As Alexia made her way to the Quidditch pitch for her unusual detention, a mix of frustration and determination filled her. The weight of the recent events hung heavy in the air, creating an awkward atmosphere around her. Despite the challenging circumstances, her eyes showed a glint of determination.
The Quidditch pitch, usually a place of excitement and joy for Alexia, now felt like an arena where she had to prove herself. The whispers and stares from fellow students fueled her determination even more. With each step, she mentally prepared herself for the upcoming detention, wondering how this peculiar punishment would unfold.
The chilly breeze across the pitch seemed to mirror the cool atmosphere surrounding her friendships. As she reached the open expanse of the pitch, Alexia took a deep breath, ready to face whatever awaited her in this unique detention. The setting sun cast long shadows, emphasizing the solitary path she walked, symbolic of the distance that had grown between her and her friends.
Alexia stood alone on the Quidditch pitch, waiting for Professor McGonagall and the first years, the persistent whispers in her head grew louder. The mysterious voice seemed insistent, a source of irritation that sparked discomfort. Her brow furrowed in frustration, and she couldn't help but vocalize her exasperation.
"Enough already! I looked through the book, and there's nothing there," Alexia muttered to the invisible presence that seemed to torment her. The headache, and now this mysterious voice—everything felt like pieces of a puzzle she couldn't quite solve. Despite her irritation, she couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to the story, hidden in the depths of her mind.
As Alexia's eyes scanned the Quidditch pitch, she noticed Hermione walking towards the stands. The frustration from the mysterious whispers and the recent argument with Hermione lingered in her mind. The sight of Hermione's sad expression tugged at something inside her—a mixture of regret and a yearning for things to go back to the way they were.
However, Alexia, still caught up in her vexation, chose to ignore the conflicting emotions bubbling beneath the surface. The argument had left an unexpected strain on their friendship, and Alexia wasn't sure how to mend it. As she prepared for the unusual detention with Professor McGonagall and the first years, she couldn't shake the feeling that things were changing, and not necessarily for the better.
Professor McGonagall led a group of ten wide-eyed first years to the Quidditch pitch, their expressions alternating between excitement and nervousness. The anticipation of their first Quidditch lesson radiated through the group, and Alexia couldn't help but notice their mix of awe and fear.
She glanced at Hermione, who had taken a seat in the stands, still wearing a solemn expression.
Alexia turned her attention back to the first years, realizing that her focus should be on the task at hand.
Professor McGonagall approached Alexia with a stern look, a clear indication that this wasn't an ordinary detention. "Miss Jackson, considering there's no Quidditch this year, I'm afraid our Gryffindor team might miss out on some hidden talents for the next season. Now, I have chosen you for a special task."
Alexia arched an eyebrow, curious about what awaited her.
"You'll be assisting these first years with their Quidditch abilities" McGonagall announced.
Alexia couldn't help but chuckle. "So, Professor, let me get this straight. Instead of chasing a Snitch, I'll be chasing after first-year students on broomsticks?"
McGonagall's stern expression softened, and a hint of amusement glinted in her eyes. "Precisely, Miss Jackson. I believe your Quidditch skills will come in handy for this task. Consider it a unique opportunity to showcase your talent in a different arena.", Professor McGonagall, her stern demeanour returning, leaned in slightly and warned Alexia in a firm tone, "Miss Jackson, should you leave even a minute earlier than required, you will find yourself with yet another detention. And I trust you haven't forgotten about your second detention due to the incident with Miss Greengrass. Hogwarts rules are to be followed, regardless of your Quidditch expertise."
Alexia nodded, realizing that her misadventures were starting to accumulate. She had no intention of adding more to the list, especially if it involved additional detentions. With a reluctant sigh, she prepared to embark on her unconventional mission of teaching first-year students how to handle a broomstick.
Alexia cleared her throat, eyeing the group of first-years who were looking at her with a mix of awe and trepidation. Unsure of how to approach the situation, she decided to go with a casual, friendly demeanour.
"Alright, little ones, gather 'round. I'm Alexia, your unexpected Quidditch instructor for today... And chances are, for the rest of the week. The basics are simple—don't fall off your broom, and you'll be just fine. If you do fall, try to aim for something soft. Grass is your best friend. Cobblestones, not so much."
The first years exchanged puzzled glances, uncertain whether they should take her seriously or not. Alexia, realizing that she might need to adjust her approach, added with a half-smile, "Don't worry, I'm mostly joking. We'll start with the basics, and hopefully, none of you will end up in the hospital wing today. Sound good?"
The first years nodded hesitantly, and Alexia couldn't help but chuckle at the mix of apprehension and curiosity on their faces. Teaching Quidditch to first years—this was not how she had envisioned spending her detention.
Hermione observed from the stands as Alexia attempted to impart her Quidditch wisdom to the first years. Despite the tension between them, she couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for Alexia's efforts. A sad smile played on Hermione's lips as she saw Alexia leaping into action, pulling a first-year back to the ground after an accidental ascent.
"Careful there, little ones!" Alexia called out, her voice a mix of amusement and genuine concern. "Remember, it's all about balance. You don't want to go zooming off to the Astronomy Tower before your first flying lesson!"
