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𝖈𝖍𝖆𝖕𝖙𝖊𝖗 𝖙𝖍𝖎𝖗𝖙𝖞-𝖙𝖜𝖔:

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𝕿HE SKY WAS A DREARY GRAY, the kind that seemed to press down on you, and the steady drizzle of rain soaked the field outside Hagrid's hut. Still, the class buzzed with anticipation as they gathered, Hagrid standing beside a covered perch with his usual enthusiastic grin.

"Alright, everyone!" Hagrid called, his booming voice cutting through the patter of rain. "Today, we're lookin' at a creature that's rare to see up close. It's not dangerous, but it's got a reputation that's a bit... misunderstood."

With a dramatic flourish, Hagrid whipped the cover off, revealing a sleek, dark green bird perched atop the stand. Its narrow, curved beak and mournful yellow eyes gave it an almost ghostly appearance, while its feathers shimmered faintly even in the dull light.

"This..." Hagrid stated proudly. "Is an augurey, also known as the Irish Phoenix."

The students murmured in curiosity, a few craning their necks to get a better look. The Augurey gave a low, almost grumbling sound, adjusting its wings slightly.

"It looks sad," Ron commented, tilting his head as he studied the bird.

"That's just their natural look," Hagrid explained, chuckling. "They're famous fer their mournful cry. Used to be folks thought it meant someone was about ter die, but that's not true. What it actually predicts is rain." He gestured around at the drizzly weather. "Though today, we didn't need much warnin', eh?"

The class chuckled softly, though the augurey didn't so much as blink. As Hagrid let the augurey out of the cage, it gave a small flap of its wings before taking off into into the sky.

The augurey's flight was graceful, its dark green feathers glinting faintly in the sunlight as it soared higher into the sky. The class watched in quiet awe, the soft rustle of its wings audible in the stillness of the clearing. It circled once above them, its mournful cry echoing faintly, before settling on a nearby branch, its sharp, intelligent eyes scanning the students below.

"Look at those feathers. They're so smooth and perfect for flying in storms," Kyra commented, her eyes lighting up as the augurey flew.

Hagrid nodded. "Aye, they're brilliant flyers, especially in bad weather. Their feathers repel water, so they can glide through rain like it's nothin'."

"I wonder what it'd be like to fly like that," Jamie noted softly, their voice almost drowned out by the rain. They gazed up at the augurey with a wistful expression. "Just cutting through the air, the rain all around you, completely free."

"Except you'd never get up there in the first place," Isaac teased, leaning closer with a smirk. "Considering your fear of heights and all."

Jamie turned sharply, their cheeks flushing. "That's not true!"

"Oh, come on," Isaac chuckled, clearly enjoying himself. "Remember the time on the Astronomy Tower? You were clutching the railing like your life depended on it."

"That was different!" Jamie protested, their voice rising slightly.

"Heights are terrifying," Alana cut in, her tone sharp as she shot Isaac a look.

Hermione leaned in toward you, her voice low. "It's strange how graceful they are in the air. You wouldn't think something so... gloomy-looking would be so elegant."

You nodded, watching as the augurey took off from the branch, gliding effortlessly through the rain-soaked sky. Its movements were almost hypnotic, each wingbeat smooth and precise.

"I can see why people used to think they were omens," you mentioned quietly. "They look like they belong to some otherworldly place."

Hermione hummed in agreement, her quill moving quickly across her parchment as she jotted down notes.

"Blimey," Kyra whispered as the augurey soared high above them. "That's amazing. I wish I could fly like that."

"You're a quidditch player," Rhys mentioned with a slight laugh.

Kyra laughed along, giving him a light shove. "Not like that. I mean, to fly with wings. I think it'd be so cool."

Jamie, still a little flushed, smiled faintly. "Me too."

"Just as long as we're not flying too high," Alana muttered, earning a soft laugh from Jamie and Kyra.

