Just One Yesterday

Prologue
Carmilla watched as her father's name was carved onto one of the walls of the Karnstein family
mausoleum. Her mother, Adelaide Karnstein, had her hand on the three-year-old's shoulders. Beside her
fathers name, two more names were being carved in: his siblings, Carmillas aunt and uncle. Their ashes
were scattered outside earlier that day along with those of their spouses (with the exception of Adelaide
who survived the encounter (baka malabo? Maybe the parenthesis could be worded better)).
She heard someone sniffling to her left followed by someone shushing hima shush.
"I want my mommy!"
"William, be quiet! You're making me look bad!
No care! Where mommy?!
Your mommy and daddy aren't coming back! And neither are mine!"
Carmilla stared curiously as her three-year-old cousin, William Eisen continued to make a fuss. Their
other cousin, Alessandra Ivers who was only a year older than them, held him down and stopped him
from running out of the mausoleum.
Adelaide moved to kneel in front of the other two children. Alessandra, or Lex as her cousins called her,
immediately looked embarrassed. She shot an annoyed look at William before looking back at Adelaide.
"Aunt Adelaide! I'm so sorry! Will's just being difficult and-"
"Oh hush, dear. It's all right. I understand. I'm sure Carmilla does too. Isn't that right, love?"
Carmilla nodded. If she were honest, she didn't want to be here. It was raining outside, making the whole
mausoleum colder than it normally was. It was also strange being surrounded by the names of different
generations of "core Karnsteins" as everyone else liked to put it. Unfortunately for the young
girlCarmilla, her mother expected her the young girlto act indifferent: to show all the other pureblood
families that the Karnsteins are still strong even after losing three of its most influential members; that she
and her cousins will be able to pick up the slack when they grew older.
Conrad Karnstein, Carmilla's father, was the Minister for(of? Haha not sure) Magic. He married Adelaide
Morgan, a pureblood witch and a fellow Slytherin, at the age of 24. Adelaide is wasthe Senior
Undersecretary to the Minister for Magic, and is currently the acting Minister.
Conrads sister Cassandra, was the Head of the Auror Office and Lexs mother. She married Desmond
Ivers who studied at the Durmstrang Institute. He later became a very skilled Hit Wizard.
The last of the three was Carina, the former Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot. She married Christopher
Eisen, a Slytherin and a beater for the Montrose Magpies.

"My dear Conrad wouldn't want me to leave the children of his beloved siblings alone. Why don't the two
of you come live with us? The home will be quiet after Adelaide paused for a moment, , ah, what
happened to Conrad."
Carmilla perked up. Her cousins (well, specifically AlessandraLex. William was- no is a brat), were the
only ones she looked forward to in their family gatherings. If they came to live with her and her mother,
then maybe she wouldn't be so lonely.
Lex looked uncomfortable. "Aunt Adelaide, it's really too much-"
"No! Nonsense, child! Adelaide said, putting hands on Lexs shoulders. And it's Mother, now."
"Thank you, Au- erm, Mother." By now, Will had stopped crying and was now looking at Adelaide with
wide eyes.
Adelaide smiled. "Excellent. When all this is over, there is much I have to teach the three of you."
Carmilla and Lex exchanged a look. Suddenly, the idea of living with her cousins didn't sound as
appealing as it initially did
Alessandra, darling, Adelaide said while getting up. Please watch your cousins. There's someone I
need to speak to.
==++==
Adelaide pulled her trench coat around her and tied it tighter. A man wearing ain a long coat was standing
a few feet away from the outside of the mausoleum. The man was smoking a cigarette , which he promptly
stamped stamping it out as soon as he saw Adelaide approaching.
Report, Adelaide commanded.
The man stood up straighter before speaking. So far, nobody suspects a thing. The papers all say that it
was an accident. Though, there is one reporter whos digging a little too much.
He showed Adelaide a picture. Her lip curled in distaste when she recognized the woman.
Barton. Adelaide scowled. If it was still possible, the air grew even colder.
The man shivered and shoved his hands into his pockets. You know her?
Adelaide stood up straighter. She was a former classmate of mine. She looked pointedly at the man.
Get rid of her.
The man raised an eyebrow at Adelaide. People might not believe the words of one reporter but I'm sure
they'll believe the words of a dead one.
Adelaide narrowed her eyes. Has she approached anyone about her suspicions?
No, but she couldve written her research down somewhere.
Then destroy everything. Make sure it looks like an accident, . you're You're good at that anyway.
The man nodded. Yes Ma'am., understoodUnderstood.

Everything must go as planned. The Light is hungry and it wantswaiting to be fed.

Adelaide walked back into the mausoleum. The man nodded and slowly slunk into the shadows.

Chapter 1: Heal
Take my past and take my sins like an empty sail takes the wind.
Thirteen years later...
Carmilla squirmed under the covers of her bed. Everything was so soft and warm and perfect and"Ow! What the fuck?!" Carmilla sat up and glared at the person who threw a big heavy trunk at her.
"Get up," Lex said simply. "I already packed all your shit." She was almost dressed, only lacking her
Slytherin robes and Head Girl badge.
Carmilla said nothing and just threw herself back on the bed, burying her head into the pillow.
Lex sighed and as she walked over to one of the curtains and threw them open. The sunlight hit Carmilla's
face. She yelped and tumbled off the bed. Lex moved to the next set of curtains, did the same then
proceeded to the next and so on until Carmilla's room was bright and sunny. The said girl, on the other
hand wasn't so sunny.
"Fucking hell, Lex," she groaned and pushed herself up. "I'm up, okay. Now get out."
Lex smirked and threw her hands up in a gesture of "surrender".
"Okay, okay. Calm down, cranky pants," she said. "You better dress up quickly unless you want William
to eat all the food."
Carmilla groaned and threw a random shoe at her cousin who dodged the projectile with ease.
Lex shook her head and walked out of the room, shutting it quietly behind her. Her cousin's sleep was
disturbed enough. She'll get up.
==++==
Lex and William went ahead to find a private compartment on the Hogwarts Express. Carmilla hung back
to double-check her things (at Lexs insistence because "Carmilla Alexis M. Karnstein, I'm graduating at
the end of this school year and I won't be around to make sure your things are complete so you better get
used to double-checking and triple-checking your things!")
Carmilla sighed and stood up. She pushed her trolley and left her stuff luggage with the porter. She
entered the train bringing only a book and began to look for her cousins. She scowled at the other students
who made a lot of fuss upon seeing each other.
(Boo-hoo. You see your friends again. No need to act so excited, you lackwit.)
They jostled her around, much to her displeasure. Carmilla finally snapped when some girl in Gryffindor
robes bumped her, causing her to drop her book. Her Carmillas prefect badge was also knocked off her
robe.

"Bloody hell!" She bent down to get her book, while the other girl picked up her badge (she didn't even
want to be a prefect and she's sure Lex and/or her mother pulled some strings. WHOO maybe theres a
way to turn this parenthesis into a sentence to follow up since it sounds forced)
"Oh crap! I'm so sorry!"
Carmilla froze at the sound of her voice. She stood up, holding her book while the Gryffindor girl
awkwardly held out her badge.
"Carmilla."
"Creampuff."
==++==
Five years ago...
"Watch where you're going!" Carmilla snapped. She dropped her book and she hastily bent down to pick
it up. She inspected the book to make sure its spine didn't wrinkle and that its pages weren't wrecked.
"I- I'm sorry," the other girl said a little timidly. She looked up at Carmilla who said nothing to
acknowledge the apology. She Carmilla just continued glaring at her.
"Um... my name is Laura! Laura Hollis!" Laura stretched out her right hand but Carmilla didn't take it.
(Seriously, this girl is so chipper. She'd probably get sorted into Hufflepuff. Those hippies.)
"I don't have time for pleasantries," Carmilla mumbled, looking away.
Laura frowned at her. "Why are you so rude to me?" She crossed her arms and pouted.
Carmilla's lip quirked.
(So maybe she's cute when she pouts. She's still annoying.)
She waved a hand dismissively. "Don't worry, sundance. I'm rude to everyone. You're not special."
This time, Laura looked downright offended. "And you are?"
Carmilla gave the other girl a wry smile. That seemed to piss Laura off even more but before she could
say anything, a tall redhead in Gryffindor robes approached them,
"Hey frosh (EWWW jkjk haha frosh is such a weird word), is this girl bothering you?"
The redhead asked. Carmilla scowled at her.
"Mind your own business," she snapped. The redhead stood straighter, stretching to her full height, and
glared down at Carmilla who simply stared back not at all intimidated by the (huge) height difference.
"My name's Danny Lawrence. I'm a second year. You'd do well to treat your upperclassmen with more
respect."
"And you'd do well to keep your nose from other people's business, Lawrence," came another voice from
behind Carmilla. It was Lex.

