❝What do I have to do to make you understand that you can't ever escape me?

I'll always follow you wherever you go.❞

»»————-　♡　————-««

(Y/N) swung their short legs on one of the benches of the Hogwarts train platform that's not too far from the castle, waiting for Hermione to return from the Christmas holidays since the female Gryffindor said that she will return today.

The Slytherin pressed the buttons on their Gameboy Color, their (E/C) eyes focused on the gadget that their brother gave them this Christmas.

They figured that they could kill some time by playing games while waiting for Hermione.

They received no word from Draco on when he will return but they didn't expect him to send them a letter either way so they don't really care.

On cue, the Hogwarts train's steam screeched in the distance, making (Y/N) look up from their gameboy and smile happily as the train pulled up on the platform while pausing their game.

The train gave off another set of steam before the doors opened, letting the students file out of the red train with their luggages held in their hands.

(Y/N) dusted off any dirt from their robe and pulled their Slytherin scarf up to their mouth before scanning the area for any sign of the bushy haired Gryffindor.

It took (Y/N) a while to find Hermione in the crowd but once they saw a patch of brown bushy hair in the distance, they smile and walked over to her as they bumped into a few students along the way.

(Y/N) mumbled an apology to every student who they bumped into until they were standing right behind Hermione, who also seems to be scanning the vicinity for (Y/N) while tiptoeing in order to look for the Slytherin through the tall crowds.

(Y/N) poked Hermione shoulders, making the female turn around in surprise. Her expression of surprise softened, a smile curling up on Hermione's lips before placing her luggage down and pulling (Y/N) in for a hug.

They didn't expect Hermione to hug them but they returned the hug nonetheless, wrapping their small arms around the Gryffindor's body with a smile.

The two retracted from the hug, chuckling at each other before walking their way back to the castle.

In the distance, a platinum blonde haired boy stood still on the platform while staring at the retreating forms of (Y/N) and Hermione.

Draco's eyes darkened at the sight of (Y/N) happily chatting and smiling at Hermione as the grip on his luggage tightened.

They didn't even see him standing there, waiting for them to actually come and welcome him back.

It pained him, to say the least.

"That filthy little mudblood..." Draco seethed through his teeth while blaming this jealousy all on Hermione.

It took a while for the Malfoy to actually compose himself before walking over towards the gates of the castle in order to ride a carriage to the castle.

He was eager to return back to Hogwarts just to see (Y/N) and this is what he gets?

He might have to do a little fixing before the year ends.

Meanwhile, (Y/N) and Hermione are already riding a carriage as they tried to catch up to each other by telling how their Christmas vacation went.

"How was your vacation, Hermione?" (Y/N) tucked their gameboy inside their hoodie's pocket and thought that they should just continue the game later.

"It was alright. Nothing too extraordinary." Hermione shrugged and loosened her Gryffindor scarf from her neck by gently pulling on it. "What about you? Did you find anything about Nicolas Flamel?" She asked.

"Eh... I think Harry should be the one who's going to tell you that." (Y/N) sweat dropped, looking away from the skeptical brown haired female and faced the Forbidden Forest that sat in the distance.

They only said that because they wanted to see if what Harry said about not returning to the Mirror of Erised to be true.

"Why?" Hermione cocked her eyebrow up in confusion.

"Just because." (Y/N) chuckled nervously.

Hermione narrowed her eyes for a moment before sighing in defeat and decided to ask Harry about it instead.

Although (Y/N) is very strange in doing or asking certain things, Hermione knows that they do it for a reason.

"Alright." She mumbled and laid her arm on the ledge of the carriage, letting her head rest on her hand while staring up at the castle that's growing nearer the more the carriage drives them towards it.

(Y/N) gave off an unnoticeable sigh of relief before smiling appreciatively at the brown haired female across them.

"By the way, look what Alem got me for Christmas." (Y/N) pulled the gameboy out of their pocket with a laugh, changing the subject so it wouldn't be awkward.

»»-----　♡　-----««

"I had another nightmare again." Harry groaned, raking his fingers through his messy raven hair while taking a seat across Ron, who's stuffing his face with food again.

He scanned the slightly crowded a Great Hall to see if (Y/N) is in the area but to his disappointment, they aren't.

The term starts again tomorrow so there are more students in the Great Hall than it was during the holidays.

Harry clicked his tongue as he recalled his dream again and it's very easy because he always dreams about it every single night; it's the same nightmare of his parents and his eyes being engulfed by a flashing green light, almost making him relive the night when his parents died and it always ends with a disturbing, eerie and high pitched cackle.

To which, he can only say, belongs to Voldemort.

When he wakes up, he always gets a chill running down in his spine because he can still hear the cackle, only getting more distorted as the days pass by.

Only, there would always be times where (Y/N) would appear in the middle of his nightmares, burying his face on the crook of their neck as if they are protecting him from any danger.

Harry clung desperately to (Y/N) when they would appear in the middle of his nightmare, almost as if they were the only thing that can save him from everything that will, unexpectedly, jump out at him and make his heart jump out of his chest.

Like a Messiah's gift that is reserved only for Harry himself.

He could never see (Y/N)'s face that well when he gets these nightmares but his heart told him and assured him that it is, indeed, them.

Tonight was one of those nights where (Y/N) did not appear to shield him from any harm or give him any sign of reassurance, which is why Harry is more distressed than ever.

The red haired boy frowned when he saw the noticeable dark bags underneath his green eyes. Ron could see that he's getting restless after Harry stopped going to seek for the mirror of Erised.

It must be the after effects, Ron thought.

The Weasley wasn't as affected as Harry though since he only visited the mirror once and he chose not to dwell on his desires that were shown on the mirror.

"You see, Dumbledore was right; the mirror could drive you mad." Ron said, watching Harry as he dropped his face to the table.

Harry scoffed and casted his gaze at the entranceway of the Great Hall without replying to Ron's words, waiting for (Y/N) to pass through.

"What mirror?" What Harry didn't know, though, was that (Y/N) and Hermione were already in the Great Hall the moment Harry sat down across Ron.

The two stood behind the Weasley, who almost flung the Chocolate Frog out of his hands.

Harry and Ron turned to look at Hermione, who crossed her arms and looked at the raven haired boy with half-lidded brown eyes.

Behind her stood (Y/N), poking their head from behind Hermione and eyeing the two male Gryffindors with their hands behind their back.

Harry was glad to see (Y/N) but he mentally panicked when he realized that Hermione heard Ron saying something about the mirror and in the process, (Y/N).

No, Ron didn't say anything about me returning there for three nights so I'm alright, he internally breathed a sigh of relief as he closed his eyes and kept his guard up around (Y/N) and Hermione.

"Mirror of Erised. (Y/N) and I found it in a room while we were looking for something about Nicolas Flamel." Harry explained for himself before Ron could even say anything because his red haired friend could mess things up with a single word.

"Mirror of Erised?" Hermione repeated Harry's words, curious about what those two had found while looking around for any idea of who Nicolas Flamel is.

"It's supposed to show you your heart's deepest desire. Seems like it could make one mad if it dwells on the mirror for too long, thinking that it'll show them their future or something." (Y/N) answered Hermione's suspicions on what the mirror is about while silently eyeing Harry suspiciously.

He didn't make any eye contact to the (H/C) haired girl/boy, only watching Hermione and Ron since Harry wants to avoid (Y/N) for now until he's able to secure a lie that he hasn't returned to seek for the mirror ever since he had told them that he wouldn't be returning.

Hermione hums before taking a seat beside Ron and placing their luggage at the empty space beside her.

The two immediately went to the Great Hall since they wanted to surprise Harry or Ron that Hermione is already back.

That didn't go too well.

"And what's happening to Harry after he looked at the mirror?" Hermione sighs while taking off her Gryffindor scarf since it's getting too hot for her to keep it around her neck.

Ron and Harry exchanged a look for a moment which was noticed by (Y/N) judging from the look in the two boys' eyes.

Harry did end up going back to the mirror, didn't he? (Y/N)'s eyes became half-lidded.

They were glad that they didn't actually mess the timeline up after all but both confused and offended at the same time because Harry just lied to them.

They pursed their lips for a moment before taking a seat next to the unoccupied space beside Ron.

Yes, they're somewhat angry because Harry just lied to them but they figured that their reason must be too private for him to actually tell them the reason why.

And (Y/N) respects that but still, the least he could've done is just say that he's still coming back to seek the mirror or just not say anything because they would've known he'd be returning either way.

Now they feel like Harry doesn't trust them enough as a friend.

"He's been having frequent nightmares about his parents after looking at the mirror." Ron explained, taking a bite out of his chocolate frog.

Hermione blinks and dropped the subject with a slight frown and worry for Harry. She didn't press the matter any further since she thinks that Harry might not want to talk about it right now.

Harry glanced over at (Y/N), whose facial expressions has softened into a deadpan one.

He internally sighed in relief once more before fully partaking in a conversation with his friends.

(Y/N) retrieved their gameboy from their hoodie pocket and turned it on, catching the attention of the two male Gryffindors.

They asked what the 'device' was and how it worked, it was mostly Ron who asked the features of the gameboy but Harry pursed his lips in slight jealousy since he was aware of what the gameboy is since he grew up in the world of muggles.

It's currently one of the most popular game devices on the market right now and it's somewhat expensive.

Dudley, his cousin, pleaded for Petunia and Vernon to buy him one and threw a huge tantrum when they said that they can get it for him but just not now.

Harry would often stare at the television in awe when the advertisement for the gameboy would come on, wondering when he could own one in the future.

So the fact that (Y/N)'s family can purchase something like that made him envious but not to the point of hate.

It just made him sad because he never even got anything that he would consider "presentable" like well-made clothes or a shiny, new pair of glasses.

Even his round glasses were just taped together just to make it useable for another week or so until Hermione came along and fixed it, for Merlin's sake.

(Y/N), who noticed Harry's longing stare at the device held on their hand, glanced over at the gameboy for a minute before handing it over to Harry.

The Gryffindor was surprised, not expecting (Y/N) to just hand it over to him.

"You can borrow it if you want." They gave Harry a smile, reassuring him that it'd be fine if he borrowed it. Harry blushed in embarrassment, glancing over at (Y/N) smiling face and the gameboy extended towards him.

He didn't know what to say, no words could come out of his mouth and he didn't think that he'd like (Y/N) more than this.

It's like they knew exactly what he was thinking.

"Don't worry, I trust you enough to actually let you borrow it." (Y/N) added and gently placed the device on his hand before resting their head on the palm of their hand.

Ron puffed his cheeks and leaned closer to Harry, who's still looking at the gameboy to admire it's features before pressing the buttons to resume the game that (Y/N) paused.

"Can we take turns?" Ron tried to take a peek at Harry's gameplay but couldn't since he's leaning too far already.

Harry could only smile and shrug, the 8-bit sound resonating from the gameboy reaching his ears and almost drowning out the bustling noises from the students in the Great Hall.

He flicked his eyes over to (Y/N), who's now taking a seat beside Hermione and talking to her with a smile.

Harry blushes and gently pursed his lips in order to create a small smile on the corner of his lips.

Besides from the fact that he woke up from a disturbing and reoccurring nightmare, this day has been great so far.

»»-----　♡　-----««

The term finally began and the chilly and comfort from the Christmas holidays gradually disappeared, just like the formed snow that accumulated from outside the castle.

Spring is about to come and I can't help but miss the relaxing days from the holidays. I just want to lay in my bed all day while playing my gameboy and eating the candies that Pucey sent me.

I already finished the whole box, don't judge me.

I sigh and tugged my oddly large Slytherin robe when I felt it becoming loose. Geez, Alem must've gotten my robe size wrong or mixed it up with someone else's because this is too large for me.

Unfortunately, my brother isn't accompanying me on my way to the DADA classroom because he already went ahead and left me. I feel betrayed.

It's not my fault I woke up late and didn't respond to Alem's wake up calls!

