Chapter Text
Adrian Pucey scoffed as McGonagall guided the tiny firsties inside.
“Do we have to go through this every year? I’m tired and hungry,’’ he whined as his best friends Cassius Warrington and Marcus Flint sighed.
“Do we have to suffer your moaning every year? Don’t forget that you were one yourself two years ago,’’ Marcus retorted.
He sniffed and ignored him, letting his eyes run over the Great Hall.
It was his third year and he would be allowed to visit Hogsmeade. He’d better start looking for a suitable date before all the good ones were taken.
His cerulean blue gaze clashed with Katie Bell’s dark orbs and he winked, making the brunette pursue her lips and huff.
“You know you’ll pay for it in the pitch, Rian. Never poke a lioness, you should know better,’’ Cassius groaned before he added. ‘’The worst part is; I’m always paying for your mistakes.’’
“Don’t worry, the cup will be ours this year too. I’m going to crash Wood once and for all. I spent the summer going through some incontestable tactics. The Gryffs are done for,’’ Marcus gloated and he was about to ask him to stop before his headache got worse when two green emeralds stole his breath away.
Among the new arrivals, a small brunette with the brightest green eyes he had ever seen was looking straight at him.
He smirked and a beautiful hue of pink covered her cheeks before she turned her head away abruptly.
‘’Did you hear? Harriet Potter will be among the first years. I wonder what she looks like,’’ Cassius mused.
“Probably like a Gryffindor. You know that the Potters are always sorted into the lion den, some even say that they’re the last Heirs of Godric Gryffindor,’’ Marcus explained while he maintained his staring contest with Oliver Wood.
“Why do we care? Sweet Salazar, I’m starving,’’ he battled the need to drop his head against the table.
Even though he didn’t care much for others’ opinions, he would never drop his mask in public and act like a heathen.
"Harriet Potter,’' McGonagall called.
Despite himself, his eyes travelled to the high dais and widened as he recognized the little girl he teased a moment ago.
“Oh," he smiled.
“What?’’ Cassius asked warily.
“Nothing. She seems…interesting," he drawled, tapping his fingers against the table.
His friend paled. ’’No, definitely not. I know that look. This is Harriet Potter, the Girl Who Loved, the Saviour, Heiress of The Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter. You know that we have to tread carefully being hated and scorned by everyone. You don’t go near her, Rian. Period,’’ he hissed.
Adrian brushed him aside and waited with bated breath for the Hat to give its final verdict.
‘Gryffindor .’
“As expected. I know a Gryffindor when I see one. My father told me they’re brash and uncivilised, the lot of them.’’
His eyes narrowed as he recognized itty bitty Malfoy.
The pampered boy sounded like trouble.
Even though he wasn’t one to talk with his past deeds, he never warmed to him in their previous encounters.
He knew that his behaviour would bring nothing but more loathing to his house.
The was certain that the Sorting Hat was old and demented, otherwise, why would it bring someone so loud and witless into the house of the cunning?
“Be quiet Malfoy. Never voice your inner thoughts publicly, it’s unbecoming of a true Slytherin,’’ he chided, in no mood to hear his irritating voice.
The firstie’s eyes widened as he looked at him mildly confused. Thankfully he acquiesced and stopped his ramblings.
After suffering for another ten minutes, their food appeared and he sighed.
“One might think that they don’t feed you at home. I tasted Tilly’s food and she’s a great cook,’’ Marcus shook his head.
“I’m a growing man and I need my sustenance. Otherwise, how can I nourish my mind and come up with all my brilliant ideas,’’ he sipped his water nonchalantly ignoring Marcus’ muttered ‘Merlin’s Mercy.’
As Dumbledore started his yearly rant, he stopped paying attention. His wandering eyes clashed with the green orbs again and he grinned.
The girl dropped her head hastily, but he wasn’t Adrian Pucey for nothing.
It seemed He would have so much fun this year.
--
‘’Something feels suspicious. Wood is hiding something,” Marcus frowned and Adrian rolled his eyes.
“With the way you pay attention to the slightest details concerning your rival, one would think you’re hopelessly in love. Thankfully, as a third year, you can ask him for a Hogsmeade date and put us out of our misery,’’ he patted the muscled guy on the shoulder.
The latter growled and glared at him. “I’m not joking, Rian. I know him very well. He seems…pleased and I have to get to the bottom of this before it’s too late.’’
