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Ariel Rosetta Anderson was an extraordinary child, marked by her unique talents and fiery temperament. By the age of four, she was levitating cutlery at dinner, much to the astonishment and occasional frustration of her non-magical father.

By the time she was eight, her temper tantrums could shatter glass, prompting her father, Michael Anderson, to tread carefully around his beloved yet unpredictable daughter. Despite his love and adoration, Michael felt a growing weariness, his hair turning grey under the strain of raising a magical child without any magic of his own. 

His relief was palpable when Ariel’s acceptance letter to Hogwarts arrived, promising some respite and guidance for his gifted child.

Now, as Ariel prepared to embark on her second year at Hogwarts, she hoped for a year without the chaos that seemed to follow Harry Potter. Ariel had known Harry from the numerous holidays their families spent together, where they often clashed over trivial matters, escalating into memorable arguments that seemed to entertain both families. Yet, despite their history of bickering, Ariel couldn’t help but feel a begrudging curiosity about him.

The previous year had been anything but ordinary. Ariel still resented the memory of being petrified by the Basilisk, a situation she felt could have been avoided if Harry had acted sooner. She often shared these grievances with her two best friends, Luna Lovegood and Ginny Weasley, during their back-to-school shopping trips in Diagon Alley.

Diagon Alley was like a second home to Ariel. She cherished the rich aroma of shepherd’s pie wafting from the Leaky Cauldron and the lively chatter of witches and wizards bustling about. The highlight, however, was reuniting with Luna and Ginny. As Ariel exited Madam Malkin’s Robes for All Occasions, she was greeted by an exuberant hug from her friends, their laughter echoing down the cobbled street.

As they perused the stores, saving Flourish and Blotts for last, Ginny’s excitement over the Defense Against the Dark Arts curriculum was infectious. “Look, we’re going to learn about Red-Caps, Hinky-Punks, and even Boggarts!” Ginny exclaimed, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.

Ariel, attempting to maintain her usual skepticism, shrugged. “Well, if the curriculum isn’t trash, then the teacher shouldn’t be too bad.” Despite her attempt at nonchalance, her laughter soon mingled with Ginny’s and Luna’s.

The trio’s afternoon of mischief came to an end after a playful incident resulted in their polite expulsion from Flourish and Blotts. As Ginny and Ariel returned to the Leaky Cauldron, they were greeted by the Weasley family, including Harry Potter. Ariel internally groaned but maintained a polite facade.

Harry, ever the gentleman despite their tumultuous history, approached Ariel with a smile full of silly humour. “Hello, I’m Harry Potter, but you probably know that. What’s your name?”

Ariel met his gaze, her voice cool yet cordial. “Ariel Anderson, in Ginny’s year.” With that, she turned away, leaving Harry puzzled by her apparent aloofness.

“What’s her problem?” Harry mused aloud, turning to Ginny. “I was just making a joke, and I thought we got along well enough, even with all the bickering during the holidays.”

Ginny, ever the mediator, shrugged sympathetically. “Ariel’s just…complicated. Give her time.”

As Ginny retreated to Ariel’s room, she found her friend smiling, a mix of nostalgia and anticipation in her eyes. Ginny sighed, sensing that this year at Hogwarts would be anything but ordinary. Perhaps, amidst the inevitable challenges, Harry and Ariel might finally find common ground.

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The Hogwarts Express was gleaming scarlet and ebony, the steam billowing out of the pipe. The students were excited as always, but the parents had worry etched all over their faces. Ariel couldn’t blame them; a serial killer with the name of Sirius Black was on the loose. She boarded the train and went into hers, Ginny’s and Luna’s compartment. Luna wasn’t there; she probably went into a compartment with Colin Creevy, a boy Ariel knew for a fact that Luna fancied.

“There you are! I was looking for you for ages.” Ginny’s voice snapped Ariel out of her thoughts. The train started with a jolt, and the girls fell onto the seats, a dramatic “OOMPH!” coming from the red-head.
Ariel snorted. “I was waiting here for you for ages.”
“Well, if you have three older brothers that go Hogwarts, you would be late as well.” replied Ginny with a faux-attitude, a smile trying to ruin her serious expression.
Ariel laughed; she loved the banter they had. It grounded her. Her school life was so much better than her home life. Her mother died when Ariel was so young that she can’t even remember the colour of her hair. And her father, well, he was so uninterested in Ariel’s life that sometimes Ariel had to remind herself that he wasn’t the Bloody Baron.

The girls fell into an easy silence, Ariel reading the DADA textbook and Ginny finishing off the last few pumpkin pastries. The sky turned into an inky-blue and both girls changed into their scarlet and gold robes. The train suddenly stopped, and both girls lurched forward. The lights flickered on and off, until they were gone for good.
“What’s going on?!” shouted Ginny somewhere in the darkness. Ariel tried to look for her in the blackout, but she tripped and hit her face in the window.
It was cold. Ice-cold. That shouldn’t happen. Ariel frantically looked for her wand, and told Ginny to do the same.
“Ariel! Ariel, where are you? Urgh, lumos!” The light from Ginny’s yew wand was weak, and it died after a few feeble flickers.
An idea sprouted in Ariel’s panic-ridden mind, and it was an idea she would not like. But she was desperate, and Ariel would certainly feel safer in the dark with a fully grown wizard.
“C’mon. Let’s go to your brother’s compartment. We’ll be safer there.” suggested Ariel, grabbing onto Ginny’s hand tightly.
The two girls ran hand-in-hand, Ariel’s heart in her throat and Ginny’s breathing erratic. Ariel looked back, and saw a billowy figure a few feet behind them. The air around them became colder, and Ariel could barely breathe, her lungs wanting to explode.
Sensing Ariel’s lack of breath, Ginny gripped her friend’s hand tightly and ran the last few feet. The red-head opened the door vigorously and the girls tumbled in; Ginny falling onto Neville Longbottom, a Gryffindor in the year above them, and Ariel falling into Potter’s arms.

“Ouch! Who’s there?” gasped Potter, groping in the darkness and accidently putting his hand over Ariel’s mouth.
She ripped his hand away and hissed, “It’s me, you prat-” but before she could finish her sentence, the dementor whooshed into the compartment, sucking away all the remaining hope and happiness. It stood still, scanning the room for something, or someone. Ariel didn't dare to move, not with the dementor right next to her. It swooped down, and before Ariel could make sense of anything, she was pushed out of the way of the dementor, the Boy Who Lived taking the full brunt of the attack.

The dementor began eating away at Potter, his screams drilling themselves into Ariel’s brain. Merlin, he was annoying, but Ariel would never wish a dementor upon him. Not even on the worst criminals. Finally, after a few seconds of torture, the professor that was the reason Ariel and Ginny came to this compartment stood up, and said loud and clearly, “Expecto Patronum!”. A wispy white shield filled the compartment, giving a sense of protection. It chased the dementor out, and the shield vanished. Ariel shakily got up, and went up to the now unconscious Harry Potter, placing him onto the seats and moving away numbly.

The professor walked to the unconscious boy, and whispered a spell. Potter woke up gasping for air like a fish out of water. The professor helped him up, and told him to calm down. He helped steady his breathing. He held his hand. He did everything that Ariel could’ve done but wouldn’t do. And then he left. Left only giving the shocked boy a chunk of chocolate.
Chatter did not come back as easily as it should have. Everyone was in a shocked ordeal. Especially Potter. Though Ariel resented him for reasons even she does not know, she truly felt sorry. The black-haired boy looked like he’d seen the tortured ghosts of his past, or saw a horrific future with death and destruction around the corner. And Ariel had no idea how to make him feel better. It’s not like it was her job; that was mainly for Ron and the brunette who she found out to be Hermione. But she was so close to being in Potter’s shoes. If he had not pushed her out the way, then who knows what Ariel’s current state of mind would be.

The train slowed down with a gentle lurch, the rhythmic clatter of the wheels fading as it pulled into Hogsmeade station. The students of Hogwarts left the train; first years going on the boat ride, and the older years riding the horseless carriages. The ride to Hogwarts was quiet. The dementor attack was still in their mind, toying with their morality like a cruel joke. After what seemed like an infinite silence with Luna, Ginny, Colin and Ariel not saying a word, they all made their way into the Great Hall, giving small smiles of encouragement to the nervous first years when they passed by.

The whole night was filled with a loud silence. The feast was hushed. The walk to the dormitories was muted. Even the girls in Ariel’s dormitory were speechless. It felt as if the whole of Hogwarts was holding its breath, and the silence would only cease when some rays of sunshine could be seen reflecting on the Black Lake. For now, it seemed that the students would replay their own traumatic events that happened during the last few hours to the castle, and let the cold memory haunt their thoughts, and in some cases, their dreams.

Chapter Text

Ariel felt a cold, empty shiver pour through her body like she was made of nothing but cracks. It felt like she could never experience happiness again. As if every joy-filled moment she had experienced meant nothing and just disappeared like a whisper in harsh winds. It felt like hours of this, days even, of Ariel floating in nothing as every bit of hope and happiness was removed from her heart.
She continued to float in the freezing void, trying her hardest to process what was happening and where she was. Ariel couldn’t open her eyes, as if they were being held down by a force she couldn’t feel. She sensed something moving around her, the faint sound of the swishing of a cloak being carried away in the chilly breeze. Ariel’s breathing became more rapid the closer it got to her, loud, unequal and ragged breaths echoing in the abyss.

Closer-

Louder–

.......

Silence.

The movement and ragged gasping had stopped just a few inches away from Ariel. Her breathing continued rapidly, now shaky, as she felt something looming over her. Something evil, corrupt, and devoid of life–
Something totally wrong.
Something icy and sharp rolled down Ariel’s face. It slowly moved down her cheeks furiously as her breathing grew more rapid when a cold, skinless hand grabbed the side of Ariel’s face. Long nails and boney joints dug into her, jerking Ariel’s face in their direction. Her eyes flew open as their nails dug deep into her skin, almost breaking the tissue.

Ariel’s eyes were blurry from tears as she watched the creature lean over her. It was large and billowy, the most un-human-like thing Ariel had seen. Where should’ve been a face was a terrifying mouth, enough teeth to bite off Ariel’s head clean. The only thing she could see of this creature besides the mutilated face was its pale, boney fingers and long cracked nails as they dug into Ariel’s dampened cheeks. She stared at the creature, terror rippling through her as they studied each other in the overwhelming silence.

The monster leaned closer into Ariel’s face, its death-like hands gripping her face tighter. Then it began sucking the soul out of her, like a kiss but with clear intentions to kill and torture. Ariel began screaming, as every remaining happy memory and thoughts were taken forcefully. The pain wasn’t just having her happiness taken away; it was much more. The longer the beast sucked out her soul, the more agony Ariel felt within her core, the very best and magical part of Ariel. The vile creature finally stopped, and let go of Ariel’s cheek. She felt total paralysis. The feeling was horrible. She wanted to stop the emptiness, but she couldn't.

It was like she was devoid of life. Like the shadowed terror took her will to live a happy life. The creature stood up, towering over her like a mountain, breathing in slightly like it would say something. But it was cut off by an echoing howl in the distance. She turned away from the shadowed terror, staring into the dark gray-blue sky and squinted into the blue-hazed distance as another ear-splitting howl echoed in the chasm. A small dot of a warm white light could be seen, growing closer with every tiny thud before eventually engulfing the creature.
The creature in question screeched out in pain, its pitch matching that of a whistling kettle as it turned into a big puff of smoke, quickly fleeing from the warm light. With a final howl, Ariel felt the ice-cold numbness be replaced with silky, warm sheets.

********************

Ariel woke up, gulping big, shuddery breaths of air to stop herself from crying, but the effort was futile. She felt warm tears flow down her already damp cheeks, the memories of her nightmare flashing in her mind. Ariel brought her knees to her chest and sobbed into them, pouring out all the fear and terror she hid last night into her tears.

No one heard. No one came up to her and offered words of comfort. Ariel did put a spell up, but a tiny part of her hoped that the magic would be weak enough to break.

She cried until she was out of tears, and when she finally stopped, Ariel got up on shaky legs and walked herself to the bathroom.
She went into the shower, and scrubbed her skin raw, trying to wash away the memories of the monster groping her. Ariel turned off the water and got into her scarlet and gold clad robes, even though it was only half past six.

She made her way back to the dormitories, her roommates fast asleep, and Ginny snoring louder than a lion’s roar.
Ariel picked up her bag from her trunk, and a muggle book to read in the common room. She trudged down the stairs and flopped onto the seat by the fireplace, opened her book and began reading it.
After rereading the same sentence for the fifth time, Ariel threw her book across the common room, hitting something with a light “Thud!” near the dormitory staircases.

“OUCH! What d’you think you’re doing, you slimy toe-rag?” The voice came first, and then the jet black hair and emerald green eyes with a slight annoyance hinted with sleepiness.
Ariel Anderson had hit Harry Potter with a book. She had never felt prouder.
Potter shuffled closer, and Ariel could notice that he was donned in his robes, however messy they were. His tie was askew, and his newly-cracked glasses were in his hand, a glare on his normally grinning face. It was a sight that made the angry girl burst into a fit of giggles, a half-hearted apology coming in between the childish-like laugh.

