hp

<<<Amy Carlson>>>​

Amy was not a morning person, so she was thankful that their Transfiguration class was exciting and interesting (even if she was going to kill Taylor for not giving her a heads up about the cat, she'd moved to start petting her!), but that didn't prevent her from being annoyed at how chipper her friend was.

Hermione kept reviewing everything she had read about potions under her breath, while Hera looked like she got a new lease on life (for completely understandable reasons of course). In fact, the only one that seemed to dread the coming class was Ron. And his discomfort grew as they descended into the dungeons.

"What's up Ron?" Amy asked.

"Maybe he's nervous about visiting Hagrid later?" Taylor suggested, "Or about finding my nest of evil down here, but it's not down here." She smiled wide. "It's somewhere else in the castle."

Amy eyed Taylor dryly before looking at Ron, waiting for him to answer.

"Well…" He eventually started, "I heard from my brothers that Snape… really doesn't like Gryffindors," He mumbled, "And really favors Slytherins."

"Hmm, he's actually been in a pretty foul mood actually…" Taylor commented, no doubt actively spying on the professor at the moment, "Kinda hard to tell, potion fumes." And there's the confirmation.

"I'm sure it will be fine," Hermione replied, waving off his concerns, "He's a teacher, he shouldn't mistreat anyone for things they didn't choose."

"He's also human, Hermione," Amy reminded her, "And humans aren't always logical," She added, really hoping Hermione was getting what she was saying.

Honestly, she was somewhat concerned with some of her attitude towards the teachers.

"Yes, but if he's that bad then why hasn't Headmaster Dumbledore fired him?" She pointed out, sounding reasonable. "You worry too much."

"I live with an Agent of Chaos. I have all the reason to worry," Amy said dryly, "Just don't get your hopes up."

Her eyes rolled as Taylor beamed and they entered the classroom. It was cool in the room, cool and damp. If she hadn't been a Brockton native and living in England for the last long time, she might have shivered. As it was, it was only slightly colder than she liked.

Though most of her attention was on the looming Professor Snape and, while she was no master of reading people, even she could tell the man was not happy. At what, she couldn't even begin to understand. Did he botch a potion, or did something unwelcome crawl up his ass and die?

"Take a seat!" The professor didn't snap but it was a close thing, his voice was definitely harsh compared to how he usually sounded.

Normally he sounded pretty flat, monotone even. But whatever was bothering him must've really been eating at his self control to get him like this.

He began simply, taking roll call like Professor Flitwick had, before stopping on Harriet's name. "Ah, yes… Harriet Potter, our local celebrity…" A few of the Slytherins, Malfoy she recognized, snickered behind their hands as he slowly finished.

"Oh god what did she do to deserve this?" Amy wondered while Taylor didn't look entirely pleased at Hera being singled out, but didn't comment.

The fact that Hera didn't cow down at being singled out just seemed to irritate Snape even more, but why though? That was the only question Amy had on her mind.

"You are here to learn the subtle science and exact art of potion making," He said in a whisper, though everyone in the room heard it and listened hard. "As there is little foolish wand-waving, many of you will doubt this is magic at all. I don't expect you to really understand the beauty of the softly simmering cauldron with shimmering fumes, the delicate power of fluids that creep through human veins, enchanting the mind, ensnaring the senses…"

Amy had to admit, the man had presence and style.

"I can teach you how to bottle fame, brew glory, even stopper death… if you aren't as big a bunch of dunces as I usually have to teach." There was silence after his speech, several students looking eager to prove themselves to not be dunces, Hermione included.

"Prime teaching material here." Amy thought, wincing faintly at how eager Hermione looked, "Good chance the Professor won't even look at her. I think this guy is using this class as a chance to vent…"

"Potter!" He said with a start, "What would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?"

"Goddamnit I hate being right…" Amy thought.

Hera looked thoughtful for a second, "That's… Draught of Living Death, Professor?" She answered, sounding hopeful that she was right.

Snape's expression softened slightly, "I imagine you went through the book recently then?" He asked plainly.

"Er, last night sir. I needed something to distract myself from… things." Hera admitted.