I frowned as I returned my eyes over to the hallway so I can actually see where I'm going. To my surprise, Cedric was also walking towards the same hallway, only in the opposite direction so we're literally facing each other.

I blushed softly when we both made eye contact and I can feel myself getting into an internal conflict because I don't know if I should confront him or not.

I haven't even thanked him for getting me a Christmas present even though we barely even talked before.

He got me a large moving embroidered rose, whose petals are gently flowing to who knows where, that's framed in a black and classy picture frame. It definitely looked mesmerizing but the fact that the rose's petals don't run out, even though it's been constantly shedding petals and flowing onto the side until it's out of the frame, is bothering me.

Ah, the wonders of magic.

I still appreciate it though because it's from Cedric.

Salazar, get yourself together; you're 11 years old and he's 14 years old! Why are you crushing over someone who's older than you!?

My subconscious told me that I'm almost 18 years old so I'm technically crushing on someone who's around my age by the time fourth year comes but I immediately threw that thought out of the window because I am 11 years old right now.

Cedric is growing closer and his eyes still bore in my (E/C) colored ones as if he's expecting me to do something. I wasn't able to get the courage to speak up as we passed each other by and I felt regret once I saw Cedric's eyes flicker away.

I was able to take a whiff of the Hufflepuff's scent and my blush deepened when I recalled the scent of cinnamon and coffee wafting around my nose. It truly smelled like home, like you can just imagine yourself sipping a freshly brewed coffee with a book on your lap and your back rested on a comfortable sofa chair.

Salazar, it's intoxicating, to say the least.

"Hey, Diggory," I turned around and grabbed Cedric's attention, making the tall Hufflepuff's head tilt towards my way with a look of surprise until it his face softened into a gentle one.

"Thank you for the gift. I-I really like it." I gently bit my bottom lip and peeled off any dried skin on my lip with my teeth. Cedric chuckles and tucked his hand on the pocket of his Hufflepuff robe.

"I'm glad that you do." He grins, making me turn away from Cedric since I don't want him to see me blushing harder than before. Salazar, there is really something wrong with me.

I'm supposed to help Cedric at my fourth year but I didn't expect myself to like him along the way. How am I supposed to take this seriously now without letting my feelings for him get in the way?

"Say, do you know that something bad is going to happen to me?" Cedric asked with a smile, making me straighten my posture out of surprise and purse my lips into a straight line.

"You always have a sad look on your face when you look at me. I'm quite worried considering that you're the rumored seer that everyone's talking about." He added and I internally curse my stupidity and overall, myself for being too obvious that it comes across as suspicious.

I don't want to mess things up in this world until in my fourth year where I will save Cedric. A huge risk, if you ask me because it will greatly affect my fifth year and the upcoming years.

For now, I need to play it off as if I don't know anything.

"That's... not exactly what I want to be known as." I bashfully rub the back of my neck while casting my gaze somewhere else. I hear the Hufflepuff laugh at my statement in amusement.

"And I'm usually just very tired and end up frowning when things get too rough. Besides, if I know that something bad is going to happen to you, I would tell you, wouldn't I?" I lied, obviously. I feel bad about lying to Cedric but I have to.

Unsurprisingly, he bought the lie as he nodded understandingly.

As silence started to grow between the two of us, I chuckle nervously and gripped the handle of my bag tightly to prevent myself from cringing due to the awkwardness.

"Well, I'm late for my DADA class so I should probably get going." I raised my thumb and pointed it behind me with a shrug, making Cedric blink as if he snapped back to reality.

He nodded again a few times before smiling and waving me goodbye.

"I'll see you in the Quidditch game next week, won't I?" Cedric asked and I cocked my eyebrow in confusion, wondering why he just asked a random question out of nowhere.

"I mean, your friend is Potter and he's in the Gryffindor team so you must be cheering for him." He added to clear up any confusions I might have with his questions and when he did that, my eyes twinkled in realization and nodded while silently cursing myself.

I just forgot that the opposing Quidditch teams this month is going to be Gryffindor vs. Hufflepuff. It happened in the first book and I have to remember some stuff and get ready for another mystery solving or something.

"I guess so?" My reply came out as a question but Cedric took it as an answer nonetheless. He gave me a wave of goodbye with a smile curled up on his lips before turning into a corner from where I came from, disappearing from my sight.

I stood there for a moment before realizing that I'm late for my DADA class and there's only a few minutes left before class started. Without any hesitation, I dashed towards the classroom with a smile unknowingly plastered on my lips as I finally had the chance to talk to Cedric, even if it was short and awkward.

»»-----　♡　-----««

"T-Today, w-we'll be l-learning how to i-improve your re-reaction time!" Quirrell stuttered from his podium, eyeing every single one of us who's in his classroom. Today, Gryffindors and Slytherins are having the same class again and I didn't really mind.

I still have this slight deadpan look of annoyance when I keep looking at Quirrell because he's a prick and Voldemort is literally pressed from behind his head. I'd unravel his turban if I wasn't so nice and didn't have any regard for the rules just to show everyone that this professor isn't what he portrays himself as.

"In p-protecting yourself from s-spells, your reaction time is absolutely n-n-necessary. Before the spell c-could even hit your f-face, you must either do-dodge or b-block the o-opposing spell with a c-counter spell." Quirrell explained as he walked out from behind his podium and stood closer to us, giving us a meek smile.

"I-I will be conjuring A-Aguamenti and y-you will be u-using G-Glacius to turn the wa-water into i-ice and stop it f-from spraying y-you in the fa-face." Quirrell told and most of us were already mumbling to each other to see if we can even conjure a slightly advanced spell.

I guess that's part of the challenge so I'm not really too bothered by it. I mean, I already know the spells either way and if this prick ends up conjuring a different spell, I always have Protego to counter that spell.

Draco stood beside me, smirking and oozing with confidence. He must think that he can easily get that O but judging from Quirrell's dirty tricks that he might use while assessing us, Draco might get worse than an A.

"I s-shall assess your r-reaction times i-individually for t-three rounds and the s-student who has t-the quickest r-reaction time will r-receive an O for this l-lesson." Quirrell smiles and shoots me a mocking glare. I immediately knew that he would be up to no good if it was my turn to be assessed.

So I obviously need to get ready.

"L-Let us begin t-then." Quirrell grabbed a parchment on his podium and unrolled it, glancing at the top of the parchment before opening his mouth to speak and call the student that was the first out of everyone else.

It was a Gryffindor and he's extremely nervous, repeating the spell Glacius underneath his breath that his wand is already emitting a snowy mist.

Quirrell pointed this out and told him to stay calm, to which the Gryffindor boy did.

I sighed and glanced over to my other side, where Alem stood with his arms crossed and his (E/C) eyes observing the assessment of the unknown Gryffindor boy.

"Hey, are you alright?" I strike up a conversation with my brother so I can kill some time before it was my turn.

A loud explosive sound startled Alem and I, making us turn our heads towards the source of the explosion.

Seamus Finnigan was there, holding his wand and his face charred with ash from the explosion but at least his explosion managed to evaporate the Aguamenti that Quirrell conjured.

Eventually, it was Hermione's turn and I didn't even notice until Alem told me after stealing a glance to see who's being assessed next.

We observed Hermione, who seemed to be somewhat calm and her wand gently gripped in her hand.

She was able to freeze the waters three times and her reaction time is better than most students. Hermione was able to freeze them before the waters were even able to reach the middle.

Quirrell ended up giving the Gryffindor house extra points for Hermione's skills and said that she might be the one who will get that O.

I heard Draco scoff from beside me, obviously not finding Hermione's skills to be impressive.

He's very confident that he'd win this, isn't he?

Neville's assessment was... interesting.

Neville isn't really good when it comes to spells and this only proves my point when he wasn't able to conjure Glacius due to his stuttering and nervousness and just let the water from Aguamenti spray his face.

I heard Draco and the other Slytherins laugh at this and I silently shot Draco a glare, that he didn't notice.

Neville mispronounced Glacius on his second try, only saying 'glacier' and let another set of streaming water spray his already damped face. His uniform is already damped along with his hair.

Quirrell instructed Neville on how to conjure and pronounce Glacius before doing the final round of Neville's assessment.

This time, he was able to conjure Glacius but it only managed to freeze the tip of the water, making the poorly frozen Aguamenti hit his face with a large groan escaping his lips since it was technically a strong, cold ice that hit him in the face.

The Gryffindor boy was immediately treated since he managed to get a broken nose from the impact of the ice.

Next up was Draco and he still had that confident smirk on his lips as he raised his wand and ready to conjure Glacius.

Long story short, he was able to freeze the waters but wasn't as quick as Hermione, probably because he was too focused on eyeing Quirrell's wand rather than conjuring the actual counter spell itself.

Draco was unsatisfied and had a scowl on his face when he walked back to his spot, beside mine.

I pat his shoulder and told him that he did a great job, telling him not to worry.

Next was Harry and I swore I saw Quirrell narrowing his eyes the moment Harry walked over to the center.

I silently scoff when I saw Quirrell smiling at Harry in order to cover up the malice that he had for the raven haired Gryffindor.

Harry's Glacius ended up creating a thick layer of ice on the Aguamenti that when it fell to the ground, it created a large thud that's equivalent to a mallet hitting a solid, hard ground.

His magic power must be very high if that's the case.

Other students' Glacius wasn't strong enough to actually create the unfortunate side effects of casting this spell but Harry's Glacius is strong enough to actually make everyone near the vicinity to make their breaths create a thick white mist and feel the frigidity from the spell itself.

Draco's was also strong but not strong enough to actually make the room this cold.

My shaky breath made it out of my lips as I brought my robe closer to my body, feeling the coldness pierce through my skin as if I'm swimming in an ice cold ocean.

Quirrell noticed us growing weak from the sudden cold and raised his wand, ready for another incantation to fix the cold that Harry unintentionally made.

"Focillo." He says while circling his hand in a slow clockwise movement. A warm light enveloped the tip of Quirrell's wand as the room started to become warmer and the cold atmosphere eventually faded.

The temperature of the room returned to normal and I breathed a sigh of relief while making myself grow some comfort from the sudden normalcy of the temperature.

"I-I'm sorry, Professor." Harry briefly apologized, placing his wand down and turned his head towards me with a worried expression plastered on his pale face. I nodded with a smile, reassuring Harry that I'm fine and that he has nothing to worry about.

"It's a-alright, Mr. P-Potter. Y-You will be s-skipping the a-assessment." Quirrell said and the frown that was on Harry's lips deepened when he said this.

"W-We don't want t-to get o-ourselves some c-cold feet a-again now, d-do we?" The DADA teacher added, making me scowl at the light shade that Quirrell had for Harry.

The male Gryffindor nodded sadly at Quirrell's words as he walked away from the center of the classroom and back into the crowd where the Gryffindors stood.

I can hear Ron and Hermione giving Harry words of reassurance in the distance and I smiled at this, making me know that there are friends that Harry can rely on.

Next came Alem and I patted his back gently before he walked up to the center with his face and body relaxed, almost as if he's unfazed by the thought of getting his reaction time to be quicker than anyone else.

Quirrell stared at Alem for a moment, wondering why he isn't getting into a stance or raising his wand in order to be ready for the spell.

I rolled my eyes with a slight smirk curling in the corner of my lips since I already know where this is going.

Listen, I've been with Alem for 5 months already and those 5 months are enough to make me know that; if there's anything that Alem Rosewood specializes in, it's mastering magic spells along with the intuition and strategy that came along with it.

Without any warning, Quirrell conjured Aguamenti towards Alem and in a blink of an eye, the water was instantly and cleanly turned into a thick shape of ice.

The ice fell into the ground with a light thud and they expected the room to get cold again but we didn't feel the room getting cold so I assume that he must've controlled Glacius well enough to not actually turn the room into a snowy wasteland.

Alem turned the water into ice by the time it reached half the distance towards my twin.

It's still a good record for him though since he's probably the only one who was able to conjure Glacius and turn the water into a clean and harmless block of ice.

