𝗨𝗡𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗘𝗗 ━ Golden Trio Era

━chapter 20

Chapter 20

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IT LOOKED LIKE ONE INSULTING ARTICLE WASN'T ENOUGH TO DETER RITA SKEETER COMPLETELY. The woman still had the gall to write ludicrous articles about teenagers to pass the time. Unfortunately, she was targeting people who were dear to Adhara.

Adhara tracked down Luna Lovegood herself this time, planning on publishing another scathing reply to Skeeter with the Quibbler's help. It didn't sell as many papers as the Prophet last time she did, but if there was anything Adhara understood about the Lovegoods, it was that they weren't concerned about popularity. They seem to care more about the truth.

Case and point: Luna Lovegood practically beamed when Adhara asked if she could write another article.

"Absolutely! Dad loved your reply, the last time. Said you really knew how to 'stick it to the man'!"

Adhara blinked, feeling a bit uneasy at Lovegood's overblown display of happiness. She grabbed both of Adhara's hands, which made her take a step back.

Everything about the girl was sparkling, from her eyes to her hair, and even her tie, yet she looked entirely genuine. It was nice, in a way. Adhara just wasn't used to people being so nice to her so fast.

'Extroverts...' she thought to herself.

They were in front of the Defence classroom. Class had ended a while ago, and Adhara waited for Lovegood as the third-years filed out. Lovegood had waved her friends off, choosing to stay with Adhara in the now-empty corridor to talk.

Adhara wondered if the Ravenclaw would have been more laid back if her friends had stayed. Probably not.

"You're certain your father would be okay with it?"

"Oh, without a doubt! He liked your previous article so much, he cut it out and stuck it on our icebox!"

The tips of Adhara's ear burned. She has to look away.

"Ahem!"

Moody had appeared suddenly, standing at the entrance of the classroom, his real eye fixed on both of them.

"Black. Lovegood. What're you two doing here? Up to something, are you?"

Weirdly, Lovegood had gone quiet. She stepped away from the man yet held onto Adhara.

Seeing the uncharacteristic quietness, Adhara spoke for both of them. "Nothing particular. We were just talking and hadn't noticed the time pass."

Moody stood up straight, chin rising. "Is that so? Are. Are you two friends?"

Adhara's brows furrowed at the sudden change in demeanour. Nonetheless, denying would look suspicious, so she nodded.

She felt Lovegood squeeze her hands tighter, but she still didn't say anything.

Moody sniffed. "I see. Did you know that we — I — I mean, they were friends when they attended the school?"

"Who?"

"Your parents. Your father," he said to Adhara, then turned to Lovegood, "and your mother."

Lovegood finally looked up. "You knew my mother?"

A fleeting smile passed over his lips, disappearing just as fast as it appeared. "In passing," Moody grunted, seemingly clearing his throat. "Must be off now, lads. Remember, constant vigilance!"

He patted Adhara's head, messing up her hair before walking away. He did it too quickly for her to react.

She brushed it down with her fingers, brows still furrowed. If Adhara knew any better, she would've sworn Moody's eyes were glassed over when he left.