fandomsaligninstories

[fandomsaligninstories]

cod men with fussy wives

cw. fluff, innuendo, cunnilingus, lovemaking, reader is a bit insufferable but she means well. SMUT

synopsis. price, simon and johnny with very naggy wives who show them love and care they've never experienced before

john price

john is the typical gruff, stern guy who knows when to be serious, calm, or regulated, but around his wife, all he is is soft. he spends all day gritting his teeth during combat, pushing through with wounds the size of golf balls and scolding recruits when they fuck up, and so when he's on leave for a few days to see you, all he wants to do is relax, make love to you, eat your cooking, and maybe go fishing or do some home renovations. you, however, have a different plan. you're on his ass the second he gets home. not that he minds too much. you're too beautiful to be annoyed at.

he's sitting on the couch trying to eat a biscuit, and you gently pry it out of his hands mid bite. "john, did you take your omega-3s today?"

he signs, hand grazing your hip as you stand in front of him. "no, love. not today. but i used that nicotine patch you told me to use to help with the smokin'."

your eyes light up. "you're using them, darling?"

his heart thuds pridefully at your reaction, like it usually does when you call him darling in that dreamy little tone of voice.

"wore 'em everyday for ya, m'love," he murmurs, reaching for your hips so he can tug you gently to stand between his knees. "damn if i don't like a good smoke, but i like my woman's happiness a little more."

you giggle, nuzzling your nose into his hair, relishing in the pleasant, clean scent. "just a little?"

he laughs, bringing you into a sitting position on his knee. "a lot, love. y'said it's no good for m'lungs, and i wanna be around long enough to see our grandbabies. can't have that if 'm coughin' up ash everyday."

your lip wobbles. "oh john," you coo, lacing you arms around his neck tightly. you're so proud of him that you feel your eyes start to well up. you nuzzle your face into his neck to hide the way you're getting so emotional. you're so proud of him. "there there..." he bounces you in his lap a little to soothe you. "you're the sweetest lil' thing, aren't ya? takin' care of me so good. wouldn't know what to do without you."

you sniffle and snuggle into him so tight that you're nearly suffocating.

he tries to act like the fussing annoys him most times, but really, he relishes in it. he rarely smokes unless he's very stressed and isn't a heavy drinker. after all, you told him, "don't drink if you're looking for an escape from your problems, m'kay? 's what i'm here for."

his health's never been better.

what happens if he doesn't wanna be nagged one particular day?

he's been on edge all morning. one of the younger dogs knocked the sheep pen open early this morning and let half a dozen of them loose, and price has been running around like his head's on fire trying to corral them back inside and soothe the other distressed sheep. he just got back in all sweaty and stressed, drinking a large mug of coffee. then a second. third. on the fourth, you stepped in, suggesting that he might wanna slow down, and he snapped. "god's sake woman, d'you ever let up? i don't need a bloody nanny all the time. enough with the naggin' "

you shut up immediately, drawing your hand back with your brows scrunched.

slowly, you stop asking about his vitamins. stop shoveling extra greens on his plate. stop massaging rosemary oil into his hair at night. you stop. it's relieving for about fifteen minutes. then, he's disturbed. the silence brings him no peace whatsoever. he lasts until the evening of the same day, and he corners you while you're making dinner, hugging you from behind. "darlin'," he murmurs into your ear, mouthing at the lobe.

no answer. he huffs, dragging you against him and pressing soft, open mouthed kisses down your ear, along your jaw, to your throat, where he licks a broad stripe back up to your sweet spot. "c'mon darlin', 'm sorry. you know i get heated fast, hm?" his big hands travel along your body, his left now splaying on your breast, and the right squeezing your hip. "just had a terrible morning, nearly lost our sheep, had to run around like an idiot for an hour... 'n i lost my cool with you. 's not okay, i know."

"hate it when you raise your voice at me, john." you say softly, and his heart just about breaks. he didn't mean to, really. he loves when you're bossy with him. it shows you care and it's incredibly sexy. he'd just been very irate this particular morning. he's been with you years and hasn't complained seriously about the nagging ever, and he's not about to start now.

he squeezes your tit in his palm and kisses your cheek. "i know beautiful, i know. i love you s'much, hm? gonna make it up to you..."

he's on his knees behind you soon after, eating your pussy under your dress while you try to cook. his tongue laps at your soaked hole, causing his beard to get soaked with your juices. the thick hair scratches pleasantly against your folds while the spoon you're holding clatters onto the counter, your eyes fluttering shut and hands scrabbling forwards for something to hold - you settle on the heavy stand mixer ahead of you.

he's apologizing with a mouthful of your pussy, hands squeezing your ass and giving your thighs a little pinch any time you try to close 'em.

" 'm sorry. need you fussin', darling, alright? don't ever stop." your breath hilts each time his tongue drags upwards and flattens over your clit. his nose keeps nudging your ass because his big hands keep you spread wide for him.

you sway a little, thighs trembling with the overwhelming amount of pleasure he's inflicting on you, but all he does is grunt and pull you back against his face harder. "this what it takes t'get you talkin' to me again?" he rasps against your cunt. "fine, i'll eat this sweet fuckin’ pussy 'til you forgive me."

you gasp when he sucks on your clit and tips you forward so you're fully presented for him, tongue fucking in and out of your sloppy hole. the food you were tying to make is long forgotten at this point, but he doesn't care at all. all he wants to stuff his face with anyway is your sloppy cunt.

"john, mmh!" you cry out, thighs clamping around his head, but he smacks your ass hard and shoves your thighs wide once more.

"no, no, you'll take it," he grunts. "this is my apology, yeah? let me make it right an' show you how much i love your fussin'. "

you cream onto his face with a loud whine. grinding against his chin and into his mouth, and even then, he continues for a second round, mouthing at your folds and mumbling, "couple more, wife. apology's not done."

johnny "soap" mactavish

johnny's a firecracker and a wildcard. he lives on the edge and likes the unknown that comes with being reckless and unprepared. but when he met, dated, and then married you, he did have to learn to exert some degree of control over himself and his life, because damn you're a very meticulous, bossy little thing. not that he minds. having his woman fuss over him and baby him and give him extra special treatment all day, every day doesn't really feel punishing. your fussing is basically foreplay for him.

you'll tell him, "johnny, you're not going on a run with a level 6 UV outside with no sunscreen on. cmere so i can put it all on you."

"...whatever tha' means."

you frown. "johnny, you're not funny. a level 6 is dangerous. cancerous without protection."

he chuckles. "you just want an excuse to rub y'lil hands all over me, ain' that right?"

"johnny!"

you literally have to tackle him onto the living room floor sometimes to rub sunscreen on his face, because he keeps dodging you and laughing. squirming like a kid while you try to get his ears and nose. "you won't wanna shag me if i've got white goo all over m'cheeks, lass, 'm not havin' it."

"you'll thank me when you don't have skin cancer in twenty years," you huff, massaging the liquid into his cheeks while you straddle him. it's the only way he'll ever sit still anyway. his hands reach up to paw at your hips, and he tilts his head, smiling up at you.

"y'look s'cute on top o' me, don't ya?" he coos, giving your ass a playful slap. you roll you eyes and squeeze his cheek in retaliation, and he laughs and continues. "do y'love me more now that i've been properly slathered?" he teases, raising his brows as you finish rubbing in the last bit of cream.

you kiss his forehead. "only a little."

he smiles. "hm. maybe i should scald myself in the sun so you can love me up more."

"johnny."

"…right, right. responsible. m'havin' a growth arc for m'wife,"

"are you?"

"…no. but m'health has improved dramatically since y'started bullyin' me into slatherin' my skin twice a day."

you lean in so your lips brush his "that's cause i want you around forever, dummy."

johnny smiles softer at your words, tugging you down so your forehead rests on his and his beefy arms wrap around you. "i know," he hums, kissing your lips softly. " 'm not goin' anywhere, bonnie. not if i can help it."

what happens if he doesn't wanna be nagged one particular day?

he'd got home only yesterday from being deployed for several weeks. he hadn't seen his loving wife in ages, and the distance didn't do to well on him mentally. he's really not in the mood for fussing. he just needs to eat, fill you up with his cum a few times tonight, and go to bed.

you, however, had been nagging him the minute he came home. needing a breather, he offered to go grab groceries and run errands, hoping that the little break would help him cool off so he didn't snap at you. he's never raised his voice at you, and he doesn't plan on it today.

but when he got back with a dark bottle of bourbon...

"baby? did you only offer to go so you could buy that nonsense? i told you i hate when you drink-"

he interrupts you. "for fuck's sake, can I breathe without you hoverin'? you're not my mum."

you glare at him. not the sweet glare when you're admiring him, or the shy one, or the deadpan one when he does something dumb and you pretend to be mad at him, the angry wife one. oh, he is not a big fan of this look.

weirdly, though, instead of telling him how rude that was and that he knows you're just trying to look out for him, you turn and walk away in an eerie, icy silence. fuck, this isn't good. "bonnie, c'mon. i didnae mean that. c'mere,"

you swat his hand away lightly, deciding you won't be "mothering" him anymore. and so in the following days, you don't tell him to put on sunscreen. you don't pout when he only sleeps four hours. you barely touch him or look at him.

he tries to charm you at first, knowing how much of a sucker you are for his flirting and pretty words, but it doesn't work this time. you don't bite or get on his case or boss him in the way that makes him hard as hell. no shoving his chest when he gets too close or mewling "johnny please," when he teases you. none of it.

you've been eerily polite, and it's driving him mental. on the second day of this, he tries to nuzzle into your neck while you're folding laundry, whispering, "miss you s'much baby, 'm gonna make it up to you properly tonight."

you pull away and hand him rolled up socks. "drawer." he watches you for a moment, hands slack by his sides, socks limp in his grip.

you're distant. johnny's not good with distance from you. the next day, he's extremely restless, wandering around you like a lost puppy in only a pair of sweats sitting low on his hips, hoping you'll come put that greasy spf you always fuss about all over him. he even lies out on the balcony chair for a full twenty minutes in the sun just to bait you, but you give him nothing. you do spare him a glance periodically through the glass door, but you say nothing. he ends up with a sunburn on his chest and the bridge of his nose.

that night, when you dont wiggle into his chest like normal or ask if he had a vitamin after he ate dinner, he turns to his side to face you, needing to put an end to your stonewalling. "bon."

you hum. he can't tell if it's acknowledgement or just the sound you make when you're falling asleep.

"c'mon," he murmurs, wrapping his arms around you and tugging you into his chest. "i wasn't nice to you, i know that. didn' mean to be a dick. just been so stressed 'n on edge 'n i spoke outta turn."

while you're deciding whether or not to believe him, he gets closer, forehead nudging yours. "i'll pour the bourbon down the sink tomorrow," he says quietly. "swear it."

your fingers toy with the hem of his sleep shirt. it's the first time in days you've touched him without pushing him away. "you can drink if you want to." you murmur, twisting the fabric in your hands. " 'm sorry if i'm being overbearing."

"y'not, baby." he kisses your cheek. "just wanna do whatever makes you happy. you're the boss, aren't you?"

you wake up the next morning with his head between your legs, slow and steady, taking his time kissing down your body, from your tummy, to your hip, down to your inner thigh, and then your tender core.

his big palms wrap around the backs of your thighs and pull them over his shoulders, locking you in place while his mouth sucks and works at your pussy. he's so focused that he's making pleased little groans, crotch rutting absentmindedly against the mattress. he's grateful to have you back in his arms and your pussy, dripping and sweet as nectar, accessible to him once more, but he needs to make you cum to really feel forgiven.

he's slow and paced, kissing on you like he's starved. the slow drag of his tongue through your folds and the way his lips close over your clit and suck just softly enough to make your thighs tremble is euphoric, and you find yourself blanking on why you were mad at him to begin with.

his arms are wrapped around your thighs so firm you can barely move. and every time you try to squirm, he groans low and pulls you right back down, nose buried, face flushed and mouth messy. you can feel his beard brushing you, scratchy and warm, and your fingers automatically slide into his hair. "that's it, baby," he mumbles between pussy kisses. "lemme say sorry proper."

you whimper, back arching when he flattens his tongue against your clit and gives it a slow, firm swirl. he just groans again with enjoyment when you close your thighs around his head. he loves being smothered. he doesn't even care if he breathes, as long as you're happy and in love with him. when your pleasure crests and you cum on his face, he licks at your folds firmer, dragging that orgasm out of you. he keeps his mouth on you, gentler now. just soft licks and little kisses, tongue soothing over your puffy folds while his big hands rub slow circles into your thighs.

he doesn't stop until your hand in his hair goes limp. you sigh, letting him kiss back up your body to give you a little break before he goes back for more. he rests on your chest, nuzzling into your flesh gently. "you're forgiven, johnny." you huff, a little tired.

he grins, mouth still wet, eyes gleaming with relief. "thank fuck. boss me all you want, love. swear it gets me hard, anyway."

simon "ghost" riley

simon riley is commanding. he’s the most domineering presence in any room he walks in. makes the greatest of men lower their gaze when he approaches. he's taken down large enemy groups all on his own, has killed men with his bare hands, and… he comes home to you telling him "you can't eat that, baby. it's got monosodium glutamate in it. that makes you sick, remember?" and listens every time.