He shrugged and shifted his focus back to the beautiful Ravenclaw who wouldn’t stop eating him with her eyes.
He raised an eyebrow and she blushed, her eyes darting to the side.
Marcus poked his side. He gave him a sidelong, exasperated glance. ’’Fine. What do you want to do?’’
“We spy on the Gryffindor team,’’ Marcus’ smile was all teeth, literally.
‘’After you, my Lord. Lead the way,’’ he said, giving up on trying to convince his stubborn friend.
The sight that greeted them was fascinating in the best and worst way possible.
‘’We’re doomed,’’ he whispered in a breathy tone, laughing when Marcus’ eyes bulged.
“Not yet,’’ He shot back in a hard tone and Adrian shook his head exasperatedly.
‘’No, not with this seeker. Didn’t you see how fast he caught the snitch?’’ he pointed out, closing his eyes as beams of sunlight blinded him.
He couldn’t recognize him, but he was short and lean, probably a second year.
But how could a second year be this good?
The seeker and Oliver Wood landed and his jaw dropped when ‘he’ turned his way, giving him a full view as if ‘he’ knew he was there.
‘’No way...’’ he said under his breath.
It was Potter.
The girl was the most talented seeker he had ever seen and he had seen plenty of gifted ones being a quidditch fan since the age of four.
He had always loved Quidditch, so he understood that what he just witnessed was the first flight of a future legend.
“What are we going to do? We can’t lose the cup. I’ll die before I let Wood take it away from me,’’ Marcus hissed sounding terrified, but right at that moment, Adrian didn’t care.
He nodded idly to assuage the poor wizard’s fears.
His head was filled with the image of the little raven he saw soaring Hogwarts’ skies.
“Don’t worry. We’ll find a way,’’ he added, even though a small voice kept whispering in his head. ’You’re a fool.’
--
Adrian wanted to curse so badly.
The thing that pissed him off was that, even though they were losing, he hadn’t been able to take a swing with his Quaffle and make Potter kiss the grass at least once.
The excitement in her eyes tugged at his heartstrings and made him remember his first time as a Slytherin chaser.
Marcus yelled from the other side. He clutched the quaffle Cassius threw and zoomed toward Wood.
He aimed at the middle hoop and shot with all his might.
He couldn’t believe his eyes when the crazy keeper didn’t even raise a finger to prevent the goal.
Had Marcus finally succeeded to cause him a concussion and turn his brain to mush?
Looking around with bewilderment, he noticed the commotion and his eyes widened the moment he understood why.
Harriet Potter was clinging to her brand-new Nimbus 2000 with one hand. The broom was quivering and he smelled the shady work.
The evil twins from hell were zooming under her in case she fell and he gripped the handle of his broom tighter as his eyes remained glued to the girl’s frightened face.
‘’Move! What are you doing?’’ Marcus shouted and he shook himself from the numbness.
Of course, his sly friend wouldn’t miss the opportunity to score more goals and secure their victory.
Glancing one last time at the pale girl, he manoeuvered his broom around and dashed toward a dazed Wood.
Harriet Potter would be alright; no way would Dumbledore let anything happen to the Light’s Saviour.
--
Adrian whistled softly as he proceeded toward the coming room.
His date with Gemma Fawley should have gone well. However, it was a disaster.
His housemate was bland, boring and liked to boast endlessly it made him want to rip his fine locks out.
Fortunately, he managed to cut their stroll short and hurry back under the pretence of needing to practice with Marcus and Cassius.
Hands shoved in his pockets, he sighed remembering his ruined evening. He knew the girl from their pureblood circles; he should’ve predicted that no way was she suitable for him.
Such a waste of time, she wrecked his first Hogsmeade visit with her big mouth.
His musings were interrupted when he heard a ruckus nearby.
Taking silent steps toward the voices, he found Harriet Potter surrounded by two older Gryfindors.
Their heated glares told him everything. It was undoubtedly about the good chunk of points she lost with her lackeys yesterday thanks to Malfoy’s snooping.
He wasn’t certain whether he wanted to curse the albino or thank him for paving their way toward a House Cup.
“Well, well. What do we have here? Some stray cats in my lair. This must be my lucky day. I had a bad afternoon and here I am with three volunteers to provide some entertainment,’’ he purred huskily, enjoying the way they froze.