"Hell yeah, that's my brother right there!" I shouted from the silence that the students had created in the classroom.

Everyone turned to look at me with a weird judging look on their faces while I was just clapping happily and grinning at my flustered and angry brother at the center of the classroom.

"T-Ten points t-to Slytherin f-for the w-wonderful cast o-of the s-spell." I can see that Quirrell is slightly gritting his teeth in annoyance because I was applauding my brother for his mad skills in magic.

Salazar, what's his problem?

I'm only supporting my brother, why is he pissed?

"Y-You're immediately g-graded for t-that performance, M-Mr. Rosewood. Y-You may re-return." Quirrell said as Alem nodded appreciatively at the DADA teacher and walked towards the Slytherin crowd, specifically towards me, with narrowed and embarrassed (E/C) eyes.

"Don't embarrass me like that! Merlin, you're just like mum!" Alem whispered in a hushed tone. I could only laugh at his blushing face, finding it funny because he looks like a squashed tomato.

"(Y-Y/N) Ro-Rosewood." Quirrell called for my name, making me take a small deep breath and change my facial expression into a serious one while feeling my blood rushing through my body hastily.

Once I stepped towards the center of the room, I faced Quirrell with an indifferent facial expression since I dared to not show him any fear or anxiousness.

Not to pricks like him.

With my wand held on my hand, I take another deep breath before practicing the pre-readied spells I have in my mind because I am definitely sure that Quirrell will end up throwing me a different spell.

It doesn't help that he knows how to do non-verbal magic so I can't react as fast I want to when I don't know the spell that he used.

And then, as if everything was in slow motion, I faintly saw the rushing waters sprouting out of Quirrell's wand.

I pursed my lips for a moment before I opened my mouth to produce the counter spell.

"Glacius." In an instant, the jet of water that Quirrell produced was immediately turned into a clean block of ice.

A snowy mist was emitted from the ice as it fell to the floor in a light thud.

I took small set of silent breathes with my (E/C) eyes dilated from surprise and disbelief.

Quirrell stood a good few meters across from me, also surprised as his eyes were cast downwards to where the ice was dropped.

The Aguamenti that Quirrell conjured hadn't even completely left his vicinity and it was already turned into a clean block of ice as it sat right in front of his feet.

"What the fu-" I murmured for a moment, wondering why the jet of waters from the water spell was immediately turned into ice before it can even reach half a distance towards me.

It wasn't until my eyes caught a small spark of fire circling the tip of my DADA teacher's wand.

With my reflexes as fast as ever due to a sudden rush of nervousness, I immediately raised my wand to protect myself from the unknown fire spell that Quirrell is about to throw on my face.

"Aguamenti!" I said as fast as I could while the fire spell, probably Incendio, that was fiercely being hurled towards me.

The fizzing sound of my Aguamenti engulfing the Incendio whole almost made me flinch as smoke erupted from the spot where the fire and water had mixed together.

Just then, before I can even take a gulp of air, my eyes once again had caught something in Quirrell's wand but there weren't any obvious signs to see what kind of spell he's going to throw towards me again.

It felt like time has stopped but I can still feel myself moving freely without any restraint.

I didn't want to take any chances to use any counter spell to block the opposing spell from Quirrell and so, I raised my wand once more as anxiety started to settle within my nerves.

"Protego!" Once my protection spell has been casted, everything in the room started to move freely once more and nothing felt like time has stopped moving.

Just before I started to get too caught up with observing my classroom, a blinding green flash of light has been bounced off of my protective barrier as the green and white lights in the spell vanished instantaneously when it made impact.

That familiar appearance of blinding green flashing lights from Quirrell's spell made me narrow my eyes in anger but also made me feel fearful for the DADA teacher.

The stuttering fucker just tried to kill me using Avada Kedavra.

Gasps and murmurs of confusion and awe erupted from the crowd in the classroom. In the corner of my eye, I caught Draco eyeing my stiff form in worry but with admiration as well.

I felt somewhat flattered but I cut my brief attention to the platinum blonde haired boy and returned it to the DADA teacher in front of me.

I grit my teeth in anger again, sweat dropping as Quirrell raised his wand up in the air.

His eyebrows were furrowed in frustration and his intention to kill me is just becoming visible every second.

With sweat dropping on my forehead, I raised my wand as well so I can counter Quirrell's spells once more but with a flash of a black robe fluttering between my sight, my posture softened and my arm was slightly lowered as I casted my gaze upwards to see the person who interfered this so-called assessment.

A sigh of relief escaped my chapped lips when Alem stood in front of me protectively with his wand gently pointed towards the turban-wearing man.

I straightened my back and completely lowered my wand since I feel somewhat safe now.

"I think that'll be enough for my sister/brother's assessment, professor." Alem's voice was slow yet menacing and it was, somewhat, resembling Snape's way of talking.

His tone came out like a warning and I can definitely tell, even if I'm right behind him, that his (E/C) eyes are hardened and glinting dangerously.

Quirrell kept his silence for a moment, switching his gazes from me and Alem until he turned his lips upward, almost forcing a smile as it came out to be crooked.

He also lowered his wand and kept his arms on his sides although his hand, that held his wand, seems to be twitching to cast another killing curse.

"I apologize. I-I must've gotten c-carried a-away..." I rolled my eyes at Quirrell's hideous attempt at apologizing because he clearly wasn't carried away. He intentionally wanted to kill me.

I mean, why else would you use the killing curse for?

You don't just use the killing curse and then say, "oops, I got carried away."

Alem didn't even have any time to hear another set of words from Quirrell's mouth as he grabbed my wrist and quickly dragged me back towards the crowd where the Slytherins are.

I can hear the murmurs and whispers clearly but not clear enough to actually know what they're saying.

Alem placed both of his slightly shaky hands on my shoulders as he anxiously flickered his eyes around my body in a frantic manner.

"Are you alright? You're not hurt, are you?" My brother's nervous tone almost made me laugh because I can hear his voice cracking but I held my laugh inside as I nod with a gentle smile.

Honestly, I'm only glad because Quirrell wasn't able to kill me unless I'm going to end up being dead in my real world as well.

And I'm not even past the first year yet.

"(Y/N), are you not exhausted from casting all those spells?" Draco's voice came from behind Alem and we both turned to look at the Malfoy heir, putting all of our attention towards him.

I get that he's worried so I chuckle and waved my hand around to show that I am fine although I do feel a little bit exhausted since those spells are quite advanced and my stamina "expansion" meditation thing isn't, probably, enough to actually let me use 3 advanced spells at the same time.

Then, I felt like someone is shooting me a glare. I used my instincts to see who's doing such things but I looked behind Draco and saw Pansy, her arms crossed and her eyes narrowed deeply, sending me a "terrifying" death glare as if I'm going to be scared of that.

I could only laugh internally as a reaction to Pansy's childish behavior until I realized that I still have to respond to Draco's question.

"I'm fine, Draco. Just overwhelmed, that's all." I throw him a small grin until I caught something hanging on his neck, that seemed to be reflecting the sunlight, shining beautifully.

It took me a while to realize that he's wearing the necklace that he gave to me as a Christmas present except he's wearing the other half of it.

I'm assuming this because I got the left part of the jewel while he's wearing the right part of it, which begs the question;

Wait, it's a couple necklace?

"You didn't tell me that the necklace has a pair." I pointed at the necklace hanging neatly on Draco's neck.

He blinked twice until his face morphed into a panicked expression and hastily tucked the green necklace underneath his uniform, pulling the clean white collar from his polo in order to create a small space for the necklace to be tucked in.

"O-Oh yes, I forgot to tell you that." He coughed nervously and threw his gaze somewhere else.

Judging from the way he's behaving, I don't think he forgot to tell me;

He didn't want to tell me.

Scoffing silently in my mind, I turned away from Draco without any intentions of pushing the matter further.

If he just wanted us to have a couple necklace, he should've just said so.

Geez, does he not have actual friends to do this with?

"(Y/N), it might be wise for you to take a rest after class." Alem spoke up after I finished talking to the platinum blonde haired boy in front of me.

I sigh and suddenly remembered that Alem tends to be a little bit overprotective when something bad happens to me.

"I'm fine, alright?" My response came out as if I'm annoyed and angry but it wasn't my intention so I immediately spoke up before Alem could open his mouth.

"I may not look like it but I can hold myself together." I give him a lighthearted chuckle just to ensure the fact that I am not annoyed with Alem at all.

He stared at me for a moment before smiling and turning his head towards the center of the classroom, where another student is being assessed by that prick, Quirrell.

I huff softly through my nose as I did the same while patiently waiting for the class to be over so I can finally feel at ease without having that DADA teacher throwing me death glares every minute or so.

»»-----　♡　-----««

The seasons are gradually changing at a fast rate that you can't even tell that it was winter just a few days ago as the snow began to melt and making everyone breathe the fresh air of the upcoming spring.

Soon, blooming flowers would be all over the place and the trees will be happily dancing along with the air as the leaves will rustle to compliment the gentle tingle of the winds passing them by.

At days like these,

I just want to curl up in my room and do nothing but sleep while contemplating my whole existence in this universe.

But I'm in Hogwarts and doing that is probably a waste of time because I have a shit ton of work to do and the school year is almost ending as the panic is starting to settle in my mind.

I haven't even figured out what Erised wants from me to make me stay in this dream world for another year.

They haven't shown up to scare the crap out of me for days now so I can't technically ask them for answers.

They intentionally removed my memories from my real world until the very next day but didn't even bother to return my memories of knowing what the 'price' I have to do so I don't have to die from an unknown dream figure.

I clicked my tongue while my feet dragged me over towards the library so I can borrow a Herbology book.

Professor Sprout has given us a task to do some research about edible plants that can be dangerous and also very helpful.

I'm not the best when it comes to gardening since I always tend to pot the wrong plant in the wrong soil so I don't really expect my grades for Herbology to be high, even with my constant efforts to try and be good at it.

While I was about to drown in my own thoughts of planning on what to do for the rest of the day, my eyes had caught Neville standing in front of the entrance to the library, shaking up with fear being present in his expression.

I tilted my head to the side as I stopped walking, wondering what's gotten Neville so scared. I started to drag my feet towards my destined location but this time, on a slower pace since I wanted to see what Neville is looking at.

As I got closer and started to see why Neville is scared, I almost brought my hand to my face as I should've expected the reason why the shy Gryffindor is shaking in his shoes.

"Ah, I've been wanting to practice the leg-locker curse on someone and it's such a coincidence that you showed up, Longbottom!" Draco Malfoy stood there, smirking devilishly with his silver eyes almost glinting in mischief as he looked at Neville.

The two pig heads, Crabbe and Goyle, stood behind him while chuckling as well. Neville's fear must be amusing to them.

I rolled my eyes and hastily walked over towards the group just as Draco raised his wand to cast the spell on Neville.

My eyes faintly caught the sight of the Gryffindor boy shutting his eyes close and I frowned at this, wondering why he's always been treated this way from other students.

"I'm gonna need you to stop right there, Draco." I stood between the two, facing Draco with my eyes half lidded but my smile as gentle as ever.

The Malfoy has been caught off guard and he definitely didn't expect me interfering with whatever he's about to do to Neville as he slightly stumbled back and lowered his wand.

"Placing a curse on someone is not very friendly and will, probably, not be tolerated by professors." The two pig heads in the back exchanged each other a look before turning to look at Draco, who's now frowning in both anger and disappointment.

I stole a glance at the chain, from the necklace that he gave me, on his neck before sighing and tucking both of my hands on the pocket of my Slytherin robes.

"We may be friends but I do not tolerate this kind of behavior from anyone. You're lucky that that's all you did to Longbottom but if you ever cross a line and do the same thing to someone else, I'll be forced to tell the head of the house of the student you were terrorizing and possibly give you a week's worth of detention." I stated which earned a hard glare from both Crabbe and Goyle, who took a step forward towards me in a threatening manner.

"Piss off, Rosewood; this has nothing to do with you!" Goyle frowned angrily and almost wanted to tackle me to the ground.