“Sorry?” asked the incensed boy indignantly, “What am I supposed to do with that? You broke my bloody glasses!” His anger only accentuating her laughter. Once the laughter subsided, Ariel got her alder wood wand and muttered the words “Oculus Reparo!”. The cracks on the glasses slowly disappeared, like a snake retreating from a predator.
Harry looked taken aback; he didn’t expect the girl that hated him to use her magic for him. Something flashed across her sun-kissed face, but it was too quick for Harry to make out. “I..uh…thanks.”

“No problem. Had to practice the spell anyway; got charms first period.” added Ariel, as if that explained everything.
She moved to retrieve her book and sit back down on the sofa, and Harry sat down with her, drumming his fingers lightly on his knees to distract himself from saying something stupid. “Soo..what’chu reading?” asked Harry, trying to diffuse the awkwardness between the two.

“Some muggle book. Though the plot became very boring so I gave up reading it.” answered Ariel, a grin taking over her angry features.
“Sounds like fun. I would ask to read it, but I’m Harry James Potter, not Hermione Granger in disguise.” drawled the boy, a mischievous twinkle filling his emerald eyes. Ariel laughed, the remaining of her sadness simmering away, being replaced with a happiness that she hadn’t felt since the summer hols.
All the doubts of this year being dreadful washed away. It was as if a switch in her mind had just flipped. She would try not to dwell on the past, but instead move forward; carving new memories each day.

Because, if she could finally be friendly with Potter, then the year might not be all bad.

Chapter Text

The first month of school passed like a breeze, with very few notable things happening. Quidditch trials were coming up, and Ariel practised her Chaser skills with every spare minute she got. 

She and Ginny clambered down the moving stairs and entered the Great Hall, opting to sit on the Ravenclaw table with Luna. “Oh, hello.” she dreamily greeted. “Have you come to eat with me?” asked Luna, lightly patting the spare seats beside her. 

“Yes Luna,” chuckled Ginny, “What do we have first?”  she asked, a biscuit in her mouth as she snatched Ariel’s timetable and scanned it. 

“I believe we have Defence Against the Dark Arts. I hear it’s our first practical lesson.” answered Luna, her usually calm and serene face breaking into a slight smile when Ginny squealed in delight. 

“Ginny, your aura is pulsing yellow. You might want to tone it down a bit, otherwise wrackspurts might infest your brain.” informed Luna, standing up while packing some fruits in her bag.  

“C’mon.” insisted Ariel, the trio walking hand-in-hand to the DADA classroom. 

The classroom was abuzz with nervous excitement as students filed into the Defense Against the Dark Arts room. Professor Lupin stood at the front, his kind eyes twinkling as he greeted them. Ariel, her mind swirling with a mix of anticipation and dread, took a seat next to Ginny and Luna, the latter squeezing her hand in reassurance. 

“I heard we’re going to face a boggart today,” Ginny whispered, her eyes wide.

Luna nodded dreamily. “I wonder if it’ll turn into a Blibbering Humdinger,” she mused.

“I hope not,” Ariel replied, her voice barely above a whisper. “I have no idea what mine would become.”

Professor Lupin clapped his hands, drawing their attention. “Alright, class, today we’ll be learning about boggarts. These creatures are shape-shifters, taking the form of whatever you fear most.”

As the lesson progressed, Ariel’s heart pounded. She watched as her classmates bravely approached the old wardrobe containing the boggart. Colin’s step-mum, a giant cockroach, and even a dog emerged, each quickly dispelled with laughter and the incantation “Riddikulus!”

Finally, it was Ariel’s turn. She stepped forward, her wand trembling slightly in her hand. The wardrobe door creaked open and out stepped… her mother. Her heart dropped. It wasn’t her mother as she remembered, full of life and laughter, but an empty, lifeless body. 

“Riddikulus!” Ariel shouted, her voice breaking. But nothing happened.

“Think of something funny, Ariel,” Lupin encouraged gently. “Something that makes you smile.”

With a deep breath, Ariel pictured her mother dancing awkwardly in the kitchen, trying to make her laugh. “Riddikulus!” she cried again, and this time, the boggart transformed into her mother wearing oversized clown shoes, doing a silly jig.

Laughter erupted in the room, and the boggart retreated back into the wardrobe. Ariel’s knees felt weak as she returned to her seat, Ginny giving her a reassuring pat on the back.

After class, Ariel lingered as the other students filed out.

“Professor Lupin,” she began hesitantly.

“Yes, Ariel?” Lupin replied, turning to her with a soft smile.

“On the train… there was this creature. It made me feel so cold and… empty. What was it?”

Lupin’s expression grew serious. “That was a Dementor. They feed on happiness, leaving you with your worst memories. It’s crucial to learn how to defend against them. If they continue to affect you, come to me.”

Ariel nodded, feeling a weight lift slightly from her shoulders. “Thank you, Professor.”

As she left the classroom, she felt a newfound determination. Facing her fears was just the beginning of her year.

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Ariel trotted down the grassy slope towards Hagrid’s hut, her heart lifting at the thought of meeting magical creatures. The sun shone brightly, casting a warm glow over the grounds. Beside her, Luna hummed a tune, seemingly in her own world, while Ginny chatted excitedly about what they might encounter.

Hagrid stood by the paddock, a broad grin on his face, as the students gathered around. “Alright, everyone! Today’s a special treat,” he announced, his booming voice full of enthusiasm. “We’re gonna meet some Kneazles, Puffskeins, and Nifflers!”

Ariel’s eyes widened with curiosity. She had heard about these creatures but never seen them up close.

Hagrid gently lifted a Kneazle from a pen, its bushy tail twitching. “Kneazles are great at detecting untrustworthy folks,” he explained. “Smart as a whip, too.”

Luna reached out, allowing the Kneazle to sniff her hand. “It’s beautiful,” she said, her eyes wide with wonder.

Hagrid chuckled. “Aye, they are. And over here are the Puffskeins,” he motioned to a cage filled with fluffy, round creatures that seemed to vibrate with excitement.

“They’re so cute!” Ginny exclaimed, reaching in to gently stroke one.

As the lesson continued, Ariel couldn’t help but overhear a group of Slytherins whispering nearby.

“Did you hear about Malfoy?” one of them said, trying to suppress a laugh. “Buckbeak gave him quite a scare.”

Ariel exchanged a glance with Ginny, who rolled her eyes. “Serves him right,” Ginny murmured under her breath.

Finally, Hagrid brought out a Niffler, its long snout already sniffing for treasures. “These little fellas love shiny things,” Hagrid said, holding up a Galleon. The Niffler lunged forward, snatching the coin with surprising speed.

Ariel giggled as the Niffler’s antics drew laughter from the class. She felt a sense of joy and belonging in these moments, surrounded by magic and friends.

After the lesson, on their way back to the castle, Ariel and her friends passed by the hospital wing. Curiosity piqued, Ariel peeked through the slightly ajar door. Inside, Draco Malfoy was lying dramatically on a bed, his arm wrapped in a bandage.

“Oh, it’s just terrible,” Draco wailed, casting a pitiful look at anyone who would pay attention. “That beast nearly took my arm off!”

Madam Pomfrey bustled around him, her expression one of mild exasperation. “You’ll live, Mr. Malfoy,” she said briskly.

Ariel stifled a laugh as she whispered to Ginny, “Guess we know who the overgrown chicken was.”

With amused smiles, they continued down the corridor, leaving Draco to his theatrics. Despite the challenges, Hogwarts truly felt like home to Ariel, filled with magic, laughter, and unforgettable moments.

Chapter Text

The brisk morning air was filled with anticipation as Ariel made her way down to the Quidditch pitch. The stands were beginning to fill with eager onlookers—students from every house, keen to see who would join the Gryffindor team this year.

Ariel felt a mixture of excitement and nerves fluttering in her stomach. She was determined to prove herself worthy of the coveted Chaser position left open by Alicia Spinnet, who had decided to focus on her studies.

As she approached the pitch, she caught sight of her fellow Gryffindors gathered together, their red and gold scarves standing out against the green of the field.

“Ariel!” called Fred Weasley, waving her over. “Ready to show us what you’ve got?”

“Absolutely,” Ariel replied with a confident grin, though her heart was pounding.

Oliver Wood, the team captain, stepped forward, clipboard in hand. “Alright, everyone, listen up!” he shouted, his Scottish brogue echoing across the pitch. “We’ve got one Chaser spot open, and we need the best of the best to fill it.”

Angelina Johnson and Katie Bell, the remaining Chasers, stood nearby, offering encouraging smiles.

“Don’t worry, Ariel,” Katie whispered. “You’ll do great.”

On the other side of the pitch, Potter and Ron were chatting with Hermione, the trio only coming due to Harry’s constant nagging to see if the team would win the House Cup this year.

“You’ll be brilliant, Ariel,” Ginny called out, standing next to Luna and Colin. “Just remember, it’s all about focus and strategy!”

The Slytherins were lurking at the edge of the field, snickering and making snide remarks. Draco Malfoy, with his usual smug expression, was leading the group.

“Looks like Gryffindor’s getting desperate,” he drawled. “Replacing Spinnet with a second-year?”

Fred and George exchanged a glance, rolling their eyes. “Ignore him, Ariel,” George said. “He’s just jealous he’s not on a team that actually wins.”

As the trials began, Oliver blew his whistle, and the players took to the air. Ariel felt the broom respond to her movements as she soared above the pitch, her eyes scanning for the Quaffle.

Angelina, acting as a temporary opponent, tossed the Quaffle in Ariel’s direction. Ariel leaned forward, her muscles tensing as she accelerated. She caught the Quaffle with precision, dodging an imaginary Bludger hit by Fred.

“Nice move, Ariel!” Fred shouted, his voice carrying over the wind.

The trial continued, with Ariel demonstrating her agility and quick reflexes. She executed a perfect feint, sending George spinning in the wrong direction, and scored a clean goal past Oliver.

As the session ended, Oliver gathered the hopefuls together. “Well done, everyone,” he announced. “Ariel, you’ve earned your spot as our new Chaser!”

Ariel beamed with pride as her friends rushed to congratulate her. She had done it - she was officially a member of the Gryffindor Quidditch team.

********************

After the exhilarating Quidditch trials, Ariel and her friends made their way back to Gryffindor Tower, their footsteps echoing through the stone corridors of Hogwarts. The Fat Lady’s portrait swung open with the  muttered password of “ Ursa Major ”, revealing the warmth and welcome of the Gryffindor common room.

The room was a cozy haven, filled with plush, mismatched armchairs and sofas clustered around a grand fireplace. The golden glow of the fire flickered off the scarlet and gold tapestries that adorned the walls, depicting heroic deeds of past Gryffindors. The scent of burning wood mingled with the faint aroma of old parchment and ink, creating a comforting atmosphere.

Ariel and her friends collapsed into a cluster of armchairs near the hearth, their cheeks flushed from the chill outside and the thrill of the trials.

“You were amazing out there, Ariel!” Ginny exclaimed, her eyes bright with admiration. “I knew you’d make the team.”

“Thanks, Ginny,” Ariel replied, grinning from ear to ear. “I couldn’t have done it without all of your support.”

Fred and George Weasley flopped down onto a nearby sofa, their expressions a mix of pride and mischief.

“Celebrate well, Ariel,” Fred said, raising an imaginary goblet. “To Gryffindor’s newest Quidditch star!”

As laughter and chatter filled the room, Harry Potter wandered over, a slight smirk playing on his lips.

“Nice flying out there, Ariel,” he said, his tone carrying a hint of sarcasm. “Maybe next time you can try not to run into people off the field too.”

Ariel felt a flush of embarrassment creep up her neck, remembering the earlier incident where she had accidentally bumped into Harry in the hallway.

“It was an accident, Harry,” she replied, trying to keep her voice steady. “But thanks for the compliment, I think.”

Ron, ever the peacemaker, interjected with a chuckle. “Come on, Harry, cut her some slack. You know how crowded those corridors can get.”

Hermione glanced up from her spot by the fire, a book open in her lap. “Honestly, Harry, you should be congratulating her properly,” she chided gently. “Ariel’s going to be a fantastic Chaser.”

Harry shrugged, a reluctant grin breaking through his facade. “Alright, alright. Welcome to the team, Ariel. Just watch out for Fred and George—they’ve been known to play a prank or two.”

The tension dissolved as Ariel and Harry exchanged amused glances, and the common room returned to its usual lively buzz.

Ariel leaned back into her armchair, feeling a sense of belonging and excitement for the year ahead. She was part of something special, something that even Potter’s jabs couldn’t ruin. 

********************

Days, weeks and even months flew by before it was time for the Easter holidays. Ariel stayed behind, not wanting to stay with the ghost she called “Dad”. With Ginny and Luna gone, Ariel spent most of her days in the Common Room, poring over her Potions essay for Snape. 

The Gryffindor common room was a haven of warmth and comfort, with the fire casting flickering shadows that danced on the walls. Ariel sat at a corner table, her focus intensely fixed on the Potions essay before her. Each word was carefully chosen, each line meticulously crafted, knowing Professor Snape would expect no errors.

