Time Flys || hphm T.W

thirteen • 'more good than you'

Quick AN, the next two chapters are kinda rushed like I've packed loads of small scenes into them so meh

Liliana was sat with Rowan in their usual spot atop one of the massive windows near the courtyard, the windowsill fit them both comfortably and they had sprawled sweets out between them from an earlier trip to Hogsmead.

Rowans hair was forced into a messy plait stretching across her lower back from Penny's frail attempt at combing through it, she had stuffed herself up in the library for the last three days and Liliana had only just pulled her out of there. Her dark skin shone with glee under the golden light as she picked up each sweet before plopping it into her mouth and analysing the unknown flavours. She was so happy.

Liliana got sick of most people after a while but she would never be sick of Rowan, they both relied on each other so heavily that living without the other just wouldn't be possible.

"EW I think this one's dried fire crab scales!" Rowan cried while spitting the half chewed sweet out.

"Have you gone mad?" Liliana laughed at Rowan who was still gagging, "there's no such thing as that"

"Is too."

"Is not."

The two were interrupted by a splurge of first years running out of the great hall and towards them, they each carried a massive pile of books and small bags of quills or ink. The children were excited, eager to learn and stay at Hogwarts. Liliana missed that feeling. Yes, she loved Hogwarts and everyone she knew here but everything went wrong, she was never free from family burdens or curses or threats from random wizards.

"Rowan they all look like mini versions of you." Liliana said with a grin, Rowan frowned slightly and pushed her glasses further up her nose.

"I do no-" Rowan began to argue but upon looking at the crazed younger students she realised she looked exactly like that. Always in a rush to get to classes or the library with her uniform messy and tie undone. She huffed and leaned further back onto the wall as she crossed her arms which just made Liliana laugh more.

"Well I would rather look like a 12 year old then a dying 800 year old." Rowan scoffed.

"My bags aren't that bad... right?" Liliana said as she turned to try and inspect her reflection in the window beside them. She hadn't slept properly for a few days and it was very obvious by the roughness of her appearance.

The two continued to bicker until they noticed two smaller boys at the back of the group, one was bawling and the other held him softly across the shoulders. They were each in old Pyjamas that looked unwashed and their hair loosely hung over deep dreary eyes. The boys looked exhausted. The two girls gave each other a look before listening into the conversation.

They would help if they needed, for now they were just curious. Penny would have run straight to them but Rowan and Liliana were slightly more analytical with their approach.

"She said he won't wake up!" The boy softly wailed into his hands, his fingers trembled as they held his face.

"She doesn't know for certain yet, Will. He could be all better in no time!" The second boy said with fake encouragement, Liliana could tell by the solemn look in his eyes that he too had no hope.

She quickly connected the dots and realised they were talking about the sleeping curse, they were talking about the Vaults.

She moved off the ledge while Rowan stayed, she realised this was something Liliana might have to face herself.