A Bitter Silence (Version two of 'Silence is Music?')

20

The rest of my birthday was awesome, I procured the photo back from Harry, and skipped back to the First year common room. The others crowd round me and push wrapped gifts into my arms, I grab some previously presented parcels from my room and we gather together with the presents on the coffee table.

Daphne and Pansy shoved their presents towards me, excited enough to not wonder where I was earlier.

I unwrapped the delicate things and found a simple anklet and matching necklace, they both were just a black cord with an emerald bead, the anklet had a gold leaf bead as well.

I loved them!

Millicent loomed above me, holding out a large quaffle sized bundle, it was a quaffle, interesting, we'd have a few games later.

I gave a thumbs up.

Crabbe and Goyle lumbered up, and pressed a few pies and things into my hands, Tracy gave me lipstick, and Theodore had made a model Hungarian Horntail, I laughed, remembering Ginny's ice cream fiasco. I cast a spell and it came to life, lying on a beanbag.

They all clapped and Draco came forward with a Slytherin banner.

I hung it by my bed.

I got a moustache kit from Seamus and Dean, and a seed from Neville. Hermione gave me a book on important magicians and Ernie, Hannah and Justin got me a harmonica (it's a Harmonyca now!).

Raven sent multi-coloured hair die and a letter saying that she hadn't been in school because her wings were finally emerging.

My teachers gave me a protective charmed necklace and Hagrid had made me a model Fluffy.

Moody, as usual, gave me nothing but CONSTANT VIGILANCE!

The twins gave me a pranking potion, and Percy a polite card.

Molly, Arthur and Ron I didn't hear of.

Bill sent me a note:

Hey, Har!

Is it true? That you're a Slytherin, if so, why didn't anyone tell me, even though I'm in Egypt, it doesn't mean you can't get hold of me! I hate Slytherins, so please don't say yes!

Bill.

P.s. I found this in an Egyptian tomb, the goblins didn't want it, but I thought you'd like it.

With the letter there came a puzzle box, it was small and complex, definitely one for History of magic.

Ginny sent a tear blotched letter and a bubble maker.

Finally, Charlie sent me a note, he was my closest brother, and was there the day I was found in the wreckage.

Hey, Mony!

I don't know what to make of this, I can't believe you didn't write to me.

Have the others been giving you a hard time? I bet Percy's miffed, and Fred and George have forgiven you, Mum's just in shock, and Dad hasn't noticed. But Ron's annoyed, really annoyed, and he acts like he hates you. But doesn't really, us Weasleys get upset easily, especially Ron and Mum.

If Bill sends a letter, don't be ashamed, he's had a hard time with the snakes is all, in fact, we all have.

I, however am fine with Slytherins, remember Lucia and Emma?

Ilaughed, how could I not? Charlie had once brought home two Slytherin twins, one was nice, and one was nasty, ending with the house half burnt down and Charlie to walk through the chaos with lipstick marks over his cheeks.

Anyway, how's Hogwarts? Is Snape really nice. Has he washed his hair? Has Dumbledore forgotten redvines yet? Has Nick been accepted into the headless hunt? Has Hagrid got a dragon yet?

I've got a new girlfriend, the others don't know yet, but she's really nice, she likes to wrestle baby dragons, and has a tattoo!

Which reminds me, I'm planning on getting one on my arm! Draw a design for me, please!?

Thanks for the Christmas present! The new Ridgeback is rather smoky, and has already burnt Cadisher's third toe off, it's AWESOME!!

Romania's really fun, but I miss weekly copies of Martin Miggs!

I've enclosed the Romanian version, and a ridgeback tooth.

Remember, don't let anyone get you down!

Charlie.

I almost cried,Charlie always cheered me up.

The dragon tooth had a small hole in it, and I threaded it through my necklace.

I also got ice cream from Florean and assorted things from family.

As we skipped off to lunch, a sixth year Gryffindor came up to me.

"Aaaw, you're such a sweet little thing, so silent all the time! I'm Jezebel!" She cried.

I glared, and made to walk past.

"I was wandering if you could introduce me to your brother?" I stared, what?

"You know, the one on the quidditch team, he has your eyes, so...." I laughed.

No.

"Fine then, you Slytherin hag, anyway, The headmaster gave me a message for you."

I grabbed it and set off to his office.

"Ah, Harmony! You gave Professor McGonagall a bit of a shock when you ran off, how is your animagus?" I transformed, with some difficulty.

He clapped.

"Now, any news?"

I told him about the trio finding out about the stone.

He frowned. "From now on, you are excused from lessons while they are, find out all you can." He went off, muttering.

I worked on Charlie's tattoo whilst toasting marshmallows in the common room fire.

I went out later, and found Professor Flitwick trying to get words out of Gred and Forge, who obstinately refused to talk.

I laughed, and walked past, over to Percy, who was having a hard time trying to talk to his friend, remaining silent, pushing words slowly out of his mouth. Old habits die hard.

But it came as a huge surprise as I turned the corner to see Ronald being completely silent, whilst Herman was arguing.

I jumped back, then walked past them, his eyes never left me.

Just before I rounded the corner, he ran after me, as if to say something, but then glanced at my Slytherin crest and walked off.

I turned back into Sylvester and trotted after him.