A Cruel Fate of Endless Devotion

Chapter five: The Restricted Section

"So, rumor has it that you've been spending quite a lot of time with a particular Gryffindor," Melody teased her best friend. 

 In the corner of their common room, the two of them sat at a small study table. There was a mess of books and parchment rolls everywhere. Despite her refusal to look up, Poppy's cheeks glowed a light pink shade.

"I don't know what you're talking about" she poorly lied.

"Really? Because Adelaide was telling me that you've barely been making curfew lately and that she swears she's seen Garreth standing outside the entrance when you finally come back"

A knowing smile on her face as she watched Poppy's blush turn to a bright red. "So it's true!" she squealed only to be shushed by Poppy.

"There's nothing going on between Garreth and me. I've been helping him collect ingredients for his potions, that's it" Poppy said, a slight disappointment in her voice.

"If you say so" Melody mused before going back to her own assignment.

**********

"What are you two still doing up at this hour?"

Melody and Poppy smiled at their prefect that was doing rounds. Astoria was a seventh year Hufflepuff. Her approach differed from the other prefects which made her very well liked. She believed in building a positive and supportive environment for students. Instead of resorting to harsh punishments, she chose to understand their circumstances and give them a chance to explain themselves. Astoria realized that not all students who stay out past curfew are intentionally breaking the rules. She valued open communication and fairness in her role as a prefect.

"Oh sorry Astoria, we were studying and lost track of time" Poppy said.

"Would you like some help? I can offer some assistance with homework" Asotria kindly offered.

"Would you happen to know anything about the goblin rebellion? I fell asleep in Professor Binns' class and I'm having a hard time writing this essay" Melody asked the seventh year Hufflepuff.

"Everyone falls asleep in Professor Binns' class" Astoria laughed as she pulled up a seat at their study desk. "Do you have your textbook?"

"I was using it as a pillow at one point" Melody laughed.

"Let's start at chapter thirty two"

**********

At some point during the night Melody and Astoria had gotten distracted from the assignment and were trading stories of life in the muggle world versus their life at Hogwarts.

"Who would be sending you an owl this late at night?" Astoria wondered. A light brown owl came swooping into the common room, landing on top of their pile of books.

"I'm not sure" Melody answered as she took the letter from the bird's beak.

                                                                                    Melody,

                          Meet me in central hall at midnight tonight. Don't be late.

                                                                                Sincerely,

                                                                  Your favorite Slytherin

Melody rolled her eyes. She could practically hear his cocky voice as she read his signature, she could picture that damn smile clear as day in her mind. Looking up at the standing grandfather clock, Melody saw she only had ten minutes to meet Sebastian in central hall.