shoulder.

“I’ll see you two on the field in thirty, unless you want to be doing ten laps of the training fields on your brooms”

Sweetie groaned sleepily in response.

Susan rolled over and immediately fell out of bed, waking her up immediately with a thump.

“Shit” was all the girl grumbled.

Scootaloo tried to suppress a laugh as she left them to get ready.

The ice-cold wind howled menacingly as Scootaloo stepped onto the training fields, the clouds above threatening to burst and sprinkle the ground with even more snow.

Scootaloo grinned. Just the conditions she needed for her team. She opened the box of balls, the Bludgers fighting relentlessly against their restraints, pleading to be released. For now, they’d have to wait just a little bit more. She picked up the Snitch, threw it into the air and zoomed off after it.

The Hufflepuff Quidditch team watched in awe as their captain made the elements quake in her wake up above. It was simply breath-taking to watch as neither the wind or snow, which had just started to fall, seemed to bother her. The other teams wouldn’t know what hit them this year. Finally, Scootaloo came into land.

“What are you lot standing around here for? We’ve three weeks and I will not stand for any stupidity, laziness or lacklustre performances from anyone. I want to see you on those broomsticks and ready to begin in two. Do I make myself clear?” Scootaloo barked.

“Yes Mam.” Her team roared as one hopping onto their own broomsticks.

“Excellent.” Scootaloo went over and prepared to release the remaining balls.

“Oy, what are you Hufflepuffs doing out here?” An indignant voice called just as she was about to release the Bludgers.

She looked up to see Oliver Wood, Gryffindor’s Quidditch captain, staring unhappily at her.

“Training, like we’ve done every Monday morning since the third week of term. If you’ve got a problem with that go speak to someone who cares.” Scootaloo replied cheekily.

Wood looked at the girl grumpily. “Well we’ve got a game this weekend and need the extra practice and Minerva said we could use the training fields this morning. Also, I doubt you need the practice anyway, you’ll just be awful and an easy win as always. So why don’t you move along pipsqueak, take your bunch of pre-schoolers with you and let the professionals train.” This caused several guffaws from the Gryffindors

Scootaloo took a couple of deep breaths before taking a piece of parchment out of her robes.

“Well I’m sorry to say dear that Hufflepuffs have exclusive rights to the training fields this year every Monday morning 6-7:30am. Maybe if you actually cared about the quality of your team, you’d have been practicing extra from the start of the year also. Can’t be a very good Quidditch captain if you’ve only realised one week before your first game of the season that you’re not ready and require more practice sessions.” Scootaloo said scathingly, thrusting the parchment into the now red with anger Gryffindor captain’s face.

“You little ignorant bitch.” Wood raged reading the parchment in amazement.

“That’s enough Wood. I will not have you insult my Quidditch captain. That’ll be twenty points from Gryffindor for your insults. Now, unless you want to lose any more points, I suggest taking your team back to the castle and returning later in the week. We only have exclusive rights to Monday mornings; you’ve still got the other four mornings to practice before your game Saturday.” Professor Sprout said appearing from the gloom looking less than pleased with the older Gryffindor captain’s behaviour.

“That’s ridiculous, I’ll be talking to Professor McGonagall about this.” Wood fumed shoving the parchment into Scootaloo’s chest. “Like you bunch of clowns need to do any training at all. We all know you are going to be mauled in every game like last year once again.”

“That’ll be a further five.” Professor Sprout said unfazed. “Like to continue? After one of my first years received one hundred points from Headmaster Dumbledore for bravely saving Madam Pomfrey and one of her friends from that troll at Halloween, it’s not like we need much help right now in the House Cup, but please, feel free to do so.” She finished mockingly.

Wood looked like he was ready to burst with anger, but he just gave one mighty huff, turned around and stormed back to the castle, his team following in his wake.

Scootaloo heaved a sigh of relief. “Thanks Professor. You turned up at just the right moment. I really felt that might get ugly there. Took my entire restraint just to not slap that smug bastard round the face.”

