#hogwarts mystery Fictober

[thesongthesoulsings]

Bloodstained Silk

Summary: Silk is beautiful, as is the artful magical snow falling from Hogwarts' Great Hall ceiling. It takes malevolence to willfully destroy beauty and its ultimate form - Life. The poisoning of Aesop Sharp's Fiancée and colleague Katherine Salazar at the Yule Ball turns into a mystery. A short fanfiction for the Fictober 2023 Prompt - "Don't worry, I got you".

Link to Ao3

Pain, all she could feel was pain, while she coughed up blood. She had survived so many missions just to die from poison. Tears started running down her face; a hand pressed against her mouth, while another lifted the dress she was wearing, up enough from the ground to aid her running.  

She had to at least try to get her hands on a Bezoar – giving up without a fight was not an option. Aesop came to mind and a sob - accompanied by more of her red life force - left her. The thought of “I will be missing him” seemed so irrational, since she would not miss anyone once she was gone. Even if she, by God’s grace, would be welcomed into paradise, there would be no tears and no pain. Nevertheless, she could not let go of the pain she was feeling now when she thought about never seeing Aesop again.  

Struggling to breathe, she sought hold on the wall of the corridor. There was no way of reaching the Hospital Wing in time, she felt the nearing end. Having left the Yule Ball to get some fresh air, after the onset of uneasiness, had put her at a disadvantage. The smartest thing she could think of doing in that panic-driven moment was to run into the Great Hall – where the festivities were taking place – and throw herself at Headmaster Black’s mercy. He was the only one who could apparate in the Castle, holding the last glimpse of hope regarding her survival in his hands.  

It wasn’t far to the Great Hall anymore, but it seemed like an eternity. She felt like she would faint every second, while stumbling through the Castle. Red vital fluid found its way through the fingers at her mouth, falling onto the already bloodstained silk of her dress. What had been a beautiful light green piece of art, was now a horrifying tale of suffering.  

The students she saw, once she was close to reaching the gigantic doors of the Great Hall, screamed when they laid eyes on her – their voices mingling in pure chaos. She could barely speak and thinking clearly was becoming more and more difficult, not just due to her panic. It was an instinctive decision made within seconds, when she grabbed one of the students with pleading eyes.  

“Headmaster... Black... Get him...”  

Trying to get air to fill her lungs resulted in more coughing.  

The boy she had asked for help – a young man of the seventh year; Hufflepuff, if she remembered correctly – hurried back into the Hall. She saw a glimpse of his blonde hair while her body sank to the ground; all strength leaving her.  

The touchingly beautiful violin music coming from the Hall was accompanying her impending demise in a stark contrast of festive spirit, as if a villain had written the play she was partaking in, celebrating her doom. Concentrating on the mesmerizing composition of intertwining sounds she fell into an otherworldly sphere where everything was veiled in calm confusion and blurry sight. The spirit in her started laying down to rest, inviting her sweetly to close her eyes.  

Feeling unconsciousness stretching its arms out for her, she heard Black’s voice and confident hands on her shoulders. Everything seemed so far away – neither the blood running down her chin, nor the single tear leaving the corner of her eye, or the words spoken to her registered in her foggy mind. She barely felt something being pressed to her lips, before clarity started to return slowly like a spirit of light filling a darkened room to gift one knowledge that had been hidden before.  

Black’s serious face looked down at her, eyes betraying his usual uncaring mask. She heard Aesop speaking – Aesop! One last look at him, she begged internally, just one last look at him before I have to leave.  

Black left her field of view, making place for the Potions Master who gently cupped her face with one hand to probe her mouth open with his thumb, placing a Bezoar in her mouth with the other. Swallowing with the strength left in her she took in her fiancé. She noticed that his calm demeanor was a façade hiding the panic rampaging in him, despite her confused state. His dark eyes moved quickly, his jaw was tightened, his mouth pressed together bitterly. Now she felt tears leave her eyes. What a handsome man he was, even in distress. He should not suffer once she was gone, the thought alone was unbearable.  

“Don’t leave me, Katherine.” His words, a mere whisper, made her attempt to shake her head – she was unsure if she had succeeded. Lips touched her forehead, before they were replaced by his. His hair darkened everything in her vision, lulling her to close her eyes once more. This time it felt different – she did not feel as if life was leaving, or unconsciousness inviting her.   

“You won’t lose this fight. You cannot lose this fight, Kate. I’m here and I’ve got you.”, he paused before repeating; his voice heavy, “Don't worry, I got you."  

His words tucked at her mouth, forming a tired smile. She noticed his very own scent once more – warm and masculine. Breathing was easy and the panic, as well as lethargy, was gone. Her hands found their way into Aesop’s hair, gratefulness and immense relief filling her. She had survived.  

“You did... you do.” Her voice was raspy – the coughing from the poison having taken a toll on her throat.  

Straightening, he looked down at her, the same relief she felt to be seen on his face. She corrected herself mentally – she could see it on his face, but she doubted others could. His face did not tend to give too much away in the presence of others. Taking a look at their surroundings, she noticed that she had been taken to the Hospital Wing. Black was standing nearby, talking to Noreen Bailey – the matron – sending looks her way with furrowed brows.  

“Take this.”  

Aesop’s hand helped her into a sitting position, holding up a glass of water with the other one. Taking a few sips, the witch looked down at the wizards’ hand resting on her bloodstained silk clad leg.  

“Thank you.” Sharp’s confusion was apparent, even though he nodded shortly. “Thank you for saving me”, she paused, “and for the water”, she paused anew, “and for your love.”  

His eyes glimmered with unshed tears. He had feared, she saw it now clearer than before.  

He swallowed visibly, his hand squeezing her leg as far as he could through the layered fabric.  

His verbal silence left her room to direct more words at him, her lips quivering.  

“I just wanted to see your face one last time and hoped you would not suffer once I was gone. Forgive me for not having fought more.”  

Something in him seemed to break. His head lowered, as if to hide the tears threatening to fall, and proud shoulders suddenly didn’t seem so proud anymore. Strong arms encircled her without care for the other two people present.  

The silence embracing them held for a while before he regained his composure enough to mutter into her elegantly curled hair – ensuring only she could hear him.  

“I would have suffered unbearably and I’m not willing to let you go, Katherine, I just cannot. The world without you is a place so dark I do not want to fight it on my own.” His arms strengthened their hold before letting go completely, a hand of his caressing one of her tears away.  

She looked up into his face – which seemed unmovable again. His whole demeanor appeared as if he was made of steel. She knew that posture: He was ready to kill.  

“I will find out who is trying to take your life, and I will take his instead.” 

[hphm-fictober]

Here is the list of prompts for Fictober 2020. Feel free to use this or any other fictober/inktober prompts from this year or previous years. Don’t forget to tag this account (using @) and to indicate from which list of prompts the prompt you used comes from. Past prompt lists can be found HERE.

You have more than the month of October to complete these. As far as I’m concern, you can complete them whenever. This list is mostly so that writers don’t feel excluded while Inktober is going on. Fics, blurbs, headcanons, dialogues; all are accepted. If you have any questions, feel free to DM @mizutoyama​ .

Travel

Wonderful

Red

Desire

Change

Wind

Sorrow

Learning to fly

Time

If I didn’t have you

Starlight

Victory

Duel

Ice Cream

Monster

Dessert

Library

Heartbeat

See you again

Party

Enchanted Evening

I’m sorry

Training

My way

Mystery

Dangerous

If Only

Rotten

Not what it seems

Something wicked…

This is Halloween

[rosapeachhogwartsmystery]

Focus and Balance are the Key to Succes (Fictober day 3 - fem!Reader x Orion Amari)

Masterlist  (To view my Masterlist, visit my Tumblr page)

Words: 3k

HPHM Fictober Prompt day 3: Quidditch

Summary: Keeping up with everything is hard when you are dealing with the Cursed Vaults, Detention, Curse-Breaking activities and Quidditch. However, Orion seems to know the answer to your struggles. If only you could actually figure out how to focus and keep your balance…

@hphm-fictober

_______________________________________________________

“Are you feeling unbalanced today, Y/N?”

  You looked towards the Quidditch Captain, who also was one of the other Chasers on the team: Orion Amari. It was like he always seemed to know something was up, even though he might express it quite vaguely most of the times.

“Is it that obvious?” You asked him, raising an eyebrow at him.

“Your thoughts seem to be elsewhere. It’s not hard to see someone is distracted by something.” Orion said honestly. “Besides, your face was kind of giving it away.”

You blinked, wondering what he meant.

“The frown on your face that keeps appearing when you are thinking. I have seen that one before.”

Oh, you must have been frowning when you were thinking about the recent events. It was hard to combine everything. You were trying to keep your grades up; you were working on finding the next Vault and you sometimes had detention in the Kitchens. It definitely wasn’t easy to keep up with everything.

“There it is again, are you sure you are up to play the match tomorrow?” Orion asked, sounding slightly concerned.

You quickly nodded. “Of course! Sorry, I will focus during the rest of our practice.”

“Good, because your focus and balance are what we need during our match tomorrow.” He gave you a small smile before he called everyone over for the Quidditch Friendly.

  The Quidditch Friendly went all right, but you knew you were probably a bit off. You could see Skye and Orion giving you some glances every now and then. You wondered if they were glancing at you because they were annoyed or worried. You wouldn’t be surprised if it was in annoyance.

Once you were dressed in your regular clothing, you looked at your broom and Quidditch robes. Maybe it was foolish to think you could do combine everything you wanted to do. Maybe playing Quidditch was just too much this year. When you first joined the team, you didn’t have to deal with detention and the things you had to do for the Cursed Vaults seemed to be less intense and less dangerous.

Perhaps you needed to quit?

“Y/N, I know you have got a lot on your mind, but could you try to clear your mind a bit more tomorrow?”

You turned around and saw Skye Parkin standing behind you, rubbing the back of her neck a bit. “Sorry, Skye. I will do better tomorrow.”

“It’s fine, I just want us to win the match against Rath, you know? And if you are too distracted, she might play a little rougher just to knock your off your broom…” Skye grimaced a little. “I don’t think Orion and the rest of the team will like it to see another player with a Quidditch injury after playing against Rath.”

“Well… I suppose that makes sense. She has tried to do such a thing before.”

  “Good, I mean, you know how she plays Quidditch.” Skye said and then she grabbed her stuff. “I will see you tomorrow, Y/N.”

“Yeah, I will see you tomorrow.” You said before she left the Quidditch dressing room. You sighed softly and then you grabbed your stuff. You were ready to go back to your Common Room and probably head to bed.

On your way back to the Castle, you were once again thinking about everything that was going on this year. It was definitely going to a hard year. You would have to take your O.W.L.s, go to detentions in the Kitchen once in a while, breaking the Portrait Curse, going to Professor Rakepick’s extracurricular classes to learn more spells and tricks of a Curse-Breaker and then there was Quidditch… So much to do, so little time… If only you had a Time Turner…

“Do you want to walk back to the Common Room together?”

You snapped out of your thoughts and noticed Orion was walking beside you. “You startled me, Orion.”

He grinned lightly. “Did I really?”

“You did.” You told him honestly. “I mean, I was thinking so hearing you talking to me out of the blue definitely was surprising.”

“I understand.”

  “I thought you were already back to the Common Room.” You told him.

“I was just checking if we didn’t leave anything behind at the Quidditch Pitch.” Orion said honestly. “But you didn’t answer my question.”

“What question?” You were slightly confused.

“If you wanted to walk back to the Common Room together.” He grinned. “Or did I startle you too much you didn’t hear my question back then?”

“Oh…” You said, blushing slightly. “We can walk back to the Common Room together, I mean, we are in the same house, aren’t we? We would have to go the same way anyways.”

“That’s true, although, I thought I should ask, because you were pretty distracted by your own thoughts.”

“Maybe a bit too much distracted…” You mumbled softly.

“Everyone can be too distracted by something from time to time. You just need to learn how to manage these distractions and make sure you can still focus on the things that are important to you.” Orion said with a smile. “Basically, it’s all about finding your focus and balance.”

“Are you saying balance and focus are always the answer…?” You raised an eyebrow.

“In a sense, yes. I think they are quite helpful to keep things in order and make someone at ease.”

  “Anyways, we haven’t talked a lot this year, Y/N.” Orion pointed out.

You blinked a little again, feeling confused again. “What do you mean? We talk every Quidditch practice.”

“I meant as your friend, not your Quidditch Captain.” He gave you a serious look. “I know you have been busy with other things like the Cursed Vaults, but you haven’t been talking about how you are feeling. Your mental wellbeing is just as important as your physical wellbeing.”

“I’m fine, Orion. I’m just busy, that’s all…”

Orion didn’t seem to believe you, but didn’t say anything about it. The rest of the walk to the Common Room was quiet. You knew you weren’t telling him the truth, but what would he do with the information you give him? It’s not like he could just change everything. This year was just stressful and you would just have to figure out how to manage it.

When you both reached the Common Room, you were ready to immediately go to your dormitory. Before you could go, Orion grabbed your hand.

“You can talk to me if you feel like it, Y/N.” He said honestly. “Also, get some good rest, okay?”

You nodded to him, giving him a small smile before you headed to your bed.

___________________

“It’s time for one of the most important matches of the year! The Y/H team versus the O/H team! Definitely a 93.3% chance of edge-of-your-seat excitement!” McNully’s voice was heard throughout the Quidditch Pitch. You could hear the excitement in his voice, knowing he was rooting for your team. “Madam Hooch is about to kick off the match. Both teams look eager to get underway.”

Madam Hooch walked onto the field and looked at both teams. “I want a nice, clean game from all of you.” She said before the trunk opened and the balls flew out of it.

“The Bludgers are up, followed by the Golden Snitch.” McNully said before Madam Hooch threw the Quaffle in the air. “And the game begins!”

You, Skye and Orion were ready to get the Quaffle before the other Chaser would get their hands on it.  You just hoped you would keep your head in the game. You managed to get a good night rest, but you couldn’t really control your thoughts that well. Especially when more and more students were getting trapped in the Portraits.

“Y/N Y/L/N has the Quaffle, will she score?” McNully said when you caught the Quaffle.

You dodged some of the other players and then you scored.

“10 points for Y/H!” McNully said excitedly. This meant your team was in lead right now.

  If looks could kill someone, Erika Rath would probably have killed you with that glare she gave you. Luckily, you didn’t have to look at her face for too long. Your teammates were giving you smiles and some thumbs up. If things are going right the rest of the match, your team might win.

You quickly had to focus on getting the Quaffle again, so you, Orion or Skye could score again. It was only the beginning of the game; a lot of things could change throughout the game. You couldn’t afford thinking about anything else besides the match, because it was way too intense and you would make mistakes if you did. Things were going fast and you needed to think fast if you wanted to have a shot. After a few years of playing, you definitely realised that.

You definitely were saved a couple of times by the Beaters of your team. They definitely had to work hard with Rath out there. Rath might not always play too nice, but she definitely wasn’t a bad Beater. She just happens to hit Bludgers well enough to seriously injure other players from time to time.

  Skye flew next to you. “Keep an eye on Rath. She doesn’t seem too happy about our team being in the lead.” She told you seriously.

“I have noticed that.” You told her, before you both were trying to get the Quaffle out of the hands of the O/H Chasers. It definitely wasn’t an easy match. You just hoped no one of the team would get injured, because it would definitely would lower the chances of your team winning the match. Unless the Seeker of your team would catch the Snitch soon.

“Skye Parkin has the Quaffle and she passes it to Y/N Y/L/N….” McNully commentated on what was happening now.

You once again had the Quaffle in your position and then you passed it to Orion, who seemed to be in a better position to score.

“Y/N Y/L/N passes it to Captain Orion Amari.” McNully said, sounding a bit excitedly.

You definitely felt confident Orion would score another 10 points. You kept your eyes on Orion, always enjoying to watch him fly so smoothly to the goals.

“Watch out!”

You turned your head when you heard Skye warning you, but you were too late to do anything. A Bludger hit your shoulder, making you lose your balance. You fell from your broom, losing your conscious when you hit the ground.

___________________

You slowly opened your eyes, knowing you passed out during the match. You were certain you were in the Hospital Wing, like most players who got injured during their Quidditch matches.

“Finally, I was wondering how much longer you would be out.” Skye said with a grin.

“She did make quite a fall, Skye…” Penny said honestly and then she gave you a concerned look. “Are you feeling a little okay? How is your shoulder?”

