The Raven's Call

Butterbeers

Sunday, December 1st 1996

Stella and I trudge through the fresh snow, Hogwarts towering behind us against the winter sky. We make our way down to Hogsmeade, the snow crunching under our boots. It's chilly, but the idea of a warm butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks keeps us going. We push open the creaky door and step into the cozy chaos of the tavern. The air is thick with the scent of butterbeer and the sound of laughter. And there's Luna, sitting at a table by the window, her smile lighting up the whole place. We join her, shedding our coats and ordering mugs of frothy butterbeer. The fire crackles in the fireplace, warming us as we chat, laugh, and enjoy each other's company.

Soon after we get our drinks, Professor Slughorn strolls over to our table, a mug of butterbeer in hand. With a jolly smile, he extends an invitation that catches me off guard.
"Mister Gaunt,"
He says, his voice booming over the tavern's chatter,
"I've been meaning to extend an invitation to you. In the old days, I used to throw together the occasional supper party for the select student or two. Would you be game?"

I exchange surprised glances with my sister and Luna before turning back to Professor Slughorn, feeling a mix of excitement and curiosity bubbling within me. 
"I'd be delighted, sir."

I respond with a smile, lifting up my mug of butterbeer to cheers him. He grins and walks on his merry way over to Harry, Hermione and Ron.

I look at Stella and Luna with a shrug before sipping at the warm liquid in my cup. Not a moment later I watch as Stella stands, pulls a green apple from her pocket and walks over to Draco and Asteria as they're about to leave. She hands the apple to Draco, tucking some of her hair behind her ear as she exchanges some words with him and then turns around and walks back to us, a soft blush across her cheeks, with Asteria following behind her shortly after as Draco leaves.

"What was that about?"
I ask, raising my brow.

"Oh, shush, Atticus. I think it's cute."
Luna says with a smile as Stella and Astra sit down across from us.

"Sure.. but.. Draco? Of all people?"
I ask, narrowing my brows now.

Stella just shakes her head and shoves a cookie into my mouth, which is an effective way to shut me up.

"How was Quidditch tryouts?"
Astra asks with a smile before ordering herself a butterbeer.

I swallow my cookie to answer but Stella interrupts me.

"It was awesome! I'm on the team!"
She exclaims.

"Ooh! What position?"
Asteria squeals excitedly.

"Chaser."
Stella grinned.

"Me too!"
Astra grins back.
"Though, Draco never told me he was gonna quit Quidditch, I could've been seeker.."
She mumbles.

"Draco's not playing?"
Stella asks quietly, her smile fading.
"Oh.."
She spoke, disappointed.

"I'm sorry, you'll still have fun playing Quidditch, though."
Astra apologizes.

We all drink the rest of our butterbeer before heading back to school, deciding to walk together, all four of us. Not too far up the snowy path, we hear a girls' scream. The four of us start jogging to see what's happened. We run into Harry, Hermione, Ron, that Hufflepuff girl who sat with us in potions, and a girl who's laying in the snow.
"I warned her. I warned her not to touch it."
The Hufflepuff cries.