𝖶𝖨𝖢𝖪𝖤𝖣 𝖧𝖠𝖳𝖤 | 𝖥𝖱𝖤𝖣 𝖶𝖤𝖠𝖲𝖫𝖤𝖸

37

HOGSMEADE

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Once we got into the little village, we all separated into our respective friend groups. Liv and I, of course, stuck together while I saw how Fred, George and Lee Jordan almost flew to Zonko's, I tried to hold my smile trying to imagine all the possible jokes and funny stuff they were planning.

"How has been the Quidditch training?" Liv asked while we walked on our way to the Three Broomsticks.

"Quite well, except for the first one I missed because of Umbridge, the rest have been very good, the new kids have talent," I replied looking at the fallen leaves on the floor. "Any news from Pauline?"

"We keep writing to each other. It's tough to be away from her, especially when my feelings keep growing but we're doing fine. Maybe I can see her these holidays." she smiled, with her blue eyes shining happily.

We passed by a group of different stands that called the students' attention. One of them, a little stand that was selling muggle stuffed toys - apparently it was trendy in the Wizarding world to imitate the muggle festivals - called Liv's attention, grabbing my hand and dragging me with her. As soon as we got in front of it, some other students joined.

"Morning, lassies," the young man greeted us two since we were the first ones to arrive. "Would you like to try to get one of the stuffed toys? If you hit in the bullseye, it'd be free, but you've got to do it the Muggle way."

"Lilith, you have a good aim, can you get me one of those which looks like carrots?" she said, making a little pout. I rolled my eyes but smiled.

"Didn't know you fancy Fred Weasley, Liv." I teased her.

"The pot calling the kettle back!" she complained, laughing. "I'm not the one having sex with him."

"Touché."

I took the three darts in my hands while focusing on the bullseye. Modestly, thanks to Quidditch, I had a trained sight and very good aim, so it took me just a couple of seconds to focus and to hit the centre in just one throw. Liv clapped by my side and the rest looked quite surprised but also smiled. The boy handed Liv her stuffed toy, slightly shocked.

"That was good luck, lass. Well done!"

I hugged the blonde and then, felt someone touching my arm. Granger was behind us, trying to stay with her firm and relaxed expression but with a particular bright in her eyes.

"Lilith, can I talk to you two for a second?" she asked, trying to take us a bit far from the crowd. We both nodded.

"What is it, Hermione?"

She took a deep breath, "Ron, Harry and I are planning something," she stated playing with her hands but still, sounding confident. "You already know Umbridge is preparing us so poorly to whatever is happening out there, so we decided that since Harry is so well-trained in DADA, he could train us as well. I was wondering if you two would like to join us later at the Hog's Head to chat about it."

We both looked at her a bit shocked. I definitely was hating Umbridge's classes and because of the lack of practice, I was losing all the abilities I got thanks to Lupin during summer.