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⁺⤾·˚.⃗. [ᴛʜᴇ ᴍʏsᴛᴇʀʏ ᴏғ ᴛʜᴇ ʙʟᴀᴄᴋ ʟᴀᴋᴇ] 𑁍ࠜೄ ˊˎ
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Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
— Scottish Highlands
( February 24th, 1995. )

            𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 of the second task dawned crisp and cold, the kind of day where the chill in the air cut straight through even the warmest robes. The Hogwarts grounds were alive with anticipation as students and visitors alike made their way toward the Black Lake.

Olympia Harrington pulled her cloak tighter around her, her nerves jangling like an untuned harp. Her twin sister, Cassie, walked beside her, effortlessly elegant even with her hands stuffed in her pockets. Atlas strode slightly ahead of them, his broad shoulders squared, with one arm draped around Judeth. While Elvira, Marianna, and Seraphina chattered quietly behind.

"You okay?" Cassie asked, nudging Olympia with her elbow.

Olympia glanced at her sister, her brow furrowed. "I don't know," she admitted. "It's just—what if something happens to Cedric? Or Harry? The black lake is full of mysteries. Anything could be down there. Not to mention it's freezing!"

"Cedric can handle himself," Cassie said confidently. "And Harry? He's got half the castle rooting for him—and let's be honest, he's got a knack for surviving. Never met a bloke so damn lucky."

"Still," Olympia murmured, her gaze drifting toward the shimmering expanse of water ahead. The surface of the lake looked almost too calm, as if hiding its secrets just beneath. She tightened her grip on the strap of her satchel, where her wand rested, ready for anything.

Behind them, a familiar, boisterous laugh broke through her anxious thoughts. "Relax, Ols," Fred called, bounding up to their group with George and Lee in tow. "Cedric's got the looks and the brains. He'll be fine."

"And Harry?" Olympia asked, raising an eyebrow. "He's a child."

George shrugged, falling into step beside her. "Well, he's got a lot of luck on his side. That's got to count for something."

Oliver Wood joined them next, his sharp eyes scanning the lake. "The champions have been training for weeks. They wouldn't put them in there without thinking they could handle it."

"Wouldn't they?" Cassie piped up, her tone skeptical. "This is the same tournament that threw them into a dragon pit, Ollie. A dragon pit."

"That's a fair point," Seraphina added, brushing a strand of dark hair from her face. "You have to admit, this whole thing feels a bit... reckless."

"Dangerous is the whole point," Lee said with a grin. "Otherwise, where's the excitement?"

Olympia shot him a look. "I'd take less excitement and more assurance that no one's getting eaten by the giant squid."

"Come on," Fred teased, throwing an arm around her shoulders. "Where's your sense of adventure?"

"I left it in the library," Olympia said dryly, though her lips quirked into a small smile.

As they reached the edge of the lake, the crowd thickened, voices buzzing with excitement and speculation. On the other side of the gathering, Hagrid loomed over a group of first years, explaining something with wide gestures.

"Over here," Atlas called, leading the group to a spot near the front where they had an unobstructed view of the lake.

The chill seemed sharper here, the breeze carrying the faint, briny scent of the water. Olympia shivered, tucking her hands into her cloak as she scanned the scene. A platform had been set up near the shore, where Dumbledore, Ludo Bagman, and the other judges stood. The champions—Cedric, Harry, Fleur, and Krum—stood nearby, their expressions varying from focused to nervous.

Olympia's stomach clenched as her eyes landed on Cedric. He looked calm, his usual confident demeanor intact, but she knew him well enough to catch the tightness in his jaw.

"They'll be alright," Cassie said quietly, as if reading her thoughts.

Olympia nodded, though her nerves refused to settle.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the second task of the Triwizard Tournament!"

The crowd erupted into cheers, and Olympia felt a pang of fear and excitement. The task was about to begin, and all she could do was watch, wait, and hope that her friends—both of them—made it back safely.

Ludo Bagman's voice carried over the rippling waters of the Black Lake, his excitement palpable as he outlined the task.

"Today, our champions face the unknown depths of the lake," Bagman declared. "Their goal? To retrieve something precious taken from them, hidden far beneath the surface. They have precisely one hour! Let's see who will rise to the occasion—and who will, well, get a little wet!"

