{Half A Hero} Hufflepuff!Reader

Chapter 12: Forgetfulness

Umbridge forgot that this was a Hogsmead weekend. She did not like that she had to move your punishment to Sunday.

She did not appreciate that Snape did not correct her. He did not defend her to the Headmaster. The audacity. Snape was now in her Black Books.

The students loitered around the village centre. You tried to find the names and locations of decent stationary stores. You might need gifts to woo Dad to your favour again. You weren't sure how he'd react to your schemes.

But if theres one phrase he taught you well, it was the one about desperation and measuring going hand in hand. No matter how bad things got, clear heads get clearer solutions.

Harry tumbled into your side. The snow helped with the landing but not with the cold.

"I thought you had Quidditch."

"I was lying." He scoffed.

You swatted at his helpful hand, and stood on your own. You dusted the clinging ice off.

"Stop frowning at me."

"You're a liar."

"So are you."

"For Nobel reasons."

He scoffed again. Harry spotted someone over your shoulder, excused himself, and ran away. The audacity. You watched the Golden Trio disappear into The Three Broomsticks.

You would have followed to escape the cold, but you were on a mission!

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Your mission had failed.

The snow fell down steadily, and you had no idea of how far you were from the center of the village. The street was empty, save for a few hooded adults here and there.

You noticed a couple head into a dingy looking tavern.

Your breath grew foggier. Fingers had a slight tingle to them. You headed to the door. With a hesitant hand, you opened it enough to peer in.

The gray-with-dust bar room felt less cold than outside. A sorrowful fire crackled in the ash filled hearth.

"What are you, then?"

Your eyes shot over to the barkeep, a tall man. You weren't sure if his beard was gray with dust or age.

"Lost." You answered politely.

Your movement was slow as you closed the door, and looked around the street once more. The snow had let up a little. Owls crooned over head, delivering post. You felt the door open behind you, what little light that came from inside blocked by the huge figure. You tensly looked over your shoulder.

"Why didn't you come in?"

"Uh."

"Child."

"I thought it was rude t-to let the heat out, so I closed the door."

He tutted. Then moved aside. Like a vampire, you accepted the invitation, and followed him to the bar.

His placed a tot of smoking liquid in front of you. You looked between the drink and the barkeep.

"It's on the house."

What ever murmurings had been going on had stopped. You decided to do as he said and gulped back the Fire Whiskey. You coughed harshly. Your shaky hand replaced the empty glass on the counter.

"How are you feeling now?"

You blinked. You licked your lips. Warmth radiated from your chest, you moved your fingers better.