LOVE ISN'T EASY (but it sure is hard enough)

SEPTEMBER 16TH, 1994

Juno Lennox and Olivia Danes were the best friends nobody saw coming. After they shared that first breakfast together they instantly clicked in a way that neither of them had ever experienced before, and that was it for them. Soon they shared every meal together, sat beside one another in every single class, it was highly unusual for them to ever be apart from one another. A week later they were potions partners, brewing some strange concoction under Snape's watchful eyes.

"You never asked me what my deal was." Juno stated out of nowhere, stirring the potion carefully.

"What are you on about?" Liv stared at her, completely ignoring whatever disgusting ingredient she was meant to be handling.

"Last week, I asked you what your deal was and you didn't ask what mine was."

"Well, yeah, but you're Juno Lennox. I thought everyone knew what your deal was."

For a split second, Juno froze. Olivia felt her heart stop, instantly regretting the words that left her lips seconds ago.

"Everyone thinks they know me Liv, that's just what comes with my last name. Everyone thinks I'm just some scary cold-hearted bitch with no feelings and I'm not. And I know you know I'm not like that but you're not everyone else. I like to think I'm a decent fucking person, not some... evil mastermind."

Liv smiled, guilt washing over her face as Juno glanced at her through the steam pouring up from the cauldron. "You're the most genuine person I've ever met J. Now tell me what your deal is!" The pair giggled slightly as Juno nudged Liv between her ribs, trying to quiet as Snape glared at them across the classroom.

"Well I'm a Pureblood, obviously, and my parents are super high up in the Ministry. We come from money, but my Grandparents worked hard for it to make sure we were looked after. I have a black cat named Mindy. I read, I'm like art, I'm into haircare. I have interests that don't involve being cruel, unlike some people we know."

Juno couldn't remember the last time someone actually cared about who she was. Sure, people she knew cared about her being a Lennox, but nobody ever asked her about her interests or dislikes. The only person who had ever made an effort with her was Olivia. There was a moment of silence between them, it didn't last long but it felt strangely comfortable. 

"So, what do you think about this Tournament then?" She asked the girl stood on her right.

"It's kinda cool I guess, but doesn't this seem super dangerous to you? I mean they cancelled it over 200 years ago because of how many deaths there were!"

"Well yeah, but think of the prize! A thousand galleons and eternal glory?"

"Juno you don't need a thousand galleons, you're loaded!"

They burst into laughter again, Snape carefully ignoring the duo in favour of targeting someone other than Juno Lennox.

"But the ball sounds fun! Ignoring all the tragedies and stuff."

"What ball?" Juno asked, Liv's excitement already infecting her.

"The Yule Ball! Every tournament comes with a dinner and dance on Christmas Day with everyone who's old enough to go. We never get anything cool like that! I read up about it with Cho when they first announced it, she's already bought her dress."

"So you're telling me that we get all dressed up, get fed and dance around wasted with gorgeous boys? Count me in!"

Liv's face was red with laughter as they packed up their things and practically ran from the dungeons, the freezing cold class a distant memory. Strolling down the Hogwarts corridors, they chatted about everything and nothing until the faint sound of a sob grabbed Liv's attention. She grabbed Juno's arm and pulled her in the direction of the noise, which grew louder and louder with every step.