Ancient Echoes - Harry Potter Male Reader Insert

Chapter 33 - Breaking Point

The cold wind whipped past Y/n's face as he rocketed down the snow-covered hill on his makeshift sled, a wide grin spreading across his face.

His laughter echoed through the frosty air as the sled careened over dips and bumps, sending snow spraying out behind him.

The thrill of the descent sent adrenaline coursing through his veins, the mist swirling thickly around him, blurring the world into shades of white and grey.

"Woooohooo!" Y/n bellowed, his voice carrying far across the hill. He leaned back, pushing the sled faster, the wind stinging his cheeks and causing his eyes to water.

His grin widened as the Shrieking Shack appeared in the distance, an eerie silhouette looming through the fog.

As he sped closer, Y/n noticed two familiar figures standing stiffly near the Shack—Ron and Hermione, both looking as though they were trying to muster courage they didn't quite have.

The wind carried fragments of their conversation to him, slightly muffled by the distance, but Y/n's sharp hearing picked up enough.

"It's meant to be the most haunted building in Britain. Did I mention that?" Hermione's voice drifted over, clear enough despite the mist.

"Twice," Ron muttered, sounding unimpressed.

Y/n chuckled to himself as he steered toward them, barely able to make out their nervous expressions through the fog.

"Should we move a bit closer?" Hermione asked, her voice tinged with apprehension.

"Huh? Oh... All right," Ron mumbled, clearly reluctant.

Grinning, Y/n decided it was time for a proper entrance. He leaned back on the sled, picking up even more speed as he hurtled toward them.

"Look out below!" he yelled at the top of his lungs, his voice echoing across the snowy landscape.

Ron and Hermione spun around just in time to see Y/n barreling toward them at breakneck speed. Hermione gasped, while Ron stumbled back, eyes wide.

"You're mental!" Ron shouted as Y/n raced toward them.

With a laugh, Y/n leaned into a sharp turn, skidding to a halt right in front of them. Snow sprayed up in all directions, dusting Ron and Hermione as Y/n hopped off the sled, landing nimbly on his feet.

"Perfect landing," Y/n said with a grin, dusting off his coat.

"You nearly killed us!" Ron exclaimed, though the corners of his mouth twitched in amusement.

"Nah, you're fine. I had it all under control. You said it yourself, key word nearly," Y/n replied, waving a hand dismissively. "Besides, where's the fun in going slow?"

Hermione shook her head, though she couldn't hide her smile. "You're going to give someone a heart attack one of these days."

"Hey, if I didn't, who would?" Y/n quipped, flashing a playful grin.

Before they could respond, the sound of footsteps crunching through the snow drew their attention. Draco Malfoy, Crabbe, Goyle, and Pike emerged from the mist, wearing matching sneers.

"Well, well. Look who's here," Draco sneered. "You two shopping for your dream home? Seems a bit grand for you, Weasel-Bee. Don't your family all sleep in one room?"

"Shut your mouth, Malfoy," Ron snapped.

Draco clucked his tongue. "Now that's not very friendly. Boys, I think we're going to have to teach Weasel-Bee to respect his superiors."

Hermione chuckled harshly. "Hope you don't mean yourself."

Malfoy's eyes shifted toward her, full of disgust. "How dare you speak to me, you filthy little mud—"