The crowd chuckled at his joke, but Olympia didn't. Her hands clenched into fists at her sides, the tension radiating through her like a drawn bowstring.

"Calm down, Olympia," Atlas murmured, leaning closer. "You'll chew through your lip if you're not careful."

"I'm fine," she said, though her eyes never left Cedric and Harry.

Cedric was adjusting his robes and rolling his shoulders, as if shaking off nerves. Harry stood beside him, looking decidedly more uncertain, she could see the fear in the white of his eyes. Olympia resisted the urge to shout words of encouragement across the water, knowing it wouldn't help.

Fred and George leaned closer, Fred's voice low enough for only the three of them to hear. "If it makes you feel better, I'm fairly certain Cedric could charm the gills off a grindylow."

Olympia cracked a small smile despite herself. "And Harry?"

"Hmm." George made a face. "Harry might try to reason with it. That's worked for him before." He gently wrapped his hands around her shoulders, squeezing them as if the released the tension — though it didn't help much, the gesture was kind.

"Comforting," Olympia said, her sarcasm only half-hearted.

Bagman raised his wand, and the champions stepped to the edge of the platform. "Champions, on my mark! Three... two... one!"

A loud blast signaled the start, and all four champions plunged into the lake. Water splashed high into the air, soaking the edge of the crowd, but Olympia barely noticed. Her heart raced as the surface of the lake rippled, then stilled, swallowing the champions whole.

"They're under," Oliver muttered, his sharp gaze fixed on the water. "Now we wait."

"Wait and freeze," Marianna added, tugging her cloak tighter around herself. "Who decided this task needed to happen in February?"

"Merpeople aren't exactly sunbathers," George said with a grin. "They probably love the cold."

"Are you saying we're catering to the merpeople?" Elvira asked, her voice dry.

"Obviously," Fred cut in. "Everyone knows the merpeople are the real stars of the tournament."

Their banter did little to soothe Olympia's nerves. She stared at the lake, her eyes darting over every ripple and disturbance. The minutes ticked by slowly, agonizingly so. Cassie stayed silent beside her, her expression unusually solemn.

Suddenly, a sharp splash caught Olympia's attention. She gasped, gripping Atlas's arm. "What was that?"

"It's just a fish," Atlas said calmly, but his gaze flickered toward the water too.

"It could be them!" Olympia insisted, craning her neck to see.

"It's not them," Oliver assured her, his voice steady. "They'll be under for a while."

Seraphina, ever logical, chimed in. "The spells they've prepared should give them at least an hour underwater. If anything went wrong, the judges would intervene."

Olympia wanted to believe her, but the stillness of the lake felt ominous, as though the water itself were holding its breath. She shifted on her feet, unable to shake the feeling that something wasn't right.

Then, just as she was beginning to spiral into worst-case scenarios, the surface of the lake erupted.

A figure shot out of the water, splashing wildly, gasping for air. Olympia's heart leapt into her throat as she realized it wasn't a champion—it was Fleur Delacour, clutching her wand and shouting in French. She stumbled toward the platform, clearly shaken, and Dumbledore quickly stepped forward to calm her.

The crowd buzzed with speculation, but Olympia only felt her anxiety deepen. "Why is she back already?" she whispered.

"She didn't finish," Lee said grimly. "Something must have gone wrong."

Olympia swallowed hard, her eyes darting back to the lake. "What if—"

But before she could finish her thought, the water broke again. This time, it wasn't panic—it was Cedric.

He emerged with a fluidity that spoke to his preparation, holding tightly to a small figure who looked dazed but unharmed. It was Cho Chang, her dark hair plastered to her face as Cedric helped her onto the platform. The two of them had gotten close over the past few weeks. The Hufflepuff crowd erupted into cheers, their yellow banners waving wildly in the air.

"They have people trapped down there? What the hell is going on!" Cassie shouted, her voice sharp with anger and disbelief as she watched Cho and Cedric being hoisted onto the platform, both looking pale and shaken. Her hands clenched into fists at her sides, her outrage palpable.

Fred and George turned sharply, scanning the crowd with identical expressions of alarm. "Where's Ron?" Fred demanded, his tone laced with protective urgency. His eyes darted between the gathered spectators and the shimmering surface of the lake, as though expecting his younger brother to appear any second.

