#fd: Harry Potter

[dancingsunflowers-ocs]

𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗣𝗟𝗢𝗧 𝗕𝗨𝗡𝗡𝗬

Carina Black. she/her. biromantic. demisexual. Slytherin. Remus Lupin ship

-Youngest sister of Bellatrix, Andromeda and Narcissa.

-Same year as her cousin Sirius.

-Became best friends with Sybill Trelawney, when she defended the later from fellow students bullying her.

-Doesn’t agree with her classmates’ interest in the dark arts.

-HATES Severus Snape, and doesn’t understand why Lily tolerates him.

-She and Remus Lupin are a slow-burn romance.

-When she found out about Remus’ lycanthropy, she did research on becoming an animagus, and her animagus is a grizzly bear.

-In return, Remus helps her with her monthly problems (periods) by cuddling with her in the library.

-When Andromeda was disowned by the family, Carina secretly still kept in touch with her, without the knowledge of both her sisters.

Tagging: @luucypevensie, @ginevrastilinski-ocs, @rose-of-oz and @manyfandomocs 💕

[saiilorstars]

Ch. 43: Sweet and Sour and Other Things

Fandom: Harry Potter (Hogwarts years 1-7) Pairing: Draco x OFC

taglist:@ocappreciationtag @arrthurpendragon  @maaaaarveeeeel @stareyedplanet @foxesandmagic @kmc1989 @caplanbuckybarnes 

​​​​Story Masterlist // Romina’s Masterlist

Fanfic • Ao3 • Wattpad

If you’d like to be a part of this OC’s work/edits, let me know

It seemed like Romina could never be in complete peace with her network circle. First it had been Draco, then Arden, and now Harry. Romina was getting tired of it. Harry hadn't spoken to her since the incident in Potions. Apparently, he really took it to heart that she hadn't allowed him to hex Draco.

"He's gone berserk!" Romina chose Hermione to vent to and perhaps that hadn't been the best idea considering Hermione was already dealing with the fact Harry and Ron weren't talking to each other either. "Not talking to me over that? Seriously? I kept him away from detention!"

The girls were heading for the library, though Hermione swore that if Viktor Krum was there she would leave on the spot. She could only tolerate his crowd of admiring girls for so long.

"He's overwhelmed, you have to remember that," Hermione said, hoping to ease Romina's feelings. She really didn't want to deal with three angry people not talking to each other.

"I do! That's why I stepped in!" Romina exclaimed. "In his right mind, I know that Harry wouldn't initiate a wand duel with anybody! Not even Draco!"

"I think this time Draco may have been asking for it," Hermione said as they passed a group of Hufflepuff girls wearing the badges Draco had created.

"I'm not saying he didn't deserve to be wailed on but we all know that if something happened, Snape would've gone after Harry. I was just trying to help!" Romina huffed. "I even punched Draco for him." Half of a lie. She also punched him because he pissed her off. "I tried finding him in Hogsmeade to talk to him but he didn't even go. And now he just seems more mad at me."

Hermione looked away as soon as Romina asked. The Slytherin was too focused on her irritation to notice Hermione's guilty face.

Yes, Harry had gone to Hogsmeade a few days ago. She would know, she was with him all afternoon. He was under the Invisibility Cloak the whole time. Harry hadn't wanted to deal with anybody's comments but it didn't mean he couldn't see them. Hermione had spent most of her time trying to persuade Harry to talk to either Ron or Romina, or both! But Harry mentioned that Ron hadn't even asked about him and Hogsmeade. Hermione couldn't lie there since Ron really hadn't asked about him.

So she tried with Romina. Romina had definitely asked for Harry at Hogsmeade. But then Hermione made the mistake of bringing Harry to the Three Broomsticks. They tucked themselves in a corner so nobody would accidentally sit on the invisible Harry. Romina was there with her friends Arden, Carolinha and Daphne. And for a moment, Hermione had been really close coaxing Harry out from under the cloak to go talk to Romina once and for all. But the girls were soon joined by more of their group.

Harry liked Angel, he was nice like Carolinha. Blaise and Theodore he could tolerate — they were neutral in almost every battle — but Harry couldn't stand the fact that Draco had come by with a drink for Romina. At first it looked like Romina would refuse it—she pushed the glass back to him. There was a small exchange between the two. Harry saw Romina with her defiant look (he knew that look from years ago). Draco leaned close (too close if anybody asked Harry) and said something to Romina to which she then rolled her eyes at and responded. In the end, she accepted the damn drink and looked pretty content with the situation.

Hermione had seen it as well. She had actually winced when she heard Harry's snarl. He was even less happy with Romina after that and Hermione, sworn to secrecy by the laws of friendship, was stuck in the middle again.

"I think he's over exaggerating," Romina said. "I genuinely tried fixing things by looking for him."

She had searched for Harry for so long that in the end, Arden was the angry one. She claimed Romina was wasting her time on her first trip of the year to Hogsmeade (a trip that Romina was supposed to be enjoying this year) so she dragged Romina to the Three Broomsticks where they eventually found Carolinha and Daphne. Romina admitted that she did sort of forget about her search for Harry once she and the girls started talking. She definitely forgot when they were joined by the boys and a drink was placed in front of her. Draco was smart enough to know that Romina wasn't entirely over the badges. She gave him the credit for at least being aware he wasn't in the clear yet. She then rescinded the credit when he thought she was stupid not to see what he was trying to do by buying her a drink.

"What makes you think I would even want it?" Romina raised her head defiantly, promptly waiting for the best answer he could come up with.

Draco leaned close to her, wearing a stupid smirk on his face. "Why wouldn't you want a free drink?"

Romina rolled her eyes. He was just too damn cocky. She pushed the drink back to him. "Because you could have well poisoned it," she didn't think twice in answering,

"Like I would do that in a public spot. I know how to pick my moments, Oswell."

"So then you  are  trying to poison me?"

In the end, Arden groaned beside Romina. "Just take the bloody drink already!" she hissed at Romina. "Making everything a damn challenge between you two. It's annoying!"

Arden hadn't exactly been quiet with her words. Everyone else seemed to agree with her. With a roll of her eyes, Romina accepted the drink.

"So we're good then?" Draco asked her after she took a sip of her glass.

"I guess," Romina shrugged, offering half a smile. "I look forward to seeing you screw up again. It's inevitable for guys." Romina's joke, which honestly hadn't really been a joke, was well received by the other girls. It did help lighten the mood and after that, she began to really enjoy Hogsmeade.

Romina sighed heavily. "I don't know what else to do."

"Just keep trying please," Hermione almost begged her. "I can't take the silent treatment between Harry and Ron. I'll surely lose my mind if I have to deal with the same thing between you two."

Romina felt pity for the spot that Hermione was put in. Anyone else would have surely cracked by now. "Okay, I promise."

They arrived shortly later at the library but they only lasted an hour before Viktor Krum showed up. Hermione promptly ushered them out before Krum's group of admiring giggly girls showed up.

~0~

Romina kept to her promise to Hermione and tried making amends with Harry. Whenever Romina had the opportunity to, she would try to get close to Harry to talk with him. It was fairly easy considering Ron wasn't around and Hermione tended to be in the library or studying, but even then talking to Harry wasn't an easy job either. He blew her off with such ease that Romina had to wonder if Harry had always kept this disdain against her to himself for years.

"Harry, please," she caught up with him during one of their Care of Magical Creatures lessons. He picked up his pace but Romina did her best to keep up with him even if she did have to half jog it. "Why is this such a big deal? Not even Draco gave me this much crap about it!"

"Hm," Harry curled his fists when he remembered what he saw at Hogsmeade. "Shocker."

Romina shook her head. "C'mon, we're best friends! I was just trying to help! Hermione would've done the same thing!"

Both she and Harry knew that was a lie. Hermione would've never told such a big lie to a professor, much less to Snape.

"I have a big mouth, I know, and I sometimes get riled up when I feel challenged and that's what happened back there!"

"I didn't challenge you, Romina," Harry said curtly. He stopped walking abruptly, leaving Romina a few steps ahead. "You got in the way, I would've had Malfoy this time."

"And then what?" Romina asked, exasperated that he hadn't yet thought of the aftermath of such a ridiculous duel. "Snape would've had your ass with that. I know you know that. I feel like there's more to this than you're telling me and that's not fair."

"Technically, it's what you're not telling me," Harry said.

Romina blinked. Her nose scrunched as she wondered what on earth he was talking about.

"I need to get to class," Harry said, walking hastily past her. Hagrid was grouping the class up ahead and Harry had no desire to be on Romina's side nor Ron's.

~ 0 ~

Days later, Romina communicated her latest attempt to talk to Harry with Hermione. Hermione wasn't surprised at all that Harry had said what he did to Romina. She was just perplexed why he hadn't said it more clearly. If he was that upset with those presumptions, he should have just told Romina directly.

"Hermione, at least tell me he's spoken to Sirius already?" Romina asked as an afterthought. Whatever problems she had with Harry didn't mean she wanted to see danger come his way. Speaking to Sirius was key for Harry to stay safe and well.

Hermione nodded silently. She stopped walking and reached for Romina's arm. "Yesterday night he did."

"And did it go well?" Romina suspected there was something she was missing. Hermione was gripping her arm tightly.

Hermione half shrugged. There wasn't much to report in that aspect. Harry had spoken to Sirius for all five minutes before Ron, of all people, interrupted the conversation right when Sirius was about to tell Harry the spell he needed to take down the dragon. Because oh yes, Harry had figured out the first task were dragons.

"He's going up against dragons!?" Romina half-shrieked, causing Hermione to shush her as several students walking by gave them curious looks.

"Nobody's supposed to know!" Hermione said.

"Well, how did Harry find out?"

"Hagrid showed him—it's a long story," Hermione said when Romina opened her mouth to no doubt ask how on earth Hagrid knew about the dragons. "What's worse is that Charlie, Ron's brother, is one of the wizards in charge of the dragons and Ron didn't exactly say anything."

"Well...we're assuming that Ron knew…" Romina weakly tried to say but even Hermione thought otherwise. Romina sighed. "You know, this year was supposed to be better than last year but I honestly think it's going to be worse. Much, much worse."

"Just keep trying, please," Hermione insisted, once again squeezing Romina's arm.

"Yeah, of course," Romina assured her. "But keep me in the loop about what's happening with Harry. Even if he doesn't want me helping him, I'll do it."

Hermione promised and from there, the girls split for their respective classes. Romina didn't have much of a head for Muggle Studies that day. Rolf was more talkative during the lesson, ironically, and simultaneously used that to try and cheer Romina up. Even as they left the class with an outrageous amount of homework, Rolf rambled on about something called nargles and how everybody apparently had them.

"You and Luna seemed to have hit it off," remarked Romina blankly. She was only paying half attention to the conversation.

Rolf chuckled. "She's interesting. And she does have a lot to say about you."

"Hm, she's about the only one right now with good stuff to say about me."

"Not true, and you know it." Rolf tapped the side of Romina's head. She rolled her eyes. "You're the talk for some people—rumors about the incident with Harry and Malfoy."

Romina groaned. "It came back to bite me in the ass. I'm paying big time for that one."

Not much later did she attempt to talk to Harry again, only this time he didn't even give her the opportunity to string a whole sentence.

"I need to find Hermione for something," he snapped as he strode right past her. He seemed determined and with purpose so Romina decided to call it quits for the day.

She told Arden she wasn't hungry for dinner and went straight for the common room. She decided to take on the homework she'd been assigned for Muggle Studies despite its due date being very far. If anything, she should get started on the Transfiguration work. But of course, being perfectly honest with herself, Romina knew that whatever class she decided to focus on wouldn't actually happen. There was just too much on her mind.

Later on, she heard the entrance opening up. Dinner was over and the students were retiring to their dorms. Romina wasn't sure if she was going to be able to sleep either. She started gathering her things from the couch. Sleep or not, she would be more comfortable on her bed anyways.

"Are you coming to sleep without me having to nag you?" Arden stopped by the couch.

"Yes, don't worry," Romina said. She stacked her one book over the other. "I'll be there in a bit."

Arden watched her for a few seconds as she picked up more of her things. She ultimately decided Romina was telling her the truth and headed for their room.

"So you're starving yourself now," Draco's voice came a few seconds later.

Romina shrugged as she put her roll of parchment on top of her pile. "I just wasn't hungry."

"Right. It's because of Potter, isn't it?"

Romina turned around. She didn't have to say anything. Actually, she did but for fear of making things worse, she kept her mouth tightly shut.

"Arden mentioned it," Draco went on, "You're being ridiculous. So what if he's not talking to you?"

"You got a lot of nerve considering it's your fault," Romina remarked. And so much for keeping your mouth shut.

"My fault?" Draco repeated incredulously. "I'm not the one who told that fat lie in front of the whole school."

"No, but you're the one who made those stupid badges in the first place. As if you actually gave a damn about Cedric Diggory being the champion. You just wanted to mess with Harry as usual."

All Draco did was shrug. It was more or less true.

Romina rolled her eyes. "It's great, really, because no matter how much I try, Harry won't talk to me."

"And somehow you equate that with not eating. That sure makes sense."

"I am not starving myself!"

"No, you're not." Draco reached for something under his robes and the next thing Romina knew, he was tossing her something wrapped up in a napkin.

She barely caught it with her free hand. "What is this?" she frowned. She couldn't unwrap it with her thumb as much as she tried.

