Shadow Tongue

Chapter 3.

Madeline was circling the halls, procrastinating on going to her first class, potions. This stalling wasn't induced by a disdain towards the nobel art of potion brewing, for Madeline actually really enjoyed the subject, but for the plain reason that Ravenclaws shared the subject with Slytherins. Of course, being fully informed on every bit and snippet of gossip and rivalry at Hogwarts (courtesy of Florian), she was well aware that Slytherins didn't mix well with Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs. Having been a bystander to all this drama for five years, Madeline regarded it all as quite silly.

However, she was stalling because she didn't know who she'd sit with. Florian did not take advanced potions and as of right now, he was her only friend at the school. But as she glanced at her pocket watch, she knew she'd rather just go than be late.

It was unnaturally cold for September. Madeline wrapped her cloak tighter around herself, next time she'd know to wear a sweater. The dungeons were brimming with shadows, but that was quite understandable and easy for anyone to deduce. If she focused, she could hear their whispers. She was on the edge. In her head the ambience was almost menacing. Hearing the booming laugh of Professor Slughorn made her sigh a breath of relief when she stepped into the scarcely populated classroom.

A large square table stood alone in the centre of the room, somewhat ten seats surrounding it. But before she could decide which of the bad options was the least uncomfortable, a pair of hands landed on her shoulders. Madeline stiffened, she was not one to be overly touchy with others. And no one at Hogwarts had a good excuse to grab her.

The beautiful smile of Keira Rosier that appeared in her vision did little to ease Madeline's posture, unfortunately.

"Madeline! We were introduced last night but now I'm sure now we'll get to do so properly," Keira dashed into her monologue, "the advanced potions class is quite small- You must be quite talented. Of course we've heard you've been homeschooled, but please don't be shy with us pet, we want to welcome you with open arms!" She gently guided Madeline into one of the seats while continuing about advanced potions and Slughorn.

Soon few other Ravenclaws settled around the table. Madeline felt quite shy next to Keira. She was radiant and so sure of herself. Not at all like Madeline, who was too out of her comfort zone to even utter a peep.

Keira had been correct, Madeline had been homeschooled by her sister. Natalie, her elder sister by a dozen years was everything fantastic rolled into one and Madeline loved her dearly. After the great Wizarding War had left the sisters orphans, Natalie had become more or less the perfect example of an independent witch. Working remotely for the Ministry of Magic, she had raised Madeline in an ancient coastal town in western Ireland. Thus, Madeline had had quite the minimal amount of friendships while growing up somewhere with the population of two hundred. The occasional fish vendor and the lady at the fabric store differed massively from Keira and her eloquence. If Madeline happened to have been a turtle, she would have retreated into her shell, feet and all. What did not make the situation any better, was when Keira started waving to someone Madeline couldn't see.

"Madeline, may I introduce Elizha Black and Kallias Avery to you?" Keira's voice snapped her from her reverie, as two green robed Slytherins approached them. Elizha Black's eyes were elegantly lined with kohl and one had never scented a perfume more delectable. Her enigmatic smile and melodious voice planted a surprising sense of ease in Madeline, who was quite glad when the new girl sat on her right side.

Kallias Avery was stereotypically Slytherin and everything she had gathered from Florian's letters. Effortlessly messy platinum blond hair, black glasses, fingers full of signet rings and pure blood family heirlooms. Naturally, nothing came as a surprise to her. But Madeline felt it would be quite rude to voice out that she practically knew every detail of their mundane lives, from family trees to rescent shags. The Rosiers, Blacks and Averys she knew especially well, for they were practically Florian's siblings, if not by parents, then blood relatives and incest. Florian had promised to abstain from any further inbreeding his family practised; a great relief to Madeline.