"You ready?" Aurora inquired, the two of them seated in their shared dorm room. Y/N donned her Ravenclaw Varsity jacket, paired with dark-blue waist-length ripped jeans and a plain tee, while Aurora sported a black dress.
"Yeah, when's the party starting again?" Y/N murmured as they exited the dorm, Aurora shutting the door behind them.
"Should be in about 30 minutes," Aurora hummed.
"Oh, by the way, who's Sophie going with? I heard Seraphina turned down Dean and went with Dan," Y/N murmured, Aurora nodding in acknowledgment.
"Sophie's actually going with Dean," Aurora replied, prompting a thoughtful hum from Y/N as the two continued their stroll.
"That's... a bit hard to wrap my head around," Y/N murmured, brows furrowing in confusion, Aurora letting out a chuckle.
"Yeah, it's kind of a strange situation," Aurora agreed, her bag swinging as it hung from her shoulder. "Oh, and I heard Granger is going with Longbottom," Aurora added, prompting Y/N's mouth to fall slightly open.
"Seriously?" Y/N inquired, Aurora confirming with a nod. "Huh," Y/N murmured absentmindedly, a faint flutter of an unfamiliar sensation in her chest that she swiftly dismissed.
✴✴✴✴✴
Y/N and Aurora strolled through the courtyard, their gazes dancing amidst the explosion of vibrant colors. Fireworks painted the sky with cascades of light, accompanied by a grand countdown as the eve of the New Year unfolded.
The courtyard buzzed with energy, brimming with food stalls manned by older students and temporary clubs celebrating diverse cultures and countries. Y/N's eyes swept around, searching for a specific bushy-haired brunette-headed Gryffindor.
"So, I guess that's our first stop," Aurora's words pierced through Y/N's reverie. "Did you even hear what I just said?" Aurora raised an eyebrow, questioning.
"Uh... concert something something, something something," Y/N replied with a wry smile and a slight shrug, eliciting a playful eye roll from Aurora.
"The concert's in 2 hours, silly! So first, let's explore the food stalls," Aurora restated, Y/N's mouth falling open briefly before she nodded in agreement.
Amidst the grassy, moonlit grounds, Y/N and Aurora meandered. Aurora's laughter punctuated the air, while Y/N's occasional smiles were complemented by her wandering gaze. A symphony of aromas – herbs, spices, and an array of dishes – invaded Y/N's senses, evoking a subtle growl from her stomach.
Eventually, the duo halted at a Japanese stall. Aurora leaned over the counter to examine the menu, Y/N's attention still wandering.
"Y/N!" Aurora's voice broke through, prompting Y/N to turn. "What do you want from the menu?" Aurora inquired, to which Y/N simply shrugged.
"Anything's fine, I'm not picky," Y/N mumbled, her gaze drifting once more. Aurora nodded before focusing on the cashier.
Suddenly, a familiar cascade of curls entered Y/N's line of sight, drawing a smile to the Ravenclaw's lips. Her feet carried her a step closer, arm extending to tap the shorter girl's shoulder, when...
"Who are you?" The girl spun around, and Y/N took a step back, brows furrowing in confusion. The person she'd thought was Hermione turned out to be someone entirely different – different house and all.
"Sorry, I mistook you for someone else," Y/N said with a slight blush, the girl nodding before walking away.
Y/N let out a deep sigh, turning around with a frustrated grumble. "What am I even thinking?" she muttered, rolling her eyes at her own self-deprecation before suddenly jolting.
"Y/N!" Hermione's voice rang out with a wide smile.
"Merlin's beard, Hermione, a heads-up would've been nice," Y/N grumbled, her hands frozen mid-motion, earning a small chuckle from Hermione. The Gryffindor sported a jumper with a sweater casually draped around her neck.
"Hmm, I think you're just a bit slow, Crimson," Hermione teased, prompting a playful eye roll from Y/N.
"Oh, in your wildest dreams, Granger," Y/N retorted, a mischievous glint in her eyes as Hermione giggled.
"Aren't you cold? It's the end of December, and you're wearing just a jumper," Y/N expressed, a hint of concern in her voice.
"Nah, you'd find that I handle the cold quite well," Hermione replied with a hum, drawing an inquisitive eyebrow raise from Y/N. Hermione couldn't help but snicker. "Where's your date, by the way?" she asked, Y/N glancing around before pointing subtly.
