Harry's twin || Between Light and Shadow

September 2

When the first rays of sunlight crept through the dungeon windows, Daisy was already awake, unpacking her trunk and organizing her supplies. She should've done this last night, but exhaustion had claimed her the moment her head hit the pillow. Her roommates—Pansy Parkinson, Daphne Greengrass, and Tracey Davis—were still stirring, their groans muffled by silk bed curtains. 

Daisy had found them surprisingly pleasant. Pansy was sharp-tongued but fiercely loyal, Daphne was cool and aloof, and Tracey was warm and easygoing. They'd agreed to stick together, knowing they'd be sharing a dorm for the next seven years. 

--- 

After they all got dressed up and ready for classes, the girls made their way to breakfast. The Great Hall, so alive with magic and laughter the night before, was now filled with groans and the clatter of cutlery. Older students slumped over their porridge, while first years buzzed with excitement. 

Daisy's ears caught snippets of conversation: 

"Did you see his scar?" 
"They say he's the Boy Who Lived." 
"I heard he's even more powerful than You-Know-Who." 

Pansy rolled her eyes. "Ugh, I can't stand another word about the great Harry Potter." 

Daphne smirked, stirring her tea. "Surely you don't believe that nonsense, Pansy." 

"Of course not," Pansy snapped. "It's ridiculous." 

Daisy stayed quiet, her thoughts drifting to Harry. She wondered how he was handling the sudden fame. 

Their schedules arrived with the morning post. Daisy scanned hers. "Charms with Hufflepuff?" 

Pansy groaned. "Could've been worse," Tracey said cheerfully. "At least it's not Gryffindor." 

---  Charms Class ---

The girls hurried to Classroom 2E on the third floor as soon as they finished eating, not wanting to get lost or be late. The room was already divided—Hufflepuffs on one side, Slytherins on the other. Daisy noticed the Hufflepuffs kept their distance, eyeing the Slytherins warily.

Professor Flitwick, a tiny half-goblin wizard with a squeaky voice, perched on a stack of books. As soon as he finished roll call, he excitedly said, "Welcome to your first Charms class! Today, we'll learn about Incendio. Can anyone tell me what it does?" 

Daisy's hand shot up. "It creates fire, sir." 

"Brilliant, Miss Evans! Five points to Slytherin." 

The lesson dragged on, covering wand movements and incantations. Daisy tuned out, having already mastered Incendio, thanks to Remus. Pansy, Daphne, and Tracey looked equally bored, doodling on their parchments. 

When the bell rang, they bolted. 

"Finally," Pansy sighed. "I thought I'd die of boredom." 

Daisy chuckled. "It's just the basics. They've got to catch the Muggle-borns up." 

"That's why they shouldn't be here," Pansy muttered. 

"Don't be like that," Tracey chided. "It makes things interesting." 

---  Herbology ---

The girls made their way to the greenhouse. It was a welcome change—lush, green, and alive with the scent of soil and plants. Professor Sprout, a cheerful witch with dirt-streaked robes, greeted them warmly. 

"Now, I know you've been learning Incendio with Professor Flitwick. It's not just useful around the house—it's essential in Herbology. Devil's Snare, for example, hates fire."