"Recovering something special? Are you kidding me?" Olympia exclaimed, her voice rising with incredulity. She took a step closer to the edge of the platform, her jaw slack as realization hit her like a tidal wave. "My God, they're talking about actual people! This has to be illegal!" Her words trembled with a mix of shock and outrage, her blue eyes wide as she turned to the others for some kind of explanation.

Before anyone could respond, the surface of the water erupted with a loud splash. Viktor Krum emerged, his powerful arms clutching a trembling, waterlogged Hermione Granger. Her face was pale, her lips quivering as she gasped for breath, and her drenched robes clung to her shivering frame. Krum staggered toward the platform, his usually composed demeanor replaced with visible strain and determination. The crowd gasped collectively, a mix of awe and horror rippling through the onlookers as the bizarre reality of the situation fully sank in.

The clock was still ticking, Krum had surfaced, and Harry hadn't. As the minutes stretched on, the tension in Olympia's chest returned, sharper than before. Every splash, every ripple sent her heart racing.

And then, at last, Harry broke through the water's surface, dragging two figures behind him—Ron and a small blonde girl who must have been Fleur's little sister. The Gryffindor crowd exploded into cheers, their relief palpable.

Fred let out a shaky breath, his shoulders sagging with relief. "There he is," he murmured, though his voice still held a hint of lingering worry.

George, who had been gripping the edge of the platform so tightly his knuckles were white, finally relaxed his hold. "Bloody hell," he muttered, a half-smile tugging at his lips despite himself. "Mum would be having a stroke."

Olympia sagged against Cassie, her legs weak with relief. She watched as Harry helped the others onto the platform, his expression a mix of exhaustion and triumph. The task was over, and all the champions had returned.

"Well," Fred said cheerfully, "no one got eaten by the giant squid. I'd call that a success."

Olympia let out a shaky laugh. "Barely."

As the champions were tended to and the crowd began to disperse, Olympia turned to her friends, her nerves finally settling.

As the group made their way back toward the castle, the excitement from the task still buzzed in the air. Students were animatedly dissecting every moment, from Cedric's seamless dive into the water to Harry's dramatic rescue of both Ron and Gabrielle. Olympia lingered near the back of their group, her nerves slowly giving way to relief. Cedric had done it. Harry, too. No one was hurt—well, not seriously, anyway.

Fred slung an arm around George as they climbed the path back to the castle. "So, what do you reckon the Hufflepuffs will whip up for their party tonight?"

George grinned. "Oh, you know them—they'll go all out. Last time, they had floating badger lanterns and a self-replenishing butterbeer barrel."

"Not to mention a snack table that could rival the Great Hall," Lee added, licking his lips at the memory. "Say what you will about Hufflepuffs, but they know how to throw a party."

Olympia raised an eyebrow. "I didn't think you lot were invited to Hufflepuff parties."

Fred gasped, clutching his chest dramatically. "Ols, I'm offended! We're practically honorary members at this point."

"They can't resist the Weasley charm," George added, winking at her. "And the professors are none the wiser."

"I wouldn't count on that," Oliver said from ahead of them, his tone dry. "You really think McGonagall doesn't notice half the castle sneaking down to the Hufflepuff common room? She's just too clever to let on."

"Exactly," Fred said, smirking. "It's more like a polite understanding—if no one sets off a dungbomb, the professors don't interfere."

Marianna laughed. "Honestly, I'm surprised they haven't crashed the party themselves. I wouldn't put it past Dumbledore."

Olympia shook her head, amused despite herself. "How do they even manage it? The common room's practically hidden."

"Ah," Fred said, wagging a finger, "that, dear Olympia, is Hufflepuff magic. They've charmed the entrance to recognize party-goers by intent. Walk down with a mind to celebrate, and the barrels open right up for you."

George nodded. "But try sneaking in with mischief on your mind, and you'll be drenched in vinegar before you can blink."

"Sounds like something you'd know firsthand," Olympia teased.

George gave her an exaggeratedly wounded look. "My darling, do you think so little of me?"

"Do you want the truth or the polite answer?" she shot back with a grin.

"Oi, enough bickering," Atlas said, turning to walk backward so he could face the group. "We're going tonight, aren't we? Cedric's earned it."

"Of course," Cassie said breezily. "It'd be rude not to."

Elvira glanced at Olympia. "You're coming too, right?"