By the end of the lesson, the rain had let up slightly, though the sky remained overcast. The augurey had returned to its perch, its feathers slick and glistening as it preened itself. Hagrid dismissed the class, reminding them to write a short essay on the creature's unique abilities.

Above, the augurey let out its mournful cry once more, the haunting sound lingering in the air like the fading rain.

The warm, hazy air of the Divination Tower hung heavy, laced with the scent of lavender and Trelawney's incense. The professor swayed gently at the front of the room, draped in her usual shawls and beads, lost in her lecture about the intricacies of crystal ball readings. Most students' attention wavered between daydreaming and outright fighting off sleep.

At the table next to yours and Dean's, Seamus rummaged through his bag with a mischievous glint in his eye. His hand emerged clutching a familiar box of Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans, the bright colors almost glowing in the dim light of the room.

"Alright, lads, and lady," Seamus whispered conspiratorially, sliding the box onto the table. "Let's make this class a bit more interesting."

Neville looked nervous, already blushing. "Seamus, I don't think—"

"Relax," Seamus interrupted with a grin, shaking the box lightly. "It's just a bit of fun. Besides, what's life without a little risk?"

Dean leaned back in his chair, grinning. "You mean the risk of eating something like bogey-flavored beans?"

You couldn't help but laugh softly as Seamus opened the box and started handing out beans to everyone. Seamus popped a bean into his mouth first, his expression immediately crinkling in disgust. "Ugh. Grass clippings," he whispered harshly, though he still managed a smirk.

You hesitated before picking one, holding it up to inspect it like a potion ingredient. "Only one way to find out," you muttered, popping it into your mouth. "Earwax," you groaned softly, trying to stifle a laugh.

Dean doubled over, his hand clamped over his mouth. "Mine's pepper! Merlin's beard, it's like my tongue's on fire!"

Neville cautiously bit into a bean, his eyes widening with relief. "Lemon drop," he whispered triumphantly, visibly relaxing.

Seamus handed another round of beans out, grinning like a game show host. "Alright, round two."

This time, your bean was unmistakable — spicy and savory. "Curry," you identified, and Seamus nodded approvingly.

Neville wasn't so lucky. His face turned a sickly green, and he covered his mouth with his hand. "It's... it's fish," he croaked, looking miserable.

Dean snorted, struggling to suppress his laughter. "That's what you get for trusting Seamus."

The four of you continued, trying to keep your reactions quiet as the beans ranged from delicious to downright vile. You had no idea how much time passed until a particularly loud gag from Seamus, who had eaten a vomit-flavored bean, caught the attention of Trelawney.

"Ah, my dear Mr. Finnegan," she droned dramatically, her eyes wide and glassy. "I sense a chaotic energy around you. Perhaps the stars are warning you of your impetuous nature."

You all struggled to suppress your laughter as Seamus nodded solemnly, still grimacing from the awful taste.

As the professor turned back to her lecture, you exchanged knowing glances with your tablemates, stifling your giggles and preparing for the next round of beans.

The stone stairwell echoed with the sound of footsteps and chatter as you, Dean, Seamus, and Neville descended from the Divination tower. Seamus, as usual, was filling the silence with a humorous recounting of Trelawney's dramatic prophecy about his "troubled stars."

"I mean, honestly, how many times can she predict that I'll have a 'great perilous journey'? It's just another way of saying I might trip on the stairs, isn't it?" Seamus quipped, earning a laugh from you and Dean.

"You're not wrong," you chuckled with a small grin, adjusting your bag over your shoulder. "But maybe this time she means something more serious. Like, what if you accidentally drink one of Fred and George's potions?"

Dean burst into laughter, his smile lighting up his face as he glanced at you. "That'd be a perilous journey for anyone. Imagine trying to explain that to Madam Pomfrey."

The group dissolved into laughter, but Neville watched the way Dean leaned a little closer to you as you laughed, the ease with which you two shared a moment of connection. It wasn't forced or intentional — it was just there, natural and unspoken.

