❝ happy harryween ! ❞

The last week of October had been rough for Euphemia. With more and more homework and essays piling on her, she also needed to revise each subject for the upcoming tests. Lavender and Parvati would just mingle on their own, and Hermione, though had been much kinder towards her, still did not help much towards her homework.

That left her with the boys, who hadn't even started yet, well all except Leo. Leo had finished his essays a week before, though didn't share them with anyone. Sam and Regulas were on their last essay and tried to help her with a few points. Harry had yet to start his essays and Ron had forgotten it even existed. Seamus and Dean were already behind and were helping Neville alongside.

Euphemia sat in the library as Edward rummaged through her recent essay. He'd check it, and let her know what to add and what more to explain to complete the roll. Euphemia had earlier thought that Edward would just write it for her. Clearly, she was wrong and had to do double the effort.

"Oh, and you should also add in another example," Edward shuffled around, "it might give you extra points."

"What! I just added two!"

"Well then add another one!"

   Euphemia banged her head against the table. "I'm done with homework!"

Euphemia thanked Merlin when she found out there was a holiday on Halloween. She needed her sleep and in all honesty, she was also dreading this day. Halloween was never really fun for Euphemia. Considering she got to know more about their parents and the events that occurred on this day, she just didn't know what to expect. For all she knew, she could have had a happy family, if not for Voldemort. She could have loads of uncles and aunts, like the others. She and Harry could have known each other. Everything could have been different.

Entering the great hall, she noticed Harry laughing his arse off with the boys. She felt a pang in her chest and scurried off the hall, hoping no one saw her. She sprinted towards the quidditch field and sat near the benchers.

She missed them. She never knew her parents, yet she missed them. Why was that? How was Harry not upset? A part of her was feeling selfish, making everything about herself once again. Tears rolled down her cheeks as her nose reddened.

"You alright?" Euphemia swung her head and noticed the quidditch captain, Oliver Wood behind her along with his quidditch supplies, looking worried.

"It's Eupho-mia right?" he asked.

"Euphemia," she corrected him, "You can call me Mia."

"Mia, mind if I sit next to you?" She nodded.

"Are you alright?" He asked. She nodded slightly.

Oliver sighed, "Well, nothing is ever really alright, now is it?"

He got up from the bench and started to walk towards the pitch. Turning, he gave her a look, "Come along,"

"What are you doing?" Euphemia asked as she paced her speed.

"Helping you of course," said Oliver. They were in the middle of the pitch.

He handed her a broom, "The best way to feel better and distract yourself is by flying above it. You know what to do, right?"

"We have to mount our brooms, grip it firmly, and kick off the ground,"

"Right you are!" Oliver smiled, "Now, get ready, one, two and GO!"

With that, she kicked against the ground and soared.

Air rushed through her hair. Euphemia looked down, just to enjoy the view from above, and too much of her horror, the distance between herself and the ground was too much.

Her eyes widened, "I'M GOING TO DIE! I'M GOING TO DIE! I'M GOING TO DIE! I'M GOING TO DIE! I'M GOING TO DIE!"

"NO! MIA! LISTEN TO ME!" Oliver yelled.

She looked towards him worriedly, "Take three deep breaths. Now, no matter what, don't close your eyes alright? Keep yourself and the broom steady. . . yeah, you're doing great! Now slightly lean forward towards the ground,"

Leaning herself forward, she started to get nearer to the ground, though finally falling when near. Soon, Oliver flew down as well.

"Well that went well," he laughed nervously.

She raised her eyebrows unimpressed, "I almost died!"

"But you didn't! I could train you for next year of course!"

"No. Never again," Euphemia shook her head, "I'd rather eat a spider than fly that high, and I hate spiders."

Bickering, Oliver and Euphemia didn't notice Madam Hooch watching them like a hawk. She blew her whistle, gaining the Gryffindors attention. Oliver straightened his posture and fumbled.

"Madam Hooch,"

Whistle

"Okay I know I was wron— "

Whistle

"In my defence,"

Whistle

Offended, he scowled, "Let me talk!"

