The Buddy System. *Updating In Process*

14. Between Yesterday and You

As I reached the large doors of the Great Hall, I inhaled deeply, squared my shoulders, and pushed them open — walking into the warm glow of floating candles, long tables half-lit in early dawn, and rows of untouched plates gleaming faintly in the dim.

Empty.

Peaceful.

Just what I wanted.

Just what I needed.

For a moment, my shoulders loosened. My heart slowed. My breath eased.

Maybe — just maybe — I could salvage something from this morning.

Maybe I could eat in silence. Gather myself. Pretend, for a small slice of time, that the world wasn't quite so heavy.

I crossed the threshold, steps soft, mind foggy with exhaustion...

...completely unaware that I wasn't as alone as I thought.

The stillness of the Great Hall was a balm, soft and golden in the early light. I breathed it in slowly, letting the quiet settle around me like a warm cloak. I took my usual seat — the little two-person table designated for Draco and me — though today it felt more like my table than ours.

For a blissful moment... I was alone.

Until the doors banged open hard enough to rattle the silverware.

"Oh for the— Pansy, will you slow down!" Ginny Weasley's voice carried through the hall like a firework.

I closed my eyes, exhaled through my nose.

So much for peace.

Pansy Parkinson came strutting in like she owned the castle, hair immaculate, robes swinging dramatically around her ankles. Ginny followed her with equal swagger, matching pace as if they had rehearsed it.

The two of them spotted me instantly — because apparently I radiated please approach me energy this week — and made a beeline for my table.

They plopped themselves down without asking, both entirely too cheerful for someone awake at this hour.

Pansy leaned her elbows on the table and smirked at me.
"What's got you in such a good mood? You're practically glowing."

I blinked.
Glowing? That was definitely sweat from exhaustion but... sure.

"Just looking forward to heading into the village," I said, letting myself smile. "I have some supplies I want to get."

Pansy let out a long, dramatic groan and slumped across the tabletop like she'd been mortally wounded.

"You're going to Hogsmeade?" she whined. "Ugh, lucky. I have detention this morning with Filch."

I bit back a laugh. "What did you do?"

She lifted her head just enough for me to see the glitter of mischief in her eyes.
"Well... I merely suggested he consider buying shampoo."

Ginny snorted.

Pansy continued proudly, "And flea powder for Mrs Norris. Very affordable. Very necessary."

"Pansy!" I gasped, laughing despite myself.

"What?" she said, feigning innocence with a flutter of eyelashes. "His hair is so greasy it looks like he bathes in cooking oil. I was being helpful."

Ginny cracked up so hard she nearly fell sideways off the bench.
"It was bloody brilliant!"

I looked between them, eyebrows raised. "You were there?"

"Oh yes," Ginny said, tossing her hair over her shoulder like a queen recounting her victories. "We were heading to Charms and Filch was lurking as usual. I asked where he and Mrs Norris were registered for their wedding. Suggested the Magical Menagerie has great deals on cat toys and rodent repellents."