SABAISM | H. POTTER

SIX. | A HEADACHE

Gemini sat perched on a rough-hewn stool, a tapestry of splintered wood beneath her, during her inaugural Herbology lesson of the year. Her typically radiant demeanor was shadowed by her pronounced frown, pink lips jutting out to form an exaggerated pout. The narrowed silver brilliance of her gaze was fiercely locked onto the side of Hermione's head, which was busy scribbling in her notes. Today, dread flickered in the air, as Hermione had made a vow to keep the notoriously rambunctious Gemini in check—a daunting task, to say the least. Shadows of the morning's earlier adventure loomed large in Gemini's mind, reverberating through her thoughts, and this restraint felt like an unbearable anchor weighing on her spirit.

"No more mischief today, alright? You've already tested my patience," Hermione said exasperatedly, her tone more of a weary entreaty than a directive. The glare from Gemini's silvery eyes did not waver; the realization struck her that Hermione meant well, but today's sudden intervention was encroaching on the freedoms she cherished. "I'm not irked that you whisked me away from Peeves. Trust me, we've successfully pushed back our inaugural prank while dancing around the mediocrity of these lessons. But you, Hermione Granger... you pulled me away before I could devour my gloriously fluffy chocolate chip pancakes! Excuse me for being a bit frustrated," she exhaled dramatically, feeling an inexplicable sense of betrayal regarding her breakfast.

Hermione, with a scoff and a deadpan expression, found her friend's flair for dramatics just a touch exhausting. Just as Gemini's fervent protest ceased, an unexpected tap on her shoulder sent her into a furious pivot. "What!?" she snapped, her irritation laced with a hint of curiosity. Standing before her was Harry Potter, his unruly hair as disheveled as ever, partially concealing the thoughtful gleam in his emerald eyes. He held out his hand, palm upwards, revealing a colorful Chocolate Frog nestled amongst his fingers.

"Here you go, Gem," he offered with a playful spark, his expression belaying an easy camaraderie between them. The witticism of her friend did not evade her attention, and for a fleeting moment, her annoyance floated away, replaced with intrigue.

"Is the Boy-Wonder so splendid that he can ensorcel chocolate into existence? I'm beginning to suspect you steal from the wizarding kitchens," she replied with an amused glimmer in her eyes, taking it one step further into their playful banter. The chatter of previous months echoed in her mind, remembering how Harry had almost always had a piece of candy stashed away whenever they met. She appreciated the thoughtfulness behind his actions, knowing just how much she treasured her sweets.

"Would it impress you if I admitted yes?" Harry pondered seriously, his brow arched in a teasing manner. Gem's grin widened as she scooped the decadent treat from his hand.

"Thanks, Potter," she said sincerely, her appreciation evident as her smile blossomed into an unmistakable warmth. With a deft motion, she tore into the foil packaging, revealing the glossy chocolate beneath. She quickly snapped the treat in two and offered him half, her gestures casual and inviting.

As she spoke animatedly with Hermione, they barely noticed Harry's subtle reluctance to admit his own distaste for chocolate. He had grown adept at hiding his own preferences, determined instead by the brightness in Gemini's eyes when sweets hovered nearby.

From his vantage, Ron Weasley, seated across the table, observed the dance of camaraderie with a mixture of admiration and envy. "It's hardly an achievement to earn detention on the first day," Neville murmured solemnly from his seat beside Gemini, his tone somber as he reflected on their mutual proclivity for getting themselves entangled in trouble.

"True that!" Seamus chimed in, plopping down on the other side of Neville, casting a sideways glance at Harry. "Must be some kind of record." Harry, caught up in the jubilance of Gemini's aura, merely grinned, attending more to her than the conversation surrounding them.