Magnolia's POV:
Juniper laid her head against the window stretching her legs in front of her, on the seat beside me with her bag tucked under her arm, as soon as she got settled on the train.
"Roxy better hurry up or she'll be missing the train," She yawned.
I glanced out the window at the platform watching as kids piled on the train wishing their parents goodbyes. Mum and Elliot dropped us off early so I could avoid the inevitable for a little bit longer. When I got back for the summer, Mum said the wedding planning would start. I had to figure how other Muggle-borns handled Muggle stepparents who knew nothing about magic. I was expected to keep my magic from muggles which were easy enough behind closed doors but now Elliot was living under the same roof.
I spotted a head of blonde hair poke through the crowd as Roxy pulled out of her mother's arms in a hurry. I watched as her mother joined a pair of young adults blowing teasing, kissing off at Roxy causing her to blush as climbed on the train.
"She's coming, I can see her climbing up," I replied, stretching my legs out on the remainder of the seat.
"Good, I'm going to try and nap a little. Tell her not to disturb my beauty sleep." June closed her eyes.
I heard a thud against our compartment door before Roxy bustled through with her bag, Juniper sat up annoyed as Roxy thud her bag on the bench next to Juniper as she tried to lug upon the bag hold above them.
"June said not to disturb her beauty sleep," I quote with a small smirk as June stares daggers at Roxy.
"She can wait to continue her beauty sleep once I'm settled in," Roxy dismissed pushing her bag up the rest of the way.
She took a seat beside Juniper despite her annoyance, "So how was your guys' holiday?" Roxy asked with a smile.
"I think you should ask Maggie, she's had quite the time, wouldn't you say?" Juniper teased more awake than she was before.
They both turned, giving me a questioning look, "Do tell me, Maggie," Roxy encouraged with a cheeky grin.
I sighed, "I kissed James and my mum got engaged to Elliot." I replied simply,
Juniper arched her brow, "And?"
"And what? That's the big stuff," I shrugged,
Juniper shook her head, "You forgot about the sapphire necklace on your neck from the Twins," She pointed at the pendant around my neck.
I felt like I was put under a spotlight while Juniper and Roxy both blinked at me with enthusiastic grins awaiting my explanation.
My cheeks felt warm, "The necklace was just a nice gift, Mum and Elliot are planning for a late summer wedding, and I only kissed James because of the mistletoe that Willow hid in his pocket. That's something she does often, stick a little sprig of mistletoe in someone's pocket so when they pull it out confused they've gotta kiss. It's kind of genius, to be honest." I rambled finally, "But that's not the point, the point is…" I didn't have a point to make, I was still confused why I even felt like I had to kiss James, "Well I guess the point is, I'm not even sure I like James. He's cute so I'll give him that but June pointed out how utterly boring he is and now I can't stand to hear his droning about bullshit. So that's how my holiday went." I huffed finally.
I crossed my arms over my chest, feeling the tug of the train pulling out of the station. Despite the lingering fear of Fred and George finding out my kiss with James, I did feel a little better spilling everything at once.
"Sounds like a lot for a couple of days," Roxy replied with a smirk.
"Rox, I even lied to him about having a cold and had to have my Mum and Elliot play along so he'd think we were contagious now.," I sighed, "My mum and stepdad are now my accomplices, I ambushed him with a kiss and I'm the one running away and hiding."
This felt so foolish, who runs away from a kiss like that? I could manage to avoid any contact with James long enough to figure out what I was doing. Now, I just had to get back and finish the term out without The Twins finding out before I had even concluded how I felt. After my crush on Cedric slipped, the two switched from best friends to babysitters, then Cedric had kissed me, they morphed into bodyguards, glaring at him across the halls and their shared classes. They did all they could to get me to stop talking to him until Fred spied on me with that map of theirs and I began ignoring him.
