Chapter 3
Before I knew it the summer was nearly over. My time on the internship in Egypt had been amazing, only confirming further my passion for curse breaking. I had met the most brilliant people whilst I was out there. As I was there for a while, Bill had got in touch with one of his friends who was a local and arranged for me to stop with them. They had a girl the same age as me and the two of us were quite close whilst I was there. The people I worked with on the internship had been fantastic and really helped me learn more about the career I so desperately wanted.
My friends had written to me every week whilst I was away, keeping me updated about how their summer was going and making further arrangements for when I came to visit. I couldn't wait to see them all again, going nearly two months without seeing them took its toll especially when I basically lived with them at school. I couldn't wait for us all to be reunited and felt almost guilty not being able to stop longer with them before the summer was over. The oldest Potter had decided not to write to me, and it was silent on my behalf as well. I hoped the distance between us would've helped affirm a clear ending to the confusing past few weeks of term and I was all but kidding myself into thinking that it would be fine when I saw him next.
Fortunately, my summer wasn't spent completely hung up on James Sirius Potter. Whilst working for Bill's company, I'd met a curse breaker, Jake, who I had remembered from Hogwarts the year before. He was sweet and took me out on a few dates but we both knew that the distance between us would cause its complications and decided to just have fun whilst I was there. He was a needed distraction and whilst we had promised to keep in contact we both knew it was unlikely.
"Grimmauld Place," I said to the conductor of the Knight Bus as it pulled up in front of me.
"That will be eleven Sickles love," The conductor smiled. I handed him the correct change and stepped onto the bus, grabbing my bags as I went. My family were muggles and the nearest wizarding town to mine was miles away, so the only way I could get into the wizarding world was on the knight bus. I wouldn't think it was anyone's first choice of transport, but flying was too risky without alerting my muggle neighbours and I wasn't allowed to do my apparition test until November, so it was all I could do for now.
The bus zoomed down the country lanes at a ridiculous speed as I stumbled into an empty seat. It would normally take me half an hour to reach the Potter's, so I pulled a book out of my bag and tried desperately to ignore the nagging worry that was filling my head about what was to come. Deep down I knew I was secretly looking forward to seeing James again but I couldn't help the nerves. I felt guilty just thinking about him, but he had a hold of me that I just couldn't shake off. I knew he was still with his girlfriend, Albus' had been moaning about them in nearly all of his letters, but a part of me just didn't care.
"Grimmauld Place," The conductor shouted from the front of the bus. The driver slammed on his brakes making everyone lurch forward and a poor little old witch's shopping fell onto the floor. I jumped up and grabbed my bags carefully dodging the old lady, thankful to be finally off the bus. I walked up the steps to the front door of the old house as the bus zoomed off behind me, disappearing from sight. Before I had a chance to knock, Albus and Rose had opened the door and had thrown their arms around me in an encompassing hug.
"Guys, I need to breathe you know," I said smiling, trying to wrestle my arms free from where they were currently pinned to my side.
"Sorry, just happy to see you, Hannah," Albus said blushing slightly, running his hands through his hair much like his brother did. Al had shot up over the past few weeks, his lanky from filling out slightly and his hair looking as unkempt as ever.
"How was Egypt?" Rose said looping my arm and pulling me into the house. "I want to hear everything," She said excitedly. For the most part, she looked the same old Rose, but her face was slightly slimmer and she was supporting a summer tan that made her look even more beautiful than she was already.
"I told you in my letters," I smiled, following her into the hallway as Al grabbed my bags and closed the door behind us. "I don't want to bore you again, but it was amazing."
"Mum's saved you some dinner in the kitchen," Al said dragging my bags behind him. "I'll go and put these in your room,"
"Yes, I know you mentioned all the boring stuff," Rose said grabbing me by the arm to get my attention, "But I want to hear more about Jake," She giggled slightly and I buried head in my hands in embarrassment. Albus paused on the stairs, turning around with a frown plastered across his face.
"Who's Jake?" He said confused. I gapped slightly, not really sure what to say, wanting nothing more than to throttle Rose for bringing him up in front of Al.