Harry burst through the portrait hole, his excitement palpable after a particularly thrilling Quidditch practice. “Dean! You should have seen the dive I made for the Snitch! It was brilliant!” he called out, his voice echoing in the nearly empty room.

Caught up in his enthusiasm, Harry didn’t notice Ariel hunched over her work. As he gestured animatedly, he accidentally knocked into her elbow.

Ariel’s quill skittered across the page, the ink spreading like a dark cloud over her carefully written words. Her heart sank as she watched her hard work dissolve into chaos.

“Harry!” Ariel’s voice was sharp, cutting through the air like a knife. “Look what you’ve done!”

Harry turned, realization dawning as he saw the ink-stained parchment. “Oh, Ariel, I’m really sorry! I didn’t mean to-“

Ariel’s frustration boiled over, her face flushed with anger. “Sorry doesn’t fix this,” she snapped, trying in vain to blot the ink. “This essay was half my grade, and now you ruined it!”

Harry reached out, his expression earnest. “Let me help you fix it,” he pleaded, but Ariel pulled away, her temper flaring.

“Help? Like how you ‘helped ’ Neville in Herbology? No thanks,” she retorted, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

The common room had grown quieter, the few students present now openly watching the unfolding drama. Harry felt their eyes on him, a rising heat spreading across his face.

“I really didn’t mean it,” Harry insisted, his voice tinged with desperation. “It’s just… there’s so much on my mind.”

Ariel crossed her arms, her gaze unyielding. “Right, because only Harry Potter has problems,” she shot back, her voice icy.

Harry’s frustration spilled over, his voice rising defensively. “You think I like being the center of attention? Everything I do, it’s like I’m under a magnifying glass.”

Ariel’s eyes flashed with indignation. “Maybe if you didn’t act like you loved it, people wouldn’t always be watching!”

Around them, whispers began to ripple through the room, curious murmurs that only added to Harry’s growing embarrassment. He felt cornered, his emotions twisting inside him.

In a moment of anger, he said the words he would immediately regret. “At least I have something worth watching. My parents may be dead, but at least they cared for me!”

The room fell silent, the weight of his words hanging heavily in the air. Ariel’s face blanched, her eyes filling with tears she couldn’t control.

“You don’t know anything about me, Harry,” Ariel’s voice cracked with a mixture of hurt and anger.

Turning on her heel, she fled the room, leaving a stunned silence in her wake. The whispers grew louder, speculation buzzing like bees around Harry, who stood rooted to the spot, regret crashing over him.

In her dormitory, Ariel collapsed onto her bed, her cat Blanco curling up beside her, offering silent comfort. Tears flowed freely as she buried her face in his fur, her mind replaying the harsh exchange.

Back in the common room, Harry sank into a chair by the hearth, his heart heavy with remorse. He wished he could take back his words, but the damage was done, leaving him to ponder how he might ever make amends.

Chapter Text

Ariel heard the twelve chimes of the Common clock. It was midnight, but Ariel was not tired at all. She sat on the edge of her bed in the Gryffindor dormitory, the emptiness being a painful balm, staring out at the rain-streaked window. Harry’s words echoed painfully in her mind: “My parents may be dead but at least they cared for me!”, each syllable cutting deeper than the last. 

The Easter holidays had left the common room eerily quiet, devoid of the usual chatter and laughter. With the lack of laughter, Ariel was left alone to stew in her thoughts. She felt a pang of jealousy at her  friends’ absence - an absence that made her confrontation with Harry feel even more isolating. Ariel hugged her knees to her chest, wishing she could share her burdens with someone, but the fear of being a burden herself kept her silent.

Despite never being friends, Ariel and Harry had known each other through Ron and Ginny. They moved in similar circles, sharing common friends and memories in the summer. However, an unspoken tension always lingered between them, rooted in misunderstandings and unvoiced assumptions.

That day, the argument had erupted unexpectedly. Ariel had made a passing comment about always loving the attention, not realizing how deeply it would cut Harry. His retort, sharp and unyielding, left Ariel reeling. She hadn’t meant to start an argument, but the damage was done.

When her friends returned, she plastered on a smile she’d been practicing in the mirror for days, hiding the turmoil inside. Ginny seemed to notice something amiss but said nothing, wanting to find out more before coming to a conclusion. Ariel was grateful, not wanting to be a burden, but a small part of her just wanted someone, anyone , to hug her and ask what was wrong. 

Determined to keep her problems to herself, Ariel avoided discussing the argument. Whenever she saw Harry, she couldn’t help but give him a hard shove in the corridors, a physical manifestation of the anger simmering beneath her surface. Their eyes would lock briefly, a silent challenge hanging between them, but neither would speak.

One day, while wandering the quiet corridors, Ariel stumbled upon Luna sitting on the cold stone floor, tears streaming silently down her cheeks.

“Luna,” Ariel whispered, crouching down beside her. “What’s wrong?”

Luna looked up, her eyes filled with an unusual vulnerability. “It’s the Ravenclaws,” she said quietly. “They’ve been awful. They think I’m strange… call me names.”

Ariel’s heart ached for her friend. “Luna, you’re brilliant just the way you are,” she said fiercely. “Don’t let them get to you.”

Luna managed a weak smile. “Thank you, Ariel.”

The next day, Ariel’s resolve was tested. She encountered a group of Ravenclaws in a deserted corridor, their harsh laughter bouncing off the walls like a cruel chorus. Luna stood against the wall, her shoulders hunched as insults cut through the air.

“Loony Lovegood, lost her mind again!” one jeered, their voices dripping with malice.

Ariel’s anger flared like wildfire, her hand clenching her wand tightly. “Leave her alone!” she shouted, stepping forward, her eyes blazing with defiance.

The Ravenclaws sneered, stepping forward with wands drawn. “What are you going to do about it, Gryffindor?”

Without hesitation, Ariel raised her wand. “ Flipendo !” she cried, her voice fueled by a mixture of fury and resolve.

The corridor erupted into chaos. Spells shot through the air, ricocheting off the stone walls. Ariel dodged a Bat-bogey hex, her reflexes sharp from Quidditch training, and retaliated with a “ Petrificus Totalus !”, each movement driven by protective instinct.

Ariel’s heart pounded in her chest, adrenaline coursing through her veins. The duel was fierce, spells flying like fireworks, each strike filled with determination to protect Luna.

In the end, the Ravenclaws retreated, leaving Ariel and Luna victorious but breathless, the tension of the moment still crackling in the air.

********************

Later, in Professor McGonagall’s office, Ariel accepted her detention without complaint. Her only regret was not being able to shield Luna from harm sooner.

As Ariel returned to the common room, the unspoken tension between her and Harry simmered. She caught his gaze, filled with an unyielding challenge, and couldn’t resist giving him a slight shove as she passed by. Their friends were growing concerned, the divide between them becoming more apparent with each encounter.

For Ariel, the path forward was clear: protect those who matter, even if it meant facing the consequences (and Harry) head-on.

********************

The return of students’ energy brought a renewed liveliness to Hogwarts, the castle buzzing with laughter and chatter. Yet, amidst the vibrant atmosphere, Ariel felt like an outsider, her mind a storm of unresolved emotions.

Ginny, ever observant and intuitive, noticed the shift in Ariel’s demeanor immediately. Normally lively and quick to smile, Ariel now moved through the halls with a subdued air, her thoughts seemingly far away.

Ginny’s concern deepened one afternoon when she overheard a conversation between Harry, Ron, and Hermione. She had paused outside the common room door, drawn by the familiar voices.

“I shouldn’t have said it,” Harry admitted, regret evident in his tone. “But Ariel knows how to push every button. She’s just so… stubborn.”

Ron groaned in response. “Mate, you did kind of hit below the belt.”

Hermione’s voice was calm and rational. “You both need to talk it out. This tension isn’t helping anyone.”

Ginny decided then and there to speak with Ariel. She found her friend later that evening, nestled in a corner of the common room, an untouched Transfigurations book open in her lap. Ariel stared into the fireplace, her thoughts clearly elsewhere.

“Hey,” Ginny said softly, pulling up a chair beside her. “Mind if we talk?”

Ariel looked up, a flicker of apprehension in her eyes. “Of course, Ginny. What’s up?”

“Actually, it’s about you,” Ginny replied, her voice gentle but insistent. “I overheard Harry talking to Ron and Hermione. He mentioned your argument.”

Ariel’s expression tightened, and she glanced away, her fingers tracing the edges of the book’s pages. “It’s nothing, really. Just a stupid argument.”

Ginny leaned forward, her gaze unwavering. “Ariel, I know you. It’s not nothing. I want to help, but I can’t unless you let me in.”

Ariel sighed, a heavy breath that seemed to carry the weight of her turmoil. “It’s just… Harry said something really hurtful,” she began, her voice barely above a whisper. “And I know I shouldn’t have reacted the way I did, but it cut deep.”

Ginny nodded, giving her the space to continue. “What did he say?”

“He said… he said at least his parents cared for him,” Ariel confessed, her voice cracking as she relived the sting of the words. “I know he didn’t mean it, but it hurt.”

Ginny’s eyes softened with empathy. “Ariel, I’m so sorry. That must have been really painful to hear.”

Ariel nodded, her gaze fixed on the flames dancing in the fireplace. “I just can’t face him right now, Ginny. I don’t even want to look at him.”

Ginny reached out, clasping Ariel’s hand in hers, offering silent support. “You’re not a burden, Ariel. You’re our friend, and we care about you. It’s okay to take your time. You don’t have to talk to him until you’re ready.”

Ariel felt a small wave of relief wash over her, grateful for Ginny’s understanding. “Thanks, Ginny. I just need some space to sort things out.”

Ginny smiled warmly, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “And when you’re ready, I’ll be right there with you, ready to punch the toe-rag. We all will.”

The two sat in companionable silence, the warmth of the fire casting a comforting glow around them. Ariel felt the tension in her chest begin to ease, if only slightly, as she realized she wasn’t alone in this.

With friends like Ginny, Ariel knew she could navigate her tangled web of emotions and mess, even if it meant taking each day as it came, one step at a time.

Chapter Text

The Gryffindor common room bustled with the ambient chatter of students winding down from the day, but for Ariel, it was as if the world had narrowed to a single point of focus: the silent, lingering tension between her and Harry Potter.

Ariel sat at a corner table, her books spread out before her, but her eyes were lost in the flickering dance of the fire. She tried to concentrate on her Transfiguration notes, but her mind kept drifting back to the sharp exchange with Harry. His words had cut deeper than she’d let on, and the sting of them lingered like a bruise.

Across the room, Harry was huddled with Ron and Hermione, his head bent as they whispered over a scroll of parchment. The sight of him sent a ripple of discomfort through Ariel, but she forced herself to look away, focusing instead on the task at hand.

The decision to ignore each other had been mutual, an unspoken agreement to pretend as if nothing had happened. Yet, the silence between them was anything but peaceful. It was a silent storm, each drop of rain a reminder of what had been said.

Ginny sat down beside Ariel, casting a sidelong glance in Harry’s direction. “You okay?” she asked softly, her voice barely audible over the crackling fire.

Ariel nodded, offering a small smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I’m fine,” she replied, turning a page in her textbook as if to prove her point.

Ginny didn’t press further, understanding the delicate dance of pride and hurt that Ariel was navigating. “You know, sometimes it’s easier to just talk it out,” she suggested gently.

Ariel sighed, her gaze flickering back to Harry. “I know,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “But it’s not that simple.”

Silence settled between them once more, comfortable in its familiarity. Ariel appreciated Ginny’s presence, a steady anchor in the turbulent sea of her thoughts.

As the evening wore on, Ariel found herself stealing glances at Harry, each time finding him immersed in conversation with Ron and Hermione. It was frustrating, this invisible wall they had erected, each too proud to be the first to break it down.

Yet, beneath the surface, there was a quiet understanding. They both carried burdens, different yet equally heavy, and perhaps in time, they would find a way to shoulder them together. But for now, the silence would have to suffice.

The fire crackled softly, casting a warm glow over the common room, and as the night deepened, Ariel leaned back in her chair, her thoughts drifting into the realm of dreams, where words were not needed, and forgiveness came as naturally as breathing.

********************

Ariel found herself standing in the bustling halls of Hogwarts, yet an unsettling silence enveloped the scene. The enchanted ceiling of the Great Hall seemed to close in on her, dark clouds swirling menacingly overhead. Every face she passed was blurred, their whispers growing louder, a cacophony of judgments echoing through her mind.

Desperate to escape, Ariel hurried towards the Gryffindor common room. The Fat Lady’s portrait glared down at her, her eyes sharp and unforgiving. “Password?” she demanded, but the words caught in Ariel’s throat, slipping away each time she tried to speak. The portrait slammed shut with a finality that sent a shiver down her spine.

Panic surged through Ariel, her chest tightening as she spun around, her surroundings shifting with a dizzying speed. She was in the library again, but the shelves loomed tall and foreboding, filled with ink-stained parchment and broken quills, mocking her ruined essay. The room seemed to close in, the walls whispering her failures until she could bear it no longer.

