Ria felt someone furiously shake her body, but she didn't move even an inch. How did people find it in themselves to interrupt such a sweet lumber? The shaking stopped, and she sighed, but the peace only lasted for some more seconds before she felt the wind in her lungs being knocked out.

She opened her eyes with a loud 'oof.' "Soph— Sophie! Why?" She croaked out.

The Hufflepuff looked down at her, ready in her sage green knitted jumper and black jeans, her eyes shining with excitement. "It's Christmas!" She beamed, throwing her hands in the air like an adorable toddler.

Ria sighed, resting her head back on the pillow. "Get up!" Sophie pulled at her arm, making her groan. "There are presents—" 

At this, the Slytherin sat up in her place, completely forgetting about Sophie who was on top of her and making her tumble on the ground.

"Oh shit—"

"I'm good." Sophie chuckled, getting up. "Our presents! They're outside, near the couch!" She said, walking out the door. "Come quick, alright? We'll open them together."

The two girls spent their next hour by the fireplace, feasting on the plum cake Amos had sent them and opening gifts.

Ria had got a bunch of hoodies and shoes from Sophie, Theo, and Blaise. Molly Weasley had sent her a knitted jumper as per the yearly tradition, this time dark green in colour, just that she had forgotten to put her initial. She frowned slightly, hoping this wasn't because of the article in Daily Prophet.

Remus and Sirius had sent her a box of chocolate and a copy of 'Quidditch teams all over the world', respectively. A fresh copy of 'Wuthering Heights' from Hermione and her favourite muggle candies from Ron made her day. Though, Asteria rolled her eyes at the vial of Love Potion from Fred and George with a note saying 'use it well'.

Next was his cousin's gift. 'Merry Christmas, couz! Now, I don't know what this sign means. But I thought you'd like it. Another thing, tap on it three times in rhythm after wearing it.'

It was a bracelet with black leather strings and the black part of yin and yang in the middle. As instructed, Ria rhythmically tapped on it thrice after wearing, and the small white dot whirled into the black part.

"Ria!" Her cousin's voice boomed, making her chuckle in surprise.

"That's so cool!" Sophie exclaimed.

"Ced! It's like a telephone, isn't it?" Ria replied.

"Yeah, I have the white part of it. I thought you'd like it." answered Cedric.

"But how will I know if you want to talk to me?" asked Ria, intrigued.

"The metal part of the bracelet heats up when the other part is tapped thrice. But only works when you're wearing it. I charmed it myself!" He exclaimed proudly.

"That's great!" She replied, then added an afterthought. "But what's the point? You'll just end up ignoring me." She said playfully.

"Not going to lie. It's tempting, really."

"Hey!" Ria chuckled, offended.

"But.." he trailed off. "I'm not going to do that, obviously. My dumb little sister still needs me.. or she'll end up doing stupid stuff."

"Yeah.. yeah, sure." She rolled her eyes. As if I didn't learn that part from you.

"Anyway.. like the gift?" He asked with a hint of hope in his voice. She wasn't doing that well these days.. she looked tired most of the time, zoning off, thinking about something. 

He could tell she was stressed out of her mind. And he just wanted to be there for her.

"I love it." Ria admitted, but then a thought crossed her mind. "Only remember to remove the bracelet while doing the naked dance and we're fine."

Many laughs came from his end. "Ria.. I'm in the middle of the Hufflepuff common room.."

"So what? Look, I don't fancy free ASMR porn in the middle of the night—"

"Shush!" He bellowed offensively, and Ria snickered, imagining the shade of red his face would've gone by now.

"Anyway, Merry Christmas! And hey, have you tried the cream biscuits I sent you?" asked Ria with a mischievous smile.

She had gifted him sports shoes.. and biscuits filled with the Canary Cream Fred and George had made

"Oh, yeah! I'm eating one right now—" Another wave of screams and laughs came from his end, making Ria laugh and punch the air triumphantly. "You insolent little—"

"What happened there?" Sophie asked as Ria hurriedly tapped the bracelet thrice to cut him off, still drowning in laughter.

"He probably turned into a Canary.." She answered, wiping the lone tear of joy from her cheek. Sophie stared at her in astonishment before shaking her head in disbelief.

"Anyway.." She sighed, then looked at her wristwatch. "Justin's probably waiting for me. I'll see you at breakfast." She got up and looked at her for the last time before walking out. "Come quick, okay?"

"Yep— Wait, hey!" Ria called out, making her halt. She spread her arms out wide. "Where's my Christmas hug?"

Sophie grinned and leapt into her arms, taking her in a tight hug. It was weird to think that she felt closer to Ria than she felt to Rolf; her own brother. But again, she had spent more time with her than she had spent with him.

Asteria put on her knitted jumper and tugged it in a pair of washed out jeans. Before she could exit her room, she looked back at the pile of gifts. She pouted, walking back towards it and looking for the gift from a particular person.