“I could see. I’m glad to see you are gaining greater control over your emotions although I’d have happily turned a blind eye if you had.” Professor Sprout gave her student a sly smirk, to which Scootaloo gave a small giggle in reply. “Anyhow, I see you’re still not sleeping well.”

“That obvious?” Scootaloo groaned.

Professor Sprout nodded. “The bags under your eyes are a clear giveaway. Same nightmare?”

“Same nightmare.” Scootaloo confirmed.

“You need to talk about it or it gets any worse, you know where to find me. Now, shall we continue with what I came here to see. I’ve been dying to see the progress you’ve been making.”

“Thanks professor. Of course, let me just release these Bludgers.”

The grin on Professor Sprout’s face as Scootaloo led her team in from training was all she needed to see.

“You like?”

Professor Sprout wrapped the girl in a tight hug.

“You’ve given this old witch renewed hope once more. Thank you.”

“No problem, now could you please stop hugging me to death. I’ve got to give everyone the lowdown before we head off to shower and have breakfast.” Scootaloo gasped causing her head of house to slowly release her. “Thanks. Now, good shift everyone, if Professor Sprout is happy, I’m happy, just don’t get cocky. All the other teams are still going to out muscle us and will use this too their advantage, along with their greater experience. No matter how much we’ve improved, we’re still very much the underdogs and I need you to give 110% in every training session between now and our first game. You’ve had it easy the past week with a training session off for the Halloween feast and fifteen minutes today due to me needing to be somewhere, but I promise you now, from here on in it only gets harder. I want to show those bookworms in three weeks that we’re are no longer just a bunch of clowns riding broomsticks. Who’s with me.”

“WE ARE! HUFFLEPUFFS FOREVER! HUFFLEPUFFS FOREVER!” The rest of the team roared.

Scootaloo smiled looking at Professor Sprout who gave her a similar smile in response. The other houses wouldn’t know what hit them.

Apple Bloom was surprised to see both Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle accompanying her to breakfast. Usually she met them in the hall for breakfast on Mondays, but for some unknown reason Scootaloo had ended practice slightly early so they could accompany her to breakfast this morning.

“I told you. Don’t look at me, I’ve no idea what she’s got planned.” Sweetie admitted as Apple Bloom gave her a suspicious glare for the umpteenth time as they neared the Great Hall.

“And I told you it was nothing. Just that I didn’t want you struggling with that arm still in a sling.” Scootaloo blatantly lied.

“That’s bull crap and you know it.” Apple Bloom said unimpressed. “My sister is the element of honesty, so of course I know when you are lying.”

“Bull crap, bull crap. Scootaloo’s spouting bull crap.” Wally cawed from overhead.

Scootaloo glowered at the pesky pirate parrot.

“See, even he can see through your obvious sham. So, spit it out. What have you got planned? You know I don’t like surprises.”

Scootaloo just smiled deviously in reply as they pushed open the doors to the Great Hall.

Apple Bloom was looking everywhere as they sat down, expecting something to jump out at her, but nothing did. Slowly and cautiously she sat down and went to take something from the spread on offer. That’s when she noticed. There was an awful lot of apple items on offer today, apple cereal, apple juice, apple pie, apple cobbler, apple strudel, apple crumble and so on and so forth. Weird, especially as she’d class many of them as not really being breakfast-based foods, she thought to herself as she poured herself a glass of apple juice wondering what to tuck into first. Then, a plate of apple fritters landed in front of her.

“Oh no you don’t, we all know what an Apple gets for their breakfast on their birthday. And just what mess have you been getting yourself into this time?” A voice she recognised only too well chuckled from behind her.

Her eyes shot open in astonishment. Scootaloo had the widest grin imaginable on her face across from her.

“I asked Discord when your birthday would be in this world while I was recovering as I wanted to plan something big to say thanks for the whole troll situation. As soon as he told me it was so soon, I asked him for a couple of favours.”

