mint quintet

- Introduction -

The darkness had enveloped Hogwarts, casting a shroud of mystery and solitude over the ancient castle. Moonlight filtered through stained-glass windows, painting intricate patterns on the walls. Yet, within the Slytherin common room, a different kind of reality reigned.

In the corner of the room, near the fireplace, a group of restless seventh-year Slytherins sat, indulging in firewhisky, forgetting about the looming exams. The golden liquid reflected the firelight playfully, filling the air with the warmth and spice of its aroma. Veronica and Vincent Goyle, twins and a dynamic duo reminiscent of two spirited chess knights, had settled at the table, where chess pieces lay scattered. Their game was charged with tension and competitive banter, each pushing the other with sharp jests. For them, rivalry was the only way they knew to interact.

Albus Potter lounged on an emerald-green sofa, a bottle in hand, staring thoughtfully into space. The lively atmosphere around him didn't mask the slight sadness flickering in his eyes, though he hid it well. His lap was occupied by Scorpius Malfoy, who, completely carefree, had thrown his legs over him as if the world beyond this room didn't matter.

Raven-haired Evangelia Greengrass, her head resting against Scorpius', sat nearby. Her laughter, soft and velvety, gave the evening an easy grace. She ran her delicate fingers through Scorpius' hair, occasionally casting meaningful glances toward Albus. There was a certain elegance in her every movement.

"Albus, you're not planning to drink alone, are you?" Evangelia teased, her gaze drifting to the bottle in his hand. "We're here to have fun, not mope around."

Albus smiled faintly and leaned toward her. "Isn't arguing with oneself a kind of fun?"

Without opening his eyes, Scorpius snorted. "Forget the arguing, Al. Let's play chess instead. Veronica's having a terrible day today."

Veronica, offended by the remark, proudly moved her piece forward, throwing a challenge at her brother. "Oh please, Vincent! You're just scared of losing."

The lively conversation, laughter, and the soft clattering of chess pieces filled the room, creating an atmosphere of unity and friendship, even as shadows lurked outside the walls of Hogwarts. The night seemed endless, brimming with youth and exuberance, as if they could freeze time and remain in this moment forever. Their exchanged glances, light touches, and playful jabs reminded them that, despite their differences, they were a close-knit group, ready to face any storm together.

This group had earned the nickname "The Harpies' Quintet" at Hogwarts. These young Slytherins relished the sense of mystery that surrounded them, full of riddles and contradictions, with every whisper and rumor about them always lingering in the air. Their names were well-known, as were their deeds, but they didn't shy away from the attention. On the contrary, this notoriety gave their bond a special air, as if they were characters in a play, authored by their own lives.

Evangelia Greengrass, Scorpius' cousin on his mother's side, was not only the captain of the Quidditch team but the embodiment of passion and ambition. She moved through life with a confidence that radiated, drawing admiration and attention wherever she went. There was a fire in her eyes that could inspire others and ignite the same flame in their hearts, and her leadership made her the center of this small universe, where everything revolved around her vibrant presence.

Veronica Goyle, nicknamed the "heartbreaker," effortlessly won the affections of the girls around her. Her wit and playful nature were her weapons, which she wielded with expert skill, making hearts flutter with her tender words and gentle teasing. She seemed to understand the strings of human emotions and could play them like a skilled musician, manipulating feelings with ease.

Albus Potter, born under the shadow of his famous father, "A Boy Who Survived " roamed the corridors of Hogwarts burdened by a legacy he couldn't shake off. He didn't want to be merely a ghost walking in the shadow of a great name. His soul yearned for self-expression, but at the same time, it tormented him, pushing him to find his own path, his own truth that he longed to declare to the world. Evangelia and Scorpius had been his support since their first year, when he became the first Potter to be sorted into Slytherin, helping him build confidence and belief in himself.

Scorpius Malfoy, Slytherin prefect, was someone who knew how to balance the rules with his personal desires. His gaze was full of determination, and his actions revealed an inner struggle. He sought to become the person he wanted to be, not the one others expected. In character, he took after his mother, Astoria, but his father Draco never objected; in fact, he encouraged him, trying to be the opposite of his own father, Lucius.

Vincent Goyle was the one who brought levity and laughter to the group, as if life was all about moments of joy. His antics were sometimes outrageous, but they served as a reminder that fun and spontaneity were just as important as serious reflection. He had a knack for finding the bright side of things, even when the shadows seemed to close in.

Thus, each of them, each member of "The Harpies' Quintet," contributed to a unique symphony of emotions, desires, and contradictions. Their friendship was like a complex work of art, where every brushstroke created a canvas brimming with life, passion, and mystery, weaving their fates into a single thread capable of withstanding any trials that awaited them beyond the walls of Hogwarts.