Hermione chuckled softly at the sight. The Quidditch pitch, usually a place of excitement and joy for them, now felt tinged with bittersweet nostalgia. As Alexia continued her impromptu Quidditch lesson, Hermione found herself lost in memories of happier times, when her feelings weren't a problem.
Hermione approached the Quidditch pitch with determined steps, she scolded herself for hesitating. A Gryffindor, she thought, was supposed to be brave, and it was time to act on her feelings. Taking a deep breath, she walked onto the pitch, where Alexia was overseeing the first years' attempts to navigate their brooms.
"Alex," Hermione called out, her voice carrying a mix of determination and vulnerability. "Can we talk?"
Alexia turned a puzzled expression on her face. "Hermione, what are you doing here? You should leave; I'm in detention."
Ignoring the suggestion, Hermione approached Alexia with a steady gaze. "I know, and I'm sorry for my outburst earlier. I was jealous, and I shouldn't have let the Daily Prophet get in the way."
Alexia's confusion lingered, but there was a glimmer of amusement in her eyes. "Jealous, huh? Didn't think I'd see the day. Hermione Granger admitting she's jealous."
Hermione blushed but met Alexia's gaze with sincerity. "I value our friendship a lot, and I didn't want anything to jeopardize that. But there's something else I need to say... When you said you like me, I wanted to say I like you back so bad, Alex."
The revelation hung in the air between them, and for a moment, there was silence on the Quidditch pitch. The first years continued their attempts to master their brooms, seemingly oblivious to the unfolding scene. Alexia's expression shifted from amusement to a mix of surprise and understanding.
Before she could respond, Alexia was abruptly hit on the side of her head with a broom, causing her to whine and groan in pain. One of the first years had lost control, sending the broom careening into Alexia's path.
"Ouch! Watch where you're flying that thing!" Alexia scolded the young witch while rubbing her sore temple.
Alexia pressed her hand against the side of her head, feeling a warm, sticky sensation. The impact had left a small cut, and blood trickled down her temple. She cursed under her breath, more annoyed by the inconvenience than the pain.
"You little fucker-"
"ALEXIA!"
"Sorry, uhm- Little ones, let's end the practice today since I'm probably getting detention for the rest of the week, I want you little asses to write three reasons why you shouldn't hit me in the head, that was just straight disrespectful.", Alexia says, still pressing her hand against her head while frowning.
Hermione chuckles as she sees the first years nodding and taking their brooms with them.
"Sorry, professor!"
"Don't call me that! Ugh, I swear-"
Hermione, watching the scene unfold, couldn't suppress a small chuckle. "Looks like you've earned yourself a battle scar, Professor."
Alexia shot her a playful glare, dabbing at the cut with her sleeve. "Don't you dare, Hermione."
Hermione approached, a grin playing on her lips. "Come on, let me take you to the hospital wing. Madam Pomfrey can patch you up in no time."
The two of them walked side by side, the banter and shared laughter easing the tension that had lingered between them. Hermione couldn't help but enjoy the unexpected turn of events, and Alexia, despite her minor injury, found herself appreciating the company of someone who could make her laugh, even during a chaotic detention.
Madam Pomfrey, with a disapproving frown, examined the cut on Alexia's temple. "Honestly, Ms. Jackson, it seems you have an uncanny talent for finding trouble, even in the most unlikely situations."
Alexia chuckled, giving Hermione a sideways glance. "Well, you know me. I've got a knack for stumbling into things, quite literally."
Hermione couldn't hold back a smirk. "It's like she has an invisible 'accident-prone' sign following her around."
Madam Pomfrey huffed, reaching for her potions and bandages. "Accident-prone or not, let's get this cut cleaned up and properly bandaged. Try to refrain from any more Quidditch-related incidents, at least for today."
Alexia rolled her eyes playfully. "No promises, but I'll do my best."
Madam Pomfrey worked on tending to the cut, the tension that had lingered between Alexia and Hermione earlier was now replaced by a sense of fellowship and shared amusement.
Alexia sat on the hospital bed, the cool sheets beneath her, as Madam Pomfrey bustled away to attend to other matters. She turned to Hermione with a mischievous smirk, her eyes glinting with playful amusement.
"Well, well, Granger," Alexia teased, "confessing your feelings in the middle of my Quidditch class. I didn't think you had it in you."
Hermione's cheeks flushed with a mixture of embarrassment and amusement. "I wasn't planning on confessing anything, especially not in the middle of your detention."
Alexia chuckled, the sound sending a warm shiver through Hermione. "Well, your timing was impeccable. Right after you spill the beans, I get hit in the head with a broom. If that's not a dramatic reaction to a confession, I don't know what is."
Hermione laughed, a light and genuine sound. "I suppose we have a flair for the dramatic."
Alexia leaned back, propping herself up on her elbows. "Admit it, Granger, you're secretly entertained by the chaos that seems to follow me around."
Hermione sat down beside her, a playful glint in her eyes. "Maybe just a little. But, in my defence, it's never a dull moment with you."
