Unreal

Chp 100.5 Through the Pages

The corridor was quieter without him beside me, though the castle still hummed faintly with spring energy. Outside the tall windows, sunlight spilled across the stone like warm butter, catching in the floating dust motes. The air inside was cool, but it carried the scent of something blooming far below in the greenhouses — sweet and a little sharp, the way April always was. My footsteps echoed softly against the flagstones, matching the lazy flutter of banners overhead.

I let my thoughts wander, but inevitably, they snagged on the same thing they had been all week: the Third Task. First week of May. That gave me... barely a month. My chest tightened.

Okay, I told myself firmly. I'll start studying. Soon. I promise.

The promise hung in my head like an unfinished spell, following me all the way down the corridor.

••••

By the time I was ready—new clothes, fresh face, and a pep in my step—I was already cutting it close. Ten minutes might've sounded generous, but in Hogwarts terms, it was barely enough to cross a hallway without being waylaid by a moving staircase.

When I finally stepped into the courtyard, the others were already gathered, bundled in scarves and chatter.

"Aeris!" someone called, waving me over. "Let's gooo!"

They all started toward the gates, but Fred lingered back, waiting. With a grin, he extended his hand toward me.

"Careful, Hart. Wouldn't want you getting lost before we've even left the castle," he teased, fingers curling warmly around mine when I took it.

I bit back a laugh. "Please. I've survived worse than a castle corridor."

We fell into step, the stone archway giving way to the crisp sweep of winter air. The snow crunched under our boots as we headed toward Hogsmeade, Fred still holding my hand like it was the most natural thing in the world.

"Perfect weather for frostbite," he said with mock cheer.

I smirked. "Good thing I brought my emergency survival guide. Step one: find tall ginger with warm hands."

His chuckle made my chest feel strangely light. George was just ahead of us, hands shoved in his pockets. Not a single tease from him all morning, which was... odd. George never missed an opportunity to poke fun.

And now I was wondering why.

Hogsmeade was a whirlwind. We fanned out across every corner and crooked alley, eyes peeled for any sign of a Weird Sisters band member.

"Maybe they're hiding in Zonko's," George joked, leading a sprint toward the joke shop.

"Or the sweet shop!" Ginny added, dragging us in for a quick sugar fix.

We barged through random shops, turning over shelves and peering behind counters, our laughter echoing through the bustling village. Hermione scowled, arms crossed. "This is a complete waste of time."

"Worth every minute," Ron shot back, ducking a flying candy from Fred. "Just wait till we spot one—then you'll be eating your words."

I drifted happily among them, soaking up the chaos, the teasing, the chase. Fred was impossibly clingy, always wrapping an arm around my waist or nudging me with a grin that said, caught you.

After what felt like hours—and maybe half of Hogsmeade explored—we all collapsed into the warm glow of the Three Broomsticks, bellies rumbling and feet aching.

The place was cozy and lively, filled with the clatter of dishes, chatter of patrons, and the comforting scent of roasting meats and butterbeer.

"Look at us," Angelina grumbled, plopping down. "Spent all day chasing rumors, and for what?"