He recognized McLaggen and Burke, two dimwits who couldn’t produce a worthy ‘Lumos’ if their lives depended on it.
“This doesn’t concern you Pucey, this is Gryffindor business. Go away,’’ McLaggen snapped.
Adrian twirled his wand lazily. “You made it my business when you brought your House matters to Slytherin corridors. You’re trespassing. Take your own advice and leave at once.’’
The brute opened his mouth to argue, but Burke, being the wiser of the two, pulled on his robes and tilted his head left.
Good boy, he knew they couldn’t match him with a wand.
The two stinky lions took their leave and all that remained was a stiff Potter.
“What…’’ he started but was cut off by her narrowed eyes.
“Did you have to butt in? I can take care of myself,’’ she hissed and he smiled.
So the little kitten knew how to scratch.
“I wasn’t doing it for you. I hate Gryffindors’ boisterous attitude and don’t want to have it in Salazar’s sacred pit,’’ he droned enjoying her pinched lips.
“Slimy Slytherins,’’ she muttered under her breath and his eyes became blue slits.
‘’What did you call us?’’
“Slimy Slytherins. Everything is your fault! Your nosy housemate followed us and snitched making us lose three hundred points straight away. Nothing good ever came from the likes of you, even your head of house tried to…’’ her eyes widened and she stopped suddenly.
Adrian stalked her and she squirmed, averting her gaze.
But it was too late, he noticed the red-rimmed eyes and the black circles underneath.
The girl was having a hard time with her housemates. He knew how cruel and vindictive upper years could be.
He leaned closer and whispered, relishing in her pink cheeks. ”Such sharp claws for a tiny kitten. For your information, snakes are not slimy and I don’t like Malfoy much.”
When she gaped, he turned and tossed over his shoulder. ’’However, I can’t deny I’m thankful for his contribution. The two cups will be ours this year. Take care, Potter. I know how fragile you are, don’t get lost in the corridors again.’’
His lips twitched when she growled. Her fiery glare made a shiver slide down his back.
Harriet Potter was so funny.
After Dumbledore left, Harriet drifted to sleep again.
When she woke up, her hand went instinctively to the bedside table looking for her glasses.
However, a larger hand caught hers before it could wander further.
She gasped and squinted in a futile effort to recognize the owner as she was quite aware it wasn’t Ron or Hermione.
Regrettably, the room was scarcely lit and all that she discerned were some blurred lines.
“Who are you?’’ she tugged her hand away and he relinquished his hold.
“Finally. I feared you’ll never wake up. I was waiting for a while, you know, and I am a very busy guy.’’
Could it be…?
But of course, she could recognize the rich baritone anywhere.
From the moment their eyes clashed, the cerulean orbs beguiled and irked her at once.
She was ashamed of her first reaction, more so after she learned of the rivalry between their houses.
Adrian Pucey was a frustrating guy; she couldn’t wait to knock him off his broom.
It wasn’t as though she hadn’t considered the idea; alas her chance was taken away when she missed the last match.
Behind his excruciatingly good looks, which enraptured her at first sight, was the meanest snake of them all.
He was arrogant, reckless and a serial heart-breaker.
She witnessed from the sidelines how his dates ended; always with a poor witch spending her evening in the bathroom while he swaggered with that vicious smirk gracing his lips.
Her last adventure made her understand to what lengths a Slytherin could go to obtain what he wanted.
She was thankful that she managed somehow to survive Quirrell and Wraith-Voldemort, but it compelled her to think about what really mattered.
Bravery, Honesty and Chivalry weren’t just her house’s motto, they were a code of life she intended to follow to honour her parents’ sacrifice.
Voldemort’s last words made her understand the lengths her mother went to in order to save her life.
Nevertheless, it would be amiss of her to cower in front of adversity.
“Why are you here Pucey?’’ she demanded colly.
“Making sure that you’re still alive. I heard about your little adventure. I reckon it’s in every Gryffindor’s nature to pry and act brashly, but at this rate, I’m not sure you’ll graduate in one piece,’’ he sighed dramatically, his eyes glowing like two sapphires.
“Wouldn’t it make you happy? It wasn’t as if your housemates hadn’t tried to knock me off my broom, make me a three-headed dog snack and get me killed in the Forbidden Forest,’’ she snapped.