"Merlin, was that a secret?" Rose said with a horrified look on her face, smacking a hand to her forehead.
"Well, yes," I said quietly. "And he's nobody now, just someone I met in Egypt," I said quickly, hoping to appease any more questions.
"I see," Al replied. He considered me for a moment, looking as though he wanted to say more before he sighed loudly and continued up the stairs.
"Does he not realise that I will probably meet someone at some point?" I moaned to Rose as I watched Al climb the stairs. "He can't have me to himself forever; we aren't you and Scorp for Merlin's sake," I said turning to face her when he was out of earshot. She looked at me sadly before sighing.
"Sorry Han, I really put you in it then didn't I." She said, "Don't worry about Al; you know what he's like, very protective over us. Remember he nearly throttled Scorpius when he found out,"
"I know that but you're his cousin-
"And you're his best friend," She said simply. "Now come on, I want to hear everything before I have to go home." She said walking downstairs into the kitchen.
"I thought I heard voices," Mrs Potter said cheerfully when we walked in. "Hannah, it's good to see you. How was Egypt? Bill was saying that you were a complete natural," She added kindly.
"It was amazing Mrs Potter," I replied, joining Rose at the table and blushing at the compliment.
"Good, good. I'll sort your dinner out, would you like some tea?" She asked I nodded in response as she sorted out the dinner.
Rose went home about an hour later not wanting to give her father any more reason to be annoyed at her. Apparently, there had been an incident over the summer that she briefly mentioned in her letters, involving her and Scorpius and her Dad wasn't overly pleased about it, too put it lightly. She was desperate for Scorpius to stay the following evening and as so was trying to be on her best behaviour. Rose seemed confident that he would be able to stay however seeing as she had got all O's in her OWLs. Al, Lilly and I had taken to the drawing room to play some very intense games of exploding snap. Al hadn't asked any more questions about Jake, much to my relief, and the older Potter had not yet made an appearance. Around 11 o'clock, Mrs Potter put her head around the door and told us all it was time to go to bed, showing me to the guest room.
My sleeping pattern had taken a turn for the worst since getting back from Egypt. It had been nearly a week and my body was still reeling from the time difference and the long distance floo network. I stayed up reading for a while in my room while the rest of the Potter's went to bed. I hadn't seen James all evening and knew it would be suspicious if I had asked Al or Lilly where he was, instead I tried not the let his no-show bother me, without much success. I decided to finally get some sleep at around one in the morning, stepping out of bed to put my slippers on and get some water from the kitchen. The house was eerily quiet as I made my way down the stairs trying to make no noise. I made my way quickly into the kitchen grabbing a cup and heading to the tap, pausing to have a quick drink.
"What are you doing awake?" I heard a voice say from behind me.
"Shit!" I yelled dropping my glass and whipping around, pulling my wand out of my dressing gown pocket. James Potter was standing behind me, dressed in only his pyjama bottoms, his hair tousled from sleep. In a flash he was over to me, his hand clamped around my mouth and his arm wrapped tightly around my waist, his eyes darting to the ceiling as a floorboard creaked above us. The room was quiet for a moment, I didn't dare breathe, his close proximity making my hairs stand on end. He dropped his hand from my mouth and looked down at me smiling.
"Hi," He smirked, still not releasing my waist, keeping me held close to his half-naked body. I wanted to push him away, knowing full well he was doing it on purpose but I was still in shock and could barely make coherent thoughts.
"Hi," I said breathlessly, trying to slow my heart rate down dramatically. He reached around me, without breaking eye contact or dropping the stupid smirk from his face, and filled my cup again with water.
"I think you dropped this," He said mischievously handing the cup back to me. My heart seemed to have calmed down somewhat and I decided to try and take back control of the situation. I rolled my eyes and reluctantly stepped away from him.
"You are so bloody hilarious, you scared the shit out of me," I cursed. He laughed quietly and shrugged.
"You look good," He said after a moment. He stood with his arms crossed, leaning back against the kitchen unit very blatantly checking me out. I suddenly felt very exposed standing there in my pyjamas, trying to pull my dressing gown closer around my body.
