Pulling Strings - Theodore Nott

10. Cat-and-mouse game

The very first Hogsmeade weekend was always an event eagerly awaited by every student –at least from third year and up– but most of all by Ophelia. She loved the opportunity to get out of the castle even for a moment. It was sort of a tradition with Anna to go early after lunch to visit the shops and end up eating something at the Three Broomsticks. It was a moment for her to relax and escape from the pressures that were so evident in Hogwarts, especially this year.

So, imagine her disappointment when it became clear that her usual tradition wouldn't be happening this year.

"I'm thinking we could go take a look at Gladrags Wizardwear first," Pansy was saying, oblivious to the crestfallen expression on Ophelia's face. "My mother sent an owl yesterday telling me all about their new robes collection, apparently..." She drew closer to Ophelia then, like sharing a secret. "The threads they used are made from Unicorn's hair."

"Isn't that...kind of illegal?" Of course unicorn's hair was used to make wands but...that's one hair per wand, this...well she didn't want to think about it.

Pansy simply shrugged, looking unphased. "Who knows."

Two weeks had passed since Pansy had first approached her with her intention to...hang out more and, true to her word, she had made it happen. At first, she didn't want any part of it but out of politeness –and fear– she didn't want to reject her. Then...she found out that the girl wasn't as bad as she thought.

Yes, she was superficial and manipulative but then again, that was just the default setting for every Pureblooded family. She wanted to say herself excluded, but...it depended on the situation. She had surprised her more than once in a good way and if she was being honest, it shamed her that it had taken her six years to get to know her a bit better.

Still, she wished she hadn't thought of her for Hogsmeade. The plan wasn't so different to what she normally did with Anna but it was the first time that they wouldn't be just them. The four girls –Pansy, Ophelia, Anna and Daphne, were set to spend practically the whole Saturday together.

"Anyway, mother also sent an owl to the owner and he's going to be saving us some exclusives for us to try on and if we like them, they're ours." Ophelia was amazed with how casual Pansy was about it all. In some other reality, she figured that she would've been the same, if her father hadn't passed away leaving them practically bankrupt. But, she was in this reality. Even though she had to act like this was standard for her too. "Daphne already said that she wants to have the first pick but you can have the next one."

"That's alright." She assured her. She didn't care that much, knowing Daphne she was going to pick the prettiest one and tore whichever Ophelia set her eyes on. "I know how territorial she can be." she said, making Pansy chuckle.

At first Ophelia was confused when it came to Daphne. To be fair, the girl had never shown any particular interest in her, over the past years they behaved as perfect roommates and shared even a few secrets. By no means she was a friend but she could be counted as a person to talk to. It was a surprise when she noticed her sudden change of attitude towards her at the beginning of the school year. She had suspected it had something to do with Nott and after almost two months –and a few things that Pansy let slip– she was sure he was responsible for her change of heart.

She didn't have the full story but the short one was that indeed something had happened between them. One day, Pansy had forced her to ditch History of Magic and both girls spent that period gossiping in their empty room, that was the day that she found out that it had happened during the summer. She couldn't get many details because Pansy wasn't stupid, she was only going to tell her what she wanted to, but still, she had an idea of it.