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benscursedkid · 1 year

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synopsis: Isabella and Talbott seem to be often subjected to everyone else’s holiday spirit. That’s when Talbott notices a recurring theme…

characters: talbott winger x isabella wallace (@arielemberbridge’s mc)

genre: fluff. just fluff

warnings: none

words: 1.868

aside: hello! I’m your secret santa this year! I really hope you like it. I went through so many different drafts and ideas in order to get your mc just right so I hope I succeeded. happy holidays to you and everyone reading! ❤️

*my submission for the @hphmsecretsanta event this year!!!

The first time it happened, Talbott had no idea that this would turn into a recurring theme between them.

They’d been assigned to work together in the green house while Professor Sprout stepped out. Having been the two students closest to her when she did, she asked them to harvest her plant for her while she briefly dismissed herself to have a word with Professor McGonagall. This wouldn’t be so bad really if they weren’t trying to do so in front of a live audience.

Thankfully, it seemed easier than they originally assumed and they began their task with relative ease. The students around them elected to chat amongst themselves, filling the greenhouse with idle chatter and distant voices. The afternoon sun spilled in through the window, casting a golden aura about the room.

Talbott almost began to appreciate the serenity of the moment when it was oh so rudely interrupted.

“Have you done this before?” His fellow fourth year asks, hugging her robe a bit closer to her on account of the winter chill in the air. Even with the warming charm it can still be felt in waves.

He nearly doesn’t deign to reply, but does so with an arched eyebrow. “I haven’t.”

This time the other student, Isabella Wallace, turn to look him in the eye, her own sparkling with amusement and mirth. “That so? You’re doing quite well though.”

“Perhaps because it’s in the current chapter of our textbook.” Talbott bites back, perhaps a bit more hostile than was necessary.

Isabella sends him an unimpressed look and he sighs in defeat. “It’s not difficult. You’re also not doing awful.”

A smirk paints her mouth, her brown eyes reflecting the sunshine and looking warm. “My, is that a compliment? From Talbott Winger? The guy with a notorious bad mood?”

Talbott groans and rolls his eyes. “I can always retract it, y’know.”

“Nope, too late,” Isabella shakes her head, her blonde ponytail swaying gently with the movement. “You’ve already given it. The compliment has been received. You can’t take it back.”

She smiles up at him and Talbott scowls and turns away as his chest blooms with warmth. Like a virus.

Isabella grins winningly at his acquiescence.

The animagus debates objecting further or letting the conversation meet its awkward but timely end there when he notices the lack of idle chit chat in the background. He turns his head to examine this change and meets the wide, intrigued glances of everyone else in the room. From his peripheral, he can see Isabella look to do the same.

“What?” She asks lamely, almost childlike.

A kid at the back, a blonde ravenclaw with a mischievous grin, merely points up towards the ceiling.

His eyes first study the space above the ravenclaw’s head, but when he finds nothing he frowns in confusion. That is, until he feels a tug at his robe and he looks over to find Isabella also pointing upwards.

His entire expression slips from his face when he recognizes what he sees.

Isabella blushes but makes an attempt to laugh off the awkwardness. The rest of the class, however, aren’t quite so ready to dismiss what could possibly be enough drama to last their year for the next month and a half. And just when he thought the attentive looks weren’t bad enough, they began to chant.

“Kiss! Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!”

Not entirely unexpected for a band of teenagers, though the whole thing still felt terribly juvenile to him. Talbott even began to blush from embarrassment.

Suddenly, Isabella turns to him and Talbott arches a brow at her. “Do you mind?”

He blinks. “Pardon?”

She goes to reply, but is cut off by the cheers growing even louder. With a shrug and a sigh, she steadies herself by grabbing his forearm and pushing up onto her toes to plant a kiss on Talbott’s cheek. Her lips are a bit chapped from the weather but still somehow softer than he expected them to be as they brush his skin.

Right as she pulls back, leaving Talbott stunned, wide-eyed, and dumbfounded, the door to the greenhouse opens.

“What in Merlin’s beard is going on here? I leave for two minutes and the next thing you know I hear—” Her eyes spot Isabella and Talbott at the front and Isabella hastily drops his arm. Her eyes automatically shoot up to the roof.

Understanding dawns on her.

“Well, I suppose that’s what I get for forgetting I let the students hang up mistletoe in here.”

