𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐄𝐋 𝐄𝐘𝐄𝐒 | 𝐆𝐄𝐎𝐑𝐆𝐄 𝐖𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐋𝐄𝐘

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐯𝐞

chapter twelve: double potions.
date: september 9th 1993.

THE GROUND OF HOGWARTS WERE A PATCHWORK of vibrant green and dark clouds that threatened to rain. The slight breeze hinted at the changing season as Harry, Ron, Jade, Stella, and Hermione settled on the grass near the lake, making the most of the time between classes. Despite the looming clouds, the group had decided to eat their snacks outside, enjoying the fresh air and each other's company.

Ron was mid-biting into an apple, squinting at the sky. "Think we've got at least an hour before the rain hits."

"I give it half an hour," Jade chimed in, playfully kicking his leg. "If we're lucky."

"Or unlucky," Harry added, casting a glance at the threatening clouds. He leaned back on his elbows, looking far more relaxed than he had been all week. "Still, better than being stuck inside."

Stella lay on her side, absentmindedly picking at a blade of grass as she listened to the others banter. Despite the overcast skies, she felt content and comfortable in the familiar rhythm of their group. She hadn't had a chance to unwind like this in days, with classes picking up and assignments beginning to pile on.

Hermione, ever the planner, suddenly straightened up. "Oh! Stella, I meant to ask you." She turned toward her friend with a bright expression. "Are you planning to do something for your birthday? It's tomorrow."

At the mention of her birthday, Stella sat up, brushing her hair out of her face. She hadn't given much thought to it yet—school had been keeping her distracted."

"Yeah, tomorrow," Stella said, fidgeting slightly. "But I hadn't really planned anything."

Jade, sitting cross-legged beside her, nudged her in the ribs. "Come on, Stella! You can't just let your birthday pass by. We've got to do something fun."

Harry nodded in agreement, grinning. "Exactly. It's your birthday after all."

Ron swallowed another bite of his apple. "How about we sneak into the kitchens and get the house-elves to make you a cake? They're pretty good at those."

"Ron," Hermione scolded, rolling her eyes, though she couldn't help but smile at the suggestion. "We can do better than just a cake."

Stella laughed, feeling a warmth in her chest at the thought of celebrating with her friends.

"I don't need anything big," Stella told them, though her tone was soft with appreciation. "But maybe something small."

"Oh, please," Jade interjected with a grin. "You deserve more than that. What about a night out by the lake? We could sneak down after dinner and have a little celebration."

Hermione tapped her chin thoughtfully. "That could work. We'd just need to avoid getting caught by Filch."

Ron groaned. "Great. More sneaking around. Maybe we should just stick with the kitchen idea."

"Come on, Ron," Harry chuckled, shaking his head. "A bit of adventure never hurts anyone. Besides, it's Stella's birthday. We've got to make it special."

Stella smiled, touched by their enthusiasm. "A night by the lake actually sounds nice. Maybe we could even bring some blankets; make it cosy."

"Cosy," Jade echoed with a smirk. "Maybe George can join us for some cosy fun."

Stella's face flushed instantly, and she gave Jade a playful shove. "Oh, shut up."

Harry and Ron exchanged looks, both pretending not to have noticed the comment while Hermione grinned knowingly.

"I think it sounds perfect," Hermione agreed. "A quiet celebration. We'll make sure you have a great time, Stella."

"Thanks, guys," Stella said, her heart swelling with gratitude. Despite the overcast skies and the impending rain, the warmth of their friendship felt like more than enough to brighten her upcoming birthday.