Alexia and Hermione strolled side by side through the quaint streets of Hogsmeade, a sense of tranquillity enveloped them. The warm rays of the afternoon sun cast a golden glow over the charming village, creating a picturesque scene that seemed straight out of a storybook.
The gentle breeze carried the faint scent of freshly baked pastries from Honeydukes, mingling with the earthy aroma of the nearby Forbidden Forest. Alexia and Hermione walked in comfortable silence, content to be in each other's presence as they relished the moment's serenity.
Occasionally, they would exchange soft smiles and fleeting glances, their fingers occasionally brushing against each other as they walked. There was a quiet intimacy between them, an unspoken understanding that transcended words.
As they strolled past a quaint clothes shop, an elderly witch stepped out, her eyes lighting up with recognition as she spotted Alexia. "Ah, Miss Jackson! How lovely to see you, did you enjoy the Yule Ball? I hope the robes were good for you, " she exclaimed, her voice warm and welcoming.
Alexia felt a faint blush rising to her cheeks at the mention of the Yule Ball, an event she had missed out on. Sensing Hermione's gaze, she offered the elderly witch a polite smile and nodded. "Yes, thank you," she replied with a touch of embarrassment, not wanting to reveal that she hadn't attended the ball.
The elderly witch beamed at her response, clearly pleased. "I'm delighted to hear that, dear. Your mother always had exquisite taste in robes," she remarked, her eyes twinkling with fond memories.
Returning the witch's smile, Alexia nodded gratefully. "Thank you, she does indeed," she agreed, before bidding the elderly witch farewell and continuing on their way with Hermione by her side.
As they walked away from the shop, Hermione turned to face Alexia with a look of concern etched on her features. Alexia could already sense what Hermione was going to say, and she couldn't help but roll her eyes playfully before Hermione even spoke.
"Hermione, it's really not a big deal," Alexia began, preempting her girlfriend's worries. But Hermione's expression remained troubled, and she interrupted with a sigh.
"I know you say that, Alex, but I can't help feeling guilty about it," Hermione confessed, her voice tinged with remorse. "You missed out on the Yule Ball because of me, you had your robes prepared and everything and I can't shake the feeling that I should have done things differently."
Alexia reached out to gently cup Hermione's cheek, her eyes softening with affection. "Hey, listen to me," she said tenderly, her voice soothing. "You have nothing to feel guilty about. The Yule Ball was just one event, and everything ended up working perfectly, didn't it?."
Hermione's eyes softened at Alexia's words, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "I just wish I could make it up to you somehow," she admitted quietly.
Alexia leaned in to press a soft kiss to Hermione's forehead, her heart swelling with love for the girl in front of her. "You already have, Hermione," she murmured, her voice filled with sincerity. "Just being with you makes every moment special. So let's forget about the Yule Ball and focus on making our own memories together, okay?"
Hermione nodded, her gaze meeting Alexia's with warmth and gratitude.
They entered the Three Broomsticks and settled into a cosy booth, Alexia quickly engaged in conversation with Ron and Harry, laughing and exchanging stories from their week. Meanwhile, Hermione's mind was elsewhere, consumed with thoughts of how she could make it up to Alexia for missing the Yule Ball.
As she listened to her friend's banter back and forth, Hermione's determination grew. She knew exactly what she wanted to do to make things right. She wanted to see Alexia wear the beautiful robes she had prepared for the Yule Ball, to give her the chance to experience the magic of the event, even if it was just for a moment.
With renewed resolve, Hermione began to formulate a plan in her mind. She would surprise Alexia with the robes, whisking her away for a night of dancing under the stars, just the two of them. It would be their own private Yule Ball, a chance for them to create cherished memories together.
Lost in her thoughts, Hermione barely noticed as Ron nudged her shoulder, bringing her back to the present. She smiled at her friends, her mind buzzing with excitement.
---///---
Later that night, Hermione is dragging Alexia around the Hogwarts halls, Alexia is confused but happy to be in Hermione's presence. Alexia asks where they're going but Hermione doesn't say a word. They stop at one of the back doors of the castle, not many students like that area as there is nothing to see other, than just a back door.
As they stepped outside the castle into the crisp night air, Alexia's confusion turned to awe as she took in the scene before her. A soft glow illuminated a small area that Hermione had transformed into a makeshift dance floor, complete with twinkling fairy lights and a gentle breeze rustling through the trees.
"Are those my robes?", Alexia asks confused but giggling at the floating pieces of clothes.