Their professor shakes her head and shoos them both back to their seats. She resumes her place and carries on with the lecture but this time, Talbott can’t help but allow his eyes to drift up and over the table.

Across from him Isabella is already staring back. When he catches her eye, she doesn’t blush or look away. She merely offers him a warm smile.

It suddenly feels warmer in the greenhouse.

II.

The second time they were caught in such unfortunate circumstances, Talbott had the bright idea to follow her down into Knockturn Alley.

Suffice to say, it wasn’t exactly a fun excursion.

So far removed from the safe boundaries and protective wards of Hogwarts grounds, every step felt precious. The snow crunched beneath his boots but he felt more like he was walking on ice. Whenever he looked up, another dark witch or wizard had their eyes peeled to them. The entire alley felt foreboding and threatening.

Isabella casts him a look over her shoulder as she trudges forth. “I told you that you didn’t have come. I would’ve been fine by myself.”

“Maybe,” Talbott concedes, but his tone still holds a stubborn edge. “Maybe not. But you’re undefeated, Isabella, not immortal.”

She releases a long sigh and stays quiet for a moment. “I wish you would’ve stayed at the castle.”

“I’m aware.”

“You could get hurt here.”

“So could you.”

Isabella rubs nervously at her arms. A frown clear on her face to broadcast her blatant disagreement.

Now sixteen, Talbott had grievously grown to care for the wild Gryffindor. While certainly troublesome and stubborn—and at times immensely frustrating—she was, he had reluctantly admitted to himself years ago that her kindness and selflessness was endearing. Endearing enough, it seems, to warrant a tentative crush on the cursebreaker. Not that he’s yet said as much.

Finally, after what feels like much longer than it likely was, they reach the spot they’re supposed to be at when they meet up with Jae.

Isabella pulls Talbott into a small alcove, but hesitates on the shove.

He follows her eyes to a small gathering of witches and wizards, speaking in frantic, hushed tones. Her fist clenches as she stares at them and she makes to step away from their hiding spot but Talbott reaches out to grab her elbow, stopping her.

“Don’t. We aren’t here for them. They’ll get their karma in due time.”

The brunette looks back once before relenting and settles back against the cold stone wall.

Their little alcove is beyond cramped. Just enough room for them to both lean against the walls at their backs without touching, but certainly not enough for someone to shove down the path between them. He’s much taller now than he’d been before, and he can’t stop himself from looking down and admiring her.

Nose and cheeks dusted a bright red from the snowy weather, hands shoved into her overcoat where she hides her wand. Dark blonde hair falling haphazardly around her shoulder, collecting snowflakes. Her lips chapped and close to cracking.

“Staring is impolite.” Talbott reads from her lips as they curl into a playful, albeit tired, smirk. “It’ll give a girl ideas.”

Talbott starts and clears his throat, casting his eyes away. “Right. I guess I spaced out.”

She doesn’t seem satisfied with this response but lets it pass. She shuffles and it inadvertently brings them closer. He thinks the moment might slip away but then she chuckles, drawing his attention back.

“This must be some sort of joke.”

“Excuse me?”

This time, it’s more of a snicker as she removes a gloved hand to gestures up above them. Talbott doesn’t even need to look to know what it is.

“Mistletoe,” Isabella supplies. “Again.”

Talbott tsks, looking away. He’s momentarily extremely thankful the cold hides his blush. “How ridiculous.”

“I think they’re fun,” Isabella grins and Talbott’s gaze snaps back to her. “Don’t you?”

He freezes, feeling as though he’s melting into the wall behind him. “I, uh—”

Isabella takes a step closer, her gloved hands gently pulling his from his own pockets and holding them. “Indulge me?”

He can’t even say yes before they’re both leaning in.

“Guys!”

They both jump apart, knocking into the brick walls at their backs. Isabella runs at her head, having bumped it on the stone.

Jae gives them a toothy, devious grin, crossing his arms as she approaches them from the main alley.

“Am I interrupting something?”

Talbott grumbles and rolls his eyes before pushing past them both. “Let’s go. We don’t have all day.”

III.

“Talbott? Have you seen my boots?” Isabella calls from their bedroom, her voice barely rising over the intense whistling of the wind outside.

“You left them with the laundry, love.” He calls back patiently.

