𝐁𝐚𝐝 𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝 ➸ (ᴍ.ʀɪᴅᴅʟᴇ)

𝟓.

I FELT AN agonizing, nauseating fit of anxiety the next day. I didn't have a chance to talk to the Gryffindors after my little chat about uniting the groups in the common room. Not that I minded - I was honestly kind of dreading bringing the idea up.

Truthfully, I didn't think they would take it too badly. Sure, they wouldn't be ecstatic about it, but I'd hoped it would run somewhat smoothly.

I was wrong.

"You want to what?" asked Ron, the bewildered expression on his face growing by the minute.

"Lil, are you sure that's such a good idea?" asked Harry, his eyes fixed on Ron's.

I sighed, feeling stupid for even suggesting it. I knew they wouldn't like it, but I held out hope that they would at least consider it before saying no. Looking off behind Ron, I caught Theo's eyes across the table. He gave me a reassuring nod before looking away.

"Okay well they're willing to get to know you guys. Why can't you just try?" I mumbled, my mood already dropping.

I felt Hermione lean her shoulder against mine from beside me.

"You know we just want what's best for you."

I quickly stood up, Hermione almost falling over from my brisk movement. I'm not sure what came over me. Maybe it was high time I stood up for my newfound friends, because deep down I knew that if the Gryffindors didn't eventually come around, I was going to have to choose. My house and my blood, or my friends.

"Not all Slytherins are bad! Look at me," I said as I pointed to myself, "I have never done anything to make you believe in all the stereotypes and assumptions - so what is the problem?"

Hermione went to grab my hand but I yanked it away. "It's not that. They're Death Eaters."

I scoffed. "Their parents were. They didn't choose for any of this to happen, so why blame them?"

Harry opened his mouth to speak, but I interrupted him. I couldn't be bothered to listen to any more of their stupid excuses. I just wanted a peaceful lunch. To be able to sit down and enjoy myself without hearing a rude remark about my house - just for once.

"Ginny's on her way. Tell her I said hi."

With those last words, I picked my bag up and made my way to the Slytherin table. I felt like I could finally breathe as I sat down next to Pansy and Enzo, my shoulders slumping almost immediately in relief.

My phone buzzed in my bag but I ignored it. Instead I filled my plate with sandwiches and continued on like the conversation I just had did not happen.

"Didn't go well I presume?" said Theo.

I only sighed, putting my head in my palm as I picked at the bread in front of me. "What does it look like?" I asked, my tone more harsh than I had anticipated.

Theo threw his hands up in defense, making a funny face at me.

"Sorry," I mumbled, "I guess I just hoped it would go better. Now I feel stupid."

"Alright. None of that," said Pansy. "If they decide to come to their senses - great. But if not, then you always have us."

I chuckled at her statement. Although I appreciated the sentiment, we barely knew each other. "We only met like a day ago."

She scrunched her face up. "So what? Slytherins look after each other. We always have."

I nodded before taking a bite of my sandwich, not even realizing how hungry I was until the flavors settled on my tongue. Nothing would ever top Hogwarts food - even in secondary school it was always my favorite.