Tears of joy were welling in Apple Bloom’s eyes as she slowly turned her head around to see a young tanned blonde-haired woman with emerald green eyes grinning behind her.

“Howdy sis. It certainly has been too long.”

Apple Bloom didn’t say a word, simply hugging Applejack with her one good arm as tears of joy flooded down her face.

“I missed you to Sugarcube.” Applejack said as she reciprocated the hug.

“You’re truly amazing.” Sweetie said from next to Scootaloo.

“Thanks, it’s the least I could do. Although she’s hidden it well, I’ve noticed for weeks how homesick she’s been and how much she’s missed her family. Oy Bloom, if you could stop hugging the life out of your sister for a moment, I’ve got the rest of your birthday present here. Discord, if you’d please.”

Apple Bloom turned, wiping her eyes with a handkerchief Applejack had provided her with, just as Discord materialised next to Scootaloo and placed a carefully wrapped gift in front of Apple Bloom.

“Applejack has to head back before first period. I know it is brief, but I’m sure that will be at least enough time for you to catch up with each other. I’ll be back when it is time for goodbyes. Enjoy your gift and thank you for protecting my charge in her time of need.” Discord finished with a wry smile before snapping his fingers and disappearing once more.

Apple Bloom looked at the box still overwhelmed with everything that had happened over the past few minutes. Finally, she flipped the lid and stared inside at a beautiful brand-new cauldron and a whole array of potion supplies.

“It’s Tungsten, extremely rare and cost a fortune, but only the best for one of my best friends. Hope you…” Scootaloo never finished as the squeal of joy Apple Bloom omitted pierced her ear drums. “I’ll take that as a yes.” She winced rubbing her ears.

Meanwhile, at the teachers table at the front of the room, a heated discussion had just begun.

“Hello Pomona, I’m glad you’ve graced us with your presence this morning. I’ve just had an interesting chat with my Quidditch captain. Apparently, you refused him and his team access to the training fields this morning and docked him twenty-five points for bullying, something which he strongly denies and claims was simply a slip of the tongue and a bit of, how do the children call it nowadays, banter? He does though wish to offer his sincerest apologies and hope you will reconsider the points deduction. I’d also like to see this parchment you showed him. I have heard nothing of this exclusive extra training period for the Hufflepuff Quidditch team on Monday mornings.” Minerva said smoothly but with a clear hint of annoyance.

“He called my captain a pipsqueak and a bitch and referred to her team as a bunch of pre-schoolers and clowns before nearly shoving her over. Yeah, sorry, but unless he’d prefer a slap in the face, then no. My punishment stands, hopefully that will teach him a bit of humility in future. And before you ask, she didn’t provoke him. In actual fact, she was pretty civil during the whole affair. If you think I’m being biased, you can ask Lady Applejack, the Element of Honesty, to vouch for what I say. She is rather coincidentally currently visiting her sister for her birthday.” Professor Sprout said with mock civility highlighting the current situation going on at the Hufflepuff table in front of them. “Oh, and why should you when it has nothing to do with you. It was a simple request made by myself and my captain to Professor Dumbledore who didn’t see any issue with it as at that time most the students are either still asleep or just waking up. Here’s a copy of the parchment by the way, you should see everything is in order.”

Minerva McGonagall did not look pleased as she read over the parchment. “I see,” she muttered under her breath. “Well, everything seems to be in order. I do wish you’d reconsider the points deduction but can see that your mind is made up and I trust your judgement on the matter. I’ll talk to Wood and ensure that the Gryffindor team doesn’t disturb your House’s training sessions in future.” She forced out, admitting defeat on this occasion.

“Thank you, that would be very much appreciated. If you really would like the points back, I might be interested in a little wager?” Pomona said with a coy smile.

Minerva looked at her fellow professor with a wary but curious expression. “And what might that be?”

“When our two houses meet at the end of winter, if Gryffindor wins, I’ll return the points and be your Transfiguration guinea pig for an evening. If Hufflepuff wins, you assist me for two hours in the greenhouse every evening for a week, sound fair?”

