The Hunt | Regulus Black

Hokey

– Present –

Hogsmeade in the snow is like a page taken out of a winter fairytale. As delicate snowflakes drift lazily from the sky, they blanket the cobblestone streets and thatched roofs in a soft, powdery layer of white.

The village is transformed into a winter wonderland, with icicles hanging from eaves and snowmen standing sentinel in front of shops. The air is crisp and clean, tinged with the scent of pine and wood smoke from chimneys.The shops and taverns are adorned with twinkling fairy lights, their warm glow casting a soft halo in the falling snow. Through frosted windows, the glow of fires can be seen, inviting passersby to step inside and escape the chill.

Despite the cold, there's a sense of warmth and camaraderie in the air, as friends and neighbours gather together to share in the joys of the season. Laughter rings out from the Three Broomsticks as patrons enjoy butterbeer by the fireside, while children race through the streets, their laughter echoing in the crisp winter air.

In the distance, Hogwarts Castle stands tall and imposing, its turrets dusted with snow and its windows glowing with warmth. It's a beacon of light and hope in the midst of winter's embrace, a symbol of magic and wonder that fills the hearts of all who call Hogsmeade home.

Snowflakes continue to fall, blanketing the village in its ethereal embrace, there's a sense of peace and tranquillity that settles over Hogsmeade - a reminder of the beauty that can be found even in the coldest of seasons.

Theodora makes her way down the cobbled pathways, taking time to appreciate the peacefulness. The light chatter in the background as she walks, causes a soft smile to spread across her face. Her cheeks, pricked at by the cold air, giving them a rosy hue.

As she walks around the village, a creeping sense of unease settles over them like a shroud. Every shadow seems to loom larger, every rustle of leaves sends a shiver down their spine. They can't shake the feeling that they're being watched, that unseen eyes are tracking their every move.

Her footsteps quicken, echoing loudly on the cobbled street as she casts furtive glances over their shoulder. But each time she turns, there's nothing there - just empty streets and blankets of snow stretching out.

Every sound seems magnified, every creak of a floorboard or distant murmur of voices sending their heart racing in her chest. Her breath comes in short, shallow gasps, and a cold sweat breaks out on her brow.

Looking over her shoulder, she spots a small figure, familiar and kind. Taking a sharp turn she stops, hiding herself from the one following her.

They stealthily turn the corner.

"Hokey" Theodora raises her eyebrow.

"Miss Maddox" Hokey says nervously.

"You're following me" She gives Hokey a stern look.

She knows there could be only one man behind this, however she asks in hopes of not having to deal with what it means.

"Lord Maddox" Hokey whispers.

Since Hokey was given to the Maddox's as a gift from Voldemort, Theodora and Hokey built up somewhat of a relationship. Her and her mother were the only two to treat Hokey with kindness.

"Why?" Theodora's eyes narrow.

Hokey's eyes are filled with pity and dread, dread to tell the only person left in her life the unspoken truth.

Theodora spent many years growing up trying to get her father to love her, however, he only saw her a trophy. A way to flaunt his pure bloodline, a way to emphasise his superiority over others, a trophy wife and a trophy daughter.