𝐒𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐮𝐬 𝐒𝐧𝐚𝐩𝐞 𝐱 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝙻𝙾𝚅𝙴 𝚂𝚃𝙾𝚁𝚈

Chapter 14 - the Other Reality

It was time to return to school.

Year 6 had begun, another year full of mystery, secrets, and magic.

Everyone was excited to be back, none more than Adeline. She had enjoyed living with Severus Snape all summer, but after the man had found out about her true identity, something between them had changed. She always knew him to be an untrusting man, but now he had become even more cold and cruel. She did not wish to dwell on it.

The halls of Hogwarts buzzed with the energy of students reuniting after the summer break, their chatter echoing off the stone walls. Adeline walked alongside Theo and Daphne, the trio making their way to Transfiguration class. The morning light filtered through the tall windows, casting long shadows across the floor as they moved through the corridor.

Daphne, her voice light and gossipy, nudged Adeline playfully. "Have you noticed how weird Pansy's been acting lately? She's been so distant, like she's got some secret or something. Although I think she's just acting weird because of you and Draco. And you know how she loves to be in the centre of everything."

"It's not just Pansy." Theo, hands in his pockets, gave a half-shrug, "Draco's been different too. More... mean. I mean, he's always been a bit of a prat, but now it's like he's gone full Slytherin heir. Summer must have been rough."

Adeline stayed silent, her thoughts heavy with the knowledge she carried. She knew precisely why Draco was acting the way he was, burdened with the impossible task the Dark Lord had set for him. It wasn't something she could share, not with them. She kept her expression neutral, merely nodding as if she were only half-listening to the conversation.

Daphne, sensing Adeline's quietness, turned to her. "What do you think, Malia? You've known Draco for ages—has he said anything to you?"

Adeline smiled, dodging the question. "Who knows with Draco? Maybe he's just got too much on his plate, like the rest of us." She quickened her pace slightly as they neared the classroom. "Come on, we don't want to be late."

They entered the Transfiguration classroom, the familiar scent of old wood and parchment filling the air. Students were already settling into their seats. Adeline made to sit next to Daphne, but before she could, a firm hand grabbed her wrist, pulling her towards another seat.

"Sit with me today," Draco said, a small smirk playing on his lips. His silver eyes flicked to the empty seat beside him, an invitation and a command all at once.

Adeline rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress the smile tugging at her lips.

"Good morning, Draco," she replied, taking the seat beside the cocky boy. His presence was both comforting and troubling.

Before they could exchange more words, Professor McGonagall stepped to the front of the classroom. "Hello, students," her voice commanded attention, gaze sweeping over the students as she began her lecture.

"Non-verbal spells. They are an advanced form of magic, requiring concentration, discipline, and a deep understanding of the spell you wish to cast," McGonagall explained, her tone brisk and authoritative. She demonstrated by turning on a lamp on her desk without uttering a single word. "You will begin with a simple spell today, Lumos. I expect you all to attempt this without speaking the incantation."

The class then buzzed with nervous excitement as students lifted their wands, focusing intently on the tip, trying to will the light to appear. Adeline raised her wand as well, inhaling and exhaling. She closed her eyes for a moment, picturing the light she wanted to summon. When she opened them, her wand tip illuminated effortlessly with a bright, steady glow.

Professor McGonagall, observing the class, stopped in her tracks as she watched Adeline's wand light up.

"Very good, Miss Beaumont," she praised, her eyes narrowing in curiosity. "Let's try something a bit more challenging, shall we? Wingardium Leviosa, if you please."