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Patty waved to her family. She really couldn’t care less about her parents though, the only person she cared about was her brother, who was standing behind her mother silently crying. Patty felt bad for leaving him with their parents alone but next year she's taking him with her. He had the same platinum hair as her; they got that from their father. Her mother had brown hair which she always had in some over the top style.Patty’s English has never been really good so she was happy to be sitting alone. And then as if the universe had been playing a cruel prank on her two rather chatty girls sat down in her compartment.“Hi!” Squeaked one of the girls, she had pale skin and long black hair which she let hang loosely over her shoulders. Patty’s mother who’d say it was improper but Patty didn’t mind.“I’m Robin, and this is Jenna.” Said the second girl who had caramel skin and chocolate hair which she had in pigtails. Patty’s mother who’d have found a problem with this too. Patty thought bitterly. She’d probably have said it to be too childish. “Can we sit?” Asked Jenna politely. Patty didn’t want them to sit but who was she to stop them?The girls tried to talk to her but she mostly ignored them, only nodding or shaking her head. She was preoccupied looking for her family but they had already left the platform.The train finally started moving when another girl ran into Patty’s compartment. “Oh, hi, can I please sit?” She said breathlessly. Jenna nodded and the girl sat down. Patty thought this was a little mean since Patty was here first.The new girl had dark skin and even darker hair. Her dark locks were tied up in a bun. Finally a hairstyle Patty's mom would approve of. “Hi, I’m Blaze Gram.” She said, pulling something out of her bag. “Im Robin, that’s Jenna.”“And you?” Blaze kindly turned to Patty. Patty almost found it hard to hate her.“Patricia Ingrid Olsen.” She muttered under her breath. “Not much of a talker, hm?” Said Blaze but Patty dismissed her.She talked for a bit with Jenna and Robin before pulling out headphones. Patty couldn’t stop her curiosity, she always liked music but her mother who’d never let her listen to muggle music even though it was objectively better.She leaned over so only Blaze could hear her; “what are you listening to?” She whispered.“Well look who's finally talking,” Jenna and Robin were playing them no attention, each doing their own thing. Patty started to turn away, “Queen, I’m listening to queen.” Blaze added quickly. Patty smiled. “I have heard of them. They are a muggle band, right?”“Yeah.” Said Patty “Are you pureblood, Patricia?” Asked Blaze. “Yes, I’m pureblood.” Patty always hated her own voice. She hated the darn accent she inherited from her parents, her accent wasn’t quite Norse, it was more like she never really learned how to pronounce some words and she hated it. “Also, you can call me Patty.” She said in an even lower voice. “Ok, Patty, do you want to listen?”She offered Patty the headphones and Patty listened for a solid minute. Patty never really enjoyed wizarding music, that’s why she always jumped on the first chance to listen to muggle music. Blaze smiled at her the whole time, Patty who'd have found that annoying if her smile wasn’t so darn pretty.“Is the silent one finally talking?” Asked Robin. Patty instantly handed the headphones back and glued her eyes out the window. “That’s not a bad thing, you know.” Said Jenna kindly. Patty gave a weak smile. “I not used to talking. People find me annoying.” She said blandly.“Oh, come on! Tell us about yourself.” Insisted Robin. “Well my family comes from Norway. I have one brother, and… umm dats all.” Blaze laughed. “Come on, do you not have any interests? Favourite colours or something like that?”“No. Not really, I prefer not to talk bout myzelf.” Blaze sighed and leaned closer to Patty. “listen you don’t have to talk if you don't want to, but it would be nice to have some friends.” Patty smiled. She could at least make some friends. But that felt almost wrong, the thought about her brother. She’s here making friends and he’s all alone. “Wat about you guys?”After that the conversation didn’t stop. Patty learned that Jenna is muggle born and a single child. Robin has two younger sisters, likes quidditch, has two dads and is from India. Blaze is a halfblood, likes purple and muggle music. Patty suspected she said that just to make her smile.When the lady with the trolley came, all the girls brought something. Except Patty, her parents didn’t give her any money. Not that they didn’t have it. They just don’t want their daughter getting spoiled.“What’s your family like, Patty?” Blaze asked, offering her some chocolates. Robin just finished explaining a very detailed family tree. Patty took the chocolate warily, making sure it’s not a trap. “I don’t really like my parents. But their not bad people. I never knew my grandparents. My brother is a sweetheart. He’s kind and senzitive. I’m a little worried about leaving him alone.”“Ok, that was boring.” Said Blaze humorously. “Haha, what about you?” Patty inquired, hoping to switch the spotlight away from her.“I’m single child. My mother is a very good cook. My father is an auror.” She started and didn’t stop. Blaze went as far as her great grandparents. Her grandmother was a quidditch player and a darn good one at that according to Blaze.After that Robin brought up quidditch and how sad it is that she can’t bring a broom to hogwarts.. Soon they were all laughing. At some point Blaze put her hand on Patty’s shoulder.Patty instantly tenced. But instead of taking her hand back Blaze pulled Patty closer.Although Patty barely knew these girls she felt safe with them. The whole world is doing bad right now. Voldemort is attacking people left and right. But somehow good energy radiates from the girls. And in that moment when Blaze was holding Patty close, Patty felt close to tears. She hadn’t had a comforting figure in her life in years. She rested her head on Blaze's shoulder even though Patty was taller.She couldn’t help but think of her brother. Poor Odin was sitting alone in his room if he didn’t stop crying mother who’d have locked him in his room. Patty told him not to cry but since when did Odin listen to instructions? She felt bad, almost sick to the stomach thinking about her having chocolates and heading to a fancy dinner while Odin laying in his room alone.They changed into their robes as the train slowed. It was pouring rain. Even as they exited Blaze didn’t let go of Patty’s hand.“First years this way!” Shouted a very tall man with a bushy beard.“Hello.” Said Blaze when she passed near him. Patty was terrified. He reminded her of her father a little too much. But to Patty’s dismay he smiled politely at her and said they who’d get on one of the boats. She sat with Jenna, Robin and Blaze.The water was dark, but the light from the lanterns on the boats and the gigantic castle made the water almost glow.At some point Patty was sure she saw something move in the water. “It’s just a fish, it’s just a fish.” She told herself repeatedly under her breath.Finally they arrived at what the big man called the great hall. There were candles floating above them. Patty gasped when she saw that the was no ceiling. But the rain didn’t reach the tables, it seemed to just disappear.As soon as they entered, their soaked robes dried, much to Patty’s wonder.Blaze was still standing close to her. Her hand still holding Patty’s. Usually she wouldn’t like that but Blaze’s touch was comforting, safe.All the first years stood in a line. An old woman introduced herself as Minerva Mcgonagal. She called out names.First she said a couple of names Patty didn’t know. Each time the kid sat down in a throne-like chair and the strict woman placed a hat on her head. The hat whod then say into which house they 'd go to.There was Grifindoore- the one with the red and orange colors, Hufflepuff- yellow, Ravenclaw- the smart one in blue and slytherin- green, silver and a snake. That one was pattys favourite, she always liked the color green and snakes. They can always get out of trouble.Soon the teacher called ‘Blaze Gram’ and Blaze Finally let go of Patty’s hand. She sat down not looking scared but somehow even excited.Patty held her breath.
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As soon as the hat touched Blaze's head it yelled out; “a Hufflepuff as pure as can be!” The people at the Hufflepuff table all clapped. As did Patty.A couple names later Robin was called, “Robin Aalia Kummar.” Patty was now biting her nails.She used to do that when she was little. Her father hated it though. But she couldn’t care less what her parents thought.Robin stepped up. The hat considered her for a while. Patty was almost worried that the hat wouldn’t chose and Robin who'd have to leave. What then? And what would happen if the hat couldn't choose for Patty? She’d have to go back home. But then the hat called out: “brave mind, strong will, compassionate soul it seems we have a Grifindore!” Pattys stomach turned.She was happy that Robin was staying, but.. For the first time it hit her she and her new friends were probably not gonna end up together, and that scared her. She finally made friends and now she’s gonna leave them.“Jenna Lee.” Called mcgonagall. Jenna was visibly scared. She was shaking a bit. Patty had to stop herself from going up and hugging her. No. No. No. That's the weak side of her talking. The hat was placed on Jenna’s head. “Ahh, tough girl i see, could be a good Gryffindor, but with a mind like that! I'll see to it that she goes to ravenclaw!”Patty felt even worse. She knew they just met but some part of her imaginated they who’d be placed together and be best friends, study together, protect each other, but… it’s not to be.Patty zoned out, thoughts dreadful until her name was called. “Patricia Ingrid Olsen.” She stepped out.Time seemed to slow, Patty felt even worse now that it was her time to get sorted. The hat was heavy on her head. “Well, well, well, she’s got an attitude, this one.” Patty heard Robin laugh, that girl was fearless. “But also a heart of gold, a keen mind and peaceful goals! So it seems she’s gonna be a-“ Patty was praying to not end up alone. “Slytherin!”Claps erupted from the slytherin table. Jenna is in Ravenclaw, Blaze is in Hufflepuff, Robin’s in Gryffindor and now Patty's in Slytherin; all alone. She went to sit down still shook from the shock. She is gonna be alone, again! She caught Jenna's eye.Jenna pointed to the door and showed five fingers on her hand. Patty smiled at her efforts but she really couldn’t imagine what on earth Jenna wanted to say.Dumbldore gave an introduction for the school year of 1980/ 1981. He gave a speech about hope and love and then the food appeared. Blaze got up and headed outside the great hall. Patty follows her through an archway.Jenna was already there along with Robin who had multiple sandwiches in her hands.“That friendship was short-lived.” Patty said defiantly.“Oh, come on! We can still be friends even in different houses.” Robin nodded and offered a sandwich.“I guess.” Said Patty. “I’m still angry at ze hat for saying I have an attitude.” Blaze laughed again.“Forever friends.” Robin extended her hand. Patty felt like forever was an exaggeration but she couldn’t refuse the offer. They all put their hands on hers. “Forever!” They all chanted at once. Patty felt warm on the inside. Her heart full.Blaze pulled them into a hug. Everything inside Patty screamed no, but she let the girls hug her. A part of her felt good. Friends, this is what it’s like to have friends.“How about we meet in the library? Tomorrow.” Jenna said. “We don’t have classes until the day after tomorrow.” They all nodded and headed back to their tables.Patty stopped Blaze before she left. “Do you need something, love?” Blaze said kindly. Patty almost forgot what she was gonna say. Love? Blaze spoke to Patty so affectionately it seemed like Patty could never get used to it.“So?” Asked Blaze again. The way she was leaning against the archway made Patty weak in the knees. “I- I wanzed to thank you,” Blaze's expression softened. “Aww, what happened to that sharp demeanor?”Patty stuck out her tongue, which made Blaze laugh even more. “Ah, still there.” Blaze took Patty’s hand and gave it a squeeze. “See you at the library, love.” She left to the Hufflepuff table, leaving a starstruck Patty standing alone.Patty sat down next to a slightly older girl with curly black hair. “Hi, your Patricia, right? I’m Cleosandra. My mother wanted to name me Cleo to connect to my Egyptian roots but also wanted to make my name unique so Cleosandra it is.” Patty just nodded.“I’m a second year. Oh! And our head of house is professor Slughorn. You can easily get on his good side. All you have to do is work really hard when he’s watching and show off a lot.” Something about that seemed wrong to Patty but she was too busy eating to care. Cleo kept talking, she didn’t stop until dessert appeared.Patty felt so happy to have so much food, but that made her feel very guilty. She should be grateful her parents raised her the way they did. But why didn’t it feel that way? Cleosandra doesn't seem to fear her parents when she’s talking about them. Is that a good thing?Patty shoved her feelings down with chocolate pudding. Even if Cleo has it better there is nothing Patty could do about it.After dinner the head boys and girls took the first years to their dorms. Patty found her things already in a room, her pj’s were already on her bed.First thing she did was close the curtains around her bed and pull out her stuff.Patty didn’t have much. She put all her books near the end of her bed. She left her clothes in her luggage which she stowed under her bed. The one thing she had a lot of was clothing. She always had to look her best according to her mother.She took a quick shower while the other girls talked and unpacked. She was sharing a room with four girls. One had dark skin and brown hair. The second had blue eyes which nicely complimented her red hair. The third and fourth both had black hair and green eyes. They looked like twins.Patty brushed her teeth and stared at herself in the mirror. She eyed her messy hair. She always wanted to dye it. Not forever just for a bit. She had bags under her Hazel eyes. She looked like she hadn’t slept in weeks. She pulled her hair into a bun for the night.Patty still needed to unpack her stuffed animals. She had little handmade plushies. Two dragons, a phoenix, a niffler and some non-magical animals like a cat, dog and fox. She hand made them, each took a lot of time. She isn’t good at crocheting but she learned a little from her old neighbor Tabitha; she sometimes babysat her and Odin. She thought of Taby fondly. She was a kind and energetic girl. She moved away last year when the war got really bad.Patty forced her eyes away from her reflection and left the bathroom.“Hey, honey, I saw you talking to one of the Hufflepuffs, just a friendly tip-“ said the girl with the hair of fire. “Don't do that, the dark lord doesn’t take too kindly to Hufflepuff’s, you have to be careful. I swear I’m just trying to help.” Patty wanted to protest but how can you protest with fear?“Thankz you but I’m not scared.” Patty lied. Of course she was scared but fear is a weakness. She crossed the room to her bed, her thoughts lingering on the girl's words. He doesn’t take kindly to Hufflepuff. But Blaze is a Hufflepuff! What who'd he do to her? Is she safe at Hogwarts?Patty tried to sleep but she really couldn’t. She pulled out a quill and some spare parchment. And started writing a letter for Odin;Dear Odin, I miss you already. I wish you well. I’m sorry I can't send you some of the food they have here. I made some friends… they're nice. I also made it to slytherin! I have no idea if that’s good. I really hope you didn’t cry to much. Just be calm, don't make trouble and I’ll come home as soon as possible. Well anyway, write soon. Bye.She checked the letter a million times making sure she didn’t make to many mistakes.Patty stashed the letter under her pillow. She was gonna send it tomorrow. For now she's gonna spend the night worrying about Blaze and the future. She hated herself for starting to care about other people, trying to protect her brother was enough.
