Sirius sat with his back against Mallory's side as she leaned over her textbook at the library table. With his arms crossed over his chest and eyes closed, Sirius seemed utterly content as though the library were the most natural place for a midday nap.
Mallory turned the page in her History of Magic book, glancing over just as Sirius tilted his head to the side. A quiet pop echoed in the silence. A small laugh escaped Mallory's throat as she turned back to her textbook.
Across from Mallory, Marlene's head snapped up, her eyes locking on something behind Mallory.
Mallory followed her gaze as one of the chasers on the Gryffindor Quidditch team approached the table.
He offered a crooked smile. "Hey, Schmidt," he said, running a hand through his blonde hair, freckles dusting the bridge of his nose.
Mallory smiled back. "Hey, Conner," she replied.
He was a seventh-year, but he never minded talking to students in the years below him. He didn't act like he was above anyone.
He gently set his textbooks at the end of the table.
"Are you cleared to play yet?" he asked.
"I'm going to practice tomorrow."
"Finally!" he whispered with a grin. "We've really needed you out there."
Marlene rolled her eyes and scoffed.
Mallory glanced over and let out a small laugh.
"Oops. Sorry, McKinnon. I didn't mean it like that," Conner said quickly, his cheeks flushing a deep shade of red.
"Right," Marlene snarked.
Conner gave a slow nod. "I should go. My girlfriend wants to meet up before dinner," he mumbled awkwardly. He grabbed his books and hurried out of the library.
Mallory let out another laugh and turned back to Marlene. Even Sirius—who had insisted he'd sleep the whole time—chuckled, sitting up straighter to face Marlene.
"Shut up," Marlene grumbled, eyes following Conner as he left the library. "Is it Conner, Mal?"
Mallory shook her head, still smiling. "No," she said. "He has a girlfriend."
"Good. He's rude anyway."
Sirius leaned forward, brow furrowed. "Is it Conner for what?" he asked.
"Mallory fancies someone," Marlene explained. "I'm trying to guess who."
Sirius glanced sideways at Mallory, an arrogant smirk tugging at his lips.
"Obviously, it's me."
"She wouldn't stoop that low."
Mallory let out an awkward laugh, heat rising to her cheeks as she quickly turned back to her textbook, hoping no one would notice her flushed cheeks.
"Oi!" Sirius hissed, swiping a hand across the table to smack Marlene.
"Oi!" Marlene mocked.
Sirius rolled his eyes, leaning back in his chair. "Who've you guessed?"
"Everyone. She won't give in."
Sirius poked Mallory's side. "What about Snivellus? Everyone falls for him at some point. His long, greasy hair—totally irresistible. And that nose! Who could resist that nose?" he teased.
Mallory shot him a sideways glance, a smile tugging at her lips. "Is it that obvious?"
Sirius grinned, and for a long moment, they just stared at each other in silence.
YOU ARE READING
It's Nice To Have A Friend
FanfictionMallory Schmidt transfers to Hogwarts in her fifth year. Although scared she wouldn't make any friends, she is immediately welcome to the school by four troublesome boys. Throughout the school year, she grows close to one boy in particular, and aft...