"…right," he'll say after a pause. "forgot abou' that. what d’you want me to eat then?"

he'd drop the bag of crisps he picked up on his way home with the god forsaken MSG in it the second you mentioned it and would nod. "mm. wouldn' wan' to spoil my dinner anyway, right love?" while gently taking you into his arms and pressing his lips to yours.

you're not controlling, either. the fussing is very particular. typically just a soft, offhand reminder from the only person in the world who really knows and prioritizes him before anything else. you love him so much and this is part of the way you show it. how could he complain?

you know everything about him, which is huge, considering he is a man of few words and is dreadful at being vulnerable. you know what wrecks his stomach, what gives him headaches, how he gets irritable and loopy when he doesn't sleep at least six hours in the night. you know his favorite clothing fabric and how he just wants to hold you when he's upset.

your voice is so warm and quietly certain that he has to listen every time. once you advise him not to do something, everything in him short circuits. his brute force logic disappears. because you say no, or "you shouldn't si, take this instead," and it's a done deal.

you don't even realize what it does to him, how something as simple as your concern twists itself into a soft knot in his stomach, how it makes him ache, not because you're bossing him, but because you're taking car and watching over him in a way no one else does.

he often glares at you and raises a brow ever so slightly at the way you, a tiny thing with big, expressive eyes and pouty lips just told a tank of a man what to do and expected him to listen.

he does though. listens to your bossy ass every time. and for all his stoicism, the man melts under your fussing.

he's in the shower with you brought that annoying cleanser you insist he needs to use every night and wash it off after thirty seconds because he's got sensitive skin.

"love. this shit's greasy."

"it's hydrating, si. good for your skin. protects the barrier."

"don't wan' hydrating."

you rub into his cheekbones anyway while his eyes are locked on you and his breath comes out slow and heavy. you're standing between his legs in the steam, having him lower his head slightly so you can reach your hands into his short hair once you've finished with the cleanser. you're squinting up at him, so serious as you massage something into his scalp like you're not both bare, soaked, and pressed up against each other.

simon has both massive hands holding your waist while he backs you into a corner of the shower, letting you fuss about exfoliants and scalp health with your tits smushed against his body and your eyes fixed on his face and not his cock nudging against your body, aching and swollen from the sight of you. he's trying to focus but he's so distracted by your body, the way you smell, and how soft you are in his hands.

you tilt your head up, rub a little cream into his hair, mumbling, "gotta keep your scalp health up to par, si", and he loses it.

simon grabs your face in both hands and pushes his mouth against yours, catching you off guard. you squeak into his mouth, and he groans and takes the opportunity to slide his tongue into your mouth, water pouring down both of you, beard scratchy on your chin.

"god," he mutters hoarsely between kisses, "you fuss over me like I’m your bloody housepet."

you let out another noise in his mouth, not knowing if that means he hates it or not, but he nips your lower lip, trails his lips along your jaw and up to your ear. " 's a good thing, love. don't pout."

you moan softly, tilting your head to give him more access to your neck and jaw. the reassurance felt great, and you find yourself melting into his touch.

" 'm gonna fuck you," he mutters, voice cracked with need, hand already sliding down your back to grip your ass. "righ' now. can't take it anymore." you look up through your lashes, lashes wet, lip caught in your teeth.

"but you still have conditioner in," you stare up at him coyly.

"finish after. s'not like 'm goin' anywhere."

what happens if he doesn't wanna be nagged one particular day?

simon didn't mean to snap at you. the harsh tone came out by itself. it's just that he's so tired and sore, joints in his body stiff with exhaustion. all he needs is a breather for five minutes, but you're there by the kitchen counter when he gets home. "hi baby! why don't you start with some of the stir fry i made! dunno if drinking black tea on an empty stomach is the best idea."

normally, he'd melt for your nagging and let you tug the tea bag and mug out of his hands and shove a plate of the lunch you made and a cup of water in his hands instead, and then kiss you stupid for giving a shit, but today, he bristles.

"jesus christ, can i just eat what i want for once?" his voice comes out sharp and cold in a tone he's never used on you before.

you blink, lips parting as you stand frozen in place with the wooden spoon you were using to cook laying limply in your hand. your mouth opens and then closes, and you give him a faint little nod and turn away.

he immediately notices your silence. you're never silent like this, so when you give him a faint little nod and walk off, he knows he screwed up bad. he stews on his stupidity for hours, up until you're laying in bed beside him and not once have you reminded him to put on that charcoal mask you always insist "draws out toxins."

you're just sitting beside him. not even sulking, just indifferent. you know what you're doing, of course. and it's working. he stares at the ceiling for a while, grinding his molars, heart pounding in his chest. he clears his throat in hopes of getting your attention and fails.

"not g'na remind me about the mask tonight?"

you flip a page. "no. thought you didn't want to be nagged."

he winces.

"didn’ mean it like that, sweetheart."

"right." you're still not looking at him or touching him.

he can't survive without your fussing much longer. he doesn't have your eyes on him or your little giggles or your hands all over him and sweet night routines and it's making him crazy.

he sits up and breathes in deeply, before reaching for you quietly. you glance over with confusion just as he peels your book out of your hands. "what are you..?"

he's already tugging you across the bed, laying you down on the bed before peeling off your clothes. "simon! wh-what are you doing?" you glare up at him with confusion, squirming under him as he shimmies your panties down your legs and tossing it to the floor.

"apologizin' to m'wife."

he scoops you up and places you on his face with no warning, your pussy lined up with his mouth. he holds you there, palms spread over your ass, fingers sinking into your soft flesh, before diving in.

he groans like a starved man the second he licks into you. his tongue is slow at first, sliding between your folds, and lapping at your soft, juicy pussy. you're still half mad but you can't stop the way your head tips back as he sucks your clit into his mouth and holds it there. you squeal, bucking your hips to try and get away from the overwhelming amount of pleasure, but he doesn't let up, tilting you hips up a little so he can slip his tongue into your soaked hole.

he tongues your entrance and licks you open messily, making you squirm into his mouth. you pull at his hair and try to lift yourself off, whining. "s-simon... s'too much..!"

he slaps your ass. "you don't get to leave me like that, love. won't let you be mad at me."

[fandomsaligninstories]

hi!! if you’re up for it could i please request a poly marauders (or really any of the marauders) x passively depressed/apathetic reader. like reader being nervous about a doctors appointment and having health anxiety but then saying “oh i don’t even know why i’m scared because it’s not like i’ll care if i die,” and the boys just being like ??? just a lot of comfort pls!! love your work btw!! (sorry if that’s kinda confusing 😖 english isn’t my first language)

Thanks lovely <3

cw: depression, reader has some passive suicidal ideation but it's from an outside perspective

Remus Lupin x fem!reader ♡ 850 words

Remus rubs your shoulder after you get off the phone call confirming your doctor’s appointment. You sink into his side like dough softening at rest. “Would you like me to go with you?” he offers. 

You hum, quiet and complaisant. “You don’t have to.” 

“I don’t mind. It’s after I get off work anyway, isn’t it?” 

“Yeah.” 

“So what else would I be doing but being with you?” He says it with some levity, hoping to inspire a similar feeling in you, but you don’t crack a smile. 

Instead, you sink deeper into his side, the collar of your jumper rising up to bump your chin in the process. You look like a tortoise retreating into its shell. Remus kisses your hair. 

You’ve been rather in your own head lately. Quiet, passive, not really laughing. It tears at Remus’ heart to see you so upset with yourself, but he’s not very worried. You’ll come out of it. He’ll help you. And he’ll be here with you in the meantime. Even if it doesn’t always seem like you care for him to be. 

“Do you not want me to come?” he asks, trying not to let insecurity leak into his tone. 

“No.” You finally look up at him, your sweet eyes guilty. “No, I’d like you to come. If you want to. I just, I know it’s not fun, so if you’d rather stay home…” 

Remus makes a dismissive sound, relieved. “Don’t be silly, I always have fun with you. Sweetheart, you could make the doctor’s office fun.” 

This time you hear the humor in his tone and smile. It looks like it costs you some effort. “Thank you,” you say quietly. 

He shushes your thanks away, going back to rubbing your shoulder. “Are you nervous?” he asks. 

You sigh as though disappointed with yourself. “Yeah. I don’t know why.” 

“That’s alright, lovely. It’s not how anyone wants to spend their time. And you always worry that something awful’s going to be wrong, but it never is.” 

“I know,” you say dully. “But I don’t get why I’m worried. I don’t even really…” 

You trail off, your mouth wincing like you wish you hadn’t said anything at all. You won’t look at Remus. 

He knows what you wanted to say. 

I don’t even really care. 

You don’t care about much these days. What you eat for dinner, how long your commute from work takes, what film your friends want to see at the cinema. But Remus thought you still cared about some things. The important ones. A heavy, sick feeling takes form in his stomach. 

“Hey,” he says softly. It takes you a few moments to look at him, but you do. You look the tiniest bit afraid. Not in the same way he is; not for yourself, only for what you might’ve revealed. “Can I give you a hug?” 

You frown, nodding like of course. Remus uses the arm already around your shoulders to bring you into his lap, your knees folded on either side of his hips. When he rubs your back, you curl forward to put your face in his neck like you’ve been waiting years to do it. 

Your warm breaths tickle against his skin. He loves you so much he thinks he could collapse under the weight of it. 

“Thank you for making the appointment,” he says, making broad, sweeping circles on your back. “It matters to me that you’re healthy, and that you’re taking care of yourself. It’s important.” 

You deflate a bit against his front. He can nearly picture you shutting your eyes, brows pinched. “Remus…” 

“I love you,” he presses his lips to the side of your head, “so much. We’re going to be old and feeding birds in the park one day, you know? I need you to be able to come sit on our bench with me.” 

There’s a prolonged silence, wherein Remus begins to worry he’s frightened you into reticence, but then, “We already feed birds in the park.” 

He smiles. “We do. But it’ll be much more becoming when we’re all feeble and grey, won’t it?” 

“You’re feeble now.” 

“Oi,” he laughs. Utterly delighted with you. “When did you get so sharp?” 

“Sorry.” Your cold nose bumps his throat. 

“That’s alright.” Remus kisses your head again, not wanting you to begin feeling guilty. “I know you don’t mean it. My sweetheart.” 

You go quiet again after that. Remus tries again. 

“So, it’s a date then? Me, you, park on the corner in fifty years?” 

“I’ll have to check my calendar,” you mumble lazily. 

“Mm, do that. See if you can pencil me in.” He rubs your back. 

“Who knows if there’ll even still be birds then.” 

Remus hums. “God, yeah. I hope there are. We’ll still be there, at least, won’t we?” 

It’s transparent, this plea for reassurance. He cringes with the audaciousness of it, worries you’ll decide now to stop sharing anything with him at all, but after a beat of quiet you sit up. 

“Yeah,” you murmur, laying a simple kiss on his lips. “Course we will.”

[fandomsaligninstories]

Wands high tonight… 💔

Thank you, professor.

[fandomsaligninstories]

Hiatus

Hi all. Sorry for disappearing. I’ve got some health stuff and life stuff going on, and in trying to juggle everything, I dropped some stuff.

I wish I was coming on to say I’m updating soon, unfortunately I don’t have any updates for you. I’m afraid I’m going to be on hiatus a little while longer.

I appreciate everyone’s patience, I know waiting for fic updates as a reader sucks.

Love you all 💜

[fandomsaligninstories]

Year Two: The Corridor of Secrets

Chapter List WC: 1,071 A/N: Hi friends. I apologize for not updating sooner, truth be told I'm struggling to find the motivation to write right now. Just know this story is always on my mind and I will keep updating, it just might be a bit infrequent. All I ask for is a bit of kindness and patience. Thank you <3

Violet barely had time to roll out of the way before Harry and Ron slid down the Chamber's entrance, which hadn't been a long drop after all. Once she was on her feet, she eyed the pile of bones warily, minding to stay as far away from Lockhart as she could.

"Now remember, any sign of movement, close your eyes straight away." Harry warned.

"Close our eyes?" Violet questioned, trailing behind Harry and Lockhart, her own wand now pointed at Lockhart alongside Ron's. She didn't trust his wand to cast a simple levitating charm, much less a spell to stop Lockhart.

"It's a Basilisk," Ron explained, "The monster, I mean. If you look it in the eye, you die."

"If looking at it causes death, then why is everyone Petrified?"

"They never looked it in the eye." Was Ron's only response.