Oh, that’s right. The Bludger hit your shoulder. You flinched when you slightly moved your shoulder. “Just… Peachy…” You said, gritting your teeth a bit, to prevent your self from yelling in pain.

“Madam Pomfrey will probably ask you to take a Potion to mend your bones.” Skye said with a small smile. “It tastes awful, but it’s a lot better than a Skele-Gro potion.”

“Skye, I don’t think that will make Y/N feel better…” Penny said softly.

“Ah, relax Penny. Y/N is used to me talking like this.” Skye winked. “Besides, she has had Bludger against her face before. Injuries happen during Quidditch and I think Rath could have injured her a lot worse if she had been in a better position.”

“Skye is right, she has injured people a lot worse.” You told Penny honestly.

  “You were doing pretty well during the match, Y/N.” McNully said with a smile. “The chances you had during the match were pretty high. I think about 93.3%. Too bad you only had like 3.3% chance to dodge the Bludger Erika Rath sent your way.”

“Yeah, I don’t think you would have been able to dodge that one. I mean, you just passed the Quaffle to Orion and Rath had hit the Bludger in your direction a second after you passed the Quaffle.” Skye said honestly. “Although, you probably should have kept a better eye on Rath when you played the Quaffle to Orion.”

“Don’t be too hard on her, Skye. She did well.” Orion said with a smile. “I mean, we still won the match.”

“Oh, that’s good!” You said excitedly, although you regretted it a second later. You winced, feeling your shoulder again.

Madam Pomfrey quickly hurried over to you and asked everyone to get out of the Hospital Wing for now. “Miss Y/L/N will be able to head before you know it.”

You noticed Orion gave you a sweet smile and a wink before they headed out of the Hospital Wing, making you wonder what that was about.

  Madam Pomfrey performed a couple more tests and then she gave you some potions that would make you feel better. You would have to wait and rest a couple of hours in the Hospital Wing before you were allowed to leave again. Waiting to leave the Hospital Wing made you wonder about some things. Why did Orion just wink at you? And why were you staring at him when you passed the Quaffle at him? Sure, you liked watching Orion play, but did you ever stare like that at him before? Also, you were certain he has never winked at you before either. It was pretty confusing…

All this thinking about Orion almost made you forget about the Vaults and everything else. Perhaps it was one of Orion’s techniques to keep your head in the game? He asked you to focus during the game so you would keep your balance. You still did think about the Portrait Curse, but it was less than during your practice and Quidditch Friendly. Also, it didn’t explain why you seemed to be distracted by your own Quidditch Captain and friend… There must have been something you overlooked.

Late in the afternoon, you were free to leave the Hospital Wing again. Your shoulder was feeling slightly sore, but it wasn’t broken anymore. Madam Pomfrey asked you to be a little careful with your shoulder for at least a day. You supposed that would be fine, because you wouldn’t have a Quidditch Practice soon.

As soon as you walked out of the Hospital Wing, you were startled again. “Hello, Y/N.”

“Orion, are you trying to startle me on purpose?” You said when you turned to him.

“Not really, but you are easily startled when you are thinking so deeply.” He said with a grin. “I can almost see the thoughts that are crossing your mind.”

“You just happen to find me whenever I am thinking a lot, Orion.” You rolled your eyes with a small grin.

“I suppose that is true. But maybe that’s a good thing.”

You blinked a bit. “Why would that be a good thing?”

“It might prevent you from overthinking things, Y/N.” He said honestly. “I’m not saying thinking deeply about things are a bad thing, but you tend to think a lot of things and be pretty stressed about it.”

“Well, not everyone can be as relaxed as you are, Orion.” You said with a sigh.

  Orion chuckled softly. Did you say something stupid? Why was he laughing? Oh Merlin, you probably said something stupid…

“It’s not like I am never stressed about something, Y/N. I just have found a good way to deal with it.” He said with a sweet smile. “There is no need for you to look so embarrassed.”

Embarrassed? Did you look embarrassed?

“Your cheeks, they are red.”

You put your hands on your cheeks, feeling they were indeed warm. You were like an open book, your face definitely showed everyone what you were thinking.

“It kind of suits you, Y/N.” He said with another smile. “It makes you look pretty cute.”

Cute?! Did he just say blushing makes you look cute?

“Why are you so surprised? I mean, you are pretty cute in general.” Orion grinned.

You were still blushing and then you rolled your eyes. “Very funny, Orion. I almost fell for your words.”

“You don’t believe what I said?”

You gave Orion a look like you were saying ‘are you serious?’ “Of course not. I’m basically the opposite of cute. Who would think someone who is busy with solving the Mysteries around the Cursed Vaults is cute? If anything, you must think I am a complete lunatic!”

  “I suppose that means I am a complete lunatic as well.” Orion said seriously.

You shook your head. “No, you are not.”

“Well, I must be one if the person I fancy is a complete lunatic.” Orion said with a grin.

…..

“Excuse me… Did you say you fancy me?” You asked him looking even more surprised.

“What else could I have meant, Y/N?”

Your face became flushed and you just stared at him.

“So, it is possible for your cheeks and face to look even more red.” Orion grinned.

You began hiding your face against your hands. “Shut up…” You muttered.

“Does this mean you fancy me too, Y/N? Or do I have to prove it to you I actually fancy you?” Orion definitely sounded amused.

“Knowing you, I think you are actually being serious right now…” You said, still hiding your face.

Orion laughed softly and then he gently wrapped his arms around you. “You seem to get it right now.”

You took a deep breath and then you wrapped your arms around him too, relaxing slightly.

“That’s better, there is no need to be so tense and embarrassed around me.” He chuckled.

  You slowly looked up at him and pouted. “I wouldn’t be so embarrassed and tense if you didn’t keep surprising me like this…”

“I can’t help the fact you are surprised so easily by my words.” Orion laughed softly. “I don’t know whether to feel flattered or not.”

“That’s up to you.” You said with a grin.

[alice-beaumont-ravenclaw]

One Step Closer

A/N #1: 2000 words... Short fics are not my strong suit these days. Oh well. This is part 4 of my Celestial Ball series. The title and part of the story is inspired by this song. You can listen to it if you want to, but it won’t take away anything from the story if you don’t. (Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3)

-----------------------------------------------------

A few days after Charlie had asked her to the ball, Alice and her friends entered an empty classroom. Well, almost empty. In the middle of the room stood Merula and a boy Alice had seen when she had classes with Hufflepuff. Said boy walked toward them.

"Diego! Thank you so much for helping us with our dancing," exclaimed Penny as she saw the boy.

"No problem, Penny. It always makes Diego happy to help out a pretty lady," he said, kissing the back of her hand.

"Does he always talk about himself in the third person?" whispered Rowan.

"Most of the time, yes," whispered Tonks, rolling her eyes.

"Why is Merula here?" grumbled Alice, her jaw clenched.

"Because he asked me to be his dance partner since I'm a pretty good dancer. I'm sure you have two left feet, Beaumont," said Merula, snickering.

"Now, now, Merula. That attitude may work during a duel, but a dancer has to be full of grace, and it is not a very graceful attitude. If you're not nicer, Diego will find a new partner," said Diego, looking sternly at Merula, who nodded, rolling her eyes.

"Diego takes two things seriously: dancing and duelling," whispered Penny to her friends.

"Now," started Diego, looking at the small group in front of him, "choose a partner. Once this is done, we shall begin the lesson."

"Alice?" whispered Charlie, holding out his hand. "May I?"

"Hmm? Oh, sure!" replied Alice, taking Charlie's hand as she kept glaring at Merula.

Andre and Penny decided to team up, while Rowan quickly grabbed Bill's arm. Tulip and Tonks linked their arms together, leaving Ben and Barnaby to dance with each other.

"Well, that is unexpected, but we shall work with it," said Diego, looking at the last two couples as he took Merula's hand. "Ok, gentlemen, place your right hand on your partner's back and wrap your left hand around her right hand. Ladies, put your left hand on your partner's shoulder."

While the first three couples followed his instructions without any issues, the same-sex duos ended up in strange positions. Barnaby and Ben were holding each other's backs, while Tonks and Tulip were holding their shoulders.

"This is not how I remember waltzing," said Barnaby, looking confused.

"Ah! You have waltzed before! Good! But Diego sees he should adapt his vocabulary. Andre, Bill, Charlie, Barnaby, and Tulip shall be the leads, while the others shall be the follows. Ok? Ok," said Diego, staring at the last two couples. "So, Tulip and Barnaby, you place yourselves like the gentlemen over there, and Ben and Tonks, like the ladies."

"Why am I not the lead?" complained Tonks, pouting as she placed her hand in Tulip's hand.

"'Cause you're too clumsy to lead," pointed out Tulip, placing her right hand on Tonks' back.

"Ok, now, leads, move your left foot forward. Land softly to give the step an airy feel. Bend your left leg slightly, stepping on the ball of your foot. As the lead, you will always step forward and guide your partner," explained Diego as he demonstrated it with Merula.

For the next hour or so, he explained to the group of friends the basic steps of a waltz. Barnaby was very graceful in his dancing, very carefully leading Ben, who was nervously following along. Tonks and Tulip stopped listening to Diego at some point and started doing the hokey pokey. Rowan was staring at Bill the entire time they were dancing, making Bill feel self-conscious. Andre and Penny were the most talented, smoothly following Diego's demonstration, while gossiping at the same time.

On the other hand, Alice and Charlie were quite mechanical in their dancing, spending the entire time staring at their feet, doing each step one at a time. Merula snickered, observing them, making Alice lose her concentration. She glared at Merula, not paying attention to her steps, which led the couple to trip and fall on the ground. Merula burst out laughing.

"I see..." said Diego, observing Charlie helping Alice get up. "Very well. It is enough for today. Except for you two. Diego will give you extra lessons."

"Why? Except for the part where we fell, we followed the steps perfectly," said Alice, raising an eyebrow.

"Ah, yes, but Mr. Weasley is too nervous, and you are too rigid. Dancing is so much more than a series of steps. Dancing... is a language that is felt instead of heard," tried to explain Diego.

"That sounds like a ton of..." mumbled Tulip, before being interrupted by Alice.

"Yeah, but don't we have to make sure that we won't bump into other couples?" asked Alice.

"Yes, but if you are in tune with your surroundings, it will happen naturally. Penny and Andre danced magnificently while gossiping about two students, and they didn't bump into anyone."

"Oh, can't wait to spend more time looking at Beaumont failing miserably," snickered Merula.

"No. You are clearly a distraction, and they need guidance more than a demonstration," waving away Merula, who pouted as she left.

"Good luck," said Penny and Andre as they left.

The other couples were deemed good enough by Diego, leaving him alone wit the two prefects as the others had left. He crossed his arms, observing them. Alice shifted her weight from one leg to the other, doing her best to ignore Diego's stare as she bit her lower lip. Charlie was nervously tapping his fingers together. Diego suddenly walked toward Alice, stopping right in front of her. She stared at him, nearly cross-eyed.

"You are rigid because you are afraid," said Diego.

"Pardon?" asked Alice, frowning.

"You are afraid of not leading. As the Curse-Breaker, you have always been the leader, having people rely on you and never the other way around. That is why you are rigid. This time, you have to trust your partner, you have to let him lead, let go of your insecurities," said Diego, before turning his attention to Charlie. "As for you, you have to be confident. How can she trust you if you do not trust yourself? Now, position, and... Practice!"

And so, they started practicing again, Diego stopping them every now and then to tell one to loosen their shoulders and the other to stop looking at their feet.

"Let him lead!"

"Stop looking at your feet!"

"Give and take!"

"You are the lead! Show it!"

"Trust him!"

"Back and forth!"

They kept practicing under the strict orders of Diego until it was dark outside.

"Diego, can we stop? We have homeworks to do," pleaded Alice.

"Yes, alright. It is getting better. You can go for now, but we shall practice after class during the week,".  said Diego, nodding.

"What? Why?" asked Charlie, rubbing the bridge of his nose.

"Because not only are you doing the first dance with the other prefects, but all eyes will be on the school's celebrity: the Curse-Breaker. If people see you dancing and then learn you took lessons with me, at the stage you are now, no one will believe Diego is a great dancer," explained Diego.

"I see," said Alice, rubbing her shoulder as she started leaving the empty classroom with Charlie.

"One more thing. Next time, you should look into each other's eyes," said Diego, staring at them as they nodded before leaving.

Thus, on Monday, after class, their lessons with Diego started again, with them now having to look into the other's eyes. Both of them were so embarrassed, they kept tripping and stepping on each other's toes.

"Diego! This idea of yours just makes it worse!" exclaimed Alice, rubbing her toes while Charlie apologized.

"No! It is perfect. Nobody wants to see dancers staring at their feet. Also, it will force you to rely on Charlie. As soon as you surrender, what's inside will sweep on through, and the boundaries between you two will disappear," exclaimed Diego. "Position!"

And they continued their dancing, with a few more tumbles and toe-stepping, until it was time for dinner. The next day, Diego observed a small improvement in the couple's dancing. Their facial expressions, though, were stiff, as if staring at one another made them uncomfortable.

"Why are you nervous looking at each other? Are you not friends?" asked Diego, scratching his head.

"Yes, but staring that much into someone else's face is strange," explained Alice as Charlie nodded.

"I see... Why don't you talk while dancing? Might help you look more natural," suggested Diego.

"Won't it distract us?" asked Alice.

"Perhaps, but it will help you understand that dance is like a conversation, except you actually never need to make a sound. Just let your emotion tell your body what to do."

They followed his instruction and started talking about their day and dragons as they danced. They were looking at each other smiling, laughing, relaxed. Their basic steps were much more fluid, and so Diego decided to add some advanced steps on the next day, making them move in circle as they did their basic waltz steps. On Thursday, he taught them how to do an underarm turn while waltzing. By Friday, Diego had them dancing along to some music, teaching them how to listen to the tempo of the music so that they could follow it when they danced.

"Once the music hits you, inhibitions fall away, and you'll find that you're expressing things your voice doesn't dare to say. Don't be afraid, just let go!" said Diego as he observed them dancing around the empty classroom.

Alice and Charlie kept dancing under Diego's watchful eye until he started clapping.

"Perfect! You look much more natural now. I am proud of you! You are ready for next week!" exclaimed Diego.

"Next week?" questioned Charlie, raising an eyebrow, his hand still on Alice's back.

"Oh! Did no one tell you? McGonagall is going to teach the prefects a small choreography to do at the beginning of the waltz. I shall assist her," explained Diego.

"Will this never end," complained Alice, her left hand hanging over Charlie's shoulder as she stared at Diego.

"Not until the actual ball, no. It is not because you don't need me anymore that you can just stop practicing. You have to keep at it. And you should think about practicing with heels eventually, Miss Beaumont," said Diego, looking down at Alice's shoes.

"Why?" asked Alice, looking down at her feet.

"You don't actually plan to wear those shoes with your dress, are you?" asked Diego, looking up at Alice with his eyebrows raised.

"My dress?" said Alice, frowning. "Oh! My dress! Merlin!" she exclaimed, looking in shock at Charlie.

"What? What is it?" asked Charlie, concerned.

"I don't have an outfit! How can I choose my shoes if I don't have an outfit! Andre. I need to speak with Andre. Goodnight!" she said, looking at Charlie as she started to head out of the classroom.

"Goodnight," replied Charlie with a smile before she closed the door behind her.

"You can thank me later," said Diego, looking at his fingernails.

"About the dance lessons? No need to wait, I'm really thankful," replied Charlie, scratching his temple.

"No, no, no. While I am pleased you appreciate my lessons, I meant that you can thank me in bringing you two closers," said Diego with a small smile raising the corner of his mouth.

"Closer? We were already close," replied Charlie, frowning.

"As friends, perhaps, but Miss Beaumont seems to keep her heart behind a wall. With the dancing, I feel she has opened herself a bit more to you. I feel that she will soon realize that she actually reciprocates your feelings for her," said Diego before leaving the classroom.

Charlie was left alone with his thoughts. Thinking about the week he had spent dancing with Alice, he couldn't help but think about what Diego had said. He could be right, Charlie thought to himself smiling as he left the classroom.

--------------------------------------------------

A/N #2: I hope you enjoyed this fic. If you did feel free to leave a comment. This was inspired by the prompt “Dance” from @hphm-fictober 2019 prompts. Also, a small note about Diego. Now, when we are first introduced to him in DADA, he seemed like the cliché of the “Latin Lover”, and when Merula introduces us to him, the stereotype was somewhat reinforced. I decided to keep that side of Diego, but I think that behind that cliché, he’s very insightful, hence his conversation at the end with Charlie, and his explanation for Alice's stiffness while dancing. 