Ron, who was sitting beside her, just patted her shoulder in silent support.

"Mm, then perhaps you can tell me where to look if I told you to find me a bezoar?" He asked, squinting at her.

"The stomach of a… lamb or goat?" Hera guessed, "Or maybe the potions store if you don't know."

His eyebrow rose, "One point from Gryffindor for the cheek, Potter, but you are correct. It is a powerful antidote to most poisons found in the stomach of a goat, poisons like the Draught of Living Death, one of the most powerful sleeping potions you will learn to make in this class." His eyes blandly looked over the class before coming to rest on Amy.

Hera opened her mouth but closed it, though Amy found her own brow raising. What did the Professor have against Hera? At least he wasn't completely unreasonable.

"Could you tell me the difference between Monkshood and Wolfsbane?" He asked her, arms behind his back.

"They're the same plant, Professor," Amy answered.

"Did you review the book at the same time as Potter?" He asked, sounding curious.

"No sir, Taylor and I spent most of the summer reading up on a lot of things," Amy answered, "I especially found Potions interesting."

He nodded, "They are the same plant indeed, also known as aconite," Professor Snape said before looking over the rest of the class, "Well? Why aren't you all copying that down?" He asked, spurring on a sudden rush for quills and parchment.

Taylor looked ready to giggle at that but didn't as she also wrote down the information.

Amy was pretty sure the girl already knew, but she didn't want to get yelled at for not following a simple instruction. This early in the class.

"Aside from the stomach of a goat, you may also find it in my potion supply room," He continued, "If any of you poison yourselves here, it will be used to save your life. For everything else, the nurse is always happy for something to do."

"Or me, but like hell I'm going to advertise my services," Amy thought. Oh she'd do it if she had to, but she… really didn't want to become Panacea again.

In fact, she should tell everyone in their little group not to spread her services around. She didn't want to be hounded by vapid girls wanting to become more beautiful or thinner. Or guys wanting bigger dicks or something.

Snape put them in pairs as class truly began, his wand waving at the board to write a recipe and its instructions. Taylor had gotten paired with Neville, Amy with Seamus, Ron with Hera, and Hermione with Dean.

She was momentarily worried for Neville, given how the boy seemed to be a nervous wreck regularly, but knew Taylor would help him. Sure, he was intimidated by her, but Taylor's… herness wouldn't stop her from helping the boy out.

"Remember, it's just like baking," Taylor said to him softly, "Just follow the directions exactly and things will work out. Patience and serenity are the key."

Neville just took a deep breath and nodded shakily, "T-Thanks…" He whispered quietly.

And then halfway through the class Taylor snatched something out of the air, "Well, this is surprising," Taylor commented as she looked at the slug in her hand. Her voice was… in a bit of a deadpan. "Professor, what's the punishment for trying to turn a potion into a poison? I think you may need to demonstrate it for Goyle, he threw a slug at our cauldron."

Professor Snape's lips pressed, "Are you certain, Miss Rose?" He asked looking rather annoyed, but whether because of what Goyle did or the fact he was caught Amy had no idea.

"If I hadn't seen him try, I wouldn't have been able to catch it sir," She replied, eyes as dark as the bugs she usually controlled. "His form was terrible."

"Hmm, well if it was accidental, it would've been a simple detention." Professor Snape said, "However since this is a deliberate attempt, the headmaster will have to get involved. In the least a few days suspended and kept in the common room at worst complete expulsion. Sabotage has no place in the potions classroom. Mister Goyle, have you anything to say?" He added, pinning the boy with a flat glare.

He tried to claim that Taylor was lying, but several beetles still stirring her own slugs as they stewed seemed to dissuade him from that, for some reason.

"We will be talking about this later, Mister Goyle." For some reason Amy felt like it was aimed at every Slytherin, "Now focus on the potion! Or I'll give you all Ts for the day!" He threatened.

"Okay, maybe he isn't a bad teacher. He just clearly hates his job and really has something against Hera," Amy thought.

"Cauldron off the fire…" Taylor whispered, "Otherwise they'll react too quickly and melt it."

