Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Kellah was in hell and her parents had put her there. Regrettably, her parents confined her to Bible camp and compelled her to take part in a class that focused on the intricate details of cults. The deacon was working diligently to provide a comprehensive explanation. "They take you away from your family and control what you believe and who you see. They always have a doomsday and need money from members to keep it going."

Demonstrating her enthusiasm and eagerness to participate, Kellah raised her hand high in the air. The deacon's mood shifted to annoyance, reflecting his growing irritation.

"Yes," he answered curtly. "What is your question now?"

"Is this a cult?" she asked.

"That is not correct. We are a place of worship," the deacon said, coming to her desk.

As Kellah twirled her pencil, she felt the smooth wood against her fingertips. "You take people away from family if they don't believe the same things. You tell people to fast and give up things for lent and not to eat pork. The doomsday is when Jesus will walk the earth again, and you don't pay taxes, and you constantly get Sunday offerings from members."

His face transformed into a sullen visage, and a shadow of disappointment clouded his eyes. "Get out of my class and don't come back. Go make brooms."

Though she sighed, Kellah couldn't help but feel a sense of happiness as she left it all behind. Some of the religious purity ring-wearing half-virgins cast judgmental glances in her direction. She could hear the mocking tone in their voices as they called her "bird girl," and their laughter stung her ears.

Leaving her Bible on her desk, she walked outside the church and felt the heat radiating from the outdoor rec center where the children played games. However, half of it was currently locked by the church. The only room available was the group room, so they converted it into a makeshift broom-making workshop.

As she entered, she noticed Noah Johnson. Pulling him into a warm embrace, she pressed her lips to his cheek, leaving a tender kiss behind. Getting ready to make her broom bristles, she inspected her broom stock, making sure it was in perfect condition.

"Another snog on the cheek. When will I get a proper one?" He spoke while his fingers ran across his cornrows.

Kellah's voice wavered slightly as she spoke, her lips trembling. "When I'm good and ready now piss off," she said, biting her lower lip.

"Aye, steady. Half of my summer was spent waiting." With a gentle tug, he drew her near and planted a delicate kiss on her neck.

Rolling her eyes with contempt, she pushed him away from her. "You can keep waiting."

Why was she making him wait? Her actions may have suggested otherwise, but deep down, she was a shy person, and the prospect of kissing him on the lips for the first time made her cheeks flush. Contemplating the situation, she pondered the possibility of him using his tongue and questioned her readiness. She couldn't stand it and thought it was vile.

Just then she sensed something. It was Milkyway entering the room, holding a letter and a beautifully wrapped gift. Its face twisted into an annoyed expression as Kellah looked. Weary from the long day, Milkyway collapsed onto the couch, sinking into the plush pillows. The bird launched into a cacophony of shrill calls aimed at her before abruptly abandoning its stance to give chase to a mouse. It quietly ate its meal in the cozy corner before curling up for a nap.

"You know they call you the bird girl because you have that pet owl? And why does it keep giving you gifts?" Trembling with fear, he uttered the words.

"I keep feeding it. Crows are the same. They follow you and leave gifts if you do it enough. They also follow you if they're angry," she said.

Noah stood on the complete opposite side of the room from Milkyway, creating a physical barrier between them. "That’s odd. Just keep it from me."

That made her feelings towards him turn sour. He was fortunate to possess the charm and good looks that made him stand out among the others in the camp.

One of letters in question was from Draco again, the familiar handwriting scrawled across the page. She had diligently sent out countless letters, eagerly awaiting replies from everyone. All replied except for Harry. Disappointingly, even Hagrid and Draco bothered to acknowledge her.

Hagrid's writing skills surpassed his speaking abilities, an unexpected talent for someone expelled from school. It saddened Kellah that Hagrid's education was cut short, and she wished things had been different for him. There was a sense of injustice to it.

After sending a quick reply, Kellah turned her attention to the letter weighing on her mind.