Danny looked at Lex with disdain. They obviously didn't get along with each other. "Ivers. Look who's
talking. Why are you here?
"Unlike you, I actually have a reason to be here. Carmilla," Lex put a hand on the said girl's shoulder. "Is
my cousin."
Danny scoffed. "No wonder. I should've known given the terrible attitude and all."
The two older girls glared at each other and an awkward silence followed.
Carmilla glanced at Laura who was staring at her feet.
"C'mon Carm. Will found a cabin," Alessandra Lex said, steering her cousin away.
==++==
Present
Laura nervously tucked some stray strands of hair behind her ear. Its been a really long time since she
last spoke to Carmilla.
So, hows your eye? Carmilla asked gesturing to the small scar under the Gryffindors left eye.
Laura reached up to touch it. Its almost completely faded. Um thanks for asking.
Their eyes met and Laura felt like she was back at the Yule Ball, dancing and laughing
Then sShe locked her jaw and looked up at Carmilla. "I thought you didn't care."
Carmilla was taken aback by Laura's statement but before she could reply, someone but put her arm
around Laura's shoulder.
My nose is great too; after your Beater hit a bludger straight towards my face.
Carmilla groaned and ran a hand through her hair. We really have to stop meeting like this, Xena (?).
Danny scoffed. Pft. Please.
Laura noticed a compartment door slide open. Alessandra (or Lex, as her cousins call her)Lex (unless you
meant this in Lauras point of view and she thinks of Lex as Alessandra but yeah pweds Lex na lang rin
since they know each other and stuff) and Will stepped out then and started to walk towards them. They
The two stopped whenever they encountered another prefect, probably to remind them about the meeting
that was to happen shortly. Finally, the pair reached them. Will smirked when he saw the band-aid on
Dannys nose while Lex showed no emotion.
Well this looks familiar, Lex said. She turned to look at Danny. Lawrence.
Ivers.
Silence.
Suddenly, Will chuckled. Hows your nose healing up?
Danny opened her mouth to answer but Lex beat her to it.William. Thats enough.
But

Lex sighed. What you did was too much. I wanted you to play smart, not violently. In case you forgot,
youre suspended from the Ravenclaw and Gryffindor games this season.
Wait. Why Ravenclaw too? he demanded.
You knocked Clara Fitzroy off her broom after you hit a bludger towards her head.
And I remember you nearly abandoning your post to save her, cus. You yelled at everyone to save her.
Almost cost us the game.
I did it so Ravenclaw wouldnt harbor any ill-feelings towards the entire team, hell, the entire house. Just
you.
Will frowned. And now that chaser has a Starsweeper XXI signed by Ginny Weasley-Potter of the
Holyhead Harpies. Care to explain that?
Lex raised an eyebrow. A gesture of good faith, Will. Didnt mother teach you the importance of those?
Lex sighed. Really, William. I thought you paid attention to everything she taught us.
Will glared at his older cousin whose face remained expressionless. Finally, Wills shoulders slumped. He
nodded and said, Fine.
Now that thats settled, Lex turned to face the other three. Theres a prefect meeting at the usual place
in ten minutes. What on earth possessed the Headmaster to appoint Adam Martin as the Head Boy is
beyond me.
I thought Mathias Avery was the Head Boy? Danny asked.
Lex scowled. Unfortunately not. Hes still recovering after someone used Aqua Eructo on his face.
Danny made a face. Id actually prefer him or even the Hufflepuff, Tommy James. I guess this is one
thing we can agree on.
Lex nodded once. I better make sure everythings set up before Martin gets there. And with that she
pushed her way past her cousins, Laura, and Danny while mumbling something about annoying
Ravenclaw boy.
The remaining people looked at one another awkwardly.
Should we follow or... Laura asked.
Carmilla sighed and glanced at her cousins retreating form. Give her a few minutes.
==++==
The prefects meeting room was the compartment at the very front of the train. It was the biggest and had
a long table that seated 24 passengers (two seats at the head, the rest at either side.) The walls were
painted a dark chestnut brown.
Lex and Adam were standing at the very head of the table. (Well, Lex was. Adam was sitting with his legs
propped up on the table.)
Do you all have a copy of your patrol schedules? Adam asked. The prefects mumbled their consent.
Nice. This meeting can finally end!
Carmilla noticed Lexs left eye twitch in irritation.

Yes, as Adam oh so eloquently said, this meeting

Um, just a clarification, said Lola Perry, the 7 th Year Hufflepuff prefect. Quidditch captains who arent
prefects are still going to be allowed in our bathrooms?.
Lex nodded and leaned forward. Yes, but theyre no longer allowed to take points away from other
houses even in Quidditch-related matters. Brady Michaelson was already sanctioned for abusing his rights
as Hufflepuff Quidditch captain. She glanced at Perry. No offense to your house.
None taken! Perry said (a little too cheerfully, Carmilla noted.) He deserved it.
Right. This meeting is adjourned.
Carmilla stretched and stifled a yawn. She may not have wanted to be prefect but either Lexs or her
mothers reputation would be frowned upon should she choose to act terribly (she couldnt care any less
about her mothers but Lex's definitely mattered. She couldnt risk it. Shed never admit it out loud but
she actually cared about her cousin.)
Carmilla noticed the bloody Amazon, wait sorry, Danny put an arm around Laura. They were joined by
Perry.
She Carmilla regretted what happened between her and Laura the previous year. Just when things were
starting to get better, her mother just had to
Carm, you okay? Lex asked.
Carmilla looked up at her cousins forest green eyes. She closed her eyes and sighed. Im absolutely
golden, Lex, she drawled.
Lex frowned and straightened her tie which had become crooked because as she kept fiddling with it
every time Adam said or did something that irritated irked her. She opened her mouth to say something
but Will piped up.
She was probably daydreaming about that pint-sized Gryffindor nerd.
(Oh, that little)
He smirked at Carmilla who gave him the finger.
That ship sunk last year, Mamas Boy. She crossed her arms and put her feet up on the black table.
Will leaned forward and rested his cheek on his right hand. Yet you still go all heart-eyes when you see
her, Kitty.
Oh yeah? Well
Will the two of you stop bickering? Lex cut in. Im getting a migraine. She rubbed her forehead. But
Wills right, Carm. You still give her heart-eyes.
Carmilla crumpled up a page from the notebook she was doodling on during the meeting and chucked it
at Lex, who promptly caught it.
No littering. And really, you should know better than to throw things at a keeper. She smirked.
Carm rolled her eyes at her cousin. Whatever. Can we go back to the other compartment now? This one
reeks of uptight prefects.

Will laughed and Lex shook her head.

Unbelievable. Lets go.
==++==
So hotties, how was the meeting? Wilson Kirsch, 7 th Year Gryffindor and the beater of their Quidditch
team, asked.
Danny groaned while Laura smiled, used to his antics by now.
It went okay, Kirsch. Danny didnt butt head heads with the Karnsteins as much as she usually did.
Actually, LaFontaine added. she and Ivers got along pretty well since they had a mutual enemy: Adam
Martin.
The Ravenclaw dude SJs been complaining about? Kirsch asked.
Danny nodded. Thats the one. At first, I didnt believe he was as bad as Betty said up until we got stuck
with each other for patrol last year. She made a face. Hes so arrogant, I swear.
Kirsch tilted his head. Maybe thats why he and Ivers dont get along. Arent they both like that?
Danny shook her head. After Fifth Year, Ivers and I developed a mutual respect for one another. Yeah,
she seems arrogant but I realized that she only acts that way to people who tick her off. Unlike Martin,
she can actually back up the things she says.
Yeah, she really isnt as bad as she seems, Laura added. She saved Clara Fitzroy(wait is Clara Dannys
girlfriend?) and Dannys girlfriend last year during the Ravenclaw-Slytherin semifinals last year.
Wasnt Clara saved by Mathias Avery? Danny scratched her head.
Yup yup! But at Lexs instruction. Everyone stared at herLaura. What? Her names long!
Okay, so Ivers isnt that bad. Eisen, though LaFontaine trailed off.
Kirsch's eyes widened. He held his hands up as if to quiet everyone done. Whoa, dude. What? Eisen? As
in my buddy, Will Eisen?
Dannys face scrunched up. Since when were you and Eisen buddies?
Zeta Omega Mu, dude!
That dudebro group?
Kirsch looked offended at Danny's comment. How dare you, Summer Psycho? Zeta Omega Mu is a
brotherhood, he beat his chest with a closed fist for emphasis that aims for good relations among the
dudes of different houses. Will was forced to join at first, by stuffy Lex but eventually, he warmed up to
people.
Um, well, hes still a bit stand-offish, isnt he? Perry sighed when Kirsch stared at him. Im just
saying.
Thats true but cmon, guys! Give my buddy some credit! He was met with scoffs and eye rolls (except
from Laura who tried to give him a smile). He huffed. "Fine, be that way." He crossed his arms and
looked out the window in an attempt to ignore them.

