The next day it was time for my first lesson of ancient runes. Since Charlie had muggle studies and Jess had divination, I entered the room alone and sat in the back row. But guess who came in last... Terence Higgs . And he actually came and sat next to me.
'Hey Belle'
'And I who thought I would get rid of you for just one lesson', I whimpered ironically.
'Ah, wrong thought. Tell me, how was your holiday?'
Something told me he didn't care a bit about my holiday.
'I went to America. And you? I heard that you have something with Sigrid now.'
'No, don't worry Belle. Sigrid can go to hell. Why? Jealous?'
'Not in years.' And I meant that.
Then Professor Babbling started the lesson.

In arithmancy we learned: 'The study of magical properties of numbers', according to Professor Vector.
It was cool, but I thought it sounded too much like divination.
Our first assignment was to predict our own future.
'Each letter is given a number according to Agrippa's system', Professor Vector explained, 'if we add up the numbers of your name we can analyze your character.'
To me this sounded as reliable as reading a horoscope.
'With just the vowels we can understand the soul and the heart. And with the consonants we can look at the social and your path in life.'
When I added up my name I arrived at 45. 4 + 5 = 9.
When I opened my book it turned out that pages had been written for each number.
Character : The number 9 is a symbol of confidence, strength and action. It encourages us to look at our current circumstances and realize that we have the power to change them into anything we want. Even when we are afraid, the 9 inspires us to take charge of our future and embrace new beginnings.
Strengths :
Independent: 9 does not sit around waiting for opportunities to arise, it makes its own luck and energy by capitalizing on circumstances that others may not dare to explore. Going solo allows for greater flexibility and fast, efficient movement.
Innovative: 9 isn't afraid to break the norm and conservative wisdom that keeps people thinking in a box. 9 does things differently and what has never been done before. Seeing a door where others see a wall is a great asset to the success of the 9.
Weaknesses :
Suffering: During the challenges that the number 9 faces, it can fall into the mindset that life is suffering. It may place more importance on times of struggle than on times of ease, or on tumultuous relationships than on balanced ones. The more that 9 accepts hardship, the more regular it can become.
Resentful: The number 9 has had many experiences that have left a heavy impression on his heart. When it does not allow itself to process and heal these wounds, this resentment casts a shadow on the 9's mind and has a negative impact.

The scary thing was that this was more or less true.

Soon the first Quidditch match came up. Gryffindor vs. Ravenclaw. It was a very exciting match. The houses were evenly matched. But Charlie was able to grab the golden snitch right in front of his opponent seeker's nose. In the hallway I just caught a glimpse of Charlie surrounded by Gryffindor students.
'Congratulations, best seeker in the world.'
'Don't exaggerate, Belle.'
'Of course I do', I grinned with a wicked little laugh.
After which he gave me one of his weird "I should have known" looks back. We both laughed and hugged each other. Not because everything was so funny, but for the simple reason that this moment felt so amazing, magical.
'Do you want to come to the victory party?'
'Charlie, we both know that's not possible. A Slytherin in the Gryffindor common room.'
'You know, I'm really sorry that you can't be with me for all my happiest moments', there was genuine sadness in his eyes.
'If it were up to me, we would make one gigantic common room with all the houses together.' 'That's a fantastic idea Charlie.'