In third-year halls, their paths first crossed,
A Raven boy, a Blonde girl lost.
"Stay out of my way," she warned with a glare,
But something lingered in the frosty air.
Crimson with his scar and fame,
Emerald with her secrets untamed.
Two worlds ap...
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The next morning, Aria woke early, still feeling the weight of her late-night conversation with Draco. The Slytherin dormitory was quiet, save for the soft snores of her roommates. She sat up slowly, pulling her robe around her shoulders as she glanced over at the others. They were still asleep, peaceful and unaware of the heaviness that lingered in her chest.
It took her a moment to shake off the lingering remnants of the dream she had, the dark room, and the sense of being trapped. As much as she wanted to push it from her mind, the unsettling feeling remained. But today, there were more pressing matters—classes were beginning, and it was time to face the new year head-on.
Aria dressed quickly and left the dormitory to meet Draco, Theo, Onyx, and Blaise in the common room. As she descended the staircase, she found Draco already waiting by the fireplace, his face a little more relaxed than it had been last night, though still burdened with the weight of everything they had shared.
"Morning," she greeted him quietly.
Draco gave a slight nod. "Morning."
Moments later, Blaise and Onyx appeared, looking equally tired but determined. Theo trailed behind them, his usual sharpness dulled by the early hour, and the same cool distance still in his gaze from the night before. Aria hadn't pressed him about it, though it gnawed at the back of her mind.
They exchanged brief pleasantries before heading out of the common room together, making their way to the Great Hall for breakfast. The corridors were bustling with students, all eager for the start of the new term. As they entered the Great Hall, the familiar sight of the long, heavily-laden tables greeted them. The Slytherin table was already half-filled, students talking and laughing over their breakfasts.
Aria led the way to their usual spot, near the end of the table. They settled into their seats, and before long, plates of toast, eggs, and bacon were passed around. Aria found herself absentmindedly buttering a piece of toast while her eyes flickered toward the Gryffindor table. Harry, Ron, and Hermione were seated together, their heads bent low in conversation.
She could feel Blaise watching her out of the corner of his eye. "You alright, Care Bear?" he asked, his voice low enough so the others wouldn't overhear.
Aria glanced at him and nodded. "Yeah, just... a lot on my mind," she admitted.
Onyx, seated across from them, shot her a knowing look but didn't press further. Aria was grateful for that. She had barely processed the revelations from last night herself, let alone how to explain them to her friends.
Soon, the chatter in the Great Hall quieted as Professor McGonagall strode down the aisle, her sharp gaze scanning the room as she handed out timetables to the various students. When she reached the Slytherin table, her eyes lingered on Aria for a moment longer than usual before passing the group their schedules.
