Vincula sanguinis, H. Potter

Sixteen.

April 7th, 1996. Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry.

The morning sun streamed through the high, arched windows of the Great Hall, casting golden beams across the long Slytherin table, where the morning feast was already laid out. Plates gleamed with everything from fresh pastries to thick slices of ham, the scent of crispy bacon and freshly baked bread filling the air. The sounds of clinking silverware and laughter echoed softly around the hall as students gathered for breakfast, the chatter low but lively.

She entered the Great Hall with her usual confidence, her black Slytherin robes swishing lightly as she walked. Her heart felt less heavy these days, the burden of her toxic relationship with Adrian finally lifted, and the tension with Theo easing bit by bit. Things weren't entirely back to normal yet between them, but the atmosphere wasn't filled with that sharp, biting coldness anymore. It was like breathing fresh air for the first time in weeks.

She shared a glance with Celeste, who smirked as they walked side by side, eyes scanning the room. "Well, someone looks unusually cheery this morning." Celeste teased, her voice light.

Aurora rolled her eyes playfully. "Oh, please. I'm not about to burst into song or anything."

Celeste gave a mock sigh of relief. "Thank Merlin for that. You're bad enough in the common room when you think no one's listening."

Astoria and Cassiopeia, already deep in their morning gossip, veered off toward the middle of the Slytherin table where a group of girls sat giggling over something, likely yesterday's scandal from Potions class. Aurora exchanged a brief glance with them, sharing an amused smile with Astoria before she and Celeste headed a bit farther down the table where Draco, Theodore, Blaise, Crabbe, and Goyle usually sat.

The Slytherin table was buzzing with its usual morning energy—lazy, slow chatter with the occasional burst of laughter from a pocket of students who were already wide awake. Blaise sat near the middle, lounging comfortably with his long legs stretched out under the table. He caught sight of Celeste and Aurora approaching and raised an eyebrow, a smirk spreading across his face.

"Look who's gracing us with their presence," Blaise drawled, his tone dripping with mock drama. "Celeste, darling, I was beginning to think you'd found someone else to torment."

Celeste slid into the seat beside Blaise, smirking as she leaned in close to him. "I haven't found anyone better yet, enjoy my presence while it lasts."

Blaise chuckled, his arm slipping casually around the back of the bench behind her. "Lucky me, then."

Blaise chuckled, leaning back in his seat, clearly enjoying their back-and-forth banter. He draped an arm casually over the back of the bench, his gaze lingering on her with that flirty ease he always had. Their relationship was far from serious—more of a friends-with-benefits situation—but their chemistry was undeniable. It was kind of like watching a game that neither of them was particularly interested in winning, but one they enjoyed playing.