She had sent him some pairs of fuzzy socks instead of the gift she had actually planned. She also had to bite back the urge of baking cinnamon rolls for him like every year.

Ria sighed, finding no sign of a gift from him, and got up in defeat. She walked towards the door again, but paused after spotting two boxes— one slightly large and the other tiny, on the table near the door.

She took the nicely wrapped, tiny one first. It was a neat black box, with a small, golden inscription that said 'Revelare Memoria'. Ria furrowed her eyebrows. She hadn't heard of such a brand before.

Shrugging the name off, she opened the box. It had a delicate silver chain with a small black stone pendant. She smiled warmly at the gift.

'I hope you have a great Christmas. - S.S.'

That wasn't the first gift from her Godfather, but it certainly was the best. It was oddly beautiful.. she couldn't stop staring at it.

She just couldn't..

Ria blinked furiously, shaking her head as she closed the lid of the box. Weird. She thought.

She placed her godfather's gift down and picked up the second one. She examined it, hoping that she would find his name, but instead she found a note, and it made her smile.

'No matter what, couldn't break our tradition.. Merry Christmas, Sunshine.'

She opened it, and the sweet smell of cinnamon brought a shy smile to her face. Her heart raced, and she felt her face burn. She bit her lip and took a deep breath.

She shouldn't feel this way.. but it wasn't like she could help it.

The Christmas chatter boomed merrily through the Great Hall, as this was one of the many years where the Hall was almost full during this time. Students feasted on their breakfast with the excitement of the Yule Ball buzzing in their conversations.

"Don't worry, Hermione, I'll talk to Mum. She'll knit it once again." Ron assured the girl, who frowned at the poorly knitted sweater in her hands.

"No, it's fine, Ron." She forced a smile at him, moving the sweater away from his grasp. The ginger wished he could find the right words to comfort her.

His eyes snapped to his other best friend, who had his gaze fixed on the door. He absentmindedly stirred the porridge in his bowl while having his bandaged left hand below the table.

"Are you going to tell us what happened to your hand?" He asked. 

Harry looked at the two and shook his head. "No— Nothing too serious. Just a clumsy mistake." He answered, then stuffed a spoon full of porridge in his mouth.

How was he supposed to mention that he had burnt his hand while baking cinnamon rolls for Ria? He wasn't as flawless as her when it came to baking.

The two hesitantly nodded, not believing his words a bit. Though they exchanged amused smiles as Harry grinned widely at a familiar figure walking in— no, strutting in like always— through the hallway.

Ria rushed towards Hermione first, hugging her from behind as the two wished each other a Merry Christmas. She did the same with Ron before looking at Harry with her cheeks tinted pink.

"Have some breakfast with us?" Ron proposed, offering a seat beside Harry. Ria sighed and shook her head, but the smile didn't falter.

"I've already had something sweet, this morning." She replied. Harry's face changed to a light scarlet.

"Merry Christmas, Prongslet." Ria whispered the last part to him only, making him grin like a small child. "I'll see you three later." She nodded politely at the two, sparing the last look for Harry and then left to join the Slytherin table.

Harry left his breath of anticipation and continued eating, now with a smile on his face.

Ria plopped down at the Slytherin table, a little farther away from her friend group so they wouldn't notice her. She left her breath. And as she dug into the pocket of her jeans, the cold metal surface made her shiver a little.

She sheepishly took it out and stared at it. She had bought it as a joke before the start of the term as something she'd playfully give to him.. something they'd both joke about.. and something that would end up as one of their inside jokes.

She bit her lower lip. But it doesn't feel like a joke anymore..

Her poor reflection in the silver metal pick stared back at her just as hopefully as she did. The pun across it that said 'I pick you' begged that the situation was different.. just so that they could see the boy's reaction after reading them.

But with a sigh of defeat, she pushed the locket back where it had been..

Only if it was different.

"Okay! We're ready.. And five, six, seven, eight!" shouted Amelia, and the girls looked at Ginny in anticipation. The red head shed her cloak, showing off her light pink dress while flicking her half-down hair. Amelia, Hermione, Sophie and Ria cheered, making her confidently twirl around.

After putting on their dresses, all of them had covered them with cloaks to keep the element of surprise. The group of girls had gotten ready together, with the make-up job split between Asteria, Hermione and Ginny; while the hair-job was between Amelia and Sophie.

And now that they were all ready, they were having a little 'Pre-Yule Ball outfit revelation show'. While only Merlin knew when Amelia had managed to sneak in some bottles of chilled butterbeer.

"Yayy!" Sophie cheered, sipping on her butterbeer. And after taking a sip from her own bottle, Ria could've sworn it tasted different from the original.

"Gin, I would've dated you if I didn't see you as my sister!" Amelia commented, making the girl pat her own back impressively.

The Weasley girl bowed to the small audience and took a seat beside Amelia. "Hermione! Your turn!"