[elefseija]

HPHM Fictober Day #2: “Moonlight”

Fandom: Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery Prompt: “moonlight” Pairing: Barnaby Lee x F!MC Aisling Baskerville Genre: fluff Rating/warnings: general audience, no warnings (i mean, there’s just a kiss)~ Word Count: 960 A/N: WELL, this gives me the chance to write something I was planning on scribble sooner or later OH NO WHAT A PITY 8D beware, fluffiness!!! Once again, welcome on the Barnaby/Aisling train! I swear I’ll stop it and start writing about her interactions with other characters too! (I know this will turn out to be a character study about my Aisling but ehy, this is the first chance I have to write about her properly sooo ;; ) delivered with the lovely HTTYD OST, I suggest you listen to “Forbidden Friendship” as you read this! It delivers the cute, lovely, soft atmosphere and the perfect crescendo -chef kiss- (at least I’m good at finding the perfect inspiring music :c )

@hphm-fictober

.

.

«I swear these are the last two and the easiest, and then I’ll set you free~» Aisling softly chuckled, as she rolled onto her back once again, emerald eyes focused on the night sky – a little cloud of condensation escaped from her lips, as she tightened the blanket around her. «So, which constellation is that one?», the girl pointed a finger to a group of seven bright stars. «Orion?» Barnaby tilted his head a tad, as he squinted his eyes. «That’s right, and which is the one underneath Orion?» Aisling’s hand moved a bit, pointing to another group of six stars. «Mh-… the Great Bear!» (Her squeal left Barnaby no room to any doubt) «See? You did great, Barnaby!», she almost shouted as she happily clasped her hand, «I knew you could do it!» All the while, she quickly sat on the stone floor, looking down at the beaming Slytherin, tilting her head just a tad (like a deer listening in the wind, Barnaby would describe her). In silence, she waited for him to move, so they could go back to their dormitories: before she could speak, he just stretched out an arm on the cold pavement, a silent invitation for Aisling to just lie back with him. She did it – unconsciously, naturally. Not that she minded this bit of warmth he could provide. No that she minded staying with him all night long. Shoulder against shoulder, she resumed her lesson – among yawns and a sleepy voice. «You know, my father taught me constellations have different names in other cultures,» she started, as she rested her head against Barnaby’s chest – his thumb would slowly drawing circles on her shoulder, and her hand would lazily caress his chest, so light her grip on his sweater. «For example, in the Viking culture Orion is known as the Friggerock, the distaff of the Goddess Frigga, wife of the Allfather.» Her eyes darted to the constellation once again. «The Great Bear was known as the Hellewagen, the chariot of the Goddess of the Underworld, Hela. She travels through Yggdrasill to reach for the realm of the Dead.» Her arm sneaked again from her blanket and left Barnaby’s sweater – too caught by her own words, she did not even notice she had started to gesticulate. Animatedly. Again. «Oh, oh, and look at that! That’s Ratatosk, the squirrel who loves hoarding acorns and running on the branches, it’s our Cassiopea.» She quickly lifted her hand, pointing to the stars of the constellation. And he laughed (how sweet it sounded!), shaking his head in amusement – focused on the girl next to him and not on the stars above them. (And all the while, he could only think she could be really, really adorable. Stubborn, sometimes even bossy, but adorable, and kind, and sweet – with the most adorable blush on her cheeks and the loveliest voice whenever she tried to shy away) «Well, this one is the cutest.» Barnaby reached for Aisling’s wrist with his free hand (the rings oh so lightly gleamed in the nocturnal light), and slowly lowered it, as he lightly turned to his side – finally catching the attention of the Gryffindor girl, who was now looking at him, a questioning look on her eyes. «I love the way you explain things…», he intertwined their fingers (gently and slowly, as if she were made of glass or as if she could even refuse to touch him), «… you make them sound easier to understand.» His voice was now lower (like a purr) – the sweet tone made Aisling lift her gaze on instinct, just to meet his eyes. (Had they always been so shiny? Or was it just because of the light of the moon?) Quite too close – he was quite too close to her. «Am I?» There it came, a few seconds later, the shy reply – as she felt the heat rising to her cold cheeks. (She did try to ignore it – his gaze and his voice, the ever so light trembling of her fingers and the restlessness). «You surely are.» No more than a soft whisper, a murmur that sent pleasant shivers down her spine. (She did try again to ignore it – the fuzzy feeling pooling in her stomach, so unfamiliar yet welcome.) She forgot how to breath (how to speak, how to think) – she just closed her eyes as she felt Barnaby’s lips meeting hers. They felt warm and soft – as the first time. (And he tasted like the chocolate they had been eating earlier.) There was uncertainty - out of their inexperience, out of Barnaby’s kindness of waiting for her to decide if she wanted it or not. And she did - she gave in. Reluctantly, her hand left the warmth of Barnaby’s skin, slowly followed his arm, rested now on his neck (she felt him twitching just a bit against her cold fingertips). He was definitely bolder: his hand would now run through her hair – his other arm would follow the motion, pulling Aisling closer, flush against him. A gasp – they both pulled away (mere inches). And emerald eyes reflected on emerald eyes: they would not speak (no words were needed), just look at each other (as if the other was everything) – despite the shameful red shade on her cheeks, despite her ragged breath. Aisling’s fingers would reach for his cheek, slowly caressing the soft (warm) skin – near his lips she would stop. She could not help but smile. Without thinking, without realizing it. (Mere inches separated them – and Aisling irrationally thought for a second she could not bear to be away from him.) «You did not really need me to revision Astronomy, did you?» And then he was the one to smile. «Guilty.» He silenced her again before she could protest.

[catherinestark-hphm]

HPHM Fictober - Day 3 (a little late) @hphm-fictober

So Close + Moonlight

(I’m using the first two because on my previous fictober entries I was using the holiday prompts list but I decided to switch to their new one. I’m also skipping Quidditch for now.)

Writing style: Fanfiction

Relationship: Bill/MC [Platonic]

Summary: Right when he was finishing his Prefect patrol, Bill hears a sniffling near the kitchens.

This happens during the middle of Year 4

As Bill liked to proudly input, he was elected Prefect. He enjoyed receiving the praises from his dad and the tight hug from his mum as she proudly cried in his chest and Bill almost grinned at the memory right in the middle of his patrol if he wasn’t able to hold back.

It was almost time to return to the Gryffindor common room anyways. Sure, it satisfied him to be able to walk around the halls at night without having to fear being caught by Filch and Mrs. Norris – his shiny and polished Prefect badge was the clearance he needed.

Needless to say, Bill Weasley was happy with himself.

He was just about done too, with his patrol. He was currently in the Dungeons, hoping to not catch Tonks sneaking inside the kitchens as he passed by the entrance of them – he could smell the delicious sandwiches being made at the moment, and the sniffing echoing ahead of him.

Bill blinked and stopped walking to make sure he was hearing it correctly.

That sniffing didn’t belong in the air, at least not at this hour in the night. He followed the sound and ended up in a spiraling staircase that led into the Grand Staircase, the sniffing definitely came from at the end of the stairs, and Bill descended them as quietly as he could to avoid startling whoever was down there.

Bill was thankful that the sky was cloudless tonight because, through the gap holes that served as glassless windows, the moonlight was what lightened the path for him and he was sure he might’ve fallen without it.

Just as he realized that the student out of bed was right around the corner, Bill took a deep, silent, breath and put on a calm expression before he fully descended further to catch them.

The moonlight covered her, it was obvious now that it was a girl, body and Bill was quick to recognize that messy, silvery-white hair from behind. His calm expression shifted into a surprised one as Catherine Stark let out a startled squeak when he stepped too hard and made himself present.

She didn’t stand up, she remaining sitting at the bottom of the stairs, looking up at him with her golden eyes widened. Bill could tell that she’d been crying, her normally soulful eyes were puffy and red and he frowned at the dark circles underneath them – just how long has this been happening?

“Bill! You scared me, what are you doing here?” Catherine quickly threw at him as she attempted to casually brush her tears away with her pajama’s sleeves.

“I was about to ask you the same, Catherine,” Bill said as he walked down the stairs to stand in front of her, “I’m on Prefect duties and you know you can’t be out of bed at this hour,” if Bill was trying to sound stern, he was failing miserably. He sounded concerned instead. What Bill wanted more at the moment was ask her a million questions about her tears.

“Oh,” Catherine deflated visibly and looked at her own feet with shame, “I’m sorry, I forgot. Are you going to take points from me?”

‘I can’t even stand to see you in tears, how am I supposed to take points from you?’ Bill thought as he internally groaned.

“No, I won’t. But… why are you here?” he asked, trying to sound just surprised and not too worried.

And why on Merlin are you crying by yourself? He screamed in his mind. Either he wanted to admit it or not, Catherine Stark has become a constant presence in his life every since two years ago and he was beginning to see her like a little sister – he loved Ginny, of course, his seven-year-old sister was important to him – but seeing this girl, who was only two years younger than him, that seek his help to fight the Ice Knight, faced almost death itself just because she was desperate to find her real brother and because she wanted to save her friends from the curse.

She showed so much selflessness only at the age of twelve, that was what it made Bill’s fondness over the girl grow each day they were together. Even when he helped her prepare for the Celestial Ball, he almost embarrassed himself by spying on her and Barnaby Lee when they were dancing together – just to make sure that Lee boy knew where to keep his hands.

To himself.

He could not control it, he was just used to having so many younger siblings that it came naturally to him. Catherine quickly became like a sister to him.

“I… had a nightmare.”

Bill was surprised at how easy she confessed that. And he certainly didn’t like her vulnerable and meek tone. From what he gathered over the time he spent with the famous curse-breaker, Catherine didn’t allow people to see her true feelings at first sight. Sure, if you were close to her you could see through her facade pretty easily – just like Bill did – but if you were a person that just met her, you wouldn’t see bollocks.

That’s why, even though Bill didn’t like to see her like this, he was genuinely relieved and happy that she trusted him enough to tell him the truth right away.

Wordlessly, he sat on the stairs next to her and glanced at her sad expression. Above them, the bright moonlight covered their bodies, illuminating the space around them only, as if they were alone under that natural light.

“You can tell me if you want to, I won’t tell a soul. But if you don’t want me to know, it’s okay,” Bill told her solemnly, and even though a very concerned part of him was begging Catherine to tell him either way, he’d respect her privacy if she wished so.

Bill didn’t react when Catherine shifted her body closer to his before she spoke, still avoiding his eyes, “I had a nightmare about my brother, about Jacob,” she started, bringing her knees up to her chest to hug them. Bill noticed how small she looked right now, a sad expression appeared on his face, “In my nightmare, I found him, but… he was dead,” Bill didn’t know if it had been because Catherine finally vented out to someone or saying it out loud made it real for her, but Bill instantly placed his arm around her shoulder when she began sobbing her heart out. He pulled her closer to him and the fourteen-year-old witch quickly hid her pained expression on his arm.

Though this was absolutely not an ideal situation, Catherine did feel a certain sense of calm having Bill so close to her right now.

He let her cry it out, using his other arm and resting his hand on her head with it, patting her gently. Bill was reminded when Ginny had the nightmare of a troll chasing her. His little sister had run straight to his room after waking up scared and Bill managed to calm her down. He had felt contented about his brotherly skills back then – but this was different.

Or maybe it wasn’t.

“It was just a nightmare,” Bill began, trying to use a gentle tone, “You know we’ll find him,” he also made sure Catherine knew she wasn’t alone in her quest, Bill might graduate next year but he was going to do his best to help, for the time being.

“I know and I feel so silly but what if he’s dead, somewhere in the castle… and if–”

“You’re not silly, and he’s not dead,” Bill cut her quickly, trying to stop those intrusive thoughts from overwhelming Catherine, “We’ll find them, and when we do, you’re going to hug him. And he’s going to tell you how much he missed you, and he’ll be so proud of you too. As I am.”

But I’m not your real big brother, so it doesn’t matter.

“You’re… proud of me?” Catherine quietly repeated.

Bill looked down to see her golden eyes looking up at him, expectantly. It was then he realized how much starved for affection from Jacob this girl was, it made Bill’s heart clench for her.

“Merlin Catherine! You bet I am!” he didn’t mean to exclaim that loud, even though he was a Prefect, Catherine might get in trouble if she’s caught (even though Bill was sure she didn’t care), so he lowered his voice at once before speaking again, “You have accomplished so much and you haven’t even taken your O.W.L.’s yet! I can already see how much of an amazing witch you’ll be in the future because you’re already brilliant in my eyes. And I’m not the only one who thinks that.”

Bill was sure he stared right into her eyes as he told her that. He needed, desperately, for Catherine to know that she was astonishing to him.

He rendered her speechless, a faint pink hue crossed over her cheeks that thankfully for Catherine, the moonlight above them wasn’t bright enough for it to be perceived.

Bill, even though he slowly became nervous when she was quiet for seconds, felt relieved when he saw her smile. And then, stunning him completely, Catherine began giggling. He didn’t know why but Bill guessed he said the right thing to make her feel better, and with that, the freckled teen began grinning at her nonstop giggling.

“What?” he asked with a good-naturedly tone.

Catherine, mid her giggling, looked at him with a bright expression, “Nothing, it’s just–” catching her breath, he patiently waited for her to calm down before she continued, “You looked like you were about to cry.”

Bill thought that he might. He was getting too old for this.

Rolling his eyes, and making her giggle even more, Bill made a motion that he was about to stand up, and Catherine let go of his arm and watched him with a grin.

“Let’s get you back to the dungeons, you deserve to be locked away for startling me,” he told her with a snarky tone before offering his arm and pulling her up when she grabbed his hand.

He led her up the stairs again, both in comfortable silence, and he could sense that Catherine felt better. And that to him was mission accomplished.

But since when it became Bill’s mission to protect Catherine Stark?

At this point, with so many siblings, he didn’t care. She already had a Weasley jumper so the young curse-breaker might as well be his bloody sister.

[lins-fandom-hub]

Fictober no. 1: not hard to forget

Day 1 of Fictober has arrived! And I have decided to take this prompt from @hphm-fictober and put a romantic spin on this.

Prompt: So Close

---

“You’re joking, right?”

“No, I’m not!”

“Wait, you’re not?”

“I can’t dance for the life of me!”

Barnaby’s goofy smile quickly turned into a frown as he looked at his girlfriend crumble and shake her head. Merlin, he knew he shouldn’t have pressed her, but the graduation ball was coming up and if there was one thing he really wanted to do with her...

It wasn’t easy to keep their relationship going with the final curse looming over their heads last year. Hell, Clara had more on her mind with the prophecy and the threats from ‘R’ and her siblings’ safeties and the emotional burdens and pressure that came with the responsibilities of being Hogwarts’ resident curse-breaker. Any average student would crumble under all of the weight, but Clara was somehow able to keep it together. Even if all of this gave them no time to be alone together, Barnaby still showed her his support--brought a blanket and a cup of hot chocolate when she was cold, hugged her when she was about to break.

The memories of their romance before the final Vault remained like ghosts haunting his mind. The Celestial Ball, the first date at Madam Puddifoot’s...to the both of them, they sounded like memories from another era, before the final curse ultimately took a toll on Clara, leaving her completely shattered.

If only Barnaby could be the glue to fix her.

Was there still time to fix her?

Barnaby wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close to him so her head buried into his shoulder. He felt her heartbeat pounding against his chest, rapid in her worry compared to the slower steadier pulse of his own.

“I can’t. I don’t want to. I...” Clara’s voice was muffled against his shirt as she spoke. “It’s hard.”

Hard to get over what happened in the Vaults, or hard to dance? It couldn’t be the latter, right?

“They almost killed me. It’s not hard to forget.”

“I know.” Barnaby softly kissed the top of her head and slowly rubbed her back with a hand. “I know.”

“They almost killed them. They almost killed...you.”

It wasn’t hard to forget.

They all went together to the last Vault, all of them. If ‘R’ wanted an army, Clara would have to bring her own, and no one backed down from the challenge despite the threat that came with the White Quill. Intended to collect, they told her. Intended to reap. The soul of a friend would mean a piece of a complete puzzle forever lost forever taken away. And Barnaby, he took a curse for her again in hopes that she still remained standing. He took a curse that made him scream in insanity.

Had it not been for the shred of sanity that remained in Rakepick, he would have been dead.

Yet he somehow remained standing. The tight circle of friends still remained whole. They won the war, but at a permanent cost--the happiness of their curse-breaker friend.