Come to think of it, I was more concerned with Fred finding out about the kiss than I was the pair of them finding out. George didn't say much about the time I spent with Cedric. He wasn't the one who spied on me either, he also didn't bother to even ask about James after my summer. Fred did, and it seemed to look back that he was almost concerned. I didn't even say anything about his first kiss from Angelina, despite having certain feelings about the situation.
Juniper giggled, "Maggie's Mum came home with a note from him with another few roses to add to her centerpiece," She recalled, "She keeps coming up with excuses and somebody can't take the memo."
I groaned rolling my eyes, Juniper was right, I'd already blown off James several times and he still wanted my attention. I can't help but wish he was more like Willow. She always told me to keep moving like a shark; if you weren't being entertained, swim along to the next. I made the mistake of kissing him like an idiot and now I've gotta live with whatever festering questions he had waiting on the other side of this term.
••••••
Juniper excitedly told Roxy all she could handle of her holiday with Magnolia's family. Juniper bragged about her room and the perfect snow village they created in the back garden behind the cottage. Magnolia added her details of the days leading to Christmas Eve. The three girls laughed happily at the good times over their holidays.
Another French Holiday for Roxy, with a visit from Felicity's family. She was from a pureblood family with two older sisters and one younger sister as well. Magnolia couldn't help but notice the glow in Roxy's face as she went on about her and Felicity's ice skating.
"She's just perfect and it feels good to be myself with her," Roxy beamed with a bright grin.
The three Hufflepuff girls struggled to lug their bags off the train. They'd have to walk from Hogsmeade station back to the school if they didn't hurry to catch one of the carriages back. Magnolia stepped off the train behind Roxy and Juniper as they went on about their not-so-secret crushes with blushed cheeks and girly giggles. Magnolia's bag fell from her hand hitting the ground with a thud.
"Need a hand with that?" Magnolia looked up to catch brown eyes and fiery red hair. Fred grinned offering his hand out.
Magnolia pushed his hand away, using the tip of her shoe to give her a better boost, wrapping her arms around his neck in a tight hug. Fred's chest shook underneath her as he laughed, wrapping his arms around snugly. Magnolia felt like she was really back again, there was just comfort. She didn't want to let go.
"Didn't expect you to miss us this much," Magnolia heard George chuckle beside them.
Quickly removing herself from his brother, Magnolia turned to George latching on to him for a hug. George had a way of making her feel comfortable, too but it didn't have the same effect as it did when she was with Fred. George and Lee were always in a pair behind Magnolia and Fred when the four huddled together. Nevertheless, Fred and George were the first signals Magnolia had made it back to Hogwarts again. They were the first two to make it feel like she was home again.
••••••
Magnolia's POV:
When the winter chill began to melt away, and the sun started to crack through the clouds again on occasion, I could feel myself thawing with the rest of the northern hemisphere. Although the threat of the Basilisk was looming I still found myself tucked behind a pillar with Fred watching Filch crouched on the ground mopping up a puddle of water from the spring rain being tracked inside. Glancing over to George and Lee across the hall tucked behind another pillar watching for their next mark.
Fred gave George an affirmative nod before pulling his wand out, George mirrored Fred pulling his wand out, too. They shared another grin before lifting them. I started wondering what kind of punishment was going to be waiting for us after this prank they were about to pull.
"Fred, is this the best idea? Filch is already kinda going through it without , don't you think?" I tugged the back of Fred's arm pulling his wand back down. I looked back over to the blubbering man as I noticed him quietly cry while he mopped up the water.
I couldn't imagine how lonely he was waiting for her to be unpetrified. She was the closest thing to family or friends he had here. It felt so wrong to be picking on him right now, was I going to take back the other times the twins had pulled pranks on Filch? Not, those were provoked from countless occurrences over the years so far. This, however. felt very targeted for no reason.
"What do you mean?" Fred dropped his hand, turning back to look at me, awaiting my answer.
