The soft chi of the enchanted clock nestled between the curtains announced the dawn, but Petunia Evans felt like she had not slept at all.
Her eyes blinked open slowly, lashes heavy with exhaustion, and she stared at the ceiling of the Ravenclaw dormitory as strands of early light danced across the stone arch above her bed. Her bones ached—not from any physical injury, but from the weight of last night. The ritual, the Room of Requirent, the dark whisper of the Horcrux now sealed away... It clung to her like cobwebs in her mind.
Her curtains were drawn slightly open, and beyond them, she could already hear the rustle of uniforms and whispered riddles at the bronze eagle knocker.
Pandora was the first to speak. "Petunia, are you feeling alright? You look... well, like you've seen a ghost that stole your sleep."
Petunia groaned and pulled the covers over her head, then peeked out again sheepishly. "I'm fine. I just... couldn't sleep. Woke up at midnight and decided to read."
Emline arched an eyebrow. Her hair was already tied back in a neat ribbon, her robe perfectly pressed. "You read? All night? You're the epito of a Ravenclaw, Pet."
That earned a sleepy chuckle from all three of them. They dressed quickly, exchanging snatches of gossip and midterm anxiety as they slipped into their robes and secured their House ties. By the ti they descended the spiral staircase from the dormitory, the tower was alive with movent—students flitting between bookshelves, finishing last-minute essays, or rushing out to the Great Hall.
As the girls stepped into the corridor, the scent of baked bread and roasted sausages lured them down toward breakfast.
The Great Hall was golden with morning light, enchanted ceiling painted in delicate sunrise hues. The four House tables were beginning to fill, and Petunia's eyes, as if drawn by instinct, flicked to the Ravenclaw table near the far end.
Severus Snape was already seated, hunched slightly over a plate of toast and eggs. Andrew and Felix T sat on either side, deep in conversation. Felix was gesturing animatedly with his fork. The mont Severus looked up and caught Petunia's gaze, he smiled small and quiet, but warm.
She felt her face tug into a tired smile of her own and made her way toward them, followed closely by Pandora and Emline.
Severus scooted slightly to the side, making room for her beside him. "You didn't sleep," he said without preamble, studying her eyes with a faint frown. "You look like you fell into a cauldron of insomnia."
Before Petunia could respond, Pandora leaned in dramatically. "She was reading. All. Night."
Petunia nodded with a sheepish shrug. "Midnight ca and went. I just couldn't sleep, so I opened Arithmantic Puzzles of the 15th Century to pass the ti."
"Of course you did," Emline said, rolling her eyes. "You're a textbook."
Andrew chuckled, then turned to Severus and Felix. "What ti is practice again? Six?"
"Yeah," Severus replied. "After classes. Gavin's really pushing us hard. Says if we don't bleed in practice, we'll lose in the ga."
Felix shook his head. "He's obsessed. Wants to win the Quidditch Cup before he graduates."
Petunia perked up. "When's the first match again?"
"Friday," Severus said.
She smiled. "Then you'd better do your best. I'll be in the stands—cheering for you and the whole Ravenclaw team."
Felix grinned. "That's the kind of energy we need!"
Emline leaned across the table. "Who are we playing against?"
"Gryffindor," Felix replied, wrinkling his nose. "Jas Potter made it to Chaser this year."
Andrew added, "They won the Cup last year. Their team's solid."
"Not as solid," Felix muttered. "Their old captain graduated—Wilfred Connell. That bloke could hit a Bludger like a cannon. Without him, they're not invincible."
Pandora, who had been quiet, tilted her head and said mysteriously, "We have the favor of the stars this season. I can feel it."
They all smiled at her, affection softening their faces. Petunia squeezed her hand. "Then it's decided. Ravenclaw will win."
After breakfast, they joined the steady tide of students heading to morning classes. The first was Charms with Professor Flitwick—a favorite of Petunia's.
The tiny professor stood on his stack of books at the front of the class, beaming behind his spectacles. "Today, class, we are working on the Aqua Ventis charm—a lovely little spell to summon a controlled gust of air infused with mist. Useful in potions, herbology... or just to cool down on a hot day!"
He flicked his wand, and a swirl of gentle mist danced across the classroom like a silver ribbon. The class watched in awe.
"Now, wand movent is key," Flitwick chirped. "Circle-twist-flick, with intent focused on elental balance."
As students began practicing in pairs, Petunia moved to the front of the room and tried the motion. Her wand glowed pale blue, the air shimred, and a perfect spiral of mist appeared.
Professor Flitwick clapped. "Excellent! Miss Evans, would you care to demonstrate for the class?"
With a faint blush, she stepped up and repeated the charm. Mist blood like a flower of light.
"Well done!" Flitwick announced. "Five points to Ravenclaw!"
Petunia returned to her desk, face glowing with quiet pride. Emline leaned over and whispered, "Show-off." And they both laugh
After class, the six of them walked together down the corridor, laughing and talking.
Then, a boy stepped into their path.
He was from Hufflepuff—Petunia recognized him vaguely. Light brown hair, eyes wide like he'd swallowed a lemon whole. His hands were trembling slightly, clutching sothing behind his back.
"I—uh—hi," he stamred. "Petunia?"
She blinked. "Yes?"
He thrust forward a small parchnt envelope and a tiny box of chocolate frogs. "I just—I think you're really kind. And clever. And... pretty."
Then he turned scarlet and fled, nearly tripping over his own shoes.
The group stood stunned for a mont. Then Emline burst into laughter, quickly joined by Andrew and Felix.
"Oh no," Petunia muttered, holding the chocolates like they were cursed.
"I told you," Emline said smugly. "Half our year is probably crushing on you."
"I think he just wanted to be nice," Petunia said defensively.
"You're so gullible," Emline teased.
"I'm not!" Petunia protested, looking up at Severus for backup. "Am I?"
Severus chuckled softly. "Maybe a little."
She frowned, pouting. "That's not true."
He leaned a little closer. "It's alright. I prefer you that way."
Petunia frowned and said jokingly . "I am not sharing these chocolates with any of you."
The group burst into laughter, their footsteps echoing through the corridor as they continued toward the next class, the weight of the world a little lighter for just a mont.
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