The star, his moon and their comets

CHAPTER 127 Killer Love

Emma sat in the courtyard, her eyes fixed on the Marauder's Map spread out before her. The parchment was a constant companion these days, its intricate lines and dots revealing the ebb and flow of Hogwarts life. She had been meticulously studying it for days, searching for any anomalies, any hint of trouble or hidden movements.

Ron, Harry, and Draco sat nearby, engaged in a lively conversation about Quidditch and upcoming exams. Unbeknownst to them, Emma's attention was far from the casual banter. Her eyes traced the corridors and rooms, seeking a familiar name that appeared and disappeared like a fleeting shadow.

Octavia.

The name echoed in her mind, a puzzle waiting to be solved. Emma's brow furrowed in concentration as she spotted Octavia's dot moving through the castle. It was a dance, a pattern that eluded immediate understanding. She couldn't shake the feeling that there was something important about Octavia's movements.

"Hey, Emma, you with us?" Ron waved his hand in front of her face, breaking her concentration.

"Hmm? Oh, sorry," Emma mumbled, quickly folding the map. "Just lost in thought, you know."

Ron chuckled. "Thoughts about Quidditch, I hope. We were just discussing the upcoming match against Ravenclaw."

Emma managed a half-smile, not wanting to reveal the true nature of her preoccupation. As the three boys continued their conversation, she discreetly unfolded the map again, her eyes darting to Octavia's elusive presence.

Ron's stomach growled loudly, emphasizing his point about hunger. Harry, always prepared for such moments, reached into his bag and pulled out a box of Cauldron Chocolates.

"Here you go, Ron. That should keep your stomach from declaring war on us," Harry said, handing the box over with a grin.

Ron's eyes lit up at the sight of the chocolates. "You're a lifesaver, mate!"

He wasted no time in tearing the box open and sampling a few chocolates, the satisfied expression on his face confirming their effectiveness in appeasing his hunger.

Emma, still engrossed in her thoughts about the Marauder's Map, observed the exchange with a distracted smile.

The courtyard buzzed with the mingling of laughter, chatter, and the occasional whooshing sound of broomsticks from the Quidditch pitch above. But Emma's ears cou;dn't hear anything with the sound of her racing thoughts.

Where was Octavia going and how was she leaving Hogwarts?

"Harry!" Ron blurted out, looking both desperate and horrified.

"What?" Harry responded, his brows furrowed at the sudden burst.

"Harry, I can't stand it!" Ron exclaimed.

"You can't stand what?" Harry inquired, now thoroughly confused.

"I can't stop thinking about her!" Ron confessed hoarsely.

Harry gaped at him, a mix of disbelief and amusement crossing his face.

"I don't think she knows I exist," Ron confessed with a desperate gesture.

Harry, bewildered, replied, "She definitely knows you exist. She keeps snogging you, doesn't she?"

Ron blinked, still lost in his thoughts. "Who are you talking about?"

"Who are you talking about?" Harry questioned, feeling like all reason had dropped out of the conversation.

"Romilda Vane," Ron said softly, and his whole face seemed to illuminate as he said it, as though hit by a ray of purest sunlight.