As the next day dawned, the lingering tension from the Ashwinder encounter still weighed heavily on Elvira's mind. She went through her classes in a blur, unable to shake the memory of the masked men, their voices full of venom, and the sickening threat they carried with them. Still, she had promised Poppy and Natty they'd make a day of it in Hogsmeade, and if nothing else, the distraction was more than welcome.
After their final class, the three of them gathered their things and made their way to Hogsmeade. The walk to the village was brisk but invigorating, the cool air biting at their cheeks as they chatted, their laughter cutting through the quiet tension that had settled between them. The streets of Hogsmeade were bustling, as usual, with students buzzing about, preparing for the Yule Ball.
"So, dresses first or Butterbeer?" Poppy asked, her voice light as she looked between her friends.
"Dresses can wait," Natty declared with a grin. "How about coffee or hot chocolate instead to warm us up? I want to enjoy our shopping without frozen fingers."
"Coffee sounds great," Elvira nodded, though her smile didn't quite reach her eyes. She'd been quieter than usual, and her friends hadn't missed it. Still, she tried to push her worries aside for now.
"I could go for a hot chocolate!" Poppy exclaimed cheerfully and jumped.
They entered the Three Broomsticks, the familiar warmth of the pub wrapping around them as they found a table by the fire. Poppy immediately waved over to Sirona as they settled in, shedding their winter cloaks.
"What brings you lovely ladies in today?" Sirona asked, wiping her hands on her apron as she leaned forward.
"Just a quick stop before dress shopping," Natty said with a grin. "We're preparing for the Yule Ball."
Sirona raised an approving brow. "Ah, that's exciting. You'll need something warm, I'm sure. What can I get for you?"
"Two hot chocolates and a coffee for Elvira, please" Poppy replied cheerfully. Elvira, standing a little behind, nodded in agreement but remained quieter than usual.
Sirona winked as she started preparing their drinks. "Coming right up, girls."
With a quick flourish, Sirona placed the steaming mugs on the counter, sending them off with a wave as they found a cosy spot near the fireplace to enjoy their drinks.
Poppy grinned as the drinks were placed in front of them, frothy and warm. "To us," she said, raising her mug. "And to finding the perfect dresses for the Yule Ball!"
Natty clinked her mug against Poppy's with a smile. "To the Yule Ball. Nothing is going to stop us from enjoying it."
Elvira raised her cup of coffee with a small smile, though her heart wasn't quite in it. She took a small sip, the bittersweetness of the drink lingering on her tongue, but it did little to chase away the unease gnawing at her insides.
"So, Elvira," Natty began with a mischievous twinkle in her eye, "Sebastian asked you to the Yule Ball, didn't he?"
Elvira's cheeks flushed slightly, and she glanced down at her mug, trying to play it off. "Maybe."
"Oh, come on," Poppy chimed in, leaning forward with a grin. "We saw the way he looked at you when you two came into dinner last night. He's completely smitten!"
Elvira rolled her eyes, though she couldn't help but smile. "It's not like that. We're just friends."
"Friends, sure," Natty teased, raising an eyebrow. "I saw the way you two were standing together when you walked into the Great Hall—he was practically glued to you!"
YOU ARE READING
Silver Flames (Victor Rookwood X FemaleMC)
Fanfiction'Elvira,' Victor whispered her name like a curse in a low growl, his lips brushing against her skin. His breath was hot and uneven, and she could feel the tension between them. 'I wanted to kill you,' Victor rasped, as his lips traced her neck. His...