Ariel turned to flee, her heart pounding in her chest. The corridors twisted into a maze, and she found herself in a shadowy room where Ginny and Luna stood eerily still. “We can’t help you,” Luna’s voice echoed, each word a nail driving into Ariel’s mounting fear.

Before she could respond, the scene shifted violently. She was outside on the Quidditch pitch, the sky a swirling tempest of dark clouds. Lightning flashed, illuminating Harry as he stood alone in the storm’s eye, his face a mask of regret and apology.

Ariel opened her mouth to cry out, to reach across the chasm between them, but the words were snatched away by the howling wind. Harry’s hand reached for hers, but a violent gust tore them apart, his figure dissolving into the storm. The pitch began to crumble beneath her feet, and Ariel felt herself falling, tumbling through the void.

The dreamscape morphed once more, thrusting Ariel back into the Gryffindor common room. The fire’s warmth was gone, replaced by a cold, oppressive darkness. She was alone, the silence pressing down on her, suffocating.

********************

With a gasp, Ariel jolted awake, her heart pounding wildly. She choked out a sob while tears streamed down her face, the remnants of panic clinging to her consciousness. The room was silent, save for the soft crackling of the fire, a stark contrast to the chaos of her nightmare.

Ginny stirred beside her, concern etched on her face. “Ariel, are you okay?” she whispered, gently placing a comforting hand on Ariel’s shoulder.

Ariel nodded, wiping away her tears, but the weight of the dream lingered. It was time to confront her fears, to mend the rift with Harry, and to find peace within herself.

********************

The Hogwarts library was a cathedral of knowledge, its towering shelves stretching towards a vaulted ceiling that seemed to echo with the whispers of countless students who had walked its aisles over the centuries. Soft, golden light filtered through high, arched windows, casting warm pools of illumination across the polished wooden tables.

Ariel entered the library, the familiar scent of parchment and ink wrapping around her like a comforting embrace. She found solace in this quiet sanctuary, where the only sounds were the soft rustling of pages and the distant murmur of Madam Pince’s footsteps.

As she wandered through the labyrinth of shelves, her attention was caught by a soft, muffled sobbing. Curious and concerned, Ariel followed the sound, weaving through rows of ancient tomes and past the towering section on magical creatures.

In a secluded corner, tucked away behind a fortress of books, she found Hermione Granger. Hermione sat hunched over a table, her bushy hair forming a curtain around her face as she struggled to stifle her tears. Several open books lay scattered around her, their pages covered in dense, handwritten notes.

Ariel paused, unsure whether to intrude on what was clearly a private moment. But the sight of Hermione’s distress tugged at something deep inside her, and she stepped forward, her voice gentle and tentative.

“Hermione? Are you okay?”

Hermione looked up, her eyes red-rimmed and glistening with unshed tears. She hastily wiped her face with the back of her hand, trying to regain composure. “Oh, Ariel… I didn’t see you there,” she said, her voice thick with emotion.

Ariel offered a sympathetic smile, pulling out a chair to sit across from her. “What’s wrong?” she asked softly, genuinely concerned.

Hermione hesitated, glancing down at the open book before her. “It’s Buckbeak,” she finally admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “They’ve decided… they’re going to execute him.”

The weight of her words hung heavily in the air, and Ariel felt a pang of empathy. “That’s awful,” she said, her heart going out to both Hermione and the majestic creature she had come to admire during Hagrid’s lessons.

Hermione nodded, her expression a mixture of frustration and despair. “I just… I don’t know what to do,” she confessed, her voice breaking slightly. “It feels so… unjust.”

Ariel reached across the table, placing a comforting hand over Hermione’s. “Maybe we can figure something out together,” she suggested, her voice filled with determination.

Hermione looked at her, a flicker of hope igniting in her eyes. “You’d help me?” she asked, as if the idea of not facing this alone was a lifeline she hadn’t expected.

“Of course,” Ariel replied, her resolve firm. “Buckbeak deserves a chance, and so do you. Let’s see what we can do.”

In that moment, amidst the silent sentinels of books and the hushed ambience of the library, a friendship began to form. It was a bond forged in shared purpose and mutual respect, and as they leaned towards one another, whispering plans and possibilities, the library felt warmer, more alive, echoing their shared hope.

********************

The Quidditch pitch was a tempest of activity, the sky above roiling with storm clouds that cast a dark shadow over the field. Sheets of rain lashed against the stands, and the rumble of thunder provided a dramatic backdrop to the already tense atmosphere. Despite the weather, the stands were packed, students huddled under umbrellas and charmed raincoats, their cheers swallowed by the howling wind.

Ariel braced herself against the elements, her scarlet Gryffindor robes clinging to her as she hovered on her broomstick. Beside her, Katie Bell and Angelina Johnson shared a determined nod, their faces set with resolve. As Chasers, they were ready to face the challenge head-on.

Madam Hooch’s whistle barely cut through the storm, but it was enough to signal the start of the match. Ariel surged forward, her grip firm on the Quaffle as she navigated the blustering winds. The rain stung her face, each droplet a reminder of the storm’s ferocity.

The game was a chaotic dance, the players struggling to maintain control amid the driving rain. Ariel squinted through the downpour, passing the Quaffle to Angelina, who ducked a Bludger sent her way by a Hufflepuff Beater.

High above, Harry was a determined silhouette against the turbulent sky, his search for the Golden Snitch relentless despite the challenging conditions. His presence was a beacon of hope for the Gryffindor team.

The match was a test of endurance, each team fighting not only each other but the elements as well. Ariel’s muscles ached from the cold, but she pushed forward, her focus unyielding.

Suddenly, a bone-chilling cold swept across the pitch, more piercing than the rain. Ariel’s heart skipped as she caught sight of a Dementor descending into the stadium, its dark form menacing against the stormy backdrop.

Panic rippled through the crowd, and Ariel’s gaze snapped to Harry, his broom shuddering in the air. The Dementor’s presence was overwhelming, its icy aura spreading fear and confusion.

Before Ariel could react, Harry began to fall, his broom spinning wildly out of control. Her instincts took over, and she dove towards him, her broom slicing through the rain-soaked air.

“Harry!” she shouted, her voice barely audible over the storm. As she reached him, she grasped his arm, her grip unyielding despite the adrenaline and rain.

With all her strength, Ariel guided his unconscious form towards the ground, landing with a jarring thud that sent shockwaves through her body. The realization of his condition hit her as she half-carried, half-dragged him off the pitch, her mind focused on getting him to safety.

The hospital wing was a welcome refuge from the storm. Madam Pomfrey rushed to Harry’s side, her expression a mixture of concern and urgency. Ariel stepped back, her heart pounding as the rest of the Gryffindor team gathered around.

Professor McGonagall arrived, her eyes reflecting both worry and admiration for Ariel’s quick thinking. She gave Ariel a nod, her gratitude unspoken but deeply felt.

Meanwhile, word spread that Hufflepuff had won the match. Their Seeker, Cedric Diggory, had caught the Snitch, unaware of Harry’s fall. The victory was bittersweet, overshadowed by the events on the pitch.

It wasn’t until later, with Ron and Hermione at his side, that Harry regained consciousness. He awoke to their relieved faces, their voices filled with concern as they recounted the match’s dramatic conclusion. Harry glanced at Ariel, and mouthed a “ Thank you .” gratitude flowing on his face. 

As Harry lay surrounded by friends, Ariel felt a strange sense of happiness. She had saved him from a possible death, but why was she so giddy looking at the bedraggled boy? 

********************

A few days later, Ariel heard a commotion at the end of the Gryffindor table at breakfast. She turned around and saw Potter holding a Firebolt, utter joy scribbled on his face. But when Ariel saw Hermione’s face, she knew that the Firebolt wouldn’t see daylight for a long time . 

********************

The sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden hue over the grounds of Hogwarts, but the warmth did little to lift the heavy hearts of the students. Ariel sat on the edge of the Gryffindor common room, her fingers nervously twisting a loose strand of hair. She glanced at Hermione, who was reading a letter with a furrowed brow, her usually bright eyes clouded with concern.

“What does it say?” Ariel asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Hermione looked up, her expression grim. “It’s from Hagrid. He lost the case for Buckbeak.” Her voice trembled slightly, and Ariel felt a pang of sorrow for the half-giant who had fought so hard for the creature’s freedom.

“No… not Buckbeak,” Ariel murmured, her heart sinking. “He didn’t deserve this.”

Ron, who had been lounging nearby, suddenly perked up. “We should go see Hagrid. He’ll need us now more than ever.” His voice was resolute, but Ariel could see the worry etched on his face.

“Right,” Hermione agreed, folding the letter with a determined snap. “Let’s go.”

As they made their way to Hagrid’s hut, the air grew thick with tension. Harry walked slightly ahead, his brow furrowed in thought. Ariel stole a glance at him, their eyes meeting for a brief moment before he looked away, the unspoken words hanging heavily between them.  

When they neared the big slope towards Hagrid’s humble abode, the four came face-to-face with Malfoy, who was using omnioculars to watch the execution. 

Ariel turned towards Hermione, to see her walking towards Malfoy, her hair getting bigger with anger and magic.

“You…YOU FOUL, LOATHSOME EVIL LITTLE COCKROACH!” she shouted, slapping Malfoy across the face hard . 

Malfoy and his little cronies, Crabbe and Goyle, ran away, and Ariel laughed as if she had never laughed before. 

Their good mood vanished when they reached Hagrid’s hut, revealing the giant himself, his eyes red-rimmed and puffy. “Oh, you lot,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “I didn’t think you’d come.”

“Of course we would,” Ron said, stepping forward. “We’re here for you, Hagrid.”

Ariel nodded, her heart aching for him. “We’re so sorry about Buckbeak. You did everything you could.”

Hagrid wiped his eyes with the back of his hand. “I just wanted to protect him. He’s innocent, you know?”

Just then, Ron’s eyes widened as he spotted Scabbers, his pet rat, scurrying across the floor. “Oi! Scabbers!” he exclaimed, reaching down to grab him. “Where have you been?”

“Ron, be careful!” Hermione warned, but it was too late. Scabbers bit Ron’s finger, and he yelped, quickly stuffing the rat into his pocket.

“Blasted rat!” Ron grumbled, shaking his hand. “He’s always biting me!”

“Let’s focus, Ron,” Ariel said, trying to keep the mood light. “We need to get Hagrid out of this funk.”

But before they could say more, a loud knock echoed from the door. Hagrid’s face paled. “It’s the Minister! You lot need to hide!”

Panic surged through them as they scrambled to find a place to conceal themselves. They ducked behind Hagrid’s enormous table, hearts racing as the door swung open to reveal a stern-looking man in a bowler hat.

“Rubeus Hagrid!” the Minister boomed. “You are to cease all activities regarding Buckbeak immediately!”

As the Minister’s voice faded into the background, Ariel felt a surge of adrenaline. “We need to get out of here,” she whispered urgently.

The four of them bolted from the hut, racing back toward the castle. But as they ran, Ron suddenly yelped again. “Scabbers! Get off!” He pulled the rat from his pocket, but it had already sunk its teeth into his hand.

“Ugh, Ron!” Hermione exclaimed, wrinkling her nose. “Just let him go!”

“No way! He’s mine!” Ron insisted, cradling the rat protectively.

Their bickering continued, until a loud swoosh, thud and a howl echoed across the field. Ariel turned around slowly, and saw Buckbeak’s head laying on the floor, blood spewing everywhere…

She and Ron promptly became sick on the floor. 

“ Bye bye lunch .” thought Ariel weakly. 

The four ran back to the castle, not wanting to see anything else. As they reached the Whomping Willow, a dark shape darted from the shadows, a massive black dog, its eyes glinting with malice. “Look out!” Ariel shouted, but it was too late. The creature lunged at Ron, sinking its teeth into his leg and dragging him down into the roots of the tree.

“Ron!” Harry yelled, but the tree’s branches whipped at them, leaving bruises and scratches as they fought their way through.

“Keep going!” Ariel urged, her heart pounding as they stumbled after Ron. “We can’t leave him!”

They finally reached the Shrieking Shack, bursting through the door to find a dimly lit room. There, in the flickering shadows, stood Sirius Black, his expression a mix of relief and concern.

“Get away from him!” Harry shouted, stepping protectively in front of a pale and tired Ron, blood trickling from his newly bandaged leg. 

“Wait! I’m not here to hurt you,” Sirius said, raising his hands. “I’m here to help.”

Before they could process his words, Remus Lupin entered, his face pale. “We need to talk about Scabbers,” he said, his voice steady but urgent.

“Scabbers?” Ariel echoed, confusion etched on her face.

“Scabbers is not what he seems,” Lupin explained. “He’s Peter Pettigrew, a traitor.”

“Get back!” Harry shouted as Severus Snape appeared in the doorway, his eyes narrowed.

In a moment of panic, Ariel raised her wand and shouted, “Stupefy!” The spell shot from her wand, hitting Snape squarely in the chest. Hermione and Harry quickly followed suit with an “Expelliarmus!”

“Well done you three. I would have done it myself, but you lot are considerably faster.” snorted Sirius, mirth lighting up his crazed eyes in a heartbeat. 