Hermione stood in front of them, a little nervous. She gently touched her hair that was sleeky tied into a knot and took off her cloak, twirling ever so slightly in her periwinkle blue robes. She felt her face go red when the four cheered loudly.

"Oh! Poor Vicky's going to faint!" Ginny taunted, making the girl in front chuckle. She took her seat and ushered Sophie to get up.

Sophie's hair was shiny and curled loosely. She grinned excitedly before shedding her cloak. The girls gasped after seeing her in the dark red gown sent by her parents. She picked her dress up slightly and bowed like a princess.

Ria nudged Amelia, and she quickly caught the intention. The two kneeled down on one knee, keeping one hand on their hearts and bowed dramatically, making Sophie blush and chuckle.

"She's an icon, she's a legend, and she is the moment."

Sophie rolled her eyes at the two. "Amelia!" The girl gestured her to go as she took a seat next to her best friend.

"Oh, I've been waiting for this.." whispered Amelia and stood in front of them. "Ta-dah!" She exclaimed, throwing her hands in mid-air like a diva. The girls gasped again, looking at the black Ball gown.

"Ladies.." Ria trailed off before throwing her hands towards her fellow Slytherin. "Her!"

"Yeah, I know.." she gently flicked a free strand of hair from her loose bun. "Now.. Ria!" She pulled the girl by her hands and took her seat instead.

Ria, with a sly smile, took her cloak off, feeling confident as ever. The four in front cheered, making her break the mood and chuckle.

The maroon dress fit her body perfectly, so did the gloves.. with the black pendant from Severus dangling between her collarbones, matching the dress magnificently. She had a loose, low bun similar to Amelia's, with some strands of hair free at the front.

"Talented, brilliant, incredible, amazing, show stopping, spectacular, never the same, totally unique—" Sophie kept babbling on, while Amelia encouraged her to go on.

"Gosh! Henry— what's in those butterbeers? They aren't normal, are they?"

"I know, right?" Hermione agreed with Ginny, jumping in her seat slightly.

Amelia looked at the two and shrugged nonchalantly, getting up quickly. "Come on, Gin! George and Neville are probably waiting for us—"

"This has some mead mixed up in it, doesn't it?" asked Ria, with a small chuckle.

"Hey!" Amelia interrupted, quite shocked. "How did you know? I mean NO— Of course, not! How dareth thee? Thee naughty mushrump! Let's go, Ginevra." She took her hand and walked away. But the two stopped once the portrait opened.

A wide smile came upon the two's faces, but for different reasons. "Helloooo, Ms. Diggory!" Amelia chirped, though her voice cracked in between. Ria rolled her eyes.

"Oh! Hello, dear. Hey, Ginny! Is Ria here?" She asked with a gentle smile.

"Yes, mother dearest! How art thee?" Ria called out, knowing well her mother wasn't a fan of Shakespeare.

"I'm fine, daughter dearest." Isabella replied in a monotone, making her chuckle.

"That wasn't even close." said Ria.

Hermione took hold of Sophie's arm and dragged all the three girls out with her, while shooting Isabella a pleasant smile. Ginny did the same, Amelia's eyes roamed up and down before the smile, while Sophie waved her hand, twiddling her fingers with a 'toodles' and a giggle.

Isabella kept looking at the group in confusion until they disappeared around a corridor. She then looked at the front and shrugged mindlessly. Though she gasped at the sight, her hand on her mouth as her eyes roamed up and down her daughter in awe. Asteria grinned at her.

"Oh! You look so gorgeous, honey.." She whispered. Ria looked down at her dress and then up at her mother again.

"Thanks, Mu— No. Mum, not today, please.." Ria pleaded, watching as Isabella's eyes teared up. She sighed in disbelief.

Isabella Diggory and her need to be dramatic in every damn situation.

"What?" She asked in an offended tone, wiping the lone tear. "My baby's all grown up. It's your first ball tonight.. A bit more time and you'll be standing there in your wedding gown—"

"MUM, NO." She quickly cut her off. "There's still time for that.. okay? Let's keep it to the Ball for tonight." Isabella nodded at Ria's request, letting out a small sniffle.

"Wait— who gave that to you?" asked Isabella, her eyes locked on the black pendant. Ria examined it once again and smiled.

"This? Severus did. Christmas gift! Pretty, isn't it? Matches the dress perfectly." She asked.

Her mother stared at it for another suspicious second before nodding hesitantly. She then looked at her child and nodded again with a smile.

Ria looked at her mother's fancy-ish black jumpsuit and gave an impressed nod. "You look really pretty."

"Ah, believe me, I would've looked better.. but I spared the option," she waved her hand dismissively, "Probably would've stolen all the spotlight, so.."

"Yeah, yeah. I got it." Asteria rolled her eyes playfully, making her mother pinch her cheek. The two chuckled at each other and made their way to the Great Hall.