Olympia hesitated, her eyes flickering toward the castle ahead. The idea of a Hufflepuff party sounded fun, but after the stress of the morning, all she wanted to do was curl up with a book and let her nerves settle.

"Don't even think about saying no," Cassie said firmly, looping an arm around her sister's shoulders. "You've been a bundle of nerves all morning. You need this."

"And besides," George added, nudging her lightly, "you've already survived our Gryffindor chaos. A Hufflepuff party will feel like a picnic in the park."

Olympia sighed, her resolve softening. "Fine. But if anything explodes, I'm blaming you."

Fred clapped his hands together. "That's the spirit! We'll have you dancing on a table before the night's through."

"Highly unlikely," Olympia said, though a small smile tugged at her lips. "But I'll hold you to that butterbeer barrel."

As they reached the castle doors, the conversation shifted to speculating about what kind of charms Hufflepuffs used to keep their parties undetected. But for Olympia, the thought of Cedric celebrating his victory with his housemates—and of Harry recovering from the ordeal surrounded by his friends—finally eased the last of her tension. Whatever happened tonight, she was just grateful everyone had made it back safely.

              𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐇𝐔𝐌 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐇𝐔𝐅𝐅𝐋𝐄𝐏𝐔𝐅𝐅 𝐁𝐀𝐒𝐇 grew louder as Olympia, Cassie, Seraphina, Elvira, and Marianna descended the staircase leading to the Hufflepuff common room. The faint glow of golden light spilled out from the enchanted barrels ahead, accompanied by bursts of laughter and the low thrum of upbeat music.

Olympia tugged at the hem of her fitted blue top, the sleek material clinging snugly to her figure and contrasting against the simple black mini skirt she'd paired it with. Cassie had insisted on the outfit, and while Olympia had been hesitant, she had to admit—she looked good. Next to her, Seraphina adjusted the straps of her blue checkered mini dress, her calm composure never wavering, while Elvira strutted ahead in a black dress that could only be described as scandalous.

"Don't trip, Elvira," Marianna teased, pulling at the hem of her skin-tight red top. She'd paired it with fitted jeans that hugged her curves, exuding effortless confidence.

Elvira tossed her hair over her shoulder, smirking. "Please, I'm not the one who has to worry about catching attention. That top screams trouble."

"And your dress doesn't?" Cassie chimed in, her own pink dress fluttering just above her knees as she adjusted the delicate straps.

The girls laughed, their excitement mingling with the growing energy of the party as they reached the barrels. Cassie knocked the familiar rhythm, and the entrance opened to reveal the golden-lit common room, alive with the buzz of conversation and bursts of cheerful music.

Inside, the party was already in full swing. The warm glow of the enchanted lanterns gave the space an inviting atmosphere, their soft light dancing across the room as students mingled, laughed, and danced. The snack table was piled high with treats, and mugs of butterbeer floated lazily through the air, seeking out empty hands.

Fred and George stood near the makeshift dance floor, chatting with Lee and Atlas. Fred, as always, was dressed for attention, his black button-up shirt decorated with bold yellow stripes and paired with simple black trousers.

George, however, was the opposite—subtle and charming in a well-fitted dark black button up that accentuated his tall frame and broad shoulders. He'd paired it with simple black trousers and polished shoes, his usual air of effortless charm somehow amplified in the casual sophistication of his look. Olympia's eyes lingered on him for a moment longer than she intended before Cassie nudged her with a knowing grin.

"Well, don't just stand there," Cassie teased, looping her arm through Olympia's. "Let's make an entrance."

The girls stepped inside, their arrival turning a few heads as they joined the lively atmosphere. Elvira strutted confidently toward the butterbeer barrel, drawing a low whistle from one of the boys nearby, while Seraphina and Marianna followed, their poise unshaken.

"Look who finally decided to show up," Fred called, spotting them. He spread his arms in mock exasperation. "We've been holding this party together without you lot!"

"Barely," Marianna quipped, grabbing a floating mug of butterbeer. "This place could use a bit of class."

"Class?" Lee repeated with a grin. "And you lot think you're the answer?"

Cassie rolled her eyes as she stepped closer to Fred. "You're lucky we even showed up, Weasley."

Fred grinned. "I am lucky. You lot clean up nicely. What do you think, George?"

