Her Tulip Heart | R.J. Lupin

Chapter 8

The Great Hall buzzed with the usual morning chatter as Alethea settled into her seat at the Ravenclaw table, closest to the High Table where the professors dined. The enchanted ceiling above reflected a crisp autumn sky, wisps of clouds drifting lazily across the magical expanse. 

She had just finished recounting her early morning encounter to Adelyn and Estella, her cheeks flushed with excitement.

"Sounds like you had quite the start to your day," Adelyn teased, a mischievous glint in her eye.

"I can't believe you're still getting more action than both of us, even though you're not getting any action," Estella grumbled, eliciting confused looks from her friends. 

Alethea sighed, her expression turning wistful. "It's not as if it can go anywhere, really. He's still my professor, after all." 

"You do realise you'll be of age in just a day, right? Maybe you should consider trying out the wand in his pocket." Adelyn added suggestively, wiggling her eyebrows. 

Alethea's eyes widened. "Adelyn! That's absurd. He's still my professor, and it would be completely inappropriate."

Estella laughed, nudging Alethea playfully. "Oh, come on, Thea. It's just a bit of fun. Besides, you can't deny there's something there. The way he looks at you..." 

Alethea rolled her eyes. "It's just a look. It doesn't mean anything."

"Well, if you change your mind, you know where to find him," Adelyn said with a wink.

They sat in a comfortable silence for a few minutes until the tables groaned under the weight of a magnificent breakfast spread. Golden toast was piled high on silver platters, accompanied by an array of glistening jams and marmalades. Eggs prepared every which way - scrambled, poached, and fried - steamed invitingly. Sizzling sausages and crispy bacon filled the air with their tempting aroma. Bowls of fresh fruit offered a colorful contrast to the hearty fare, while stacks of fluffy pancakes dripped with syrup and melted butter.

Alethea reached for the ornate teapot, pouring herself a cup of fragrant green tea. The steam rose in delicate wisps, carrying the subtle scent of jasmine. She added a small spoonful of honey, stirring it gently.

"Tea for breakfast again, Thea?" Adelyn teased, raising an eyebrow. "You're such an old soul." 

Alethea shrugged, a small smile playing on her lips. "What can I say? It's both comforting and healthy."

"Speaking of tea," Estella chimed in, "Don't forget we have tea with Hagrid this afternoon."

"Oh, right!" Alethea's eyes lit up. "I can't wait to hear about his lesson plans for the rest of the term!" They all knew of the incident between Buckbeak and third-year Draco Malfoy during Hagrid's first class with them a few days ago. 

Their conversation was interrupted by a commotion from the Slytherin table. They turned to see a group of third-year Slytherins fawning over Draco Malfoy, who was dramatically cradling his bandaged arm.

"Oh, poor Draco," simpered Pansy Parkinson, her voice carrying across the Hall. "Does it still hurt terribly?"

Malfoy winced theatrically. "It comes and goes. The pain is excruciating at times."

Alethea rolled her eyes, taking a sip of her tea. "Merlin's beard, he's milking that for all it's worth, isn't he?"

"What a prat," Adelyn scoffed, biting into a crispy piece of bacon. "You'd think he'd been mauled by a dragon, not scratched by a hippogriff." 

"I bet he's just doing it to get out of classes," Estella added, spreading a generous amount of marmalade on her toast. Alethea and Adelyn nodded in agreement.