"Frankly, I find the whole 'Evil and Powerful' vibe to be quite hot," Gemini jokingly confessed, her voice laced with playful mischief. Harry, who was reluctantly allowing himself to be swept up in her audacious words, shot a glare her way, though it was difficult to remain irritated when she wore that tantalizingly cheeky grin. Unfazed, Gemini continued unabated, "I'm just saying, Harry. If it was you who attacked Justin... sign me up."
Gemini was infamous among their circle for joking inappropriately during the most pressing of times; her spirited comments felt like a default setting programmed into her nature. With a dramatic roll of her eyes, Hermione intervened, her voice brimming with exasperation, "Quit antagonizing him, Gem. Dumbledore cleared Harry, and we don't need you messing with his head even more. It's not like we're short on others doing that already." Her words rang true. Ever since news broke of Justin Finch-Fletchley's petrified state, whispers lingered around the school—a sinister cloud casting doubt and suspicion, particularly towards The Boy-Who-Lived. Scornful looks and murmurs created a palpable tension in the atmosphere, forcing many to steer clear of Harry and his Gryffindor companions.
Gemini huffed in protest, "I was simply trying to make light of the situation! It's not my fault people are ignorant enough to believe he's capable of such a thing. I mean, his own mother was a Muggle-born!" Harry felt a wave of relief wash over him at the fervor in her tone—an encouraging reminder that at least some of their friends believed in him. Thank Merlin that the majority of their classmates had chosen to head home for the holidays; this left the four Gryffindors ample time to plot and strategize in the face of adversity.
A short while later, the reluctant quartet made their way to the Great Hall. Inside, the room shimmered with an enchanting glow, and magical snowflakes floated gently from the enchanted ceiling. Ron and Gemini dashed off toward the long tables, their eyes shining with eager anticipation for their very first Hogwarts Christmas Feast. Harry and Hermione trailed behind them, amused by their friends' excitement.
Once they settled around the Gryffindor table, Hermione leaned in conspiratorially. "Everything's set. We just need to finalize our transformations." Harry nodded, recalling their earlier discussions and chimed in, "Crabbe and Goyle." Gemini, cheeks stuffed with mashed potatoes, offered direction amidst her chewing, "And we need to make sure the real Crabbe and Goyle can't crash our little interrogation of Malfoy." Ron sent a bewildered glance between the two girls, "How do we manage that?"
Hermione, ever prepared, revealed a couple of miniature cakes from beneath her robe. "I've got it all worked out," she explained with a glint of confidence in her eyes. "I've filled these with a simple Sleeping Draught. It's not complex, but it's effective. You know how greedy Crabbe and Goyle are—there's no way they'll leave the Christmas Feast until every last morsel is consumed." Harry turned his gaze toward Gemini, curious as to why she hadn't assisted Hermione with her plan. "Gem? Why didn't you help 'Mione with it?" His tone was non-accusatory, yet he was aware of her sharp wit and cunning intellect.
With that characteristic loud snort of hers, Gemini replied, "Because it was my genius idea to just knock them over the head with a broom." Ron and Harry erupted in laughter, momentarily distracted from the heaviness of their circumstances; her outrageousness was undeniably appealing. Hermione, ever the pragmatist, admonished back, "Well, that idea is utterly nonsensical. Now, once they're asleep, we hide them in a broom cupboard and take a few of their hairs."
"Make sure to land a few good hits for me," Gemini added nonchalantly to Ron, who eagerly nodded in agreement.
Swallowing a mouthful of food, Ron asked, "Whose hair are you two going to be ripping out?" Hermione proudly presented the small vial in her hand. "I've already gotten mine. Millicent Bulstrode—she's in Slytherin. I snagged this off her robes." In a theatrical display, Gemini showcased another vial, though a look of revulsion marred her face. "Pansy Parkinson. The Queen Pug herself. I yanked this out of her scalp during a tussle two days ago." Hermione shook her head, her expression radiating mild irritation as she looked at her friend's lack of subtlety. "Alright. Gemini, let's go check on the Polyjuice Potion. You two just make sure that Crabbe and Goyle get these."
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SABAISM | H. POTTER
FanfictionSABAISM (noun) : The worship of stars. For centuries, people have looked up to the stars and became instantaneously bewitched due to the pinpricks of light. Such an enigma they are, burning bright in the darkest of atmospheres. Never snuffed by the...