“The black ones with the—”

“With the laces, yes.” He assures her, followed by the pattering of her footsteps, softened by her fuzzy socks.

She returns a moment later with a triumphant smile as she walks easily, directly into his waiting embrace. He deposits a kiss to her temple.

“I knew I left them there.” She teases.

“I’m sure.” He allows. “You ready to go now, then?”

Isabella nods, but steals his hands away in hers when he reaches for their gift bag. He involuntarily shivers as she pulls him closer to the fireplace by the lapels of his coat, the warmth of it enveloping him with a sharp contrast from the snowy expanse outside.

Their little house in the woods might be modest now, but they do have their plans to expand. Someday. Should the right time and opportunity arrive.

Branches tap at their windows but they pay it no mind. “Before we leave, can I show you something?”

Talbott considers the request. “Will I regret it?”

Isabella, who’d usually balk at such teasing, merely hums and shakes her head with a coquettish grin. “I don’t think so.”

His thumb brushes over the ring on her finger and he knows he’s already given in. “Then I suppose we could spare the time, since you’re so sure.”

Isabella smiles, victorious, and pulls him down into a thoughtful kiss. The fire strokes the warmth in his chest and his hands find purchase at her waist. He kisses her back eagerly, her lips by now familiar.

“How was that?”

Talbott smirks at the huskiness of her voice. “Lovely, dear, though I fail to see what it is you wanted to show me.”

“Look up.”

The words alone pull a chuckle from his throat but he does anyway.

Mistletoe.

Of course.

“Third time’s the charm, right?”

Talbott nods and leans in again. “Right. And everyone knows the best things come in threes…”

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arielemberbridge · 1 year

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So, I've been wanting to write hphm tlsq, chapters, quidditch sidequests, and creature sidequests down from my character's point of view. I recently started writing a bit of flying solo (the quest where you become friends with Talbott), and I was wondering if I should continue writing it, and post it on my blog. I'd really appreciate feedback on my writing, and how I could improve. Thanks for reading this long a/n, and now, feel free to read the fanfic if you want.

Word count (so far) : 3,800

Flying Solo

Ever since becoming an animagus, I’ve been wanting to get closer with the mysterious, quiet bloke Talbott. I felt like he was a magnet, pulling me towards him. Speaking about Talbott, I got a letter from Penny, and all it stated was, “We need to talk about Talbott. Let's meet in the Great Hall now. With the urgency of her letter, I was really concerned. I ran from my dormitory straight to the Great Hall.

While walking over to the tables, I heard Rowan comment, “ I’ve seen an eagle flying around the school grounds a lot recently. I hope all the pet rats are safe.” After I heard that, I stopped moving and started wondering, could that be Talbottt?

I also passed Chiara, but she didn’t mention anything about an eagle, she instead mentioned to some Gryffindor kid called Jae, “Sorry, I’m a bit… preoccupied tonight.” Poor thing. She always makes me think about why bad things happen to good people. At least there is some good that comes out of it; a person that cares about making transforming less painful and more affordable.

While still walking over to Penny, I heard Merula yell at Ismelda. She was screaming, “Some bloody bird tried to nest in my hair earlier!” I guess even birds think her hair is messy as heck too. I laughed at the thought. That couldn’t have been Talbott though because he usually keeps to himself, and isn’t the biggest fan of Merula.

I finally finished walking over to where I normally sit with friends in the Great Hall, but when I got there, Penny was nowhere to be found!! I sighed and sat down. I nearly left after waiting for 10 minutes, but finally, Penny decided to show up.

“Ah, you’re here, Isabella! Thanks for coming,” she greeted, looking worried.

“Of course, Penny,” I said, picking up on her fidgety behaviour, “Now, what’s wrong?” I asked, getting straight to the point, “You sounded worried when you asked to meet.”

“It’s Talbott…” she said nervously. I quickly started paying more attention. I don”t know why Talbott has this sort of effect on me, but I really care about him, even though I hardly know him.

Taken by surprise, I blurted out without thinking, “Talbott Winger, the one who helped us brew an Animagus Potion? What’s wrong?! Is he hurt?!”

“No…” Penny said uncertaintly, “at least I hope not.” I raised my eyebrow at this. Based on my reaction, Penny quickly explained, “He’s been spending all of his time alone recently.”

I held back a laugh, “no offence, Penny, but have you met Talbott? He makes Snape look talkative.”