Danny punched his arm. "stop being so sensitive, princess."

"I'm not sensitive!" Kirsch retorted, swatting Danny's hand away.
"You so are."
"Am not!"
"You are!"
"Am not!"
They just kept going back and forth. Perry tried to stop them but they ignored her. LaFontaine laughed at
her cute but futile attempts.
Laura just smiled and thought about how little changed.
==++==
Five years ago
Do you have a seat? Danny asked Laura after Lex dragged her cousin away from them.
Laura shook her head. I was actually looking for one when I accidentally hit bumped into that girl,
Carmilla.
Dannys face lit up. Great! I have a compartment with my friends. Come on! She took Lauras hand and
led her through the train.
The younger girl smiled. (Maybe Hogwarts won't be so bad after all.)
They arrived at a compartment that was already occupied by two people with ginger hair. Danny slid the
door open and shut it after she and Laura entered.
Hey guys!
Hello Danny, the ginger with curly hair greeted Danny.
The other grinned and gestured at Laura. Whos the new girl?
Danny prodded Lauras back, prompting her to introduce herself.
Oh, um, hi! I'm Laura Hollis! She extended her right hand to the two. Each of them shook it.
Pleased to meet you, Laura. I'm Lola Perry but everyone just calls me Perry, the curly-haired one said.
This is LaFontaine. She gestured at her companion who gave herLaura a mock salute. Please take a
seat!
Laura plopped down onto the seats right across the two gingers. Danny sat down right next to her.
So, are you a muggle(mudblood?) or pureblood? LaFontaine asked her.
Perrys eyes widened and she slapped LaFontaines hand. LaF! That's rude! You can't just ask people
that!
Danny laughed. Oh come on, Perry. The questions not so bad. Actually, I was wondering that myself.

All eyes turned to Laura who shifted uncomfortably. Her brow furrowed in confusion and she scratched
the back of her head. Um. I'm a little confused with the terms but, uh, my mother was a witch and my
dads, Laura fumbled with her words. well, not. I never really got to know my mother since she died
when I was three. My dad told me she went to Hogwarts so when I got my acceptance letter I jumped at
the chance to get to know her somehow.
Danny nodded. Oh, I see. My mom was a half-blood just like you and my dad was a pureblood. The
Lawrences have been sending its kids to Hogwarts for generations so yeah.
Oh, that's cool! How bout you, Perry?
Perry looked down, as if she was embarrassed. Laura wondered whether she said something wrong.
Before she could tell Perry that she didn't have to share if she didn't want to, the other girl spoke up.
My parents are squibs. Perry noticed Lauras blank expression so she continued. Their parents were
magical folk but they weren't. They didn't go to Hogwarts so now they're expecting a lot from me.
Lauras mouth formed a small o. LaF put a hand over one of Perrys. That's nothing to be ashamed of,
Perr! Your parents are great and you're an excellent student. Perry smiled at LaF and said a quiet thank
you.
Everyone turned to look at LaF who stared back. What?
Your turn to share, Danny said simply.
LaF chuckled. I come from a family of metamorphmagii.
If it was possible, Lauras nose would have bled. I'm sorry, what? Metamuffy?
Me-ta-morph-ma-gii, LaF said slowly. It means we can change some parts of our appearance. There
are different kinds, but mine, well, basically, I don't identify as either boy or girl. That's why people refer
to me using they/them pronouns.
Oh that's so cool!
Glad you think so! The other kids probably won't.
Ignore them, LaF, Perry said. LaFontaine nodded.
Hey, Laura, do you know what your mom's house was? Danny asked.
Laura shook her head. I don't even know what that is.
Hogwarts has four houses: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin, Perry started. Later, first
years will be sorted among those four. I'm in Hufflepuff and Dannys in Gryffindor. LaFs still a first year
like you so she'll be sorted later.
Laura remembered Lex and her green robes. The girl we saw earlier. Lex, was it? What's her house?
Danny made a face. She's in Slytherin. Don't worry about Ivers and her cousin. If I'm right, Little Miss
Broody will be put in Slytherin just like Ivers. She seems like the type.
What's so bad about Slytherin?

Before Danny could answer, the door slid open and a boy around Dannys age barged in.
What's so bad about Slytherin? They're a bunch of lying jerks! That's what they are! He said, sitting
down heavily right next to Danny.
Danny glared at him and slid the door shut. Wilson, what are you doing here?
The boy shrugged. I needed a seat so I thought I'd chill with you guys. And it's Kirsch or Brody.
Preferably Kirsch.
Danny rolled her eyes. Just don't be your usual self.
What? Handsome and charming?
No. Loud and obnoxious.
Hey!
Before the two could bicker any further, Perry cleared her throat. It's good to see you, Kirsch. Have you
met Laura?
Kirschs eyes widened as if only noticing Laura now. Wow, you're tiny! Danny punched his arm. Ow!
What was that for, Psycho?!
You don't have to be so rude! Danny said, punching him again.
Ow, ow! Okay! I'm sorry! He rubbed his arm. Sup, shorty? Names Brody Kirsch."
"It's actually Wilson Brody Kirsch."
"Shut up, Psycho! As for you, little person. You can just call me Kirsch. I'm in Gryffindor like Psycho
over there. Speaking of which, he turned his attention back to Danny. I'll be trying out for the Quidditch
team this year.
Yeah, what position? Danny asked, suddenly interested.
Beater.
Danny snorted. Great. You'll be one of the meatheads.
Kirsch glowered at her. Hey! Being a beater is a very important job! And you can't insult me if you're not
going to try out.
Actually, I am. Trying for keeper!
Kirsch laughed. That's That's His smile faltered. That's pretty important. Damn. Okay. Fine. You
win this time, Psycho. Good luck in the tryouts.
Wish I could say the same for you.
Hey!

And they the two kept bickering for the rest of the ride. Perry shook her head and LaF poked her Perrys
side. Laura simply smiled. She felt like she was around people she could depend on. Suddenly, Hogwarts
didn't seem so scary.

Chapter 2: The Story of Us

How'd we end up this way? See me nervously pulling at my clothes and trying to look busy, and you're
doing your best to avoid me.
Present
First years please follow me! Danny called out. She, along with the other Seventh Year prefects, were
leading the incoming first years to the Great Hall. LaFontaine and the other younger prefects were helping
them keep order sort of.
LaF glanced at Will who was mostly scaring the lower years with stories of monsters hidden around
Hogwarts, including something about some secret chamber with a basilisk or whatever. Lex noticed what
he was doing and immediately called his attention, threatening him with suspension from prefect duties.
Will sneered at her but his reddening ears revealed how he really felt. Carmilla snickered and said
something to Lex who just shook her head.
It always fascinated LaF that William Eisen, one of the people considered the most feared in their batch,
seemed terrified of his older cousin. Carmilla, another one of those people, seemed more at ease with Lex.
If they were completely honest, Lex was pretty intimidating. At five-eight, she stood five inches shorter
than Danny yet the way she carried herself made her seem taller. She gave off an aura that commanded
respect. She's a pretty charismatic Quidditch captain despite being the least sociable Karnstein.
Will was a little taller than his cousin but didn't have the same air of authority. He did exude arrogance
and pretentiousness. He was also a little spoiled, most probably because he was the youngest among the
cousins and the only boy. To give him some credit, he was an excellent but violent beater in Quidditch.
The other houses were wary of him which was why Gryffindor and Ravenclaw sighed in relief when Lex
suspended him from their games. Hufflepuff wasn't so lucky.
Last among the Karnstein cousins was none other than Carmilla. She's the daughter of the current
Minister for Magic, Adelaide Karnstein. According to people, Adelaide regarded her as her glittering
girl and raised her to be charming which Carmilla admittedly was if she wanted to be. However,
Carmilla obviously didn't like the attention her mother gave her making her the most rebellious among
her cousins. It surprised everyone when she was named as a Slytherin prefect back when she was in her
fifth year. People thought that her mother was the one who pulled strings so Carmilla would get the
position but LaFontaine had their money on Lex. Lex obviously cared a lot for her cousin and wasn't
pleased with her rebellious nature so she probably thought that making her prefect would teach her a
lesson, somehow.
The Ravenclaws had a small grudge against Carmilla because despite her slacking, she continued to get
outstanding marks in her subjects. They accused Lex of cheating for her cousin but LaFontaine could tell
that such an act was beneath the girl. Which left only one other explanation: Carmilla was just
infuriatingly good. She was one of the best seekers in Quidditch and to this day, hasn't been bested by any
of the other seekers.