"I just mean, look at him, Fred. He's crying because he doesn't have her, it's not his fault he's stuck cleaning up after us brats and is so foul because of it." I explained, glancing back to see Filch wiping his forehead and moving to stand.
Fred glanced over his shoulder, before looking back in panic, "He's coming! George, Lee hide or run." Fred quickly warned from across the wall before gripping my wrist.
I watched George and Lee sprint off in opposite directions down the hall before Filch could see them. Fred, still holding to my wrist carefully led the way to a secret hall tucked behind a statue I didn't realize moving was . His wand in front of us lighting the dark hallway.
"This is another one of those map shortcuts?" I asked, skipping my wrist away from Fred.
"Yeah, I don't really like this one but, I didn't want to risk anything. Especially with everything and the Chamber of Secrets drama." He rolled his eyes.
"How's Ron been since Hermione's been stuck in there?" I questioned, glancing over to the walls as we walked down the hall.
Fred didn't seem worried anyone would be down here. I guess he had surveillance on a good chunk of the school thanks to the map, he and George had.
He shrugged, "He seems worried but he also said it's the quietest his classes have been in a while." Fred chuckled, his laugh was so easy to listen to.
Fred had one of those laughs that made you feel comforted by the sound. It wasn't hard to make him laugh either, a few quick funny faces or just about any cheeky comment made Fred laugh. It was a good sign because if he wasn't, there was probably trouble coming.
"I guess that sounds about right, and Harry?" I asked, it was a little cold but I tried to wrap my arms around myself and butting my flannel up.
"He's about the same, they just don't appreciate her yet." He smiled, "Not like George and I, you're just as important as the rest of us,"
Now it was my turn to laugh, "Yeah right, I'm always in the way and you know it, Fred,"
"You're just exaggerating, you're more useful than you think, if it was you and not Hermione I don't know what I'd do," Fred grinned, slinking his arm around my shoulder as we moved down the hidden hall.
"This is where we've got to split up, if you go right through to the end this hall will open up right around the Hufflepuff Common Room, just take a left and then a right and you'll be there," Fred explained, "Can you just send me a doodle or something to know you've made it to your dorm? I have to find George and Lee before they get lost or caught,"
I nodded, slinking out from under his arm, "Goodnight, Freddie," I spun around my heel pressing a kiss to his cheek like I'd done when leaving for Christmas, it'd sort of becoming our new thing. Plus it was a bonus seeing him blush for once, embarrassed by something.
"G'Night Maggie," Fred replied before leaning down and pressing his lips to my cheek, this was different, "Glad you like the necklace so much,"
I'd barely taken the thing off since I opened it. It was like I always had a little piece of magic with me wherever I went. I felt Fred move his fingers up to the pendant holding it one hand while the other twisted the chain back around, moving the chain back. His fingers brushed over the clasp, sending goosebumps over my skin. My face warmed and I felt the familiar flutter in my tummy.
I pulled away hoping he couldn't see my hot cheeks, he wasn't supposed to flip it on me like that.
"Night," I said again, slipping through the hallway.
That wasn't good. I had to get away, it was teenage hormones teasing around in my bloodstream. Roxy and Juniper would have a whirl with this one. As I got closer to the end of the hall I felt colder and I began to notice puddles forming on the floor. My sneakers were getting damper the closer I got to the end of the hall. I could hear the rubber of my sneakers squeak against the stone floor.
I looked around the corner to see if the coast was clear for me to slip back into my common room. Glancing down at the puddle on the ground the reflection caught a pair of strikingly glowing red eyes. I lifted my arm shielding my eyes as I started to hear scales slither across the floor, whatever the eyes belonged to was coming closer. Instantly my skin grew ice-cold, and I lost all feeling in my limbs, as my eyes caught a clearer view in the reflection. I was the next victim, was my last thought before there was nothing, my eyes lost all sight.