"A biscuit. Can't exactly take a plate with me, right?" Draco gestured to the bread in her hand. "But eat it. I'm not going to take more if you're just going to throw it out because of Potter."

"Thank...you…?" Romina was too surprised to sound remotely close to sure.

"Eat it," Draco warned her as he went for the corridors.

Romina stayed where she was for a couple minutes. She was utterly lost but at least now she had something to eat. And it was actually good.

~0~

She might get yelled at, she might even get detention for it, but Romina would try anyway. The day of the first task had finally arrived and knowing Harry, he must be nervous out of his mind. He always said that his legs felt like marshmallows whenever he was really nervous.

"You're going to get in trouble," Hermione insisted despite hurrying along with Romina down to the champions' tent.

"That's why I have you to keep a lookout," Romina said obviously. "I have to talk to him!"

"Now?" Hermione flapped her arm in the direction of the bleachers that were almost full. Everybody was anxiously waiting for the tournament to begin. "You pick now of all times to try again!?"

"Yes!" Romina stopped once they reached the tent. "There's no better time than right now!" She peeked around the tent to make sure there were no teachers around. "Because Harry's at his worst right now and he needs all his friends. Ron's clearly not coming anywhere close here."

Hermione lamented the fact. "Alright, fine," she relented. "Go."

Romina beamed. "Thanks!" She tiptoed down the front of the tent until she reached the opening. She could hear someone walking back and forth near the entrance but she wasn't entirely sure if it was Harry.

If it's Fleur, I can get away with wishing her luck on behalf of my grandmother. If it's Krum, I'll say I was looking for Cedric. If it's Cedric...I'll say I was looking for Harry.

Romina was actually dizzy from all that logic but she went ahead and whispered to the champion inside. "Pssst! Harry? Is that you?"

To her luck, it was Harry. He didn't come out but Romina sensed he was right by the entrance. "What do you want, Romina?"

Romina sighed. "What do you think? To wish you luck."

"Really? Not here for Cedric, then?"

"Come off it, Harry. You're my best friend. And I really hate the idea of you being this angry with me while you have loads of worse things to deal with."

Well, at that, Harry could agree it wasn't fun. He didn't have Ron around nor Romina. Two of his best friends were far away and unavailable. "You'll get in trouble for being here," he said weakly. He had no idea why he even said that anyways.

"Please, remember when we snuck out of my house to go to Victoria's 10th birthday?" Romina asked.

Of course Harry remembered. It was one of the brief moments where his aunt and uncle had allowed him to go over to Romina's house for a whole afternoon under the pretense that they would actually be at Romina's house with her aunt and uncle in the house. Neither were true. Sage and Lyonel Oswell were both working and they took advantage to slip on over to their neighbor's birthday party. Dudley was not invited and Victoria would gladly keep their presence a secret. It was all gung-ho until Sage Oswell returned from work early and discovered them. She was livid but she did Harry the solid of not telling the Dursleys' about his lie. They were, however, both grounded under her roof.

"We had to do chores like crazy," Harry said, flexing his hands as if they were still aching from all the mopping and grooming he was tasked with.

Romina laughed lightly. "My hands were all pruned up for days after doing laundry and dishes."

Harry's smile slowly faded. Sometimes it was hard remembering his life before Hogwarts. Things were so much simpler and just childish for a child. "Rom, I miss you."

"I miss you too," Romina said. She turned just as Harry decided to step out of the tent. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that lie to Snape. I was mad that you and Draco were talking to me like that so I sort of went with the easiest thing I could do to get both of you back the quickest."

"Mission accomplished," Harry said with a shake of his head. He couldn't get enough teasing from the Weasley twins alone.

"Are we...are we okay, then?" Romina turned to face him completely.

Harry still thought of Hogsmeade. Maybe Hermione was right and he was just over exaggerating. Right now, at the brink of dealing with a dragon, it all seemed pointless. "Yeah, we are," he nodded.

Romina couldn't contain herself. She threw her arms around him for a hug. "Oh thank goodness! I love you, silly!"

Harry's laugh was muffled with her long hair. "Love you too, Rom."

The flash of a light stunned the two until they realized it was a camera flash.

Rita Skeeter stood a few feet from them with her cameraman beside her. "Young love!"

Romina glared then looked to the side to see Hermione apologetically smiling at her. Hermione's not the best look out, Romina concluded.

"Ohh how...stirring," Rita gushed. "If everything goes unfortunately today you might make the front page."

"How the hell did you even get down here?" Romina knew she of all people shouldn't be asking that. She snuck down too, after all.

"You have no business here." Viktor Krum had come out of the tent with the commotion. "This tent is for champions and friends."

"No matter. We've got what we wanted," Rita said triumphantly then walked off with her cameraman.

Harry could half smile at Krum's words. Friends. He glanced at Romina who was already smiling at him.

"Well alright then friend," Romina started backing away to where Hermione was, "I will be cheering you on."

Harry grinned. He hoped so!

"C'mon Hermione," Romina tugged the girl by her arm. For some reason, Hermione was looking at Krum and vice versa. "Hermione!"

"Yes!" Hermione exclaimed, having no idea what Romina had said.

"You okay there?" Romina eyes her curiously.

"Of course, yeah! Loads now that you and Harry are good again!" Hermione beamed at the idea. Now all they had to do was get Ron to join and they would all be great again.

~ 0 ~

'It seems like Mr. Potter has found love in the midst of the difficult times the Tournament brings. Longtime best friend Romina Oswell (yes, from  that  family!) Had to sneak down before the first Task to wish her boyfriend good luck. The special hugs and exchange of 'I love you' were sweet enough to make you sick! Now Mr. Potter seems to have been able to move past his girlfriend's family's dark reputation. That is what love does in the end!

Romina slammed her copy of the Daily Prophet down on the table, startling those around her having breakfast. "That cow!" She yelled enough to attract the attention of the next table, the Gryffindors.

Hermione looked back at her with her own copy. Unfortunately, Rita Skeeter hadn't stopped with Romina. Hermione was also featured further down the page. She was apparently preying after Viktor Krum of all people.

It was only a few days since the first task and already Rita had done them so dirty out of nothing! Romina was furious but, deep inside, a little impressed with the woman's speed. Still, there was another overwhelming feeling...

"I'm going to murder her," Romina declared, "The next article having to do with me will be about the tragic murder of Rita Skeeter."

Arden was drowning porridge beside her. "Big deal," she said in-between chews, "Not the first time anybody thinks that about you."

"There's a huge difference, Arden," Romina said, "We were nine back then! It wasn't serious!"

"Don't get all upset, nobody's going to take that junk seriously." No sooner had the words left Arden's mouth when Carolinha and Daphne plopped down opposite of them.

"You're dating Harry now!?" Carolinha shrieked, once more attracting unwanted attention.

Romina pointedly looked at Arden. Arden, in return, amended her words. "Fine, only idiots will believe it."

"Hey," frowned Carolinha.

"Is it true?" Daphne insisted on an answer. "I mean, I can kinda see it but still."

"Idiots," Arden reiterated before going back to her porridge.

"No, of course it's not true!" Romina exclaimed. Her eyes skipped over the pair of girls to where Harry sat. He had just smiled at somebody at the next table and spilled milk down his shirt. He had forgotten he had drunk something! "You really think I'm going to be in love with that!?" She gestured furiously at him. "He's like my brother!" Her words seemed to have only appeased them halfway. Romina groaned. "Unbelievable!"

When had she ever given any indication that she liked Harry beyond a friend? She was pretty sure she never had. But now suddenly a crappy article was enough to make many people think otherwise.

"You really know how to get your name into people's mouths, don't you?" Draco caught up with her in the hallway later in the day.

Romina was forced to stop walking. "I have History of Magic to get to. Move."

Draco unrolled his copy of the Daily Prophet and went to the exact spot featuring Romina's and Harry's story. "You do realize that Angel is working up the courage to ask you about this. Thought I'd cut out the middleman."

"How noble of you," Romina said dismissively. "And also how stupid of both of you to think this is true."

"So it's not?"

Romina clapped her hands together hard enough for the strap of her book bag to slide down to her elbow. "Let's see," she leaned towards the article in front of her, "Oh yes, because I definitely told Rita that…" she raised her finger to one line in the middle and read out loud, "'Harry's my light in this dark world that I live in.' Does that sound remotely like me?" She looked up at Draco, her expression flat again.

Draco gave it some genuine thought and the idea of Romina saying those exact words was beyond laughable.

"I assume the wheels are working in that head of yours?" Romina's finger went in circles beside her head.

"I had to ask." Draco started rolling up the pages.

"Why?"

Draco shrugged. He'd read the article earlier in the morning and as stupid as it sounded, he needed to ask Romina directly about it. He didn't quite understand where the urge came from but he didn't spend much time thinking about it either.

Romina shook her head. "How on earth could you believe in that rubbish?"

Just as Draco opened his mouth to answer, they heard the collective shouts of the Weasley twins from a distance.

"Ah! The Chosen One's girlfriend!" Fred clapped as he and George walked towards them.

Draco raised an eyebrow at Romina. That's why.

Romina pursed her lips together. "Don't say a word," she raised a finger at him.

"I don't have to—they're saying it all," Draco said wryly. He turned to leave.

"Well could you...don't say anything either!" Romina called after him. She didn't hear his laugh. Romina groaned and turned to face the approaching twins.

"There she is," George said with a big grin on his face. "The Chosen One's girlfriend! My, my, what a big secret you've been keeping from us, Camille!"

Romina could honestly strangle them right now. "Come here," she directed them with her fingers to lower down to her level.

"Another secret?" Fred said as he and George followed her finger.

Romina smiled sweetly. "Not exactly," she said just before smacking them upside their heads. Her smile dropped to be replaced with utter anger. "Why the hell are you yelling that nonsense!?"

"Because it's funny as hell," George snickered as he rubbed the side of his head.

"And not true!" Romina exclaimed.

"Well of course we know that," Fred rolled his eyes.

George snorted beside him. "Yeah, what do you think we are? Idiots?"

Romina pinched the bridge of her nose. "You're screwing me even more. Some people actually believe what Skeeter wrote."

"Yeah, I know," Fred nodded. "Harry's been red ever since breakfast."

"I need to talk to him about this," Romina said with a sigh. "It's embarrassing. I've known Harry since we were seven. He's seen me with pigtails."

The twins exchanged glances with each other.

"Can we see pictures?" they both asked with the same teasing grins.

"NO!"

~ 0 ~

By the time Romina actually got to talk to Harry, he was still red but it was mostly laughs between them. It eased Romina's nerves so much. They had just gotten back on good terms, after all. Romina wanted to take things easy. Things seemed to be just that way while Harry and Ron laughed. It was also nice to see those two finally good again. Romina joked that they all needed to get together to give Hermione a huge thank you card for dealing with all of them during their respective arguments.

Romina handed Harry their homework for their charms class. Her time was terrible as Hermione joined them on their spot on the ground of the courtyard.

"That's cheating!" She said as she dropped beside Ron, her book bag sliding down her arm in the process.

"Please," snorted Romina, "With that summoning charm he used for the task, he should be letting me copy."

The irritated look on Hermione's face was enough to make the trio giggle at her. Clearly that hadn't been what she meant.

"Speaking of, have you figured out what the golden egg is supposed to do for the next task?" Romina asked Harry partly to get Hermione off her back.

Harry shrugged carelessly. He was studying Romina's homework into his book bag. "I have until February."

"Still, time can fly pretty quickly. Can we help?"

"We're not supposed to," Hermione pointedly reminded them.

"Yeah, because that worked out for the first task," Harry snorted. "But like I said, I have until February. Right now, I just want to think of nothing but Christmas and nonsense."

"Yeah," Ron agreed and high fived with Harry. Hermione rolled her eyes.

"I can actually say that sounds great," Romina said as she too raised her hand for Harry to high five. He was all too happy to do it. Romina laughed with him.

"Oh, um, Romina?" Hermione bit on her bottom lip suddenly. "Angel's looking this way and he doesn't seem very happy."

"Huh?" Romina followed Hermione's gaze to see Angel across the courtyard. He looked away as soon as Romina turned her head but it was too late by then. Romina had seen the put-out expression on his face.

"Rom, he doesn't actually believe in what that article said, right?" Harry asked, making a face as he recalled the cringy lines of the article.

Ron snorted. "Half the school does, why shouldn't he?"

Hermione whacked his arm. "Ron! People should know better!"

"Then how about what it said about you, huh?" Ron challenged. "You and Krum."

Hermione's face went pink fast. "That's utter rubbish!"

Romina waved a hand at them to shush the argument. "Every word that Rita Skeeter writes is rubbish. I'm hoping things will die down as time goes by."

"Then maybe you should clarify things for Angel," Harry said, "Because I really don't feel like getting the stink-eye again."

Romina rolled her eyes. "That's because somebody was supposed to tell him already."

"Who?" Harry blinked.

"Another idiot," Romina huffed.

~0~

Romina wouldn't waste time beating around the bush. As soon as she saw Draco in the common room, she marched right up to him.

"Hey!" she called seconds from reaching the couch.

He looked up from a book in his hands, none too pleased he'd been disturbed. "Why is it that whenever you're around, I can never have peace?"

Romina scowled at him. "First of all, as usual, that's rich coming from you. You do realize it's your fault we didn't speak for almost 2 months, right?"

"Oh this oughta be good," Draco said as he put his book down, "What do you want, Oswell?"