"Stop," I frowned, "you don't get to do that. We are meant to be friends." I added; confused at where his new found confidence had come from. He was suddenly so sure of himself and the effect he had on me, I all but wanted to smack him around the head and knock it out of him. I would say it was unattractive but his arrogance was only making me want him more.
"I know that but it doesn't mean I can't tell you that you look good, I tell Fred he looks good all the time. It doesn't mean I want to kiss him senseless." He explained still grinning like a madman.
"You didn't write to me," I said, trying to change the subject.
"You didn't write to me," He shrugged, pulling his wand out and twisting it between his fingers.
"Ha, ha, how mature," I sniped, "I asked you to write to me, I thought you would at least take an interest in how my internship was going," I said honestly. He looked at me and sighed.
"I thought we could do with the space,"
"What a load of crap," I called him out. He frowned and put his wand away.
"From what I hear, you've been busy anyway," He said, not meeting my eyes.
"The real reason then," I shook my head, "Did Rose tell you?" I asked after a moment. His face drew into a crease.
"Cressida thought it was a hot topic. Her brother is best friends with Jake so…" He explained.
"Well if Cressida thought that then..." I snapped, looking away from him. I heard him chuckle slightly to himself and push himself away from the cabinet to move closer to me.
"Hannah, Hannah, Hannah." He said placing both of his arms either side of me pinning me in. "Jealousy doesn't suit you at all," He smirked, moving a hand to tilt my chin up, forcing me to look at him.
"And you think it suits you?" I replied, wafting his hand away. His face fell slightly and I could see his vulnerability coming back again.
"I've missed you," He said simply, honestly. It was so innocent and yet it made my heart soar out of my chest. I knew that in a moment reality would set in and I would be annoyed about him leading me on and having his way with me, but for now, I didn't want to move. I just wanted to enjoy us.
"I've missed you too," I said. He smiled at me and moved a piece of hair out of my face.
"I'm sorry I didn't come and say hello earlier," He added after a moment. "I didn't trust myself,"
"What do you mean?" I asked quietly, not wanting to break to the tension that was building between us.
"I knew that if I saw you again, regardless of who was there, I would have to do this," He lowered his mouth onto mine and kissed me softly. I wrapped my arms around his neck inviting him in further, pleading silently to give me more. His arms snaked around my waist and his hands grazed the skin under my top. He pulled away all too soon and sighed deeply closing his eyes and placing his forehead on mine.
"This is fucking crazy," He whispered. I nodded, not wanting to break the perfect moment. "I'm sorry, I couldn't help myself."
"I know," He pulled away and moved towards the door.
"We should get some sleep," I nodded in agreement, "Goodnight Hannah," He said and I watched him again, walk away from me feeling my heart ache painfully as he left.
I gave myself a minute before following him upstairs to bed. In my distraction I barely noticed Albus stepping out of his room, looking dazed and tired, his face screwed up in confusion when he saw me.
"You okay Han?" He whispered, reaching his arms up and stretching.
"Just grabbing some water," I said holding up my cup. He yawned and nodded as I moved past him to go to my room, hoping he didn't want to engage in a longer conversation. As I walked past him, he held a hand out to grab my elbow. I flinched at the contact; my body still heightened from James only moments ago, the guilt setting in once again. I was being so incredibly selfish without even realising. I was putting my feelings before my friendship with my best friend. I couldn't even imagine what this would do to Albus if he ever found out. He would never want to speak to me again, and I knew that neither James nor anybody was worth that. It would break the two of them, they already had a rocky relationship and I was putting even more strain on that.
"Are you sure you're okay? You know I have a wicked sense of knowing when you are upset." He said kindly looking down at me.
I looked into his eyes and hoped that my guilt wouldn't show. I patted his hand and leaned up to kiss him on the cheek, the sign of affection taking him by surprise. "I'm fine Al," I said softly. I smiled at him and moved towards my door. "Goodnight," I called behind me as I shut the door. I heard him move back into his room as I made my way to bed, my mind reeling about the night's events. I placed my cup on the dresser and got into bed knowing that I was not going to be getting a good night sleep.