“What if they did follow through? What if they...”

“They didn’t. They won’t,” Barnaby murmured firmly into her ear. “We’re still here. I’m still here. And I’ll never leave you.”

“Just promise me you won’t try to save my life like that again,” Clara sobbed quietly into his shoulder. “I can’t forgive myself for what I’ve done to you.”

“Hey. I don’t regret it.”

“What?” Clara glanced up at him then, her brown eyes watery from tears and her glasses smudged.

“You pulled me along and I’m grateful for it. Without you, I wouldn’t have found friends. I wouldn’t have found...acceptance and love.” Barnaby reached up and took off Clara’s glasses, wiping them with the hem of his shirt and putting them back on her face. “I love every minute with you no matter what we do. I love being with you.” He reached down and picked up her hand, lacing their fingers together. “I love...you.”

For a minute, Clara remained stunned, her face turning a bright crimson with his words. Their eyes met, brown against green, and for a second she thought the entire night sky twinkled in those emerald irises of his. So close, she thought. I’ve never felt...this intimate with anyone before.

“I...”

Her heartbeat slowed the longer she stared into his eyes, the gleam of sincerity flashing before her vision, and she squeezed his hand back.

“I love you too, Barnaby Lee.”

The soft murmur was enough to bridge the gap between the eras of their romance.

“Then, if you don’t mind my asking again...”

“There’s no need to.” Clara’s lips slowly turned up in a small smile--a secret smile that Barnaby missed seeing so much. “Yes. I’ll be your date to the graduation ball.”

It wasn’t hard to forget the unforgivable things ‘R’ did to her. It wasn’t hard to forget the toll the Cursed Vaults had on her. But now, with Barnaby’s arms around her, she knew there was time to fix what was broken.

She knew there was a future...a future, with him.

[arnyan]

1. Truth or dare

A HPHM Fictober post @hphm-fictober

Tulip: Dare, I don’t like telling my secrets

MC: I dare you to answer five questions truthfully

Tulip: alright then

MC: Who’s your crush amongst the group?

Tulip: not gonna tell you that

MC: But I dared yo-

Tulip: you said to answer five questions but you never specified which questions so I will answer five questions truthfully but I can do it anytime and with any question and you won’t even know

MC: .... dammit

———————————————————————————————————

Barnaby: *explodes the table*

MC: for the last time barnaby, we’re playing truth or dare, not exploding snap

Barnaby: okay then, I dare you to play exploding snap with me ... please?

MC: ....

A few minutes later

MC: *Boom!*

Barnaby: yay!

———————————————————————————————————

Charlie: truth! I pick truth!

MC: why are you so excited about truth?

Bill: he thinks we’re gonna ask him about dragons

MC: Oh ...*sees Charlie’s innocent expectant face* ... so ... dragons huh?

Charlie: Yes!

———————————————————————————————————

Rowan: truth

MC: Who amongst the group do like least and why?

Rowan: well ‘like’ is a very vague term that connotes different forms of affection for another individual, if you meant romantic like then all of you except Bi- I mean someone is my least liked person because I like you all platonically, but if you meant platonical like then I like Bi- I mean a certain person least because technically I like them more romantically than platonically, but if you meant like in general as a person in terms of characteristics and other aspects of their personality then-

MC: I change my question! I change my question so please stop

———————————————————————————————————

Andre: Yes your fashion choices are sometimes questionable, Yes I was lying when I said you looked fine that time you asked, no I don’t think denim on denim will last, it’s just a short terrible trend and lastly Tonks, she definitely has the best fashion sense out of you lot

Everyone: ....

MC: Andre, we haven’t even asked anything yet... but wOw

———————————————————————————————————

Penny: challenge accepted!

*disappears for a bit before coming back with a very sour looking Professor snape*

MC: Penny what are you doing?

Penny: you dared me to do something impossible and I did!

MC: first of all that was a joke, second of all, why bring snape?

Penny: well we all thought it was impossible for him to hate you any more than he did but look at that, he can hate you much more!

MC: *flinching from snape’s glare* gee... thanks Penny

Penny: you’re very welcome!

———————————————————————————————————

Tonks: done

Everyone: 🤨

MC: what do you mean done? We haven’t given you a dare yet

Tonks: Yes you did, you dared me to set off dungbombs in the teacher’s lounge

Everyone: 😱

MC: we were discussing! I said what if!

Tonks: oops... I should probably hide now

MC: *hearing Snape and the other professors spouting profanity* that’s probably best

———————————————————————————————————

Ben: truth!

Ben: no dare!

Ben: wait truth!

Ben: I mean dare!

Ben: *incoherent screaming*

MC: Ben we told you that you didn’t have to play!

Ben: now you’re kicking me out?! *louder incoherent screaming*

———————————————————————————————————

MC: Truth or Dare?

Bill: dare

MC: tell the person you like that you like them

Bill: ... truth

MC: okay then, who is the person you like?

Bill: ... or

MC: get out

[honey-hufflepuff-dont-care]

Truth or Dare Fictober #1

Notes: Tonks issues a challenge. Rowan disapproves. Charlie’s got your back.

“Truth or dare?”

The whispered words crash into your periphery as you struggle to stay conscious in Binns’ class. This- somehow more than his normal lectures- is excruciating. Even Rowan looks drained, pushing her glasses up her nose and stifling a huge yawn. Beside you, Charlie has propped his head up in his hand, but his eyes are closed and every so often you feel his leg twitch against yours. Tonks looks at you expectantly from your right.

“What?”

“Truth. Or. Dare.?” she asks, punctuating each word with a mischievous look on her face.

You stare at her a moment, contemplating the merits of playing along versus trying to stay awake on your own. You glance at the front of the room where Binns stands with his back to you. He’s holding a piece of chalk against the blackboard as if to write something, but his head is down and all he’s managed is a line that slowly descends with each snore.

He’s fallen asleep.

Again.

You turn back to Tonks who grins wide in victory.

“Alright, dare,” you say.

This seems to please her greatly and you can tell she’s already got something lined up.

“I dare you to pass this through Binns without waking him up.” She thrusts a closed fist toward you then slowly rotates her wrist and opens her hand to reveal a little paper airplane. You snort, but pull your wand out of your robes and give it a flick.

Challenge accepted.

Gingerly, the plane rises off Tonk’s palm, bouncing merrily in front of you. Tonks is already beginning to crack up and uses both hands to cover her mouth. You accidently elbow Charlie when the plane swerves off course and the resounding smack! when his head hits the table almost does you in.

“What? What! I wasn’t-I’m awake. I’m-”

Tonks lets out a loud peal of laughter, then slaps her hands back over her mouth which does nothing to quiet her snorting. You bite your bottom lip, but your whole body is shaking with unreleased laughter and the plane- barely afloat now- bobbles in tune with you making things even worse.

Tonks snorts even louder, then morphs her mouth away which is just about the most disturbing thing you’ve ever seen in your life. The commotion seems to have woke Rowan who spins around in her seat, takes in the barely afloat plane, Tonks, sans mouth, you red-faced wand out, and Charlie rubbing a newly forming goose egg on his forehead.

“What in the world-”

“Shhh...I’m trying to concentrate-” you interrupt as you lean over your desk to keep the plane off the ground.

“Y/N, no,” she warns.

“Y/N, yes,” Charlie answers now leaning over the desk with you, wand out.

With his help, the plane soars back into the air, spinning importantly above your heads.

“What’s the endgame?” Charlie whispers, fully committed.

“Binns,” you answer simply and begin to guide the plane toward the front of the room.

By now the entire class is watching, awake for the first time this hour. Incredibly, Binns still hasn’t moved, head tucked into his chest, fast asleep.

“Do we get extra points if we get it through his head?” Charlie leans in to ask.

You parrot his movement, until your cheeks are almost touching. “I say, ten points for head, five points for chest, twenty points for his arse-”

Suddenly, your plane jerks off course in a suicide dive for the ground. Your chairs scrape the ground loudly as both you and Charlie stand to save the thing. Out of the corner of your eye, you spot Rowan, also with her wand out.

“Charlie, I need you to run interference.”

“Got it.”

He turned his wand toward Rowan. “Rictusempra!” 

You hear more than see Rowan fall out of her chair in a fit of giggles, but keep your focus on the task at hand. The plane was yours again, but without Charlie’s help, it wasn’t nearly as steady or focused. You’d be lucky to get it anywhere near Binns let alone up his-

“L/N... Weasby? What...what are you doing out of your seats? This lecture doesn’t require-” With painstaking slowness, Binns- who you could never recall paying any attention to his students before- followed the gaze of everyone in the class, raising his head to observe the paper plane hovering over him.

And that was it. You couldn’t hold it anymore. The plane lost its lift and swayed down to the ground, cutting back and forth through Binns’ face on the way.

He stared blankly at you until you lowered yourself to your seat. As he never showed any emotion in class, you had no way to gauge just how much trouble you were in. The room was silent, everyone waiting on bated breath to see what would happen.

Binns blinked one eye at a time. You swallowed. Charlie’s leg bumped against yours in solidarity. Rowan crawled back into her seat. Binns cleared his throat. You bit your lip. And then…

“...now where was I? ….Oh….yes. In thirteenth century Britain-”

Credit for the inspiration goes to @hphm-fictober! Thanks for the ideas!

[wrydejs]

unsettled

HPHM FICTOBER

DAY 1 / words: uncanny & shadows

note: hello! quick words before we move on to the show: this is my first submission to this fandom and i’m feeling a bit nervous! i know i’m a bit late for the first day, but hopefully i can churn out a few things for the other days before i fall even more behind. i’ve got some shippy ideas that i want to write haha but wanted to get this out of the way first

i did combine two words! i started with the first one before i discovered fictober for hphm and wanted to incorporate a word from one of the prompt lists :)

happy ink/fictober & happy writing, everyone!

—

You wake up feeling unsettled.

Your breathing is heavy and you can feel your sweat stick to you like you’ve been running away for an endless amount of time. Have you been? You grasp below you to feel bedsheets bundle into your hand. No, you’re in bed.

You close your eyes for a moment to catch your breath.

It’s the middle of the night and your room is dark, and you can hear the quiet snores of your roommates fill up the silence. There’s no reason to be afraid, you tell yourself. There’s no reason to be afraid. The sun will rise again in a few hours and another day will begin.

It’s just a dream.

You focus your thoughts on that phrase and repeat it over and over again in your head. It’s just a dream, it’s just a dream, it’s just a dream. It’s just a dream.

You furrow your brows and let out a shaky breath. You know it was just a dream. Just a recurring dream that you’ve been having every other night or so. Just a dream that seems so vivid and real it scares you that you don’t know what to make of it. Just a dream playing with the happy memories you have with your brother before whisking them away to bring you to a scene where you’re brought helpless because you can’t save him.

It always starts out the same: you’re young, not quite in Hogwarts yet, and laughing merrily with another tall figure. You can’t quite make out his face, but you know it’s your brother — you can feel it’s him. The two of you are playing around on a grassy field, you chasing after him with your small legs running as much as they can.

“Gotcha, Name!” he would say, picking you up from the ground. You can see a wide grin on his face and you smile back. His eyes are missing from his overall features, but it never bothered you. You’re just happy to be with him again, so you can overlook that aspect.

You’re happy and you want to relish in the feeling. “That’s not fair! I’m supposed to catch you!” you’d giggle, wrapping your arms around him. You want this moment to last. You want your brother back.

Then it’d end there.

“Nothing’s fair, Name,” a voice would say. It’s deep and distorted, and missing all the warmth from your brother’s voice. Before you can look up and question anything, the scene before you changes and you’re not the small child you were before. You’re who you are now and suddenly surrounded by dense fog.

“Jacob?” you’d cry out. “Jacob, where’d you go?”

No one answers.

You know you should feel afraid, the dream tells you to be afraid, but you’re not. How could you be when you just had your brother right in your reach?

“Jacob, please,” you’d say into the vast denseness, feeling desperation creep into your voice. The fog swirls around you like it has a mind of its own and a chill passes through you that you have to suppress. Two silhouettes slowly appear into your view, one standing and another on their knees with what seems to be a wand pointed to their head. You know what’s going to happen and you want to yell but something holds you back.

You feel a presence near your face and wispy arms circling around you as its breath raises the hair on the back of your neck. “Run, Name. You have to run.” Its raspy voice feels too close to your ear. “You have to run, you know that.”

You want to say no, but when the standing figure raises its arm towards you, you take a quick glance beside you to find no one there before your legs begin move on their own.

Then you’d wake.

You open your eyes and let them adjust in the dark as you sit up. Don’t be afraid, you repeat to yourself. It was just a dream, nothing more. Your mind travels to a different subject for a distraction and it causes you to look down at yourself. You need a change of clothes and probably a good wash to your face. You don’t want the others fretting over you for something as simple as a weird dream. If anything, you can just ask Penny to concoct a potion for you to drink to help with sleeping.

Whatever the dream means, you’re going to find your brother regardless — nothing’s going to stop you in that mission, not even an ominous dream. You’re going to find him and bring him back.

You feel more determined now, but you push the feeling off for later. For now, you’ll switch out of your clothes and wait for the sun to rise to signal a new day.

—

tag: @hphm-fictober

[aneshkablack]

Día 21: Pelea y Reconciliación (Parte uno)

Publicado en:  Fanfiction || AO3 || Wattpad || Tumblr

Disclamer: Harry Potter es propiedad de J. K. Rowling; así como la Warner Bros en conjunto con Jam City, son dueños de Hogwarts Mystery. Yo solo hago este fic como medio de entretenimiento y ocio.

Resumen: Isolde Hiwatari, la ahora llamada "Heroína de Hogwarts", ha salvado una vez más el colegio de la maldición de la Bóveda Hundida y ha entregado a Rakepick a las autoridades. No obstante, la vida personal de la joven "Rompemaldiciones" ha sido caótica, al grado que los golpes emocionales que ha recibido en un periodo corto de tiempo, la han hecho aislarse y tomar la decisión de luchar completamente sola contra R sin importar el costo, sin decirle a nadie más sobre sus planes, ni siquiera a su novio, Talbott Winger, provocando que su relación llegue a peligrar.

Advertencias: Spoilers a partir del Año 6, capítulo 18 en adelante hasta inicios de Año 7, en las asignaciones que se tienen en el Ministerio de Magia con Ojoloco. A partir de aquí, la historia de Isolde se empieza a ir fuera del canon del juego, mostrando además el lore de mi MC conforme a la leyenda de los Siete Hiwatari y la maldición de sangre que Isolde porta en su ser. Por lo que si estás leyendo mi fic Harry Potter y los Blade Breakers, podría contener spoilers para la trama de éste.

TW: En este episodio se tratarán temas sobre depresión y ansiedad, así como baja autoestima, pensamientos suicidas, ghosting, auto gaslighting, emancipación, muerte de personajes canon, disfunciones familiares. Por lo que se recomienda discreción.

He dividido el oneshot en dos partes, esto debido a que he llegado cerca de las 12,000 palabras. Es el más largo y el que más me ha costado hacer. No porque no crea que en la relación de Talbott e Isolde no pueda haber discusiones (puesto existen, algunas más leves que otras), sino porque había tenido planeado otro camino, quizá con algo más de drama innecesario, que al final fue cambiado a éste, con el cual estoy feliz con el resultado.

__________________

Día 21: Pelea y Reconciliación (Parte uno)

Octubre, 1990

—Isolde, necesitamos hablar —le expresó Talbott con seriedad, cuando finalmente tuvo la oportunidad de abordarla en aquella tarde fría de otoño.

Aquellas palabras le estrujaron el corazón. Sin embargo dentro de sí se repetía que debía concentrarse para ocultar el dolor que le había provocado ese enunciado. Después de todo, comprendía cómo Talbott se debería estar sintiendo por dejarlo a un lado en todo lo que sucedía en su vida. Pero era lo mejor, sobretodo porque ahora enfrentaba a R completamente sola. Ya tenía suficiente con su maldición de sangre, para que esa organización de magos oscuros estuviese detrás de él, por el mero hecho que ambos tenían una relación. Y con Mérula como su espía, ellos sabían que tan importante era Talbott para Isolde.

—De acuerdo —contestó, con la voz más segura que podía darle—. Pero, ¿podríamos ir a un sitio más privado? Sinceramente el pasillo no me parece adecuado para lo que me tengas que decir.

—Bien ��asintió.

