Witch

Alchemy is a Thing, Too

The twins and I made our way through the hallways, discussing delightful ideas we had of pulling pranks on McGonagall. We were just discussing the possibility of nicking a couple blast-ended Skrewts from Hagrid when I heard three very familiar voices.

"You know why Snape's in a foul mood, Harry?" Ronald, who I had encountered in Transfiguration, was talking rather loudly to Harry. Harry nodded.

"Yeah, Moody."

My brows furrowed, confused. What did Snape have against Moody? He was foul to everyone.

"Hey, um, Will? You okay?" George nudged my shoulder. "Hey, did you hear what I said about the Filibuster Fireworks?" 

I smiled. "As much as I wish I did, I've got class. I have to go, guys."

The twins groaned. "But we were only just planning to prank McGonagall!" Fred whined. I shook my head before waving to Fred and George, and I headed towards Harry and his friend, who were now with Hermione. I decided to break the space by calling out, "Hey, Hermione!"

Hermione turned and smiled, waving me over. I was pleased to see that Ronald was cowering near Harry. I chuckled good naturedly before saying, "I only bite when I'm forced to, you know." Ron stopped cowering, but he was still unfriendly.

I spoke with Hermione and Harry as we walked to class, Ron slinking ahead of us as we spoke in hushed voices.

"Why is Snape in a foul mood because of Moody?" I asked Hermione and Harry. Hermione looked at me exasperatedly. "Why can't you just use Legilimency?" I bit my lip. "No reason, I'm just trying to be less weird."

Hermione laughed. "Yeah, being famous for passing out during the Sorting is pretty bad."

Harry's face went pale, and I noticed his face looked haunted. Cautiously I concentrated my energy on Harry, slowly veering into his mind...

A black, hooded, floating figure approaches... it's so cold... and a woman screaming...

I gasped and pulled myself out of his head. Somehow I had clearly triggered Harry, as he suddenly yelled,

"Well, at least you're not famous because your parents were murdered by Lord Voldemort and you survived."

Hermione's eyes welled up, obviously shocked, and I grabbed Harry's wrist and began dragging him away.

"See you at Defense Against the Dark Arts, Hermione!" I yelled obviously. "Me and Harry have - er - Alchemy!"

Without waiting for an answer, I dragged Harry into an empty classroom and yanked the door shut.

"Colloportus," I said, and the lock slowly turned, locking us in the room. I finally flipped around to face Harry. I was angry, and I ignored the look of shock on his face when I turned.

"First of all," I began angrily, "don't act like I wanted everyone to know me as the girl who passed out. Second of all, I get you lost stuff, and I'm sorry, but what's gone is gone, and you've got to accept that! At least you've got Lupin, and Sirius, but guess what? I've got nobody! I've got no frickin' idea who my parents are, and no one's got my back! My adopted parents are nice, but they and I will never have that special bond." I paused before continuing. "And you've got these amazing friends. Yes, Hermione's a little cuckoo sometimes, and Ron's a git, but they are always there for you and support you. So please, stop torturing yourself about those stupid cloaked things and celebrate your parents' memories. Voldemort can use this against you, and mourning isn't going to bring them back. I'm sorry if it's harsh, but it's the only truth I've ever known, and it's the truth you need to learn to get over."

Harry looked to the side and sighed. "I know they're gone, but I just... hate that I'm known because my parents died, that's the worst thing you could be known for, and I don't even know why I survived."

I bit my lip. "I know it sucks, but you're here for a reason. The world has chosen you for this, and you've got to carry the weight on your back."

Harry sighed and rubbed his forehead. "Yeah, I know. I just... messed up."

I smiled gently. "No, you just cracked under the pressure. That's normal. Don't blame yourself, okay?"

Harry nodded, and I pulled him into a hug.

"Oh, and, um, Willow?"

"Yeah?"

"What's Alchemy?"

~~~

Author's Note

Hey guys! I know this was a shorter chapter, but there's and extra long one coming, I promise! Hopefully you liked it any thank you for your support!

xoxo,

Claire Luci