Hermione hesitated for a moment before replying. "Well, I, uh, may have gone through your things to find the robes you were going to wear to the Yule Ball," she admitted sheepishly.", Alexia just laughed as the robes, magically placed themselves on her, substituting her clothes, for her surprise, Hermione was back in that beautiful blue dress she wore to the Yule Ball.
(This is what Alexia is wearing, I find it so pretty and classy)
Alexia's eyes widened in surprise and delight as she turned to Hermione, who stood before her with a nervous but hopeful expression. Without a word, Hermione reached out her hand, silently inviting Alexia to join her on the dance floor.
Taking Hermione's hand, Alexia felt a rush of warmth and gratitude flood through her. As they began to sway to the soft music playing in the background, Alexia couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by the love and thoughtfulness behind Hermione's gesture.
"Why did you do all this?" Alexia finally whispered, her voice barely above a breath.
Hermione smiled, her eyes sparkling in the moonlight. "Because you deserve to have your dance," she replied softly. "You missed out on the Yule Ball, and I wanted to make it up to you. You deserve to experience the magic of dancing under the stars, even if it's just for a moment."
Touched beyond words, Alexia pulled Hermione closer, resting her head against Hermione's forehead as they swayed together in perfect harmony. At that moment, surrounded by the gentle glow of the moon and the soft strains of music, Alexia knew that she was exactly where she was meant to be—with Hermione, experiencing a love so pure and true that it filled her heart to overflowing.
(Hope you enjoyed the fluffy and cute stuff... This is where the heavy stuff begins, so I guess this is your trigger warning? lol)
---///---
Ludo Bagman, the jovial announcer, stood by the Quidditch Pitch, which had been transformed into a sprawling maze of hedges, walls, and obstacles. Harry, Victor, Fleur, and Cedric stood before him, listening intently as he explained the rules of the third task of the Triwizard Tournament.
"Now, this is where the real challenge begins, folks!" Ludo exclaimed, his voice booming across the pitch. "You'll be navigating through this maze, facing various magical creatures, traps, and obstacles along the way. The goal is simple: reach the centre of the maze, where the Triwizard Cup awaits."
Harry glanced around at the towering hedges and twisting pathways, feeling a surge of adrenaline coursing through him. This was it—the final test that would determine the winner of the tournament.
"Aside from the usual challenges," Ludo continued, "you'll also need to keep an eye out for surprises. You never know what might be lurking around the next corner!"
Fleur nodded, her expression determined as she surveyed the maze before her. Cedric wore a thoughtful look, clearly strategizing his approach to the task. Victor Krum, ever stoic, seemed unfazed by the daunting maze stretching out before them.
"Remember," Ludo added with a grin, "speed and cunning will be your greatest allies in this task. And don't forget to watch your backs!"
As Ludo finishes the explanation, Victor turns to Harry, asking if they can go for a walk together, Harry agrees. To Harry's surprise, Victor Krum begins to talk about Hermione and asks Harry if he knows why Hermione keeps talking about a certain Alexia Jackson when he is with her.
Harry nods, trying to appear nonchalant despite the knot of uncertainty tightening in his stomach. "Yeah, well, they're really close friends," he replies, choosing his words carefully. "Alexia and Hermione have been spending a lot of time together lately. They have a strong bond."
Victor raises an eyebrow, his expression thoughtful. "Ah, I see," he says, his tone tinged with curiosity. "Is that Alexia?"
They continue with their walk, and to Harry's surprise, Victor sees Alexia nearby. Alexia tries to hide but it's too late.
As Harry and Victor approach, Alexia quickly tries to conceal the flowers behind her back, but it's too late—Victor has already caught sight of her.
"Lex, what are you doing out here?" Harry asks, a bemused expression on his face as he notices her awkward attempt to hide the flowers.
Before Alexia can respond, Victor interjects with a comment that catches her off guard. "You're a really good friend of Hermione's," he observes, his tone innocent.
"I beg your pardon? For you're information I'm her g-"
Alexia's eyebrows shoot up in surprise, and for a moment, she looks like she's about to blurt out the truth. But then she catches herself mid-sentence, remembering Hermione's reluctance to go public with their relationship.
"I'm her really good friend," Alexia replies with forced cheerfulness, trying to play it cool. "Just... you know, enjoying the fresh air and picking some flowers... For myself, of course!"
Harry stifles a chuckle, exchanging a knowing glance with Victor, who seems amused by Alexia's awkward attempt at evasion. "Right, of course," Harry says with a smirk. "Well, carry on then. We'll leave you to your flower picking."