"Oi, get up," I felt someone jump on me, startling me awake. I opened my eyes to see Albus hovering over me grinning like a buffoon. "Time to go back," He stripped back my covers and I groaned loudly as he went to open the curtains.
"Mum says breakfast on the table in 20 minutes and she wants us all dressed and ready." He grinned madly, looking like a child on Christmas day. He stood in the middle of the room as I got up out of bed.
"Well get out then so I can get ready you idiot," I scorned, chucking a cushion at him. He ran out of the room laughing, dodging past a tired-looking James on the landing. I felt the air go cold as soon as we caught eyes.
"Morning," He said after an awkward pause.
"Morning," I smiled, shutting my door as he walked into the bathroom. I sighed, thankful that going back to Hogwarts would keep the awkward moments between me and James at a minimum. Following the night in the kitchen, I avoided James as much as I could; making sure that when I was faced with him we were never alone, knowing what the outcome would be. For his part, James had been avoiding me as well. He was never really in the house, always at Cressida's house, keeping his distance as best as he could. Around his family and Al, we were civil and I was sure that no one was aware of any shift in our relationship if you could call it that.
For the most part, I had had an amazing weekend at the Potters with my friends. We spent most of it at Rose's, whose house was in the countryside meaning we could freely play Quidditch with Hugo and Lilly. Sunday was spent at The Burrow with most of the clan, including the Scamander's. It was amazing to be around such a lively family. Bill was singing my praises to anyone who would listen and was talking about offering me another internship at Easter as I would be allowed to do magic by then, an offer which was avidly received. Mrs Weasley had gone above and beyond with the help of Fleur and Percy. The food was incredible; it was only when Lucy, the youngest Weasley, fell asleep at the table everyone was reminded of how late it was.
Before I knew it we were all boarding the train once again. My parents came and saw me off at the station, my mum fussing that she never gets to see enough of me; I decided that it probably wasn't the right time to mention Easter. With a final hug to our parents, we all boarded the train laden with bags. James took off on the train without a second look at the rest of us, Lilly and Hugo followed shortly after. Scorpius led us down the train trying to find an empty carriage.
"We are going to have to go soon for prefect duties," Rose said as we sat down. She looked sheepishly at me.
"Its fine you guys," I said looking at their guilty faces. I knew it was coming, the three of them were made prefects the year before and I found myself riding the majority of the train last year alone. "Honestly don't worry. I need to sort some things out for Quidditch before the work piles on and Fred said he would come and help me with some new plays." I smiled at them, hoping they were somewhat reassured. I knew their hesitance came from my mood the same time last year but I was jealous then. Being made Gryffindor Captain, I felt, made me one of them.
Being friends with a Malfoy, Weasley and a Potter had never been easy. From a young age, I realised that I was going to be completely in their shadows and I was okay with this, I was just happy being their friends. Despite their unwanted attention, they were never big headed or reliant on their fame. The first train journey to Hogwarts they did not correct me when I didn't know anything about them or their families, they understood and played down the very famous story that was embedded into every witch and wizard across the country. Despite their natures, they also felt that they had to prove themselves, all of them felt like they had to live up to a very heavy expectation on their shoulders and I could never compete with that.
However prepared I felt for Rose to become Gryffindor prefect over me, the sinking jealous feeling still came. I knew that Rose and Albus were going to become Head boy and Girl and it was never a surprise that Scorpius was made Captain of his team in fourth year and then prefect the year after. Up until now I always felt inadequate and I think they knew this. I was happy to always come forth, I was happy just being their friends, but becoming Captain of the Quidditch team established me in the history of Hogwarts and the ambitious leader in me thrived on this. I suddenly felt adequate in their company; I felt like I belonged with my friends, I felt like I had a purpose other than studying and constantly waiting for them to be free.
"We'll be back after rounds," Rose said kindly, squeezing my hand, following Al and Scorpius out of the carriage. I smiled as they left, not wasting any time in pulling out my Quidditch board and notes.