Penny awkwardly said, “I know he’s a… private person, but I've been his friend for a while. I can tell something’s wrong.” I gave Penny a sceptical look, and she added, “plus he’s been missing class, even Transfiguration, and that’s his favourite.” I subconsciously added that to my mental list of things to remember. Could Talbott be in an organisation like me? Did he join the Keepers of Adeen? No… I would’ve known if there was a new member… Maybe he joined Dark Core? It would make sense why they’d want him of all people because he can spy with his animagus ability… No, he doesn’t seem like the type of person to do that… Penny continued, snapping me out of my thoughts, “I’d ask him myself, but I haven’t been able to find him. I think he’s been avoiding me,” she said, looking like she was about to cry. I immediately became determined to help, I didn't want to see Penny this sad.

“That’s why I asked to meet you, actually. I was hoping you might know where he is,” she explained.

I felt really bad admitting, “sorry, Penny, I haven’t seen him at all recently.” I couldn’t look at Penny’s face with tears threatening to fall, so I quickly looked away. Suddenly, while gazing at my other friends, I got an idea, “but let’s ask around. Surely someone has to have seen Talbott.” Thankfully, Penny cheered up. “Mission accomplished,” I muttered under my breath.

First I went up to Rowan who apologised, “sorry, Isabella, I’ve been too busy with my studies to pay much attention to gossip.”

I asked again, “are you sure you haven’t seen him?”

She looked up from her book sighing, and asked, “if Talbott wants to be alone, shouldn’t you give him his space?”

Getting the hint, I left Rowan reading. Maybe I can get information from Merual, I thought. After asking the question, Merula asked, snorting, “Winger? Are you picking up another odd friend to add to your collection?”

“Talbott’s not odd,” I muttered, wanting to blast that smirk off Merula’s stupid face.

“Sorry, what’s that, Wallace? Standing up for your boyfriend?” she asked, trying to provoke me. I walked away, thinking better than starting a fight.

“Guess I’ll go to Tulip,” I told myself, “she might know since she’s in his house.”

All she could tell me was, “I haven't seen Talbott Winger around the Ravenclaw common room much lately.”

I sighed, leaving her to ask Andre who just asked me, “Talbott Winger’s the bloke that keeps to himself a lot, right?”

Giving up, I reluctantly went over to Merula again, who was no help, and just asked, “you have a hard time keeping track of a lot of people, eh Wallace?”

I looked away from her and spotted Professor Flitwick at the staff table. He might know more, I thought. Apparently, I thought wrong. He had just as much of an idea on the matter as me, saying, “no, I’m afraid Mr. Winger hasn’t told me anything,” and requesting, “if you do see Mr. Winger, please tell him we need to discuss his attendance.”

Tulip beckoned me over to her. I was hopeful for a moment for evidence, but all I got from her was, “Now that I think about it, I didn’t see Talbott Winger at dinner, does that help?��

“Not really, but thanks anyway Tulip,” I replied sadly.

Andre saw me and, I suppose he felt guilty for not giving me any information, because he quickly said, “sorry, I don’t know much about Talbott other than that he looks interesting.”

I sighed, saying, “it’s okay Andre, it’s not like it’s your fault.”

Me and Penny regrouped and I said, “that’s odd. I asked everyone who knows him and it doesn’t seem any of them has seen Talbott,” making sure she at least would feel a bit better, I added, “whatever’s going on, it doesn’t seem like he’s ignoring you specifically, Penny.”

“Though I’m glad he’s not only avoiding me, now I’m even more worried…” She looked away, and became lost in thought. She looked back up, “I want to look for him, but I promised I’d tutor a few first years in potions now…”

Seeing her sad look, I had to tell her, “don’t worry, Penny. I’ll find and talk to him.”

“Really? You’ll check in on Talbott for me? Why?” She asked, seeming suspicious.

I was quick to explain, “Talbott’s my friend, even if he doesn’t like to admit it. I’m worried about him and want to make sure he’s okay too.” I slowly added in, talking to myself more than Penny, “Besides, this might be a good opportunity to try to get to know him better.”

Penny ran up and hugged me, “thanks, Isabella. It’s a relief knowing you’ll be there for him if he does need help.” She pulled away, “Talbott might say he’d rather be alone, but I don’t think he really means it,” she said with a soft expression, “I really appreciate this, Isabella. Let me know how it goes and if you need any help.”