"Aurie's getting our food," Y/N answered, and Hermione nodded.
"Well, why are you so far away from her?" Hermione inquired with curiosity. A blush touched Y/N's cheeks; she couldn't admit that she was absentmindedly searching for the Gryffindor through the bustling crowd.
"Just... wanted to get drinks from this stall," Y/N mumbled, indicating the stall beside her. Hermione's brows furrowed in confusion.
"That's the bathroom stall," Hermione deadpanned, and Y/N's mouth fell open.
"I've always had a strong affinity for tap water," Y/N hastily responded, causing Hermione to look bewildered before bursting into laughter, a sound that felt like a melodious symphony to Y/N's ears.
"Oh, really?" Hermione teased, a glint of playfulness in her eyes.
She might have been oblivious to some things, but she wasn't clueless; there was definitely something about Hermione that could easily fluster Y/N. And Hermione was determined to figure it out—what she didn't realize, though, was that just being around Hermione was enough to make Y/N's heart race.
"Absolutely, without a doubt," Y/N replied, her confidence gradually returning as she crossed her arms. Hermione raised an eyebrow, the corner of her lips quirking up in a knowing smile.
Hermione's knowing smile only fueled Y/N's determination to hold her ground. She wasn't about to let Hermione's playful interrogation get the best of her.
"So, what's with the sudden interest in my choice of beverage?" Y/N countered, her tone lighthearted yet tinged with a touch of challenge.
Hermione's eyebrow arched higher, a spark of amusement dancing in her eyes. "Oh, just making conversation, you know," Hermione replied casually, though her subtle smirk revealed her intention to keep the banter going.
Y/N chuckled, not giving an inch. "Right, because tap water preferences are the pinnacle of riveting discussions."
"Hmm, perhaps, or maybe it's just that... you're genuinely intriguing. Even conversations about water become interesting with you," Hermione countered, her sly smirk revealing her playful intent. Y/N felt her jaw clench as she fought to suppress the blush threatening to rise.
"Well, I'm honored," Y/N retorted swiftly, taking a subtle step backward, trying to regain her composure. Hermione simply hummed, that knowing smile still playing on her lips.
"You should be." Hermione replied blankly.
The playful banter continued between them, like a dance of words and glances that held more meaning than they dared to openly acknowledge. Y/N's heart raced as she felt the weight of Hermione's gaze, her words tugging at something deeper within her.
"Is that so?" Y/N finally managed to reply, her tone light yet tinged with a hint of nervousness. She averted her gaze momentarily, her fingers nervously tracing a pattern on her jacket sleeve.
Hermione's eyes softened, the mischievous glint giving way to a more genuine warmth. "You know, it's not just the tap water topic that interests me," Hermione admitted softly, taking a step closer.
"It's—"
Before Hermione could continue her sentence, their conversation was abruptly disrupted by Aurora's arrival. She approached them, holding a plate of steaming, fresh takoyaki, which caused Hermione to glance to the side with a hint of irritation, and Y/N to bite her lip in mild surprise.
"Y/N, sorry it took a while, the line was so— oh, hey, you're here?" Aurora murmured, her attention shifting to Hermione.
"Yeah, just... catching up with friends," Hermione replied, a subtle undercurrent of competition evident in her tone as she met Aurora's gaze.
"Uh huh, just friends, huh?" Aurora mumbled under her breath, meant more for herself.
"Pardon?" Hermione inquired, Aurora shaking her head as if dismissing her own comment.
"Y/N, let's explore more food stalls. See you later, Hermione," Aurora quickly interjected, tugging Y/N by the arm and leading her away. Y/N's brow furrowed in confusion and a hint of frustration as she glanced back and forth between Aurora and Hermione, feeling a curious tension in the air.
✴✴✴✴✴
"Woah, check out all those food stalls, Y/N!" Aurora exclaimed, pointing at the array of stalls, her excitement palpable. However, Y/N's detachment was evident, her mind still caught up in the conversation with Hermione. Aurora's intrusion had quickly dampened her amusement.
"Are you intentionally doing this?" Y/N asked candidly, Aurora halted in her step, her grip on Y/N's arm loosening slightly.
"What?" Aurora inquired, a wry smile on her lips, Y/N's mouth twitching as she searched for the right words, her brows slightly furrowed.
"Hermione, it feels like... I don't know, you're sort of pulling me away from her? Can't I talk to my other friends?" Y/N murmured, and Aurora was taken aback, emitting a small scoff.
