𝐊𝐀𝐋𝐎𝐍 | 𝘍𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘞𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘭𝘦𝘺

Chapter 76 - The Second Task

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"What did you do?"

"Nobody died."

"..."

"WHAT KIND OF ANSWER IS THAT?!"

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"I believe that you are invading my spot."

Betelgeuse smirked; she had just finished her Prefect duties with Cedric Diggory, with whom, surprisingly, Betelgeuse had had a pleasant conversation through their patrolling round. The Hufflepuff had confused the girl by totally evading topics as the Tournament and his rivalry with Harry Potter. Instead, he had chosen to discuss with her the new complicated sixth-year school programs.

The Black had enjoyed his company, uncharacteristically even starting a timid banter and letting herself smile at his jokes.

Cedric was a nice bloke.

Indeed he was.

But Betelgeuse was glad her Prefect duties were over. She had craved the comforting solitude of the Astronomy Tower for quite some time, and that was why she had found herself hastening up the tower's steps, counting each one of them.

The Heir of House Black had crossed the threshold of the ancient circular chamber, relishing in the cold night temperature and admiring the soft silver glow the stars above had bathed the room.

"Do I?" An amused voice shot back from the penumbra.

Betelgeuse hummed, taking unhurried steps towards the centre of the chamber. "Come forward," she commanded in a soft voice, directing her sharp grey eyes towards the farthest shadow cone in the room. "You do not belong to the darkness. And quite honestly, I can discern your flaming red mane."

The voice groaned. "Bel, you have to teach me how to blend in the obscurity."

"I fear I cannot do it. It comes with being a Black, apparently," Betelgeuse deadpanned, making Fred laugh.

A gentle breeze caressed their hair, blowing down towards the Black Lake like a lover's touch.

"You should really carry around a bloody coat, love, or a scarf at least," Fred grumbled as he eyed her up and down, noticing the lack of both.

"Yes, mother," Betelgeuse drawled, edging towards the frozen parapet.

"Ah, funny! Very funny, Black," Fred rebuked, crossing his arms and nearing the Gryffindor young woman.

"Oh?" She inquired, tilting her head towards the tall Weasley. "Are we turning back to formalities? What should I call you? Frederick? Weasley? Sir? Father?" She finished, arrogantly arching a black, slender eyebrow in challenge.

"I'd rather have you call me dadd —," Fred tried to reply, but Betelgeuse was quicker and slapped her pale hand on his mouth. She narrowed her eyes on him as she felt his lips curve in a rakish smirk against her palm.

"You are a brute, Fred."

She felt him softly encase her slender wrist with his warm hand, revealing his face. His previous smirk had vacated, leaving room for a more gentle smile. Fred looked down at her, really looked at her, admiring her beauty and grace. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes on, even at that moment, slightly peeved and frowning at him.