Minerva laughed mockingly. “Have you gone mad?” Your team has got no chance.” Minerva said quickly shaking the Herbology professor’s hand before she could retract the offer.

“Let’s just say, I like my odds.” And with that Pomona Sprout rose from the table, grabbed a last slice of toast with marmalade on and departed to collect her students for their somewhat different Herbology lesson today.

Meanwhile, across the hall, Snape was informing Applejack about her little sister’s progress in Potions while inspecting and scrutinising the exquisite new cauldron his protegee had been gifted. “Although a little petulant and stubborn at times, your sister is a diligent and hard-working student who is performing way above the expected level in Potions for a first year. I’ve fifth year students who couldn’t brew some of the potions she has and with the addition of this new cauldron I believe we can take her education even further. You should be truly proud of her.”

Apple Bloom blushed halfway through an apple fritter.

“Sounds like my sister and I’m glad to hear that. I just hope she’s as committed in her other subjects” Applejack replied. “We Apples believe that with hard-work and dedication anything is achievable. Now, I do believe my time is nearly up and I’ve got to get back and give my brother a hand back on the farm.”

“Do you really have to go so soon?” Apple Bloom whined looking up mournfully at her sister from the last of her breakfast. “You haven’t even met Professor Sprout yet?”

“You called my name. Lady Applejack I do presume. It is good to make your acquaintance if only briefly. Your sister and her friends have been welcome additions to my house this year and it has been a pleasure teaching them in Herbology. In fact, that is why I am here now, we’ve a special lesson planned for today. Tomorrow’s Bonfire Night, a great British tradition, so this week in both Herbology and Charms we’re going to be teaching the students the Fire-Making Charm Incendio. If Professor Discord doesn’t mind you staying an extra hour, you’re more than welcome to stay and watch.” Professor Sprout explained shaking Applejack’s hand.

“Hmm, sounds interesting but I should really be getting back.” Applejack considered thinking for a moment. She was a little concerned that the school was teaching eleven- and twelve-year olds how to make fire, especially considering the girls prior history with fire and the wide grin that now adorned Scootaloo’s face. Nevertheless, these teachers of theirs seemed like smart folk and wouldn’t be teaching them anything to dangerous surely?

“Oh nonsense, I think it sounds like a wonderful idea.” Discord cooed appearing from out of thin air.

“Oh no.” Applejack groaned, seeing Apple Bloom looking pleadingly up at her. “It seems I’m outvoted and I guess it would be interesting to see this worlds magic.” She sighed in defeat. “But just another hour. Then I must really be getting back.”

Apple Bloom beamed happily.

The early morning snow had finally finished falling by the time the first year Hufflepuffs and Gryffindors made their way out onto the training field, but the wind still chilled the students to the bone and they huddled together in groups, teeth chattering, as Professor Sprout began the lesson.

“So, some of you might be wondering why I’ve brought you out onto the training fields this morning or why there are a number of piles of sticks. Well, as some of you might be aware, November 5th marks the Muggle tradition of Bonfire Night in relation to the Gunpowder plot of 1605. Although we in the magical community have no real interest in such festivities, it has developed into a bit of a tradition here at Hogwarts to teach first years the Fire-Making Spell across Herbology and Charms on the week this Muggle tradition falls. Now, before I show you how to cast the spell, would anyone like to have a guess as to why such a spell is important in the subject of Herbology?”

Apple Bloom’s arm shot into the air alongside Hermione’s followed a little slower by Neville’s.

“Yes, Mr Longbottom, if you would like to enlighten us all.”

“Protection, from dangerous magical plants.” Neville stuttered.

“Excellent, two points for Gryffindor.” Professor Sprout congratulated the boy for getting the right answer. “Professor Flitwick will go over other uses for the spell in your Charms lesson later today and will warn you as I do now that the spell should only be used for its intended purposes” She finished sternly. “Miss Prewett, can you give me some examples of what magical plants you might need to protect yourself from.”

