The grounds of Hogwarts were always more magical when snow kissed the grounds, crystals hung from trees and the stone over the bridge. There was something peculiarly beautiful about it, not many people spent too much time outside during that time of year. It was far too cold, many preferring the warmth that radiated inside the Hogwarts wall than anything else. Which left the school grounds facade, left with nothing but shivering trees and free blankets of snow.

Winnie often preferred to venture outside during those times, bundled up so tightly the chance of the cold tickling her skin was limited. Her hair fell in soft waves against the black of her fur coat, fresh from a shower she took early that morning, leaving the smell of strawberries to follow after her. She had a pair of light blue earmuffs covering her ears, it didn't match the harsh crimson of her Gryffindor scarf, usually she would steal Cordelia's scarf, the green matching with the blue much better. But considering her current situation, she dealt with the unmatched pieces that day.

Two nights had fallen over them since the last time she spoke to Cordelia, ever since then she had avoided her cousin as if she were Dragon Pox. Despite the fact it hurt her to do so, Winnie understood when she wasn't wanted, and avoidance was her cup of tea.

She shoved her chin under the warmth material of her scarf, allowing the fabric to come up and rest under her nose. Her fingers were wrapped in thin black gloves, while she wore thick shoes that fell just above her knees. They were dragon leather, one of the rare things that she was left with since she was disowned, she had found them under her bed that morning, she had nearly thanked Merlin rather loudly too.

She had opted out of breakfast that Saturday morning, instead she took the chance on roaming the grounds. The sun was shining, making the snow glimmer like a thousand stars. The blonde had placed a pair of muggle sunglasses on her face in order to preserve her eyes from the harsh rays, Hermione had let her borrow them once she found out where Winnie was going. They were all black and simple with rectangle frames, Winnie had invited her to come along, but the brunette had insisted she had to spend the day in the library. Winnie hadn't asked further after that.

The girl lifted a clothed hand, pushing up the frames on the crook of her nose as she walked outside towards the grounds. The snow crunching under the weight of her feet as she watched a blue bird fly through the air, so like the bright blue sky that sat void of fluffy clouds. Winnie couldn't say she enjoyed the winter much, she much preferred warmth and the sight of vibrant flowers blooming from the ground. Though even she couldn't deny the beauty of winter when the sun was full and the sky was void of snow storms.

It was one of the rare moments when Winnie's Bulstrode simply existed in time, where she pretended that she wasn't dealing with five hundred things on her shoulders. For the first time in over the past few days, she felt like she could breathe in nothing but fresh air, letting it explode in her lungs with crisp breaths. Being outside, where the air nipped at her nose, her mind swirled with only herself inside of it. Especially not the fact that Umbridge had posted another degree that morning, Winnie suspected soon they would have a full wall of plaques lining the Great Hall.

She had endured detention after detention with the women, though she wasn't as vocally rude or asking for a death wish as she was when they originally returned from break. Which Winnie suspected was a relief on Harry, who had seemed tense and rigid every time she entered the tiny pink room. Though Winnie had a funny inkling it was due to the fact her and Cordelia had practically spared off in a deathmatch in front of him. The brunette hadn't gotten angry at him for being with her, though she suspected he was waiting for her to, anytime she walked by him or showed up where he was, his eyes widened and he became incredibly awkward.

Though Winnie was slightly embarrassed that he had in fact witnessed her outburst, she was content pretending it never even happened. Besides, with OWL's growing closer and Hermione following after her speaking about colour coded study guides, she was far too occupied to worry about Harry and Cordelia.

Which she was in fact not at all worried about. Even if she did notice that Harry seemed a little more calmer around the brunet, and even if she did find it incredibly odd how they were together that night in the first place. A fact that she knew nothing about, nor did she know when they originally started sneaking away together.

But Winnie wasn't worried, nor was she curious, thank you very much!

( Nor did she slightly ask Theo the day prior when in Herbology if Cordelia saw Harry recently. )

"Winnie!" The blonde glanced up from the snow she was walking in, her hazel eyes falling onto one of the very male who her cousin had taken an interest in since the start of the year.

"Harry," she greeted, coming to a stop as the boy came up beside her, his face bright red from the cold air that swirled around them. She reached up, tucking her scarf in under her chin so he could hear her more clearly. "Finally decided to stop avoiding me did you?" She teased softly, her shoulders sagging with a heavy emotion, reminiscent of too quick cream as she peered over at a wide eyed Harry Potter, who shuffled his feet against the snow. "Relax, Harry, I'm joking." She smiled, nudging him with her arm as she turned towards him, her back falling to rest against the stone of the side of the school. Desperately hoping her words would calm the anxiety storm happening in his chest.

"Oh, right," he mumbled, stifling an awkward laugh as her smile faded. She glanced down at her shoes, the tips covered in snowflakes that gusted up from the ground. "Er ... are you alright?" He questioned slowly, causing her to glance up at him and her frown deepened. That heavy feeling nudged deeper, making swirls of tension push upon her shoulders and she swallowed thickly, breathing heavily through her nose.