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Patty turned over to look at her watch. Five am. She hadn’t slept a wink.She stood up as quietly as possible. She took her letter. She chose a thick sweater and woolly pants. It was the most comfortable thing she had. With nothing better to do she brushed her teath and headed to the library. The only problem is… she has no idea where the library is. She did get a basic map to get to her class but Cartography isn’t her strong suit.She walked down the empty hallway. The paintings were still sleeping so Patty tried to go as quietly as possible.“You lost, hun?” Patty spun around at the speed of light looking for the person who started talking. But she saw nothing. “Oh, god, I swear they get stupider every year. I am on the wall.” The painting next to Patty was awake.It was a small plump lady in a field. “Oh, god I’m sorry, did I wake you?” Patty exclaimed.“I’m sorry when I’m tired I tend to mess up my words.” The lady laughed. “Oh, come on, like I care. And, no you didn’t wake me, I couldn't sleep.”“Guess that makes two of us.” Patty shighed. “Is it all the excitement?” She asked with genuine interest, almost like a mother. “You could say that.” Patty smiled.“What’s your name?” Patty asked, sitting down on the ground in front of the painting. “Oh, haha, it’s Felicia. And you?” She seemed to be happy to have something to do.“I'm Patricia but I like Patty more.” The lady also sat down into the grass. “Nice to meet you, Patty. Where were you headed?”“Library.”“This early?”“Well I have nothing better to do, haven’t slept all night.” The lady sighed. “You should go, it’s cold in these hallways. Breakfast starts in about a half hour. Library is that way.”Patty gave a grateful smile. “Thank you miss. I’ll stop by sometime.” Felicia waved and laid down resting her head on a haystack. “Goodbye.”Patty headed to the library where she promptly sat down with the first interesting book she could find. Hogwarts a history.She skimmed through the pages but really she couldn’t care less, Patty let herself drift off to sleep. The familiar comfort of a good book in her lap made Patty feel home for the first time since she left her brother.Patty didn’t remember anything after that except colourful snippets of dreams she couldn’t remember.She woke to Blaze lightly tapping her on her shoulder. “Patty! We’re been so worried! You didn’t show up for breakfast.”Patty sat up straighter and closed her book. “Sorry to scare you. Fell asleep.” Blaze giggled and sat down next to her.“Jenna and Robin are gonna finish breakfast before coming.” Patty smiled, before her sat a cup of tea. “Wait, you didn’t eat?” Blaze yawned. “So? I ate more than enough last night.”“I talked to one of the portraits,” Said Patty proudly. “She was very nice.” She sipped her tea.Blaze picked up a book. “So you're replacing me with a portrait of a dead lady?” Patty didn’t realise that Felicia was most definitely already dead. Despite that she smiled. “I could never replace you.”Patty made a mental note to ask Felicia what her life was like, later.“Couldn't sleep.” Patty stretched. “So I got up early, but… I guess I fell asleep.” Blaze laughed and placed a comforting hand on Pattys shoulder. “It’s ok.”“Oh, I have to go to go soon I need to get a quick breakfast and also I have to send a letter.” Patty tried to stand up but Blaze pushed her back. “Come on, love. Relax a little.” Blaze pulled Patty back into her seat swiftly.Patty swatted Blazes hand away. “Don’t you dare!” She jumped out of her seat. She wasn’t sure what had happened. Sure Blaze had forced her down to her seat but she didn’t do it maliciously! Patty shouldn’t have reacted the way she did. Patty stood for a hot second before running away. It was too late to turns around. She was at once embarrassed and angry. Blaze tried running after her but she didn’t notice.Patty rounded a corner and sank to the ground. She was exhausted, scared and confused. All she could think about was her parents. The way her mother forced her to sit, made her do what she wanted. It was too much for Patty. She closed her eyes and started crying.She was far away from her home, from her mother, from the constant fear. But… she sobbed loudly into her sleeve. She missed- what did she miss? Her home? No. Her old life? No. Maybe she’s just scared of change.“Is- is the young lady crying?” Patty looked around. A painting of a small man in fancy clothing with a black horse. He looked young. “I- I’m sorry I’ll go.” She stood up.“Oh, no. Young lady! Please stay! Do- do you want to talk?” Patty stopped walking. “Desperately!” The tears started flowing again.“It’s my mother and my father and my friend, Blaze and my brother. I messed everything up! And I don’t know what happened!” She cried. “I was rude and- and I ran away from my problems like a weakling!” The boy looked at her, wide eyed.“Ma’am, I do not believe protecting yourself is a sign of weakness.” He said calmly. “I- I’m Patty.” She looked up. He was sitting on a wooden chair looking at her concernedly. “I’m Sir Relique Dremond Wasdeer the first. Charmed to meet you miss Patty.” She smiled. “Same.”“I should go find her right?” Relique petted his horse. “Yes, yes, you should go.”Patty stood up. “Thank you sir.”“No, problem.”“Il stop by later!” She said already running back to the library. “Maybe don't cry next time!” He shouted in a jokey tone.“No promises.”She made it to the library. Jenna and Robin were there. Patty stood hidden a little longer trying to catch some of their conversation.“Oh, no she just left to the bathroom.” Said Blaze. Patty was grateful she didn’t tell them about her… incident? Explosion? Problem?She sat down next to Robin as inconspicuous as possible. “Oh! Here she is! Did you sleep well?” Patty laughed and risked looking at Blaze who still looked dumbfounded. “I slept horribly.”“Same, I miss Home.” Jenna muttered, already immersed in a thick book. “It’s also my birthday soon.” She said offhandedly.“Oh, cool, what who’d you want?” Patty asked hooping it’s something she can afford (witch wouldn’t leave Jenna many options)“Oh, no. I don’t want anything, at home we usually don’t celebrate birthdays.” Patty had never really realized that they also didn’t really celebrate birthdays at their home.“Happy birthday then.” Robin said, giving Jenna a pat on the shoulder. “Yeah, happy birthday!” Patty and Blaze said at once to both their horror. Patty jumped and looked away.“Aren’t you gonna get some books? For god's sake, we’re in one of the largest libraries in the world and you wanna sit there and talk?” Jenna said not even looking up.Patty went to check out a nearby shelf.“Listen,” Blaze came up next to Patty. She looked like she wanted to place her hand on Pattys but thought better. “Why do you do it?”“What?” Patty snapped her attention to Blaze.“Pretend you don’t have feelings?”“What are you? My therapist?” Patty said sharply.“This is exactly it! You pretend to not notice your feelings but then you explode!”“I didn’t explode!” They were shouting as quietly as possible. “Oh yeah? Did you think I didn’t follow you? I heard you crying! I heard you talking to sir Relique or whatever.”Patty was stumped. “I- I- it’s not-““Girl it’s ok. I won’t judge you. Next time talk to me and not sir Relique or whoever.” Patty stepped closer and wrapped her arms around Blaze’s neck.Blaze rested her head on Pattys shoulder. “It’s ok.” She whispered.“It is now.” Patty answered.“Come on girls, look!” Jenna shouted oblivious to the moment Patty and Blaze were sharing. She was holding a book.“I guess we go.” Patty said taking blaze by the hand. Blaze giggled nervously.“Sure.” They shared a final glance before sitting down with Jenna and Robin.Jenna showed them book after book explaining equations and theories until it was time for lunch.They went to lunch together. Robin was gossiping with Jenna. Blaze and Patty stood by listening both not in the mood to talk.They arrived and parted ways. Patty sat down next to Cleosandra once again. She proved herself to be a comforting presence. Her undying enthusiasm makes her pleasant to be around. She also didn’t have a problem doing all the talking witch was perfect because Patty had about enough of talking for the day.“Oh! Hi, Trisha!” Cleo had gotten into the habit of calling Patty ‘Trisha’ overnight and Patty didn’t have the energy to correct her.“Classes start tomorrow! I have double potions first. Ugh! How boring!” Patty leaned back, soaking in the positivity. It was still raining but you could see the sun in between the clouds. Which made it decidedly less gloomy.Patty took her time eating. At some point Cleo left. She was alone. Well alone until Blaze came to her table.“Hey, so Jenna is gonna go to her dorm and Robin wants to write letters to her sisters so we can go send your letter now.” She extended her hand and Patty took it gladly. “Sure.”They got up and started heading to the owlery. “Thank you.” Patty said after a minute of walking in silence. “No, problem. I’m already bored.” They laughed.“We can go try to talk to the portraits.” Patty offered.“Maybe, something about them freaks me out a bit though.” Patty laughed and tied her letter to a small owl. “Who are you writing to?” Asked Blaze. “If- If you don't mind that is.” Patty felt her face flush. “To my brother, Odin.”They watched the owl disappear into the sky. The rain was still pouring but it wasn’t cold, it was actually quite nice.“How about we go outside?” Patty said impulsively.“Yes!”“Wait actually?”“No, I mean yea, YES!! Let’s go.” Blaze grabbed Patty by the arm. Patty felt a shiver down her spine but she was just happy to have something to do.They ran outside narrowly missing Mcgonagal in the hallway. Patty pulled Blaze into the rain holding both her hands in front of her.They stood like that for a while. Looking into each other's eyes. Patty rested her head on Blaze's shoulder.They started swaying lightly still holding on to each other like one couldn’t exist without the other.“This is more fun than sitting in the library.” Blaze whisperer against Pattys ear. “Yea.” Patty laughed.They were laying on the ground looking up at the sky. They were both drenched but they didn’t care. The cool rain was comforting. Patty closed her eyes and focused on the tiny drops of rain lightly falling. Blaze was next to her. Talking endlessly.“And so my aunt moved in with us for two weeks. There was so much drama between her and my mum. But I liked it. The house is very empty without her. But as I was saying she then got married to mark. He was a muggle. But he and she divorced a couple months ago. She’s already engaged to Julian. I’m not going to any more weddings though.”“Blaze calm down. Take a breath between paragraphs please.” Patty said.“Yeah, yeah you're right.” Blaze laughed breathlessly.“For Saints sake!!” It was Jenna's voice. Blaze sat up instantly. “What are you two doing!” She ran towards them, hidden under an umbrella.“I was just walking down the stairs in the Ravenclaw tower casually when I looked out the window to see my two new friends laying on the ground in the damn rain! I was very worried!” Jenna somehow seemed both very relieved and very loathing.Patty and Blaze were still sitting on the ground. “My god. Stand up! We’re going inside.” They followed her, still giggling.Both the girls were covered in mud. It must have been a sight to see with Jenna angrily strutting through the hallways with two muddy and drenched girls happily following her.“What on earth were you thinking?” Jenna muttered angrily under her breath.“We were bored.” Blaze said, seeming to lose her confidence. “Yeah and we wanted to do something fun.” Patty continued, reassuring Blaze.“Ok, girls. Go take a shower and get into some clean clothes. I’ll see you at dinner.” Patty was about to propose a new plan to Blaze when Jenna turned back. “And no funny busines.”Patty and Blaze parted ways. Patty was ecstatic. She had so much fun sitting with Blaze. Her heart went a thousand beats per second even at the simple thought of the time they just shared.At diner Patty stared at Blaze. Her dark brown hair hung beautifully just above her shoulders.“What you looking at, girl?” Cleo said, breaking Patty out of her daydream. “Nothing. What were you saying again?”