About half an hour into the journey I heard a knock at the door. I was surrounded by Quidditch books and was currently using my model brooms to fly a new play I had devised on my model pitch. I turned around and saw Fred Weasley standing in the doorway, grinning madly at my current situation.
"Well I did hear that they was a Quidditch mad witch shouting at toy brooms somewhere on the train, should I just leave now or?" He joked. I rolled my eyes and moved some of the books for him to sit down.
"Ha." I replied sarcastically, "Very funny Weasley," I scorned. I had always been friendly with Fred during our time on the team and he was quite close to Rose and Al which meant he had been around a lot over the years.
"Don't worry Marshall, I've seen James in the same situation plenty of times, it's good to have a captain who cares. Completely insane mind," I chucked a book at him, ignoring the mention of his cousin, "Okay, okay," He laughed, "What are we doing then Capt?"
The next hour was spent brainstorming ideas for the upcoming season. We made a list of new players we needed (a beater, a chaser and a seeker) as well as coming up with over twenty new plays and training techniques.
"No, seriously there is no way I would pass to Roxy during that play," Fred argued for the 100th time. "We just don't work like that," He said arguing his case once again for twin telepathy.
"Shut it Weasley! I have seen you countless times in training and at The Burrow making similar plays with Roxy. I tell you what; I'll even let you take the credit when it works." I said sitting back and glaring at him. He frowned but nodded in defeat.
"Is she working you hard Freddie?" A voice said at the doorway. We both turned to see James Potter standing in the doorway. Completely caught off guard, my heart leapt from my chest and I felt my cheeks go bright red. He looked bloody gorgeous, standing there in his new school robes his Head Boy badge pinned to his cloak.
"Well she's giving you a run for your money, I'll tell you that," Fred laughed standing up and stretching.
"Good, there is no way I'm losing this year Marshall," James said smirking at me. It took me a moment to register the cold use of my second name. I felt an unexpected anger come over me.
"Well let's hope the keeper doesn't let me down and we should be okay," I retorted harshly, moving to put my books away. I saw his face fall slightly before he plastered his mask back on and looked at Fred.
"Roxy is looking for you, she said something about your Mum mixing up the uniform," James said ignoring me.
"Ha. I like how she blames Mum but it's probably Dad pranking us again, every year!" Fred replied chuckling, "I best go and find her, there is no way I'm wearing a skirt to the welcome feast. I'll catch up with you guys later," Fred took off, leaving me and James alone for the first time since the kitchen, a situation I so desperately wanted to avoid. I busied myself by tiding my things away, finding it difficult to ignore him when he was so blatantly staring at me.
"Do you need some help?" He said after a moment. I whipped around and stared at him.
"No thanks Potter," I said spitefully. He rolled his eyes and started picking up some of the books anyway.
"You've been ignoring me," He stated, handing me a pile of books looking somewhat hurt.
"I haven't been ignoring you," I replied, throwing my books into my case and squaring up to him, not caring to hide my annoyance. "I've been avoiding you. Like you said this is fucking crazy, why the hell are we even bothering," I sighed, trying desperately not to get upset. Hadn't I agreed that it was crazy? That what we were doing was so selfish and would kill Al if he ever found out. I had no reason to be upset at James, but here I was temper rising by the second; nothing made sense.
"Do you really think that I meant it like that?" He said moving closer to me, anger in his voice.
"Well yes, seeing as you have walked away from me twice now without any explanation. What else was I supposed to think?" I said throwing my hands up defeated.
"I meant it was fucking crazy how much I like you," He all but shouted. We stood there in silence, his words ringing around the room. "It doesn't matter though," He said after a moment, "Because you are Al's best friend. We could never do that to him, he would never speak to me ever again," He said sadly looking almost broken at the mere thought of his brother finding out. I felt my heart sank as I reached forward to take his hand, the anger in me fading quickly at the show of his vulnerability.
"I know," I said simply. He pulled his hand away from me and took a step back.
"No you don't," He spat, "He would hate me forever." He didn't dare meet my eyes.
