Confrontations

Author's Note: Originally published on April 9, 2022

She combed her shiny black hair in the mirror, running her fingers through the thick tresses amidst the usual noise of the Saturday morning. She applied her lipstick and paused to admire herself—she was looking cute. She had a new plan to try and get into Harry's good graces. Today was going to be an excellent day, she was sure of it.

It had been puzzling—the earlier attempts she'd made had failed, and she needed a new approach. She certainly wasn't going to give up until she was on Harry Potter's arm. How would she get him to see her? She'd been watching him lately, and she noticed how much he seemed to fixate on Ginny Weasley, of all people.

Hmm, what did Weasley have that was so special? Guys were always falling for her, just because she was good at Quidditch. Horrible complexion, though. Besides, she was already dating Dean Thomas, so she could keep her greedy hands off Harry.

"What's the plan, Romilda?"

She was broken out of her thoughts as one of her friends piped up, directing the question at her.

"The other sixth years are going for Apparition practice today, and since the Hogsmeade trip was canceled, that means Harry is going to be all alone. Perhaps we should try and keep him company?"

"Oooh, you always know what's going on, don't you?"

She flashed her friend a sly grin. "Of course. Shall we, girls?"

The group of girls exited the fourth year room and headed down the stairs, with Romilda in the lead as usual.

"You!"

She was startled as a furious Lavender Brown marched across the common room, a finger pointed directly at her. Parvati was hot on her heels, trying to calm her friend. Romilda reached the bottom of the stairs just as the older blonde girl reached them, her cheeks flush and tears in her eyes. "What did you do to my Won-Won?"

"I didn't do anything to your Won-Won."

She could hear the titter of laughter from her friends, and she smirked. She wasn't scared of the sixth year, despite the age difference. Lavender had the reputation of being a ditz, and the way she'd been hanging all over Weasley, despite his obvious discomfort, proved it.

Lavender let out an indignant snort. "He just walked through here, searching for you and pushing me aside."

"He was searching for me?" Romilda fought to keep the surprise out of her voice, instead looking Lavender up and down with contempt. "He's not my type, but maybe the big oaf finally realized there were better options out there."

Lavender took another threatening step forward, despite Parvati tugging at her arm. "What is that supposed to mean?"

She decided to go for the jugular, irritated by Lavender's aggression toward her. The vicious words dripped from ruby red lips. "You've never noticed how often he stares at Granger? That's so sad for you."

Lavender let out an affronted gasp and pulled out her wand, clearly distraught, but Parvati grabbed her and pushed past the younger girls and up the stairs, her muffled sobs fading as they disappeared from sight.

Romilda's friends were shocked, but rather impressed, that she'd stood up to the older girl.

"I can't believe you did that."

"Serves her right, accusing me of things I didn't do." She let out a laugh. "As if I'd want to date that ginger loser when Harry Potter is available."

She didn't voice her concerns out loud, but something was bothering her about the whole exchange. Why was Weasley looking for her?

A few hours later, Romilda sat in the common room, feeling rather miffed. She hadn't seen Harry all day—he hadn't even been at breakfast. Suspiciously, neither had Weasley or Granger. Perhaps they'd left early for the village. She didn't know what was going on, but it seemed like an opportunity wasted to get closer to Harry.

She also hadn't run into Lavender again after their spat in the morning, but she wasn't worried, she could handle herself. Bored and annoyed that the day hadn't gone as planned, she decided to head to the Great Hall, hoping to run into her crush.

As she sat down at the Gryffindor table, she saw two of the sixth year boys, Seamus and Neville, huddled together. Neville looked rather pale as they were talking intensely. Sensing some juicy gossip, she sidled within earshot to hear what they were discussing.

"…that's when McGonagall came into the library and told Hermione that Ron had been poisoned. He was saved by Harry in Professor Slughorn's office. Then Hermione ran off to the Hospital Wing. That's all I know."

