Lumpkinz11
Junior Member
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Fandom Hogwarts 1x1 RP w/ _anubis_
- Thread starter Lumpkinz11
- Start date
Lumpkinz11
Junior Member
The air was electric with a tension I had never felt before, unlike the familiar buzz of excitement that usually accompanied our pranks at Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes. As I stood behind the counter, surrounded by an array of colorful products designed to elicit laughter and mischief, the reality of 1997 weighed heavily on my shoulders. The War had encroached upon our world, casting dark shadows even over the bright little shop I had built with my twin brother, George. But I’m Fred Weasley, and if there was one thing I had learned over the years, it was that laughter could pierce through the thickest gloom.
Dressed in my usual ensemble of a faded red shirt and well-worn jeans, I turned back to the display of Skiving Snackboxes, remembering how many loud guffaws they had produced over the years. My hair, a wild mess of fiery red, felt like a beacon in this troubled time—an emblem of the chaos that felt almost comforting amidst the uncertainty. My grin, still as mischievous as ever, played on my lips as I surveyed the gathering crowds of witches and wizards seeking a momentary escape from the harsh realities lurking outside our shop's doors.
“Oi! Fred!” George called out from the back, his voice laden with that unmistakable mix of brotherly camaraderie and frantic energy. It was a reminder that even amid hardship, the bond we shared was unbreakable. It was our beacon, our strength. Together, we had faced challenges that would have broken most, but through every skirmish and every failure, laughter was our weapon of choice.
Outside, the world was changing—it was more dangerous and uncertain than I ever imagined. Harry, Hermione, and Ron were off fighting a war we didn’t fully understand, yet in these four walls, we still clung to laughter as our shield. That was it, wasn’t it? We had built this place not just to sell products, but to create joy—to be a haven for anyone willing to defy the darkness. There were moments, though, when I found myself wondering if our jokes were enough to keep the shadows at bay.
As I rifled through the assortment of joke items, I was abruptly drawn from my thoughts by the tinkling of the tiny bell above the shop door. My gaze flickered upward, and that’s when I saw her. This unknown woman stood just inside the entrance, silhouetted by the golden light of late afternoon, a mysterious figure that seemed to bring with her a fresh breath of air. Her vibrant, flowing cloak contrasted sharply with the gray skies beyond, and as she stepped further into the shop, the soft whoosh of the fabric gave her an ethereal quality.
There was something about her that caught my breath and held it; perhaps it was the way she carried herself—like she knew the score, even amidst the chaos. Though her features were partially obscured by her cloak hood, I could see the intensity in her eyes—a flickering flame of determination. A startled hush fell over me as I found myself captivated, utterly at a loss for words. Before a word could be spoken, a “Hello how are you?”, or anything, I slipped into the back, trying to remember how to breathe.
The stone walls of Slytherin’s common room were damp with the chill of early morning, a soft hiss of heat emanating from the enchanted fireplace in the corner. Shadows flickered across the room, casting an ethereal glow. As I nestled into the worn leather armchair, a cauldron of potions bubbled silently on a small table beside me, its contents churning with a promising hue of emerald. It was my latest creation—a new variant of the Growth Potion that prized subtlety over potency. I absentmindedly twirled a lock of my dark hair, keeping it in check with the low braid I favored. My piercing gray-green eyes scanned the pages of an old potions book, eager to uncover secrets yet unexplored.
“Focus, Elara,” I murmured to myself, more an act of determination than a need for self-reward. There was an allure to the world of Potions, to the controlled chaos in a bubbling cauldron, that enthralled me. I relished the way expectations melted away under the weight of my ambition. Hogwarts had become a battleground—a place where ambition and cunning wove together in a tapestry of social complexities. Each thread was a glimmering opportunity, and I was determined to pull at them all.
My thoughts drifted to the way my future shaped before me like mist dispersing at dawn. This year would shape everything—the struggle and triumph pinching my heart with a delightful unease. A prestigious internship at the Ministry of Magic waited just beyond the horizon, and the Department of Mysteries was the crown jewel. The excitement danced in my chest as I imagined the power I could wield, reshaping policies, and perhaps, someday, destiny itself.
Suddenly, the comforting hum of potions brewing was disrupted by the scuffle of footsteps echoing through the nearby corridor. My heart quickened, and I shot up in my seat, the tingle of unnerved anticipation running down my spine. In my haste, I knocked over the week of work I had been brewing. Daring to look towards the archway leading back to the dungeons, I caught the flicker of movement through the shadows. The energy in the room shifted, thickening as the familiar presence pulled me closer to the forefront of my thoughts.
It was a familiar feeling—the inexplicable ache that came with Draco Malfoy’s proximity—thrumming with a mix of admiration and dread. For years, I’d watched him, the way his platinum hair caught the light, the confident stride that seemed to command the very air around him. My stomach knotted as I attempted to quiet the whirlwind of emotions that churned at the thought of him entering my space, and just as I began to gather my wits, something instinctual urged me to remain poised, dignified. Smoothing out my school skirt, I began to look around for a cloth to clean up with, when I heard the door creak open.
Note: This was written in first person, but every post from here on out will be in third.
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_anubis_
New Member
ℂ𝕠𝕣𝕒 𝕎𝕪𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕟𝕖
A heavy burden was on the back of Cora Wyverne as the war between Voldemort and Hogwarts seemed to become inevitable, the woman couldn't help but worry for the younger Slytherins she had befriended that were still within the walls of Hogwarts. Yet at the moment she had a shop to attend to and until the war came it was her upmost priority. At the moment the young witch stood before an iron pot, bubbling as she stirred the ingredients together. What boiled in the pot at the moment was the draught of peace, a rather complex potion yet one that practically sold out every day due to the oncoming war. Soon the concoction emitted a silvery vapor, signaling that she had made it correctly, per usual.
The woman hummed to herself as she put the ingredients, moonstone and syrup of hellebore, back in her ingredient closet. Now all she had to do was pour the potions into her intricate glass vials and set them back out on the shelves for sale and then she could set out to visit the store commandeered by the Weasley twins. She had heard whispers of the wonders within that seemed to bring others joy, something she found herself quite needing at the moment. Yet most importantly she was curious to hold one of the infamous Pygmy Puffs, which were said to be incredibly curious and cuddly creatures.
Soon the stocks were once reorganized and filled, the vials glistening in the gentle light of the afternoon. Everything looked absolutely perfect to open up to the following morning, so now it was time for her to close and set out for the day. The female tugged a cloak over her head as she headed out into the bustling streets of Diagon Alley, her eyes set on the orange and purple building that was the Weasley's Wizard Wheezes. As she gently opened the door to the shop, a soft bell jingled to alert the owners that someone had entered. The store was filled with toys, pranks, and other curiosities, something she couldn't help but be interested in. Yet something else caught her interest, the tall Weasley who stood behind the counter. The two had known each other slightly within the halls of Hogwarts, yet she hadn't quite appreciated his beauty until now.
She felt her heart flutter as her emerald eyes met his, a simple action that simply had just took her breath away. Yet she couldn't help but be slightly taken aback as the red haired male simply ran to the back, had she done something wrong? Certainly not she had just entered into the shop, possibly he had important business to tend to in the back? She wasn't quite sure but she was determined to not let that bother her at the moment. As the witch fully entered into the store she pulled the cloak's hood off of her head, gently shaking out her hair so that it would fall and frame her face perfectly. With a slight sigh escaping from her lips she began to wander around the store, her eyes lighting up with childish joy as she looked at their stock.
𝔻𝕣𝕒𝕔𝕠 𝕄𝕒𝕝𝕗𝕠𝕪
Pressure was on the young Malfoy as the dark mark burned into the skin on his forearm, a testimonial to the rash decision he had made, and one he regretted ever so much. Alas it was quite hard for him to go against the words of his parents and he certainly didn't have the courage to stand against Voldemort. Just the thought of his name sent a shiver down his spine, an eerie sort of feeling that lingered throughout the next few minutes. He had been a spy within Hogwarts for the Dark Lord for the past few weeks, and it had been quite tiring to run back and forth between the meeting grounds and the school's grounds. Thankfully for the moment he was able to get away from all of that as the Dark Lord had most of the information he needed, and Draco was told to lay low to keep suspicions from growing.
The male was currently walking throughout the walls of Hogwarts, attempting to calm the war that he was currently battling within his own mind, yet nothing seemed to work. The Slytherin wizard had given up in finding something important to do within Hogwarts, so he went to retire in the Slytherin common room, hoping Crab and Goyle could take his mind off of his inner battle for the time being. However as the door creaked open he saw a sight he hadn't happened to see, Elara.
He chuckled softly to himself as he saw her furiously attempting to clean up her mess before he noticed her mistake, poor thing. Normally he would have avoided interaction with the other at all cost, feeling too abashed to speak to her and embarrass himself. However he needed to do something to distract himself and he was quite adept at making potions. Besides the poor girl obviously needed some help, so he might as well. It seemed as if she had just spilled their current assignment for potions, something that the due date was approaching rather rapidly. It was the least that he could do after all, besides if he didn't talk to her how would she ever be by his side when he wanted her to. The longing for her would have to end at some point and with the war approaching the time was now.
"Here let me help you Elara," his voice remaining calm as he approached her, hiding the nervousness he felt inside. The male grabbed the nearest cloth he could find and began cleaning the potion off of the floor, thanking his ancestors that it wasn't something that would harm him. "There that's cleaned up, come with me and we can gather the ingredients for the potion and I will help you make it. I have access to Snape's storeroom." He advised her as he laid the cloth over the rim of the iron pot, he would take care of cleaning that up later.
A heavy burden was on the back of Cora Wyverne as the war between Voldemort and Hogwarts seemed to become inevitable, the woman couldn't help but worry for the younger Slytherins she had befriended that were still within the walls of Hogwarts. Yet at the moment she had a shop to attend to and until the war came it was her upmost priority. At the moment the young witch stood before an iron pot, bubbling as she stirred the ingredients together. What boiled in the pot at the moment was the draught of peace, a rather complex potion yet one that practically sold out every day due to the oncoming war. Soon the concoction emitted a silvery vapor, signaling that she had made it correctly, per usual.
The woman hummed to herself as she put the ingredients, moonstone and syrup of hellebore, back in her ingredient closet. Now all she had to do was pour the potions into her intricate glass vials and set them back out on the shelves for sale and then she could set out to visit the store commandeered by the Weasley twins. She had heard whispers of the wonders within that seemed to bring others joy, something she found herself quite needing at the moment. Yet most importantly she was curious to hold one of the infamous Pygmy Puffs, which were said to be incredibly curious and cuddly creatures.
Soon the stocks were once reorganized and filled, the vials glistening in the gentle light of the afternoon. Everything looked absolutely perfect to open up to the following morning, so now it was time for her to close and set out for the day. The female tugged a cloak over her head as she headed out into the bustling streets of Diagon Alley, her eyes set on the orange and purple building that was the Weasley's Wizard Wheezes. As she gently opened the door to the shop, a soft bell jingled to alert the owners that someone had entered. The store was filled with toys, pranks, and other curiosities, something she couldn't help but be interested in. Yet something else caught her interest, the tall Weasley who stood behind the counter. The two had known each other slightly within the halls of Hogwarts, yet she hadn't quite appreciated his beauty until now.
She felt her heart flutter as her emerald eyes met his, a simple action that simply had just took her breath away. Yet she couldn't help but be slightly taken aback as the red haired male simply ran to the back, had she done something wrong? Certainly not she had just entered into the shop, possibly he had important business to tend to in the back? She wasn't quite sure but she was determined to not let that bother her at the moment. As the witch fully entered into the store she pulled the cloak's hood off of her head, gently shaking out her hair so that it would fall and frame her face perfectly. With a slight sigh escaping from her lips she began to wander around the store, her eyes lighting up with childish joy as she looked at their stock.
𝔻𝕣𝕒𝕔𝕠 𝕄𝕒𝕝𝕗𝕠𝕪
Pressure was on the young Malfoy as the dark mark burned into the skin on his forearm, a testimonial to the rash decision he had made, and one he regretted ever so much. Alas it was quite hard for him to go against the words of his parents and he certainly didn't have the courage to stand against Voldemort. Just the thought of his name sent a shiver down his spine, an eerie sort of feeling that lingered throughout the next few minutes. He had been a spy within Hogwarts for the Dark Lord for the past few weeks, and it had been quite tiring to run back and forth between the meeting grounds and the school's grounds. Thankfully for the moment he was able to get away from all of that as the Dark Lord had most of the information he needed, and Draco was told to lay low to keep suspicions from growing.
The male was currently walking throughout the walls of Hogwarts, attempting to calm the war that he was currently battling within his own mind, yet nothing seemed to work. The Slytherin wizard had given up in finding something important to do within Hogwarts, so he went to retire in the Slytherin common room, hoping Crab and Goyle could take his mind off of his inner battle for the time being. However as the door creaked open he saw a sight he hadn't happened to see, Elara.
He chuckled softly to himself as he saw her furiously attempting to clean up her mess before he noticed her mistake, poor thing. Normally he would have avoided interaction with the other at all cost, feeling too abashed to speak to her and embarrass himself. However he needed to do something to distract himself and he was quite adept at making potions. Besides the poor girl obviously needed some help, so he might as well. It seemed as if she had just spilled their current assignment for potions, something that the due date was approaching rather rapidly. It was the least that he could do after all, besides if he didn't talk to her how would she ever be by his side when he wanted her to. The longing for her would have to end at some point and with the war approaching the time was now.
"Here let me help you Elara," his voice remaining calm as he approached her, hiding the nervousness he felt inside. The male grabbed the nearest cloth he could find and began cleaning the potion off of the floor, thanking his ancestors that it wasn't something that would harm him. "There that's cleaned up, come with me and we can gather the ingredients for the potion and I will help you make it. I have access to Snape's storeroom." He advised her as he laid the cloth over the rim of the iron pot, he would take care of cleaning that up later.
Lumpkinz11
Junior Member
Fred peered around the corner and felt a twinge of guilt for leaving her standing alone in the shop. With one profound breath, himself still holding onto a sliver of mischief even in dark times, Fred brushed aside his worries for the moment. He stepped into view, his usual grin plastered across his face as if it was my armor against the impending gloom. "Well, if it isn't my favorite potion master!" he declared, attempting to inject a dose of cheer into the air. "What chaos have you been conjuring up today?"
