𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐒 -𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙤𝙙𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙉𝙤𝙩𝙩 ʰᵖ

𝟬𝟲. ❝𝙞𝙩'𝙨 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙢𝙮 𝙛𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧❞

     LOVE IS THAT comforting embrace children get from their parents right at the beginning of life. But for Roxanne, it's like a tricky puzzle in the form of a four-letter word, a concept she hasn't quite figured out. Unsure if she's ever truly experienced it or truly had ever received it.

Her deep affection for her cousin Draco is unwavering, treating him like a brother even during their tumultuous moments. Despite verbal spats and claims of mutual dislike — an underlying, genuine love ties them together.

They're inseparable, even if they would never admit it, they wouldn't be able to live without out other. However, beneath this bond, Roxanne secretly envied him and felt a quiet yearning. Observing the profound love Narcissa showers on Draco, she secretly desires the same from her own parents—a mother and father who prioritize her.

Similar to how Narcissa prioritizes Draco... Roxanne understands her perpetual role as Draco's second in her aunt and uncle's affections. This realization has been ingrained in her since childhood, accepting that, being their biological son, Draco naturally commands more attention.

Her aunt never let it seem like Draco got more love, always treating them equally in front of Roxanne. Despite being confided in as a daughter and seeing her aunt as a mother, Roxanne couldn't shake the feeling.

It was something she often thought about — just like now during their train ride back to the train station for the holidays.

Yet, she found herself pondering the words of Professor Dumbledore, who had said,

"the path you're on can have endless possibilities, all within your grasp if your desire is strong enough. There is a reason why you were chosen to be in Slytherin."

She couldn't shake the thought that there might be a hidden meaning to his words.

She also couldn't believe that she was back on the Quidditch team, although no one knew it yet — only Pucey and Flint.

The winter break had finally arrived for Roxanne, and she was buzzing with excitement. She and Draco both loved the holidays, though Draco's enthusiasm was on a whole other level. The season meant parties and Christmas sleepovers for their tight-knit group of friends.

"Rox, Roxy — hello?"

"Roxanne!"

Lost in thought, Roxanne was jolted back to reality by Blaise Zabini's loud call, she jumped.

"Seriously, Zabini, are you trying to give me a heart attack?"

"If that's what it takes for you to notice me, then sure," he teased with a grin.

Curious, Roxanne asked, "What were you saying?"

Blaise chuckled, "We're at the train station, thickhead."

"Shut up," Roxanne replied, "where's Maddie and Celeste?"

"They went to Draco and Theo—"

"Traitors," Roxanne interrupted.

Blaise continued, undeterred, "—to get you some of Theo's food."

"Oh — never mind then," Roxanne conceded, realizing food was a compelling argument.