Work Text:
1942- 1943
Eileen was a common student—a pureblood, at least—but still unremarkable and uninteresting, unlike other witches or wizards her age. She had long black hair that reached her shoulders, large black eyes, a thin nose to match her thin lips, and was always considered too pale to be healthy.
When her mother passed away, her father lamented that she never saw anything bore fruit from her hard work. Eileen’s shoulders folded then, her long black hair covering her face. Father always wanted more from her, for her to do something with herself, to be extraordinary. Adonis Prince was involved in the silk trade and would travel a lot, so he was rarely a part of her upbringing.
He would admonish her to “Stand tall and proud to hold the Prince's name.” He would also tell her to “Give me better grades.”
Mother’s passing was exceptionally difficult because Eileen didn’t only have to deal with an overbearing father; it was also her first year in Hogwarts. No one tells you that surviving school would be this difficult. Father prepared everything in a rush because they were busy with funeral preparations that summer. Eileen remembered everything in a daze. She was sorted in Slytherin, but she still felt out of the loop. Eileen had a hard time making friends. Lucinda Black especially enjoyed sneering at her and pushing her to the back.
Without much fight, Eileen became comfortable in the shadows, observing others and only speaking when spoken to. Much to Father’s dismay, her grades were subpar and forgettable.
“Put in more effort, Eileen.” He’d sneer, disappointed.
She's in her second year now and she doesn’t expect things to change. She’s found solace, in the form of colourful marbles, new ones she buys from Owl Post and seniors who enjoy the trade, and admire them when she’s in the dorm alone. The first time she played Gobstone was by happenstance, passing through the courtyard and seeing a small group of people playing their marbles on the ground. When she played it’s among the few times she felt interacting with people isn’t difficult. She actually enjoys the company.
She’s getting good at it, too. In the first and second years, she’s made something of a name for herself.
Prince, the Gobstone Player.
Her father doesn’t know of this development, but his letters are increasingly unhappy, ranting about her failing grades and lack of focus. Eileen knows she has to do something or else have her marbles taken from her. She tries her best, but she still sometimes gets distracted by a discussion of marbles with a fellow Gobstone player—and she hasn’t realised her yearmates have left her for Transfiguration.
Bertie Bott acted coy, palming his large marble with a smug smile. It was beautiful– purple ribbons inside a large round glass marble. She tried asking to buy it, but he huffed and said no way.
“I bought it with all my sickles, this one.”
“We could play for it,” Eileen suggested. Gobstone always made her more daring. “You’re not scared, are you Bott?”
Bertie scrunched his nose. It was always so easy to ruffle a Gryffindor. “All your marbles for mine then- it's only fair!”
Eileen finally took stock of her surroundings, panicking as she realised she was alone.
“We’ll talk about it later. I’m late!”
Slytherin and Gryffindor shared Charms classes, located on the third floor, but Slytherins had Transfiguration (ground floor) with Ravenclaws immediately afterwards. Typically, students would dash down two flights of stairs and across the courtyard to get from Charms to Transfiguration on time. However, a lesser-known shortcut on the second floor, which Eileen was shown by accident because the Bloody Baron took pity on her, included a stairway directly connecting the corridor to the Transfiguration classroom.
Eileen was already running through the corridor when the door to the unused girls' bathroom flipped open. Her first instinct was to squeak and hide in the shadows between the alcove.
A Slytherin Senior, a tall boy with handsome brown curls, Tom Riddle, walked right past her, his school robes billowing behind him.
She knows Tom Riddle because the whole school knows him. He was among the friendly mentors who helped out with the first years last year, and he’s been made prefect this year. He has spectacular grades. Half the girls in Slytherin have a crush on him, and the other half are distraught that he has a ‘muggle’ name.
Whenever he smiled and asked generically if Eileen needed help with anything, the hair behind her neck would rise. She didn’t know why.
He was probably doing his rounds, did Prefects have to patrol the corridors during school hours too?
She sighed, upset with herself. Why was she acting so pathetically? She wasn’t doing anything wrong. It was the girls' bathroom even though it was out of service. Eileen took another deep breath and peeked her head out. There was no sign of the senior, a short relief because Eileen was very, very late.
Eileen finally reached her intended destination. She hesitatingly knocked and peered inside. Professor Dumbledore was busy lecturing about the molecular structure and changing appearance of objects. He didn’t notice her entering discreetly and sitting at the last table. Maybe he did? Because he paused to let her sit properly before continuing.
Eileen took out her book and began scribbling frantically. Rowan Rosier looks up from her desk and smiles at Eileen.
Eileen hesitates but smiles back.
***
“Where were you?” Rowan asked. She’s among the only Slytherin in her year who tries to talk to her and doesn’t join in Lucinda’s cruel name-calling. Rowan has black hair that she ties in two tight knots behind her head. She also parts her hair right in the middle. Lucinda says it gives her face a square look. Eileen thinks it’s because Rowan just likes her hair in place.
Her family immigrated from France. So, she speaks with a bit of an accent. There’s a war brewing in Europe, and Eileen doesn’t know much about it but knows that Rowan has family involved.
Rowan exchanged a few pleasantries and tried to smile at Eileen more. Eileen hesitates; she’s unsure by this sudden kindness but doesn't want it to end.
“I was in class.”
“Yes, but you were late,” Rowan followed her. “What was holding you up?”
“Oh,” Eileen pushes back a strand of loose black hair behind her ear. “I met up with a boy from Gryffindor. He had a marble I’ve been wanting for ages.”
“A marble?” Rowan repeated, and Eileen hated how similar the tone was to her father’s.
“It was a rare one.”
“I didn’t say it’s bad!” Rowan exclaimed. “I didn’t know you collect marbles.”
“Well, I do,” Eileen said sullenly. “And I don’t appreciate it if someone makes fun of it.”
“No, I wouldn’t think so,” Rowan easily agreed. “Next time, tell me because I’d like to see this rare marble too.”
Eileen’s thin brows rose, “You do?”
“Of course, I’ve never seen rare marbles enough to want to collect them.”
