Violet Summer: Prisoner of Azkaban

Chapter 23: The Return to Hogwarts

 During the first week back in classes, Toni found herself continuously pestered by students from all Houses and years. They crowded around her, showering her with compliments and bombarding her with questions. Ron tried to shoo them away, but he was no match for the determined crowds that followed Toni everywhere she went. Even in the Great Hall, she couldn't escape the horde of supposed fans. Harry, Ron, and Hermione found amusement in the situation, teasing her playfully about her newfound popularity. Toni almost wished for the days when they had all disliked her, but that hope was in vain.

Theodore tried to help her by sneaking food from the tables and leading her to the courtyard for some peace, but that plan quickly backfired when others caught on, once again surrounding her with their constant presence. Theodore, annoyed by the relentless admirers, used a charm to entangle their legs, providing a brief moment of solitude for Toni. However, it wasn't long-lasting as Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, and Theodore themselves tried to stick closely to her, attempting to prevent others from getting too close. Despite their efforts, the crowd continued to find ways to pester her.

By the end of the third week of classes, Toni was completely worn out and exhausted. She retreated to her bed, Pepin, sitting beside her, patting a gold chain he had found in the school. She looked forward to the next Quidditch match, where Gryffindor was playing against Ravenclaw, with a chance to secure second place. However, her mind was also preoccupied with the buzzing rumors about Wolfe's next memory demonstration, which seemed to have contributed to the relentless attention from her fellow students.

Amidst the chaos, Toni was secretly excited to learn that Harry was now practicing the Patronus Charm with Lupin. He had confided in her about it, keeping it a secret from others. With so much going on in the past few weeks, she felt her body gradually succumbing to exhaustion. Rolling over in her bed, she glanced at Pepin, who had snuggled up under her school robe, bringing a smile to her face.

Her thoughts wandered to Draco, wishing he had sent her a letter or some sign of their secret romance. They had shared glances, and at one point, he seemed tempted to hug her, but the crowd quickly deterred him. Their newfound relationship felt uncertain, but Toni supposed she should have expected as much given the circumstances.

"Hiya, Toni!" a familiar voice rang out, and Toni shot up from her bed to see Fred and George with wide grins standing at the door.

"Hey!" she said, excited and relieved to see them. The twins approached her bed, George casually taking a seat on Hermione's bed beside hers, while Fred leaned against the frame, his arms crossed. "What are you two doing here?"

"Forgotten us already, have you?" George teased, raising an eyebrow. Toni's memory quickly caught up. "The fireworks!"

"Oh yes!" Toni exclaimed, recalling their earlier conversation.

"George and I think the perfect time for the prank would be the night of the next Qudditch match at 10 o'clock. Does that work for you?" Fred asked. Toni looked between them, considering the timing.

"Isn't that a bit risky? Filch will be out with Mrs. Norris in the halls. Shouldn't we do it on a Saturday instead?" she suggested. George and Fred shook their heads in disagreement.

"Apparently, Slytherin is planning to have a party the night of the match," Fred explained, sounding somewhat annoyed at the idea.

George leaned forward, sharing more information. "We overheard some Ravenclaws talking about planning a party as well. And it seems a few students from Hufflepuff have been invited to it."

"Even Gryffindor is contemplating a bit of celebration. With everyone distracted, Filch will be too preoccupied with sneaking Hufflepuff to Ravenclaw, which should keep him away from the trophy room," said Fred.