CHAPTER TWELVE ───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───── "Why is it always me?"
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─── Y/N POV ───
As I entered the Great Hall that evening, the floating candles overhead lit the long tables, where students were engaged in lively conversation. The familiar scent of burning wax mixed with the hint of tonight's feast filled the room with a sense of comfort. My heart lifted as I made my way to the Gryffindor table, spotting familiar faces of my friends.
"It's great to be back!" I exclaimed, sliding into a seat between Oliver Wood and Seamus Finnegan.
"It is indeed," answered Oliver, his lips forming a small smile as he turned to face me. "Will I be able to see you at one of the Quidditch matches this year?"
"Wouldn't miss it," I answered honestly.
Truthfully, I loved the energy of Quidditch matches. The thrill of the game, the energy of the crowd, there was nothing like it. But the idea of actually flying through the air on a broomstick? Not so much. Watching from the stands was more than enough for me.
Seamus, who had been oddly quiet for a whole thirty seconds, suddenly pulled out his wand, his fingers twirling it absentmindedly.
I eyed him nervously. "Seamus, please tell me you're not about to set something on fire again."
The boy scoffed, waving me off. "I've been practicing over the summer. No more accidental explosions, I swear."
I arched an eyebrow. "That's what you said last year. And yet, I still remember the time you singed your eyebrows off in Charms class."
Beside me, Oliver let out a chuckle, shaking his head.
Seamus huffed, crossing his arms. "Alright, alright, I get it. But this time will be different. Watch this!"
Before I could protest, he flicked his wand toward an empty goblet. A bright spark shot from the tip, and for a brief, hopeful moment, I thought he'd actually managed a harmless spell. Then—
Boom!
A small burst of smoke appeared from the goblet, sending it toppling over. Students nearby turned to look, some laughing, others groaning.
Seamus coughed, waving a hand to clear the smoke. "Okay, that was a minor setback."
Oliver sighed, casting me an amused glance. "Would you like to move somewhere else before he accidentally sets your robes on fire?"