Hooch gave him a sickly smile and blew the whistle, "Wood shut your mouth!"

"OKAY!"

Hooch's yellow eyes darted between them, "Now, Wood, what was our rule?" Olivers grumbled. "Can't hear you! Louder Wood?"

"NO PREPPING THE FIRSTIES!" he yells, as Hooch nods. "Right, and Ms Potter here is a first-year. Do you really want to lose your—"

"Madam Hooch it was my fault," Mia blurted, "I wanted to try flying, though I failed miserably. Please don't take away his badge."

Hooch looks between them suspiciously, "Wood, she telling the truth?"

The two glanced at each other, having a silent conversation and Oliver sighed and nodded mutely.

"Very well," she said sharply, "Potter you'll have detention with Professor Quirrell tomorrow. Now off you go."

Euphemia glanced at Oliver who gave her a crooked grin and left the ground.

Madam Hooch's yellow eyes darted towards the Captain.

"You think she'd be a good player?"

"Nope. She'd rather eat spiders."

*  *  *

Euphemia was late for the feast, thanks to Oliver Wood. Her hair was all over the place and she still wasn't able to keep them in one place.

She entered the great hall and found Sam next to Regulas and Leo, waiting for the feast to begin.

"Where have you been," Sam asked, "haven't seen you all day. You alright?"

"Fine," she brushed off, "I'm starving. Wonder when the feast will begin."

Looking around the great hall she took a note of the thousand birds fluttering from the walls and the ceiling, while a thousand more swooped over the tables in low black crowds, making the candles and pumpkins stutter.
Out of nowhere, the feast appeared on the golden plates.

"Finally!"

The hall filled with chatter and everyone joyfully started to serve loads into the golden plates. Euphemia loaded her plate with steak and fish and chips.

Moments later, they heard Quirrell screaming, entering the hall. His turban askew and terror on his face. Everyone stared at him as he reached Dumbledore's chair. slumped against the table, and gasped, "Troll— in the dungeons— thought you ought to know."

He then sank to the floor in a dead faint. There was an uproar. It took several purple firecrackers exploding from the end of Dumbledore's wand to bring silence.

"Prefects," he rumbled, "lead your houses back to your dormitories immediately!"

"Wait, isn't the Slytherin common room in the dungeons," Euphemia yelled through the crowd. Sam dragged her back to the common room. Euphemia looked around, searching for Harry.

"Where's Harry," she asked, looking around frantically, "Harry James Potter!"

No response.

They all looked at each other worriedly as Euphemia sank onto the couch, her hands trembling.

Edward shared a look with Amara. "Kapur you inform Professor," he kneeled down to the Potter girl's level. "Euphemia," he softly grabbed her hands, "he's going to be okay."

"Ron and Hermione are not here either!" Sam pulled Cleopatra closer and gulped, "what if—"

"Nothing will happen to them," Edward said sharply. "Dumbledore will stop the troll. There's no way— Hogwarts is the safest—"

"We're going," said the twins determined. "We have firecrackers, that'll distract them."

"No," Lee shouted, "don't you get it! It could tramp on you!"

"We'll use a broom," George defended.

"Just so you might be eaten by them," Lee raised his brows, "also, it's a troll. Trolls don't kill. Don't you two read?"

Euphemia kept staring at the fire, tears threatening to spill out from her eyes. They heard the door creak open as she turned around with the rest of them. Out came three mortified first years.

"Ronald Weasley!" Fred tutted.
      "Where have you been?!" George asked frustratedly.

"We just knocked out a troll," Ron grinned, his chest puffing out in pride.

"What!"

Euphemia gave Harry a sharp look and smacked his head. "Are you out of your bloody mind?!"

"What do you mean," Harry winced, "you really need to sort out your—"

"Oh shove off!" Euphemia glared. "We were worried sick!" She scrunched her nose in disgust as she looked at the boogies in her hand, "Ew! Harry Potter you filthy— you know what— back to your dorm!"

"I'm really hungry," she smacked Harry on the shoulder, "would you stop hitting me and take care of your hair you goblin,"

"Oh no," Ron whispered.

