(Threa)

Ominis led us out of the great hall all the way to our common room as the enchanted doors slithered up allowing us admittance. You could hear the students yelling from the hall, boisterous and rowdy ready to ring in the new year. With his lead we entered the grand chamber making our way straight to the chairs near the windows as some first years could be seen looking around the room in awe.

"What a lovely sorting ceremony," Ominis quipped loudly making a show of himself garnering the attention of the room. "Best in ages!"

"Are you really doing this again," Armand Malfoy beamed jumping into the seat across Ominis, his icy blonde hair falling in front of his eyes. "Truly spectacular," he nearly yelled meeting his demeanor. Other students already in on the ruse rolled their eyes, some laughing as they continued to catch up attempting to ignore the plot before them.

"I must say I cannot wait fo- Oh, Threa dear, did you see that," Ominis nearly yelled grabbing hold of me as he pointed at the window. I smiled at the grinning man nodding trying my hardest not to double over at his silliness

"Why, yes I did," I fought off a laugh following his finger seeing it more pointed at the wall as I discreetly nudged it towards the window seeing him beaming wider.

"What was that Gaunt," Armand asked as Ominis dropped his hand.

"Mermaids," he mused as some first years walked closer looking at the windows in amazement. "It is quite rare to see them actually take a moment to stop and look in, but they can be spotted from time to time."

"There are mermaids in the Black Lake," one little girl asked taking a timid step towards the window, turning her head towards me.

"There are," Ominis finished as Nerida Roberts abandoned her conversation with Imelda to join her at the window.

"I know it sounds unbelievable but it's true. I've seen them!"

"You have!"

"Not out these windows, but while watching the lake. They are majestic creatures. I plan to act as a Ministry Liaison to the Merpeople after graduation," she beamed as Armand groaned.

"Roberts, that isn't even a department for the ministry... They can't be talked to."

"I've been in correspondence with them, been learning their language!"

"You've been learning gibberish!"

"Don't mind Malfoy," she smiled sweetly at the child. "They are out there, and between us. I really think this is the year I'll meet one in person. I may have to get in the lake to do so but it will be well worth it in the end!"

"If you are that desperate to have someone blubber up and get you wet, all you need is ask," I couldn't help but scoff at the line as he turned towards me. "That applies to every of age woman in the room."

"Armand," Ominis snapped.

"Applies to you too dear," he flirted towards Ominis as the Gaunt shot him a deadly glare making Malfoy howl in laughter. "It's just a joke," his eyes met mine again eyeing me up and down. "Unless you all want to play a bit later."

"I suggest you find exploits elsewhere, friend," Ominis warned voice steady and firm.

"Right," Malfoy stood stopping next to me. "Do come find me if you change your mind. Promise to give you a good turn," he left before I could shoot back as the first year looked up at me confused.

"Turn?"

"Look I think I saw her again," I pointed towards the window moving from Ominis next to the thirteen-year-old distracting her as she followed my fingers, Nerida frowning my way.

"Did you," she spat, and I nodded.

"Yes," I groaned out turning towards the child. "Did you see her?"

"I missed it," she frowned walking closer to the window trying to catch a glimpse of the fake creature.

"I saw her," Imelda added joining us in the window as Nerida looked at her in disbelief. "It's the same one I saw my first year!"

"You saw a mermaid your first year," the child beamed at the raven-haired beauty as she nodded.

"Yes, I had to wait up practically all night, but once I saw her it was worth the bit of tiredness," she lied so effortlessly. "If you want to see her, I suggest you do the same. You can always catch a nap later."

"Classes begin at nine am sharp tomorrow," the prefect yelled out. "We cannot force you to your rooms, but we highly recommend you all get rest for your first day. We are headed to the halls do not even think of trying to wander off! We will catch you and you will get detention," she yelled and left out with her fellow prefects.

"Who were they," the girl asked.

"They're Prefects. It's a special title given to exceptional students, they get to wander the halls after hours to make sure none of us are out doing something we shouldn't," I explain as Melda laughs hard.

"Threa should know with how many run ins she had with them last year."

"Never got caught," I point out as she rolls her eyes.

"Yet. I'm on track to be the next prefect. Trust, if I am chosen, your track record will be broken."

"Like how I broke all yours last year?"

"Hardley," she spat tone ready for a fight at the mention how I triumphantly squashed her time in every one of her broom trials.

"Wouldn't of you had to be chosen last year to be a prefect," I bite as she rolls her eyes.

"Bloody mistake on Sharps part. Appointed Violet Mcdowell and Ansley Crouch. Gave the two supple opportunities to put a bun in the oven and dock us all house points in the process," the thirteen-year-old looked up at the raven-haired beauty in confusion.

"They got expelled for baking," she innocently asked as I met Melda's amused eyes.

"No," Imelda responded way sweeter than expected.

"But you said?"

"It's a figure of speech kid."

"What's it mean," Imelda looked utterly uncomfortable seemingly unsure if she should traumatize the girl with the birds and the bees.