"What kind of a Slytherin are you; defending a Gryffindor like that!?" Crabbe scowled after Goyle finished talking.

Ah, there we go; he pulled up the Slytherin stereotype card.

I rolled my eyes with a mocking scoff escaping my lips and raised my arms, crossing them as I looked over at the two boys behind Draco.

"Actually, Longbottom is my friend so technically, I do have something to do with this." I said, addressing Goyle's words as he gritted his teeth, getting fed up with me and my resilient attitude towards my own house.

"Also, if you still haven't figured this out yet; I don't partake in any of that house rivalry garbage that most of you are participating in." I sigh and loosened my arms, dropping both of them on my sides.

"Just because I'm a Slytherin, doesn't mean I can't be friends with Gryffindors and just because you two are huge idiots, doesn't mean you can be a complete ass to other students." As soon as I finished talking, Crabbe and Goyle's faces were immediately contorted into pure rage as their faces were red from anger.

They took another threatening step towards me with their fists tightened as if they were attempting to hit me or something.

I faintly heard Neville squeaking in fear behind me and I rolled my eyes at this.

I was ready to pull my wand out of my robe as I take a step back to defend myself from these two dinguses.

But to my surprise, Draco stopped them with a single raise of an arm, blocking them from walking over towards me and Longbottom.

I looked over to him in order to see what he was planning to do with me but confusion settled within my features once he just stood there, staring at me with observing, half-lidded silver eyes.

"Go." A single word from the platinum blonde haired boy made me straighten my posture and soften my expression.

He didn't smile or anything which made it odd so I just assume that he's just extremely pissed that I interfered with his attempts of trying to curse Neville.

"Let's go, Neville." I tap the Gryffindor's wrist as I started to walk away, beckoning for him to come and follow me. I should probably escort him towards the Gryffindor common room because there's a chance that those three might creep up from behind Neville as soon as I'm gone.

Neville shortly followed, running towards my side while he played with his fingers out of nervousness.

In the corner of my eye, I can see him flickering his eyes towards me from time to time and it's clear that he wants to strike up a conversation, he's just too scared to do so.

"What were you doing in the library?" I spared Neville a chance, giving him the opportunity to speak his mind about certain things that just happened a minute ago.

He flinched at my sudden interaction with him but he complied nonetheless.

"I-I was looking for edible plants related books... for our Herbology research..." He replied, voice still cracking and trembling from the anxiousness that's starting to seep from his expression.

I hum in amazement, looking at Neville with a gentle smile so I can also reassure him and let him know that he has nothing to be nervous around when he's with me.

"What a coincidence; I was on my way to the library for the same reasons as well." Chuckling, I place my hand on the back of my neck sheepishly since I can feel the conversation flame dying out.

I don't want this conversation to get awkward between the two of us and I don't, exactly, rely on Neville to carry this conversation by himself either.

"Um... (Y-Y/--)..." He spoke up but immediately stopped himself. "Rosewood." Neville corrected but I let out another light-hearted chuckle as I pat his back gently for a few times.

"It's alright, you can call me (Y/N). I addressed you by your first name a while ago so I think it's fair that you do the same thing too." I said, making Neville smile appreciatively and it seems like he's growing comfortable around me as he stopped playing with his fingers while we were on our way to the Gryffindor common room.

"(Y/N), how can you stand up to Malfoy like that?" The Gryffindor boy wondered while I gently tapped my chin to think of what and how I can respond to Neville's question.

"Well, is there anything wrong with standing up to people like him?" I shrug while casting my gaze somewhere else as I raised my arms and placed both of them behind me, intertwining my fingers together before resting my head at the palm of my hands.

"It's not that. It's the fact that you always seem to be composed and... fearless when you stand up to him as if everything he says and does doesn't bother you at all." Neville explained clearly and I hum understandingly, now flickering my eyes towards the Gryffindor's way.

He held a sad smile on his face while his eyes were casted downwards, almost making me feel sorry for the young Gryffindor.

"I could never be as brave as you. I don't even know why the sorting hat placed me in Gryffindor in the first place." Neville chuckles sadly as he rubbed his arm shyly, his smile eventually fading into a frown.

I stare at the Gryffindor for a moment until I stopped walking and took out my wand from inside my robe, concentrating for a moment without paying any attention to Neville.

"(Y/N), what are you doing?" He asked as he also stopped walking to see what I'm up to.

I take a deep breath while trying to picture a clear vision of red roses in my mind before opening my mouth to speak.

"Orchideous." I said and as if I was a magician from a magic show, a bouquet of red roses sprouted from the tip of my wand as some petals from the roses scattered around us.

I heard Neville gasp in both amazement and surprise at the spell. I glanced over towards the Gryffindor with a smile before standing up straight.

"Look on the bright side, Neville." I began to spin around slowly, making more rose petals scatter around the vicinity as the strong, velvety-like scent of roses starts to linger around my nose.

"You shouldn't compare me with you because you also have things that only you can do. You're not as spineless as you think you are." I stopped, my back turned against Neville. I tilted my head towards the young boy, grinning from ear to ear.

"The sorting hat placed you in Gryffindor because, deep down, it knows you're meant to achieve courage, bravery and recognition. You might not achieve it now but I can assure you that the future holds way too many things that you can't believe are true." I chuckle before looking up to the ceiling, placing both of my hands on the wand before throwing it up into the air, releasing all of the roses and scattered petals that accumulated from the tip of my wand.

"So you needn't to worry about that, Neville." Once my eyes had caught the sight of my wand falling down towards me, I raised both of my hands up in the air to catch the thin wooden object, making sure that it won't pass through my hand or slip out.

"Because you can also be just like your parents when you grow up." Once I caught my wand, I turned around to face Neville again and I expected him to have a surprised expression on his face.

But I didn't expect him to be blushing softly while his eyes are twinkling in admiration.

"...Did my motivation speech go too far?" I mumble, feeling the awkwardness seep between the two of us.

My eyes followed a small, single rose, that slightly resembled a form of a sessile flower, had floated down to Neville's head but I don't think he noticed yet.

"N-No... I..." He stuttered, his words trailing off into the distance as he looked away in embarrassment while the blush on his cheeks deepened.

"Thank you..." He managed to squeak out and I blink for a few times, wondering if what he said was correct since his voice is too soft and small. Nonetheless, my mind accepted that he did thank me so I smile sheepishly as I placed my wand back inside my robe.

Neville's shoulders jumped, a nervous and flustered look suddenly on his face as he looked around him and saw that we were a few walks away until we reach the Gryffindor common room, not counting the moving staircases.

"I-I'll walk from here, (Y/N)... Thank you," He gulped for a moment before continuing. "for accompanying me."

Chuckling, I raised my hand to wave him goodbye. "Anytime." I said, quoting Harry when he released the boa constrictor at the zoo at the early parts of the first movie.

The Gryffindor boy nodded briefly before speed walking his way towards the Gryffindor common room, that's not too far into the distance.

Meanwhile, I just want to curl up into the corner and disappear from existence since I feel like I might've creeped Neville out because of that whole rose-throwing session.

I went too far and I bet that the next time when me and Neville meet, he's going to be super uncomfortable of me.

I just sighed, a blush of embarrassment tinting my cheeks as I walked away and back to the library since the reason why I'm even out of the common room in the first place, is to get a book for my Herbology research.

Ah, I always get sidetracked by certain things.

»»-----　♡　-----««

As the (H/C) haired girl/boy walked away with Neville following meekly behind them, Goyle clicked his tongue in frustration as he loosened his posture and stared at the retreating forms of the two students down the hall.

He wasn't pleased with the oldest Rosewood at all and it's quite obvious that nobody really admires (Y/N) for sticking up to other students that aren't Slytherin and a pureblood for that matter.

An example of this is Crabbe, who also happens to be a pureblood. Despite being roommates with the Rosewood twins, which is a chance for them to get closer and hopefully be friends, he held contempt and dislike for (Y/N), saying that they're worse than the Weasleys for being a "blood traitor"

"What's their problem?" Goyle huffs a sigh of irritation from his nostrils, averting his view and returning his attention back to Draco.

He also couldn't comprehend the reason why he had let them go just like that.

The Malfoy that he knows wouldn't just sit idly and let someone tell him off as easily as (Y/N) did.

He would talk back with a cheeky remark along with throwing them a couple of jinxes and curses if they went too far.

"Leave them be; they're nothing more than a blood traitor." Crabbe sneers and let the grip on his hand loosen as he did wanted to jab (Y/N) square in the face.

However, the two seems to be unaware of the young Malfoy's silver eyes darkening the more they continue to talk rubbish about a certain Rosewood.

"If anything, it doesn't make them any less different from a mudblood." The thick-necked pureblood added which earned a chuckle from Goyle, nodding marginally while agreeing with what his friend had said.

"That is true. Quite a disgrace in the sacred twenty-nine if I do say so myself." Goyle's chuckle eventually turned into small light-hearted laughs as he said that.

Crabbe laughs as well while nudging the tall Slytherin's arm while glancing over at Draco in order to acknowledge his presence.

The platinum blonde haired boy's teeth were pressed together as he kept his mouth close in order to not show any full-fledged anger towards the two Slytherins behind him.

Eventually, Draco has had enough of them poking fun of (Y/N) as he turned around, which immediately made Crabbe and Goyle's laughter end abruptly.

"You are showing disrespect to a prodigy from a superior and a high-class wizard family that positions higher than your families combined; you have no right to talk to them like that." Draco attempted to hide his aggravation towards his friends but seemingly failed due to his bitter and indignant tone.

Crabbe and Goyle had noticed this and turned to look at each other, sharing a look of perplexity before turning their eyes back to the frowning Malfoy with a nervous expression carved onto their faces.

They are aware that Draco is angry and despite his tone holding back a few bits of aggravation, Crabbe and Goyle didn't miss the slight growl that emitted from the superior Slytherin's voice.

If there's anything that Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle know, it's to never make Draco mad unless you want to face the consequences.

Even though the two didn't respond to Draco's statement, he couldn't help but let the bubbling anger inside him rise even more as he already got a hint that they won't bother to apologize for what they said to (Y/N), much less for what they were about to do to them just a while ago.

Draco fumed, gently curling his fingers before tightening the grip on his hand and forming a fist.

The young Malfoy contemplated about punching the two for showing disrespect to someone who he's interested to but restrained himself for it could cause a huge fuss between the three and will surely grab his father's attention.

"I should give you two a warning;" Draco leaned closer towards Crabbe and Goyle, narrowing his eyes with a malicious glint spread across his silver irises.

The two Slytherins flinched and sweat dropped, not daring to take a step back or lean away from Draco as they feared that he might do something to them when they will.

"If any of you dare to attempt and hurt (Y/N) Rosewood in any way, you will answer to me and I shall see to it that you will never do it again." The young Malfoy's voice was deep, slow and very menacing which earned a hard and nervous gulp from Crabbe and Goyle and they both looked like they want to faint.

"Take that as a warning, you two." Draco leaned away from the two with a satisfied smile on his lips, almost ignoring the fact that he straight up just threatened Crabbe and Goyle.

To him though, it wasn't even something that he considered to be 'bad'.

If it's to keep (Y/N) safe from any harm, he wouldn't even think that murder is a crime.

Crabbe and Goyle started to shiver, subtly, in fear.

The two Slytherins didn't open their mouths to respond to Draco but only nodded hastily, indicating that they understood what Draco wants from them and took a mental note that they should just stay away from (Y/N) as a precaution.

Once Draco was satisfied with their answers, he turned around and started to walk away without waiting for Crabbe and Goyle as his mind started to drift away deep into his thoughts, which is where his dark thoughts for (Y/N) surfaced and dragged him further into the pits of his so-called 'crush' for them.

»»-----　♡　-----««

The next morning came, making the students of the school file into the Great Hall for a nice, delicious breakfast before classes begin.