Since her own partner had been about to make that same mistake while she was distracted, Amy decided it was a very good thing Taylor was on her side this time around. At the very least, she couldn't get distracted like Amy could…

Still, by the end of class most of them had potions that were, according to Professor Snape, "Passable." Malfoy and Crabbe alongside Taylor and Neville had been declared to have had "Proficient" potions instead, which was a decent enough amount of praise that it had apparently earned Slytherin two points and Gryffindor one, one point for each Neville, Taylor, and Malfoy.

Ron grumbled but mostly kept his mouth shut, and after everyone bottled their potions, they turned them in and left the classroom.

"Blimey, that's probably the smoothest potions class I've had," Ron said as they made their way to Hagrid's hut.

"That was your first class," Hera pointed out.

"I'm not wrong though," He said, "I've heard stories from my brothers, that Snape usually stalks around and looms like a greasy bat."

"He was doing that," Taylor replied, "You were just too nervous and focused to notice. He critiqued everyone except Malfoy, and I'm pretty sure the only reason he praised Neville and I's work is that there was nothing wrong with it, I tested it myself on a roach."

"Oh, still the smoothest class ever," Ron said with a shrug as he watched Taylor play with a wave of moths, "That is still very disturbing."

"True," Taylor agreed, "If I wasn't me, I'd be worried too. But I am me. I am also many other things right now, like a few dozen giant spiders in the forest… oh that is a lot of giant spiders in the forest. That is a concerning amount of giant venomous spiders in the forest."

Ron just shuddered and walked just a little bit faster than he was earlier.

Amy looked at Taylor, "That was mean." She said before moving on, "So what sort of things are you making with magical spider webbing? Should I be concerned about a whole new wardrobe appearing soon?"

"No, I'm actually concerned," Taylor replied, "I'm feeling hundreds of the things, three different species of them."

"That's mildly concerning," Hera said, "But you've got them under control, right?"

"Yes, but one of the three seems to be sentient," Taylor replied, "I'll go into more detail when we get to Hagrid, maybe he can illuminate us on what the hell."

"Try not to make a cult," Amy snarked, "Or should I remind you of that kid that virtually worships the ground you want on?" She teased.

"... A little late for that advice, I think," Taylor replied, looking shifty, "I can just tell you it's not my fault."

"Somehow, I doubt that." Amy said dryly, before looking at the others, "She helped this kid with a bad bullying problem when we first came to the orphanage, the kid's been grateful ever since. He was like a little shadow for Tay, I swear I think he has a crush on you."

Taylor just rolled her eyes but didn't respond, why would she? Amy was right.

Ron just snorted while Hera and Hermione giggled, Amy just had this smug smirk that she no doubt got from her.

"That's a problem that will sort itself out," She replied, "Assuming he doesn't actually start a cult worshiping spiders or something."

"Provided the kid doesn't have magic," Amy teased, "You never know, I think he's turning eleven next year."

"Don't put that into the air, please," Taylor groaned, "It would ruin my reputation so much. Besides, it's not like you don't have a fair number of kids crushing on you either and-oh, that's how you cast that spell, I was wondering…"

Amy just flushed faintly, "They're just thankful that they never had to visit the hospital after their roughhousing went wrong," She said.

"So, when's everyone else going to get a nickname?" Hera asked suddenly, "Sirius was telling me last night stories of his time in Hogwarts and said all his friends had nicknames," She added shyly when she noticed everyone looking at her.

"I think I like the nickname 'oh god, oh god, it's her, she's coming' but I'd like to have your opinions on it," Taylor replied with a smirk, "Just… anything aside from 'Skitter', I don't want to sound like I walk around on a hundred fingers."

"Um, how about… Ladybug?" Ron asked after a few minutes, "I mean… I would've suggested Spider but… well, yeah," He added awkwardly as his ears slowly reddened in embarrassment.

"Maybe, maybe," Taylor said with a nod of her head, "A little generic though, don't you think? But I think I know Amy's! Frankenstein." Taylor ducked under her swing, the book whizzing through the space her head was.

