CATS at Hogwarts

Chapter 6: Gabi

I don't know exactly what, but something changed in the way Hunter was looking at me. It was more tender. And then the strangest thing happened. It seemed like Hunter's life flashed before my eyes. But there was a connection: all the memories had me in them.

Eleven year old Hunter crying over his poor dog and hugging me.

Twelve year old Hunter, feeling rejected over his mom's letter. I make him read the rest of the letter, quickly realizing he hasn't gotten the whole picture.

Fourteen year old Hunter asking out that awful, stuck up Sydney but has his whole day ruined when he realizes how bratty she is. I take him to Hogsmeade and we have a picnic with Bella, Fred, Sahej and James.

And finally fifteen year old Hunter, falling through the sky. I'm right by his bed, whispering to him.

I see this all through his eyes, even when he's got his eyes shut in the hospital. I stumble backwards, quickly jolted back to the present. Hunter grabs me and steadies me by the shoulder. I leaned against a desk and raised my gaze to him.

"You saw it too, didn't you?" He asked tentatively. I shakily nodded. "You couldn't hear my thoughts could you though?" I shook my head. He sat down and said, "It's an old branch of magic that not many wizards can do. You can make another person travel through your own memories. It's usually provoked by strong feelings relating to the memories. I've never done it before." I was shocked that Hunter had actually learned about the theory of some kind of magic. Of course, I didn't voice that.

"How did you know that?"

"My mom used to be one of the best in emotional magic." He admitted.

"So what 'strong emotions' made this happen?" I inquired. He shook his head and mumbled "nothing". I eyed him suspiciously, then remembered the musical. "Oh Hunt, we better get back to the Hall! I missed the chorus cats!" He jumped up from his desk and we both ran out the classroom into the Hall.

I was too late though, and Linde and Nadine were done with the announcements. I spent the rest of breakfast poring over the completed list. It wasn't a bad cast at all. In fact, it was excellent. Hunter studied the list over my shoulder, occasionally making comments like, "Serena? You mean the one who looks like a pig?" or "Ugh, last time Michael tried to sing, everyone came rushing into the bathroom to rescue him because we thought he was dying."

"Cool." I rolled up the scroll and stuck it in my bag. "Potions time." Hunter groaned and followed me down into the dungeons. I sat down at a table with Bella and James. Sahej glared at us for ditching her, and sat down next to a few girls from our year. I stuck out my tongue at her. She brought out her wand and I ducked as fast as I could behind Hunter. Because if there is one thing you do not want to do, it's to get hexed by Sahej.

At some point Scorpius and Albus came over to talk to us.

"So, your musical didn't flunk. Yet." Scorpius smiled. Albus elbowed him.

"Yeah. Hey, why didn't I see either of you at auditions?" I asked teasingly.

"Uh... commitments?" Albus tried. I laughed.

"Hey Al, what are you doing down here anyways?" James asked abruptly. "You better shove off and go to your own class."

"Hah, I had to do some work for Slughorn. For real." He smirked as I remembered the charms class James and Hunter had practically destroyed.

We all burst out laughing, even James, although it sounded a little forced. Damn, that guy has a wounded pride. Which he definitely needs to deflate.