Harry, Ron and Hermione already went to the Great Hall as early as they could, the three having the intention to talk to (Y/N) about a certain information that they were able to find, thanks to Neville giving him the card from the chocolate frog that Harry gave him yesterday.

Unfortunately, it took them around thirty minutes before (Y/N) walked inside the Great Hall with their brother silently following behind them.

They look tired and seemed like they wanted to collapse to the floor.

(Y/N) clearly didn't sleep very well last night.

They stayed up all night reading Herbology related books in order to add more information to their research and it's already hard enough as it is without Alem helping them with the research as he also has some things he needs to focus on instead of letting (Y/N) get used to Alem helping them all the time.

But Merlin, even Harry thought that their haggard and tired appearance is godsend.

Hermione waved her hand once she saw the Rosewood scan the Great Hall with their half lidded eyes.

As (Y/N) caught the trio beckoning for them to come and go to the Gryffindor table, they scratched their head and turned to Alem, telling him that they'll go sit with Hermione this morning and briefly apologized.

Alem flickered his eyes towards the golden trio for a moment but stared at Hermione for a little bit longer before nodding at his twin, smiling and giving them his approval.

(Y/N) smiled tiredly before walking over to the Gryffindor table where Hermione, Harry and Ron sat.

"Good morning, (Y/N). I assume that you didn't sleep well last night." Hermione smiled nervously as (Y/N) sat next to Ron, groaning and ruffling their (H/C) hair out of frustration.

"There's nothing 'good' this morning, Mione. I legit want to die from the lack of sleep and research I've been doing." (Y/N) modern accent slipped from their mouth while resting their head between their arms, nestling and burying their face inside.

Harry frowned and felt bad for the Slytherin. He could, at least, do something to cheer them up.

He glanced around the table for a moment to see if coffees are present in the table in order to relieve (Y/N) and keep them awake for now, at least.

"Don't say that." Hermione scolded with a sigh which made (Y/N) grumble and realize how much of a mom she can be when it comes to certain things like having a dark humor.

Ron ate a piece of his toast for a moment before pulling the plate of nearly lined fresh toast towards (Y/N), hopefully thinking that the scent of a freshly baked toast will be enough to raise their spirits up.

"Yeah, go and have a bit of toast, (Y/N). You'll feel better when you're full." The red haired boy smiled when (Y/N) raised their head from their arms, eyeing the plate full of toast that's sitting in front of them.

Harry, meanwhile, managed to find a cup of coffee nearby and gently took the hot drink from its original spot before handing it over to the sleep deprived Slytherin.

"Here, you might need this." Once the familiar and intoxicating scent of warm coffee hits (Y/N)'s nose, their eyes twinkled and almost cried tears of joy as they hastily but gently grabbed the cup of coffee from Harry's hands.

"Oh thank god, I thought I was gonna have to torture myself by trying to stay awake for the rest of the day." Their voice wobbled, making it seem like they're about to cry but that's not what Harry was focused on;

He's blushing softly due to the fact that their hands just touched each other and the needy grip from (Y/N)'s hands created a fuzzy feeling in his stomach.

Harry grumbled silently, tearing his eyes away from the three in order to let the color on his cheeks fade before he can even face them again.

"Ah, that's some good fucking shit right there." (Y/N) sighs in satisfaction after taking a gentle long sip from their cup of coffee as they swear unintentionally, grabbing the nervous and shocked attention of any nearby students that heard the Slytherin's words.

Even one male Ravenclaw, who just passed by (Y/N), threw them a look of judgement and disbelief as he walked away and contemplating the Slytherin's word choices and wondering why a first year would say such a thing.

"Merlin, (Y/N). Do you often swear casually without being troubled by it?" Hermione sweat drops and awkwardly grabbed her large book from her side before placing it in front of her.

(Y/N), who didn't even realize that they swore just now until Hermione mentioned it, chuckles nervously and places the cup of coffee on the table.

"Uh... I don't mean to do it intentionally. I don't even realize that I'm swearing until someone else points it out." (Y/N) mumbles shyly while Harry and Ron just threw each other an amused look.

"Well, you should be more aware with your words often, (Y/N). It's not very nice to hear, especially from students like us." Hermione scolded once more and (Y/N) rolled their eyes, taking another sip from their coffee while casting their gaze somewhere else other than the trio.

If only she knew that 11 year old kids swear all the time back in my world, you'd think that they would already get sacked by their parents, the Slytherin thought as they placed their cup on the table once more and adjusting themselves on their seat.

"Anyway, what did you call me here for? It must be pretty important." (Y/N) asked and noticed the large book that's positioned in front of Hermione.

Oh, (Y/N) thought and realized that they must've found out what Nicolas Flamel is and the item that Fluffy is guarding.

"We were able to find a huge information about Nicolas Flamel and the item that the dog is guarding." The female Gryffindor said and flipped her book open, eager to show (Y/N) what they have found yesterday.

(Y/N), however, only gave a deadpanned look as they stared at the open boon in front of them.

"Oh." This earned a confusing look from Hermione as she looked up from the book and threw the young Slytherin a glare.

"I expected you to be more... surprised and eager, to be honest." She mumbled but shook her head before (Y/N) said anything, immediately dropping off the topic that she's going to put up between her and (Y/N).

"It seems that Dumbledore and Flamel are acquaintances too. The card on the chocolate frog said so." Harry piped in on the conversation so he wouldn't be left out, pulling Dumbledore's card from his pocket and handing it over to (Y/N) so they would understand things more clearly.

When (Y/N) took the card out of Harry's hand, they immediately flipped the card and began to read the content as their (E/C) eyes scanned the card.

Dumbledore is particularly famous for his defeat of the dark wizard Grindelwald in 1945, for the discovery of the twelve uses of dragon's blood, and his work on alchemy with his partner, Nicolas Flamel.

With a hum, (Y/N) flipped the card once more and observed the 3D picture of Dumbledore as they moved the card around to see the angles of the picture before handing it back to Harry with an appreciative smile.

"Anyway, it's said here that Nicolas Flamel," Hermione intervened, "is the only known maker of the Sorcerer's Stone!"

"Oh, the Sorcerer's Stone, huh?" (Y/N) rested their head on their palm while glancing around the Gryffindor table to see if they can find some apple juice. "Isn't that the stone that can transform any metal into gold and can also produce a very rare elixir that can make you immortal called the Elixir of Life?"

"How can you and Hermione know what the Sorcerer's Stone was as soon as it was mentioned?" Ron pouted. "Harry and I didn't even know the importance of that stone until Hermione told us."

"Unlike you two, I actually read." (Y/N) lied, smirking since they can't expose their knowledge in the magical world that Erised threw them into. "If you ask my brother if he knows what the stone is and how it works, I can guarantee you that he can answer your question in full detail while adding a bunch of unnecessary details that add nothing to the question at all."

Ron rolled his eyes while silently scoffing, forgetting that (Y/N) and Alem Rosewood often have books pressed against their noses.

The redhead wouldn't be surprised if Hermione happens to be their long lost sister as the three have similarities when it comes to reading.

Except (Y/N) seems to be more laid-back than the other two.

"So you're saying that the stone is what Snape or Quirrell wants, then?" (Y/N) asked, immediately receiving a nod from the trio.

"Don't tell me that you think that it's not plausible-" Ron grumbled while internally bracing himself for another debate that (Y/N) is, probably, going to start.

"Woah chill, Ronald Weasley." (Y/N) stopped Ron from talking with their modern accent slipping out. "I didn't even say anything. To be honest, that kinda makes a lot of sense if you think about it,"

The Slytherin took a small breath before continuing and raking their fingers through their messy (H/C) hair.

"One, Dumbledore and Flamel are friends. It'd make sense if Flamel asked Dumbledore to keep the stone safe and since Dumbledore doesn't want to go to public just to get the stone from Flamel, he must've had Hagrid to fetch it for him in Gringotts on the day when you went to Diagon Alley with him, Harry." (Y/N) looked at the raven haired Gryffindor to confirm this story and with a nod of awe, the Slytherin continued and tore their eyes away from Harry.

"The stone is a very important and rare item; anyone would want to get their hands on it," They closed their eyes. "Which begs the question, assuming that Snape is the one who's after it;" (Y/N) opened their eyelids, their deadpan look suddenly turning into a serious one as if the question that they're about to ask will surely make the other three think carefully.

"Why would he want the stone? Or to put it simply, what's his reason? his motive?" (Y/N) eyed the trio to see if they have any answers for the question that they just asked.

Ron gently placed his toast down, suddenly taking the situation seriously while moving some bits of his red hair away from his eyes.

"Maybe he just wants the stone for himself...?" The redhead's response came out as a question with a light shrug coming from his shoulders.

(Y/N) sighs and points their finger towards Ron but not in an accusing way.

"No person, in their right mind, would attempt to steal a very important item such as the Sorcerer's Stone just because they want it for themselves." They told and retracted their finger away, tucking their hand back inside their arms.

"The person's motive could be anything; selling the stone, using it for illegal trades, make themselves immortal though I don't really see the appeal of wanting to live forever and why many people would want to commit such a thing," (Y/N) grabbed a toast from the plate and brought it up to their lips while Harry and Hermione were in deep thoughts.

The Sorcerer's Stone is an item that can turn any metal into gold and is an essential item to brew the Elixir of Life, an elixir that can make the drinker immortal. If one were to try and steal it, there should be a reason why.

What (Y/N) said makes sense;

No one would just take the stone and put it up in their room for display.

Considering the abilities of the stone, the two suspects that the four students are keeping their eyes on must be using the stone for bad motives.

"Unless... they want to steal the stone for someone else. An accomplice, you might even say." The golden trio's mouths gaped at (Y/N)'s words. They weren't surprised because (Y/N)'s hypothesis is unbelievable and far from the conclusion;

No, they're surprised because that could also be the motive.

A specific motive, to be exact.

"How does your mind work so well with these kind of things?" Ron chuckles in amazement, slowly closing his opened mouth which made him earn a smirk from (Y/N).

"My mother often tells me that; when it comes to structuring a strategy, you should think from the enemy's perspective. That way, you can be steps ahead of your enemy and they won't even have a chance to lay a finger on you." (Y/N) obviously lied.

No one instructed or told them that since they learned to adapt by themselves without anyone else.

Harry's green eyes landed on (Y/N) side frame, taking his time admiring the young Slytherin and wondering why an intellect like them hasn't been sorted into Ravenclaw.

They're too nice to be sorted into Slytherin.

"Anyway, now that we know what the item is, are we still going to hang in the library to add more information?" (Y/N) crossed their arms but not before dusting off any bread crumbs from their hands and their oddly oversized Slytherin robe.

"Of course." Hermione answered, cocking her eyebrow up in confusion and wondered why (Y/N) even asked a question that has a very obvious answer. (Y/N) sighs defeatedly at this and hung their head low in distress.

"Knew it." They murmured before jerking their head back up to face the female Gryffindor.

"Look, I don't want to be a party pooper but I'm really busy with schoolwork right now." (Y/N) smiled apologetically to the three of them although their apologetic smile wasn't as effective when it came to Hermione, who only shot them a light hard glare.

"I promise that I'll come to help you three as soon as I'm done with my Herbology research. I just don't want to get torn between solving this mystery and doing school works. If you haven't noticed; I'm really bad at multitasking." (Y/N) emphasized the 'bad' while avoiding Hermione's glare.

"We don't mind." Harry smiles in reassurance, giving the Slytherin the softest look he can manage with his pale and childish features.

Ron and Hermione looked a bit shocked to see Harry let (Y/N) do whatever they want and speak for the other two.

"I expect you to be there in the match next week though, right?" The raven haired boy asked which made (Y/N) surprised for a moment since Cedric asked them the same thing.

The Slytherin grumbled and wondering who they should root for in the upcoming Quidditch match.

(Y/N) has a pretty noticeable crush on Cedric Diggory, who also happens to be in the Hufflepuff Quidditch team so of course they'd want to root for him but on the other hand, Harry is their friend and he's new to Quidditch so he could use all of the support he can get.

