In an alternate existence

Curious Pockets

The corridors were mostly empty as Akira walked back to her suite, her robes brushing silently against the stone floor. The castle was quiet this time of day-meant for studying, eating, or slipping unnoticed through stone hallways if you knew the right turns. She had always known the right turns.

Libby met her at the portrait entrance, bowing low and wringing her hands.

"Mistress Akira is home, oh yes, Libby is most glad! Little Master Teddy is sleeping, he is, after warm milk and a nice bath, yes indeed!" The house-elf's voice was a high-pitched whisper, full of earnest pride. "Libby has kept him safe, yes, and warm, and cozy! Now Libby will go help the kitchen elves with the feast preparations-there are many plates to wash and food to stir, oh yes!"
Akira smiled softly, reaching to take Teddy from his enchanted cradle. The baby stirred, blinking open wide eyes that shifted from silvery brown to a soft lavender. He gave a tiny smile that made her heart soften.

"Thank you, Libby," Akira said gently.

"Libby is honored, Mistress," the elf said, bobbing her head before disappearing with a quick pop to aid the kitchen staff.
Cradling Teddy, Akira stepped into the corridor again. As she turned a corner, Blaise Zabini was coming from the opposite direction. He glanced up, eyes cool and calculating, and gave a brief nod.

"Zabini," she said curtly.

"Potter," he replied with equal brevity.

His gaze flicked toward Teddy, who was wide awake now, eyes bright as he smiled back at the Slytherin. Blaise said nothing, only watching for a moment longer before continuing on his way.

Akira's lips pressed into a thin line. Blaise was one of the few Slytherins who had not fallen into Voldemort's circle, so she was less guarded around him than most. Still, civility was as close as they got. No words beyond the nods were necessary.

Akira slowed her pace as she approached the forest's edge, where Neville Longbottom awaited with a warm, familiar smile. Their bond extended far beyond that of mere classmates; as god-siblings, their connection was built on years of trust and shared experiences.

"Ready for today's lesson, Akira?" Neville asked quietly, his tone carrying a gentle reassurance that felt more like family than school.
Akira returned his smile with genuine warmth. "Always. Teddy seems quite interested in these little creatures as well."

Nearby, Luna Lovegood approached, her voice carrying its usual ethereal cadence. "The Nifflers are rather like little magpies," she explained softly. "Last term, I inadvertently introduced a few to the grounds. They multiplied rapidly-more than anyone expected. Now we have a full colony to observe. It's quite fascinating to study their natural behaviors, especially their tendency to burrow and collect shiny objects."

A cluster of students gathered in the clearing, notebooks in hand, representing a cross-section of the school's returning Eighth Years alongside eager younger pupils. The air buzzed with anticipation as the creatures began to emerge from the underbrush.

Sleek and black-furred, the Nifflers twitched and darted about energetically, quickly investigating the students' pockets and robes with mischievous curiosity. Teddy gurgled in delight, reaching out to gently stroke one particularly bold Niffler, whose soft fur seemed to enthrall the baby. His hair flickered through shifting shades of turquoise and violet, reflecting his enchantment.
The Nifflers swarmed eagerly around Akira, their tiny noses twitching as they burrowed into the folds of her robes and tugged gently at her pockets, enchanted by every glint of silver or sparkle of a hidden trinket. Teddy's delighted laughter rang out as he reached for the creatures, his tiny hands brushing their soft fur.

Neville stood close by, his easy presence a steadying comfort. Beside him, Luna floated through the scene with her usual dreamy grace, her eyes alight with wonder. "They're like living treasure chests, aren't they?" she mused softly. "I suppose it's no surprise they multiplied so quickly after I brought in the first few. It was quite an accidental invitation, really."

Akira smiled, her gaze drifting toward the familiar figures of Ron and Hermione preparing for their next class in the distance. She sighed quietly, a hint of hope threading through her voice as she confided to Neville and Luna, "I really want to help them find their way back to each other. It's about time, don't you think?"
Neville nodded, sharing the sentiment. Luna's serene smile was encouraging, as if she believed in the magic of second chances just as much as the Nifflers believed in shiny things.

From a short distance, Theodore Nott observed the scene with cool, measured eyes. The creatures' attention on Akira was unmistakable, and he found himself oddly unsettled by the easy way the Nifflers gravitated toward her-as if drawn by some unseen force. He watched Teddy's joyful interaction with the animals, noting the rare softness that touched Akira's expression in those moments.
Yet beneath his calm exterior, Theodore's thoughts churned with complexity. The quiet power Akira wielded-the effortless way she commanded attention, both human and magical-was both fascinating and frustrating. He kept his distance, uncertain whether his curiosity was mingled with admiration or an unspoken challenge.

As the Nifflers continued their playful assault, Theodore's gaze flicked to Neville, who met his look briefly before returning his focus to the creatures. No words passed between them, but the silent understanding lingered: Akira was not just a figure of legend, but a presence that stirred something deeper within the walls of Hogwarts-and within themselves.

In this moment-surrounded by playful creatures and the gentle camaraderie of her peers-the usual tensions of Hogwarts felt suspended, if only briefly.