Violet was shaking her head, questioning her sanity as she followed Harry through the tunnels. Why on earth had she followed them down here?

"What's this?" Ron asked as they stopped to observe the form blocking the cavernous room.

"It looks like a... snake." Lockhart responded. Violet took several steps back, only stopping when Harry began climbing over it.

"It's a snakeskin," Harry replied.

"Bloody hell!" Ron exclaimed, "Whatever shed this must be 60 feet long... Or more!"

Naturally, Lockhart fainted. Violet would've laughed if she weren't so horror-struck by the thought of gigantic, murderous snake slithering around.

Ron looked down at Lockhart, "Heart of a lion, this one."

Then, before anyone realised what was happening, Lockhart was on his feet and had taken Ron's wand.

"The adventure ends here," Lockhart huffed, swinging the wand between the three students, "But don't fret. The world will know our story. How I was too late to save the girl, how you three tragically lost your minds at the sight of her mangled body... So, you first, Mr. Potter. Say goodbye to your memories."

Violet wasn't the least bit surprised when the spell backfired. In a flash of green light, Ron's broken wand sent Lockhart flying backward through the cavern. Violet inwardly cringed at the sound of Lockhart slamming against the wall behind Ron and Violet.

No one could react before the entire cavern began to rumble, dust and rocks falling from the ceiling. All three of them stared in shock and horror as the cavern ceiling collapsed, creating an impenetrable wall between Harry and the rest of the group.

Once the dust and rock settled, Ron and Violet called out for Harry. It was a long, anxious moment before he yelled back.

"Are you okay?!"

"We're okay!" Violet and Ron replied in unison. They both turned to look at Lockhart, who had sat up and was groaning.

"Hello. Who are you?"

"Um... Ron Weasley?"

"Really? And who are you?"

"Violet Ellis."

"And, uh, who- who am I?"

Violet and Ron shared an exasperated look before turning to look at the rubble, Ron shouting out to Harry, "Lockhart's memory charm backfired! He hasn't got a clue who he is!"

Lockhart remained seated, picking up a piece of stone and tossing it in the air, chuckling, "This is an odd sort of place, isn't it? Do you live here?"

Ron took the rock, replied a simple no, then hit Lockhart in the back of the head so hard he passed out.

Violet felt a little impressed with Ron. She didn't want to deal with an Obliviated Lockhart. "What do we do now?" She called out, looking through a small gap at Harry.

"You wait here, try and shift some of this rock so we can get back through. I'll go on and find Ginny."

"Okay." Ron responded at the same time as Violet said, "What?!"

"What do you mean 'what'?" Ron asked.

"It's dangerous! We should try and get through so we can go with him!"

"I'll be fine, Violet." Harry tried not to sound annoyed, "I'll be back."

Violet didn't get the chance to respond before he was gone.

Violet whirled on Ron, "How are you okay with your best mate just walking into danger, alone?"

"It's not the first time!" Ron argued, eyes wide.

"What?!" She shouted, "How does that make it better?"

Ron shrugged then moved around the girl, "Are you going to help or not?"

The pair spent the next hour moving the rubble enough for Harry and Ginny to squeeze through. When Violet tried to go through to go find Harry, Ron pulled her back and refused to let her go.

"Stay here, Violet." Ron pulled his hand back quickly when Violet glared at him.

"Don't tell me what to do." Still, she stayed.

She paced back and forth, wearing a path into the dust.

"Sit down!" Ron snapped after some time. He was sat next to the entrance, watching her in annoyance.

Violet wanted to argue, but the longer they waited, the more exhausted she became. Her adrenaline had begun to taper long ago, so when she finally sat down, her entire body sagged against the stone wall.

She didn't remember closing her eyes. One second she was staring at the hole, waiting for Harry and Ginny, and the next she was being shaken awake by Ron.

"They're back!"

Violet jumped to her feet, following Ron forward as Harry waved at them. Violet reached out a hand, helping a very pale, shaky Ginny through the hole, then let the girl lean against her.

Harry climbed through next, "Alright, Violet?"

"Perfectly fine, Harry." She rolled her eyes, a hint of a smile on her lips as she righted her hold around Ginny's torso, "Just relieved you didn't die. I'd hate to explain that one to Dumbledore."

A clatter behind Harry had everyone spinning around, instantly on guard.

"It's alright, it's just Fawkes." Harry raised a hand, signalling for the others to calm down.

If Violet had thought she'd had enough of an adventure for one day after falling through a hole in the girls' bathroom, she certainly thought so after she watched the phoenix take flight, its talons gripping Lockhart by the shoulders and slowly ascend. Ron grabbed onto Lockhart's legs, then Harry pulled Ginny against him and grabbed hold of Ron's legs. Violet so badly wished there was an easier way out, but she grabbed hold of Harry's leg and squeezed her eyes shut as they flew upwards.

Violet wasn't a fan of flying on her broom, too afraid of the fall from a great height, but this made her ache for her broom. The entire evening had been terrifying, and she didn't even have to face the Basilisk, but this was easily the worst part of it all.

━⊱༻ ༺⊰━ TAGLIST: @stellarlune-love @helendeath @skz-xii @cherriesfine

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Year Two: The Chamber Entrance

Chapter List

WC: 1,112

29th May, 1993

Violet didn't know what she was doing. 

It was nearing eleven at night, and despite feeling exhausted from a long day of studying, she couldn't sleep. She decided to go for a walk, maybe read a bit in the common room, but she found it just as impossible to get comfortable on the couch as her bed. So she did the one thing all students were expressly forbidden from doing- she decided to wander the castle.

It was deathly silent as she walked around, and just as dark, as all the lights had been extinguished. She wasn't sure where she'd wandered to, until she heard a rush of footsteps coming near her. 

She pressed herself against the wall, hidden in the shadows, until the footsteps receded. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest, suddenly worried about being caught, but she moved down the hall as she heard hushed voices.

She tucked herself against the wall, leaning slightly around the corner to see the group of professors. Movement in the corner of her eye had her jumping back, until she realised it was only Harry and Ron. They shared a wide-eyed look before all leaning around the corner to listen.

"...The Heir of Slytherin has left another message." Professor McGonagall was saying to the group, "Our worst fear has been realised, a student has been taken by the monster into the chamber itself! The students must be sent home; I'm afraid this is the end of Hogwarts."

Violet looked over to the two boys, who had equally panicked expressions. 

"So sorry. Dozed off." Professor Lockhart said, joining the group, "What have I missed?"

"A girl has been snatched by the monster, Lockhart." Snape replied, his tone ever annoyed, "Your moment has come at last."

"My m-moment?" Lockhart stuttered.

"Weren't you saying just last night that you've known all along where the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets is?" 

Violet had to stifle her gasp, equal parts shocked and annoyed that the professor knew such information but hadn't done anything to help.

It was silent for a long moment, until McGonagall spoke up, "That's settled. We'll leave you to deal with the monster, Gilderoy. Your skills, after all, are legend."

"Very well! I'll just be in my office getting, uh... Getting ready." Lockhart took off quickly, presumably towards his office.

"Who is it that the monster's taken, Minerva?" Madam Pomfrey asked.

"Ginny Weasley." 

All of the professors left then, revealing more blood writing on the wall.

"Her skeleton will lie in the Chamber forever"

Violet looked over to Ron, his face a mixture of terror and shock. 

"Let's go." Harry urged, starting down the hallway.

"Wait, where are you going?" Violet questioned, following after them.

"To find Professor Lockhart. We have to go down into the Chamber of Secrets and save Ginny." Harry responded, glancing behind him at the shellshocked Ron.

"Wait, you can't just go down there!" She tried to plead, "It's dangerous!"

"This whole school is dangerous, Violet!" He responded, finally stopping in front of the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, "Now, are you coming or not?"

Violet didn't know how to respond, so she simply stood there as Harry and Ron barged into the classroom. She argued with herself for several minutes on why she couldn't go with them, why she shouldn't go with them, and why she should go with them. She was no Hermione Granger, but she was still well practiced with her wand. By the time she'd made up her mind, the boys were walking out of the classroom, their wands pointed at Professor Lockhart.

"Harry!" She gasped, "What on earth are you doing?!"

"He's a liar and a traitor," He said hotly. Violet wanted to ask for more, but the trio was already walking away. She sighed and followed after them.

They were quiet until they entered the girls' bathroom on the second floor, stopping as they came face to face with Moaning Myrtle. 

"Oh, who's there?" She sighed, then smiled and giggled upon seeing Harry, "Oh! Hello, Harry. Oh, what do you want?" 

Harry spoke slowly, "To ask you how you died."

"Oh, it was dreadful." She was floating above the toilet cubicles, and she pointed at the one below her, "It happened right here in this very cubicle. I'd hidden because Olive Hornby was teasing me about my glasses. I was crying... and then, somebody came in."

"Who was it, Myrtle?" Harry asked.

"I don't know! I was distraught!" She huffed and sighed as she floated towards the group, stopping just in front of Harry, "But they said something funny, a kind of made-up language. And I realised it was a boy speaking so I unlocked the door to tell him to go away. And... I died."

"Just like that? How?"

"I just remember seeing a pair of great, big, yellow eyes over there by that sink." She nodded and pointed to the sink, then she left, moaning and whimpering.

Ron kept his taped up wand pointed at Lockhart as Harry moved to examine the sink, "This is it. I think this is the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets."

Lockhart looked at Harry with a wild look in his eyes, but stayed silent. Ron urged Harry to say something in Parseltongue. Harry closed his eyes before murmuring something in the Parseltonue. 

The group all stepped back as the sinks began to shift, sliding away from each other as the one Harry had determined to be the 'door' slid into the ground. They revealed a large, gaping hole in the ground; the darkness so black they couldn't see the bottom. 

Lockhart sighed in exasperation, "Excellent, Harry. Ah, good work. Well then, I'll just be, uh... There's no need for me to stay!" 

Harry, Ron, and Violet all blocked the professor as he tried to run out the door.

"Oh, yes, there is!" Harry huffed as the three students shoved the professor backwards, nearly sending him into the pit, "You first."

"Now, really, what good would it do?"

"Better you than us." Ron responded.

"Um, but... Obviously, yes." Lockhart seemed to accept his fate, though begrudgingly, as he turned and examined the hole, "Sure you don't want to test it first?"

Ron poked Lockhart in the back, effectively pushing him into the hole. Violet felt a sense of satisfaction as Lockhart yelled the whole way down. It took several seconds for the telltale thud to signify he had hit the bottom. 

"It's really quite filthy down here." Lockhart said, letting the trio know he was alive.

Violet groaned, "I'm really going to regret this." 

Then she jumped.

━⊱༻ ༺⊰━

TAGLIST:

@stellarlune-love @helendeath @skz-xii @cherriesfine

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Year Two: Apology Twice Over

Chapter List

WC: 1,515

It took until the end of the week, during D.A.D.A on Friday for Violet to finally corner Draco. He'd been mysteriously absent the rest of the week, and when he wasn't, he was surrounded by Slytherins.

Professor Lockhart was late to start class, so Violet took the opportunity to approach Draco. For the first time that week, he was sitting alone, so she simply sat down next to him at the table.

"You're avoiding me." Violet stated, trying her best to leave the emotion out of her voice, "Why?"

"I'm not." Draco replied, though he wouldn't look at her, "I've been busy."

"Yes, busy avoiding me." Violet turned to face him, silently begging for him to look at her.

He sighed in response. She couldn't hold back anymore, her voice strained as she asked, "What did I do? How can I fix it?"

He looked at her then, his eyes alight with surprise, "What are you talking about?"

She had to speak around the lump in her throat, "You haven't spoken to me, or even looked at me all week. I want to know what I did to upset you and how I can fix it."

The surprise turned to anger, and Violet nearly leaped back at his harsh tone, "You didn't do anything. What makes you think everything is about you?"

She didn't get the chance to respond as Professor Lockhart swept into the room. She rushed back to her own table, blinking away the tears as the lesson began.

▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔

"I'll kill him." Aimee said simply.

The three girls were on their way to Charms. Violet had told them about her short conversation with Draco after they kept asking if she was okay. She wasn't, and she didn't want to talk about it, but she appreciated her friends all the same.

"I'll join you." Hannah responded.

"Who are we killing?" Caroline asked, stopping in front of the trio.

Violet was starting to worry about how nonchalant Aimee was, "Draco. He was rude to Violet."

Caroline's eyebrows shot up, "And your response is to kill him?"

Aimee and Hannah shrugged.

"Right..." Caroline nodded, "Violet, can I talk to you?"

Aimee and Hannah exchanged a loaded looking before walking away, moving to the front of the group as Caroline started walking next to Violet.

Violet wasn't sure what to say. It had been so long since she and Caroline had a calm, kind conversation. It was in such stark contrast to how close they had been the year before, but Violet respected Caroline's decision to pull away.