Romina shook her head at him, though with a struggle not to smile. "I thought you were going to tell Angel about that stupid article and that none of it was true!"

"When did I say I would do that?"

"You literally said you were cutting the middleman out! What else is that supposed to mean?"

"Oh...I don't know, I thought it would be more fun to let him squirm for a bit." Draco smirked as he picked up his book to continue where he left off.

"What?" Romina made a face. She sighed and walked around to take the seat next to him. "I'm confused…"

"There's a shocker." Draco regretted his words when Romina punched his arm. "How the hell are you so strong?"

Ronina ignored him. "Aren't you friends with Angel?"

"Why do you ask?"

"Because lately it seems like you're not. Actually, if I'm getting it right, you guys have been sort of shaky ever since we saw each other during summer."

"Putting so much thought into this, Oswell. I'm touched."

Romina could do without his smirk. "I'm being serious, Draco. What's going on between you two?"

"Nothing," he said in a half laugh. "I have just said a couple things that he hasn't liked."

"Like what, exactly?"

"You really want to know?"

"Yes!"

"Okay, fine." Draco tossed the book which, now that it landed on Romina's lap, was actually a comic book, then shifted on the couch to face Romina. "I told him he needed to stop sticking his nose where it didn't belong. And before you say anything," he raised a finger at her open mouth, "he was trying to make me feel bad for not apologizing to you back then. But that's not all. I guess I was on him for not having the courage to speak up in regards to you."

"To me?" Romina made a face.

At this point, it looked like Draco was ready to smack her for being so oblivious. "He likes you, Oswell! God, how many times do I have to say that!?"

"Well...you could say it without yelling it at me," Romina said, close to pouting. Draco rolled his eyes at her. "And really, is it any of your business what Angel decides to say or not?"

"It becomes my business when he starts acting all high and mighty around me. You can say what you want about me, but I'll say whatever the hell is on my mind."

Romina had no doubt that he would. He had countless times. "Yeah, you don't have much of a filter. One of these days, though, you're going to pick the wrong person to be unfiltered with and get your ass kicked."

Draco didn't pay her any attention. "To answer your question, Angel and I are on neutral terms for now," Draco said, shrugging nonchalantly. He didn't seem very perturbed with the situation. "I didn't say anything because I thought after a while it would become obvious that it wasn't true."

"And yet you had to come ask me directly," Romina pointed out, flashing him a smile.

"Ah, see," Draco wagged a finger at her, "I asked directly. If it's on my mind, I'm going to say it." The certainty in his words made Romina roll her eyes. He was seriously too cocky and proud sometimes.

"It's never that easy, you know," she said.

"For you, I can see. You're just as terrible as Angel for not telling him it's never gonna happen."

"Oh, and why are you so sure about that?"

"Cos it's obvious. Angel's too soft."

Romina gasped in offence. "What are you trying to say about me? And I'd watch that unfiltered mouth of yours!"

Draco knew there was no way he was going to get out scot-free once he said what he had to say but in the end, the desire to see her reaction won out. "You're sweet and sour." Even with the room's dank light, he could see the pink tinge on Romina's cheeks.

"I'm what?"

"You're sweet—that's self explanatory—but then you get sour and all hell breaks loose."

Romina gaped at him. "How d-are you!?" Her voice cracked out of embarrassment.

Draco laughed. "You asked and I answered."

"With the wrong answer!"

"No, I don't think so," Draco struggled to keep his laugh from getting louder. Romina looked ready to murder him.

"I am not sour," Romina folded her arms over her chest.

"You have a knack of running your mouth whenever you feel like you've been a)—" Draco started listing off his fingers, "—challenged, b) blown off, c) just downright offended. Notice how I said 'feel' because half the time, you're just imagining stuff."

Romina rubbed the side of her neck. Okay, that may be true in some parts. "I don't like being 'sour'," she said quietly.

"It's not a bad quality but I know for a fact Angel can't handle that. He's going to coddle you and that's the last thing you need."

"And what, pray tell, do you think it is that I need?"

"A good smack," Draco didn't hesitate to answer instantly. "Among other things."

"Well!"

"Well, if you're being senseless, why on earth should you be coddled for it?" Draco waited for an answer that he knew Romina would never give. Another quality of hers was being terribly fair. He knew that she knew he was right.

"The fact that you're actually making sense is kind of scary, not going to lie," she said in the end.

"Sweet and sour is what you are and the sooner you get that, the quicker you can find a way to let Angel know the truth already." Draco grabbed his comic off her lap and flipped to the page he'd left off on.

Romina exhaled and leaned back on the couch. "I have no idea, honestly. I guess I've been putting it off."

"No," Draco said sarcastically. He flipped one more page.

"I don't want to hurt his feelings."

"You're going to do it either way."

"You're so blunt!"

"I believe it was 'unfiltered'?"

Romina turned her head at him but he was too focused on his current page to care. She leaned slightly in his proximity. "What are you reading anyways? I've never seen you read comic books."

"It's not mine—I stole it from Goyle." From the corner of his eye, Draco could see Romina's widened eyes. "Relax, I'll give it back eventually. He pissed me off so naturally I had to get him back where it hurts most."

"I don't know what's worse," Romina started with a true pensive moment, "The fact you steal so easily or the fact that I'm just now learning Goyle willingly reads. And comic books too!"

As soon as she started scooting close to him, Draco reacted. "What are you doing!?"

"I want to see!"

"No!"

"You can't tell me anything—you stole the damn thing!"

"Oswell, I swear to God, you need to back the hell up! God, don't you know anything about personal space?" He scrunched his nose when her chin came to rest on his shoulder.

"That may have been a recurring comment on my report cards in my muggle classes." And yet, Romina reached over to flip a page back.

Draco gaped at her. "Unbelievable!"

"I just want to see," Romina insisted. "What are you going to do?"

"Smack you!" Draco gave the answer almost before Romina even finished asking it. "I take it back, you're sweet, sour, and annoying."

"All I hear is that you think I'm sweet," Romina said with an annoying laugh. She flipped the page back to where Draco had originally been. "This one's kind of boring."

"Then get off me," Draco said pointedly.

"Or we could just read it together?" Romina tilted her head enough to meet his gaze. She was definitely closer than she planned on (for reasons having to do with the simple act of annoying him). She felt the familiar warmth rush up her face but even then, she couldn't pull away. Despite his snaps, she felt comfortable with him. They could go back and forth with snaps and bickering but they could also easily fall into whatever this was. Friendly and playfulness with a touch of snaps inbetween. It was just so...nice.

"You're so childish, Oswell," huffed Draco but he let things be anyways.

"Yeah, cos you're ever so mature," he heard her mumble under her breath.

For the sake of his sanity—because he was sure they could go back and forth again for the rest of the evening—he said nothing more. They read the comic together in silence but every so often, Romina had to point out things that just didn't sit well with her. Surprisingly, Draco didn't show signs of annoyance. It started getting funnier the further they went along the pages. Romina was very animated over these comics, something Draco couldn't quite get with. He really only took the comic from Goyle to get back at him. Romina took these things very seriously apparently.

"Sweet, sour, annoying and weird," he said some time later. "The list just keeps growing."

Romina had gotten tired of their earlier position and decided to rest an arm over Draco's shoulder to then rest her cheek. She didn't think she could get away with it but clearly she had and she was slightly giddy over it.

"Keep talking but all I hear is the sweet part," she said calmly as she flipped to the last page of the comic. She missed his smile.

"Of course you do," he said. He would've shaken his head if she wasn't right next to him. He could've pushed her away but that meant getting rid of her rosy scent. It seemed peculiarly stronger today and he was just fine with it.

"You keep complimenting me, it's not my fault," Romina shrugged lightly. "I have an obligation to point it out."

"You're quite insufferable, you know that?"

"That's my line."

"So you admit you say it just because?"

Romina side-glanced him with an admittedly pretty smirk. "Careful there, you almost sound like you're hopeful."

Draco rolled his eyes but with his pale skin, it was almost impossible to hide his flush. "Shut up," he said as a last resort. Romina laughed.

A few seconds later, Romina's laugh was interrupted—or rather covered—by an even louder commotion at the entrance. To their surprise, they saw Arden and Theodore coming in laughing together.

"Am I seeing right…?" Romina mumbled to Draco who was just as surprised as her.

"Bloody hell, how long have we been here?"

"Oh hey," Arden greeted them, "My, you two look cozy."

In that moment, Draco could genuinely say he hated Arden King. Romina pulled away from him as soon as the words left Arden's mouth. The air around him changed and he was no longer smelling sweet roses. (And he didn't have the warm touch either).

Romina had scooted a few inches from Draco and sent Arden a glare for her words. "What are you two up to?" She flipped the subject because she was sure that Arden would have plenty more to say if they gave her the opportunity.

"Well, Theo and I were pretty much making up crap for our Divination homework…" Arden explained and had another good laugh with Theodore. "I taught him that Trewlany pretty much buys anything you put so long as you add in 'the planets will align' and whatnot…"

'Theo?' Romina mouthed at Draco. For a moment, he thought he misheard too.

Theodore confirmed it, however, when he started listing the several ways they were supposed to die this upcoming Christmas. "I gotta say, Arden's kind of creative with these things."

"Oh, so suddenly I'm supposed to forget the last month?" Draco asked him. "You told me what I would die of if we didn't switch back."

"Yeah, you got Parkinson—I'd say that's the short end of the stick alright," shrugged Theodore. "I like my partner. At least she's funny."

Romina and Arden giggled with Draco's stunned reaction. "What?" he demanded.

"Don't tell me you actually thought you were funny?" Arden asked, nearly losing it when he raised a hand to stop her.

"Nott, you and I have some talking to do," Draco declared, getting up from the couch and tossing the comic so carelessly that it hit Romina on the side of her head.

"Hey!" she frowned. She got a hand as well. "Hey!"

"Keep the comic, Oswell." Draco motioned Theodore to walk with him to the hallway.

"It's not — it's not ours!" Romina called after him in vain. She sighed and got up with the comic in her hand. "Thanks Arden, you ruined it."

Arden turned her head slightly, her lips curving into a teasing smile. "Oh, and what exactly did I ruin?"

Romina cleared her throat awkwardly. Why the hell had she said that? She scratched her head. "Uh, I...you know what? I need to go finish homework."

"Mhm," Arden pretended to agree, "Sure."

Romina made a quick stride for the hallway. She hoped to God that Arden would grant her a couple minutes to come up with a better thing to say before coming into the dorm as well.

[eddysocs]

Ron was the nicest boy she’d ever spoke to. Many of the boys her age —whether they were in her house or not— wouldn’t be caught dead talking to a girl, but Ron always gave her a shy smile, a wave, and a soft hello. That’s how it started.

She, being a little braver than he was at the time, was the first to open a real conversation and over the years she got to know about his family, and the crazy stories he’d tell made her feel less alone. Sure, she had a few friends, but they weren’t the kinds of friendships that were lasting. They were surface level. Good enough for a laugh, but never anything deeper.

Even when Ron started spending more time with Harry and Hermione, he never forgot about Olivette. His favorite Hufflepuff. They would still chat, and she was the one he’d come to when things got overwhelming or frightening. They were always there for each other in the quiet, supportive ways like good friends should.

Forever Tag: @baubeautyandthegeek, @kmc1989, @curious-kittens-ocs, @fanficanatic-tw, @gcthvile, @kenjioharashotspot, @hyperdrivve

Olivette Littletree: @dancingwith-sunflowers, @madebyleftovermuses, @freshmoneyalmondathlete, @dollvi3e, @legilimenace

[lenas-oc-chronicles]

Bring the Weight Down

Chapter 3: Stay

Chapter 1 - Chapter 2

The air around the room was heavy and the awkwardness made time stand still. Dahlia stayed at the foot of the stairs, unsure what she ought to do. Arthur quickly shooed the children outside and was met with protestation - mostly from Ron, of course. Arthur paid him no mind as he herded them like farm stock out the door.

“Go and practice for a while. No, go on.”

Molly stood and gestured toward the couch. “Have a seat, dearie. I'll bring you some food. You must be famished.”

“Please, don't trouble yourself.” Dahlia said, her voice raspy. That only added to her embarrassment. Her own body betraying her pride in such a way. She cleared her throat as quietly as she could.

“Nonsense. You won't heal up on an empty stomach, now, will you?” It seemed Dahlia's protest was to be ignored as well as Molly shuffled off toward what she assumed to be the kitchen. Not wanting to be rude and deny her hosts a second time, she remained quiet.

“How are you feeling, Miss Archdaen?” asked the Headmaster once Dahlia had perched herself on the couch. He noted that she'd shut her eyes as she sat, presumably from discomfort. That didn't stop her rigid posture, however.

“As well as I can,” she answered plainly. She knew the pleasantries were only to pave the way for more uncomfortable questions and conversations to come. “Thank you all for your aid. I owe you a great deal that I'm not certain I can repay.”

Arthur gave her a gentle smile before he replied, “nonsense. We Weasley's will always help a person in need.”

Dahlia gave him a hum of acknowledgment before her attention was drawn by Professor Dumbledore, “Miss Archdaen, if you please, will you enlighten us on what happened to you? And, moreover, how you came to be here?”

Dahlia had opened her mouth to answer when Molly returned, holding a tray that she set on the table in front of the young witch. On it was a bowl of what looked to be vegetable soup, bread, and a glass of water. Dahlia thanked her but didn't dig in yet despite the hunger that arose within her at the smell of the food.