"You're a damn menace," Amy said, "But… How about Fran for short? I mean I am a girl, after all."

"One would never guess by how violent you are…" Taylor sighed, this time dodging a swipe from Hera. "None of you deserve my wisdom! You are all traitors of the highest order!"

"I like Fran," Ron contributed, "How about Owlet for Hermione?"

"I don't get it," Hermione replied, "Why owlet?"

"Owls are widely regarded as exceptionally wise birds," Hera commented, "And they're also rather smart as well," She then blushed when everyone looked at her again, "I didn't have access to the telly often, but when I did, I'd usually watch shows about animals," She admitted.

"So really," Taylor started, "Ron's just calling you a know it all, but in a nice way."

Ron squinted at her, "You've been around my brothers for too long," He noted, sighing some.

Taylor just shrugged, "How can I be around them long enough for them to influence me?" She asked with wide innocent eyes… which wasn't fooling anyone.

"You're talking to them right now, aren't you?" Amy asked blandly, "Please tell me you aren't giving them ideas."

"Perish the thought! Right now, I'm just listening to them scheming to prank me for surprising the whole House last night," Taylor said, "I'm tempted to let them try only to reveal I knew the whole time…"

"Do it, I want to see their faces when they realize it only worked cause you let it," Ron said with an eager smile.

"Oh no, I'm going to ruin it at the very last moment, maybe right before they try to enact it," She replied, grinning evilly, "I'm thinking… sitting on the table or in the room they're storing their supplies. It's well hidden, but I've seen them go in enough times now to know how it works. You can come along, of course."

"Bloody hell, yes!" Ron cheered with a laugh.

"... The twins really did a number on you, didn't they?" Hermione asked, somewhat taken by surprise by the sheer enthusiasm the second youngest Weaseley was showing.

"Yes," Ron said, "I love them to bits, but they drive me mad!"

"Siblings, everyone," Amy said, waving her hand, "That sums them up, now… let's see how Hagrid's doing." The hut was rather close to the forbidden forest, but seeing as it wasn't currently surrounded by monsters, she assumed that the actually dangerous stuff was further inside.

Taylor couldn't hide that she was slightly disappointed at the fact.

Hera knocked on the door and received many barks in reply, a large dog scrabbling at the door as Hagrid yelled, "Get back Fang, get back!" and opened the door, restraining the animal, "Come in, come in. I put tea on," He said, shooting a look of surprise towards Taylor before shrugging and getting out of everyone's way.

"That is a… large dog," Frankly most animals didn't appeal to her due to her power, and admittedly her feelings were worsened by the horrors of Bonesaw or when Hellhound boosted her dogs, but at least she could be courteous to the giant of a man.

"He's a big coward is what he is," Hagrid replied, letting go of the animal to let it start slobbering all over them, licking their faces and wagging its tail fiercely.

Honestly, faced with such an enthusiastically friendly animal Amy couldn't help but indulge the big ("Fucking hell what breed is he!?") hound. Though amusingly enough Fang didn't give Taylor the same treatment, making the girl pout something horrible.

Truly, animals just knew things.

"Err, sorry their Miss Rose, Fang usually ain't like that." Hagrid said scratching his beard, "Probably smelt something that spooked him."

"The bugs, probably," Taylor agreed, "Speaking of, why is there a colony of sentient murder spiders starting a cult about me in the forest?" She asked, "They are quite venomous, I watched one attack a deer and it died very quickly with not much venom injected." She paused, head tilting slightly, "I should recommend venison steak to the kitchen staff."

"Oh, they don't bother anyone! They're misunderstood is what they are!" Hagrid said, "Err, but… what's that about a cult, now?"

"Oh, they just feel my presence in their heads," She replied, "They think I'm their god now."

"Err… that's… odd?" Hagrid just looked confused.

Amy decided to help the poor fellow out, "What Taylor is refusing to say is that she has the magical ability to control bugs in a very large area." She said, "Perfectly at that, she could make spiders tap dance if she wanted."

"An accurate summation. There are two other colonies of large spiders in the forest I feel," She noted, "They are very aggressive."

