by my side¹ - d. malfoy

Twenty-Six

LAURA GOT up, quickly following her fellow champions to the side chamber. She caught up to Cedric and Fleur, starting to talk to them to try and escape the nerves they were all feeling.

"So, who from your family is coming today?" Cedric asked. "Fleur said her parents and her little sister are visiting, and my parents are."

"My parents came over from the US," Laura smiled. "They also brought my cousin since he's already on Summer break."

"Lucky," Cedric sighed. "Well, at least we don't have exams, huh."

"Thank Merlin."

The four of them walked into the room, walking over to their own families. Laura saw Fleur's little sister, sending her a small wave and smile, which she returned.

"Mom, Dad!" Laura exclaimed, running over to her parents and getting wrapped in a big hug.

"We've missed you so much," her mom said, holding Laura tightly. "It's been weirdly quiet in the apartment with Nick home but with you still in school."

"It's always quiet when you're gone," her dad chuckled, "but Nick is so loud we miss our wild child."

"After this, I'll be home soon," Laura smiled, then she remembered something. "Wait, I'm staying with the Malfoys for a week..."

"We can wait an extra week, Bean," her dad reassured her.

"Mmm, well, Draco and I got into an argument this morning," Laura said, rolling her eyes as she let go of her parents. "It should be fine between us, but he's not in the best standing with me right now."

"Aw, well, I guess you have to come home," said a voice behind her parents.

A giant grin spread across Laura's face, pulling Nick into a tight hug.

"Oliver!" she exclaimed. "Oh my Merlin, you have no idea how much I've missed you. Harry's been my dueling buddy lately, and he's been so serious."

"Damn, well, I guess you have to come home after tonight," Nick shrugged, then grinned, pulling away from the hug. "I'm kidding. I've missed you, you idiot. My little Laura's growing up–" Nick wiped away a few fake tears "–soon, she'll be attempting a giant maze as we watch nothing happen for hours."

"I've missed this," Laura said with a happy sigh. "Harry's convinced I'll be killed or that Voldemort would return. He's been like 'That could get you killed,' or 'Be more serious,' I'm serious, Laura.' It's all so... serious."

"If he's anything like James, I bet he tried to see what your Patronus is," her dad quipped. "Remus told me he's pretty good, but you're my daughter."

"Well, it would've been impressive if I didn't have a major thing happen," Laura said, frowning. "No more badger Patronus for me, it's a ferret now."

"Is it because of Draco?" her mom asked, giving her a nudge.

"Yes," Laura said with a small smile, then turned the conversation around. "Pansy told me you have something for me, Nick."

"We have something for you," her dad said with a chuckle. "Nick isn't the only one."

Her mom pulled out a small box. She carefully handed it to Laura. Laura gently opened it up, seeing a charm to add to her necklace. Laura smiled upon seeing that it was a Horned Serpent charm. She gave her parents and Nick a hug.

"This is so cute. Thank you all so much, I love it."

Laura put the charm into her pocket, turning back to her family.

"So, would you care to give us a small tour?" her dad asked.

"Of course, of course," Laura said, leading them out of the hall. As they started to make their way out, they passed Amos Diggory, and he turned around.