“I was attacked, and I apparated here afterward.” She knew her reply was insufficient, so she continued. “I'm not certain how I came here, specifically. I did not know where here even was.” She paused for a moment to survey the faces in the room. They were curious, of course. Dahlia feared she could not give an answer that would appease them. “I've had dreams for months now – dreams where I'm in peril, and then I'm somewhere safe. I could always see the house - this house - so clearly. A light in the doorway, and the knowledge that all would be well if I just went inside.”

Albus nodded his head, intrigued. “And in these dreams, you never know whose home it is you're going to?”

“Never. I wasn't certain that anyone lived here at all until I woke up.”

Another pause. Dahlia knew where the conversation was headed next, and waited while the Headmaster figured out how to word what he wished to ask. “And about your... attack. Do you know who did this to you?”

“Yes, I do.”

“Forgive me, dearie, but... was – well, was it a werewolf?” Molly asked, recalling the wounds on Dahlia's back.

“One of them was, yes.”

Molly looked taken aback by Dahlia's reply. 'One of them?'

Knowing it was no use trying to evade giving a straightforward answer, Dahlia sighed and recalled the night before. She had no intention of giving them more information than what was necessary, however she had no interest in baiting them to ask her for more clarification. But first, she had to ask them, “what will happen if I tell you of the events leading to my appearance here?” While they fumbled for a response, Dahlia continued, “it's just... I don't want anything that I say to make its way to the Ministry of Magic. I'd rather it not leave the room at all, truthfully.”

Arthur chimed in then, “but – I'm sorry, but your father works at the Ministry.”

“Yes, he does.” Her reply was met with a look of bewilderment, which was soon wiped away by understanding tinged with pity.

“Anything you tell us will only be used in deciding how to move forward, Miss Archdaen. You have my word,” Dumbledore replied with finality. Dahlia found it interesting that even though they were now grown with their own families (save for Snape,) they still seemed to follow the guidance of their old Headmaster.

Dahlia took a moment to drink some of the water that had been provided for her and her dry throat thanked her for it. She wasn't sure if she'd felt so thirsty before in her life. “My parents threw a party last night,” she began as she set the glass back down. “A small get together to celebrate my betrothal.”

“Betrothal?” Molly blurted out, surprised. The girl was the same age as her Ron, if her memory served her right. Too young for an engagement, she thought. She hadn't even graduated school yet.

Dahlia nodded before she continued, “at the end of the evening a smaller group of guests remained. It seemed my parents intended it to not only be an engagement for marriage, but also the time that I should receive the Dark Mark.”

The Weasley's were visibly taken aback. There had been rumors that the Archdaen's were Death Eaters but insofar they'd managed to keep their names out of the known ranks. The admission, so openly from their only child, was not what they had expected to hear.

“I refused, and it was their view that I ought to be made to take it. That's when I ran. While I was trying to leave is when I became injured.”

“Your injuries,” Snape spoke to her for the first time, “appeared to be superficial. Are there any that might not have been seen?”

“I believe I have a fracture in my rib, and perhaps a sprain in my wrist. Both are in pain but neither are broken.”

Wordlessly, he rifled through his bag and handed to her another mending potion. She took it quickly, rinsing away the bitter taste by finishing off her water. She hissed slightly as the potion went to work to mend her bones – snapping them back in place and joining them together properly.

“Your parents did this?” Molly asked, quietly.

“My father, yes. He wasn't alone in my pursuit, but he did lead it.”

Arthur reached out to grab Molly's hand and give it a squeeze. How anyone could dream of harming, or purposefully letting harm come to their own children was something he could not fathom. And Molly was clearly upset. Tears welled in her eyes that she tried to hide from the poor girl. She wasn't doing a great job of it.

“I am sorry this happened to you, Miss Archdaen. If you do not wish to involve magical law enforcement, what would you prefer to do?”

Dahlia hadn't thought of her next steps. All she had known up until she awoke was to get away. From there she had no ideas. Anywhere she could go, they would find her. She would not be safe with friends or family. In leaving her home she became completely alone.

“I do not think it would be wise for me to return to school after the break. They will find out that I'm there. And none should be made aware of my whereabouts.”

“Where shall you go?” asked Arthur, earnestly.

Dahlia had nothing. Her name would get her caught and all she'd had when she left were the clothes on her back and a couple of wands. She attempted to give him a reassuring smile, though she wasn't sure that she was convincing as her own anxiety began to build. “I will find somewhere.”

The Weasley's looked between each other and spoke without words. Neither one was willing to let this girl go off on her own. Molly gave Arthur a nod, which he promptly returned. “Nonsense,” he began, “you'll stay here.”

For the first time all morning they saw an expression form on Dahlia's face – genuine surprise. Her eyebrows rose and her lips parted slightly. She composed herself quickly before she spoke. “I couldn't possibly. You've already done more than I could ask to aid me. If you'll bring my clothes to me, I'll leave at once.”

“You'll do no such thing,” said Molly. “No one will be looking for you here. And the house gets so quiet when the children are off to school. I could use the company.”

Dahlia felt a painful pang in her chest. She wanted to cry, but she couldn't bring herself to. Not in front of them. Her heart felt like it would burst from her chest, writhing in agony that she could not express. Her jaw clenched and she squeezed her fists together to steel herself. “I don't know what to say.”

“You've been dealt many hands at once. I think it's best if we let you sit and think for a while – and enjoy your lunch. Arthur, Molly, Severus. Let us adjourn to the dining room to allow Miss Archdaen to breathe.”

“I will take my leave. I believe my services are no longer required,” Severus replied before he stood. He gave Dahlia a nod of acknowledgment and looked to the Headmaster, who granted him the leave he desired. Snape bid a very quick farewell before he left – through the back so as not to alert the children that things inside had shifted.

The other three went into the next room, with Arthur and Molly both encouraging Dahlia to eat up. Molly returned very quickly to provide Dahlia more to drink, but then left again after asking if she needed anything else. The room fell quiet once Dahlia was alone. She could hear the whoops and hollers from the others outside. They were playing a game on their brooms. She could hear voices from the other room, but they were too low to understand the words being spoken. She was, essentially, alone with her thoughts.

She reached for the bowl of soup and found herself shaky. Her mind was reeling so quickly that it was as if no thoughts could form at all. She ate the food provided without realizing she'd done so – lost in a hazy swirl of uncertainty. The initial flood of gratitude and joy that almost brought her to tears was being replaced by dread. Was she really meant to stay with these people? She knew the children from school, sure, but she had encountered the adult Weasleys a handful of times at best. She knew them moreso by name than by face. And now she was to live with them? How long would that last? And what was she to do after that? Her whole life had been planned and now she had no certainty of anything beyond the fact that she was still alive.

Dahlia tried to settle her nerves by reminding herself that she had always found a solution to anything before her and that her own intuition had been a helpful guide all her life. She would not have been lead here if it were not the right place for her to be.

That did little. She hugged her arms around herself, squeezing to try to bring herself some comfort. Her eyes started darting around the room of their own accord. She did not know this house. She did not know these people. What would they do with her? Surely their goodwill would not be unending. Surely they would demand a payment of sorts. Or perhaps they'd turn her over to her family, and she would be forced to join them. She wanted to leave. She didn't know where she could possibly go that wasn't too familiar to her. She'd been so few places that had no tie to her family. She needed to get out – to run away before they decided her fate.

“Miss Archdaen?” Dumbledore's voice broke Dahlia from her spiral. She relinquished the tight hold she'd had on herself and, embarrassingly, realized that she'd been raking her nails across her arms. She loosened her grip, but did not move her hands lest her fretting wounds show. “I thought you and I should have a talk together before anything is decided.”

Dahlia straightened her back and watched as the Headmaster re-entered the room and sat himself across from her.

“I would like to offer you something to ease your mind, if I can. That no matter what you decide today, nothing is in finality. If you choose to remain with the Weasley's for now but wish to leave later, there are other safe houses that you can be taken to.”

'Safe for who?' she thought. Perhaps this would offer reassurance to someone with which Dumbledore was very close to or familiar. She trusted him the same amount as any teacher – no more, and no less. What good was a safe house when she wasn't even certain she were safe in present company?

“And if that is not your desire, they will understand if you leave. It is not for any of us to decide for you and you do not owe anyone here an explanation of your choice. Whatever you wish to do, you have the support of myself and the Weasley's. They were quite serious in their offer for you to stay here.”

Dahlia turned her attention to a photo on the wall. All of the Weasley's together, smiling, possibly on holiday. At least she thought it might be all of them. There were several heads of red hair.

“Arrangements have been made, should you accept, to make you as comfortable as possible. Arthur and Molly would take you to find anything you might need from the shops. And while you do not currently feel safe returning to the school, I believe we can find a way to allow you to continue classes if you wish.”

The mention of continuing her education brought Dahlia's focus back to Dumbledore. She mulled it over for a moment. With all of her overthinking in her brief time alone, she decided to go with her gut. Whatever came to her now would be her guidance.

“That would be lovely. Thank you, Professor.”

Albus gave her a cheerful grin. “Am I to take that as your agreement to stay here, Miss Archdaen?”

“Yes, Professor.”

“The Weasley's will be pleased. They were quite worried for your safety, you know. As am I.” Dumbledore could tell that his words meant very little to her. He understood, though he still wished to express it anyway. Perhaps one day she would hear them again with a more trusting ear. “And should you need anything, you are always welcome to write to me.”

Dahlia turned again to the photograph on the wall. There was a portrait of herself with her parents hanging in their home. It was much more formal – and larger than the one she were looking at.

“Professor?”

“Yes, Miss Archdaen?”

“Do you know if they found my wand?”

“Ah! Yes, of course. Arthur was holding onto it. It'll be returned to you at once. If you are ready, I believe you ought to tell them of your choice yourself.”

“Thank you.”

Albus excused himself to the other room and returned with the elder Weasley's in tow. Arthur handed Dahlia her wand, and she thanked him quietly. She felt more at ease the moment the instrument were in her hands. Having nowhere to tuck it, she held it in her lap. She unconsciously began to pick at the wood, her nails scraping against the twirling design carved at the handle.

“So, will we be setting a place for you at our table?” Arthur asked, placing his arm around Molly's shoulders.

Dahlia did not allow herself time to doubt her decision or to change her mind. “Yes, if it's truly agreeable with you.”

“Of course, dearie. We'd be happy to have you,” replied Molly.

The Weasley's went outside to inform their children of the new addition. Albus remained with Dahlia. She'd started to go numb. She knew she ought to feel relieved, perhaps even elated, that she had somewhere to stay. But she couldn't bring herself to feel anything at all. Dumbledore was speaking to her – telling her a story of his youth. She could hardly hold focus on his words, though she watched him as if she were listening. Her thoughts drifted to the evening before; the chaos and her heart pounding in her chest as she ran from her home. She could practically feel the slash of claw-like fingernails against her back, scarring her for the rest of her life.

The door opening stopped the memory from replaying in her head. Dahlia turned her head toward the sound but did not meet the eyes of anyone who came in. As they filed into the room one after the other, she felt more and more like the stranger that she was. She could feel the glare of the younger boys, reminding her that to some she were an unwanted pest. Perhaps it were better to go nowhere than to stay here, after all.

Albus stood to say his farewell's to the group, and offer them a piece of wisdom. At least, Dahlia assumed that's what he was doing. His voice was still fuzzy, but she'd had to sit through his speeches many times throughout her school years. Her jaw was clenched and when he addressed her directly, she gave him a quick nod but did not speak. As if sensing her discomfort, he came to place a hand on her shoulder.

“Remember, Miss Archdaen. Should you need anything, I am only an owl away.”

She couldn't recall another time she'd seen him this close before. She could make out the lines on his face and smell the scent of something sweet wafting gently off of him. She'd never noticed that his eyes were blue.

“Thank you, Professor.”

He gave her shoulder a squeeze, then a wave to the rest before he left. Dahlia almost missed his company the moment it was gone and the air fell silent. She had become accustomed to his presence there with her in the brief time she'd been in the Weasley's home. A buffer between her and them, as it were. Now all that remained was the family, and their dear friend Harry. She met his eye and neither could read the expression of the other. It was Harry who turned away first – asking Ron if he wanted to go and play a game of chess. Ron, whose eyes could have bored holes through Dahlia's head, agreed sourly.

“Don't mind ickle Ronniekins,” said George, who came to join Dahlia on the couch.

“Yeah, it's been a few hours since he ate. He gets grumpy when he's hungry,” added Fred, who sat at her other side.

Dahlia gave them each a polite smile, but all she could think was that she'd forgotten their names. She recalled they were both one syllable. Surely they'd come to her again. Or, she hoped, someone would address them and the problem would resolve itself.

“Ginny, dear, why don't you find Dahlia something to wear? I'm going to go run a bath.” Molly offered the girl's clothes and Dahlia got the impression that there would be no argument. Having been in one position for some time, Dahlia had almost forgotten the pain of the open wounds on her back. As she stood, she grit her teeth and shut her eyes to will it away. She tried to make no outward gesture of her pain, but she did note that one of the twins moved forward as if he were going to assist her. She was thankful that she was up before he could.

Dahlia followed Molly back up the stairs. She held onto the rail as she went, gripping it like she might fall over without it. She very well could have. She felt, suddenly, very tired. She could already hear whispering down below. Regret sunk further in, becoming a part of her.