Cora’s emerald eyes met his, and for a heartbeat, the world outside faded into nothingness. The silence lingered, thick with unsaid words and unacknowledged feelings. Fred noted a delicate warmth creeping onto his cheeks, a feeling so enchanting that it momentarily distracted him from his usual antics. He found it remarkable how her presence could lend warmth even amidst the cold uncertainty looming over them.
Stepping closer, he caught a whiff of the serene scent of the Draught of Peace that lingered in the air around her; it was ironic yet comforting. "I see you've been stirring up a little peace potion. Haven’t you had enough of that solemnity? How about mixing in a bit of fun?" He leaned against the display shelf, the carefully arranged products of their shop reflected in his curious gaze.
"Those Pygmy Puffs aren't going to cuddle themselves, you know!" Fred winked, a playful glint dancing in his eyes as he allowed himself to be vulnerable for just a fleeting moment. “I heard they have quite the charm. You should get one; I’ll even throw in a free Whoopee Cushion as a housewarming gift.”
Elara, with her long, sleek black hair beginning to fall in her face, kept swiping at the vibrant potion with a damp cloth, grimacing slightly at the sticky residue that clung stubbornly to the stone. Her piercing gray-green eyes narrowed in concentration as she fought to contain her mounting frustration. In a world where ambition and perfection reigned supreme, failure was not just a disappointment; it felt like an affront, a shadow looming on her meticulously crafted future.
A soft chuckle rose behind her, pulling her gaze upward. She turned to see Draco Malfoy, his trademark smirk playing at the corners of his lips. Although she knew he was entering the room, the sight of the blond boy cause butterflies to flutter within her chest. They had shared classes, house common rooms, and heated debates that sometimes hovered on the edge of camaraderie and rivalry. Now, seeing him in her moment of weakness sent a wave of inexplicable warmth through her, juxtaposed with her earlier exasperation.
His voice carried a calm assurance, a quality she had come to appreciate despite their uneven history. As he knelt down, grasping a nearby cloth and moving with surprising deftness, she watched the interplay of emotions play across his fine features—nervousness, perhaps, or something more intimate lurking just beneath.
Elara’s heart raced at the prospect of their unexpected interaction. Although she would typically muster a haughty remark or dismissive glance, there was something in his sincerity that drew her in. Perhaps it was the shared pressure of impending exams, or the clandestine whispers of everyone’s ambitions hanging over them like a shimmering fog. Whatever it was, she found herself putting down her cloth, meeting his gaze with a mix of gratitude and trepidation.
His hands worked meticulously, and she couldn’t help but admire his skill—a talent that surpassed even her own. His offer hung in the air, and she hesitated to accept.
Elara felt the familiar flutter of determination surge within her. This was a fleeting moment—a collision of purpose and connection. “Thank you, Draco,” she said, hoping her composed tone masked the sudden nervousness that swayed beneath her outward confidence. “I could certainly use a hand.”
After everything had been cleaned up to the best of their ability, she grabbed her book sack and slung it over her shoulder.
“I do need quite a few ingredients. Do you think the professor would mind?” She asked softly, now unable to meet Draco’s gaze.
_anubis_
New Member
ℂ𝕠𝕣𝕒 𝕎𝕪𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕟𝕖
"Ah Fred! I thought you were running away from be for a second there," Cora teased, her eyes glistening with a hint of mischief of her own as she turned to look at the jokester. Just his typical presence brought her mood up ever so slightly, it was something to do with a certain charm he carried himself with. "Oh you know the typical chaos I can manage, you know how I am." She replied, a giggle escaping her lips as she looked back at the Pygmy Puffs before her. The creatures were in fact quite adorable, and their soft chirps and purrs softened her heart just a bit. She always had a soft spot for creatures and unlike her fellow Slytherins, Care of Magical Creatures was one of her favorites during her time at Hogwarts. If she wasn't such an adept potion maker she would have gone off to study the beasts for the ministry, perhaps she still would if something happened to her potion shop.
Although there were little creatures playing before her, the Weasley twin held her attention just a little bit more. She couldn't help but look over at him once more, somewhat sneakily admiring his features. Yet their eyes met once more, causing her eyes to quickly flicker back to the beasts as her cheeks heated up in slight embarrassment. She didn't quite understand the feelings that were brewing deep inside of her chest as interacting with others didn't bring those feelings up like Fred did. It was as if a single breath from the male could sweep her off of her feet, and his eyes could take her on a magical journey.
"Well dear Fred it seems to be the potion of choice these days, there hasn't been a day where there has been a single vial of it remaining on my shelves." Cora replied, a soft smile playing at her lips. Yet it was a somber smile, not the joyous one she would prefer to have. Yet it faded quickly as the two continued to speak, she didn't like expressing her worries to anyone else, even in her expression.
"You seem to be able to read my mind hm?" The witch questioned before reaching her hands out towards one of the Pygmy Puffs. There was a certain pink one that had caught her eye with it's cute antics, rolling around and then staring at her with it's large pleading eyes. The creature purred softly in her hands as she held it close to her body, deciding that she in fact would be taking the creature home with her. How could she leave such a precious creature that had seemed to choose her as its companion. "Fred you know how to treat me so well don't you," she teased at the idea of bringing home a whoopee cushion. "I'll take this gal home with me for sure," she purred, gently running her hand over the soft fur of the beast.
𝔻𝕣𝕒𝕔𝕠 𝕄𝕒𝕝𝕗𝕠𝕪
"Of course Elara, it's no problem at all." Draco's voice purred out, her name so effortlessly rolling off the tip of his tongue. Her voice was almost as angelic as she was, a beautiful name for a beautiful creature. "I can tell you need some help." The wizard teased, a sly smirk playing at the corner of his lips. He knew that would probably slightly annoy the other, but who was he to not send a joke her way every once in a while. It was in his nature after all.
The male shrugged in response to her question, he hadn't ever gotten in trouble with Snape, but that was for reasons he wouldn't make known to the witch. "I'm sure he won't mind, if anything I will tell him I took it. I am his star pupil after all and it wont be the first or last times I have borrowed things from him." He replied as the two exited the Slytherin common room together.
As they walked through the castle walls he could feel the eyes of other students on the two of them, something that he was quite used to. Many looked at him with either fear, dislike, or longing there was nothing in between. He could sense the friction in the air as many were certainly surprised to see him walking with the female, but he let those gazes slip off of his back and he held his head high. To hell with whatever they thought, they could make up their own misconceptions about him and share their pathetic gossip if they so wished.
The two descended down the stairs to the potion room, each making sure to skip the broken step as they went. It was a wonder that Snape or no one else had bothered to fix it, but he assumed that the Professor got some sort of excitement from watching first years trip and stumble over it. Malfoy had admittingly stood by and watched them do such a thing as well, finding slight amusement in their pain and embarrassment.
"Alright what potion did Professor Snape assign to you?" Draco questioned as he slid open the wooden door to the ingredient storage room. "I'll grab the ingredients for you so it looks like I am needing them if he happens to come down." The male stated, knowing that it wasn't quite likely as usually during this time Snape was busy patrolling the halls for students causing chaos.
"Ah Fred! I thought you were running away from be for a second there," Cora teased, her eyes glistening with a hint of mischief of her own as she turned to look at the jokester. Just his typical presence brought her mood up ever so slightly, it was something to do with a certain charm he carried himself with. "Oh you know the typical chaos I can manage, you know how I am." She replied, a giggle escaping her lips as she looked back at the Pygmy Puffs before her. The creatures were in fact quite adorable, and their soft chirps and purrs softened her heart just a bit. She always had a soft spot for creatures and unlike her fellow Slytherins, Care of Magical Creatures was one of her favorites during her time at Hogwarts. If she wasn't such an adept potion maker she would have gone off to study the beasts for the ministry, perhaps she still would if something happened to her potion shop.
Although there were little creatures playing before her, the Weasley twin held her attention just a little bit more. She couldn't help but look over at him once more, somewhat sneakily admiring his features. Yet their eyes met once more, causing her eyes to quickly flicker back to the beasts as her cheeks heated up in slight embarrassment. She didn't quite understand the feelings that were brewing deep inside of her chest as interacting with others didn't bring those feelings up like Fred did. It was as if a single breath from the male could sweep her off of her feet, and his eyes could take her on a magical journey.
"Well dear Fred it seems to be the potion of choice these days, there hasn't been a day where there has been a single vial of it remaining on my shelves." Cora replied, a soft smile playing at her lips. Yet it was a somber smile, not the joyous one she would prefer to have. Yet it faded quickly as the two continued to speak, she didn't like expressing her worries to anyone else, even in her expression.
"You seem to be able to read my mind hm?" The witch questioned before reaching her hands out towards one of the Pygmy Puffs. There was a certain pink one that had caught her eye with it's cute antics, rolling around and then staring at her with it's large pleading eyes. The creature purred softly in her hands as she held it close to her body, deciding that she in fact would be taking the creature home with her. How could she leave such a precious creature that had seemed to choose her as its companion. "Fred you know how to treat me so well don't you," she teased at the idea of bringing home a whoopee cushion. "I'll take this gal home with me for sure," she purred, gently running her hand over the soft fur of the beast.
𝔻𝕣𝕒𝕔𝕠 𝕄𝕒𝕝𝕗𝕠𝕪
"Of course Elara, it's no problem at all." Draco's voice purred out, her name so effortlessly rolling off the tip of his tongue. Her voice was almost as angelic as she was, a beautiful name for a beautiful creature. "I can tell you need some help." The wizard teased, a sly smirk playing at the corner of his lips. He knew that would probably slightly annoy the other, but who was he to not send a joke her way every once in a while. It was in his nature after all.
The male shrugged in response to her question, he hadn't ever gotten in trouble with Snape, but that was for reasons he wouldn't make known to the witch. "I'm sure he won't mind, if anything I will tell him I took it. I am his star pupil after all and it wont be the first or last times I have borrowed things from him." He replied as the two exited the Slytherin common room together.
As they walked through the castle walls he could feel the eyes of other students on the two of them, something that he was quite used to. Many looked at him with either fear, dislike, or longing there was nothing in between. He could sense the friction in the air as many were certainly surprised to see him walking with the female, but he let those gazes slip off of his back and he held his head high. To hell with whatever they thought, they could make up their own misconceptions about him and share their pathetic gossip if they so wished.
The two descended down the stairs to the potion room, each making sure to skip the broken step as they went. It was a wonder that Snape or no one else had bothered to fix it, but he assumed that the Professor got some sort of excitement from watching first years trip and stumble over it. Malfoy had admittingly stood by and watched them do such a thing as well, finding slight amusement in their pain and embarrassment.
"Alright what potion did Professor Snape assign to you?" Draco questioned as he slid open the wooden door to the ingredient storage room. "I'll grab the ingredients for you so it looks like I am needing them if he happens to come down." The male stated, knowing that it wasn't quite likely as usually during this time Snape was busy patrolling the halls for students causing chaos.
Lumpkinz11
Junior Member
As Cora gently cradled the Pygmy Puff, a soft purr echoing in her hands, Fred felt himself gulp. “Fred, you know how to treat me so well, don’t you?” she teased, the warmth in her voice making Fred’s heart race.
“I try my best,” Fred said, his tone dropping to a sincere whisper, laden with a barely hidden affection. “I’ll always make sure you have a reason to smile.”
“I’ll take this gal home with me for sure.” Fred noticed how her fingers delicately stroked the furry creature, a gentle smile playing on her lips.
Fred couldn’t help but marvel at the way Cora’s face lit up in that moment. It was a sight he cherished deeply, a glow that seemed to emanate from her very being, transforming the quaint confines of the joke shop into a sanctuary of warmth amidst the chaos surrounding them. The way her emerald eyes sparkled brought to life an ember of hope within him. Here, even among the colorful clutter of joke products and potions, he found solace in her presence.
“You know,” he began, feigning ease as he attempted to steer the conversation away from the gnawing uncertainties that loomed just outside the door. “This little one,” he gestured towards the Pygmy Puff nestled comfortably in Cora’s hands, “will need something equally fun to keep her company. What about that miniature whoopee cushion?” He said, bringing up the joke item again, stuttering slightly as he tripped over his words.
Quickly, he walked over to the counter, unable to take another second of her ethereal energy. Tapping on the old cash register, he calculated her total and ran a hand through his hair. “Is that all for today?” He asked, readying a bag and the whoopee cushion. Oftentimes, Fred found himself unable to act confident around her, getting flustered at her quips and matching humor.
“I try my best,” Fred said, his tone dropping to a sincere whisper, laden with a barely hidden affection. “I’ll always make sure you have a reason to smile.”
“I’ll take this gal home with me for sure.” Fred noticed how her fingers delicately stroked the furry creature, a gentle smile playing on her lips.
Fred couldn’t help but marvel at the way Cora’s face lit up in that moment. It was a sight he cherished deeply, a glow that seemed to emanate from her very being, transforming the quaint confines of the joke shop into a sanctuary of warmth amidst the chaos surrounding them. The way her emerald eyes sparkled brought to life an ember of hope within him. Here, even among the colorful clutter of joke products and potions, he found solace in her presence.
“You know,” he began, feigning ease as he attempted to steer the conversation away from the gnawing uncertainties that loomed just outside the door. “This little one,” he gestured towards the Pygmy Puff nestled comfortably in Cora’s hands, “will need something equally fun to keep her company. What about that miniature whoopee cushion?” He said, bringing up the joke item again, stuttering slightly as he tripped over his words.
Quickly, he walked over to the counter, unable to take another second of her ethereal energy. Tapping on the old cash register, he calculated her total and ran a hand through his hair. “Is that all for today?” He asked, readying a bag and the whoopee cushion. Oftentimes, Fred found himself unable to act confident around her, getting flustered at her quips and matching humor.
Elara stood beside Draco, the dimly lit corridor of Hogwarts pressing in around them, its ancient stones whispering the secrets of countless students who had traversed these halls before. It was peculiar how, amidst the multitude of eyes that scrutinized them, she felt a sense of solace in his proximity. Draco’s relaxed demeanor served as an anchor, grounding her as the weight of various gazes pressed upon her.