"I know James, don't you think I've realised that as well. Why do you think I've been avoiding you? I don't ever want to put you in that situation," I said softly, pleading silently for him to look at me.
"I don't trust myself around you," He met my gaze and I saw his eyes flash down towards my lips. I felt almost drawn to him, our masks fading, both of us wanting the same thing. The tension in the carriage was palpable and I wanted nothing more than to close the gap between us but I knew what would happen if I did; he would leave again. He would draw me in, like Al had said, I was an easy target for him, even easier if I kept dropping my barrier every time he made a pass at me. I shook my head and stared at him furiously.
"Not again, you can't keep doing that," I all but yelled, my emotions all over the place.
"What's going on?" We both turned to see Rose, Scorpius and Al standing at the door staring at us confused. "What's going on?" Al asked, louder this time; I could see he was getting more concerned by the second.
"Nothing to worry about Al," James said, sliding his mask back on as if nothing had happened. "Marshall here is just putting me in my place; I keep trying to interfere in her plans for the team, not quite ready to give up the reins." He lied so smoothly, even I believed him. Al stared at his brother and then at me.
"Hannah?" He asked, not yet convinced. I nodded, once again putting up my barriers and giving Al what I hoped seemed like a genuine smile.
"He has been harping on about a play that he wants to try but I don't think our newer players will be up for it. I've told him no, but you know what he is like," I said, not daring to even look James' way.
"Leave her to it, she'll be a better captain than you anyway," Al smirked, glaring at his brother. I almost let out a sigh of relief before I caught sight of Scorpius' face, he was staring at me concern ablaze in his eyes. I knew he didn't buy it. The bloody Slytherin was too observant for his own good; always the quiet one, taking in everything that was going on around him.
"Don't worry about him Han, stick to your guns. He should be used to not getting his way with stubborn women." Rose said winking at me and taking a seat.
"You got that right Rosie," James smiled, "Anyway, I best head off, need to sort out the first years out," He left without another look over his shoulder.
"He can be such an arse sometimes," Rose said once he left, "He must have really wound you up to make you shout at him," She asked me. The four of us sat down and Al helping himself to a chocolate frog that was left on the seat. I could feel Scorpius looking at me, staring right through me; I didn't dare meet his eyes.
"I just want to lead the team my way and I don't want him interfering," I said quietly, staring out of the window.
"You're going to have a hard year then," Al said. I nodded in agreement and asked them how rounds were, trying to move the conversation on from what they had nearly walked in on. Scorpius was quiet for the most part, not speaking to me directly, but I knew it wasn't the end of it.
We arrived at Hogsmeade station not a moment too soon, making our way to the horseless carriages. Al bumped into some of his dorm mates, who had joined us and they were having a heated discussion about the upcoming Quidditch league. Normally, such a conversation would have engaged me but I felt myself becoming more withdrawn. I felt sick with worry, still upset about how I left things with James and concerned about what Scorpius was thinking. I knew he would want to talk to me privately about it and I wasn't convinced I could openly lie to my friends face. Luckily, Rose and Scorpius were talking to each other quietly, keeping themselves to themselves, meaning I wasn't needed in any conversation.
As I saw the castle coming into sight I couldn't help but let my mind drift back to the argument I had had with James. In the midst of all the angst, he had openly admitted that he liked me, confusing me even more. I wasn't sure whether or not to believe the older Potter. Knowing his dating past as well I did, I couldn't remember a time where I actually believed that James liked someone and not just put up with them for other gains. It was the truth of the matter, James had a sordid reputation and I wasn't certain I felt comfortable with just being another stupid girl who fell for his ways. But what if he actually liked me?
I couldn't help but internally smile at the thought. I wasn't ready to admit to myself that the feelings I had for the older were nothing more than physical, but having him so openly admit that he had feelings for me made me far happier than it should. I was so bloody confused. I knew our conversation was far from over, but I also knew that we were on the same page. Whatever we felt for each other; neither of us wanted to hurt Al.
