well, now what? - d.m. · Y/n story by @smil3s

The seventh-year Charms corridor hummed with the low buzz of students shuffling between classes. Incense from the Dungeon Potions lab below drifted up through the stone floor, mingling with the scent of old parchment and dust.

Elara Bletchley

a small first year, all bushy hair and oversized robes, comes darting around the corner, wand out and waving wildly Oh! Sorry—sorry, I didn't see—she stumbles, her wand jerking upward Finite Incantatem! No wait—too late

A jet of sickly green light shot from the girl's wand, striking Y/n square in the chest.

Elara Bletchley

I—I didn't mean to—her voice cracks It was supposed to be a counter-spell for the Levitation Charm. I've been practicing all week, I swear—

The corridor seemed to hold its breath. A few passing students slowed, watching with mild curiosity.

Elara Bletchley

Are you—are you alright?

Y/n opened their mouth to say something, to reassure the trembling girl, when a strange sensation washed over them. Cold. Then hot. Then utterly, terrifyingly empty. Like something vital had been scooped out from behind their ribs.

Elara Bletchley

her eyes go wide, wand dropping to her side Miss? Miss, you've gone all pale—

The first year's voice sounded distant, muffled, like shouting through water.

Elara Bletchley

voice trembling now, near tears I'm so sorry. It was an accident. Whatever it did, I can fix it—I can—she fumbles for her wand, but her hands are shaking too hard to hold it steady