Molly was reciting a checklist to herself out loud, and Dahlia feigned attention. She left the room and returned a time or two – bringing with her a hairbrush and the clothes that Ginny had procured. The water looked so welcoming once the tub was full. Remembering something suddenly, Molly left again. Her absence was longer this time, and Dahlia set the things she'd been given on a nearby counter. It was potions that Mrs. Weasly returned with. She added a few into the water, giving Dahlia a warm smile. “This should ease the pain, dearie. Now, the wrapping on your back will need to be redone once you've finished. I'll be in my room, just down the hall. Take all the time you need. Call for me when you're ready.”

Dahlia nodded and thanked the older witch before she was left alone. She hadn't seen herself since the night before. The last time she'd looked upon her reflection, she had been pristine; makeup done and hair slicked down neatly. She wondered where her clothing and jewelry had gone. She'd ask about that later. Now she stood before the oval mirror that hung against the wall. A thick gilded rim swirled around it in a design of vines and leaves. Her hair was ratty and disheveled. Mascara was smudged beneath her eyes, and the slightest remnant of smudged lipstick was left behind around her mouth. Her right eye had a pool of red spreading from her iris out. She leaned in closer to examine it and found that the skin around was a bit swollen and kissed purple. She removed the nightgown, wincing slightly. A dull ache was returning to her body. Though her injuries were healed, that didn't stop soreness from breaking through as the potions began to wear off.

Her right shoulder was every shade of red and violet. Dahlia instinctively reached up to press on the bruise and was thankful for whatever amount of magic remained to keep her from feeling the self inflicted pain. Her ribs were the same. She turned and tried to examine her leg. The wound was sealed closed. There was a thin line of pink where it had been, and remnants of dried, crusted blood here and there. She reached her arms back, feeling for the bandages that covered the worst of her remaining injuries. She absentmindedly ran her hand over the fabric for a moment before using her wand to get it off. She held the stained material in her hands. Her blood had dried into four slivers; the claws that had reached her. She ran her thumb over it before setting it aside. She tried to turn so that she could see the damage. Doing so was painful and didn't help her much.

After giving up on that venture, she set to combing through her hair. Then, at last, she sunk into the bath. When the water hit her back, she winced initially. It burned, briefly, and then she adjusted as the potions in the water helped to alleviate the discomfort. She dipped her head beneath the surface, relishing in the warmth. A nearby shelf provided her with various soaps, and Mrs. Weasley had left a clean rag for her.

It felt like heaven to be alone, in the quiet calm of the bath as she gently scrubbed away the dirt and oil. She was able to lean back and enjoy the warmth of the water for a while, closing her eyes and trying to relax. Flashes of the night before invaded her thoughts and she pushed them away for as long as she could. After a time, she resigned herself to another quick scrub down before she exited the water.

The clothes she was given were soft enough; a skirt with a stretchy waist band that might've hung loosely on Ginny, but formed tightly to Dahlia's hips. The top was similar; likely more giving to Ginny's smaller frame. She used a spell to alter the items, “multicorfors.” The items fit more comfortably then. She'd return them back to the way they were another time. At least the items matched – solid green turtleneck over floral.

Dahlia brushed her hair once more, drying it with her wand, before opening the door to call for Mrs. Weasley. The older woman was there in a hurry with fresh cloth bandages to cover Dahlia's open wounds.

“There. That's better isn't it?”

“Yes, thank you, Mrs. Weasley.”

Molly lead Dahlia back downstairs. The twins were still in the living room, along with Arthur.

“Care for some tea, Dahlia?” asked Molly as she went to turn on the radio.

“Sure. Thank you.” The young witch was unsure what she ought to do, so she remained standing at the foot of the stairs.

“Well, go on, sit, sit!” said Molly, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. Typically, Dahlia would expect to be given direction on where she were allowed to be and what she ought to be doing. It didn't seem the Weasley house were run in the same manner.

She was between the twins again. Right away they started speaking to her jovially – like they'd been friends for years. Mrs. Weasley returned with tea for all and set to knitting in her chair. Arthur was reading the newspaper for the day. While the scene was homey and inviting, Dahlia couldn't help the uneasy feeling that was creeping all over her. She didn't have time to dwell as she was quickly roped into a card game with the twins, who thankfully said each other's names.

Tag: @ocappreciationtag

[leilapotter]

I'm debating wading back into HP waters . . . very carefully and in full disagreement with JK Rowling's hateful views.

So . . . a few questions

[ironverseocs]

HP OCs -> Marlo Robinson, make-up aesthetic

Neutral Tones; sunset hazy gold, milky coffee stains, ancient scrolls, matte lipstick

forever tag list: @ocappreciation @ochub | @arrthurpendragon @foxesandmagic @shrinkthisviolet @themaradwrites @goldheartedchaoticdisaster | dm or send me an ask if you'd like to be added!

[arrthurpendragon]

⌨ + Leila Potter's story

Send me ⌨ + title to one of my fics and I’ll write a sentence for that fic!

Almost all times, Leila thought.  But she saw no need in pointing that out - the boys were already in trouble. And it appeared that Fred’s lack of manners wasn’t helping things. Mrs. Weasley narrowed her eyes at her son. “You keep your mouth closed while you’re eating!” she snapped.

Fred’s mouth immediately clamped shut before he swallowed hard.  Knowing Fred like she did, it was immensely entertaining to see someone able to get to Fred like that. Fred then eyed George to continue.

“They were starving them, Mum!” George added, careful not to take a bite of food before speaking.  Instead, from behind his back, he tossed Leila a muffin which she nearly missed catching.  “I mean, just look at them!”

Leila scoffed out loud, ready to retort look at yourself, but before she could protest, Ron chimed in.

“There were bars on their window, Mum!” Ron added before sneaking a rather large bite of food in his mouth.

Mrs Weasley quickly turned on her heel, practically jabbing her finger in Ron’s shoulder. “You’d best hope I don’t put bars on your window, Ronald Weasley!”

Ron gulped his food down, nearly choking on it.

Mrs Weasley then rounded on the twins and narrowed her eyes, looking between Fred and George. “And you’d best hope I don’t accidentally starve you.”

Fred and George glanced sideways at each other before Fred asked his mother, “Which one of us are you starving?”

Mrs Weasley groaned and threw her hands up in the air in frustration. “We never had this much trouble with Bill . . . or Charlie . . . or Percy.  Not even combined!  Where did we go wrong?”

[villain-connoisseur]

resplendence ↪ ambrose and lisette benson

"i was enchanted to meet you..."

[bravelittleflower]

Oc halloween challenge

Day 1 - life in plastic!

Tag list: @raging-violets , @foxesandmagic , @dreamerwithapen1 , @arrthurpendragon , @harleyquinnzelz , @anotherunreadblog , @curious-kittens-ocs , , @endless-oc-creations , @noratilney @fragilestorm @come-along-pond

@jvstjewels @drbobbimorse @akabluekat @tessasocs @starcrossedjedis @that-demigirl

@bisexualterror

[dancingsunflowers-ocs]

🦆 + my girl Carina? <3

Thank you so much @rose-of-oz!!! 💕 Tagging @luucypevensie @manyfandomocs @arrows-unofficial-ocs and @ginevrastilinski-ocs 💕

Aesthetically speaking, which era speaks to them most: Since she's an oc for the Marauders, I'm definitely going to say.. the 1970's.

A song I associate with the relationship between them and their caregiver: There You’ll Be by Faith Hill (for her relationship with her older sisters, Bellatrix, Andromeda and Narcissa Black).

Between Barbie, Monster High, and BRATZ, which one they would pick: Barbie.

If they had a favorite boy band/girl band and which one it was: The Monkees.

If they would give their life for somebody else: Carina cares about her sisters more than anything and she would support and defend them. She would also give her life to defend her best friend, Sybill Trelawney, and her boyfriend, Remus Lupin.

Which of the Six Wives they are: Katherine Parr.

What they are most likely to buy in a souvenir shop: If Carina went into a souvenir shop, she would most likely buy a new book to read.

They're a ten, but: She's a pure-blood with a love of muggle literature.

What their autobiography would be called: The sisters of House Black: Told by the forgotten youngest sister.

Which Inside Out emotion generally rules their mind: Fear.

[saiilorstars]

Ch. 41: Hallow's Tricks

Fandom: Harry Potter (Hogwarts years 1-7) Pairing: Draco x OFC

taglist:@ocappreciationtag @arrthurpendragon  @maaaaarveeeeel @stareyedplanet @foxesandmagic @kmc1989 @caplanbuckybarnes 

​​​​Story Masterlist // Romina’s Masterlist

Fanfic • Ao3 • Wattpad

If you’d like to be a part of this OC’s work/edits, let me know

Halloween was approaching now but even though Romina loved the holiday, she couldn't find it in her to be in the spirits for it. And it wasn't like she wasn't surrounded by Halloween. Pumpkins had begun going up as decorations around the school. Their meals had started bearing the pumpkin themes as well. Many of the students were already planning on what their Halloween eve would look like apart from the fact it would also be the night the champions of the Triwizard would be announced. It was all perfect...so why the hell wasn't it?

Romina had to shake herself out of her thoughts to give Angel the attention he deserved. They sat on the floor of the common room with the table between them; Carolinha and Daphne sat on the couch behind Angel. Angel, bless his heart, had tried familiarizing himself with the muggle traditions of Halloween and he was eager to show Romina what he had so far.

"I mean don't get me wrong, I'm not sure I like the idea of muggles going around imitating us but I guess it's harmless doing costume competitions," he was saying. Behind him, Carolinha was showing Daphne the magazine full of muggle costumes that Angel had somehow acquired.

"You're telling me," Carolinha scoffed. "People actually walk the streets dressed as ketchup and mustard bottles?"

Romina nodded. "Yup. My favorite pair I've seen has to be the PB and J."

"PB and what?" Daphne lifted an eyebrow at her.

"Peanut butter and jelly," Romina said, surprised that she had to even explain that.

"What have you dressed up as, Romina?" Angel curiously asked, though with a hint of a flush. He thought she probably looked adorable in whatever costumes she'd picked in the earlier years.

Romina was none the wiser as she thought back to the years before Hogwarts. "I was Tinkerbell the last year I went to my muggle school. That's the little fairy in Peter Pan with the green dress, doesn't talk." All three of her friends gave her the same blank stare. "Not ringing any bells? No, of course it wouldn't be. Before that, I was a witch of course. Couldn't help myself with that one. I've also been a vampire slayer, a cheerleader, and queen."

"Way to be on the nose," Angel remarked, making Romina laugh. "Witch, vampire slayer and a bloody queen? Really?"

Romina flushed pink with embarrassment. "I thought I was being cool about it."

Angel leaned forwards, resting his arms over the table. "More like blatantly obvious."

"What? That was I queen?" Romina pushed her hair behind her shoulders. "Why yes, that is blatantly obvious." Carolinha and Daphne both snorted. "Thanks for pointing that out."

Angel playfully rolled his eyes. "Sure, you're the queen."

"Say it again!"

Angel wasn't even surprised anymore. "You're the queen, Romina." It was all worth it when he heard Romina's giggle. That was what Draco and Arden saw when they emerged from the corridor.

"Trying to be a little more obvious there, Angel?" Draco made the call before he even finished thinking it. Soon as it left his mouth though, Arden shoved her elbow into his side. "Ow!" He threw her a glare.

Arden upheld his glare with her own, silently reminding him about what they'd just talked about. "Maybe we should go," she 'suggested'.

"Go where?" Romina asked them, forgetting the conversation altogether. She had begun understanding what Theodore meant the last time they talked. It seemed like she was never able to find either Arden or Draco alone. They were either gone or together. It was beyond strange and kind of irking her.

"None of your business, Oswell," Draco muttered and started walking for the entry door.

Arden groaned as she hurried after him. "We just talked about this!"

"Talked about what?" Romina never got her answer. Arden disappeared with Draco once again. Romina scowled. "What the hell is going on?"

"Romina, don't even worry yourself with Draco," Angel said, leading to a very huffy response.

"I am not worried," Romina said, "I would never be worried about him."

"Well good because you shouldn't be," Angel said, "I've noticed that you're not arguing with him a lot anymore."

"Oh, we've noticed that too and thank god because it was getting annoying," Daphne remarked. She'd gone back to the flipping through the magazine with Carolinha.

Romina shook her head. "We haven't stopped, he's just…not doing a lot anymore."

"Isn't that good?" Carolinha made a face because the way Romina had spoken led to believe that she was annoyed.

"Yeah, course it is," Romina scratched behind her ear. She wasn't going to admit that it was somehow leaving her a little disheartened inside. If Draco had lost interest, then it meant he had no intention of fixing things with her. He was ready to leave things as they were.

"Romina, are you okay?" Angel asked after silence stretched between them for too long.

Once again, Romina had to shake herself out of her thoughts. She needed to stop thinking so much about things. But then there's Arden…

"Actually, I forgot I have to finish some homework," she ultimately decided to say. She got up from the floor and went straight for her dorm. She would bury her face in homework if it meant warring off thoughts for a while.

~ 0 ~

"I told you not to say anything if it was going to be mean, sour or downright snappy," Arden reprimanded Draco once they were far away from the common room. They walked together down the hallway.

"It's Angel who's doing it," Draco snapped. "You know he's pulling all this crap to finally make a move on Oswell, right?"