"Thank you," she replied, her voice soft, though beneath the surface, it resonated with an underlying current of gratitude. Elara had always required assistance when it came to Potions; the intricate combinations and precise measurements often eluded her grasp. She had special luck with potions, but her patience was limited. With Draco, however, it was different. His playful jabs at her shortcomings felt familiar now, almost ritualistic.
As they descended the staircase toward the dungeons, the air thick with an amalgam of fear and fascination from their peers, Elara caught the side of Draco’s smirk. It was the sort of sly expression that perfectly encapsulated his personality—self-assured, with a hint of mischief that never failed to amuse her. She noticed the way he ignored the judgmental glances of their fellow students, his posture confident, as though daring them to voice their opinions. It was a trait she admired; one day, she hoped to embody such nonchalance.
“Right, well, we had to prepare a Draught of Living Death,” she said, attempting to steer the conversation away from the tension surrounding them. “Do you think we have everything we need?”
"I'll grab the ingredients," he declared, his authority over the situation evident. The ease with which he navigated the shelves fascinated her.
Watching him, Elara felt a warm chuckle bubbling up, one she suppressed at his glib commentary. His claim of being Snape's "star pupil" made her roll her eyes playfully, yet it was impossible not to see the truth in his comment.
“Draco, you do realize that if Snape catches you ‘borrowing’ his ingredients, I may end up being the one in detention for your mischief?” The light tease danced upon her lips, the anxiety of the earlier moments falling away.
_anubis_
New Member
ℂ𝕠𝕣𝕒 𝕎𝕪𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕟𝕖
Just being in the presence of the familiar Weasley sent waves of calm to wash over her, something she so desperately needed during the uncertain times they were living in. As the stood besides each other she racked her brain for ideas on how to prolong her stay within the shop, without it being so blatantly obvious. His presence was enthralling, why had it taken her so long to seek him out once more? Perhaps it was the fear of the sense of desire she felt whenever she was around the other, the sense of want for something she wasn't quite sure that she could have.
"You're really trying to sell me on that whoopee cushion hm? I suppose I can't say no to that can I?" The witch questioned, this time a true smile appearing on the edges of her lips. She knew her new pet would need some enrichment and who other than Fred should she listen to? "Is there anything else that she would like?" The Slytherin questioned, looking over the row of shelves and into the Pygmy Puff enclosure to make sure she would have enough to make the creature feel at home.
After collecting all of the other suggested items, the witch walked over to the cash register with the Pygmy Puff in hand. Now all that was left was to name the creature. "What do you think her name should be?" She asked as she pulled some of the golden Galleons she had kept in her cloak pocket. Thankfully she would have some left over from the other sales she had made earlier within the day for her dinner. She had planned on stopping at the Leaky Cauldron for dinner, but now her plans would slightly change as she would first have to set up the little creature in her home. Thankfully she lived within the little apartment above of her shop as she was able to purchase the whole unit with the money she had saved so it wouldn't take her too terribly long to do so.
"Thank you for everything today Fred," she said sweetly, as she handed the coins over to the other. A feeling of electricity flowed through her fingers as she felt them brush against Fred's hands, how was it possibly he could make her feel that way? Her eyes fluttered away as they wrapped up their transaction, attempting to calm her heart which was furiously beating within her chest cavity.
𝔻𝕣𝕒𝕔𝕠 𝕄𝕒𝕝𝕗𝕠𝕪
"Chose a hard one didn't he?" The Malfoy boy mused as he rifled through the labeled vials for the correct ingredients. The draught was rather intricate, requiring eight ingredients, standard potioning water of course, powedered root of Asphode, infusion of wormwood, valerian root, a singular sopophorous bean, the brain of a sloth, a head of a flower, and a few drops of moondew. Thankfully Snape kept his ingredients well stocked and organized so within a few short minutes he had the ingredients in hand, ready to escape back to the Slytherin common room.
"Alright let's get out of here," the male whispered as he closed the door to the ingredient cabinet. "We won't get caught don't worry, besides if we do Snape owes my father something quite important. He won't do anything to us I promise." The male said will full-fledged confidence. "Besides, at least if we did get detention we would be together. I cannot be bored in there alone," he retorted with his words being accompanied by a playful wink.
As the male neared the exit, he paused for a brief moment to listen for the familiar sound of the professor's footsteps. To his surprise the familiar sound of Snape's black squared-toe boots rang out against the wooden steps, damnit.
"Come with me," Draco whispered, gently grabbing the other's wrist to pull her along with him into the potion closet, pleading to his ancestors that they hadn't been heard. Although he knew they would most likely be fine if they explained the situation to the professor, Malfoy hadn't exactly desired to have to do that just yet. The door swung shut behind them just before the wooden oak door creaked open and the professor entered. As the male waited to be found out he took in slow deep breaths, attempting to calm the nerves he felt bundled up inside. He talked quite a lot about how he was Snape's favorite, yet he wasn't exactly keen on finding out how far the favoritism went, especially not at the risk of Elara getting in trouble as well.
Just being in the presence of the familiar Weasley sent waves of calm to wash over her, something she so desperately needed during the uncertain times they were living in. As the stood besides each other she racked her brain for ideas on how to prolong her stay within the shop, without it being so blatantly obvious. His presence was enthralling, why had it taken her so long to seek him out once more? Perhaps it was the fear of the sense of desire she felt whenever she was around the other, the sense of want for something she wasn't quite sure that she could have.
"You're really trying to sell me on that whoopee cushion hm? I suppose I can't say no to that can I?" The witch questioned, this time a true smile appearing on the edges of her lips. She knew her new pet would need some enrichment and who other than Fred should she listen to? "Is there anything else that she would like?" The Slytherin questioned, looking over the row of shelves and into the Pygmy Puff enclosure to make sure she would have enough to make the creature feel at home.
After collecting all of the other suggested items, the witch walked over to the cash register with the Pygmy Puff in hand. Now all that was left was to name the creature. "What do you think her name should be?" She asked as she pulled some of the golden Galleons she had kept in her cloak pocket. Thankfully she would have some left over from the other sales she had made earlier within the day for her dinner. She had planned on stopping at the Leaky Cauldron for dinner, but now her plans would slightly change as she would first have to set up the little creature in her home. Thankfully she lived within the little apartment above of her shop as she was able to purchase the whole unit with the money she had saved so it wouldn't take her too terribly long to do so.
"Thank you for everything today Fred," she said sweetly, as she handed the coins over to the other. A feeling of electricity flowed through her fingers as she felt them brush against Fred's hands, how was it possibly he could make her feel that way? Her eyes fluttered away as they wrapped up their transaction, attempting to calm her heart which was furiously beating within her chest cavity.
𝔻𝕣𝕒𝕔𝕠 𝕄𝕒𝕝𝕗𝕠𝕪
"Chose a hard one didn't he?" The Malfoy boy mused as he rifled through the labeled vials for the correct ingredients. The draught was rather intricate, requiring eight ingredients, standard potioning water of course, powedered root of Asphode, infusion of wormwood, valerian root, a singular sopophorous bean, the brain of a sloth, a head of a flower, and a few drops of moondew. Thankfully Snape kept his ingredients well stocked and organized so within a few short minutes he had the ingredients in hand, ready to escape back to the Slytherin common room.
"Alright let's get out of here," the male whispered as he closed the door to the ingredient cabinet. "We won't get caught don't worry, besides if we do Snape owes my father something quite important. He won't do anything to us I promise." The male said will full-fledged confidence. "Besides, at least if we did get detention we would be together. I cannot be bored in there alone," he retorted with his words being accompanied by a playful wink.
As the male neared the exit, he paused for a brief moment to listen for the familiar sound of the professor's footsteps. To his surprise the familiar sound of Snape's black squared-toe boots rang out against the wooden steps, damnit.
"Come with me," Draco whispered, gently grabbing the other's wrist to pull her along with him into the potion closet, pleading to his ancestors that they hadn't been heard. Although he knew they would most likely be fine if they explained the situation to the professor, Malfoy hadn't exactly desired to have to do that just yet. The door swung shut behind them just before the wooden oak door creaked open and the professor entered. As the male waited to be found out he took in slow deep breaths, attempting to calm the nerves he felt bundled up inside. He talked quite a lot about how he was Snape's favorite, yet he wasn't exactly keen on finding out how far the favoritism went, especially not at the risk of Elara getting in trouble as well.
Lumpkinz11
Junior Member
Fred felt a heat creeping into his cheeks as Cora finished her transaction, the fleeting brush of her fingers against his igniting something warm and unfamiliar within him. He was aware of the organized chaos around them—the bright colors of prank toys and gag gifts, all enhanced by the soft glow of the shop’s lighting—but all he could seem to focus on was her. Her smile was like a lighthouse, guiding him in turbulent seas, and every joke she tossed his way left him wanting more, craving the sound of her laughter.
“Anything for you, really,” he managed to say, trying to sound nonchalant, though he knew the flicker of sincerity rounded his words. Behind the counter, he fidgeted with the coins and receipts, instinctively glancing up to catch a glimpse of her lively expression one more time. She was more than just a friend; she was a puzzle piece he hadn’t realized he’d been missing.
As she pondered the naming of her new pet, Fred wondered about the depth of their connection. If only there weren’t unspoken barriers between them—a dance of longing played out in the shared glances and laughter, yet tethered to a reality he feared to disrupt. His heart twisted in tandem with his thoughts, the kind of turmoil that made him wish the shop hadn’t echoed with echoes of their laughter that grew louder, drowning out the thrum of anxiety at the door.
“Maybe,as for a name, something that reflects her playful spirit?” Fred suggested, stepping out from behind the counter, as if the small action could bring him closer to Cora. “What about something like ‘Sunshine’ or ‘Giggles’? I think they’d suit her just right, don’t you?” He grinned, allowing himself to hope that maybe this could be more than just an ordinary day.
“I still can’t believe you chose to take her home,” he continued, grinning wider. “You’re going to spoil her rotten.” The words were lighthearted, but they held a slight weight to them.
Fred observed the soft fullness of her lips and the way Cora's brows furrowed in concentration. For a moment, he forgot the world around them, his heart honing in solely on her.
“Well, I look forward to hearing what name you settle on,” he said, breaking the silence that stretched between their thoughts. He cleared his throat as the air felt charged. “If you ever need help with her, or if you just fancy a visit from me—remember, I’m right here.” There it was, an invitation wrapped in the guise of casual conversation, a risk that could very well redefine their friendship if she accepted it.
Elara stood in the darkness of the potion closet, her heart racing amidst the oppressive silence that enveloped them. The air was thick with the earthy scent of herbs and the faint, lingering odor of previous concoctions. She could hardly believe they had ducked away just in time, her pulse quickening not just from the thrill of their near-discovery but also from the proximity of Draco’s warmth.
“Are we really hiding in a cupboard?” she mouthed, her face a mixture of amusement and incredulity. As her eyes adjusted, she could see Draco in the shadows, closer than she had expected. The narrow walls of the space began to feel more daunting, as she realized how small the room really was.
Elara’s breath hitched slightly as she caught a glimpse of his profile, the angles of his face softening in the muted light that trickled in through the cracks of the closet door. For a fleeting moment, the entire world around them faded—the creaking of the floor outside, the distant muttering of the professor —all of it lost in the magnetic pull of his presence. Elara felt a strange mix of excitement and anxiety coiling within her, her mind racing with thoughts she couldn’t easily articulate.
As she noticed this feeling bubbling up within her, something else stirred. Not much got under her skin, but she was quickly realizing she was not a fan of small spaces. Elara began to try to slow her breathing, closing her eyes and trying not to shout, cry, or do anything to give away their position. Her eyes popped open, and she looked at Draco with worried, searching eyes. As much as it bothered her to show weakness, she had an odd feeling it wouldn’t be met with judgment.
_anubis_
New Member
ℂ𝕠𝕣𝕒 𝕎𝕪𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕟𝕖
Cora could sense the twinge of sincerity in his words as if it had sent an arrow straight into her beating heart, "anything for you." Those words raced through her mind as she looked into the seemingly calm face before her, their relationship had been mostly platonic throughout the past few years. Now it seemed as if it teetered on the edge of something more, they were playing along a thin line yet neither of them seemed bold enough to cross it. Yet the witch longed to, but there was something holding her back and she couldn't quite place her finger on it. Was it the war and chaos that was looming over them, perhaps but she knew he could very well be the calm in her storm.
"Sunshine or giggles hm?" She murmured as she stared down at the soft creature she held within her hands. She couldn't help but giggle as the wide doe eyes of the creature stared right back at her, as if waiting for something. "Giggles?" She questioned, as if asking the creature if that were her name. In response the Pygmy purred back at her, its voice a gentle trill as if it understood and quite liked the name. "I think she likes giggles," Cora decided, not noticing the fact that she was leaning closer to Fred as if he were a magnet pulling her body to his.
"I think she chose me more than anything else if I'm honest with you. I mean who wouldn't want to spoil her rotten," the woman cooed as if she were talking to a small child. There was something about pets that brought out a softer side to her usually cold demeanor, yet there was something about the Weasley's presence that enhanced it. It was possible that she felt safe around him, his kind heart that let her be her true self, the person she was without the layers of protection she had built up over the past few years.
Cora was a bit too enamored with Giggles to notice the lingering stare from her companion, yet as she stood close to him she felt the warmth of his body practically radiating off of him. That was quite the interesting experience.
"Oh Fred you know I always fancy a visit with you," she hummed, not quite realizing the flirtatious tone behind her words until they had escaped from her mouth. But as the invitation lingered in the air her boldness continued. "Since you said you'd help me with her, why don't you come by once you've closed up shop? Just to make sure her enclosure and everything is safe." She questioned, hoping to hide her alternative motives behind the question. "Perhaps after that we could go get some food across the street? My treat?" She questioned, ignoring the heated blush that was inevitably taking up her cheeks. She had spent long enough being a hermit in her own home, maybe a night with companionship was just what she needed to relax.
𝔻𝕣𝕒𝕔𝕠 𝕄𝕒𝕝𝕗𝕠𝕪
"Where else would we have gone?" Draco questioned, doing his best to keep his tone from being snippy with the other. Sure the closet wasn't exactly the ideal place to hide, but what was worse? It took the male a few blinks for his gray eyes to adjust to the dark room, and it was at that moment he realized how close he was to Elara. Certainly the two were in quite the compromising position if they were found as students did have a tendency to snog within the dark closets and crannies within the castle corridors. Just the thought of that made the tips of his ears heat up ever so slightly.
