CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
↳ slapping malfoy and beating slytherin

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Elara was spiralling down a small, lilting rabbit hole, thinking endlessly about poor Hagrid and Buckbeak. It was awful, that poor Hippogriff didn't deserve such a fate. She could only hope that he'd be let off. Sometimes, she wondered if murder was illegal if you had a reason, but then she realised Azkaban wasn't the nicest, "Malfoy's dad's frightened the Committee into it," Hermione sniffled, wiping her eyes. She took a shaky breathe. "You know what he's like. They're a bunch of doddery old fools, and they were scared. There'll be an appeal, though, there always is. Only I can't see any hope... Nothing will have changed." It was so awful. It was a misunderstanding, sure the Hippogriff did scratch Draco Malfoy ( he deserved it ), that was something they couldn't lie about, but they've only told one perspective which insights foul play. If anything, they should be looking at whether or not the Hippogriff was enticed to attack. Then, the ministry would see past Lucius Malfoy's foulness and realise that this was all an accident that was never intended to happen.

"Do the ministry not realise they're going be a biased argument?" Elara questioned, Hermione looking up sheepishly realising she was still holding onto Elara, allowing her tears to soak her shirt. "Draco's dearest father is a biased cunt." Hermione gasped out at her wording, whereas Ron and Harry both laughed. It was no secret that Elara was a frequent user of swear words. "I ought to sock him in, do you think papa will care if Malfoy ends up in the infirmary with a concussion?"

"Didn't Professor Lupin warn you about throwing rocks at people?" Harry asked her. It was rather amusing that her own dad would have to remind her to not throw rocks at people. It made him wonder how frequent it happened.

Elara shrugged. "He never said anything about punching," she cracked her knuckles, looking down at them as she did so. Hermione grimaced, though took a moment to consider the fact.

Ron coughed back some laughter, punching his friend playfully on the shoulders. He turned his attention onto Hermione who was still sniffling. "You won't have to do all the work alone this time, Hermione. I'll help." He exclaimed ferociously, wanting to help his good friend. He felt so awful, considering how he barely helped prior but now he really wanted to help.

"Oh, Ron!" Hermione broke away from the hug Elara was giving her and ( much to Elara's subtle jealousy ) gave Ron an awkward hug, sobbing into his shoulders. Ron looked frantically at Elara mouthing an apology, one he deeply meant when he noticed a flash of sadness crossed her face. He knew just how much Elara loved Hermione and didn't harbour any romantic feelings for her but knew this scene could be interpreted as something more than what it is. "Ron, I'm really, really sorry about Scabbers..." she cried out. She truly did feel bad and her cried of sorrow exclaimed how much she really did care.

Hermione finally let go of Ron, much to his delight. It wasn't that he didn't like her, it was just that he felt rather lightheaded. "Oh - well - he was old and he was a bit useless. You never know, Mum and Dad might get me an owl now." He tried to make the situation better, although he did miss Scabbers.

Elara snorted, knowing the rat was actually a cowardice man who hid for twelve years out of fear and selfishness, she absolutely despised him. Not to mention he had bit her, she'd always despise him for that. She felt more revolted that a grown man decided to bite a child, a literal child. There was something sketchy about him there. "Useless is an understatement," she muttered out, crossing her arms.

Ever since her dad had decided to go against her word and break it, Hogwarts had been made so uptight. It felt more and more like a prison as the days passed by. They couldn't even go and offer Hagrid any proper emotional support, considering how they didn't have the Invisibility cloak and the rules were so strict. Care of Magical Creatures seemed to be the only time they could converse with the teacher, but even then it was nothing like visiting him in his hut. Elara felt an immense about of pity for Hagrid. He just was trying to do his best and now his Hippogriff was going to be executed for something as pitiful as scratching a student.

