𝙥𝙖𝙡𝙚 𝙖𝙦𝙪𝙖 ➪ 𝗆𝖺𝗋𝖺𝗎𝖽𝖾𝗋𝗌

𝐶𝐻𝐴𝑃𝑇𝐸𝑅 𝑇𝐻𝐼𝑅𝑇𝑌 𝐹𝑂𝑈𝑅

➪ APRICOT ➪

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, NICOLAS!"

The birthday boy laughed at the group around him. His fellow Hufflepuffs joined the cheer, all calling out their good wishes to the boy. From beside him, Lydia pressed a kiss to Nicolas's cheek, muttering a gentle 'I love you'. Loki pulled out her wand, lighting the candles on the cake she'd asked the kitchen elves to prepare for the occasion. The neat cursive black letters contrasted to the yellow icing the elves used to decorate. A golden snitch took up a corner of the dessert, its wings beating with magic.

"Thanks, guys," Nicolas beamed.

He was clearly tired, the dark circles under his eyes prominent. It was something Loki herself felt. The pair stayed up the night prior until midnight, all to wish each other a Happy New Year. Loki also seized the opportunity to give the boy his birthday present before he was bombarded with them.

"Make a wish, then blow out the candles," Max told the boy, his sparkling eyes staring at the cake.

Nicolas chuckled at the boy's face. "Okay, okay."

He shut his eyes, scrunching up his nose in thought. A gentle smile took over his face. His brown eyes opened, and in one breath, blew out the seventeen candles. Cheers erupted once more.

"What's going on here?" Loki couldn't fight the smile that formed on her face at the familiar voice. She turned around, coming face-to-face with Sirius and James.

"It's Nicolas's birthday," she responded.

"Oh!" James grinned widely. "Why didn't you tell me in Charms this morning? Happy Birthday, Nicolas, mate." Nicolas blinked in surprise at the Chaser.

"Th-thanks," he spoke. He turned away, his eyebrows furrowing.

"Well, we'll leave you to celebrate," Sirius smirked, sending a wink Loki's way.

The two strolled away without another word. Loki, however, couldn't help but stare after the longer-haired boy. Unsurprisingly to those around, as most Hufflepuffs figured out her crushes, she flushed pink. Her focus pulled back to the celebration when Lydia giggled at her.

"You really like him, don't you?" She teased.

"Oh, go away," Loki murmured. Hastily, she turned her gaze to her best friend. "Nic, you ready to cut the cake? Looks like Max is." The Ravenclaw looked at her, narrowing his eyes.

➪

"--BE BACK SOON!"

Loki waved Max away, watching him sprint down the corridor. As soon as he turned the corner, Loki span on her heel and continued heading to the library as she and the blonde planned initially.

She passed several students, offering them a polite smile as she went, then hurried away. Social interactions weren't her forte, and she wished to avoid them at all costs. She knew she could hold a conversation; it was more the fear of slipping up and embarrassing herself that made her want to avoid unnecessary talk. Thinking about it, she couldn't help but become reminded of her younger self, the imaginary conversations she had with--

"Woah, Princess!"

Loki blinked, suddenly thrust back into reality. She lifted her head, and her eyes fell on Sirius. His hands clutched her shoulders, gently pulling her to the side.

"Be careful," he dropped his hands, "you almost ran into the wall. How? I will never know."

"Just a bit distracted, I guess," she chuckled nervously, averting her gaze. That's when she noticed Peter there. "Oh, hi, Peter."

"Hi," he replied with a smile. "Where were you heading?"

"Just to the library," Loki replied. "Max was coming with me, but then he remembered he forgot the present for Nic he hasn't finished and went back to his Common Room to grab it. I was going to head there and wait for him."

"Oh, well, all of us were studying in there, but Peter here got peckish, so the pair of us were going to get some snacks," Sirius explained. "We've got to go get them, but Remus and James are in the History section, just so you know."

"Thanks," Loki smiled. "I guess I'll see you later?"

"Of course," Sirius winked. "Later, Princess. Come on, Wormtail."

The two males headed past Loki. She waved goodbye to them just as she did Max, then resumed her stroll to the library. She kept her eyes up, not wanting to run into a wall as she'd almost done.

It took the girl only a few minutes before she appeared at the library doors. Loki stepped into the room. Her feet carried her past Madame Pince's desk, all the way to the far left. Her eyes drifted, searching each aisle she passed. She stopped at a familiar pair sitting on opposite sides of one of the tables, hunched over. James Potter appeared very confused, and Remus Lupin didn't seem much better.

Loki giggled as she stepped closer. She stopped just behind Remus and peered over his shoulder, examining the work they were doing. She realised it was a multiple choice quiz Slughorn set for them that was due the day after. Both boys were stuck on the same question. Loki smiled to herself, pointing to the third bubble.

"Rat's spleen is what makes the potion go indigo," she spoke. James and Remus's heads shot up, their eyes wide with surprise. "Sorry. Sirius told me you two were here, and you both looked like you were struggling."

"No, no, no. Thank you. A lot," Remus grinned widely at her. "I'm terrible with remembering recipes. James isn't much better."

"Hey!" The brunette pouted.

"If you want, I could help you finish. I came here to study, anyway," Loki suggested. "It probably won't be for long because I'm mostly waiting for Max, but I just thought I should ask."

"Go ahead," James motioned to the empty seats at the table. "I mean, I'm sure Remus wouldn't mind."

He winked at his pal. The taller male narrowed his eyes in annoyance in response. Loki flushed.

"Thanks, Loki," Remus sighed.

"No problem," she smiled.

Loki pulled out the chair beside Remus and sat in it. She noticed James's smirk from the corner of her eye and bit her lip to avoid her embarrassment showing.

"So, um," Loki adjusted herself, tucking her hair behind her ear, "what--what can I help with?"

➪ AUTHOR'S NOTE ➪

double update!! :) lol, this is just where the fun begins, so i'm sorry if it was a bit boring. it was more a filler chapter than anything.

i hope you enjoyed anyway! feel free to comment, and i'll see you all next time!