"I'm fine Harry," she sighed, fixing her scarf for something to do with her hands, suddenly missing not wearing gloves, as it restricted her from twisting her ring against her finger. She watched as his lips pulled into a line, his hand reaching up and running nervously through his hair, causing it to stand out at several ends. "Is that all you wanted?" She asked after he stood not saying anything more, she pretended not to feel the awkward wind twirl around them, as if he felt like he was pulled on two strings. The perfect peace of the morning dwindled away as frustration crawled back into her system.

"No, no," he paused again, pressing his lips into a thin line as the girl furrowed her eyebrows at him. "You know I'm your friend right?" He questioned suddenly, catching her off guard for a moment as she blinked.

"Why are you asking me this?" She questioned back, ignoring the way he rolled his eyes behind his glasses. "Look, you don't have to feel as if you're choosing sides or anything. I honestly don't care," Winnie admitted, crossing her arms across her chest as she kept her back leaned against the stone.

"What?" Harry questioned, eyebrows furrowed as Winnie breathed heavily through her nose.

"Me and Cordelia, I assume you're being weird because you witness," she paused, moving her hands in a circle. "Whatever that was the other night, and whatever you got going on with Cordelia, you're just feeling weird or whatever." Winnie shrugged, looking down at her shoes as she kicked up a gust of snow with her foot.

"Oh," she heard him mutter, though she didn't glance up at him. She snorted bitterly, chewing down on her bottom lip before she sighed.

"It's really fine Harry, you worry too much," she tried to tease him slightly, her lips tilting upwards as he rolled his eyes once more.

"I'm just not used to seeing you guys not talking. It feels like a fever dream," he sighed softly, while Winnie felt her throat clog up again. Her fingers wrinkled together before she pushed out a forceful laugh, making her lips titl up to a smile.

"Yeah, I'd say," she forced out, smiling before she leaned her head back against the stone. She stared up at the sky beyond her glasses that had slid down to the tip of her nose.

"Have you thought more about Padfoot's offer?" Harry questioned after a moment, causing her to place her eyes back at him as she chewed on her lip. Suddenly feeling that Harry was far more curious than what she needed that day.

"A little yeah," she mumbled, smoothing down the snow with her foot. Creating ridges in the snow as it builded up into a tiny hill. The awkwardness drifted around them once again, suddenly making Winnie wonder if she turned and ran, he would simply leave her alone. Blowing out a smoke of cold air from her lips, she pulled her scarf back up around her chin, ready to make up an excuse about schoolwork when another voice wrapped around her.

She looked up then, facing the entrance of the school to spot Theo walking towards them, a smile on his face. His Slytherin scarf was wrapped around his neck while he wore a knitted black hat on top of his hair. Winnie pretended not to feel the small smile that floated across her lips at the sight of him walking towards them.

"Winifred," he beamed, bouncing on his feet as the girl rolled her eyes, annoyance flicking at her nickname. Her attention stayed on him until he came to stand beside her and Harry, his eyes floating over her face with a wide grin before he finally noticed Harry standing next to her. "And Potter."

Winnie reached out and nudged him in the arm, causing him to grin comfortably at her as Harry cleared his throat. "Nott," he greeted, nodding his head and tensing slightly. Though she noticed the way he eyed her and Theo closely, which caused her to step away from Theo slightly, not needing anyone else to assume they were anything. "Right well, I better go find Ron. See you around Winnie," his eyes stayed glued on her for a moment longer, before turning on his heel and striking back through the snow towards the castle. Winnie watched him go, a frown on her face just as Theo swiped in front of her vision, leaving her staring at a chest full of black.

"How did I know you were going to be outside, it's freezing," the boy grumbled, despite the fact a smile was still traced upon his features. The female rolled her eyes, turning to continue her walk towards the frozen lake, knowing Theo would simply follow her.

"It's beautiful outside, I didn't feel like being around others this morning," she shrugged, pushing the sunglasses back up her nose as she started down the hill. Winnie didn't need to explain anything much further to him, he would understand either way without words.

"And yet I found you with Potter," he replied quickly, falling in step beside her easily, considering his longer legs, he was able to fall easily into her stride without much problem. She shot him a narrowed eyed look, glancing up at him as he kept his eyes trained in front of them.

"He found me, don't exactly know why," she trailed off, the feeling of the awkward air that surrounded her and Harry floating around her once again. She frowned, chewing on her bottom lip once again as her feet made small clicking noises against the icy steps. Which she presumed had been magicked to not be slippery so no students slipped and fell when walking on it. "Why are you here?"

"Can't anyone just want to spend time with you?" He questioned, looking over at her as they reached the bottom of the snowy hill. Winnie sighed, rolling her eyes behind her sunglasses.

"Nope," she popped the 'p' as she spoke, her eyes facing the ground as she continued walking. She pulled her eyebrows down across her forehead, lips turning into a frown, she knew if her mother saw her, she would snap at her for giving herself early wrinkles. That thought simply made the wind around her feel a little more bitter than necessary. Trying to get her out of her thoughts, she looked up, expecting to see Theo next to her, when all she was greeted with was an empty space. "Theo?" She questioned turning around the same time a snowball came flying towards her, hitting her square in the chest before she could process what was happening.