"I'm your date, I want to spend time with you, I didn't mean to make you feel that way, I—" Aurora quickly tried to explain, but Y/N let out an irritated sigh.
"We're just friends!" Y/N exclaimed, her expression softening as she looked to the side. "Just friends." she repeated, her voice more hushed.
"You know what? It's... whatever. Let's just enjoy the party," Y/N retorted sharply, taking Aurora's wrist abruptly and motioning for her to continue walking. The atmosphere around them had shifted, a mix of frustration and unresolved tension tinging the air.
"Y/N, seriously? What have I told you about communicating?" Aurora complained, frustration evident in her tone. Y/N swiftly turned her head to face Aurora.
"What's there to communicate?" Y/N snapped, Aurora clenched her teeth in irritation.
"You're acting like a terrible friend right now—" Aurora retorted.
"Well, what am I supposed to do then?" Y/N fired back, Aurora's patience reaching its limit.
"Would you just let me finish?" Aurora burst out with a mix of exasperation, her voice unintentionally louder than she intended, causing nearby people to glance their way. "You should have told me you felt this way. I'm caught off guard by all of this." Aurora grumbled, her annoyance palpable.
"It's a party, Aurora. Can you not ruin the vibe?" Y/N exclaimed, tugging Aurora to a more secluded spot away from prying eyes.
"Every relationship, whether it's a friendship or not, requires communication," Aurora insisted firmly.
"I don't want to communicate! I don't know how, okay?" Y/N's tone shifted abruptly, and Aurora's gaze softened, realizing the depth of Y/N's frustration.
"We can work on that, Y/N. I know your father was distant, but—" Aurora pleaded, her tone gentle. Y/N pinched the bridge of her nose, frustration evident on her face.
"I don't want to change. I'm fine the way I am, Aurora," Y/N snapped, her words laced with irritation. Aurora let out an exasperated exhale.
"You know I'm just as stubborn as you, right? You won't win this argument, Y/N," Aurora scolded, her determination unwavering. Y/N's jaw clenched in response.
"Could you please stop acting like my mother for once?" Y/N retorted sharply.
"No! Because your mother didn't teach you basic human decency—" Aurora fired back, her frustration evident. Y/N scoffed.
"Don't talk about my mom that way. She did the best she could," Y/N challenged.
"I know she did, but sometimes it wasn't enough. That's why I'm here, Y/N. I want to help you," Aurora exclaimed.
"Why?" Y/N's voice rose, a mix of confusion and frustration.
"Because I care about you, okay? That's what friends do, Y/N," Aurora pleaded, her words striking Y/N deeply.
It was a sensation she wasn't accustomed to – someone putting in so much effort for her well-being. The overwhelming feeling made her vulnerable, exposing parts of herself she rarely showed. Y/N wasn't one to openly communicate her feelings or ask for help, and yet Aurora's persistence felt like a gentle but firm push out of her comfort zone.
"Y/N, stop settling for halfway or playing it safe in your comfort zone. You can't always have everything under control," Aurora whispered, her voice gentle as her hand reached up to cup Y/N's cheek. Y/N's gaze shifted downward, avoiding eye contact.
"Emotions aren't meant to be embarrassing," Aurora murmured, her tone soothing. Y/N's gaze flickered to the side, avoiding Aurora's gaze.
"Look at me," Aurora urged, and Y/N reluctantly met her gaze. "I'm your friend, Y/N. I won't betray you or make you feel embarrassed. I promise. I just want you to be more open, to be a better friend to me and the others."
"But you have to promise to invest as much effort as I do," Aurora said with a small smile, chipping away at Y/N's defenses. "Comfort and safety don't have to equate to fear and unpredictability. I won't let you feel neglected, Y/N."
Aurora's words were like a gentle embrace, coaxing Y/N to lower her guard. The walls around Y/N's heart began to weaken as Aurora's patience and care made their mark.
"Why should I trust you?" Y/N's voice was soft, carrying a hint of hesitation.
"It's not just about me. You can trust Harry, Seraphina, Sophie, and even..." Aurora's voice trailed off, leaving a pause. "Hermione. I see how you look at her, Y/N," Aurora murmured gently.
"Promise me you'll communicate, okay?" Aurora implored, her tone earnest.
"Okay," Y/N whispered, her walls slowly giving way.
TO BE CONTINUED...