They were almost to the Charms classroom when Caroline finally spoke, "I owe you an apology. I've been so rude this year, and it's not fair to you. You haven't been the cause of all this Heir and Chamber of Secrets nonsense."

She trailed off as they stopped outside the Charms classroom, her face flushed, "I'm really sorry. I don't have any excuse. I've just been so stressed with everything, and I took it out on you."

"Caroline..." Violet sighed, too emotionally exhausted to give much of a response, "It's okay. Just, I don't know, try talking to me next time?"

"Yes, I will." Caroline looked sheepish as she responded, "Friends?”

"Friends." Violet accepted Caroline's tight hug, only pulling away when Professor Flitwick cleared his throat from inside the classroom, staring at the two girls. They hadn't realised the starting bell had rung. Both girls murmured apologies as they rushed into the room and took their seats, giggling quietly when they looked at each other.

When it was finally time for lunch, all four girls made their way to the Great Hall as a group. They talked about nothing in particular, Violet's three friends distracting her from her overwhelmed mind. She felt herself feeling less anxious and worried, until they entered the Great Hall, where her graze automatically strayed to the Slytherin table.

"Don't," Aimee grabbed Violet by the arm, pulling her towards the Hufflepuff table, but the girl wouldn't be deterred. Violet pulled away and stormed up to the Slytherin's, stopping only when she stood across the table from Draco. He looked up at her with a bored expression.

"If you want to be a prat, fine, but you don't get to take it out on me." She crossed her arms over her chest, glaring at the boy, "I've done nothing but try to be your friend!"

Despite the ache in her chest, she felt some of the anger leave her as he stared up at her. The only sign that he'd heard her was his eyes widening ever so slightly. She didn't know what else to say; all of her thoughts and emotions had become a tangled up ball she couldn't unwind.

She turned on her heal and marched back to her own table, dropping onto the bench with a huff.

"Feel better?" Hannah asked.

"No." Violet shook her head, "Not at all."

"Oh, merlin, he's coming over here." Caroline muttered, staring at something over Violet's shoulder.

Violet turned around to see Draco standing directly behind her, glaring at her, "What was all that about?"

"Unless you're here to apologize, go away." Aimee snapped, glaring right back at the boy.

His expression morphed to surprise, "Excuse me?"

"You're excused." Aimee waved a hand dismissively.

Violet had to fight the laugh that tried to escape as Draco's eyebrows shot up in surprise. She supposed he wasn't used to being dismissed.

He finally looked back at her, sighing, "Can we talk?"

"I don't know," She replied, turning back to the table, "Can we?"

"Violet, please?" She didn't know what shocked her more, the fact that he said please or that his tone was almost... pleading. She got up without a second thought, following him out of the hall. Several fifth and sixth years stared at them as they left, undoubtedly wanting to question where they thought they were going.

Draco led her down the front hallway and into an empty classroom, leaning against the door once she was inside.

"Oh, this isn't suspicious." Violet rolled her eyes, crossing her arms as she watched Draco.

He didn't say anything for several long moments, then, "I'm sorry." Violet wasn't sure she heard right, until he repeated himself, "I'm sorry for lashing out at you."

She was speechless. Draco watched her carefully, waiting for her response. When none came, he continued, "My father... I heard what he and the other governors did, and I knew it wouldn't be long before you found out and..."

"And what?" She asked quietly.

"I'm a Malfoy. What my father does... I have no say, no control, but that doesn't mean you wouldn't still blame me for what he did."

Violet wanted to laugh at the absurdity, "Blame you? For what your father did? I've met your father, he's not a nice man. But what he does has nothing to do with you. Unless you somehow convinced him to have Hagrid and Dumbledore removed-"

"No!" Draco cut her off, "I mean, no. Nothing I say means anything to him, but I wouldn't have asked him to do that.”

"Then why would I blame you?" It was his turn to be speechless, so she continued, "You don't get to assume things like that about me, not when I've given you every reason to trust me."

"You're right. I'm sorry." There it was again. Violet was sure Draco had never apologised before in his life, and now he'd said it three times in a single conversation.

She moved towards him, stopping a mere step away, "Try talking to me next time. If you want to be mad, fine, be mad, but don't take it out on me."

He nodded, his eyes examining her face before he stepped out of the way of the door, "See you at supper?"

She rolled her eyes before smiling, "Of course."

▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔

Violet took a deep breath before she sat back down with her friends. All three girls stared at her imploringly.

"He apologised."

"He what?!" All three asked in unison.

"He apologised," Violet repeated, "He saw the error of his ways and said he was sorry."

"The error of his ways?" Hannah questioned, "What, that he was a total-"

"What she means to say," Aimee interrupted, "Is that he realised he should treat you like the amazing friend you are?"

Violet laughed, "Yes, something like that."

And just like that, the girls dropped the subject and started discussing the upcoming exams. With only a few weeks until the year ended, everyone felt the increasing pressure to focus on their studies, all while wondering when another attack would happen.

Over the following two weeks, things almost seemed to return to normal. Aside from missing students, things continued as usual. Classes continued, professors assigned too much homework, and many hours were spent on studying for the upcoming exams. No one wanted to talk about it, but everyone at Hogwarts felt like something was coming, that danger was just around the corner.

That is, until the end of May, when the missing piece finally fell into place.

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TAGLIST:

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Year Two: Just Another Monday

Chapter List WC: 1,401

By the following morning, things had gone from bad to worse.

At breakfast the next morning, it was announced that Professor Dumbledore had been removed from his position of Headmaster, replaced by Professor McGonagall. And, on top of everything, Hagrid had been taken to a prison called Azkaban. 

With the new rules in place, it was impossible for Violet to meet up with Draco, which she had been desperate to do after his vanishing act the previous day. 

Classes continued as normal, and Violet was thankful for her first class of the day to be Herbology. The previous week they had been studying Aconite, most commonly known as Wolfsbane, for its use in the Wolfsbane Potion. Despite being extremely toxic, Violet couldn't help but find the flower rather pretty, as well as intriguing. 

Their studies on werewolves had been minimal, as the only discussion of it had been in D.A.D.A, where Professor Lockhart used the time to brag about how he had saved an entire village from a werewolf. 

Violet found many subjects in D.A.D.A. interesting, despite Lockhart's clear lack of teaching skills, and lycanthropy had been one of them. She had heard from some third-years that lycanthropy was taught more in-depth, and Violet was looking forward to it. Plus, her third-year had the added bonus of not having Lockhart as a professor, as the yearly curse would bring in a new D.A.D.A professor. 

"Violet Ellis!" The girl's eyes snapped to Professor Sprout, who was frowning at her, "Am I interrupting your daydreaming?"

Violet flushed with embarrassment, "No, Professor, sorry."

Professor Sprout observed Violet for a moment before returning to her lecture on the Wiggentree. 

"What's got you so lost in your head?" Aimee asked after they had left the greenhouse.

"Nothing in particular." Violet replied.

Hannah laughed, "You're an awful liar."

Violet hadn't been lying, per say. Really, she had so much going on in her mind that she couldn't focus on any one thing. Working with the Wiggentree's had given a small reprieve, if only for an hour. But now, on the way to potions, she was on the verge of being overwhelmed.

"Out with it," Hannah urged, "Before you need the calming draught."

"What's Azkaban? Why were so many people freaked when they found out Hagrid had been sent there? And who gave the order to remove Dumbledore? Without him, the attacks are going to increase by the day!" Violet was rambling, all of her thoughts coming out at once, "And who is behind these attacks? No one will confess, and there's no obvious answer. So how do we stop it? How do we protect ourselves?"

"Woah, woah!" Aimee stopped and turned to face Violet, "One question at a time, please."

"Azkaban is a prison for the most deranged and dangerous witches and wizards. It's guarding by dementors, who are said to torture the inhabitants." Hannah explained calmly, "For Hagrid to be sent there, when he hasn't committed a crime? It's inhumane, it's the worst thing they could have done to him."

"The board of Governors voted to remove Dumbledore," Aimee continued, "It's twelve witches and wizards who oversee Hogwarts. I'm not sure who all is on the board, but... Violet, Lucius Malfoy is on the board."

They had arrived at the potion dungeon, so they weren't able to continue their conversation. Professor Snape was in a particular mood, though no worse than usual. They reviewed the properties and he provided a demonstration of the Hair-Raising Potion. Their assignment was to recreate the potion by their next class, which for the Hufflepuffs, was the next afternoon. 

When Violet and her friends left the dungeons, they were all feeling frustrated, having struggled to follow Professor Snape's instructions. Hannah had commented previously that she believed Snape made his instructions as hard as possible to follow, in hopes of causing students to fail. Violet had started to believe it. 

On their way to lunch, Aimee restarted the conversation from earlier, "Violet, you know there's not much we can do, right? No one expects us to find out who's behind the attacks, much less how to stop them."

Violet sighed, "I know. Still, this has been going on for months, and they're no closer to finding out who's behind it."

"Don't worry," Hannah linked an arm with Violet, "Aimee will protect us."

Aimee made a noise of indignation but laughed when she saw the look on Hannah's face, which was telling Aimee to shut up and go along with it.

"Yes, I'll absolutely protect Hannah. Violet, though..." Aimee pretended to consider it, until Violet was shaking her head laughing, "I suppose I could protect her too."

"Wow, thank you." Violet held a hand over her heart, "It means so much to me."

All three girls were laughing as they sat down for lunch.

"What's so funny?" Cedric asked from across the table. 

Violet had been pleasantly surprised that morning when Cedric had walked with the girls to breakfast. She'd grown used to his silent treatment over the last few months, though she hated it. He'd apologized that morning for his behaviour, but he made sure to tell Violet how much he disapproved of her hanging around Draco Malfoy. She, without hesitation, told Cedric she didn't care for his approval, just his friendship. And just like that, they were friends again, though there was an uncomfortable strain between them that hadn't been there before. 

"Aimee's going to protect Hannah and I from being attacked. She's the most skilled witch out of all of us, you know." Violet was smiling as she loaded her plate with food.

"No, I take it back," Aimee chimed in, "I don't think I want to protect you anymore, you're being mean."

"That's okay, I know a certain pureblood who will protect her." Hannah laughed, looking over her shoulder at the aforementioned boy, who was staring at them across the Great Hall.

Violet's laugh was a little less genuine as her friends', but she didn't take the comment personally. After all, Draco was a pureblood, and he had been protecting her all year, just from other threats. 

She looked over her shoulder, waving at him as their eyes met. He waved back, but Violet felt a wave of unease at the blank expression he wore. She'd seen it frequently, as he wasn't one to show his emotions around others, but something was off. Luckily, they had History of Magic together in an hour, so she just had to wait until them to check on him.

▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔

Draco was avoiding her. 

When they were escorted into the History of Magic classroom, Violet had to push through the throng of students just to get to her seat. She dropped her bag and made to move towards Draco's seat, but he wasn't in it. He was at the front of the class, surrounded by a group of Slytherins. Normally Violet wouldn't care about interrupting their conversation, but something about their body language had Violet staying away.

The group finally broke away when Professor Binns started his lecture on a topic Violet couldn't bother to focus on. Instead, she tried to catch Draco's attention. He was at the table across the aisle from her, so usually she could get his attention with a simple wave or whisper, but not today. 

She frowned as he stared at the front of the room, his attention seemingly on the professor. So she tried a different tactic, writing a quick note and sending it to him with a simple levitation charm. It landed on the desk, right atop his book, but still Draco paid it no mind. 

Violet turned to Aimee and Hannah, who had been watching her with shocked expressions.

"Is he ignoring you?" Hannah whispered.

"Seems so." Violet replied, slouching back in her chair. She tried to focus on the lecture, but she was too upset to care. 

Why was he ignoring her? Had she done something wrong? She wasn't sure what she could have done. The only thing that stuck out in her mind was the incident yesterday, with the calming draught. Did her asking for help upset him? 

One thing was for certain. Violet was not going to let him continue ignoring her. She was tired of her friends ignoring her when they were upset or angry, especially when she had no clue what she'd done wrong. She had only just started speaking with Cedric again, and she wasn't about to lose another friend she cared so deeply for.

Unfortunately, she wouldn't have the chance to confront him any time soon.

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TAGLIST:

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Year Two: Another Attack

Chapter List WC: 1,388

8th May, 1993

Violet was vibrating with excitement, as were most of the Hufflepuff students. 

It was time for the Hufflepuff versus Gryffindor game, and the excitement and tensions were palpable. Both teams had played one game so far; Gryffindor won against Slytherin with almost one hundred and fifty points to their sixty. Hufflepuff had lost against Ravenclaw, seventy to two hundred. 

Gryffindor and Hufflepuff matches were usually entertaining, as both teams practised hard and studied up on the other players. Though there wasn't as much violence as there was during Slytherin matches, the Hufflepuff players had been known to play a bit dirty, not that Gryffindor played clean.

