Vagary

Chapter 16 Without Love Ophelia

Patches of bright blue sky were beginning to appear over the castle turrets, and these signs seemed to have lifted Ophelia's mood. The past few weeks may not have been filled with grand events, but they were undeniably charged with a captivating energy. Gone were the piercing glares that Harry once directed towards her. Instead, whenever their eyes met, it felt as if they were transported back to their fifth year, where an unspoken connection lingered between them. Something had changed within Harry, as if a veil of animosity had been lifted, revealing a newfound understanding and acceptance. Perhaps Hermione was right after all.

Amidst the swirling waves of excitement that accompanied this transformative change, Ophelia found herself caught in a bittersweet undertow of emotions. While the air crackled with anticipation, a tinge of sadness seeped into her heart, for it seemed that the depths of their connection remained hidden in the shadows. Harry's silence echoed loudly, a stark absence of attempts to bridge the gap and delve into further conversations.

Perhaps it was the silence from Harry or the ominous anticipation of the Vanishing Cabinet but Ophelia felt restless. She was grateful Draco gave her some space from the Room of Requirement. They set times on when they go to mend the cabinet. It still didn't seem to be working and Draco was beginning to give up.

"Maybe you were right," he said, staring at his hands. "Maybe it was just a suicide mission."

"We'll figure something out, Draco," Ophelia said, rubbing his back.

They were sitting in a sunny corner of the courtyard after lunch.

"There you are!" Blaise said, jogging over to them with Pansy and Theodore behind him.

"I don't run," Pansy said, walking normally.

"Hey," Ophelia greeted.

"Why are you two always disappearing?" Blaise said when he reached them.

Ophelia had made a commitment to shield her family matters from the prying eyes of Blaise and others. The fear of disappointing Blaise loomed over her like a dark cloud. She refused to divulge the truth about her clandestine activities with Draco, since she had promised Blaise at the start of the year that she would put an end to Draco's schemes. The weight of her secret burdened her conscience, as she grappled with the conflicting emotions of loyalty, love, and the desire to protect those she held dear.

"I've been helping Draco get back on track with his homework," Ophelia said. Lies were coming easy to her. "He's been an idiot letting his grades drop."

"You have been missing a lot of classes lately," Pansy said cautiously.

"So?" Draco said, looking away.

"Ophelia, mind if we talk?" Blaise said. eyeing her.

Ophelia sighed and stood up, following Blaise across the courtyard.

"What are you Draco up to?" he asked once they were far from any prying ears.

"I told you I'm helping him with his homework. He's really behind--"

"Ophelia, don't lie to me," Blaise interrupted. "I know you too well. Is this about what you were going to tell me but never did?"

Ophelia sighed, rolling her eyes. "I've stopped Draco," she said simply. "I've been keeping himself from continuing his task."

Blaise stared at her for a moment then nodded. "Good, I'm proud of you," he smiled softly, bringing her into a hug.

Ophelia smiled sweetly though on the inside was hurting from the lie she told him. Soon the bell rang overhead the castle, Blaise, Pansy, and Theodore hurried to the Entrance Hall to meet the rest of the people taking their Apparition Test.