Masquerade (Hermione x Female OC)

Chapter 11 - Adoration

Total Words - 1027

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*After lunch hours*

"René, ma chérie! Can you believe we're here, at Hogwarts? Oh, the memories of Florence!" Emelie exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement and adoration.

René smiled warmly, "I know, Emes! It feels like a lifetime since we were in our home together." Her eyes wandered the hall and a thought suddenly popped in the Slytherin's mind. "Hey, remember that prank we pulled on Madame Dubois?"
Emelie giggled, "Oh! Omg! How could I forget! Her hair, .... bright green! She was so furious, but I think it was worth it."

The Slytherin girl nodded in agreement, "Emes, this is a whole new realm, I'm glad you're here with me. I can't wait to show you all my favourite places and yes, the forbidden ones too." Emelie hugged her friend tightly, "Always, ma chérie. Hope we make the most of this year, just like we always do. Oh, yes. Elias is here too. Although.... I can't catch a glimpse of him anywhere now."

René playfully rolled her eyes at the absence of Elias, Emelie's older brother, from the hall. "Must be snogging someone," she quipped, using a term she assumed was universally understood.

Emelie's brow furrowed in confusion, "Snogging? What's that?" René grinned sheepishly, realizing the cultural difference, and hesitated before explaining, "Well, you know, Emes, it's for when we are kissing someone, like really passionately. Like, really really getting into it."

Emelie's cheeks turned a light shade of pink as she processed the information. Emelie sighed dramatically, "Oh, ... that sounds intense. Huh! Snogging someone..." They both burst into laughter. Their conversation had to end as René was scheduled for a class.

As the students began to disperse and make their way to their respective dormitories, the golden trio passed by the duo. Ron's eyes widened in surprise as he realized that the pretty girl with whom René was chatting was none other than Emelie.

During her Potions class with the Hufflepuffs, René found herself engaged and intrigued by the subject. For once, she felt the hours passing quickly as she focused on perfecting her potion. The class was a welcome change from the monotony of some of her other subjects.

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Later that evening, the girl had been sitting quietly in a secluded corner of the clock tower courtyard, engrossed in a some random book. She was lost in her own world until the sound of hushed voices reached her ears, pulling her attention away from the pages.

It was Seamus Finnigan, a Gryffindor student, speaking in a low tone to Fletchey, a Hufflepuff. Rene hadn't meant to eavesdrop, but the conversation had grown impossible to ignore.

Seamus hesitated for a moment, his voice barely audible, "I mean, Fletchey, have you ever watched 'The Princess Bride'? That Westley guy... he's just... I don't know... captivating."

Fletchey shrugged his shoulders and admitted, "I don't know much about Muggle works of fiction, to be honest." Seamus chuckled lightly, his Irish accent adding warmth to his words. "Ah, I completely forgot, Fletchey. You've got no Muggle influences at all, do ya? Well, if ya ever want some book recommendations, just let me know. I'll introduce you to a world of Muggle stories."

Fletchey said softly, "About the muggle guy, you mean you find him attractive?" Seamus blushed, stammering, "I... well, yeah. I guess so. It's just a film, but I can't help it. Is that weird?"

René's heart went out to Seamus. She considered leaving to give him some privacy, but before she could make her exit, Seamus turned in her direction, locking eyes with her.

Caught off guard, Rene's cheeks flushed with embarrassment. She hadn't intended to intrude on his private thoughts. She managed a sheepish smile and started to rise from her spot, stammering, "I'm sorry, Seamus. I was just leaving. I didn't mean to..."

Seamus hesitated, eyeing her warily. He wasn't sure if he could trust her with his confession. Finally, he spoke, "It's... well, it's a bit personal, you know. I-I didn't mean for you to overhear."

Rene nodded, "I understand. I won't say a word."

However, she leaned in closer to Seamus and spoke in a hushed tone, "It's a big risk to share something so personal. Look around next time you start talking, I advise."

Seamus regarded her for a moment, he was intimidated a bit. There was a hint of suspicion in his eyes, but finally, he nodded in agreement. He appreciated Rene's understanding. For some reason he decided to trust the girl.

René took a few steps away, but her curiosity was piqued by the mention of fiction books. Then, unable to resist, she turned back to Seamus with a thoughtful expression. "Seamus, about those Muggle books... the fiction stuff you mentioned. What's it like? Could you let me borrow some?"

Seamus couldn't help but feel a bit surprised by René's sudden interest in muggle books, especially coming from a prominent Slytherin family. However, he quickly shrugged off his initial curiosity. After all, most people knew René had a passion for reading, so perhaps it was simply her curiosity as a bookworm that sparked her interest. With a hesitant nod, he replied, "Well, they're just books, stories, René. They are about... all sorts of things. From adventures to mysteries, and everything in between. You should give one a try sometime; I will lend you some of mine."

René's eyes lit up but she quickly composed herself and nodded at the boys. In a hushed tone, she added, "Thanks, both of you. But I wouldn't tell anyone about this. You see, I'd rather keep it quiet; don't want any fuss or questions, right?" She gave them a small, appreciative smile before continuing on her way, leaving Seamus and Fletchey to exchange curious glances.

Seamus and Fletchey continued their conversation about boys, with Seamus sharing that he wasn't entirely sure about his feelings yet. He mentioned having a distant cousin who was gay and that he found him cool and quite similar to himself. He admitted, "I'll figure things out as they come along. No rush, right?" Fletchey nodded in understanding, offering his support and friendship to Seamus as they walked and chatted together.

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Short chapters era.