Elara looked quite ravishing in the dim light, her soft features were only enhanced by the shadows, something that took his breath away for a brief moment. Yet he had to focus on the footsteps pacing around the room, it seemed as if Snape noticed a disturbance in the room. It was as if he could smell the bundle of nerves that stood within his closet. Snape seemed to have an eye for things out of place, and Draco couldn't help but wonder if the professor could see through walls.
Yet he couldn't help but notice the changing mood of his companion, just one look at the expression on her face told him that she wasn't just anxious about getting caught. Her worry was written in one look across her face, one that pulled on his heartstrings. "Shh, shh, it's okay I've got you." The male murmured, placing a reassuring hand in the middle of her back. Soon the male found himself gently rubbing her back in a soothing manner, something his mother did to calm him when he was young. Thankfully the two still held such a relationship, it wasn't his mother he had to worry about, just his father. "Nothing can hurt you I know it's frightening." He whispered, doing everything he could to keep her calm in such a stressful situation.
Soon he managed to figure out that she was afraid of confined spaces and he longed to simply hold her close and make the worry she held wash away. Yet for one the Slytherin wasn't quite sure if that show of concern would be accepted, nor if it would even ease her emotions. He would simply continue to rub her back and continue to whisper uplifting words until he heard the professor exit. All he could do was hope that he would leave soon, the two of them couldn't be trapped within the closet for a full night together.
Cora could sense the twinge of sincerity in his words as if it had sent an arrow straight into her beating heart, "anything for you." Those words raced through her mind as she looked into the seemingly calm face before her, their relationship had been mostly platonic throughout the past few years. Now it seemed as if it teetered on the edge of something more, they were playing along a thin line yet neither of them seemed bold enough to cross it. Yet the witch longed to, but there was something holding her back and she couldn't quite place her finger on it. Was it the war and chaos that was looming over them, perhaps but she knew he could very well be the calm in her storm.
"Sunshine or giggles hm?" She murmured as she stared down at the soft creature she held within her hands. She couldn't help but giggle as the wide doe eyes of the creature stared right back at her, as if waiting for something. "Giggles?" She questioned, as if asking the creature if that were her name. In response the Pygmy purred back at her, its voice a gentle trill as if it understood and quite liked the name. "I think she likes giggles," Cora decided, not noticing the fact that she was leaning closer to Fred as if he were a magnet pulling her body to his.
"I think she chose me more than anything else if I'm honest with you. I mean who wouldn't want to spoil her rotten," the woman cooed as if she were talking to a small child. There was something about pets that brought out a softer side to her usually cold demeanor, yet there was something about the Weasley's presence that enhanced it. It was possible that she felt safe around him, his kind heart that let her be her true self, the person she was without the layers of protection she had built up over the past few years.
Cora was a bit too enamored with Giggles to notice the lingering stare from her companion, yet as she stood close to him she felt the warmth of his body practically radiating off of him. That was quite the interesting experience.
"Oh Fred you know I always fancy a visit with you," she hummed, not quite realizing the flirtatious tone behind her words until they had escaped from her mouth. But as the invitation lingered in the air her boldness continued. "Since you said you'd help me with her, why don't you come by once you've closed up shop? Just to make sure her enclosure and everything is safe." She questioned, hoping to hide her alternative motives behind the question. "Perhaps after that we could go get some food across the street? My treat?" She questioned, ignoring the heated blush that was inevitably taking up her cheeks. She had spent long enough being a hermit in her own home, maybe a night with companionship was just what she needed to relax.
𝔻𝕣𝕒𝕔𝕠 𝕄𝕒𝕝𝕗𝕠𝕪
"Where else would we have gone?" Draco questioned, doing his best to keep his tone from being snippy with the other. Sure the closet wasn't exactly the ideal place to hide, but what was worse? It took the male a few blinks for his gray eyes to adjust to the dark room, and it was at that moment he realized how close he was to Elara. Certainly the two were in quite the compromising position if they were found as students did have a tendency to snog within the dark closets and crannies within the castle corridors. Just the thought of that made the tips of his ears heat up ever so slightly.
Elara looked quite ravishing in the dim light, her soft features were only enhanced by the shadows, something that took his breath away for a brief moment. Yet he had to focus on the footsteps pacing around the room, it seemed as if Snape noticed a disturbance in the room. It was as if he could smell the bundle of nerves that stood within his closet. Snape seemed to have an eye for things out of place, and Draco couldn't help but wonder if the professor could see through walls.
Yet he couldn't help but notice the changing mood of his companion, just one look at the expression on her face told him that she wasn't just anxious about getting caught. Her worry was written in one look across her face, one that pulled on his heartstrings. "Shh, shh, it's okay I've got you." The male murmured, placing a reassuring hand in the middle of her back. Soon the male found himself gently rubbing her back in a soothing manner, something his mother did to calm him when he was young. Thankfully the two still held such a relationship, it wasn't his mother he had to worry about, just his father. "Nothing can hurt you I know it's frightening." He whispered, doing everything he could to keep her calm in such a stressful situation.
Soon he managed to figure out that she was afraid of confined spaces and he longed to simply hold her close and make the worry she held wash away. Yet for one the Slytherin wasn't quite sure if that show of concern would be accepted, nor if it would even ease her emotions. He would simply continue to rub her back and continue to whisper uplifting words until he heard the professor exit. All he could do was hope that he would leave soon, the two of them couldn't be trapped within the closet for a full night together.
Lumpkinz11
Junior Member
Fred's heart raced as he processed Cora's words. "My treat?" The phrase echoed in his mind like a sweet melody. He dared to dream that tonight, this simple dinner invitation could be a turning point in their lives. He was quick to push this thought down, not wanting to spoil it.
“Absolutely!” he replied, trying to suppress the eagerness lacing his voice. “Just let me finish up here, and I’ll be right over.” He took a moment to compose himself, the anticipation flooding his veins as he mentally recounted the tasks left behind the counter.
The small shop was busy, buzzed with the chatter of customers excitedly picking out their next gag gifts or practical jokes. Fred loved the chaos but, on this day, it felt almost suffocating. Each moment he was to spend there now felt like an eternity, magnified by the thought of being with Cora soon. He started tidying up, organizing items with the fervor of someone preparing for an important date rather than a simple meet-up. He glanced back over at Cora, watching her hold Giggles and tickling her. She was beautiful in her element, radiating a warmth that pulled him in like gravity.
“Absolutely!” he replied, trying to suppress the eagerness lacing his voice. “Just let me finish up here, and I’ll be right over.” He took a moment to compose himself, the anticipation flooding his veins as he mentally recounted the tasks left behind the counter.
The small shop was busy, buzzed with the chatter of customers excitedly picking out their next gag gifts or practical jokes. Fred loved the chaos but, on this day, it felt almost suffocating. Each moment he was to spend there now felt like an eternity, magnified by the thought of being with Cora soon. He started tidying up, organizing items with the fervor of someone preparing for an important date rather than a simple meet-up. He glanced back over at Cora, watching her hold Giggles and tickling her. She was beautiful in her element, radiating a warmth that pulled him in like gravity.
His voice broke through the throbbing silence like a soft caress. The gentle pressure of his hand against her back sent ripples through her anxious heart. She felt the warmth emanating from his touch, a crucial lifeline to hold onto amidst the darkness. It was odd—a fleeting moment of connection in a place where they should feel nothing but the weight of their hidden fears.
It was almost surreal, this unexpected comfort provided by someone she had spent much of her Hogwarts journey both near and far from. Simultaneously, the soothing rhythm of his hand against her back—a gesture that felt achingly familiar—disarmed her worries, reminding her of safety she had long forgotten.
Elara let out a shaky breath, squirming slightly in their confined space. The memories of earlier confrontations and bitter rivalries seemed trivial compared to the reality of standing here now, united against the possibility of their discovery.
The narrow space grew quieter, yet the tension persisted like an uninvited guest. Each soft whisper from Draco wrapped around her, and the intensity of her feelings blurred the lines of fear and excitement. As if sensing her thoughts churn and twist, Draco's fingers continued their gentle motion, his attention unwavering. She wanted to let this moment linger, the comforting intimacy against the world’s chaos.
“Just… stay close,” she managed to say, her voice a whisper almost drowned out by the thrum of her anxious heart. In the recesses of her mind, she briefly entertained the thought that perhaps hiding in a closet wasn’t the worst fate after all.
It was almost surreal, this unexpected comfort provided by someone she had spent much of her Hogwarts journey both near and far from. Simultaneously, the soothing rhythm of his hand against her back—a gesture that felt achingly familiar—disarmed her worries, reminding her of safety she had long forgotten.
Elara let out a shaky breath, squirming slightly in their confined space. The memories of earlier confrontations and bitter rivalries seemed trivial compared to the reality of standing here now, united against the possibility of their discovery.
The narrow space grew quieter, yet the tension persisted like an uninvited guest. Each soft whisper from Draco wrapped around her, and the intensity of her feelings blurred the lines of fear and excitement. As if sensing her thoughts churn and twist, Draco's fingers continued their gentle motion, his attention unwavering. She wanted to let this moment linger, the comforting intimacy against the world’s chaos.
“Just… stay close,” she managed to say, her voice a whisper almost drowned out by the thrum of her anxious heart. In the recesses of her mind, she briefly entertained the thought that perhaps hiding in a closet wasn’t the worst fate after all.
_anubis_
New Member
ℂ𝕠𝕣𝕒 𝕎𝕪𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕟𝕖
"Wonderful, it's a date then." Cora replied, the word 'date' spilling out of her mouth before she had even realized she had said it. No matter, it seemed as if Fred held the same idea in his mind as she did. Perhaps there still was adventure for the two of them to get into before the war, a glimmer of light in the tunnel of darkness that they were in. The witch chatted happily with the Weasley for a few more minutes whilst playing with Giggles. "Well I must go clean up my place a bit before you arrive, I will see you soon yes?" The woman questioned, waiting for his confirmation before bidding him farewell.
As she made her way home she felt an extra skip in her step, the idea of spending her night with Fred simply had her feeling like a giddy schoolgirl. As she unlocked the door to her home she couldn't help but laugh at herself for the racing feeling in her chest and the furious butterflies she felt fluttering around in her stomach. It was quite the contrasting feeling from the dread she had felt earlier in the day, something she was rather grateful for. Fred was like a breath of fresh air, flowing ever so gently through her lungs as she inhaled.
Cora was in a frenzy once she got up to her living quarters, setting up an enclosure for giggles in her office whilst her cat Samus purred curiously at her feet. After a few minutes of flittering around her home the witch finally felt satisfied with its appearance, and now she needed to work on hers. She sat herself in front of a mirror and with a flick of her wand turned her pin-straight hair into soft flowing curls. She changed from her work clothes into a black sweater dress, paired with a golden necklace and a pair of boots. It had been quite the long time since she had ever prepared herself for a date, so all she could do was hope she looked her best for their night together.
𝔻𝕣𝕒𝕔𝕠 𝕄𝕒𝕝𝕗𝕠𝕪
'Just stay close,' the words uttered from Elara's mouth sent a shiver down his spine, and he couldn't help but feel his knees weaken slightly. It was as if the woman had a spell on him and anything she could say made him feel even more weak. No one ever had such an effect on him, it was invigorating but also nerve wracking. Yet he wanted more, he wanted her and he vowed that one day she would be all his. "Of course Elara," he murmured, his voice soft yet soothing.
For a few more moments the male watched the other with his cool, gray eyes, observing her in order to assess her levels of anxiety. Without a doubt if the closet got too much for her to handle, he would throw himself to the wolves and distract Snape so that she could escape. Thankfully with a few more minutes of patience another student came down and asked the Professor to speak privately in his office, and he heard the familiar sound of his office door swing shut. They were in the clear.
"Alright quiet now, come with me. Hurry." Malfoy whispered, quickly stuffing the ingredients in his pockets before taking her wrist in his hand to make sure that she was following. The male slowly and quietly swung open the closet door, tiptoeing out of it towards the exit. Thankfully with their quietness and patience, the two found themselves racing back towards the Slytherin common room in order to get as far away from the potion classroom as possible.
"I am so sorry that was too close," Draco admitted once they were standing in front of the iron cauldron once again. "But I did get all of the ingredients so lets make this cursed potion." The male stated, a prideful smirk appearing on his lips as he pulled them out of his robe pockets. "Alright first let's crush the Sopophorous bean with a silver knife, then pour water into a beaker and add African sea salt. We will let that sit for five minutes before pouring that into the cauldron. Timing is key on how to make this potion correctly, that and even which hand you use to stir. It sounds rather silly but trust me on this." He said, watching her carefully as she followed his directions.
"Wonderful, it's a date then." Cora replied, the word 'date' spilling out of her mouth before she had even realized she had said it. No matter, it seemed as if Fred held the same idea in his mind as she did. Perhaps there still was adventure for the two of them to get into before the war, a glimmer of light in the tunnel of darkness that they were in. The witch chatted happily with the Weasley for a few more minutes whilst playing with Giggles. "Well I must go clean up my place a bit before you arrive, I will see you soon yes?" The woman questioned, waiting for his confirmation before bidding him farewell.
As she made her way home she felt an extra skip in her step, the idea of spending her night with Fred simply had her feeling like a giddy schoolgirl. As she unlocked the door to her home she couldn't help but laugh at herself for the racing feeling in her chest and the furious butterflies she felt fluttering around in her stomach. It was quite the contrasting feeling from the dread she had felt earlier in the day, something she was rather grateful for. Fred was like a breath of fresh air, flowing ever so gently through her lungs as she inhaled.
Cora was in a frenzy once she got up to her living quarters, setting up an enclosure for giggles in her office whilst her cat Samus purred curiously at her feet. After a few minutes of flittering around her home the witch finally felt satisfied with its appearance, and now she needed to work on hers. She sat herself in front of a mirror and with a flick of her wand turned her pin-straight hair into soft flowing curls. She changed from her work clothes into a black sweater dress, paired with a golden necklace and a pair of boots. It had been quite the long time since she had ever prepared herself for a date, so all she could do was hope she looked her best for their night together.
