𝐇𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 - 𝐑𝐚𝐲 𝐱 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫 - 𝐑𝐞-𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞

Chapter Nine

I decided that I'm going to ask Snape if he knows anything first, then I'll go to the library. I knock on the door to his office, waiting for a response. He opens the door, raising his eyebrow as he spots me.

"Y/n, I didn't expect to see you here. What do you need?" He greets me as I step inside his office.

"Hey Professor, I just wanted to ask you a few questions about something I stumbled across when I was reading a book my mother sent me. I didn't quite know anything about it so I was wondering if you could answer my questions."

"Of course, what are these questions?"

"Do you know anything about Nicholas Flamel and any stones he may be connected to?" Snape freezes up, his eyes narrowing as he looks down at me.

"And why do you wish to know?"

"Well, you know my mother... always trying to get me to learn about new things, you know?"

"I do suppose that's a good reason..."

"It's a great reason in fact." I clarify, making Snape sigh.

"Fine. I'll tell you everything I know."

30 minutes later

I've learned everything that I needed to, so I look at the grandfather clock that Professor Snape has and I see that quite some time has passed. I stand up to excuse myself, smiling at him as I do so.

"Thank you for clearing up the confusion I had, sir."

"It's no problem, Y/n. If you have any questions later on that I wasn't able to answer, come to me and I'll give you a pass to the restricted section in the library."

"Thank you sir, I really appreciate this."

"It's no problem you are excused now."

"Ok, goodbye dad." I wave goodbye, not realizing what I said and leave the classroom.

It was only when I reached the dorms and sat beside Draco that I realized what I said.

"AHHHH! I CAN'T BELIEVE I SAID THAT!" I scream into a pillow so as to not disturb the other students in the dorms. Draco is just looking at me like I'm crazy.

"What did you even say to him? It can't be that bad."

"I CALLED HIM DAD DRACO, DAD!!!"

"You called him dad?! How does that even happen!!?"

"I DON'T KNOOOWW!!" I cry as Draco just pats my back awkwardly. As I lay with my face in the pillow, I remember that I have to tell Potter and Weasley what I found out. I finish my little crisis and roll onto my stomach to face Draco.

"Hey Draco?"

"Yeah?" He replies.

"What do you think our families are hiding from us?"

"What do you mean?"

"I don't know. I just have a feeling that they are... I don't know... lying to us?"

"About what?"

"Mudbloods... muggles? I don't know..." I groan, sitting up. "You know what? Forget it. I just realized I left my Astronomy book in the library, I'll see you later." I stand up from the couch and walk out.

I enter the Great Hall and spot Potter and Weasley playing chess. Potter is losing terribly by a landslide.

"Queen to C5." I instruct, winning the game for Potter, putting Weasley at checkmate. They look up at me as I sit next to Potter, considering if I sat next to Weasley he'd probably hex me to death.

"L/n, what do you need?" Potter asks politely.

"Weren't you the one to ask me about the information you need about that stone?" I scoff whilst they look at me eagerly.

"I did in fact find out some really valuable information."

"Really? What is it?!" Weasley questions while leaning forward to me.

"Backup Weasley. I do have information, but I will tell after Christmas morning."

"What?! Why?!" Weasley cries.

"I want a peaceful Christmas, without you guys bothering me for more information. Which, I know you will." Potter sighs before he agrees to my condition.

"Ok, but you better tell us the information afterwards."

"Of course."

One week later

I sit at my house table for breakfast, listening to Draco as an owl flies in, landing in front of me. Draco looks at me with a questioning expression as I untie the letter from the owl's leg.

Dear Buttercup,

How are you? I hope that you've been doing really good, I've been doing well. I've missed you over these holidays, I can't wait until I get to see you again. I've also really missed Hogwarts, Hogwarts has become kind of like a second home to me. It's Christmas in five days, and I've prepared a gift for you for when I get back, I hope you'll like it! I thought really hard about what kind of gift you would like and I made sure that it came from my heart! Also, don't forget to get me one too, ok? (I'm kidding, don't actually get me one, I'm fine without one. Honestly, your friendship is enough for me) I hope you have a Merry Christmas, Buttercup!

-Your new best friend Norman (Snowflake <3)

I smile softly at the letter and feel heat rise to my face. Norman is so sweet. He makes me feel all mushy inside and my heart race... and he said he was my new best friend! Am I starting to gain feelings for Norman...? Oh. Oh no. This isn't good. I'm not supposed to be falling for him.

He's a mudblood of all things! Wait- no- he's a muggle born of all things! Mother will most certainly have my head if she finds out. Not just my head, his head too! Oh no, what do I do now?! I mean, it's not like I would even be with him if I could, I also have a feeling he doesn't like me like that. I sigh as I go to write a letter back.

Dear Snowflake,

I'm doing quite well myself! And it is pleasing to know that you are feeling the same. I have also missed you over the holidays, but don't worry, we'll see each other again soon enough. It's not like I'll just stop being your best friend either, you're stuck with me as I am stuck with you. We're stuck in this together. Until the end, and even if you are not ok with that, I will still stick with you. You don't really have a choice. (Also, thank you for reminding me that I should get you a gift! And no, you cannot stop me.) Your owl is adorable by the way, I might steal him one day. I wish you a happy Christmas as well, Snowflake.

-Your best friend, Buttercup.

Yeah, that seems like a reasonable response, not too long, not too short. I look up at the owl, who is surprisingly, still here. I guess Norman told him not to leave until I give him a letter. I tie the letter quickly to his leg and he flies off. Yep, Norman's owl is a boy and his name is Otus, which apparently is a name from Greece... meaning owl. He's a beautiful Barred Owl. I think the letter might've hinted that I have some feelings for him. No, I'm probably just overthinking this. Norman may be smart but I don't think I showed any signs of liking him. Besides, he seems dense enough not to notice.

I hope he gets the letter.