If looks could kill, Harry Potter, the boy who lived would have been six feet under. The newspaper headline would have been embarrassing.

The Potter girl's puffy eyes darted towards her brother, blazed with fury, "Don't you know the meaning of 'now' you. . . you— absolute arrogant toe-nail!"

Fred and George burst into a fit of giggles, only to suppress by her glare. Edward put a hand on her shoulder.

"Now, you three are the dumbest first years Gryffindor has ever known," said Edward, "but, we'll let it slide this time."

"No, we will not!" Euphemia interjected stubbornly.

"Yes, we will," he dragged, "because it's Halloween. Your first Halloween in Hogwarts and you deserve to have a bit of a treat."

He patted scar-head's shoulder. "Happy Harryween Potter!"

Moments later, there were sleeping bags and huge clouds cushions. Food, drinks, torches, light music. It was the freshers first Gryffindor party.

Euphemia was finishing her pie in the corner, next to Parvati and Lavender.

"I don't get Americans," Lavender admitted. "Why do they have to dress up for Halloween. It makes no sense."

"Well mum said it's been a tradition since she was young," said Parvati, "and it's a huge thing in Ilvermory." She glanced at Euphemia. "Boy, you really love that pie huh?"

"What?" Euphemia looked back, her cheeks, looking like chipmunks, and her mouth covered in apple syrup.

Lavender and Parvati giggled. "Nothing."

Euphemia shrugged and continued eating. They heard a clear of the throat and looked towards them.

"Hello," Hermione shuffled nervously, "can I sit next to you?"

Euphemia grinned. "Of course," surprising Lavender and Parvati. Hermione flushed and sank into the cloud cushion.

Euphemia looked down at her half-eaten pie and pushed it forward for Hermione. "Want some?"

Hermione hid her smile and shook her head. "I think I'm good, thanks."

Shrugging to herself, she took another fork, eating another bite.

Hermione fiddled with her fingers. "Euphemia, I don't think you should be mad at Harry."

She furrowed her brows and the other two girls shared a look. "It's between me and him Granger. I have a right to be mad at him."

"I know," she sighed, "but it was my fault."

"Why are you defending him?" Euphemia raised her voice. "Wasn't he the one who didn't do or say anything when Ron was being an arsehole?"

"Yes but—"

"But nothing," she interrupted, "if he's sorry, he won't be a stubborn arse."

Hermione sighed and changed the topic.

It was nearly midnight. Mostly everyone had slept off under the fortress or into the cushions, and those who didn't were giggling under the covers or swaying with the music. Neville had snuggled next to Seamus and Dean; Hermione, Lavender and Parvati were in the corner, just talking to each other as if nothing happened before; Ron and Sam were finishing their leftover cookies while Leo and Regulas had slept off.

Euphemia was sitting near the window, as she felt the chill. She squinted her eyes at the frozen part. It was not snowing. It just felt different. She clenched onto the locket as she felt a soft breeze passing through her, trying to communicate. A lump formed in her throat and looked at the locked window again.

"Mia!"

Euphemia gasped and looked back, relaxing in an instant. "Harry?"

Harry frowned, "Is everything alright?"

She blinked. "Yeah. . . yeah, I'm fine."

"I uh," he shuffled, "I thought you'd want this blanket."

"Oh," she furrowed her brows and shifted further into the corner. "Thank you. C'mon, sit with me," she pulled him next to her and gave a bit of blanket to him.

"I'm sorry." They said together.

"It's alright,"

They paused for a moment and burst out laughing, only to be hit by a pillow.

"Shut the fudge up," they heard Regulas mumble. "There are people trying to sleep! Bloody hell!" He instantly went back to sleep.

Harry and Euphemia pursed their lips, trying to contain their laughter. He opened a box of sugar quills.

"I barely saw you in school today." Harry attempted to make small talk. "I'm sorry. . . about today, I mean."

Euphemia sighed. "It's fine. Honestly, I'm madder about you calling insulting my hair"

Harry let out a breathy laugh. "You know how to throw a punch. My shoulder is bruised."

