-Mine-( Harry Potter x Reader)

Chapter 7

" Wind in my hair, I was there I remember all too well. Photo album on the counter, your cheeks turning red you used to be a little kid with glasses, and a twin size bed."

                                                             -Taylor Swift-

                                                              -All To Well-

Y/n pov.

The weekend had finally arrived, and a wave of excitement swept through me as we boarded the Hogwarts Express to Hogsmeade. After the exhilarating Patronus lesson, I felt a sense of accomplishment and curiosity about what awaited us in the bustling village.

As the train chugged along, I could barely contain my eagerness. My thoughts flitted between the cozy warmth of the Three Broomsticks and the endless treats at Honeydukes. With the golden leaves of autumn swirling outside, the world felt full of promise.

Upon arriving, the air was alive with laughter and chatter, the sweet scent of sugar lingering everywhere. "Last one to the Three Broomsticks has to buy the first round!" Harry shouted, and I was off like a shot, my friends trailing behind.

The Three Broomsticks welcomed us with its familiar charm, and as we stepped inside, the warmth enveloped me like a favorite blanket. Madam Rosmerta greeted us with her signature smile, her presence instantly comforting. I wrapped my fingers around a mug of butterbeer, letting the warmth seep into my hands.

"This is amazing!" Ron declared, raising his glass in a toast. I couldn't help but laugh as he took a big gulp, a frothy mustache forming.

"Honestly, Ron, you look ridiculous," Hermione teased, rolling her eyes but smiling nonetheless. The laughter around our table felt like a balm, momentarily pushing aside the worries about Sirius Black that lingered in my mind.

As we indulged in sweets from Honeydukes, I relished the carefree atmosphere. But despite the joy around me, a nagging worry tugged at my thoughts, reminding me of the danger lurking just beyond the castle walls.

Later that evening, as we made our way back to Hogwarts, the castle loomed in the darkness, the windows glowing with warm light. My heart swelled with a mix of contentment and apprehension. Just as we reached the entrance hall, a flurry of whispers filled the air, and I could sense the tension.

"Did you hear? They've increased security," Hermione whispered, her brow furrowed in concern.

I glanced at Harry, who looked troubled. "What if he tries to get into the castle?"

"Don't worry," I said, attempting to sound more confident than I felt. "We're safe here. The teachers know what they're doing." But my voice wavered, betraying my unease.

That night, as I settled into bed, the events of the day replayed in my mind—the laughter, the warmth of friendship, but overshadowed by the chilling reminder of Sirius Black's presence. I tried to push the thoughts away, focusing instead on my Patronus, the silver doe that had become a symbol of my strength.

But just as I began to drift off, the quiet of the castle was shattered by a loud bang. My heart raced as I shot upright in bed. Had I imagined it? I listened intently, straining to hear over the pounding of my heart.

Suddenly, there was a frantic knock on my door. "Y/n! Are you awake?" It was Harry, his voice urgent. I jumped out of bed, pulling on my robe and rushing to the door.

"What's happening?" I asked, anxiety creeping into my voice.

"They've found a way in," Harry said breathlessly. "Sirius Black is in the castle."

The words hit me like a cold wave. My heart sank, the weight of fear settling in my chest. "What do we do?"

"I think we should tell Professor Lupin," he suggested, glancing back towards the common room where the flickering light spilled into the hallway.

As we hurried down the corridor, I felt a strange mix of fear and determination. The castle felt different tonight—more alive, yet more dangerous. My Patronus flickered in my mind, a reminder that I had the power to face darkness, but now the threat felt all too real.

When we reached the common room, Hermione was already there, her face pale but resolute. "We need to be careful," she said, her voice steady. "If he's really in the castle, we can't let fear take over."

"Professor Lupin will know what to do," I said, trying to sound brave. But just as we turned to leave, we heard a loud voice echo through the hallways.

"Students! All students to the Great Hall immediately!" It was Professor McGonagall.

With a sense of dread, we made our way to the Great Hall, where the long tables had been cleared to create space. The other students were already gathering, their expressions a mix of fear and confusion.

"Sit together, and stay quiet!" McGonagall instructed as we filed in. I took a seat next to Harry and Hermione, who were already deep in conversation about what could possibly happen next.

Minutes passed, but it felt like hours as we waited. The enchanted ceiling mirrored the starry night outside, but the beauty of it did little to calm my nerves.

"What do you think he wants?" Harry whispered, glancing around the hall.

"I don't know, but it can't be good," I replied, feeling a shiver run down my spine.

Finally, Dumbledore stood, his presence commanding the room. "We have reason to believe that Sirius Black has entered the castle," he announced, his voice calm yet grave. "For your safety, we will be increasing security throughout the night. Prefects will patrol the halls, and you are to remain in the Great Hall until further notice."

The murmurs of panic swelled in the room. I exchanged worried glances with Harry and Hermione. The reality of the situation settled heavily on my shoulders. We were trapped, and the threat was closer than we ever imagined.

As the hours wore on, the warmth of the Great Hall began to fade. Students huddled together for comfort, and I could see the worry etched on Harry's face. The atmosphere was thick with tension and fear, but in that moment, I felt a sense of unity among us.

"We'll get through this," I said quietly to Harry and Hermione, trying to reassure them. "We have each other."

They nodded, and we settled into a silence that felt heavy yet comforting. I thought back to my Patronus, that silver doe symbolizing hope and protection. I felt a flicker of strength within me as I remembered that I wasn't alone.

As we leaned against each other, the darkness outside felt less threatening. The bonds of friendship wrapped around us like a shield, and I knew we would face whatever challenges lay ahead—together.

(Word count 1081)