Enchanted By The Thought

TWO: Ten Points To Slytherin

She lives the poetry she cannot write.

Elizabeth spent the next few weeks with the Weasley's as the family waited for their letters. They played Quidditch almost every other day, which never got old, in Beth's opinion. She was a pretty excellent player so Ron and Harry always fought over having her on their team whenever they played. Of course, Beth was anxious for school to start so she could see her friends again. She only had two, Katherine and Maggie. But they were the best friends she'd ever had. When Beth's O.W.L.S had finally arrived, she was satisfied with hers. Of course, she always knew she wouldn't do great in Potions with Snape being the teacher but she guessed it was fine. But she couldn't help the nagging feeling that she had; there went her chances of being an auror. She would admit the fact that she chose that path because Harry had; she wouldn't want him off doing dangerous things without her by his side. The thought of losing her twin sent a wave of pain through her and she shuddered, dismissing that turn of events. Her eyes lowered back to the paper as she read over her grades once again.

Astronomy- O
Care of Magical Creatures- O
Charms- E
Defense Against Dark Arts- O
Divination- E
Herbology- O
History of Magic- E
Potions- E
Transfiguration- O

For the Potter twin's sixteenth birthday, the Weasleys threw a party for them. Beth was slightly sad when her friends, Maggie and Kat, didn't show up but she knew their parents were probably keeping them away. She would feel the same way if her children were friends with a person wanted by Voldemort. The party was fine but it was somber and gloomy. Definitely not one of her favorites but as long as Harry was there with her, she didn't really mind.

Their booklists arrived the next day. She scanned through her list and placed it back down on the table, sighing. Hermione and Ron had been made prefects while her twin claimed the Quidditch Caption title. She wasn't upset about it but she couldn't help the little twinge of envy. Would she always be Harry's shadow? Mrs. Weasley's concerned voice drew her from her thoughts. "We will go shopping on Saturday. As long as Arthur doesn't have to work again." Mrs. Weasley told the teens in front of her. Beth held back a groan. She hated shopping... unless it was for food. Then she liked, no loved, shopping.

"Mum, d'you honestly think You-Know-Who's going to be hiding behind a bookshelf in Flourish and Blotts?" Ron tried to make a joke but it seemed to bounce off everyone. No one laughed and Beth shared a look with Ginny. Ever since You-Know-Who came back to power, humor seemed to have disappeared. Such a shame.

~

Beth quickly brushed through her long black hair before braiding it to the side, wanting it out of the way. She slipped on a pair of black jeans with a white blouse that accented her dark skin. Ginny handed Beth her cloak and she put it on, fastening the clip against her throat. She pocketed her wand in her sleeve and they headed downstairs, their silence being their conversation. When they entered the room, everyone was already there, ready to go. The atmosphere was already tense and Beth wanted to wave it all away. She could feel the turmoil of emotions inside Harry and wanted to ask him what was wrong. Would he tell her? Probably not. Her brother was noble and refused to put his sister in danger, if he could help it.

"Here ya go Harry and Beth." Bill said to the twins, his smile easy. Had he always been here? Beth thought to herself, I need to pay more attention. Her head was turned away from Bill but she saw him toss a bag to her and her brother, each a bag full of gold, out of the corner of her eye. Her hand lifted instinctively as she snatched the bag out of the air. She would've made for an excellent seeker but she stepped back from that position when her brother claimed it.

Weighing it, she reckoned she had more than enough for the entire school year. Satisfied, she slipped her little bag into her other back pocket. Mrs. Weasley bustled them into a Ministry car, her eyes anxiously flicking around. Beth picked up on her anxiety and couldn't help but grow anxious as well. She slid in between Ginny and the window, allowing her friend to sit beside Harry. Score for her. Beth rested her head against the window and looked out at the sky. The drive was long and boring; even the grey skies were gloomy. The rain fell lightly on the roof of the car in a mysterious beat but it was enough to make Beth tired. The sky's lullaby sang her to oblivion and she fell into a dreamless sleep.