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Patty barged in. She took her breaths in shallow gasps.“Ah miss… Olsen I see.” Professor Mcgonagal said as Patty sat down. “Please call me Patty, professor. Please.” Patty begged. She absolutely hated being called ‘Miss Olsen’.“Alright Patty. Please sit down and open your book on page 10. Read the text.”Patty sat down next to Jenna. Slytherin is apparently gonna have transfiguration with Ravenclaw.Jenna giggled and pointed to the text Patty was supposed to be reading. It was a short history of transfiguration explaining why transfiguration is important this term.“Alright class. So today we will do a slow paced introduction to transfiguration. We won’t be doing any spells yet so you can put away your wands.” There were some unhappy grons from some of the Ravenclaws.“So can anyone tell me the practical uses of transfiguration in everyday life.” Jenna's hand flew up while Patty silently contemplated her answer. That’s how the rest of the class went. Jenna answered every question while Patty listened. Trying to soak in all the information.“That’s it for today.” Mcgonagal announced after what felt like a hundred years. Jenna and Patty stood up at once and headed to their next class. Jenna had astronomy next and so they parted ways.Patty reached into her pocket to take out her timetable. She had herbology with Blaze next. She walked slowly taking the time to take in the scenery. She wasn’t in a hurry so she stopped to sit for a bit once she got outside.She took out one of her muggle books. She had stolen a couple from a muggle library. She felt bad about it but it was a long time ago. She snuck in with a study group and took a couple books out of a cart. Two books about love she didn’t really care about, a poetry book she is very fond of and a mystery with an ending that shokes Patty to this day. The murderer was the daughter. The daughter that called the police and cried at the hearing about how much she missed her father.She started reading her favourite lines from the poetry book when Blaze ran up to her.“Hi, Patty. Watcha doing?”“Trying to read.”“don't let me stop you. Oh! And how was your first lesson? Mine was fine I guess. History of magic can be interesting but the Professor really just talked about random stuff for most of the time.” Patty took a deep breath.“Yeah, yeah, whatever.”“Professor sprout is my head of house, i meet her in the hallway earlier and she was very nice. A true hufflepuff!” Patty slammed her book shut making everyone in the vicinity stop whatever they were going. “Right. Let's have a conversation then.” She said feirsly.Instead of getting angry Blaze started laughing. “Oh, that’s my girl.” Blaze said fondly.“Your girl?” Patty asked.“Fine, my little gremlin. Is that better?”“No.” Patty frowned trying to hide her grin. But Blaze somehow saw through her.“My princess? My love? My star?” Blaze suggested.“How about just Patty.”“Ok, princes it is.” Patty didn’t protest; she actually secretly liked it.“We should go to the greenhouse soon.” Blaze stood up with Patty right behind her. They walked over in silence.They were the first students in the greenhouse. It was peaceful. The whole place smelled of fresh air and flowers. “We can go play soccer after classes.” Blaze said sitting down.“Yeah- I mean what?” Patty snapped back to attention. “I talked about it on the Hogwarts express. It’s a muggle sport.”“Oh right! Sure.” Patty pulled out her herbology textbook and sifted through the pages. “Hmm. That’s interesting.” She said absentmindedly. She looked up to see Blaze looking at her, smiling.“What.” Patty laughed, feeling her cheeks flush.“Oh, nothing.” Blaze said. Patty felt desperate to know more but she stopped herself.Professor Sprout came into the greenhouse. Everyone stopped talking instantly, diverting their attention to her. Even Blaze stopped her circular rambling to pay attention.“Hello class!” She announced.Patty found herbology very interesting. Although it was hard to focus with Blaze playing with her hair and doodling on Pattys paper.“Oh come on Blaze.” Patty said under her breath. Blaze was tracing circles in Pattys palm. “Please.”“No. Never, ever stopping.” Blaze said vaguely, continuing to trace circles in Pattys palm while writing down her own notes. Patty smiled shyly at Blaze's genital touch. “Ok.” She whispered, sucking in a sharp breath.After herbology Patty headed to lunch with Blaze.Patty sat down at the Hufflepuff table, right next to Blaze who seemed absolutely thrilled. Patty had potions next. Finally something she can be excited about. Robin was also gonna have potions so they agreed to meet in front of the dungeons.After they ate Patty took out her book once again just to be interrupted by Blaze.“Hey!” Robin called Patty. She was sitting on the ground right next to the dungeon door. “Hi.” Patty helped Robin stand up. “How has your day been?” Robin asked sweetly.Patty thought back to herbology. Blaze spent the whole lesson gently messing with Patty’s hair. She smiled. “It’s been pretty good.” She said.“And you?”“Fine I guess.” Robin sighed. “It’s been rough, right? it’s so hard navigating everything here.” Patty muttered.“Yeah exactly!” Robin squealed happily. “I can’t wait till we can go to hogsmeade. Jason took me there once, it was absolutely stunning.” Robin continued.“Oh, cool! I haven't been yet.” Patty answered halfheartedly. She really wished she could have done normal things like go to hogsmeade with her parents when she was small instead of hosting tea parties and fancy dinners so she could learn how to be proper. Meanwhile her brother had to learn how to fix a car and have perfect penmanship. Patty begged Odin to teach her how to fix a car all she wanted was to actually feel useful.So she spent painstaking hours learning the most meaningful things she could think up. She learned how to pick a lock with a hair pin, she spent a day trying to fix a small toy car that had stopped working, she replaced the wheels, repainted the hood and fixed the inside. She had never felt more proud than when the car started rolling on her floor finally working. She gave it to her brother who still has it to this day.“Yeah, yeah.” Patty nodded absentmindedly as Robin talked of her last Christmas. “So then Amara said ‘I’m not Amara I’m Aalya’ And my dads were so confused! Jason laughed but Arjun was hella confused. Aalya used this as an excuse to get her hair cut.” Part laughed.“Ok, no way! Really?!”“Yes!” Robin seemed to be full of stories like this. Her family was so close that they were always doing one thing or another. Much unlike Pattys.They both sat down, most of their classmates were talking about the newest daily prophet. More deaths, more attacks, werewolves are at it again and such. Yet people continue to be surprised.“Arjun unsubscribed from the daily prophet. He can’t bear all the bad news.”“I get it. Bliss is better than the truth.” Patty sighed sadly.“Yeah.” Robin said gloomy.The lesson went well. Patty managed to brew an acceptable potion that mostly worked. The time spent with Robin was nice. Everything that professor Slughorn said was met with a sassy comment from Robin which actually helped Patty remember the ingredients.“Finally done!” Robin sang.“YeEeEeEeEeEs!” Patty screamed back. People were giving them weird looks but they didn’t even notice.“Oh god! When I heard you screaming I thought to myself, oh what idiots! And THEN I realized those are MY idiots!” Jenna scolded them later. Blaze stood behind her holding back tears of laughter.“Merlin’s beard!” Blaze burst out laughing. She gasps for air. “Those are MY idiots!” She mocked. At this Patty also started laughing. She clutched her stomach. She could barely hold back her laughter. That’s always been her weakest. Every time her mother dropped something or her father did something stupid she laughed. Witch alway got her in trouble.Patty was happy with the girls or fellow idiots as Jenna expertly called them. Jenna also cracked a smile, although she seemed to be angry about it.“Don’t be so darn funny when I’m mad at you.” She spat, trying desperately to stop her laughter. “Well if you say so,” Robin said.They laughed so much madam Prince threatened to kick them out of the library if they didn’t stop. Patty did her potions homework with Robin who was APPALLED that Slughorn gave them homework on the first day although all they needed to do was copy the ingredients for some random potion they were gonna make soon.Jenna was still reading Hogwarts, a history. That book was very big and had way too many pages. Although Jenna had already read over two hundred pages since last night which made Patty question if she even slept today.“Good night my idiots.” Jenna said, yawning. “Bye bye.” Robin said already halfway out the door. “Welp, I guess i'll go too.” Blaze smiled. She briefly hugged Patty and left her alone in the library.Curfew was coming quickly. Patty didn’t have much time to get back to her dorm yet she still took her time walking. She purposefully took a longer route so she could go speak to Felicia.“Hi, Felicia, it’s me.” Patty whispered as to not wake up the other paintings. “Oh, hello. It a quite late. You should go soon.”“Yeah. I know. But I felt like delaying it a little longer.”“Believe me. It’s best to go to sleep. I’ve been around a long time.”Patty giggled. “Yeah. I’ll go.” She turned to leave. “Good night.”She laid in her bed for a while until she finally fell asleep. All the other girls were already fast asleep. Pattys nerves about being in a new place mostly disappeared by now. The people were mostly pleasant and the clases were enjoyable. She smiled into the darkness. “Good day. Good, good day.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Merlin’s sake!” Patty grumbled, massaging her sore neck. She fell asleep while reading, her neck
propped up on her shoulder. Her curtains were still open.“Oh, hi. Breakfast starts soon.” Said one of the twins. She was sitting on her bed with some papers and a history of magic textbook.“Ah, good morning. Slept horribly.”“I considered waking you up but thought better.”“Hmm? Why?”“Cuz you seem boring and I’m not interested in being your friend.” Patty smiled expecting it to be a joke. But the girl looked up, stony faced.“Are you gonna go soon?” She asked dryly.Patty stood up wordlessly, not letting her surprise show until she got to the bathroom. There she let her tears come. She felt bad for crying over something so simple and small but it's a moment like this when Patty realizes the world has shot to hell.She didn’t stay long, she quickly brushed her teeth and hair. Patty contemplated putting on something nice but thought against it. She put on some sweat pants and a sweater.Of course she put on her robes over it but still. She likes to be comfortable. She fixed her green tie and left. Leaving the girl alone.She headed to the great hall. Jenna and Robin were already there, sitting at the Ravenclaw table which was mostly empty. Most people were still sleeping. Jenna instantly waved her over.“Hi.” Patty said blandly, picking up a piece of toast. “Hello, had any dreams? Because I had one. I was in Paris on like holiday but it was November but there was no snow. It was actually very hot so I had some cold melted chocolate-“ Robin took a deep breath- The first since she started talking.Patty zoned out. She absentmindedly buttered her toast. Robin continued to blather. Jenna was just as preoccupied as Patty. She was reading Hogwarts, a history. Patty stared forward, not even bothering to look interested in Robin's dream.Robin talked for a while, Jenna chimed in every once in a while with a comment or correction. But Patty was still in her own world. Her neck still hurt but not as much as the words that still lingered in Patty's mind. She could have had a nice start to her day with a pleasant conversation. She didn’t but she could have.Blaze came soon. She instantly fell into conversation with Robin who to that point hadn’t noticed that Patty and Jenna weren’t listening.“Hey, Patty!” Blaze said. She was sitting right across from Patty.“Hm?” She looked up.“What’s wrong?”“Nothing.” Blaze shot her a sceptical look.“Ok so listen. Why the hell do you think you can lie about something that’s so obviously bothering you.”“Bloody hell, Gram.” Jenna muttered. “Can you give poor Patricia a break?” Patty nodded along enthusiastically.“I guess… But you're not getting off easy. And for Merlin’s sake please unclench your jaw and relax your posture.” Blaze said sternly and Patty did what she said without question. She found its best to just listen to Blaze.“Right, right. Thank you.” Patty smiled. “What have you guys got first? I have defence against the dark arts and then… It looks like flying.”Blaze took out her timetable. “Oh yeah I have defence against the dark arts with you.”“And then I have flying with Jenna.” Patty commented.“Great, do you also hate highs?” Jenna asked, taking Patty’s toast.“Yeah.” Patty grabbed a new toast.“Then flying is gonna be fun for you two.” Robin laughed. Blaze joined Robin in laughing but Jenna and Patty didn’t find it funny.“That’s not funny! Hights can literally kill you! It’s a legit fear.” Jenna said matter of factly. She was still reading, not caring enough to look up.Patty who'd later realize that Jenna was almost always doing something like that. Either it’s talking when she should be reading or reading when she should be talking she never quite looks like she’s paying attention. Yet somehow she still understands everything way better than Patty ever will. She’s always first in everything yet she still says she doesn’t care. Some might find her strange but to Patty it's always been indering to see Jenna so passionate. (Even if the passion is yellin at Patty.) friends will be friends and the bonds that the girls make will never truly break whether in death or life, or pain or triumph one is never truly alone.The owls soon came with letters in tow. Patty re-clenched her jaw when her family owl dropped a letter on her head. It was either a response from Odin or an uncomfortable talk from her parents.She took a deep breath and opened the seal instantly feeling a wave of relief when she saw her brother's calm and sophisticated handwriting.Dear Patty,
I’m very happy to hear from you. I also stole some of your clothes, so tough luck. It’s very boring here without you, COME BACK or I’ll die of boredom. Well anyway, write back soon! (And ps: I’m not giving you your clothes back.) Sending all my love.
-your beautifully smart brother OdinPatty chuckled to herself. Of course her brother who'd take nothing seriously. She took out a scrap of paper.Hey, Odin,
If you want you can take all my things I left at home. I don’t need them. I have some free time so I might try to make some more plushies. I hope you have a good day. Classes are boring but tolerable. Ok, class starts soon. Bye for now.