She froze, mouth wide as she blinked and looked over at a laughing Theo Nott. Gritting her teeth together, she dipped down towards the ground. Rolling a ball of snow between her gloved fingers, if he wanted to hit her with snowballs without her knowing, she wouldn't certainly return the favour.

Swinging her arm back, she threw the snowball through the air. Causing it to land swiftly onto his left shoulder, causing his laughter to freeze as he looked over at her. She grinned, wiggling her fingers at him just as he smirked, leaning down and swooping up a pile of snow. Realizing what he was doing, she turned on her heel and ran as quickly as her feet would carry her, diving behind a bunch of bushes that was topped with snow. Breathing in deeply through her nose, she pulled her sunglasses off, shoving it in her coat pocket before slowly turning onto her knees. Peeking out of the corner of the bush just as a snowball came soaring towards her. Yelping, she sank back down just in time.

Deciding she wasn't going to just sit there and let him throw balls of snow at her, she scooped up a pile of snow, rolling them into balls rather sloppily. Holding one in the palm of her hand, she quickly shot up, shooting one at him as he darted behind a tree. Biting her lip she scooped up some of her rolled snowballs, quietly making her way towards the tree, leaving her unsheltered and a free range target. Which Theo took for granted, seeing as a snowball ran straight towards her, this time, she only barely missed. The snow pelted straight in the shoulder, as she took off and tossed one towards him.

Despite herself, she laughed lightly as she glanced behind her shoulder, seeing him dropping the snowballs and taking off after her instead. Screaming, she dropped the pile of snow in her arms, before running faster. Her face broke off into a wide smile, the cold air smacking against her face, she suspected it to be bright pink with the chill though she felt nothing but warmth as she continued to run. Until, of course, her foot caught on a twig just as she approached the lake. Letting a yell of surprise fall through her lips, she fell forward, only for her body to snap back up as arms snaked itself around her waist, pulling her up.

Though, before she could detangle herself, her legs intertwined with Theo's by accident, causing the two to top forward and land with a harsh smack against the snow covered ground. Her arms moved around the back of his neck before she could process what she was doing, her back landing against the ground while his body weight flopped down on hers. A groan left her lips as she squeezed her eyes shut, breathing heavily from her opened lips she felt him lift himself up on his elbows.

"Sorry, are you alright?" He questioned slowly, causing her eyes to snap open and greet his own. His face was spotted with red, both from the cold and the warmth from their small snowball fight. She continued to breathe heavily, opening her mouth to reply, but instead of words leaving her mouth, laughter floated from her lips instead. Her eyes squeezed shut as she let one hand fall to her mouth, muffling her laughter as Theo stayed glued on top of her, his weight resting on his elbows. "Oh Merlin, did I break you? Is the great ice princess laughing?" Theo teased, causing her laughter to die down as she rolled her eyes, shifting and turning her gaze to him.

He was smiling, just like always, his lips pulled up into one of his memorizing grins. Straight white teeth fastened and glistened with his green eyes twinkling down on her in amusement. He was close enough for his breath to float down on her face, heavy and warm like the tea that poured down your throat. The smell of cinnamon and slight sweat trickled up her nose as her laughter slowly died out, the hand that was resting against the back of his neck suddenly felt increasingly warm. Despite the fact she wore gloves and his scarf separated their skin from touching, she was sure the heat of his skin was burning into her. Her lips slowly pulled down, eyes wide and tracing his own face as she watched his own eyes flicker down to her lips. She saw and heard him swallow thickly, green eyes tracing her lips, it became acutely aware to her that if either of them moved two inches their lips would be touching.

And for a moment she wondered what it would be like to kiss him.

That thought bubbles in her mind, causing panic to course through her bones, and before she knew it, her hand that rested on her chin was reaching out and grabbing a handful of snow. Pushing it into his face before her eyes widened, realizing what she did. Horrified she let her hand drop to her mouth once more, droplets of snow falling into her lips and into her mouth as she stared wide eyed at him. Snow dropped down onto it from his face, his eyes shut as snow touched his lips, nose and stuck to his eyelashes.

"Oh! I am so sorry, I—" she paused, realizing she had no idea how to explain what she just did. There were no words, in fact, her body felt paralyzed to the ground, despite the fact that snow was melting into her coat and surely making a chill run over her body. She felt nothing but the embarrassment that trailed over her face and body, heating her cheeks from more than just the cold as he rolled off of her. Landing on the snow beside her, she watched as he dragged a hand over his face. Mentally, she was running away to insult a hippogriff, hoping it'll scratch her to death so she didn't have to face Theo anymore. She pushed herself up, leaning on one elbow as she watched him, eyes wide and lips pressed into a worried line.

Until he started to laugh, because of course, Theo Nott would laugh.

"Okay you win," he laughed, opening his eyes and turning his head to look at her. As her lips fell open, eyes narrowing in confusion as he lifted his hand to light push her back down. Her back landing back into the ground she laid on before, head turning to the side to look at him. "I'll crown you the queen of snowball fights," he finished, answering her unanswered question as she let her mouth close, realizing he wasn't absolutely horrified by her.