It was a potion kit with some of the rarest ingredients occamy eggshell, dragon horn, dragon claw, murtlap tentacle, acromantula venom, erumpent horn, erupment tail, dragon's blood, fairy wings, venomous tentacula, unicorn horn, and unicorn tail. Among the items, there was even a vial containing a sample of its blood. The ethereal glow of the unicorn blood reminded her of why she couldn't be with him. No matter how strong his feelings for her were, his infatuation with the Dark Arts was stronger.

"Babes, you don't fancy the gift the bird got you this time round?" Noah asked.

Kellah let out a sigh. "As per usual, it's good except for one thing."

She gently placed it on top of the pile, marveling at the collection of gifts she had received from Draco. It dawned on her that she would have to depart with more possessions than she had arrived with. One nice thing was having luggage that seemed to defy physics with its seemingly infinite interior space. She had to check to see which gift that was she would find it before summer holiday was over.

She carefully tucked Malfoy’s letter amidst the others inside the music box, where a broken ballerina seemed to yearn for her lost melody. She collected all of them. Each memento was a testament to his loveliest moments, forever preserved in her collection.

As she rummaged through the gifts Draco had given her, Kellah’s hand landed on A Beginner's Guide to Wand Movements charts. It would make a suitable gift for Harry. That boy ran into danger. He desperately needed this far more than she did.

Later that night, she lay in bed, the soft glow of her bedside lamp illuminating the words on the letter from Draco. She wasn't even sure what he liked about her. There was an intensity about him, a singular focus that bordered on obsession. However, as she sprayed herself with the Angel perfume he gifted her last years. She couldn't help but appreciate his attention to detail in choosing a fragrance she loved. Kellah refrained from wearing the scent at Hogwarts, fearing it would attract unwanted attention. She denied him the satisfaction, but in the privacy of her home or at camp, she could wear it without restraint. Was it because she liked Draco that she couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement whenever he walked into the room? Kellah slept on it, the gentle rhythm of her breath lulling her into a deep slumber, allowing her subconscious to work through the problem.

Upon waking, Milkyway greeted her. The owl had made herself comfortable on her chest, and next to her was another letter and a small, mysterious gift. A built-in smart garden was a sophisticated system comprising nine plant pods and magical lights that could accurately sense when the plants needed sunlight or artificial lighting. This innovative system combined a self-watering tank, built-in timer, smart soil, and water level indicator to create a hassle-free gardening experience. It was one of the best gifts he had given her, and she cherished it dearly. She even considered bringing it to Hogwarts, imagining the awe and curiosity it would spark among her fellow students. She couldn't deny her growing affection for Draco Malfoy, much to her dismay.

Rising early, she was met by the quiet stillness of the early morning. The only thing visible was the faint glow of distant stars. Quietly, she tiptoed out of the girls' bunks, trying to suppress the creaking floorboards, and headed towards the primary office. Using her newfound lock-picking abilities, courtesy of the Weasley Twins, she quickly gained access and dialed Hermione's number on the landline.

Hermione weary answered the call. "Hello, who is it?" she said groggily.

"Hermione, it's me," Kellah whispered, hoping Hermione would recognize her voice. "I'm stuck at Bible camp."

"It's midnight, Kellah. I went to bed ages ago."

"Hermione, it's summer holiday. I know you stayed up to read books with a torch."

Startled, Kellah turned her head at the sound of a book being closed in her ear. "Right, what's the trouble?"

"I think I fancy-"Kellah felt a cold chill.

”—You are done here, lass." A deacon said in a condescending tone at the door.

"Who was that?" Hermione yelled on the line.

Kellah glared at the deacon as she spoke. "I'm off Hermione. I reckon I'm kicked out of Bible camp."

"Oh well, then I can—" The deacon's fingers swiftly clicked the button, silencing the phone. Kellah marched to her room, the weight of the impending adventure heavy in her steps, and began packing. Her parents would have to make the long journey to retrieve her. They would be angry and embarrassed. Just like her hatred for bible camp, she didn't want to face them either. Her resentment towards her parents deepened even further.

As Kellah prepared to leave, she marveled at the luggage bag's ability to hold all her belongings despite its deceptively compact appearance. Another thing she had to bring to school with her. At this point, she had reached a state of complete shamelessness. She liked Malfoy. Dodging a breakup with Noah was a slight consolation for being expelled from camp, but at least she took three of her favorite brooms. It was child labor, and she was going to get her payment. Perhaps she would craft a wondrous broomstick, its bristles would vibrate with ancient spells.