LaFontaines attention was diverted away from the Karnstein cousins to Perry when the latter approached
a shy looking first year. Perry knelt in front of her, smiled, then and asked her a few questions. The girl
answered shyly at first then she, gradually became becoming more enthusiastic with her answers. LaF
couldn't help but smile at the scene. The girl reminded them of a young Perry during her first few years at
Hogwarts.
Perry and they were friends since childhood. Perry, being a year older, went to Hogwarts first. The older
girl was so terrified before leaving on the Hogwarts Express. The fear was even more amplified because
her best friend wouldn't be with her. That was pretty much the reason why LaF was a hat stall during their
sorting ceremony.
Once all the first years were safely inside The Great Hall, the prefects and Student Heads sat with their
respective houses. LaFontaine and Perry sat next to each other at the Hufflepuff table. Laura ended up
right between Danny and Kirsch. The poor girl found herself smack dab in the middle of one of their petty
arguments. She glanced at the Hufflepuff table, her eyes screaming for help. LaFontaine laughed and
mouthed, There, there which earned her a glare and a not helping. They shook their head and looked
at Headmistress Matska Belmonde, a tall dark-skinned woman. She terrified Laura for some reason. She
barely spoke and nobody really knew what kind of person she was, which was odd considering she was
chosen to be Hogwarts' new Headmistress. All everyone knew was that she was a Ravenclaw when she
was still a student of Hogwarts and that she knew the Minister for Magic in some way or another. The
Hall quieted down when she tapped her fork against her glass.
Welcome, students, to another year at Hogwarts! First, I would like to acknowledge the winners of last
years House Cup and the Quidditch Cup! Slytherin! she said, gesturing to the table with green and silver
banners above them. The entire Slytherin table clapped and cheered. Will was one of the especially loud
ones, banging his fist onto the table while shouting a bunch of inaudible unintelligible?(or talaga di
margining ) stuff. Carmilla clapped slowly and wore a dry smirk. Lex, however, only smiled a little
before her face reverted back to what they liked to call the resting bitch face.
When Slytherin quieted down, Headmistress Belmonde continued. Wishing you the best of luck in
defending your titles. The rest of the announcements will come after the sorting. She gestured for
Professor Longbottom, a slightly chubby man with some stubbles on his face (DUDE I STILL IMAGINE
A GWAPO GUY), to get on with the sorting.
Everyone's attention was directed to the Sorting Hat, resting on a stool in front of the professors' table.
Professor Longbottom stood up and lifted the hat after bringing out a (very long) list of names.
Abernathy, Paige, he called out. The little girl Perry talked to 'earlier stepped forward and sat on the
stool. The hat was placed on her head and shortly afterwards, it called out Hufflepuff!
LaFontaines entire table clapped and cheered. Some of the second years stood up to welcome Paige to
their table. She locked eyes with Perry who smiled at her and gave her a thumbs-up.
That was a lot shorter than yours, LaF, Perry said. You know, I really thought you were going to be
placed in Gryffindor.

LaF simply smiled and replied with, I guess I was a Hufflepuff at heart. Perry looked at them and
smiled so warmly they felt their heart melt. They would give anything to make sure Perry always smiled
like that.
==++==
Five Years Ago
LaFontaine, Susan!
LaF scowled at the name. Her parents thought they were a girl until they brought them home and found
out they were that kind of Metamorphmagus. It was too late to change their name on their birth certificate
to a more gender neutral one which was why they called them by their surname instead.
They sat on the stool and the Sorting Hat was placed on their head.
Ah, a metamorphmagus, the Hat spoke in their head. Your kind is very rare. Hmmm, let's see. You're
fiercely loyal and courageous. I'd sayGr-
Wait! LaF shouted in their head. If it was possible, the hat scowled. They could feel its irritation.
What's this? You think I'm wrong? I've been used for generations. I'm never wrong.
LaF sighed. Everyone was looking at her curiously. I know, I know. It's just that, my friend, Perry. They
felt the Sorting Hat shift to look at the said girl. She'd be alone in Hufflepuff and I don't want her to be
alone.
That's not how sorting works.
LaFontaine scowled. Yeah but can't you make an exception just this once?
They felt the hat thinking. Well you can be as loyal and as nice as a Hufflepuff, added to the fact that
your mother was one. Very well. I shall sort you inHufflepuff! It announced.
LaFontaine breathed a sigh of relief. The Hufflepuff table cheered. They sat down next to Perry who gave
them a hug.
What took you so long? Perry asked them.
They grinned at her and said, I guess it fell asleep trying to look for my personality.
Perry laughed. The happiness on their friends face was definitely worth that nerve-wracking
conversation.
==++==
Several more people were called after LaFontaine. Laura anxiously waited for her turn. Her father didn't
say anything about her mothers house and even though Danny, LaF, Perry, and Kirsch gave her an idea of
the traits of each house, she still wasn't sure where she would belong.

Was she kind enough to be a Hufflepuff? Was she cunning enough to be a Slytherin? Was she smart
enough to be a Ravenclaw? Or was she brave enough to be Gryffindor?
"Hollis, Laura!" Professor Longbottom called out.
(Oh god oh god oh god. No. Not yet. I'm not ready how does this work? I'm confused. Help. Someone
help! Do I just sit? Am I supposed to say something or-)
Please stop, the hat said.
Oh it's on my head. Laura shifted in her seat. So how does this work.
The hat laughed. You really are Emma's daughter.
Laura felt something stir inside her. You knew my mother? Right, of course you do.
If it was possible, the Sorting Hat probably would've laughed. You're curious and intuitive enough to be a
Ravenclaw but your bravery, just like your mother's is definitely...
"Gryffindor!" The hat announced.
The Gryffindor table cheered and welcomed her to the table. She sat down next to Danny who smiled and
clapped her back. Kirsch was sitting across her and he gave her two thumbs up. Laura smiled. She's in the
same house as her mother. It wasn't much but she already felt closer to her.
Laura was seated facing the Slytherin and Hufflepuff tables. She saw LaFontaine next to Perry on the
Hufflepuff table and she gave them a wave.
"Karnstein, Carmilla!" The whole hall suddenly went silent. Laura turned to ask Danny why everyone
was suddenly so quiet but the taller girl had her eyes trained on Carmilla too. The hat was placed on her
head and after a few seconds it announced "Slytherin!"
The Slytherin table roared louder than all the rest before, if possible.
Danny scoffed. "They're cheering that way because they definitely have the Minister vouching for them
and giving all the good stuff now."
Laura nodded. Danny had explained Carmilla's relation to the Minister earlier. Though, after, she had to
tell her Laura what the Minister for Magic was since Laura was raised in a Muggle environment. She
watched as Carmilla sat down right between her cousins. Will said something to Carmilla who rolled her
eyes and smacked his shoulder. She glanced at the Headmistress. It seemed as if some kind of
understanding passed between them but Carmilla looked away so quickly that Laura thought she
imagined it.
==++==
Matska Belmonde was a muggleborn abandoned at the steps of an orphanage. At an early age, Matska
already exhibited magical abilities which caught the attention of Xanxus Morgan, co-head of Morgan &
Duke which is, one of the corporations that specializes in providing wood for wand and broomstick
manufacturers. Xanxus adopted six-year old Matska and brought her into the Morgan household. Xanxus'
twelve-year-old daughter, Adelaide didn't really care much for young Matska.