It was a chilly Saturday morning, so most students still wore their heavy cloaks and hats, but with so many people sat together in the stands, it was easy enough to warm up. 

The crowd had been cheering and chanting for some time, waiting for the match to begin. But as time went on, many lost their enthusiasm and began to grow nervous.

Violet leaned towards Aimee and Hannah, "The match should've started ten minutes ago." 

"Something must be wrong." Hannah replied. Before she'd even finished, Madam Hooch was on the field, using an amplifying charm so that every person could hear her.

"Attention students, this match has been cancelled. Please calmly return to your houses."

There was nothing calm about the panic that followed. Students began rushing out of the stands, shoving and shouting as they went. Violet, Hannah, and Aimee linked arms so as to not lose each other. 

When they made it out of the stands and off the pitch, Violet and Aimee had to turn their focus on Hannah, who had begun to panic and lag behind.

"I'm sure it's nothing," Aimee tried to reason, "If it were serious, they'd tell us."

"Would they?!" Hannah was shouting. Violet didn't think Hannah realised it, though. Neither Violet or Aimee answered, because no, they wouldn't.

"Maybe there's a storm coming?" Violet tried, despite the sunny sky and the fact that several matches had been played in storms before.

Hannah shook her head violently, "No way."

Violet and Aimee were practically dragging Hannah by the time they got inside the castle. They moved to the side, out of the way of the onslaught of rushing students. They leaned against a wall, watching as Hannah slid down and pulled her legs to her chest. The other two girls weren't sure what to do or how they could calm their friend down. 

They sat quietly for a while, until only a few students were trickling in, not swept up in the panic of the rest. Of those students, Violet recognised one, smiling softly at the blond as he spotted her. He frowned when he looked down at Hannah, hesitating a moment before walking up to the trio.

"Alright there, Abbott?"

"Sod off, Malfoy." Hannah replied, her head still buried in her arms.

He had the decency to pretend to be offended. He turned his attention to Violet, "What's wrong with her?"

Violet shrugged at his casual tone, "What's wrong with you?"

He chuckled, "A great many things, I suspect."

"Hmph," Aimee scoffed, "Yes, I'm sure it's a long list."

Draco only smirked, looking back to Violet, "Anything I can do?"

"Not unless you've got a draught or spell to ease a panic attack." Violet murmured.

Draco stared at her for a long moment, his easy demeanour shifting to guarded once more. Violet wasn't sure what she'd said to upset him, but the next moment, he was gone.

"Helpful, that one." Aimee rolled her eyes, sitting next to Hannah, who had gone from violently trembling to occasionally shuddering. She was still breathing heavily and her skin was coated in a thin layer of sweat. Aimee tried to wrap her arms around their friend, but pulled away when Hannah began shaking her head. 

Violet sat on the other side of Hannah, her concern growing the longer her panic attack went on. She had known Hannah was prone to panic attacks, but had never witnessed one before. Hannah had told her friends previously that she was usually able to ground herself with breathing techniques she had learned from counselling, but during the worst attacks, the only thing she could do was wait it out. 

Aimee and Violet both hated the 'wait it out' method. Violet hated watching her friend suffer, she hated not being able to help. 

After a few more minutes, Violet and Aimee looked up to a sudden figure standing over them. Draco was there, his hand outstretched to Violet. Violet frowned, until she noticed the little glass bottle in his palm. 

"A calming draught." He stated simply. Violet took the bottle from him. It looked to only hold a few swallows of the shimmering blue liquid. She wanted to ask how he had gotten it so quickly, because he hadn't been gone long enough to make it. 

"Thank you." She gave him a grateful smile before turning to Hannah, "Han? Here, take this, it will help."

Hannah looked over to Violet, her eyes and face red and splotchy. Her hand shook as she reached out for the bottle, drinking the liquid quickly. It only took a few moments for the effects to kick in, her body visibly relaxing. 

Violet turned to thank Draco again, but he was already gone again. Aimee and Violet worked together to get Hannah back to their dorm, the girl half asleep by the time they dropped her onto her bed.

They left her to rest as they went back to the common room. The tension and nerves were palpable when they joined some of the other students. They went directly to their Prefect, who was standing by the door, staring at them.

"And where have you been?" Eric Makon asked, his tone sharp, "You were to report straight here after you left the pitch."

"Sorry, Eric, but we got carried away by the other students and had to come back from upstairs." Aimee lied easily, softening her expression to be apologetic. Violet followed her lead.

"Mhm," He hummed, obviously not believing them, "Anyway. There was another attack. All students are to stay in their houses until further notice."

Violet was afraid to ask, "Who?"

"Penelope Clearwater, a Ravenclaw Sixth Year, and Hermione Granger, a-"

"Hermione?!" Violet gasped, "I know her!"

Eric frowned at her, "You do?"

"Yes, we're friends. I can't believe it..." Violet trailed off, turning and walking away. She sat on the first available couch she saw. 

"I'm sorry," Aimee offered, sitting next to her, "She'll be alright. I heard that the Mandrakes are almost ready."

Violet nodded, leaning against her friend, "I wish they'd figure out who's behind all this."

"Me too." Violet jumped at the voice to her other side, "Sorry, Vi."

"Cedric?" Violet frowned, staring at the boy who was perched on the arm of the couch. He gave her a half smile, "Hi."

"Hi. I heard about Granger. Thought... Thought I'd check on you." He sounded nervous, and Violet couldn't for the life of her think of any reason why. 

"I'm alright. I wish I could go find Professor Sprout, help her with the Mandrakes." Violet wasn't sure how to feel, truthfully. Shocked, sure; upset, definitely. She liked Hermione, and wasn't lying about them being friends, but they weren't all that close. They talked on occasion during shared classes, but rarely saw each other otherwise. 

"Right, of course." He looked like he wanted to say more, but he was interrupted by none other than Professor Sprout.

"Attention, please!" She stayed by the common room door, a roll of parchment in her hand as the lingering students all turned to her, "Due to recent events, the following rules will be in place until further notice: all students will return to their houses by six o'clock every evening, and all students will be escorted by a teacher to each lesson. No exceptions!" She sighed, letting the parchment roll back up as she looked around the room, her expression pitying, "I shouldn't say anything, but... Unless whomever is behind these attacks is caught, I fear the school may be closed soon." She swept out of the room just as fast as she had appeared, leaving the students in various states of shock.

TAGLIST:

@stellarlune-love @helendeath @skz-xii @cherriesfine

[fandomsaligninstories]

Year Two: Secret Admirer

Chapter List WC: 2,092

Violet had two choices: die a painful, humiliating death, or deal with the Cupid that was staring her down across the hallway.

She was standing at the top of the stairs, heading towards the library at the other end of the hall. There were students behind her and in front of her, all watching her stare at the Cupid, who was slowly making his way towards her. She knew it was for her because he had shouted her name several times to catch her attention.

She couldn't believe it. It was a prank, right? Aimee, or maybe Hannah? Who else would do this to her?

She wanted to find the humour in it. She wanted to find it sweet. But she was mortified, because she'd spent all day watching the cupids tackle, scream, and sing out of tune. So there was no possible way this would be pleasant.

So, back to her options. Tumble down the stairs behind her and die a painful, humiliating death, or stay and embrace the horror that was coming.

Violet's entire body was hot. She knew her face was as red as the Gryffindor emblem, and that there was no way her fellow students would let her live this down. In the end, she decided that facing it head on was the best choice.

She refused to move a metre as the Cupid stopped in front of her, his withering gaze a stark contrast to the wings and harp he carried.

He cleared his throat, rather loudly, and began,

"With eyes as green as sage, And a name as soft as the flower, A heart so kind and loyal, With a smile that empowers, There's no doubt that you're the one I admire"

Violet changed her mind. Falling down the stairs would've been a kinder way to die. Instead, she had to listen to the students around her giggling and laughing, making jokes about the poem.

"Woah, that was... something." Hannah's voice pulled Violet out of her mental breakdown.

"Ha-ha." Violet glared at the other girl, "Very funny. Was it you?"

Hannah genuinely looked hurt by the accusation, "No! Why would you think it was me?"

Violet rolled her eyes, "Who else would send me a Cupid?"

Hannah stared at Violet for a very long moment, "You're kidding, right?"

Okay, now Violet would throw herself down the stairs. She looked around the hall, most students having departed, except for a few that were watching her from an alcove. A few of the Slytherins from earlier, she realised.

She took off towards them, pulling her wand out as she started to shout, "Think you're funny, do you?!"

The Slytherins ran in the other direction, laughing hysterically. Violet pulled to a stop in front of the library doors, huffing as she shoved her wand back in her robes.

"What'd you plan to do with that?" Draco's voice caught her attention as she crossed her arms.

"I don't know, maybe throw it at them?" She expected a chuckle, but Draco only shook his head and turned, walking into the library. She frowned, following after him. He wouldn't look at her, even after they'd been sitting in silence for several minutes. She couldn't get a read on him, on whether he was angry, upset, or just being moody.

"What's wrong?" She finally asked.

"Nothing." He answered quickly. Violet rolled her eyes. She turned fully in her seat to face him, wanting to reach out and grab his face so he'd look at her, but she knew better than to try. Instead, she waited.

After another five minutes, she couldn't take the silence anymore, so she started thinking aloud, "You were fine earlier. Did something happen since lunch?" He shook his head no, "Okay, then what- Oh, don't tell me it was the cupid." The way he tensed up told her she was on the right path, "The cupid is what's upset you? I'm sure someone only sent him as a prank, Draco."

She knew this was the wrong thing to say when he shoved his chair back from the table and stormed off. Violet didn't hesitate to chase after him. She didn't risk shouting, as she'd heard from the librarian enough about being too loud, so she simply jogged until she caught up. They were back in the hall, and she acted on instinct. She grabbed his arm and pulled him into an alcove.

"It was you that sent the cupid," She stated, "It wasn't a prank."

He was staring at her hand that was still on his arm, his expression carefully blank. She pulled her hand back, an apology on her lips as he sighed, "No."

"No?"

"I didn't send the cupid."

Now she was confused, "Then why are you so upset about it?"

Draco didn't want to answer. His entire body had tensed up and his hands shoved in his pockets, "I didn't send the cupid."

Violet huffed out an exasperated sigh, "Yes, you've said that."

Draco looked at her then, his expression almost pleading, but she couldn't figure out what for. She tried to figure it out, she really did. First she thought maybe he was upset that someone he knew had sent the cupid as a prank, but if that were the case, why not say so? Then she thought maybe he had sent it, but just refused to admit it.

"Merlin, girl!" He shouted, reaching up to run a hand through his perfectly styled hair. Violet jumped back in surprise, "I didn't send the cupid, but that poem, it was mine."

Whatever she'd expected him to say, that wasn't it. For whatever reason, her only response was, "You write poetry?"

He was blushing and wouldn't meet her eyes again, only nodded in response. Violet took a small step forward, just enough that it forced Draco to look at her, "You write poetry, but you didn't send the cupid. Someone else did?"

He shrugged, "I don't know how they found it. I'm sorry. I never meant for you to hear that."

It was Violet's turn to blush, "It was really sweet. I'd like to hear more, if you're ever comfortable with it."

His eyes widened, "What?"

"Your poetry. It was really good. Not that I know much about poetry, but still, if you'd ever been willing to share it with me, I'd love to read it." She wouldn't tell him she secretly hoped there was more about her, or that she found it sweet he'd written such kind words about her.

Now it was Draco's turn to be surprised. He didn't think he could ever deny her something she asked for, not even this, something he had hidden so carefully to protect himself. But she was asking, and she seemed so genuine, that he nodded once. It wasn't a 'yes you can read my writings', but a confirmation that perhaps some day he'd share them. Assuming he didn't find his journal from whomever had stolen it and burned it immediately after.

Violet walks backwards out of the alcove, "Let's go."

He frowned but followed after her, "Go where?"

"Go find those Slytherins who obviously stole something of yours and get it back." She spoke with such conviction that he couldn't help but laugh a little.

"Who said it was a Slytherin?"

She rolled her eyes, "I know you, Draco. If that poem was written down, you had it hidden away in a place only someone you know could find it. And considering your social group is limited to me and Slytherins, it's fairly easy to determine who it was.

She wasn't wrong. In fact, he had an idea who had taken it, after the incident this afternoon with Pansy, Blaise, and the others. Still, Draco didn't like the idea that one of his friends had breached his trust so readily. He wasn't surprised by any means, he'd learned long ago to never place his whole heart and trust into someone else's hands. Still, he wished it wasn't true.

▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔

Violet had expected the Slytherin common room to be dark, cold and evil. She was partly right.