Winger empezó a caminar, mientras Hiwatari lo seguía a una distancia prudente. No se atrevía a mirarlo. Sólo estaba preparándose para el golpe emocional que recibiría, porque ella estaba consciente de todo lo que había hecho en estos últimos meses, siendo más que justificable que Talbott terminara con ella.

—Incluso, cambiarte por Badeea, ¿cierto? —su propia mente le expresó, trayéndole a las memorias la escena al verlos cuando ingresaba a Cabeza de Puerco. No obstante, había preferido enfocarse en la charla que tenía con Ojoloco Moody y con Jacob, que prestarles atención a los otros dos Ravenclaw. Sus acompañantes le mencionaron que por ahora, debía mantener una fachada ante la traición de Snyde, cómo si no hubiese sucedido nada.

E igualmente lo hizo con esa sensación de vacío en su estómago, sin mostrar su enfado ni haciendo una escena. Isolde salió del local junto a su hermano (quién había detectado por qué deseaba irse, gracias a la legeremancia que ambos comparten), sin mirar atrás. En cuanto se separó del mayor, huyó de Hogsmeade lo más rápido que sus piernas (y posteriormente sus alas) le permitieron, ocultándose en un sitio donde nadie le encontrara, pudiendo desahogarse. Quizás había sido una conclusión rápida, pero en ese momento ¿qué podría esperar, si todos sus amigos la habían dejado sola sin querer escucharla acerca de R y de Mérula, incluyéndolo?

Debía reconocer que no era la primera vez que sentía celos a causa de Badeea. En sexto, cuando ambos formaron equipo para realizar el mapa del Lago Negro los tuvo, al notar esa química que surgió entre ellos al colaborar juntos. Sin embargo al ser interrumpida por Madame Pince, fue afortunada que ni Talbott ni Badeea se dieran cuenta de ellos. Ni tampoco al reencontrarse con los dos en el campo de entrenamiento, cuando le ofrecía una visita guiada a Alanza Álvez. En su mente cruzó la idea de vaciar su ira hacia su compañera de cuarto, aunque no sabía si era por el hecho que a la joven pintora se le había escapado información sobre el Círculo de Khanna a una desconocida; o por creer que existía algo romántico entre ella y Talbott.

No obstante, prefirió mantener la calma ocultando sus verdaderos sentimientos. En su mente se recriminaba que era estúpido preocuparse por aquello, habiendo problemas más grandes: tenía que continuar guiando a la brasileña por el colegio; además, de enfocarse en las misiones que se había propuesto con el Círculo, protegerlos a todos de R y acabar con la maldición que atacaba a la escuela. Por lo que su relación pasó a segundo término.

La brecha entre ambos creció más posterior a ese evento en el bar de Aberforth. Isolde empezó a ser mucho más seria y distante con todos, limitándose la convivencia con ellos dentro de las clases, escudándose en sus deberes escolares y cómo Delegada, que era lo único estable en su caótica vida, aunque estas actividades fuesen más una distracción para mantener a raya sus pensamientos negativos que la habían atormentado desde enero. Sin contar el hecho de que pasaba el menor tiempo posible en la Sala Común (aunque también al estar ahí, le provocaba dolor al recordar que Rowan ya no estaba viva) y el esconderse en sitios que ni Talbott conocía, había mermado aún más su comunicación, hasta llegar a este punto.

Por ello, pese a que esto podría desestabilizar aún más su salud mental, no veía otra salida ni solución que dejarlo ir. No lo arrastraría a sus propios conflictos ni tampoco justificaría sus errores. De repente comenzó a sentir un picor en sus ojos, que amenazaban con hacerla llorar ante ese escenario.

— ¡Concéntrate, trata de reprimir esas lágrimas en este instante! ¡Debes estar serena ante sus palabras por muy duras que sean! ¡Tienes que aceptar que es lo mejor, sobre todo para él al no involucrarse contigo, sin mencionar por todo lo que le has hecho! —se decía a sí misma. Se limpió con su manga con prontitud, esperando que Winger no la hubiese visto. Isolde pensaba que esto podría ser lo más patético: sollozar por algo que ella provocó. Fue entonces que el más alto se detuvo sin avisar, chocando contra él —. Lo siento —susurró.

—No hay problema —mencionó, sin quitar su vista de la puerta—. ¿Te parece bien aquí? Es un salón de poco uso y alejado de los pasillos concurridos —expresó Talbott.

— ¡Oh! Sí, está bien —notó que el joven esperaba que ella entrara primero.

Al ingresar, observó que había ventanales que podrían abrirse sin problemas, una pizarra estaba en el área del estrado junto a un escritorio desgastado, las butacas estaban hasta el fondo, sobrepuestas entre sí y por la capa de polvo en los muebles, podría imaginar que ni los elfos domésticos se paseaban por aquí alguna vez. Estaba tan distraída que al momento que Talbott cerró la puerta, se sobresaltó, girando con rapidez y envainando la varita como acto reflejo. El joven se sorprendió por ello, sin embargo no dijo nada. Isolde se limitó a guardarla en su bolsillo.

—Lo lamento, fue sólo una reacción involuntaria —enunció, manteniendo ese tono serio, pese a que sentía que en cualquier momento podría ser presa de su ansiedad, haciéndola huir de este salón cómo fuera. No le vio directamente al rostro, pero podría vislumbrar que en su cara había disgusto e incluso decepción—. ¡Concéntrate! ¡Tienes que soportar hasta que él se haya ido! —se recriminó por segunda vez, tratando de mantenerse estoica—. Talbott, lo que quieras decirme puedes soltarlo sin rodeos —no quería que le suavizara el golpe. Prefería que fuese directo como siempre, acabando este asunto lo antes posible.

—Bien —suspiró, sin dejar de verla, escudriñando su rostro—. ¿Qué demonios está pasando? —aquella pregunta desconcertó a la bruja.

— ¿Qué?

— ¿Qué demonios está pasando? —le repitió—. He notado que en estas últimas semanas has estado aislándote de todo el mundo, adquiriendo pésimos hábitos de alimentación y de sueño. Sin mencionar que has estado hermética en cuanto a todo lo que te ha sucedido hasta ahora —le reclamó, mientras se cruzaba de brazos—. La última vez que tuvimos lo más cercano a una conversación fue mediante una carta en donde me señalaste que habías tenido problemas con tu madre, pero no deseabas contarme más allá de lo que presencié en la Estación de King Cross.

—No hay mucho que contar de ese asunto —se encogió de hombros—. Me emancipé de Amanda —el moreno alzó una ceja—. Soy mayor de edad, pero aún no he terminado mi formación académica, por lo que ella tenía un cierto poder sobre mí y algunos bienes que mi papá me dejó como herencia —le comentó de la manera más general posible. Había mucho más de trasfondo, pero veía innecesario hablar del tema—. Sobre lo demás, estamos en el año de los ÉXTASIS, tengo trabajo extracurricular y soy Delegada. Es de lo más común que tenga mis horarios en desorden en estos momentos, por lo que tenga que omitir ciertas comidas u horas de sueño.

—No es motivo suficiente para que evites a todo el mundo ni te estés descuidando —musitó con molestia—. En cuanto a tu vida personal, de alguna manera sé que no estás siendo honesta del todo. Después de la discusión que tuvimos con tu madre, me imaginé que tomaría represalias en contra tuya una vez que abandonaran Reino Unido. Me he arrepentido de no intervenir en aquella ocasión, ni siquiera permanecer a tu lado después de ello, al verte ahora tan cambiada —se llevó una mano hacia la nuca, tratando de calmarse.

—No hay nada más que alegar conforme a mis líos con Amanda. Ya se resolvió a final de cuentas. Y en aquella ocasión en julio te lo pedí, porque eres un mago brillante que no necesita manchar su historial antes de ingresar a la Academia de Aurores por un simple problema familiar que ni siquiera es tuyo —también trataba de estar tranquila, empero su tono de voz estaba subiendo. Traer a colación a su madre no le había sentado nada bien.

— ¡Quizás no sean mis problemas familiares, Isolde, pero te recuerdo que somos novios y el haber visto cómo te trató en la estación no es algo que iba a tolerar, aunque fuese tu madre! —sin poder evitarlo, Talbott también estaba dejando aflorar sus sentimientos—. ¡Sé lo que esa mujer te ha hecho durante toda tu vida para sólo quedarme ahí sin hacer nada! —bufó—. Sobre lo otro, podrás decir lo que quieras. No obstante estoy completamente seguro que nos ocultas algo. Ese aislamiento autoimpuesto no es típico de ti, al menos no por un gran periodo de tiempo.

— ¿Sospechas que puedo andar en malos pasos, Talbott? —soltó de golpe, a la defensiva. No tenía fundamentos que él otro lo insinuara, sin embargo estaba sintiéndose vulnerable, permitiendo a su ira salirse de control.

— ¡No! —Contestó inmediatamente—, ¡pero sí detrás de quienes lo están! ¡Podría apostar que te estás metiendo en un peligro innecesario y por mucho que tengas asignaciones en el Ministerio, tus superiores deberían por lo menos estar a tu lado! —Isolde soltó una risa sarcástica, desconcertándolo.

—Dime Talbott, ¿en esta escuela algún maldito profesor lo hizo por mí? ¡Ninguno llegó a hacerlo! ¡Ni siquiera en frenarme al meterme con las estúpidas Bóvedas! ¡Ni tampoco a resolver el problema hasta que yo me involucraba, porque veía a las personas a las que quería salir lastimadas! ¡Al fin y al cabo ha sido mi obligación sellarlas, porque debía reparar el error de mi hermano! —gruñó—. ¡Y cuando creí tener a la única maestra que aparentemente lo hizo, fingiendo ser mi mentora, casi me mata a mí, a Ben y a los Weasley con el Colacuerno! ¡La misma que asesinó a mi mejor amiga por mi necedad, por lo que espero que se pudra en Azkaban por el resto de su vida! —era notorio el rencor en sus últimas palabras.

— ¡Nunca ha sido tu obligación! —Le reiteró en tono lúgubre—. ¡Lo hacías porque querías protegernos! ¡Sin embargo deberías permitirnos ahora…!

— ¿Ayudarme? ¿Después de que ustedes me dejaron en claro que ya estaban hartos de perseguir magos oscuros, queriendo una vida tranquila a la cual no tengo derecho de aspirar siquiera? —Alzó la ceja, interrumpiéndolo—. ¡NO! ¡Esto es un asunto mío, que debo terminar cueste lo que cueste! —exclamó enfadada. Aquello le llamó la atención al moreno, mirándola fijamente, frunciendo el entrecejo—. ¡Ustedes tienen que mantenerse al margen de todo esto al no involucrarse en mis investigaciones! ¡Yo soy la única que debe resolverlo!

— ¡No quiero que tomes acciones innecesarias! ¡Mucho menos que termines sacrificándote a ti misma! ¡Siempre has tenido la maldita costumbre de dejar en pensar en ti, en tu bienestar o en tu vida si sientes que es tu obligación! —Le comentó enojado, aunque en verdad estaba aterrado de lo que acababa de mencionar. No soportaría la idea que ella intentara hacerlo.

— ¡Noticia de último minuto, Talbott! ¡Siempre lo he hecho! ¿Y hasta ahora te das cuenta? —Expresó con ironía. Su orgullo estaba hablando por ella, y desgraciadamente le estaba permitiendo soltar todo lo que tenía en su pecho—. ¡A diferencia tuya o de cualquier estudiante de este colegio no tengo opción! ¡Sobre todo al ser la estúpida que por buscar a su hermano, se cargó sola la responsabilidad de proteger a todo mundo porque una sociedad de magos tenebrosos atentaba contra la escuela por mi culpa, sólo por el hecho de ser una Hiwatari!

— ¡Aunque fue a consecuencia de tú búsqueda por Jacob, no lo hiciste sola! ¡Siempre tuviste el apoyo de tus amigos que eligieron…!

— ¡Disolver el Círculo de Khanna por decisión unánime, si te lo recuerdo! ¡A no querer escucharme lo que yo tenía que contarles en aquella ocasión pese a que sus vidas pueden estar en peligro! —manifestó resentida. Aquellas palabras le impresionaron a Talbott—. ¡He respetado su decisión, simplemente, porque tienen razón: es su derecho a vivir sin miedo, sin preocupaciones! ¡Yo sólo he tomado mi lugar de seguir adelante en mi misión sin inmiscuirlos!

—… —no podía refutarle sobre lo primero, soltando un gruñido de exasperación—. ¡Aun así, no deberías ser tan obstinada en creer que puedes hacerlo todo sin ayuda! ¡Al menos déjame a mí auxiliarte con esto! —le exigió.

— ¡JAMÁS! —gritó, sorprendiendo al otro—. ¡NO TE LO VOY A PERMITIR TALBOTT! ¡ES MEJOR QUE LO HAGA POR MI MISMA! ¡QUÉ TE ENTROMETAS SOLO LO EMPEORARÍA!

— ¿Insinúas que no soy capaz de hacerlo? —Vociferó con ira—. ¿CREES QUE NO SOY LO SUFICIENTEMENTE APTO PARA PODER APOYARTE O PROTEGERTE? —se colocó una mano en el pecho con ímpetu, señalándose a sí mismo. No podía creer que Hiwatari le subestimara.

— ¡CLARO QUE NO! ¡NO AL MENOS DE LOS MAGOS OSCUROS QUE ESTÁN DETRÁS DE MÍ! ¡SÓLO ES QUE NO QUIERO PERDERTE COMO A ROWAN!—chilló, mientras comenzaba a hiperventilarse al percibir que estaba perdiendo control de todas sus emociones, desesperándose aún más.

— ¡YO TAMBIÉN PERDÍ UNA AMIGA! —le rectificó. Caminó de un lado a otro, buscando calmarse, sin éxito—. ¿Y TÚ PIENSAS QUE DESEARÍA QUE TE SUCEDA LO MISMO? —gritó, notando que su respiración estaba agitada, mientras en sus ojos estaba el amago de lágrimas que señalaban con salir por su frustración, miedo, tristeza y enojo que estaba experimentando en esta discusión—. ¡SABES PERFECTAMENTE QUE DETESTO LA IDEA QUE LA PERSONA A QUIEN AMO TERMINE ASESINADA POR MAGOS OSCUROS SIN QUE PUEDA HACER NADA! ¡MÁS SI TIENE LA ESTÚPIDA IDEA DE SACRIFICARSE POR PENSAR QUE NOS SALVARÁ A TODOS!

— ¡SI NO VEO OTRA ALTERNATIVA TENDRÉ QUE HACERLO! —ella se exaltó, conteniéndose también de llorar enfrente de él.

Talbott la miró por unos segundos, mientras palidecía por haber escuchado esa idea. Decidió finalmente evadir el rostro de la bruja, frunciendo el entrecejo mientras cruzaba los brazos otra vez. Por parte de Isolde, prefirió agachar la mirada, abrazándose a sí misma, reprimiéndose aún las ganas de sollozar.

— ¿Lo harías sin pensarlo? —Talbott murmuró después de haber estado en silencio por unos minutos, sin verla aún—. ¿Tendrías la suficiente sangre fría para olvidar lo que tus seres amados podríamos sentir por tu ausencia o porque pudieses resultar gravemente herida? —Elevó la voz, otra vez—. ¿REALMENTE CREES QUE TU MUERTE PODRÍA RESOLVER TODO? —con aquella oración finalmente dejó que su llanto se liberara.

—No —susurró con un nudo en la garganta, haciendo que el más alto le observara de nueva cuenta—, pero al menos habría un problema menos en este Colegio ¡He sido una carga en estos últimos seis años y también, he estado poniéndolos en peligro, sometiéndolos a misiones en donde podrían haber muerto…!

—Muchos de nosotros lo hicimos porque queríamos ayudarte, aun sabiendo los riesgos…

—Y nunca los aparté de mi lado siendo egoísta; o arrogante, al no reconocer que soy incapaz de resolver todo por mí cuenta —murmuró, tratando de mantenerse firme al apreciar que su voz se fracturaba—. Ahora sin embargo, pese a que estoy haciendo lo posible para acabar con todo, no he podido lograr nada —apretó sus puños—. ¡No puedo protegerlos de ellos, ni siquiera puedo resguardarlos de mí misma! ¡Del monstruo en el que me estoy convirtiendo! —Gritó, mientras que sus lágrimas brotaron finalmente.

— ¿Por qué mencionas que debemos cuidarnos de ti? ¿Alguien o algo te atacó en el verano para que expreses que eres un monstruo? —Le preguntó angustiado. Lo comentado por Isolde le había puesto en alerta—. ¿Licantropía? —se atrevió a cuestionarle, a sabiendas que su novia tenía amistad con aquel hombre lobo de pelaje blanco que habían visto en el Bosque Prohibido hace medio año.

