SAFE HAVEN

Study Sessions and Secrets

It was the day of the first game of the quidditch season, and the halls of Hogwarts were buzzing with excitement. The teams had been practicing hard, keeping a lot of the Slytherin boys from their studies. Luckily for them, Nikki and Hermione's study session were in full swing.

The Gryffindor and Hufflepuff were known for being some of Hogwarts' brightest, but more importantly, they loved helping out their friends. It might be some kind of god complex, but everyone was appreciative of the help nonetheless.

Back in the library, students of all houses met up at Nikki's spot. It was a sunny afternoon at the crowded table, with everyone hunched over their books.

Hermione and Nikki sat at opposite heads of the table. Closest to the window, Harry and Ainsley huddled around an arithmancy book, clearly looking off of Nikki's notes, as she had started her study guide the day before. Across from them, particularly close together, sat Blaise and his girlfriend. Maggie Li, being a bit brighter than Blaise, seemed to be explaining to him something about wandlore, and her History of Magic notes were scattered across the table. The fair skinned Luna Lovegood stood floating behind them. She was in their class as well, but always seemed to be in a world of her own. Everyone was hard at work when Draco joined the table; no one glanced up to see him enter except Nikki.

"Didn't expect to see you here Malfoy" she said, looking back down at her potions book.

He silently pulled over a chair from another table, and took his seat beside Blaise and Maggie. Shockingly enough, he pulled an identical potions textbook from his bag, and turned to the same chapter.

"It's nice to see you, Draco" Luna remarked sweetly as she always does. She never seemed to bother him, as he was fascinated by her whimsical personality.

"You too Lovegood"

Harry had acknowledged Draco's appearance with a wave, but everyone else was still entranced.

"Blaise" Maggie seemed to be scolding, "Two wands with cores coming from the same magical creature cannot be forced to duel against one another. Priori Incantatem remember?"

"No, Mags. Obviously I didn't remember" he said deadpan.

"You know this. I know you do"

It was hard not to laugh when the only thing they even slightly fought over was homework.

"Don't worry, Blaise" Luna chimed in, "You only have 3 inches of parchment left in the essay. You'll be done soon enough"

"Thanks Luna" he smiled more out of politeness than anything.

Back at Nikki's end of the table, she had been reading ahead on how to brew the Draught of Living Death.

"Snape said we're not doing that until next class"

She looked up from her textbook. It was Draco.

"Yes I know that Mr. Potions Master" she mocked, "Some of us like to get ahead"

"Please. I learned that on my own in fourth year. It's beyond simple. I was just entertained that you actually have to prepare for class ahead of time"

"Jesus Malfoy give it a rest" Nikki huffed, finally snapping her eyes up to meet him. He was clearly not staring at her as angrily as she was glaring at him. His gaze softened as he returned to his own potions book.

"How can you possibly make fun of me when you're reading the exact same book?" she continued.

"I'm reviewing" he stated, "Memorizing. I can do them perfectly with the text, but I want to do be able to brew these exponentially better than you with my eyes closed"