Though she didn't understand why she would care if he was.

"Why thank you, make sure you tell that to everyone," she breathed, her body relaxing now as she rolled her eyes. Her eyes turning to stare up at the blue sky above them, watching as an owl flew overhead, she let a sigh leave her lips as her eyes closed for a moment. Letting the sun soak into her skin as she laid with her hands resting on the snow, tapping slowly against it.

"I always liked the winter," Theo started, causing her eyes to open as she looked over at him. Seeing his eyes directed upwards near the sky, she traced her eyes across his side profile. His hair curling in under his hat, a few dots against his cheeks, she noticed a slight bump in his nose that she's never seen before. A slight turn almost as if he's broken his nose before. "Not the cold part, of course," he chuckled lightly, turning back to look at her as he smiled.

"I prefer the spring," she admitted softly, her own lip falling upwards in her mind. Her body laid relaxed against the floor, mind void of anything that had paralyzed her the past few days.

"Really? I thought you would've preferred winter," he replied, raising an eyebrow as she sighed, tilting her head up towards the sky once more.

"Hmm no," she hummed, shaking her head slightly. "I don't really like the cold actually, but I don't really like it when it's too warm. That's why I like spring, with all the flowers blooming and all the vibrant colours, it's like everyone is coming back to life, and it's all happy and nice," she mumbled softly, sniffing as the cold ate away at her nose.

"That makes sense," Theo agreed after a few minutes, she heard him shift slightly, feeling his hand come to lay beside her. For a moment, her body stiffened, her finger twitching as she slowly became acutely aware of his knuckles brushing against her own. "I think I prefer winter because of its looks, it's rather beautiful at times isn't it? With the snow on the trees and all the icicles. Not to mention that it's an extra reason to have hot cocoa," his voice trailed off in a joyous tone, she didn't need to look to know he was smiling again.

"Any reason to have hot cocoa is good enough for me," Winnie chuckled softly, her breath hitching as she felt his finger slowly tapped against her own. Her heart flattered, and taking a breath of bravery she moved her hand forward, intertwining their fingers together through their gloved hands. Ignoring the fact that her heart was beating and her blood pounding loudly in her ears, she felt his fingers tightened in her hold. Glancing over at him, her lips almost instantly turned to a smile as she watched the corner of his lips tilt upwards.

Slowly, she heard a sudden voice in her head tell her she had another problem forming in her hands. That problem being Theo Nott, just this time, in a much worse way than ever before.

༺♥༻

Despite the fact that Winnie Buldstrode was a very proud Gryffindor, she had never been openly approached by her head of house. Though, the blonde often spoke to her in class or when it was near the holidays and she exchanged pleasantries with McGonagall, but anything further than that was limited. So to say it was a surprise when McGonagall approached her during dinner later that evening, was an understatement.

Winnie had pulled herself up from the bitter cold snow after her coat was damp enough to create a real chill. Her and Theo had walked back to the castle, their hands still interlocked as she listened to him chat away about Quidditch that year, she never really enjoyed Quidditch much, but she didn't bother telling him that fact. Her mind was too busy thinking about the feel of her hand in his, and the sickening thought that she was sure she'd never forget it.

They had parted ways rather quickly as they entered the castle, or more or less, Winnie suddenly remembered that she was constantly telling Parvati and Lavender that her and Theo were nothing further than just, well, they were just that. She never openly called him a friend, and trying to think about him as one only gave her a headache that felt like she was smacked in the side of the head with a bludger.

So she scurried away with some excuse of having to return books to the library, ( which was true, but technically they weren't due until Wednesday. ) she had gone to the library anyway. Hoping to see Hermione considering she knew the girl would be there, only to find the bushy haired brunette nowhere to be found. Feeling fairly defeated and confused, she disappeared back to the common room. When she found Harry and Ron playing a game of wizarding chess, for a moment, she faltered between disappearing into her room or sitting down next to them.

In the end, the peaceful bliss she had encountered with Theo overran her usual actions, causing her feet to drift over towards the two boys. If they were surprised by her sitting down, they didn't show it. For Ron only smiled slightly, nodding his head and causing his overgrown shaggy red hair to whisk against his chin. She thought he needed it cut, long hair didn't suit him much in her opinion. Harry had glanced at her a moment longer, apparently whatever awkwardness they shared earlier that day vanished by her approaching them, his lips tilted to a smile and a rush of relief floated through her body as she relaxed.

Hermione had joined them roughly fifteen minutes after Winnie sat down, her cheeks flushed and hair overly bushy than usual. She smiled and rather breathlessly made a comment about how the library was packed today, Winnie happened to know for a fact that this was a lie. Winnie had looked her over further for a moment, before deciding not to question why she lied. Instead, keeping it locked in her mind until later, deciding to pay more attention to Hermione from there on out.

The four had drifted down to dinner later that evening, where Winnie had somehow got involved in an eating contest with Ron. To be exact, to test who could eat the most chicken wings, Harry had proceeded to chuckle lightly at the two while Hermione frowned, watching them stove their faces with pieces of chicken.