“How do you know I collect them?”
“Well, you stare at something in your trunk when you think the dorm is empty,” Rowan smiled. She looked very friendly. “And you seem keen on being late for class to meet Gryffindors with special marbles.”
That pulled a laugh out of Eileen’s mouth. It was nice to share an inside joke with someone. Not as scary as Eileen thought it would be.
“Don’t worry. I won’t tell anyone.”
Eileen couldn’t help a small smile. “Okay.”
***
Father sent his weekly letter, and Eileen read it during breakfast with a frown on her face.
Dear Eileen,
I hope this letter finds you well. I wanted to check in on your studies and remind you of the importance of your role in our family. You must keep focusing on your education and preparing to take on the responsibilities that come with our name.
You know the expectations are high, not just for the sake of tradition but because our family has a reputation to uphold. It's not only about carrying forward a legacy but also about making meaningful contributions to society. I trust you will find a way to do something that matters, in line with what’s expected from the Princes.
Remember the importance of leading by example and making decisions that reflect well on us. Your actions will define the kind of heiress you will become.
Let me know how you manage your studies and if you are focused on any other areas. You must keep me updated on your progress.
Take care,
Adonis Prince
It was the same old trifle. Every week without fail, no, how are you, what was interesting in school? Eileen desperately wanted to talk about her games or her new friend Rowan, but she wondered, what was the point if he kept repeating the same old tune?
She’s had many successful attempts at winning the Gobstone games played in the school courtyards and finally joined the club this year. Something tells her Father wouldn’t be as impressed with her as she hoped.
“Will you still bet your marbles for Bott’s?” Rowan said suddenly, her knees pressed against Eileen in an unforeseen intimacy. It’s been two days, and Rowan is still friends with Eileen, which is a nice change. Eileen wants to make her stay, but she isn’t sure about what Rowan likes or how to reciprocate; she gets a bit anxious that she’ll muck up or Lucinda will say something, and Rosier will come to her senses and leave Eileen again.
Eileen isn’t that interesting. She’s grateful Rowan doesn’t mind talking about Gobstone.
“I’m considering.”
“I’ve seen you play; I don’t remember all the rules, but it seems like you're good. Do you think he’ll be game?”
“Well, everyone knows I’m the best in our year,” She’s the one who said it, but she blushed because ‘everyone’ was just like five people who play Gobstones seriously—fumbling with her hands. A strand of black hair was loose from her tie, covering her face. “I think Bertie has been upset he’s lost the last two games.”
“Well, I’m sure you’ll do well. Please tell me when I want to cheer for you.”
“Really?”
“Yes, of course. Maybe I could get in Bott’s head and help you win the marble?”
Eileen smiled, her stomach warm, “I’d appreciate that.”
***
Lucinda Black has the rest of the Slytherin in their year wrapped around her finger. Most of them know each other, growing up, and every year has a Black cousin– the largest pure-blood family in Great Britain. Eileen always knew it would be difficult making friends because she’s not like Lucinda, who’s pretty and up to date with witch fashion. Eileen tried very hard to fit in, but it was hard to compete.
Rowan understood, “It’s quite boring to keep up with that. Watching you play is more interesting.”
“Really?” Eileen asked, still in disbelief. But she’s really happy.
“Yes, I think it’s pretty weird if everyone likes the same things. I was bored with Lucinda, and she doesn’t really say nice things, so I want to stay here and be friends instead. Is that alright?”
Eileen blinked, “Yeah, of course, I’d be honoured.”
“Can I have a look at the marble now?”
Eileen handed Rowan the purple marble, and she giggled. “I bet Bott isn’t too happy to lose this!”
Perhaps Eileen wasn’t such a failure after all.
***
Father said everyone extraordinary went to Slytherin.
It’s nearing Christmas, and Eileen has challenged a few people for a few rounds of Gobstones (Bott kept asking for a rematch but still lost), and she feels quite proud of her achievement. She’s worried about the upcoming exams; she doesn’t want another scolding over her marks for Christmas break, but studying is really difficult for her. Books just aren’t as interesting as Gobstones.
Rowan has similar problems; she’s not much of a star in her lessons either. But what she lacks in written knowledge, she’s usually very good when it comes to people. She’s been receiving free tutoring from some of the seniors and pulling Eileen along to join her.
“It’s so dull to do homework alone; I’d much rather paint my nails.”
Eileen doesn’t enjoy painting nails, but she shares the sentiment.
To her surprise, the Senior who offered to help tutor them was none other than Tom Riddle.
“I hope you don’t mind; she needs help in her Transfiguration, too.”
Tom Riddle smiled at Eileen, “Of course, anyone who wants to learn is welcome.”
Half of their year was spent sitting in the library, diligently doing their homework.
“Here, read the passage from this page; it answers your question,” Tom Riddle instructed. He was very patient with them. Just like a teacher would, he stood behind them and observed them reading and writing with an open book in his hand. Apparently, he’s always offered to help the younger years with their studies.
They fell quiet in concentration, scribbling away. Eileen tried her best not to jump whenever she felt Riddle looming behind her.
“You’ve misspelt a few words here.” Riddle tapped her parchment with his wand, and there were yellow highlights across her essay.
“Thanks,” Eileen said, keeping her eyes on her text.
Rowan doesn’t look as affected. She finishes her essay and screws her ink bottle shut when they're done.
“Be careful, walking back to the common room.” Riddle’s warning feels ominous somehow, and that’s when Eileen remembers the peculiar meeting on the second floor.
“What do you think of Tom Riddle?”
Rowan shrugged, “I guess he is handsome, but he’s too old for us.”
“Oh, I won’t!” Eileen slapped Rowan’s giggling shoulder. She couldn’t even imagine a boy like that yet, and her face flushed red.
“If you're worried about the Muggle name… I don’t know, my aunt – you know she’s mixed with the Grindelwald’s crowd.” Rowan whispered the last bit, looking left and right.
Eileen doesn’t really know. She thought it impolite to ask Rowan about her family and the war.