"So?" Arden snapped, thumping him on the side of his head. "That's none of our concern!"

He smacked her hand away from him. "Don't touch me!"

"Then stop being an idiot! Who cares what Angel's doing? At the rate you're going, Romina's never going to speak to you again. Isn't that what you should be more concerned about?"

Draco didn't say anything but the huff he gave was answer enough. Arden picked up on the fact he used that as an admittance to something he didn't want to say out loud.

"Just take my advice already and talk to her," Arden said for what she was sure was the millionth time.

"It's hard."

"How?"

"She infuriates me!" And that was the nicest way Draco could put it. He wasn't sure if Romina had always been like that but lately she was annoying him in every way possible. She never let go of the stupid war she started with him. For every thing he said, she had something to quip back. He liked a challenge but why did she have to constantly be in a battle with him while others like Angel got all the playful banter, the nice eyes and giggles—

He stopped walking abruptly. Unwelcomed heat rushed up the back of his neck and face.

Arden was a few steps ahead before she noticed Draco was no longer with her. She looked back at him and wondered what the hell he was frozen for. "What are you doing?" She raised an eyebrow at him. She swore she saw him jump.

"Nothing!" he said quickly. He pushed away all thoughts concerning Romina and her giggles. In fact, he shoved them to the deepest part of his mind. He had no business thinking about that.

"Okay, are you going to do what I'm telling you to or are you going to drag this out for another month?" Arden asked, "Because we've been at this all October."

"I just need more time," Draco said. Arden blinked in surprise. That was a different answer than the previous times. The first time he had said some not so nice words to her for "talking to him like that" and whatnot. He was thinking about talking which, in fairness, was a step up. He was thinking how best to approach the subject with Romina.

So Arden would take it.

~0~

"My dear Aline!" Romina had heard Fred's call from a good distance. She tried her best to escape down the hallway but in the end, the Weasley twins captured her by the arms and lifted her up to then carry her.

"When will you stop doing this!?" Romina groaned, her legs swinging back and forth in her attempts to get down.

"When you grow some more," George said then shares a snort with his brother.

"You jerks!" Romina exclaimed.

"Calm down, Aline," Fred said once they put her down. They had carried her all the way to the courtyard. "We just wanted to discuss some things with you."

"And for that you had to carry me through the whole school?" Romina fixed her shirt that had ridden up a little on the ride. "Can't you be normal?"

"We have style," George said proudly, flicking the collars of his shirt. Fred did the same.

"You have something alright — nerve," Romina shook her head. Both twins laughed in agreement. "So what do you want?"

"We were just wondering what ideas you had for Halloween this year," Fred said.

"Right." Romina crossed her arms over her chest.

"Any new Muggle tricks you learned for us?" Fred wiggled his eyebrows at her. "Ron said you watched some new muggle Halloween movies during summer. Anything we can use?"

"That depends, do you guys do musicals?" Romina smirked. "Cos the Nightmare Before Christmas had some good songs."

"I'm not sure singing is where our talents lay," George said, "But you're more than welcome to join us."

"Yeah, my thing's the violin. Arden does the singing."

"Arden?" Harry heard the last thing Romina had said. He, Ron and Hermione were walking up to the trio. "If she doesn't watch out, she's going to get hexed."

Before Romina could ask what he meant, Ron answered it. "We just saw her with Malfoy in the library."

"Again?" Romina said a tad softly. Last time she heard, Arden said she was heading for the astronomy tower to work on a project.

"Again?" Ron made a face. "You mean she's willingly spending time with Malfoy?"

"Maybe they were working on a project," Hermione said with a groan. "We shouldn't be getting into anyone's business, even if it is someone like Malfoy."

"I care for Arden only," Harry clarified. "She's our neighbor and friend, right Romina?"

Romina nodded silently. She was more preoccupied wondering why the hell Arden lied to her earlier. Theodore is right. He has to be. Except it absolutely irked her that he was right.

"Well if he gets smart with Arden, Georgie and I are more than happy to help out with some tricks," Fred said, swinging a shoulder around Romina. "We have an insider in the Slytherin House." Romina felt his subtle nudge and as much as she wanted to smile, it wasn't wide enough.

"Romina, we were going to go visit Hagrid, if you wanted to come," Harry said, eyeing her strangely.

"Um, yeah, that would be nice," Romina said, deciding that she needed to stop thinking so much about business that wasn't anything to do with her. Hermione was right.

"What about our tricks, Romina?" George asked, feigning offence that they were being forgotten.

Romina playfully rolled her eyes. "I'll make a list of all the cool things I saw in the last Halloween movies."

"There's our partner in crime!" Fred gave her a big hug from the side and followed it with a sloppy kiss on her cheek.

"Ah! Fred!" Romina exclaimed, swatting him away from her.

"Off we go, George!" Fred announced as he took off in a sprint.

"Agreed!" George nodded. He made to leave but at the last second, he dove for Romina and kissed her other cheek.

"GUYS!" Romina yelled after the pair who couldn't have run any faster. "Ron, your brothers are insufferable!"

"Which ones," Ron said, causing a round of snickers.

"C'mon Rom," Harry slid his arm around Romina's shoulders.

"Just don't kiss my cheek," she warned as they started down for Hagrid's hut.

"Kiss the spots where Fred and George kissed you? Yeah, I'll pass," Harry said, crinkling his nose at the thought. "Maybe later."

"Jerk," Romina chuckled.

~0~

As it turned out, Romina remembered exactly what had soured her mood before visiting Hagrid. Seeing Arden in the Great Hall reminded Romina. Looking around to make sure that no one else (specifically a blonde) was around, Romina headed for their table.

"Oh hey," Arden greeted Romina when she sat down beside her. "I was wondering where you went."

"I went with Harry, Ron and Hermione to visit Hagrid." Romina started going through their dinner options on the table.

"How nice!"

"Mhm…" Romina watched her friend pick up her goblet to drink.

Arden noticed it soon enough and cut her drink short. "What?"

Romina ducked her head; she swallowed hard. She was itching to bring up the subject but she had no idea how.

Thankfully, Arden had known Romina for such a long time now. She knew Romina like the back of her hand. "What is it?" Arden asked her. "Something's on your mind."

"N-no…"

"Romina, I can see it. Come out with it," Arden motioned. "Afraid I'll bite or what? C'mon." Arden nudged her on the side until Romina ended up smiling. "What's the secret?"

It's yours, Romina sourly thought. "Arden, you would...you would tell me if something big happened in your life, right?"

Arden snorted. "Yeah, just as soon as something happens."

Romina sighed in annoyance. She left her plate and shifted to face Arden. "You know that in this entire world, you and Harry are my best friends." Arden nodded. "You two are the people I most trust. You've been with me way before Hogwarts. I love you guys."

"Me too, Romina," Arden agreed. "And I'm sure Harry feels the same way. Why are you talking like this?"

Romina was frustrated. She was frustrated with Arden for not telling her the big secret about her and Draco. She was frustrated with herself for not being able to directly ask Arden about it.

"Romina, what is it?" Arden pressed for the answer. Whatever was nagging at Romina's mind had to be big to make her act like this.

"Arden, you would tell me if you were seeing someone right?" Romina finally asked. "Whoever it was...right?"

Arden had no idea where the question had come from but if it was bothering Romina so much, she would just answer it. "Yes, of course."

Romina nodded, staying silent to give Arden the chance to speak. Except, Arden didn't. She didn't know what else she was supposed to say. "You would tell me, right!?" Romina asked again, nodding at Arden to speak.

"I already said yes," Arden said, making a face of confusion. "Why, is anyone interested? Oh! Is it that cute Durmstrang boy Blaise talks to? Cos he is cute!"

"Arden!" Romina snapped, startling the brunette. "Aren't you—is there something you want to tell me?"

"Not really, no," Arden answered slowly, eyeing Romina with concern. "Is there something you want to tell me?"

Romina couldn't believe her ears. "Me!?" she said incredulously.

"Yeah, what is it with you lately?" Arden genuinely wanted to know. "Is it this Draco thing that's finally getting to you?"

Romina wanted to tell. She wanted to yell so badly. She swallowed it down, slamming her hands on the table as she stood up.

"Romina, what's happening?" Arden stood up with Romina but the latter was storming away before Arden even touched her. "Romina!"

"Leave me alone!"

~0~

Romina did not speak to Arden for the rest of the week. She found it incredibly hard to get over the fact Arden lied to her face. Romina felt like she needed time to get rid of her anger before she could talk to Arden again.

Meanwhile, Arden was going crazy trying to figure out why on Earth Romina was so upset with her. As much as she thought, she couldn't come up with a reasonable explanation. She even got the others in their group to try and help her out but they were just as lost as she was.

"I'm turning into you," she told Draco before their Divination class was to begin. "She's not talking to me."

"Sounds to me like she just came to her senses," Draco remarked, smirking at Arden's scowling reaction. "All this time, you've been nagging me about screwing up. Now look where you are."

"Why the hell do I even talk to you?" Arden muttered.

"Because I made my payment," Draco was happy to respond with. It was hilarious reminding Arden that she was basically in debt with him until further notice. Course then Pansy showed up to claim her seat next to him and reminded him exactly how big his payment had been. And Romina had yet to direct a word to him.

"What do you want, King?" Pansy demanded.

Arden didn't even bother with her. She locked eyes with Draco and pointed a finger at him. "Talk to her now."

Draco would've liked to demand how the hell he was supposed to do that when Romina made it her personal mission to stay clear of them both. He ended up thinking about some ways during class. Trewlany never had anything interesting to say anyways. Plus, Pansy would take care of the work for him. (It was the only good thing that came out of the exchange).

After class, Arden made sure to remind him to go find Romina. He had to shake Pansy off him, literally—she was clinging to his arm—to go search for the stubborn girl. Whether it was lucky or not, he spotted Romina sitting by herself in the courtyard. She held a book in her hands, muggle by the looks of it.

"'Princess Bride'?" He asked in bemusement when he sat down beside her.

Romina silently flipped the page. She should've known better than to pick a public spot for reading. Hermione Granger owed her for such stupid advice. This was supposed to calm me down...

"Gotta say, Oswell, I didn't take you for the princess or bride type," Draco remarked. He smirked when Romina met his eye.

"I can like many things," she said with no emotion whatsoever, "But don't get it confused. It's not your typical princess story."

"Does it have a prince?"

"Yes but—" Romina was quick to say when she saw Draco opening his mouth, "—he's actually the evil one. It's the masked man in black who gets the girl."

Draco snorted. "Seriously? I didn't know you were that type!"

Romina scowled at him. "Shut it! Can't you go somewhere else? Bother some poor first year or something!?"

"I needed to talk to you!"

Romina scoffed. "Now you want to talk to me?"

"Hey, I've been trying to find you but you keep hiding or something!"

"I am not hiding from anybody." Lies. Romina was definitely doing her best to avoid him and Arden. It was easier with Draco because they didn't share a dorm. "If I was hiding, would I really come out to read here of all places? Use your brain, if you have one of course."

"You didn't have any doubts when we were partners in Potions," Draco reminded her with a smug smile. "You were definitely happy with the results."

Romina rolled her eyes. "You love the attention you get from your class partners, don't you? Heard you specifically switched Theodore for Pansy of all people. I know Divination isn't all that hard but...even then..."

Whatever smugness Draco had vanished. "I did not ask for Pansy."

Romina scoffed. "Right." She turned the page of her book.

"I didn't!"

"Then why did you switch partners?"

"Why are you so interested?"

"Because Theodore's came up to me about three times to complain about you and Arden blowing him off. Honestly, whatever you two have going on, do me the favor and leave me out of them."

"Going on…? What the hell are you talking about?"

Romina finally stopped pretending to read—she had been looking at the same sentence over and over for minutes now—and looked at Draco. Her eyes had widened to make her point that this was Draco's moment to tell her the truth. Given that Draco had no idea what this truth was, he could only stare back. The blank stare was Romina's final straw.

She smacked his shoulder with her book. "You're insufferable!"

"What did I do now!?" Draco was sure he was going to lose count on how many times Romina had hit him with something.

"And you've got some nerve!" Romina exclaimed, smacking him again with her book.

"Can I at least know what I had the nerve of this time!?"

Romina's answer came in the form of another smack. "Like you don't know!"

"I don't!" Draco saw the next smack coming when Romina raised her book again. He caught it before it hit him on the head. "Stop hitting me!"

Romina held onto her book tightly and tried pulling it out of Draco's hands. "Let go!"

"Why? So you can go ahead and 'lightly tap' me again?" Draco would never forget the poor excuse she gave him the last time she decided to get violent with him. Romina should count her lucky stars he didn't retaliate for that one. Anyone else who dared to hit him on the head in front of a whole crowd would've been hexed.

"If you don't let go of my book right now, you're going to wish all I did was 'tap' you!"" Romina pulled on her book again. Draco was surprisingly stronger than he looked. Her pull did almost nothing. She could feel his fingers touching hers each time she pulled. It shouldn't be causing her any type of sensation. The same went for the stupid smirk on his face.

"Got lost in my eyes there?" Draco made the question just as soon as it'd come to mind. It was too hard to resist.

"You wish," Romina said, releasing her book in the process. She laughed when he nearly fell back from the sudden loss of her pull.

"Oh, that was funny?" Draco released a breath once he'd reclaimed his balance on the bench.