Kellah's mum was rambling incessantly, but she tuned it out. Her mum had lost a lot of weight, and her clothes now hung loosely on her frame. It was like witnessing a complete metamorphosis into an entirely different person.

Her father's focus on her had increased significantly. She couldn't decipher if it was a genuine connection or merely a shallow, melancholic relationship. The thought didn't concern her because she only had to tolerate seeing them every summer for six more years.

When she got home, she noticed the empty space where her Hogwarts clothes from last year used to be, leaving a sense of nostalgia. Her uniform, the clothes she had brought to camp, and a collection of Uganda traditional dresses were the sole remnants. If she hadn't packed the uniform for comfort, she was certain it would have been one of the first items taken. The last thing she wanted was to get into a confrontation with her parents. The real reason they wanted her out of the house was to eradicate every trace of magic.

The following day, her mum had left a Bible, and a beautifully embroidered Ugandan dress on the table, creating a striking display. Kellah scrambled to find something to wear, settling for the first thing she could grab.

Her low-rise jeans hugged her hips perfectly, providing a cozy and relaxed fit. Squatting, she rounded out the curves of her butt in the jeans. What was the point of wearing form-fitting jeans if they gave you a flat arse?

Descending the steps, she could feel her mum's disapproving gaze. When her mum looked at her, her eyes immediately landed on the daring crop top Kellah had on.

"What are you wearing? Did you learn nothing at Bible camp?"

Excitement coursed through Kellah as an idea took hold. "Yes, Bible camp helped. I made a lot of brooms. I feel closer." Kellah paused. Her mum smiled, "to the devil," Kellah's words laced with a playful wickedness.

Her mum frowned, the lines on her forehead deepening, and rose from her chair. "There will be no devil worship in my house."

"Shall I cast a spell on you?" Kellah asked, her eyes sparkling with magic.

"I have the blood of Jesus protecting me."

"Want to test that theory?" Kellah asked with a sly smile on her lips.

Her mum's unwavering demeanor revealed her inner strength, not even a flicker of reaction. Kellah got up close to her, and she could feel the cool metal of her rollerblades in her hands as she grabbed them from the front door. "I'm off to Hermione's."

"Micah 5:10, I will destroy your witches, and you will no longer cast spells," said her mum.

Kellah's mum swiftly shoved her back inside, the door slamming closed with a loud bang. Kellah's eyes darted around nervously, a sure sign that she was frightened. Before she knew it, firm hands yanked Kellah up the stairs, and she found herself imprisoned in her room. There was a lock that had not been there the night before.Had they added it this morning? Kellah went to Milkyway and carefully unlatched the cage, setting the bird free.

Frantically, she scribbled identical letters to Ron, Harry, and Hermione. After much deliberation, she wrote a letter addressed to Draco but ultimately tore it up, deciding it was best left unsent. She seldom gave him the courtesy of a response. The letter said:

When Kellah set Milkyway free, the owl let out a contented coo, clearly pleased with the release. She watched as it flew toward Hermione's house.

As soon as Kellah's body met the comfort of her bed, she was startled by the loud ringing of the phone in her room. She had her own line, which was a nice thing she never got to enjoy. "Kellah, is that you? Are you alright?" Hermione asked.

The phone cord unraveled and retracted as Kellah absentmindedly twirled it around her finger. "Yeah, I have to be quick about it before they realize I'm on the line. When are you going to Diagon Alley?"

"In a few days, my parents can take you. Will you make it to mine, or shall we give you a lift?" Worry seeped into Hermione's voice.

With a deep sigh, Kellah released the tension building within her. "Don't pick me up. Meet you at yours. I’m gonna pop off. Going to give someone else a ring."

"To whom."

"No time." As the call ended, Hermione's voice faded away, leaving a void in the conversation.

Kellah unfolded the paper with Dean's number, the ink slightly smudged from being touched so many times. She ran her fingers over the parchment, smoothing it out, and dialed his number.