“The Ministry monitors our family; my parents had to leave their jobs and their homes because people kept threatening us. It was awful. I know some people are really passionate about blood purity and being anti-muggles, but I wish, well, I wish my aunt wasn’t ruining our lives, risking her life for something like that.”
“Oh.” Eileen took a while before she squeezed Rowan’s shoulder. But you’re safe here, in Hogwarts.”
“Yeah.”
***
Eileen is being made Golden Gobstone player. Even Bott agreed she deserved the title.
“I still think my marble helped.”
Only seven other kids were playing Gobstones, but Eileen rather enjoyed her evenings sitting in the courtyard, playing for as long as they were willing to endure the cold.
Father wasn’t so happy with her curt replies and cut her off her allowance, which sucked because now it made it all the more difficult to buy Christmas presents.
Eileen prepared a long written apology, hoping Father would change his mind. Being in Slytherin, one would have to pass through many floors to reach the Owlery. Eilene used the shortcut to the second floor.
That’s when she saw Tom Riddle again.
Eileen hid behind the pillar again, sneaking a peek– Tom Riddle left the bathroom, thankfully leaving for the opposite direction.
Was there something in the bathroom?
She waits to ensure he’s long gone before taking a quick look. It’s a standard bathroom, but one of the reasons girls rarely use it is because it’s on an awkward floor with no adjoining classes, and it is plain and looks unused; they much prefer the bathroom on the ground floor or the fifth floor with the small meadow and singing frogs.
With hurried footsteps, a girl in two pigtails runs towards the bathroom, and Eileen steps aside. The girl is wiping her face furiously with the back of her sleeve, her glasses askew. She spots Eileen. “What?” She is just as surprised to see Eileen there.
“N-nothing,” Eileen says, giving her a wide berth. Should she tell her she’s seen a boy enter not too long ago?
“Well, if you aren’t using the loo, I’d like some privacy,” she says with a sniffle, then dramatically runs towards a stall and slams it loudly.
The girl wore Ravenclaw blue robes, perhaps a year older than Eileen. She does as requested and leaves the girl to her crying.
Eileen still has a letter to send.
***
Christmas break comes, and Eileen is excited and dreading to be on the train platform. She’s excited to get her Christmas presents; she’s replied to all her cousins' inquiries, specifying the exact type of marble she would like. She does the same to Father, but she knows he will ignore it and buy her something boring, like a book instead.
Lucinda manages to squeeze in a final joke at Eileen’s expense: “Eileen, you bring the holiday mood down by existing. Do you know that?”
Rowan wasn’t there to hear her. Her parents were staying in Hogsmeade, so she didn’t need to board the train. Eileen was too anxious about meeting her father to retort.
Father’s not smiling when he greets her on the platform.
“Really, Eileen, only A’s?” His public rebuke makes Eileen fold into herself. Lucinda is sniggering behind her with the other Slytherin girls, which makes him even more upset. “Stand properly like a Lady of your standing!”
“I’m sorry, Father.”
Father ignores that, not even deigning to look at her as he stretches his arm out for a side-along apparition.
Eileen holds in a sigh. It’s going to be a long Christmas.
***
When Eileen returned from Christmas break, she was in low spirits and dreading the new term–with her father’s heavy reminder for her to shape up or else. Eileen was forced to spend her holiday being tutored. Father discovered her marbles and her Gobstone interest and went berserk.
“A Lady playing marbles on the floor! Really, Eileen!” He exclaimed in disappointment. “No wonder the Elves are complaining about the marks on your robes!”
Eileen held it all in, upset that Father said such nasty things about a game she loved. He almost threatened to take all her marbles away, but she hurriedly promised to do better the term.
“If your grades don’t improve, I’m Vanishing every one of those marbles!”
It was a nightmare.
So it was a welcome surprise to see Bertie Botts jumping towards her after Charms. “Eileen! Just the gal I need.”
“Bott, how was Christmas?” She asked politely.
“Oh, it was awesome. Have a look at my Christmas haul,” Bott revealed a pouch, and Eileen could see it gleaming with many colourful marbles. Eileen swallowed down her envy; she also received new marbles from her extended family, but Bott always has the best ones! Half of his shone in the dark had glitter in them and contained a small fire.
Oh, how she itched to play with them!
“Let’s play a game?”
Eileen hesitated. She promised Father she would focus more on her studies, but she didn’t know if she could.
“What? Why not?” Bottsasked, alarmed. Come on, I’ll make a good bet; you're among the only Gobstone players worth playing with!”
Eileen’s heart leapt. “Really?”
“Yeah, really, I mean– it’s fun, right, especially with the bets on our marbles?”
“Yeah… but this time I don’t want to bet my marble– I just had them!”
“But the bets are the best part!” Bott complained, scratching his stomach. “I still need to win back my old one!”
“We can come up with a different bet,” Eileen offered, feeling in high spirits, but then she looked at her Transfiguration textbook and cringed. “Is it possible if we don’t play every evening? I need to study this term; I’ve already upset my father terribly.”
Bott shrugged. “Just tell me when I’m always game.”
Eileen caught Rowan’s eye; she was waiting for Eileen and gesturing her to hurry for Transfiguration. “You always dawdle when it comes to that boy!”
“I just– it’s for a game.”
Rowan holds her hand. “I know. Oh, we’ll have to hurry!”
“I know a shortcut.” Eileen dragged Rowan to the third-floor corridor, but they both stopped when they came face to face with Tom Riddle.
Eileen feels spooked out by this coincidence. It’s the third time already!
He’s tall, towering over them, and his usual handsome curls are a little loose. The way he stares down at them makes Eileen shudder and pull Rowan closer to her.
“Why are you girls here?”
Eileen swallowed. “There’s a bathroom here.”
“Is there?” Rowan asked, looking at Eileen.
“It’s out of order,” Tom Riddle stated plainly. “Do you not have class?”
“We have Transfiguration,” Eileen quickly said. “And this is a shortcut.”
Tom Riddle frowned. “Well, best not to linger here,”
Eileen nodded, yanking Rowan to run with her; she could feel Tom Riddle staring at her back.