Scootaloo looked like she’d been hit by Petrificus Totalus for a moment before an answer hit her. “Spiky Bushes.”

The class all giggled, remembering the poor girls unfortunate accident with said plant.

“Settle down, please. Yes, you are correct. Miss Bloom, could you help Miss Prewett out with a few more?”

“Venomous Tentacula, Devil’s Snare and Fanged Geranium, to name a few.” Apple Bloom was only to eager to add and impress her watching sister.

“Exceptional, a point for Hufflepuff. Now, watch me closely.” Professor Sprout praised the girl before pulling out her wand from her robes and with a swish and a flick of her wand cried “Incendio”.

A pile of the sticks burst into flames to oohs and aahs from the group of students.

“Aguamenti” Professor Sprout cried extinguishing the flames with a burst of water from her wand. “Okay, now divide into pairs and take a pile each. I’ll pop round and extinguish the flames if necessary. Remember though, you’ve a whole double Charms lesson this afternoon, so don’t feel bad if you don’t quite…”

“Incendio”

A pile of sticks burst into a massive bonfire accompanied by a disturbing cackle.

“Miss Prewett, why am I not surprised.” Professor Sprout sighed as Applejack shuffled over to the Herbology professor and whispered into her ear.”

“Err, Mrs Sprout is it. This might be a good time to tell you the girls once burnt down a whole wood whilst attempting to gain their pyromaniac cutie marks.”

Professor Sprout face palmed her hand. “You couldn’t have said that early.”

“Incendio”

“Amazing job Apple Bloom, and that’s not even your natural wand hand. Now let me try.” Sweetie’s voice chorused around the training ground.

“What have I done.” Pomona groaned as a third bonfire began roaring behind her.

Professor Sprout wasn’t sure whether to be impressed or worried that in only one lesson a record number of students had managed to successfully cast the Fire-Making-Charm. Overall, she was just thankful she’d taken the smart option and run the class far enough away from the castle to avoid it suffering anymore damage, especially when Mr Finnigan had caused his and Mr Thomas’s bonfire to explode and sent fire flying everywhere. It was going to take her hours to regrow the damage the boy had caused to the training field. Nonetheless, this wasn’t her biggest concern. The fact the three Equestrian girls had successfully cast the spell in less than a minute and one with their weaker hand, did, very much so. The fact they’d then followed up perfecting the spell by trying to make the biggest bonfire imaginable with Miss Granger’s help whilst cackling like insane lunatics, probably also had some part to play in this. Miss Bloom was currently squealing her success to Lady Applejack, who had a similar look of concern and horror to hers etched across her face. Finally, Professor Sprout spoke.

“Alright, settle down class.” She paused a moment to let the whispering from the clusters of students in front of her die down to nothing. “I’m very pleased with all your hard efforts this morning. Truly, I’ve never had so many in a first-year class be able to perform such a tricky spell so well by the end of just one lesson. I will make this evidently clear though. If any of you even attempt to practice or cast the spell without the presence of one of the teachers, you’ll find yourself in detention with me for a month and lose your house fifty points. Me and the other professors have done enough castle repairs in the past couple of months without one of you accidentally burning down even more. Understood?” She said sternly focusing her gaze on the Crusaders.

“Yes, Professor Sprout.” The class stated autonomously with gloomy expressions.

“Good. Now for homework this week I’d like you to research what you believe are the five most dangerous and deadly magical plants that exist and write a two-thousand-word essay explaining your choices. There are no right or wrong answers, this is purely down to your own interpretation and I expect you to hand it to me next Monday. Professor Flitwick will be setting you homework in relation to reading up on the Fire-making spell itself this afternoon. Class dismissed.”

More groans erupted from the clusters of students as they started to disperse and head back into the castle to escape the chilly autumn wind that continued its assault on any who dared leave the warm confines of the castle.

Soon, only the Crusaders remained with Discord and Applejack.