That didn't really bother Matska. Really, she was content with being left alone. However, after Adelaide
married Conrad Karnstein and had Carmilla, Matska was drawn to the little girl whichwho brought her a
teensy bit closer to Adelaide.
After Conrad's death, Matska moved in with Adelaide and the children. She left Morgan & Duke to Leila
and Lucas Duke and applied for the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. She was elected
to be the next Headmistress of Hogwarts after Professor Minerva McGonagall resigned.
==++==
"Pretty sure, Mattie's going to ask you to her office one of these days," Lex said.
Carmilla noticed that Headmistress Belmonde, or Mattie as she and her cousins called her, had the
beginnings of a smile on her face after she got sorted.
"You know what I don't get." Will bit into a piece of chicken before continuing. "Why is she in
Ravenclaw and not Slytherin like Mother?"
Lex shrugged but Carmilla answered. "Well, Mattie told me that she asked the Sorting Hat to put her in
Ravenclaw instead of Slytherin because she didn't want to be with Mother."
"And Mattie tells you everything?" Will said skeptically.
"Well, Mattie definitely treats me better than you or Mother do."
Will frowned but before he could reply, Lex spoke up. "Guys, if we want to talk about our family issues,
we should probably do it where nobody else is around." Her voice was quieter than normal but Will and
Carmilla heard her just fine. "We really don't need anyone finding out about our family issues."
Carmilla huffed. "Fine." Will just grumbled his consent.
Lex tilted her head slightly. "Great. The sorting's almost done. Mattie's going to be announcing stuff soon.
You two better pay attention."
"When has William ever paid attention to anything?"
Carmilla and Lex laughed at that but Will scowled and threw his raisins at them.
==++==
Present
Dinner was almost over. Laura couldn't wait til she could shower to wash the bits of food that got stuck
in her hair after Danny and Kirsch started a mini-food fight over whose organization will be the one
assigned to do what for the annual Yule Ball which will be held during December.
The Yule Ball used to be a once every so-and-so years in the middle of the Triwizard Tournament but it
was changed to every year due to popular demand (and because the Tournament was discontinued). It was
limited to only fifth years and higher.
The thought of the Yule Ball made Laura feel queasy mostly because of what happened last year

She glanced at the Slytherin table behind her. Carmillas eyes briefly met hers before she turned her
attention to Will, grabbing a croissant from his plate much to the boys chagrin. Laura turned her attention
back to her empty dinner plate.
Was she happy with Carmilla? No. Was she hurt by what Carmilla did? Yes. But did she hate Carmilla?
She glanced at the dark-haired girl again. She was talking to Lex with her mouth full of croissant.
Normally, Lex would tell Carmilla off but this time she just sighed and answered with one or two words.
Carmilla looked down, seeming slightly upset with her cousins sudden change of demeanor.
No. The answer was no. She couldn't bring herself to hate Carmilla. Something was going on. Laura just
couldn't figure out what.
She was so lost in her musings that she didn't notice Headmistress Belmonde announcing something until
everyone started getting up. Laura hastily stood up and followed Danny.
What did Belmonde say? She asked Danny.
Just that Quidditch tryouts start next week and that she'll be giving the schedules to the captains, the
taller girl replied. Did you space out, Hollis? It's not like you to miss an announcement.
Laura looked down sheepishly.
Danny sighed. If this is about Dead Girl, forget her. She screwed you over last year. She's not worth your
time.
Laura simply nodded, not really wanting to argue with her friend. Danny was heavily biased against
Carmilla despite her cordial relations with Lex. Then again, Danny used to despise Lex.
Gryffindor first years, with me! Danny called out. Laura took that as her cue to start directing the
student flow.
She glanced at Carmilla one last time before directing her attention back to the first years.
==++==
Carmilla collapsed onto her bed almost as soon as she entered the dormitory she shared with Lex. It was
actually the Seventh Year prefects room, but Lex managed to pull a few strings and get another bed into
the room since it was big enough for two people. Lexs things were also so well-organized that she didn't
need that much space.
Carm, her cousin called out. She was standing by one of the windows, looking out at the lake, wearing
her silk gray boxers and a dark purple tank top which were pretty much all she wore to sleep (then again,
Carmilla only wore her underwear so Lex is decent compared to her.) Have you thought about Mothers
offer?
Carm rolled over.
(Really, Lex, now?)
I've been tucking it in the deep dark corners of my brain. Why?

Lex muttered, Typical. Before looking at her cousin and answering louder. I just doubt her methods,
like always. I mean, I had my suspicions about what she did at the side and now that I found out I was
right, well She shrugged. I don't know what to think of it.
So what are you going to do? Carmilla asked.
Her cousin crossed her arms and looked back out the window. Follow my head, like always.
Carmilla pushed herself up to sit on her bed. And what's your head telling you now?
Lex pursed her lips. I don't know yet.
Carmilla rolled her eyes. Well that's definitely helpful, Ice Queen, she said, voice dripping with
sarcasm.
Lex grabbed the nearest pillow and threw it at Carmilla who dodged it before picking it up and throwing
it back. Lex caught it with ease.
Go to sleep. We'll be waking up early tomorrow.

Chapter Three: The Tension and the Terror

A look, a laugh, a smile, a second passes by and I regret it.
Present...
Lex woke up earlier than her cousin, no surprise there. She rolled her eyes when she looked at Carmilla
who was sprawled on her bed, her blanket barely covering her. Lex immediately got up and began to
change into her Quidditch uniform but without her Keeper gear. She'll just be flying around and at most,
passing and catching a quaffle with her cousin. She looked at her cousin again.
(So much for getting up on time.)
She Lex shook her head and put her hair up in its usual French braid. Lex She looked under her bed. The
package was there, as instructed. She retrieved it before grabbing Carmillas Quidditch sweater from the
latters trunk. Lex approached her cousin and poked her with one end of the package. Carmilla didn't
budge. Lex poked her a few more times and when she still didn't show any signs of waking up, the older
girl pulled out her wand. She couldn't exactly throw the curtains open the way she usually did at their
mansion (they valued their privacy; that and because the Slytherin dorms are located under the lake) so a
spell will have to do.
Lumos Solem. A bright light burst from the tip of her wand and hit Carmilla's face.
Carmillas eyes snapped open and she fell off her bed. She groaned and covered her face. Lex quelled the
urge to smile.
"What do you want?" Carmilla grumbled.
Lex couldn't help but chuckle at that. "We need to warm-up, cus. You're my vice-captain this year. Can't
afford to look weak in front of the fresh meat." She threw Carmilla her Quidditch sweater. "Get dressed.
Your pants are still in your trunk.

Lex patiently waited for Carmilla to finish changing before tossing the package to her. Carmilla caught it
with ease and looked at her cousin curiously.
The fuck is this? She asked.
Lex rolled her eyes. It's a chair, she deadpanned. Her cousin glared at her sarcastic comment. I'm
pretty sure the shape makes it obvious.
Carmilla said nothing and ripped it open. Her jaw dropped. A Firebolt? Lex, how much did you spend on
this?
Relax, Carm. We're loaded, in case you forgot. Lexs tone was dismissive but she knew what Carmilla
was really trying to say. She didn't have to get her a new broom but after Mother forced her to make a
really shitty decision which forced Carmilla to make an even shittier one, she felt like she had to make up
for her broken heart Somehow.
Lex could see her cousin struggling to speak. Don't bother. Just help me defend our title.
Carmilla nodded and got up, following her cousin out of the dorm.
==++==
The Voice of Hogwarts
Quidditch Season Starts Again
By Andrew Thomas
Quidditch is arguably the most anticipated event in Hogwarts. The houses practice through different
weather conditions (this sentence could be expounded upon but when I tried nothing came to me). Alumni
of the School of Witchcraft and Wizardry would visit just to watch the games. The Hogwarts Quidditch
Bazaar, which was started and funded by Hogwarts Alumnae Ginevra Weasley-Potter, is starting to bring
out its merchandise.
People Fans of the sport are looking forward to seeing Ravenclaw and Slytherin captains, Adam Martin
(Chaser) and Alessandra Ivers (Keeper) respectively, duking it out by the goals. Their exchanges, albeit
very short, are always action-packed and sometimes lead to high tension between Slytherin and
Ravenclaw for weeks. Rumor has it that their rivalry escalated because of what happened toto the incident
involving Clara Fitzroy, a Ravenclaw chaser. An anonymous source told The Chronicle that Ivers sent
Fitzroy a new broom following the latters injury at the hands of the Keepers cousin, William Eisen.
Martin, however, was still unwilling to forgive Ivers and led a group of Gryffindor and Ravenclaw
students to throw eggs at Ivers during the Slytherin vs Gryffindor match a month later. Ivers refused to
comment about the event.
Another mini-spectacle was William Eisen, and Theodore Straka trying to out-beat each other. Eisen
and Straka currently hold the beater record, tied with an average of 97 successful hits per season.
However, after the incident with Fitzroy, Ivers suspended Eisen from playing in Slytherins matches
against Gryffindor and Ravenclaw. Despite that, Eisen remains one of the schools favorite players and
Ivers received a lot of heat for her decision. Wilson Kirsch, a Gryffindor beater with an average of 95 hits,
mentioned in a recent interview that he hopes to bump up his average while Eisen is not playing to which

