𝕿𝖗𝖊𝖒𝖔𝖗 - ʳᵉᵍᵘˡᵘˢ ᵇˡᵃᶜᵏ

Chapter 23: Baby's First Detention

[ January 6th, 1978 ]

     THE FIRST week post winter break was nothing special. Everything had resumed to its regularly schedule program, almost creating an illusion that winter break never occurred. Well, almost everything.

     Sybill and her were a dynamic duo in divination, as always. That dynamic consisted of Sybill doing the work with finesse and whimsy, while Theona was developing a scab on her scalp from scratching her head. Still, Professor Monroe was convinced they'd both get Os on their final exams. Theona wasn't so sure.

Charms was boring, impossibly more so than typical. The only spells she cared to know were healing ones, and she'd mostly mastered all those. Every flick of the wand, every incantation, seemed like a tedious repetition she could do in her sleep.

Defence Against the Dark Arts was the same old, same old. Still preparing them for duels. Still preparing them for battles. Still preparing them for war. Though, Theona found herself paying more attention nowadays, a subconscious decision no doubt. Somewhere in the back of her mind laid the image of Sebastian fighting for his life... and losing. She would need the skills to help him, not just heal him.

Herbology was much better than it had been before break, because her and Gideon were finally free from the clutches of Wroger and Henrietta. Yet, a tinge of sadness lingered as she realized she wouldn't be working with him anymore. His pleasant company had almost made up for the not-so-pleasant company of the Venomous Tentaculas. They'd agreed to study together for the exam, which cheered her up.

     Potions was fun. Like, actually fun. Regulus was still a prick, no changing that, but even his most annoying moments made her smile.

The other day she'd whined about missing her old blue hair ribbon, just to get under his skin. Then, today, he'd shown up with it tied around the strap of his bag.

"You can't have it back, but you can look at it." He'd said with a territorial edge to his voice that made her go red.

For whatever reason, they were in a good place. A great place. Perhaps it was because of the closure in finally knowing where they stood; they were frenemies and she hated him and she enjoyed him. Perhaps it was because of the relief in them being okay. Not fighting, not hurt, just okay. She liked being okay with him. She liked being his frenemy and hating him and enjoying him. She liked him... and hated him. She enjoyed him and hated him. Frenemies, indeed.

     The only abnormality was Evan. He had said 'Evan and Theona forever'. He had lied. But she was the one at fault.

She had, admittedly, been plotting. Never a good sign when it came to her, but what else was she supposed to do? Accept that he wanted nothing to do with her? Allow him to leave her behind? No, absolutely not.

She had a plan, and it involved her four favourite boys.

"Theona, why are we here?" Sirius inquired as they came to a halt outside the Potions classroom.

"Keep your voice down," Theona scolded, nervously looking around, "it's passed curfew, we could get detention."

"I'm head boy, I rule detentions," James brushed her off, proudly showing off the pin on the front of his robes.

"S'not how that works," Remus pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Yes it is, I'm head boy, I would know," James scoffed.

"Would you?" Peter winced, earning a snicker from Remus.

"Pay attention," Theona snapped her fingers, drawing the eyes of her comrades back to her, "we're pulling a prank."