-your stunning sister PattyPatty’s family owl was sitting on her shoulder waiting for her letter. She tied her paper to his leg and sent him off. The owls name was Jean but no one really said his name. Her parents simply called him little menace because he who’d make a lot of noise at night and Odin called him Jeankins. Patty was the only one who actually called him by his name. He was a big owl with brown wings and a black head.“We should probably head to Class soon.” Jenna stood up.“Oh! Can we meet outside after class? I’m dieing to teach you football.” Blaze squealed.“Sure, I’ll come but I won't promise I'll like it.” Patty commented,“I'll take that bet!” Blaze jumped happily. “After class, then?”“Ok.” Said Patty.“Yes!” Exclaimed Robin.“I guess.” Jenna muttered.“Great! Yes! Perfect! Can’t wait!” Screamed Blaze not matching their energy at all.Defence against the dark arts was pretty boring. It was mostly just an introduction. However it made Patty think. Think about how little she actually knows about defending herself and even more importantly her friends she had grown very fond of.Merlin! She’s grown too attached to her friends!She decided then and there that instead of doing her usual thing of inching away from her friends so as to not get more attached she’s gonna learn how to defend not only her but also them.“You look a little dazed.” Blaze said under her breath pretending to listen to Professor Dreanda.”No, no. It’s ok.” She whispered back.It wasn’t really ok. But she was gonna make sure it is. And when Patricia Ingrid Olsen makes up her mind there is no way in hell you're gonna change it. That might be a problem for someone else but Patty is never wrong. That will be proven more than once.The rest of class went by in a blur. Patty spent the time making a game plan. After flying she's gonna run to the library and find as many defense against the dark arts books which she's gonna take to her room. She's gonna take one of them with her to lich which she's gonna eat as quickly as possible and then ask one of the portraits in the defence against the dark arts classroom.She even wrote down the key points and time stamps. Blaze basically fell asleep. It’s not that professor Dreanda is boring, it's more like she is afraid the slytherins are gonna use her knowledge for bad. Otherwise she wouldn’t have repeated ‘Of course these spells are to be used for defence only and NEVER ever unprompted or with the intent to hurt.’ Like fifty times over.Then it was time to go flying…“I am NOT doing that!” Jenna gasped as the teacher flew high in the air.“We don’t really have a choice.”“Well I guess it’s back to muggle life.” Jenna sat on the ground squinting against the sun. “I mean you can’t be bloody sirius! Look how fast she’s going!” She moaned.When it came time to actually get on their brooms Patty had to fiscally force Jenna onto her broom.“Just try it! You don’t have to go high!” Jenna eventually agreed although it was only out of spite after Patty said that Jenna just isn’t good at flying.Finally Patty got on her own broom. She had flown a couple times before. Her brother however got to fly often and anytime their parents left even if only to the shop Patty who’d get the brooms and try to learn in five minutes what Odin learned in months. The best part is she was mostly successful. She still wasn’t fond of heights though.She jumped up and flew about a meter up. She did a little loop. “Bloody Hell! Patty, this was such a horrible idea!” Jenna screamed clutching her broom to her chest.Patty knew what was gonna happen yet had no way to stop it. She shot up. Accidentally of course but dangerously all the same. She was still holding the top of the broom up which made her go faster.Patty shot up after her. She heard madam hooch scream for her to stop or maybe she was saying that to Jenna but it didn’t look like she heard.Patty was catching up to Jenna now. They were impossibly high now getting close to the clouds.“I can’t stop!” Jenna screamed and Patty carefully pulled herself up. She took a deap breath and lunged herself at Jenna.Patty felt her life flash before her. The good; time with her brother, learning how to make huggies and of course the bad- any time spent with her parents, that time she broke her arm.Patty puled herself together. She was clutching both Jenna and her broom. The ground was getting progressively closer.Patty forced herself onto the broom still holdin onto Jenna.The ground was so close.Patty steered the broom strait instead of down and prayed with every bone in her body that the broom wouldn’t just stop working.Oh, good! She can’t leave Odin alone! What about Blaze! And Robin! And.. and.. she opened her eyes expecting to see the light instead she saw trees and grass. The broom levelled. It was slowly coming to a halt.Blood rushed into Pattys brain. She looked around. They were heading right for the whomping willow. “Fuck!”Jenna was barely conscious and Patty was both relieved and terrified. They aren’t dead. Yet.In a snap decision Patty threw both herself and Jenna off the broom before they hit the willow.The landing was rough. Pain shot through Pattys entire body. She shielded Jenna from the fall as much as she could.She heard madam Hooch running to her and possibly saying something along the lines of: you stupid little brave girl or maybe Patty was just delirious in a moment of pain.“Hello, love. How are you feeling?” Patty shot up. She was in what she assumed was the hospital wing. “Jenna.” Her breathing was sharp like she just woke from a particularly terrible nightmare.“Your friend is fine. You took most of the damage.”Patty sighted and threw herself back into the bed. “You have some very eager friends demanding they see you.”“Oh! Yeah, that's Blaze and Robin.” She said a little embarrassed.“I’ll let them in. They have been camped out there for half an hour.”“H-how long was I asleep?”“As I said. Half an hour.” Said madam Pomfrey calmly.“Aaahhh! Patty thank the literal god you're ok!” Robin sputtered running to embrace Patty.“We had Astronomy and we just saw you and Jenna falling through the bloody sky!” Blaze said after a while.“Is it wrong we instantly knew it was you two?” Robin asked, finally pulling away from the hug.“No. No it’s not.” Patty laughed. “Have you two seen Jenna?” She looked around to make sure Jenna wasn’t there.“Oh yeah. She got released after like ten minutes. Madam Pomfrey gave her some sleep potion so she’s knocked out for the day.”“Good.”“You jumped from your broom mid air. Twice!” Blaze blurted out still looking shocked.“Yeah. I did, didn’t I.” Patty was just realizing how stupid she was being. Jenna might have been ok. Madam hooch who'd have helped. Instead her first reflex was to tackle Jenna in the air, while on brooms.“I was so darn worried.” Blaze sighed and laid down next to Patty, wrapping her arm around Pattys shoulder. All the restraint she seemed to have a couple days ago was gone. It felt like they knew each other since they were born. And Patty was sure Blaze felt it too.“Do you two wanna go to lunch?” Robin offered.“Nooo. I wanna stay here.” Blaze buried her head in Pattys shoulder.Patty could feel her face flush as she could feel Blaze's breaths, each faster than the last. They both pulled away and stared at each other. Patty looked into blazes hazel eyes. She wanted to say something nice like; ‘your eyes are stunning like the ocean’ ‘green as a beautiful spring day.’ But what can she say about Hazel? ‘Your eyes are the same colour as… as…’“So are we gonna go?” Robin asked making Patty and Blaze look away. Patty blushed furiously.“Yeah. L-let’s go!” Blaze recovered first. “Sure.” Patt got up. She was still dressed in her dirty robes. She colmed through her hair with her fingers self consciously.“You don’t have to come to class. Madam Pomfrey said you should sleep.” Blaze said aquaredly.“Also.. not related, the whole school heard what happened and will definitely harass you with questions.” Robin winced, probably expecting Patty to be mad.“You ok?” Blaze said, stepping away slowly.“Yeah. I mean I deserve some recognition.” Patty said calmly. Robin smiled first before starting to explain how astrology went and how weird it is but also weirdly accurate.Robin ran a bit ahead, still talking. Blaze and Patty were walking closer together until their hands brushed together lightly. Blaze jumped back but Patty took her hand gently giving Blaze enough time to pull away if she wanted to. But Blaze didn’t take her hand back.They walked like that until they reached the great hall. Patty sat down with Blaze at the Hufflepuff table. Robin went to the Gryffindor table because in her words, ‘oh! Look, its the cute guy from herbology! Bye gals.’ And she left. Blaze and Patty ate mostly in silence only talking when people approached them with questions.After lunch Patty went to the library to hopefully save her plan a bit.The painting of Rowena Ravenclaw was famous for being silent. So naturally she is the person Patty chose to talk to. “Hello mis Ravenclaw. I’m not in your house but I like books. C- can you help me?”Rowena nodded slowly. “I need to know how to defend myself, and my family. But I don’t know where to start.” Rowena pointed to the restricted section. “What no I can’t.” She said defiantly. “Can I?’ She whispered, leaning closer.Rowena nodded.Patty tiptoed to the restricted section. She carefully crossed the threshold. Expecting some kind of alarm. But there wasn’t a loud bell or a rush of angry people.The air felt thicker. The rooms still smelled like old parchment and ink but there was also a new smell. magic. It was a faint trail in the air. Patty considered following it, hoping to get more of it. The smell was intoxicating. Like every problem could be solved by getting more.But that wasn’t what Rowena wanted. Was it? Patty considered following it. but that’s when she saw a book flying from the bookshelf. She lit her want and warily grabbed it. She placed the book on the table. It was titled:The answer to everything.The book opened at the first page.Hello. I’m Rowena. -Was written in fresh ink. -You seek information. Spell to defend… ah yes, these will do. Copy down these-“Wait.” Patty whispered and the book stopped writing. “Are you really Rowena Ravenclaw?”Yes.“Why are you helping me?”That is my only goal in life. To help young students with spelling, information, tips and tricks. It was Dumbledore who put my words into the restricted section. Too many students were abusing my help. Even the dark lord wished to hear my secrets. But I was smart. I didn’t tell.“Then you’ll help me?”Only once. So ask wisely.“I wish to hear defensive spell that I could learn and that whod help me protect me and my family.” By family she meant her friend.Yes, yes, you ask the right questions. You are worthy of my words. Listen close-“ patty copied the spells Rowena wrote and thanked her profusely. She simply responded with;It is my pleasure to influence smart minds like yours. If you ever really need me I’ll be here. But don’t grow to depend on my help like so many before.Patty closed the book and it flew back to a shelf.She left the restricted section and crossed the room back to Rowena. “So that’s what happened to your voice.” She joked. “Thank you.”The portrait nodded and went still. If Rowena didn’t just move right in front of Pattys eyes she might have thought it was a normal painting.Patty checked the clock. Blaze’s and Jenna’s class is ending soon so she went slowly to the entrance. She was supposed to meet with the girls to play football. If they were still gonna do that.Patty was sitting on the ground near the door, looking over her notes. Rowena went into great detail. Even going as far as explaining the wand movement nended to make the spell as effective as possible.The hall soon flooded with students as classes ended. It looked like Blaze isn’t coming“Are you still up to playing?” Patty locks up at the familiar voice. It was blaze! She was holding a strange ball. It was white with black spots. It was slightly dirty. Not like if it was never washed but more like it got dirty with time. Like Blaze already played hundreds of games with it.“Jenna woke up and Robin wanted to stay with her. She told me to thank you like a thousand times. And also that you should go to sleep but I’m not sure you want to.”Patty laughed. “Exactly! Now. Tell me what to do.”Turns out Patty sucks at football.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Patty peeked behind her curtains. These days she started avoiding her dorm mates. She spends every free second in the library. She goes to sleep late and wakes up early, all in an attempt to avoid any contact with her roommates.“Ah, look who woke up! The muggle lover.” The second twin, Joanne, said as Patty tried to tiptoe to the bathroom undetected.“Fuck of, Joanne.” Patty sneered. She keeps shooting back their insults with cheap shots and unearned confidence. She won’t deny the fact that she supports muggleborn rights but saying it out loud is basically a death wish.“Hah! Is the muggle lover retreating?” June, the other twin, said.“How about you shut up before I make you?”“Make me?” She laughed.“You know I spend most of my time in the library, right?” Patty stepped closer, forcing her face into a confident grin. “Some good curses there. And the restricted section has some violent spells, very interesting spells, I’ve been dying to try them.” She smirked.Joanne took a step back, looking at a little set of tracks.“Well!-“ June flinched. “I'll be going now.” Pattys voice was forcefully sweet. To the point she felt she might have overdone it.Patty felt bad. She hadn’t talked to her friends in days. Not that she didn’t spend time with them but she didn’t speak much. Blaze obviously noticed but Patty was ok with beating around the bush until it eventually exploded in her face.This particular morning Patty was supposed to have herbology first. “Finally it’s Friday!” Robin must have said at least a thousand times.Patty massaged her shoulders absentmindedly. She had like ten books in her bag at all times. Not just books for classes but also some defensive spells, and also her old poetry book which she liked the familiar comfort of.She wasn’t looking forward to herbology. Although Blaze is a wonder to be around, she can be very blunt about people's problems. And Patty is in no mood to approach her problems today. Or any day.“Are you coming?” Blaze asked. They were about to go outside when Patty stopped in her tracks.“Yeah, yeah. Umm… I’m just gonna go to the bathroom real quick.” Blaze smiled.“I'll wait for you.”“Please don’t.” Patty ran to the general direction of the closest bathroom, but as soon as she was out of Blaze's sight she broke into a run.She ran all the way to her dorm. Getting way too winded for her good.When she arrived she closed the curtains around her bed and promptly locked them in place.She curled up into a ball and brought out her herbology book. If she was gonna skip class she should at least try to learn what they’re going without her.She read what was written and made little notes into her notebook. She used a ballpoint pen although it was mostly frowned on it made making notes way easier.Her intrusive thoughts kept saying she was gonna get expelled for skipping class but she’ll just say she’s sick. Maybe if she told of her roommates once and for all they’d leave her alone. But that’s not really how the mind of the average Slytherin works.Now that Patty thinks about it. It doesn’t make a lot of sense putting all the stubborn and angry children in one house. She should write a letter to Dumbledore.It was at that point Patty should have realized she was way sleep deprived, but instead of going to sleep she pushed through and continued to write her notes, which we’re getting progressively less coherent.The herbivicus charm or in other words the Gardening charm is used to make flowers and rare plants transport to New Zealand and become kiwi birds like all the people already there. This works on the same principle as the daydream charm. (Patty had absolutely no idea what the ‘daydream charm’ is but at that point she wasn’t thinking straight. Or at all.)Later when Jenna reread her notes she thought Patty was high and to be fair if Patty wasn’t the one that wrote it she would have agreed.Eventually she fell asleep and she literally fell. Not drifted to sleep or dozed off to sleep but crashed to sleep or as I said falling. When she woke up around dinner she felt as if the world moved on and left her in her dorm. Turns out she also missed out on Astrology which might have bothered her if she wasn’t so utterly confused. She’ll just ask Robin what they did.If there was one person Patty thinks she can count on to cover for her it was Robin. Robin was outgoing, smart enough to do what she has to well but also not to see through Patty's lie, kind enough not to raise suspicion. That’s what Patty learned from her murder mystery book and it hasn’t failed her yet.Well although she only tried it while stealing candy and books (only once) with her brother.She rolled out of bed and splashed her face with cold water which didn’t help at all. Then she headed back up to the great hall while trying to get her story straight.Upon leaving the cold and desolate common room she considered trying to talk to the portrait of the serpent that guards the dorms. Of course talking to a silent Rowena Ravenclaw was one thing but talking to a snake was another. Was it a good idea? Or was it completely insane? Or was even the thought considered over the line?“Hello, mister.” Patty said to the snake not expecting it to do as much as look up.The snake hissed and turned its head to look at her. “Is it ok if I run my story by you?”It nodded.“So I got sick and… and… took a nap. Yeah. That’s it. Got sick. They have to believe that.”The snake hissed, nodded slightly and curled up to sleep.“Ok.” Patty said, a bit surprised. “Good nap to you sir.”So she headed to lunch still pondering what the snake meant. Because, sure a nod is good, but what does falling asleep mean?“Well, Look who finally came.” Robin said as soon as Patty approached their table.The girls were all sitting at the Ravenclaw table, their plates already full with food of all kinds.No. Nope. Patty had half a mind to turn around. She couldn’t do this. She could feel her roommates eyes staring at her probably thinking up new insults or threats.But Robin and Blaze had already seen Patty so she can’t just turn away. Can she? It who’d be for their good too.It’s memories like these that make Patty happy she grew the hell up. Because she should have known she could tell her girls anything. Everything even. She’ll come to learn that soon anyway.Instead of running Patty walked over to the Ravenclaw table, the ground swaying under her feet.“What happened? You missed two lessons.” Blaze asked after Patty filled her plate. Jenna was once again reading something, it wasn’t a book but a stack of loose papers witch Patty recognised as the potions report.“I got sick. Slept it off.” Blaze looked sceptical once again but didn’t say anything.“Oh, good then.” Blaze said, sounding a bit disappointed. Now Patty felt like the girls were hiding something. Could they have been talking about her?Patty ate quickly trying to get back to her room as fast as possible. The longer she stayed the more unsettled she felt. It felt like Blaze was trying to psychoanalyse her, something about Robin was weird but Patty couldn’t place her finger on it and Jenna- well, Jenna looked the same. She was reading, not looking up as per usual.As soon as she ate her last bite Patty got up and bolted away back to her room.“Wait Patty!” Blaze said as Patty stood up. Patty paused briefly and turned around dreading whatever Blaze was gonna say, but the words never came.Blaze stared at Patty and Patty stared back, refusing to talk first.After a couple of awkward seconds Patty started backing up, slowly getting to the arch. Blaze didn’t stop her, nor did she look like she wanted Patty to go.Patty found herself once again running away from a social interaction. She felt foolish and weak which made her feel hopeless. But Patty refused to cry.“Oh good. You’re here.” Patty was heading back to her common room getting ready to once again speak to the serpent. But instead of hissing she was greeted with Blaze leaning against the door, smiling awkwardly.Patty turned around and ran.She ran past paintings, up stairs, down hallways. Patty ran until she made it to the library where she hid in a little alcove near a window. She was surrounded by books, dressed comfortably, full of good food. If Patty wasn’t hiding she 'd have been content. Happy even.Patty eventually fell asleep. She didn’t know how or when but she fell asleep and woke up hours later giving herself a strong reminder to go to sleep at a normal hour.
