∘₊✧──────✧₊∘

HOGSMEADE was still beautiful—even more than usual when the trees had their leaves turned orange and yellow due to the autumn weather.

As cold as the weather was, Athena felt the warmth in her heart as she watched her friends run around Honeydukes sweet shop.

Dorian Nott was grinning ear to ear, holding up the bag filled with two dozen licorice wands Cygnus Black had bought him like he promised the week before.

He made his way over to Athena, who was standing by the door of the shop with crossed arms, holding a bag of different types of candy as well. Lucinda managed to convince her to try out new candies. "You're too boring. One day, you're going to miss these days and wish you tried every single candy," she had argued.

Athena had only shaken her head fondly, but listened to her friend for once and actually got different types of candies. She was, however, most excited for the chocolate frogs. And as she thought about it, her mouth watered.

Looking away from the boy approaching her, she peered into her bag and pulled out a chocolate frog, opening the package hastily. She caught the chocolate frog when it jumped, biting its head off in one motion.

"Merlin, you make me want to accuse Cygnus of eating my chocolate frogs as well," said Dorian, staring longingly at the chocolate in her hand with a dreamy sigh.

Athena rolled her eyes fondly, and with a small smile, she handed the rest over to him, not arguing when he took the whole thing and plopped it in his mouth.

Just then, the soft chime of the bell at the entrance caught their attention, and Dorian froze mid-chew. Athena's brows furrowed in confusion as she turned to see who had entered. Her heart skipped a beat when she recognized the newcomer—Isadora Flint.

Isadora exuded an air of effortless confidence as she stepped inside, her dark hair cascading in waves over her shoulders and her eyes scanning the shop with a keen interest. She let out a small laugh when her friend said something into her ear by her side, showing off her dimples.

And as if feeling someone's eyes on her, Isadora's gaze slid to Dorian's immediately, her smile growing only a tad bit wider. It was hard not to appreciate how easygoing and fun she seemed, and even as a part of Athena felt a twinge of protectiveness over Dorian somehow, she couldn't deny the appeal of Isadora's lively spirit.

Isadora's friend dragged her by grabbing her arm and pulling her into the shop, but her eyes remained on Dorian's. "I'll be right there!" She called out after the girl, who let go of her arm and groaned but let her be.

She turned to Dorian and finally noticed Athena, shifting from one foot to the other in her presence almost immeditely. It was hard not to feel out of place around Athena Malfoy, who radiated an air of confidence and superiority in the way she held herself.

But they were all purebloods—all taught to do the same thing.

Yet, Isadora knew she was nothing like her family.

Dorian swallowed the chocolate frog in his mouth, his lips twitching upwards. "Hi, Isa—Flint." He quickly corrected himself, glancing at Athena who was trying to keep her laughter in. He looked back at the girl, his heart skipping a beat at her beauty.

"Won't you introduce us?" Athena asked, her lips twitching as she fought to keep her laughter in. She couldn't help but notice the flicker of hesitation in Isadora's eyes, a telltale sign of her shyness. It sparked a wave of sympathy in Athena. "Dorian knows no manners," she teased, extending her hand with a warm smile. "I'm Athena."

"Isadora," the girl replied, her own smile blooming as she grasped Athena's hand, shaking it gently. There was a softness in Isadora's touch that felt inviting. When they let go, Isadora glanced around the shop, her gaze darting to ensure no one was eavesdropping. Then, her expression turned playful as she focused on Dorian. "And tell me about it. This guy has yet to ask me to spend time with him in Hogsmeade."

Dorian flushed slightly, scratching the back of his neck somehow even with the bag of licorice wands he was holding. "I—uh—well, I didn't think you'd want to spend time with me in front of others," he stammered, a sheepish grin creeping onto his face.

Athena shook her head fondly, a smile still on her face at the shyness between the two.

"Nobody's focused on us." Isadora waved a hand—a motion that brought focus onto the expensive rings on her fingers. Her eyes went onto the bag he was holding. "I didn't know you liked licorice wands that much. I thought your favorite was chocolate frogs?"

Dorian waved a finger side to side, a mischievous look in his eyes. "Ah, Isa, that was my favorite last month. This month, my favorite is licorice wands." He held up the bag filled with two dozen of them, as if to prove a point.

Isadora only rolled her eyes fondly, but a blush crept upon her cheeks at the nickname used. She already knew Athena knew about her secret relationship with Dorian, but did not know to what extent.