"Imelda, I think I saw a wedding invite from McDowell. Did you go," I asked as she looked at me thankful for the rescue nodding fast.

"Week after classes let out. The thing was an utter mess, but I'm sure you already know. You nobles squawk more than seagulls when there's scandal."

"Hadn't heard anything, don't really run in those circles outside of school," she gawked at me.

"Are you bloody serious, I'd be jumping like a Jarvey to get in there ranks. The information they hold is like a weapon to the right people! Its what made that wedding a fucking disaster! Shit was first page of the Proffit next day!"

"Eh, don't really get the Proffit in Richmond. Only times I've read it is when pa brings one home from the Ministry."

"Do you hear any news in that Muggle town?"
"I hear plenty. Just don't like to entertain gossip."

"You live with Muggles," the little girl asked utterly dumbfounded at the fact.

"I do. I-" Armand and Phineas whistled loudly handing out questionable bottles and mugs to the upperclassmen.

"Ladies and Gentlemen," Sirius yelled from the top of the stairs, the room going quiet. Imelda's face instantly fell. "Friends, lovers... Ex-lovers. Please join me in raising a toast to "another illustrious year of learning!"" He mocked Weasley laughing hard garnering snickers around the room. "May it be memorable and debaucherous... To 1891, let it be our year!" The room erupted in cheers. I turned back to the two girls to see Imelda staring at her ex-lover with a forlorn expression etched with sorrow.

"You okay," I asked over the boisterous crowd as her stone like mask returned.

"I'm fine," she lied voice venomous as ever.

"Melds."

"Shouldn't you be getting back to your blind boyfriend," she spat storming away from us up to Armand yanking a glass from his hand downing its contents.

"Is she alright," the young girl asked.

"Best as she can be," I smiled down at her. "I'm Threa."

"Amelia," she smiled softly taking my hand. "Amelia Abbot."

"It's nice to meet you, Amelia."

"You as well," she shifted a bit looking back out the window curiously. "Are there really mermaids out there? You aren't pulling my leg?"

"There are. Found some of their relics myself," her eyes went wide at that.

"Relics? Like what," she asked excitedly.

"A few carved slabs, a nearby cave with giant epitaphs, a handmade necklace they left behind in a chest."

"You found a necklace they made? Can I see it?"

"Gave it to Nerida, but I'm sure if she still has it, she'd love to show you," she beamed brightly. My eyes traveled back over to Ominis who seemed far too entertained by our conversation. "I need to be getting back to my friend, but if you need anything. Don't hesitate to come find me alright."

"Alright," she paused looking back over to Ominis. "The dark-haired girl said that is your boyfriend?"

"Ominis is my friend."

"Hmmm.... He's cute," I sighed nodding for her to head off as I turned walking back up to an ever too joyous Ominis.

"What," his smile was wide looking up towards me his laugh unable to be contained.

"I'm cute."

"According to a thirteen-year-old," he rolled his eyes as I took the seat next to him. He took a large breath in noticeably fighting off a yawn.

"You're tired."

"It has been a long day," he whispered back smiling as the first year was met by her peers in the window. She told them of what we saw, sharing Imelda's tale, asking if they'll help her look. "This has been a nice respite though."

"You didn't rest at all on the train did you," his smile fell.

"I did not," he admitted voice pensive.

"Why?"

"I needed to make sure we made it to Hogsmeade safely," he said carefully. "The attack this morning had left me a bit on edge.... Speaking of which, did you get your wand back?"

"The Aurors found it when repairing the rubble, Weasley had it returned to me on the train," he was there when it was returned. "Ominis, you were next to me when she gave it back."

"Ah, yes, yes that's right... I forgot...."

"You should go rest."

"I'll sleep tonight after the party," I sighed falling back into the couch leaning into him not wanting to fight after the day we've had. I watched on as Amelia's friends began searching the windows with her, looking for any sign of what lurks in its depths.

"Looks like we've gathered quite the crowd.... Do you think she'll keep them up through the night?"

"Maybe, though I do suspect some may abandon the cause."

"I hope they all don't leave her," he shook his head. "I'd feel terrible."

"I've had that fear before, but it's never happened. No, the kids that stick it through the night with her. Those are going to be her friends until she graduates," my heart warmed looking at the group. "Are you planning on staying up much longer?"

"I don't know," I smiled softly at the man next to me. "Maybe a bit, wait to see how some of this plays out. Hopefully I'll miss Imelda's bedtime ritual."

"She has a bedtime ritual?"

"Says it helps keep her fast on a broom. Never done it myself so I can't say it doesn't work, but the ways she contorts her body does become unsettling mid-way through."

"Not as skilled a contortionist?"

"I'm flexible, but not like that," I laughed as he nodded looking to be fighting off another yawn. "Ominis, you should go to bed."

"I am fine," he waived me off. "Just a yawning spell."

"Omi?"