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Patty sifted through the old pages of the book she was holding and wiped the drool of her face. The sun was setting which meant it was officially the weakened.Patty could really use the free hours. To do what? Sleep? She’s already doing that.Patty didn’t know what to do. The thought of interacting with Blaze in front of her dorm again made Patty die a bit on the inside but is she really gonna spend the night in the library?Patty rested her head on her knees. She was gonna go to her dorm soon she just wanted to gather some nonexistent energy first, when;“Patty, are you here?” Fuck. It was Jenna.Patty curled up even more, regretting all her choices that led her here.“I’m- I’m here.” Patty whispered from behind the bookshelf.“Oh Bloody hell. Shes here! Call of the auror squad!” Jenna shouted dramatically.“Did you go looking for me?” Patty said a little outraged she cant run off once without being tracked down.“Well of course.” Said Robin who must have just gotten there.“Come on, get out of there.” Blaze said kindly from further away. Patty guessed she must have also been looking,“No.”“And then we can- wait. Good grief. Come on Patty. You can’t be serious.” For once in her life, Patty was happy she was so thin because the other girls couldn’t fit behind the bookshelf or slide past the wall to get to her. And that made her feel safe.Patty was tall. She has been since she can remember but she has never been big. It’s not that her parents are bad cooks but they believe in ‘discipline’ meaning the more Patty listens the more she gets. The thing is Patty isn’t really a good listener.Her mother who’d only cook healthy food because of some diet or another. Pattys mother never really talked about it but Patty overheard her talking about having weight problems in the past. Witch for the record Patty thought was absurd as her mother was very thin.And then there was her father. Her father only cooked what he liked. He liked traditional Norwegian food. Fårikål (lamb stew), Kjøttkaker (meat cakes), Lefse (Norwegian flatbread) and such. Patty didn’t have a problem with this because Norwegian food is good but eating it every day? And Patty sure as hell wasn’t eating her mothers skinny bread with vegetable toppings or whatever.“So you're not coming out. Why?” Blaze said after a second.“I can’t.” She really can’t take it anymore. Should she continue to endanger herself by unionising with Hufflepuffs and muggleborns? There’s nothing wrong with that and Patty knew it. But if what her roommates and for god's sake even her parents are saying about the dark lord is true then she has to choose between survival and sitting with her friends.Patty years later who’d not think twice about risking everything for her friends. Hell. Her friends are everything. It’s funny how the world changes.“I’m not leaving here without you.” Blaze said calmly. Merlin! Why is she making this even harder for her?“Jenna, Robin I’m staying with her. You two go to bed in case I need a relief team in the morning.” Blaze joked.“Right. If you’re sure. Feel better Patty!” Robin and Jenna left, leaving Blaze and Patty alone. Fuck. So much for ignoring your problems.“Blaze.” Patty whimpered unsure where her sentence was going.“Yeah.” Answered Blaze. In that moment, in the dark. Patty could have listened to Blaze's voice forever. Not just because she didn’t want to speak but because that was the first time she really listened to Blaze's voice. Her voice was vulnerable, full of feelings, emotions. Her voice was dreamy, thoughtful and so so heartbreaking when sad. Her voice reflected her feelings and it has and forever will be so wonderful to Patty.“I’m sorry you have to deal with me. Although I don’t know why you even choose to deal with me, thank you.” Patty wrapped her hands around herself tighter.“Patty. I choose you. Fate choose us. All four of us to sit together. And we bonded and I think that’s enough to justify my choice. Can we try to stop running off when things get rough, though because it is exhausting.”Blaze laughed and Patty considered her answer.“Yes. Ok. I promise to try for this friendship but it’s- i don't know it’s just my roommates. And- and they keep being so mean- and you know…”“What did they do?” Patty heard Blaze sit down on the other side of the bookshelf.“I think it’s just because they're all snotty and pure blood and stuck up about it. They talk about- the dark lord and keep saying i shouldn't talk to muggle borns or hufflepuffs and it makes me scared for you.” Patty laid her hand against the bookshelf. Sending the once settled dust flying into the air making her allergy’s flare.“That’s horrible but you can take care of that with some curses. You know we're in a library.” For the first time Patty really laughed.She carefully went around the bookshelf, squeezing thought between the wall and the wood. She has no idea how she got there so easily.“I like that.”Blaze stood up awkwardly. “Me to.”So with nothing better to do the girls opened some books.“Look here! This could work, it’s a spell that’ll stop them from speaking.”“Like take away their voice?” Asked Patty now very tiredly.“Yeah kinda and it’s not too hard.” They wrote down some spells for the next day as it was too late to try anything.Eventually madam prince had to throw them out. Patty waved to the painting of Rowena as they went which earned her two weirded out looks.“I really don’t wanna go back.” Patty said when the excitement died out to be replaced by pure exhaustion.“You don’t have to.”“So where should i go? Back to the library?” Patty joked.“You can sleep with me. Like a sleep over.” Patty considered this.“Could I?” In response Blaze took her hand and broke into a run, leading Patty along her.“Here!” They were in a empty hallway. All that was there was a statue and some barrels. Blaze headed to the barrels and took out her wand and taped the top barrel- “Hel-ga Huff-le-puff.”The barrels turned into a small door which turned into a large arch. Blaze continued inside. The whole room had a golden glow. There were small circular windows near the top of the walls and wooden furniture draped in yellow blankets. A fire burned low.“This is your common room? It’s way better than mine!” Complained Patty. Blaze laughed and led her further past a honey coloured sofa on which a ghost was sitting. Wait. A ghost. Patty spun around, eyes locked on the sofa. Sure enough a ghost was just sitting there! That’s one part of Hogwarts Patty will never really get used to.“Oh, hi Friar.” Blaze said calmly as if it was the most normal thing ever.“Hello young Blaze and-“ he raised his eyebrows.“Patricia.” Blaze answered. Patty had heard about this ghost. Fat Friar the Hufflepuff ghost.“Hi.” She managed.“Don’t let me stop you girls. I’m just a ghost. Days like this pass me by.” Blaze tugged at Pattys arm, returning her to consciousness. Patty followed Blaze to the girls' dorms.Right before entering Blaze's bedroom she stopped Patty. “The other girls are probably asleep so quiet.” Patty nodded and they entered. Patty was surprised at how well Blaze navigated the room in the dark.Blaze pulled Patty onto the bed, closed the curtains and muttered some spell. “Ok they can’t hear us now. I have some card games.” Patty’ breath caught as Blaze turned on a light. Her dark hair was hanging in curls that perfectly framed her face. “Ok.” She sputtered trying not to stare at how Blazes coffee-like skin glistened in the light.“Do you know how to play?”“Oh yeah.”And so they played. Patty won twice much to Blaze's annoyance and Blaze won once by pure luck. As the night went on the light flickered and Patty's eyelids heavied.“Wanna go to sleep?” Blaze asked. She was laying on her side a deck of losing cards in her hand.“Yea.” Patty looked down at all her plus fours and decided to let Blaze think she had a chance.Blaze turned of the light with her wand and sank into the bed right next to Patty who although will never admit it was very comfortable. They wished each other good night.Patty curled up and closed her eyes. She was just about to drift to sleep when Blaze put her arm around her waist.Past tensed and Blaze tried to pull away.“No, stay.” Patty said on impulse hopping not to sound too needy. Blaze scooted closed, resting her forehead against Pattys shoulder. Patty relaxed her body and smiled. The next morning she was gonna be the best friend on earth because friends aren’t just about protection but also about bonds, right? Yeah. That sounded good.“Better?” Blaze asked sleepily.“Perfect.” Answered Patty. Blaze fell asleep first leaving Patty alone in the dark with nothing to do but listen to blazes even breathing. But Patty who’d never complain.Blazes gentle hands curled around Patty. Patty wasn’t sure she’s quite used to being this close with all of her friends but she really doesn’t mind Blaze hugging her or placing a playful hand on her shoulder. To Blaze it seemed to be second nature to be close to everyone but Patty never got a hug from her mom most she got was a pat on the back and even that was rare.Patty made a mental note to agree to play football with Blaze the next day. She can’t remember her thoughts after that. She might have fallen asleep or just turned of her brain for a while lost in the embrace of a friend. A friend.“Morning.” Patty rolled around to be met by Blazes hazel eyes.“Hello.” Blaze grinned. She was holding a book.“Why didn’t you wake me up?”“You were sleeping so peacefully I thought I’d let you sleep a bit. You said you wanna be a better friend and I support that. But first you gotta kick your roommates asses and I recommend having breakfast first and breakfast tastes better if you slept well so the evidence is right there.” Patty laughed and laid back letting her messy hair spread across the pillow.“Thank you. I appreciate it. Now on the topic of curses.” Blaze smiled and pulled out a list.“It's revenge time.” Patt was surprised with how ruthless the small, curly haired girl can be. Patty's mind slowly slipped from her grasp as she stared at Blaze's delicate skin and her mischievous smile. It got to the point she had to force her attention back to the spells Blaze insisted she learn.“Don't stop me now!” Patty and Robin sang in sinc as loudly as they could.“Caus I’m having a good time, Having a good timeeeeeee!” Blaze laughed and offered Jenna a sandwich. Her music player blasting queen songs. This particular song was Pattys and Robin's favourite.This all started when Patty went to her room to get dressed. She was then gonna join her girls for breakfast. Right after she deals with one little thing.Patty took a icy breath as she spied two other people in the room.“Joanne, June.” She said coldly. Gripping the ends of her robes as she continued- “I have a proposal for you two.” Patty felt sick at hearing her voice talk in such a manner. Just like her mother. Cold, emotionless, empty.“Today or should I say yesterday I decided on my friends and the company I wanna keep. Sad to say you lost. So I won’t be tolerating you two talking shit.” She slowly took out her wand making sure to do it as menacing as possible. Joanne and June seemed very uncomfortable and Patty felt just a bit victorious.“Got it?” Patty said without looking up from her wand, she did her best to imitate Blaze's grin.Finally Patty looked up to see the girls. Joanne and June exchanged a nervous glance both obviously not expecting Pattys stance.“Got it?” She repeated slowly. Dangerously.Joane nodded stiffly.“Good.” Patty smiled sweetly. She didn’t even have to use any of the spells. What a shame.A cold sweat drenched Patty as she left. She did it but at what cost? No. No. She’ll never be like her mother. She’ll just use what she learned from her to be better than ever.“How did it go?” Blaze asked, a crooked smile on her face.“Well.” Patty smiled broadly looking over to Jenna and Robin. Chatter surrounded her as Robin continued to loudly make her point while Jenna argued everything at full volume.“How about we go play football after we eat?” Patty prompted, trying to be as friendly as possible. Blaze smiled once again with her cheeky grin. “Yes.” She took a bite of her cereal.“Hey!” Patty shouted at the top of her voice trying to get Robin and Jennas attention. “Are you gonna go play football with us afterwards?” Blaze nodded happily squeezing her hand.“Patty took some toast and smiled to herself. “One small step forward, a big leap for Patty.” She muttered softly.“What was that?” Blaze leaned closer.“Nothin. All’s good.” All is good. For the first time Patty actually felt like she meant it.