"Oh, I nearly forgot that the match is coming up. Time flies really fast, huh?" (Y/N) laughs and played dumb for a moment.

Ron's face paled and became full of dread as he remembered who was going to be the referee of the match this month.

Hermione frowned as well, shooting Harry a look of worry.

"Yeah and Snape is refereeing this time." Ron grumbles as he scanned the table where the professors sat.

He quickly tore his eyes away once he saw Snape eating quietly with the same deadpanned look on his face.

"...so?" (Y/N) tilted their head to the side, not finding any issue with letting Snape be the referee.

"(Y/N), you do know that Snape despises Gryffindors, right?" Hermione asks and stopped herself for a while before opening her mouth to speak again. "Well, more on Harry than the house itself but yes."

"And considering that Gryffindor won against Slytherin in the last match, I'd doubt he'd even let Gryffindor win against Hufflepuff." Harry interjected with a frown.

"I reckon he's going to make Harry's broom go crazy again-"

"Hey now, Weasley. I know that Snape tends to hold grudges against students and often belittle them but don't say that as if he's keen on endangering a student's life to the point of death." (Y/N) huffed angrily towards the redhead, stopping him from saying anything else to the head of the Slytherin house.

Ron rolled his eyes and didn't say anything after (Y/N) stopped him and instead, he just ate his food silently.

The Slytherin glanced at the trio, who still had a look of worry and anxiety on their faces.

It couldn't be helped; Snape's visible disdain for the Gryffindor house is so strong that there's no doubt that he'll, at least, try to do something after the Gryffindor team won against Slytherin last time.

With Harry in the team, the student that Snape dislikes the most, the chances of the raven haired boy being humiliated is high. No wonder he's very nervous.

With a sigh, (Y/N) opened their mouth to speak once more.

"Well, if you're worried that Snape will do something, even though he won't, I can assure you that professors will also come to watch the game so I highly doubt that he'll try to be unfair towards Gryffindor when there are professors watching." (Y/N) assured Harry with a smile, placing their hand above Harry's in a comforting manner which made him look up to the (H/C) haired girl/boy with a gentle blush spreading across his cheeks.

This went unnoticed by (Y/N) though as they retracted their hand away from Harry's.

Ron and Hermione, however, noticed this and shifted their gazes to the Slytherin and the Gryffindor back to back with a teasing smile growing in their lips every second.

"Anyway, you can expect me to be there, Harry though I'm going to cheer for both teams." Harry's smile dropped when (Y/N) said this and instead, it was replaced with a somewhat confused look.

Are they friends with someone from Hufflepuff? Harry thought.

He was about to ask (Y/N) but hesitated since he didn't want to act as if he wants (Y/N) to just root for him although that is what he wants in the first place.

"Do you know someone in Hufflepuff or...?" Ron asked in Harry's place, which made the raven haired boy internally breathe a sigh of relief.

"Yes, Cedric Diggory." A light tint of pink dusted across (Y/N)'s cheeks and that detail is enough to make Harry understand as he glanced over towards the Hufflepuff table in spite.

Who, in the bloody hell, is Cedric Diggory?

Harry's green eyes narrowed while scanning the Hufflepuff students and trying to identify who Cedric is.

"Oh, the Hufflepuff seeker." Ron monotonously answered Harry's question, which made the raven haired boy frown but silently scoff.

I think it's very clear who the best seeker is between the two of us. Harry spitefully thought to himself and grabbed a fork, stabbing his food aggressively.

I'll be sure to impress (Y/N) on the match and make them realize that I'm better than that Hufflepuff seeker.

He flicked his narrowed eyes over to (Y/N) joyful form and he immediately softened up, smiling gently while his eyes slightly twinkled in admiration for the Slytherin in front of him.

In the distance or more specifically, in the Hufflepuff table, Cedric managed to find (Y/N) in the sea of Gryffindor students and he, unknowingly, smiled to himself when he saw that they are laughing and showed to be very friendly to other people despite being a Slytherin themselves.

He heard from his housemates yesterday that they managed to fend off Draco Malfoy and his lackeys from cursing Neville Longbottom in the library and he admired the Slytherin's bravery and act of righteousness.

Cedric couldn't help but try to learn more about (Y/N) but not to the point of stalking of course.

He can't even find it in himself to actually come up to them and start a casual conversation.

Despite Cedric being very friendly to others, he's very shy.

There's just something about (Y/N) that draws him in and this something is what (Y/N) is aware of and is, intentionally, hiding it from everyone else.

That sad gaze is no coincidence,

(Y/N) knows something that no one else knows.

And even though this mystery is what made Cedric grow an odd interest to them in the first place, there are other reasons as to why this Hufflepuff is just drawn to (Y/N) like a magnet that sticks to metal.

Cedric shook his head and continued to listen to his peers' conversation. He had no intention to think of such... weird things to an 11 year old student.

He's 14, for Merlin's sake and he has no time for other unnecessary thoughts as the match between Gryffindor and Hufflepuff is growing near.

And everyone is just as excited as he is.

»»-----　♡　-----««

"I-I'm so sorry!" I snapped my eyes open to the sound of a young child apologizing to me with a nervous tone visible on their voice.

I looked around the bustling city of London for a moment, watching other people pass by me before glancing down to see the appearance of the child.

It was a little girl and she looked like she's no older than 10 years old.

She wore a peach, frilly skirt that reached up to her knees and a cream colored blouse with a ribbon decorating the sides of her puffs on her blouse.

The girl also had shoulder-length hair with raven colored locks framing her white face.

Some bits of her hair were sticking out but it wasn't very noticeable which makes her hair look as if it's clean and combed.

When the girl opened her eyes, I was immediately greeted by her (E/C) colored eyes. I gulped silently, finding it freaky that her eyes are very similar to mine.

"...mom/dad? What are you doing here?" Her facial expression turned into confusion, straightening herself and tilting her head to the side while eyeing me curiously.

I didn't know how to respond to her question.

Did she just assume that I'm her parent or something?

"...look kid, I know I'm almost 18 years old but it doesn't mean that I'm old enough to actually have children." My slightly offended tone threw the girl off as she looked surprised and glanced around her surroundings as if she was looking for someone.

"W-Wait... Um... So you're not my-?" The girl stammered, looking back up to me with those creepy (E/C) eyes that look like mine.

"I don't even know who you are." I answered, tucking my hands in my jeans and started to walk away from the girl.

Geez, I just came here to London to see if I can get a scholarship here from a random university but I didn't expect a random kid to just walk up to me and assume that I'm their parent.

Now I'm starting to think that going outside and traveling is a very bad idea and I should've just stayed home and binge-watch Harry Potter.

"Cressie, where have you been?" I heard an older boy ask in the distance but I didn't bother to turn around and take a look to see who he is.

Judging from the way he addressed the girl by her nickname, I can only assume that he must be her older brother or something.

I drifted my attention away from the children as I continued to walk on the sidewalk, careful not to bump or grab the attention of other people as I walk past them with my mind continuously thinking if I should just take a 10 hour nap once I'm back in my motel room.

»»-----　♡　-----««

With my eyelids gently fluttering open and a tired groan escaping my lips, I rubbed my eyes and wiped the drool that trickled down to my chin.

I cringe once I saw my saliva on the sleeve of my robe and immediately cleaned it off from a nearby blanket.

I don't know who that blanket belonged to and I honestly don't care as I threw the blanket back to a random bed.

I managed to fall asleep while writing my Herbology research and thank Salazar that my parchment was safe from the villain called drool.

Otherwise, I'd have to pass my drool-infested Herbology research to Professor Sprout.

It did became slightly crumpled though due to the weight from my arms and head.

"Ah shit." I murmured while trying to straighten the slightly crumpled parchment.

All of a sudden, I take a look at the clock located on the top of the door and my face paled.

"aH SHIT!" I exclaimed and didn't even bother to finish straightening the parchment as I dashed towards my nightstand and grabbed my Slytherin scarf, hastily and sloppily wrapping it around my neck.

The Hufflepuff vs. Gryffindor match is about to start in one minute and I can't lose the opportunity to watch Harry and Cedric play together.

Goddamn it, why didn't anyone bother to wake me up?

I combed my hair using my fingers since I know that it's messy after taking that abnormally long nap.

I didn't even bother to look at the mirror since I already walked towards the door and closed it, hastily making my way towards the Quidditch pitch without tripping into random rocks on the way.

"Oh sweet baby Newt, I hope I'm not late." I thought as I started to run towards the pitch, not caring if I end up getting tired by the time I get there.

I don't prioritize my health when it comes to things like this. Don't judge me.

»»-----　♡　-----««

The pitch echoed with the sounds of students cheering for their respective houses.

Both Gryffindor and Hufflepuff cheered as hard as they could, holding up banners and showing off some spells that take on the shape of their house's mascot.

On the Gryffindor stand, Ron and Hermione scanned the area for any signs of a certain Rosewood twin.

A patch of (H/C) hair can be seen from a short distance away from them but they frowned once they realized it's just Alem Rosewood, (Y/N)'s twin brother.

Hermione sighed and turned her attention towards the field while tuning out all of the students' loud cheers.

She looked at the red haired boy beside him from the corner of her brown eyes, examining the way he is acting while discreetly hiding his wand.

"Now, don't forget, it's Locomotor Mortis." Hermione muttered loudly for Ron to hear as he nodded and slipped his wand under his sleeves, careful not to let it fall.

"I know." Ron rolled his eyes and crossed his arms in order to hold the wand up under his sleeves. "Don't nag."

The two Gryffindors scanned the area one last time for any sign of (Y/N) approaching them but they eventually gave up and grumbled silently while wondering what's taking (Y/N) so long.

While Hermione was preoccupied with her question, Ron casts his gaze towards an angry and a pissed off Snape.

The Potions master looks like he's an inch away from cursing someone.

"I've never seen Snape look so mean." The red haired boy told Hermione, slightly chuckling as teams marched onto the field with their own brooms on their hands. "Look, they're off- ow!"

Ron winced as he felt a slightly painful poke on the back of his head. He gently rubbed the area, turning his head around with narrowed eyes to see who could've done such a thing, accidentally or not.

He felt his teeth gritting when he saw Draco Malfoy smirking and looking down at him with Crabbe and Goyle following shortly behind him.

"Oh, sorry, Weasley, didn't see you there." He scoffed and stood where he was, crossing his arms and watching the game for a while until he grinned broadly, seemingly having an idea to piss Ron off more.

Without (Y/N)'s presence.

"Wonder how long Potter's going to stay on his broom this time? Anyone wanna bet?" Draco chuckled devilishly, turning to look at Ron, who's focusing on the game so he can hold himself back from punching the platinum blonde haired Slytherin. "What about you, Weasley?"

Ron didn't answer but he, sure as hell, wanted to and punch him in the process as well.

His eyes twitched in annoyance when Snape awarded the Hufflepuff team a penalty because George Weasley, the Gryffindor team's beater, had hit a Bludger at him.

Hermione pursed her lips and she looks like she's on the edge of her seat with her fingers crossed hopefully as her brown eyes watched Harry dive around the field in a circle, searching for the golden Snitch.

"You know how I think they choose people for the Gryffindor team?" Draco said loudly this time, using this opportunity to let off some anger that he's felt for the golden trio for spending too much time with a certain Rosewood twin.

Meanwhile on the game, Snape just gave Hufflepuff another penalty for no reason at all whatsoever.

"Malfoy, stop that." Alem, who was standing a few steps away from Draco piped up. He had his arms crossed but his fingers were curled in anger.

The young Rosewood is also on the edge of punching his Slytherin roommate.

However, Draco paid no heed to (Y/N)'s brother, letting his frustration out even more towards the Gryffindors in front of him.

"It's the people they feel sorry about." The Slytherin chuckled, making Alem feel somewhat offended for ignoring him just like that while Ron is just tightening his fists that his knuckles turned white.

"See, there's Potter, who's got no parents," Draco continued, "then there's the Weasleys, who've got no money - you should be on the team, Longbottom; you've got no brains." He let out a laugh along with the two cronies behind him, finding his insult to be quite funny.