The Slytherin common room was in the dungeons, not unlike the Hufflepuff common room, but it was different in every other way. It was dark, with pale green lamps sat around the room, and there were only a few windows, which were heavily decorated in black designs that prevented anyone from seeing out. Though, Violet realised, the light coming in from the windows was also tinted green, so perhaps the windows were green and didn't allow much light through.

Several tapestries hung around the walls, with portraits of famous Slytherins. Violet didn't recognize any of them, except for the largest portrait, which was Salavar Slytherin.

To the left was a rather large stone fireplace, to the right a hallway, and straight ahead appeared to be the sitting area. There were several tables, desks, and couches, all dark brown or black.

Draco stood awkwardly beside her as she looked around. It wasn't particularly inviting, not that she had expected it to be. Still, she was only here for one purpose, and she wasn't likely to ever come back.

She glanced to Draco, apologetic as she realised she'd spent so long looking around the space.

He didn't need to look around to know where his target was sitting. He stormed across the common room, Violet right on his heel, as he stared directly at her.

Pansy Parkinson barely had time to jump to her feet before Draco was in her face, practically growling, "Where is it?"

Her eyes widen, slightly fearful as she muttered, "Where's what?"

"Don't play coy with me, Parkinson. Where is it?" His hands were fisted at his sides, and Violet was starting to worry he might get violent. But he wouldn't hit a girl, she knew that.

When Pansy didn't answer right away, Draco took a menacing step forward, forcing the girl back several steps. Violet risked a glance around the room, noticing that most students were pointedly not looking in their direction. The few that were, were more focused on her than the other two. It was probably the first time a Hufflepuff had ever been in the Slytherin common room.

Draco whipped out his wand, shoving it under Pansy's chin before shouting, "Where?!"

Violet rushed forward, "Godric's beard, Draco, don't hurt yourself."

He didn't look at her, but Pansy did. Her expression turned loathing, "You brought a mudblood here?!"

Draco shoved the tip of his wand into Pansy's throat, and for the second time that day, Violet took hold of his hand and pulled it back. She didn't care what happened to the other girl, but she didn't want Draco to hurt someone, anyone.

He refused to drop his wand, though. "You best watch what you say, Parkinson."

"Or what?" She spat, "You want to filthy yourself with her, fine, but don't bring her around the rest of us. Some of us actually care about keeping ourselves clean."

Violet tried not to let the words bother her. Really, she did. It wasn't the first time a Slytherin spoke ill about her heritage or blood status, but the way she was so vicious about it had Violet's eyes pricking with tears.

Pansy scoffed, but looked at Draco as she took a leather bound notebook out of her robes and shoved it into his chest. He grasped it tightly, finally dropping his hand and replacing it in his robes, to skim through the journal. Once he was satisfied that nothing had been removed or messed with, he held it tightly against his chest.

"Go through my things again, Parkinson, and I won't be the one you should be afraid of."

He turned and stalked off, only glancing back to make sure Violet was following. They made it out of the common room and up the stairs before the fight drained out of Draco. He sat on the top step, turning his body so he could lean against the wall and stretch his legs out. Violet sat on the step below him, copying his position.

He spoke quietly, as if he were suddenly exhausted, "I wouldn't have hurt her."

Violet matched his tone, "I know."

"Then why?"

She knew what he was asking. Why grab him? Why touch him, when she knew how much he hated it? Why pull him back, when he was never a threat?

She didn't have an answer. She told herself she'd acted on instinct, but she wasn't convinced that was the whole truth. She didn't want to think too hard about what the truth was, though. So she simply shrugged and let the question hang between them.

Draco was just as willing to let the conversation drop. He was afraid of her answer, of what it could mean. So he changed the subject, and pretended that nothing had changed between them.

━⊱༻ ༺⊰━

TAGLIST:

@stellarlune-love @helendeath @skz-xii @cherriesfine

[fandomsaligninstories]

I’m sure no one cares but I made a homescreen of Violet and Draco based off their pinterest board (yes, they have their own Pinterest board) so I thought I’d share while I work on proofreading. 💜💚

P.s. if anyone wants the board link I can share it, but it does have spoilers soooo….

[fandomsaligninstories]

Continued - Did you know Violet and Draco have a Spotify playlist?

I’ve been listening to primarily TTPD since it came out, so I apologize to everyone for the way Vi and Draco’s playlist is turning out 😅

Also, if anyone has any songs they feel should be on here, send them to me!! Sometimes I’m reading books or fics and think “this song would be perfect for this scene”, so if anyone has any like that, lmk and I might add them!

Writer’s rant (in a good way)

My favorite thing about how much I think about my current story is I’m CONSTANTLY writing new chapters in my head. My least favorite thing is that, I’m mentally writing out of order. I have few plans for the rest of second year, but third and final? Completely planned out. Y’all are not ready for what I have planned for Deathly Hollows. I had myself in tears thinking about every single detail for a Certain Scene™️. But what’s going to happen between now and then? NO CLUEEEE. Not a one.

This entire story came from a single thought I had regarding Violet in Prisoner of Azkaban, and it blows my mind I’ve turned it into a full blown fic that people want to read.

I feel bad I’m not updating/writing as quickly as I used to (ah, free time), but I refuse to post less than perfect chapters. So, anyway, i appreciate every single one of you and goodnight.

[fandomsaligninstories]

Writer’s rant (in a good way)

My favorite thing about how much I think about my current story is I’m CONSTANTLY writing new chapters in my head. My least favorite thing is that, I’m mentally writing out of order. I have few plans for the rest of second year, but third and final? Completely planned out. Y’all are not ready for what I have planned for Deathly Hollows. I had myself in tears thinking about every single detail for a Certain Scene™️. But what’s going to happen between now and then? NO CLUEEEE. Not a one.

This entire story came from a single thought I had regarding Violet in Prisoner of Azkaban, and it blows my mind I’ve turned it into a full blown fic that people want to read.

I feel bad I’m not updating/writing as quickly as I used to (ah, free time), but I refuse to post less than perfect chapters. So, anyway, i appreciate every single one of you and goodnight.

[fandomsaligninstories]

James Potter is easily the biggest of the three. He’s just so muscular and strong, but in a soft way. He’s got a soft layer of fat protecting his muscles, and I imagine he’s very freckled too. Not sure why. He is the epitome of a golden retriever boyfriend. He likes being the big spoon, and has an INCREDIBLE weak spot for getting his hair played with. Like, it’s literally orgasmic to him. He grew up with everything. Love, money, etc, etc, so he’s probably the touchiest (at first), and is all over you from the start. Also, I think he often forgets his strength and squeezes u too hard and you’ve gotta be like “uh.. Jamie..? You’re.. you’re kinda squeezing-“ and he just puts an arm over ur mouth like “shut up, baby. Sorry. Love you.” He’s adorable.

Remus Lupin is just a normal sized boy, and runs hot like a radiator. Honestly. He doesn’t even need all those knitted sweaters and warm coffee because he just is the embodiment of autumn warmth. He’s littered with silver scars from his lycanthropy, so when u see him naked for the first time, he’s so self conscious. He’d have his arms wrapped around himself, shielding his scars from your view, and you’ve got to prize his hands off of himself. “I’m sorry.. i know they’re not.. appealing.. it’s…” and you’re just like “woah, rem, what? You’re fucking beautiful.” You say that, and he’s yours. He’s not used to love like James is, but he’s probably the one to start getting cuddly. I imagine it’s winter and he’s reading in the common room, and ur shivering because by some miracle the fire isn’t on. He looks up from his book, admiring you for a while and then lifts up his sweater. You SHOOT underneath it and basically curl up like a cat against his bare chest. I repeat: HE IS SO FUCKING WARM. You’d probably have an ‘eternal sunshine of the spotless mind’ moment with him at the start of your relationship though. You know when Clementine is saying she always thought she was ugly and Joel starts kissing her and saying “you’re pretty, you’re pretty, you’re pretty…” yeah, you’d be Joel and he’d be Clementine. But once he’s comfortable, he’s a fucking fiend. You’ll never be cold again, trust me.

Sirius Black is skinny and pale. Like a vampire. Endearingly. I imagine he has a nose piercing and an eyebrow piercing, and he’s all tattooed up. Will DEFINITELY get your initial on his abdomen or collarbone in swirly penmanship. Sirius will act like your best friend even when u two are dating. Bless him though, he’s so used to being hurt and abused by those that are meant to protect him that he can’t trust you at first. I think the first time he came to realise you were different is when you asked him what happened after winter break at his parent’s house, because he was being really quiet and flinching a lot which is unlike him. You cornered him in the common room when no one else was there, and asked him “hey, Siri? What’s going on, man? Tell me.” He insisted, “I’m fine. I swear, sweetheart.” You went to tuck his black curls behind his ear but he flinched, which shattered your heart. You said “Sirius, please. I need to know you’re okay, because I need you safe.” And hearing that, he broke down into your arms. From then on, he’s always in your arms. He adores comforting you, because he’s a big brother himself and so he has the instinct, you know? But man, does he fucking adore being in your arms. He WILL curl up beside you wherever you’re sitting or lying, and is always rubbing against you. He always says “I can’t help it, babe, it’s just the dog in me.” Which he seems to find HILARIOUS. Oh yeah, and he literally can’t sleep unless you’re the big spoon or his head is on your chest or in your neck. He likes to feel safe and protected for once, and you do that for him to no end. He’s THE 70s rocker stereotype, and he loves having matching nail polish with you. You’re best friends as well as lovers.

Sorry for yapping to no end guys!!!

[fandomsaligninstories]

Year Two: Valentine’s Day

Chapter List WC: 3,124

14th February, 1993, Sunday

The following weeks were quiet. Too quiet, many students felt, causing everyone to be tense and guarded. There had been no more attacks, but tensions continued to be high between the houses, especially whenever Harry Potter or Draco Malfoy were around. Harry had taken up the stance of defending himself through constant arguments, not that it helped his cause. And Draco had taken the stance of ignoring anyone that tried to accuse him of being the Heir, though he readily spoke ill of muggle-borns.

There hadn't been any more petrifications, but there had been attacks of other kinds. Many students, all muggle-born, were finding themselves on the wrong end of jinxes and hexes, primarily at the wands of Slytherins. Several students had been sent to the hospital wing with missing appendages, broken bones, boils or warts that wouldn't go away, and other worse things. The Slytherins were getting more creative, admittedly.

Through it all, Violet maintained her distance from any talk of the Chamber of Secrets or the Heir. She knew people still spoke about Draco and Harry behind her back, but at least they weren't doing it in front of her anymore. And, despite their utter contempt for him, her friends were at least trying not to be rude towards Draco.

It was a regular occurrence for Violet and Draco to meet up after meals and classes, whether it was to walk to their next class together or to go to the library. Aimee and Hannah would sometimes nod their head or wave to Draco whenever he would appear, and sometimes he'd acknowledge them. Caroline was still avoiding Violet, which she'd stopped minding, but there was one absence she'd noticed more and more recently- Cedric.

Ever since the incident after the Dueling Club, Cedric had been avoiding Violet. He'd stopped talking to her, waving or smiling. He refused to sit near her at meals, he'd gone so far to leave the common room whenever she would join him and their friends. Violet tried to pretend it didn't hurt as much as it did, but it was difficult. She'd grown very fond of Cedric and their friendship.

Their mutual friends tried to cheer her up. They made excuses for Cedric, but Violet knew that nothing they said mattered. So long as she sided with Draco, Cedric wouldn't want to be around her. She didn't like it, and it hurt, but she told herself that it was time to move on.

When Violet and the other students arrived for breakfast on the Fourteenth of February, none of them expected for the Great Hall to be covered in a flurry of very bright pink.

There were a great many flowers covering the walls, in a variety of sizes and lurid pinks. They draped down and across the walls, creating a sort of wall of pink flowers. The head table also had a variety of the same flowers stretched across the front of it, either attached to something or held in place by magic. Then, as if the pink flowers weren't enough, there was pink and red heart confetti falling from the pale blue ceiling.

"At least it's nice outside." Violet muttered to herself, curious but not excited for whatever was to come.

She knew it was Valentine's Day, but she never expected the whole school to do some sort of celebration. They hadn't the previous year, and as far as she had learned, it had never been done before. Halloween and Christmas, sure, those were big holidays everyone loved... but Valentine's?

"I think it's beautiful," Aimee spoke up once the trio was sat at their table. They had to brush off paper hearts from the food to fix their plates, "A happy holiday for happy people."

"Too bad we're not happy people." Hannah rolled her eyes, only partially joking.

"Sure we are!" Aimee chided.

"Yes, okay." Violet wanted to argue, because really, who was truly happy these days? But her friend seemed so excited about whatever festivities may happen that she didn't want to drag her mood down.

Before their conversation could continue, there was a commotion at the head table. Professor Lockhart was standing, a huge smile on his face as he waved at the students staring. He was wearing robes that were the same lurid pink as the flowers around them. All of the other Hogwarts staff had stony expressions, looking as if they'd rather be anywhere else.