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Patty reached to her night stand expecting to find a glass of water that she always left there only to be meet by a stack of papers or something with a similar texture. She opened her eyes and swore loudly, the memories of why she’s here flooding into her mind.She came to the Gryffindor common room to play uno with Robin after tragically losing another game of football and then they played chess which Robin was surprisingly good at making Patty lose once again.Patty then must’ve fallen asleep. She turned around and sure enough Robin was there, still deep in slumber.It was strange to see someone be so comfortable with being vulnerable in front of someone you barely know. But yet here they are. She smiled.“Good morning.” Patty whispered to Robin as she left. An unfinished game of chess still sitting at the end of Robin's bed.Robin didn’t wake up or even stir. Patty passed the light red curtains that were draped around Robin's bed.Robin had many things placed around her space. On her night table she had books, quills, moving photos, and little statues of quidditch players, she had blankets and pillows and games and some cd’s on her shelves. She had clothes thrown on the ground and her suitcase. Well her suitcase was just sitting there wide open on her floor.Patty carefully stepped over Robin's stuff. As she stepped into the common room she realized how stuffy it was in Robins dorm. So the fresh air was a relief for sure.The common room was mostly empty. The only people there were two second years past out over their essays and a seventh year Patty recognised to be Christopher Barley.“Hi.” she said as she passed him, embarrassment making her cheeks rosy.He looked up from his book and gave her a brief nod. She fastened her pace wanting to get to her dorm as soon as possible.Patty took the long way to her dorm chatting with some of the paintings as she went.“Looking good Relique!” Patty said as she passed the man sitting on his stead.“Good day dame Patricia!” He shouted back.And Patty laughed. She had some free time so maybe she could try to find Jenna or Blaze before breakfast. Or she could just kinda wander around.Patty found she wished to be alone for a while. She loved to be with her friends especially now that she figured out how to be better but she needed some time to be alone, just a couple minutes.She slowly headed to the astronomy tower as it was the one place garantided to be empty on a Sunday morning.She breathed in the fresh air as she walked, enjoying the warmth she felt. She hadn’t realized how much she was on edge at home. Here she felt better. Not like at home where every second she could get in trouble or have to protect her brother from another stupid thing.Oh good grief she forgot about her brother! What on earth was he doing right now and mainly how much trouble it's going to get him in.She sat down on the ground now growing a new respect for Trelawney who has to climb these stairs multiple times a day. She gasped for air now regretting thinking it was gonna be peaceful.Patty leaned back resting her head on the stairs. Above her was a painted ceiling. Stars of all shapes and sizes danced above her as she observed them with curiosity. Each star was unique but still they coexist beautifully.The stars had their own space but still had friends. Maybe Patty could take notes. Or maybe stars are just stars and Patty just needs some time alone because it’s normal. Who knows.The sun shone through the cracks in the bricks gently covering Patty's cheeks in warmth. She smiled like a cat laying in the sun. The only thing missing was music.So Patty hummed a song under her breath. And she enjoyed every second. Every second where she felt blissfully unaware of what was going on around her.The war, the Slytherins, impending doom, her parents all melted away, disappearing into oblivion. It felt wrong not thinking of her problems but it felt so good. So freeing. Which raises the question of when she gets back to her life will it be the same as before or will some part of her stay relaxed?She heard the familiar hoot of owls which ment post was being delivered. She grudgingly got up and took a second to stretch her aching bones. Turns out laying on the floor isn’t the most comfortable thing.She sighed loudly as she once again disappeared into the cold hallways of hogwarts.She took her sweet time walking. There was no rush. Everything was empty as most of Hogwarts was eating or sleeping.The paintings were rarely in their frames as they traveled mingling with fellow portraits.“Hi, love. Where have you been?” Asked Blaze not to look up from the daily profit.“Took a walk.”Blaze was about to answer but whatever she was gonna say drowned in a gasp.“What happened?” Patty asked although she wasn’t sure she wanted to know.“A whole family was murdered by death eaters in their home last night. The parents were muggle born. They were found next to two out of their three children. Their oldest is at hogwarts.” Robin said fist breaking the scary siglence.“Merlin’s beard!” Patty whispered. “What happened to their oldest child?”“She- she got taken to her grandmother.”“Oh poor thing!” Blaze said, clasping her mouth with her hand. Her eyes glazed with tears.And then Patty looked at Jenna who up to that point hadn’t said anything. Shit.Jenna was sitting frozen, mouth hanging open, shaking hands gripping the paper so tightly her knuckles turned white.“Jenna-“ Patty started.Jenna buried her head in her hands and laid down on the table with a thud. Tears staining her face.“Oh, no, no, no.” Patty muttered her whole world basically breaking down crying in front of her. She gently patted Jennas head earning another sob.She hadn’t even considered how hard it is for a muggle born to hear this.“Jen it’s gonna be ok.” Robin tried.“Jenna, love. Let’s go.” Authority strikes though Blazes voice as she talked making even Jenna look up.They left and Patty took some toast for her girls and headed out behind them. She walked at a distance trying to rehearse what she was gonna say.‘Jenna this just happens in life’ she was gonna say but then she caught herself. That was her mother talking. Her stomach reeled at the thought.Blaze hung back, turning to Patty. “Take Jenna to the Ravenclaw common room please I have to grab something. I’m trusting you and Robin to solve the riddle.” Patty was about to ask what riddle but Blaze had already left.They arrived at a big door with an eagle which seemed to lack a handle. Robin taped the bird with her wand.“If you wish to pass you must answer. Many have heard me, none have seen me, I will not speak unless spoken too. What am I?”Well Patty is really fucked now. She looked over to Robin hoping to see a knowing shimmer in her eye but was meet by the same confudled expression Patty was wearing.Patty felt bad for trying to ask Jenna but she had no idea. “Jenna? D-do you know?”Jenna sat down pulling her knees to her stomach. “So that’s a no.” Patty said flatly.“Now, Robin. Any ideas?” Patty said, pulling out some paper and a quill, already writing down the riddle and her answers. But to no avail. A shy person, an enigma?“I do not have the slightest idea.” Robin bellowed.“So, ok, any guesses? Like maybe umm…” Patty said, trying to think what Blaze or Jenna who'd do. But that was futile as both Jenna and Blaze would already know the answer. If they were lucky, some Ravenclaw who'd come and save them.“Like a… oh! A radio maybe?” Robin tried but the door stayed firmly closed.
“Just think. What can you hear but can’t see?” Patty took charge.“A noise?” Robin prompted seemingly knowing it was wrong as she followed it with a sigh.“No, I think…I think we need help.”“Yeah. Fuck.” Robin agreed. “I guess we really weren’t meant to be Ravenclaws.”They stood in silence for a second feeling both embarrassed and stupid.Patty's mother took pride in proving she’s smarter than her children. Which means Patty was alway trying to prove she's smart. And this door is just proving her mother right. She was not gonna stand for it. She mustered every part of her broken pride and thought. What can you hear, can't see, and does not speak unless spoken to?“A thought!!” Patty shouted proudly. She did it. She defied her mother. She is smart!The door stayed closed. The dark wood now feeling as desolate as Pattys ego.The one time I say I’m smart this has to happen- Patty thought bitterly.A sharp laugh broke the uncomfortable silence that followed.Patty didn’t react at first. Thinking the sound was just in her head. But when she saw Robin's wide eyes she found herself spinning around to see if her ears hadn’t deceived her.She didn’t know whether to laugh or call madam Pomfrey. Jenna was laughing hysterically, her face red while still sitting on the ground, her knees still covering her chest.“Oh, good!” Jenna exclaimed mid-laugh.“I’m so sorry for laughing but really? The answer is echo.” And sure enough the door opened.“Well fuck.” Patty swore.Jenna wrapped her arms tighter around her legs.Robin gave Patty a nugged. “Say something please, I have no idea what to do.”Patty sat down opposite Jenna. She gently brushed the hair from Jennas face. She could define every detail on her face. Her full bright lips, her little nose, her cat-like eyes. This gave Patty a sense of calm.You see the person sitting across from you. You see their face. You see into their eyes, into their soul. And you realize. They are human just like you.“Jenna. Please don’t mention this to Blaze.”And then all the tension from the moment disappeared as the girls marvelled at their shared misery.Patty helped Jenna stand up, wiping the tears of both laughter and sadness from her eyes.“We’ll get you some hot chocolate and ice cream and blankets. We can read or whatever you smart people do to relax.”“Ok.” Jenna's voice was small but Patty heard the appreciation somewhere in there.“Hey are you guys ok?” Blaze had just come with cups and pastries in her hands.Patty was sitting behind Jenna trying to braid her hair, already having a perfect braid on her head.“Yeah, but more importantly is that hot chocolate?” Patty inquired.“Yes?” Blaze answered, obviously surprised Patty handed Jenna so well. To be fair she didn’t at first.“Oh come on we just sent Robin to get some.”Blaze just laughed and handed them the cups. “So we’ll just have to drink it, won’t we?”Patty stared down at her defence against the dark arts notes. It was simple. Wake her wand in a circular motion and say the right words.Next to her Blaze had already mastered the spell.“Chin up, love. Focus on the words.” Blaze said making Patty a bit embarrassed she needed her help again.“Protego.” But of course Blaze's advice was on point.After class Patty walked with Blaze.“What do you have next?” Patty asked.“Don't matter, I'm walking you to class.” Blaze said.“I have flying.” Patty said already having war flashbacks to her last lesson. “I’ll be surprised if madam hooch even lets me and Jenna near the brooms.”“Still.” Blaze smiled warmly.“Oy, Jenna! Do me a favour, don't fall this time!” Blaze shouted as soon as Jenna was within earshot.“No promises!” Jenna shouted back without any sight of hesitation. After the attack on the muggle born family Jenna has been living every moment like her last. Which isn’t a bad mindset most of the time.“Ok, so I’ll leave Patty with you but please be careful this time.” Patty bent down and pressed a kiss to Blaze's forehead. Then with a smug smile turned away back to Jenna.Blaze left and she talked with Jenna for a bit who obviously wasn’t gonna let past fallouts get in her way.“I wanna try flying again and see if last time was a mistake or a lack of talent.”“Just don't rope me in this time.” Patty answered jokingly as even then she knew she wasn’t gonna let Jenna fall.“Alright to your places!” Madam Hooch screeched in her usual raspy voice breaking Jennas and Patty's conversation.As they stood over their brooms Patty cought Jenna looking actually nervous for the first time.It’s gonna be ok. She mouthed, earning a less than confident smile from Jenna.Patty held out her hand over her broom and nervously whispered the magic word- “up” -and the broom flew up into her hand. Her other classmates were already in the air exempt Jenna who seemed frozen over her broom.“It’s ok. Take your time.” They were supposed to fly five circles around the pitch but they still had time.Jenna flashed her perfect grin one more time before flying up.Patty watched anxiously as Jenna slowly flew higher into the air, eventually joining their classmates.Patty was about to get onto her broom when madam Hooch's voice distracted her.“Miss Olsen, may I speak to you?”Here it comes. Patty hadn’t spoken to Madam Hooch since the fatal fall last week. They had had one lesson since then but it was substituted and they spent the whole time going over the history of quidditch but what did they expect having Professor Bims substitute?“Yes.” Patty sucked in a breath and walked over dragging her broom behind her.“First I am sorry for not speaking to you about last week's incident sooner but I had my schedule full to the brim. I 'd like to say I’m happy you two are ok and second I hope to hear your version of that day just so I can more clearly see what happened.”“O-ok.” Patty choked that being the last thing she expected to hear.“Well-“ she started not entirely sure what she’s gonna say. “I saw Jenna flying up. She couldn’t control her broom and was going dangerously high. So I flew up behind her. Then it’s all a confused blur. I tackled her and managed to get us both on her broom which then flew into the whomping willow and I threw us off so we didn’t hit it instead falling which somehow felt better at the time.”“I see.” Madam Hooch said in thought. “That was brave. Very brave, bordering on stupid.”Patty blushed fiercely. Not knowing how to answer.“I-thank you. And please don’t judge Jenna too much. She really tried.” Patty said, hoping to get Madam Hooch’s burning gaze of herself.“Right, right, get on your broom, today we’re gonna try to learn how to make sharp turns safely. And I don’t want anyone behind.”Patty got ready to mount her broom when she heard a loud thud behind her.“Fucking hell!” She swore as she broke into a run. Jenna had once again fallen off her broom and Patty had been too distracted by Madam Hooch's piercing eyes to save her.Time seemed to go faster as suddenly Patty was sudden sitting holding Jenna while Madam Pomfrey wrapped her leg and Madam Hooch screamed at one of the Slytherin boys who according to one of Jennas roommates had pushed her off her broom.“Patty.” Jenna said weakly.“It’s ok, stay with me.” Patty said wanting nothing more than to be able to kick that stupid boy's ass.“Help me get her to the hospital wing, please, girl.” Madam Pomfrey said as tied a knot on Jenna's bandages.So Patty helped. She carried Jenna in her arms. Held her hand as madam Pomfrey fixed her most broken bones and gave her countless potions that Jenna could barely drink.“Pease, love, give her this,” she handed Patty another potion. “This is the last one.”Patty bent down to Jenna. “Jen. Last one, here we go.” Jenna drank weakly. Her eyes fluttered open and closed as she tried to keep herself awake. She was extremely sleepy from all the medicine as well as exhausted from the pain.“Ok. Jenna, now listen. Sleep. Get some rest. I’ll be here when you wake up.” Jenna nodded and fell into a deep sleep.Patty sat down on the ground next to her, also exhausted. She wished Blaze had been there. She definitely could have said something more encouraging than what Patty came up with.She rested her head on her knees and fell asleep still holding Jenna's hand in hers.Madam Pomfrey did some more spells to minimise the damage Jenna took as she fell. Her fall luckily got cushioned by some trees but that still wasn’t a very majestic landing. Patty was gonna murdure that slytherin boy for what he did. That was her last thought before she fell asleep
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Patty woke up to the sound of Blaze's soothing voice. For a second she considered going back to sleep and acting like she hadn’t woken up but made herself sit up.“Hi.” She muttered, still half asleep.“What on god's green earth happened here?” Robin exclaimed.“Some slytherin scum pushed Jenna off her broom and she fell. I was speaking to madam hooch so I didn’t see it but I heard.” Blaze knelt in front of Patty and took her hand.“Come and eat with us, Jenna needs sleep and nothing good will come if you skip more classes.”“Oh, right. Yeah.” Robin stayed with Jenna for a bit longer and Blaze took Patty to the great hall.Patty glanced back once more as if when she stopped being by Jenna for even one second she was gonna fall off another broom. But no, all she saw was Robin gently patting Jenna's hair and Jenna still sleeping. Whatever sleep drought Madam Pomfrey gave Jenna worked a little too well as Patty felt she couldn’t wake up Jenna even if she tried.By all accounts Jenna was perfect. She has a good family, she's smart, clever, good looking. Patty felt almost intimidated by her but Patty held Jenna as she cried, tended to her wounds. But it didn’t make her see Jenna as weak, more like human. She wasn’t flawless but she was strong. And as Patty looked back at Jenna, her hair was a mess, she was drooling and mumbling something in her dreams she realizes what she’s been missing her whole life. Friendship. That trust that when you go over the rails there is someone to pull you back. And it was beautiful.Patty looked over to Blaze who was patiently waiting with her hand extended for Patty to take.“Ready?” She inquired.“Ready.” Patty confirmed as she took Blaze's soft hand in hers.Patty didn’t feel like eating much but Blaze made her stomach at least some mashed potatoes.“We need to keep Jenna off brooms for a while.” Patty said between mouthfuls of potatoes.“Yeah. If there’s anyone who can do it it’s you.” Blaze commented.Robin shortly joined them adding kindling to the dying conversation. She talked of her sisters, and her dads. Reminding Patty she hadn’t written to Odin in a couple of days.Later Patty went to class but it felt pointless as all she wanted to do was return to Jenna and triple check if her breathing is even.That became a habit of hers over the next couple of days. Jenna was fine other than her broken leg which couldn’t heal overnight like most of her other injuries she sustained.Patty would come by every morning for an early breakfast and stay late to play games or just sit nearby like a guard dog.The boy who almost killed Jenna was punished with detention until winter break and a very stern talking to. Of course Patty was told not to get involved but she 'd be damned if she didn give him a piece of her mind.She approached him in the slytherin common room carefully making sure he didn’t notice her until she was close enough to trap him in a corner.He looked up from his book with a cocky smile before noticing who was standing in front of him.Patty flashed her dangerous smile, pulling out her wand from her pocket.“I-“ he stammered.“Dont fucking say a word witch you didn’t thurely think thought or things will end ugly.”He nodded sweat already coating his forehead.“I want you to say what you did. And apologise.” She said her voice dangerously low.“I- I flew into that Ravenclaw girl's way m- making her fall.”“Apologise.” Patty hissed.“I’m- im s-sorry.” He eyed her wand nervously.Patty smiled and turned away slowly.“But she deserv-“ Patty spun around and hit him with a curse.His gasp got drowned out as his tongue got glued onto the roof of his mouth.“If you try to blame me, have a second thought because who will they believe? A young scared girl or a boy with a record of being cruel.”With that she left him. The curse will wear off in a couple of minutes but the lesson will stick.Patty then headed to Jenna where Blaze and Robin sat, already waiting.“You good?” Jenna asked.“I am now.”“Oh, boy. What the hell did you do?” Blaze said, already seemingly tired of Paddy's shenanigans.“Nothing much. Just a little revenge.” Patty smiled.Robin laughed. “I’m guessing the curse worked?”“Oh it did.” Patty smirked fondly remembering the confused look on the boy's face.“It did.” She repeated as Blaze covered her face with her hands trying to hide her smile.They spend the rest of the evening playing cards but mostly talking. Blaze talked about her parents and her dog Robin had more than one hilarious story from her childhood as her fathers remember how it’s like to be children and often give Robin and her sisters new opportunities. And Jenna tried to explain muggle cars which Patty still doesn’t really understand and Patty. Patty didn’t really speak. Her childhood was mostly filled with fights, dinner parties and traveling to extended family members which doesn't make good stories.Patty sat on one of the chairs Madam Pomfrey bought for them and sifted through one of the muggle books she was borrowing from Jenna. It’s apparently about magic but not the wizard kind? If that makes sense.Around Patty Blaze was trying to prove she can do a handstand with Jenna trying to stop her and Robin encouraging her. Patty put down her book and watched with curiosity as Blaze propped up her legs on a wall and then kicked away her hands failing on her almost instantly.“I told you so.” Jenna remarked smugly.Patty got up to help Blaze although she repetitively said she's ok.“I- thank you.” Blaze said, brushing dust off her robes.“No problem.”“You know my sister, Aarya? She learned how to do a backflip over the summer after only two cases of a broken neck.” Robin comented as Jenna snorted and threw another mini pastry into her mouth.Robin apparently heard from one of her dads where the kitchen is so she took Blaze and ‘stole’ a bunch of food. According to Blaze the house elves gladly gave them the food.Patty's parents once had a house elf. Lesie. Whan Odin was six he set her free. Their parents were furious when they found out so Patty said it was her earning a proper yelling at.The truth is Patty had been sad to see Lesie go. Lesie would bring Patty food after her parents locked her in her room and often cleaned up messes before Pattys mother could find them. But Lesie also didn’t have it easy; her parents aren’t exactly house elf rights activists.Patty smiled. Those dark days were behind her. Even if she wanted to she couldn’t get away. Blaze who’d track her down. And that was a nice thought.Life at her home sometimes felt like if you went missing no one would go looking. Odin would, but her parents wouldn't let him. He was the air to their fortune. He was the important one. But there was no way in hell Patty who'd hold that against him. He was her brother and her lifering the thing that kept her afloat. But now she's found a ship that will carry her and the least she can do is help him up.“Ey, Patricia it’s your turn.” Robin laughed.“Oh right.” Patty smiled and threw down her plus four card making Jenna sigh dramatically as she grudgingly took four cards.“You ok?” Blaze asked, throwing down a reverse.“I think I am.” Patty answered.