Neville watched your interactions silently, his chest tightening. He forced a small smile when you turned back to the group, but his mind was a whirlwind of conflicted thoughts.

'Dean's liked her for almost a year,' Neville thought, his gaze dropping to the stone floor. 'He's my friend. I shouldn't... but, what if she...? No, it wouldn't be fair. He's already ahead. He deserves a chance.'

As Seamus cracked another joke about Trelawney's "unfailing foresight," Neville tried to shake the feelings of doubt and sadness. But no matter how much he wanted to be happy for Dean, the ache in his chest lingered. He liked you, but Dean had noticed you first, and Neville wasn't the kind of person to put his feelings above his friends.

Still, as he watched the easy way Dean made you smile, Neville couldn't help but wonder if there was a place for him in your thoughts, or if he should let go before his feelings grew any stronger.

For now, though, he stayed quiet, falling into step with the group and laughing at Seamus's jokes, even as his heart felt heavy.

Dean nudged you gently with his shoulder as the two of you slowed down, separating a bit from Seamus and Neville. "So, how's the quidditch prep going? You lot are looking sharp this year."

"It's going all right," you told him, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear. "Isaac's been relentless with the beater drills, but I think we're in good shape."

Dean nodded, a small, fond smile lingering on his lips. "I bet you'll crush it. You're one of the best chasers I've seen."

The compliment made your heart flutter and you glanced down, trying to hide your shy smile. "Thanks, Dean. That means a lot."

"When you win, I'll treat you to some candy from Honeydukes or something," Dean offered, earning a smile and a nod from you.

You looked up at Dean, your smile soft but genuine. "You've got yourself a deal," you agreed, feeling a small wave of warmth at his easy confidence in you.

Dean chuckled lightly, his hands stuffed casually in his pockets. "Good. I'll start saving up, then. I've got a feeling your team's going to cost me a fortune in licorice wands."

The two of you shared a laugh. Ahead of you, Seamus's voice rang out, teasing and boisterous as he and Neville waited for you two to catch up to them several steps down. Dean glanced back at them, shaking his head with an amused grin.

You laughed softly, glancing at the pair. "I don't know how you put up with them sometimes."

"Years of practice," Dean replied with a mock-suffering sigh. "But honestly, I wouldn't trade them for anything."

The golden light of the setting sun filtered through the windows of the stairwell, bathing the stone in a warm glow. Dean slowed his pace just slightly, his gaze turning thoughtful. "You know," he began, his tone more serious now. "You've been pretty busy with quidditch and school lately. Make sure you're not running yourself ragged, yeah?"

You blinked, his concern catching you off guard. "I'm fine," you assured him, though his steady gaze made you feel oddly vulnerable. "Really. I've got it under control."

Dean's brow furrowed slightly, but he nodded, seemingly satisfied for the moment. "Alright. Just don't forget to take some time for yourself," he told you, his voice soft but sincere.

The sincerity in his tone warmed you, and you found yourself smiling at him again. "I'll try," you promised.

As the base of the stairs neared, Dean gave you one last nudge with his shoulder, his easy grin returning. "Good. Can't have Ravenclaw's star chaser burning out before the big match, can we?"

You rolled your eyes playfully but couldn't suppress the smile tugging at your lips. "Kyra and Roger are just as good as me, you know. Maybe better."

"Wouldn't know," he replied with a shrug. "I don't pay attention to them."

The bustling energy of the Hogwarts corridors echoed with laughter and chatter as students made their way between classes. You were walking toward the library, a stack of books tucked under your arm, when a commotion ahead caught your attention.

It was easy to pinpoint the source of the disturbance — Fred and George, standing with their arms crossed and grins stretched ear to ear, were blocking Ron's path. Ron, red-faced and glaring, had what appeared to be a pair of pink bunny ears sprouting from his head, twitching comically with every movement.