He waved her words off. ’’I don’t know about all that.; Nevertheless, what you mentioned is just a part of your Hogwarts journey, of your growing process. Anyway, next time try not to get hurt before the end of the year. I don’t want you to miss the last ceremony, especially the moment we win the House cup, again,’’ he quipped and she balled her hands into fists.
How she wished she could get out of bed and punch his smug face.
Alas, he took the choice from her hands one more time as he stood leisurely, adjusting what she was sure were his perfect silk robes.
“It was a pleasure Kitten, unfortunately, I must leave. I should get my beauty sleep for the ceremony tomorrow, you know for pictures and all,’’ he drawled lazily, making her seethe with cold rage.
“Don’t call me Kitten again,” She hissed.
He chuckled as his voice got further. ’’I’ll try, but no promises Kitten.”
--
The next day, Harriet dragged her feet to the Great Hall dreading the closing ceremony.
The noise was blaring, making her wince.
The moment she walked in, there was an abrupt hush, before everybody started talking at once.
“Harriet!’’ Ron and Hermione rushed to her side, hugging her tightly.
“How are you today?’’ Hermione asked worriedly, scanning her for injuries.
“I’m fine ‘Mione, the only thing that hurts at the moment is my pride,’’ she murmured sullenly and the bushy-haired brunette sighed.
“We saved you a seat, come on,’’ Ron said and she followed behind stiffly, trying to ignore the curious gazes scanning her.
As she slipped into her seat, her treacherous eyes moved to the Slytherin table and she was greeted by two glowing orbs.
Adrian Pucey raised his pumpkin juice mug and bowed his head mockingly. Cassius Warrington rolled his eyes and tried to snatch it from his hand.
“I hate him,’’ she muttered.
“Who?” Hermione looked around, brows furrowed.
“The blond menace,” she offered.
“Oh you mean Malfoy, but who doesn’t hate the pompous git?’’ Ron butted in, mouth full and she grimaced. The redhead's table manners were embarrassing.
Hermione gave her a sidelong glance and she sniffed.
Dumbledore finally stood and all the prattle stopped.
“Another year gone and I must interrupt you before we enjoy the rest of this delicious feast,’’ he started cheerfully. ‘’Now, let’s see, the House cup needs awarding and the points stand thus: In fourth place, Gryffindor with three hundred and twelve points. In third, Hufflepuff with three hundred and fifty-two. Ravenclaw has four hundred and twenty-six and finally Slytherin, four hundred and seventy-two.”
The Slytherins discarded their manners and stood, clapping and cheering.
Harriet swallowed and lowered her eyes. It was partly her fault they lost three hundred points that night.
Dumbledore cleared his throat and the babble stopped. She noticed the way Snape went rigid and a small flame of hope blazed in her heart.
“Well done Slytherin, well done. However, recent events must be taken into account.’’
Her eyes flew to Pucey and she smirked as his smile faded.
“For the best game of chess Hogwarts had seen in years, I award Mr Ronald Weasley Fifty points.’’
Her housemates’ cheers shook the table as her friend blushed furiously.
“Well done Ron,’’ she smiled.
“For the use of cool logic, while facing adversity, I award Miss Hermione Granger fifty points.’’
Hermione burst into tears and clutched her hand tightly under the table, making her fear for her poor fingers' safety.
“Third, to Miss Harriet Potter for her great courage, I award Gryffindor sixty points.’’
The noise became deafening and Harriet dropped her head, letting her dishevelled hair cover her burning cheeks.
“Well done Harriet, if my calculations are right…’’ Percy Weasley started but was cut short as Dumbledore continued.
“It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much bravery to stand up to our friends. Therefore, I award Mr Neville Longbottom ten points.’’
A hush fell over the Great Hall, before a thunderous noise erupted from their table.
Harriet jumped to her feet to cheer and yell with her friends.
“Congratulations Gryffindor. Therefore, I think we need to change the decorations,’’ Dumbledore waved his hand and the proud lion took the snake’s place.
As she was hugged and clapped on the back by her housemates, she felt a sharp pang of sadness.
Her eyes travelled around until she caught the retreating figure heading toward the door.
Just before disappeared, he looked over his shoulder and winked.
She shook her head.
This guy…
In the end, maybe they weren’t so different.