𝔻𝕣𝕒𝕔𝕠 𝕄𝕒𝕝𝕗𝕠𝕪
'Just stay close,' the words uttered from Elara's mouth sent a shiver down his spine, and he couldn't help but feel his knees weaken slightly. It was as if the woman had a spell on him and anything she could say made him feel even more weak. No one ever had such an effect on him, it was invigorating but also nerve wracking. Yet he wanted more, he wanted her and he vowed that one day she would be all his. "Of course Elara," he murmured, his voice soft yet soothing.
For a few more moments the male watched the other with his cool, gray eyes, observing her in order to assess her levels of anxiety. Without a doubt if the closet got too much for her to handle, he would throw himself to the wolves and distract Snape so that she could escape. Thankfully with a few more minutes of patience another student came down and asked the Professor to speak privately in his office, and he heard the familiar sound of his office door swing shut. They were in the clear.
"Alright quiet now, come with me. Hurry." Malfoy whispered, quickly stuffing the ingredients in his pockets before taking her wrist in his hand to make sure that she was following. The male slowly and quietly swung open the closet door, tiptoeing out of it towards the exit. Thankfully with their quietness and patience, the two found themselves racing back towards the Slytherin common room in order to get as far away from the potion classroom as possible.
"I am so sorry that was too close," Draco admitted once they were standing in front of the iron cauldron once again. "But I did get all of the ingredients so lets make this cursed potion." The male stated, a prideful smirk appearing on his lips as he pulled them out of his robe pockets. "Alright first let's crush the Sopophorous bean with a silver knife, then pour water into a beaker and add African sea salt. We will let that sit for five minutes before pouring that into the cauldron. Timing is key on how to make this potion correctly, that and even which hand you use to stir. It sounds rather silly but trust me on this." He said, watching her carefully as she followed his directions.
Lumpkinz11
Junior Member
“Wonderful, it’s a date then,” Cora's voice broke through Fred's thoughts and danced merrily in his ears. It sent his heart fluttering anew, hope and anxiety mingling in an exhilarating mix. He knew they had both faced challenges, yet here they were.
As Cora waved goodbye and turned to leave, a wave of yearning washed over him. He wanted to be by her side, to share in the laughter that had proved so rare in their current lives. He exchanged smiles with her and waved as she disappeared from view, feeling a newfound determination lift his spirits.
Once the hustle of the shop had quieted enough, Fred finished gathering the remaining items, feeling a restless energy course through him. The thought of what awaited him ignited a fire in his spirit, urging him to hurry. With a flick of his wrist, he wiped down the counter one last time, ensuring everything was perfectly in its place. He could hardly wait to be with Cora, to step into the comfort of her laughter and warmth.
“George, lock up for me will ya?” He shouted, opening the front door, the bell dinging merrily above him.
Fred stepped out of the shop and inhaled deeply. The cool air kissed his cheeks, grounding him, yet it couldn’t compete with the bubbling excitement in his chest.
As he made his way to her place, Fred allowed himself to dream, if only for a moment. He pictured them sitting close, quick again to push the thought away and trudge forward. Wanting to waste no time, he went right to Cora’s, wearing his same sweater, jacket, and corduroy pants. As he approached her door, he could feel both delight and nervousness churning in his stomach. Whatever happened next, he was ready to embrace it, for Cora was worth every flutter that flickered within him.
He knocked on her door.
Once they were free from the claustrophobic confines, the rush of adrenaline surged through her veins. They slipped in unison down the hall, darting like shadows made of whispered secrets. Elara couldn’t help but smile at the thrill of their escape; the world beyond faded, and for the briefest of moments, it was just them—and then she realized he was holding her wrist, tugging her along. She followed behind, chuckling softly while the adrenaline surged.
The tension receded as they returned to the Slytherin Common Room, still empty and quiet. There was a playful pride gleaming in her eyes as Draco revealed their spoils—the ingredients for their potion. She felt her heartbeat steady, excitement taking over her initial anxiety.
As Draco began relaying instructions, Elara focused, the rhythm of his voice grounding her once more. Each step in the potion-making process felt like a step into something deeper. Crushing the Sopophorous bean and measuring the water felt almost poetic, a playful choreography of teamwork between them.
Stirring it slowly, she stared into the potion and gathered her courage. “Uhm…thank you,” Elara muttered. Her face flushed with embarrassment; not only had he helped her with the potion, he helped her remain calm. She wasn’t used to accepting help from others, but she was grateful anyway.
_anubis_
New Member
ℂ𝕠𝕣𝕒 𝕎𝕪𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕟𝕖
Cora could feel the knock through the door send palpitations straight through her heart, she hadn't expected Fred to arrive so early. Was this truly happening? Sure the two occasionally shared glances throughout their years at Hogwarts, but neither of them ever took the leap to make anything from it. Yet there he was, waiting for her to open the door and let him in. It was quite unbelievable, yet their story was now beginning to unravel right in front of them.
"Coming!" Her voice called out, echoing across the store front as she hurriedly made her way down the stairs and towards her front door. "Welcome in! I didn't expect to see you so soon, are you just that excited to see me again?" Her teasing words accompanied with a smirk that played on her lips. "This is my humble store and I live in the rooms just up those stairs." She stated, gesturing to the stairs hidden in the back of the store behind the counter.
"Now let's go make sure Giggles is all settled in before we go yeah?" She suggested, leading him across the wooden oak floors and towards the winding iron stairs that led up to where she lived. Their shoes rang out against the iron steps, a slight echo following the sound. "I set her up in my office over here, Samus might get a bit jealous if I move her into my room so early. I figured it would be best for them to get used to each other in small increments first." The female explained as she swung open the wooden spruce door into her office. "There's my gorgeous girl!" She cooed, bending over slightly to hold her new pet once more. "Did I do everything alright?" She questioned Fred, looking up at him with pure inquisition.
𝔻𝕣𝕒𝕔𝕠 𝕄𝕒𝕝𝕗𝕠𝕪
The blonde haired male let out a relieved sigh he had been holding within his lungs, quite pleased to find out that Elara wasn't withholding anger against him. Or at least that she wasn't at the moment. In fact to him it seemed as if she were holding different feelings in her heart, ones that he desired to pull out of her. Yet his heart ached at the idea, knowing that he very well could lead her to demise if he let her get too close. The ethereal light emitting from her was too bright for him to diminish with the darkness he held within, he wouldn't put that upon her.
"You're welcome Elara, you can come to me with anything." Draco stated, offering the other a rare smile as they waited for the five minutes to be up. "Alright now add that mixture into the cauldron and then tilt the cauldron at a very slight angle with your right hand and then with your left hand add in about ten drops of the wormwood, that should be about half of the vial. Now hold the cauldron in your left hand at the opposite slight angle and add in the other ten drops. Your Valerian roots are already in the small square pieces, place those in this beaker with a bit of water and let it settle for five more minutes." He advised, handing her an empty beaker he had also swiped from the closet.
"The potion is looking good, right now it should resemble a smooth blackcurrant-colored liquid, so you're doing very well." The male said, truly meaning the praise that he offered her. Praise wasn't something he gave out foolishly as most didn't measure up to his expectations, but Elara was listening and following his directions perfectly, a quality he appreciated in others.
As the two waited the next five minutes a few more Slytherins entered into the common room, most being met with a dark glare if they even dared to breathe in his companions direction. When he was around her he found himself being somewhat territorial, and all he could do was hope she didn't notice.
Cora could feel the knock through the door send palpitations straight through her heart, she hadn't expected Fred to arrive so early. Was this truly happening? Sure the two occasionally shared glances throughout their years at Hogwarts, but neither of them ever took the leap to make anything from it. Yet there he was, waiting for her to open the door and let him in. It was quite unbelievable, yet their story was now beginning to unravel right in front of them.
"Coming!" Her voice called out, echoing across the store front as she hurriedly made her way down the stairs and towards her front door. "Welcome in! I didn't expect to see you so soon, are you just that excited to see me again?" Her teasing words accompanied with a smirk that played on her lips. "This is my humble store and I live in the rooms just up those stairs." She stated, gesturing to the stairs hidden in the back of the store behind the counter.
"Now let's go make sure Giggles is all settled in before we go yeah?" She suggested, leading him across the wooden oak floors and towards the winding iron stairs that led up to where she lived. Their shoes rang out against the iron steps, a slight echo following the sound. "I set her up in my office over here, Samus might get a bit jealous if I move her into my room so early. I figured it would be best for them to get used to each other in small increments first." The female explained as she swung open the wooden spruce door into her office. "There's my gorgeous girl!" She cooed, bending over slightly to hold her new pet once more. "Did I do everything alright?" She questioned Fred, looking up at him with pure inquisition.
𝔻𝕣𝕒𝕔𝕠 𝕄𝕒𝕝𝕗𝕠𝕪
The blonde haired male let out a relieved sigh he had been holding within his lungs, quite pleased to find out that Elara wasn't withholding anger against him. Or at least that she wasn't at the moment. In fact to him it seemed as if she were holding different feelings in her heart, ones that he desired to pull out of her. Yet his heart ached at the idea, knowing that he very well could lead her to demise if he let her get too close. The ethereal light emitting from her was too bright for him to diminish with the darkness he held within, he wouldn't put that upon her.
"You're welcome Elara, you can come to me with anything." Draco stated, offering the other a rare smile as they waited for the five minutes to be up. "Alright now add that mixture into the cauldron and then tilt the cauldron at a very slight angle with your right hand and then with your left hand add in about ten drops of the wormwood, that should be about half of the vial. Now hold the cauldron in your left hand at the opposite slight angle and add in the other ten drops. Your Valerian roots are already in the small square pieces, place those in this beaker with a bit of water and let it settle for five more minutes." He advised, handing her an empty beaker he had also swiped from the closet.
"The potion is looking good, right now it should resemble a smooth blackcurrant-colored liquid, so you're doing very well." The male said, truly meaning the praise that he offered her. Praise wasn't something he gave out foolishly as most didn't measure up to his expectations, but Elara was listening and following his directions perfectly, a quality he appreciated in others.
As the two waited the next five minutes a few more Slytherins entered into the common room, most being met with a dark glare if they even dared to breathe in his companions direction. When he was around her he found himself being somewhat territorial, and all he could do was hope she didn't notice.
Lumpkinz11
Junior Member
“Did I do everything alright?” she asked him, innocence and uncertainty shimmering in her bright eyes as she cradled Giggles. Fred couldn’t help but smile at the sight. There she was, a woman of fierce independence, now anxiously seeking his approval in a tender moment of her life.
“Perfectly.” Fred couldn’t find the words to describe the way he felt watching her care for her new pet so tenderly, but the word felt just right.
Taking a step closer, he knelt beside her, petting Giggles. “You’ll do wonderful, Cora. Giggles is lucky to have you.” He wanted to reach out and brush a strand of hair behind her ear, to close the distance and illuminate the sparks he felt. Deciding against it, not wanting to make her uncomfortable, he fixed his own hair a bit, running a hand through it.
“Your house is…well, it’s beautiful,” Fred muttered, stuffing his hands in his pockets and standing back up. Sometimes, it felt like someone was choking him, and in this particular moment, he felt at a loss for words. “You look…” he trailed off before chuckling softly and rubbing the back of his neck. “Beautiful.” He looked up, staring right in her eyes.
“Perfectly.” Fred couldn’t find the words to describe the way he felt watching her care for her new pet so tenderly, but the word felt just right.
Taking a step closer, he knelt beside her, petting Giggles. “You’ll do wonderful, Cora. Giggles is lucky to have you.” He wanted to reach out and brush a strand of hair behind her ear, to close the distance and illuminate the sparks he felt. Deciding against it, not wanting to make her uncomfortable, he fixed his own hair a bit, running a hand through it.
“Your house is…well, it’s beautiful,” Fred muttered, stuffing his hands in his pockets and standing back up. Sometimes, it felt like someone was choking him, and in this particular moment, he felt at a loss for words. “You look…” he trailed off before chuckling softly and rubbing the back of his neck. “Beautiful.” He looked up, staring right in her eyes.
As they prepared the potion together, she marveled at the way he instructed her, the focus in his voice grounding her and lifting the weight of solitude she often carried. The potion began to take shape, a promising hue materializing under their joint efforts. She took his praise with a slight smile, and she looked up at him, gently, her eyes searching his face. Though she was a Slytherin, Elara was always more sensitive than others in her family, and she couldn’t handle having her heart broken again.
“Draco…can I say something?” she said in a low voice, before the door creaked open and people entered.
Though she tried, the entry of other Slytherins into the common room didn’t go unnoticed. Elara could feel the tension shift slightly with Draco, and she almost asked if he was okay. Inquisitive thoughts lingered in her mind, but her focus remained on the tasks at hand.
Underneath the surface of their potion making, something fragile yet strong began to unfurl within Elara. With every stir of their potion, she sensed layers of herself peeling away. And as the clock ticked in the background, counting down the moments until the potion was ready, she realized that she was willingly stepping into the vast unknown. It frightened her.
“Nevermind,” she said with a chuckle, shrugging it off and eyeing some of the students that were now playing a game of chess. “Are we almost done?” Elara muttered, acting a bit annoyed now for seemingly no reason. She wasn’t upset with Draco, she actually had no reason to be mad at all, but she felt like she had to get away. The anxiety clawed up her throat and she glanced around the room.
“Draco…can I say something?” she said in a low voice, before the door creaked open and people entered.
Though she tried, the entry of other Slytherins into the common room didn’t go unnoticed. Elara could feel the tension shift slightly with Draco, and she almost asked if he was okay. Inquisitive thoughts lingered in her mind, but her focus remained on the tasks at hand.
Underneath the surface of their potion making, something fragile yet strong began to unfurl within Elara. With every stir of their potion, she sensed layers of herself peeling away. And as the clock ticked in the background, counting down the moments until the potion was ready, she realized that she was willingly stepping into the vast unknown. It frightened her.
“Nevermind,” she said with a chuckle, shrugging it off and eyeing some of the students that were now playing a game of chess. “Are we almost done?” Elara muttered, acting a bit annoyed now for seemingly no reason. She wasn’t upset with Draco, she actually had no reason to be mad at all, but she felt like she had to get away. The anxiety clawed up her throat and she glanced around the room.