"Oh, come on, Ron," Fred commented with exaggerated innocence, grinning as he took a step back to admire his handiwork. "It's not that bad. They suit you!"

"Really brings out the color in your cheeks," George added, barely suppressing his laughter, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. His voice was a mix of mock sweetness and genuine amusement as he nudged Fred, both of them clearly enjoying every moment of their prank.

Ron, on the other hand, was seething. He tried to brush past them, clearly intent on getting away, but Fred, with all his usual flair, stepped sideways to block his path. With a flourish, Fred pulled out a small mirror from his pocket and held it up in front of Ron. "Take a look. You might start a trend!"

"I swear, if you don't—" he started to say, but his words were drowned out by a sudden burst of laughter from a group of passing Slytherins who had stopped to witness the spectacle.

Rolling your eyes, you approached them. "Alright, Thing 1 and Thing 2," you called out, holding your books to your chest. The twins immediately turned their attention to you, their expressions remaining amused. Ron, meanwhile, shot you a helpless look, clearly caught in the middle of his embarrassment. "Come on, leave Ron alone."

"Ah, (Y/n)," George greeted, spreading his arms wide in a grand, exaggerated gesture of welcome. "Come to admire our latest masterpiece?"

You raised an eyebrow and let out a small chuckle, glancing between Ron and the grinning twins. "Masterpiece? Looks more like you've been raiding the toy section of Zonko's," you teased, your voice light but laced with amusement.

Fred gasped in mock offense, his eyes widening dramatically. "Zonko's? We would never! This is art," he replied, his tone dripping with playful sarcasm.

"Well, your 'art' is going to make you late for class," you countered with a low laugh, stepping closer to Ron. You reached for your wand, giving it a quick flick. The bunny ears disappeared in a puff of smoke, and Ron let out a deep sigh of relief, although the hint of a frown still lingered on his face.

"Aw man," Fred sighed dramatically, clutching his chest as though his heart had been broken. "Our beautiful artwork..."

"It's gone," George continued, matching Fred's exaggerated grief, though his voice was laced with a playful tone.

"Get moving already." Despite the stern words, you couldn't hide the slight smile that tugged at your lips. You shot them both a quick glance, making sure they got the message. "Hurry before I snitch on you two to Angelina."

George raised his hands in mock surrender, a mischievous gleam in his eye. "Alright, alright, we're going. But this isn't over, Ronniekins." He threw a wink at his brother before he and Fred sauntered off, their laughter echoing behind them.

You turned back to Ron, who was still standing there with a mix of embarrassment and amusement. His cheeks were slightly flushed, but the tension in his posture had relaxed a little. "Thanks," he mumbled, scratching the back of his neck in a typical Ron gesture.

"No problem," you chuckled, giving him a small, reassuring smile. "Though, you've got to admit, they're creative."

Ron groaned, rubbing his forehead as though he couldn't quite escape the reality of the situation. "Yeah, creative at making my life miserable," he muttered, though a reluctant smile crept onto his face.

You laughed, shaking your head at him. "Come on, it's not all bad. At least you've got a great story for dinner."

"Easy for you to say," Ron muttered under his breath, but the corner of his mouth twitched up into a small smile, a little of the tension easing away.

The sun was beginning its slow descent, casting golden hues across the rugged cliffs of the ravine beneath the wooden bridge. You and Lavender strolled across the weathered planks, the soft creaking beneath your steps blending with the rustling of leaves in the breeze.

Reaching the midpoint of the bridge, the two of you paused, leaning against the sturdy wooden railing. The wood was rough beneath your fingertips, sun-bleached and cool to the touch. You both gazed out at the expanse before you, the ravine opening wide.

Suddenly, a bird burst forth from beneath the bridge, its wings catching the light as it soared effortlessly through the narrow canyon. Its sleek body cut through the air, weaving between the cliffs before disappearing into the greenery. Lavender let out a soft gasp, her eyes widening in awe as she followed its path.

"Wow," she murmured, her voice barely