“Don't. You. Dare tell me “well done”. YOU MURDERED MY PARENTS!” roared Harry, tears pricking in his eyes. 

Sirius flinched, the mirth vanishing as quick as it came. “Harry… Please understand I had no choice. It would have been too easy to find Lily and James.”

Harry looked as if he was about to shout something else to contradict his godfather, but then Lupin opened his mouth and said, “Harry. If you’re not going to listen to Sirius, then listen to me. Sirius did not murder your parents. It was Peter . Yes, Sirius was the Secret Keeper at first, but he persuaded James to change it to Peter because everyone knew that Sirius was James’ first option, and Peter being the last. So Peter Pettigrew murdered you parents, not Sirius.” 

“But how are we supposed to believe him, Harry? He’s a werewolf !” exclaimed Hermione, pointing at the grimacing Remus Lupin. 

Ron was wide awake when he heard this. “A werewolf?” he squeaked, fear evident as he shuffled away painfully. 

“Yes Hermione, I am. But you have to believe me. Sirius is not a murderer. I swear on my magic .” replied Lupin, his vow thick in the air. 

Ariel finally found her voice, though it was a few octaves higher than usual. “If Scabbers really is Peter Pettigrew, can you show us some proof?” 

“Excellent question, Ariel. Sirius, wanna lend a hand?” asked Lupin, his face looking considerably younger than usual.

“Wait,” said Harry, a question dying to get out. “If your animagus was a Grim, and Pettigrew’s is a rat, what was my father’s?” 

Sirius smiled sadly, as if he saw best-friend and not his god-son in front of him. “James was a stag. That’s why we called him ‘ Prongs ’.”

He swished his wand in time with Remus’ and Ariel’s heart raced as they cast the spell on Scabbers, who transformed into a trembling man. Ariel screamed, stumbling back in shock and gripping Harry’s hand to stay up. “What?” she spluttered, words lost on her tongue. She looked down, and realised she was holding the emerald-eyed boy’s hand. Ariel quickly let go, and started admiring how ugly Peter Pettigrew looked. 

The twitching body of Peter Pettigrew finally stood up, revealing a short, plump man with dirty nails and bald spots in his hair. “Remus, Sirius! My old friends!” He moved towards the two men, but they kicked him down, disgust evident on their faces. 

When the rat realised he wasn’t wanted with the friends he betrayed, he shuffled towards the young Gryffindors. 

He tried to kiss Harry’s feet, but Harry punched him. 

He tried to sweet-talk Ron, but Ron elbowed him. 

He tried to hold Hermione’s hand, but she slapped him.

And when he tried to talk to Ariel, she placed a Bat-Bogey hex on him, making the ratty traitor crawl away, faux-panic and slyness sparkling  in his eyes. 

Pettigrew murmured a “ Finite ” stopping the hex from assaulting him longer. He then waved as if he were famous, and transformed into his animagus form, running away from a probable death. 

“Run!” Sirius urged as they dashed out of the shack, wanting to catch the filthy traitor, but the full moon had risen high in the sky, casting an eerie glow over the landscape. Remus began to transform, his body contorting as he became a werewolf, his screams echoing in the forest. 

“Go! Go!” Ariel shouted, sending body-bind hexes at the creature, trying to buy time for her friends. But as she turned to run, her foot caught on a tree root, sending her sprawling to the ground.

The werewolf turned its yellow gaze on her, and Ariel’s heart raced as she scrambled to her feet. In a desperate attempt to save herself, she wrapped her hands around the werewolf’s jaw, trying to keep its teeth at bay. But it was too strong; a sharp pain sliced through her face as the creature’s claws raked across her skin.

Blood oozed from Ariel’s collarbone to her ribs, red seeping into her panic-ridden eyes and clothes. She gasped, feeling the warmth trickle down her neck.

“Argh!” Ron shouted, trying to pull her away, wincing with each step. “Ariel!”

In that moment of chaos, Hermione let out a howling noise, a sound that echoed through the night. Suddenly, the air grew cold, and Dementors appeared, their dark cloaks billowing as they advanced toward them, sensing a falsely convicted criminal helping the children. 

“No!” Harry yelled, stepping in front of Ariel and the others, trying to save them from the Dementors, but failed. He sank to his knees, eyes flickering and slowly going unconscious with the rest of the group.  But before the Dementors could perform the Kiss, a brilliant stag burst forth from the shadows, charging at the Dementors and scattering them.

As the world faded to black, Ariel felt herself being pulled into unconsciousness, pain screaming everywhere in her body. 

********************

When Ariel awoke, she found herself in the hospital wing, the familiar scent of potions and antiseptic filling her senses. She blinked against the bright light, her heart racing as she remembered the events of the night before.

“Hermione? Ron? Harry?” she croaked, her voice hoarse yet thick with tears, waiting to explode the poorly built dam inside of Ariel. 

“Right here,” Hermione said, her face pale but relieved. “We thought we lost you.”

“What happened?” Ariel asked, her hand instinctively reaching up to touch her face, wincing at the pain.

“You were amazing,” Ron said, his eyes wide with admiration. “You saved us.”

Ariel managed a weak smile, but her thoughts were racing. “What about Buckbeak and Sirius?”

Hermione’s expression turned serious. “We have to go back. I have a Time-Turner.”

“Are you sure it’s safe?” Harry asked, concern etched on his face.

“We have to try,” Ariel insisted, her determination rising. “We can’t let them suffer.”

With Dumbledore’s permission, Hermione explained about her Time-turner, their hearts pounding with hope and fear. As they went through the plan, Ariel felt a surge of courage. They would save Buckbeak and Sirius, no matter the cost.

“Together,” she whispered, glancing at Harry, who met her gaze with a flicker of understanding. In that moment, the gaze that they shared held unity, apologies and forgiveness. 

“Together,” Harry echoed, a small smile and a blush creeping up on him. 

********************

“Ariel, are you sure you want to do this? You’ve just been attacked by a werewolf, you should rest.” asked Hermione, concern enveloping her voice. 

Ariel nodded, feeling a thrill of determination and stood up, standing next to Harry and Hermione. “I’m ready. But I feel a bit strange… like everything’s more intense under the moonlight.”

“Well, you have been scratched by a werewolf on the full moon; you’re now a semi-werewolf.” replied Harry, something gentle and warm twinkling in his eyes. 

The words hit Ariel like a blow, but she schooled her expression and nodded at Hermione, who was looking at her wearily. 

“Let’s do this.”

Hermione spinned the time-turner three times anti-clockwise, and the three Gryffndors spun around, landing in a heap in the courtyard, watching Hermione slap an egotistical Draco Malfoy.

Ariel giggled, having to cover her mouth so as to not give them away. Harry smiled at her, something in his eyes that only Hermione saw with her jaw on the floor. Hermione shaked her head, needing to focus on their mission, but she made a mental note to question Harry later. 

The trio slowly crept towards Hagrid’s Hut and into his paddock when their past-selves went into his house, playing I-Spy to pass the time. When the Minister came along, they hid behind the pumpkins, Ariel clamping her hand over Harry’s mouth to stop him from giggling at Cornelius Fudge’s magenta bowler hat. 

Hermione sighed. If these two did not get together by the end of her fifth year, she was going to snog a Dementor senseless. 

She silently went up to Buckbeak and bowed, not wanting to cause another Malfoy-fiasco. When Buckbeak returned the bow, Hermione went up to him and untied the magnificent beast, all while Ariel and Harry were having a whispered argument over who was a better Quidditch player. 

Hermione rolled her eyes. “ Give me strength .” prayed Hermione, snickering at the thought of Harry and Ariel exchanging gooey eyes in front of Ron. “Oi, you two! I’ve got Buckbeak. Let’s go.” whispered Hermione, startling the two love-birds. 

They all made their way into the forest, and there they waited playing Tag with Buckbeak, who was enjoying freedom. When a shout, a howl, and another scream echoed in the forest, Hermione, Harry, Ariel and Buckbeak moved away from the Whomping Willow and towards the Lake, not wanting to get mauled by a werewolf. 

On their way towards the lake, a blood-curdling scream ricocheted off the trees. Ariel turned around, and saw her past-self getting attacked by the werewolf. She turned around and saw Harry looking in the same direction, his jaw set and hand clenched so hard Ariel was slightly surprised that they weren’t bleeding. Something fluttered in her stomach, but Ariel dismissed it; knowing Harry, he would be angry if anyone was getting mauled by a werewolf. 

It being her right now did not mean anything special. 

Right? 

“ Shut up Ariel. ” she thought. “ You have a mission. Don’t mess it up. ” 

When they reached the Lake, they saw their past-selves already getting tortured by the Dementors. 

“Any moment now…Come on, perform the patronus…” muttered Harry, looking for something, or maybe someone ? 

When it was clear no one was going to produce the stag patronus, Harry whipped out his holly-wood wand and shouted, “ EXPECTO PATRONUM !” A wispy little shield sprouted from the tip of his wand, and it grew bigger and bigger until it formed the shape of a majestic stag, its antlers as long as Ariel’s arms. 

“ Prongs .” whispered Harry, a sense of familial love highlighted all over his face. The stag cantered over to the Dementors and chased them away, leaving the past-versions of Hermione, Harry and Ariel safe as well as Sirius and Ron. 

Madam Pomfrey, Professor Dumbledore and Minister Fudge came along, as well as Snape, who was sporting a nasty bruise. When Snape saw Sirius, Dumbledore dismissed him, telling him to tell Professor Flitwick to free up the Astronomy Tower for Sirius. 

When Snape left, Dumbledore vanished Sirius, and then transfigured pieces of rock into stretchers for the Gryffindors while Fudge was talking quickly “Merlin’s beard, attacking students! Forgive me Albus, I will remove the Dementors as quickly as possible…” before hurrying away, most likely sending an owl to the Ministry of Magic to remove the Dementors from Hogwarts immediately. 

Madam Pomphrey left with her four new patients, leaving Dumbledore by himself at the lake. 

“Hurry. You only have around 10 more minutes. And excellent patronus Harry. I see Remus taught you well.” said Dumbledore, before walking away, merilly humming to himself.

The trio took his advice and climbed upon Buckbeak, though it was quite squishy. They soared over the forest, the Black Lake and Hogwarts (with Hermione screaming from the height) before arriving at the Astronomy Tower, where Ariel shouted “ Confringo !” to break Sirius out of his inhumanely small cage. 

“C’mon.” said Harry, “We don’t have much time. Sirius, we’re going to drop you off in the courtyard, then you have to escape on Buckbeak.” 

Sirius was about to offer his gratitude when Buckbeak did a huge dive, making Ariel grab onto Harry’s waist and not letting go. Harry was grateful it was dark; he was blushing redder than Ron’s hair. 

Buckbeak landed gracefully in the courtyard, and after hugging Sirius and waving as he flew away on Buckbeak, the trio sprinted to the Hospital Wing, not wanting to think about the consequences if they were late. 

They met Dumbledore there, who was chatting with Ron. He looked up and asked, “Did you do it?”

They all chorused something along the lines of “Yes sir.” before they fell into their own beds, exhaustion finally creeping up on them after their adrenaline vanished. 

********************

The train ride back home was uneventful, apart from when Ariel recounted her adventure with Hermione, Ron and Harry to Luna and Ginny. Even Luna, calm, serene, quiet Luna shouted “ WHAT?!” when Ariel said she was now part-werewolf. 

They arrived at Platform 9 and ¾, and the trio met up with Hermione, Ron and Harry to exchange good-byes. 

“Coming to the Quidditch World Cup Ariel?” asked Ron, his leg better now.

“Yeah. See you!” she replied, before turning to face Harry. 

“Bye Ariel..have a nice holiday..” began Harry before getting hugged by her. 

“Bye.” she whispered, letting go and smiling up at him. 

“ Maybe the year wasn’t so bad afterall .” thought Ariel, giraffes galloping in her stomach. 

Chapter Text

Summer was… a handful, to say the least. Ariel’s father had gotten sick, though it was most definitely just hay-fever and not the fact that he was tarring his lungs by smoking. They were in and out of hospitals, and although Ariel didn’t enjoy being in her father’s vicinity as he always pretended that she didn’t exist, she was anxious as to whether he’ll get better or not. 

********************

Ariel knew that today was a bad day. She knew this was the day where everything would come crashing down. 

She knew this when she came back home after a stroll in the park and was greeted with the sight of her father foaming at the mouth, blood dribbling from his nose while vomiting into the kitchen sink. 

She knew this when she ran to her father, trying to help him, and got greeted with the foul stench of cigarette smoke and alcohol. 

She knew this when she was whisked away to a Hospital in an ambulance, her arms  hugging herself tightly. 

********************

Ariel despised being in hospitals. To her, they were sterile, glaringly bright, and overwhelmingly somber. Smiles were a rare sight, even from the receptionists. In her experience, good news was nonexistent. She vowed never to set foot in a place like this again; a promise she hadn’t kept, as she found herself here every single day for the past week. The place was loathsome to her.

The nurses were kind, often inquiring about her interests and school life. Yet, Ariel couldn’t share much with them. Even if she did, she doubted they would believe her. Thus, she chose silence. They assumed she was coming to terms with everything.

