Crescent Moons ; J.S. Potter

46. constellations.

Free periods at Hogwarts were often not very "free" for Daisy, except for some exceptions. One particular Friday was one of these exceptions, which was why she, James, and Benjamin were relaxing on a bench in a corridor as first-years rushed to their classes.

"Can you imagine not having free periods?" laughed Benjamin. "They're the best."

"Usually, I have to study during them, too," said Daisy. "Not much of a difference between them and regular classes, honestly."

She looked over at James, who was furiously scribbling on a piece of parchment. It seemed to be an Anti-Leak parchment, as she could've sworn it was the same one that she had seen him write on many times before. Each time, he refused to let her see it, and Daisy was growing more and more curious as he looked at it more and more often.

"What're you looking at on that piece of parchment that's so interesting, James?" she asked. His head snapped up.

"Nothing!" he said. She narrowed her eyes at him.

"You keep writing on that particular piece of parchment," said Daisy. "You're up to something, I know it! And, I know you know it, too."

She pointed at Benjamin, who raised both of his hands up in front of him.

"Don't look at me!" he insisted. "And don't worry about it!"

"If you two are planning another one of your crazy pranks, I swear to Merlin—"

"Calm down!" said James. "I've just been helping Remus study for his O.W.Ls, and these are some of his notes that he asked me to review."

"Oh, that's really nice," said Daisy, faltering. "Sorry for accusing you."

"It's nothing," shrugged James. "I'm just a great brother, that's all."

Daisy rolled her eyes.

"Anyway, you two are coming over for Christmas," said James, more like a demand than a question. "It's our final Christmas as students."

"Stop, you're going to make me spiral again," said Daisy, who was trying to delay her next graduation existential crisis as much as possible. "Of course, we're coming for Christmas. I love Snuffles."

Just then, a small, blonde boy with a Hufflepuff tie approached the three of them with a terrified look on his face. Daisy recognized him as one of the first years that she had helped at the beginning of the year.

"Um, hello!" the boy said. "Could—could you please tell me how to find the Charms classroom? I don't know how I've forgotten, but this castle's just so big!"

"You still don't know?" asked Benjamin, with a small smile on his face. "It's almost Christmas, kid!"

The boy looked taken aback. His lip was quivering.

"Shut up, Benny Boy," snapped Daisy. She turned to face the little boy and crouched to be at his height. "Walk to your left and then turn right. You'll be right there. Tell Professor Flitwick that Daisy Wood excuses you."

"Really?" gasped the boy, beaming from ear to ear. "Thank you!"

"Of course," smiled Daisy. "Good luck!"

The boy practically skipped away. Benjamin snorted.

"Why do you pick up these kids like charity cases?"

"Why are you so mean to them?" retorted Daisy. Benjamin shrugged.

"Everyone's bullied a little when they're a first year," said Benjamin. "It shapes your character. Anyway, think that boy's got a thing for you now. Did you see the way his cheeks turned red?"