"You look.. nice." Ron complimented the girl dressed in bright turquoise and gold ornaments. Padma just nodded with a forced smile, then looked at her sister with pleading eyes. Parvati gave her an almost invisible shrug.

Ron did not notice the interaction, being too invested into his own dress robes. He had managed to cut the laces off, but the colour was still hurting his eyes. And his somewhat maroon robes clashed horribly with the bright turquoise of his partner.

"So, where is Potter?" asked Blaise, standing beside his partner; Parvati. The two looked good together, with his 'old money' black dress robes going along with her pink dress and gold ornaments.

Ron shrugged. Why did Zabini care so much about Harry?

In all honesty, Blaise just wanted to see who Harry Potter had asked to the Ball. Who was that girl who he thought was better than his best friend?

He scoffed internally. His two girlfriends were the best-looking girls in their year, and he could bet on it.

"Hey there, Zabini." His other friend's voice made him turn.

Theodore was himself dressed in a grey tuxedo with his partner Daphne Greengrass in a grey dress as well.

Behind them, surprisingly, were Draco Malfoy and Sophie Scamander. Blaise panicked for a second, but left his breath in relief after seeing their arms linked with their respective partners; Pansy Parkinson and Justin Fish-Fishie.

He couldn't imagine losing their dear Sophie to Malfoy out of all people.

"Ron— Whoa.." Harry came in, but stumbled a step back in surprise after seeing the group. "Hey.. Merry Christmas." He attempted a smile, but awkwardly looked around when no one responded.

"Hey, Harry.." A soothing voice took his attention, and he gave a small smile. Celine smiled back in her royal blue satin dress and linked her arm with his. Harry cleared his throat out awkwardly.

"So.. you're going together?" asked Theodore. The boy in question took a double look, but nodded, then went back to looking around the crowed of students. Blaise and Theo exchanged a look.

'Celine Haynes? Out of all?' said the look Blaise gave.

Theo shrugged, then gave him a serious look. 'I mean, she's pretty. But Ria's prettier.'

Their heads turned as they looked for Asteria.

"Hermione?" Harry wondered in surprise, making every head turn towards her. The girl turned towards him— her arm linked with Viktor Krum's— and waved with a delighted smile. Everyone was so surprised that even Malfoy and Parkinson found no slur or insult to throw at her.

"Is that really Granger?" Padma Patil chuckled with surprise.

"No— No.. can't be." Ron croaked out in disbelief, still looking at Hermione and Krum. He felt a burning sensation in his chest, and he couldn't point out why.

"Are you fucking blind or what—" Sophie commented lazily from the back of the group, making Ron's eyes snap at her. "Oh.. wait. You can't figure out if you're jealous of Krum or Hermione.. right." The response made many in the group chuckle while Ron went red.

Then the oak doors opened wide. They saw the Hall illuminated with sparkling silver frost, with garlands of mistletoes and ivy crossing the black, starry ceiling.

Harry shook his head with a fond smile, staring off into a distance. Every time he saw stars, or even thought about them, Ria's face flashed through his mind. She'd always remind him of the stars, now.

"Champions over here, please!" McGonagall called out, and Harry's smile dropped.

"Let's go, Harry." Celine ushered, looking at the group of champions and their partners that stood over a distance. And while a lot of students waited around the door for the champions to enter, Harry looked at his partner, unable to find an answer.

What was he supposed to say? That he wasn't going in without seeing Asteria?

"Er— Can we—"

His answer was cut short as a pleasing click echoed through the chamber, and some heads turned towards the source.

Isabella Diggory smiled up at the stairs from the bottom, anticipatingly waiting for her daughter to show up.

After another set of clicks, Harry saw a heavenly body at the top of the stairs. Harry left the breath he had been holding.

There she was, Asteria Edwards, looking absolutely..

He couldn't even think of words.

Whispers and gushes broke out as she slowly ascended down the stairs, lifting her dress ever-so-slightly so she wouldn't trip. And as if someone had started a record player, electric guitars echoed through Harry's mind.

'There was a time
I was everything and nothing all in one'

Elton John's voice took over, and Harry's heart sped up as she neared him. She looked just as breathtaking as he had imagined— no.. even more.

Unexpectedly, her eyes snapped onto him, and she gave a small smile. Harry could feel his cheeks heat as he returned the smile.

'But it's something about the way you look tonight
Takes my breath away—'

The record player abruptly stopped as a hand extended from beside him. Asteria grinned, giving her hand into his, while Harry looked at the boy with an uncomfortable feeling building in his chest.

"You look beautiful.." Louis complimented. She blushed as he gently kissed her knuckles.

"You look great yourself." She replied, looking at the black tuxedo, impressed. Louis bowed a little and extended his arm, which she gladly took as the two walked towards her cousin.

Ria vividly remembered her mother's words from some minutes ago. "How about a bold, grand and breath-taking entry?"

