Masquerade (Hermione x Female OC)

Chapter 12 - To scar

Total Words - 2408

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It all began with an incident a few days earlier when Marcus had accidentally tripped over Niki's friend. The rising voices of the Ravenclaw girl and the Slytherin boy clashed in a symphony of frustration, drawing the attention of nearby students and curious passersby. Soon, a small crowd began to form near the entrance to the Ravenclaw dormitories, drawn by the escalating dispute.

The girl, her voice filled with accusation, confronted Marcus in the Hogwarts courtyard. "You! You're the one who tripped Alex a few days ago! Don't try to deny it!"

Marcus, a bewildered expression on his face, tried to defend himself. "What? Tripping him was never my intention! It was an accident!"

Niki's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "An accident? Really? Because Alex told us it was intentional!," she said, hesitating. "He had the bruise to prove it!"

The boy pleaded, "Look, I swear, it was crowded, and I didn't even see him! Why would I intentionally hurt anyone?"

Hermione and Harry approached the growing crowd of students near the entrance to the Ravenclaw dormitories. They couldn't resist the urge to find out what the commotion was about. Pushing their way through the onlookers, they finally reached the epicenter of the argument. Hermione exchanged an exasperated glance with Harry, who looked equally puzzled.

With a calm and authoritative tone, Hermione stepped forward, raising her hand as a signal for attention. "Excuse me, may I ask what's going on here?" she inquired. A Hufflepuff prefect, not taller than 6'6" filled them in on the situation.

As they listened to both sides of the argument, Harry couldn't help but wonder if Marcus had indeed done something intentionally.

The skeptic Ravenclaw crossed her arms defiantly. "Oh, come on! We all know snakes are up to no good. Especially you. This was just another one of your tricks!"

Marcus, his voice filled with frustration, retorted, "That's not fair! Just because I'm in Slytherin doesn't mean I'm out to get anyone. Alex himself said it was an accident. Why can't you believe that? Ask him again if you want." To which the girl replied, stuttering, "Well you...you can fool him all you want. But not me." Before the accused boy can voice his reply, Alex arrived on the scene, lightly scarred.

"Guys, seriously? Again?," Alex interjected, addressing the gathered students. "I was there when this happened," Alex added humorously. He turned to the Ravenclaw girl, "you should give him the benefit of the doubt, Niks. I already told you. It isn't as deep as you think it is."

Niki, who had been maintaining an accusatory stance, hesitated for a moment. The weight of her skepticism seemed to lessen, and she finally nodded reluctantly.

The crowd gradually dispersed, and Harry exchanged a relieved look with Hermione. As they walked away from the scene, Hermione couldn't help but give Harry a knowing glance, silently questioning his initial suspicion. Harry shrugged, admitting silently through his expression that he had been wrong.

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Rene walked briskly through the castle corridors, her silver and green Slytherin robes billowing as she went. Beside her, Blaise and Draco kept pace, their conversation hushed. A few other Slytherins joined their group as they made their way to the Defense Against the Dark Arts class with the Gryffindors.