The air around them seemed to buzz with anticipation as Alexia and Hermione inched closer. The playful banter that had filled the room now gave way to a charged silence, broken only by the subtle sounds of the hospital wing. Alexia's teasing demeanour softened into a more tender expression, her eyes locking onto Hermione's with an undeniable intensity.
With a gentle touch, Alexia cupped Hermione's jaw, her thumb caressing the soft skin. The sensation sent a shiver down Hermione's spine, heightening the anticipation of what was to come. Their eyes remained locked, communicating a depth of emotions that words could scarcely capture.
In that fleeting moment before their lips met, both girls could feel the gravitational pull drawing them together. Alexia's heart raced, the rhythmic thud echoing in her ears, and Hermione felt a warmth spreading through her chest. It was a culmination of unspoken desires, a moment suspended in time.
As their lips finally met, it was as if the world around them ceased to exist. The kiss was tender, a delicate exploration of uncharted territory. Alexia's lips moved against Hermione's with a feather-light touch, savouring the softness and warmth they offered. Hermione responded in kind, a subtle dance of shared vulnerability and burgeoning passion.
Time seemed to slow as they lost themselves in the kiss, the weight of their unspoken feelings finding expression in the gentle meeting of lips. Alexia's hand moved from Hermione's jaw to the back of her neck, fingers tangling in the soft strands of her hair. Hermione's fingers traced an invisible pattern on Alexia's arm, a silent acknowledgement of the connection they were forging.
The kiss deepened, evolving from tentative exploration to a more profound exchange of emotions. It was a kiss that held promises of understanding and acceptance, a declaration of feelings that had lingered beneath the surface. In that shared moment, both Alexia and Hermione felt the undeniable truth – they had found something special in each other.
Alexia couldn't resist a mischievous grin as she pulled away, a twinkle of amusement in her eyes. "Well, well, someone's turned quite the shade of Gryffindor scarlet," she teased, her tone light and playful.
Hermione, still caught in the afterglow of their kiss, felt the warmth in her cheeks intensify. "Oh, hush, you," she stammered, attempting to regain her composure. "It's not like you're any less affected."
But Alexia merely chuckled, her laughter filling the quiet space of the hospital wing. "Merlin's beard, Granger, who knew you had such a rosy side?" She winked, enjoying the sight of Hermione's continued embarrassment.
Rolling her eyes, Hermione playfully swatted at Alexia's arm. "You're insufferable, you know that?" she retorted, a smile playing at the corners of her lips.
"Guilty as charged," Alexia admitted, her grin widening.
Their laughter echoed through the hospital wing, a shared moment of lightness and companionship that lingered in the air. For Alexia and Hermione, that kiss marked the beginning of a journey, a journey that promised both challenges and joys, but above all, the promise of shared moments that would shape their story in the wizarding world.
Alexia's fingers traced a gentle path along Hermione's jawline, the touch tender and apologetic. "I'm sorry," she said, sincerity lacing her words. "I shouldn't have been mad about Krum. It's not fair to hold you to something when we hadn't even..."
Hermione placed a finger against Alexia's lips, silencing her. "It's okay," she reassured, her smile warm and understanding. "We're figuring this out together, aren't we? No need to dwell on the past."
Alexia nodded, a sense of relief washing over her. "Yeah, we are," she agreed. "And for the record, I'm not really the jealous type. Just caught me off guard, I guess."
Hermione chuckled, her eyes softening. "Well, I'm not planning on making a habit of cosying up to famous Quidditch players. You have my full attention now."
The playful glint returned to Alexia's eyes. "Good to know," she replied, a smirk playing on her lips. "Because I'm not sharing."
Hermione's laughter blended with the ambient sounds of the hospital wing, creating a melody that seemed to underscore the newfound understanding between them. In that moment, they let go of lingering tensions, choosing to embrace the present and whatever lay ahead for the two of them.
Just as Alexia and Hermione were about to share another kiss, the moment was rudely interrupted by the sudden entrance of Harry. He let out an unintentional yelp, and his eyes widened in surprise.
Hermione tried to hide her embarrassment behind a shy smile, but Harry couldn't contain his amusement. "Finally!" he exclaimed, grinning widely. "Took you long enough!"
Alexia, shooting Harry a fierce glare, says, "You're not supposed to be happy about interrupting a moment like that, Harry!."
Harry chuckled, walking closer. "Oh, but I am. I've been waiting for you two to sort things out. It was getting a bit tense around here."
Alexia playfully nudged him. "You're telling me. Now, what brings you to the hospital wing, Potter?"
"Well, I heard my dear friend was hit by the broom of an eleven years old-"
"That's not what happened.", Alexia glares, while Harry chuckles.
"That's exactly what happened, Alex."
Hermione whispers, loud enough so Harry can hear, making Alexia groan and lay flat dramatically on the bed while Harry and Hermione laugh.
"Let's get to the Great Hall, dinner is about to begin."
Alexia nods, standing up, and walking side by side with Harry and Hermione, she feels almost complete, the only piece missing, is a certain stubborn redhead whom she was missing dearly.