She had smirked at her words. She loved grand entries.

"That was quite an entry, couz." Cedric smiled at his cousin as she walked by.

"Thanks, couz.." She then looked at Cho, who looked gorgeous in her cream robes. "Have fun, by the way." Ria winked at the two.

Harry watched with a baffled expression as they entered the Great Hall, and she laughed at something Bonheur had said. Celine quietly pushed his chin up to close his mouth, but scowled as he didn't acknowledge her action.

"Mr. Potter, if you're done glaring, please join the champions!" Minerva's stern voice broke his gaze, and he nodded, dragging Celine towards the three other pairs. He huffed in annoyance.

It was going to be a long night.

"Are you alright?" Ria asked her partner. He left a small breath and nodded, smiling at her.

"Just a little nervous." replied Louis, biting his lip. "Can't help when it's you.." He muttered under his breath.

Ria looked at him. "Hm?"

"Nothing."

They all clapped as the champions and their partners entered. In the front were Fleur Delacour and the Ravenclaw Quidditch captain, Roger Davies. Then came Hermione and Krum. Viktor, upon spotting Ria, gave a look to remind her of what he had said on the first day at Hogwarts.

"Too bad, she's not into Quidditch."

"Ve'll see."

Ria rolled her eyes playfully, but then beamed at his cousin, who returned a wide smile along with his partner. Her smile dared to fade, but she kept it still when Harry walked by with Celine.

He looked handsome, she wouldn't deny. The black robes fit him perfectly, his hair was combed neatly, but it still gave Ria the warm feeling his messy hair gave. And his emerald eyes.. She sighed intently and looked down, biting her lip as she felt her face heat up.

God, his eyes did wonders for some reason.

The pairs stopped in the centre. Professor Flitwick raised his baton to instruct his musicians, and soon a soft melody echoed through the Great Hall.

"Take my waist!" Celine whispered harshly, pulling him out of his trance.

"What?" He asked. The music started and it clicked him. He hesitantly put his hand on her waist as all the champions waltzed around the Hall. Harry forced an apologetic smile every time he stepped on her foot. He didn't know how Celine was tolerating him.

Soon, Dumbledore led McGonagall to the dance floor. Louis took a shaky breath in and stood in front of Asteria. "May I have this dance?" He asked, every word laced with charm. Ria took his hand as an approval. Louis smiled widely before twirling her and pulling her close by her waist. 

Harry tripped for the third time, making Celine groan quietly. "Sorry.." He sighed. His eyes dared to move towards Ria again, but he quickly retrieved them back.

After some time, the dance floor was full of students waltzing together in sync. Ria couldn't help but let her gaze wander towards a certain Gryffindor— other than her partner— several times. Though she dragged her eyes back to Louis every time, finding him looking at her the way Ria would look at her fantasy books.

Asteria sighed regretfully, looking at Louis's face. She felt guilty for imagining how it would've been if it was Harry instead. 

But, oh how she wished it was..

"Would you watch my foot?" Celine warned for the fourth time. Harry's eyes snapped at her and he apologised again.

Ria and Bonheur had just left the dancing crowd, and he couldn't help but let his eyes wander to find them.

Feet away from the dance floor, Ria and Louis laughed as they reached the round table. The girl had just creepily whispered 'would you like your Christmas present now, ferret?' into Malfoy's ear, making him lose his shit and run away, deserting his partner. Louis could've sworn he hadn't seen him so afraid before.

But Ria stopped laughing, remembering something. Her eyes went wide. "Hey! I'll be back in a moment, okay?" She asked, hurriedly walking away while the boy stared in confusion. "We'll dance again, don't worry!"

On the way, she found a familiar Ravenclaw drinking all by himself. "Hey, Josh! Need your help. Come here!"

She took his arm and dragged him to the dance floor, a little closer to where Isabella and Severus were dancing. Ria gestured him to dance with her. Josh stared in confusion, but obliged anyway, not really knowing what was happening.

"Mum.. Pssst— MUM!" She whispered harshly. Isabella looked around at the familiar voice, then her face lit up at her daughter's sight, but she made a face after seeing her partner.

"Wait— Your partner was blonde?" She asked. Her daughter rolled her eyes.

"No time for that— Can we swap?" asked Ria, and Josh raised an eyebrow.

She wanted to dance with Snape?

Isabella looked at Severus, who looked back at her with the same confused look. She then nodded. The two pairs let go of their partners and mixed up.

Ria, instead of pairing up with Snape, caught her mother and dragged her out of the crowd, while she stared at her in confusion. Isabella had thought that her daughter wanted to dance with her godfather.

The two males, who had thought the same, watched in confusion as the two left the dance floor. Josh's eyes went wide in regret. Who am I holding then?

He looked at his partner slowly, who did the same. Severus Snape, inches apart from him, peered into his soul with a dangerous glare.

