'Till The End Darling

34. The Ministry's interference

Narrators pov:

Y/n made her way in to the Great Hall. When she was welcomed by the familiar scents and sounds, she felt foolish for ever being nervous to return. The comforting glow of the thousands and thousands of floating candles and the deep velvet ceiling sprinkled with infinite stars, made her feel whole. Despite what had happened last year Hogwarts was still and always would be her home.

Y/n noticed George, Fred, Lee, Angelina and Alicia all already sat at the Gryffindor table. Trying to muster as much confidence as possible, she made her way over.

"Allright?" George asked not making eye contact.

Her heart tugged at his distance "George" she pulled his sleeve.

He turnt to face her and they locked eyes for only a few seconds, but it felt like an eternity. She was mesmerised by the delicate way the green clashed with the brown in his eyes. He radiated waves of warmth. Yet she herself felt so cold. "George im sorry"

"Did I do something wrong?" He asked seriously.

"No. I just got overwhelmed at the train station and I ended up being rude to you. I shouldn't have done that, I'm sorry" she smiled, hoping he would forgive her.

He shrugged his shoulders "i guess i can forgive you" he teased "you'll just have to make it up to me somehow"

She giggled lightly, underneath the table she stroked her fingers up his leg until they reached his upper thigh. She squeezed just below his area and whispered in his ear "hmm ill think of something"

"None of that dear, or ill have to carry you out of here right now" he whispered lowly.

"Tempting" she laughed.

Across the table Alicia was staring furiously at the loved up couple. It didnt take long for y/n to notice "Enjoy the holidays Alicia?"

Alicia forced a smile but it came out as more of a grimace "lovely thanks, and you?" her tone was sweet but her eyes were cold.

"Wonderful" y/n made a point of holding Georges hand. Despite having settled there differences at the Yule Ball, y/n wasn't a push over and she was sure to make it clear that Alicias cold looks didn't threaten her in the slightest.

"Oi you, play nice" George smirked. He'd never say it aloud but he loved seeing y/n be possessive.

"Has anyone noticed that Grubby-Plank woman is back? Asked Ginny.

"Whats she doing back? Hagrid can't have left can he?" Hermione added.

"Hagrid wouldn't leave" Ron said, sounding slightly anxious.

"Of course he wouldn't" said Harry firmly.

"You dont suppose he's... hurt or something, do you?" Y/n said uneasily.

"No" Harry said at once.

"Ohh Y/n do you remember what Dumbledore said" Hermione said very quietly "Ron you were there too. Hagrid was on a very secret mission over summer. Dumbledore sent him"

"Oh yeah...I bet he's just not back yet" Ron said, sounding reassured. But Hermione and Y/n were looking up and down the staff table as though hoping for some conclusive explanation of his absence.

"Who on earth is that?" Y/n said sharply, pointing to the end of the staff table.

Harry's eyes followed hers. He saw a woman sat next to Snape. It was quite comical, she had a horrible pink Alice band on her head which matched the vibrant pink cardigan she wore over her robes. She'd look insane sat next to any person but in contrast to snapes black hair, black robes and solemn face..well she just looked ridiculous. Just then he suddenly realised with a shock of recognition, a sour toad like face, and a pair of cold prominent eyes.