It was on her fifteen chicken wings when McGonagall approached her, causing the piece of meat to slide down her throat before she could chew. Winnie proceeded to enter a fit of coughs, choking as she heaved, eyes watering from the stinging in her chest while Harry started smacking her lightly on the back.

"Merlins Beard!" Professor McGongall gushed, her eyebrows drawn downward as she suddenly handed a cherry red handkerchief over towards Winnie. Who had finally managed to slow her coughing fit, taking the handkerchief with a furiously blushing face, she dapped at her eyes. "Are you alright? You must've bitten more than you can chew," the elderly lady tsked, Winnie winched slightly, crumpling the silk handkerchief in the palm of her hand.

"You're correct, you just startled me," her voice croaked slightly from the coughing fit moments prior, she heard Ron stuffle a soft chuckle from across the table, which caused her to kick him in under the table. Her eyes facing her Head of House and pretending not to notice the fact that he jumped.

"How may we help you Professor?" Hermione questioned politely, ignoring Ron and Winnie as she held a silver fork in her hand. McGongall turned her eyes away from Ron, who she had shot a rather curious look towards him when he jumped. The elderly woman looked at them through the tiny rectangular lens of her glasses, bright blue eyes twinkling as she pressed her lips into a line. Turning her attention to Winnie lastly, causing the female to straighten her spine, suddenly trying to think of everything she had done that day that could possibly warrant the attention of McGonagall.

"Well actually I'm here for Miss.Bulstrode," the grey haired female paused, the wrinkles on her face moving as she eyed the girl. "Come to my personal office tonight at seven dear, I'll be waiting." And with that, the Head of House turned on her heel, shoes clicking against the floor as she approached the staff table once more. Winnie watched eyebrows drawn down on her forehead as she twisted her ring, trying to wonder what exactly her professor would need her for.

"What do you think she wants you for?" Ron questioned, as the dinner food disappeared from the table, only to be replaced by a wide assortment of desserts. Winnie turned her attention back towards her classmates, her lips pulled into a line as she shrugged.

"Don't know," she replied nonchalantly, putting a piece of strawberry cheesecake on her plate, before plopping a piece in her mouth.

"You don't think it has anything to do with your ... family does it?" Hermione questioned, whispering the last part as Winnie's hand froze in midair. Her mouth slightly open as she stared at Hermione, she let out a breath of air, placing her fork back down on her golden plate.

"I don't really know Hermione, they're not really my family anymore, are they?" She snapped, a little more harshly than she intended to. But before she could even show a bit of guilt, she drowned a cup of water that laid beside her plate, swallowing thickly. "I'm sure it's nothing," she spoke finally, as she laid the cup down on the tab.

"I'm sure you're right, it's probably just about class schedules for next year, she's already spoken to me about it," Harry commented, trying to lighten the mood which Winnie was incredibly thankful for. For that topic knocked Hermione swiftly into gushing about the classes she wanted to take and how she was excited to finally be able to pick her own classes.

Winnie shot Harry a thankful smile, which he returned by only slightly nodding his head. Before her attention drifted to the slice of cheesecake in front of her, she stabbed her fork through the desert, feeling slightly better at realizing that Harry was most likely correct. But as soon as that thought jumbled into her mind, her hand froze on her fork.

If the meeting was about her future, she couldn't help but feel her stomach twist and her hands suddenly become incredibly sweaty. For all her years in school, she hadn't actually found out what she wanted to do. It felt like the go to answer was to say an Auror, but she never enjoyed the thought of always risking her life in some way. Nor did she particularly enjoy the idea of being a teacher, it was one of the many blessings she enjoyed about not being a prefect. Winnie Buldstrode didn't quite like kids, any time she ever tried to see the joy some people got about them, she was left with a headache and her nose wrinkled seeing their sticky fingers.

So a teacher would definitely not be a good idea for her.

She drew out a list in her mind of things she could be, there was Curse Breakers, but she placed that in under the same line as an Auror, if not more dangerous. Most ideas that popped into her head made her stomach twist more, and her mouth screwed into a line.

It wasn't until she was walking back towards her common room that she managed to establish two ideas that didn't seem incredibly horrid to her. One, was a Healer. Though she knew not many people would probably cut her out to be someone to try and help someone, there was a certain type of glow that twisted into her heart at the idea of being able to help heal someone when they hurt. Heal them in a way she never received when she was at her own Manor.

The next one was a job in the Ministry, though she couldn't help but believe the Ministry was terribly horrid and had zero balls to do anything to actually help the world, there was a certain buzz that filled her system at the idea of strolling in and changing the Ministry. After all, someone had to do it, and she couldn't help the small smirk that lifted to her lips at the idea of bossing people around.

The job idea was the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures to be exact, she knew the Ministry seriously lacked on their laws for Magical Creatures. Seeing how terrible werewolves were treated, she figured they desperately needed some changing.

Her stomach had considerably calmed down after she managed to pipe two ideas into her brain, it allowed her to relax and at least watch another game of Wizarding Chess without her leg bouncing up and down like a terribly broken chocolate frog.