“Of course!,” I said almost immediately, “I’m heading to the Courtyard now, I’ll look for Talbott while I’m there.”

Me and Penny parted ways. I headed back up to my dormitory. After changing from my robes to my casual outfit since school was done for the rest of the day on Friday, I layed down, only for Chocolate to come with a piece of parchment in her beak. I was quick to take and read it. It started:

Dear, Isabella,

Since you won’t give up on looking for me, I’ll meet you in the Courtyard now.

Sincerely,

Talbott

This time, I was too lazy to run all the way to the Courtyard, so I transformed into my animagus form; a Peregrine Falcon, and flew out of my dormitory window, down to the Courtyard. “Shoot, I forgot about the landing process,” I said to myself, since I’ve always ended up landing by crashing into the ground.

As soon as the Courtyard caught my sight, I sighed, found the pear tree, and decided to crash into it. I shut my eyes tight and felt all the branches scrape me. I transformed back to a human and hissed in pain. I stood up, ignoring how bad it actually was. Looking around, the only people I saw in the Courtyard other than me were Jae and Chiara. Do they just spend all their time together? I thought to myself. I slowly walked over to the doors leading to the Courtyard.

I heard a calling whistle and quickly looked around to see Talbott leaning against the fountain as he stated, “over here.”

“Talbott! When I told Penny I’d look for you, I wasn’t expecting you to reach out and agree to meet me here first,” I said, surprised.

“So it’s true that you and Penny have been looking for me,” he said with an eyebrow raised and a sceptical look.

“Where did you hear that?” I asked, “everyone I talked to hasn’t seen or talked to you in days.”

“I little birdie told me,” he said smirking. I broke my composure and giggled.

After controlling myself again, I said, rolling my eyes, smiling, “nice try, but bird puns won’t distract me from asking about what’s going on with you for that long.”

He sighed, “It was worth a shot.”

I glared at him, “Talbott, I’m being serious. You’ve even been missing classes,” I sighed before continuing, “When Penny told me how concerned she was about you, I couldn’t help but be worried too.”

“I appreciate the concern, but as you can see, I’m fine,” he said, trying to convince me. I guess it was too bad for him that I’m able to tell when people are faking their emotions because I do it too.

“Are you actually fine?” I asked, then said accusingly, “Or are you just lying and telling me you’re fine so I’ll leave you alone?”

Surprisingly, unlike most people who get nervous or surprised when I accuse them of things, Talbott kept his composure and asked, “If I tell you I’m lying, will you keep pressuring me to find out what’s wrong?”

“Yes.”

“Then, I’m actually fine,” he said, rolling his eyes.

“Talbott!” I yelled, getting annoyed.

He actually did lose his composure for a bit but then continued, “So I’ve spent a lot of time alone lately. That’s not exactly newsworthy,” he paused and added quieter than before, “Why do you care if there’s anything bothering me anyways?”

I felt my face slowly heat up as I was under his piercing gaze, “I consider you my friend, Talbott, and I care about you. If something’s bothering you, I want to know so I can help,” I swallowed before continuing, “I thought you opened up to me back then because you thought of me as your friend, too,” I looked back into his eyes, “was I wrong?”

He looked around awkwardly, and, trying to come up with an excuse, he said, “I know I called you my friend earlier, but it’s just because I got caught up in the moment.” Apparently I’m good at making people feel bad, because, after seeing my face, he said, “It’s not that I don’t like you or anything. I’m just not ready to call you my friend yet. You barely know me.”

I muttered to myself, “Part of me was hoping this was my opportunity to change that.”

Noticing the awkward silence, I said, “Fine, we don’t have to talk about what’s wrong,” I felt around in my mokeskin pouch, and found what I was looking for. Smiling, I said, “We can play a game of Gobstones instead…” suddenly I got an idea, and added, “But if I win, you have to at least consider telling me why you’ve been extra distant lately,” I finished, smirking.

“And if I win?” He asked with a raised eyebrow.

“I’ll tell Penny you’re actually fine and never bring any of this up again,” I said, trying to convince him.

“Alright, Isabella. If you can beat me at Gobstones, I promise to hear you out,” he said, looking determined.