Romina nodded, the ghost of her laugh still playing at her lips. "Mhm, yeah."

Draco mocked her for a brief second before whacking her on the head with her own book. It wiped any trace of a smile and laugh from her.

"You hit me!" Romina said, eyes wide and mouth in a gape.

"You hit me like 10 times already!"

Even though that was very true, Romina wouldn't admit it. "Give me that!" She snatched her book from him. "Go find Arden or Pansy or whoever the hell you're talking to these days!" She jumped from the bench and glared.

"I'm talking to you right now but I frankly don't understand what's going on." This was nowhere near what Draco envisioned when he thought of talking to Romina...but she always had a way of changing things around him. He got up as well and faced Romina. "Why are you so...grumpy lately?"

"I am not grumpy!"

"Yeah, you are. It's adorable up to a certain point…" Draco said, trailing off when he noticed the fluster on Romina's face. He smirked. "Alright there, Oswell?"

Romina couldn't stand his smirk. "I hate you!" She gave him one more smack with her book then stormed off.

"Don't think you do!" Draco called after her in an almost sing-song manner.

She absolutely hated him.

~ 0 ~

The Halloween feast was, as usual, delicious. The Great Hall was filled with floating candles and pumpkins but what really took the attention was the Goblet of Fire's new place at the head of the room. Tonight, the three champions would finally be announced. Everybody was jittery, to say the least. Even Romina was excited despite the fact that Mr. Crouch was back in the school. She had done her due diligence of not looking his way. She was having a much better time with Angel, Carolinha and Daphne anyways.

"'I myself am strange and unusual'," she mimicked Lydia Deetz after gushing about the character in her latest line of favorite Halloween movies. "She's who I would've gone as for Halloween this year."

"That movie just sounds weird," Daphne said, shaking her head.

"I think it's funny weird," Carolinha shrugged her shoulders. "Definitely haven't heard something else like that. Muggles are creative."

"It was such a good movie but remember—don't say Beetlejuice three times!" Romina warned with a playful finger.

"Yeah, that guy just...he doesn't sound too nice," Angel said with a grimace. "Why'd you like the movie again?"

"Because it's funny," Romina chuckled. "Our favorite part was the singing."

"And when you say 'our' you mean Arden…?" Angel watched Romina sober from her laugh at the mention of her best friend she currently wasn't speaking to.

Arden currently sat with the Carrol twins a bit further down the table, unsurprisingly (in Romina's mind anyways) not too far from where Draco was sitting with Blaise. Romina didn't even look in their direction.

"Don't start, Angel," she warned quietly.

"You've never gotten into a fight with Arden," Angel said. "What happened?"

"Nothing," Romina insisted. She grabbed one of the pumpkin pastries on her left. She would rather not think about the fact her best friend refused to tell her about her ongoing dating. She was thankful that the feast was done a few minutes later. She would much rather focus on the champions that were going to be called.

Dumbledore had risen from his seat, commanding the silence of the entire room. "And now the moment you've all been waiting for, the champions selection!" He approached the Goblet whose flames were beginning to glow red. Soon, it shot into the air to spit out a piece of parchment.

Dumbledore caught it and unfolded it to read the first champion's name. "The Durmstrang champion is ... Viktor Krum!"

Everybody burst into cheers and applause as the Krum got up from the Slytherin table to walk up to Dumbledore. He shook hands with the headmaster then followed Crouch and Lugo Bagman towards a door behind them.

The Goblet soon spit out another name. The parchment was baby blue and perhaps laced?

"The champion from Beauxbatons... Fleur Delacour!"

A girl with near silver blonde hair rose from the Ravenclaw table. Romina recognized her as the girl Ron often fawned over. And by the looks of it, all the rest of the boys fawned over her too.

"Look, the other students aren't that happy," Carolinha remarked about the rest of the Beauxbatons students at the Ravenclaw table.

"Seriously," Romina said after shifting in her seat to get a better look. Some of them were actually crying. "Where's the solidarity my grandmother spoke of?"

Fleur soon disappeared along with Krum and now the final name had been released from the red flames. Excitement increased tenfold as they waited to hear who would be the Hogwarts champion.

"The Hogwarts champion... Cedric Diggory!"

The entirety of the Hufflepuff table jumped from their seats to cheer Cedric on. He was perhaps the most cheered for champion. Romina was no exception to the cheering.

"I know one of the champions!" She clapped excitedly.

"Excellent! We now have our three champions!" Dumbledore said once the applause had finally died down. "But in the end only one will go down in history. Only one will hoist this chalice of champions, this vessel of victory the tri-wizard cup!"

But before he could say more, the Goblet hissed as its flames once more turned red. Confusion spread in the room as the flames released another piece of parchment.

Equally confused, Dumbledore reached for the fluttering parchment in the air. There was a long moment of awkward silence before Dumbledore finally read the name on the parchment. "...Harry Potter."

Silence.

Even Dumbledore seemed like he didn't believe what he had read. Gazing down at the parchment again, he repeated the name written down. "Harry...Harry Potter!"

Romina nearly keeled over. Her head flipped in the Gryffindor table's direction and saw Harry was frozen in his spot. All eyes were on him. Some students were even standing up just to stare at him better.

"Harry Potter!" Dumbledore called again, lowering the parchment in his hand to spot the brunette.

"Go on Harry. Harry for goodness sake," Hermione urged Harry. It had to be better than just sitting there waiting for the vultures to come for him because oh they were going to come. Hermione saw at least a handful of angry eyes on Harry.

Harry was numb but his legs seemed to do him the grace of letting him stand up.

"He's a cheat! He's not even seventeen yet!" He heard someone say as he slowly walked up to the head of the room.

"What is he doing?" Carolinha whispered to Romina. "What on Earth does he think he's doing?"

Romina could only shake her head. There was no way in hell that Harry had figured out a way to slip his name into the Goblet. Better men had tried. So how the hell did his name end up in the Goblet?

~ 0 ~

It was absolute chaos in the Slytherin common room that night and the following morning. There wasn't a single soul who believed that Harry had not willingly put his name into the Goblet of Fire.

"Please, half of you didn't even like Cedric Diggory before tonight," Romina spat at a grumbling group of fifth years near the fireplace. "You all wanted a Slytherin champion so don't for a second say you loved Cedric."

"C'mon Oswell, you can't defend Potter for this one," Draco called. He, Blaise, Theodore and Angel were huddled at one of the tables. "He just wants the attention."

"Harry wouldn't be stupid enough to put his name into the Goblet, much less for attention," snapped Romina. "You're the one giving him the attention if we're being technical." She went straight for the dorms that night. She could very well pick a fight with everyone and she would if they asked for it.

"C'mon Romina," Carolinha watched Romina sulk on her bed later in the evening. "You really don't think Harry may have just gotten smart like the Weasley twins tried to a while back?"

"He wouldn't do it, Carol," Romina insisted. "God! Haven't any of you paid attention so far!? Harry doesn't seek attention! He doesn't put himself in mortal danger for fun!"

"Harry's not like that," Arden spoke quietly and avoided Romina's look. She was as unwelcomed as any other time but she would be damned if she listened to someone else claim that Harry put his name into the Goblet.

Romina did look in her direction but she didn't snap. For a moment, there was solidarity between them. Truthfully, Romina missed that.

"Then how did his name get in there?" Daphne curiously asked. "Because out there," she made a nod for the common room, "there's a lot of nasty rumors going around."

"They're just that, Daphne, rumors," Romina said sharply. "I beg you guys not to believe in them. I know Harry, okay? I have all my life. He did not do this." Carolinha and Daphne ultimately nodded but there was still a hint of doubt. Romina didn't waste the night arguing with them. She had a feeling there would be plenty of unconvinced people to deal with in the days to come.

~0~

Romina was able to find Harry the next morning but was surprised to find out that Ron was one of the people who firmly believed Harry put his name into the Goblet.

"He's finally lost it," Romina whispered after hearing Harry's moment with Ron the previous night.

"I tried telling Harry it's more jealousy than anything else. It's always Harry getting the attention whether or not he wants it." Hermione seemed torn between both sides. Romina understood her. It wouldn't be easy handling both boys for the time being.

"I don't," Harry practically snarled. He was just as furious as Ron was with him. He expected his best friends to believe him! Two out of three did!

"Really, try to understand him," Hermione insisted. "Ron's got all these brothers to compete against at home and you're his best friend and you're really famous…"

Romina made a cutting motion across her neck. Harry could give a damn about anything else right now.

"Great, really great," huffed Harry, "Tell him from me I'll swap any time he wants. Tell him from me he's welcome to it. People gasping at my forehead everywhere I go…"

"I'm not telling him anything," Hermione snapped. She didn't deserve any of his attitude, that much she was sure of. "Tell him yourself. It's the only way to sort this out."

"She's right on that, Harry," Romina remarked only to earn a deep scoff from Harry in return.

"You haven't spoken to Arden in how many weeks now?"

Romina blinked. Fair point.

"I'm not running after him trying to make him grow up!" Harry continued. "Maybe he'll believe I'm not enjoying myself when I've got all my neck broken or—"

"That is nowhere near funny," Hermione scolded him.

"Bad joke indeed," Romina said, "At least tell me you've already written to Sirius about this?"

"I told him earlier," Hermione informed.

"And let me guess, he hasn't?"

"Not that I know of!"

"I'm right here!" Harry snapped at the pair. "And I'm not doing it. He came back to the country just because my scar twinged! He'll probably come bursting into the castle if I tell him that someone entered me in the Triwizard Tournament!"

"Doesn't matter, he would want to know," Hermione said sternly.

"He's going to find out anyways, Harry, might as well cut out the middle man," Romina patted his shoulder comfortingly.

"How?" He asked, clearly unconvinced.

"It's called the frikin media, Harry! The Daily Prophet is guaranteed to be covering this and given that you're 14...I'm pretty sure it's going to be some big news."

Harry stayed quiet, and pensive. That did make sense. Sirius was in hiding but he didn't live under a rock. "Fine," he sighed. "I'll write."

"Thank you," Romina said, voicing Hermione's relief as well.

The two girls personally accompanied Harry to the owlery to witness the letter being written. They couldn't take the chance of Harry backing out at the last minute.

~ 0 ~

The days that came after were no better for Harry. Romina didn't have to be in Gryffindor to know that. In fact, it was probably better that she was in another House. She saw things perfectly.

The Hufflepuffs were absolutely livid with him. None of them were talking to the Gryffindors. Even the Ravenclaws were doing their best to avoid the Gryffindors. Romina didn't bother much with her own House. The Slytherins were split in three. One side was just as livid as the Hufflepuffs, the second side were genuinely interested to see how the hell fourth year Harry Potter was going to compete against the more advanced students and the last side simply didn't care.

"I don't think we should be splitting our loyalties between Harry Potter and Cedric Diggory," Luna Lovegood shared her unique opinion with Romina one afternoon. The two girls had found a comfortable spot in the courtyard where Luna could show Romina the latest edition of the Quibbler.

Romina smiled to herself. Luna never had one bad thing to say about anyone, not even one bad thought. "I wholeheartedly agree, Luna."

Luna shrugged slightly. "Hogwarts has two champions. We're fortunate, really."

"I don't think Harry sees it that way," Romina said with a light sigh. She leaned on Luna's side to get a glimpse of the next page of the Quibbler. "He's scared. He's got less years of experience and the fact that most of the school hates him doesn't help either."

"I'll cheer for him," Luna said, making Romina smile. Luna hadn't even properly met Harry. She just knew him through Romina and Ginny Weasley.

"I'm sure he'll appreciate that," Romina said.

"Romina," she heard Rolf call. He was approaching the two girls. "Hey!"

"Hi Rolf," Romina smiled at him. "Luna, this is my cousin, Rolf Scamander." The bright blonde girl wiggled her fingers at Rolf. "Rolf, this is my friend, Luna Lovegood."

"Yeah," Rolf nodded. Romina guessed that he knew much of Luna's quirky reputation like the rest of the school. "Hey," he smiled at Luna. "You reading the Quibbler?"

"Luna shows me the editions every month," Romina said.

"My father's the editor," Luna explained.

"Oh, that's cool!" Rolf exclaimed. Luna beamed. It wasn't often that people said things like that to her.

Romina looked between the pair with a small smile. "You want to read it with us?" she asked Rolf, figuring Luna would be more than happy to share with another person. Romina didn't think anyone else really read the Quibbler, much less with Luna herself.

"Sure!" Rolf said, making way for Luna's other side on the bench. "Oh, I almost forgot. Romina, I just ran into Arden King—she was asking for you."

Romina's eyes lowered to the Quibbler's pages. She had no idea why turnips were supposed to be lucky but she would rather read that than deal with this conversation.

Luna, however, had no idea that Romina wasn't on speaking terms with Arden. "Arden is your friend, isn't she?"

"Was," Romina whispered before clearing her throat. She looked up and happened to see Harry walking from the opposite end. "You know what? I forgot I have to go talk to Harry about something. Rolf, you want to read the Quibbler with Luna?"

"Umm…yeah, but what about Arden?"

"I'll see her later," Romina said, promptly getting up from her seat. "I'll see you guys later." She hurried away before either Luna or Rolf said something else about Arden.

Unsurprisingly, Harry was alone when Romina walked up to him. Hermione was off in the library and he just couldn't stand spending so much time there.

"Not like Ron, huh?" Romina giggled.

Harry's expression soured at the mention of Ron. "Not at all but you know what? At least Hermione believed me."