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Patty smiled as she looked down at her brother's familiar handwriting.Dear Patty,Respectfully fuck you. There is no bloody way I’m not getting into trouble while you're gone. Although that might be smart as mother is in a particularly bad mood right now. Apparently one of her friends wants to join the order of the Phoenix and she’s not having it. She just finished an hour long one way yelling match with her friend and ended it with ‘I don’t care anymore if the dark lord asked, your sorry ass is not safe.’ So she’s gonna be mean today. Anyway love you and write soon. Moms coming my way. Pray for me.-your OdinPatty laughed as she bit into another sausage. She is particularly hungry this morning. She took a quill and some spare parchment for her response.Dear Odin,I am praying. Classes are a pain especially now that the teachers are trying to cram in as much information as possible before winter break. So see you soon. Sending love.-your PatriciaShe got up from the table after she stuffed the last of her breakfast into her mouth.“Finish your drink.” Blaze added before Patty could leave. Patty drowned the rest of her orange juice and gave a smile to blaze.“What would I do without you?”“Nothing you’d just waste away.” Blaze answered without looking up from the paper.Patty got to the owlery and tied her letter to one of the owls' legs. She chose a small discreet owl so as to not bother her parents to much.Then the next morning she looked eagerly at the dark swirls that beautifully mixed with the orange in the sky awaiting her brothers response.Nothing.She didn’t let it bother her though. Robin wanted to go play quidditch so she can be good enough to join the team next year but Blaze somehow managed to convince her to play football instead. Patty sat on the cold grass humming along to the music playing in the background of Blazes and Robin's suspenseful game.“She's a killer queen! Gunpowder, gelatine! Dynamite with a laser beam!”Jenna gave them points for every goal and took her job way too seriously.“What the bloody hell Robin! That was way off to the side! Gram gets the point!”Patty smiled and looked down at her book. She was on the same page for a couple of hours at this point.She took her brothers last letter into her hands and reread it for the hundredth time. Oh god she loved the way he writes his y’s. The elegant loops that are at once messy and proper.The next day Patty woke extra early and waited for half an hour before any of her friends came. In the meantime she talked to Cleosandra. Well it’s more like Cleo talked and Patty smiled a bit and nodded once. Then the owls came. But none for her.She would have rather paced the halls between classes but Blaze kept her to a schedule.During herbology Patty had time to stress even more but Blaze somehow magically noticed and distracted her with jokes to the point Patty had tears falling down her face as she tried to suppress her laughter. Blaze obviously felt proud as she strutted to the next class more confidently than usual.Next morning came and with it more owls. But once again none for her.She bit her lip as she nervously wrote a new letter.Drear Odin,Are you alive? If yes than WRITE BACK! Anyways, how is your day? Mines good. Love you.-your worried sister PattyHer handwriting was sloppy as she wrote the letter trying not to dip it in marmalade. The table was very full.“Patty do you want a honey covered strawberry?” Robin offered.“It was my idea and it's great. Trust.” Jenna muttered, her lips stuck together with honey.Patty took one. It was too sweet for her taste but still good. She looked away for a second and when she looked back Jenna had grabbed a candle from the air and was cooking sugar on top of it in a cup.“I’m making caramel!” She shouted over the sizzle of melting sugar.Next thing Patty knew Jenna was selling strawberries dipped in caramel in baggies for a sickle. And by the end of the day Jenna turned a pretty profit.Patty woke the next morning hoping with all her heart to get a letter.Once again. Nothing.“Patty, it's gonna be alright.” Blaze said after Patty poured her heart out. “There is no reason to be worried.”“There is. He said my mom is angry and maybe she got mad when I sent more owls.” Blaze looked up a bit surprised.“I- I’m sure nothing that bad happened.” Blaze continued.Patty spent her evenings in the library. After Jenna sold out on all the caramel strawberries she started scrambling for new business ideas. Which meant a lot of dangerous ideas Blaze had to convince her to drop.One of Patty’s favourite suggestions Jenna gave was to sneak into the forbidden forest and pick some of the herbs that allegedly grow there to make a potion that should be able to help you to grow your hair instantly.“What if I try to brew a potion-“ Jenna started.“No potions.” Blaze interrupted.Patty woke up once again with a horrible headache and an even worse feeling in her stomach.At this point she didn’t expect her brother to write back but she had to have hope.Nothing.“Blaze! What should I do? What if I write and it only makes it worse?” She complained.“You could get Jenna to tutor you on charms. Damn those grades suck.” Blaze exclaimed as she rummaged through Pattys notes. “Can take your thoughts away from problems.” Blaze added quickly, trying to sound more interested.“Fine.” Patty said. She actually felt like Jenna could help her.“Tutor you?” Jenna smirked later in the day when Patty relayed her conversation with Blaze.“Just so I can understand the materi-““Yes! That sounds so fun! I can cook some snacks and get coffee! Lest do it today!” Patty didn’t expect so much enthusiasm.“S- sure!” She attempted to match Jennas energy.Within an hour Jenna grabbed Patty from Blaze and led her to the library. And after explaining how she did research about how to be a good teacher and asked multiple professors on tips she thinks she’s ready. She also managed to get a boule of some kind of candies or chips.“Well. Ok. Let's start with…” Jenna absentmindedly chewed at the end of her pencil as she flipped through both hers and Patty's notes.“Oh. Here! The levitating charm.” Jenna concurred with a strange authority in her voice.“Try to perform it on this quill and I’ll give you notes.” She announced after a second.Patty sighed and brought out her wand. “Wingardium Leviosa.” She tried with as much decorum as she could muster.Her quill floated up slowly as she tried to keep her hand from shaking.“Good.” Jenna muttered as she wrote down her notes.Patty let her quill fall as she peeked over Jennas paper. There was written - student is exhibiting a passable knowledge of the levitation spell.“Student?! Passable?!” dramatically bellowed Patty.“I’m trying to keep my opinion unbiased. Now let’s do the extinguishing charm before we do the Fire-making charm. That way there is less of a chance we set Hogwarts on fire.” On the table was another copy of the latest daily profit with Jenna grabbed and placed closer to Patty.“Try setting it on fire. It’s only trash anyway.”Jenna seemed to despise the prophet these days, obviously not forgetting the story that broke her.A couple hours later Patty was basically passing out over her notes while Jenna calmly ate another sweet as she wrote out instructions for what she called the ‘make the pineapple dance across the desk spell.’Jenna coughed and Patys head shot up. “Alohomora!” She exclaimed.Jenna looked around. “Maybe it’s time to go to sleep.”So Jenna and Patty walked out of the library clutching their notes and book in hand. Jenna was happily snaking on the last of her candies.“Did your brother write back?” Patty was in no mood to talk of her brother. That was one of the reasons she asked Jenna for tutoring in charms.“No.”“Oh. Well I bet he will, or maybe he can’t.”“What do you mean?” Patty asked her attention, finally snapping into place.“You said your parents are strict, isn't it just possible they took the owl away?”“I- I hadn't even thought of that.” Patty admitted.“It seems people tend to focus on the worst case scenario instead of the more plausible options. Been reading a psychology book.” Jenna said simply as if she didn’t just change Pattys entire view on life.“We’re here, sweet dreams.” Patty hadn’t even realised Jenna walked her to the dungeons.“Night.”Jenna left and Patty gave the snake the passcode. It looked angry to be up right now.“Sorry buddy.” She whispered trying not to sound exhausted.“Hey.” Patty opened her eyes and sung her arm hitting whoever just woke her up in the face. She looked down to see Robin on the floor clutching her nose which Patty just hit.“Oh, shit! I’m sorry.”Robin waved her arm. “Nah. It’s ok. Blaze said if I wake you up you're gonna wack me. I bet you wouldn’t. You just lost me a bet.Patty offered her hand and Robin took it carefully as if expecting to get hit again.“Am I late?” Patty smiled hoping o go back to sleep.“No but I’m gonna go play football with Blaze and she said the exercise will be good so take a shower or just brush your teeth or whatever you do in the morning and let’s go.”Patty brushed her teeth with Robin talking of her head in the meantime.Then a question bit at Patty.“How did you get into the common room?” She said over a mouth full of toothpaste.“Charmed the snake.” They broke into unsynced laughter.“No, but really?”“I saw some of the Slytherin girls who are on the quidditch team leaving so I listened to the code when they returned from breakfast.”“Smart.”Robin helped Patty pick out a shirt and tried to force her to put on a skirt which Patty had to fight off. And then they headed out and grabbed some toast on the way out.When they arrived Jenna was watching Blaze kick the football up with her feet and then try to catch it on her head.The sky was still mostly dark as the days are getting shorter and shorter.“Up for a game?” Blaze shouted.“Always!” Patty roared.Patty did her best to try to be an equal to Blaze but when Blaze basically did a backflip as she kicked the ball Patty gave up sooner than she would have wanted.“Robin, your turn, I’m beat.” Patty walked over to Jenna and plopped herself down on the grass next to her. She peeked at Jenna's notes.Patty- 1 pointBlaze- 4 pointsWhat a spectacular loss.Patty couldn’t help but reread her brother's last letter. Although Jenna calmed her down a bit she still couldn’t help but worry. All she can hope is that her parents and brother show up to pick her up from King’s Cross.Later the girls headed to the hufflepuff common room where Blaze and Jenna had a long very suspenseful game of chess.Patty looked over to Robin who, to her surprise, was already looking at her.“Can I braid your hair?” Robin asked, looking over to Jenna and Blaze. “They're not gonna stop until one of them wins.”“Sure.” Robin was sitting on the ground meanwhile above her on the sofa the epic chess match was still in full flow.Patty stood up from her place next to Blaze and sat opposite of Robin getting her hair down from her lazy bun.Her pale hair was slightly curly as she hadn’t taken it down in days.Robin instantly got to work her delicate finger expertly dividing Patty's hair into even strands with which she then carefully crossed over and over until she had made a whole braid at which point she started on the other side doing the exact same thing.By the time she had finished Patty had a wedding worthy hairstyle. She almost felt bad she was just gonna go to sleep with it on.“Now you do my hair.” She said turning around. Patty stared down at Robin's hair.Her hair was a strange shade of brown more like bronze. Some locks were more on the blonde side and others seemed more like black. Patty felt bad she was even gonna mess with it.She carefully took Robin's hair and started on a braid. One much simpler than the one Robin had conjured up.“Checkmate!”Patty flinched away covering her head with her hands to shield her from the falling chess pieces as Jenna flipped the board over in her victory.“Fuck! Sorry Patty, Robin, didn’t notice you there.” Jenna said, sitting back down awkwardly as soon as she saw the look on Patty’s face.“Yeah.” She said, returning her attention to Robin's hair. “Try not to make it rain ches next time you win.”After that the room relaxed.“Done.” Robin tried to grab the mirror but Patty swiftly groceries it with her hand.“I- um. Did a shity job so… so sorry.” Patty tried to explain before Robin saw the bird's nest Patty accidentally made on her head.“Nah. I love it.” Patty could never understand how Robin kept a straight face while she said that.“Thank you. Thank you for not showing how much you hate it.” Robin laughed and brought Patty into a half hug.Patty tensed but didn’t let go. It was sweet.They stayed up until around one am at which point they moved to Blaze's bed where they fell asleep.Patty fell asleep on the floor, her back resting against Robin's legs which she had dangling from the end of the bed. Blaze was on the other side of the bed, half hanging off and Jenna slept in the middle with her head resting on Robin's stomach.When Patty woke she felt entirely sore but also so much closer to her girls. When she woke up she didn’t leave instantly she let her head rest and her thoughts wander. In the end it was her curiosity to see if her brother had written that made her get up.She crossed the castle to her dorm where she realised she desperately needed a shower. And washing her hair also seemed like a good idea so Patty grudgingly took off Robin's braids and entered the shower running the warm water through her hair.Blaze lended Patty some conditioner which she has yet to use. So she rinsed her hair with some shampoo and then tried the conditioner.It smelled of a summer storm. The fresh grass mixed with rain and subtle wind.Now Patty knew why Blaze always smelled like she just finished running in the rain.She rinsed her hair one last time and then wrapped it in a towel. She relaxed her shoulders and quickly brushed her teeth. Why was previously known as just a curiosity of whether she got a letter it seemed it had turned into an obsession as Patty could think of nothing but else.So she headed impatiently to breakfast. Winter break starts tomorrow.She ate slowly until Blaze came with Robin in tow. Jenna is apparently still asleep.And then the owls came. And as either it was a miracle of just the usual cleverness of her brother her family owl came with a letter in hand.She grabbed it before the owl even landed.Dear Patty,I’m sorry I haven't written. It was rough at home but I wanna give you your Christmas present early. I convinced mother to let you stay at a friend's house for the first week of the holidays. Congratulations! Your brother did it again! Anyway we won’t come to get you at King’s Cross but mother will fetch you later. It’s not perfect but it’s good right? I hope you like it.-your OdinPatty clutched her letter to her chest.She turned to Robin over the past week she heard her speaking with Jenna about her staying at Robins even though they tried to hide it as Patty was terribly homesick at the time.“Robin! Can I stay at yours at the start of the holidays?” Robin's face lit up and the answer was obvious.Patty had a great week ahead of her. Hells, she loved her brother