"Hello, Thomas, family residents. This is Mr. Thomas. May I ask who's calling?"

Kellah's voice trembled, revealing her inner turmoil. "This is Kellah Onai-Dellarose calling for Dean Thomas. May I speak to him, sir?"

"Oh, I have heard quite a lot about you—"There was a tiny scuffle, and she strained her ears to catch the sound. "That's enough, Alfred…what's happening, Kellah," said Dean.

"Right. What have you been going on about?" Kellah asked with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. She was so absorbed in this that time constraints seemed to disappear.

"Nothing Alfred fancies a tall tale. So why did you give me a ring? Took you a good long while. It's been a month since school ended. You're cutting it fine." His words came out with an undertone of irritation.

"Oh, you noticed that, did you? Sorry, I was stuck at Bible camp. Just wanted to ring you."

She felt a familiar cold chill. With a click, the door unlocked, and her mum's intense stare met hers. "You won't be hearing from me in a while. I'm on punishment. Cheers," she said before ending the call and disconnecting the phone from the wall, handing it to her mother.

Her mum snatched away the phone, leaving her feeling a sense of loss. Her mum said," Leviticus 20:6 I will set my face against anyone who turns to mediums and spiritists to prostitute themselves by following them, and I will cut them off from their people."

“Nothing like Old Testament hospitality.”Kellah smiled her mother didnot.

And for two days, they completely isolated her from the outside world. The only things she had to occupy her thoughts were the ceiling and her Bible. Occasionally she worked on her broom but hard labor wasn't fun.

On the first day, Kellah meticulously packed everything she could fit in her trunk, including the sack with the undetectable extension charm. Determined, she would escape. In her mind, she was already plotting her prison break, refusing to be trapped. Patience was all she needed to endure the situation.

The door only creaked open when they slid a tray of food inside. The first time, she violently yanked the door open, desperate to flee, only to be hurled back into the room by her mum. After her little stunt, all she had for food was porridge, which might as well have been slop the way her mother cooked.

She wished she had a telly, yearning for the familiar voices and stories that would distract her from the situation. Since she left the first year, ten months ago, the glow of the television had been absent from her evenings. The desire for it burned within her.

The monotonous act of staring at the ceiling wore on her. With her school books in hand, she would find a cozy spot and immerse herself in the words on the pages. By the time she returned to Hogwarts, she might have picked up a couple of spells to add to her knowledge.

On the second day, she opened a window, the fresh scent of morning dew wafting in, and hurled her trunk and bird cage out before leaping into the welcoming bushes below. As she surveyed herself, she couldn't help but appreciate that she emerged unscathed, a testament to the exceptional durability of wizards. She wheeled her trunk, feeling the vibrations in her hands. The weight of her rollerblades draped over Kellah’s shoulders, a constant reminder of the fun that awaited her.

She deliberately wore her sandals as she walked through the grass, relishing the sensation of the blades brushing against her skin, a silent act of rebellion against her mum's rules. Her toes were moist with the fresh morning dew. Kellah stopped and collected a bit for her future potions. She continued her walk to Hermione's house, the sound of chirping birds accompanying her every step. It wasn't terrible, but it wasn't great either.

As the fifteen minutes passed, she noticed the weariness in the eyes of the few people who paid her any attention. When she returned from Hogwarts after a year, her appearance and demeanor were unrecognizable compared to before. Her height had increased by four inches, making her feel more confident. The crop top she wore used to be a regular top, but now it revealed a sliver of her midriff.

She was the girl who parents warned their sons and daughters to stay away from. She was a bad influence, enabling their kids without hesitation. It was ironic because if anyone in their friend group fit that description, it was Harry Potter.

She faced an inferi and went through seven trials to get to the philosopher’s stone, and one of her best friends defeated Voldemort. Her secret admirer turned out to be none other than the notorious bad boy, Draco Malfoy. How could she not have changed? The confidence radiated from her, a stark contrast to the scared girl she used to be before magic entered her life. The world had seen her as quiet and docile, but underneath, a simmering anger brewed.

