November 1994.

I found myself settled in our common room, ignoring the sounds of student activity around me. Despite all the banter and movement, my gaze remained locked on the water beyond the giant glass windows.

The room was adorned with rich green and silver hues, casting an air of sophistication. Dimly lit lamps emitted a cozy glow, creating pockets of warm light amid the shadows. The crackling fire in the hearth cast a dancing play of light and shadows on the stone walls, while plush couches and armchairs offered a comfortable respite.

Some students gathered in small groups, sharing stories and secrets, while others immersed themselves in the world of books or whispered conversations. The room held an aura of unity and ambition, a sense of loyalty and pride for the Slytherin house.

I no longer felt that I deserved to be a part of that pride. My eyes remained fixed on the water, its movement unable to penetrate the wall of uncertainty and self-doubt that had formed around me. The sounds around me seemed distant, like a melody I once knew but could no longer fully grasp.

''Chin up,'' Amelia soothed, her fingers gently combing through my hair as she offered me a plate of food that I had no interest in.

I managed a faint smile, my thoughts drifting away from the plate of food and I couldn't help but imagine what the whole castle might be whispering about me. As I sat there, cocooned in the embrace of the plush armchair, I envisioned the ancient stones and hidden passages of Hogwarts witnessing students speaking in hushed tones. They were undoubtedly sharing stories of the unexpected turn of events, of a Slytherin being chosen as the Hogwarts champion. I could almost hear their murmurs, a blend of surprise, skepticism, and disappointment.

I could practically hear Fred and George Weasley laughing all the way to their vault at Gringotts. They're probably swimming in Galleons right now because no one, and I mean no one, would have put their money on me getting chosen. With the shock on everyone's faces, I couldn't shake off the memory of the stunned silence in the hall.

It's not like everyone in the school utterly despised Slytherins. We had friends beyond our own house.

Well, perhaps "acquaintances" is a more fitting term.

I mean, seriously?! I had gone to Hogsmeade with Maggie's cousin Roger once, for Merlin's sake! And there was that time I ended up sitting next to that Ravenclaw girl during a Quidditch match. I couldn't really remember her name, but so what? We split a bag of Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans, and that definitely means more than just being acquainted.

Amidst my silent contemplation, their voices were almost audible, half-formed sentences and hushed whispers. The castle, usually a companion, now appeared like a prison of judgment and unattainable expectations. The realization that my every action was likely under scrutiny, dissection, and mockery filled me with a surge of melancholy.

Still, with my gaze on the water, I couldn't help but wonder how someone like Cedric Diggory would view me now. Cedric, the embodiment of patience and fairness. His kindness, unassuming charm – those qualities that drew me to him in the first place, besides his looks. Yet, did he see me worthy of the title I held, or would he be mocking me along with the rest of them?

I spent most of the week moping, only leaving the common room for classes and having Amelia and Graham bring me food. Suddenly, beneath the plate that Amelia provided me with for tonight's dinner, I spotted a letter.

"What is this?" I asked, shifting my gaze from the watery abyss for the first time in half an hour.

"Theo left it for you outside our dorm this morning. Sorry, I totally forgot about it," she apologized.

Shit. It was from Father.

Anticipating a ten-page letter about his disappointment in me, I went to my bed where I planned to read it.

After the Halloween dinner, it took me two full days to gather the courage to put my thoughts onto paper. The idea of Father's reaction was mortifying; protectiveness towards his children consistently exceeded that of other parents. The mere thought of disappointing him weighed heavily on my mind. My letter to him was filled with apologies, each word carefully chosen to convey my regret for my actions. I tried to explain the circumstances surrounding the events of that night, hoping that my reasoning would at least partially soften the blow. As I was writing my thoughts, my hand was trembling.

His response was simple. A single sheet of parchment, bearing his elegant handwriting, it resembled the letters he had been sending me ever since my first days at school. Among his usual words, the phrase he ended the letter with stood out:

Proud of you.

I stared at the words, feeling a surge of emotions I hadn't expected. The simplicity of his response struck me as both unexpected and profound. For years, his letters had been composed of guidance, expectations, and the occasional hint of disappointment when I screwed up. But these three words, proud of you, carried a weight that was entirely new to me.

A hesitant smile crept onto my lips as I reread those words again. It wasn't just the content, but the realization that he had chosen to express his pride in me. It was a sentiment rarely voiced in our family, buried beneath the layers of tradition and formality. It was present, but always unspoken.

As the days passed, I found myself navigating the school corridors with a slightly different demeanor. The disapproving glances and hushed whispers began to lose their sting. While the weight of my classmates' judgment had initially felt heavy, my father's words resonated within me like a guiding light. I noticed that not everyone was giving me dirty looks; some were simply indifferent. A Hufflepuff boy in my year even congratulated me during Alchemy class!

Stebbins—I couldn't for the life of me remember his first name, but I made a mental note to listen for it in future classes.

Amid the shifting dynamics at school, besides my ever-loyal friends and housemates, one constant source of solace remained— Theo.

He quietly stood by my side, offering unwavering support and retorting rudely to anyone who made snide remarks. Small gestures, like a comforting smile or a subtle thumbs-up from across the hallway, reminded me that I wasn't alone. His presence was reassuring, a reminder that we always guarded each other's backs.

One evening, as we sat in the common room, he spoke with a gentleness characteristic of him. "You know, not everyone's opinion matters. Only those who truly care about you." I never noticed how much he'd grown up. I'd never admit it to him, but he possessed a wisdom that only someone as unbothered by social hierarchies as he could have.

In the midst of my difficulties, I couldn't help but see that even Harry Potter faced some challenges. I expected him to be favored, being a Gryffindor and a known troublemaker at the school. Despite being young, he had helped the school and his friends on more than one occasion.