Euphemia rolled her eyes. "Stop being so dramatic. I barely even did anything. You compared me to a goblin Potter. You're mean."

Harry rolled his eyes, "I thought we were having a moment."

"Well, moment's gone. We don't do chick flick moments."

"You love chick flicks."

"Shaadup," Mia yawned, "you're annoying."

"I thought I was an arrogant toe-rag," a smile crept on their faces, "what does that even mean?"

"I don't know," they laughed.

They continued talking and unknown to them, the air turned chilly and the windows cracked slightly from ice. What was strange, was that it wasn't snowing. The shutters were covered with a thin coat of ice and mist. Slowly, a word appeared, as if being written with a mere finger.

Potter.

*  *  *

The next morning Euphemia ran down the halls and panting, entered the Defence classroom. Wiping the sweat off her forehead, she gulped, trying to steady her breathing.

"Professor Quirrell, I'm really sorry for being late and— Professor?" She looked around, finding the classroom empty. It was weird. Quirrell was always on time; maybe he was too afraid to get out of his bed after yesterday.

"Professor!"

The wind slammed the shutters shut, one after the other like a domino. The sunlight was blocked by the dark curtains, and the candle started to light.

"Ms Potter," There the coward professor was leaning on the dome-like staircase. "You're late, Ms Potter," his 'Miss Potter' was sounding more like 'Mizzz Potter' which felt creepy to her.

"I'm sorry 'fessor, I—"

"Oh that's quite alright Euphemia, I've been busy with everything as well. Now, I want you to sit at the front desk. I'll give you work to do," he smiled creepily.

Frowning, Euphemia slowly sat down at the front bench as her heartbeat rose. Since when did he speak normally. Euphemia thought. He used to stutter at every word.

"Now Ms Potter," whispered Quirrell, "Do you know anything about your ancestors? The Potter families of course,"

Euphemia shook her head and Quirrell took a deep breath and pursed his lips, "No worries, this is easier done than said."

"Done what?" she eyed him suspiciously. Quirrell turned to look at her as his mouth twisted, a smile plastered on his face. On queue, the door slammed shut, as Euphemia's breath hitched.

She got off the bench and took out her wand from her robes. Quirrell cackled, "Do you really think you can beat me. I could kill you like an insect girl!" He whispered, "but I wouldn't. You have a great purpose, Euphemia Potter."

"What do you mean," her lips quivered and her breathing became shallow. "What are you!"

Where were the teachers? How could Dumbledore hire a psychopath!

"I'm someone you must gravely fear Euphemia. I could kill you as I did you poor, little, mother. The mudblood!" He spat.

Euphemia didn't know what was going on, but she put on a brave face. Her glassy eyes narrowed and glared at the 'so-called professor.'

Sniffing, she clenched her jaw, "I'd like to see you try," she smirked, "You wouldn't kill me because obviously, you need me, professor."

"You're smart Euphemia, but no one can outsmart Tom Riddle. I always knew it was going to be you fulfilling the Potter's legacy, today there's proof," Quirrell rambled with a sickly smile, "The infant might have defeated me once, but I will yet come back, and you will help me, Euphemia Potter."

"I would never help you!" Euphemia spat.

All Quirrell did was chuckle and look dead in her eyes, "I wasn't asking." Waving his wand, Mia's eyes turned red.

"Imperio."

────────── notes──────────

holy shit, i finally updated!!
i am so sorry for the delay. this chapter is unedited, extremely sorry for the grammatical errors.

i genuinely think that halloween was taken a bit lightly by harry in the books. it was the night that he lost his parents, and i genuinely think that mia and harry would be upset about it and would be extra protective over each other. after all they only have each other to call family.

also, not mia using a fake broom as a toddler and not being scared of heights now lmaoo.

i know this is stupid, but my mocks are going on and i really don't have time to update.
this chapter was already half-written, therefore it was easier to finish.
my finals are in may and up till that, i have a series of tests almost every week. i will try to update whenever i can and i just hope you keep supporting this book.

on another note, sorry for the cliffhanger ;)

love you guys and thank you so so much for all your support. i really appreciate it.

20. 02. 22