••••••
• Three Months Later: •
Waking up with stiff limbs was always so irritating, just like sleeping without any dreams. When the light and color eventually faded back into my vision I was able to conclude I was in the infirmary. I tried rolling to my side but it was the hardest thing I'd ever had to do, my body felt like it was being chipped away at. I felt like I was pressed through concrete slabs and then used as the foundation.
I started to regain better feeling in each of my fingers and toes as time passed. I was confused about how I ended up here but assumed I fainted again. I laid on my back staring up at the ceiling, counting along the cracks. I felt stuck to the bed, but I didn't quite trust my voice just yet. I had no idea how long I was here or how, and anxiety was starting to set in as I was just regaining feeling in the rest of my limbs.
Then, I felt the warmth in my hand. I could actually feel the muscles in my neck enough to turn my head. I felt his red hair tickling my hand as his forehead was pressed against the bed as he stared down at the ground.
"Madame Pomfrey, they're waking up!" I heard Ron's muffled voice beside me,
My chest was feeling lighter and I felt like I could breathe easier. I watched as the boy beside me lifted his head to Ron's announcement. It was Fred, he grinned as he looked back at me.
"Thank Godric," He sighed as his hand left mine, reaching for my face.
" , be careful, she's just starting to regain feeling," Madame Pomfrey scolded, as she stepped over to my bed before Fred could get closer.
The older woman inspected my face, before moving down to my hands, testing for feeling in them. She tapped along my legs testing them next.
"How do you feel ," Madame Pomfrey asked, glancing behind her at what I could now see was Hermione.
Was I petrified? Figures the one time I'm alone sneaking back to the common room.
"Shit," I admitted crudely, I heard Fred and Ron chuckle beside me as Madame Pomfrey's cheeks turn a light hue of pink.
"Very well, just drink this and you should be good by tomorrow," She instructed, handing me a cup of a murky grey-colored liquid.
I nodded, sitting up to drink it. Fred helped hold up the cup. The liquid was thicker than water as it went down my throat. The taste was bitter and tasted like a mouthful of soil, but it was the only moisture my mouth had in who knows how long. I needed water to wash this taste out of my mouth after this.
"This is vile," I coughed after I finished it, lifting my hand to wipe the corner of my lip.
Fred chuckled, holding the cup beside me, "You'll be fine, this or stay petrified, it's your choice," He teased.
The realization was setting in, I was petrified like actually petrified and I'm lucky I wasn't dead. I felt tears well up in my eyes, I could've died and I would've missed Mum's wedding. I would never finish school or fall in love. I would've missed everything, I'd just be like the rest of the phantoms and ghosts roaming the halls of Hogwarts.
"Hey, I'm sorry, you know I'm kidding," Fred quickly apologized, taking my hand again.
"How long?" I stuttered, "How long have I…" I couldn't even say it myself.
"Almost three months," He replied sympathetically, as his thumb padded over the back of my hand like I'd done to him in the past.
A tear escaped rolling down my cheek, "Wow," I mumbled, "So how long until I've gotta pretend like this never happened?"
"Term ends on Friday, and it's Tuesday," Fred gave me such a look of guilt, "I should've just made sure you got back, I'm sorry, this is all my fault,"
I wasn't about to blame Fred for me being caught by some creature lurking around the school. I was upset because I should've known better than to be sneaking out past curfew anyways. Though it was either of our faults one of the founders was as much of a nutter as Salazar Slytherin was.
"It's not your fault," I sat up in my bed better, feeling more like my body by each passing minute, "Just tell me what I missed and we'll call it even for now,"
Fred gave me a weak smile before nodding. I was found by Demi on her way back to the common room after sneaking out herself. She told Fred and George, after telling June and Roxy. The four insisted on trying to see me but Madame Pomfrey said it wasn't possible and that as unfortunate as circumstances were, there was no way.
"Until the mandrakes were finally ready, George and Percy were with Ginny, but I wanted to make sure you had someone here," Fred explained.