Neville turned red in embarrassment but suddenly remembered what Harry and (Y/N) said to him, making him gulp nervously and turn around on his seat to face the laughing Malfoy.

"I-I'm worth t-twelve of you, Malfoy." He stammered but felt proud that he stood up for himself for once.

Neville was about to smile in confidence but it immediately dropped once Draco, Crabbe and Goyle let out a howl of loud laughter, clutching the sides of their stomachs.

Neville blushed once more and turned around to face the field, frowning and clutching his robe tightly as he felt like he was about to cry.

"Malfoy, I swear to Merlin, that's enough." Alem raised his voice which finally grabbed Draco's attention, his laughter trailing off as he looked at the younger Rosewood with an amused smirk on his lips.

"Ah, of course there's Alem Rosewood. How could I ever forget you?" Draco let out a light scoff, "maybe you should go and join the misfits too. Compared to your sister/brother, you're more likely to have the same brain capacity as Longbottom and Weasley so that is very fitting, don't you think?"

Alem's pupils dilated but they immediately softened as he narrowed his eyes and looked away from Draco, pursing his lips in anger.

He wasn't angry at Draco's insult; he isn't immature enough to actually let something like that get through his head.

He was more angry about the fact that he just compared (Y/N) and him, saying as if they're better and has more potential than him.

Alem didn't want to be compared to someone, especially with his sister/brother.

Draco scoffed once more when he sees the young Rosewood look away, facing Neville's back once more.

"And Longbottom, if brains were gold, you'd be poorer than Weasley, and that's saying something."

Ron's nostrils stretched, letting out a heavy sigh of anger through his nose while his face is already red.

He was already anxious enough about Harry and then the boy that he didn't want to deal with at the moment is pissing him off to the extent of urging him to just blast a random curse right on his head.

"I'm warning you, Malfoy... One more word-" Ron spoke and was about to face Draco but he felt Hermione's light slaps on his forearm, almost as if she's trying to tell him something.

"Ron!" The girl gasped, "Harry-"

"What? Where!?" The red haired boy immediately turned his head towards the field, scanning his eyes to see where his raven haired friend could be with his Nimbus 2000 broom.

"You're in luck, Weasley!" The Slytherin laughed, "Potter's obviously spotted some money on the ground!"

Ron gritted his teeth one last time as he snapped, like a twig that's been stepped on.

Before anyone could even see anything with a blink of an eye, Ron Weasley was already on top of Draco Malfoy and wrestling him down to the ground.

Draco was surprised but didn't back down, grabbing one of Ron's arms that's pinning him down and tried to flip the red haired Gryffindor over so he could also throw some punches towards him.

Alem took a step back in surprise but immediately took a step forward, trying to pull Ron off of Draco.

"Stop this already! Weasley, get off of him!" He grunted, pulling his Gryffindor robe in order to pull him back but Alem couldn't even bring Ron to budge away from Draco.

Ron elbowed Alem to push him away from behind him, making the (H/C) haired boy stumble back as he fell onto Crabbe and Goyle, bringing the two Slytherins along with him.

Neville hesitated for a moment in his seat but he clambered over, having the intentions to help Ron in any way he can.

"What in the name of Salazar Slytherin is going on here!?" (Y/N), who just arrived and is clearly tired from running from the Slytherin common room and to the Quidditch field, exclaimed in disbelief.

They glanced over at Alem's slightly mangled body that's been sandwiched between Crabbe and Goyle as the two cronies were trying to throw Neville a punch in the face.

They could tell that Alem is trying to get away from them but because of their fat asses, he couldn't just clamber over without getting pinned down by their bodies.

(Y/N) then flickered their eyes towards the wrestling Draco Malfoy and Ron Weasley, now understanding the situation and what led up to... this.

With narrowed (E/C) eyes, they stomped over towards Crabbe and Goyle. Neville, who saw (Y/N) walking over towards them, stopped for a moment before earning an unsuspected punch from Goyle, who laughed victoriously.

"What the fuck are you two doing? Get off of my brother!" (Y/N) kicked Goyle on top of Alem, sending the boy rolling over to the side with a groan.

They clicked their tongue and grabbed Alem's hand, pulling him up with a grunt.

Alem groaned for a moment, wincing slightly in pain before staring at (Y/N) with a slight frown.

"Are you alright? Did you break your arm or anything?" They scanned their brother for any injuries and breathed a sigh of relief when they saw that he didn't twist his legs or anything of the sort.

"...I'm fine." He mumbled and looked away from them. (Y/N) rose a curious eyebrow up, noticing their brother's odd behavior.

Nonetheless, they shook it off and glanced over at the still wrestling Malfoy and Weasley.

"Draco said something bad to Ron, didn't he?" They sighed, scratching the back of their head with a frown. Alem only hummed, responding to (Y/N)'s question but didn't look back at them.

"Rosewood, you little dung!" Goyle exclaimed and stomped his feet towards (Y/N) with his fists tightened.

Before he could even lift a finger towards the (H/C) haired girl/boy, he was immediately paralyzed and couldn't manage to move a single muscle in his body.

"Be quiet for a while." (Y/N) sighed with their wand pointed towards the surprised and paralyzed Goyle.

Without even bothering to look back at the paralyzed Slytherin behind them, they began to walk towards the still wrestling Ron and Draco.

They didn't seem to notice them arrive already and is now starting to walk towards them with their wand placed on their dominant hand.

"Ron, stop this. He's not worth it." They pursed their lips in worry, grabbing their redhead friend's shoulder in an attempt to try and pull him back.

However, Ron didn't pay any attention to the Slytherin and instead, kept on throwing punches to Draco laying underneath him.

(Y/N) clicked their tongue in frustration once they realized that Ron is not going to listen to them without force.

With a tight grip settled on the Gryffindor's shoulder, they harshly and forcefully pulled Ron off of Draco.

"I said, stop this goddamn it!" They exclaimed and gently pushed Ron a few steps away from Draco, in case he tries to go straight back on beating the Slytherin to a pulp.

Ron, who's still not back on his senses, gritted his teeth while his red bangs seemingly covered his darkened and angered eyes.

In a blink of an eye, he aggressively pushed (Y/N) away with his arm while raising his fist to hit them.

"Stay out of this!" He exclaimed angrily, bringing his tightened fist down towards the unsuspecting Slytherin.

Before anyone could even react, Ron's punch had hit (Y/N)'s right cheek, earning a painful groan as they stumbled back and clutched their cheek with a wince.

Alem, Draco and Neville gasped fearfully while watching (Y/N) panting softly as small droplets of blood started to drip from their nose.

Ron, who only realized what he's done, stared at (Y/N) with widened eyes as he cast his gaze down to his slightly bloody knuckles.

"(Y/N)!" Alem's face contorted into worry as he ran over towards (Y/N), clutching their shoulders and examining their bruised cheek and slightly bloodied nose with discomfort.

"I..." Ron started to speak but couldn't find the words in order to say something to (Y/N).

He knows that he should apologize but watching the older Rosewood's slightly darkened (E/C) eyes and unreadable expression made him stop.

Their repressed anger is something that you wouldn't want them to show to anyone else.

Draco, who watched the whole thing unfold after wiping some blood off of his nose with his fingers, fumed and his mind started to spiral down into the depths of darkness as he saw (Y/N) wincing in pain.

They're hurt.

They're hurt.

He turned his head towards Ron, silver eyes narrowing as hard as ever with his knuckles beginning to turn withe and his breathing becoming rapid due to anger.

And he's the reason why.

That bloody weasel decided to hurt them.

He made them bleed.

The platinum blonde haired boy stood up, his knees wobbling slightly but didn't care if his body is aching due to Ron's damage on him.

His silver eyes glinted dangerously as it flickered down towards his Gryffindor scarf that's still hanging loosely on his neck.

Now, he must pay with his blood.

Draco ran towards Ron with his teeth gritted and with every intention to strangle Ron using the scarf.

He doesn't care if he's going to be expelled by doing this or if there are people watching.

No one hurts his little serpent and gets away with it so easily.

Just as Ron had noticed Draco running towards him, (Y/N) stepped in between the two of them with their (E/C) eyes darkened yet determined.

"If I said 'stop this', then both of you will fucking stop right away, got it?" They said slowly but calmly, almost as if their tone of voice is completely different from what they look like right now.

Draco stopped, hanging his arms to his sides while looking at (Y/N) shamefully as he is aware that he did start all of this.

Ron frowned slightly and let his guard down once (Y/N) is already between the two of them.

"Ron? Ron, where are you!? The game's over!" Hermione exclaimed a few steps away from them, hugging Parvati Patil, who's sitting on the row in front of her, while jumping up and down in excitement for a while before casting her brown eyes around to find Ron.

When she was able to see him, she walked up to Ron with a huge smile on her face.

"Harry's won; we've won! Gryffindor is in the lead!" She said as Ron gave her a small smile, not in the mood to share the same enthusiasm as Hermione has right now.

"...What's wrong with Malfoy?" She asked, bringing her eyes behind Ron where Draco stood with his slightly bruised face.

(Y/N) turned around to face Hermione as well, smiling and bringing their Slytherin scarf up on their nose.

"W-Wait, (Y/N)! Why is your cheek bruised!?" Hermione walked up to (Y/N) in worry, pulling their scarf down to examine it further.

She gasped once she saw blood still dripping slowly from their nose.

"You can still see it?" (Y/N) scoffed playfully and all Hermione could do is to only glare at them, slightly offended.

"Just because you pulled your scarf up doesn't mean I still can't see it. I'm not stupid, you know." She sighed, retracting her hand away.

"What happened? Why are you so beaten up?" Hermione asked, completely ignoring the fact that Draco is also beaten up.

The platinum blonde haired boy got slightly offended, thinking why his presence around a certain muggleborn isn't being acknowledged.

"It's... a long story." (Y/N) mumbled, glancing over towards Draco for a moment before walking up beside him with a soft smile etched on their lips.

"Since we're so beat up, we should go to the Infirmary and get ourselves patched up." They said which made Alem walk up to them, ready to oppose against the idea.

"Just the two of us." (Y/N) loudly emphasized once they saw Alem already stomping towards them.

He stopped on his tracks and gave his sister/brother a look, wondering what they're trying to do to Draco, who's slightly blushing yet scared of what (Y/N) might to do him while they're alone.

Hermione looked skeptical as she casts a glance towards Draco's anxious form. The appearance of the Malfoy having an anxious face is enough to make her know that, at least, he knows what (Y/N) is capable of doing when they're pissed.

At least, she thinks they are pissed.

"...alright, I'll inform Harry and make sure you get yourself patched up nicely." Hermione nods while beckoning for Ron to walk away from the Slytherins.

The red haired Gryffindor sent (Y/N) a look of shame and apology before walking away with Hermione, hands tucked inside his robe pockets.

"I'll see you on the common room, Alem." (Y/N) smiles reassuringly at their brother, who held the same skeptical look that Hermione had.

Alem sighed and nodded without saying a word, knowing that (Y/N) is, at least, capable of protecting themselves from the likes of Malfoy.

(Y/N)'s smile disappeared as they turned around to leave the stand, tugging Draco along with them.

Their facial expression made it unclear to know if they were angry or just didn't feel any different towards Draco as they know that he is the reason why all of this started anyway.

"(Y/N), I-" Malfoy began but he was immediately cut off by (Y/N).

"Save it until we get to the infirmary." They spoke with a slightly cold tone that immediately rendered Draco silent. He frowned slightly but narrowed his silver eyes as his mind wandered towards a certain Weasley.

Stupid Weasley, if only he wasn't so bloody sensitive, this wouldn't have happened.

Draco shift blamed as the two Slytherins walked towards the Infirmary in silence, hoping that this will be resolved as quickly as possible.

»»-----　♡　-----««

As I dove down to the field with my head up high in pride, I glanced over towards the Hufflepuff team to take a look at Cedric Diggory.