"Ah, those two are thornbacks and a venomous subspecies of them. And they're just misunderstood really, they just need some more socializing and I'm sure they'll be friendly!" Amy just looked at Hagrid like he's an idiot… which she had a feeling he was.

He's either an idiot or had a very skewed vision of dangerous animals.

"... Sir, I'm pretty sure they are the most dangerous bugs I have ever encountered," Taylor replied, "Are you sure about that?"

"Well, they keep to themselves in the deepest part of the forest so it's fine," Hagrid said, "Let animals do as they do, I say!"

"... He's not an idiot. He's naive…" Amy realized, she gave Taylor a look which she returned with a sigh and nod.

"Anyways. I was wondering if you could join me in the forest," Taylor said, "Seeing as you know your way around, so I don't accidentally stumble across anyone's territory."

"Well, you have permission to go in?" He asked as Hera reached for a newspaper.

"Yep," Taylor said, "Also I was hoping to get some samples of webbing so see if I could use them to weave anything special."

"What would you need that for?" Hagrid asked, scratching his beard, "Oh! I haven't even offered you tea, sorry bout that. I already got a kettle on."

"Hey, Hagrid," Hera started, "Isn't this vault that got stolen the one you got the package from?"

"Ah, it's nothing you need to worry about," Hagrid said as he got everyone some tea and these 'rock cakes' that he enjoyed.

Amy took a bite of a cake and nearly hurt herself, and decided to let the cake soak in the tea before giving another shot.

"Oh, he got something from a vault?" Taylor asked, "Is that what's behind that big three headed dog?"

"How do you know about Fluffy?" He asked, "And never you mind that, what's in that package is between Dumbledore and Nicholas Flamel." Hagrid paused, "Shouldnta said that, should not have said that…"

"The french alchemist?" Taylor asked, "Wasn't he alive in the fourteen hundreds?"

"Goddamnit Taylor," Amy groaned as he just palmed her face and tried not to scream in frustration.

Hagrid flustered, "Now none of you look into that! It's between him and the Headmaster and that's that!" He retorted.

"Wait, did he really make a philosopher's stone!?" Taylor was getting excited, "That is so cool." Amy, along with the others in the building, looked at her in confusion. "W-well, it's supposed to be linked with enlightenment, like the chinese version? It, uh, the stone can turn lead into gold, grant immortality, and do a lot of other things too. It makes the holder into a god, effectively, but if you can make one then you don't need to make it, so he had to have made it for someone else!" She was smiling wide, "Is he married? If so, that would do it!"

"Taylor, stop being a goddamn Agent of Chaos, don't you see you're making the man uncomfortable!" Amy snapped.

"He's uncomfortable because he thinks he'll get blamed, but honestly the person they're trying to hide it away from clearly already knows, otherwise they wouldn't have tried stealing it." Taylor shrugged, "Oh, I should ask the headmaster if I can meet Flamel, I bet he'd be fascinating to talk to…"

Amy just massaged her temples, "Why do I take you anywhere?" She muttered, "And just because you're right doesn't mean you should keep making him feel uncomfortable."

"... Amy," Taylor started, "I make people uncomfortable by walking into rooms while covered in spiders, bees, and flies. Sometimes locusts. I have completely lost touch with what acceptable levels of uncomfortable are."

Amy… hated the fact that was actually a legitimate excuse.

"Fair enough…" She said with a sigh, "But can you just… try to reel it in? Didn't you want to ask him about the bugs unique to the forest?"

"I did, but we can talk about that some other time," Taylor replied, leaning in slightly, "I think it would bore everyone else."

Amy just pinched her nose and sighed.

"Ah, Hagrid, we won't talk about it to anyone," Hera said before looking at Taylor, "Right?" She added as she narrowed her eyes.

"I thought that was assumed?" Taylor started, "I mean, it's not a very well-kept secret. The Headmaster told everyone where it was and didn't even ban people from giving it all a try! Just said it was dangerous. Which means that it should be a good test of our skills once the year is near its end."

