Angel of spring ✩ HP

𝚈𝟻 ࿐ 𝚊𝚗 𝚎𝚊𝚐𝚕𝚎, 𝚒𝚜 𝚒𝚝?

ᴀɴɢᴇʟ ᴏꜰ ꜱᴘʀɪɴɢ - 𝙮𝙚𝙖𝙧 𝙛𝙞𝙫𝙚

The classroom feels unnaturally quiet as the final bell rings, signalling the end of the lesson. Students shuffle out, their chatter echoing faintly through the stone corridors, closely followed by the teacher. Angel remains seated, her eyes fixed on the worn desk in front of her, though she isn't really seeing it. Her heart feels heavy in her chest, the weight of it pressing down until it's hard to breathe. Draco has been in the same class, but not once did he look at her. Not once. The thought of it burns, a sharp ache that burrows deep into her soul.

Kate sits beside her, saying nothing, only waiting, as she knows all too well what happened the night before. The tension hangs thickly in the air, and as the last few students finally leave the room, the walls seem to close in on Angel. Her hands tremble, her breath catching in her throat. She waits, not wanting to face Draco, not wanting to feel that unbearable sting of rejection again. The seconds stretch painfully, and she can feel the panic building inside her, a growing storm that she can't control.

Kate senses it before Angel says anything. Her best friend turns to her with concern in her eyes, gently reaching out. "Angel, breathe," she urges, her voice soft but firm. "It's okay. Just breathe."

But Angel can't. She feels like she's drowning, each breath a struggle, her vision blurring. She tries to stand, but her legs feel weak, unsteady beneath her.

"Ange, sit down," Kate says, guiding her back into the chair, trying to help her focus. "In and out, slowly."

Angel can't even hear her anymore. Her thoughts are a whirlwind, spinning so fast she can't catch them. Her chest tightens painfully, and the room seems to tilt around her. Just when it feels like she might break, the door opens, and through the haze, she sees Harry walk in with Ron and Hermione, ready for their next class. The second Harry's eyes land on her, he knows something is wrong.

Without hesitation, he crosses the room, worry etched on his face. "Angel," he says, kneeling beside her. "Angel, it's okay. Look at me, okay? Just focus on me." His voice is calm, steady, but underneath it, there's a trace of panic.

Hermione steps in quickly, recognising the situation, and before anyone else can enter, she ushers the rest of the arriving students out, shutting the door firmly behind her and Ron, ensuring no one will disturb them. She can hear her scolding the students outside, btu she doesn't pay attention to anything. She can't. It's just Harry, Kate, and Angel now.

Kate takes a step back, wiping away the tears that have started to pool in her eyes. She wants to help, but the sight of Angel breaking down like this is too much, and she doesn't know what else to do.

Harry remains close, his hand gently gripping Angel's, trying to ground her. But her breathing is ragged, her chest rising and falling too quickly, her entire body trembling. Her eyes are wild with panic, and Harry realises she's not going to be able to calm down on her own. He acts without thinking, bringing his face closer to hers.

"Angel, listen to me," he murmurs, his hand resting softly on the side of her face. "I need you to stop breathing for a second. Trust me."

"No I—" Her voice is barely audible, interrupted by her own breathing. "I can't—" A breath interrupts her once again, stressing her out even more when she realizes she can't even speak.

And before she can protest any more, he presses his lips against hers, cutting off her breath. The sudden shock of it pulls her out of the spiral, her panic faltering as her mind focuses on the unexpected sensation. He pulls back just as quickly, his hands still on her, steadying her. Angel gasps softly, but this time, it's different. Her breaths come slower, more controlled.