“What was that about?” Rowan asked. Eileen could only shrug.
They were late for Transfiguration. Eileen wasn’t able to slip in quietly this time. She apologises with Rowan beside her. A little nervous being the centre of attention, Eileen dropped her bag and her stuff… especially her new sets of marbles, rolled on the floor. Eileen winced and stumbled to catch them all. Lucinda sniggers with the girls. One falls close to Professor Dumbledore’s shoe. He summons it with his wand. The red and pink marble in his palm and his lips are a thin line, unimpressed.
“Ten points for tardiness. But this could be a good lesson. See here, a marble– tell me its properties, class–”
Eileen stood awkwardly as everyone in class listed out the characteristics: smooth, hard surface, shiny.
“Yes, by arranging the molecular structure, see here, we will learn to twist the properties and–” Eileen’s marble turned into a red bean.
She internally gasps, upset, but the Professor already returns it to its normal shape with another wave of his wand and hands it back to Eileen. His eyes twinkling. “Today, we will focus on this type of Transfiguration—turning everyday objects into food. However, according to Gamp’s Law, although it is transfigured, it will still not have the similar sustenance or durability as the original.
Eileen quickly takes her seat beside Rowan, and they both diligently take notes. They hope she’ll master this new spell quickly.
***
Eileen didn't get a chance to meet with Bott after class because there was an announcement immediately after class, and the teachers were ushering the students to the Great Hall. Professor Dumbledore looked especially worried.
“What’s going on?” Rowan asked, but no one knew the answer.
Eileen was sitting with Rowan when Botts came over, dragging some of his friends—those who enjoyed playing Gobstones from other Houses—and loudly complaining to Eileen about how ruined their evening plans were, and they weren’t even sure why.
“Oh Bott, would you just keep your knickers straight? It’s just one evening.” The others gasped, outraged. Rowan continued, trying to appease them, “You lot can play tomorrow.”
They had no idea why they were all forced to stay there. To pass the time, Bott began showing off his collection of marbles that he ostensibly carries around in his pocket. No one hid their admiration.
“I didn’t fancy playing in the cold grounds again. Would you mind playing in our Common Room instead?” a Hufflepuff Gobstone player offered.
“Really, they’ll let us come?”
“Hufflepuff welcomes anyone, really, as long as another Puff invites you.”
“There’s no magic or nothing that could sabotage the play, though?” Bott chimed in, and they were already planning to visit the Hufflepuff Common Room.
Eileen felt eager, “It’s near the Great Hall, so it should be perfect, if we can play there later, I mean.”
“We can make a schedule and do a proper roster, since we all have to study and things,” Bott is already proposing. “I’m sure this time around, with more games, we can play by point system, and you’ll see, I’m the better player.”
Eileen snorted, Botts really hated that he lost his purple marble to her.
“I’m not betting my marbles, I told you,” Eileen warned.
“How about we change the marbles instead of losing them?” Rowan suggested. “Then they won’t be playable, but after some time, you’ll all still get to keep your marbles.”
Eileen is intrigued, but she’s not good at Transfiguration. “Change them into what– no, you're not suggesting!”
“Colourful beans!” Rowan says with a smile. “And it would be perfect practice for you; I know your father is giving you a hard time– we can study this way, and you’d still be able to keep your marbles! The Transfiguration wears off, I think.”
Bott is laughing, loving the idea. Eileen purses her lips. She does have to practice transfiguration…. “But you’ll have to help me. I don't want to mess up.”
Rowan beamed.
“So it’s settled, then? We'll have games in the Hufflepuff Common Room this week, and we’ll use a point system,” another student asked.
Their little get-together was disturbed when the teachers filed in. The Prefects redirected all the students to sit according to their houses. Bott waggles a finger at Eileen, and she gives him a thumbs-up.
“You lot are so weird,” Lucinda said suddenly, sneering.
Eileen’s shoulders are lowered, but Rowan nudges her leg so she doesn’t feel too bad.
The students to settle down. Tom Riddle is standing behind Eileen and Rowan, and she shrinks a little. His face is blank, hands behind his back, staring at the teacher’s table.
Professor Dippet stood up and began solemnly, “I have a very sad announcement to share with all of you.”
***
A student was found petrified on the second floor. The Great Hall broke into murmurs, and everyone was curious about what that meant.
“We will find the culprit of this awful crime.” Professor Dippet assured.
Rowan leaned close to Eileen, “So no one knows how or why that student was petrified?”
“Dark Magic, what else could it be?” say some of the other Slytherins.
They were all escorted to their dorms, and some students debated whether it was a prank or deliberate.
“That would be awful to petrify someone,” Rowan remarked.
Everyone was still buzzing about it when they were all ordered to stay in their common rooms by the end of the week. Tom Riddle, Eileen noticed, entered last.
“There has been another attack,” Professor Slughorn explained. “Another student is petrified, and we must wait here until the teachers have some inkling as to who or what is causing this!”
They stayed up almost until midnight until Professor Slughorn sent them off to bed, but still, no perpetrator was caught.
“Professor Twiggs says they have imported mandrake to brew the antidote and, hopefully, when the students wake up, they can catch the culprit,” Rowan shares with Eileen what she overheard from the other seniors.
“I hope it’s not that serious.” Eileen was pretty happy with her new routine of playing Gobstone every other day and practising her transfiguring marbles into beans. She’s gotten better at it (much to Bott’s dismay).
(Bertie Bott was unhappy when most of his marbles were turned into colourful beans.)
Eileen and the other Gobstone players had already prepared a schedule to play, and the thought of attacks was pushed far away. They enjoyed playing in the Hufflepuff Common Room, their little group of Gobstone players and a designated corner, a rug and chalk on the floor where they played until just before curfew.
“We should play in Ravenclaw next! There are lopaz stones that could help centre the marbles, I bet it would be really fun to see them spin around.” Offered one student.
Eileen felt a little guilty she couldn’t offer Slytherin Common Room. They weren’t… the most welcoming house.
