Edge of Reality // Oliver Wood

✧˖* 3 *˖✧

I wake up in my bed, still wearing the clothes from yesterday. The first thing I hear is a loud drumming sound repeating over and over again, but it's not music. It's my heartbeat, shooting pain in my head that almost feels like it's going to crack open my skull. The room around me spins as I'm trying to force myself to stand up and get ready for first period. Right as I do that, a sickly sense overwhelms me and I fall back onto my bed. Last night, the sweet smell of toffee and jelly slugs added to the playful vibe of the party, yet this morning, all it adds is nausea. No breakfast for me today.

I go to the shared bathroom which is already filled with students getting ready. Somehow, our wild night is untraceable on their faces. I go to the sink and bend over to be able to drink from the tap. I chug down the water as if I haven't seen a drop in months. The ice-cold water helps me freshen up and memories of last night come flooding back. I remember Hannah jumping on one of the desks and performing a dance routine that seemed strangely well choreographed. I recollect Cedric flying on his broom through the common room, trying to catch bottles of liquor Smith was throwing at him as though they were Snitches, then chugging them down if he caught them, which he did every single time. He's a good Seeker after all. Worst of all, I remember myself doing impressions of the different Hogwarts professors that, in my drunken state, seemed very good but now seem extremely dreadful.

Even though I feel like I might pass out any second, it's undeniable that last night was absolutely incredible. I fucking love Hogwarts. 

By the time I enter the Potions classroom, most of the nausea I felt before has disappeared. But my head keeps throbbing as if the marching band is playing in there. I greet Nova with a soft hello as I take my assigned seat next to her. Having potions with Slytherins isn't really my cup of tea, but having my best friend with me makes it a bit better.

"You look like you didn't sleep at all last night," Nova comments on my appearance as she takes her potions essay out of her emerald backpack. I glance at the thick stack of papers on her table. Shit. I forgot to do the homework.

I rummage through my own bag, only to be surprised by a finished essay. Written on the first page is my full name in my own handwriting. Suddenly, I remember that I scripted my homework would always be done and I would always pass all my classes. Awesome, I think as I place my essay on top of Nova's, who goes to hand them over to Snape.

I grin at her as she walks back to our table, "You're right. I practically didn't sleep, we had a little common room party to celebrate our Quidditch win. Cedric snuck in drinks and let's just say they were very effective. I have the biggest hangover ever right now."

Nova giggles at my words before I continue, "It seems like I'm the only one, though. Everyone was so chipper this morning. Is there like a special spell or something?"

My pink-haired friend nods her head. The new hair colour suits her well and makes her bright blue eyes stand out even more. She changes her hair every few weeks with a colouring spell, always spicing up her appearance. "Yeah. Didn't you know? It's-" Before she can finish her sentence and release me out of my misery, Snape calls out her name.

               "Miss Pearson. You're excused from this class. Please go see Headmaster Dumbledore in his office."

I mouth a silent "What's wrong?" towards her and she shrugs in response. In a swift movement, she picks up her bag and leaves me. Draco stares at her intently as she walks past him towards the door but she doesn't meet his eye. I guess they're having another fight again.

               "Ah. Miss Griffin. Now that you've found yourself without a partner, please move to Mister Malfoy's table. You can work together today," Snape says condescendingly. A grimace spreads across my face and I move my stuff to Draco's table hesitantly.