"What happened to Gin?" I was concerned.
Ginny had been so quiet during her first year, I had rarely seen her and when I had she gave me a weak wave before slipping into the flood of other first years. She was looking more and more tired too like she was overworking herself. Fred told me about the book Lucius slipped into Ginny's cauldron when we'd gone to Diagon Alley last summer, and apparently, it was Tom Riddle's diary and he convinced her to open the Chamber of Secrets. The younger girl was put through some traumatic stuff for an eleven-year-old, no wonder she was so exhausted.
I glanced across the room to see Ginny surrounded by two of her brothers, as Ron went to join her. Percy held a rag to her forehead and George held her hand. They were all so protective of her, it was endearing to watch.
"I'm gonna go check on her, too. I'll give you some time to rest," Fred added.
I nodded, "Tell her she can talk to me if she wants," I told him looking off at the red-haired girl again,
She was avoiding looking at me or Hermione, "She feels really guilty, so it might take her time, but I'll tell her. She really likes you but she feels like she did this to you," Fred said, he stood up and pressed a kiss to my forehead before placing my hand back at my side.
I watched as he walked back to his family as they huddled around Ginny protectively, as they all soothed her. The Weasley family was so tight-knit like their matching sweaters, I heard Hermione giggle beside me.
Clearly, he she was feeling better, "I saw that," Hermione whispered with a smirk.
"Saw what?" I questioned.
"I saw the way he looked at you," She explained, "I think he likes you,"
Hermione was watchful and seemed to always be one step ahead of everyone else. If it hadn't been for the page clutched in her hand about the Basilisk, things could have ended very differently for all of us.
"I think you've been petrified too long," I retorted.
I was beginning to get a little tired of the constant assumption looming around Fred and me liked each other. Of course I had to to some degree to want to be his friend but that was it.
"Say what you want, I know what I saw," The younger girl smirked.
I rolled my eyes. I glanced around the room at the other students who were petrified too, I still couldn't believe it. Although I had just woken up, I was exhausted from information overload. I laid back down into the infirmary bed, laying my head back down. I stared back up at the cracks on the ceiling again, counting cracks.
I'd be home again within a matter of days, I missed exams, and Valentines Day. I missed all of spring and the rest of the snow melting. I loved watching the seasons change and I was days from the heat of summer. I didn't get to witness any of it because I was stuck here. Had Mum been told, if I was down for three months they had to have told her. She was probably worried sick, and that's the last thing she needed, she should be midway planning the wedding even without me there. I started to feel myself doze off, falling asleep.
••••••
Juniper and Roxy were on Magnolia's tail the entire time since she'd been released from the infirmary. She was still tired but trying to do her best to move past this accident. The Chamber of Secrets had been sealed again and she owed Harry a thank you, if he hadn't gone down and risked his life it could have been worse. Magnolia felt like she needed to show her support to Ginny too, the poor girl had no control on what had happened to her or what she was forced to either.
"You guys can give me a little bit of space," Magnolia scolded as she turned the corner to the common room to find them both awaiting her.
"We have, but we also only have one night left together and I think it's important we spend it together," Juniper argued.
"She's got a point, we sort of lost three months with you," Roxy added with a shrug, "I'd enjoy a little bit of time with you before were separated all summer,"
"I understand I was petrified but it's not like we can't write to each other," I sighed, "I'm just feeling a little bit overwhelmed with the 24/7 surveillance and the problem has been taken care of. I think I'll be okay for twenty minutes,"
Juniper turned to Roxy with a frown before nodding, "We're going to head down for the feast. Will we see you there at least?" June questioned, Magnolia nodded.
The other two turned on their heels leaving Magnolia in the common room alone, most of the other Hufflepuffs had gone down to enjoy the final meal of the term together. It felt good to have a moment alone to breathe. Magnolia let out a deep held breath plopping down on the couch in the common room, leaning her back into the cushion she closed her eyes for a moment.