—Nadie salvo mi madre, pero ella no tiene tanta habilidad mágica para imponer una maldición de sangre cómo la que tengo. Ni siquiera fue una oponente digna para un duelo —bufó, maldiciéndose así misma por soltar esa información. No podía sostenerle la mirada, pero se mantuvo erguida, para expresar lo siguiente—. Si piensas que por mi amistad con aquel licántropo al que evité que te enfrentaras pudiese haber adquirido aquella condición, estás equivocado. Ella jamás me atacaría. Y aun así, preferiría ser una mujer lobo antes de tener esta maldición de sangre dentro de mi ser.

—Isolde, necesito saber… —el mago se aproximó a la bruja. Empero, ella al notarlo, retrocedió unos pasos.

— ¡No debes conocer más de lo que te he mencionado, Talbott! ¡Sólo aléjate de mí! ¡Debes mantenerte a salvo tanto de mí como de ellos! —exclamó entre sollozos.

— ¡No puedo dejarte sola! ¡Menos ahora! —vociferó—. ¡Isolde, por favor, cuéntame que está sucediendo!

— ¡Lo lamento, no puedo permitirte seguir conmigo cuando podrías salir lastimado o podría perderte como a Rowan! —Le dijo con voz trémula. Respiró profundamente por unos instantes, para recuperar el tono de su voz—. Quizá tengas razón en que soy muy fría, puesto siempre he tenido claro que podría dejar una herida en las personas a las que le importo, sobre todo a ti —suspiró—. Eso me ha frenado en varias ocasiones de hacer más idioteces…

—Isolde…

—No obstante, no encuentro soluciones factibles ante la amenaza que se cierne sobre este Colegio por culpa mía, ¡Menuda "Heroína" que soy! —soltó una risa sarcástica—. ¡O quizás también es mi deseo de acabar con todo porque también estoy harta, estoy cansada de soportar este peso sobre mis hombros que he tenido que cargar durante estos años como penitencia! Sé que debo continuar con ello, sin embargo algunas veces desearía dejar de existir…

Volvió a guardar silencio de manera súbita, tapándose con las manos la boca, sin atreverse a mirarlo aún al rostro. Sentía que había dicho de más esa última oración, porque no quería que Talbott descubriese que tan rota estaba, que se había vuelto una carga pesada que no quería que él llevase a cuestas, ni causarle lástima. Tampoco él había emitido ninguna palabra, tratando de procesar lo expresado por la bruja.

Isolde por su parte tenía todo un torbellino de pensamientos en su cabeza, rumiando todo lo que había hecho durante estos meses, siendo presa de sus emociones en este momento que la ofuscaban bastante. Lo vio de reojo, pudiendo apreciar que él tenía la cabeza gacha, con una de sus manos en la sien, sobándose. Le había hecho tanto daño a la persona que ella decía amar. Quizás estaba cometiendo un nuevo error a proponerle lo siguiente, pero si era la única forma para que dejase de herirlo, tenía que hacerlo.

—Talbott, no estás obligado a seguir a mi lado por ningún motivo —mencionó, buscando a toda costa que su voz no se quebrara. Estaba enderezada, pero evitaba observar al joven a su cara. Aun así, pudo notar la aflicción que él tenía—. Ya te he causado suficientes problemas durante todo este tiempo, ni tampoco quiero arrastrarte a toda esta vorágine en la que estoy metida —respiró agitadamente, tratando de reprimir el dolor que sentía—. Por lo que creo que lo mejor para ambos es que tomemos caminos separados —sugirió, con un nudo en la garganta.

Winger no pudo ocultar su asombro, pálido, observándola fijamente al no concebir lo que ella le proponía. Por parte de Hiwatari, no intentaba verle a la cara, retrocediendo hasta topar su espalda contra la pared. Ambos se quedaron en un silencio sepulcral por unos minutos. Talbott soltó algunos suspiros, sin llegar a procesar del todo aquella petición de Isolde, quién seguía esquivándole sin emitir alguna otra palabra. Tenía dudas al respecto, por lo que él decidió retomar la conversación:

— ¿Estás completamente segura de ello? —Expresó sin rodeos, frunciendo el entrecejo—. ¿Es lo que en verdad deseas?

—No mereces estar al lado de alguien maldito; ni tampoco de alguien que no fue lo suficientemente honesta ni valiente para confesarte nada; que te lastimó por haberte dejado a un lado; aquella que ha sido una carga por todos estos años por todos los conflictos que posee; que te exponga a cada peligro de ser atrapado o asesinado por magos tenebrosos; o alguien que no es capaz de protegerte más —exclamó.

—Yo no te cuestioné los motivos por los cuales crees que yo debería terminar contigo —le manifestó—, sino te pregunté si es tu verdadero deseo que rompamos nuestra relación —enunció lo último con voz ahogada.

—No lo es —susurró, ya al mirarlo a los ojos—. Yo no quisiera que nos separáramos, sin embargo estoy consciente de todo lo que te he hecho y…

— ¿Te estás dando cuenta que ninguna de las razones que has expuesto es válida para que yo te abandone, Isolde? —le cuestionó, molesto—. ¡Desde que acepté ser tu amigo sabía que podría estar en riesgo de ser perseguido por magos tenebrosos y aun así, yo quiero permanecer a tu lado!

— ¿Aún lo estarías aunque mi maldición de sangre te llegase a arrebatar la vida? —le preguntó, acongojada.

De nueva cuenta se formó el silencio entre ambos, haciendo que Isolde volviera a retirar su mirada, cerrando los ojos. No quería ser testigo cuando le diese la respuesta más lógica o simplemente cuando se diera la vuelta sin decir una sola palabra e irse de aquel salón. En su mente se repetía que sería la decisión más sensata que el otro Ravenclaw pudiera hacer. Tenía que resistir hasta que él se hubiera ido, puesto no quería derramar más lágrimas enfrente de él, mostrándole cuan patética y débil podría ser por no querer dejarlo libre.

Fue entonces que sintió en una de sus mejillas el roce de su mano, estremeciéndola, lo que la obligó verlo a la cara. Más que enojo, su faz proyectaba aquella angustia de verla en ese estado, lo cual provocó un sentimiento de culpa aún mayor en la bruja. El mago seguía acariciándola, haciendo que ella se ofuscara al no saber cómo actuar ante su afecto, quedándose inmóvil. Muy dentro de sí sabía que deseaba corresponderle; sin embargo su mente le reclamaba que no debía ni podía hacerlo, al traer a sus memorias todo el daño que le hizo.

Talbott se percató de este comportamiento, intuyendo que Hiwatari estaba debatiéndose por acortar distancia. Por lo que decidió colocar ambas manos en los hombros de la chica, acercando su frente a la de ella, llegando incluso a rozar brevemente la nariz con la suya. Cuando el joven se separó lo suficiente para verse a los ojos, expresó:

—Lo estaría, a pesar de todo —la muchacha no pudo ocultar su sorpresa al escuchar esas palabras—. Sé que pensarás que es una imprudencia, sobretodo porque ignoro el alcance de tu maldición de sangre, pero aun así quiero permanecer contigo.

—Talbott…

—Isolde, escúchame —no era una orden, sino una súplica—. No te negaré que estoy aterrado por toda la incertidumbre que está pasando a nuestro alrededor y que hemos negado a ver, dejando que tomaras la decisión de enfrentar todo tú sola —suspiró—. Sin embargo, estoy más asustado del daño que te has hecho tú misma, mientras yo me mantuve al margen creyendo que era lo mejor dejarte en paz, creyendo que quizás tú…

—Nunca he dejado de amarte, si es lo que te hecho dudar con mis errores —le respondió, entreviendo (o usando inconscientemente su legeremancia) lo que él pensaba en ese momento. Sus manos temblaron ligeramente, haciendo el amago de querer tocar el rostro del más alto. No obstante, aún Hiwatari ponía sus límites en corresponder el afecto del otro—. Pero siento que sería egoísta pedirte quedarte en estas circunstancias, sobre todo cuando estoy hecha una mierda sin tener la suficiente fuerza para luchar, con mi maldición que pudiese lastimarte o… —unas lágrimas cayeron de sus ojos, al evocar el recuerdo de Rowan. Se retiró las gafas para limpiarse el rostro—. ¡No quiero perderte a ti también!

—Isolde… —sus manos ahora posaron en los brazos de la joven, para después aproximarla a su propio cuerpo, envolviéndola con ellos. En un inicio ella se tensó, pero poco a poco hundía su rostro en el pecho de él, devolviendo el gesto de la misma forma—. Yo tampoco quiero perderte de ninguna forma —suspiró—. Por lo que te pido de favor que me cuentes todo, sin omitir ningún detalle por duro que sea. No voy a dejarte sola esta vez, aunque me lo pidas creyendo que estaré a salvo.

Nuevamente se quedó callada, aunque esta vez no le apartó de su lado. Dejó que su llanto fluyera sin poder detenerlo, aunque no sabía si era por su dolor emocional que estaba cargando desde hace meses o por el hecho que añoraba esta cercanía que antes compartía con Talbott o por las palabras que él le había mencionado. Winger se dedicó a reconfortarla, dejando que se desahogara hasta que ella pudiese tranquilizarse. Por su parte, el joven debía calmarse también, puesto sus sentimientos aún estaban a flor de piel y quería evitar una nueva discusión, aunque admitía que igualmente él extrañaba esta clase de contacto con ella, estrechándola más hacia su propio cuerpo.

No sabían cuánto tiempo habían estado así, escuchándose los leves quejidos que a Isolde se le escapaban; como también los suspiros que Talbott soltaba de vez en cuando. Cuando Hiwatari sintió que ya no podía llorar más, se separó levemente. Fue cuando notó cómo había dejado el suéter del más alto, sintiendo un poco de vergüenza mientras sacaba un pañuelo de su bolsillo para limpiar lo que pudiese de la prenda del otro Ravenclaw.

—Lamento haber llorado mucho —expresó, ahora pasando la tela en su propia nariz, sonándose—. Debería ser mucho más fuerte que sólo desmoronarme en tus brazos. Sin embargo, tienes razón en que he sido arrogante y egoísta, creyendo que podía con esta carga en mis hombros yo sola —cerró los ojos un instante—, sin ver que realmente te necesito a mi lado en estos momentos que han sido oscuros para mí. No debí soltarte toda mi frustración y enfado, no debí alejarte, no debí ocultarte nada, siendo una cobarde al haberte lastimado.

—No eres débil —le susurró, mientras una de sus manos pasaba entre sus cabellos—, necesitabas liberar todo ese dolor de algún modo, sobretodo porque lo has retenido por mucho tiempo —él sentía ardor en los ojos, esto debido a que él también había sollozado. Al ver que ella reposaba su cabeza en su pecho nuevamente, recargó su mentón sobre la coronilla de la muchacha—. Yo tampoco debí alterarme ni dejarme dominar por mi miedo, ni creer que al darte espacio estarías mejor, pese a que yo sentía que no debería haberlo hecho…

—No tienes por qué disculparte por tu reacción ante mis errores…

—No al quedarme callado cuando más apoyo necesitabas, asumiendo ideas tan estúpidas por estar cegado por todo lo que he estado sintiendo —bufó por lo bajo.

—No eres el único que se dejó llevar por sus pensamientos. El hecho de ignorar que no estoy bien empeoró todo, tomando decisiones equivocadas —soltó un largo suspiro. Cerró los ojos, aferrándose más a él por unos minutos más hasta que sintió la necesidad de volverle a ver el rostro, separándose ligeramente, sin romper su abrazo—. Yo… —titubeó un momento, empero sacudió la cabeza para despejar todos esos miedos que la atormentaban—, voy a contarte todo. No obstante, ¿podrías esperarme un poco más, por favor? Siendo sincera, no me siento con la fuerza suficiente para conversarlo el día de hoy. Sólo eso te pido, Talbott —le suplicó.

Alzó tímidamente una de sus manos hacia la cara del chico, rozando su mejilla con sus dedos. El mago colocó su mano sobre la de ella, haciendo que Isolde terminase de posar su palma en su rostro.

—Lo haré —murmuró, mientras le besaba en la frente—. Aguardaré hasta el momento que te sientas lista.

—Gracias —susurró, expresando por primera vez una sonrisa genuina en sus labios durante los últimos meses. Talbott se limitó a corresponderle, mientras volvía dejarle un beso en su sien y ella se reacomodaba en su pecho.

[thesongthesoulsings]

Bloodstained Silk

Silk is beautiful, as is the artful magical snow falling from Hogwarts' Great Hall ceiling. It takes malevolence to willfully destroy beauty and its ultimate form - Life. The poisoning of Aesop Sharp's Fiancée and colleague Katherine Salazar at the Yule Ball turns into a mystery.

A short fanfiction for the Fictober 2023 Prompt - "Don't worry, I got you".

Prompt number: 2

Fanfiction Fandom: Hogwarts Legacy

Rating: G

Warnings: No trigger warnings apply

[hphm-fictober]

I gave writing Fictober Prompts a shot, and here is the result. It’s not themed around Halloween as we already have a more Halloween themed list of prompts. Let me know what you think 😉

[rosapeachhogwartsmystery]

Wearing Bloody Heels for the Yule Ball (Hogwarts Mystery Imagine - HPHM Fictober 2018 day 19 - fem!reader x Barnaby Lee)

Masterlist  (To view my Masterlist, visit my Tumblr page)

Prompt: Yule Ball (day 19 of @hphm-fictober)

Summary:

It was time for one of the biggest events of the year: The Yule Ball. Everything seemed to be prefect for you, at least that was what everyone thought. You would go with your boyfriend, what could not be perfect about that? You knew the answer: wearing a formal dress and those high heels your mother had picked out for you. So, when the Yule Ball was finally happening, you spent a lot  of time worrying about you being a disaster on those heels. You could only hope things would go your way, so you won’t ruin your and your date’s night...

Pairing: fem!reader x Barnaby Lee

Words: 3.2k

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“Y/N, come out already…!”

You and the girls had been preparing yourselves for the Yule Ball that was about to happen in few hours. However, you have been feeling quite nervous. Almost so nervous you were feeling nauseous the whole day. The only times you wore a fancy dress like this was when your parents invited some guests from the ministry over. This was different though… When you had those dinners with your parents, you mostly had to sit down and look pretty. That was a good thing, because that way the people wouldn’t see how clumsy you were when you wore dresses and heels like these. Just looking at yourself like this was making you feel slightly uncomfortable. Sure, you looked nice, but you would have preferred wearing something slightly more comfortable.

“Y/N, this is getting ridiculous. Just show us your outfit already.” Merula said, getting impatient.

You sighed softly and slowly opened the door.

Penny squealed in delight when she saw you. “Y/N, I don’t know what you are nervous about, that dress looks amazing on you!”

Merula snorted slightly. “For a moment I thought you were going to wear that old-fashioned dress you got once. Really, I don’t understand why you are so nervous.”

 Rowan looked at Penny and Merula. “I don’t know if you have ever seen Y/N in heels before, but I can assure you she has her reasons to be nervous.” She knew what made you nervous. You had told her about you being clumsy in heels and dresses like these.

“Why don’t you just wear flats?” Tonks asked, raising an eyebrow at you.

“My mom would probably murder me…” You mumbled. “She was the one who helped me pick out this dress and heels.”

“Didn’t she also say something like ‘a real lady learns how to walk and dance in heels’?” Rowan pointed out.

“Hm… And Skeeter would probably write something about the Yule Ball. If Y/N wears flats during the ball, her mom would probably figure it out.” Tulip said.

“Maybe you should just concentrate on having fun, Y/N. If you don’t think about how difficult heels are to walk and dance on, you might end up doing a lot better on them.” Penny suggested with a smile.

“Or you should just laugh whenever you trip. That’s what I do whenever I trip over my own feet.” Tonks said with a grin.

Merula narrowed her eyes a little. “Tonks, that’s not going to help Y/N with feeling less nervous…”

  “Just think about your date!” Penny quickly said with a smile. “Aren’t you excited about that?”

Your date… You definitely were excited for that. You began dating him not too long ago, however it made things easier for the both of you who to take to the Yule Ball. You two didn’t feel stressed out because you two didn’t know who you should take to the Yule Ball. It was like you two already assumed to go together to the Yule Ball without actually asking each other. Well, it wasn’t until he brought it up he never actually asked you to go with him and asked you to go with him to the Yule Ball officially.