Though the nervous quickly jumped back into her system as soon as she found herself outside Professor McGongall's personal office that might. Her hands gripping into fist, the chipped pieces of her nails were clashing with blue and red as they dug into the palms of her hands. She had told herself the entire way that Harry was completely correct, but then she started to think of everything where Harry was completely incorrect during their time at Hogwarts, and suddenly her faith in him was crippling away by the minute.

Sucking a deep breath in, she straightened her shoulders, and braving whatever courage she had left in her system, she pushed open the door and strolled inside the Professor's office. The door shut quietly behind her, exposing a series of lanterns that casted a yellow glow over the room. In the middle, sat Professor McGongall, holding a stack of parchments in her hands.

"Would you like a spot of tea, dear?" Professor McGongall questioned idly, not looking up from her papers, Winnie watched as the elderly woman picked up a quill, writing rather harshly down on the parchment as a prominent frown rushed into her face. Must be grading essays then.

"Uh... sure," she replied only when McGongall glanced up at her, raising an eyebrow. Tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, Winnie continued walking the rest of the way into the office. Taking a seat on the small wooden chair, it squeaked slightly under her weight, causing her back to straighten as she crossed her legs.

"Missy," Professor McGongall spoke suddenly, causing Winnie to jump, startled by the women's sudden voice. The blonde had opened her mouth the question what 'Missy' was supposed to mean exactly, until a small house elf zapped into the office. "Can you please bring us two cups of tea? I'll have my usual, and for Miss.Bulstrode..." The Professor trailed off, leaving Winnie to fill in what she took in her tea.

"Two tea spoons of honey and a dash of milk will do just fine, thank you Missy," the blonde replied, offering the tiny elf with wide ears a small smile.

"Of course! Missy will be right back with that, don't you worry," and with that, Missy snapped away, leaving the two females in silence once again. Winnie shifted in her seat, swallowing as she licked her bottom lip, her back pressed against the wooden chair. Suddenly feeling as if she had to apply more of her pureblood attitudes she learned in finishing school, or at least the posture that was.

"We have two things to discuss this evening, it shouldn't take too long," Professor McGongall finally addressed her, putting a cap on her ink bottle and placing the stack of parchments into a drawer in her desk. Winnie idly felt her bones stiffened, she had never imagined that she would need to speak about two things, suddenly she rubbed the palms of her hands against the fabric of her denim jeans. "Shall we begin?"

"Yes of course," Winnie replied quickly, her voice wavering as she pressed her hands into her knees, her leg starting to bounce with worry. If McGonagall noticed, she didn't show it, which was both a relief and a concern for the female.

"Right well, the first topic is rather private, and I'm sure you'll understand why," the elderly lady paused as the elf popped back into the room. Winnie was suddenly grateful for the chance to have something to do with her hands, even if it just means holding a cup. She gracefully placed the cup in her hands, holding it close and letting the heat nurse around her chin and nose. "First and foremost, I'd like to pass on my apologies to what you had to endure over the holidays, I've been told what caused you to show up at Grimmauld place. I truly wish you didn't have to deal with such things," it was like a sharp kick to her chest, her Professor's words stinging deeper than she realized as she nodded. Feeling her throat clog, which she quickly covered with sipping the tea, drowning the burning with a smile.

"Thank you Professor, but I'm okay, there's no need to be sorry," the blonde assured, keeping her false smile written across her face. She traced her finger against the heated glass of the white mug she held between her hands, emitting the warmth into her skin. She watched, trying to keep her composure despite the fact she was acutely aware of the way her throat twisted painfully.

"I'm sure that you are Miss.Bulstrode, but I'm still going to offer an ear if you need an adult to speak to," Professor McGonagall offered, such kind words that made Winnie sure she would fall over the edge. Over all her time as a student in Hogwarts, she has never seen her Professor be anything but stern and detached. Winnie supposed that was the best way to be as a teacher, forming too many relationships was sure to go down on you over the years. Sitting there now, in her Professor's office and watching a small, rather sadden smile twist into the wrinkled face of her Head of House, Winnie felt as if she was swimming in her own personal river of agony.

"Thank you Professor," she breathed, blinking and glancing down at the amber tint of the liquid in her mug, willingly the emotions that swam in her chest to seal away. They stayed silent for a few moments, Winnie suspected it was more or less McGonagall allowing Winnie to collect herself before continuing, either way, she was thankful.

"With that said. Due to your parents' impulsive and rather cruel actions — I apologize for speaking out of term if I had," Winnie had to rather bite back a loud laugh at her words, it was all rather too true. "Your parents have removed you formally from their family line yesterday, it was informed to the school by way of owl. They had removed your name from their Gringrott's accounts, leaving you formally, by the eyes of the law, disowned." Winnie bristled, her hands gripping her mug tighter, eyes snapping up towards the Professor who was staring at her with a rather stern look.

"I—," she paused, trying to collect her thoughts as she darted her tongue out across her bottom lips. She rather knew that this was coming sooner or later, it's why she refused to take any money from her accounts when she still could, it would only cause more of an argument. But hearing, rather brutally, that she was officially disowned made the reality of the situation drop down around her shoulders. "Yes. I assume they would've done it as soon as they could," she forced out finally, biting her tongue to stop the line of cuss words she wished to throw out at that moment.

