Strange

Shadows of Desire

Hey everyone! Sorry for the wait, but I'm back with a mega chapter to make up for it! I've been juggling the storyline, trying to weave in all those crucial plot twists and subplots without rushing. The plot might seem a bit intricate, but don't worry, it's all part of the plan. Though, if things feel too speedy, shout out with a review! Your feedback is my growth potion, and it means the world to me, even if you're just quietly enjoying the ride.
Quick heads-up: I've spiced up the cover art! Plus, I've sprinkled some updates here and there, and added visual treats offering a glimpse into the 8th year corridors, dorms, and entrances as featured in the chapters. Highly recommend checking it out for some immersive visuals! You can find them at the end of most chapters, available on both Wattpad and AO3!

Hermione hurried into the dimly lit, repurposed boy's bathroom with a sense of urgency. Running behind schedule, she fumbled with her locker, the familiar clink a comforting beat in the silence. Retrieving her well-worn coveralls and detention bracelets, she felt their weight settling her, grounding her in this bizarre new reality.

Just then, a creak from the stalls echoed. Hermione twirled to see Blaise and Pansy. Their flushed faces and playful banter caught her off guard.

"I'll just freshen up," Pansy said, her voice husky, her eyes catching the fleeting light. "And wait for Granger, here."

"See you two in Tivali's office," Blaise nodded, his hand brushing against Pansy's collar in a fleeting touch before he melted into the shadows.

Once he was out of sight, Pansy approached Hermione with a small, sheepish smile that seemed to shine in the subdued lighting.

"You two look like you've made up," Hermione commented.

"We did," Pansy's grin widened, her eyes sparking with newfound warmth. "You were right. Turns out talking about feelings works wonders, who knew?"

Hermione chuckled, shaking her head in mild disbelief. "Well, I'm glad things are improving between you two."

As Hermione changed into her coveralls, her gaze couldn't help but drift back to Pansy, who adjusted her hair, the cracked mirror reflecting her image. Curiosity bubbled over. "Did you two...?" she began, then stopped, her cheeks warming.

Pansy's laugh, soft and knowing, filled the stillness. "Darling, my power's still a cauldron of shite, so no touching. But we got creative. Let's just say performing for each other proved... equally thrilling."

Hermione's cheeks burned, her thoughts straying to Draco before she banished them.

"It's really not all that bad," Pansy continued, her voice a sultry purr. "He's rather... fit."

"I think I've heard enough." Hermione wrinkled her nose.

Pansy giggled. "I forget, you prefer your thrills between pages, right? Beedle the Bard and all that."

"Advanced Enchantments holds a certain... allure," Hermione countered, a playful edge to her voice. The banter felt familiar, like a comforting echo of her friendship with Ginny.

"Did you hear?" Pansy leaned in, her voice dropping. "McLaggen's joining the program next week. Apparently, brewed some illegal potion in the restricted section."

Hermione scoffed. "McLaggen? Sounds like rubbish, but not surprising."

"Looks like Draco might have some competition," Pansy winked, her gaze lingering on Hermione's reflection as she adjusted her clothes in the locker.

"Boys and their egos." Hermione couldn't help but chuckle at the notion, unsure what Pansy was getting at.

The silence that followed hung heavy.