Eisen responded with I wish him the best of luck. Straka simply said that "[t]hinking about those two is
just a waste of my time." Eisen and Kirsch are friendly rivals on and off the ring and are members of the
Zeta Omega Mu fraternity which is headed by Straka.
Everyone's making bets on how fast Carmilla Karnstein can catch the snitch this year. During the finals
last school year, Slytherins seeker was seemingly distracted, prompting Ivers to throw a quaffle at her
head. Another anonymous source told us that her distraction was most likely due to her recent break-up
with Gryffindors star chaser, Laura Hollis. Karnstein says that she had a lapse in judgment. It won't
happen again and that she has moved on from the breakup. The cause of the break-up is unknown but it
means that the charming seeker is back on the playing field. Hollis has yet to comment on it.
Tryouts start next week. Schedules can be found on the very last page. The positions each house is
looking for are as follows:

Gryffindor: 1 Chaser, 1 Keeper (sub), 1 Seeker (sub), 1 Chaser (sub)

Ravenclaw: 1 Seeker, 1 Seeker (sub), 1 Chaser (sub)
Hufflepuff: 2 Chasers, 1 Beater, 2 Chasers (sub), 1 Beater (sub)
Slytherin: 1 Beater (sub), 1 Keeper (sub)

Slytherin vs Hufflepuff will be on the second week of October.

==++==
Laura felt her face heating up after she read the article.
(I'm going to get Andrew for this. I mean, seriously?! It's only the second day of school!)
Her attention was diverted by Kirsch sitting heavily onto the seat next to her. He was holding another
copy of The Voice of Hogwarts which was open to Andrews article. Unlike Laura, Kirsch had a huge grin
on his face.
I don't know how you guys do it, nerd-hottie. I only gave that statement last night! He said. He noticed
Laura's red face. Oh, right. It mentioned your- your thing with, uh, Carm-sexy. He shook his head.
Don't worry about it! If anybody harasses you for breaking up with your hot ex, just say the word and
the brothers of Zeta Omega Mu will be on you! He brought a fist up to his chest as a sign of his Bro
Word or something like that.
Before Laura could comment on how awfully worded his statement was, Danny slid right between them
and slapped the back of Kirschs head, who yelped and glared at the tall girl.
That sounded so wrong. Please don't say it again or else I'll have to deny our friendship more than I
already do, she said. Danny turned her attention to Laura. But he's right about one thing. Don't worry
about it. You know reporters. They love gossip especially if it involves one of their own or a well-known
student Um No offense.
Laura sighed and waved her hand dismissively. None taken. She spotted Andrew at the other end of the
Gryffindor table. Excuse me, I need to have a word with our Sports Editor. Before she could get up,
hands pushed her back down. What the- She looked up and saw LaFontaine looking sternly down at
her.

Hollis, you're a little intense ball of rage right now so you probably shouldn't confront Thomas at this
state. You know how dramatic that boy can get, they said.
Laura huffed. I'm not intense. Danny, Kirsch, and LaF all stared at her. Okay maybe a little, she
conceded. LaF grinned and sat right next to Laura.
Dude, shouldn't you be at the Hufflepuff table? Kirsch asked them.
LaF waved him off. Nobody really cares during breakfast and lunch. Even Head Girl lets it slide, they
said.
Danny snorted. Yeah but Perry doesn't. She waggled her eyebrows at LaF. Laura and Kirsch laughed at
the sight of LaFs reddening face.
You're so screwed, Kirsch said. LaF threw a piece of bread at him.
No, I'm not! Besides, she's having a word with Ivers. Something about asking why she put two certain
people together (whoooo).
Who? Danny asked.
LaF shrugged. I don't even know how she found out. The schedule Martin handed her only showed her
sched and no one elses.
Laura frowned then she looked at her watch. Oh my God! I'm gonna be late for Potions! She jumped up
and stuffed a few cookies into her mouth and waved goodbye to her friends.
==++==
Professor Blackwood wasn't around when Laura arrived so technically, she's not late. She scanned the
room for an empty seat. Unfortunately for her, the only one happens to be right next to a Ravenclaw boy,
and right in front of Carmilla.
(Of course. The universe hates me. I'm sure of it.)
Laura took a deep breath before walking towards the seat.
(Relax Laura. You're just walking towards a seat. You're going to sit down and you're going to avoid
Carmilla. Hopefully, you'll be paired with the Ravenclaw boy. He's nicer, I think. I mean, I haven't really
talked to him but he's in the same frat as Kirsch so- Oh look! I'm here.)
Laura pulled out the chair and sat on it. She glanced up and momentarily locked eyes with Carmilla
before looking away quickly. She could feel Will smirking at her. She felt her face heating up. So yes, she
didn't hate Carmilla but she sure as hell hated her annoying jerkface cousin.
Before Laura could do anything about her feelings of hatred (like, let's say, tell him off or yell at him),
The Ravenclaw boy next to her, Theo Straka, cleared his throat.
"You're Laura, right?" he said.
Laura jumped up in her seat and turned to face Theo. "Yep! That's me! Laura Hollis. 'Sup?"
She winced internally. (That was so bad.)

"You're as jumpy as Wilson says you are," Theo said. "Too bad that boy can't hit a bludger properly for
the life of him. Wonder why The Voice of Hogwarts thinks he's up to par with my skills."
"Oh and you're such a great beater, Straka," Will piped up. Carmilla rolled her eyes and brought out a
book.
"Please, Eisen. You got suspended from your team." Theo smirked as Will's face reddened.
"I'm sure Lex is going to lift the suspension." Will glared at Theo who just threw his head back as he
laughed.
"Is that what helps you sleep at night?"
Laura noticed Will clench his jaw. He started reaching for his wand and Theo did the same. Laura's eyes
widened in panic. She looked at Carmilla hoping that the other girl would do something about it.
Unfortunately, her head remained buried in her book.
Before the two boys could start dueling in the middle of the classroom, the door slammed open and
Professor Blackwood marched in.
Professor Vlad Blackwood is a tall lanky man with dark hair and large rectangular glasses. He's the
current Gryffindor Head of House. Laura was actually quite fond of him because he didn't play favorites.
He somehow made Potions (a subject she does terribly in) very interesting.
"Okay class!" He slammed his books onto the table causing everyone to jump up in their seats. Theo and
Will immediately stowed their wands away. "Normally, I don't make the whole class brew a potion on the
first day but seeing as to how you're all in 6th year now, eh. Why not?"
He lifted the book at the very top of his pile. "I assume you all have updated editions of Advanced Potion
Making." People mumbled their consent. "Excellent. Please turn to page 78."
Laura flipped her book to the said page and gulped when she saw the potion name.
"Huh. Draught of Living Death," Theo mumbled.
"Yes! Draught of Living Death! I know, I know," Professor Blackwood said as soon as he heard students
groaning. "It's one of the most difficult potions to concoct which is why I'm giving you the entire period
to do it."
Laura felt her dread sinking in. She really doubted that she could finish the potion in two hours.
"Oh, I almost forgot. You'll be doing this by pair. I won't be doing much teaching this year since I
presume you all have your fundamentals down." His eyes scanned the room. Maybe Laura imagined it but
he seemed to linger on her for a bit. "Your partners will only last for this semester. After this, all work will
be individual!"
"Professor," a Hufflepuff girl asked. "Will we get to choose our partners?"
Professor Blackwood thought for a moment. "Hmm... How about you partner up with the person right in
front of you?"
(Oh hell no!)