After spending time in deep thought, she arrived at Hermione's house, the touch of the doorknob bringing a sense of connection and resolve. She stood on the porch, her finger hovering over the doorbell, wishing she had thought to call before showing up unannounced. Kellah was twelve, not an adult. Everything would turn out fine in the end.

Mrs. Granger opened the door, her dressing gown wrapped snugly around her. "Oh, hi, Kellah, we were just making a spot of breakfast. Hermione isn't ready to come out." The sight of Kellah's mournful face and the luggage caused Mrs. Granger to come to a stop.

"My mum was just being herself, so I wanted to come round." Kellah's voice cracked, desperate to glimpse her friend.

A tinge of sorrow touched Mrs. Granger's smile. "Actually, why don't you have breakfast with us?"

"I would be delighted."

Kellah took a deep breath before touching the doorknob and stepping through the door into a world of possibilities. The umbrella rack became crowded as her belongings found a place next to Hermione's rollerblades. Inhaling the fragrant smell of the food in the kitchen, she couldn't help but feel her hunger grow.

The aroma of sizzling bacon and eggs lingered in the air, accompanied by the comforting sight of beans, toast, mushrooms, tomatoes, potatoes, and black pudding. There was even bone marrow and pork chops and Hermione's parents were cooking together. Mr. Granger expertly handled all the meat while Mrs. Granger took care of everything else. Outside the garden, he tended to the roasting meat on the barbecue.

Some men will use any excuse to barbecue, but it was sweet that he was helping his wife cook. Just then, a tantalizing smell of smoky meat wafted through the backyard. "Can I help with anything?" said Kellah.

"You can fetch Hermione, and she'll help you set up the table," said Mr. Granger through a wall of smoke.

Kellah burst into Hermione's room, disregarding the need for a knock. Even in her sleep, Hermione clung tightly to a book, its pages brushing against her face. Startled by Kellah's sudden entrance, she quickly sat up in her bed. Hermione's face bore a visible indentation from where the book had pressed against it.

Leaning casually against the wall, Kellah spoke up. "So you stayed up reading with a torch?"

Just as Hermione was about to fling the book, she froze mid-motion. "What are you doing here? I thought you were at Bible camp?"

"I got kicked out while we were on the phone. Then gave you a bell from mum and dads.”

Adjusting her posture, Hermione sat up and crossed her arms in front of her. "Oh, come on, let's hear it then?"

It occurred to Kellah that she should tell her about Malfoy. "It was about my boyfriend at camp."

"Did you get his phone number?"Hermione said leaping from her bed.

Kellah panicked a little, but she had Malfoy. "No, I didn't."

"You're never going to see that boy again," Hermione said as she stood in her personal bathroom brushing her teeth.

"You don't know that I might go back next year," Kellah carefully passed Hermione a damp washcloth, ready to be used.

"And what if he's not round?" Hermione said, a small glob of toothpaste clinging to her lip as she wiped it off her mouth.

"Then I could ask one of the church staff who his parents are."

"I seriously doubt that. Also, I thought we wouldn't call each other until Ron got a landline." Hermione brushed past Kellah and put on a dressing gown over her pajamas.

"It was an emergency. Oh, your dad said for you to help me set the table."

Hermione gathered her thick, unruly hair and hastily fashioned it into a tousled bun. She studied her reflection in the mirror momentarily before sighing in resignation. Frustrated, Hermione forcefully pushed her door open, the sound reverberating through the quiet house, and snatched a book before making her way down the stairs.

They set the table, and in the center, Mr. Granger placed a tray of succulent meats. The dish consisted of a medley of sausage, bacon, bone marrow, and pork chops.

Hermione sat down with Kellah, gently placing her book on the table next to her plate. "No books at the table," said Mr. Granger.

Frowning, Hermione reluctantly set the book on a desk in the cozy corridor.

As Kellah took her first bite, it transported her back to the days at Hogwarts, where the food was always this delicious. She enjoyed Mrs. Granger's rabbit food, too. However, it didn't quite match up to Mr. Granger's. The vegetable dishes lacked salt, but Kellah stayed silent.

