These Dear, Unfinished Tasks

Chapter 2: A Disappearance

August 31st, 2020

The beginning of a new year at Ilvermorny was always filled with great excitement.

After the sorting ceremony, the first years hurried to their classes, excitedly chattering through the halls selecting their new wands and their new friends. For Daphne, it was the beginning of her sixth year and by this point, everything was routine.

After picking up her schedule she was thrilled to see she and Cosi had potions together for the fifth year in a row. Cosette was in Thunderbird meaning that Daphne was as much a staple of their common room as Cosi. The same went for Daphne's house, where one went the other was close by.

"Davensmith again, huh? I know he's your head of house so can you please tell him to lay off the essays this year? Shouldn't we be focusing on how to make the potions instead of reading about them?" Daphne asked, carrying her textbooks in her arm.

Summer was still in full swing in the state of Massachusetts, the humid air tugged at her skirt. Daphne had piled her long blonde hair up in a ponytail and knew it was only a matter of time before she ditched her tie and sweater altogether.

The cooling charms cast around the building at least ensured that the classrooms would be pleasant.

"Davensmith is old school, he hexed Tyler Bolstrum's Mag-Top last semester. Believes everything has to be taught and learned the old-fashioned way with chalkboards and quill and parchment. Boring, but you can't say you haven't learned a lot," Cosi responded back, a bead of sweat sliding down her face as the girls crossed through the courtyard. Davensmith's classroom was by the Thunderbird dorms, near the library and far from the great hall.

"Yeah, I've learned that getting Jason Matthews to write my potions essays only requires a smile and a promise to meet him in the restricted section for a few minutes," Daphne laughed and winked at her friend.

"Gross, so gross. I would rather write a ten-page paper on the importance of squeezing the eye of Newt as opposed to grinding it than ever touch tongues with Jason Matthews," Cosi said, shuddering at the idea. Daphne's smile only grew as she raised an eyebrow at her friend.

"Believe me, we touch more than tongues. Besides, he's your house's Seeker, that's hot. So he's a little nerdy, so are you and I would make out with you for less than a potions essay."

"You're such a slut," Cosi said, laughing.

"And you're such a prude. And a snob, tell me what's wrong with Jason Matthews? He could be my husband one day if I ever become the only one at this school making out with him for homework answers."

They had reached Davensmith's classroom and there was a line already forming. The Jason in question was already at the front of the line. His black-framed glasses slightly askew and his red hair looked delightfully ruffled. He winked at Daphne when he saw her.

"Nothing is wrong with him," Cosi whispered. "I just think you could do better. He hooks up with so many people."

Daphne looked down at her friend with a small smile.

"I know Cosi, believe me, it's not serious. I'm still a virgin as you know. I'm saving myself for marriage," Daphne replied, batting her eyelashes at Cosi who shoved her. Both girls were giggling as they took their seats inside the classroom.

Davensmith began his lecture. He was a robust man, with a graying beard and unfocused brown eyes. He began furiously scribbling all the essays they had due over the next few months and the class tried and failed to suppress their groans.

"I have had most of you for five years now, you know how I like to do things. Now, first, we will cover elixirs and how they can differ from your standard potion, the first of these we will cover is..."