Rowan followed Eileen to the other Common Rooms, and when they weren’t playing, she was patient enough to help Eileen practice her spells and finish her homework together.
Eileen still felt uncomfortable asking Tom Riddle for too much help.
“Oh look at Hagrid, I’ve rarely seen him in the library,” Rowan remarked suddenly.
Hagrid was the third-year half-giant. Everyone knew him. He was a very friendly Gryffindor but was awfully clumsy, and he was bumbling about the shelves.
Tom Riddle tsked unhappily and readily made his way to correct the poor chap.
Everything was going well, but then, just as February was coming to a close, the third attack happened. Another student was petrified.
“They’ve enacted a curfew? How can we play games then!” Eileen grumbled, sitting in her seat.
She accidentally said it too loud, and Lucinda overheard it.
“Oh Eileen, how terrible is the world now you can’t play your marbles,” Lucinda exclaimed dramatically and all the other Slytherins stifled a laugh, by now they were all looking at Eileen.
They probably call her Prince– a girl crazy about marbles.
Eileen’s head is lowered. Rowan has an arm around her. “Forget her, she’s just jealous.”
Eileen’s lips twitch, then. “No one’s jealous of me, silly old plain Eileen and her marbles.”
“Hey, you’re- the game is fun.”
“You’ve only watched,” but Eileen said it in jest. She straightened her back and softly inhaled, gathering her strength. “It’s okay. I know you don’t really like to play.”
“It’s fun to take points and help figure out the winner,” Rowan said. They briefly hugged, and Eileen’s stomach felt really warm and fuzzy.
There is a rumour circulating about the Slytherins, especially now that it’s been the third attack, and none of them were from Slytherin. Eileen doesn’t know who started it, but she overheard her yearmates, especially Lucinda, speculate loudly in the common room. The rumour is that the Chamber of Secrets has been opened.
“What’s the Chamber?” Eileen asked an upper year.
“Slytherins don’t have to worry. The Chamber of Secrets is Salazar Slytherin’s. Long ago, before Slytherin left the school, he left a magical creature to protect the school from any harm,” the upper years snicker, eyeing the other houses. “The harm this school is housing is blood, filth, and traitors.”
Rowan looks upset by the explanation.
“Do you think it’s serious?” Rowan asked as they got ready to leave for bed.
“I hope not.” Eileen doesn’t want to seem callous, but the extra protection and curfew are hampering her game time. Although she has more time to study, she’s still only pushing and barely Exceeding Expectations. Her father's weekly letters have nothing new to add besides threats for her to do better or else, and it’s making her feel sad. Gobstone is the only thing that can make her happy.
“I don’t want the war to come here, too,” Rowan confessed. Eileen feels slightly embarrassed; it feels childish to worry about games and studies when Rowan worries about the war.
Eileen placed her arm awkwardly around her friend.
“Nothing is going to happen– we’re just school kids,”
Eileen took one last look at the common room to make sure she hadn’t left her stuff. The seniors were all in groups, whispering. Tom Riddle walked past them, and some of them had their head lowered, their hands trembling.
She quickly followed Rowan to bed.
***
The attacks kept happening.
Another two students were found petrified in the fourth and fifth corridors, and the teachers were on high alert. No one was allowed to go anywhere alone, and students would have to walk in large groups.
Their games were suspended, and Bott was agitated because most of his marbles were now colourful beans in his pouches. “What would I do with a handful of beans?”
“I don’t know. Eat them?” Eileen said wapishly. She was feeling nervous because Rowan was becoming more reserved. They had seen Aurors in red storming the corridors and interviewing the teachers.
No one knew where or how the attacks were happening.
All the talk about attacks and the creeping dangers of the school was harder on Rowan than it was on Eileen. The newspapers had recently posted a picture of Grindelwald’s Acolytes, and Rowan’s aunt was among them.
Rowan refused to attend class and made up an excuse to go to the infirmary. Eileen didn’t know how else to help her and felt really guilty for being an unreliable friend. She felt lonelier than usual without Rowan beside her.
They weren’t supposed to be walking alone, but Eileen didn't want to walk with her other classmates, so she walked a little slower. When no one was looking, she took the shortcut to the second floor.
Once again, Eileen almost cursed at her forgetfulness, but she saw Tom Riddle– and hid in the pillar's shadow.
There was no mistake. This was no coincidence.
Why was he always coming out of that bathroom?
***
“You can come to the Gryffindor common room.” Bertie Bott bargained.
Eileen is tempted. It would be easy, too. All she had to do was follow the large group of students heading to Gryffindor. The issue would be how she would return.
“Come on, take a little risk every now and then,” Bott challenged, getting impatient. He was nearly tied with her in the scores, and she knew he just wanted to settle and have all his jelly beans returned to marbles. But this was bigger than just a game. If it got back to her father, sneaking around after curfew, she could be in deep trouble.
“You’re so boring,” Bott complained, taking his pouch of transfigured marbles into jellybeans and leaving her with a huff. “Go on to your next class before you miss it; I thought you were alright, but it seems like you're not.”
“Hey, that’s not fair,” Eileen said, a little hurt. Not many students enjoyed playing Gobstones, and she thought the players had a nice understanding.
Rowan was standing with her head lowered, lost in her own world.
Eileen holds her hand. “Sorry to make you wait again.”
“It’s okay. Bott is a twat, he’s just upset with you.” Rowan squeezed her hand in return. “You’re not boring.”
That was very generous of her friend.
It’s probably a bad habit, but they go to transfiguration class through the second-floor shortcut again, this time, Eileen is on guard, waiting to see if Tom Riddle is around. Instead, they see a girl walking the corridors.
Myrtle Warren. She was the Ravenclaw third-year Eileen accidentally caught crying. She was just leaving the bathroom.
“Oh, it’s just you two.” Warren scrunched her nose, her eyes rimmed red. “S long as it isn’t Olive Hornby, she’s a turd, bullying me about my acne and my glasses– how original.”
Well, Eileen could empathise there, Lucinda liked to do the same to her too.
