CHAPTER NINE
As I settle into my seat next to Pansy, a wave of exhaustion crashes over me, leaving me feeling as though I've been drenched in cold water. I glance around the breakfast hall and realize that I am the last one to arrive on this gloomy Monday morning.
Draco, with a slight unease in his voice, cautiously asks, ❝How are you doing?❞ as if the mere act of inquiring about someone's well-being makes him uncomfortable.
I meet his gaze, briefly closing my eyes and running my hands through my hair, before reassuringly replying, ❝Everything is fine.❞
The conversations between them all continue as before, and I find comfort in the calming tone of their voices.
A sense of panic engulfs me as I realize that I can't remember if I brought my potions homework with me or not. If I had forgotten it, I could always rush back to retrieve it before class. Hastily, I start searching through my belongings, carefully sifting through the stack of neatly arranged papers.
Relief floods me as I notice my homework right at the top of the pile. However, that relief quickly dissipates as a glass of orange juice spills onto the paper, saturating it completely. Panic takes a new hold of me as I react swiftly, lifting the paper and trying to keep it away from the spilled drink. Regrettably, my attempts prove unsuccessful as the paper starts to crumble right before my eyes.
I shift my attention to Theodore, my eyes meeting his as he admits his mistake with a simple, ❝My bad, brownie.❞
His expression remains stoic, devoid of any amusement or remorse. In that moment, I find myself contemplating my options. While a part of me yearns to unleash my frustration and express my deep dislike for him, I am aware that this is precisely what he desires. He seeks a reaction from me, aiming to disrupt my day.
❝It's all good,❞ I say, silently grateful that my body doesn't betray me with an eye twitch as I utter the lie.
❝I bet Snape will be furious when you fail to submit your homework,❞ Theodore remarks.
This time, my eye twitches, and I can tell that he notices. A smirk immediately appears on his lips. Trying to avoid his gaze, I shift my eyes in the opposite direction, only to find myself making eye contact with Mattheo, who seems to be staring at me—or perhaps something behind me. Confused by the intensity of his angry eyes, I furrow my eyebrows, attempting to comprehend the situation.
I hear a voice calling my name, but it's unfamiliar to me. Weary, I turn toward the noise and my frown deepens. The person before me stumbles over their words, saying a hesitant greeting. From the corner of my eye, I notice Pansy rolling her eyes and grimacing, while the rest of the group seems to have similar reactions. My heart sinks in my chest, and a sense of unease washes over me at their nonchalant behavior.
With a polite smile, I address the person, ❝Hey, Daniel, right?❞
Theodore shifts in his seat, the amusement in his eyes fading away
❝Yea, exactly,❞ he beams at me, as if my response has made his day. He starts to ramble, asking if I would like to go out with him, perhaps to Hogsmeade or for a walk.
Pansy scoffs at his words.
Feeling awkward and unable to decline, I respond, ❝That sounds nice, yeah, sure.❞
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FanfictionLeah Labelle has spent most of her years at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the shadows, always present but never quite noticed. She often felt caught between not being ugly enough to be bullied and not being captivating enough to seiz...
