Melpomene || H.G

𝟸𝟸: ɢᴇᴜᴍsᴜᴊᴇᴏ

Word Count: 7,050

⋆⁺｡˚⋆˙‧₊☽ ◯ ☾₊‧˙⋆˚｡⁺⋆

Autumn, Calista reveled in the embrace. The air, a symphony of amber and spice, whispered tales of harvest and homecoming, painting her senses with hues of nostalgia and warmth. The gentle breeze carried the scent of damp earth and crackling bonfires, weaving comfort and enchantment that wrapped her soul in its comforting embrace.

The imagery of her favorite season faded with the cold interior walls of the castle. During their breakfast, they were alerted to the upcoming activity of students experiencing the Imperius Curse, which made her worried for everyone, especially those who experienced it. Haven shared the same sentiment when she and the youngest exchanged looks.

One shared a look, and they already knew they were thinking the same thoughts of having no desire to join the class and being late instead, but the situation of Professor Moody embarrassing them and deducting house points was possible. Jade and Esme also had worries but were more optimistic to reassure them.

The room atmosphere was tense for two reasons: the approaching activity and the presence of the four Koreans who stood up to the disrespect during their first session. Esme did not mind the attention and felt proud to present herself as intimidating since she thought people should be afraid and not be too comfortable disrespecting anyone.

Calista, however, felt a pang of unease, especially for Haven. The thought of being subjected to the Imperius Curse filled her with dread. She had witnessed its effects on others and herself, and the idea of losing her actions again was terrifying. As she watched Professor Moody walk downstairs from his office, she felt a wave of anxiety washed over her.

"Move your tables to the side and hide those books. I suppose everyone's aware of the activity today," Professor Moody announced.

The room was abuzz with fearful whispers, most from the Korean students. The others exchanged nervous glances while non-Koreans, who happened to be friends with a Korean student, asked for advice as they rearranged the furniture and stowed away their belongings. Jade looked at Haven and put her hand on her shoulder, silently asking if she felt okay.

Haven nodded with a forced smile playing on her lips. She tried to mask her fear bravely, but Jade could easily detect her eyes betrayed her. Both knew that the Imperius Curse was a powerful tool capable of controlling even the strongest minds. The thought of being manipulated against them would fill them with dread.

"Imperius Curse, I need everyone to discover how it feels. Dumbledore wants you to be taught what it feels like. Suppose you'd rather learn the hard way, like what the Koreans experienced when someone's putting it on you so they can control you completely; fine by me. You're excused. Off you go," Professor Moody explained before he motioned his free hand to dismiss people.

"We should've told Dumbledore about this before..." Esme whispered, feeling complacent that Professor Moody would not hear them since they stood at the back.

"I did go to his office a few times, but he was nowhere to be found when I did," Calista responded as she crossed her arms.

"Huh? That's unfortunate, but he should hear it because what Moody's doing to everyone isn't ethically right," Esme commented.

"It'll never be," Calista stated.

"Same thoughts. I acknowledged Moody's desire to provide others with a firsthand curse experience, so everyone's prepared," Haven said as she leaned toward the two to hear.

"However, I believe there are more ethical and effective ways to teach students about its effects. This is not the right approach, especially with our community here who experienced more than one curse," Esme explained before she met Jade's astonished expression.