Violet Summer: The Philosopher's Stone

Chapter 13: Fluffy and Snape

 Toni made her way through the bustling halls of Hogwarts, navigating the ever-changing staircases until she reached the corridor leading to the Gryffindor common room. After exchanging the password with the Fat Lady, she ducked down the tunnel and entered the main room, greeted by a chorus of cheers and jubilation.

To her surprise, the entire Gryffindor House was in celebration mode following their victory in the Quidditch game against Slytherin. The room was filled with students crowded around the team, offering congratulations and praise for their triumphant win. Among them, Harry was receiving special attention for catching the elusive Golden Snitch. The news overwhelmed Toni, momentarily pushing aside the memories of her detention with Snape.

Determined to join in the revelry, Toni maneuvered through the throng of her fellow Gryffindors, deftly weaving and dodging to make her way toward the center where Harry, Ron, and Hermione were located. She caught glimpses of Neville, Dean, and Seamus, but her focus was on finding her closest friends. Pausing briefly, she scanned her surroundings until she spotted Hermione's distinctive hair. A surge of excitement coursed through her, propelling her forward once again.

Finally, Toni reached them. However, it was Harry who spotted her first, his face lighting up with joy as his eyes locked onto hers. Hermione and Ron followed his gaze, their smiles mirroring Harry's. Breaking free from their embrace, Harry stepped forward and enveloped Toni in a tight, exuberant hug. The warmth of his embrace electrified her skin, filling her with a sense of pure elation.

"I did it!" Harry exclaimed, parting from the hug. "I caught the Golden Snitch and won my first game!"

Toni's smile grew impossibly wider. "I heard! I'm so happy for you, Harry! This is incredible news!"

Their collective excitement filled the air, creating an atmosphere of shared joy and triumph. The weight of Toni's recent detention with Snape receded into the background as she wholeheartedly embraced the celebration of Harry's remarkable achievement. She couldn't contain her elation upon hearing the news, and as Ron and Hermione joined them, they all began to exchange details about the exhilarating game.

However, the buoyant mood was briefly interrupted when Hermione and Ron recounted the events surrounding Harry's broomstick. The conversation grew somber, and Toni's expression shifted into a frown, troubled by the revelation. She found herself contemplating Snape's possible involvement and the reasons behind his actions. Although it seemed unlikely, she couldn't dismiss the notion entirely, knowing the enigmatic nature of the Potions professor.

Interrupting their discussion, Ron reminded them of Hagrid's invitation. Harry looked momentarily perplexed, the excitement of the crowd surrounding him momentarily distracting him from the unfolding conversation. However, he quickly regained his focus and nodded with a renewed sense of purpose.

"Oh, right! We need to meet Hagrid," Ron recalled. Harry's eyes flickered with understanding. "He wanted to celebrate our victory with a spot of tea. Come on, Toni. We can continue talking about the game there."

Toni's frown eased, replaced by a determined smile. She was eager to delve into the thrilling details of the match, but there was also a part of her that yearned for answers and clarity regarding Snape's involvement. As they made their way towards Hagrid's, a mix of excitement and curiosity simmered within Toni, eager to uncover the truth behind the mysterious events that seemed to intertwine with their triumphs.

***

Seated comfortably in Hagrid's cozy hut, Harry, Toni, Ron, and Hermione found themselves surrounded by an air of warmth and camaraderie. Steam rose from the teacups placed before them, and Fang's drool snaked its way around Toni's legs. Unfazed by the canine's affectionate slobber, she welcomed the presence of animals and creatures, a shared affinity that had strengthened her bond with Hagrid, especially during the weeks when she had been avoiding Harry and Ron after their initial encounter.