"Happy Valentine's Day!" Lockhart shouted, "Thank you to the forty-seven people who have sent me cards thus far! I've arranged a little surprise for you!"

Unsurprisingly, several girls around Violet sighed dreamily and started giggling.

Lockhart clapped his hands once, and everyone turned to the back of the hall as the doors flew open. In marched a dozen surly looking dwarfs, all dressed in golden wings and holding harps. Many students in the hall began to laugh and scoff, but the professor wasn't done.

"My friendly, card-carrying cupids! They will be roaming around the halls today delivering your valentines!" Lockhart was beaming, obviously proud, "And the fun doesn't end there! I'm sure your other professors would love to assist you in your journey of love! Ask Professor Flitwick about Entrancing Enchantments, or Professor Snape about a love potion!"

Professor Flitwick had hurried his face in his hands, trying to vanish from sight, while Professor Snape looked like he'd poison anyone who asked him about love potions.

Lockhart returned to his seat without any further fanfare, but the entire hall had erupted as students started talking about the "card-carrying cupids". 

"Oh, I know! Hannah, you could send one to that third-year Ravenclaw you like!" Aimee was nudging her friend, the biggest smile on her face as Hannah's face turned a deep scarlet.

"I'm not sending Thomas anything, he doesn't even know I exist."

"Yes, he does!" Aimee argued, looking to Violet for help. 

Violet stared at Aimee for a moment, unsure what she was up to, "Yeah, uh... Hey, weren't you two just talking the other day?"

"Yeah!" Aimee nodded enthusiastically, "After Potions on Thursday!"

Hannah groaned, "He was handing me something I dropped. He called me Mia."

Violet had to refrain from wincing for her friend, but Aimee didn't hesitate, "What better way to make sure he remembers your name than to send him a cupid?"

"I'm not sending him a cupid!" Hannah shook her head, looking at Violet with a pleading expression, "Please, get her to stop."

Violet looked at Aimee, "If she's not interested, maybe let it be?" 

This was the wrong thing to say, evidently, because Aimee turned her sights on Violet.

"Okay. Then why don't you send lover boy a cupid?"

There were only two people she could be referring to, and neither of which did Violet plan to send a cupid to.

"Don't deny it!" Aimee cut off Violet before she could say a word, "You two spend all your time together. He might be evil, but we all see how he looks at you. That boy fancies you."

It was Violet's turn to turn scarlet. She simply turned back to her breakfast and shoved her mouth full. She knew she couldn't deny it; she felt the same way about Draco. They never explicitly said it, but they both knew they fancied each other. It was evident in the way they'd obviously become each other's favourite person. 

Draco brought Violet violets, and other flowers or plants, from Professor Sprout. He sat as near to her as he could, given any chance. They never touched, Violet learned very early on that he didn't like to be touched, but he was always close; walking and sitting, he had to be as close to her as he could. And that was just when they were alone. He'd always find her in any hallway or classroom, even if he wouldn't go to her, he'd acknowledge her. And the Slytherins had started avoiding anyone Violet was close to, never cursing, jinxing, or tricking them. 

Draco wasn't good with words, but he was good with actions. Violet was better with words. She spoke more than he did, about the most random things, and he'd always listen. She learned to pick up on his mannerisms, so she knew when he was comfortable, uncomfortable, sad, happy, angry. She'd learned how to alter his mood; if he was angry, she'd ramble on about things that made her happy, until he started to cheer up. Or if he was upset, she'd sit and listen if he wanted to talk. Sometimes, all it took was her presence to cheer him up, so she'd sit in silence when that's what he needed. 

"She's daydreaming about him again." Hannah rolled her eyes, pulling Violet's attention back to the present. 

"Sorry." Violet smiled sheepishly. 

"Four sickle that he'll send you a cupid." Aimee was a giggling mess when Violet looked at her in shock, "What? Don't think he will?"

"Are we talking about the same Draco Malfoy?" Hannah stared at Aimee, just as dumbfounded as Violet, "Draco Malfoy? Doesn't know affection? Can barely speak two sentences at once?" She flinched when Violet smacked her shoulder, "Sorry, but you get my point. Draco Malfoy would never send a cupid."

Aimee only shrugged, a not-so-innocent gleam in her eyes. Violet and Hannah shared an apprehensive look before returning to their now cold breakfast. 

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After a few hours of homework and studying with Hannah and Aimee in the common room, Violet needed a break. She decided to venture around the castle, something she rarely did out of fear of getting lost. Even being a second-year, she found the size of the castle overwhelming. She wished there was a map she could use, something that could track her and say "you are here" and labeled with the different rooms. With all the things magic could do, why wasn't a magic map possible?

Violet was surprised by the amount of cupids she watched throughout her walk. They weren't very nice; they ran after and trapped the students they were meant to deliver a valentine to, going so far as to sit on a few students that tried to run. Their voices weren't very pleasant and they couldn't hold to tune, but they tried to sing out many valentines. Some were silly, some romantic, some embarrassing. 

Despite her initial disdain for the holiday, Violet found herself feeling a sense of longing throughout the day. She never fancied herself a romantic, or even someone that considered dating or love or crushes, but something about seeing all the happy couples around her all day made her wish she could experience it. Not the slightly terrifying cupid-dwarfs, but the love and joy the others were feeling. 

She was on her way back to the common room when Violet stopped at a small crowd. A few Slytherins were huddled together and making loud, obnoxious comments. The closer Violet got, she realised the Slytherins were surrounding a person. 

She didn't hesitate, "Hey! What do you think you're doing?"

As one, the Slytherins turned to face her, sneers on their faces. She recognized a few of them as Draco's friends-- Blaise, Pansy, Goyle-- but not the other two boys. Between them were a familiar blonde, her eyes trained on the floor, where her belongings lay.

Violet stormed forward, pushing between the Slytherins to stop in front of Luna, "Luna? Are you alright?"

"Like freaks to a flock," Pansy scoffed, crossing her arms as she glared at Violet. 

Violet paid her no mind as she bent down to pick up Luna's belongings, handing them to the girl who still hadn't spoken.

Violet turned to face the crowd. Blaise, Goyle, and the other two boys were staring very intently at nothing in particular, but Pansy remained glaring.

"Have you got a problem?" Violet matched Pansy's defensive stance.

"Yeah," Pansy spat out, "You. Why don't you mind your business, mudblood? Your presence obviously isn't wanted."

Violet's cheeks heated as she felt a rush of anger. Luna had been nothing but kind to Violet, and vice versa. She wasn't about to let the girl be bullied, whether she asked for help or not.

"If anyone's not wanted here, it's you, Parkinson." Violet jumped back when Pansy tried to rush forward, only stopped by Blaise and another boy grabbing her arms to hold her back.

"Watch it, you freak! You might be protected now, but it won't last forever!" Pansy growled, and for a brief moment, Violet felt fear at what this girl could do to her.

"What's that supposed to mean?!" Violet snapped back. She was tempted to get in Pansy's face, but Luna's gentle hand on hers stopped her.

"Yes, what is that supposed to mean?"

All heads snapped to the sound of a new voice. All eyes focused on Draco, who was standing off to the side, the very picture of deadly calm. He stood ramrod straight, arms at his side, his face clear of any emotion, but his eyes held nothing but anger.

"Draco-" Goyle started, but shut up when Draco glared at him.

"What happened?" Draco's gaze focused on Violet, his eyes calming the slightest bit as they searched her expression.

"Nothing, just a difference of opinion." Violet didn't know why she lied. She could've told Draco exactly what happened, it wouldn't have made any difference, except...

His gaze focused on Pansy, who was staring at the floor. His voice was a near growl as he spoke, "Pansy?"

Her gaze slowly met his, "We didn't touch her, Draco. We were just messing with the Ravenclaw when she stepped in, like some little hero-"

"Her name is Luna." Violet spoke calmly, looping her arm through the other girls. She looked over at Luna, who was staring at her with her typical wide-eyed wonder.

"A friend of yours?" Draco asked, despite knowing the answer. Violet had spoken several times about the strange Ravenclaw. Draco nodded, turning back to his friends. A silent conversation seemed to happen between the lot of them before they all took off, Blaise pulling a glaring Pansy away.

"You didn't have to do that," Violet said in way of thanks, "I could've handled them."

"Of that, I have no doubt." Draco relaxed when his friends were out of sight, his lips tipped in a smirk, "I only feared for them, of course."

"Of course." Violet replied as if it were totally reasonable for her to take on five Slytherins.

"You're really alright?" He stepped forward, his eyes searching hers, then glancing to Luna.

"Fine." Violet answered, nudging Luna.

"Oh, yes, quite fine. They found something quite amusing about my valentine, I suppose."

Violet and Draco shared a surprised look. Violet tried not to sound as shocked as she felt, "You got a valentine?"

Luna simply hummed, smiling dreamily. Without another word, she wandered off. 

"I'll never understand how you're friends with... her." Draco stared after the retreating girl, who had begun to walk on her toes and twirl around.

"She's sweet, just a bit odd, but aren't we all?" Violet smiled warmly at Draco, "What did she mean?"

"Hm?" Draco feigned ignorance, but one look from Violet had him caving, "There might be a threat out against anyone who bestows any harm to you or your friends."

It took Violet several moments to process what she'd heard, then another several to comprehend it. Her voice was laced with awe, "You threatened your friends if they hurt me or my friends?"

"My entire house." He spoke so quickly that the words blurred together, but once Violet picked them apart, she gasped.

"The entire Slytherin house?! What- Why?!" 

She didn't know why she was so shocked. She'd figured as much out, as she and her friends hadn't been bothered by Slytherins in weeks, but to hear him admit it?

Draco's ears and cheeks were tinted pink and he'd begun glaring at the wall, so Violet took pity on him. She wanted to hear his answer, but didn't need to. She already knew.

She changed the subject, turning to begin walking down the hall towards the common room, "So, send anyone a valentine?"

Draco followed without hesitation. His tone was distressed, "Absolutely not. This holiday, if you can even call it that, is for fools."

"Love sick fools." Violet joked, laughing at his appalled expression, "Careful, Malfoy, or I might think you're hiding a girlfriend from me."

Violet couldn't stop laughing when Draco missed a step. His expression read 'I'd rather you killed me' as he stared at her. It took her a couple of minutes to stop laughing and straighten herself, wiping the tears from her eyes. She didn't miss the way Draco was smiling affectionately as he stared at her now. She sighed warmly as she continued forward, Draco walking right alongside her. 

▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔

Draco and Violet parted ways at the Great Hall. She hadn't realised it had gotten so late in the day, lunch already halfway through. She was still smiling when she sat at the table between Hannah and Aimee.

"Oh, she must've found Draco." Aimee joked, "Do I get my sickles?"

"Huh?" It took Violet a moment to remember Aimee's earlier bet, "I thought you were kidding about that. Anyway, no. He said he didn't send anyone a cupid."

"Well, obviously he wouldn't tell you if he sent you one!" Hannah rolled her eyes.

Aimee agreed, "Really, why would he ruin the surprise?" 

"If you two are done, I'd love to tell you about the run in I just had with Pansy."

"Parkinson?" Hannah sat up, her attention now wholly on Violet, "She's one of the worst Slytherin second-years. What'd you do to get her attention?"

"Who said I did anything?!" Violet threw her hands up, but went on to tell her friends what had happened. When she finally finished, having explained Draco's threat to his entire house, Aimee and Hannah were staring at Violet with wide eyes and open mouths. Even a few of the other Hufflepuffs who had been listening were staring.

"Okay, you're freaking me out, close your mouths." Violet leaned back from the table until her friends' mouths snapped shut. 

"I just... I can't believe it." Aimee was still staring, but now at the table.

"He really said that? Word for word?"

Violet nodded. She hadn't thought on it too hard as she'd been busy talking with Draco, but now that she'd said the words aloud, she realised just how crazy it was. There were something like two hundred students in every house, and Draco, a second-year, threatened his entire house? And they took him seriously? And for what, Violet? A girl he'd barely been able to stand a few months ago? 

One thing was for sure. Violet owed Draco. Even if he hadn't meant for her to find out about this... protection order? Yes, that sounds right. Even if he hadn't meant for her to find out about his protection order, he'd still done it to keep her safe from people he owed his loyalty to. She'd find some way to show him just how much she appreciated it, appreciated him.

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Year Two: Polyjuice Potion

Chapter List

WC: 1,050

4th January, 1993, Monday Morning

When Violet and the rest of the Hogwarts study body returned, it was with very little enthusiasm. They were too worried about what they'd be returning to, fearful of who would be attacked next by an unknown monster.

Violet and her friends departed the Hogwarts express in hushed conversation, discussing the possibility of whatever horror that had been attacking students might have been captured during their Holiday break. An unlikely scenario, they knew, but they wanted to hope.

