SABAISM | H. POTTER

FIVE. | NOT EXPECTED

Gemini knew she had a tendency to find trouble, but if McGonagall expelled her after only a few days into term, that would be a record to remember—for all the wrong reasons. An involuntary wince traveled up her spine as she envisioned the disappointed look on Remus Lupin's face.

On the surface, Gemini was calm, but inside, her heart raced frantically. She had witnessed Professor McGonagall's wrath before, and it was definitely not an enjoyable sight. Harry Potter and Gemini Lupin-Black trailed behind the stern witch in silence, occasionally stealing glances at one another. They were both relieved they wouldn't face the repercussions alone. The destination of their peculiar march became clear as they stood before a familiar classroom door. McGonagall pushed it open, interrupting the stammering lecture of Professor Quirrell.

"An iguana is an inessential-ingredient," Quirrell quivered, struggling to maintain his composure. McGonagall stepped forward, commanding the attention of her class. "Excuse me, Professor Quirrell. May I borrow Wood for a moment?"

"Wood?" Gemini thought, her eyebrows knitting together in confusion. Was McGonagall about to whack them with a stick? Quirrell stammered an agreement, and a tall, sporty boy stepped forward. As they exited, Gemini couldn't help but feel a spark of interest.

Once the door closed, effectively muffling Quirrell's hesitant words, McGonagall scrutinized the trio. "Potter, Lupin-Black, this is Oliver Wood. Wood, I have found you a seeker and third chaser!"

Harry appeared bewildered, Oliver looked astonished, and Gemini felt a rush of disbelief and elation. There was no way this was real.

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Later, as they roamed the busy corridors, Harry recounted the hair-raising news to Ron. Gemini could tell their friend was on the verge of bursting. "Seeker and Chaser? But first years never make their house teams! You both must be the youngest Quidditch players in—"

"A century!" Harry and Gemini echoed in unison. "According to McGonagall," Gemini added with a smirk.

Fred and George Weasley approached, their grins wide. "Well done, you two! Wood just filled us in," Fred exclaimed, clapping them both on the back. Ron, ever the passionate supporter, rolled his eyes. "Fred and George are on the team, too. Beaters," he informed them.

George chimed in, "Our job is to ensure you don't get bloodied up too badly. Can't make any promises, though, Princess." Gemini laughed, enjoying the banter despite her momentary indignation at the nickname. Before she could retort, Fred added, his tone dripping with mischief, "Brutal, but no one's died in years. Occasionally someone vanishes, but they turn up in a month or two."

Harry, now with his arm slung around Gemini's shoulders, led them away from the twins. "Let's go before it all heads south," he said, casting occasional glances back to ensure they were out of earshot of the twins' jokes.

When they finally regrouped with Hermione, Harry expressed his anxiety. "But I've never even played Quidditch. What if I make a fool of myself?"

Hermione responded with conviction. "You won't make a fool of yourself. It's in your blood—both of you."

Gemini's brows shot up in surprise. "What do you mean?" she asked, knowing her father had never been a Quidditch player.

The four friends soon reached a display case showcasing the history of Quidditch at Hogwarts, complete with ancient brooms and various trophies. Hermione pointed excitedly. "Look!" she exclaimed, directing their attention to a silver tray bearing the Gryffindor lion.

As they stared, two names caught their eyes: Harry's father, listed as Seeker, and Gemini's mother, as Beater. A myriad of emotions washed over Gemini. She knew her mother's name well, but to discover they had something so substantial in common warmed her heart in an inexplicable way.