Josh yelped in horror and jumped feet away from him. While the Professor just glowered at him in disgust, turning away quickly and hoping that no one had seen them.

"What happened? Did Bonheur do something? Oh, that little son of—"

"No! No, Mum. He has been wonderful! Calm down." Ria interrupted.

Isabella's tense shoulders slumped down with an 'oh', and she stared down at her daughter. "You're good at Charms, right?" Her mother nodded. Ria sighed in relief. "Can you do something for me?"

"So.. what else does she like? Obviously, we know about Quidditch—"

"Listen." Harry interrupted the babbling boy, quite frustrated with him. "Why don't you just go and ask her about what she likes?"

Louis shrugged, still not moving from the seat beside him. "Nah.. it wouldn't seem like a surprise factor then. I thought you were her good friend, so I thought I would—"

"I'm not her only good friend, alright?!" Harry interrupted again. "She has loads of good friends. Just go and ask one of them!"

The sinking feeling inside him couldn't stop. And over that, Louis Bonheur was sitting beside him, asking him about things Ria liked.

Why? Why couldn't he just find someone else?!

He caught a figure nearing them from the corner of his eye and looked up, only to be bedazzled by the girl herself. Ria smiled at Louis, wanting to not think about Harry and just enjoy the night.

"Oh! I thought you ditched me for a second.." Ria's date breathed out in relief after spotting her.

Harry rolled his eyes. Oh, how I wish..

"I wouldn't dare.." she chuckled, grabbing the spare drink from his hand. "Thank you."

Louis chuckled, watching as she gulped it down quickly. "Wow! Slow down, Asteria!" The girl shook her head.

"No time! We have to dance!" She squealed, tugging at his arm. He laughed again, downing his drink quickly.

"Harry! Ron! What are you two all sulky about? Come on, let's dance!" Ria urged, tugging at Harry's heartstrings with that smile he loved.

"Yes, for the love of Merlin. Please." Celine muttered under her breath.

The music paused, and the students oohed in disappointment. Contrary to everyone, Asteria jumped in excitement.

She linked her hand with Louis's and dragged him on the dance floor. The music started again and Ria, along with many other wizards, grinned at the familiar beats of the Macarena.

She spotted her mother near the instruments, who pointed finger-guns at her. Ria returned the gesture. "Oh? That's what you were doing?" Louis chuckled, being too familiar with the beats as his father was a Muggle-born.

"I really wanted to dance on Macarena." Ria shouted over the loud instrumental, doing the Macarena routine like many of the students, and Dumbledore, on the dance floor. "But I knew they wouldn't play it."

"So you asked your mother to charm the instruments?" He raised an amused eyebrow.

And Ria smiled with the playful roll of her eyes. "It's Asteria Edwards. Nice to meet you."

Louis shook his head in adoration. "Well Miss. Edwards! I'd like to know you more, then." His reply came, making her look at him. But no one stopped dancing.

"Valentine's day?" He asked.

"That's a month away!"

Louis shrugged. "I don't wanna be late." He added.

Asteria opened her mouth to reply, but something held her back.

Someone held her back.

She scolded herself mentally, ignoring the feeling, and smiled at her partner. "You aren't late." Bonheur grinned at her answer.

"So.. you wanna dance?" asked Celine, sipping on her drink. Harry shook his head.

"I don't like this song." He replied, making her frown. She just wanted to dance and enjoy.

"Where's your partner?" She asked the redhead at Harry's other side, who was looking at someone too.

"Who knows?" He shrugged. Padma had been asked by a Durmstrang boy. And now she was having a fun night.

"Do you wanna dance?" Celine asked hopefully.

"I don't like this song." Ron's similar reply only added fuel to her anger. She stared at the dancing crowd, slowly losing her bits of peace.

"Ruddy pumpkinhead, isn't he?" asked Ron, and Harry couldn't agree more.

He watched as Louis whispered something in Ria's ear, making her laugh. He scowled, clenching his jaw in anger.

What had she seen in him? It had been what— 4 months since he had come here!

"Are you going to ask me to dance at all?" Celine asked, her teeth gritted. Harry didn't pay attention. Instead, his eyes travelled everywhere Ria went.

He suddenly felt a sharp pain in his cheek. He winced, finally looking at her.

Celine glowered at him. "That, Harry Potter, is for ruining my Ball night. Thank you." She growled, walking away from the two boys.

Harry rubbed his cheek, trying to spot Ria again, but she was nowhere in sight now. "I'm done with this Ball.." he muttered in annoyance, getting up from his chair and fetching his jacket.

"Where are you going?" Ron asked.

To Ria's dorm.. maybe she has left the Ball.

"To sleep."

Harry snatched his bow tie off, walking absentmindedly through the corridor with his jacket loosely hung on his arm. His steps stumbled here and there lazily, but he paid no mind.