"Dumbledore thought it would be wise to inform you personally rather than you finding out through the Daily Prophet," Professor McGonagall informed, her lips pressed to a line as Winnie nodded in agreement. She had to agree with that, Merlin only knows what she would've done if she read it simply during breakfast with little time to prepare the rest of the school finding out.

"That was rather considerate of him," Winnie mumbled, screwing her mouth up as she stared at a flickering lantern to the side. Her hands gripping the mug so tightly she was half afraid it would break, but half wishing it to so she could at least get her anger out in some way, rather than letting it bubble.

"Though, I believe Umbridge will say something to you in class. She believed it wouldn't do good to keep it secret from everyone else," Professor McGonagall's voice started to take up a rather bitter tone, reminding Winnie of when she snapped at Umbridge for trying to kick Trelawney out. The blonde didn't hold in her bitter chuckle then, her tongue clicking against the roof of her mouth, her lips pulled into a bitter smile.

"Yes I'm sure she'll just love that," the girl's words oozed with venom as she took a sip from her tea once more, swallowing the liquid at the same time that her Head of House frowned.

"It'll do you good not to get into any more detentions Miss.Bulstrode," for a moment, Winnie noticed Professor McGonagall's eyes flickering down to the scar itched across her left hand. The blonde quickly pulled down the sleeve of her Weasley sweater, covering the redness with the knitted material.

"I'll try," she replied quickly, but with little promise behind the words. She already had a line of detentions from Umbridge made for next week, at this point, it was almost an unsaid routine that moulded it's way into her system.

"I believe we can start on our next topic now, it's a little lighter than before," Professor McGonagall sighed, taking a sip from her tea for the first time. Winnie didn't reply this time, for she watched silently as the female pulled out a fresh parchment, unpopping her bottle of ink. "You are well aware that next year you'll be taking classes more designed for what you'll be doing when you leave school, correct?"

"Yes, I'm aware," Winnie replied quickly, feeling more at ease in this conversation than the last, seeing as this was what plagued her mind for all evening.

"Splendid, do you have any idea on what you'd like to do?" Professor Umbridge questioned, her head down as she wrote quickly onto the ink, Winnie couldn't quite tell from where she sat what she was writing. Not with her chair pulled out a few inches from the desk and her back laying straight against the wood of her chair.

"I have two ideas Professor," Winnie responded, watching as her Professor glanced up at her with a raise of an eyebrow, signaling for her to continue. Winnie cleared her throat, reaching over to gently lay the cup on the desk before she smoothed her hands down her legs again. "I was thinking of either becoming a Healer, or working in the Ministry. The Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures to be exact," Winnie finished by twisting her ring of her finger, sitting quietly as she watched Professor McGonagall write on the piece of parchment.

"Those are both perfectly reasonable careers Miss.Bulstrode. I suspect you'll be planning to take both Advanced Potions and Care for Magical Creatures next year then?" Professor McGonagall questioned, laying her quill down and leaning back in her chair, folding her hands on the desk in front of her as she eyed Winnie closely.

"Yes, that would be correct. I've already planned to take Defence, Transfiguration, and Charms as well." Winnie informed, feeling a sudden burst of pride at the slight nod of approval McGonagall gave her.

"I see no problem why you shouldn't be able to take them all. Of course, this all depends on what you receive during your O.W.L's," Professor McGonagall spoke sternly, keeping her hands latched together as Winnie nodded.

"Well of course, Hermione has always helped me colour-code every subject for studying," Winnie chuckled softly, thinking of how she and the female had spent nearly all afternoon in the library colour-coding everything accordingly.

"Ah yes, I believe Miss.Granger mentioned that to me when she was here," Professor McGonagall spoke fondly, tapping her finger against her desk now before she sighed, pushing back her chair. "Well, it's getting late. You best head back to your Common Room now, if Finch catches you, just pass him this," she advised, holding out a white slip that gave her an excuse to be out so late.

"Thank you Professor, goodnight," Winnie nodded, taking the slip gently in her hands as the elderly lady bid her goodnight, before the brunette slipped out the door and into the hallways. The slip held tightly in between her fingers as she chewed on her bottom lip, her shoulders sagged with the memory of the sudden news, knowing it wouldn't be long before everyone would know about her formal disownment. Of course, people already knew, but she had a feeling it would become a lot worse than whispered glances as she passed by in the halls. Once it was confirmed not just by Rita Skeeter, but by Gringrotts, there was no going back.

And Winnie Buldstrode desperately wished she could go back. Not to change the outcome of her parents, but to change the ending she encountered with Cordelia. At least then, things wouldn't be so truly awful, not with Cordelia by her side.

But she was left to brace the world alone, and embrace it, she shall.

༺♥༻

Much later than she originally intended, she sat with her hair flying in loose strands around her pale skin. Her fingers idly moved a single silver spoon in the cup of tea she had poured for herself when she originally entered the Kitchens an hour ago. With a helpful little status charm, the liquid continued to produce swirls of steam up from the white mug, coating across her cheeks and causing a slight flush to go across half of her face.