After I set up the game, Talbott must have gotten a flashback, because he stated, “Your distractions won’t work this time, Isabella. I don’t intend to lose,” and to add some uncertainty for me he said, “I’ve been practising Gobstones.”

The distraction rolled off my tongue like water causing me to say, smirking, “and I’ve been spying on the ministry.”

“You’ve been what?!” He said surprised, not realising he completely missed the stones until it was my turn and he was sprayed, “ugh, honestly, you should be a Slytherin,” he said annoyed, “anyway, why’s Penny worried about me?”

“She fancies you,” I said sarcastically. Unfortunately, I was too distracted saying that, and only came back to my senses to see Talbott smirking, and myself smelling horrible.

“Nice try, but I know Penny likes someone else,” he said proudly.

“If I couldn’t say it any better, I’d say you actually like hanging out with me,” I stated.

“Well, I’d prefer to keep to myself,” he said, flustered.

“Well, I’d prefer to report you to the ministry,” I said, distracting him enough to spray him.

He sighed, “I’ll admit, I didn’t see that coming,” and under his breath he stated, “maybe if you didn’t keep distracting me.”

I smirked, “Distractions? What distractions? I’m just making small talk,” I finished casually.

Observing the game with his “eagle eyes” he replied, “You might be close to winning, but you can’t possibly have any distractions left…”

“We’ll see about that,” I glared while smiling.

“I’m setting up my special move…” he muttered.

“Is that a ministry official I see?” I asked, distracting him long enough for him to miss yet again, and for me to knock the rest of the Gobstones out of the circle.

Talbott groaned, “I know when I’ve lost. I suppose I can at least hear you out.”

After we stood up, he admitted, “Alright, Isabella, you won. Just like I promised, I’ll hear you out.”

“Talbott, I know you don’t like talking about yourself, but you shouldn’t be afraid to tell me what’s bothering you. You trusted me with your secret that you’re an unregistered Animagus… And as an unregistered Animagus too, I understand how much trust that requires…” I said, trying to convince him to tell me, “I guess what I’m saying is… I hope you know you can tell me anything,” I can’t say I wasn’t surprised by his response.

Talbott stopped to listen intently and suddenly said looking horrified, “shh!”

“What?” Then I stopped to listen too. I heard footsteps close by us. My eyes widened, “oh no! Oh no oh no oh no oh no,” I muttered under my breath. As quickly as those words came out of my mouth, I whipped out my wand, just to see Talbott doing the same thing after looking around. I softly yelled, “Homenum revelio!” Pointing my wand at where I heard the footsteps. I noticed Talbott did the same thing.

I wasn’t surprised on who I revealed, “Merula?! You were spying on us?!”

Talbott rolled his eyes, “She must have been under the Disillusionment Charm. That would explain why we didn’t notice her until she moved,” he moved his attention over to her, “How much did you hear?”

Merula looked annoyed, “Nothing… I was just passing through.”

Talbott scoffed, “Like I’d believe that. People who are “just passing through” don’t use Concealment Charms.”

“Even if I had heard you, what makes you interested in your little gossip? I have better things to do with my time…”

Talbott turned back to me, looking horrified, “Even though she denies it, Merula had heard we’re unregistered Animagi,” he looked more angry by the moment, “If that’s not bad enough, everyone in school knows her parents are in Azkaban for supporting You-Know-Who! The child of two Death Eaters knows we’re unregistered Animagi!”

I immediately backtracked, “I’m so sorry, Talbott. I had no idea Merula was listening in on us.” I’m gonna have to give myself several more scars for this later.

Talbott took a deep breath, “it’s fine…”

Trying to make things better I added, “Let me talk to Merula. Maybe I can-”

“No offence, Isabella, but you’ve done enough,” Talbott said angrily.

“But I know Merual! I can at least try to convince her to keep our secret!” With Talbott looking like he was about to say no, I said, “In fact, I’ll go find Merula and talk to her right now.”

“Thanks, but I don’t need anymore of your help. I’ll handle Merula on my own,” and with that, he walked away from me.

After going to the bathroom, adding several more cuts on my arm, cleaning them, and going back to my dormitory, I sent Merula a letter;

Dear Merula,

I know this sounds crazy, but I need to talk with you.

Sincerely,

Isabella

I sent Chocolate away. I sketched for about thirty minutes, waiting for her to come back. When she returned, she had a letter in her beak;

Dear Isabella,

If you must talk to me, you might as well come now. I’m in the Potions Classroom.