And she was.

Since the second week of summer break, when Gran had come to stay, she had been digesting the news.

A nurse walked by, barely noticing her presence. Ariel didn’t mind. She was perfectly content to sit there for hours, undisturbed. It was preferable to being at home, feeling isolated.

The hardest part was the solitude. While Gran was lovely, her presence offered little comfort. She wished to discuss things Ariel didn’t want to. She spent more time either at the hospital or at home, deliberately avoiding her grandmother. Ariel’s friends were another matter. She distanced herself from them too. After the revelation, she sent messages to Ginny, Hermione and Luna,  explaining she wouldn’t attend any summer plans and would reconnect when school resumed. They replied, but she struggled to read their messages and never responded.

It wasn’t that she didn’t crave their company; she longed to speak with them more than anything. But words eluded her, and she knew if she started talking, the tears would follow.

********************

Ginny Weasley stood at the edge of the bustling campsite, the air buzzing with infectious excitement. The vibrant colors of jerseys and banners painted the fields, as wizards and witches from all over the world gathered to witness the grandeur of the Quidditch World Cup. Her heart beat in rhythm with the distant cheers, but her thoughts flickered to her absent friend, Ariel.

“Ginny! Over here!” Fred’s voice cut through the cacophony, waving her over with a mischievous grin. Beside him, George was already holding two cups of pumpkin juice, his eyes twinkling with anticipation.

“Coming,” Ginny replied, forcing her thoughts back to the present. She maneuvered through the crowd, her gaze momentarily catching the vibrant Irish colors fluttering in the breeze. It was hard not to be swept up in the spectacle.

As she reached her brothers, Ron was animatedly discussing tactics with Harry, who seemed just as enthralled. Hermione stood nearby, her expression a mix of excitement and mild exasperation at their fervor.

“Can you believe this crowd?” Hermione exclaimed, adjusting her scarf. “It’s as if the entire wizarding world is here.”

“Exactly! That’s what makes it brilliant,” Ron chimed in, his eyes wide with awe. “And wait till you see the match, Hermione. It’s going to be unbelievable!”

Ginny smiled, though her thoughts drifted back to Ariel. She imagined Ariel’s summer, the hospital visits, the worry etched into her friend’s usually bright demeanor. Ginny felt a pang of guilt for being here, amidst all this joy, while Ariel was facing such a difficult time.

“Hey, Ginny,” Harry’s voice brought her back, a gentle concern in his eyes. “You alright? You’ve been a bit quiet.”

Ginny nodded, grateful for his perceptiveness. “Just thinking about Ariel,” she admitted, lowering her voice so the others wouldn’t overhear. “I wish she could be here with us.”

Harry nodded, understanding. “She’ll be alright, you know. She’s strong, like you. Besides, she has all of us when she needs us.”

“Thanks, Harry,” Ginny said, feeling a warmth spread through her at his words. “I just hope she knows that too.”

The conversation shifted back to the match as they made their way to the stadium, the noise growing louder with every step. Ginny let herself be swept up in the excitement, though a part of her heart remained with her friend, hoping that Ariel found some comfort, even in her solitude.

As they settled into their seats, the roar of the crowd was deafening. The anticipation was electric, the air crackling with magic and expectation. Ginny took a deep breath, ready to lose herself in the thrill of the match, even as she kept Ariel close in her thoughts, sending silent wishes her way.

********************

The stadium was alive with anticipation, a sea of vibrant colors and roaring chants echoing across the stands. Harry felt a thrill of excitement as supporters chanted and shouted team and player names, the flags of Ireland and Bulgaria fluttering with pride.

“HELLO EVERYONE!” shouted a voice that echoed across the pitch. Cheers and shouts replied to the greeting, red and green flags waving in every direction. “MY NAME IS LUDO BAGMAN, AND I OFFICIALLY WELCOME YOU TO THE 422nd QUIDDITCH WORLD CUP!” People cheered even louder than before, sparks flying from their wands in excitement. 

“AND NOW, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, KINDLY WELCOME – THE BULGARIAN NATIONAL QUIDDITCH TEAM! I GIVE YOU - DIMITROV! IVANOVA! ZOGRAF! LEVSKI! VULCHANOV! VOLKOV! AAAAAAAAAND - KRUM!” 

“AND NOW, PLEASE GREET - THE IRISH NATIONAL QUIDDITCH TEAM! PRESENTING - CONNOLLY! RYAN! TROY! MULLET! MORAN! QUIGLEY! AAAAAAAAAND - LYNCH!

“AND HERE, ALL THE WAY FROM EGYPT, OUR REFEREE, ACCLAIMED CHAIRWIZARD OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF QUIDDITCH, HASSAN MOSTAFA!” A small and skinny wizard, completely bald but with a mustache bigger than his face strode out onto the field. 

Mostafa mounted his broomstick and kicked the crate open – four balls burst into the air: the scarlet Quaffle, the two black Bludgers, and the winged Golden Snitch. With a sharp blast of his whistle, Mostafa shot into the air after the balls.

 “THEEEEEEEY’RE OFF! AND IT’S MULLET! TROY! MORAN! DIMITROV! BACK TO MULLET! TROY! LEVSKI! MORAN!”

“They’re amazing!” Ron shouted, pointing at the sky as the players zoomed onto the field, their brooms slicing through the air like arrows. The crowd erupted into a frenzy, waving flags and chanting in unison.

Harry’s eyes were glued to the game, yet his thoughts frequently drifted to Ariel. He couldn’t quite put his finger on why she often occupied his mind, especially now with the thrill of the match unfolding before him. It was as if her absence left a void, a subtle longing that he didn’t fully understand.

The match commenced with an intensity that left everyone breathless. Ireland’s Seeker, Aidan Lynch, was a blur of speed, while Bulgaria’s Viktor Krum, a master of impossible maneuvers, kept the spectators on the edge of their seats.

“This is insane!” Fred yelled, his voice barely audible over the roar of the crowd.

Beside him, Harry felt a pang, not just from the match but from the realization that Ariel would have loved this. He pictured her excitement, her animated expressions, and felt a strange ache in her absence.

As the match went on, it got dirtier and dirtier. Both team’s Beaters on both were acting without mercy. 

The Quaffle changed hands with the speed of a bullet. “LEVSKI – DIMITROV – MORAN –TROY – MULLET – IVANOVA – MORAN AGAIN – MORAN – MORAN SCORES!” 

Now Levski had the Quaffle, now Dimitrov –

“Look at Lynch!” Harry yelled, gripping Hermione’s arm and almost yanking it out of its socket.

The Irish Seeker had suddenly gone into a dive

“He’s seen the Snitch! He’s seen it! Look at him go!” Screamed Ginny, her voice hoarse from all the shouting. 

The crowd seemed to have finally realized what was happening. Krum was on Lynch’s tail. The pair of them hurtled toward the ground again –

“They’re going to crash!” Hermione shrieked.

“They’re not!” Ron roared. 

“Lynch is!” Harry yelled. 

And he was right - Lynch hit the ground with tremendous force.

“The Snitch, where’s the Snitch?” Fred and George shouted in unison. 

“He’s got it – Krum’s got it – it’s all over!” replied Harry, jumping up and down while having a deathly grip on Hermione’s arm. 

Krum, his red robes shining with blood from his nose and other parts of his body, was rising gently into the air, fist held high. The scoreboard was flashing BULGARIA: 160, IRELAND: 170.

“IRELAND WINS!” Bagman shouted, taken aback by the sudden end of the match. “KRUM GETS THE SNITCH – BUT IRELAND WINS – good lord, I don’t think any of us were expecting that!” 

********************

Ariel closed the Daily Prophet a little harder than she wanted. She felt a little bad, the moving pictures gave a soft scream as the paper landed on their faces, though the Dark Mark was horrific and grotesque. She had to remind herself that those were just reflections of real people, not the people themselves.
She had arrived at the train station almost an hour earlier than normal. 

Part of her wanted to make sure she found a compartment before they filled up, part of her just couldn’t stand to be at home any longer. All of her needed that few extra minutes of solitude before she saw everyone again. 

The front page of the Prophet stared at her. It was an edition from a few weeks ago, after the Quidditch World Cup. 

She was somewhat glad she hadn’t been there. She didn’t know how she would’ve handled the riot that happened after, and didn’t want to know. But she was worried. 

She kept telling herself, she would know if something really bad had happened to them…right? 

If something happened to him …?

Ariel removed those thoughts from her mind, as the door of the compartment slid open, and Ariel was only able to spot a flash of ginger and blonde hair before she was attacked by a double hug. 

“You’re suffocating me!” she croaked out. 

Luna and Ginny pulled away, laughing. 

“We’ve missed you!” Luna said. Her hair was almost to her waist now. 

“It’s only been two months,” Ariel replied. 

Ginny plopped onto the seat across from her. “Felt like forever. Anyways, how are you doing?” she asked, with a sudden serious tone. 

“I’m fine.”

She raised an eyebrow. 

“Honestly! I’m …” she trailed off, really looking at her friends for the first time since last term. They wore the same look; soft, kind eyes and a slight head tilt. It wasn’t quite like pity, but it felt the same. She realized how much she missed seeing them, how much she missed talking to them, and it hit her just how hard this summer had been. She felt her eyes start to water. 

“Is your dad going to be okay?” Luna asked. Ariel nodded. “Well, that’s wonderful, isn’t it!”

“If the medicine works,” she said. “There could still be complications…”

“Do they think there will be?” 

She shrugged. “If you both don’t mind, this is all I’ve talked about during the holidays. I’d rather not think about it. Sorry.” 

Ginny shook her head. “Don’t apologize. We’re here, whatever you need.”

“Thank you. How was the Quidditch World Cup?” 

“Oh, yeah, it was brilliant!” Ginny told them all about the match - how Ireland won, but Bulgaria caught the Snitch and  how Fred and George had bet their entire life savings and won - with occasional comments from Luna about which of the players got injured the most and other Luna-like things. 

She told them about the attack after the match. They knew a fair amount – it was advertised all over the Prophet – but hearing the details… Ariel shuddered. It was incredible that no one had died. 

And then there was the Dark Mark… which Luna told them was often used to notify that someone had been killed by Death Eaters (“ Voldemort’s followers,” she explained). It was a big thing during the War, and the recent sighting of one was very much unwelcome and very much unnerving. 

“Any other news? Preferably nothing death related or otherwise?”

“Well,” Luna said, glancing at Ginny, “there is one other thing.”

“You should know,” Ginny began, “I think Harry might be into Cho Chang.”

“Who?”

“She’s a Chaser on the Ravenclaw team. Fifth year.”

Ariel stared into their eyes for a good few seconds before saying, “And? What am I supposed to do with that? Draft their wedding vows?” 

Ginny shot her an unimpressed look before snootily looking away. 

“Oh, Ariel… Ginny and I could sense your fondness for Harry quite clearly, as if it were gently floating in the air, ever since that train ride back from Hogwarts last year-” Luna said but she was quickly cut off by a sudden shushing noise by Ginny.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione walked in, damp from the slight rain outside. They were in deep discussion. 

“Bagman wanted to tell us what’s happening at Hogwarts,” Ron was saying grumpily. “At the World Cup, remember? But my own mother won’t say. Wonder what – ” 

“Shh!” Hermione whispered suddenly. 

They heard a familiar grueling voice drifting in through the open door. “ … Father actually considered sending me to Durmstrang rather than Hogwarts, you know. He knows the headmaster, you see. Well, you know his opinion of Dumbledore – the man’s such a Mudblood-lover – and Durmstrang doesn’t admit that sort of riffraff. But Mother didn’t like the idea of me going to school so far away. Father says Durmstrang takes a far more sensible line than Hogwarts about the Dark Arts. Durmstrang students actually learn them, not just the defense rubbish we do …” 

Hermione slid the compartment door shut, blocking out Malfoy’s unbearable voice. “So he thinks Durmstrang would have suited him, does he? I wish he had gone, then we wouldn’t have to put up with him.”

“Durmstrang’s another – ?” Harry started, but he stopped upon seeing her. “Ariel!”

She was taken aback by his sudden excitement. “Hi!”

He fell into the seat next to her, his arm brushing against hers ever so lightly as he did. She ignored that weird-but-nice flutter in her stomach. “Are you doing alright?”

“Yeah, I’m fine,” she said, for what felt like the millionth time. 

“And your dad? Is he…?”

“He’s okay,” she interrupted. “For now, at least. Let’s just, please, talk about anything else,” she said to the entire compartment. She turned away to look out the window, her eyes burning. 

“Yeah, of course,” Harry said. “So, Durmstrang’s another wizarding school?”

“Yes,” Hermione said, “and it’s got a horrible reputation. According to An Appraisal of Magical Education in Europe, it puts a lot of emphasis on the Dark Arts.” 

“I think I’ve heard of it,” Ron said. “Where is it? What country?” 

“Well, nobody knows, do they?” 

“Er – why not?” 

“There’s traditionally been a lot of rivalry between all the magic schools. Durmstrang and Beauxbatons like to conceal their whereabouts so nobody can steal their secrets.”

“Come off it,” Ron said, starting to laugh. “Durmstrang’s got to be about the same size as Hogwarts – how are you going to hide a great big castle?” 