Laura looked at Carmilla's direction. The dark-haired girl surprisingly had her textbook open to the
potion's page and was studying the text.
"Okay, as soon as you're ready, you may begin!"
==++==
Five years ago...
"Step forward as I call your name," Professor Blackwood announced. He looked down at the paper in his
hands.
"Hollis." Laura stepped forward. Professor Blackwood was pairing Gryffindor and Slytherin students with
each other because he wasn't fond of the house rivalry and he was trying to change it. Laura looked
around and noticed Carmilla standing right next to a dark-haired boy who Danny pointed out as William
Eisen, one of Carmilla's cousins. Carmilla smirked at Laura when they made eye contact and the latter
gulped and looked away.
"and Eisen." William immediately started whining. Laura stared at him because, really? He doesn't even
know who she is!
"Mr. Eisen, what seems to be the matter?" Professor Blackwood asked.
"She's a mudblood!" William said, throwing his arms up in the air. Blackwood frowned and opened his
mouth to (probably) berate him when Carmilla spoke up.
"Will, please. Didn't mother say that such words are unbecoming of a Karnstein? Well, in your case, Eisen
but whatever." Will glared at her but kept his mouth shut. "Professor Blackwood, if I may. Just so Will
can stop complaining, is it possible for you to pair Hollis up with me instead?"
Blackwood looked down at the paper and scribbled a few things. "I don't see why not. Miss Karnstein,
please stand and move to the table over there with Miss Hollis."
The two of them moved to the table Blackwood pointed to. Laura thought that maybe Carmilla wasn't so
bad after all...
==++==
"Carmilla, this is a pair work!" Laura said indignantly to the said girl who was just sitting with her legs
propped up on the table.
"Look, cutie, just finish the first part." Laura huffed. If Carmilla wasn't going to help, fine. She'll just tell
the professor when she's done and take the full credit.
Several minutes later, Laura was helplessly holding a bunch of mistletoe berries in one hand a Valerian
Sprigs in the other. The Forgetfulness potion was supposed to turn green but for some reason it was still
blue.
"Last ten minutes!" Professor Blackwood announced. Laura glared at her "partner" whose tie had come
loose after she fiddled with it one too many times.
"Carmilla, if you're going to do anything, I suggest you do it now."

Carmilla looked over at the potion and scoffed. "That's easily fixable."
Laura watched in amazement as Carmilla started cutting up a few ingredients and sticking them in their
cauldron. Carmilla waved her wand and slowly, the color started to turn green.
"Time's up! Hands in the air!" Everyone dutifully put their hands up. Professor Blackwood approached
the cauldron's one by one. When he got to Will and his partner's, the potion blew up. Laura glanced at
Carmilla who was holding back a smile. Eventually, Blackwood reached their cauldron. After inspecting
it, he looked up and gave the two girls a wide grin.
"Okay! Everyone come closer. This is a perfect potion..." He rattled on about techniques and tips but
Laura was no longer paying attention. Carmilla had a smug smile plastered on her face and she began
fixing her tie. She caught Laura staring at turned to look at her.
"What's wrong, cutie?" She asked, still smirking.
Laura's eyes widened and she looked away, her face heating up. Carmilla let out an amused chuckle and
Laura frowned.
"Ten points to Gryffindor and Slytherin! Excellent job, you two. Class dismissed!" Blackwood said,
waving his hands dismissively.
Everyone scrambled to grab their things and started walking out the classroom.
"See you around, Hollis," Carmilla said before catching up to Will who was waiting by the door.
Laura sighed and shook her head before walking out the room herself.
==++==
Present...
Laura did all the manual labor by herself. Surprise, surprise. Or maybe it should be considering how
helpful Carmilla was the previous year. She'd sometimes do the whole potion by herself, pausing once in
a while to explain to Laura why she changed some of the instructions which the latter dutifully scribbled
into her book.
Then again, given how things ended between them...
Laura sighed. At least Carmilla wasn't as bad as she was back in their first year. This time, she at least had
the decency to tell her what to do, albeit while inserting a few insults here and there.
In the table next to them, Will and Theo kept arguing about what to do to their potion. Both of them
wanted to add a few modifications but neither of them trusted what the other had in mind. After trying to
force so many different ingredients over each other's shoulder, the potion started to bubble violently.
"Aw, shit!" Will said.
"For fuck's sake, Eisen. Do something!" Theo shoved Will's shoulder.
"Me?!" Will shoved him back. "You started this!"

Theo glared at him but before he could answer back, the cauldron started turning red-hot. Then it
promptly exploded. Shards flew around the room and one started hurtling straight towards Laura. She
froze in terror, eyes widening as it drew nearer.
"Aresto momentum!" Carmilla shouted. Her wand was out and pointing at the shard. It slowed down and
stopped a few inches in front of Laura's face before dropping to the floor.
Professor Blackwood rubbed his forehead. "Five points from Ravenclaw and Slytherin for that, Mr. Eisen
and Mr. Straka. But ten points to Slytherin for Miss Karnstein's quick actions. Now everyone, back to
work! You have ten minutes left!"
Carmilla kept her wand in her skirt pocket. Laura tucked a few stray strands of hair behind her ear.
"Um... Thanks, Carmilla."
"Don't mention it, cutie." Carmilla said.
(So we're back to the nicknames.)
Laura couldn't help but feel a pang in her chest at that thought. It took years for Carmilla to finally call
her by her first name and then suddenly, she stops. Laura probably shouldn't have expected so much.
After Professor Blackwood checked their potions (once again, their potion was the best and both their
houses received five points each), he said, "Read up on Golpalott's Third Law. We'll discuss it next
meeting and you'll apply it in the one after that. If you have any questions or clarifications, you may
approach me after school hours. Just ask me for an excuse slip. Class dismissed!"
Carmilla immediately stood up and dragged Will out the door before he could jinx Theo or vice-versa.
Laura couldn't help but stare after her.
==++==
"So how's class?" Lex asked. They were gathered under a tree by the Black Lake. Lex was sitting against
the tree, her history textbook open on her lap. Will was skipping rocks and Carmilla was lying on the
ground a few feet away from Lex, eating a sandwich. Their robes were hanging on the tree's lowest
branch.
Carmilla snorted. "Willy-boy, blew up a cauldron with Straka."
Will rolled his eyes and threw another rock. "Whatever. That was his fault."
Carmilla yawned before inspecting her nails. "Sure it was. Hopefully you had more fun in your elective,
whatever it is."
"Alchemy, thank you very much." Will scoffed. "You know, I still don't understand why you opted to go
for Muggle Studies instead of Advanced Arithmancy."
Lex raised an eyebrow at that but said nothing. Carmilla shrugged, "Mother dislikes muggles. I want to
learn more about them. Maybe her disdain for them has sufficient reasoning."
"Speaking of Mother," Will turned to look at his cousins. "Why aren't the two of you accepting her offer?"
Lex sighed and closed her book. "I just don't trust her."

Will frowned. "What's not to trust? Lex, she took the both of us in after our parents died! She saved us!"
The older girl grimaced but said nothing. "And Kitty, she's actually your mother!"
"Don't get too jealous, Mama's Boy," Carmilla drawled. She stuffed the last of her sandwich into her
mouth.
Will growled and started to move forward when Lex jumped up and stood in front of him.
"Don't," she said.
Will glared at her before throwing his hands up in the air. He shouldered Lex aside before grabbed his
robe from the branch, slinging it over his left shoulder and walking away.
Lex raked her hands through her hair. She slumped back onto the tree and leaned her head back.
Carmilla frowned and leaned back further into the grass, her hands coming to rest atop her stomach. They
weren't always like this. Carmilla's just not entirely sure when everything started to change.
==++==
Five Years Ago...
"Wingardium Leviosa," Carmilla said. The rock she was pointing at rose about a foot above the ground.
She flicked her wand and the rock skipped over the lake's dark waters.
"Someone had fun in charms."
Carmilla turned around and grinned. Lex was walking towards her, cradling three books on her right arm.
"It was pretty great until some Ravenclaw kid made his feather explode," Carmilla said.
Lex laughed and stood right next to her cousin before sitting down. "Where's William?" she asked.
"Talking to the Ravenclaw boy." Carmilla levitated another rock and flicked it towards the lake again.
"They got into an argument about which Quidditch team was better: the Montrose Magpies or the
Ballycastle Bats."
Lex chuckled. "Well we both know who William's rooting for." She rest her hands behind her back.
"Uncle Christopher was part of the Montrose Magpies, right?"
Carmilla nodded and sat down beside her cousin, keeping her wand. "Yeah. Shame we never got to see
any of his games live."
Silence fell over them. Neither of them wanted to say it but they both wished that they got to knewknow
their uncle and the parents that they lost more. They didn't know much about them aside from the stories
Adelaide would occasionally tell them.
Someone suddenly hooked his arms around their necks.
"Hope the two of you didn't have that much fun without me!" Will said, laughing as he let go of his
cousins' necks and sat down cross-legged in between them.

