Obliviate

Chapter Four

The air had quite the chilly bite to it as Maeve, Violet, and Patricia Simmons walked down to Hogsmead. Patricia was the other Ravenclaw girl in Maeve's year. Maeve's thoughts were expectedly consumed by the amount of work she still wanted to get done, even though Violet had told her about a hundred times she deserved the day off.

For Maeve, it wasn't a question of deserving.

I would simply rather be studying with Tom. This thought caught her off guard. No, just studying, she corrected herself silently.

Though Tom had made her quite a tempting offer. She relished the thought of seeing her sister's face in defeat. A snapping sound brought her back to reality.

"Hell-o?" Violet's fingers were in front of her face.

"What?" Maeve slapped her hand away fiercely. "Why are your hands always near my face?"

"Because you're never listening," said Violet.

"How can she? You never shut up," said Patricia.

Violet gasped, and Maeve smiled wickedly.

"That's so mean!" Whined Violet.

While Violet and Patricia were going at it, Maeve's thoughts once again wandered back to Tom. His duel the other night had been outstanding, and Maeve was admittedly jealous of such skill.

Much to Maeve's happiness, the rumors about Velvetina's were true, and her new line of winter wear was stunning.

Violet picked out a sweater and Patricia a pair of boots.

Velvetina's face lit up when Maeve told her she'd be purchasing the entire line, and she thanked Maeve incessantly until the girls left.

They were seated in Miss Moonstew's Ice Cream and Tea Shop after they finished their shopping. Maeve sipped a lavender and honey tea while Violet interrogated her about all the time she spent with Tom.

"He's my tutor," sighed Maeve. "And not even the one I wanted."

Violet huffed. "Still. You were at the duel last night, and you never come to those-"

"What do you want me to say?" Maeve asked, becoming annoyed.

"She's jealous," said Patricia, smiling as though she had just uncovered a secret.

The shade of pink Violet's face turned solidified Patricia's accusation.

"Oh bloody hell," said Maeve, grimacing. "Is that why you've been up my ass lately?"

Patricia's jaw dropped, and Violet's jaw clenched.

"Maeve!" Hissed Violet, her eyes darting around the shop.

"I didn't mean to-" started Patricia looking concerned, but Maeve cut her off with a raised hand.

"It doesn't matter, Patty, I'm not mad. It's just funny that I couldn't see it before," said Maeve in an icy tone.

Violet swallowed hard and put on a brave face. "I know you don't even like him like that. Everyone knows you fancy Alphard Black."

"Keep your voice down," warned Maeve as a few heads turned their way upon the mention of Alphard's name.

"But I guess you've moved on now that Alphard has left school," Violet whispered, looking away from Maeve.

"I doubt that's true," said Patricia, attempting to diffuse the tension. "Besides, it's not even worth your time, Vi. In six years, he hasn't paid any girl attention. He's too focused on his studies."