"It's my fault. Got all tongue-tied. They was all sitting there in black robes and I kept dropping me notes and forgetting all them dates you looked up for me, Hermione. And then Lucius Malfoy stood up and said his bit, and the Committee just did exactly what he told them..." Hagrid sniffled out, his accent seeping into his words as he cried out.

"There's still the appeal!" said Ron fiercely. "Don't give up yet, we're working on it!"

"Yeah!" Elara turned and nodded her head at Ron. "The whole ruling was a bunch of biased bullshit! I'm sure the tables will turn!" She tried to comfort, however she knew that Lucius Malfoy did have a lot of influence which, in comparison to Hagrid, was so much more influential. It felt like the odds weren't on their side. Hermione had to literally keep an arm around Elara so that she didn't go stomping up the group of snickering Slytherins who found great amusement in the whole event.

"It's no good, Ron, Elara," mumbled Hagrid tearfully. His eyes looked defeated and anguished. "That Committee's in Lucius Malfoy's pocket. I'm just gonna make sure the rest of Beaky's time is the happiest he's ever had. I owe him that..." Poor Hagrid. Elara couldn't help but want nothing more than to free the Hippogriff herself, but she knew she couldn't. They could only hope he'd be let off.

"Look at him blubber!" The three Slytherins all were laughing at Hagrid and all his sorrow at the fact he could lose his friend. "Have you ever seen anything quite as pathetic?" said Malfoy. "And he's supposed to be our teacher!"

Elara expected many things. She expected either Ron or Harry to go up and slap that ferret some sense, but nothing prepared her for what happened. Hermione Granger's tight grasp on her sweater loosened and Elara turned and watched, mouth agape, as the bushy haired Gryffindor marched up to the bleach blonde haired and slapped him across the face. "Holy shit," Elara mumbled out, a blush drifting onto her face as she saw her crush do that. She was tempted to throw some rocks at the group, but the risks of having her prized rock collection taken away haunted her, so instead she stayed to listen.

Noticing Hermione's expression, Elara walked up besides her, standing firmly. "Don't you dare call Hagrid pathetic, you foul - you evil -" Elara firmly grabbed onto Hermione before she could swing again. She didn't need to touch anything revolting for a second time.

Elara glared at Draco in particular. "Do us all a favour and fuck off," she spat out. "Don't go crying to daddy either, we don't need you having worms for hair, don't want to harm the worms," she and Hermione both brought out their wands, pointing them firmly at the trio. They looked absolutely confounded, blinking at the two girls who were holding hands as they raised their wands threateningly.

"C'mon." Malfoy muttered, and in a moment, all three of them scurried away into the passageway to the dungeons, not trying back to the two threatening witches.

Elara and Hermione turned to a gasping Ron and Harry. "Hermione, Elara!" Ron gasped out. He didn't notice how they were still holding hands. The girls didn't even realise they were, all they could feel was their hearts beating. "That was bloody brilliant,"

"Harry, you'd better beat him in the Quidditch final!" Hermione exclaimed. "You just better had, because I can't stand it if Slytherin wins!" Elara nodded and Harry also agreed. Everyone was rooting for Gryffindor, they had to win. The whole thought of victory was so encouraging, it would mark a brilliant time. A time where Professor Snape's ugly grin would be washed away, where Draco Malfoy's boisterous persona would be watered down, where maybe a moment of realism would dawn over some Slytherins and they'd realise that cheating will never equate to victory.

There were so many things Elara had thought about. Her mind seemed too occupied by the thoughts of Hermione's soft hands intertwined with hers, how the girls didn't let go of each other's hands until the last second, how many things occurred that caused her to blush Elara was extremely concerned for Hermione though. She had a feeling where the girl was and by frankly she was extremely worried. Hermione was clearly overwhelming herself, bringing herself past where she should be. If anything, Elara firmly believed Hermione should just drop some classes and resume to a usual schedule. All Elara could think about what the bushy haired Gryffindor who she held hands with not even an hour ago. She couldn't help but think about how Hermione was so amazing, the cheering charm amplified the emotions she felt when holding her hand. Happiness. All she could feel in her chest was the happiness as her heart thundered heavily and a blush coated her face.