“But Hogwarts is hidden,” Hermione said. “Everyone knows that … well, everyone who’s read Hogwarts, A History, anyway.” 

“Just you, then.” Hermione glared at him. “So go on – how d’you hide a place like Hogwarts?” 

“It’s bewitched. If a Muggle looks at it, all they see is a moldering old ruin with a sign over the entrance saying ‘DANGER, DO NOT ENTER, UNSAFE.’” 

“So Durmstrang’ll just look like a ruin to an outsider too?” Ginny asked. 

“Maybe,” Hermione said, shrugging, “or it might have Muggle-repelling charms on it, like the World Cup stadium. And to keep foreign wizards from finding it, they’ll have made it Unplottable – ” 

“Come again?” 

“Well, you can enchant a building so it’s impossible to plot on a map, can’t you?” 

“Er … if you say so,” Harry said. 

“But I think Durmstrang must be somewhere in the far north,” Hermione concluded. “Somewhere very cold, because they’ve got fur capes as part of their uniforms.” 

“Ah, think of the possibilities,” Ron said dreamily. “It would’ve been so easy to push Malfoy off a glacier and make it look like an accident… Shame his mother likes him…”

Ginny flipped hair off her shoulder, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “I could conjure up a glacier; we could get rid of him easily.” Ron laughed at this. 

They spent most of the rest of the train ride chattering about the Quidditch World Cup and a mystery event that was apparently taking place at Hogwarts this year. No one knew what was happening – not even Ron, whose father had an in at the Ministry, and not even Hermione, who seemed to know everything. 

Ariel barely processed any of what was being said. She kept her eyes focused on the landscape passing by as the train sped on, and on the racing raindrops on the window. Her mind kept going back to Dad, how their goodbye wasn’t nearly long enough, how she spent so many holidays away from him, and how there was the possibility that she wouldn’t see him again –

She felt a light tap on her shoulder. She pulled away from the window to face Harry, who was looking at her. 

“Are you sure you’re doing alright?” he asked.

The others were still talking, paying no mind. 

“Harry, I’m fine,” she said, barely louder than a whisper. 

“I’ve never seen you this quiet.”

“What do you mean? I don’t talk that much.”

Harry raised an eyebrow at her. 

She didn’t respond. “I mean to say… it’s okay if you’re not okay. No one’s expecting you to be.” 

She met his eyes. This felt weird; it wasn’t a conversation she was used to having with him, at least, not like this. Typically, they were usually arguing and never got the chance to have a heart-to-heart conversation.

“I’m not going to force you to talk about it,” he continued. “Not now, not ever, if that’s what you need. But I am here, you know. You’re not alone.” He gave her a small smile, and she felt her heart melt. 

“Thanks, Harry,” she said. 

He turned away, entering back into the conversation on Quidditch. 

Ariel suddenly noticed how close he was sitting to her. She didn’t know exactly what that meant – the compartment was big enough he didn’t need to be squished against her… but maybe he just wanted to be closer so they could talk without being overheard… and, of course, Ginny had mentioned he was into Cho Chang… 

She glanced at him again. His hair was even more messy than usual, if that were possible.

Her heart was beating in her chest. 

She thought that her feelings were less complex – a childhood crush, or something like that – something that would go away within a year. She got on that train, prepared to have those feelings put away, prepared to not feel like she was on fire when he looked at her, even if it was in anger or happiness. But no matter how much she convinced herself, no matter how much she lied to herself. Those feelings were still very much there. And by the sound of it, they weren’t mutual. 

She locked eyes with Ginny, who just gave her a knowing smile. 

********************

Ariel, Ginny, Luna, Harry, Ron, and Hermione ran from the horseless carriage and up the steps of the castle, arms shielding the tops of their heads. It was raining harder than ever. 

“Blimey,” Ron said once they were inside, shaking his head, sending water everywhere. “If that keeps up the lake’s going to overflow. I’m soak– ARRGH!” 

A large, water-filled balloon exploded from the ceiling and onto Ron’s head. Sputtering, Ron staggered into Ginny, who was beside herself with laughter, just as a second water bomb dropped – narrowly missing Hermione. It burst at Harry’s feet, and he jumped up shouting. Floating twenty feet above them, Peeves stared at them with a malicious face contorted with concentration as he took aim again.

“PEEVES!” yelled an angry voice. “Peeves, come down here at ONCE!” 

Professor McGonagall came dashing out of the Great Hall. She skidded on the wet floor, grabbing Hermione around the neck to stop herself from falling. 

“Ouch – sorry, Miss Granger – ” 

“That’s all right, Professor!” Hermione gasped, massaging her throat. 

“Peeves, get down here NOW!” Professor McGonagall screamed, straightening her pointy hat and glasses.

“Not doing nothing!” Peeves cackled, chucking a water bomb at several fifth-year girls. “Already wet, aren’t they? Little squirts! Wheeeeeeeeee!” And he aimed another bomb at a group of second years who had just arrived. 

“I shall call the headmaster! I’m warning you, Peeves – ” 

Peeves stuck out his tongue and zoomed off up the marble staircase.

“Well, move along, then!” Professor McGonagall said sharply to the crowd. “Into the Great Hall, come on!”

They waved to Luna as she made her way to her respective blue and bronze table while the five of them went to their red and gold clad table, Harry, Hermione and Ron sitting opposite Ariel and Ginny. 

It was warmer inside the Great Hall, something Ariel was extremely grateful for. As she sat down, her stomach rumbled. She realized she hadn’t eaten anything on the train. Hopefully the Sorting wouldn’t take very long…

She looked up at the staff table, which was a lot emptier than in past years. Hagrid was missing, but that was to be expected as he was crossing the lake with the first years; Professor McGonagall was still out in the Entrance Hall, either drying the floor or telling off Peeves some more; and there was another empty chair, presumably for their new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, who hadn’t arrived yet. Ariel was a little disappointed. Professor Lupin had resigned at the end of last year, but part of her had hoped he would change his mind and come back for another term. Then again, he had had an insane year and more than deserved a break. 

After what seemed like forever (during which Ron and Ginny would not stop bickering), the doors of the Great Hall opened, and McGonagall entered with a bundle of water-soaked first years. 

McGonagall placed the three-legged stool on the ground in front of the first years and pulled out a dirty old wizard’s hat. Everyone stared at it. For a moment, Ariel was worried she had grabbed the wrong hat. After a long silence, the Sorting Hat finally opened its mouth (the brim) and broke out into song:

 "A thousand years or more ago, 

When I was newly sewn, 

There lived four wizards of renown, 

Whose names are still well known: 

Bold Gryffindor, from wild moor, 

Fair Ravenclaw, from glen, 

Sweet Hufflepuff, from valley broad

Shrewd Slytherin, from fen. 

They shared a wish, a hope, a dream, 

They hatched a daring plan 

To educate young sorcerers 

Thus Hogwarts School began. 

Now each of these four founders 

Formed their own house, for each 

Did value different virtues 

In the ones they had to teach. 

By Gryffindor, the bravest were

Prized far beyond the rest; 

For Ravenclaw, the cleverest 

Would always be the best; 

For Hufflepuff, hard workers were 

Most worthy of admission; 

And power-hungry Slytherin 

Loved those of great ambition.

While still alive they did divide 

Their favorites from the throng, 

Yet how to pick the worthy ones 

When they were dead and gone? 

‘Twas Gryffindor who found the way, 

He whipped me off his head 

The founders put some brains in me

So I could choose instead! 

Now slip me snug about your ears, 

I’ve never yet been wrong, 

I’ll have a look inside your mind 

And tell where you belong!”

The Great Hall rang with applause.

The Sorting began – and finished – and Dumbledore finally got to his feet. 

“I have only two words to say to you,” he told them, smiling wide. “Tuck in.” 

The rain was still drumming heavily outside as Ariel dug into her magically filled plate. Another clap of thunder shook the windows as the first course finished, and the golden plates were filled instantly with a multitude of puddings. 

As the last bit of dessert crumbs disappeared off her plate, Dumbledore stood again. Now that she has eaten, Ariel was ready for bed. She hoped his speech wouldn’t be too long. 

“So! Now that we are all fed and watered, I must once more ask for your attention, while I give out a few notices. Mr. Filch, the caretaker, has asked me to tell you that the list of objects forbidden inside the castle has this year been extended to include Screaming Yo-yos, Fanged Frisbees, and Ever-Bashing Boomerangs. The full list comprises some four hundred and thirty-seven items, I believe, and can be viewed in Mr. Filch’s office, if anybody would like to check it.” 

The corners of Dumbledore’s mouth twitched, but he continued. “As always, I would like to remind you all that the forest on the grounds is out-of-bounds to students, as is the village of Hogsmeade to all below third year. It is also my painful duty to inform you that the Inter-House Quidditch Cup will not take place this year.” 

Ariel could hear Fred and George yell, “ What ?” down the table. 

Dumbledore went on, feigning obliviousness to the sudden outburst this has caused. “This is due to an event that will be starting in October, and continuing throughout the school year, taking up much of the teachers’ time and energy – but I am sure you will all enjoy it immensely. I have great pleasure in announcing that this year at Hogwarts – ” 

But at that moment, there was a deafening rumble of thunder, and the doors banged open once again. A man stood in the doorway, leaning upon a long, withered staff. Every head turned toward the stranger, who was illuminated by the lightning that flashed across the ceiling. 

He lowered his hood and shook out a long mane of grizzled, dark grey hair. It was clumping and falling out in some places. He began to walk up toward the staff table, a dull clunk echoing his every other step. He reached the end of the table and limped heavily toward Dumbledore. Another flash of lightning crossed the ceiling, and Ariel saw his face. 

Every inch of skin was covered in scars, some fresh, some old. A large chunk of the nose was missing, and one of his eyes was large, vivid, and electric blue (his other eye small and beady). The blue eye was moving continuously, without blinking, and Ariel had the strangest feeling that it wasn’t his original eye and could see through anything. 

The stranger stretched out a hand that was as scarred as his face, and Dumbledore took it. Dumbledore gestured the man to the empty seat on his right-hand side. 

“May I introduce our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher?” Dumbledore said brightly into the silence. “Professor Moody.” 

None of the staff or students clapped except Dumbledore and Hagrid; Everyone else seemed too transfixed by Moody’s bizarre appearance that they couldn’t process anything else. 

“He’s an Auror,” Ron said to them in a whisper.

“Auror?” Ariel asked.

“Dark wizard catcher.” Ginny responded.

“What happened to him?” Hermione whispered. “What happened to his face?” 

Ron shook his head. “Dunno.”

Moody didn’t seem to mind his less-than-warm welcome. He reached into his traveling cloak, pulled out a hip flask, and took a long swig from it.

Dumbledore cleared his throat. “As I was saying, we are to have the honor of hosting a very exciting event over the coming months, an event that has not been held for over a century. It is my very great pleasure to inform you that the Triwizard Tournament will be taking place at Hogwarts this year.” 

“You’re JOKING!” Fred Weasley said loudly.

The tension that had filled the Hall ever since Moody’s arrival suddenly broke. Nearly everyone laughed. 

Dumbledore chuckled appreciatively. “I am not joking, Mr. Weasley,” he said, “though now that you mention it, I did hear an excellent one over the summer about a troll, a hag, and a leprechaun who all go into a bar …” 

Professor McGonagall cleared her throat, cutting him off.

“Er – but maybe this is not the time … no … Where was I? Ah yes, the Triwizard Tournament … well, some of you will not know what this tournament involves, so I hope those who do know will forgive me for giving a short explanation, and allow their attention to wander freely. The Triwizard Tournament was first established some seven hundred years ago as a friendly competition between the three largest European schools of wizardry: Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang.”

“A champion was selected to represent each school, and the three champions competed in three magical tasks. The schools took it in turns to host the tournament once every five years, and it was generally agreed to be a most excellent way of establishing ties between young witches and wizards of different nationalities – until, that is, the death toll mounted so high that the tournament was discontinued.” 

“ Death toll ?” thought Ariel, sharing a look with Hermione, who had the same worry scrawled over her face. 

“There have been several attempts over the centuries to reinstate the tournament,” Dumbledore continued, “none of which has been very successful. However, our own departments of International Magical Cooperation and Magical Games and Sports have decided the time is ripe for another attempt. We have worked hard over the summer to ensure that this time, no champion will find himself or herself in mortal danger.” 

“The heads of Beauxbatons and Durmstrang will be arriving with their short-listed contenders in October, and the selection of the three champions will take place at Halloween. An impartial judge will decide which students are most worthy to compete for the Triwizard Cup, the glory of their school, and a thousand Galleons personal prize money.” 

At every table, Ariel could see people whispering to their neighbors, more than likely claiming they want to be the Hogwarts champion. 

She groaned internally. Harry and Ron were going to try and enter, weren’t they?

