Between the Cracks // 𝓕𝓻𝓮𝓭 𝓦𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓵𝓮𝔂

45. Hufflepuff Common Room

Chapter 45: Hufflepuff Common Room

"Hey Lizzie Lou."

Nova's excited voice was heard through the chill December air, and Leigh immediately let her eyes roll to the back of her head.

"How many times do I have to tell you – don't call me that," she spoke as she kicked some snow with her shoe, watching as Nova fell into step with her.

Ignoring her, Nova squealed and hooked her arm through Leigh's, the white, fluffy end of her sleeve matching the snow. "Come on, you need to say everything!"

Leigh rolled her eyes again, looking to the side to meet Hermione's gaze. Clad in a sleek, woollen coat and gloves, she looked like she fit into the winter wonderland flawlessly.

"There's not a lot to say. We hung up the Christmas decorations and all three of us ate pizza, that's all."

"At least tell me you kissed."

"We didn't kiss, Nova. Why on earth would we kiss?" She shook her head to herself, glancing over at her friend. "You know I'd love to just crawl in and live inside your brain. I think it would be a great learning opportunity."

Hermione stifled a giggle, while Nova leant her head to the side and gave her a look. "Okay, sue me for being excited for you."

Leigh fought the urge to roll her eyes, instead squeezing her friend's arm in her own by her side. "Well, it's not happening." Nova looked away, and Leigh took the opportunity to glance over at Hermione. "What have I missed."

"Uh..," she trailed off, looking like she was unsure of how to break the news.

"A shit ton," Nova spoke. "It's a lot. It was just a day but they're squeezing in everything these last two weeks before break. It's like they're incapable of planning across the school year," she complained, and Leigh smiled slightly at the view. Nova was the last who should complain about anyone's limited planning skills.

"But you'll do fine," Hermione butted in. "Most of it is intuitive. You'll know it."

"Don't lie. Not even you can consider all that intuitive," Nova spoke again. She leant closer to Leigh. "I would not expect top grades on all these mocks."

Leigh was already missing the shop, and was considering turning back at each passing minute. She bit her tongue. "So what else has happened the 24 hours I've been gone? And I don't wanna hear details about your boyfriend please."

Nova looked disappointed. "Fine. I'll tell you the details later."

"Nothing has happened, really," Hermione spoke. "Just revision for the mocks. That sort of stuff."

Leigh nodded at her words, knowing that would be the answer. The mocks. All of them. Within 2 weeks. Great.

"There's a party tonight though," Nova butted in, and Hermione's eyes seemed to widen at the mention. "A 'last night before hell' sort of thing. Hufflepuffs are throwing it I think. We should go!" Nova pulled at Leigh's arm excitedly. Weirdly enough it wasn't the worst idea Leigh could think of.

Hermione immediately shook her head faintly. "You guys know I like a party as much as the next person," she started, and Nova immediately raised her eyebrows at her words, "but I'm not sure tonight is a great idea. You know with the mocks and your absence so far. It just might not be the greatest kickstart to the last...spurt before Christmas."

Whilst understanding the sentiment, and probably having agreed with her words had they been spoken a few weeks prior, Leigh couldn't think of anything she wanted more than a drink.