Even when telling her friends about the whole thing ( which included Hermione slapping Draco and the whole situation with Buckbeak ), she couldn't help but blush. "YOU HELD HANDS WITH-" Cedric had nearly exclaimed in glee when his young friend told him about the events. "Sorry," he mumbled sheepishly when Morgan slapped his hand over his mouth.

"Screw you and Hermione holding hands, SHE SLAPPED MALFOY?" Lois proclaimed with a smile. Elara nodded and went to take a bit of her sandwich. "I can see why you're attracted to her," Gaia slapped her side. "What? It's the truth!" Gaia rested her head on Lois' shoulder as she ate more and more of her yogurt. The two seemed extremely close, so Elara gave Cedric a look and mouthed 'are they dating?' and the boy shrugged.

You see, Elara and Cedric made this bet during the summer about when Lois and Gaia would get together. Elara betted by the end of the next school year, whereas Cedric betted by the end of their school time. By the looks of things, Elara was correct, but they had no solid proof. Solid proof meant Elara would have a few extra galleons and an array of chocolate frogs, she was not going to lose the bet.

"S-So L-Lars," Wisteria stuttered out. Elara turned her attention onto the first year who was looking over a textbook. "W-w-wha-what h-have y-you go-got n-n-ne-next?"

Swallowing down her sandwich, Elara replied. "I have- erm- divination?" she was pretty sure it was her next lesson, but wasn't certain. She got out her timetable and looked over at it. "Yes, I do," she clarified her confusion.

"Why did you even take divination?" Morgan piped up. He was entirely curious about why she decided to take the class. It wasn't that he thought it was useless- scrap that, Morgan thought it was entirely useless. But he wanted to see her perspective.

"It's interesting," Elara offered. She unwrapped some chocolate, taking a delicate bite of chocolate out of it and stuffing it into her mouth. "I like to believe there is a potential to see beyond what is normal," Elara, much on the contrary to her friends, actually found divination fun. Despite the eccentric teacher who'd flinch at the sight of Harry Potter, the class was interesting. The whole concept of predicting one's future was so fascinating and reading about it was more than enjoyable. She actually managed to do well in the class, which confused her immensely as she wasn't the world's most talented at school, in fact it was mostly boring. Transfigurations, Charms and Divination were the only classes she managed to do exceptionally well, mostly as they were not as boring. You see, Elara may be smart, but that doesn't mean she likes school. She can read a book that's well over a thousand pages and enjoy it within a week, but give her a potions book and tell her she has to read four chapters and she won't have the will to even touch it. The group seemed to talk for ages, that was until they all had lessons and Elara had to climb up to the classroom. It wasn't that eventful, the lesson was shrouded around crystal balls. Professor Trelawney tried her best, although her supposed 'predictions' were more of her telling the class what she was planning.

Once again, Elara was partnered with Claire, the two girls deciding not to actually do any work until the professor would walk by. It was a mutual understanding that they could just read about what they needed to know. The lesson went as normal, Claire asking about how everything was and Elara occasionally taking a sip of her drink while she sat back and read the information given about Crystal Balls. They were interesting to say the least. Much better than what they had done prior.

Suddenly, just like every other lesson, they heard Professor Trelawney breathe out. "My dear, It is here, plainer than ever before... my dear, stalking toward you, growing ever closer... the Gr -" Elara had a 99% accurate pin point that what Trelawney was seeing was not the Grim. You see, she knew a very big black dog who was scarily similar to the omen and that dog was playfully nicknamed 'Fluffy'. While she may be seeing this, Twelawny was interpreting what she saw incorrectly. Sometimes you've got to state the obvious and just say you see a big black dog which means you'll meet them.