Kellah ate so much that she could practically hear her stomach groaning in protest. "You guys cook the best food together."

As the kids rose from the table, they clasped hands and giggled while sprinting through the corridor. They reached the first step, only to find Mr. Granger already occupying the space.

"Don't forget to brush and floss after breakfast," said Mr. Granger.

Mrs. Granger leaned against the banister. "Yes, or we'll be seeing you soon," said Mrs. Granger.

As they climbed the stairs, Hermione disappeared into the shower, the sound of running water mingling with her conversation with Kellah. "I received the letter for my books to Hogwarts and yours as well. We should go to Diagon Alley on Wednesday. I'm thinking of letting Ron know since Harry hasn't answered my post."

"He has gotten none of my post, either. I keep sending it. I'm afraid of what the Dursleys are doing to him." Kellah said as steam escaped through the cracked door. "Is it like how my parents mistreat me?"

"It might be worse," Hermione's words hung in the air, and the once rushing water suddenly stopped.

"Did Harry get whippings?"

"I don't think so," Hermione said.

A heavy cloud of sadness hung over Kellah. "Then he's lucky it never went there."

Hermione's mouth opened, but no sound came out as she grappled with her thoughts. "Do they still whip you?" She said almost in a whisper, her voice barely a murmur.

"Not since I started Hogwarts last year. They are too scared I will turn them into a toad or something. I'm just dreading Sunday." She thought about the suffocating feeling of being locked away for two days but didn't want to burden Hermione with her concerns.

"Oh, Church," said Hermione, oblivious to Kellah's true feelings.

"Since summer holiday, I had church every day at bible camp, and Sunday was worse because it was longer, and I had to dress up. I had to pray when I woke up and went to bed in group prayer before each meal. I can't do it anymore, and I know most of those people would want nothing to do with me because I'm a witch."

"You only have to deal with it on holiday. Don't go back home for Christmas or Easter break, alright?"

"I didn't plan on it."

Hermione emerged from the lavatory, her hair still damp from the shower. To get ready, she had dressed in the bathroom.

"Alright, so I have the entire day planned," Hermione said, her hands coming together with a soft, satisfying click.

As Kellah's excitement bubbled over, she couldn't help but notice the stack of books that Hermione had pointed out. "We can read these," Hermione said, holding a book.

"We can go rollerblading with some of the neighborhood boys."

"I don't have rollerblades."

As Hermione crossed her fingers behind her back, Kellah observed the mischievous glint in her eyes. "Your pair are downstairs. I put mine next to them."

"Right," Hermione said, tugging at the sleeves of her retro varsity jacket. It was for a debate team. Which ten-year-old is skilled enough to be part of a debate team? Next, she slipped on a pair of loafers.

"Hermione, I can't have you go out to see boys like that." Kellah gestured vaguely towards Hermione.

As Hermione gazed downwards, her attention fixated on her choice of clothing. She tugged on her dress shirt. "What's wrong with what I'm wearing?"

Kellah tossed a pair of shorts and a Quidditch pullover in her direction. "Everything."

Ignoring Kellah's pleas to fix her hair, Hermione hurriedly changed her outfit, showing no concern for her appearance.

They emerged into the open air, where Kellah was already in her element, impressing everyone with her skating talents. She effortlessly pulled off tricks, confidently balanced on one foot, and even glided backward.

Hermione's stability masked her lackluster performance, as she secretly indulged in reading a tiny book while rollerblading. They rolled up and were greeted by the sight of a couple of kids darting behind bushes and trees, caught up in a lively game of hide and seek. The guy that was “it” saw Kellah motion towards a concealed individual. His smile, with metal glinting, was directed right at her. Hermione rolled her eyes.

Rolling down the street, they could feel the rumble of the rough pavement resonating in their bones.

"You two want to play with us," the guy yelled.

Kellah had gotten a good look at him. She could hear the confidence in his voice, and it made her heart flutter. The unique shape of his monolid eyes and the playful curl of his thin lips created a captivating expression reminiscent of a joker's grin.

With a sudden stop in her skating, Kellah sharply pivoted, her senses heightened. "Sure."

