Chapter 2: The Announcement
Katherine was roused by Annie the next morning, a cheerful nudge urging her to get ready.
After dressing, they made their way to the Great Hall for breakfast, the most important meal of the day.
“Ugh, I’m starving,” Annie sighed, earning a giggle from Kat. Annie adored food, and Kat shared the sentiment, so she offered a smile in return.
They settled at the Hufflepuff table, awaiting the start of breakfast.
Though she loved a good meal, Katherine found her appetite waning, anxiety tightening in her chest about the day’s announcement. She recalled the previous evening, comforted by the thought of her friends being present, and forced herself to eat. Her body needed the energy, she couldn’t starve herself, despite the churning nervousness.
When the seventh years departed, McGonagall began her address.
“Now, as you all know, the wizarding population decreased… significantly, due to the war. Because of this, the Ministry has enacted a new law. According to this law, each and every one of you, seated in this Hall, will be engaged by the end of the school year.”
A murmur rippled through the hall, but subsided when McGonagall’s stern gaze swept across the students.
“Following engagement, you will be married, then you will be expected to conceive – within a year,” she continued, her eyes sweeping over the female students.
For a moment, shock held the students captive. Then, a chorus of protests erupted.
“They can’t do this to us!” Seamus Finnigan, a Gryffindor boy, stood up.
“I am deeply sorry, Mr. Finnigan,” McGonagall replied, her tone firm. “But my hands are tied, as are all of ours.”
Katherine noticed couples exchanging worried glances—Harry Potter and Ginny Weasley among them—and a wave of sympathy washed over her. What if they were separated by this decree?
The Gryffindors seemed the most agitated, mirrored by the furious expressions on the faces of the Slytherins.
The Ravenclaws appeared upset, but composed in a way Katherine found more mature.
The Hufflepuff table remained the quietest, including Kat herself.
*Perhaps,* she mused, *the Universe is telling me that since I couldn’t find a boyfriend on my own, they’re going to set me up with someone.*
She didn’t know how to feel yet; she’d decide after she was paired with her future husband. She only hoped they could get along.
They were told schedules would be issued after the pairings were announced, granting them a brief reprieve to process everything.
“We’re heading back to the Common Room, are you coming?” Annie asked, turning to her best friend. Kat shook her head.
“I think I’ll go for a walk, clear my head,” she smiled. “I’ll join you all later.”
Annie nodded, hugging Kat before returning to the Great Hall with her friends.
Katherine stood, slowly making her way outside for fresh air. As she walked down the corridor, she noticed someone approaching.
Pansy Parkinson.
She smiled and continued walking, meeting Pansy along the way.
“Hello, Pansy,” she smiled, opening her arms.
“Hi,” Pansy returned the smile, embracing the Hufflepuff.
“How have you been?” Katherine asked, concern etched in her eyes.
“It’s difficult, naturally, for all of us. But that was expected, really,” she shrugged. “We knew people would react this way when we returned.”
Kat pouted, feeling sympathy for Pansy, and nodded, understanding their precarious position. She still remembered the day they became friends.
~~~
*Why does Potions have to be so hard? And why does Snape have to be so terrifying?*
Katherine exited Potions class, heading towards the Hufflepuff Common Room for respite after the stressful lesson, when she heard crying. She furrowed her brows, then decided to investigate.
She found Pansy sitting on a bench in a dim corridor, her face buried in her hands. Katherine glanced around, expecting to see Pansy’s friends rushing to comfort her, but the corridor was empty.
She sighed softly, approaching the sobbing girl.
“Hey… Are you okay?” She looked down at Pansy, then mentally facepalmed. “I mean, obviously not, but… What’s wrong?” She tried again.
After a few moments, Katherine sat down beside her, relieved when Pansy didn’t object.
“It’s Draco,” Pansy finally said, her voice thick with frustration. “I… I just don’t understand! I’m trying so hard, but he doesn’t seem to be interested in me at all! What am I doing wrong?”
She looked at Kat desperately, her eyes brimming with tears.
“Am I not good enough?” she asked.
Pansy dissolved into fresh sobs, burying her face in Katherine’s shoulder.
Katherine was taken aback, surprised by the Slytherin’s vulnerability. She hugged Pansy back, trying to offer comfort.
“It’s okay, Pansy. Just let it out.”
Pansy cried for several minutes, then pulled back, wiping her eyes.
“Oh, here,” Kat said, pulling a tissue from her pocket.
Pansy took it, blowing her nose.
“Can I give you my opinion?” Kat asked cautiously, unsure if Pansy would appreciate it.
“Sure.”
“Okay, well…” she began nervously, afraid of upsetting her further. “To answer your earlier question, I think you’re absolutely good enough, but maybe you should stop pursuing Draco.”
She looked at Pansy, relieved when she didn’t lash out. She decided to continue.
“I mean, I don’t think you should chase someone who clearly doesn’t want you. Him not wanting you doesn’t mean you’re inadequate; maybe you two aren’t meant to be. There’s someone out there perfect for you, someone who will treat you as you deserve. The same goes for Draco. You just have to wait for them.”
Pansy seemed lost in thought, and Kat feared she’d said the wrong thing.
Pansy’s lips curved into a small smile, and she hugged Katherine again.
“Thank you,” she whispered.
“Oh, it’s nothing,” Kat smiled, happy to have helped.
“Anyway,” Pansy pulled back, looking at her with a soft smile. “What’s your name?”
Kat introduced herself, unsurprised that the Slytherin hadn’t recognized her. They talked for a while, and from that day forward, they were friends.
~~~
“Don’t worry, Pansy, everything will be fine,” Katherine reassured her.
“Oh well, I don’t really care about them anyway,” she shrugged. “I have enough friends already.”
Katherine smiled, knowing Pansy considered her a friend. She understood why others hated her and her friends, considering their past actions, but she couldn’t sever their friendship, especially when Pansy needed it most. She knew they had all changed after the war. Not entirely, of course, but they were trying, and she could see it.
They parted ways after a few more minutes of chatting, and Kat continued her walk outside.