autumn | severus snape

thirty two

The shop was buzzing with students, racks of robes and costumes in every color and style filling the space. Ophelia stood near a display of elegant dresses, her hands brushing through the fabric absentmindedly as she listened to Alya, who held up a shimmering blue gown for inspection.

"So," Alya began, her tone casual but laced with a hint of excitement. "Andrew asked me to be his date for the ball."

Ophelia blinked, momentarily distracted from her search. "Since when are you two... a thing?" She asked, her brow furrowing as she turned to her friend.

Alya shrugged as she hung the dress back on the rack. "Well, you haven't exactly been around lately," she said. "You leave our room early in the morning, don't come back until after curfew, and you miss dinner most nights."

Ophelia's chest tightened, her fingers curling around the edge of a dark green dress as she avoided Alya's gaze. She had been so consumed with trying to uncover the secrets of the Thief's Bond, a task that had only provided frustration and dead ends.

Teddy's father had been no help, except for scolding them and warning them to stay far away from it. And every day that passed felt like a failure, a reminder that another attack could loom just around the corner.

What was the point of being a member of the Order if no one trusted you to help?

Alya gave her a sidelong glance as she moved to another rack. "Not that I blame you," she added, her voice softer now. "Your friend just died and the whole school knows about your father.. it can't be easy."

"Yeah," Ophelia said. She glanced up at Alya, her smile small and apologetic. "I'm sorry I've been so distant. It's just... there's so much going on, and I don't even know where to start."

Alya stepped closer, her expression softening. "You don't have to explain," she said gently. "Just reminding you we're here if you need us."

Ophelia nodded. "Thanks, Alya," she said, "the ball will be a good distraction."

Alya smiled, the tension between them easing. "So, I guess this means we're not matching dresses anymore," Ophelia said, trying to lighten the mood as she held up the green dress.

Alya laughed, a warm sound that cut through the heaviness lingering between them. "Probably not," she admitted, "but you'll look amazing in that dress."

Ophelia sighed, running her fingers along the intricate embroidery before glancing at the price tag.

"I don't know," she said, her voice heavy. "It costs a fortune."

Alya frowned, cocking her head to the side. "I thought your family was loaded?"

Ophelia let out a wry laugh, her lips pulling into a tired smile. "Yes," she said, her tone dripping with sarcasm, "but apparently, when you refuse to join your murderous father, said father isn't very keen on giving you money."

Alya's brows shot up, her expression shifting from surprise to sympathy. "Right," she said softly. "That does complicate things a bit."

"You think?" Ophelia quipped, her tone lighter than her words. She placed the dress back on the rack.

Alya stepped closer, her eyes scanning Ophelia's face. "I could lend you some money," she offered quietly. "Or you could borrow one of my dresses. It's not a big deal."

Ophelia shook her head, brushing the offer away with a small smile. "Thanks, but I'll figure something out," she said. "I'm not about to let my father stop me from having a fun night with my friends."

"Good," Alya said, her grin returning as she looped her arm through Ophelia's. "Because I've got a feeling this year's going to be unforgettable. Let's keep looking, I'm sure we'll find something perfect."