We ran from the carriages into the warmth of the castle, being swept up by the hundreds of students making their way to the welcome feast in the hall. I fell behind my friends, Rose and Scorpius walking on ahead getting their last for moments together before he sat with the Slytherins, Al speaking to a Gryffindor girl in the year below who was a friend of Lily's. I was suddenly aware of how alone I was. Al had had girlfriends in the past but nothing overly serious, he never really got the point of them, unlike his brother. But watching him openly flirt with this pretty girl made it all too real. I was alone and the one person I knew could make me feel better, I couldn't have. I suddenly didn't feel so much like dinner, stopping dead in my tracks and turning against the flow of students to go back to the common room. I spotted a girl in my dorm, Jennifer, and asking her to pass on a message to Rose to tell her I had gone to bed early as I wasn't feeling well.
I hurried down the corridor away from the noise of the students going to the hall, relishing in a moments peace as I walked down an empty corridor, my footsteps echoing off the old stone walls. No matter how upset I felt, I was still incredibly happy to be back at Hogwarts. A home away from home, it filled the missing void I had felt for most of my childhood; making me feel like I belonged somewhere, making me feel accepted after years of muggle torment for being strange. I don't think I ever felt luckier the day Professor Longbottom came to my house and explained everything to my parents. It only felt like five minutes ago I was walking nervously into the hall with the other first years, Rose yapping in my ear about the ceiling which I thought was spectacular at the time. I couldn't believe I only had two years left and I was letting an idiot boy mess me around enough to miss the welcome feast.
I pulled myself into a bathroom, splashing my face and telling myself I needed to get it together; to stop letting James Potter have this effect on me. I glanced at my reflection in the mirror adjusting my blonde curls and uniform before heading back into the corridor, intending to go back to the feast. I went to take a shortcut through a tapestry when I heard giggling. I ripped back the painting to find James and Cressida lip-locked with his hand under her shirt. I couldn't move, the shock of what I was seeing pinning me to the spot. Cressida's scream rang through the corridor when she spotted me.
"Shit, sorry" I muttered, turning hastily on the spot walking back up the corridor, going against every fibre in my body that was telling me to run.
"Fucking creep," Cressida spat, "We had best go anyway Jamie, head duties call," Her sickly sweet voice going through me.
"I'll catch up with you," James replied and I heard his footfall across the corridor as he ran to keep up with me. "Hannah wait please, Hannah," I turned around to face him, feeling the tears welling up in my eyes.
"Just save it," I spat, wiping the tears. Just when I thought I could handle it he pulls me back in again, the power he had over me putting me back in my place.
"I don't know what to do," He said desperately, his expression a mixture of guilt and exasperation
"And you thought you'd find the answer up Cressida's top," I spat furiously. He gapped at me and hung his head in shame. "Just leave me the fuck alone," I said turning around. He grabbed my arm, his eyes pleading with me.
"Hannah you know this is how it has to be," He said pitifully. I tried to wriggle out of his grip but he wasn't letting go. I pulled my wand out and sent a red spark to his hand, burning him enough for him to let go.
"Leave me alone," I said darkly, putting my wand away, glaring at him. He opened and closed his mouth a few times before sighing.
"I'm sorry," He whispered pathetically.
"You don't know what you're apologising for," I spat.
"I'm just so fucking sorry," He said moving to wrap his arms around me. I stepped back wrapping my arms around myself. His face fell. "Hannah, please." He said quietly.
"It's done. I understand that this is how it has to be." I replied. "Just go, you have your school waiting." I didn't wait for him to leave. I turned around and walked away and he didn't follow. I felt the tears fall down my cheeks, the happiness to be back at Hogwarts slowly fading. I needed to be as far away from him as possible. I felt sick, my heart was breaking and I didn't even understand why. The image of the two of them in the stairwell made me want to scream. I ran around the corner and straight into the arms of someone else.
"You are going to tell me exactly what is going on," Scorpius said forcefully his face drawn in concern. It took me a moment to realise what he had said before I completely broke down in my friend's arms.
A/N: Getting through last edits fairly quickly. Hopefully, I can upload another chapter tonight as to not leave you on a cliffhanger.
Thanks for reading once again,
Jadeannkneeky