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★★★
CHAPTER FOURTY:
engagements
★★★
Aurora wasn't sure she ever wanted to leave her bedroom again. The memory of last night's dinner still sat heavy in her chest—Harry's sharp words, Theo's presence, the tension so thick it had ruined her appetite. Even now, she could still feel the weight of the stares, the unsaid things lingering in the air. It was easier to stay curled beneath the covers, tucked away from everything and everyone.
Unfortunately, Hermione Granger had other plans.
"You have to eat something," Hermione scolded as she sat cross-legged on Aurora's bed, balancing a bowl of what appeared to be some sort of chicken salad in her hands. "I didn't make this in the kitchens just for you to ignore it."
Aurora huffed from where she lay, curled up on her side, staring out the window. "I'm not ignoring it," she mumbled. "I'm just... contemplating my life choices first."
Hermione rolled her eyes but didn't push, instead spearing a piece of lettuce with her fork. "Well, while you do that, I'll just sit here and eat dramatically in front of you."
Aurora snorted despite herself, finally turning to face Hermione properly. "You're relentless."
"And you're avoiding everyone," Hermione shot back, her expression softening. "You don't have to talk about it, but don't shut me out too. You practically ran from the dinner last night...... although I don't exactly blame you."
A beat of silence passed before Aurora sighed and sat up, grabbing the extra fork Hermione had brought. "Fine," she muttered, stabbing a piece of chicken. "But if we're talking, we're talking about you too."
Hermione smirked, taking a bite. "Alright, what do you want to know?"
Aurora chewed thoughtfully before tilting her head. "How's Ron?"
At that, Hermione flushed slightly, poking at her salad. "He's... Ron."
"Meaning?"
"Meaning he's still the most stubborn, frustrating, ridiculous person I've ever met." But there was fondness in her voice, the kind that made Aurora's chest ache. "And I love him for it."