“Do you want to join us? It’s not safe, isn’t? Walking alone?” Rowan offered.
Warren waved them off. “No one walks this corridor, so it’s a good place for a personal cryout, you see? You should run along and mind your own business.”
Eileen and Rowan look at each other, “Well, it can’t be helped.” Rowan said, and they made their way to transfiguration.
***
Father sent another letter, this time berating Eileen about her lack of updates.
Dear Eileen,
I hope this letter finds you well, despite my growing concern over your silence regarding your studies and overall performance at Hogwarts.
Your lack of communication has left me deeply disappointed, Eileen. It is imperative that you understand the importance of keeping me informed about your progress. I expected regular updates, yet I find myself in the dark about your grades and your dedication to your studies.
Are you still indulging in playing Gobstones, despite my explicit instructions to the contrary? This game, as I've expressed before, is a trivial distraction from your true responsibilities. Your priority should be to excel academically and to carry our family name with dignity and honour, not to fritter away your potential on inconsequential pastimes. What would Mother say if she knew you were wasting away your potential like this?
Let me be perfectly clear: should I ever find you disregard my wishes, and if you fail to provide me with the assurances and updates I require, I will have no choice but to come to Hogwarts myself. Rest assured, I am prepared to take whatever measures necessary to ensure you are on the correct path!
You are a Prince, Eileen. It is high time you started behaving like one. I expect an immediate and comprehensive reply. Do not force my hand in this matter.
Yours,
Adonis Prince
Eileen, felt it so unfair! Her father was overreacting because she forgot to reply to one letter and she has been trying very hard with her studies, why does he have to be so harsh on her and threaten the one good thing that happened to her? The line about her mother made her want to cry.
Eileen was about to complain to Rowan when she saw her friend was reading a letter and was already in tears herself.
“Rowan?”
“Th-they found her.” Rowan sobbed. “They found my Aunt.”
“Oh.” Eileen didn’t know what else to do but let Rowan fall to her chest for a hug. “I’m so sorry, is she–”
“There will be a trial. But Mother says she’s injured and brought to St Mungo’s, with heavy security, of course, and oh, perhaps they won’t let me, but– I haven’t seen my aunt in forever.”
“You should ask,” Eileen said abruptly. Patting Rowan’s back (she was getting better at this friend thing, she hoped!), “Why don’t we ask the headmaster if you’re allowed to see your Aunt at the hospital, at least, before the trials.” Would it be held in Britain or Europe? Eileen didn’t know.
Rowan nodded, “I suppose.” She wiped her eyes. “Is it bad that I’m happy she’s found, even though she might be sent to prison? I dunno. With all the attacks, I just—I hate seeing people hurt like this. I wish it would all stop.”
Eileen could only listen silently and agree.
***
Rowan was allowed a one-night visit. She hugged Eileen, and Eileen followed her to the Professor’s office. “Why don’t you play a game with Bott in Gryffindor Common Room? I know you’re upset too, your father, isn’t it?”
Eileen’s lips twitched. “Wouldn’t it seem reckless to go after he’s warned me so?”
“Yes, but I heard Bott say he’d eat all his marbles if he lost to you again!” Rowan smiled mischievously. “I so do want to see that!”
Eileen mulled over her decision to go to Gryffindor Common Room or not. It was further away than any other common room. But I'm getting to see Bott eat his jelly bean marbles!
It would make Rowan smile, and Eileen wanted to make her friend smile.
The attacks have stopped. Eileen hoped she could hurry up and play a game and return just in time before curfew.
***
The Gryffindor Common Room was different from the Hufflepuff or Ravenclaw Common Room.
Meanwhile, the other two houses had muted colours. Gryfindor was a splash of gold and red.
Adorned with vibrant red and gold tapestries, the walls are painted with their infamous lion mascot. Comfortable armchairs and squashy sofas are arranged in inviting clusters around the room. Tall windows look out onto the castle grounds. The room's high ceiling is illuminated by floating candles that cast a soft, enchanting light, adding to the room's magical atmosphere.
Nearby, small tables are scattered, laden with books, parchment, and quills, Eileen giggled when she saw the numerous numbers of socks scattered everywhere, it was such a cosy environment.
“You’re not scared in the lion’s den, are you snake?” One of the Gryffindors asked.
Eileen shrugged. She didn’t feel scared, not if it was about Gobstones. “Bott said he’d eat his marbles if he lost– can’t pass up that.”
The other Gryffindors cheered.
Instead of a rug, the Gryffindors pulled aside an armchair and drew large circles from chalk atop the wooden panels.
Bott was thrumming with excitement. “Alright, this is going to be the best game yet!”
All their friends from other houses were there too. Eileen was a wallflower in Slytherin, except for Rowan. She was the only one from her house. But she didn’t feel awkward here; she was with her people and felt accepted and happy.
Father never understood.
Pushing the thought of her father aside, Eileen refocused on the game.
The game of Gobstones, much like the wizarding world's answer to Muggle marbles, has always been a test of skill, strategy, and a bit of luck. The magic was all in the marbles. Each player was allowed to charm their marbles to their heart's content.
The match was set to be played in the "Classic" variant, a favourite for its straightforward yet challenging objective: to knock seven Gobstones out of the predefined circle before the opponent could achieve the same. The stakes were unusually high this time around. So everyone was sensitive about rules.
Surrounded by an eager crowd of students, Bott and Eileen took their positions at opposite ends of the circle drawn in the dirt. Each had fifteen small, round Gobstones at their disposal.
“Alright, ready Gobstone players!” the cheer was louder than what Eileen was used to. Other Gryffindors, perhaps intrigued by their play, had gathered as well.
The game commenced, and the air was filled with the sounds of clinking stones and the occasional groan from the crowd. They burst into laughter when a player was squirted with vinegar.
“I’m getting you this time, Prince!” Bott vowed good-naturedly.
Eileen and Bott moved precisely, each wrist flick sending a Gobstone spinning towards the circle with calculated force.
The match was a close one. Bott was in the lead for the first half, jumping up and down in excitement, his blond curls in disarray.