Olympia glanced at George, who had been quiet until now. His gaze met hers, and for a split second, the chaos of the party seemed to fade. He smiled—soft, sincere, and a little teasing. "I think they've just raised the bar. Just don't tell the Hufflepuff girls."

Olympia felt a warmth creep into her cheeks and quickly looked away, taking a mug of butterbeer from a floating tray. "Don't start, Georgie," she said, though her voice was more playful than stern.

The music shifted to a slightly slower tune as Olympia and George drifted closer to the center of the room, their easy banter punctuated by the occasional teasing comment from Fred. George's hand brushed against hers, and he casually interlaced their fingers, his thumb brushing lightly over hers. The small gesture made her smile, and she leaned closer into him as the party buzzed on around them.

Cassie, ever the social butterfly, was chatting with Marianna near the butterbeer barrel, while Seraphina and Elvira had drifted toward the snack table, their heads bent close in animated conversation. Olympia sipped her butterbeer, letting the warm, fizzy drink soothe her nerves, when a familiar voice joined the group.

"Quite the turnout tonight, huh?" Cedric Diggory's easy smile lit up his face as he approached, his Hufflepuff robes traded for a simple gray sweater and dark trousers that suited him effortlessly. His hair was still slightly damp from the task, giving him an almost windswept look.

"Cedric!" Cassie exclaimed, beaming as she turned to greet him. "The man of the hour!"

Cedric chuckled, holding up a hand as if to deflect the praise. "It's a team effort, really. I think half the common room spent all day planning this."

Fred clapped him on the back. "Modest as always. Face it, Diggory, you're the golden boy of Hufflepuff. Enjoy the spotlight."

Cedric laughed, shaking his head, and his gaze shifted to Olympia. "You made it," he said, his tone warm. "I wasn't sure if you'd come."

"I had to," Olympia said with a small smile. "Someone had to make sure George didn't charm the butterbeer into something ridiculous."

George raised an eyebrow, feigning offense. "Do you really think so little of me?"

Cedric smirked. "She's not wrong. You've got a bit of a reputation."

"I call it creativity," George said smoothly, his arm slipping around Olympia's waist almost as if he silently saying something to Cedric. The casual intimacy of the gesture wasn't lost on Cedric, who raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

As the group fell into easy conversation, Olympia noticed a faint but distinct smell wafting through the air. She sniffed, her brow furrowing as the scent grew stronger, earthy and unmistakable. She glanced at George, then Cedric. "Is that... what I think it is?"

Cedric's grin widened as he leaned closer, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "Oh yeah. That's a Hufflepuff thing."

Olympia blinked. "Excuse me?"

"You know," Cedric said with a playful shrug, "we've always had a knack for herbology. It's... tradition."

Fred burst into laughter, nearly spilling his butterbeer. "Herbology! That's what we're calling it now?"

George smirked, pulling Olympia a little closer. "You know, I always wondered why Hufflepuff parties felt so relaxed."

"Now you know," Cedric said, looking thoroughly amused as he leaned casually against the wall. "Don't worry—it's all in good fun. You don't have to partake if you don't want to."

Olympia shook her head, though she couldn't help but laugh. "This school never ceases to surprise me."

"Well, if you're looking for a tour of Hufflepuff culture, tonight's the night," Cedric said, raising his mug in a mock toast. "Welcome to the badger den."

The all laughed, and Olympia let herself relax again, leaning into George's side as the party around them grew even livelier. It seemed the Hufflepuffs truly knew how to keep the night interesting.

As the group settled into the warm rhythm of the party, the scent of the Hufflepuff "tradition" became more prominent. Cedric moved on to greet more partygoers, leaving Olympia and George near the edge of the dance floor. Fred and Lee were in their element, entertaining a growing circle of students with exaggerated retellings of their pranks, while Cassie and Marianna joined the dancing crowd.

It wasn't long before a tall Hufflepuff with a laid-back grin approached George, holding out what was unmistakably a blunt. "Fancy giving it a go, Weasley? No pressure, just good vibes."

George raised his eyebrows, glancing toward Olympia with a questioning look. She simply shrugged, an amused smile playing on her lips. The unspoken 'do what you want' hung between them, her easygoing demeanor surprising him.