Finally Hermione must have had enough. "Oh, for goodness' sake!" Snapped Hermione. Elara's eyes darted to look at where she sat. "Not that ridiculous Grim again!"

Professor Trelawney raised her eyes to Hermione's face, studying her features for a moment, her large bug like eyes staring intensely at Hermione."I am sorry to say that from the moment you have arrived in this class my dear, it has been apparent that you do not have what the noble art of Divination requires. Indeed, I don't remember ever meeting a student whose mind was so hopelessly mundane." Claire turned to Elara, who looked completely shocked with the teacher's statement. Teachers weren't meant to discourage! Poor Hermione. Elara couldn't help but think.

For a moment, no one uttered a word. The boldness of the statement deafened the class into complete silence. Everyone anticipated Hermione's response. The once uptight, calm, Gryffindor was now replaced with a contrasting demeanour. "Fine!" Yelled out Hermione, she repeated this again in a fit of rage, standing up. Elara definitely was going to follow her, her friend looked so tired and done. "I give up! I'm leaving!"

Everyone was still shocked and in silence when Elara followed the girl closely behind. Her bag swung over her shoulders as she hurried down and started walking behind Hermione. "Hermione," she managed to catch up to her, grabbing onto the girl's arm. "Hermione, calm down!" Hermione's brown eyes snapped up to meet Elara's.

"What is it?" She asked out. She was clearly tired and overworked. Elara loosened her grip on her arm.

"You're tired," she stated simply.

"I am not,"

"Oh really?" Elara crossed her arms around her chest. "Let me go through plenty of things. Your bags under your eyes are astronomically huge, you're attitude - bloody hell - you're literally breaking," Elara looked at her, worried and pitiful. "You need to give Professor McGonagall back the time turner," Hermione knew she was being deathly serious, she didn't call her the Transfigurations teacher 'Minnie' like she playfully would. Hearing her say 'Professor McGonagall' seemed so foreign and wrong. "You've got to! You're on the brink of collapsing from exhaustion," she worried over her friend too much. Elara hated seeing Hermione so tired and worn out, this Time Turner was messing her up and soon she would crack, Elara knew it.

"Elara I'm fine," Hermione muttered out. "You shouldn't worry about me," she tried to push away Elara's concern and worries, not wanting her to be so nervous about how she was.

"You're giving me something to worry about," Elara said. She sighed out. "If you don't find a proper way of having spare time and not stressing, them I will personally see to it that Profess- Minnie takes away the Time Turner and you have a normal schedule," She laughed out, pulling Hermione tightly into a hug. "Hermione, I love you so much, I hate seeing you so stressed," and while Hermione would always believe that the 'I love you' was in a platonic display of affection, Elara meant those words in a completely new context, one that Hermione could only dream of in her wildest dreams.

As much as Elara hoped Hermione would listen, she knew the girl was too stubborn. Even during the Easter holidays, the Gryffindor continued to overwhelm herself beyond where she should be and it would be no surprise if she had a moment where she'd burn out. Despite the overwhelming energy of the school year, there was some excitement with the Quidditch match where Slytherin versed Gryffindor. Elara wasn't that much of a fan, but nevertheless she decided to go to show support for Gryffindor.

"L-lar-lara d-d-do yo-you think m-my p-poster I-is g-good?" Wisteria asked as the group began walking out to the field. The small girl was holding a massive poster that exclaimed 'GO LIONS' in massive bold red letters. It was simple, yet stood out beautifully. Wisteria was heavily self conscious about her poster because it was more 'muggle' in comparison to everyone else's but it was probably the most well thought out.

Gaia was showing exceedingly good support for Gryffindor, sporting a red jumper and some red beads in her hair. She seemed excited for the match, the girl loving Quidditch massively. She would've been on the Slytherin team, but, of course, their captain was heavily prejudiced. "Eria, don't worry your poster is lovely," the Slytherin said, her thick British accent wavering when she said 'lovely'. Gaia grabbed Wisteria's poster and held it under her arm. "Now come on!! I want to see them get their arses beat!" The entire field was buzzing with noise, screaming with glee for the game. Practically everyone was supporting Gryffindor, which made the whole game so exhilarating because there was an unwavering amount of support for the team. Elara had a feeling they'd win.

