Forbidden Request

Chapter Three: Navigating New Waters

The next few days at Hogwarts began to settle into a routine, though the novelty of the castle still held a sense of wonder for me. My interactions with Poppy and the rest of Hufflepuff continued to be a source of comfort, but I was increasingly aware of the various dynamics at play in the school.

One of the most glaring aspects was the subtle, and sometimes not-so-subtle, prejudice I encountered. Being muggleborn, I was keenly aware of the whispers and sidelong glances from students in other houses. The Slytherins, in particular, seemed to take an interest in making me feel unwelcome. It was a cruel reminder that my background set me apart from many of my peers.

During a particularly crowded lunch in the Great Hall, I found myself seated with Poppy and a few other Hufflepuffs. The chatter was a mix of Aiden's excitement about the upcoming game and the usual banter about daily life. As I tried to engage in the conversation, a group of Slytherins—mostly boys—walked by, their voices loud and mocking.

"Look at that, another Mudblood in our midst," one of them sneered, his words barely masked as he and his friends snickered.

I felt a flush of anger and embarrassment heat my cheeks. Poppy's hand on my arm was the only thing that kept me from reacting. She gave me a reassuring squeeze, though I could see the frustration in her eyes.

"Don't let them get to you," Poppy whispered. "They're just trying to get a rise out of you."

I took a deep breath, trying to compose myself. "I'll try not to," I said, though I couldn't shake the sting of their words. The rest of lunch was a blur of strained smiles and half-hearted conversation.

———————————————

After lunch, I decided to explore the castle a bit more. I had been trying to familiarize myself with its many secrets, though it was easy to get lost in the maze of corridors and staircases. Today, I found myself wandering into a quieter part of the castle, where the walls were lined with portraits and the air was thick with the scent of old parchment.

I paused in front of a large tapestry depicting a scene from an ancient wizarding battle. The intricate details of the weaving fascinated me, and I reached out to touch the threads, marveling at the craftsmanship. I lost track of time as I examined the tapestry, feeling a small sense of peace away from the prying eyes and harsh comments of my peers.

It was in this quiet corner that I stumbled upon a door slightly ajar, leading to what looked like a small, dimly lit library. Curiosity piqued, I pushed it open and stepped inside. The room was lined with dusty bookshelves filled with old tomes and magical artifacts. There was a cozy, hidden feeling to the space, and I was drawn to it immediately.

As I perused the shelves, I came across a book on magical creatures that I hadn't seen before. I pulled it out, brushing off the dust, and settled into a nearby armchair to read. The book was fascinating, detailing various creatures and their habitats, and I quickly lost myself in its pages.

The hours slipped by unnoticed until the creaking of the door caught my attention. I looked up to see a student standing in the doorway, looking equally surprised to see me. It was a girl with sharp features and an air of aloofness—definitely not a Hufflepuff.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to intrude," she said, her voice carrying a hint of surprise. "I didn't know anyone else knew about this place."

I offered a tentative smile. "I didn't know about it either. I just happened to wander in."

She raised an eyebrow but stepped further into the room. "I'm Eleanor Blackwood. I'm a Gryffindor. I didn't catch your name."

"Jude Atlow. I'm new here."