"He'll come around, Harry, I know it," Romina assured. "Has, um, has Sirius written back yet?"

"Yeah, yesterday. He wants to talk face to face."

Romina stopped walking, widened eyes meeting Harry's. "How's that going to work?"

"I'm sure Sirius has a way. He told me this Saturday at one o'clock in the morning."

"Tell him everything, Harry, got it?"

Harry rolled his eyes. "I know—"

"I mean it, Harry Potter. Everything," Romina pointed at him. She knew exactly how Harry was. He would try to hide things from Sirius no matter how dangerous it got.

"Yes, I promise, sheesh!" Harry exclaimed. "Get off my back, will you? It's not been a lovely week."

"Yeah, I know, I'm sorry," Romina said. "I did get to read Rita Skeeter's article about you—erm, you didn't tell her that you cry at nights, right?" Harry deadpanned her until she answered herself. "Right, course…"

"Everything in that article was lies," Harry huffed. "I didn't say any of that stuff."

"It's like Hollywood," Romina said.

They started walking again, albeit slowly as they continued to discuss the lies that were sure to come in future articles if Rita Skeeter was the author.

"But listen, Harry, just know that I'll be cheering for you. In fact, even Luna Lovegood is on your side!"

"The only Ravenclaw," Harry mumbled.

"Well, I know that Angel, Carolinha and even Daphne are rooting for you. Just, um, don't be surprised if you hear the girls gushing about Cedric too."

Harry rolled his eyes. "Is it just them gushing over Cedric? I seem to recall you doing the same thing at one point."

Romina's face turned a bright red. "Shut up he's cute,," she promptly said, making Harry chuckle. "You know I'm your number one supporter!"

"Right. Hey, what does Arden say about this?" Harry had to ask. He'd been trying to broach the subject but lately his days were consumed by his own problems.

"I don't know what she says these days," Romina shrugged.

"Rom, why are you two fighting? You never fight."

"I abhor lies, Harry, you know that. And right now, Arden is lying to me. I know she is and she knows it too but she doesn't admit to it."

"I really can't see Arden lying to you of all people," Harry said, even making a face at how absurd that was. He'd known both Romina and Arden since before Hogwarts and if there was one person Arden King could never lie to, it was Romina. Romina was Arden's confidant for everything. It was vice versa.

"Well she has now," Romina said quietly, "And it hurts. I thought we were best friends."

"Just talk to her, Rom," Harry insisted and heard Romina's loud groan.

She picked up her pace, leaving Harry to trail after her. "No!" she yelled. "I've given her ample time to come clean! I'm not going after her for anything!"

"Oh, so you're so keen to tell me to talk to Ron but you won't take your own advice?"

"That's different!"

"How!?"

Romina whirled around, coming face to face with Harry. They bore the same challenging glares. Ironically it was something that Arden used to point out whenever they got into moments like these. Unfortunately, Arden was nowhere near to help ease the tension, neither was Hermione for that matter. The only person nearby wasn't quite interested in helping them out.

"Why so tense Potter?" They heard Draco's voice somewhere nearby.

Romina and Harry tore their eyes from each other to face Draco, only that took a moment seeing as they couldn't actually find him. Romina happened to look up and found the blonde perched up on a tree. Her face scrunched up in utter confusion. "What the fuck are you doing up on a tree?" Harry followed her gaze up and frowned.

"Gotta see the sights, Oswell," Draco remarked, "You know you spent about an hour with Looney Lovegood over there? How interesting can that really be?"

"You spy on me now?" Romina raised an eyebrow. "Are you that bored? Or just that creepy?"

"Rom, let's just go," Harry reached for Romina's arm. He had absolutely no mood to deal with Draco today.

"Don't go so quickly, Potter," Draco called, stopping the pair in their tracks. "You know, my father and I have a bet going on. I don't think you're gonna last ten minutes in this tournament. He disagrees. He thinks you won't last five."

Now it was Romina trying to tug Harry away.

"I don't give a damn what you or your father thinks Malfoy," he snapped, "He's vile and cruel, and you're just pathetic. Let's go, Rom!" He turned right on his feet and strode away, leaving Romina to scurry after him.

Neither saw Draco jump from his spot on the tree, hand whipping out his wand to aim on Harry's back. The loud bang stopped Harry and Romina in their tracks, but neither understood where it came from, nor why several students had yelled. They turned around and saw Moody not too far from them with his wand out and levitating a...white ferret?

"I'll teach you to cast when someone's back is turned!" growled Moody apparently at the creature. It bounced in the air, going zig-zag all around.

"I'm so confused," Romina whispered to Harry, both of them in a trance much like the growing crowd around them.

"I'm not," Harry said, his eyes widening as he started making the connections. Romina saw the odd smile on his face. "That's Malfoy, ha!"

"What?" Romina hissed.

"Didn't get you, did he?" called Moody over to Harry. Harry shook his head, his grin might as well be glued on by this point. Moody forced the ferret into a smack against the ground.

Romina flinched. She actually heard the smack. "Make him stop!" She tugged on Harry's arm but he was frozen and not out of horror. "Harry!"

"What's going on?" Romina then heard Arden's voice through the crowd. The brunette pushed her way through the crowd until she was close enough to be pulled by Romina. "Romina, what's—"

"That's Draco!"

"What?" Arden's eyes widened and her mouth pursed together to hold back a laugh. Moody was now punctuating his reprimands by smacking the ferret against the ground, the tree and even a stone bench.

Romina groaned. "Arden! Do something! That's your boyfriend!"

"HE'S MY WHAT?" Arden's scream could have rivaled the growing laughter from the crowd. She was absolutely affronted with the confident claim.

Romina frantically pushed Arden out of her way to run through the crowd. She shoved whoever was in her way until she was on the other side. She had no idea where she was going but she had a good idea of the people she was looking for.

She found McGonagall in the hallway and without thinking, Romina yelled her name until she had run up to the professor.

"Miss Oswell!" McGonagall naturally reprimanded her. "That is no way to address somebody!"

Romina was out of breath from running and yelling. "Professor — outside — Professor Moody — and Draco! He's a...!" Romina had to hold her knees to keep herself standing. She was a blundering mess and she knew it.

McGonagall was downright appalled with what she was seeing. "Miss Oswell, calm yourself down and then find me. Perhaps with a little bit more etiquette."

"But Professor!"

"Keep this going and I will take points from Slytherin!"

"I don't care!" Romina snapped frantically.

McGonagall couldn't look any more irritated. "Alright, that's 50 points from Slyth—MISS OSWELL!" McGonagall yelled when Romina yanked her by the hand. "This is highly inappropriate! Let go now!"

Romina did no such thing. "It's Professor Moody! Please!" She insisted, running quicker and holding McGonagall's hand tight. "He's done something terrible!" Romina wasn't sure if McGonagall had said anything, or yelled for that matter, during their run. Romina felt her ears ringing and her heart pounding. She didn't care if she lost the entire points Slytherin had racked up so far. She just needed to get McGonagall to the courtyard so she could see—

"MOVE!" She screamed at the crowd in her way. She did hear when McGonagall scolded her again for squeezing them through the crowd.

Moody was still holding the ferret captive. It certainly got McGonagall's attention off Romina. "Professor Moody what are you doing?" She asked him.

Moody was absolutely calm as he moved the ferret from one point to the next. "Teaching."

It took only a second for McGonagall to realize why Romina had been so frantic. "Is that a student?" she looked back at the young girl who nodded. Romina was still horrified and frankly pleaded for Mcgonagall to do something.

"Technically it's a ferret," Moody answered. He shoved the ferret down Crabb's pant leg, causing a whole roar of laughter, including Harry's and Arden's.

Romina would have yelled at McGonagall to act if her status at Hogwarts wasn't already in danger for the way she dragged the professor there. Fortunately, McGonagall snapped out of her own trance. When Moody pulled the ferret out of Crabbe's pants, McGonagall took the opportunity to point her wand ahead and turn Draco back to normal.

He was, understandably, all out of sorts. His robes were askew and his hair was sticking up in all kinds of directions. He twitched, his eyes flickering from one side to the other as if Moody were about to hit him with another spell. "My father will hear about this!" He yelled, but soon regretted it when Moody stepped forwards.

"Is that a threat?"

Draco chose to run away there and then.

"I could tell you stories about your father that would curl even your greasy hair boy! It doesn't end here!"

"Professor Moody!" McGonagall had to shout over the laughing crowd of students. "We never use transfiguration as a punishment, surely Dumbledore told you that."

Moody didn't look abashed in the slightest. "He might've mentioned it…"

"Well you will do well to remember it." McGonagall turned to the crowd of students, eyes sharp and blazed with irritation. "The rest of you—don't you have studying to do?"

Students went every which way except for Romina. For when she turned around, she came face to face with Arden.

"You. Me. Talk. Now." Arden left no room for refusal. She grabbed Romina's arm and pulled her away.

[eddysocs]

Fireside Familiarity — Molly Weasley x OC

Summary: Olivette isn’t quite feeling her bright and sunny self, but it’s nothing some quality time with Molly can’t fix.

Word Count: 447

Warnings: Mention of animal death

The crackling fire cast a warm glow throughout the cozy sitting room of the Burrow. Olivette had just arrived back from a difficult day at the owlery. Some of the most recent chicks had failed to thrive despite her best efforts and the loss had taken its toll on her.

When Molly saw her crestfallen face, she opened her arms to her and Olivette joined her on the sofa. It wasn’t long before Olivette felt her eyelids grow heavy. The events of the day had left her weary, but here, in Molly's presence, she found solace. Her head gently leaned against Molly's shoulder, the soft rhythm of her breaths complimenting the sound of the crackling fire.

Molly glanced down at Olivette as she shifted to make herself more comfortable and a fond smile tugged at the corners of her lips when Olivette drifted off into a peaceful slumber. While she had been reading when Olivette came in, she now carefully marked her place in the book and set it aside, content to simply bask in the warmth of the fire and the company of the dear girl who now resided with her.

Time seemed to stand still as they sat there, the only sounds the occasional pop of a log in the fire and the gentle rustle of Olivette's breath. Molly couldn't help but marvel at the serenity of the moment, the weight of the world melting away in the comforting embrace of the firelight.

Eventually, some half an hour later or more, Olivette began to stir. "Well, hello, sleeping beauty. You fell asleep on me," Molly murmured. Her tone conveyed only amusement, no judgement.

Olivette hummed and stretched herself out slowly as she shifted to face Molly. "I don't think I have ever felt safer than in your arms," she confessed, her gaze locking with Molly's in the flickering firelight.

A tender smile graced Molly's features as she reached out to gently brush a strand of hair from Olivette's face. "You'll always have a home here, dear. You're family to me and if you want to talk about what had you so down, you know I’ve always got a listening ear."

Their eyes met, an unspoken understanding passing between them. "How do you always know exactly what I need," Olivette whispered, her voice filled with wonder as she traced patterns on Molly's arm with her fingertips.

Molly smiled, her gaze softening with affection. "I pay attention," she replied simply, her heart overflowing with love for the young witch nestled in her arms. And as the fire continued to burn brightly, casting its golden glow upon the room, Molly and Olivette remained wrapped in each other's embrace.

Forever Tag: @baubeautyandthegeek, @kmc1989, @curious-kittens-ocs, @fanficanatic-tw, @kissykissymouth, @gcthvile

Olivette Littletree: @dancingwith-sunflowers, @madebyleftovermuses, @freshmoneyalmondathlete, @dollvi3e, @legilimenace, @yellowbird-flying

[mxxnlighvsblog]

lilith macdonald's life was relatively normal, in her opinion. until she turned 11 and suddenly there was an owl outside with a letter telling her she could do magic. her and her mother, mary, were, to say the least, confused. but after a long talk and a bit of bickering, lilith decides she wants to attend hogwarts. very shortly after someone is at their doorstep to explain everything and take the two to the world of magic. lilith was instantly in love with the world that was magic, but mary felt...uneasy there. like it was familiar in the worst and best way. she could feel the eyes of people who seemed to be watching her. maybe it was because she was a muggle? it unnerved her but she brushed it off for lilith. for her daughter's happiness. turns out lilith doesn't know her mother like she thought. and now she's face-to-face with her mother's forgotten past

TAGLIST - n/a ( ask to be added )

[itsdafuckhause]

Back when I was active on Quizilla, I had a few harry potter ocs (boo).

left is Akemi, she was basically japanese harry and lived with mrs figg across the road. right is jaycelynn and she was SO SPECIAL that she had a whole house to herself. yeah.

[leilapotter]

I'm debating wading back into HP waters . . . very carefully and in full disagreement with JK Rowling's hateful views.

So . . . a few questions

[ironverseocs]

impromptu plot bunnies -> best friend of Marlo Robinson

BASICS

name — Malcolm Lewis Ledbury

nickname — N/A

age — 16 years

date of birth — September 20, 1977

mbti — ESTP

gender — he/him

sexuality — panromantic

~

HOGWARTS

house — Slytherin

house position — Prefect

quidditch position — N/A

wand — Unicorn hair, Ash, 9 inches,

best subject — Divination

worst subject — Transfiguration

blood — Pureblood

~

No plans, just vibes. That's how it be sometimes. :)

Forever taglist: @arrthurpendragon @foxesandmagic @shrinkthisviolet @ochub @ocappreciationtag | want to be added? shoot me an ask or dm!