It was just one night, but it felt like Louis had ruined his entire life.

He was like a cloud, hiding Ria away from Harry, making sure he'd never get to see her again.

"Mistletoe?" A voice that was too familiar to him, questioned.

Anxiously, his heart picked up pace. He hurried towards the voice, but made sure that his steps weren't heard. He peeked around the wall, and his heart crushed at the sight.

Louis slowly pulled away from Ria's face, looking deeply into her eyes as his arms were loosely hung around her waist.

Ria looked too shaken to even say anything. Bonheur took a small step away from her and nodded politely, giving her the smallest of smiles. Her face went scarlet.

"See you soon, love.." The boy walked away with that, while the young Edwards stood there blushing. She gave a small chuckle and breathed out, going even redder.

"So.. he's handsome.. and respectful." The portrait of Cassandra grinned at her, while Ria shook her head playfully, grinning back with a huff.

"Shut up, Cassandra."

Harry stared, half in confusion, half in anger. Unexpectedly, the girl looked at him. She raised an eyebrow. "Harry?"

The boy walked towards her. "When did you— I didn't notice you.."

Harry clenched his jaw. He didn't know why.. but he felt betrayed; he felt heartbroken.

"It's fine.. you would've been too busy to notice me."

Ria furrowed her eyebrows at his response. Then he took a step back to leave. "Perfectly fine.. you carry on."

"What the fuck is wrong with you?" She chuckled sarcastically.

He tilted his head in question and chuckled with the same tone. "What's wrong with me? No! What's wrong with you, Asteria?" He asked, his tone of accusation.

She stared at him in disbelief. "What do you mean? What did I even do?" She retorted back, steadily losing her peace.

The voice in Harry's mind overtook Ria's and did nothing but persuade his anger even more.

"Bonheur—"

"What about him?" She cut him off angrily, standing to Louis's defence. Why couldn't she just go out with someone in peace?

"You've known him for what? A month?"

"And what about it?" Ria chuckled in disbelief.

Harry looked lost for words. "It's clear, isn't it?" The girl in front raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms over her chest. "You— You're being irresponsible." He hesitated.

"Wow.. What a great excuse!" She chuckled sarcastically. "If I had thought like that two years ago.. I wouldn't be here, standing in front of you, wearing this stupid ring you gifted me last Christmas!" She showed him her hand.

"I'm just looking out for you—"

"Looking out?! This is what you call looking out?" The Slytherin accused, and a small clutter of voice made her stop.

No.. No. This was wrong..

And as she took a step back, a sense of insecurity hit her. She rubbed her arm, feeling a cold shiver glide down her body. "Go to sleep, Harry.."

The boy, who clearly didn't catch the intention of her words, just replied, "Yes, I am looking out for you! You can't just go around snogging everyone you see!"

The girl stopped again, feeling the walls she built around her emotions crack up. She didn't know if it was anger or heartbreak that gave her that made her vision blur.

Ria turned around, her expressions cold. "Well.. You'd like to know, I have the liberty to snog anyone I want, and you don't need to have a say in it."

She turned around again, walking up to her dorm that was held open by Cassandra. 'What does she think of herself? How dare she? How is she so insufferable?' A voice in Harry's head thundered, and for no damn reason he felt himself give in to it again.

"You're wrong, Asteria."

"And you aren't?" She asked, turning back around and facing him, her eyes brimmed with tears. "You aren't wrong for judging me like this? Going around snogging everyone— is that what you think of me, Harry?"

Harry looked at her. His eyes went soft as realisation dawned. He finally found Ria's soft voice overpowering the other one in his head.

"For your kind information.. When Louis and I were under the mistletoe, all he did was kiss my cheek and back away. Because he didn't know how I felt about him yet." She explained. "And be grateful, I'm giving you an explanation even when I don't owe you one."

The silence after her words hung in the air, and then she chuckled. "Well.. now that I've already given out unnecessary explanations.. let me give you some very necessary advice, too." She wiped the lone tear away off her cheek. "Next time you act, think about it more than once, or at least just once. Not only for yourself, but for the sake of the other person too."

Ria admired him for a little longer as he frowned and looked down, as he felt a wave of regret wash over him. She rolled her eyes. 

It should be illegal for someone to look that innocent. I'm mad at him and I wanna stay that way.

She shook her head, then walked inside her dorm and closed the portrait, but left the door ajar for the last time. "And next time you kiss someone and want to make them forget about it by confusing them, make sure you use the right spell.. Confundus is the name of the Charm." His eyes snapped at her again. "The spell is Confundo."

Harry's heart dropped. He had used the wrong spell.. That meant she remembered the night they had kissed. Regret filled him up slowly.

"Or better.." Ria chuckled, "..just don't kiss someone you don't feel for.. It might hurt the other one who actually does." Her voice broke at the end, then she furiously pulled the ring out of her finger and chucked it at him, finally closing the door.