The guy's eyes skipped over Kellah, focusing solely on Hermione. "What about you,poppet?"

Closing her book, Hermione sighed. "I guess," she muttered.

Kellah couldn't help but feel a pang of loneliness as she watched everyone carry on without acknowledging her presence. She grabbed Hermione's wrist, her fingers tightening around it.

"How about we just go back to yours and write to Ron about going to the place," she said cryptically in front of the Muggle.

"Don't leave." The guy's gaze lingered on Hermione as he spoke. His friends had formed a tight circle around him, their eager faces reflecting their anticipation.

With a nod from Hermione, they glided away, the cool breeze whistling past their ears. Hand in hand, Kellah led the way as they rollerbladed off, the vibrant colors of the surroundings blurring into a haze.

Seeking respite from the heat, they located a serene spot in the shade, perfect for kicking off their shoes and munching on a snack. Kellah opened a pack of noodles, and the sound of the seasoning hitting the noodles was a delightful sprinkle. She then handed a pack of ramen to Hermione, its crinkly packaging making a satisfying sound.

"I heard eating it is bad for your heart and can make you ill."

"Hermione, eat the damn noodles."

Ignoring her previous words, Hermione devoured the noodles. Kellah’s next-door neighbor Aaron came into view, and his arm lifted in a wave, signaling them to come closer. With speed, they donned their rollerblades and stowed the extra noodles in their pockets, securing them tightly. Right before him, Kellah skidded to a halt on her rollerblades.

"Alright, Aaron." She laid eyes on him again. She couldn't help but marvel at his sudden growth spurt. His clothes were noticeably different, hanging loosely on his frame. The gold chain around his neck glimmered in the sunlight as he playfully tugged on it.

"Hello, mate, who's your friend?" He asked, his eyes scanning Hermione from head to toe.

A flicker of annoyance crossed Kellah's face, causing her lips to tighten. "That's Hermione. She lives in the neighborhood."

Aaron lifted his cap, revealing his durag underneath. "I haven't seen her come round."

"She's more of an inside person."

"I go outside a bit," Hermione said.

Kellah squinted her eyes. "I force you to. "

"Right, uh, Hermione, are you single?" Aaron asked.

Her cheeks turned a rosy shade as embarrassment washed over her." Yes."

"Are you looking for a boyfriend?" he said.

"My boyfriend is my love of books. It won't let me down. Boys will." She said, her eyes shining with affection as she hugged the book close.

As Aaron processed the news, his face sank in disappointment.

Kellah laughed it was full of warmth and mirth, brightening up the atmosphere. Well, it brightened it for her and Hermione, not Aaron.

"Hermione read a book for a second. I'm going to have a chat with Aaron," Kellah said.

Hermione quickly retrieved a book from her small bag and immersed herself in its pages. And it was A History of Magic, its pages yellowed with age and filled with handwritten notes. Taking a moment to rest, Hermione sat on the curb.

"Where you been hiding this light-skinned girl?"

Kellah playfully pushed Aaron, causing him to stumble backward. "I met her at my new school. She lives close by, so we are stuck together."

"Cool, cool. Can you hook me up?"

In a gesture of self-protection, Kellah crossed her arms in front of her. "She said no, and why do you even fancy her?"

"Her hair is a bit of a mess but glorious face."

"Any other reasons?" she asked.

His hushed, barely audible whisper hung in the air, creating an atmosphere of secrecy. "I don't need one."

Kellah extends her arms, palms facing upwards. "Boy, bye."

Kellah smoothly glided away on her skates and skillfully snatched Hermione before they both sped off. "Let me finish the page before we go," said Hermione.

Jealousy gnawed at Kellah, twisting her stomach into knots. Each boy she encountered seemed to avoid conversation with her unless it centered on Hermione. She received only a fleeting nod of recognition from them. Last year, she longed for companionship, but none of them wanted to play with her. As soon as Hermione appeared, everyone clamored to be her friend.

"Those boys were awful. They kept ignoring you. I won't talk to them anymore," said Hermione.

"You can talk to them. It's alright." Her eyes watered, forcing Kellah to blink and regain her composure.