Magnolia felt like this year was drowning her. What else could possibly happen now, she wondered. The young witch managed to rack up an entire collective of two months worth of detention throughout the year, redid a potion without permission and stole all the supplies to do it, kissed another boy she didn't even like, and faced a nasty beast that froze her like solid ice for three months. It's not like it could get any worse. Even Lockhart blew like she knew he would, meaning there'd be another new nutter taking over in Defense Against the Dark Arts.
"Decompressing there, Squeaks?" Demi's voice brought Magnolia back to reality, she sat up opening her eyes as Demi sat down beside her.
"I guess you could call it that," She sighed, the moment alone was nice but Magnolia knew it was too good to be true.
"We all kinda need it sometimes, I'll leave you alone if you want? But I thought I'd show you something before we pack up tomorrow," Demi explained with a small grin.
What's the worst that can happen at this point, Magnolia thought before nodding, "What the hell, why not?" She shrugged moving to her feet again,
Demi grinned wider, clapping her hands together excitedly, she gripped Magnolia's hand standing to her feet. She silently guided Magnolia up the stairs past the quickly filling Great Hall as everyone got ready for the final feast and their final evening within the walls of Hogwarts.
Magnolia noticed the path Demi was leading headed right up for the astronomy tower. The sun was setting in the horizon and it burned bright Orange on the skyline. The stained glass leading windows up the tower steps, glowed brightly from the reflection, splashing their skin with the colors from the glass.
"Are you putting me out of my misery and just shoving me off the side?" Magnolia joked as they reached the top of the tower.
Demi turned around with a look of disappointment and shook her head, "No drama queen, I'm showing you my hiding spot," She rolled her eyes.
"What about June?" Magnolia asked, why show her and not her own sister?
"June doesn't really like heights and you hang out with the little worms so I figured you're not scared of much of anything," Demi shrugged with a grin, "Plus I overheard Roxy and June talking about your new love for stargazing,"
"This is where I like to hide when I want to get away for a little while, and just be alone," Demi explained.
Magnolia took a step towards the edge, she'd only come up here a few times for astronomy but it was different at sunset, and without a dozen other kids pushing into her. Magnolia couldn't believe the view, and how easy it was to see the entirety of the school grounds.
"I've got one more place to show you!" Demi exclaimed, as she remembered her other hiding spot.
The older witch linked to Magnolia's arm, dragging her down the steps. Magnolia had barely got a good enough glimpse at the view before Demi quickly pulled her away. Magnolia wondered how Demi would be in the states. She had no family over there, and the only person she really knew was Isaac.
Magnolia did her best to keep up with Demi, as they quickly bound back down the tower. Demi knew the castle like the back of her hand and she'd done it all without some enchanted map stolen from Filch. They were near the Gryffindor common room when Demi finally slowed down, the feast was going to start any minute at this point, so they'd need to hurry up so they wouldn't miss it.
"We've gotta hurry, your sister will have my head if I'm late," Magnolia pointed out as Demi dragged her to a large open window.
"Ta-Da!" Demi pointed out the window but Magnolia couldn't really tell what she found special about it here.
"Another window like the other hundreds in this school?" Magnolia scoffed, "The astronomy tower had a better view,"
Demi shrugged, climbing up into the window sitting on the ledge. She was propped up higher and got a clearer picture of everything, Magnolia watched as the older girl stared off silently, "This is better for you though, since you can climb up into the window like the little mouse you are," Demi finally teased quietly but when she turned Magnolia noticed the tears welling up in her eyes, "It's gonna be hard doing this alone," She admits.
This was a one time only moment, Magnolia thought, never again would she see Demi the same way. She wore her yellow tie loose around her neck, her long curls cascading down her back, and her brown eyes catching the orange hues from the sunset behind them. She felt guilty for teasing her about the window now. Demi was using this as her goodbye.