_anubis_
New Member
ℂ𝕠𝕣𝕒 𝕎𝕪𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕟𝕖
A soft sigh of relief escaped from the plump lips of Cora Wyverne, thankful that she had in fact set up Giggles enclosure correctly. Besides that she quite enjoyed basking in the warmth of his praise. It wasn't she knew she needed, yet now she knew it was something desired. His warm encouraging words of praise released endorphins in her bloodstream she couldn't even begin to describe. "I'm glad you think so," were the only words she managed to articulate as she attempted to ground herself from the serotonin rush.
Even the small act of caring for a small creature together ignited a burning fire of yearning for the other. Simply watching him play with the careful creature was enough to make her know she made the right choice by letting him into her home. Yet the tension between the two was thick and she longed to open up that boundary between the two, yet her head swarmed at the idea.
As her companion got up she gently cradled Giggles for a few more moments, making sure that she was still comfortable within her own home before standing up besides Fred. "Why thank you, it took a while to feel like home after living within Hogwarts for so long." The witch replied, standing back a bit to admire the man that stood before her. He was like a beautiful painting, perfectly handcrafted by a master artist himself.
"You think I'm beautiful?" Her voice a soft whisper as she fumbled around for words, completely off guard by the words that came out of Fred's mouth. The witch pulled herself together rather quickly, clearing her throat to ease the thickness lingering in the air. "Well, I must say you aren't looking to shabby yourself." The female teased, as it was the only way she could express her feelings at the moment. "I'm ready to go if you are Freddie," she told him, her stomach beginning to rumble as her hunger set in.
𝔻𝕣𝕒𝕔𝕠 𝕄𝕒𝕝𝕗𝕠𝕪
"Of course, you can ask me anything you'd like." Malfoy replied, looking over her with a sense of apprehension, moreover fear for the words that were to come out of her mouth. The Slytherin sensed it would be something more than a question related to the potion at hand, perhaps stepping into the grounds of something more emotional. That scared him as his parents weren't quite the type to nurture his emotions, causing problems for him relationally.
The male awaited her question, leaning against the cool wall of the Slytherin common room, his hands in his pockets as he attempts to remain a calm demeanor. The male was quite adept at hiding his true emotions, something he learned at quite a young age. Yet one emotion he wasn't able to hide was distain, which quickly appeared on his face as her next words were laced with annoyance.
After all he had done for her she was now trying to rush him away, or at least that was what it felt like to her. "We can be done if you'd like, the recipe is in your book after all." He huffed, his words returning to his typical cold tone. He wasn't one to continue helping if he wasn't wanted, especially after putting his neck out there to remedy her mistake. "Now if you don't require my help I will return to my own duties." He stated, turning on his heel and striding away from the woman, a scoff escaping his lips as he went to his chambers. Yet what he didn't realize is that Elara had the same self preservation tactics that he did and was battling the same exact emotions he was. Sometimes it didn't cross his mind that others had problems too, and that was certainly the case now.
A soft sigh of relief escaped from the plump lips of Cora Wyverne, thankful that she had in fact set up Giggles enclosure correctly. Besides that she quite enjoyed basking in the warmth of his praise. It wasn't she knew she needed, yet now she knew it was something desired. His warm encouraging words of praise released endorphins in her bloodstream she couldn't even begin to describe. "I'm glad you think so," were the only words she managed to articulate as she attempted to ground herself from the serotonin rush.
Even the small act of caring for a small creature together ignited a burning fire of yearning for the other. Simply watching him play with the careful creature was enough to make her know she made the right choice by letting him into her home. Yet the tension between the two was thick and she longed to open up that boundary between the two, yet her head swarmed at the idea.
As her companion got up she gently cradled Giggles for a few more moments, making sure that she was still comfortable within her own home before standing up besides Fred. "Why thank you, it took a while to feel like home after living within Hogwarts for so long." The witch replied, standing back a bit to admire the man that stood before her. He was like a beautiful painting, perfectly handcrafted by a master artist himself.
"You think I'm beautiful?" Her voice a soft whisper as she fumbled around for words, completely off guard by the words that came out of Fred's mouth. The witch pulled herself together rather quickly, clearing her throat to ease the thickness lingering in the air. "Well, I must say you aren't looking to shabby yourself." The female teased, as it was the only way she could express her feelings at the moment. "I'm ready to go if you are Freddie," she told him, her stomach beginning to rumble as her hunger set in.
𝔻𝕣𝕒𝕔𝕠 𝕄𝕒𝕝𝕗𝕠𝕪
"Of course, you can ask me anything you'd like." Malfoy replied, looking over her with a sense of apprehension, moreover fear for the words that were to come out of her mouth. The Slytherin sensed it would be something more than a question related to the potion at hand, perhaps stepping into the grounds of something more emotional. That scared him as his parents weren't quite the type to nurture his emotions, causing problems for him relationally.
The male awaited her question, leaning against the cool wall of the Slytherin common room, his hands in his pockets as he attempts to remain a calm demeanor. The male was quite adept at hiding his true emotions, something he learned at quite a young age. Yet one emotion he wasn't able to hide was distain, which quickly appeared on his face as her next words were laced with annoyance.
After all he had done for her she was now trying to rush him away, or at least that was what it felt like to her. "We can be done if you'd like, the recipe is in your book after all." He huffed, his words returning to his typical cold tone. He wasn't one to continue helping if he wasn't wanted, especially after putting his neck out there to remedy her mistake. "Now if you don't require my help I will return to my own duties." He stated, turning on his heel and striding away from the woman, a scoff escaping his lips as he went to his chambers. Yet what he didn't realize is that Elara had the same self preservation tactics that he did and was battling the same exact emotions he was. Sometimes it didn't cross his mind that others had problems too, and that was certainly the case now.
Lumpkinz11
Junior Member
Cora’s soft laugh, the slight crinkle of her nose, made him want to bottle every moment, every little quirk she made.
Her question hung in the air like a lit fuse, igniting his more playful side. “You think I’m beautiful?” she had asked, her voice barely above a whisper. The sweetness of it all sent a wave of warmth through him, and Fred couldn’t help but chuckle softly, wanting to affirm everything she felt in that moment.
“Yes!” he proclaimed, the enthusiasm slipping from his lips without hesitation. “I mean, look at you,” he said with a playful grin, trying to recapture the levity of the moment. “It’s just a fact.”
The way her hair fell just so, the timid smile forming on her lips, sent his heart doing acrobatics. It was a curious affliction, feeling such extreme giddiness alongside the weight of mutual respect.
“Ready to go if you are, Freddie,” she said with a slight lilt. The way she said his name, that special twist in her tone, made him feel lightheaded as they stepped toward the door together. He watched her from the corner of his eye, trying not to ogle too much at her presence, but he figured a little admiration was well warranted.
“I’m ready,” he said gently. Playfully, he bowed slightly and waved his hand forward. “ After you, m’lady,” Fred said, a grin spreading across his face again.
Elara watched as Draco turned away, his back an imposing silhouette against the flickering candles that dotted the common room. Her chest tightened as a mix of regret and frustration coursed through her veins, prompting her to take a step forward, her heart racing. She wasn’t angry with him; it was the encroaching anxiety that made her defensive, pushing her to retreat into a semblance of strength.
With a half-hearted laugh, she saw the chess players across the room shift positions on the board. Their minds were fervently engaged in a game that felt trivial compared to the turmoil brewing just within arm's reach. Elara's gaze shifted from them back to Draco, who was walking away, his posture rigid. She regretted her earlier flippancy; it felt like a slap against the fragile connection they had been nurturing.
Shaking her head, she returned to the potion. His coldness was something she knew to expect, but after seeing him warm up even slightly, it killed her to watch him slink away again. Her sensitivity was very un-Slytherin, and it crept up into her mind as tears began to well in her eyes. Wiping them away, annoyed at her emotions, she sighed and collected herself, glancing up again at the chess game.
_anubis_
New Member
ℂ𝕠𝕣𝕒 𝕎𝕪𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕟𝕖
There was just something entrancing about Fred Weasley that just drew Cora towards him, as if there were an invisible string that tied the two together. Perhaps it was fate that brought her to a shop right across the street from his, or perhaps it was just coincidence.
A charming giggle escaped the witches lips, playfully curtseying in front of him to match his mischievous nature. "Thank you my dear sir," her words just as charming as the smile that seemed to never leave her lips in his presence. It felt so good to break free from the shackles of her anxiety within the warm, comforting glow the red haired wizard provided.
Before they started their walk to the Leaky Cauldron, she quickly locked the shop door behind them, turning the knob ever so slightly to make sure she had done it correctly. "Alright let's get going hm? I am absolutely famished!" She exclaimed, walking briskly besides her companion, her fingers brushing against Fred's, longing to interlace them with his and close the gap she felt between them. Was it crazy of her to think this way?
Thankfully the two found themselves seated across from each other, menu's in hand as they awaited to order. "What do you think you'll be ordering tonight? I'm thinking shepherds pie and some butterbeer to drink." She questioned, biting the inside of her lip as she looked over the menu and back into the eyes of her date.
𝔻𝕣𝕒𝕔𝕠 𝕄𝕒𝕝𝕗𝕠𝕪
Draco slammed the door to his room shut behind him, sending Goyle up out of his bed in terror. "Get out." Draco growled, not quite wanting to be bothered by anyone at the moment. Without even uttering a word the male listened to the other, exiting quickly as if his life depended on it.
The wizard paced around his bedroom, a mix of feelings uprising from deep within ones that he no longer could express. "How stupid!" He muttered under his breath, referring to himself more than anything else. It was not every day that he had put himself out there, showing another the more sensitive side he kept hidden was quite sacred to him. Yet he had and what did he have to show for it? Absolutely nothing, how pathetic.
Draco wished that he could promise himself to not put himself on a limb for Elara ever again, yet deep down he knew he would be lying to himself. The male ran his fingers through his hair as he paced around the room like a restless animal. What had he done? What could he possibly do to remedy it? Why did he even care? Too many questions raced through his mind and there was nothing he could do to stop it, but damnit he wanted the thoughts to stop. He had to get himself together, no one could see him in such a state, especially not Crab or Goyle as they were the only ones who would barge in on him. The male strode over to the bathroom sink, splashing cold water on his face in order to help pull himself back into reality.
There was just something entrancing about Fred Weasley that just drew Cora towards him, as if there were an invisible string that tied the two together. Perhaps it was fate that brought her to a shop right across the street from his, or perhaps it was just coincidence.
A charming giggle escaped the witches lips, playfully curtseying in front of him to match his mischievous nature. "Thank you my dear sir," her words just as charming as the smile that seemed to never leave her lips in his presence. It felt so good to break free from the shackles of her anxiety within the warm, comforting glow the red haired wizard provided.
Before they started their walk to the Leaky Cauldron, she quickly locked the shop door behind them, turning the knob ever so slightly to make sure she had done it correctly. "Alright let's get going hm? I am absolutely famished!" She exclaimed, walking briskly besides her companion, her fingers brushing against Fred's, longing to interlace them with his and close the gap she felt between them. Was it crazy of her to think this way?
Thankfully the two found themselves seated across from each other, menu's in hand as they awaited to order. "What do you think you'll be ordering tonight? I'm thinking shepherds pie and some butterbeer to drink." She questioned, biting the inside of her lip as she looked over the menu and back into the eyes of her date.
𝔻𝕣𝕒𝕔𝕠 𝕄𝕒𝕝𝕗𝕠𝕪
Draco slammed the door to his room shut behind him, sending Goyle up out of his bed in terror. "Get out." Draco growled, not quite wanting to be bothered by anyone at the moment. Without even uttering a word the male listened to the other, exiting quickly as if his life depended on it.
The wizard paced around his bedroom, a mix of feelings uprising from deep within ones that he no longer could express. "How stupid!" He muttered under his breath, referring to himself more than anything else. It was not every day that he had put himself out there, showing another the more sensitive side he kept hidden was quite sacred to him. Yet he had and what did he have to show for it? Absolutely nothing, how pathetic.
Draco wished that he could promise himself to not put himself on a limb for Elara ever again, yet deep down he knew he would be lying to himself. The male ran his fingers through his hair as he paced around the room like a restless animal. What had he done? What could he possibly do to remedy it? Why did he even care? Too many questions raced through his mind and there was nothing he could do to stop it, but damnit he wanted the thoughts to stop. He had to get himself together, no one could see him in such a state, especially not Crab or Goyle as they were the only ones who would barge in on him. The male strode over to the bathroom sink, splashing cold water on his face in order to help pull himself back into reality.
Lumpkinz11
Junior Member
Fred Weasley couldn’t shake the feeling that he was living in a scene pulled straight from a storybook. As they walked side by side, the bustling streets of Diagon Alley transformed into a whimsical backdrop, the lanterns casting a soft glow that danced upon her features. Cora radiated an energy that was contagious, her laughter mingling with the distant chime of wizarding life. He cherished these little moments, the rhythm of their footsteps echoing against the cobblestones, filled with an unnamable magic.
He stole glances at her, at the way her hair caught the light, giving her an almost goddess-like quality. Fred didn’t care about the passersby or the whizzing broomsticks overhead; all that mattered was the warmth curling in his chest whenever Cora looked at him. Each flicker of her expressions—the curious arch of her brow, the almost shy way her lips curved up—made him want to wrap her in all the affection he could muster.
As they reached the entrance of the Leaky Cauldron, Fred held the door open for her and felt embarrassingly enchanted. “Hey, you didn’t charm me, did you?” he joked behind her as they entered. How simple things become extraordinary just by being near her! The thought of entwining their fingers became a persistent little whisper in the back of his mind, but he hesitated, not wanting to push too quickly but wishing all the same that the gulf between them could collapse in an instant.
Seated at their table, the world shrank into a cozy bubble of shared hopes and hungry stomachs. Fred listened attentively as she excitedly shared her thoughts on the menu while glancing up at him, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. Her choice of shepherd’s pie brought a smile to his lips; classic, humble, but undeniably hearty. “That sounds great,” he said, putting his menu down and looking around at the crowd.
With their orders placed, he took a moment to study her—an artist’s canvas alive with intrigue and promise. There was a slight blush on her cheeks, her fingers fidgeting with the menu, and Fred wondered briefly if she could see the same warmth reflected in his own demeanor. Would she know what was fluttering in his chest?
He was struggling with conversing with her, as his mind clouded with thoughts of the unrest that was steadily growing around their lives. A war was brewing, but everyone here was laughing and drinking as if it weren't. Fred knew they were also trying to escape the pain of reality, but he just couldn't shake this odd feeling he had.
