We will meet again ~ Fred Weasley

- Understanding -

"I keep refusing to choose between them, not because I don't know who matters more, but because I'm terrified that the moment I do, I'll lose the other forever."

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Walking to breakfast beside Veronica, Katherine had to physically bite the inside of her cheek to stop herself reacting every time students turned to stare at her or lowered their voices into whispers as she passed. The entire castle seemed to be vibrating with gossip after the announcement, and although most of the rumours centred around Harry, Katherine could practically feel people watching her too, waiting for some sort of reaction from the infamous Potter twins.

But Katherine refused to give them one.

She kept her expression smooth and indifferent as she entered the Great Hall, shoulders straight, chin lifted slightly, even though frustration had been simmering beneath her skin since the moment she woke up.

She was tired.

Tired of the whispers.

Tired of Harry being treated like some sort of attention-seeking liar.

And most of all, tired of people acting like they knew him.

Making her way toward the Slytherin table with Veronica, Katherine glanced automatically toward Gryffindor. Fred, George, Ginny, Hermione, and Lee were already there. Fred looked up almost immediately the second she entered the hall and although the look only lasted a moment, Katherine still felt warmth curl low in her chest before she forced herself to look away.

Veronica absolutely noticed.

Of course she did.

Katherine ignored the smug expression aimed in her direction and slid into her seat instead, offering her friends across the hall a small wave. They returned it easily enough, though none of them motioned for her to come over, which was normal whenever she was sitting with the Slytherin's.

Then Harry appeared.

The second Katherine saw him walking toward the Gryffindor table, something in her chest softened immediately. He looked exhausted still, but calmer than the night before, and when he spotted her, he gave her a small smile and lifted a hand in greeting.

Katherine smiled back instantly.

Then Ron stood up.

And walked away.

Just like that.

The warmth inside Katherine vanished so quickly it almost made her dizzy.

Her eyes followed Ron in disbelief as he shoved his hands into his pockets and headed toward the doors without even looking at Harry properly, like avoiding him was easier than dealing with him. Like Harry had done something wrong.

Katherine felt anger rise so sharply inside her it physically hurt. Because this wasn't some random student turning against Harry.

This was Ron.

Ron, who had grown up with Harry.

Ron, who knew him better than most people in that room.

Ron, who was their best friend.

And somehow that made it worse than all the whispers combined.

The betrayal of it settled heavily in her chest.

Veronica glanced toward her carefully as Katherine pushed back her bench abruptly.

"Katherine," she warned quietly, recognising that expression instantly.