 “Eager though I know all of you will be to bring the Triwizard Cup to Hogwarts, the heads of the participating schools, along with the Ministry of Magic, have agreed to impose an age restriction on contenders this year. Only students who are of age – that is to say, seventeen years or older – will be allowed to put forward their names for consideration. This – ” Dumbledore raised his voice, for several people had started to shout furiously “ – is a measure we feel is necessary, given that the tournament tasks will still be difficult and dangerous, whatever precautions we take, and it is highly unlikely that students below sixth and seventh year will be able to cope with them. I will personally be ensuring that no underage student hoodwinks our impartial judge into making them Hogwarts champions.” 

“Thank God. ” sighed Ariel in her mind, smiling slightly at Harry and Ron’s crest-fallen faces. 

“I therefore beg you not to waste your time submitting yourself if you are under seventeen. The delegations from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang will be arriving in October and remaining with us for the greater part of this year. I know that you will all extend every courtesy to our foreign guests while they are with us, and will give your whole-hearted support to the Hogwarts champion when he or she is selected.”

“And now, it is late, and I know how important it is to you all to be alert and rested as you enter your lessons tomorrow morning. Bedtime! Chop, chop!” 

Chapter Text

Ariel sat at the Gryffindor table, her spoon idly circling her porridge the next morning, though she’d long finished eating. The Great Hall buzzed with excited chatter, all centering on the same topic: the Triwizard Tournament. Everyone was talking about it, speculating which students might be chosen, what kinds of challenges they might face, and whether Beauxbatons girls really wore silk uniforms, as Seamus insisted.

She wasn't sure how Ginny managed to spot her brooding from all the way down the table, but the younger girl appeared beside her moments later, plopping into the empty seat with an orange in one hand and a knowing smile on her face.

“You’re doing it again,” Ginny said casually, peeling the orange with a flick of her wand.

“Doing what?” Ariel asked, blinking.

“Staring off like someone just told you Flobberworms are sentient. Which they’re not, by the way. I checked.”

Ariel chuckled despite herself. “I’m just tired.”

Ginny gave her a side-glance. “Sure. Nothing to do with Harry, or the fact we might host the most dangerous competition in wizarding history?”

Ariel sighed. “It's not like I don’t care… it’s just…” She hesitated, watching the enchanted ceiling swirl with soft morning clouds. “I guess it just seems a bit distant. Like it doesn’t involve people like us.”

“Because we’re under seventeen?”

“Because we’re not the kind of people they pick for tournaments. Or-” She cut herself off, then shook her head. “Never mind.”

Ginny narrowed her eyes at her but let it slide. “Well, for what it’s worth, if it did involve us, I think you'd be brilliant. Smarter than Fred and George, for starters.”

Ariel smiled. “Don’t let them hear you say that.”

“Oh, I hope they do.”

Their laughter joined the hum of conversation, and for a moment, Ariel forgot the anxiety that had clung to her since the train. She forgot the Prophet headlines. Forgot the hollow, persistent ache left by her father’s illness. She just laughed.

But it didn’t last.

That afternoon, the weather had finally cleared. Students had taken to the grounds for some sun before classes began properly the next day. Ariel wandered along the edge of the Black Lake, needing space. That’s where Harry found her - or perhaps stumbled upon her.

“You alright?” he asked, falling into step beside her, hands in his pockets. His hair was a tangle of windswept black that made her fingers itch to flatten it.

“Define alright,” she said lightly.

He smirked. “Well, you’re not being chased by a basilisk, so I’d say you’re doing pretty well.”

She gave a small laugh. “Low bar.”

They walked in companionable silence for a while, watching the giant squid lazily lift a tentacle above the lake’s surface, the sunlight glinting off the ripples.

“Crazy, isn’t it?” Harry said eventually. “This whole Triwizard thing.”

Ariel nodded. “I wonder what kind of tasks they’ll have to face.”

“Probably something awful. Dragons, maybe.” He grinned, then added, “You’d handle it better than me, though.”

“I’d freeze. Probably fall right into the dragon’s mouth.”

“Doubt that.”

They stopped near a large flat stone by the water’s edge. Ariel sat, hugging her knees. Harry joined her, a comfortable closeness between them that sent a flicker of heat through her chest. But it wasn’t like before. Not quite.

“Do you think Cho’s going to enter?” she asked, immediately regretting it.

Harry blinked. “Cho?”

“You know,” she said too casually, picking at a thread on her robe, “she’s older. Talented. Pretty.”

He gave a short laugh. “Where’d that come from?”

Ariel shrugged. “Ginny mentioned it. That you might be into her.”

Silence. She risked a glance and saw him looking at her, puzzled. “Ginny talks too much,” he said.

Ariel didn’t press. She didn’t want to know. Not really. The fluttering in her stomach had already twisted into something sour. “Just curious.”

They sat for a bit longer, until the sun dipped behind a thick cloud, and the temperature dropped.

“I should get going,” she said, standing. “I promised Luna I’d meet her before dinner.”

“Yeah. Sure.”

But as they parted ways, Ariel couldn’t help but notice the way Harry watched her leave. Or maybe she imagined it.

********************

Luna had set up camp in a quiet courtyard near the Herbology greenhouses. She was sitting on a stone bench, drawing what appeared to be a cross between a manticore and a teacup.

“It’s for the Quibbler,” she said dreamily. “Daddy thinks the Ministry is breeding them.”

Ariel sat beside her. “What do they do?”

“They predict the weather. Not very well, though.”

They giggled.

“I like it here,” Luna said, gazing up at the drifting clouds. “Hogwarts always feels… peaceful. Even when it isn’t.”

Ariel leaned back, letting the cold stone cool her spine. “I wish I felt that.”

Luna turned to her, her wide eyes hosting a subtle gleam of I-know-something-that-you-don’t. “You do, but you just have to find it.”

********************

Ariel barely remembered falling asleep the night before, but the morning greeted her with an agonizing certainty.

Every bone in her body felt like it was grinding against itself. Her skin was feverish and clammy. A pounding throb pulsed through her skull, and the sunlight lancing through the curtains felt like a personal attack. She curled tighter under her blankets, trembling. Her breath was ragged, and her limbs felt like they’d been crushed beneath stone.

She knew exactly what day it was.

The full moon.

And although it was her second, it still hurt as hell.

The scratch (if you were putting things lightly) stretched  across her collarbone and ribs was mostly healed now-a faint, silvery scar-but the consequences were impossible to ignore. Remus hadn’t meant to scratch her. It had been an accident. She hadn’t told anyone what had happened at the end of the summer, with Hermione, Harry, Ron, Luna and Ginny being the exception. She told the girls in her dorm that she went hiking on a mountain in the summer and fell. But the truth was messier, harder. He had hurt her, and though it wasn’t a full bite, it had been enough. Enough to change something fundamental.

She wasn’t a werewolf.

Not completely.

But she wasn’t just a girl anymore, either.

By the time she finally managed to drag herself out of bed, she couldn’t walk straight. Her knees buckled halfway down the Gryffindor staircase. Ginny, who was coming back up for something she’d forgotten, caught her just in time.

“Ariel!” she gasped. “You should’ve said something-come on, lean on me-”

“I… can’t,” Ariel muttered, clenching her jaw against another wave of pain.

Together, they got her to the hospital wing. Madam Pomfrey didn’t ask questions. She simply guided Ariel to a bed, gave her something cool and silvery to drink, and drew the curtains.

“You’ll stay here today,” the nurse said gently. “It’ll get worse before it gets better.”

Ariel didn’t respond. She was already halfway unconscious, limbs twisting under the sheets as the moon-still unseen-pulled at something ancient and painful inside her.

********************

She drifted in and out of sleep all day, her dreams fractured and strange. Sometimes she was in a forest, running on four legs. Sometimes she was just lying in bed, unable to move, watching the light change on the stone ceiling above her.

Around lunch, familiar voices pulled her back.

“I brought soup,” Hermione said softly, pulling the curtain aside.

“She doesn’t want soup, she wants chocolate frogs,” Ron said, holding up a handful.

Ginny rolled her eyes. “She needs rest, not sugar.”

“I brought both,” Luna added serenely, setting down a wrapped package that suspiciously smelled like onions and lavender.

“Guys, be quiet! We don’t want to startle her.” shushed Harry, somewhere near Ariel

“Startle her? What is she, a feral animal?” asked Ginny, something flashing in her eyes. 

Ariel blinked her heavy eyes open, managing a weak smile.

“You all look like a weird hospital choir,” she rasped.

Ron gave her a crooked grin. “We’re your weird choir.”

Hermione sat gently on the edge of the bed. “How bad is it today?”

“Bad,” Ariel admitted. “Worse than I expected. It feels like… like my whole body is out of sync.”

Ginny handed her a damp cloth, placing it on her forehead. “It’s not going to be like this forever. Lupin said it gets better with time.”

Ariel nodded faintly. “He said that. But he also said the first year’s the worst.”

The room went quiet for a while. They weren’t afraid of her-she was grateful for that. But there was a shared weight in the air. They all understood the seriousness of it. Even Luna, who hummed softly as she unpacked the chocolate frogs.

“I’ve been reading about half-transformations,” Hermione offered after a moment. “It’s rare, but there are some cases. You might not ever shift fully, but the pain... it might always come during full moons.”

Ariel closed her eyes. “Great.”

“But you’re not alone,” Harry said, firmly. “We’re not going anywhere.”

“Yeah,” Ron said. “You’ll just have to let me copy your Astronomy notes on full moon nights.”

Ariel laughed, though it hurt. “Deal.”

They stayed with her until Madam Pomfrey shooed them away for dinner. Luna lingered a moment longer, tucking the blanket more tightly around Ariel.

“The moon only takes what you let it,” she said, voice barely above a whisper.

And then she, too, was gone.

********************

Ariel was alone again.

Outside the windows, the moon had fully risen-large, luminous, indifferent.

Her body had begun to burn.

Every muscle tightened beneath her skin. Her fingers curled, spasming as if they were claws. She wasn’t transforming - there wasn’t fur, or growling, or the kind of horror story she had imagined. It was just pain. Intense, undiluted, crawling up her spine and into her skull. Her jaw ached from clenching it, and her ribs felt like they were going to crack open.

She cried out once, biting it back so Madam Pomfrey wouldn’t come rushing. She didn’t want help. There wasn’t any help.

This was her life now.

********************

The next evening, Ariel was back in the common room. She wasn’t at full strength - her shoulders were sore, and she had moved through her classes like a ghost - but she was upright.

Harry flopped into the armchair across from her, Astronomy star charts spilling from his arms like parchment waterfalls.

“I’m doomed,” he declared. “This constellation map might as well be a Rorschach test. Nothing looks like it’s supposed to.”

Ariel raised an eyebrow. “You mean that blob isn’t clearly Ursa Minor?”

“That’s a bear?” Harry squinted. “It looks like a cauldron on legs.”

“You’re hopeless.”

“Exactly why I need a tutor.”

Ariel shifted to sit beside him, pointing at his chart. “Okay, first of all-this star here? That’s Polaris. That’s your anchor. Everything else rotates around it.”

He frowned. “That bright one?”

“Yep. It’s always north.”

As she leaned over to guide his hand with the quill, their arms brushed. She didn’t move away.

Harry looked at her. “You’re better tonight.”

“Mostly. The aftereffects are worse than I thought they’d be.”

He nodded slowly, eyes still on her. “You were really brave, you know.”

Ariel scoffed. “I cried into a pillow for half the night.”

“Still brave,” he said, smiling slightly. “You didn’t run from it.”

For a moment, something hung in the air between them - unspoken, warm, just slightly electric.

Ariel looked away first, refocusing on the chart.

“Alright, Potter,” she said. “Let’s make your stars less stupid.”

“Best compliment I’ve gotten all week.”

********************

The sun was dipping low over the Hogwarts grounds, casting long shadows across the empty Quidditch pitch. Ariel tightened her grip on her broomstick, grinning as Harry landed beside her with a soft thud.

“Ready for a few laps?” she asked, eyes sparkling with playful challenge.

Harry nodded, adjusting his grip. “Only if you don’t leave me in the dust.”

Ariel laughed, feeling a flutter in her chest as they pushed off the ground, their brooms slicing through the cool evening air. The wind whipped past her, hair streaming behind her as she chased Harry around the pitch’s oval, their laughter echoing through the grounds.

For a few laps, it was just the rush of speed, the thrill of flight, and the quiet closeness of being side by side. When they finally touched down, both breathing a little heavier, Ariel caught Harry’s glance and felt a warmth spread through her that had nothing to do with the exertion.

********************

Later, seated cross-legged on a cushy armchair near the fire, Ariel spread out a stack of parchment filled with star charts and notes.

“So, the Sirius constellation is actually a dog, right?” Harry asked, tracing the stars with his finger.

“Exactly,” Ariel said softly. “And it’s brightest in the winter sky. Here, look - if you imagine the stars connected like this...” She pointed at the parchment, her voice calm and patient.

Harry watched her carefully, his usual confidence softened by genuine curiosity. Ariel’s heart skipped as she caught his focused gaze - so different from the usual rush of Quidditch or the chaos of his usual demeanour. 

“You make this way easier to understand,” Harry admitted quietly.

Ariel smiled, cheeks warming. “I’m glad. Astronomy’s kind of my thing.”

The firelight flickered, and for a moment, the room felt small and safe - just the two of them, a quiet space in the middle of a hectic world.