"With you Taylor, we can never tell," Amy said, "And… you have a good point, but I think he felt the dog would scare off most people."

"Hey now, Fluffy wouldn't hurt a fly!" Hagrid said, "I shouldna said that…"

"Who names a three headed dog, Fluffy?" Ron asked, looking confused.

Taylor shrugged, "Hades named his Spot." The menace shrugged. "And I have a girl spider named Steve. Fluffy seems like a reasonable name."

Upon hearing her name Steve poked out from Taylor's hat and looked around before tapping Taylor's forehead. Naturally, she just reached up to pet her while Ron… studiously looked the other way.

"Why, that's a lovely critter you have there, Miss Rose," Hagrid said as he looked at the spider, "What species is she?"

"A Goliath Tarantula that's been modified with magic," She replied with a smile, "They eat birds and mice. Steve here is fully sentient too! And makes webs, which the species normally doesn't do." Taylor seemed eager to explain it.

"Modified magically? Hmm, maybe you should have Professor Kettleburn give the beauty a check up to make sure she's healthy," Hagrid suggested, "Sometimes magically modified critters have problems."

"Well, I haven't noticed anything wrong with her, neither has she, but maybe he will," Taylor said with a shrug before leaning back, "Of course, I'm telling all of those forest spiders to stay away from the school right now, but…"

Hagrid didn't look like he cared for the thought of someone controlling 'misunderstood creatures' but he didn't make a fuss, "Aggressive behavior pushing back, huh?" He guessed.

Taylor nodded, "I keep telling them to nest elsewhere, but something about their instincts just keeps pulling them back into my range. Not sure what, I don't have that much insight into it."

"Well, these species are an invasive one, legally speaking," The tone of his voice told Amy he thought it was a load of hogwash, "And these spiders are like Acromantulas, XXXX-class danger just like dragons. Their aggression is well known, and they have a reputation of being wizard-eaters. Something about magicals makes us especially tasty to them."

"I'd believe it," Taylor replied, "I'm half tempted to make them go to sleep just so they stop trying."

Hagrid squirmed slightly, which was rather odd to see for such a large guy, but he eventually sighed and with clear reluctance, "That… would probably be for the best, Miss Rose." The way his beard bristled and twitched showed he wasn't happy with what he was saying.

"It'll only be for a few minutes," Taylor replied, "Just until I'm back at the castle."

"Fine. I just know the centaurs will jump on the chance," He grumbled before further explaining, "They've been keeping the nest guaranteed deep in the forest. There's a good chance they use the opportunity to cull as much of the nest they can."

"They're the non-sentient ones, for what it's worth," She replied.

"That does make it better, actually," Hagrid admitted as he perked up, "Now, how you liking the Rock Cake, Miss Carlson?"

Amy took a bit on the thoroughly soggy cake and chewed on it, "Surprisingly nice. Though they're better after they soak up some tea," She said as she continued to nibble on the cake.

Hagrid nodded, "Oh, Harriet, I read that your godfather was innocent, huh? He let me borrow his bike to get you safe," He announced, clapping the girl on the shoulder, "Shame about, well, everything but he's a good bloke."

Hera nodded, "You know… I think I remember a flying bike. I've dreamed of it since I was little," She said.

"The mind is an amazing thing," Amy said with a nod, "You'd be surprised by how often you remember the oddest things."

"Mm, and how are you finding your classes?" He asked, "No problems with any of the teachers?"

"Everything is great!" Hera said with a smile, "Though things were a bit tense with Professor Snape earlier, I don't think he likes me that much… I don't know why though…"

"Eh, Snape's always like that, probably nothin personal," Hagrid replied, though he looked a bit shifty as he said it. "Did you do well in his class at least?"

"Yeah, I answered his questions and made the potion," Hera said with a pleased smile, "Though honestly, I don't think potions is for me."

Hagrid shook his head, "Nonsense, your mum, rest her soul, was quite the talent with potions." He said with a rueful chuckle, "Oh how many times your mum got back at yer dad for his shenanigans. She was a right spitfire… all the way till the end," He added with a sniff before pulling out a very large hanky to wipe his eyes.