Soon enough, the Gryffindor team arrived. "And here are the Gryffindors!" Exclaimed Lee Jordan, up in his usual position as commentator ( he was brilliant as a commentator, made the game more enjoyable ). "Potter, Bell, Johnson, Spinnet, Weasley, Weasley, and Wood. Widely acknowledged as the best team Hogwarts has seen in a good few years -"

Now cue the boo's that came from two hundred or so people. Bloody hell, they're trying to keep some self preservation. "And here come the Slytherin team, led by Captain Flint. He's made some changes in the lineup and seems to be going for size rather than skill -" Elara snickered to herself. He had a point, there was no denying that. The bulkier, the better, seemed to be their beliefs. Although, Elara doubted it was well thought out.

There wasn't that much to talk about. They shook hands, mounted their brooms and began. Elara had no clue what was going on, but Lee's commentary was helping her a little. She didn't pay much attention to how it went, the rule book was exceedingly boring and she couldn't get past a few pages without feeling bored out of her mind. Elara could easily sum up everything in one sentence: fuck Slytherin. You see, they decided cheating was going to be their best friend and decided to sabotage the players to the best of their ability. It wasn't the fairest and Cedric had cussed them out on numerous occasions. Sometimes, Morgan would smack him but the majority of the time it was well needed as he had a point.

"As a Slytherin, I apologise," Gaia had muttered when Flint had decided to be an arse to Angelina and harm her. Gaia, in Elara's opinion, was unapologetically the best Slytherin in the whole school and honestly why couldn't they all be like her? The whole game gave Elara many new opinions. By far her most rational opinion came the moment Fred decided to throw his bat at Flint. She would always remember that moment as an iconic moment and cheered him especially loud.

Soon enough, Elara had zoned out. Firstly, the game was getting typical. They cheat, they cheat, who cares at this point?She couldn't help but think about the chocolate frogs she would have when she noticed Lois kiss the top of Gaia's head. That was definitely not platonic, Elara was convinced, but it had to be a snog, not some forehead kiss ( no matter how romantic they were ). "THIRTY-ZERO! TAKE THAT, YOU DIRTY, CHEATING -" she suddenly snapped out her gaze when Lee had exclaimed that. She she no clue what was happening, but from her assumptions, Gryffindor were winning.

"Jordan, if you can't commentate in an unbiased way -"

"I'm telling it like it is, Professor!"

Cedric burst out laughing, holding himself back from collapsing on the ground. Morgan was shaking
his head at his boyfriend, an arm around him to stop Cedric from falling. "HE DIDN'T LIE AT ALL!" Cedric exclaimed out.

Wisteria was trying her best to see the game, but her shortness was not the most assisting. "I-I c-c-can't s-see!" She exclaimed out. Cedric turned his attention onto the girl and bent down so she could get a piggy back from him. The two Hufflepuffs looked absolutely adorable and they both cheered out for Gryffindor.

"Ha haaa!" yelled Lee Jordan, Elara had no clue why he was yelling that out, but had a feeling Slytherin was doing something stupid. "Too bad, boys! You'll need to get up earlier than that to beat a Firebolt! And it's Gryffindor in possession again, as Johnson takes the Quaffle - Flint alongside her - poke him in the eye, Angelina! - it was a joke, Professor, it was a joke - oh no - Flint in possession, Flint flying toward the Gryffindor goal posts, come on now, Wood, save -!"
The swear word that escaped Lee Jordan's mouth that day was something Minnie was appalled at. Then again, she wouldn't 'fire' him because he was the only person who was capable of telling Fred and George apart. "Sorry, Professor, sorry! Won't happen again! So, Gryffindor in the lead, thirty points to ten, and Gryffindor in possession -"

Elara was beyond confused now. "WHY THE FUCK ARE THEY EVEN TOLERATING THEM?" She screamed out when the team decked in green was once again acting foul. Cedric was also belting out a colourful array of swear words that poor Wisteria didn't need to hear.