Winnie had intended to return to her common room after her meeting with McGongall, but her feet had other intentions. For now she sat on a familiar wooden stool in the kitchens with an opened book in front of her. The Secret History laid flat out in front of her, chipped black nails held the pages in place as her eyes traced over the printed text. She had a half eaten butter croissant in front of her, which she picked at slowly throughout the hour.

The door creaked open slowly, going unaware to the female as she furrowed her eyebrows against her head, reaching a part in the book that caused her mind to zero in on the literature in front of her rather than the world surrounding her. Leaving Theodore Nott with the slight sight of the honey blonde zoning out of the world, her pink lips pressed into a frown with a slight crunch of her nose. Half of her hair fell in front of her like a curtain while the other stayed glued to the back of her shoulders.

It wasn't until he reached over the width of the brown table, tapping a finger against her nose that she blinked. Looking up quickly with a slight tense of her shoulders to spot him in front of her, a bag slung over his shoulder with a raise of one bushy eyebrow. Curled hair twisting across the olive skin of his forehead as she breathed out a slight breath of relief.

"I didn't hear you come in," she mumbled, licking her lips as she glanced down at the page number she was on, imprinting it into her mind before shutting the text gently. Her hands wrapped around the mug as she laid the silver spoon down on the table, taking a sip from the amber liquid.

"That much was obvious," Theo drawled gently, sitting down across from her as he laid his leather bag down on the table beside him. Winnie shoved the plate with her croissant over towards him slightly, silently offering the plate to him. His green eyes flashed at her once, before he reached over and tore a piece off, eating it as she smiled slightly.

"So, why are you here?" She questioned softly, allowing the warmth of her tea to wash up in front of her face. Creating gentle shivers to crawl down her spine. "Been seeing a lot of you today," she added, raising an eyebrow as he snorted slightly, putting a folded fist to his mouth as he swallowed.

"Figured you would be here, saw you talking to McGonagall," he shrugged, tilting his head slightly in the movement.

"Watching me now are you?" She probed, raising an eyebrow teasingly as she shifted, placing her elbows on the table as the male rolled his eyes. "She wanted to talk to me about careers, and well," she paused, nose scrunching slightly before a bitter laugh left her lips. "Dear mom and dad made my disownment public through the Prophet. I'm sure you saw it," she finished, watching as he pulled his lips into a frown, grimacing slightly.

"Yeah, your parents were always stuck up and horrid," he commented, making a laugh explode from her lips. A hand reaching up to cover her lips as his eyes widened a fraction, surprise evident across his features.

"They adored you!" She argued, a smile across her features as she shook her head. "Young Nott with his cute little curls! Young Nott with his polite manners and sweet little smile! Oh what a heartbreaker he will be!" She mimicked, voice high and proper as she spoke, picking up her tea with a raise of her eyebrow.

"Imagine me now, helping their little disappointment around at school," he teased, her lips falling into false hurt as she pressed her fingers into her chest.

"How dare you! I'm not a disappointment, I'm simply better than them all," she grinned, winking as the male snorted, shaking his head as a soft smile floated across his features. Winnie watched, fingers around her mug as she traced the simple way his lips pulled across his features. Making her own lips twist into a smile, his smile being contagious in every way possible.

It made her wonder what his smile would be like if he opened up, if he let all the feelings inside of him loose with no barriers blocking them. Not for the first time, Winnie almost asked him to let go. To let her see everything that floated around inside of his mind, free for her to dissect and understand in her own way.

But he turned, peering inside of his bag before pulling out a single, leather bound book. Her lips fell, staring at the single notebook as he laid it out in front of her. Pushing it softly over towards her as she eyed it cautiously, hands gripping her mug tighter.

"Is this-?" She questioned slowly, reaching out with one hand to touch it, the leather running smooth against the tips of her fingers.

"It's my mothers journal, the one I said I had for you," he answered, lips pressed into a line as he let go of the journal. Leaving it for her as she peered down at it, her fingers freezing against it, the pages beneath the brown leather were yellowed, frayed with time and past usage. A single strap wrapped around it twice, securing it from opening. "Take it, read it, use it. It's yours."

"Theo, really I can't-"

"We've already been through this Winnie," Theo cut her off sharply, perhaps harsher than he meant to. Her eyes widened a sliver, before narrowing defensively as she straightened her back, watching as the male ran a hand down his features, twisting his lips slightly. "You need this more than me, she would want," he paused, breathing heavily as his eyes flashed a hazier green than natural, suppressing all of his emotions in a single breath. "She would want this to go to good use, you need it."

Winne frowned, wishing to argue but all words died flat on her tongue as she listened to silence. The grief and love he had wrapped for his mother tickled her ears as she nodded, taking the leather journal in her hands and placing it gently in her bag.

"Thank you," she whispered again, feeling much like that day in Herbology when she thanked him originally. Just as he did in the beginning, he smiled softly, nodding his head in welcome. Leaving her with his mothers journal and a slight explosion in her heart where a feeling she could perhaps no longer deny grew in her chest.