"Isadora!" her friend called out a moment later, giving her a look as if to hurry.

Isadora shot her an apologetic look, then looked at Dorian. "I've got to go. Save some of those for me?" She asked with a small grin, turning to Athena. "It was nice to meet you, Athena."

"You too," replied Athena genuinely, watching as the girl left after giving one last look to Dorian and catching up with her friend.

She turned to his face, opening her mouth to say something but immediately shutting it closed when she noticed the blush on his cheeks and the way his eyes followed Isadora's every move.

"I'd give her the whole bag," he mumbled.

"Is that your declaration of your undying love?" teased Athena.

"It is." Dorian nodded solemnly, snapping out of it when someone clapped his shoulder. He turned to glare at the person, but Cygnus did get him two dozen licorice wands that he couldn't wait to share with Isadora after curfew, so his glare quickly turned into a grin. "Bought your betrothed enough sweets, Black?"

"Never," replied Cygnus with a hint of admiration in his words, glancing at Druella by his side.

Lucinda made a gagging sound as she reached them, Abraxas by her side. "Your brother is acting like a gentleman," she complained to Athena, grimacing in disgust as she glanced at the boy who rolled his eyes. The bag in her hand was filled to the brim with sweets—which would have concerned Athena, but it was typical for her friend. "He paid for me. It does not suit him."

"I am a Malfoy. I have been raised to act like a distinguished gentleman—"

"And I'm a Gryffindor," Athena cut her twin brother off sarcastically.

Dorian burst into laughter, clutching onto a scowling Abraxas for support who promptly shoved him off.

Druella was merely shaking her head fondly with a smile tugging on her lips, while Cygnus was looking outside the window.

Even Lucinda was grinning.

"I wish Dolohov was here to hear that!" exclaimed Dorian, still laughing as they walked out of the sweetshop.

Antonin Dolohov, instead of joining them at Hogsmeade, had decided to spend the free time and use the opportunity to visit his mother at St. Mungo's after taking permission from Headmaster Dippet.

Riddle wasn't with them, either. Apparently, Hogsmeade was 'a waste of time' to him.

Athena knew the boy was probably just allergic to fun.

Cygnus shoved a young third-year Gryffindor out of Druella's way after leaving the shop, sneering as the boy stumbled and hurried off, his cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "Watch where you're going," he barked, his voice dripping with disdain. He turned to his betrothed, making sure she was alright before they continued following their friends.

"Where to next?" Athena asked, ignoring what Cygnus had done just like all of them did.

Because even when the whole school did not like them, they had to have each other's backs, even in small things.

"The Three Broomsticks!" exclaimed Lucinda excitedly.

Athena turned her attention back to Lucinda, her heart softening at her friend's enthusiasm. "Sure. I'd love a butterbeer in this weather," she said, shrugging. The cool autumn air nipped at her skin, reminding her that she probably should have opted for a cozy sweater instead of just her long-sleeved black shirt. She glanced sideways as they walked, realizing they were already nearing the pub.

The Three Broomsticks stood proudly at the end of the cobblestone street, its sign swinging gently in the wind, the warm glow of light spilling from the windows.

As they approached, Athena's gaze wandered.

She couldn't help but look around, taking in the vibrant scene of Hogsmeade bustling with students and townsfolk alike, laughter echoing through the air.

Then her eyes landed on a couple across the street, wrapped up in their own little world.

A boy was slipping his jacket off and draping it over a girl's shoulders, their laughter ringing sweetly through the crisp air.

Recognition dawned on Athena, and a smile broke across her face.

It was Titus Lestrange and his betrothed, Vivian Greengrass. The two of them looked utterly radiant, lost in each other's company, their joy infectious.

"Coming?" Lucinda asked, her voice breaking through Athena's reverie as she held the door of the pub open, concern etching her features. Following her gaze back to the door, Athena realized she had been standing there, lost in thought. Lucinda's expression softened, and understanding washed over her. "They look..."

"Happy," Athena finished, her smile fading slightly as she watched Titus and Vivian share a moment, the warmth between them obvious. A pang of loneliness settled in her chest, a familiar ache that made her feel a bit hollow inside. She turned her gaze back to Lucinda, determined to shake off the feeling. "I need that butterbeer."

Lucinda's eyes sparkled with mischief as she grinned. "And maybe a bottle of firewhiskey?" she teased, raising an eyebrow.

"Make it two," Athena replied with a small laugh, matching her friend's tone as she stepped into the welcoming warmth of the Three Broomsticks.