Slytherin Princess | ✓

twenty-seven

The mood in the castle as we entered June became excited and tense again. Everyone was looking forward to the third task, which would take place a week before the end of term. Slytherins, per usual, wore their POTTER STINKS buttons and rooted for Diggory instead of Harry.

On the day of the third task, I saw adults I'd never seen before just before dinner. The more I stared at them, I finally realized who they were: The champions family. All of the champions looked like their family, except for Harry. I recognized the woman from an article I had seen earlier this year, it was Mrs. Weasley. Standing away from the group, I stared at the happy faces of Harry and his friends.

Harry caught my eye as he looked around and waved at me. This caught the attention of the redheaded woman and a taller Weasley bloke, who was most definitely not Mr Weasley. They both turned and gave me polite smiles. Not wanting to be rude, I returned it. On the other hand, Granger and Weasley gave me narrowed looks, not liking my interaction with their friend and family.

"Adelaide, come here," Harry called to me.

My eyes widened as he beckoned me over with a cheeky smile. I shook my head, but it only made him come over and gingerly bring me over.

"Mrs. Weasley, this is Adelaide Ward," he introduced me as if I were friends with him. "Adelaide, this is Mrs. Weasley, Ron's Mum."

Mrs. Weasley raised a brow at me but smiled politely, not trying to be rude.

"Hello, Adelaide," she said sweetly, but her voice was tight and stern.

"Hello, ma'am. It's a pleasure to meet you," I said. Her eyes brightened at my kind nature as if she were expecting me to be rude.

"Harry, this is the same Adelaide Ward that gave the statement to Witch —"

"It's alright, Mum," Weasley mumbled, cutting his mother off. "You know how Skeeter is, twisting words and such."

That explained her reluctance to greet me, she read my comment about Harry Potter's best friend. But Granger did not share Weasley's newfound niceties, clearly still hurt about my comment two months ago.

"Did you know she lives with the Malfoys? Draco Malfoy is her best friend," Granger said curtly.

The redheaded boy next to Mrs. Weasley widened his eyes, not showing any kind of hidden emotions. Harry scolded Granger saying it wasn't a big deal whereas Weasley's ears turned slightly red. Mrs Weasley kept a neutral face and nodded slowly.

"It's quite alright. No need to pretend to not to have your own judgements," I gave a forced laugh. "I can tell where I am not wanted— no offense, Mrs Weasley. Thank you for being kind, ma'am. And thanks, Harry, for trying to make me feel welcomed. I'll take my leave," I nodded once more with a tight smile and walked away towards the dungeon to get my head on right.

"Where have you been?" Draco asked as I slipped into the common room.

"I just met Mrs Weasley?" I said, still in slight disbelief. "I was leaving the Hall and Harry called me over to his group and she was there with another one of her carrot top children. She was nice, I guess, but clearly didn't like me."

"Associating yourself with blood traitors, Lady?" he wrinkled his nose.

"Oh, shut up, Draco. I was being polite. As if your father and Mr Weasley don't share a few words to be civil in front of the Minister," I rolled my eyes. "After Granger told her I live with your family, I reckon Mrs Weasley won't want to talk to me anymore."

"What'd she say?" he said in disgust, referring to Mrs Weasley.

"Nothing," I said, "and that's the problem. I excused myself from the conversation and left as I clearly wasn't wanted there."