"I shan't," Hermione said. "It was a bit odd since they ignored me at my old school. " With a warm hug from Kellah, they set off on their rollerblades, exploring more of the street.

Upon reaching Hermoine's house, they excitedly discarded their rollerblades and dashed up the stairs, feeling the wood grain against her bare soles. Hermione opened her window, and Errol's tired, droopy eyes and ruffled feathers showed he had traveled a long way to bring a letter from Ron.

As if time was of the essence, Hermione quickly moved to retrieve the letter. Hermione's fingers tore into the envelope, her eyes darting across the letter as she absorbed its contents. She held the letter close to her heart, her fingers tracing the creases in the paper, and began writing quickly, her thoughts flowing onto the page. Kellah peeked, and it was signed love from Hermione

"This is why you ran up so fast, and do you always sign Ron’s letters love from Hermione?" Kellah asked.

"I do it to yours and Harry as well, so it's nothing." Hermione handed the letter to the owl. Errol took flight, his wings brushing against the flower curtains as he fluttered up and out the window. Kellah closed the window behind him, blocking out the chilly breeze seeping in.

"It's not nothing if you're running up the stairs for his owl."

"Whatever. I told him we'll be there tomorrow. Now, why don't you take a full day to pick your outfit?"

Kellah plopped down on Hermione's bed, sinking into the softness of the mattress. "I would if I had any clothes. My mum is probably throwing away more of them as we speak."

"She threw away your clothes. Why," Hermione said, stretching out next to her and propping her head up with her hand.

"Because she didn't fancy them."

They held hands on the bed. "I can give you some of my old clothes that don't fit."

They spent hours indulging in a playful fashion show, trying on clothes and striking poses in front of the mirror. Many shirts were too small, but crop tops were in, so Kellah took them. The bottoms hugged her butt a bit too snugly, but she figured it would be alright as long as she didn't engage in any physical activity.

Kellah adorned herself in one of Hermione's shirts, feeling a sense of closeness to her friend. She declared it her new favorite. Kellah wrapped herself in the comfort of a flannel shirt. Among Hermione's collection, it was likely one of the standout items in her wardrobe.

"You sure you want that one? It looks like a crop top." The vest, concealed beneath the flannel, was the object Hermione pointed at.

While flashing her crop top, she made the statement. "That's fine. It's a trend now."

"Yeah, for teenagers, you're twelve."

"I'll be thirteen in February," Kellah, aiming for a bit of fun, tossed a piece of clothing into Hermione's vicinity.

The blow caught Hermione off guard, striking her squarely in the face despite her evasion attempt. "Just take it."

Excitement consumed Kellah as the new day dawned. Overwhelmed by the intensity, she hastily dressed. Kellah scrutinized herself in the mirror before reverting to the outfit she had selected the previous day. She made Hermione dress up in a charming orange ensemble to impress Ron. To add some flair, she carefully placed orange snap clips in Hermione's hair. Although the snap clips were a pleasant feature, the rest was quite disappointing.

"Hermione, you sure I can't do your hair?" Kellah said as she desperately tried to tame Hermione's frizzy hair.

"It's alright," said Hermione.

"No, it's not," Kellah said, trying one more time before giving up.

Hermione's eyes rolled in annoyance as she made her way downstairs in a hurry. They sat on the couch in the living room, the soft hum of the air conditioner provided a soothing background noise. The telly wasn't on. Hermione's parents were the type who had a specific time set aside for watching TV.

Kellah's heart skipped a beat as she caught sight of the familiar Hogwarts letters resting on the coffee table, making everything else fade into the background. Finally, she got her hands on the school list and eagerly unfolded it. There was the Standard Book of Spells, Grade Two, and then seven books by a guy named Gilderoy Lockhart.

"I am not buying seven books by the same guy for school. It is obviously a scam." Kellah waved her hand in a firm, negating gesture.

"No, he's brilliant. He's famous and went on all sorts of adventures."

"Yeah, I'm gonna save money and borrow your books." She said, slapping the letter with frustration.

Hermione meticulously folded her letter, the corners meeting perfectly. "No, you won't."

"Watch me, I won't buy it."