"Well, alright then," George said, taking the blunt with a grin. He lit it with a flick of his wand and took a slow drag, exhaling a curl of smoke that dissipated into the air. He handed it back to the Hufflepuff with a nod of appreciation before leaning closer to Olympia, his tone curious. "I didn't think you'd be so chill about this."

Olympia raised an eyebrow. "George, I have Atlas as a brother. This isn't exactly new for me."

George laughed, the sound low and warm. "Fair point. But what about you? Never tried it?"

"Nope," she said, watching him with curiosity. "But I've always always wondered. What does it feel like?"

He hesitated for a moment, as if considering how to answer. Then, he tilted his head, his expression softening. "It's hard to describe. Relaxing, I guess. Like everything just slows down, and you stop worrying about stuff for a bit." He held up the blunt, his expression inviting but careful. "Only if you're sure."

Olympia studied it for a moment, then met his gaze with a small, confident nod. "Why not? First time for everything."

"Alright," George said, his voice gentle. "Just take it slow." He handed it to her, his fingers brushing hers briefly.

Olympia took a tentative drag, her brow furrowing slightly at the unfamiliar sensation. She coughed once but managed to exhale smoothly, the smoke curling upward. George chuckled, watching her with an amused yet admiring expression.

"Well?" he asked.

She took a moment to process, blinking as the initial lightheadedness settled. "Weird," she admitted. "But not bad."

George leaned back, his arm slipping around her waist as if to anchor her. "See? Told you it's not so bad."

She smiled, the warmth of the room and his presence making her feel unexpectedly at ease. "I'll give you that, Weasley."

As the party continued around them, the two shared a quiet moment, the noise and chaos fading slightly as they exchanged the blunt between them. Olympia caught herself laughing at the simplest things—Fred's ridiculous dance moves, Elvira's exaggerated gestures, even the way George's hair kept flopping into his eyes. Everything felt lighter, easier, like the weight of the day had finally lifted.

"This is... different," Olympia admitted, her voice softer now. She glanced at George, who was watching her with that same lopsided grin that made her stomach flutter.

"In a good way?" he asked.

"Yeah," she said, leaning against him. "In a good way."

The warmth of the Hufflepuff common room wrapped around them like a soft blanket, the golden light flickering off the enchanted lanterns. The music had shifted to something slower, the hum of laughter and chatter forming a soothing background to Olympia and George's quiet moment. They sat near the edge of the dance floor, backs against one of the cushioned couch, the blunt resting between George's fingers as he passed it back to her.

Olympia accepted it without hesitation this time, taking a slower drag. The initial weirdness had faded, replaced by a curious sort of calm. She tilted her head back, watching as the smoke curled lazily upward and disappeared into the air. Everything felt... softer, like the edges of her thoughts had blurred into something more manageable.

George leaned his head against the wall, watching her with an easy grin. "You're handling this better than I expected."

She rolled her eyes but couldn't help smiling. "Don't sound so surprised, I can let loose."

He chuckled, his voice low and warm. "True. You've got that 'cool under pressure' thing down."

Olympia laughed, the sound light and unguarded. "I wouldn't go that far. You saw me earlier—I was ready to throw myself into the lake after Cedric and Harry."

"Yeah," George said softly, his gaze lingering on her. "That's one of the things I like about you, though. You care about people."

She turned to him, surprised by the sincerity in his tone. For a moment, the noise of the party faded into the background again, leaving just the two of them in their little corner. George reached over, brushing a strand of hair from her face, his touch light but lingering.

"You know," he said, his grin returning, "I think this is the first time I've seen you really let loose without actually thinking about letting loose."

"Is that a compliment or an insult?" she teased, though her cheeks warmed under his gaze.

"Definitely a compliment," he said, leaning closer. "You should do it more often. Not the whole weed thing, just letting loose. Don't let this become a habit."

Olympia opened her mouth to respond, but the moment was interrupted by a sudden burst of laughter from Fred, who had somehow roped a group of students into a chaotic dance circle. Elvira was perched on the edge of a table, laughing so hard she almost tipped over, while Lee egged Fred on with exaggerated cheers.

"Your brother is ridiculous," Olympia said, shaking her head as she handed the blunt back to George.

"That's his charm," George replied, taking another slow drag. He exhaled thoughtfully before turning back to her. "You're, uh... sure you're alright with this?"

She smirked. "George, if I wasn't alright, you'd know by now."

