Filler story
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The morning sun spilled through the enchanted windows of the Great Hall, illuminating the long tables and casting playful shadows across the stone floor. As I entered, the familiar sounds of clinking cutlery and cheerful chatter enveloped me like a warm embrace. I took my usual seat next to Hermione and Ron, determined to push aside the troubling thoughts of my conversation with Snape.
"Morning, Blackwell!" Ron greeted, his mouth full of toast, crumbs flying as he spoke. I couldn't help but smile at his disheveled charm.
"Morning," I replied, trying to inject some cheer into my voice. Hermione shot me a quick glance, her brow furrowed with concern, but I simply shrugged it off. No need to burden them with the heaviness of my thoughts.
"Ready for Potions later?" Hermione asked, her voice bright with anticipation. My stomach twisted at the mention of Snape, and I quickly suppressed a shiver.
"Let's not think about Potions just yet," I said, hoping to steer the conversation in a lighter direction. Ron launched into a story about a particularly disastrous Quidditch practice, his animated gestures making me laugh despite my unease.
After breakfast, we made our way to Transfiguration. Professor McGonagall stood at the front, her sharp gaze surveying the class with the usual intensity. Today, she demonstrated the transformation of a teapot into a tortoise, and I tried to focus on her precise movements, but my thoughts kept drifting back to Snape's penetrating gaze and the implications of our unwanted engagement.
"Oi, Blackwell! You're zoning out again. What's on your mind?" He leaned closer, his tone teasing but genuinely curious.
"Sorry! Just a bit distracted," I admitted, feeling my cheeks flush. I could feel Hermione's eyes on me, but thankfully, she said nothing.
Once class was over, we spilled out into the courtyard, where the crisp autumn air invigorated us. The vibrant leaves danced in the breeze, and I spotted Harry and a few other Gryffindors gathered by the lake, their laughter echoing across the water.
"Let's join them!" Hermione suggested, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
As we approached, I watched Harry show off a new charm. The spell erupted in a shower of colors, and for a moment, all my worries faded. I took a step forward, excited to join in, but it was Ron who nudged me gently.
"Ladies first," he said with a mock bow, a grin on his face that made my heart flutter. I laughed, feeling a rush of warmth as I stepped up to give it a try.
After several attempts filled with laughter and mishaps, I finally managed to cast the charm successfully. "Yes! Did you see that?" I exclaimed, turning to Ron, who was clapping enthusiastically.
"Brilliant! You've outdone yourself, Blackwell!" he cheered, his eyes sparkling with admiration. In that moment, the world felt lighter, the burden of my secret slipping away, if only briefly.
But as the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the courtyard, I felt the weight of my reality creeping back in. I slipped away to the library, seeking refuge among the dusty tomes and quiet corners. I wanted to lose myself in my studies, but my thoughts remained tangled, the specter of Snape hovering in my mind.
A short while later, Hermione found me, her expression softening as she approached. "You okay?" she asked, her voice gentle yet probing.
"Just thinking," I replied, forcing a smile. I couldn't let her see the turmoil beneath the surface.
"Alright, but don't overdo it," she replied, giving my arm a reassuring squeeze before leaving. I felt a pang of guilt wash over me; I wished I could confide in her, but the truth was too complicated.
Once she was gone, I sighed and closed the book I hadn't been reading. I knew I could count on Ron, though. The warmth of his presence made the uncertainty of the future seem a little less daunting.
Determined to return to the common room, I took a deep breath and stepped out of the library. The laughter and warmth of my friends awaited, reminding me that even amidst the complexities of life, there was still joy to be found in the connections we cherished.
With each step back through the castle, I reminded myself that I wasn't alone. Together with Ron and Hermione, I could face whatever challenges lay ahead—whatever they might be.
YOU ARE READING
Shadow of Legacy
Fanfiction"I'm sorry I couldn't be more for you," Snape whispered, his grip tightening on her hand. Alvira's tears fell freely. "You were everything... everything I needed." He gave a bitter smile, though his eyes held nothing but sorrow. "Not enough." His vo...
