𝑫𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝑺𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓, 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐄𝐫𝐚

Chapter 5

As the break drew nearer, Emerson found herself determined to spend it with the Potters. However, orchestrating this without alerting their parents presented a challenge. She pleaded with Regulus, proposing that he cover for her by informing their parents that she would be accompanying him. Yet, Regulus hesitated, wary of the potential complications.

"Em, why would I subject myself to Avery's company? You know I'm not particularly fond of him," Emerson remarked as they browsed through books in the library, while she trailed behind Regulus.

"Regulus, just help me cover up. You don't have a tiny heart do you?" Emerson countered, hopeful for her brother's support.

Regulus paused, considering her offer. "Tiny heart?"

"Yes, indeed. How about I sweeten the deal with a bar of chocolate or even a lifetime supply of butterbeer?" Emerson proposed, her smile widening.

"Fine, but only to put an end to your incessant pestering. And I'll take the chocolate," Regulus relented, a small smile tugging at his lips as Emerson embraced him gratefully.

"Thank you! I'll go inform Vic now. She's probably wondering where I've disappeared to..." Emerson muttered to herself before dashing out of the library. Left alone, Regulus couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction at having contributed to his sister's happiness

***

"I've told you so many times! You can't take my notes without asking!" 

"Then you shouldn't have left your notes on the ground if you didn't want someone to take them!"

Emerson returned to the common room to find Victoria and Marco engaged in yet another argument. She couldn't help but chuckle quietly before dashing off to retrieve her camera. Capturing their little squabbles had become a hobby of hers, and she envisioned compiling them into a scrapbook as a cherished memento of their Hogwarts years.

After rummaging through her dormitory, Emerson finally located her camera. She peeked out to see Victoria and Marco still going at it, this time over the legibility of Victoria's notes.

"You can't write them like that! It'll just make them more confusing to comprehend!" Marco exclaimed, frustration evident as he scrutinized Victoria's handwriting. "Well, sorry, I'm not perfect!"

With practiced ease, Emerson snapped a couple of pictures, ensuring she captured the moment perfectly. As she did, she couldn't contain her laughter, finding their argument amusing, almost endearing. To her, they looked like a married couple bickering over trivial matters.

The sudden burst of laughter caught Victoria and Marco's attention, and they turned to find Emerson on the floor, clutching her stomach from laughing so hard.

"She took another picture?" Marco inquired, not surprised by Emerson's antics. "Of course she did. She's got a whole collection by now," Victoria replied with a smirk.

Emerson didn't mind their teasing; after all, she had acquired more snapshots for her growing collection. She was certain that one day they would appreciate the memories she had preserved, even if they didn't see it now.

***

As the morning light filtered through the windows of the Great Hall, Marco's frustration with Emerson's photography antics bubbled to the surface once again.

"She does it every time! Can't she just take a decent picture for once?" Marco grumbled, flicking through the snapshots Emerson had taken of him and Victoria arguing.

Victoria couldn't help but chuckle at Marco's exasperation. "Maybe she's trying to capture the authentic you," she teased, sipping her pumpkin juice.

Marco shot her a mock glare before turning his attention back to the photos. "My authentic self doesn't look like a troll," he retorted, earning another laugh from Victoria.

Meanwhile, Emerson was conspicuously absent from the breakfast table, her absence noted by her friends. They knew she was likely caught up trying to complete the homework Professor McGonagall had assigned the night before.

"Do you think Emerson will make it to class on time?" Marco asked, glancing towards the entrance in anticipation.

Victoria shrugged. "Doubt it. And I bet Minnie won't be too thrilled with her lateness, yet again," she remarked, referring to Professor McGonagall's strict punctuality standards.

The conversation shifted to their upcoming Potions class, prompting Marco to lament about Emerson's habit of borrowing his potions book without asking. "Lucky me, we don't have Potions first today, otherwise I'd be in trouble," he grumbled, adjusting his glasses.

Unbeknownst to them, Regulus Black, Emerson's brother, watched from a distance with a furrowed brow. He couldn't help but worry about his sister's constant tardiness.

Just as they were about to leave for class, Emerson rushed into the Great Hall, breathless and disheveled. She collided with Marco in her haste, using his shoulder for support as she caught her breath.

"Why didn't you lot wake me up?" Emerson exclaimed, her voice tinged with exasperation as she brandished her potions book, ready to whack Marco with it.

Marco raised an eyebrow, unfazed by Emerson's outburst. "Because we figured you could use the extra sleep," he replied nonchalantly, earning an incredulous look from Victoria.

Once Emerson had regained her composure, they made their way to Potions class. Along the corridor, Emerson's mind wandered, and she voiced a random thought. "Ever wonder if Muggles have sports? Like, do they play Quidditch?" she mused aloud.

Victoria, ever the Muggle enthusiast, launched into an explanation about Muggle sports, citing football as an example. Emerson listened intently, though her confusion was evident. "Football? We should look into it. Maybe I could beat Marco at a Muggle sport," she remarked with a mischievous grin.

Marco chuckled at the idea. "You wish, Em. It's not my fault you're just not athletically inclined," he teased, recalling their numerous Quidditch matches where Emerson always ended up on the losing side.

As they approached the Potions classroom, Emerson's attention was momentarily diverted by Marlene McKinnon, a fellow Gryffindor. She found herself captivated by Marlene's presence, though she quickly pushed aside any distracting thoughts.

Inside the classroom, Marco couldn't resist the urge to sneak in some reading, much to Victoria's amusement. "Marco, just because we sit in the back doesn't mean Slughorn won't catch you reading," she whispered teasingly.

Marco merely shrugged, engrossed in his book. "He won't, Vickie. He's too busy talking about his breakfast," he whispered back, flashing her a grin.

Victoria shook her head fondly, resigned to her friend's casual approach to Potions class.