Back in the common room, Elara felt her heart dim a little more with every moment she spent without him. She missed their banter, the comfort in his presence that soothed her anxiety like a charm. Desperate to patch the rift between them, she hesitated for only a moment before making her decision. She turned off the flame below the potion, covering it with a random book she found nearby.
With determination sewn into the very fabric of her being, Elara stood and left the potion behind. Her footsteps echoed in the stone corridors, pulling her toward Draco’s door with a purpose. Each step resonated with clarity: she had to confront the rift, to heal whatever had been broken between them.
Reaching his door, she paused, her fingers hovering over the ornate handle. Anxiety surged within her; what if he refused to talk? What if he shut her out again? The very thought almost made her turn back, but as she imagined his silhouette turning away from her one last time, something clicked inside her. She wouldn’t let fear dictate her actions any longer. With a breath that steeled her resolve, she knocked.
'I'll just apologize,' she thought, twirling a strand of her hair between her fingers.
_anubis_
New Member
ℂ𝕠𝕣𝕒 𝕎𝕪𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕟𝕖
"Hmm while the thought could be very tempting, no I in fact didn't. There's no thrill in that, I enjoy the chase." Cora purred, her eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief only his presence brought out. It was quite enchanting how the two had so quickly developed such playful banter, when she was with him everything seemed to click into place. Well almost everything did. There was still the war looming over them, and she couldn't help but feel as if there was some untouched tension still lingering in the air.
After she ordered her own meal, she looked up into the other's eyes once more, this time seeing something different. There was a certain look of unrest and confusion in his eyes that wasn't there before. Had going out with him been a mistake? Was he regretting his decision? She wasn't quite sure but the longer she looked at him the larger the pit in her stomach grew.
She knew the promise of war was laying heavily on them now, but why had his mood suddenly shifted? Could he sense the dark secret she held within? Her parents who she loved very dearly were death eaters themselves, often pressuring her to join them as Voldemort began to build his army of darkness. No matter how many times she had refused they still persisted, the claws of darkness seemed to reach out to grab her, yet fell just short every time. The last time she had met with them they had told her they needed a true answer upon their next visit. The world they lived in stated that only those bearing the dark mark were family, that blood did not run deep enough once the war began.
The thought that she could be exiled from her own flesh and blood lingered in her mind, causing a war in her own mind that could not be silenced. But as she sat before Fred, slowly she would begin to realize that maybe, just maybe that wouldn't be so bad. Yet the unrest in her heart couldn't be calmed, and as she sat in front of someone so pure she couldn't help feel the guilt for even considering it creep into her soul.
𝔻𝕣𝕒𝕔𝕠 𝕄𝕒𝕝𝕗𝕠𝕪
A rapping knock at the chamber door pulled the Slytherin out of his pitiful thoughts, replacing his pity with a feeling of anger. Who could be bothering him at a time like this? Of course someone just felt the need to bother him, because why wouldn't they. The male slammed his hand down on the countertop, uttering a brief curse from his lips at the pain. Yet he quickly composed himself, feeling quite ready to unleash his anger on the poor soul that dared knock on his door at this time.
Malfoy stormed over to the door, swinging it open in a burst of upset. "What the hell could you-" the male started, before quickly snapping his mouth shut at the sight of Elara. She was not exactly who he had expected to see in front of him, yet as he stood there he couldn't deny the fact that his anger was quickly extinguished. His anger was nothing against her presence, the tranquility she provided was like nothing he had ever met before.
"I thought you were Crab, I apologize." He said, his words still just as cold as they were earlier. It would take some time for his heart to defrost to her once more, as the bars he kept around it were already locked shut once again. "May I help you?" He questioned, leaning his body against the doorframe as he looked down at the woman standing before her.
"Hmm while the thought could be very tempting, no I in fact didn't. There's no thrill in that, I enjoy the chase." Cora purred, her eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief only his presence brought out. It was quite enchanting how the two had so quickly developed such playful banter, when she was with him everything seemed to click into place. Well almost everything did. There was still the war looming over them, and she couldn't help but feel as if there was some untouched tension still lingering in the air.
After she ordered her own meal, she looked up into the other's eyes once more, this time seeing something different. There was a certain look of unrest and confusion in his eyes that wasn't there before. Had going out with him been a mistake? Was he regretting his decision? She wasn't quite sure but the longer she looked at him the larger the pit in her stomach grew.
She knew the promise of war was laying heavily on them now, but why had his mood suddenly shifted? Could he sense the dark secret she held within? Her parents who she loved very dearly were death eaters themselves, often pressuring her to join them as Voldemort began to build his army of darkness. No matter how many times she had refused they still persisted, the claws of darkness seemed to reach out to grab her, yet fell just short every time. The last time she had met with them they had told her they needed a true answer upon their next visit. The world they lived in stated that only those bearing the dark mark were family, that blood did not run deep enough once the war began.
The thought that she could be exiled from her own flesh and blood lingered in her mind, causing a war in her own mind that could not be silenced. But as she sat before Fred, slowly she would begin to realize that maybe, just maybe that wouldn't be so bad. Yet the unrest in her heart couldn't be calmed, and as she sat in front of someone so pure she couldn't help feel the guilt for even considering it creep into her soul.
𝔻𝕣𝕒𝕔𝕠 𝕄𝕒𝕝𝕗𝕠𝕪
A rapping knock at the chamber door pulled the Slytherin out of his pitiful thoughts, replacing his pity with a feeling of anger. Who could be bothering him at a time like this? Of course someone just felt the need to bother him, because why wouldn't they. The male slammed his hand down on the countertop, uttering a brief curse from his lips at the pain. Yet he quickly composed himself, feeling quite ready to unleash his anger on the poor soul that dared knock on his door at this time.
Malfoy stormed over to the door, swinging it open in a burst of upset. "What the hell could you-" the male started, before quickly snapping his mouth shut at the sight of Elara. She was not exactly who he had expected to see in front of him, yet as he stood there he couldn't deny the fact that his anger was quickly extinguished. His anger was nothing against her presence, the tranquility she provided was like nothing he had ever met before.
"I thought you were Crab, I apologize." He said, his words still just as cold as they were earlier. It would take some time for his heart to defrost to her once more, as the bars he kept around it were already locked shut once again. "May I help you?" He questioned, leaning his body against the doorframe as he looked down at the woman standing before her.
Lumpkinz11
Junior Member
Fred took a deep breath, the rich aroma of the food enveloping him like a warm embrace. He had let his guard down, basking in the simple pleasure of Cora’s company. But now, sitting across from her, he sensed a shift in the air—like a dark cloud pooling above a sun-kissed meadow. Cora’s playful banter turned quiet, her laughter palpable in the past tense. His usual mischievous instinct dampened further, worry gnawed at him; something was weighing on her.
He studied the soft crease between her brows hinting at an inner tumult. “You know,” Fred began, his voice steady despite the flutter of uncertainty in his stomach, “if I didn’t know any better, I’d say you weren’t just here for the shepherd’s pie.” He flashed a grin, aiming to lift her spirits. But her eyes—those captivating, expressive eyes—were clouded with a secret that made his pulse quicken.
The waitress arrived with their food, her presence a welcome distraction, and Fred seized upon it, filling the silence with lighthearted conversation, but each joke felt forced, rehearsed. It was frustrating—he wanted to be the reason for her joy, not her worry. “What do you think?” he asked, gesturing toward the dish he eagerly dug into, desperate to draw her back into their camaraderie.
Amidst their plates clattering together and the cheerful chatter of the pub around them, Fred resolved to press gently. “Cora, is everything alright?” His brow furrowed, words tumbling forth almost instinctively. “You’re awfully quiet."
He studied the soft crease between her brows hinting at an inner tumult. “You know,” Fred began, his voice steady despite the flutter of uncertainty in his stomach, “if I didn’t know any better, I’d say you weren’t just here for the shepherd’s pie.” He flashed a grin, aiming to lift her spirits. But her eyes—those captivating, expressive eyes—were clouded with a secret that made his pulse quicken.
The waitress arrived with their food, her presence a welcome distraction, and Fred seized upon it, filling the silence with lighthearted conversation, but each joke felt forced, rehearsed. It was frustrating—he wanted to be the reason for her joy, not her worry. “What do you think?” he asked, gesturing toward the dish he eagerly dug into, desperate to draw her back into their camaraderie.
Amidst their plates clattering together and the cheerful chatter of the pub around them, Fred resolved to press gently. “Cora, is everything alright?” His brow furrowed, words tumbling forth almost instinctively. “You’re awfully quiet."
Elara stood at Draco’s door, her heart pounding with a mix of hope and dread. She had quickly rehearsed a dozen apologies in her mind, each one seeming less than sufficient to mend the invisible rift that she felt had grown between them. As Draco’s icy expression greeted her, she felt her resolve waver. Despite the gravity of her worry, there was a flicker of warmth within her at the sight of him. Perhaps it was the way the dim light from behind him framed his silhouette or how that familiar smirk hovered dangerously beneath his scowl.
Yet she sensed the coldness behind his words, the barriers he had erected to protect himself.. Even though his tone remained frigid, Elara held onto the hope that Draco would listen.
“I came to apologize,” she replied, forcing the words out despite feeling vulnerable under his scrutinizing gaze. She felt like a moth drawn toward a flame; the fear of being burned was real, but the warmth he exuded compelled her forward. “You really saved my butt there…I really am grateful.”
Yet she sensed the coldness behind his words, the barriers he had erected to protect himself.. Even though his tone remained frigid, Elara held onto the hope that Draco would listen.
“I came to apologize,” she replied, forcing the words out despite feeling vulnerable under his scrutinizing gaze. She felt like a moth drawn toward a flame; the fear of being burned was real, but the warmth he exuded compelled her forward. “You really saved my butt there…I really am grateful.”
_anubis_
New Member
ℂ𝕠𝕣𝕒 𝕎𝕪𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕟𝕖
Cora was dragged out of her thoughts by the charming voice of Fred, it was quite amazing how his voice simply captivated her. "Hmm, I don't know the Shephard's pie is pretty delicious. But I guess you aren't too shabby yourself." She teased, a glitter of joy appearing in her eyes once more. Soon a smile began to spread onto her lips, reflecting his as if it were contagious. He was too good for her and she knew it, but perhaps she could change and actually be worthy of his smile, his secrets, everything.
The food was served at just the right moment, causing her hunger to become the prominent emotion. "Dear lord it looks ravishing! I didn't even realize how hungry I was until I saw it." She answered, licking her lips as she picked up her spoon to dig into the freshly baked food before them. "How's yours?" She questioned in between bites of her shepherds pie.
"I'm alright I promise Freddie, I just got a bit sidetracked there." She replied, her words sounding genuine even if it was partially a lie. Yet as she sensed the tension ease between the two of them she truly did begin to feel alright again, even if it was just for a few moments. "This food truly is delicious." She added, hoping to stray the conversation away from her own feelings. She didn't want to bother him with her own troubles, in fact she was quite ashamed of them even. Possibly she would confide in him later, once they got a bit closer and that she knew he could trust her and her heart. But for know she would guard herself and put up the illusion that nothing was wrong except for the fact that there was a war, which was certainly bad enough.
𝔻𝕣𝕒𝕔𝕠 𝕄𝕒𝕝𝕗𝕠𝕪
As soon as the other began to apologize, the walls he had sent up slightly began to crumble against his will. Elara certainly had a power within her to slowly, yet surely, let herself in which was something he cursed so very much. Yet deep down the Slytherin didn't mind it, he wanted to let her in more than anything else.
"Well then, I appreciate your gesture of coming and apologizing. I accept as not many have the nerve to do such a thing." Draco replied, the coldness in his eyes softening little by little. "If you ever need help I truly don't mind helping someone who is grateful for it. I don't exactly stick my neck out for anyone." A sly smile making an appearance on his lips to accompany his words. The two stood there for a few more seconds, sitting with the uncomfortable silence of too many words left unsaid between the two of them.
Malfoy cleared his throat, eager to fill the silence with some sort of noise. "Were you able to perfect the potion?" He questioned, eager to see if she needed any more help. If not he would attempt to invite her in as he didn't quite want to be left alone at the moment, even if it meant opening up more to Elara.
Cora was dragged out of her thoughts by the charming voice of Fred, it was quite amazing how his voice simply captivated her. "Hmm, I don't know the Shephard's pie is pretty delicious. But I guess you aren't too shabby yourself." She teased, a glitter of joy appearing in her eyes once more. Soon a smile began to spread onto her lips, reflecting his as if it were contagious. He was too good for her and she knew it, but perhaps she could change and actually be worthy of his smile, his secrets, everything.
The food was served at just the right moment, causing her hunger to become the prominent emotion. "Dear lord it looks ravishing! I didn't even realize how hungry I was until I saw it." She answered, licking her lips as she picked up her spoon to dig into the freshly baked food before them. "How's yours?" She questioned in between bites of her shepherds pie.
"I'm alright I promise Freddie, I just got a bit sidetracked there." She replied, her words sounding genuine even if it was partially a lie. Yet as she sensed the tension ease between the two of them she truly did begin to feel alright again, even if it was just for a few moments. "This food truly is delicious." She added, hoping to stray the conversation away from her own feelings. She didn't want to bother him with her own troubles, in fact she was quite ashamed of them even. Possibly she would confide in him later, once they got a bit closer and that she knew he could trust her and her heart. But for know she would guard herself and put up the illusion that nothing was wrong except for the fact that there was a war, which was certainly bad enough.
𝔻𝕣𝕒𝕔𝕠 𝕄𝕒𝕝𝕗𝕠𝕪
As soon as the other began to apologize, the walls he had sent up slightly began to crumble against his will. Elara certainly had a power within her to slowly, yet surely, let herself in which was something he cursed so very much. Yet deep down the Slytherin didn't mind it, he wanted to let her in more than anything else.
"Well then, I appreciate your gesture of coming and apologizing. I accept as not many have the nerve to do such a thing." Draco replied, the coldness in his eyes softening little by little. "If you ever need help I truly don't mind helping someone who is grateful for it. I don't exactly stick my neck out for anyone." A sly smile making an appearance on his lips to accompany his words. The two stood there for a few more seconds, sitting with the uncomfortable silence of too many words left unsaid between the two of them.
