Nightmare (Harry Potter OC Fic)

23. Lovers

The entire school was on edge; between all of Harry Potter's outbursts about Death Eaters over the last month and the new High Inquisitor Umbridge's reign of terror, Hogwarts seemed less and less like home and more like Azkaban. Defence lessons began to be a bore as Professor Umbridge had better enforced a 'No Wands' rule in her lessons– not even defence practicals. But Kei, being the gossiping witch they were, heard a rumour about a secret meeting during the weekend's Hogsmeade trip. And it involved Harry Potter, of course.

"Hermione Granger," Kei called out after the fifth year. Hermione stopped and slowly spun around. "I've been meaning to talk to you."

"To me?" her eyebrows furrowed. The confusing act didn't fool Kei; she very well knew Hermione was a bright witch and one of Gryffindor' Prefects assigned to her.

"Yes, you," Kei smiled warmly. "I've heard something and I wanted to confirm with you whether it's true or not." Hermione's eyes slightly widened with fear and Kei knew their speculations were right. "An outing. Butterbeer, gossip, studying? All the works, yeah?"

"Yeah," she said slowly. "Um, the works."

"A huge study group," Kei nodded. For a bright witch, she sure is slow, they thought.

"Oh," Hermione breathed. "Yes, the– the study group. Are you going to come?"

"I'd like to hear what it's about. See if it's worth the time."

"All right, well you know where—"

"And is anyone allowed to attend?" asked Kei. Hermione nodded. "Slytherins included?"

"You're not a Slyth—"

"Yes, but Tiberius is and I'm not going to waste my time if my best friend won't be welcomed purely due to some stupid house animos—"

"Tiberius Moody?" Hermione confirmed. Kei nodded. The Gryffindor smiled, "of course he can. Yes, yes."

Kei cocked her head and loudly stated, "and make sure you log your rounds correctly so you don't get marked a demerit."

Hermione quickly understood Kei and agreed, waving a quick goodbye as she left. She rolled her eyes and went on her way to find Tiberius. Having just left Arithmancy, Tiberius was down one of the corridors, leaving his Alchemy lesson. But instead of finding Tiberius, Kei found Silas. She hadn't seen much of the younger Slytherin over the past month.

"Silas!"

He flinched at her loud tone and tried to place a smile on his face, "hi, Kei."

"You all right?" she frowned.

"I'm fine. Just tired," he shrugged.

"You sure?"

Kei didn't believe him one bit. The quiet happy boy they had gotten to know over the last two years was just a shell of sadness. Kei never minded the quiet nature he held, but the sadness was new. She worried she wasn't the only one with a tough summer, her frown deepened.

"Yes, Kei. I said I'm fine," they dismissed her. "I have class, I've got to go."

"See you. . . around," Kei faltered as Silas was already out of sight and scurried down the corridor.

That weekend, Kei planned to drag Tiberius away from Three Broomsticks where he was with Vic. Within the last month, he seemed to have acquainted himself with Vic more. There were fewer arguments and more hushed conversations with quiet laughter between the two Slytherins. But in turn, it gave Kei more time to hang out with Gina.

The two girls were seen to be practically inseparable. Though Kei restrained from taking points away from Slytherin for the mischief Gina caused, she greatly enjoyed her time with the girl. It was harder and harder for Kei to not fall for her best friend– all of the quiet moments and bubbly feelings made it impossible. It wasn't a noticeable change unless someone were to be watching the two girls intently, but it was enough of a change for Kei to struggle with controlling their word vomit of affection.