Back at Hogwarts for her second year in the modern world, equipped with a brilliant group of friends and a boy who loves her dearly, Azalea Hogwarts, protector and shield of the school itself, could not be happier, despite the war raging on around h...
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Snow fell thickly around them, obscuring their vision as they powered their way through it, quickly soaking the bottoms of their trousers. Beautiful, unique flakes caught in each of Azaleas brilliant chocolate brown curls as he held Harry's hand in her own, gloved one, partially allowing him to drag her along. It was perhaps not the best weather to be visiting Hogsmeade in but they found that they needed the distraction from their dreary day-to-day lives in the castle with Christmas quickly approaching.
"Aren't you even slightly curious who the half blood prince is?" Hermione pestered again. It was a recurring conversation that they seemed to have every day. And Azalea rolled her eyes as they battled the thickly falling snow, exasperated with the conversation.
"I didn't say I wasn't curious"
"I like a nice chat before I go to bed." Ron points out. "And now all you do is read that bloody book.... it's like being with Hermione." The bushy haired girl seemed very offended with that reference.
"Well I was curious" she informed as Harry pulled Azalea closer to his side, the woollen gryffindor hat on her head pulled down firmly. "So I went to the-"
"Library" the other three all chanted together and she rolled her eyes.
"And?" Harry prompted after a long pause where nobody spoke.
"And nothing. I couldn't find a reference anywhere to a half-blood Prince." Hermione informed somewhat unhappily and Harry nodded.
"Well there you go, that settles it then" he smirked as they passed Professor Flitwick. The short man was battling the wind and snow, barely staying upright and in his bid to survive the gale, he failed to even notice their presence. "Does anyone fancy a butter beer?" Harry questioned, turning to Azalea as she blinked hastily, attempting to dislodge the snowflakes in her eyelashes.
The Three Broomsticks was packed, many people congregating within to escape the horrible weather and the second they walked through the door, Azalea giggled at Harry, his glasses steaming up from the change in temperature. As they sat down, Azalea draping her coat over the back of her chair awkwardly. When she glanced up, she caught gazes with Draco. She smiled and waved joyfully at him and he froze, smiling uncomfortably. When she turned away, he frowned, changed directions and then turned back again like a spinning top, marching adamantly in his original direction. It went unnoticed.
"Four Butterbeers and some ginger and lime please" Hermione asked softly and Azalea assessed Harry, watching his curiously as he stared intensely at something over her shoulder.
"Aww Bloody hell" Ron suddenly cursed and Azalea jumped, following his line of sight. When she caught sight of Dean and Ginny tucked up together in the corner, she couldn't help but grin happily, Harry smiling at her reaction. Azalea always found joy in other people's happiness. That was what she was intended for, to ensure other people's happiness.
"Oh, stop it" Hermione scoffed. "They're only holding hands... and snogging" Harry chuckled when she said that, seeing the look of pure horror that overtook Ron's features.
"I'd like to leave." Ron stated calmly, much to their amusement as the drinks finally arrived. Azalea took her excitably with wide eyes, hastily drinking it and Harry chuckled, reaching over to pull a curl from her face so that she didn't end up drinking it with the butterbeer that she practically inhaled.
"What?" Hermione laughed. "You can't be serious."
"That's Dean kissing my sister." He informed as if it was obvious.
"And?" Hermione scoffed. "You don't get like this when Harry and Azalea kiss? And what would you do if she looked over here and saw you snogging me, would you expect her to leave?" Hermione wondered, laughing and Azalea exchanged a glance with Harry, though, he was mostly distracted still.
"Harry my Boy!" The source of his distraction came clear and Harry jumped to his feet, almost knocking his Butterbeer directly into Azaleas lap but she jumped and caught it with brilliant reflexes, a splash still landing over her hand, quickly making it sticky.
"Sir, good to see you." Hardy smiled brightly, shaking the teachers hand. "So, what brings you here?" He questioned and the other three exchanged confused glances.
"Oh The Three Broomsticks and I go way back, further than I would care to admit. I can remember when it was One Broomstick" Slughorn chuckled drunkly, spilling his drink across the table and Harry laughed along, despite it being completely unfunny. Hermione jumped as the liquid splashed across the table. "All hands on deck Granger. Harry, you see. In the old days, I used to throw together the occasional supper party with a selection of students. Would you be game?" He whispered badly to Harry.
"I'd consider it an honour Sir" Slughorn smiled at his response before turning to the others at the table. "And you'd be welcome, Granger, and Miss Hogwarts of course."
"I'd be delighted Sir" Hermione smiled and Azalea nodded eagerly.
"Splendid. Look for my owl... Good to see you Wolumby" and then, he strode away happily as Harry finally retook his seat, looking around at the mess he'd made.
"Sorry" he smiled awkwardly at his girlfriend and she just shook her head with a grin.
"What are you playing at?" Ron rounded on Harry and the Boy-Who-Lived seemed shocked to see that his friends were still there, almost as if he had forgotten amidst his eager conversation.
"Dumbledore's asked me to get to know him" Harry responded.
"Get to know him?" The Weasley scoffed.
"I don't know" Harry shrugged. "But it must be important. If it wasn't, Dumbledore wouldn't ask." He glanced across at Azalea, certain that she knew the answers he was looking for but she merely stared back innocently with her large doe eyes that melted his heart.
