The Lost Prophecy | Year One

Mayhem and Madness

Jack glanced at his friends nervously as he walked past them to the nearby beech tree. Under its dense, leafy canopy stood a long, ancient mahogany table adorned with an unevenly draped tablecloth. Jack looked over at Scarlett, who sent him a quick nod as she made her way to the head of the table.

Jack muttered a spell under his breath and waved his wand over the table, and the plain tablecloth transformed into a mismatched array of bright colours and patterns that seemed to change their colours and patterns within every few seconds. Next to him, several chairs of varying types and heights appeared alongside the table, with an abnormally tall, yellow armchair where Scarlett took her seat.

As soon as she sat down, a dense purple fog surrounded the table followed by a loud ticking noise and the shuffling of chairs. In the blink of an eye, they were occupied by Fred and George who were dressed in identical oversized, bright yellow shirts and red trousers accompanied by wide, pointed white collars which bore the words 'Tweedle Dee' and 'Tweedle Dum' on either side of their collars. Perched atop their heads was a small, jaunty red cap embellished with bright yellow flags that fluttered against the winds.

Phoenix couldn't stop grinning at the sight before her, she was positively aghast seeing them in the costumes, "Merlin's Beard! What's going on in here?" she exclaimed.

Scarlett chuckled and opened her mouth to reply when several golden bubbles burst out of her mouth. She quickly closed her mouth stifling a giggle and cleared her throat as she replied, "I shall elucidate."

As on cue, the table started emitting steam, and Draco instinctively wrapped his hand around Phoenix's wrist as he pulled her away from it. A frown appeared on his face as he watched teapots, each of a different shape, size and colour, clutter the surface. Some were tall and slender, others short and stout, all steaming with a different, strangely coloured brew, bubbling away in their glass frames.

Cups and saucers were piled haphazardly, many of them were either cracked or chipped, and some of them were even precisely cut in half. Ornate plates were overflowing with an endless variety of delicate finger sandwiches, pastries, scones, cakes, and cookies that were cut into fanciful shapes and decorated with words that read, 'Eat Me', 'Take One', 'Try One'.

Steam kept rising from their spouts, carrying the different aromas of the brewing spices, and the air was thick with the scent of the freshly baked cookies, and pastries. Phoenix, couldn't help but sneeze, as a strong note of lavender hit her nose. "Excuse me," She muttered, apologetically as Fred and George chorused, "Bless you."

"Well, don't just stand there and gawk! Sit down, have a cup of tea," Scarlett instructed, as she watched her friends stare at the table.

"Are you sure that this will not burn me?" Seamus asked cautiously, as he slowly pulled a chair for himself.

"If you could survive that explosion in Charms class, I bet you'll be fine with some fire, or in this case, steam." Laughed Dean, as he sat down between Neville and Seamus.

"I have to admit, this is very impressive," Gemma declared as she stared at the view before her in awe.

"Is it?" Echoed a voice. "It is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me."

The group turned around to see William, who was leisurely walking towards the table. He was dressed in a meticulously well-fitted, black silk waistcoat. Beneath it, a crisp white linen shirt with a high collar was adorned with an elegantly tied cravat and golden cufflinks. His black trousers, tailored to perfection were accompanied by a pair of polished black leather boots.

Gemma, couldn't help but acknowledge William's sudden appearance, as he seemed to hold an air of regality in every step he took. William gave a curt nod to his sister, who raised her cup of tea in response, "Ever the dramatist," Scarlett added rolling her eyes at him, "Who are you supposed to be?" she added.