"We were great until you arrived, Willy-boy," Carmilla mumbled, shoving his leg. Lex smiled and shook
her head.
Will grinned. "Sure. You were. Anyway, I definitely owned Straka in that argument." He puffed his chest
up, looking very proud of himself.
"I'm sure you did," Carmilla dead-panned.
Will was about to answer back when Lex interrupted him. "Speaking of Quidditch." Lex scooted around
to face her cousins. "You had flying class already, right? That was your first period, if I'm not mistaken."
Carmilla nodded. "Yeah. It was great. I was one of the first to get my broom up."
Will scoffed. "I was too!"
"That's why I said one of, you lackwit." Carmilla rolled her eyes.
Lex laughed. "You two should join the Quidditch team next year! I just had my try-outs last night. It's
either me or this fifth year girl but bragging aside, I'm pretty sure I had better catches than her."
"Whoa. Since when did you say stuff like that?" Will asked her.
"I've always said those kinds of things, William. You just never pay attention," Lex replied, sticking her
tongue out at her cousin.
"That is so not true!" Will said. "Take that back!"
Lex had a smug smile on her face. "Make me."
Will tackled her and Carmilla laughed at them as they went rolling away. Lex was obviously going to
win. Will may have the height and weight advantage but Lex definitely knew how to use those against
him. She'd never say this out loud but she loved her cousins. She never wanted anything change.

Chapter 4: Jetpack Blues

Did you ever love her? Do you know? Or did you never want to be alone?

Chapter 5: Sea of Lovers

Youre the only way out of this sea of lovers losing time and lovers losing hope.

Chapter 6: Once Upon Another Time

Once upon another time, before I knew which life was mine, before I left the child behind me, I saw
myself in summer nights and stars lit up like candle light. I make my wish but mostly I believed

Chapter 7: Dust to Dust

You're like a mirror, reflecting me. Takes one to know one, so take it from me.
Present... I didnt edit this one na ) since I want to read 4-6 + I think youre not yet done with 7

"All right guys, a source told me that Martin's feeling especially cocky today and he might even show-off
a bit," Danny started. "That means he'll be a tad bit careless so beaters, watch him and get him as soon ass
he makes a mistake."
Kirsch and Benjamin Beckendorf, a tall dark-skinned boy with a buzz cut, nodded when Danny pointed at
them.
The Gryffindor Quidditch team was having a meeting in a tent just outside the Quidditch field. Their
game was going to start soon but Danny wanted to run through some last minute strategies.
"Mel, Laura, and Taylor," Laura sat up straighter. She heard Mel scof somewhere to her left. "Have you
guys mastered our Porskoff Ploy variation?" Mel rolled her eyes and Danny took that as a yes. "Don't use
it unless absolutely necessary. Ravenclaw's a little too confident today so if we play our cards right, we
can keep that a secret until our match with Slytherin.
"do you really think Ivers is in the right mind?" Mel asked. "From what I've heard, she's been pushing her
team a little too hard. By the time we have to face them, they'll be so worn-out. And don't get me started
on Eisen's suspension and Karnstein's... mishaps."
Laura felt her insides grow cold. What did Carmilla's sudden parade of study buddies have to do with
anything? She noticed that Danny was glaring hard at Mel. Laura knew that even if Danny wouldn't admit
it out loud, she considered Lex a friend so hearing Mel say all those things must have really ticked her off.
"Don't underestimate Slytherin, Mel. They might have a lot more tricks up their sleeve than we think."
Mel stood up and stepped towards Danny. "Yeah? And you'd know that, seeing as to how you're all
buddy-buddy with their captain."
The whole tent suddenly felt very tense.
Kirsch and Beckendorf immediately started inspecting their bats. Their seeker, Elsie Haight, adjusted her
gloves. Laura tried not to stare but it was hard after catching her and Carmilla in a very compromising
position. Laura tried not to take that too personally. She and Carmilla were no longer dating so she didn't
have the right to be jealous so why was she?
The sound of a horn blaring cleared up the tension in the tent.
"Alright, let's go!" Danny said. She clapped her hands twice before getting up. Everyone else followed
suit.
==++==
The rain was pouring down hard. So what does Lex do? Make them do drills. Carmilla's mood was
already pretty sordid. She did just see Killian Morgenstern, of all people, flirt with Laura. Yes, she knew
that Laura would never go for him (seeing as to how she was gay) but she couldn't help the jealousy that
bloomed in her chest. Wow, Carmilla Karnstein admitted that she was jealous.
She glared at Lex who was shouting at them to move faster or something. Honestly, Carmilla didn't know
why she still put up with Lex. She's the reason why Mother made her break up with Laura. Maybe Mattie
was right. Lex was a self-righteous ass who would do anything to prove herself regardless of who she
hurt.

Carmilla was so lost in her thoughts that she collided with Mathias and they both rolled onto the muddy
ground. Lex was standing at her side within a few seconds.
"Carmilla, what the hell was that?!" she yelled. "Get your head back in the drills before you cause more
damage."
Mathias stood up. "Hey, Ivers. I'm okay. Relax. Maybe Karnstein was just tired," he said.
Lex said nothing and Carmilla found herself growling.
"Damn right I'm tired," she muttered. She pushed herself up and glared at Lex who sported her usual
blank expression.
Rain was pouring all around them. The water seeped through Carmilla's uniform. She shivered but willed
herself to be still as she locked eyes with her cousin.
"We're done here. Everyone, get cleaned up. We'll do this again tomorrow," Lex's eyes never left
Carmilla's.
Will lingered for a bit before shrugging and leaving with everyone else. When she was sure they were
alone, Carmilla spoke again.
"I'm tired of you acting like you don't care about anything. I'm tired of you pushing me around and now
this? You're so obsessed with this whole Quidditch thing that you don't care about how the rest of the
team is holding up!" She shoved Lex who allowed herself to be pushed back. "And as if the team wasn't
enough, you hurt me too."
Lex's mouth opened slightly. "Carm... I..."
"Lex, don't. I broke up with Laura because of you."
"Carm, what? I wasn't the one who forced you to do that. It was Mother!"
"Yeah. I know, it's so easy to blame her but you can't ignore the fact that she did that because of you. You
told her that you thought Laura was distracting me."
"That's not-"
"Yes it was!" It's Ell all over again!" Carmilla choked. She hadn't spoken about that Beauxbaton girl in
two years. Her memory bubbled up to the surface of her mind, fuelling her anger towards her cousin.
Lex's eyes softened. She reached for her cousin. "Carmilla look, I'm sorry. I didn't mean-"
"No Lex. You can' t just say sorry. You can't just give me new stuff either. A new broom isn't going to
make me forget. I'm done with you."
Carmilla turned away and Lex's eyes widened in panic. She rushed forward and held onto Carmilla from
behind. Carmilla squirmed and tried to get our of Lex's hold but the older girl was really clinging onto
her. That's when Lex started shaking. The cold, perhaps? Carmilla might've been able to convince herself
that it was just that but then she felt warm liquid trickle down the back of her neck.
(Was Lex crying?)
Carmilla's throat tightened when Lex started whispering "I'm sorry" over and over again. Her voice was
unsteady and was on the verge of cracking.

"I'm sorry I suddenly shut you out. I'm sorry I let mother do that to you. I'm sorry for not being there for
you. I'm just- I can't- It-" Her voice finally cracked and Carmilla felt tears running down her own face.
"I know what it's like," Lex forced herself to continue. "I know how much you want to tell her everything,
let her know you still love her."
"No one said anything about..." Carmilla trailed off when she felt Lex scoff. Lex released her and she
turned around to face her cousin. "But you know what? Damn what Mother says. Carmilla Alexis
Karnstein, you deserve to be happy, okay?"
Carmilla frowned and looked up at her cousin. "How about you? Clara?"
Lex winced and looked away. "She's with Adam now. There's no point."
They locked eyes again. Carmilla could suddenly see that her cousin suffered just as much she had. She'd
been so caught up in her own pain that she never noticed her cousin's.
Three years ago...

We've been lonely. We've been lonely, too long.