Magnolia nodded, "You're still you though, so it's not like anything can knock you down," The younger smiled, climbing up beside Demi in the window.
From inside the view was different, it overlooked the Whomping Willow, and reminded her of her bedroom window at the Cottage and her oak tree. Magnolia wondered how the other seasons looked through the pane of this glass.
"I'm alone again, until June came along, I was always alone. Hell, I'm still alone now," Demi mumbled while she stared outside, the tears in her eyes were still fighting her lashes but she held it in, "I tend to rub people the wrong way, if you didn't notice,"
"I did but look at my collection of friends, they rub everyone the wrong way," Magnolia chuckled, "I know I'm younger than you and you may think we're only friends because of June. But I'm your friend, too Demi."
Demi looked back with a small smile, "But you've got to stop calling me Squeaks, I heard a first year try to call me over that way the other day and it was horrid," Magnolia added quickly.
Demi chuckled and shook her head, "I'll kill Squeaks for now but as soon you're caught sneaking crackers again in class, it's going to come back without me here just so you know,"
Magnolia nodded, looking back out the window taking in the scenery, "I see why you like it here, it's pretty quiet for the most part,"
"It's better when there's snow or rain, you can watch all the water drops race to the bottom," Demi agreed, her stomach gurgling loudly, "We should probably head down now, but you've gotta promise unless found in these spots, don't share them. I think it'd be cool if it was just something we could pass on. So when you find a third year, almost fourth as you're finishing your final year, pass it along to them, your favorite spots to hide,"
"That's so specific but alright, I guess." Magnolia shrugged awkwardly agreeing, following as Demi hopped from the window.
Demi and Magnolia sat down for the final feast, wasting no time to fill up their plates and stuff themselves. For Demi this would be the last time she'd taste any of the food from Hogwarts. Juniper and Roxy filled their plates excitedly fighting over a roll in their eagerness. Magnolia scooped her favorite roasted carrots and began eating.
"Hope you have a good summer, Maggie," Magnolia heard Cedric's voice carry from nearby.
She lifted her head mouthful of potatoes and carrots, he sat across beside Demi and Magnolia hadn't even noticed, she was too preoccupied with the hunger to pay any attention. Magnolia pat herself on the back for how well she'd avoided Cedric. Even when Roxy had joined the quidditch team Magnolia had dodged his company.
"Thanks," Magnolia gulped down her food, "You too," She smiled politely before turning back to her food.
Magnolia looked around the Great Hall like she had to take mental pictures of everyone so she wouldn't lose them over the summer. She craned her neck back looking over to the Gryffindor table as George stood up from the bench clamping Ron excitedly on the back, while Fred reached over to ruffle his hair. Magnolia couldn't help but wish she had siblings to bond with like that growing up, even watching Demi and Juniper argue made her wish she wasn't alone.
Roxy choked momentarily on her water as she laughed at something Juniper had said, bringing Magnolia back to the moment. Magnolia turned back in by falling into the conversations with her friends. She laughed as Juniper and Roxy teased Liam and Ernie about their poor decisions, while Demi teased Cedric about taking over as Captain next year. It felt pretty normal to Magnolia, there wasn't much to worry about anymore but moving on.
A/N: Year Three was dragging, I'm so sorry. And the delay in chapters, I'm awful :( Anyways, I'm trying to get ahead on updates now and build up a few more really good chapters so I'm able to get in a semi-regular schedule. Thank you for all the love, as always follow my Tik Tok: Strawberrycake98._ for updates and other exclusive content. Hope to see you soon with the next update :D
It would take some time but Magnolia would have to come to terms she'd never get that time back and that all she could do was move forward. Her Mum would likely be worried when she got home and she was sure she'd insist on them spending their time together. Magnolia went to bed that evening with that familiar full feeling after the feasts at Hogwarts, her trunk packed to depart in the morning and return home once again. She was longing to feel her mother's touch and to feel the warmth of her home again.