Belonging

Witch's Week -7th Year Hufflepuff Girls-

- Monday Morning Bethany Maikori-

Bethany wasn't really old fashioned in any way, but she did think it would be handy to reinstate the phrase "taking a powder". She had been taking the world's longest toilet break from history of magic. Professor Bins would never notice if she was gone for too long. Time just had no meaning to him anymore, hence his propensity for droning on.

The boring History of Magic teacher never had half as much interesting things to tell her as the ghost in the nearest toilets did. "Mert, don't hold out on me what did he say?" Bethany asked the frequently petulant ghost of a twelve year old.

"I don't. like. this colour on me," Myrtle moaned into the mirror, as though Beth's make up brushes had ever made a mark as they passed through the air where the image of a once corporeal girl stood. She liked to pretend, and frequently, Myrtle wanted to pretend dissatisfaction.

"You were brunette right? Hazel eyes? This raspberry blush might be too bold Ms Mert, lets tryyyyy peach? And you better spill about Henry W, did he kiss Peter or not?"

"He did! Right by the sinks in the boy's sixth floor water closet," she turned to 'look' at her new blush. "Much better. Yes, you're right... that really does bring out my hazel eyes." The resentful ball of hatred always melted at the smallest attention. "What can you trade me about the boy with the blue and brown eyes? Such colours . Such spark in them. I keep hearing whispers about your friend. Did she really do it?"

"Thomas? He kissed her against her will and Mads' slap electrocuted his damn face. He deserved it. Git."

"Oh... well that's not very nice. But he does look more... ruggedly handsome now. All the girls say so."

"Well he's a creep, Mert. No matter what he looks like."

"I heard a little nugget... that just last night he had a girl in his bed."

"And what do you know about it, Miss Baby Ghost?"

"I am not a baby! I have been dead over fifty years on top of my twelve so I know more than you I'd wager!"

Bethany sighed and got out her lip gloss to finish the touch up she had started before Myrtle popped out. "I do not envy you, Mert. Being trapped at twelve? I remember those days. Lots of big feelings. Learning to be a woman. It must be hard."

"Don't pity me! Do my lipstick stick! You are so unprofessional I could never keep you on after that . little. comment."

"I don't work for you, Mert," Beth laughed.

"Yes you do, and I pay you in gossip so zip it and give me a red seductress lip. I want to be invited to a boys dorm too. Do you think they close the curtains? Or do they all watch and take turns?"

"Myrtle! Do not make me get some Holy Water and exorcise you, you little demon."

"Don't! It's not fair! All I hear is potty talk, and you want me to act my age. Don't be a bitch, little witch," Myrtle always smiled with teeth when she was being sassy.

"I've gotta get back to class."

"No! Start my face over again. I know more! I can trade!"

"I have to be back by the bell. Or else he will notice when I have to come in and get my books when everyone else is gone."

"Can't you lie, and say you were having a bad poo?"

"I do not want to admit in front of my class I was having a bad poo, whether I was or wasn't."

"But you said yourself, you know all this history of magic stuff from your dad, anyway. What does it even matter?"

"Mert. Babe. I'll see you soon. Now, if I see a lipstick kiss on a boy's face, I'll know it was you. Go get one," Bethany egged her on so she could go, and sure enough the girl slipped away down a drain on the hunt for some unsuspecting boy standing at a bathroom sink.