Sincerely,

Merula

I walked down to the dungeons, to see Merula getting blasted in the face with a potion she was attempting to make. I laughed and walked over to her. Although her face was now covered in a black-ish colour, she tried to act like nothing happened by quickly wiping it off. She went back to her potion, clearly ignoring me, so I cleared my throat.

Groaning, she asked, “What do you want, Wallace? I’m studying.”

“You read my letter, didn’t you? We need to talk.”

“If this is about you and Winger, I already told you that I didn’t hear anything”

I sighed, “Do you really think I’m daft enough to believe that lie?”

She smirked, “Are you sure you want me to answer that question?”

“Why were you spying on us, Merula?”

Rolling her eyes for the hundredth time, while making her cauldron stir on its own, she countered, “Why are you so incredibly annoying?”

“Look, Merula, you can keep avoiding the subject all you want, but I'm not leaving until you agree to talk, so you might as well cooperate,” I said, trying to not let my anger get the best of me.

“Ugh, you’re really not going to go away until I do, are you?”

“Now you’re getting it,” I said with a prideful smile.

Losing the argument, Merula gave in and said, “Fine, but I’m going to finish this potion first, so you might as well grab a beaker and make yourself useful.”

While grabbing the beaker she pointed at, I mentioned, “I didn’t know you were so studious, Merula.”

Just having to be rude, Merula said, “Studying must be a foreign concept for you, eh Wallace?”

After handing the beaker over to her, I sighed, crossing my arms, “Just because you don’t usually see me studying doesn’t mean I don’t. I just try to avoid you throughout the day.”

“Since you’re just standing there, you might as well hand me that bottle.”

Leaning over to give it to her, I noticed Merula’s book was filled with notes in the margins that aren’t in her handwriting. “What potion is Merula even brewing?” I muttered, studying her book. Apparently she heard me because she replied, “How are you passing potions? This is just a simple Wideye Potion. Honestly, Barnaby has more brain cells than you.”

“Well, I feel like Barnaby is very smart, so I’ll consider that a compliment,” I said, sticking up for him. Changing the subject, I asked, “Would you really report Talbott to the Ministry, Merula?”

“I couldn’t care less about Winger. I just followed you thinking you were sneaking off to go Cursed Vault hunting, so I really don’t care.”

“I’d say I can’t believe you’d spy on me, Merula, but that’d be a lie.”

“Wow, you finally understand my personality, Wallace,” she said sarcastically, “Fine, I admit it, I was listening in on you and Winger, but only because I thought you had more info on the Cursed Vault of Fear.”

“Aha! So you were lying!”

“Yes, alright, I lied about not hearing anything. So what?”

“I don’t blame you for spying on me and lying about it. I would’ve done the same if I were in your position, but I would’ve gotten away with it,” I muttered in the last part.

She put an over-exaggerating expression on her face, “I wasn’t spying, I was keeping an eye on my competition,” she thought for a moment, and suddenly said, “And what’s that supposed to mean?!”

Ignoring her last comment, I continued on, “So just to be clear, you weren’t spying on Talbott and me to try to learn our secrets?”

Without confirming or denying what I asked, Merula replied, “Like I said, I wasn’t spying, I was keeping an eye on my competition, and why else would I be interested in you and your odd friends?”

“Like I said, Talbott’s not odd, and I’m not sure if I should feel relieved or insulted.”

“If that’s all-”

“-Wait, Merula, the real reason I came was to convince you to not tell anyone about Talbott’s and my secret,” I said quickly.

“Why shouldn’t I tell anyone you and Winger are unregistered Animagi?” Merula said challengingly.

“Because I’ll force you to keep it a secret if necessary.”

“Are you seriously threatening someone who could get you and your friend sent to Azkaban?” Then she said something I wasn’t expecting, “You might be more interesting than I thought, Wallace.”

“So will you keep Talbott’s secret?” I said.

“We’ll see, won’t we?” She asked, trying to scare me.

“Merula, this is serious,” I said, unfazed.

“I am being serious,” she smirked, making me worry. Not for myself, but for Talbott. I don’t want to be the reason he’d get sent to Azkaban.

“I better find Talbott now and warn him about Merula…” I said to myself after Merula left with the biggest smug look on her face.

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