To my disappointment, he seems to be laughing along with his fellow teammates as if the defeat of the Hufflepuff team didn't even bother him at all.

I rolled my eyes at this. In the end, I'm still the better seeker.

What does (Y/N) even see in him anyway?

Speaking of (Y/N), I glanced over towards the stand where they would be in along with Hermione and Ron but I couldn't see them anywhere, not even a strand of their (H/C) hair.

Maybe they left with Hermione and Ron already, I thought to myself while congratulating Wood and my other teammates and heading over to the waiting room where I would change my Quidditch attire back to my normal casual ones before looking for (Y/N).

As soon as I finished putting on my plain grey shirt, I waved goodbye to my teammates before heading out of the room.

To my surprise, Hermione and Ron were already standing there, waiting for me.

And to my surprise, (Y/N) isn't with them.

"...Where's (Y/N)?" I asked and it was then I noticed Ron's slightly battered face. I can tell that he's gotten into a fight with someone though the reason why, I don't really know.

"What happened to your face?" I directed my question to Ron, cocking up eyebrow up curiously.

He didn't answer my question.

Instead, he looked away in slight shame with narrowed eyes.

"(Y/N)'s headed to the Infirmary with Malfoy." Hermione answered my question and that immediately made me open my eyes as wide as how my eyes are when I'm searching for the Snitch in the field.

"What?" I asked, trying to make Hermione clarify her words.

"The two of them looked beaten up though I'm not really sure why or how they ended up like that in the first place." Hermione casts Ron a side glare and my anxiety for the Slytherin immediately worsened as I walked past my two housemates and stomped my way to the Infirmary.

"Wait, Harry! Where are you going!?" Hermione chased after me with her footsteps following not too far behind me.

"To the Infirmary, obviously." I rolled my eyes. I don't even care if my body is sore from the match, if I can see how (Y/N) is doing then it's worth the pain.

They're always worth it.

»»-----　♡　-----««

"Oh, it's you again." Madam Pomfrey sighed when she casts her eyes on me. I chuckle slightly while rubbing the back of my neck sheepishly.

"When you say it like that, it makes it seem like I always get injured, Madam Pomfrey." I walked over towards an empty white bed and sat on it, feeling the soft texture of the sheets brush through my fingers as I bounced slightly when I sat down.

"Because you do." The mediwitch glared while carefully examining my slightly bloodied nose and my bruised right cheek.

Damn, Ron's punch hurt but honestly, I've dealt worse when that poor excuse of a father used to beat me up when I was a kid.

"And when you get yourself hurt, you always bring someone with you." She flicks her eyes on Draco, who's standing there awkwardly but bore a deadpan look for the mediwitch in front of him.

Judging from his look, he probably thinks that she's lowkey about to insult him.

"But I'm surprised that it's not your brother this time." She continued before rummaging through her shelf to find something to patch me up.

"I don't really need a potion, Madam Pomfrey. I just need a bandaid or something and I'll be on my way." I spoke up which made her turn around to look at me in confusion.

"...we don't have this 'bandaid' that you speak of." She said, making me internally scream of how non-muggle this school is.

But, what do you expect when you have magic?

"But we do have an ointment that can remove the bruise though it doesn't really help with making the pain go away." She continued and I simply nodded at her offer.

"We'll take it." I smiled as I watched Madam Pomfrey sigh before walking away to the backroom of the infirmary to get this magical ointment that she talks about. Now it's just Draco and I in this empty infirmary.

It's getting extremely awkward so I should get to the point already to not make things weirder than it already is.

I mean, dragging a boy along with you to the infirmary just to fix yourself up after being punched and emphasizing to your sibling that only the two of you should go is weird enough as it already is.

"So I'm assuming that you made Ron angry by saying a bunch of rude stuff to the point that he snapped and basically wrestled you." I was very specific but I already know how this scene in the book went.

It's just difficult to pretend that you don't and you have to act as if everything is new to you.

I'm a good actor but I'm not the best when it comes to making stories up.

"I wasn't-"

"I don't need you to lie to me, Draco. Ron's face says it all, really." I sighed, stopping him before he says any more bullshit to try and convince me that he's the victim in this situation.

"Look, I know that we had an agreement two days ago and I think that this is worse than just placing a curse on a random student who you think is inferior to you." I stood up from the bed and walked over towards Draco, who looked away from me.

He wasn't looking at me but I don't need him to.

"I don't know why I have to do what you say, Rosewood. I can do whatever I want." Draco mumbled and I cocked my eyebrow up in response to his words.

"Yeah sure, you're your own person. You're right; I don't have the rights to control you or anything of the sort but all those things I said is only to make you aware that behaviors like that will either get you suspended or worse, expelled from the school and I don't think you'd like that, would you?" I said.

"So if you want to act like a shitty person, go ahead. I'm not responsible for any of that but don't blame me if you find yourself having a difficult life after being caught by a professor, especially Professor McGonagall." I continued, which only made Draco's eyes narrow deeper as if he wasn't even budged by my words.

"I'm just-" He started but I immediately cut him off by taking another step forward.

"Let me ask you a question then; if I wasn't your friend, would you have treated me the way you treat Ron and the other students?" He was taken back from my question due to the sudden dilation of his pupils but they immediately softened as he opened his mouth to answer.

"No. You're nothing like the others." He answered almost too... straightforwardly?

"If I treated you any less than those scum underneath my feet, I would be extremely disappointed in myself." He continued with an empty smile but the way his eyes suddenly looked soulless as he says that made a chill run down my spine.

"I would be that kind of person if it meant that I'd get to be your," Draco paused for a moment before continuing, "friend for the rest of my life."

For once I was speechless of what came out of this Slytherin's mouth. It's more on the fact that he basically called Ron, Neville and the others who he thinks are below him 'scum' but even if his father is slightly like that, Draco would surely never talk this way to someone else.

With a gulp, I opened my mouth to ask, "What do you mean by that?"

"Well you see, (Y/N)-"

The doors burst open and we immediately turned around to see who could've opened the infirmary door with such impact that it almost shook the entire castle.

To my confusion, Harry stood there with narrowed green eyes with a confused Hermione and Ron tagging right behind him.

"Harry?" I asked while watching him walk over towards me and sending Draco some death glares along the way.

I could see my fellow Slytherin rolling his eyes in annoyance while crossing his arms at the sight of a certain Gryffindor giving him some death glares.

"I heard from Hermione that you were heading over to the infirmary so I thought something bad happened to you." He said as he frantically examined my face,

"Bloody hell, what happened to your cheek? And your nose is bleeding!" He was about to reach his hand up to my face until Draco swatted his hand away, clicking his tongue in the process.

"No one asked you to barge in and act like a worried lost puppy, Potter. Get lost." He growled and I immediately facepalmed as Harry gave his attention to Draco.

"Draco, this is exactly the reason why no one likes you." I mumbled but loud enough for him to hear.

Unfortunately, it seems like he's ignoring my words and instead kept his eyes on Harry.

"Did you do this to them?" Harry asked, his eyes glinting in anger every second.

"Malfoy, if you're the reason why they're hurt, you're going to get a lot more than just a few bruises on your face." The Gryffindor tightened his fists into a ball, ready to punch Draco whenever.

"Why are you asking me?" Draco scoffed and tilted his head over towards Ron. "You should be asking him; he knows more about (Y/N) being hurt than I do."

On cue, Harry turned his head towards Ron, who made it obvious that he's the reason why I'm hurt by shamefully casting his gaze somewhere else.

"Ron-"

"Okay, I think that's enough for today!" I stepped in between Harry and Draco, placing my hands on both of their shoulders so they wouldn't end up pouncing on one another after a few seconds or something.

"Look, we should all just be grateful that we're not dead and I didn't end up having a broken cheekbone. It already happened and there's no use dwelling on something that already happened, right?" I suck at trying to stop incoming fights but this is the least I can do so nobody will get injured again.

Madam Pomfrey's already having me, Draco and Ron. I don't want to burden her with more students to be injured, especially Harry.

Speaking of Madam Pomfrey, she coincidentally walked in on us with a medium circle sized container with an unknown flower design that's either printed or painted at the cap of the ointment.

It also had a purplish bluish color that resembled like a bruise which made me unsettled for some reason.

"...don't tell me that all five of you have bruises." Madam Pomfrey was about to panic until I spoke up with a nervous laugh.

"No! They're just here to see how I'm doing though I think Ron also needs some of that ointment." I tilt my head over towards the red haired Gryffindor. The mediwitch sighed and handed me the ointment before giving me a glare.

"Please make an effort to stay out of trouble more often, Miss/Mr Rosewood." She says before walking towards her desk to continue her work that I rudely interrupted as I came here with Draco.

"Noted, Madam Pomfrey." I tucked the ointment in my pocket before feeling my arm being pulled by a strong grip.

I look up to see Harry dragging me away from the infirmary with an unreadable expression.

"You're coming with us to the common room. We'll patch you up there." He nonchalantly says while the two Gryffindors are struggling to keep up with us due to Harry's fast paced walking.

"Hey, Potter!" I heard Draco call out from the distance but it doesn't seem like he's following us as I turned around to see him standing there with an angry frown on his face.

"B-But the Gryffindors-" I stammered as I realized that there are Gryffindors who wouldn't want a Slytherin in the common room.

"I don't care what they think. If they have any problems with you being there, they'll answer me." He spoke up, turning into a corner which made Draco's standing figure disappear completely.

I stayed quiet and sighed once more, ruffling my (H/C) hair while taking a peek at Harry's face.

He looks confident and angry at the same time. I couldn't really figure out which expression is more prominent on his face.

I don't have time to insist Harry that I can just patch myself up in the Slytherin common room since I don't want to anger him more so I just went along with what he's going to do.

These eleven year olds can be scary if they're angry since they can do magic after all and I don't want this kid to set off a random snake at me, just like what he did to Dudley at the zoo.

»»-----　♡　-----««
A/N:

I'm so sorry if I took too damn long to update! I was originally going to post this last week but I was so busy with how things are going downhill in my life and how to deal with boys who like you so please forgive me for being such a shitty author :'V

I mean, I even published this at 4 in the morning so my brain is so out of it and I'm so sleepy and accidentally pressed 'publish' even though I haven't even finished writing the A/N.

So right now, I'm just going, "what the fuck are you doing. Why are you like this."

Anyway, this chapter is supposed to be the part where y'all go to the forbidden forest but I don't wanna write another 30k words for a single chapter and I'm guessing that most of you will die for reading that much words in a single chapter and this is already 20k so I just published the first parts of the whole chapter instead lmao.

I dunno when I'll be updating but rest assured that it'll come a little bit sooner since it'll be shorter than this one, for sure.

Now with that out of the way, let's have a fanart break!

I've received fan arts in the last couple weeks and I feel like a shit person for not responding to one of them so to y'all who sent me fanart, I've received your beautiful drawing and I'm sorry for not responding any sooner but I love all of you guys :')

Here's the first one by KuraTile! He's the reader who drew the fanart at the a/n of chapter 11! I honestly didn't expect him to draw me another one but I'm really really happy that he did!

Please give him a follow and shower him with love as much as you can. He deserves it :'))

And yes, Cedric is a handsome man, indeed.

The next one is from ElSerendipias! Bro, I love your comments and I'm so sorry for not responding to you any sooner. I haven't opened Wattpad in days and I hope you can forgive me but I really love you bro.

They included their own version of (Y/N) and Alem along with how they think Erised looks like! It looks really cool!

If you guys could give them a follow or a nice "hello, I like your drawing", I would really appreciate it bECAUSE THEY DESERVE IT GODDAMN IT.

Anyway here you go.

Also, don't worry, you captured Erised just right and I can't draw shoes either lmao.

So that's all I have to say! I'm sorry, once again if my update schedule is really messy and clunky. I wish I could make it up to you guys but I really can't make promises I can't keep since I don't want to disappoint y'all.

Have a nice morning! I need to go to sleep. It's like, 5 am jfc