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“You're gonna get to meet my sisters!” Robin continued. It seemed she would never stop talking. Patty had finished her breakfast a while ago at this point, but Robins still sat untouched on her plate.“Yes yes I get it. I need to pack.” Patty stood up sharply. She didn’t mean to come off as mean. Robin was letting her stay at hers and although Patty slept surprisingly well that night she still felt exhausted.“Thank you and I’ll see you at the Hogwarts express.” Patty said as kindly as she could. Her whole body itched to leave. She was actually kinda excited to go home. At home she was alone in her room most of the time and that was something she missed dearly.Patty walked to her dorm.There was so much to think about but Patty didn’t really feel like answering her question or facing her reality. So she lied in her bed not zoned out but also not present.All of her previous motivation to pack flew out the window leaving only the strange tiredness behind. It was stupid wasting her time like this.“I fucking hate this.” Patty heard from across the room. It was the girl who tried to warn Patty at the beginning of the year. She later found out her name was Evangaline.Patty didn’t know when she came in.“Yeah.” Patty answered not sure she wants to continue in the conversation. Bloody hell she didn’t even know if Evangaline was talking to her.“Are you also going home?” She asked gloomily.“No. Not yet got lucky. I get to spend the first week at a friends.”Patty wanted to ask if Evangaline also didn’t wanna go home but the question seemed stupid.Patty got along with Evangaline not because of what they said but because of what they didn’t say. They didn’t talk about Patty’s friends or of their families or about grades they actually didn’t talk much at all. It was more like help each other out.Like once they were sitting and writing their essays when Evangeline's ink ran out so she wordlessly handed her another one or when Patty sat on her bed letting her tears out, Evangeline handed her a tissue and gently brushed away Patty’s tears.“Nice.” She said and Patty laid back down. She already had enough. Evangelene left the room muttering something about breakfast.Patty laid in her bed for a while until a dull noise woke her from her trance. She looked up to see it was an owl tapping on her window.She lazyly stood up and crossed the room to let the owl in. It had a letter.She unraveled it carefully.To Patricia,It’s Blaze. I bumped into your roommate and she said your not doing so well and then left so… do you need help packing? I’m all done. If yes then I’ll be waiting outside the dungeons.Ps: please come.-Blaze Gram.Patty smiled a bit and got to her feet. She didn’t want company but Blaze is more than company shes… She's family? Is she?Patty stumbled up the stairs to the portrait of the snake. She gave the password and it opened with a hiss.There stood Blaze calmly leaning against the wall. She was turned away from the portrait and obviously hadn’t heard it open.“Blaze.” Patty whispered, throwing away her chance to run. She had to be brave.Blaze spun around and flashed her signature grin.“You came.” she bereaved.“you said please.” Patty teased.“Yea, yea. Lets go. I'm guessing you haven't packed yet.” Blaze pushed past Patty, her hand finding the blondes.Blaze happily skipped leading Patty behind her by the hand.“Are you excited to go to Robins?” Blaze asked as they climbed the stairs.“Yes, but it feels wrong… I mean I never left my brother for so long and now I'm gonna leave him for even longer.” Blaze squeezed her hand tighter.“gonna be ok.”They ran up and threw themselves onto the bed still giggling.“So you hadn’t packed at all?” Blaze said, wiping sweaty forehead.“No.” Patty said feeling a bit ashamed. After all she never wanted to disappoint Blaze, this was just one of her low energy points. Usually she would just power through but that didn’t work this time.“Let’s get to work.” Blaze sat up pulling Patty along with her.“It’s good to start with clothes then move on to books and the other stuff.” She looked over at Pattys plushies.“You have a stuffed animal!” Blaze smiled, reaching for them but then stopping.“Can I look at them?”“Go on.” Patty said, laying back down.Blaze pulled Patty back up. “No,no. We got work to do.”They worked well together getting Pattys things packed quickly. Patty felt as if her limbs didn’t wanna obey her so Blaze did most of the work which made her feel even more guilty.“I’m sorry-“ Patty tried but Blaze stopped her.“No. I came here voluntarily and I wanna help. So shut up and help me pack your clothes.” She gave Patty a stack of jeans.Patty could help but smile as she looked at Blaze who was currently admiring one of Pattys plushies when she was supposed to be packing.“Wait, did you make these?” She said suddenly spying Pattys wool witch she had stashed for more animals.“Yea.” Patty smiled. She quite liked the look Blaze was giving her. It was a mix of admiration, surprise and something Patty couldn’t quite name.“I love it.” She smiled, placing the dragon neatly into Patty's backpack.Patty put away the rest of her clothes into her trunk. “Done. Thank you.” She turned to Blaze trying not to act like she did anything helpful because she really hadn’t. She actually felt like Blaze could have done it way faster without her. She was shooting Patty nervous glances the whole time they were talking.“Wanna go outside?” Prompted Blaze.“I think it's actually time to go.” Patty said, looking down at the trails of students already getting onto the Hogwarts express.“Shit.” Bereaved Blaze grabbing Patty's things and shoving them into her arms.“Go on. I’ll meet you on the train.”Patty left carrying her heavy suitcase up the stairs. She headed to the Hogwarts express where Jenna and Robin stood right outside the door. As soon as they saw her they waved her over.“Wait, where's Blaze?” Jenna asked as they entered an empty compartment.“Gone to get her things.” Patty said sitting down opposite Jenna and Robin so she can later sit next to blaze.“Are you excited?” Robin asked both girls.“Yeah.” They both muttered. Jenna had already brought out her book.Robin and Patty made eye contact and started laughing at their friends' complete absentmindness.Patty couldn’t help but worry if blaze would make it in time. And then as if the magic of Hogwarts was helping blaze showed up in the compartment out of breath just like the first ever time they met each other except this time the first person Blaze looked at was Patty.And this wasn’t just a look you would give a stranger, this was the kind of look you never look away from because it’s too precious to end.“Hey you two! Lovebirds. Sir the bloody hell down before the train starts and you go flying.” Robin said, taking a momentary break from annoying Jenna.“I- yeah…” Blaze sat done taking out a magazine from her bag.When the train arrived Patty held her breath. She was half convinced her parents were gonna come and drag her home.But no. Patty looked over at the platform kinda just staring into the distance.“Those are my dads!” Pointed Robin at two men in the distance. Both of them resembled Robin with oak hair and golden brown skin. One of them; the taller one, had glasses and the second wore a pink and purple clips on his hair which had obviously just been put there by one of the little girls that stood near him.One of them was sitting on his shoulders putting another clip into his hair. The other one stood behind him nervously holding the end of his shirt peeking at the train, probably trying to spot her sister.Patty smiled. So this is how a functional family looks.Blaze looked away from the window, her eyes finding Patty’s.“I’ll see you after the holiday break.” She smiled leaning more towards Patty.When they were merged from the train Blaze ran up to her mother who was the farthest thing from Blaze. Instead of chocolate skin she was pale. She had red hair which nicely riveled Blaze's brown locks. And she didn’t hold herself with that easy calmness that Blaze did.“Goodbye!” She shouted one more time as they left.Robin ran ahead and hugged her sisters and then her dads. Then turned to Jenna and Patty .“This is Patricia and this is Jenna.” She said in a way that made Pattys stomach flutter. She actually spoke about her fondly, kindly.“Hello.” The the man with glasses said kindly.“This is Arjun and Jason, and Amara and Aarya.” Robin said, smiling like never before.“Hi.” Patty said softly. Jenna instantly threw herself into conversation with Arjun who is a professor at some university.Patty chose to walk behind as Robin caught up with her sisters.Eventually they reach a secluded corner where Arjun apparets them.Robin's home was big. Not as big as Patty’s but cozy. Things were placed everywhere. Old mugs on tables and books stacked on the ground, clothes thrown over chairs and papers thrown everywhere. The whole house had an orange hue.Jason showed Jenna and Patty their room while Robin helped Arjun get their bags up. Amara and Aarya ran around them asking questions.“How old are you?” One of them squeaked.“Eleven.” Patty answered“Can you do spells?”“I can but only at school.” Patty answered, trying hard to not smile.“What house are you in?” Asked the other twin.“It's obvious she's in Gryffindor.” Said the other importantly.“Well… I’m actually in Slytherin.” Patty said.Both twins gasped. “The bad house?”“There is no bad house, all houses are equally important.” Jason stepped in. Patty felt a twinge of guilt but it drowned in the bucket full of relief.“Thank you.” She mouthed to Jason who gave her a glad smile.He went down to help with Robin's trunk leaving Jenna and Patty alone with the twins.“Can you also Apparate?” The girl closest to Patty asked.“No. We learn that when we become seventeen.”“Do you know everything?” Asked the second girl.“Try me.”And the conversation escalated. The girls asked every little thing that came to their mind and Jenna answered everything patiently to the best of her knowledge. Later Robin joined in and then it became a discussion whether centaurs are good for the environment.Patty chimed in every once in a while. But her thoughts kept going back to Robin's parents. Her dads are so happy together you can practically feel the love radiating around them so how can that be wrong?Her mother says people like them are the problem with the world but Patty never listens to her mother. Her opinions have never really matched Patty’s.So maybe there is nothing wrong with being happy. Maybe she should be happy. Time flew by. Soon the night settled and Arjun called them down for dinner.Patty went down the stairs carefully as the stairs were as cluttered as the rest of the house.Dinner was good. But the conversations were better.Jenna continued spewing facts as she showed Arjun the books she checked out from the library and he insisted on giving her some of his old muggle books. He even gave one to Patty.“They have no use here. No one reads them.”Patty thanked him kindly but really she was freaking out. She loved muggle books so much and she just got one as a gift. And it was such a kind gesture, too.She almost teared up. She had to make it up to them somehow.She ate and then she expected to be sent to sleep but instead Jason ushered them into the living room where he put some casettape into the tv.Three Disney movies later they were all tired.“You really never heard of Disney movies before?” Jenna laughed as the end titles of Cinderella came on.“No.” Patty smiled. She loved them. They had magic but a different kind. Wishes come to life and beautiful princesses having most of the screen time which is one of the reasons why Patty enjoyed these films so much.Later when both twins were asleep leaving against Robin and Jenna curled up yawning every two minutes Arjun Finally said what they were all thinking.“Time to go to sleep.”Patty carried Amara to her room with Robin who took Aarya.They set the twins down in their bunk beds.“Come on.” Robin said, taking Patty’s hand.They came to Robin's room where Jenna had already passed out. It seemed she made an attempt to read but fell asleep with the book laying open on her chest.Patty picked up the book and put a bookmark onto the page Jenna left it on. There were two mattresses on the ground, one for Jenna which she was already using and one for Patty who lazyly sat down pulling out her blanket from her bag. Robin offered her a blanket but Patty had her own things.She hated the feel of other people's things. Even if it was just in her head she took her own things everywhere she went.Robin just laughed when she noticed Pattys blanket and gave her a pat on the back.“Goodnight.” She turned off the light.“Night.”The next days went by in delightful blurs. They went on a hike and then it snowed and they built a throne and they made drawings and blasted muggle music until night.They ran through the woods playing elaborate games of tag. And after failed attempts to play quidditch Robin took them on her broom flying over their house and the surrounding village.And then the end of this marvellous week approached and Patty got down. She was gonna go back home for christmas and her parents aren’t exactly good gift givers.