Something Wicked This Way Comes

CHAPTER TWELVE

Weeks passed by and finally, Hogsmeade was open for us students to roam around in. It was always such a nice place to hang out in. I stood in the courtyard and watched as students fled and filed in, handing in their permission slips. McGonagall stood at the entrance from where the clock arm swung low, collecting the papers.

"Now remember, just like yesterday, these visits to Hogsmeade Village are a privilege. I will remind you that if your behavior reflects poorly on the school in any way, that privilege shall not be extended again," It was the same thing she said every year, she had to cover her bases. With all the years before already mucking up plenty of things, it was no wonder she was a very stern teacher. I didn't blame her one bit. I watched as more students passed by, and then my eyes caught one of a certain fluffy dark-haired boy with round glasses. He was going for it again. This was his second day trying with the professor.

But before Harry could even speak, McGonagall spoke firmly, "No permission form. No visiting the Village. That's the rule, Potter," Oh, dear...

"Yes, Professor, but I thought if you said I could go–"

"I can't, only a parent or guardian must sign, and since I am neither, it would be inappropriate!" She turned and I saw a glimmer of pity in her eyes. She might have been firm but she was truly sweet. She stopped in her tracks and turned back to Harry, patting his shoulder, "I'm sorry, Potter. That's my final word."

I felt a pang in my chest, I remembered feeling the same way when I was younger, my own papers being pushed to the side because according to them I 'wasn't worth the hassle' or 'it was too much', rubbish. It's how I learned to forge their signatures. I would have done the same for Harry, but not knowing his guardians' signatures I couldn't.

All I could do was give him a sad smile as he told Hermione and Ron to go on, and that he'd catch up later. The two turned and waved goodbye to Harry, looking quite sad that their friend couldn't join. When they looked ahead their gaze met mine and they gave dull smiles, "Hello... Emerson, right?"

I chuckled, "That's my last name yes, I never properly introduced myself to you, I'm Ozwald, but you can call me Oz or Ozzie," I stuck my hand out. Hermione grabbed my hand first giving a fair handshake, "Hermione Granger."

I nodded then let go of her hand to shake Ron's, The redhead did indeed shake my hand, quite the firm grip too, "Ron Weasley."

I chuckled, "I figured as much, you three are quite well known, even to us upperclassmen," They both gave a terrified glance my way as we walked down to the train station.

"I hope it's nothing bad!" Hermione muttered, nibbling on her gloves as if to chew on a nail. Ron scoffed, "Let's be real here Hermione, we're probably infamous!"

I chuckled once more at the two, they were quite a funny pair, "I'd say it's a bit of both. Honestly, you three are quite the inspiration!"

Ron gave an odd look, "Inspiration?... How?"

I gave a loose shrug, "Well, you three are always looking out for each other, no matter what. You all face hell with an iron fist and guts that are strong enough to make a troll gag!"

The two laugh lightheartedly. Hermione smiles at me and says, "Thank you, that's so kind of you to say..." Then after a moment, she speaks again, "Would you like to sit with us on the train?" I was genuinely shocked and I nodded, "Of course..! I-I wouldn't mind that..." I wasn't used to anyone but my friends wanting to sit next to me, let alone be in the same proximity. The two beamed and along the way to the station, they talked with me the whole way, chatting about their classes, their pets (which they began to argue over for a moment), their favorite subjects, and what they wanted to become.

It was refreshing to hear, I was so used to doom and gloom that I forgot what that childlike excitement was like. Even during the train ride they didn't miss a beat when speaking with me. It was so different. It was cozy.

When we got there we parted ways. I had my own work to do. Those books. I needed to read them, and as much as I would have loved to sit down with the two and talk or even read over these pages with them, they had too much on their plate at 13 years old. Once we arrived to Hogsmeade I waved them goodbye and beelined it to the Three Broomsticks. The tavern was warm and inviting. The smell of fresh baked goods wafted through the air along with a twinge of alcohol to run with it.

I sighed and found myself wandering over to my booth in the corner. I called it my booth because truthfully, anytime that I ever went there I was the only one that sat on the wooden bench covered with red padding. Maybe it was because it was so secluded? Maybe it was because it was dark? Then again it wasn't hard to conjure up some light...

"Lumos..." I whispered, pulling out my wand and setting it on the old table. I reached into my bag and pulled out the books. It was time to study Sirius Black. Thankfully with these, no one would notice that's what I was looking into.

"'Scuse me love!" I jumped momentarily and smiled up at the woman, "Madam Rosmerta! How lovely to see you!"

She gave me a bright smile, "Lovely to see you too deary, now what can I get you?"

"Oh, just a butterbear will do!" She smiled and then frowned, "Would you like a candle love? That can't be comfortable with that bright blue light in yer eyes!"

I chuckled softly, "That would actually be wonderful!" She nodded firmly, "One butterbear and candle coming up!"

I sighed and settled into the seat, I had come here last year to get away from the bustle of noise around me and this was the perfect environment. I added it to my list of the places I felt comfortable being in when Madam Rosmerta was kind to me every day I visited. I opened my books and within a few minutes, she brought me over a lit candle and my drink. I thanked her as she left and I began to relax in the booth, my nose stuck in a book.