[HP|OC] Paint it red

Chapter 3: The Gryffindor Girl

Dorian Valerius had been at Hogwarts for a few weeks now, and the vast castle and its sprawling grounds were beginning to feel more familiar. He had settled into the rhythms of school life, gradually growing closer to his fellow Slytherins, particularly Draco Malfoy, Blaise Zabini, and Theodore Nott. Their camaraderie provided him with a sense of belonging, yet there was always a part of him that remained on edge, wary of revealing his true nature.

One crisp autumn afternoon, Dorian was wandering the grounds, seeking a moment of solitude to clear his mind. As he approached the schoolyard near the infamous Whomping Willow, he noticed a flash of golden blonde hair catching the late afternoon sunlight. Intrigued, he drew closer and saw a girl sitting alone, engrossed in a book. He recognized her immediately—Ella Grace, a Gryffindor.

Dorian had seen Ella from a distance before, in the library and during meals in the Great Hall. There was something about her quiet presence that captivated him, a serene beauty that drew his eyes whenever she was near. Today, she was sitting on a patch of grass, the towering Whomping Willow looming not far behind her, its branches swaying ominously in the breeze.

He hesitated for a moment, debating whether to approach. His instincts told him to stay away—Gryffindors and Slytherins were hardly on friendly terms, and Draco would certainly disapprove. But his curiosity and the inexplicable pull he felt toward Ella won out. With a deep breath, he squared his shoulders and began walking towards her.

As he neared, he tried to think of something impressive to say, something that would make her notice him in a way that went beyond the superficial house rivalries. However, before he could utter a word, the Whomping Willow decided to make its presence known. Without warning, one of its massive branches swung down towards him with startling speed. 

Dorian had no time to react. The branch caught him in the side, sending him sprawling to the ground. Pain shot through his body as he landed hard, the breath knocked out of him. For a moment, he lay there, dazed and disoriented, struggling to regain his bearings.

He heard footsteps rushing towards him, and then Ella's concerned voice cut through the haze. "Are you okay?"

Dorian blinked, trying to focus. Ella was kneeling beside him, her book forgotten on the ground. Her eyes were wide with concern, and she reached out to help him sit up. "That looked like a nasty hit. Can you stand?"

Her touch was gentle, her fingers cool against his skin. "I... I think so," he managed to say, though his pride was more bruised than his body. 

Ella's lips curved into a small, relieved smile. "You should be more careful around the Whomping Willow. It's notorious for being unpredictable."

Dorian nodded, feeling a mix of embarrassment and gratitude. "Noted. I suppose I should have been paying more attention."

Ella stood, offering him her hand to help him up. Dorian accepted, and as he rose to his feet, he couldn't help but notice how close they were standing. 

"Are you sure you're okay?" Ella asked, her eyes scanning him for any signs of serious injury.

"Yes, I'm fine," Dorian assured her, brushing some dirt off his robes. "Thank you for helping me."

Ella nodded, stepping back slightly to give him some space. "No problem. Just try to avoid getting too close to that tree in the future."

Dorian chuckled softly "I'll definitely keep that in mind." 

There was a brief, awkward silence as they both stood there, unsure of what to say next. The rivalry between their houses loomed large, but Dorian couldn't deny the connection he felt in that moment. He decided to take a chance.

"I'm Dorian, by the way. Dorian Valerius."

"Ella Grace," she replied, her expression softening. "Nice to meet you, Dorian." 

"Likewise," he said, feeling a flicker of hope. "Maybe we could... talk again sometime? Outside of tree-related incidents?"

Ella seemed to consider this for a moment, then nodded. "I'd like that. See you around, Dorian."

As she walked away, Dorian watched her go, a sense of elation mingling with the lingering pain from his encounter with the Whomping Willow. 

With a new sense of purpose, Dorian turned and made his way back to the Slytherin common room, his mind already racing with thoughts of how he could get to know Ella better. He had a feeling that their paths were destined to cross again, and he was determined to make the most of it.