While my brother, Amelia, and Graham kept being there for me, I saw things were different for Harry. The ginger-haired friend who had once been a constant presence by his side seemed to be distant now. I even found myself angry at the blood-traitor. It was despicable to leave one of your own in times of trouble.

As I continued to regain my confidence in the week that followed, I was surprised to see "Potter Stinks" badges floating around the school. They would transform into "Support Rosalie Nott, the true Hogwarts champion" and then change back every few minutes

Malfoy, Harry's self-proclaimed arch-nemesis, had actually made these badges in support of me. It was an unexpected gesture, considering that Malfoy and I didn't always agree on things, but deep down, I knew that he intended it as a form of camaraderie, twisted as it might be. Part of me even appreciated the sentiment.

I liked that I was gaining support, but I needed to find a balance between appreciating the help and not letting Harry become a target for jokes. I was determined to make it right.

On Thursday, I found him sitting in the library with his bushy-haired brainiac friend. I was alone and decided it was high time for us to have a chat. I approached them and was met with a surprised look from him and an unpleasant glare from the friend.

"Hey Harry, listen..." I began, attempting to offer words of support when his friend interjected.

"We don't need your pity, thank you very much," the girl sneered at me.

I was taken aback; the Muggle-born girl was talking back to me as if she were my superior. It was as if I were nothing more than dirt on her shoe. I could feel the heat rising within me.

"Listen, kid, I just wanted to tell Harry—and mind you, I was addressing him and not you—that I'm available if he ever needs someone to vent about this wretched school or his insufferable friends," I said, my expression furrowing. "Also, just so you know, J. Pippins in Hogsmeade sells Sleakeazy potion, you twit."

With my words hanging in the tense air, I shifted my weight, the floor creaking beneath my feet. I gave them both a pointed look before decisively turning on my heel and leaving the library. I could practically feel their gazes on my back.

Fuming with anger, I stormed down the stairs toward the dormitory, my footsteps echoing with each step. As I turned a corner, my eyes widened at the sight that greeted me. Malfoy, of all people, was standing there, smirking as he handed out those ridiculous badges to passing students.

"Oh, you've got to be kidding me," I muttered under my breath, my frustration growing.

Malfoy looked up and caught sight of me, his expression shifting to surprise. "Ah, Nott, I thought you'd appreciate the support," he said, his tone proud.

I clenched my fists, my temper reaching its boiling point. "Support? Are you seriously that dense, Malfoy? These badges are just making a mockery of the whole situation."

His proud expression faltered, replaced by genuine confusion. "Mockery? I thought you'd be pleased."

I let out an exasperated laugh. "Pleased? I don't need you turning my problems into a sideshow attraction."

Just as I was about to give him a piece of my mind, a voice I recognized spoke up from behind me. "Is there a sideshow happening? And here I thought Hogwarts was just for learning."

I turned to see Cedric Diggory, looking amused, leaning casually against the wall. His Prefect badge glinted on his robe.

Malfoy's expression shifted from surprise to a hint of discomfort at the sight of Cedric's badge.

Ignoring Malfoy's unease, I met Cedric's gaze with a small smile. "Well, Diggory, it seems we have a contender for the Hogwarts Sideshow Award."

Cedric chuckled, his eyes twinkling. "And what a prestigious award that must be."

Malfoy cleared his throat, attempting to regain his composure, while the students around him seemed to back away awkwardly. "It's all in good fun, you know."

Cedric arched an eyebrow. "Fun, you say? Well, as long as everyone's having a good laugh."

I took a deep breath, feeling slightly calmer than before. "You know what, Malfoy? Keep your badges." With a swift motion, I snatched a badge from his hand, only to have him offer me a whole handful with a triumphant grin. The nerve.

I turned away from Malfoy, walking over to Cedric. Holding the badge for a moment, I contemplated my next move. My frustration brewed within me, lending me a moment of pettiness. With a swift motion, I hurled the badge through the air toward the wall behind him but missed; it hit Malfoy square in the face.

Malfoy's initial look of discomfort shifted from surprise to shock as he huffed, "My Father will hear about this," his voice a mix of pride and annoyance.

I met his wide-eyed gaze with an unyielding smirk, not about to back down. "Sure he will, once my father tells him all about it during tea with your mother on Sunday. I'll even send a Howler if you'd prefer."

Cedric burst into laughter at our escalating exchange and leaned toward me in mock seriousness. "Now, Nott, I must uphold my Prefect duties. Attacking fellow students with badges could warrant a few lost house points."

I gave him a playful smile, a mischievous glint in my eyes. "Oh, come on, Diggory. It's all in the name of badge-tossing improvement. A noble endeavor, wouldn't you say?"

Cedric chuckled, his laughter contagious. "Well, in that case, I suppose I could let it slide this time."

I leaned in a little closer, a smirk playing on my lips. "So, you're cutting me some slack? Is that one of my perks?"

Cedric's gaze held a hint of flirtation. "Only because of your impressive throwing arm."

My heart felt fluttery with his teasing. With a wink and a nod, he straightened up and strolled off down the corridor, leaving me chuckling and victorious, with a renewed spring in my step.

As Cedric walked away, I couldn't help but let out a contented sigh. The unexpected encounter left me feeling surprisingly lighthearted. Glancing back at Malfoy, who was now standing alone in the corridor, I couldn't suppress a smirk of satisfaction.

"Enjoy the show, Malfoy," I said, offering him a mock salute before turning on my heel to follow Cedric. Malfoy scowled in response, sounding less amused by the situation.

Ignoring him, I walked away with a grin, catching up to Cedric just as he turned the corner. As we continued down toward the dungeons together, our laughter echoed through the halls, leaving behind a lingering promise of more unexpected meetings in the future.