𝑫𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝑺𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓, 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐄𝐫𝐚

Chapter 4

As the weeks flew by, the holiday season approached swiftly, bringing excitement and anticipation to the students of Hogwarts. Victoria was eager to spend the holidays with her friends, especially Marco, who had decided not to return home.

"Are you sure you don't want to stay with us, Marco?" Victoria persisted, her voice tinged with disappointment as she tried to convince him once more.

"I appreciate the offer, Victoria, but I wouldn't want to intrude on your family time," Marco replied politely, declining her invitation once again.

Victoria pouted slightly but relented, sprawling out beside Marco as he continued to read his book. Emerson arrived shortly after, laden with books from the library.

"Hey, Emi!" Victoria greeted her friend sleepily, while Marco quietly slipped away to help Emerson with her books.

"Thanks, Marco," Emerson mouthed her gratitude to him as he set down the stack of books she was struggling with.

"Why do you need so many books?" Marco asked, curious about Emerson's haul.

"I don't need them, I want them," Emerson replied with a mischievous grin. "If I'm going back to the dungeon I call home, I want to be well-prepared."

"Your plans haven't changed, have they?" Marco inquired, noting the wistful tone in Emerson's voice.

"No, just gathering some essentials before I head back," Emerson confirmed, settling down on the floor.

"I could always help you break out of that dungeon," Marco offered with a playful smile.

Emerson chuckled softly at Marco's suggestion, appreciating his lightheartedness. She found comfort in his presence, knowing he was always willing to lend a helping hand or a supportive ear.

As the conversation shifted, Marco and Emerson noticed Victoria dozing off beside them, her head resting on Marco's legs. Concerned, Emerson expressed her worries about Victoria's recent restlessness and reluctance to share her troubles.

"Maybe it's personal," Marco suggested, flipping through his book casually.

Emerson scoffed at the notion, insisting that Victoria shared everything with her. Marco shrugged in response, suggesting that perhaps there were some things Victoria preferred to keep to herself.

"She seems tired," Emerson observed, glancing at Victoria, who was now snuggled up against Marco. "I wish she would tell me what's going on."

"Maybe she just needs some time," Marco offered, his gaze returning to his book.

Emerson huffed in frustration, feeling frustrated by Victoria's silence. Marco's attempts to lighten the mood with a joke only irritated her further, prompting her to gather her books and storm off to her dorm.

Marco chuckled at Emerson's reaction before lifting Victoria gently, ready to escort her back to their dormitory. However, as they made their way up the stairs, the steps suddenly transformed into a slide, causing Marco to lose his footing and tumble down with Victoria on top of him.

"Sorry, V, didn't mean to drop you," Marco apologized, rubbing his head where it had hit the floor.

"It's alright," Victoria mumbled sleepily, nestling against Marco's chest.

Marco carefully set Victoria down on the sofa, ensuring she was comfortable before arranging blankets and pillows for them both. As he settled in for the night, he couldn't help but smile at the peaceful expression on Victoria's face, grateful for the quiet moments they shared together amidst the chaos of Hogwarts.