She couldn't really pay attention to anything other than Lee's commentary. At this point, his reactions really did capture the essence of the moment. "YOU CHEATING SCUM!" The megaphone was being held out of Minerva McGonagall's reach while Lee Jordan expressed his opinions, very colourfully. "YOU FILTHY, CHEATING B -" Watching Minnie reminded Elara that the Professor was just as angry as the rest. She looked so fed up at this point in her life, Elara swore her hair looked more grey than usual. "Slytherin in possession, Slytherin heading for goal - Montague scores -" Lee groaned. "Seventy-twenty to Gryffindor..."

"HOLY SHIT COME ON!" Morgan, as much as he disapproved of the language Wisteria was hearing, now joined in at the group's swearing fest. Daphne wasn't paying a lot of attention, but the screams of support she exclaimed told Elara enough. As the game perused, Elara knew more and more. From Minnie's actual passion in winning to the colourful vocabulary displayed, she learnt more and more about everyone. It was actually quite enjoyable. Soon enough, much to the anticipation to many, Harry caught the Golden snitch and the game resulted with Gryffindor's triumph. Morgan and Lois were literally brought to tears and Cedric had pointed out Professor Snape's grimace at the outcome. Wisteria had gotten off Cedric's shoulders and jumped onto Elara, giving her a massive hug.

The day seemed perfect and complete, like a day like no other. The cheering and exclaims of delight echoed in the arena beautifully and the cried of disappointment from Slytherin were washed away by the yells of victory from everyone else. However, soon Elara noticed some Slytherins cheering for Gryffindor's success and for once, it didn't feel like the school was split into sections depending on your personality.
It felt more like everyone was one happy family and that the house rivalry was wiped away.

With Wisteria's screams of joy, Morgan and Lois' tears of victory, Daphne and Gaia's exclaims of happiness and Cedric's continuous cussing, everything felt more and more perfect as the minutes passed. It all felt more and more perfect when the team in red held the cup in their grasps and everyone erupted into chorused cheering for them. Those moments really did remind Elara just how magical it was to be a witch at Hogwarts and she would always be grateful that she had the opportunity to even experience this.

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OKAY I'VE COME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT I HATE WRITING QUIDDITCH- LIKE NO THANKS LUV xx 💗
ALSO I REALLY WANNA CREATE A PLAYLIST FOR THIS BOOK ON SPOTIFY WITH BOTH INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC AND ACTUAL SINGING SONGS SO LIKE IF THERE'S A CERTAIN SONG THAT REMINDS YOU OF SOMETHING WITH THIS BOOK THEN PLEASE TELL ME THE NAME AND I'LL ADD IT TO THE PLAYLIST-
I'm already adding Heather and a bunch of girl in red songs because yes-

Heather also plays a huge influence on GOF- so I'm unapologetically apologising for any pain-

At this point, I'm feeling very self conscious with whether this act is taking too long. I'm going to try my best and get though the chapters. probably the next will be them doing their exams and then hopefully we will progress to the actual, sirius drama.

ID LIKE TO THANK YOU ALL FOR 8K- IM SO SHOCKED AND SO EMOTIONALLY MOVED THAT YOU ALL ACTUALLY LIKE READING THIS PIECE OF SHIT-

you've made this sappy fifteen year old extremely moved and I thank you all from the bottom of my heart- 😭✌️

ALSO IM ON EPISODE THREE OF ANNE WITH AN E AND COLE HAS MY HEART
😭✌️

Why do I keep using "😭✌️"?

never mind 😭✌️

i bring an update from 2022 and OHMYGOD 153K???? THATS UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!