Feather and Blade

Chapter 3 - Butterbeers on Me

The next few days went by in a bit of a blur. Classes this year felt easier despite the coursework itself and assignments being harder. Perhaps it was that I was no longer tasked with everything that was happening when I first arrived. No more dealing with Ranrok or Rookwood. No more learning about ancient magic, performing trials, or having to fight just to save my friends. The weight of last year was gone, even if the scars, both mental and physical remained.

As I sat listening to Professor Binns ramble on about the history of magic, I let my mind wander back to the summer.

Earlier that Summer

"Come on," Poppy yelled, "the poacher camp is this way."

I watched as the small Hufflepuff trekked through the forest in front of me. The air was heavy after the rain, a fog settling over our feet, making us lose clear sight of the ground. The forest was quiet, the only sounds the babbling brook and our feet as we stepped through the mud. The light from the setting sun peaked through the trees above us, giving the forest a slight golden glow. If we weren't hunting poachers, this hike would be almost peaceful. Calming.

"It should be just ahead," Poppy said, slowing down as she drew her wand. "We need to be smart about this. You have the bag right?"

"Yes Poppy, I have it," I whispered, pulling the bag tighter to my side.

Muffled voices sounded ahead, along with the pained calls of wild beast.

"These'll fetch a fine price on the market."

I could hear the poachers discussing deals. I felt Poppy tense up in anger beside me. Fighting poachers was one of the only times I ever saw her upset.

"Ready," Poppy whispered to me, a look of determination on her face.

"Ready."

A small paper frog jumped onto my desk, pulling me out of my day dream. I picked it up and unfolded it, reading the note inside.

Three Broomsticks after class with Natty?

Poppy

I looked over to Poppy and gave her a small nod yes. She smiled back brightly and did a small, silent clap of enthusiasm before going back to her notes.

"And with that class is dismissed. I expect a six line parchment over the History of Wandlore from each of you on Tuesday," Professor Binns said, causing the entire class to groan in protest as we gathered our books and headed out.

Just outside of the classroom I felt a hand grab my arm gently. I looked to my side, seeing those familiar brown eyes looking back at me.

"Shall we go find Natty," Poppy grinned, eagerly awaiting my response.

"No time like the present."

Poppy's grin grew wider as she pulled my arm, rushing towards the divination classroom. We weaved between other students, bumping into a few and causing many to yell and grumble in annoyance. I couldn't help but laugh as Poppy yelled out various apologizes. Just then I spotted those familiar red and black robes coming down the stairs towards us.

"Natty," I yelled, waving my arm in the air, "Three Broomsticks?"

Natty waved back and nodded in agreement as she weaved through the students in front of her toward me and Poppy.