Chapter 2: Conflicts and Complications

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The corridors of Hogwarts buzzed with life, students chattering excitedly about the start of a new school year. Yet, for Mia Hawthorne, the warmth of familiar faces and the comfort of the castle's stone walls did little to ease the turmoil brewing inside her. The lingering tension from her first encounter with Adam this year cast a shadow over her thoughts, a constant reminder of the unresolved feelings that simmered just beneath the surface.

As Mia made her way to the library for a study session with Teddy, she couldn't help but notice Adam watching her from across the Great Hall. His gaze was intense, almost predatory, and she quickly averted her eyes, trying to ignore the flutter of anxiety that welled up in her chest. She knew what he wanted—what he always wanted—but things weren't that simple anymore. Not after the summer.

Teddy was already at their usual table in the far corner of the library, surrounded by stacks of books on Advanced Potions. His hair, which changed color with his mood, was a deep shade of teal today—a sign of calm, perhaps a little focus. He looked up as she approached, a warm smile spreading across his face.

"Ready to dive into some Potions theory?" he asked, pushing a book towards her.

Mia nodded, forcing a smile. "Yeah, let's get started."

But despite her best efforts to focus on the task at hand, Mia's mind kept drifting. She found herself stealing glances at Teddy, noticing the way his brow furrowed in concentration, the way his fingers absentmindedly tapped on the table as he read. There was something about him—something steady and reassuring—that made her feel safe in a way she hadn't felt in a long time.

The session passed in a blur, punctuated by moments of silence where the only sound was the turning of pages and the scratching of quills on parchment. Every now and then, Teddy would pause to explain a particularly tricky concept, and Mia would listen intently, grateful for the distraction.

As they were packing up to leave, Teddy's hand brushed against hers. The touch was brief, but it sent a jolt of electricity through her, and she quickly pulled away, hoping he hadn't noticed her reaction. But when she looked up, she saw that his eyes were fixed on her, a question lingering in the air between them.

Before she could respond, Teddy spoke. "Mia, I was thinking...maybe we could take a break from studying tomorrow. There's this spot near the Owlery—I think you'd really like it. We could talk, you know, about things other than school."

Mia hesitated, torn between the desire to say yes and the nagging guilt that held her back. Just as she opened her mouth to reply, a voice interrupted them.

"Mind if I join in on this little study session?" Adam's voice was laced with sarcasm as he sauntered over to their table, his eyes narrowed as they flicked between Mia and Teddy.

Mia felt her heart sink. The tension that had been simmering all day was now threatening to boil over. "We're actually done for today," she said quickly, trying to defuse the situation.

Adam ignored her, his focus entirely on Teddy. "You know, Lupin, it's interesting how you always seem to be around when Mia's alone. Almost like you're waiting for an opportunity."

Teddy's expression remained calm, but there was a hint of steel in his voice as he responded. "We're just friends, Henderson. No need to get territorial."

"Territorial?" Adam scoffed. "You've got a lot of nerve, thinking you can just waltz in and—"

"That's enough, Adam," Mia cut in, her voice sharper than she intended. "Teddy's right. We're friends, and you have no say in who I spend time with."

For a moment, it seemed like Adam might back down. But then, in a sudden burst of frustration, he turned to Teddy, his fists clenched at his sides. "Stay out of this, Lupin. This is between me and Mia."

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