But Eileen knew Bott’s play by now. He’s always impatient to gather the most points and play his best marbles first, leaving his weaker ones defenceless. She had reserved her best play for last. She masterfully clicked her marbles and sent her final Gobstone into the fray, striking Bott’s with such precision that it knocked his remaining stones out of the circle, securing her win at the very last second.
“Noooo!” Bott gave a dramatic groan.
The crowd erupted in cheers. Bott, though disappointed, still stood up and shook her hand.
“The way you play is awesome!”
“Thanks.”
“I’ll have to eat them now, huh?” Bott said a little mournfully, though he still smiled. But it was worth it, a game like that.”
Eileen bit her lip, Bott has been a very good friend, Rowan would understand. “Okay, you don’t have to eat your marbles– that would be, no, I’d prefer if you play again.”
“Really?” His smile brightened.
“How about you buy other jellybeans, and we’ll watch you eat a whole can of them?”
Bott scrunched his nose. “Have you ever seen the candy sold at Honeydukes? There are no good-tasting jellybeans.”
“How about some that taste like vinegar?” Eileen pinched a marble at his face, and he spluttered.
“Ew, no!” Bott wiped his face with the back of his jumper’s sleeve. “I’ll get you for that, Eileen Prince.”
She smiled, waving him off. “Some day!”
Feeling elated, she skipped back to Slytherin.
***
It wasn’t her fault, not really.
Peeves was causing chaos in another corridor, his mischief echoing loudly in the stillness of the night. It was past curfew, and while Eileen relished the thrill of defying her father’s wishes by playing Gobstones, the prospect of getting caught by a prefect or, Merlin forbid, Professor McGonagall was not on her list of desires.
In her attempt to avoid the uproar (and Peeves), she darted towards the Charms corridor, her footsteps silent against the cold stone floor. She manoeuvred past a couple of ghosts, their ethereal forms barely acknowledging her presence, and found herself back on the second floor.
The darkness here seemed thicker, almost tangible, reminding her why this particular floor kept her nerves on edge. As she tiptoed past the bathroom, a strange hissing sound, unlike any voice she'd heard before, made her heart skip a beat. Then came a large creak, followed by the unmistakable sound of something heavy falling.
Frozen with fear, Eileen's heart pounded against her ribcage. Something wasn't right. This was no ordinary night at Hogwarts.
Her instincts screamed at her to stay hidden. "What if someone, or something, comes out and hears me?" she thought, pressing herself against the cold pillar, praying the shadows would conceal her presence.
Then, the bathroom door creaked open. Tom Riddle emerged into the corridor. His robes were stained, and he looked like he'd been somewhere he shouldn't have been. His wand seemed to twitch in his grasp as if eager to escape.
As Riddle scanned the corridor with a cold, calculating gaze, Eileen watched, barely daring to breathe. Then, as casually as if he'd merely been for a late-night stroll, he walked away.
A sense of wrongness washed over Eileen. She was torn. "Should I look inside the bathroom? What if it's something dreadful?"
After ensuring Riddle was truly gone and wouldn't suddenly reappear, she crept to the bathroom door, her curiosity battling her fear. Peeking inside, the bathroom appeared normal, disappointingly so. "Could I have imagined the hissing... the creaking?" she wondered.
Riddle's preference for solitude wasn't unheard of, but in a bathroom? It was odd.
Then, something caught her eye—a shoe protruding from beneath one of the stalls. Heart racing, Eileen pushed the stall door open.
The sight that greeted her sent a shock through her system. Myrtle Warren lay there, eyes wide open, staring blankly at the ceiling, her body twisted in an unnatural pose on the cold, hard tiles.
Eileen’s breath hitched. Myrtle…was dead.
***
Miraculously, Eileen slipped back into Slytherin House unnoticed, her heart pounding in her chest. Once in the safety of her bed, she pulled the covers tight around her, squeezing her eyes shut, desperately wishing the night's horrors were just fragments of a nightmare.
But Myrtle’s lifeless face haunted her, refusing to fade into the background.
"Why did I even look in that bathroom?" she agonized silently.
At breakfast, Rowan was all smiles, sharing news of her aunt's safety amidst the turmoil, seemingly oblivious to the shadow hanging over Eileen. Trying not to dampen Rowan's spirits, Eileen nodded along, her own turmoil knotted tightly in her stomach. "Maybe it was all just a figment of my exhaustion," she tried to convince herself.
Then, Professor Dippet's voice cut through the Great Hall, sombre and heavy with grief. "I regret to inform you that we have discovered a student dead this morning." The hall erupted into whispers and gasps of disbelief.
Eileen's heart sank; her hands turned icy.
"Oh, that's dreadful," Rowan murmured, her grip tightening on Eileen's hand. "What will happen to Hogwarts now?"
***
Throughout the day, Eileen moved in a daze, her mind replaying the previous night's events. Even as prefects ushered them around, insisting on safety in numbers, Eileen's gaze drifted to Tom Riddle. He seemed unperturbed, comfortably ensconced in an armchair, holding court among his peers.
Rowan's worry echoed Eileen's own fears. "With the war and everything, this is terrible! How can the school stay open after this?"
Eileen’s worry deepened. The teachers must be under immense pressure. "Something sinister happened in that bathroom," she realised, a shiver running down her spine.
Tom Riddle's face, unbothered and almost disinterested, echoed in her mind.
***
The Seniors in Slytherin were following Tom Riddle in the Common Room. He looked relaxed, unlike the face she saw that night. His smile, now that Eileen was properly observing, was creepy. The way his eyes would quickly dart at anyone, he would murmur his words low, always a black journal in his hand.
The purebloods flocked around him as if afraid.
No one else commented on this strange change. Eileen didn’t understand.
Eileen was terrified of returning to the second floor.
When Tom Riddle passed her in the Slytherin Common Room, she pressed herself to the wall, as if praying for it to swallow her whole and hide her.
He didn’t even glance at her.