"Blimey, Neville. I sure hope Ron is alright. First Katie Bell, and now this." Seamus shook his head and let out a shuddering breath.

Romilda was stunned. No wonder Harry and his friends had disappeared. She just couldn't understand what had happened with Ron that morning, and how it involved her. Perhaps Lavender had been mistaken—she wasn't exactly the fastest broom on the pitch—but her name being brought up wasn't sitting well with her. At least Harry had been the hero once again.

Word of Weasley's poisoning had spread around the school quickly during that evening. While her friends were sleeping in the next morning, Romilda was already headed toward the Great Hall, hoping to hear more about what happened.

"Romilda Vane," Hermione called out from behind her in the empty corridor, sounding like she had a cold. "Can I speak with you for a moment?"

She eyed the older girl, and something seemed off. Perhaps someone had complained to the prefect about her fight with Lavender yesterday.

"Yes, of course."

Hermione led her into an empty classroom, before quickly locking the door and placing a silencing charm on the room. Romilda took a step back, noticing the sudden seething on Granger's face. Her heart sank as Hermione brandished her wand. Standing up to Lavender was one thing, but Hermione Granger was a formidable witch.

"You heard what happened to Ron?"

She nodded. "T-That had nothing to do with me. I heard they were in Professor Slughorn's office when it happened."

Hermione advanced on her. Romilda could see how red her eyes were, and the dark bags under them.

"Do you know why they were in Slughorn's office in the first place?" Hermione asked through gritted teeth, her knuckles white as she gripped her wand.

Romilda faltered, her usual boldness failing her as fear started to take over. "I-uh, no."

"It was Ron's birthday yesterday, and he thought a certain box of chocolate cauldrons were included in his pile of gifts."

"What does that have to do—oh."

"Ron had the love potion that you meant for Harry. That's why they were in Slughorn's office, getting an antidote, before he got poisoned. They never would have been there if it wasn't for you."

Trying to put up a brave front, she glanced at Hermione's wand before puffing out her chest, not willing to be intimidated. There was no way a swot like Granger would curse her at school. "I suppose Weasley couldn't help himself, had to eat everything in sight, didn't he?"

Hermione's cheeks flashed pink with fury. "You horrible cow! Calvorio!"

Romilda threw up her hands defensively, feeling a sudden chill. In a panic, she reached up and felt her head, only to touch bare skin. She screeched loudly. "My hair! What did you do to my hair?"

"Nothing that you don't deserve! Ron almost died because of you and your childish attempts to slip a love potion to Harry."

She couldn't be seen like this; she would be the laughingstock of the whole school. "Y-You don't have any proof. I'm going to tell McGonagall what you just did to me."

"Who do you think she would believe? Harry and I both know where those chocolate cauldrons came from, and if we tell the teachers, you'll likely be expelled."

Romilda knew when she was beaten. "I-I didn't mean for anyone to get hurt, I swear."

"Someone did, my b-best friend."

Romilda held her tongue, tempted to point out that Granger and Weasley had been fighting all year. Everyone saw it, and everyone knew why. They couldn't see what was right in front of their faces. She adopted her most remorseful look, hoping for mercy. "I'm sorry, I hope Weasley, I mean Ron, is alright."

Hermione fired another spell, causing the younger girl to flinch again. Romilda felt a strange tingling sensation as her long black hair grew back.

"That was a warning. Do you remember what happened to Marietta Edgecombe?"

Romilda blanched in terror. "No, you wouldn't!"

"If you try anything else with Harry, Ron, or anyone, you'll be dealing with me."

Romilda nodded, her eyes wide. "I promise, I won't do anything."

Hermione turned and unlocked the door of the classroom before barking at her. "Go."

She ran out of the room, choosing to ignore the sob of the older girl as she patted her hair. She'd certainly be wary of Granger, so no more love potions. She'd just have to rely on her own charm and beauty to reel in Harry Potter.