"Fair point," he said with a chuckle, his fingers brushing hers as he passed it back to her.

They fell into an easy rhythm, their conversation flowing between lighthearted teasing and quieter, more thoughtful moments. Olympia found herself asking questions—what drew him to inventing, why he always seemed so effortlessly confident, and whether he ever felt the same kind of pressure she did. George answered candidly, his humor never far away but his sincerity shining through in the quiet spaces between jokes.

"What about you?" he asked eventually, his head tilting as he studied her. "What's it like being you? Always so composed, so... brilliant?"

She snorted, though her cheeks flushed. "Brilliant, huh? I'm sure Cassie would have a thing or two to say about that."

"Cassie knows you're too smart for your own good" he said with a smirk. "I'd know, I'm the expert on you if I do say so myself."

Olympia rolled her eyes but smiled. "It's not as glamorous as you think. But... it's nice to feel like I can just be here, you know? No pressure, no expectations."

George nodded, his grin softening. "That's what I want for you. You deserve it."

Her chest tightened at his words, and for a moment, she wondered if the warmth spreading through her was from the weed or just him. Probably both. She leaned her head against his shoulder, her guard lowering more than she expected.

"Thanks, George," she said quietly.

He turned his head to press a light kiss to her temple, his voice just above a whisper. "Anytime, Ols."

The party continued around them, the music and laughter swirling like a comforting hum, but for Olympia, it felt like she and George had carved out their own little world in the chaos of the Hufflepuff party. The warmth of his presence, the subtle buzz in her system, and the comforting hum of laughter and music made everything feel easy for once—like the weight of the day had finally melted away.

Olympia sat up slightly, glancing around the room. Cassie was twirling with Marianna on the makeshift dance floor, their laughter blending with the chatter of the crowd. Seraphina and Elvira were perched by the butterbeer barrel, deep in what looked like a hilariously animated debate with Cedric, who seemed to be thoroughly amused. Fred was now standing on a chair, pretending to conduct an imaginary orchestra of dancing Hufflepuffs, while Lee provided dramatic commentary.

George followed her gaze and chuckled. "You know, this might be one of the best parties Hufflepuff's thrown."

Olympia smirked. "You seem to say that about every party."

"Only the ones you're at," he quipped, earning a soft laugh from her.

"Smooth," she teased, leaning back against the wall again. "You really don't turn it off, do you?"

"Not when it works," George said, flashing her his signature grin.

The faint scent of smoke still lingered, mingling with the sweetness of butterbeer and the spiced aroma of the snacks on the nearby table. Olympia let her gaze wander back to George, her curiosity growing again. "So... is this how you always feel when you, you know..." She gestured vaguely toward the blunt now extinguished in his hand.

He chuckled, tilting his head as he considered her question. "Not always. It's kind of like... your mind stops spinning so much. The little stuff doesn't feel as important, and everything just slows down. It's nice. Relaxing."

She nodded, processing his words. "I can see that. I guess I've never thought about slowing down like this before."

George leaned forward slightly, resting his forearms on his knees as he glanced over at her. "You're always in your head, Olympia. It's one of the things I love about you, but... sometimes it's good to just let go, you know?"

His words caught her off guard, the casual way he said love slipping past her usual defenses. She looked at him, her lips curving into a soft smile. "You're not half bad at this whole 'letting go' thing."

He grinned, brushing his thumb lightly over the back of her hand. "Stick with me and I'll teach you all my secrets."

Olympia rolled her eyes, but her smile didn't waver. "Secrets, huh? Like how you manage to always have the perfect comeback?"

"Trade secret," George said, leaning closer with a mock-serious expression. "But maybe I'll make an exception for you."

Before she could reply, Fred's voice boomed across the room. "Alright, everyone! New party game idea—badger charades! Loser has to chug a mug of butterbeer."

The room erupted into cheers and laughter, and Olympia shook her head, amused despite herself. "Your brother's relentless."

"It's part of his charm," George said, standing and offering her a hand. "Come on, Harrington. Let's go watch Fred make a fool of himself."

She took his hand, letting him pull her to her feet. As they made their way back toward the crowd, the warmth of his grip lingered, grounding her even as the party swirled on around them. For once, she wasn't thinking about what came next. She was just here, in this moment, with George, and it was exactly where she wanted to be.