***
The atmosphere grew tenser as rumours swirled. "They're saying Hagrid’s to blame, keeping dangerous creatures," someone whispered.
"That can't be right," Eileen blurted out, surprising even herself.
Rowan's eyes narrowed in curiosity. "Eileen, you've seemed off lately. Is it because of the attacks?"
Eileen felt the weight of her secret crushing her. "Yes," she admitted, her voice barely a whisper.
"Whatever it is, you can trust me," Rowan reassured her in a gentle voice.
Eileen was torn, battling a whirlwind of emotions. "I... I saw something," she faltered, the words feeling heavy on her tongue.
“About the attacks?”
Eileen nodded, too overwhelmed.
"Should we tell a teacher?" Rowan suggested softly.
"But would they even believe me?" Eileen asked in a low voice. Fear of being dismissed, of repercussions from her father, of being wrong about Riddle clouded her judgment.
Rowan's suggestion to approach Professor Dumbledore sparked a glimmer of hope. "Maybe he'll understand. He’s quite upset when they were talking about expelling Hagrid."
Eileen's confession spewed out in a torrent of tears and fear: "It was so dark. I saw something, heard hissing, but..."
She felt insignificant and invisible to most, except to Rowan and within the world of Gobstones.
Rowan bit her lip, gingerly caressing Eileen’s hand. "I feel terrible thinking this… I wish my Aunt were safe and happy, but I’m glad the authorities have her. Now, she can't harm anyone else. And I won’t be able to see her for a long time… but that’s fine.” She exhales softly, gazing determinedly at Eileen. “We must ensure the real culprit is caught to prevent more harm. It’s the only way, Eileen."
Father said she had to be extraordinary.
Eileen never felt extraordinary. She’s only been Eileen, the Slytherin with marbles. Besides Rowan and her Gobstone friends, people like Lucinda thought her insignificant, and Eileen knew that. She wasn’t smart, magical, or pretty enough.
There were so many bigger events happening around her. She was just the observer, the person in the shadows.
She’s just Eileen.
But Rowan is looking at her with so much hope.
Eileen wonders if she can really make a difference.
Was it Professor Dumbledore who said? You can rearrange the marbles; something would look different but still have the same properties.
Eileen felt like that. Perhaps she was still simple, Eileen, but she had been transfigured a little, rearranged, and brave. She was extraordinary.
Wiping away her tears, Eileen nodded, bolstered by Rowan’s logic and compassion. "Let's see Dumbledore.”
***
Eileen reaches Professor Dumbledore's office, Rowan steadfastly by her side, holding her hand. The gravity of what she's about to do weighs on her, but the encouragement in Rowan's eyes helps her resolve.
Professor Dumbledore's face is pale and tired, but he welcomes them nevertheless.
Eileen takes a deep breath, mustering the courage to recount the events of that fateful night. "Professor Dumbledore, I... I have to tell you something. Something I think is related to the attacks, specifically about the recent... the recent death."
"And what is that?"
Professor Dumbledore listens patiently as she recounts her tale.
"I hid," Eileen admits, feeling a pang of shame. "I was scared. But then, Tom Riddle came out. He looked... he didn't look right. His robes were stained, and he was carrying his wand. It seemed like he was trying to hide it."
Dumbledore's gaze sharpens at the mention of Tom Riddle, but he doesn't interrupt, allowing Eileen to continue her tale.
"I was too frightened to do anything at first. But after he left, I looked inside. That's when I found Myrtle Warren."
"May I see the memory?"
Eileen nods, her shoulders feeling ten times lighter.
***
In the following days, nothing happened at first. Still, then one day, the Professors- Professor Dumbledore and Headmaster Dippet- all arrived at Slytherin Common Room, requesting to speak to Tom Riddle.
Tom Riddle stands, his composure betraying none of the storm within. As he's escorted away, Eileen catches a glimpse of red eyes flashing as he listens to the Professors say something. His jaw clenches, but he offers no resistance.
Whispers is that Tom Riddle was escorted to the Ministry. Headmaster Dippet lays the gossip to rest, saying they are doing what they can to help Tom Riddle.
A child disturbed by a darker past, no one had spoken up or acted to help him, causing darkness to fester. Professor Dumbledore also looks morose by the headmaster's words.
There was talk of change in the ways things would happen at Hogwarts.
"A much more inclusive and safe environment for all."
***
Just a day before the final exam, her father, Adonis Prince, came to Hogwarts, concerned and upset that he was not updated about the security concerns of the castle.
"You were worried?" Eileen asked out loud, baffled.
"Of course, I was. You are my daughter."
Overwhelmed and touched by this revelation, Eileen rushed to embrace him. Her father awkwardly patted her back, then sighed.
"If you do well in your exams, I will sponsor a Gobstone game with your friends during the summer."
Eileen couldn't believe her ears. "Oh, will you really, Father?"
"Yes, I promise."
Eileen's spirit rose, and she worked extra hard to pass her exams.
***
At the end of the school year, people were still gossiping about the attacks; the ones paralysed had been cured, and Tom Riddle's arrest was made public in the news.
"Can you imagine someone like that doing inexplicable things?" They would question out loud.
Rowan took Eileen's hand and smiled at her as if silently asking, "Can you imagine you saved the day? You were the hero?
Eileen has a hard time processing. Professor Dumbledore never mentions her name, but she will testify against Tom Riddle in court during the summer. Her Father insist that her identity remain anonymous for her safety. Rowan laments, "No one will know what you did to save the school!"
"It's fine," It really is; Eileen has enough of the extraordinary.
"Oi! Prince!" Bertie Bott came to bid his goodbyes. "Until next year!" And then he pushed a pouch of jellybeans into the palm of her hand. Eileen and Rowan laughed.
She takes a bite of a brown one, "Blegh! Oh, the tosser has charmed them to taste horrible! I think I tasted sock!"
"We'll get him back on the train!" Rowan promised. The father agreed to let Rowan stay for a few weeks in the summer. They were going to have so much fun; Eileen couldn't wait! Rowan putted her arm around Eileen's shoulder and left Hogwarts together.