“Oh, I suddenly see why those high heels are necessary.” Merula chuckled. “You also need to wear them to be a little taller to make it easier for Barnaby to dance with you.”

You rolled your eyes and blushed a little. “I’m not that small…”

“No, he is just very tall for his age.” Tulip said amused.

“Luckily, you two are about the same height, huh?” You mumbled softly with a small smirk.

Tonks snorted when she noticed Tulip and Merula were blushing.

  “Come on, Y/N. Let me do your hair and make-up.” Penny said. “The rest of us are already done.”

“Once Penny is done with you, you might be aware boys’ jaws are going to drop. She is a genius when it comes to make up.” Tonks said with a grin.

Penny huffed, looking amused. “I’m not a genius when it comes to make-up, Tonks. I just know some simple tricks, that’s all.”

“But you know what you are doing.” Merula said honestly.

“You managed to make everyone look very good for this evening, including yourself.” Rowan said with a smile.

Penny blushed a little. “You guys give me a little bit too much credits. It’s not even like I have done that much.”

“Well, it’s not like we all could do it as well as you could.” Tulip said with a shrug.

“I almost never wear make-up, to be honest.” Rowan said.

“I do, but that definitely is different from doing make-up for a ball.” Merula mumbled.

“Okay, okay, I get it.” Penny said, feeling a little flustered. “Y/N, this will take a little while.” She mumbled when she began doing your hair and make-up.

  “Have you guys seen the girls already?” Charlie asked, feeling slightly uncomfortable in the suit he was wearing. “I’ll be glad when the even is over and I can wear something else again.”

“They will be there soon and hush. You look very good in that suit.” Andre said.

“It’s better than the last suit you got from mom.” Bill said with a grin.

Charlie grimaced a little. “You know what? I actually like this suit.” He quickly mumbled.

Andre chuckled softly, shaking his head a little before he turned to Barnaby. “Y/N’s jaw is probably going to drop when she sees you in a suit.” He said with a grin.

“You think so?” Barnaby asked. “I really don’t know what she is going to think about it.”

“Don’t doubt my fashion sense, you look great. She will definitely love it.” Andre said with a wink.

Charlie moved a little closer to Barnaby and whispered. “I can’t understand how he is so sure about this…”

“That’s because I know what I’m doing, Charlie.” Andre said, giving Charlie a look.

“What if you are never sure…?” Ben asked softly.

“It’s all about the confidence, Ben.” Andre said with a smile. “Come on, Ben. Smile a little, this is a night not many people will forget.”

  “Oh look! There they are.” Charlie said with a smile, pointing in a certain direction.

Barnaby immediately looked at the direction, feeling slightly nervous now. You two dated for a little while, but this was definitely something you both never experienced before. He hoped he would be able to impress you.

“Hey guys.” Penny said when she walked over to the guys first.

“Damn, Penny. You definitely did some good work.” Andre said with a grin.

“Oh, it’s not that much, really.” Penny said with a smile.  “Ready to dance tonight, Andre?”

“Definitely, I hope you can keep up with me.” Andre said with a wink.

“I think it is you who should be worried to keep up with me.” Penny smirked lightly.

“So, there will be a dance battle tonight?” Tonks asked amused. “I guess we found something we can do Char.”

“Don’t tell me you are going to bet on them…” Charlie mumbled.

“Ah, come on. It will be fun.” Tonks said with a grin. “Just say, if I’m right you will look the other way when I will pull a prank, young prefect.”

“Like I have never looked the other way when you pulled a prank, Tonks.” Charlie huffed.

  It took a little while before Barnaby’s eyes met yours. You both didn’t seem to be able to look away from each other. You slowly made your way over to him, looking quite nervous.

“Hey Barnaby.” You greeted softly when you were close to him.

Barnaby was still looking at you. He had never seen you wear something like this before. You definitely looked pretty. Of course, he thought you would look pretty regardless what you wore, but it was definitely something special.

You blushed a little. “Barnaby?” You said, wondering if he even heard you.

“O-oh! Sorry Y/N.” He said quickly and then he gave you a smile. “You look very pretty tonight.” He basically blurted out.

“Ah, thank you, I’m glad you like it.” You said honestly. “You also look really handsome tonight.” You admitted.

“Thanks.” He said softly before he gently took one of your hands in his. “Shall we go in?” He suggested.

You nodded and gave him a smile. So far, you didn’t have much issues with your heels yet, besides the fact they weren’t really comfortable to walk on. You tried to follow Penny’s advice to focus on having fun instead of worrying about being clumsy on heels.

  Barnaby suddenly looked a little confused at you when you two walked inside the Great Hall. “There is something else that is different about you as well.” He mumbled.

You blinked, wondering what he was talking about. “Something different?” You asked softly.

“Ah, I know what it is.” He said with a grin. “You are taller than usual.” He pointed out.

Of course, he would notice something like that. It kind of drifted your mind to the bloody heels you were wearing. “Eh… I’m wearing heels under the dress, Barney.” You mumbled softly.

“Oh, I get it.” He said. “Although, I always wonder why girls feel like they need to wear heels. I mean, you don’t need to be taller, right?”

His way of thinking was definitely cute, you couldn’t help it but to giggle softly. “I think it some sort of fashion statement. Maybe Andre knows why women wear heels.”

“Hm, maybe I should do that later.” He said honestly. “However, we should probably have a dance first.”

“Do you know how to dance?” You asked him, wondering if he would be a good dancer.

“I think I do. I might not be the best, but I know the basics.” He smiled.

On flats you knew how to dance a little, however, you didn’t know how things would turn out now.

  “I hope I will be able to lead you well, during the dance.” Barnaby said honestly. “I mean, this will be our first dance together, so it should be special, right?”

You blushed slightly and nodded. “I’m sure you will be able to lead well.” You told him, knowing he was trying his best for you to make the night special. However, you were afraid you would not be able to make the dance very special. What is you step on his feet? Or what if you trip? You could already see yourself making a fool out of yourself in front of him.

“Y/N?” Barnaby said, pulling you away from your thoughts.

“What is it?” You asked.

He looked a little worried. “You seemed to be frowning a little. Are you all right?”

You quickly gave him a smile, although it probably didn’t look too honest. “I’m fine, don’t worry.”

“If you are sure.” He said, not looking completely convinced.

  You both found your friends in the Great Hall again and joined them to listen to Dumbledore’s opening speech for the Yule Ball. The speech was short and soon after that, the music began playing. It took a few minutes before pairs began going to the dancefloor. Andre and Penny were one of the first pairs that joined the dance. Tonks was amused when she noticed Andre and Penny were quite serious about the dance. Then she smirked and pulled Charlie along on the dancefloor with her. After all, they both agreed to go together as friends. Tonks definitely wanted to have some fun, even with the formal dancing.

Barnaby offered an arm to you and you knew it was time you would join the dancefloor as well. You slowly took his arm, letting him lead you to the dancefloor. You were impressed with Barnaby’s dancing skills. He was definitely able to lead you well despite you were still having issues with the heels. At least you didn’t step on his feet. You definitely enjoyed the dancing a lot more than you expected. Barnaby made you feel much more comfortable than you realized. The way he held you was almost delicate, like he was afraid to hurt you, but he still held you tight enough to lift you in the air during the dance.

  After a little while, you two decided to take a break and get something to drink. He led you to a table before he told you he would get you something. You slowly sat down on a chair, taking a deep breath. If there was one word to describe the dance then it was magical.

“It’s seems like you had quite some fun, Y/N.”

You blinked when you realized Tonks took a chair next to yours. “O-oh. I definitely did have some fun.” You admitted, blushing lightly

“Your feet seemed to work along with you.” Tonks said amused. “Mine really didn’t work along. I think I was stepped on Charlie’s feet too many times.” She laughed. “Maybe that’s why he decided to take a break.”

“I’m sure he will be fine.” You said with a small grin.

“Well, he should have expected it. I mean, he knows how clumsy I can be.” Tonks shrugged. Tonks looked at a certain direction before she stood up again. “I probably shouldn’t interrupt your date, have fun.” She winked before she left again.

  You looked up when you noticed Barnaby approached you again.

“Here.” He said with a smile when he handed you a drink.

“Thanks.” You said when you took the drink.

Barnaby sat down next to you and gave you a sweet smile. “You really seemed to be enjoying the dance, Y/N.”

“Oh, I am.” You said honestly with smile. “You are enjoying it too, right?”

“Definitely.” He said honestly. “I mean, I was worried for a moment that I would screw it up. But I’m glad it didn’t.”

You blinked. “You were? But you seemed to really know what you were doing.”

“Well, I suppose I was still nervous. I mean, like I said, I wanted this night to be special for us.”

You blushed a little, wondering how on Earth you managed to date someone as sweet as he was. “I think this night is already very special.”

“I’m glad.” He smiled brightly.

You two just sat down for a little while, talking with each other until you both finished your drink. Hopefully, the next part of the ball will go as well for you as the first part.

  You and Barnaby walked back to the dancefloor, for a second round of dancing. You noticed Penny and Andre were still dancing. They still seemed to be serious and passionate about it. You quickly turned to Barnaby though. He once again gave you a bright smile, ready to lead you again. You smiled back at him and allowed him to take the lead again. Just like the first time, he managed to make it all seem so easy. You didn’t know how he did it, but he even managed to make you feel like you knew what you were doing. It was almost like he enchanted you during the dance, but you knew that was just your imagination.

Maybe there was no need for you to be so worried in the first place. Maybe you were able to do more on heels than you thought you could. Maybe you weren’t as clumsy as you thought. Or Barnaby made you feel comfortable enough to not think about any problems and gave you a confidence boost. Either way, you were glad you weren’t making a fool out of yourself.

  Of course, one of the last steps of the dance ended up not too well. You could tell your ankle moved in a way it should not move and you ended up falling against Barnaby. Luckily, Barnaby was strong and quick enough to support you.

“Are you all right?” He asked you, looking slightly concerned.

You were blushing, wondering if you had perhaps jinxed yourself by thinking everything went fine during the dance. “I think so.” You said softly. “I’m sorry for falling against you.”

“Don’t worry about it.” He said honestly, giving you a small smile.

You gave him a smile back before you tried to stand on your feet again. You hissed softly when you tried stand on the foot you made the misstep with. You could already guess you had twisted it.

He frowned lightly. “That doesn’t seem to be good…” He mumbled before he simply lifted you up from the floor and carried you over to a place to sit down

You began blushing even more when he just carried you. “B-Barnaby!” You mumbled slightly panicked. “Y-you don’t need to carry me, really.”

“But it is clear you can’t stand on it.” He simply said. “Besides, it’s not like it is a problem for me to carry you.”

  Barnaby gently sat you down on a chair before he sat down next to you. “Could you lift your foot for me?” He asked.

You blinked before you nodded lightly. You lifted your foot and he gently put your foot on his upper legs. You wondered what he was going to do.

He looked at your ankle and nodded slightly, like he was examining it. He gently took your heel off and places it somewhere else. “That doesn’t look too good, Y/N.” He said honestly. “Maybe we can take you to Madam Pomfrey to heal it.”

“Yeah, I probably should do that.” You said honestly, biting your lips lightly. “I’m sorry…”

He blinked. “What for?” He didn’t understand what you could be apologizing for.

“For messing it up.” You mumbled softly, blushing slightly more.

“What did you mess up?” He asked, feeling even more confused.

“Well… You know… Making a wrong step and twisting my ankle…” You mumbled almost too quiet for him to hear.

“Y/N, it’s not like you made a wrong step and twisted your ankle on purpose.” He said seriously. “It was just an accident.”

“Still, I could have practiced on these stupid heels more.” You muttered, looking slightly away from him.

  Barnaby frowned and then he gently put your foot down again. He moved his chair closer to yours and then gently lifted your chin with his hand, looking into your eyes. “Y/N. You didn’t mess anything up.”

‘But-”

“Really, you did nothing to mess it up. Things like that happen.” He said seriously.

You sighed softly. Maybe you were making a fuss over nothing… Maybe things like these could happen no matter how much you would try to prevent it.

Barnaby gave you a small smile. “There is no need to worry about something like this. Just try to enjoy the rest of the evening, all right?”

You nodded slightly and gave him a small smile back. “You are probably right.”

He gently moved his face closer to yours and gave you a gentle kiss.

You kissed him back, slowly feeling more comfortable again.

Once he pulled back he gently took your hands in his. “Should I bring you to Madam Pomfrey now?”

You nodded. “That’s probably for the best.”

He gave you a smile and then he gently helped you up.

  “Just ditch those heels if they annoy you, Y/N.” Barnaby said when he helped you over to Madam Pomfrey.

That was the moment you left your heels behind. You wanted to enjoy the rest of the ball with Barnaby without worrying about wearing heels. You didn’t even look at them until the ball was over. You danced on them like your mom wanted you to do, so you felt fulfilled your mom’s request.

[alice-beaumont-ravenclaw]

You’ve Got a Friend in Me

A/N #1: 3000 words!!! I’m so sorry for the long fic. I tried to see if I could cut it into parts but to no avail. Anyway, enjoy, and thanks for taking the time to read this fic.

It was the end of October. Students were eating breakfast, excitedly talking about their plans for the weekend that was starting. Most were planning visits to Hogsmeade. Tonks and Tulip were making a list of what to buy at Zonko’s, while Penny was making a list of ingredients she needed for her latest potion idea. Charlie was trying to explain to Andre his idea of including dragons in Quidditch, leaving the latter perplexed. As for Alice, she was busy reading some curse-breaking books Rakepick had lent her, supposedly to help her prepare for the next vault.

Alice had other thoughts in mind, worried about Beatrice Haywood stuck in a painting, Penny’s understandable obsession with getting her sister out of there, and Rakepick. Patricia Rakepick was a woman Alice still had a hard time figuring out. The young Ravenclaw still didn’t feel like she could trust the new Defence Against the Dark Arts professor, even if Bill saw her as his mentor and Merula saw her as a role model. Lost in those thoughts, Alice heard the Headmaster clearing his throat.

“Good morning,” started the Headmaster. “I have an announcement to make on this lovely day. As you know, the school has gone through quite a few ordeals in the last five years, even facing a ‘portrait curse’ as we speak. This is why I have decided to organize a special event to lighten the mood and allow you to think of something other than the Cursed Vaults.”

He said those last words looking straight at Alice.

“The event in question is the Celestial Ball, which will take place on the last night before you all leave for the Christmas holiday, and will be open to students in Year 3 through 7. Your Heads of House will put up a parchment in your common room with all the information you need to know later today. That is all. Have a nice day!” finished the Headmaster, a twinkle in his eye as he sat back down in his seat.

The students were silent for a moment, processing what their Headmaster had just said until some girls let out shrieks as they bolted out of their seat and ran out of the Great Hall. Other girls soon followed suit, including Alice, who was doing her best to gather all the books she had brought to breakfast.

“Rowan! Help me,” pleaded Alice, looking at her bespectacled friend.

“Why?”

“Because I need to get to Gladrags to get a dress!”

“First, you have plenty of time to get a dress. The ball is in December. Second, why even bother with the ball? We have to study for our O.W.L.s,” pointed out Rowan.

“Wait, you’re not interested in the ball?” asked Alice as she slowly sat back down, concerned.

“Why would I be?  Social events make me sweat,” explained Rowan.

“But... I thought it would be fun to experience this with all our friends. It’s not like we’ve had many opportunities to just hang out and not worry about the vaults,” said Alice.

“Do I look like someone who would thrive at a ball? I’ll get so much studying done when everyone’s at the ball!” said Rowan, raising an eyebrow.

“But who will I chat with at the ball if you’re not there?”

“All of our other friends? Alice, it’s not like you actually need me at the ball. You’ll probably be busy with your date anyway,” said Rowan.

“Date? Who said anything about a date?”

“Come on, Alice. I’m pretty sure guys will be lining up to ask you out,” replied Rowan.

“I don’t see anyone lining up,” said Alice as she looked behind her at the now nearly empty Great Hall.

“Lining up for what?” asked Ben, standing behind Rowan.

“Where did you...? Never mind. Lining up for nothing, really. So, excited for the ball?” asked Alice.

“I’m not going,” replied Ben.

“What? Not you too,” said Alice, looking between him and Rowan.

“I have a fear of dancing and party refreshments,” explained Ben.

“Fear of... How can... Never mind. There’s got to be a way for you to get over those fears,” said Alice, staring at Ben.