As Harry and Victor continue on their walk, Alexia lets out a relieved sigh, grateful that she managed to dodge a potentially awkward situation. But as she watches them go, she can't help but wonder how much longer she'll have to keep her relationship with Hermione a secret.
Alexia is on her way back to the castle, holding the flowers to give Hermione, but she's stopped by Professor Moody, who requests her to accompany him to his classroom, she accepts. She walks with him and to her surprise she sees the Triwizard Cup there, shining in all its glory. Moody asks her if she would like to help him with some tasks, and she nods, feeling excited to be of help.
"The light hurt my eye, so I need help keeping the cup cleaned, give me a hand with it."
"Sure, professor."
As Alexia's hand touched the Triwizard Cup, she felt a strange sensation wash over her, as if her surroundings were shifting and distorting around her. Before she could comprehend what was happening, she found herself standing in a dimly lit graveyard, with Professor Moody—or so she thought—by her side.
Confusion clouded Alexia's mind as she tried to make sense of her surroundings. Before she could voice her questions, Moody cast a hex, sending a surge of pain coursing through her body. Alexia stumbled backwards, clutching her chest in agony, her mind reeling with shock and fear.
"What's happening?" she managed to gasp out, her voice trembling as she struggled to remain upright, not so long after, she blacked out.
As Alexia slowly awakens, she finds herself disoriented and groggy, her head throbbing with pain. Blinking away the remnants of sleep, she struggles to piece together the events of the previous night, but her memories remain shrouded in a foggy haze.
Sitting up in bed, Alexia rubs her temples, trying to alleviate the pounding ache in her head. Her mind races with questions, but the answers elude her grasp. What had happened to her? Why did she feel so drained and disoriented?
With a deep breath, Alexia pushes aside her confusion and focuses on the present moment. She glances around her dormitory, noting the familiar surroundings and the soft glow of morning light filtering through the windows. Everything appears normal, yet she can't shake the feeling that something is amiss.
Slowly swinging her legs over the edge of the bed, Alexia pushes herself upright, wincing at the residual pain lingering in her head.
One of her roommates, Lily Moon, enters the room, she's already dressed in her uniform and warns Alexia she's going to be late for class if she doesn't hurry.
"Lily... Do you...uhm... Know how I got here last night?"
Lily Moon frowns at the odd question. "Well, you simply entered the dormitory, you didn't say a single thing to us and just fell asleep."
As Lily Moon's words sink in, Alexia's frown deepens, a sense of unease settling in the pit of her stomach. She hadn't spoken to her roommates last night? That didn't make sense. How could she have returned to the dormitory without any recollection of it?
Trying to shake off her growing apprehension, Alexia nods absently at Lily Moon's response, offering a weak smile to mask her inner turmoil. "Thanks, Lily," she murmurs, her voice tinged with uncertainty.
Summoning her strength, Alexia pushes herself to her feet and begins to get ready for the day ahead.
As Alexia sat at the Gryffindor table, her head throbbing with pain, she couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered in the back of her mind. The voice in her head continued to whisper cryptic warnings, adding to her growing sense of apprehension.
She sits next to Hermione, Harry and Ron in front of her. Resting her head on the table, Alexia felt Hermione's comforting touch on her back, a soothing gesture that brought a small measure of relief. Hermione's concern was palpable as she asked if Alexia was feeling any better, prompting a puzzled frown from Alexia.
"How do you know?" Alexia questioned, her voice laced with confusion.
"Professor Moody told us you were feeling sick last night while you were helping him with something, so he walked you back to Gryffindor Tower," Harry explains, but Alexia frowns, her head still resting on the table.
As Hermione's comforting touch soothes her, Alexia's frown deepens, her mind swirling with confusion. Professor Moody? Helping him with something? The pieces of the puzzle were starting to blur together, forming an increasingly unsettling picture.
"I don't remember," Alexia admits quietly, her voice tinged with frustration and a growing sense of unease. How could she have assisted Professor Moody if she couldn't even recall doing so? And what had happened after he escorted her back to the Gryffindor Tower?
Harry exchanges a concerned glance with Hermione and Ron, their expressions mirroring his own apprehension. "Maybe you just need some rest," Ron suggests gently, though the worry in his eyes betrays his attempt at reassurance.
Nodding numbly, Alexia tries to push aside her mounting anxiety, focusing instead on the familiar faces of her friends seated around her. But beneath the facade of normalcy, a nagging sense of disquiet lingers, a silent reminder of the unsettling events that had unfolded during the night.