Malfoy cleared his throat, eager to fill the silence with some sort of noise. "Were you able to perfect the potion?" He questioned, eager to see if she needed any more help. If not he would attempt to invite her in as he didn't quite want to be left alone at the moment, even if it meant opening up more to Elara.
Lumpkinz11
Junior Member
Fred mirrored Cora’s enthusiasm over the shepherd’s pie, momentarily feeling the weight lift as she indulged in the comforting meal. “It really is something, isn’t it?” he remarked, delighted to see her begin to enjoy herself again. “I’d wager it’s the best in the city. My secret is that I always come here when I need some comfort food.” He took a hearty bite, trying to channel his own anxieties into the flavor of the dish.
Though Cora responded cheerfully, Fred couldn't shake the feeling that something deeper lurked beneath the surface. He recalled their past encounters—those passing moments and late night group study sessions. Tonight felt different and he wanted to understand why. He desperately wished to peel away the layers to her hidden thoughts, to reassure her that he was there for her, no matter how heavy the world outside felt.
“I know you said you’re alright,” he replied, his voice dropping to a softer tone, “but I can’t help feeling that you’re carrying something heavier than shepherd’s pie.” He hesitated, gauging her reaction, hoping she could hear the sincerity threading through his words. “You can tell me about it, you know. I don’t bite.” While the offer was genuine, he did not mind if she didn’t want to share anything; he was willing to wait, if that’s what it would take.
Elara felt a swell of relief at Draco’s acceptance, though the slight chill lingering in his tone still pricked at her heart. His smile, even if brief and sly, lit a spark of familiarity she desperately needed.
“I—uh, I managed to finish it,” she replied cautiously, her eyes searching his expression, hoping to find confirmation that he genuinely cared.
Elara could feel her pulse quickening, her mind racing through a million thoughts. She remembered their shared moments—library meetings, glances exchanged in hallways, laughter and sarcasm that broke the weight of the world around them. Each memory felt luxurious, yet fragile, like glass held between trembling fingers.
“It was nice to work with you…” she hesitated, her courage waning at the thought of stepping too close to the fire again. But something urged her forward. “I mean, you’re good at what you do.” The lightness of her tone conveyed a hint of eagerness, excitement at the prospect of working together again, masking the storm brewing inside her.
Fumbling with her hands, she peered down the hall and shrugged. “I can leave you be,” she mumbled, feeling her strength beginning to crumble. Elara looked back at Draco, awaiting a response. She wished for nothing more than to spend more time with him.
_anubis_
New Member
ℂ𝕠𝕣𝕒 𝕎𝕪𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕟𝕖
"I need to know the secret on how they make the layer of cheese so crisp and keep the mashed potatoes so fluffy!" Cora replied, a slight glaze of happiness appearing over her eyes. Delectable food was in fact one way to distract her from the events at hand that she was desperately trying to escape from. "I've never went to anywhere that had one even close to being as delicious as this!" She added, a contented sigh escaping from her lips.
Yet she couldn't help but feel Fred's eyes scrutinizing her, a feeling that made her feel quite restless. She wanted to confide in him, spill her secrets, invite him into the depth of her soul. Alas the terror of loosing him so soon after finding him once more was petrifying. She didn't want to scare him away with the darkness of her family lineage, nor did she want to drag him into it. Perhaps once she felt more secure in herself and in her decision she would invite him in, but now wasn't quite the time.
A small sigh escaped from her lips as her friend continued to prod at the shift in her mood, his words were so genuine yet she still withheld the secret. "Fred I promise you I will be alright, I just got enraveled in the events before us. Truly I don't want to burden you with that on our first date," she said, her voice shifting to a teasing manner at the last sentence. "We're here to escape from reality for a little bit and I would love to keep it that way. Just for tonight." She replied, gently reaching a hand across the table to gently place on top of his. "Thank you for your concern, truly."
𝔻𝕣𝕒𝕔𝕠 𝕄𝕒𝕝𝕗𝕠𝕪
"That's good, I'm glad. I apologize for running off on you like that, I just assumed too quickly that you no longer desired my presence." His words were truthful and such sincerity didn't come often from the Slytherin, but with her his emotions knew no bounds. That made him rather anxious, yet he still sat in the concern with a smirk on his lips eager to explore it.
The praise that came out of the others mouth managed to light a little bit more warmth in his heart. "Well thank you, I appreciate it." He replied, attempting to keep his calm whilst he basked in her praise. "I would work with you again if it is ever needed, you aren't too shabby yourself."
"You don't have to leave if you don't want to." Malfoy said as he sensed her desire to stay yet struggling with quite being so bold to say it. "Why don't you come in? I already kicked Goyle out so we shouldn't be bothered for a little bit." The words managed to come out of his mouth even though he had fumbled around for the correct words. He was taking a leap of faith that he had read her emotions correctly. Moreover he couldn't deny that he longed to spend more time with her and to end on a good note this time.
"I need to know the secret on how they make the layer of cheese so crisp and keep the mashed potatoes so fluffy!" Cora replied, a slight glaze of happiness appearing over her eyes. Delectable food was in fact one way to distract her from the events at hand that she was desperately trying to escape from. "I've never went to anywhere that had one even close to being as delicious as this!" She added, a contented sigh escaping from her lips.
Yet she couldn't help but feel Fred's eyes scrutinizing her, a feeling that made her feel quite restless. She wanted to confide in him, spill her secrets, invite him into the depth of her soul. Alas the terror of loosing him so soon after finding him once more was petrifying. She didn't want to scare him away with the darkness of her family lineage, nor did she want to drag him into it. Perhaps once she felt more secure in herself and in her decision she would invite him in, but now wasn't quite the time.
A small sigh escaped from her lips as her friend continued to prod at the shift in her mood, his words were so genuine yet she still withheld the secret. "Fred I promise you I will be alright, I just got enraveled in the events before us. Truly I don't want to burden you with that on our first date," she said, her voice shifting to a teasing manner at the last sentence. "We're here to escape from reality for a little bit and I would love to keep it that way. Just for tonight." She replied, gently reaching a hand across the table to gently place on top of his. "Thank you for your concern, truly."
𝔻𝕣𝕒𝕔𝕠 𝕄𝕒𝕝𝕗𝕠𝕪
"That's good, I'm glad. I apologize for running off on you like that, I just assumed too quickly that you no longer desired my presence." His words were truthful and such sincerity didn't come often from the Slytherin, but with her his emotions knew no bounds. That made him rather anxious, yet he still sat in the concern with a smirk on his lips eager to explore it.
The praise that came out of the others mouth managed to light a little bit more warmth in his heart. "Well thank you, I appreciate it." He replied, attempting to keep his calm whilst he basked in her praise. "I would work with you again if it is ever needed, you aren't too shabby yourself."
"You don't have to leave if you don't want to." Malfoy said as he sensed her desire to stay yet struggling with quite being so bold to say it. "Why don't you come in? I already kicked Goyle out so we shouldn't be bothered for a little bit." The words managed to come out of his mouth even though he had fumbled around for the correct words. He was taking a leap of faith that he had read her emotions correctly. Moreover he couldn't deny that he longed to spend more time with her and to end on a good note this time.
Lumpkinz11
Junior Member
Fred watched as Cora savored another bite of the shepherd’s pie, her enthusiasm momentarily pushing aside the edginess that had nestled between them. Her laughter chimed like soft bells, a sound he wished would resonate through the cracks of the unease hovering over their dinner. He appreciated her clever diversion.
“Let’s keep it light, Fred”, he thought to himself. He didn’t want to press too hard; he had learned that people sometimes needed space to navigate their thoughts. But the urge to dig deeper gnawed at him. He wanted to be the person she could lean on, the one who could help lift the heavy burden she was carrying, but he also knew that trust had to be built over time.
The warmth of her hand on his sent a ripple of reassurance through him. He looked down at their hands, his heart dancing with a mixture of tenderness and wariness. “You’re right,” he said, meeting her gaze, “an escape is just what we need.” He thought about how the world often felt too big, too ominous; nights like this, filled with laughter and good food, provided the perfect sanctuary.
He turned his hand in hers so their fingers laced together. Sipping his Butterbeer, he eyed her over the rim of his glass. “What are your plans after this?” Fred asked, attempting to keep the conversation going, placing the glass down.
“Let’s keep it light, Fred”, he thought to himself. He didn’t want to press too hard; he had learned that people sometimes needed space to navigate their thoughts. But the urge to dig deeper gnawed at him. He wanted to be the person she could lean on, the one who could help lift the heavy burden she was carrying, but he also knew that trust had to be built over time.
The warmth of her hand on his sent a ripple of reassurance through him. He looked down at their hands, his heart dancing with a mixture of tenderness and wariness. “You’re right,” he said, meeting her gaze, “an escape is just what we need.” He thought about how the world often felt too big, too ominous; nights like this, filled with laughter and good food, provided the perfect sanctuary.
He turned his hand in hers so their fingers laced together. Sipping his Butterbeer, he eyed her over the rim of his glass. “What are your plans after this?” Fred asked, attempting to keep the conversation going, placing the glass down.
Elara's heart raced at Draco's invitation, a strange mix of hope and uncertainty swirling within her. She stood at the edge of the doorway, glancing up at him, her apprehensions washing over her like waves crashing against a rocky shore. The way he had looked at her— not with the judgment she often associated with him, but with a softness that felt almost foreign—stirred something deep within her that she couldn’t quite name.
“Really? You mean it?” Her voice was barely above a whisper, a fragile thread of vulnerability hanging in the air between them. There was something new in Draco's gaze, an openness that made her feel lighter, as though the shadows that often cloaked their interactions had begun to lift.
Despite herself, Elara felt her lips twitch into a smile. The warmth of his words wrapped around her like a comforting blanket, coaxing her anxiety away. She stepped cautiously into the doorway, the space of the room filled with the scent of leather-bound books and remnants of faint spells.
“Really? You mean it?” Her voice was barely above a whisper, a fragile thread of vulnerability hanging in the air between them. There was something new in Draco's gaze, an openness that made her feel lighter, as though the shadows that often cloaked their interactions had begun to lift.
Despite herself, Elara felt her lips twitch into a smile. The warmth of his words wrapped around her like a comforting blanket, coaxing her anxiety away. She stepped cautiously into the doorway, the space of the room filled with the scent of leather-bound books and remnants of faint spells.
_anubis_
New Member
ℂ𝕠𝕣𝕒 𝕎𝕪𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕟𝕖
A wave of relief washed over Cora as her companion agreed to drop the question and focus on their mutual enjoyment of the dinner. She was too afraid and too embarrassed to confide in him about her family's history just yet. She needed a bit more time, but even she wasn't sure that time was something the would have the pleasure of receiving.
A feeling like nothing before swirled through the witches body as she felt Fred's fingers interlace with hers, it was a feeling of warmth and completion something she had never felt before. It was as if she found someone who truly filled the cursed hole she held within her heart and melted it all at the same time. She looked at their now intertwined hands for a brief moment, before looking back up into his gorgeous eyes, an even brighter smile appearing on her face.
"To be honest I have none, possibly going to read a book with Giggles and then retire to my bed. You know how much I sleep," she answered, giggling at the idea that she had been going to bed before ten o'clock at night recently. "What about you my dear Freddie? Any big plans for the evening?" She returned, using her free hand to take the last few sips of butterbeer that remained in her glass.
𝔻𝕣𝕒𝕔𝕠 𝕄𝕒𝕝𝕗𝕠𝕪
"Of course why would I lie to you about something like that?" Malfoy questioned, a chuckle escaping from his lips as he looked down on the other. No one had ever seemed so enthused to spend time with him, it created welcoming feeling within his chest. A mixture of warmth and desire he hadn't felt ever before in his entire life, not his past flings, past loves, nothing. Yet there stood Elara and there were his feelings, undeniable as ever.
The male welcomed her into his room, feeling quite relieved that his two goons had even bothered to clean themselves up earlier in the day. There were times where stray clothes and whatever mess they had gotten into had littered the floor and no matter how many times he chastised them for it they never seemed to learn. He didn't even think at this moment they were even capable of learning, it was quite the surprise they were even still enrolled at hogwarts.
"So Elara," the male purred, rather enjoying the way that her name rolled off of his tongue. "Tell me, why do you seem to be so intrigued with me. It seems lately most prefer to not even look at me." He questioned as he sunk into one of the armchairs that were placed around the room.
A wave of relief washed over Cora as her companion agreed to drop the question and focus on their mutual enjoyment of the dinner. She was too afraid and too embarrassed to confide in him about her family's history just yet. She needed a bit more time, but even she wasn't sure that time was something the would have the pleasure of receiving.
A feeling like nothing before swirled through the witches body as she felt Fred's fingers interlace with hers, it was a feeling of warmth and completion something she had never felt before. It was as if she found someone who truly filled the cursed hole she held within her heart and melted it all at the same time. She looked at their now intertwined hands for a brief moment, before looking back up into his gorgeous eyes, an even brighter smile appearing on her face.
"To be honest I have none, possibly going to read a book with Giggles and then retire to my bed. You know how much I sleep," she answered, giggling at the idea that she had been going to bed before ten o'clock at night recently. "What about you my dear Freddie? Any big plans for the evening?" She returned, using her free hand to take the last few sips of butterbeer that remained in her glass.
𝔻𝕣𝕒𝕔𝕠 𝕄𝕒𝕝𝕗𝕠𝕪
"Of course why would I lie to you about something like that?" Malfoy questioned, a chuckle escaping from his lips as he looked down on the other. No one had ever seemed so enthused to spend time with him, it created welcoming feeling within his chest. A mixture of warmth and desire he hadn't felt ever before in his entire life, not his past flings, past loves, nothing. Yet there stood Elara and there were his feelings, undeniable as ever.
The male welcomed her into his room, feeling quite relieved that his two goons had even bothered to clean themselves up earlier in the day. There were times where stray clothes and whatever mess they had gotten into had littered the floor and no matter how many times he chastised them for it they never seemed to learn. He didn't even think at this moment they were even capable of learning, it was quite the surprise they were even still enrolled at hogwarts.
"So Elara," the male purred, rather enjoying the way that her name rolled off of his tongue. "Tell me, why do you seem to be so intrigued with me. It seems lately most prefer to not even look at me." He questioned as he sunk into one of the armchairs that were placed around the room.
