Between the Cracks // 𝓕𝓻𝓮𝓭 𝓦𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓵𝓮𝔂

56. Mocks Are Over!

Chapter 56: Mocks Are Over!

The corridor was chilly as Leigh and Nova stepped into it from the classroom behind them. The final mock before the holidays was now history, and relief practically coursed through their veins like a drug.

Nova immediately dropped her bag on the floor before leaning forward with her hands on her knees, breathing heavily like she had just ran a marathon. "We did it!" she spoke in a mix between a groan and a scream.

Leigh laughed, not quite as enthusiastic as Nova, but probably even more relieved. She pulled her friend's bag from the floor and threw it over her shoulder.

"I actually haven't been this relieved in months," Leigh admitted.

"Then imagine the relief we'll feel after the finals," Nova responded, and Leigh immediately scrunched her brows.

"Ugh, the last thing I want to think about is the finals."

Nova straightened up, nodding in agreement. "True that. But mocks! We did it! – we have to celebrate!"

Leigh smiled as they both started walking side by side. "I'm sure people will have some drinks in the common room."

"No," Nova went on. "We need to really celebrate, don't you think?"

"What do you mean?"

Nova stopped in her tracks as an idea seemed to cross her mind. She grabbed Leigh's arm and looked at her with an excited gaze. "Let's go out."

Moderately confused by her suggestion, Leigh replied. "Nova, we're in the Scottish highlands."

"But Hogsmeade! They've got pubs – at least 2, right? I'm sure there is some stuff going on, it's a Friday! I heard some people talking about it earlier as well. We're old enough, really, aren't we? One night out."

Leigh furrowed her brows. "Do people do that?" she asked, genuinely confused.

"I'm sure they have, we've just been a bit busy the last few years, haven't we."

"Mh."

"Come on, Lizzie. Let's go! Just get outside the castle, you know?"

She nodded faintly, in thought. "That would be nice."

Nova's excited eyes met her. "Is that a yes?"

"..."

"Come onnn, don't be boring!"

Leigh finally gave in. "Fine. Okay. Yeah, let's go. Why not, I suppose. We just finished the mocks after all."

Nova cheered, the sound echoing throughout the corridor. "We just finished the mocks!"

-

Nova was quickly able to coordinate with some of her other friends and classmates, and soon enough a group of 7th years planned on going. So, after getting dressed in relatively warm clothing, taking into account the weather outside, they all made their way down to wreak havoc on the town or...village. With hopefully not too much havoc occurring after all.

Once inside the warm space they all found a suitable table, and Nova immediately stood up after discarding her coat, pointing to Leigh. "I'm getting you a drink."

She disappeared off towards the bar before Leigh was even able to respond. The place was surprisingly busy, but then again it was a Friday after all.

Nova returned, immediately placing the glass in front of her friend. "There you go, Lizzie Lou," Nova spoke, taking a seat across from Leigh, next to her other friends. Once she was seated she raised her glass, clinking hers and Leigh's together. "Mocks are over!"