Winters Cloak | S.S

12 | Avoidance

A few days had passed since the love potion incident. You were now studying in the downstairs library, at the corner with Marissa and London on a circular wooden table. The seats were dark red with cushions for students who studied long hours.

The library smelt like fresh mint with a hint of lavender sprayed on the books. Magical was truly something else.

A few students walked past your little study group, paying no attention as their eyes focused on their hands carrying multiple books. One student was trying to balance ten textbooks at once.

Marissa held out her wand. "Wingardium Leviosa." She whispered. The books started floating instantly and the young boy looked surprised but beyond thankful for Marissa's help. He whispered a little 'thank you'. It was hard to catch but you knew Marissa had already caught it. Her eyes watched the boy endearingly.

"I can't believe you aren't the popular girl. Pansy doesn't deserve that spot." You whispered to Marissa, leaning close so that others couldn't hear.

"No, don't be silly...I just like to help people." She smiled. "I don't need popularity or fame."

Sure. But you deserve it more than anyone else around here. And power is what can make you rule over anyone and anything. Her power is in her kindness and gratitude.

You watched the young boy walk away with the floating books to a nearby single table and chair. You winked at Marissa who appeared to be flushing pink now upon noticing your staring at the boy.

"That Gryffindor boy is charming, isn't he?" You giggled. Marissa shook her head immediately.

"It's not like that! I was j-just being nice." She whisper-shouted, trying to hide her embarrassment. You chuckled along.

"Of course." You had known that Marissa had been secretly crushing on the redhead for years now. A true Hufflepuff who had stayed loyal to the boy. Yet, he never had shown any interest despite Marissa's attempts to get him to notice her. He was always busy studying, which was an odd scene for a Gryffindor. Or maybe you were being too stereotypical.

Your eyes landed back on the table and then on London. He was quiet. He hadn't spoken about anything ever since you all had arrived.

Although you couldn't see his face, London's small grunts and sighs let you know that he was trying his hardest to answer some of the most difficult past papers of Hogwart's N.E.W.T exams. Marissa on the other hand wanted to get classes over with as soon as possible. She wasn't as studiously gifted as London was, but athletically, she was. A snitch for the Hufflepuff team and a fantastic one.

You weren't the best in studying nor athletic either. An average at best. But something that made you stand out was that you had officially become a double agent for Dumbledore because he saw something inside of you that others hadn't. A secret 'weapon'.

The final examinations would take place next year, but it was better to prepared earlier than not be prepared at all — you all had concluded. In addition, all Professors had also suggested the same. Then again, it was the ultimate exam to decide fate, the future. If you were capable of becoming an Auror or even a Hogwarts Professor.

"Y/N I need help with this question!" Marissa quickly slid her papers to you. A cheeky grin plastered on her face as she clasped her hands. Waiting for you to provide her with answers like you were some cheat sheet.

Seriously. Can this girl not learn a new study method?

You gave her a questioning look. Then grabbed the parchment papers in your hand. Scanning the words of the Herbology paper. "Did you actually think I was good at Herbology?" You frustratedly slid the paper to London who had a book covering his face. Marissa shrugged.