OH BABY {James Potter}

HOGSMEADE

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN: HOGSMEADE

December 1977

The week after the Quiditch game flew by as Florence busied herself with her studies trying to forget about the upcoming date with James in hogsmeade. Well she assumed it was a date. Florence sat nestled in the common room beside a window that displayed the wonders of the great lake in her hands was her defence agaiasnt the dark arts textbook. She had been trying to get ahead of her classes and was reading a chapter on werewolves.

The common room was dark and she was using the light from the moon that reflected on the water to see the words on the page in front of her. There was a slight buzz of the hushed conversations of students

She was interrupted by sets of bounding footsteps coming down the stairs from the boys dormitry. Florence diverted her gaze not wanting to engage in any trouble. Snide comments and laughter echoed in the room as the boys made their presence felt. Florence clenched her jaw, determined to ignore them and continue reading.

The tension in the air lingered even after the boys departed, leaving the room in a semblance of peace. However, Regulus Black, remained behind, an intensity in his gaze as he made his way over to the girl.

Regulus eyes spoke a vulnerability as he said, "Florence, please. Don't go to Hogsmeade tomorrow. It's not safe." He warned the girl.

Confused as to why Regulus was speaking to her, Florence pressed for an explanation, "Why? What's happening in Hogsmeade?"

Regulus, usually composed and reserved, seemed visibly shaken. "Florence, it's dangerous. There are whispers, dark forces at play. I can't explain everything, but you must trust me."

Furrowing her brow, Florence pressed for clarity, "Whispers? What's happening, Regulus? Why should I trust you? I barely know you"

He looked around cautiously, ensuring no prying ears lingered nearby. "Florence you must swear on Merlin's life that you will not tell a soul what I am about to tell you...I've overheard plans, dangerous plots. Hogsmeade isn't safe right now. There's something brewing, and I fear you might be caught in the crossfire."

Florence's eyes widened, a mix of disbelief and apprehension. "Caught in the crossfire? Regulus, you're not making any sense. Why would I be a target?"

Regulus hesitated, his gaze shifting as if wrestling with internal conflicts. "It's... complicated. There are alliances, allegiances. Your safety is important, Florence. Please, take my warning."

A sense of frustration crept into Florence's voice. "Regulus, I need more than cryptic warnings. What's going on? Why are you so concerned about me?"

Regulus took a deep breath, his eyes locking onto hers. "Florence, you...you are innocent in all of this. I can't stand by and watch you walk into danger. There are things you don't know, and I can't explain everything right now. Just promise me you won't go to Hogsmeade tomorrow."

Florence, now torn between confusion and a glimpse of vulnerability in Regulus's demeanor, searched his eyes for sincerity. "Regulus, if you think I'm innocent in all this, you have to give me something more to go on. I can't just blindly follow your warning without understanding why" she flew her arms up into the air in frustration.

His jaw tightened, but after a moment of hesitation, he nodded. "I know it's not enough, but trust me. The danger is real. I'll try to find a way to explain later. Just promise me, Florence."