"I'm sure she has her own talents," Taylor replied, "She doesn't need to be compared to her parents."

"Of course! If it sounded like I was doin that, I'm sorry," Hagrid apologized, "Just thought I'd share what I remember of her."

"No, no, I'm… glad to hear it, I never got many stories about them," Hera replied, "Sirius told me a lot about my dad but…"

"Well, that ain't right, no ma'am," Hagrid said, "I'll see what I can pull together, oh! You can ask Professor Flitwick; Lily was his favorite student after all. Same with Professor McGonagall. And even Professor Snape… they were best friends until they… parted ways."

Hera winced, "What about the Headmaster? He's been here a while, right?" She asked.

"Oh well, I hope you've got a free period. I think he'd talk your ear off!" Hagrid said with a laugh, "Great man, Dumbledore is, but… well, he's a talker. Especially when you get him started on his favorite students. Rambles a lot," He added with a chuckle, "Now, does anyone want a refill on tea?"

"Oh, I wouldn't mind, thank you!" Amy said with a smile, "What blend is this actually, it's very unique."

"Oh, just some local herbs I grow in the garden," He replied with a blush, "Learned the recipe from one of Ron's uncles…" He trailed off for a moment before shaking his head. "I'll give it ta ya after."

"Sounds great, I'll need it seeing as I'm effectively the Handler for this one," Amy said, gesturing to Taylor.

"I don't need a handler…" Taylor sulked a bit, pouting at her and crossing her arms. "You're a power limiter, obviously."

"If someone didn't keep you grounded you would take over a town," Amy snarked.

"I don't do that anymore," She replied, "Too much paperwork."

"I don't know, old habits die hard," Amy teased with a smile.

Hagrid just laughed, "You two bicker like Lily and James did," He commented raising his eyebrow.

"Not my type," They said at the same time, "That's not helping," Once again, same time… though Taylor was grinning. She was doing that on purpose.

"Really?" Hermione commented, and Amy gave her a betrayed look.

"I'll remember this, Owl!" Amy promised with narrow eyes.

She put on a great stuffy impression, turning her nose up at Amy at the perfect angle… which Taylor was clearly coaching her on, just behind her.

"Goodness, the second coming of the Marauders, is it?" He chuckled, "Sirius will be thrilled, and I know your dad would too. Lily wouldn't, but she'd be happy you got friends regardless."

"Why wouldn't she be happy?" Hera asked, "Was she like Hermione? Really… big on the rules?"

"James' pranks drove her round the bend," Hagrid considered for a moment, "And… a little bit I suppose, but she wasn't afraid to do what she had to. Reminds me of the time in her second year she punched Sirius's cousin. Bloke cackled when she hit the floor."

Ron snorted, "The Blacks aren't the nicest family," He noted, "The stories mom told me… Sirius seems nice though!" He added the last after Hera's amused look.

Hagrid nodded but still had a wistful look, "You're not wrong, but back then? The Black Sisters… they were a force of nature. And Bella wasn't as… bonkers then. Shame what happened to her, I guess she was just hiding what she was during their Hogwarts years."

"Eh, enough reminiscing on the past,~" Taylor said from the corner, "Half of the people we're talking about are dead or in prison anyway, very depressing, very sad, very pointless. You get used to death once it happens enough. Celebrate the living, the dead can't hurt anymore."

"A bit crude, but correct," Hermione said as she also soaked her rock cake in the tea.

"I'm always correct," Amy threw a rock cake at her, "Except when I'm not. Anyone want this? I found it on my lap?" Taylor was offering the very same cake now.

Amy just rolled her eyes while Hagrid chuckled, Hera giggled, while Ron and Hermione just shook their heads in amusement.

The rest of their visit passed comfortably, as Hagrid regaled them with stories of Hera's parents when they were students.

Still, it couldn't last forever and, as they left, Taylor asked, "So who wants to come up to the headmaster's office with me to ask if we can get a guest lecture from Flamel?"

"... You know what? Sure, why not?" Amy said, "It'd be interesting, besides even if he declines well… at least we asked."