Harry quickly caught it, feeling his heart ache. Oh, Merlin.. what did she think of him now?

"No— Ria! I'm sorry! Please!" He urged the door to open. Why? Why did I have to be so stupid?

"Ria, wait— Why aren't you opening?" He asked the lady in the portrait. Cassandra just glared back at him angrily.

"Leave!" The heartbroken girl's hoarse voice thundered from inside, then she muffled out a sob.

Harry's eyes went wide in regret. He knew about how bad the consequences of her uncontrolled magic were. "Ria, please! Listen to me— Cassandra! It could hurt her— please-"

"She's fine— Just leave!" The portrait warned, then pulled the curtain on him.

"No! Ria— Ria, I'm sorry—"

"JUST LEAVE!" She screamed again, her voice too close to the door.

"Love, please calm down.. let me in, I could help.." he croaked out again. Bricks of regret hit him repeatedly with every muffled sob, silent cry and even the mere sniffs that came from her.

The girl inside took her wand from the table with a shaking hand. She wouldn't admit, but deep down, she knew she was terrified of her powers. "Accio Draught of Peace."

And she hated it.

With a swift movement, she caught the bottle that swooshed towards her and, like always, she drowned her feelings into that sweet drink.

She scowled at the taste; the sweet and calm that everyone would've enjoyed was turning more bitter and unsettling with every swig. The potion always reminded her of how pathetic she was, how she had no control. And she wanted it to stop.

"You want to help? Just leave me alone and I'll be fine." Ria breathed out, but made sure the person behind the door had heard. She heard an incoherent response, but she interrupted him. "Please!"

A heavy sigh was heard, and then his footsteps faded away. Ria breathed out, wiping her tear-stained face clean, but suddenly a burning sensation stopped her.

She looked at her left hand, wincing at the feeling. Her mouth went agape at the sight of a golden light on her forearm. It formed some sort of shape— or was she just overthinking?

Before she could figure out what it was, the portrait door opened. Sophie halted at the sight of her, almost in shock.

"What is it?" Ria questioned the girl's expression.

Sophie stared at her. "I thought I saw your eyes—" She then shook her head. "Nevermind."

"No, I meant.. why do you look like you've cried?" At the enquiry, tears formed in the girl's eyes again.

Asteria wordlessly walked towards her, taking her into a hug. The girl dug her face into her best friend's shoulder, crying.

"Who?" questioned Ria, and though her tone was soothing, anyone would've seen her eyes gleam in anger.

"He said he couldn't do it anymore. Sa— Said I was too boring, a basic bitch—"

Her sentence wasn't even completed, and the portrait was swung open by Ria with her wand held tight in her hand. "No— Ria! Don't—" the girl urged, pulling her back.

"Sophie, don't even think I'm going to let him off with that—"

"He got what he deserved, already." She interrupted, making the Slytherin turn around in confusion.

The young Scamander's face went a shade deeper. "Mal— Malfoy.. He hexed him and transformed him into a cockroach." She explained, with tears still streaming down her face.

This only increased Asteria's confusion, since she had clearly threatened the boy to stay away from her best friend.

While the portrait was open, another girl walked in, wiping her tears. "I can't believe it! How could he?"

"Hermione? What happened?" Ria asked. The girl broke down into sobs and she comforted yet another crying mess on her shoulder that night.

"He just had to ruin it— Why?"

"Shh.."

"Arseholes! Just a bunch of arseholes they are." Sophie muttered.

Ria nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I know—"

"Why?! Just why?" Hermione cried again, and Ria figured half her overflowing emotions were an effect of the mead-mixed butterbeer that they had earlier.

"I understand you two's sentiments—"

"I say kill them!"

"Please!"

"Drug them!"

"Burn them!"

"Stab their eyes out!"

"Deball them!"

"Okay, this is going too far, y'all need to calm down!" Ria shouted suddenly.

The two girls stopped, then simultaneously choked out another set of sobs, leaning on each other for comfort.

Asteria just shut her eyes close and rubbed her face in pure annoyance. She then nodded, ignoring the two sobbing girls, and sighed.

Time to be the mama hen, I guess..

Her next hour consisted of making sure they had calmed down. She took off their shoes and helped both of them get in Sophie's bed, since the two practically refused to let go of each other.

They were distraught to a level where Asteria had to fetch her guitar and sing them slow songs until the two had fallen asleep.

The girl made sure to grab Henry's neck the next morning and ask what was in those damn butterbeers, along with the mead.

Tired of all the chaos, Ria finally walked out of Sophie's room, closing the door behind her. She tilted her head back, looking at the ceiling as if silently questioning God if this was everyone's life, or if hers was just a poorly written fanfiction.

Out of habit, her hand went to fiddle with her ring, but she frowned after not finding it there. She breathed out.

It's okay.. it will be alright. I'll manage. 

I always do.

───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────

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