"I wish to revel in the new year festivities a bit longer."

"Do you," he nodded as Sirius approached us with two full mugs.

"Just the dears I was looking for," he kicked Ominis' foot. "Hold out your hand Gaunt I bring gifts!"

"Gifts?"
"Yes, now give me your hand," Ominis took the glass from Sirius bringing it to his face taking a deep breath in reeling backwards nose crinkling in disgust.

"The hell is this Black?"

"A concoction by Mr. Weasley himself," he handed me the other mug.

"You're willingly drinking something Garreth made," I asked as he flashed a handsome smile.

"Only man I know that can make a strong enough brew!"

"What's in it," Ominis groaned taking another sniff looking like he might hurl.

"No clue, but Weasley convinced his brother Hecktor to take a sip and the man was high as a kite the entire world cup from it!"

"And you decided why not?"

"I decided that as this is my last year, I am going to spend it having fun! Something you my friend are in dire need of especially now that the Sallow twins are gone," Ominis frowned.

"Thank you so much for the refreshments, Sirius," I said loudly, taking the man's attention from Ominis. "It is mighty kind of you to think of us!"

"Any time. It's the most I can do for you saving us all this morning! Besides, I aways try to include my friends in such momentous occasions."

"We're friends now?"

"I would like to be," he narrowed his eyes and sipped his drink. "I hope that we may become very good friends this school year Threa."

"Do you?"

"Indeed, you're the Hero of Hogwarts," he laughed. "A good friend to keep if you ask me."

"Good thing we didn't ask," Ominis grumbled barely audible as I smiled side eyeing him as Sirius looked at us expectantly.

"Well?"

"Oh, I'm good, big day tomorrow. Want to be sober and alert when I sit in front of Sharp to pick my classes."

"I see, Gaunt?"

"As I appreciate the notion, I will never be caught willingly drinking anything created by Garreth Weasley."

"It truly isn't that bad."

"It's more on principal at this point," Sirius's lips turned to a thin line nodding.

"Well, I shall see you both in class then."

"Indeed," Ominis placed the cup to the side turning towards me.

For the next hour we sat mingling with our fellow Slytherins watching as the new first years reveled in the tales of mermaids. Armand flirted with anything that had legs, Phineas joined his brother in trying to convince others to drink Garreth's ill-fated concoction, the younger soon succumbing to its effects passing out next to the fireplace.

The room had seemed to finally quiet down as our peers began making their way to their rooms. Sirius sulking next to his inebriated brother unable to take his eyes off his ex-lover as she moved about the room, acting as the alluring bird she was. Watching on as his bunkmates made passes at her yet averting her eyes each time she looked at him. Seeing the two evade each other broke my heart, they had been so enraptured last year, yet her blood just wasn't good enough.

Sirius was a blood purist through and through, just like his father. I don't know why we all  thought he had turned a new leaf when he started dating Imelda, their love seemed so real.... Guess that goes to show that you never really know what's in someone else's heart. I turned back up at Ominis wearily as he was blinking rapidly seemingly fighting off sleep.

"Omi?"

"Hmm," his head turned towards me as he choked down yet another yawn.

"Done reveling for the night," I asked as he sighed.

"Perhaps," I stood from the couch taking his hands in mine lifting him up.

"Come on, you can walk me to my dorm," He laughed nodding as he squeezed my hand taking lead, holding out his wand directing us to the girl's staircase. I looked back to the group of first years resting near the windows searching to catch a sight of the creatures making me smile softly as Ameilia's head rested against its glass. Ominis tugged on my hand gently regaining my attention pulling me behind him until we reached the stairs base.

"Sleep well Threa."

"You as well Ominis," I whispered heading up the stairs taking one last look at the pale eyed man before making my way towards the room.

It was thankfully empty, my chest sat against a bed to the side as Owlexander sat perched next to it. I petted his side as he nuzzled against my hand, possibly my favorite gift from Fig. It was sheer luck he survived the dragon, even luckier that they found him unharmed in the carriage's wreckage. He's a lucky owl, that's for sure.

"Are you happy to be back too," he leaned further into my hand. "At least that is one of us. Tomorrow is a big day; think you can share some of that luck of yours.... Help me survive?"

"Talking to owls now," Imelda teased as I turned to see her and Grace Pinch-Smedley at the door. "What am I not good enough company anymore?"

"She's been hanging out too much with Poppy," Nerida mocked following behind them as I continued to pet the creature.

"Like that's a bad thing, she really is a sweet girl if you get to know her."

"Threas right, talked to her most of the morning and she has come to be quite tolerable," Imelda added as Grace scoffed. I turned to change quickly tucking myself in bed looking back at the two as Imelda started trying to turn herself into a pretzel.

"Doesn't that hurt."

"A bit," she grunted through the pain as I found my eyes growing tired, finally drifting to sleep. 

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Authors Note: Thank you so much for reading! We are over 200 pages in! What do you think of our fellow Slytherins? Please read and review!