“Don’t think so. Anyway, I don’t have the proper footwear,” replied Ben.

“Now you’re just making excuses.”

“Anyway, who would ask us to the ball? It’s not like we’re the most popular kids at school,” pointed out Rowan.

“Why are you so obsessed with dates? We can just go with our friends,” said Alice, desperately trying to convince her two oldest friends.

“Why are you so adamant that we go? Neither of us is social enough or stylish enough,” asked Rowan, looking at her friend suspiciously.

“Because you might miss out on a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Honestly, all you lack is the confidence to see yourselves the way I do. But I think I can change that...” said Alice, scratching her chin, deep in thoughts.

“Not sure it would change anything,” said Ben.

“Indeed. Alice, I know that look of yours. Don’t go cooking up any grand...” started saying Rowan before Alice suddenly got up and walked away, leaving her books and her two friends behind, ”scheme.”

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Alice barged into the Ravenclaw common room, a look of determination in her eyes. She looked around the spacious room until she found what she was looking for, or, more accurately, who she was looking for.

“Andre!”

“Well, well, if it isn’t our local Curse-Breaker,” replied the always fashionable Keeper of the Ravenclaw Quidditch team. “What can I do for you?”

“I need you to give Rowan and Ben the confidence they need so that they’ll go to the ball,” replied Alice.

“What you want is a miracle. Really not sure how I can help,”

“What always makes you feel better when you’re down?” asked Alice.

“Play Quidditch?”

“Other than that,”

“A great outfit?”

“Exactly! If you could come up with a great outfit for Ben and Rowan, I’m sure it would give their confidence a boost.”

“Alice, you are aware that I have to figure out my own outfit for the ball,” said Andre.

“Andre, knowing you, you just have to select one of the outfits you have already planned in case such an occasion came up,” replied Alice, a sly smile appearing on her lips.

“Ugh, alright then, but you’ll owe me one,” said Andre, glancing at the Curse-Breaker, who had a big smile plastered on her face. “What?”

“You think you could be done with those outfits by the end of today?”

“Sure, if you leave now and let me think. That grin of yours is disturbing.”

“Thanks, Andre! You are the best,” she exclaimed as she left the common room.

“I know,” mumbled Andre to himself, smirking.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••

“Bill!”

The eldest Weasley jumped in the plush armchair he was seated in as someone shouted his name in the Gryffindor common room. As he looked around, he saw the young Ravenclaw, standing behind the armchair.

“Alice, what are you doing here? Who let you in?”

“Charlie.”

“How you two became Prefect is beyond...”

“Shush. Nobody cares about that,” interrupted Alice. “I need a favour, but first, are you going to the ball with anyone?”

“What? No. Dumbledore just announced the ball. Wait... Are you asking me to...” started saying Bill.

“Perfect! I want you to ask Rowan to the ball!”

“What?!”

“Ben and she don’t want to go because, long story short, they lack self-esteem. Andre is gonna make them outfits for the ball to boost said self-esteem, but I might need a finishing touch, and that is where you come in. You see her in her ball outfit when Andre makes them try it on, you go ‘Wow’ or something, and then you invite her to the ball,” explained Alice.

“That might be a double-edged sword. What if she finds out I asked her out because you asked me to? It would crush her, and she might resent you for it."

“Oh... You do have a point,” said Alice, bitting her thumb, thinking. “Fine, scratch the asking her out. On that front, you do what you want. Just come in and say something nice. What you do or don’t do after is up to you.”

“Good, I’ll be happy to do that. Rowan is better than she thinks she is,” said Bill, smiling. “But what about Ben?”

“Well, if you swing that way...” said Alice, staring at Bill with a raised eyebrow.

“No, that’s not what I meant. Just that it might take more than someone asking him out to...”

“Oh, I know that, but I am still trying to figure out what else could help his confidence.”

“I’m sure you’ll figure it out,” said Bill, looking up at the young Ravenclaw he had known for so long with kindness in his eyes.

“Thanks, Bill. Means a lot,” replied Alice, smiling at him.

“Now, where and when will I give Rowan a dose of confidence?”

“I’ll let you know when Andre tells me but should be by the end of the day. Just make sure you’re easy to find so that I don’t run everywhere looking for you.”

“You can count on me,” said Bill, giving her a small salute.

“Thanks, Bill,” said Alice, smiling, as she left the Gryffindor common room.

••••••••••••••••••••••••

Alice was now in the library, piles of various spell books surrounding her, frenetically looking through the English-Latin dictionary Rowan had given her last Christmas. She was trying to come up with a spell that would help Ben’s confidence. As she was about to give up, holding her head between her hands, she heard a soft voice beside her.

“What are you doing with all those books, Alice?”

“Oh! Badeea! Hi. I’m trying to find a spell to help Ben’s self-esteem so that he’ll go the ball,” replied Alice, looking up at her fellow Ravenclaw.

“I see... Does it need to actually work, or does he just need to think it works?” asked Badeea, sitting next to Alice.

“What do you mean?” asked Alice, puzzled.

“Well, in the Muggle world, there is something known as the placebo effect. It’s when you give patients an inert treatment to help them with their illness. Patients expect that it will help, and their positive thinking usually helps fight said illness. You could try the same thing with Ben.”

“You mean, fake a spell, and hope he thinks it’s real so that his confidence will go up by itself?”

“Precisely!”

“It just might work... What do you think of Maximus Confidentia? Maximus means ‘greatest’ in Latin and confidentia is one way to say ‘confidence’ in Latin.”

“You’re sure it’s not a real spell?”

“If it is, it doesn’t do much. I tried it on myself to see if it would increase my confidence in helping Beatrice get out before Christmas, and it didn’t.”

“Well then, I guess you have found your placebo. Now, may I borrow that spellbook over there that you have? It may have a spell I need to improve my painting,” asked Badeea, pointing to one of the books surrounding Alice.

“Sure, I don’t need them anymore. I’ll put the others back on the shelves,” replied Alice just as Charlie entered the library.

“Alice!” he shouted, which was followed by one of Madam Pince’s infamous shushing.

“Sorry,” he whispered, making his way toward the two Ravenclaws. “Andre’s looking for you. He said the outfits are ready.”

“Oh! That’s great!” murmured Alice. “Do you know where Ben and Bill are?”

“Hum... Ben is in the common room, I think. As for Bill, I saw him in the Great Hall with Rowan,” answered Charlie.

“What? Oh, Merlin. You go fetch Ben and bring him to where Andre is which is in... Where is Andre?”

“The Transfiguration classroom.”

“Ok, so bring Ben there, and I’ll go and fetch Rowan,” said Alice as she followed Charlie out of the library.

Once outside the library, Charlie went toward the Gryffindor common room, while Alice ran toward the Great Hall. As she entered the Great Hall, she saw Bill talking to Rowan. She briskly walked toward them.

“Rowan! Bill! Hi! What are you talking about?” she said, a pasted-on smile on her face and her eyes looking straight at them, barely blinking.

“The ball. I feel you had a hand in this Alice. I told you I didn’t want any grand scheme to convince me to go to the ball. Next thing I know, Bill shows up and tries to convince about how much fun I’ll be having,” said Rowan, narrowing her eyes as she looked at Alice.

“Well, you caught me, Rowan. What can I say, I really want all my friends to be at the ball with me. Speaking of ‘Grand Scheme’, I need you to go to the Transfiguration classroom. Part two of my scheme awaits you there.”

“You’re not coming?” asked Rowan, crossing her arms.

“Yes, I’ll be there in a second. Just go on ahead, and I’ll catch up with you.”

Rowan shrugged before getting up and leaving Bill and Alice behind. Alice let out a sigh of relief once Rowan was out of sight and turned to Bill.

“Thanks, Bill. Talking to her like that was even better than my initial plan. Wisdom really does come with age,” said Alice, smirking as she glanced at Bill.

“Are you calling me old? Strange way to thank me, Beaumont.”

“Well, you are older than me, Weasley. Anyway, have to make sure Rowan goes to see Andre. Thanks again, Bill,” said Alice, waving as she ran out of the Great Hall.

She quickly caught up with Rowan, who was dragging her feet and looking at the ground.

“Hey, I thought Bill had convinced you that going to the ball would be fun,” said Alice as she walked beside her friend.

“He did, but it means that now I have to find an outfit, and I’m not sure I’ll be any good at that. Not to mention that I’m a bit apprehensive regarding the second part of this grand scheme of yours,” said Rowan, her head held low, glancing at Alice.

“That’s all? Oh, Rowan. You’ll be happy to know that part two of my scheme is giving you an outfit for the ball,” replied Alice, beaming as she pushed the door of the classroom, revealing Andre and Ben who were waiting for them.

“There you are! Ok, Alice, wait outside while I take care of these two,” said Andre, rubbing his hands together.

“Andre? Alice, I’m not so sure anymore...” started saying Rowan before Alice pushed her inside, closing the door behind her.

“There. Let’s just hope it works,” mumbled Alice, leaning against the wall next to the door in the corridor, waiting for Andre to finish the makeover.

About 30 minutes later, the door of the classroom opened, and Andre peaked out into the corridor. There was Alice, sitting on the floor as she patiently waited for the grand reveal.

“Alice. They’re ready,” said Andre, moving aside to let her in.

As Alice walked in, what she saw left her speechless. Rowan was wearing a lovely periwinkle dress, that perfectly suited her figure, with flower details at the top. Her necklace was a pendant in the shape of a tree, a reminder of her family’s tree farm. Her hair was styled in a loose braid that perfectly completed her outfit. Ben was wearing a long black coat with a matching waistcoat, under which he wore a yellow shirt with a red bow tie. His pants were red and rolled up a little bit to reveal red and yellow argyle socks. His look was completed with a pair of black patent leather shoes and a black hat.

“Wow!” she said after a few seconds, “you both look amazing. Andre, you really are a Style Wizard.”

“Thanks. It was a fun challenge to do,” said Andre, looking proudly at his creations.

“I’m really excited about going to the ball now,” said Rowan, as she twisted and turned to have a better look at her dress.

“This is a first. I’m so accustomed to dressing badly, but now I feel really stylish! If only I felt more confident about going to the ball,” said Ben, looking down at his shiny shoes.

“I think Alice has a solution for that,” said Rowan, glancing at Alice.

“I do? Oh! Right! I do! It’s a spell to raise your self-esteem. Hum... Flitwick recommended it to me!” said Alice, trying her best to make her fake spell sound legitimate.

“Yes, and I was there when he showed it to her,” added Rowan, discreetly winking at Alice.

“Ok, then, might as well give it a shot,” replied Ben, shrugging as he closed his eyes.

“Here goes nothing,” mumbled Alice before shouting, “Maximus Confidentia!”

Ben slowly opened his eyes, looking at his three friends.

“How... do you feel?” asked Alice, worried.

“I feel... great! I feel ready to dance! Merlin, I feel like I might even be the best dancer in our class,” answered Ben, beaming.

“That spell works wonders. Flitwick taught it to you, now, did he?” said Andre, eyeing his fellow Ravenclaws suspiciously.

“Yup,” replied Alice and Rowan in unison.

“I’m so happy that you are both coming to the ball now. We can all go together as friends,” said Alice, smiling at her friends.

“Well, we can hang out at the ball, but you’ll be going with your date,” said Rowan.

“I don’t need a date,” replied Alice, rolling her eyes.

“Haven’t you seen the parchment Flitwick put up in the common room?” asked Andre.

“What parchment? I’ve been busy scheming to get these two to go to the ball,” replied Alice, unsure she wanted to know what was on said parchment.

“Prefects will open the first dance of the ball, which means you’ll need someone to dance with. Therefore, you’ll need a date,” explained Rowan.

“Crap,” said Alice, looking in bewilderment at the three people in front of her.

A/N #2: As you can see, this story will have a sequel. Also, this was based on prompt #6 of @hphm-fictober Fictober 2019 prompts. I hope you enjoyed it, and if so, feel free to leave a comment (or even reblog it).

[elefseija]

HPHM Fictober Day #1: “So Close”

Fandom: Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery Prompt: “so close” Pairing: Barnaby Lee x F!MC Aisling Baskerville Genre: fluff, slice of life (somehow) Rating/warnings: general audience, no warnings~ Word Count: 878 A/N: Here I am, starting this new adventure!!! I’ll try to post something day by day, if not I’ll continue anyway into november, I’M SO EXCITED, OKAY. I’m starting already with something little and easy about my ship: with the prompt “so close” inevitably my mind went into Metallica mode and started playing the initial riff of Nothing else matter and the first lines “so close, no matter how far, couldn’t be much more from the heart”. And well, I had to do something. I suggest for everyone to read this while listening to that song!

@hphm-fictober

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The rain mercilessly beat against the windows of the bedroom. No star could be seen through the glass, just dark clouds and fog, in which the dim lights of street lamps reverberated – not a surprise, as the weather in England could be adorably tricky. It looked a bit like home, where the Liffey flows and the not-so-far-away hills are covered by the fog, and the chilly autumnal air sends light shivers through the skin. She did miss a bit her green, wild Ireland: her job as Curse-Breaker for the Ministry had brought her to Cornwall, where she had been staying for weeks.   Aisling followed with a finger the little drops of water that would lazily stream down on the glass; her other hand was busy caressing Skathi, her snowy owl who had recently come back to her with a letter – that, and wet feathers, and quite a sour mood because of her flight through the rain. Skathi would gently nibble at Aisling’s fingers, looking at the girl disapprovingly: “look what I did for you” her bright, golden eyes seem to tell, but she hooted softly nonetheless. «Yes, Skathi, this has been really kind of you» Aisling replied, a shadow of a chuckle in her voice as she patted Skathi’s head once again. The letter she had brought was still lying open on the bed – already read once and twice. She had recognized the one who had sent her the letter just from the first words, black ink on fine parchment, and a handwriting Aisling had learned to recognize since her school days. The Irish knew she was soon going to pick up the letter again and read it for the third time. «He says he misses me, and he can’t wait for me to come back home.» A shy smile was lingering on her lips – she looked just for one second at her reflection on the glass, and then went back to the bed, laying on the mattress (too hard and too uncomfortable for her). And she did it – picked up the letter once again with utmost care (a darker shade of pink would paint her cheeks). “Mo chrói”, she did bite her lower lip, muffling a pleased giggle – my heart, he had called her, using the first gaelic words he had learnt from her. Sweet Barnaby, who never forgot to write her once a week. Gentle Barnaby, who would always ask her how her days were going. Beloved Barnaby, who never failed to tell her he was waiting for her. (Barnaby, who could make her blush even with just two words written on paper.) Yes. She did miss him. Immensely. “Sjöfn is restless, she spends a lot of time sitting by the window and at night she sleeps on your side of the bed. Sometimes she sneaks near my hand and purrs. I think she misses you.”  Aisling rolled on her stomach, resting on her elbows. (“Well, well, look at that traitor of a cat!” she shook her head in amusement.)She kept reading it again – as Barnaby wrote about his days, how he had cured Cloudjumper the Hippogriff who was now well and couldn’t wait to fly again, how the puffskeins would follow him everywhere in the reserve (Aisling could not stop her amused chuckle, this time, as she imagined the scene), how their house seemed empty without her and how he missed her songs and her voice. She slowly turned to her side, again  – a deep sigh escaped her lips as she shifted the letter just a tad between her fingertips. “I feel restless too. These weeks have been the longest of my life. I want (need) to hug you and kiss you. I can’t wait for you to come back to me; your return seems so far. I really, really miss you-” She stopped reading – Aisling just closed her eyes and brought the letter to her chest. She had learned the last words by heart. “You are always in my thoughts. Please, be safe. I love you, and always will.” She did feel it, happiness mixed with nostalgia hitting her heart with soft yet merciless strength and making her feel like a fool, in love; she swore she could almost sense him, his warmth, his arms gently wrapping around her, his hand caressing her back or his fingers running through her messy hair, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat against her chest, his soothing voice repeating those very words she had read, the softness of his hair against her fingertips. So close to her. (It frustrated her a bit her imagination could not compare to the sweeter reality.) And she knew, that last night would be so, so long  – with no sleep, no dreams or nightmares, spent counting the hours and the minutes. Not even the sound of the rain could lull her to sleep (in the distance, a thunder rumbled). The port-key would be only at twelve a.m. The muggle radio was still playing – low and soft was the volume, matching the golden light from the fireplace still casting long shadows in the room. If only Aisling had paid attention, she could have heard it, the long guitar riff: “so close, no matter how far - couldn’t be much more from the heart.”