Y/N spent the next few days trying to avoid the glares and whispers from her Slytherin housemates. She kept her head down, navigating the halls with a newfound sense of dread. The once familiar corridors of Hogwarts now felt hostile and unfriendly.
It started with the whispers and muttered slurs when she passed by. "Blood traitor," someone hissed as she walked past a group in the common room. "Gryffindor's pet."
She tried to ignore it, focusing on her studies and avoiding places where she knew her housemates gathered. But the harassment escalated quickly.
One evening, as she made her way back to the Slytherin common room after studying late in the library, she was ambushed. A group of Slytherins, led by Bellatrix Black and her cronies, cornered her in a deserted hallway.
"Well, if it isn't the little Gryffindor lover," Bellatrix sneered, her eyes glinting with malicious delight. "How does it feel to betray your house, Y/N?"
Y/N's heart pounded as she backed up against the cold stone wall, trying to keep her voice steady. "I'm not betraying anyone," she said, but her voice wavered.
"Oh, but you are," another voice chimed in, Rabastan Lestrange stepping forward. "You're a disgrace to Slytherin, mingling with that blood-traitor Potter."
Before Y/N could respond, Bellatrix lashed out, her fist connecting with Y/N's stomach. She doubled over in pain, gasping for breath as the others closed in, raining punches and kicks on her.
She tried to shield herself, curling into a ball on the floor, but the blows kept coming. Insults and slurs echoed in her ears, each word cutting deeper than the physical pain.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, they stopped. "Let that be a lesson," Bellatrix spat, glaring down at her. "Stay away from Potter, or next time, we won't be so gentle."
They walked away, leaving Y/N bruised and battered on the cold stone floor. She lay there for a moment, tears streaming down her face, before summoning the strength to pull herself up. Every movement was agony, but she managed to drag herself to the Gryffindor common room, seeking the one person who could make her feel safe.
James was sitting with Sirius, Remus, and Peter by the fireplace when she stumbled in. The moment he saw her, his face paled, and he sprang to his feet. "Y/N!"
He rushed to her side, his eyes wide with horror as he took in her injuries. "What happened?" he demanded, his voice trembling with anger and concern.
Y/N could barely speak through the pain. "Slytherins... Bellatrix and her group... they..."
James's eyes darkened with fury. "They did this to you because of us?"
She nodded, tears spilling down her cheeks. "They called me a traitor... said I was disgracing Slytherin..."
James's hands trembled as he gently cradled her face. "I'm so sorry, Y/N. This is all my fault."
"No," she whispered, shaking her head. "It's not your fault. I chose to be with you. I wouldn't change that."
James helped her to a chair, his touch gentle but firm. "We need to get you to Madam Pomfrey," he said, his voice filled with determination. "You need to be healed."
As he and the others escorted her to the hospital wing, James's mind raced with thoughts of retribution. He wanted to make Bellatrix and her cronies pay for what they had done. But right now, his priority was Y/N.
Madam Pomfrey fussed over Y/N, her wand working quickly to mend the bruises and cuts. "You'll be sore for a few days, but you'll be alright," she said gently. "You need to rest."
James stayed by Y/N's side, holding her hand as Madam Pomfrey worked. "I'm so sorry," he whispered again. "I should have known they'd react like this."
Y/N squeezed his hand weakly. "It's not your fault, James. I knew what I was getting into. I just didn't think they'd go this far."
James's eyes filled with tears of guilt and anger. "I promise you, I won't let them hurt you again. I'll protect you."
Y/N gave him a small, tired smile. "I know you will. And I love you for it."
The days that followed were tense. The news of the attack spread quickly, and the atmosphere at Hogwarts grew increasingly charged. Dumbledore and the professors were made aware of the incident, and while they promised to take action, the damage was already done. The rift between Slytherin and the other houses seemed to deepen, with Y/N caught in the middle.
James refused to leave Y/N's side, accompanying her to classes and ensuring she was never alone in vulnerable situations. The Marauders rallied around her, their loyalty unwavering. But despite their support, Y/N couldn't shake the fear that gripped her every time she walked through the halls.
One evening, as they sat together in the Gryffindor common room, Y/N leaned her head on James's shoulder. "I don't know how much longer I can take this," she admitted softly. "The whispers, the stares... it's all too much."
James wrapped his arm around her, holding her close. "We'll get through this," he said firmly. "Together. I'll talk to Dumbledore, demand better protection for you. They can't get away with this."
Y/N nodded, finding comfort in his words. "I just want to be with you," she whispered. "Without all this hate and judgment."
James kissed the top of her head, his heart aching for her. "We will," he promised. "No matter what it takes, we'll find a way to be together and happy."
As they sat there, wrapped in each other's arms, they both knew the road ahead would be difficult. But their love was strong, and together, they were determined to face whatever challenges came their way.