“So, I’ll see you soon.” Apple Bloom croaked wrapping her big sister in a hug with her left arm. “I really miss you, but I won’t lie, this is where I belong. I’ll see you at Christmas if we decide to come home, although I think we’ll probably be staying here. It wouldn’t be right if we left Scoots alone for Christmas as she’ll be staying here with Discord.”

“I understand Sugarcube and remember I am only a letter away. You may have only turned twelve, but it is clear to me you’ve grown up so much in the past few months and your path differs from that of myself and our brother. Mum and dad would have been so proud of the young woman you’ve become. Just don’t burn the school down please.” Applejack choked, trying to force out a chuckle as a tear slid down her cheek.

Apple Bloom couldn’t help but titter. “We’ll try not to.”

“Are you ready?” Discord asked.

“Yep, Big Mac will be wondering where I’ve got to.” Applejack forced herself apart from her sister and wiped the tear from her cheek. “I’ll see you again soon sis, enjoy the rest of your birthday.”

And with a snap of his fingers, Applejack and Discord were gone.

Aside from Apple Bloom’s sniffles, silence reigned across the training fields.

Slowly Scootaloo approached her friend. “Hey Bloom, you.” She never finished as the other girl wrapped her arm around her.

“Thank you so much. Best birthday present ever.” Apple Bloom whispered into Scootaloo’s ear.

“No problem Bloom, no problem at all.” Was all Scootaloo said in reply as she embraced her friend.

“Hey, don’t think you’re leaving me out of this.” Sweetie interjected, launching herself at her two best friends and causing all three to tumble onto the grass in fits of laughter.

The rest of Apple Bloom’s birthday went bye reasonably peacefully. After swiftly realising just how cold it was outside, the girls had retreated to the library and started researching for their Herbology essays. Afterwards, in Transfiguration Apple Bloom’s and Scootaloo’s mice were finally starting to turn into something resembling a snuffbox before they scared the life out of Professor Flitwick with their ability to perform Incendio in Charms in the afternoon. Apple Bloom was particularly pleased to be excused from fighting a broomstick in the final lesson of the day due to her shoulder and instead spent it in the library, practically having her Herbology essay completed by the time the girls came to join her. After some further studying and preparation for the following days lessons the girls had dinner before opting to retire to their common room for the evening. They really should have expected the confetti that covered them along with a delirious pink pony jumping all over the place as they entered the Hufflepuff common room. A banner reading ‘Happy 12th Birthday Apple Bloom’ hung from the ceiling.

Apple Bloom’s response was to squeal once more in delight before grabbing Pinkie and giving her the biggest hug imaginable.

“He he, thought you’d like it.”

A little over two hours later and with eyes drooping the girls sluggishly made their way back to their dormitory. The party had been incredible, as was always the case with a Pinkie Pie party, and the girls only regret was that they hadn’t left much room after dinner for all the beautiful delicacies the crazy party pony had prepared. From dancing to games, it had been an unbelievably chaotic and fun two hours, the highlight being when Professor Sprout had not only done the limbo but followed it up by absolutely whitewashing everyone at Twister. Even Dumbledore had popped by once more upon hearing the pink pony had returned, having taken a real fancy to Pinkie’s cupcakes of which she’d already prepared a whole trayful just for him.

Overall, it was truly the best birthday Apple Bloom could ever remember having and she honestly couldn’t have asked for anything more as she slumped onto her bed. She didn’t even get a chance to say goodnight before she was fast asleep with a wide smile across her lips.

Scootaloo smiled popping one of the sleeping pills Madam Pomfrey had provided her with into her mouth before settling into her own bed.

“Night gals.” She yawned not even waiting for a reply as she slowly drifted of to sleep after another exhausting day.

Scootaloo was racing along on her broomstick, the golden snitch nearly within her grasp…

Author's Note

Sorry couldn't get this out any earlier this evening, I was watching football, socialising with my housemates family and the realised that whole section with would could do with further expansion, thus the added chunk with Pomona and Minerva trying not murder each other.