Beatrice Lestrange has always been an outsider in her own story. Born into one of the darkest families in the wizarding world, she grew up under the looming shadow of her infamous mother Bellatrix Lestrange.
Despite this, Beatrice is nothing like th...
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After the meeting ended and the rest of the group dispersed, Hermione and Bea found themselves lingering awkwardly by the entrance of the Hog's Head. The snow was still falling in soft flakes, blanketing the village in white and muffling the sounds of chatter from the streets.
— So...— Bea began, shoving her hands into her pockets and glancing at Hermione out of the corner of her eye.
— So. — Hermione echoed, a small smile tugging at her lips as she wrapped her scarf tighter around her neck. They stood there for a moment, neither willing to break the silence, until Hermione finally cleared her throat. — It's still early. Maybe we could...stay in Hogsmeade for a bit? —
Bea's heart skipped a beat, but she played it cool, shrugging casually. — Yeah, sure. I mean, no point in heading back just yet.—
Hermione smiled, her cheeks pink, though Bea couldn't tell if it was from the cold or something else. — I was thinking of stopping by Scrivenshaft's. I need a new quill.—
Bea nodded, falling into step beside Hermione as they walked through the snow-covered streets. The village was bustling with students and villagers alike, but somehow, it felt as though the world had shrunk to just the two of them.
They wandered in and out of a few shops, Hermione chattering about the quality of parchment and the importance of good ink, while Bea mostly listened, occasionally throwing in a sarcastic comment that made Hermione roll her eyes but smile nonetheless.
After an hour or so, they found themselves at Madam Puddifoot's, peering through the window. The sight of couples sipping tea and holding hands made Bea hesitate, but Hermione nudged her gently.
— Tea? — Hermione asked, her voice light but her eyes searching Bea's face for a reaction.
Bea hesitated, her heart thudding in her chest. Was this a date? Should she say something? But Hermione was already opening the door, the warm scent of tea and pastries spilling out into the cold air.
They found a small table in the corner, away from most of the other students, and ordered tea and scones. The conversation was easy, flowing from classes to books to memories from their younger years at Hogwarts.
At one point, Bea caught Hermione staring at her, her chin propped on her hand and a soft smile on her face. — What? — Bea asked, raising an eyebrow.
— Nothing, — Hermione said quickly, though her cheeks flushed. She sipped her tea, hiding her smile behind the cup.
Bea smirked, leaning back in her chair. — You're staring, Granger.—
Hermione rolled her eyes, but there was no denying the warmth in her gaze. — Maybe I am. Got a problem with that? —
— Nope. — Bea said, her smirk softening into a genuine smile.
