Through the Pages of Time: Joey’s Hogwarts Tale

Joey's life at Hogwarts was nothing short of colorful.

In her first Charms class, she accidentally cast a spell that sent Fred Weasley soaring into the air like a rogue firework, ricocheting off walls and knocking over desks. The students cowered behind Professor Flitwick, who, despite his small stature, stood as their only shield.

"Miss Forest! What spell did you just use?" Professor Flitwick shouted over the chaos.

"I—I don't know!" Joey wailed, her frantic attempts to tame her now frizzed-out hair proving futile. Sparks still flickered at the tip of her wand.

Fred, however, was having the time of his life. Mid-air, he twisted into exaggerated flying poses, arms spread like wings. "This is brilliant! Piu! Piu!" he whooped, pretending to shoot imaginary spells.

It took several powerful counter-charms from Professor Flitwick to bring Fred safely back to the ground.

From that day forward, Fred earned the nickname "Peter Pan." He was so delighted that he even wrote to his mother, requesting the name be embroidered onto his Christmas sweater.

Transfiguration class wasn't much better. Joey managed to set an entire row of matches ablaze instead of turning them into needles. Professor McGonagall, arms crossed and lips pursed, docked ten points from Gryffindor and gave her a stern glare that sent shivers down her spine.

Potions class was the only time she didn't cause complete mayhem, but that was probably because Professor Snape had already heard of her exploits. He pointedly placed her in the farthest corner of the classroom—alone.

"I have heard of Miss Forest's… talents," he drawled ominously. "Sit there. Do not talk. Do not move. Do not even breathe too loudly. That way, we might have a safe lesson."

Joey slumped in her seat, feeling thoroughly defeated. Maybe she belonged in Hufflepuff after all.

At lunch, Charlie Weasley found her sulking in the Great Hall and reassured her, "Don't be ridiculous. It's normal for Gryffindor students to mess up. Hufflepuffs don't go around launching people into the air. Most of them can barely get their wands to work in first year."

She wasn't sure if he was exaggerating, but it did make her feel better.

Thankfully, her flying lesson salvaged some dignity. Alongside Fred and George, she was one of the only first-years to successfully take off on her broom.

Later, she wrote to her mother:

"Mom, I fly really well! I think I might take after Dad—my body seems to develop faster than my brain."

October arrived, bringing fierce winds that threatened to snatch hats straight off students' heads. The grounds were full of children running with arms over their heads, trying to shield themselves from the gusts.

Joey's hair, untied and wild, whipped around her face like a possessed mop. "What is this madness?" she grumbled, stumbling into the History of Magic classroom, attempting to smooth it down. It was a lost cause.

"Are you calling for Peeves?" a mischievous voice cackled above her. Peeves the Poltergeist had appeared, gleefully turning somersaults in the air.

"Watch out!" Fred yanked Joey back just in time, throwing a gummy worm at Peeves.

The poltergeist screeched and recoiled in horror. "You wouldn't dare!"

Fred grinned wickedly. "Oh, we would."

George dangled another gummy worm menacingly. Peeves, terrified of anything remotely bug-like, covered his face and zoomed away.

The door creaked open, and a group of Ravenclaws hesitated in the doorway, eyeing the gummy worm warily.

"You're safe now," George said, stepping aside.

As they filed in, Cedric Diggory stopped beside Joey, offering her a conjured comb. "Need this?"

Joey blinked in surprise before grinning. "Thanks!" She accepted it without hesitation, dragging it through her tangled mess.

Cedric lingered for a second before quietly walking away.

Fred, having witnessed the entire exchange, elbowed George. "Did you see that?"

"See what?" George smirked. "Our dear Joey's got an admirer."

History of Magic was the designated nap class for most students, but for the Weasley twins, it was an opportunity for mischief.

Today's game: convince Lee Jordan and Angelina Johnson to eat the suspiciously real-looking gummy worms.

"No way!" Angelina recoiled. "If you force me, I'll drop out of Hogwarts!"

"I'll do it," Lee said bravely. He popped the gummy into his mouth, chewed, and nodded in approval. "Not bad! Green apple flavor?"

Joey, eyes gleaming, handed him another treat—a cicada chrysalis.

Lee, emboldened, tossed it in his mouth.

Chew. Pause. Chew slower.

His face contorted. "Wait. Why does this taste weird?"

"Because," Joey said sweetly, "that one's real."

Lee turned pale. "WHAT?!" He gagged, rolled his eyes, and dramatically fainted.

Fred and George collapsed into fits of laughter.

Even Professor Binns, who rarely noticed anything, turned his attention to them. "Mr. Weasley," he droned, "is the Goblin Rebellion truly that amusing?"

"Oh yes, Professor," Fred replied without missing a beat. "Just thinking about those tiny goblin eyes makes me laugh!"

Professor Binns nodded in approval. "Indeed, their eyes are rather unusual… Heh."

Joey was laughing so hard she nearly fell out of her chair.

Lee, groggy but recovering, vowed, "I swear—I will never eat anything Joey gives me again."

After class, Cedric caught up to Joey, tapping her shoulder. "Forest, I have a question for you."

"Sure?" She waved for Angelina to go ahead, watching as Fred shot Cedric a scrutinizing look before leaving.

Cedric hesitated before whispering, "Fleur and Krum… They joined the Triwizard Tournament."

Joey stared blankly. "What? What's a 'rum'? Tri-finals?"

Cedric shook his head quickly, snapping out of his thoughts. "Never mind. I just wanted to introduce myself. I'm Cedric Diggory, from Ravenclaw. You can call me Cedric." He extended a hand.

Joey, though confused, shook his hand. "Joey Forest. Call me Joey."

Before their conversation could continue, Peeves reappeared, flying circles around them. "Ooooh, young love! First-years in loooove!"

The corridor fell silent as students turned to watch.

Joey's eye twitched.

She pulled out a handful of gummy worms and hurled them at Peeves. As he dodged, she cast a strong sticking charm, pinning him to the wall. Then, one by one, she flicked the candies into his mouth, ears, and nose.

"Nooo! Stop! I surrender!" Peeves wailed, thrashing against the invisible force holding him in place.

After a few moments of delicious revenge, Joey snapped her fingers. The spell released, and Peeves fell to the floor, sobbing before vanishing with a pop.

Cedric gaped at her. "You're… incredible."

Joey shrugged. "Oh, just your average, everyday Gryffindor."

She grinned.

Cedric smiled back.

And from that moment on, he never underestimated Joey Forest.