Violet was pleasantly surprised when she walked into Hogwarts and found a certain blonde boy waiting for her. He stood to the side, leaning against the wall by the stairs that lead down to Hufflepuff house. His arms were crossed and he was staring right at her, a coy smile playing on his lips.

"We'll meet you later." Aimee said, pulling Violet's attention away from the boy.

"Yes, thanks. See you in a bit." She left her friends as they went downstairs, stopping beside Draco as he continued to stare. She dropped her bag at their feet, leaning her shoulder against the wall.

"Hey." He said, "Have a good holiday?"

"Yeah," She nodded, "I enjoyed seeing my parents. I miss them quite a bit when I'm here too long."

He huffed out a dry laugh, his eyes darting away from her, "Must be nice to have someone to miss and someone that misses you."

"Sorry, Draco, I wasn't thinking-" She knew how horrible his father was, and how little he interacted with his mother. He didn't have any real family to return home to.

"Don't." He cut her off, shaking his head, "Shouldn't have said anything."

Violet moved closer, until their arms were pressed together and faces a breath apart, "Please don't, I like it when you're honest with me. Besides, I missed you, for whatever that may be worth."

He didn't mean for it to slip out, but ever so quietly he said, "It means a lot coming from you."

She smiled warmly, then she let her head fall onto his shoulder. They watched the other students milling around, talking to their friends and heading to their separate houses. They stayed like that for a while, until the halls were empty and their legs tired from standing so long.

Finally, she straightened, unsurprised to find Draco already watching her, "So, did anything eventful happen?"

Draco hesitated for a long moment, wanting to tell someone about the odd encounter he'd had but not wanting to sound nuts either.

"What is it?" She prompted.

"Nothing, just... Goyle and Crabbe were acting odd the other day. Goyle was wearing glasses, said they were for 'reading'." Despite the skepticism in his voice, Violet couldn't help but laugh a little.

"Goyle isn't allowed to read?"

"It's not just that!" He argued, "Their voices were... different. They just weren't like themselves. They wanted to know what I thought about Potter being the Heir."

It was Violet's turn to hesitate, "What specifically did they say?"

"They asked if I knew who was behind it. I don't know how many times I have to tell them I don't know before they get it into their thick heads." Draco scoffed.

"Draco..." Violet wanted to tread carefully, a concerning thought taking root, "What sort of glasses was Goyle wearing?"

"Why's that matter?" He questioned, "They were round, I think."

"Oh, dear." Violet sighed. She was worried before holiday that Harry was going to do something dumb, but she didn't think he had it in him to do something so reckless, "Draco, I'll see you later, alright?"

She took off down the stairs, wanting to drop her things off in her dorm before tracking down Harry.

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"Harry Potter!" Violet's voice rang out through the hall as she chased the boy and his friends down. They were alone, all the other students already in the Great Hall for lunch. Harry turned around, eyes widening at the furious look on the girls face.

"Hey, Violet." He waved lamely.

"Tell me you didn't do something as stupid as disguising yourself at Goyle to interrogate Draco?!" She stopped in front of the trio, looking only at Harry. He looked to Hermione for help.

"I don't know what you think you know, Violet, but we would never..."

"Save it, Hermione." Violet took a deep breath to calm herself, "I know you think Draco is the Heir, but why would you do something so reckless? What would you have done had you been caught?" She looked at each of the three Gryffindors, waiting for a response.

"We needed to know what he knew!" Ron argued, "It's not like we can trust anything he says."

"Well trust me when I say, it's not him." She glared at the redhead, who only glared back.

"Violet, it wasn't personal." Hermione reasoned, "Does he know?"

"No, I don't think he even suspects it. After all, how would a couple of second years manage a transformation on themselves?" Violet sighed again, her anger turning to curiosity, "How did you manage it?"

"Polyjuice Potion," Hermione explained, "It took a while to brew, but it wasn't so hard."

"Impressive!" Violet was shocked. The Polyjuice Potion wasn't taught until Fourth-Year potions, so for a Second-Year to do it successfully? Though, Violet supposed that if anyone could do it, it would be Hermione.

"Thank you." Hermione smiled proudly, "Now, if that's all, we have some place to be."

Violet shrugged and turned on her heel to leave, heading towards the Great Hall for lunch.

She contemplated rather she should tell Draco what she had learned. Despite the impressive feat Hermione had with the potion, it still felt like a violation for Draco to not know who he was actually speaking to. But, on the other hand, if he knew he'd been speaking to Harry and Ron, who knew what he'd do in retaliation.

She didn't want to cause any more fighting, especially with how bad the tensions between the houses already were. So she decided not to tell her friend about what she'd learned, or anyone for that matter. If that's what it took for Harry and the others to finally believe Draco wasn't the Heir or the one behind the attacks, then fine, Violet would just let it be.

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Year Two: Parseltongue

Chapter List WC: 1,535

Every student around Violet tensed up and started muttering, moving back away from the table. Whatever Harry was saying seemed to cause the snake to stop moving, but then it turned to face Justin Finch-Fletchly, a second-year Hufflepuff. It suddenly moved towards him, hissing in it's face. Everyone around them froze as the snake turned back to stare at Harry.

"Vipera Evanesca." Snape's voice was hard as he spoke the spell, causing the snake to burn away.

"What are you playing at?!" Justin shouted at Harry. Harry only stared at Justin, a confused expression on his face.

Harry looked at both the professors before rushing out of the hall, Hermione and Ron running after them.

"What was that?" Violet questioned, looking to Hannah and Aimee, who both had terrified expressions.

"He's a Parselmouth..." Aimee responded, "He speaks Parseltongue."

Violet snapped her fingers in front of Aimee's face, capturing her full attention, "I don't know what that means."

"Parseltongue," Hannah explained, "He can talk to snakes. It's a very, very rare gift that very few people have. It's typically only Slytherins that can speak it..."

"I told you he was the Heir!" Justin was suddenly beside them, fear in his voice, "I told you, didn't I?!"

"Yes, I believe you now, Justin." Hannah answered.

"What? You think Harry's the Heir because he can speak to snakes?" Everyone was in shock, she decided. Surely they weren't thinking clearly, "How do you know he didn't just warn the snake away?"

"Are you mad?" Justin snapped at her, "You saw it! He was obviously telling it to attack!"

"But it didn't attack, now did it?!" Violet snapped back.

"Okay, let's go!" Aimee drug Violet out of the hall by her arm, the two of them escaping the chaos.

Once in the hall, the two girls moved to the side as the rest of the students exited. They waited for Hannah, who was still speaking to Justin.

Suddenly a pair of grey eyes were in front of Violet's, causing her to stumble back. 

"What gives?" She demanded, until she realized it was only Draco. Then she shouted, "What was that?!"

"What was what?" He snapped back, "The fact that your little mate is a Parseltongue?!"

"Why'd you spell a snake at him? And how was I to know he's a Parselmouth?! I didn't even know what that was until five minutes ago!"

"Oh, right! You've been defending him all year, so surely you knew something!"

Draco was in Violet's face now, his anger overwhelming. Before Violet could respond, Draco was thrown back away from her. 

Violet blinked up at Cedric, who was seething in anger. His hands were fisted at his sides, "Don't you ever get near her again."

"Cedric!" She shoved past him, kneeling beside Draco, who was laid out on the ground, blinking up at the ceiling, "Draco? Draco! Did you hit your head? Look at me."

"You- you can't be serious." Cedric stuttered, "After what he just did, how could you possibly-"

"Alright, Cedric, I think they get it." Aimee pulled the boy back by his arm, guiding him down the stairs, "We should go."

Cedric was still muttering as they left. Violet was still sat beside Draco, who was sat up and mentally cursing Cedric. For the moment his anger was forgotten. 

"I'm fine, stop fussing." He gently pushed Violet's hands away, which had been feeling the back of his head for any injury, "Violet, really!"

"Sorry, I just wanted to make sure." Then she smacked him on the shoulder, "And that's what you get for coming at me like that! I had no idea about Harry, Draco. But even so, I don't think he meant any harm."

His tone was a mixture of intrigue and frustration, "How could you defend him?"

"The same way I defend you; I truly believe you're both innocent."

Draco pushed up to his feet, holding out a hand to help Violet up. He couldn't think of anything to say, so he just let his eyes roam over her face. Her brows were furrowed, her eyes focused on him. No matter how much time they spent together, she still couldn't fully figure him out. One moment he was kind and gentle, the next angry and deceiving. 

He left without another word. Violet would've taken it personally, but she knew by now that that was just how he was. 

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18th December, 1992, Friday

Violet was on her way out of the library, having spent most of the evening with Draco, when she stopped at the entrance. Some of the other Hufflepuffs, Hannah included, were having a not-so-quiet conversation at the table around the corner. She saw Harry a little bit away, listening to the conversation. She thought she'd ask if he was alright, then she heard what the others were saying.

Ernie Macmillan, a fellow Hufflepuff second year, was saying, "Well, Justin let it slip to Potter that he was Muggle-born."

Another second year, whose name Violet didn't know, asked, "And you think Potter's the Heir of Slytherin?"

"I know." Ernie responded, "He's a Parselmouth. Everyone knows that's a mark of a dark wizard. Have you ever heard of a decent one that could talk to snakes?"

"They called Slytherin himself serpent-tongue." Violet was surprised Hannah joined the conversation. She knew her friend thought Harry the Heir, but she wasn't usually a gossip.

After another minute, Violet had heard enough. Harry must've too, because he stormed off. Violet went after him, following him through the back halls. They were heading towards the Hufflepuff house, it seemed. She caught up to him in what she thought was an empty hall, as he paused in the middle of it.

"You alright, Harry?" He didn't seem to notice her presence, as he stood in the middle of the hallway. She looked around him then, noticing Nearly Headless Nick floating there, unmoving. Then, to her horror, she saw Justin laying on the ground. Both the boy and ghost had been petrified.

Harry kneeled in front of Justin, reaching out to touch him.

"Merlin's beard, Harry! What happened?!"

He jumped slightly, turning back to look at her, "It wasn't me!"

"Well, obviously." She rolled her eyes, stepping closer. Justin's face was frozen in terror, his eyes and mouth wide, arms out in front of him, and skin pale.

Just then, Filch rounded the corner, observing the scene quickly, "Caught in the act. I'll have you out this time, Potter."

Harry and Violet whipped around, their pleas falling on deaf ears. As Filch departed, Harry moved to the wall of windows, watching something. Violet leaned forward to see what it was. She nearly screamed when she saw the line of spiders crawling out.

Filch and Professor McGonagall rounded the corner. McGonagall let out a gasp, moving around to observe Nick and Justin, then she turned to Violet.

"You're alright?" The Professor patted the girls shoulders and arms, as if checking to make sure, then she turned to Harry when she was content that Violet was unharmed.

"Professor," He tried, "I swear I didn't."

"This is out of my hands, Potter." Despite her words, her tone was sympathetic. Violet wasn't the only one who believed Harry was innocent.

"Return to your dormitory immediately, Ms. Ellis." McGonagall said, not giving the girl a chance to defend Harry. She watched Violet's every move until she was out of sight.

Violet was out of breath when she entered her dorm, having ran the whole way there. Aimee and Caroline both looked up, startled. She was surprised to find Hannah there, too.

"It's Justin! And Nearly Headless Nick!" She gasped, "They've been petrified!"

"What?!" The girls jumped up, rushing towards to Violet.

Violet told them everything. Or, rather, almost everything. She might've changed the story just enough to have her friends believe that Harry and Violet had been walking together. She didn't want to give them any further reason to believe he's the Heir.

"I can't believe it!" Hannah was shaking her head, "I feel sorry that you and Harry heard that, but surely you understand, Violet?"

"I don't like it, but yes, I do." Violet didn't want to admit it, but she fully understood why so many believed it was Harry.

"Poor Justin." Aimee sighed, "At least we leave for holiday in a few days, then we won't have to worry about anyone else being attacked."

"Sure," Caroline scoffed, "Until we have to come back."

"Not helping," Violet snapped, tired of her friend's bad attitude. 

Caroline glared at the girl, turning on her heel and stomping back to her bed, "Whatever, Violet. I'll be down in the common room if you need me." The last part was pointed at Aimee and Hannah, but Violet only shrugged it off.

Once Caroline was out of the room, Aimee quirked an eyebrow at Violet, "What's with you two?"

Violet shrugged, "I honestly don't know anymore."

Hannah shook her head, dropping onto her bed, "Well, I hope you two make up soon. It'll be a long few months when we get back from holiday if you two are still fighting."

Violet couldn't agree more. It seemed like she and Caroline never got along anymore. It wasn't for a lack of trying; Violet had tried to apologize to Caroline for her behavior, for skipping out on her and starting arguments over the topic of the Heir, but Caroline just never seemed to care. Violet had given up trying. She didn't want to lose her friend, but she didn't want to keep fighting either.

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